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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10365 ***
+
+Precaution.
+
+A Novel.
+
+By J. Fenimore Cooper.
+
+"Be wise to-day. It is madness to defer; To-morrow's caution may arrive
+too late."
+
+W. C. Bryant's Discourse on the Life, Genius, and Writings of James
+Fenimore Cooper, Delivered at Metropolitan Hall, N.Y., February 25,
+1852.
+
+It is now somewhat more than a year, since the friends of James Fenimore
+Cooper, in this city; were planning to give a public dinner to his
+honor. It was intended as an expression both of the regard they bore him
+personally, and of the pride they took in the glory his writings had
+reflected on the American name. We thought of what we should say in his
+hearing; in what terms, worthy of him and of us, we should speak of the
+esteem in which we held him, and of the interest we felt in a fame which
+had already penetrated to the remotest nook of the earth inhabited by
+civilized man.
+
+To-day we assemble for a sadder purpose: to pay to the dead some part of
+the honors then intended for the living. We bring our offering, but he
+is not here who should receive it; in his stead are vacancy and silence;
+there is no eye to brighten at our words, and no voice to answer. "It is
+an empty office that we perform," said Virgil, in his melodious verses,
+when commemorating the virtues of the young Marcellus, and bidding
+flowers be strewn, with full hands, over his early grave. We might apply
+the expression to the present occasion, but it would be true in part
+only. We can no longer do anything for him who is departed, but we may
+do what will not be without fruit to those who remain. It is good to
+occupy our thoughts with the example of great talents in conjunction
+with great virtues. His genius has passed away with him; but we may
+learn, from the history of his life, to employ the faculties we possess
+with useful activity and noble aims; we may copy his magnanimous
+frankness, his disdain of everything that wears the faintest semblance
+of deceit, his refusal to comply with current abuses, and the courage
+with which, on all occasions, he asserted what he deemed truth, and
+combated what he thought error.
+
+The circumstances of Cooper's early life were remarkably suited to
+confirm the natural hardihood and manliness of his character, and to
+call forth and exercise that extraordinary power of observation, which
+accumulated the materials afterwards wielded and shaped by his genius.
+His father, while an inhabitant of Burlington, in New Jersey, on the
+pleasant banks of the Delaware, was the owner of large possessions on
+the borders of the Otsego Lake in our own state, and here, in the newly-
+cleared fields, he built, in 1786, the first house in Cooperstown. To
+this home, Cooper, who was born in Burlington, in the year 1789, was
+conveyed in his infancy, and here, as he informs us in his preface to
+the Pioneers, his first impressions of the external world were obtained.
+Here he passed his childhood, with the vast forest around him,
+stretching up the mountains that overlook the lake, and far beyond, in a
+region where the Indian yet roamed, and the white hunter, half Indian in
+his dress and mode of life, sought his game,--a region in which the bear
+and the wolf were yet hunted, and the panther, more formidable than
+either, lurked in the thickets, and tales of wanderings in the
+wilderness, and encounters with these fierce animals, beguiled the
+length of the winter nights. Of this place, Cooper, although early
+removed from it to pursue his studies, was an occasional resident
+throughout his life, and here his last years were wholly passed.
+
+At the age of thirteen he was sent to Yale College, where,
+notwithstanding his extreme youth,--for, with the exception of the poet
+Hillhouse, he was the youngest of his class, and Hillhouse was
+afterwards withdrawn,--his progress in his studies is said to have been
+honorable to his talents. He left the college, after a residence of
+three years, and became a midshipman in the United States navy. Six
+years he followed the sea, and there yet wanders, among those who are
+fond of literary anecdote, a story of the young sailor who, in the
+streets of one of the English ports, attracted the curiosity of the
+crowd by explaining to his companions a Latin motto in some public
+place. That during this period he made himself master of the knowledge
+and the imagery which he afterwards employed to so much advantage in his
+romances of the sea, the finest ever written, is a common and obvious
+remark; but it has not been so far as I know, observed that from the
+discipline of a seaman's life he may have derived much of his readiness
+and fertility of invention, much of his skill in surrounding the
+personages of his novels with imaginary perils, and rescuing them by
+probable expedients. Of all pursuits, the life of a sailor is that which
+familiarizes men to danger in its most fearful shapes, most cultivates
+presence of mind, and most effectually calls forth the resources of a
+prompt and fearless dexterity by which imminent evil is avoided.
+
+In 1811, Cooper, having resigned his post as midshipman, began the year
+by marrying Miss Delaney, sister of the present bishop; of the diocese
+of Western New York, and entered upon a domestic life happily passed to
+its close. He went to live at Mamaroneck, in the county of Westchester,
+and while here he wrote and published the first of his novels, entitled
+Precaution. Concerning the occasion of writing this work, it is related,
+that once, as he was reading an English novel to Mrs. Cooper, who has,
+within a short time past, been laid in the grave beside her illustrious
+husband, and of whom we may now say, that her goodness was no less
+eminent than his genius, he suddenly laid down the book, and said, "I
+believe I could write a better myself." Almost immediately he composed a
+chapter of a projected work of fiction, and read it to the same friendly
+judge, who encouraged him to finish it, and when it was completed,
+suggested its publication. Of this he had at the time no intention, but
+he was at length induced to submit the manuscript to the examination of
+the late Charles Wilkes, of this city, in whose literary opinions he had
+great confidence. Mr. Wilkes advised that it should be published, and to
+these circumstances we owe it that Cooper became an author.
+
+I confess I have merely dipped into this work. The experiment was made
+with the first edition, deformed by a strange punctuation--a profusion
+of commas, and other pauses, which puzzled and repelled me. Its author,
+many years afterwards, revised and republished it, correcting this
+fault, and some faults of style also, so that to a casual inspection it
+appeared almost another work. It was a professed delineation of English
+manners, though the author had then seen nothing of English society. It
+had, however, the honor of being adopted by the country whose manners it
+described, and, being early republished in Great Britain, passed from
+the first for an English novel. I am not unwilling to believe what is
+said of it, that it contained a promise of the powers which its author
+afterwards put forth.
+
+Thirty years ago, in the year 1821, and in the thirty-second of his
+life, Cooper published the first of the works by which he will be known
+to posterity, the Spy. It took the reading world by a kind of surprise;
+its merit was acknowledged by a rapid sale; the public read with
+eagerness and the critics wondered. Many withheld their commendations on
+account of defects in the plot or blemishes in the composition, arising
+from want of practice, and some waited till they could hear the judgment
+of European readers. Yet there were not wanting critics in this country,
+of whose good opinion any author in any part of the world might be
+proud, who spoke of it in terms it deserved. "Are you not delighted,"
+wrote a literary friend to me, who has since risen to high distinction
+as a writer, both in verse and in prose, "are you not delighted with the
+Spy, as a work of infinite spirit and genius?" In that word genius lay
+the explanation of the hold which the work had taken on the minds of
+men. What it had of excellence was peculiar and unborrowed; its pictures
+of life, whether in repose or activity, were drawn, with broad lights
+and shadows, immediately from living originals in nature or in his own
+imagination. To him, whatever he described was true; it was made a
+reality to him by the strength with which he conceived it. His power in
+the delineation of character was shown in the principal personage of his
+story, Harvey Birch, on whom, though he has chosen to employ him in the
+ignoble office of a spy, and endowed him with the qualities necessary to
+his profession,--extreme circumspection, fertility in stratagem, and the
+art of concealing his real character--qualities which, in conjunction
+with selfishness and greediness, make the scoundrel, he has bestowed the
+virtues of generosity, magnanimity, an intense love of country, a
+fidelity not to be corrupted, and a disinterestedness beyond temptation.
+Out of this combination of qualities he has wrought a character which is
+a favorite in all nations, and with all classes of mankind.
+
+It is said that if you cast a pebble into the ocean, at the mouth of our
+harbor, the vibration made in the water passes gradually on till it
+strikes the icy barriers of the deep at the south pole. The spread of
+Cooper's reputation is not confined within narrower limits. The Spy is
+read in all the written dialects of Europe, and in some of those of
+Asia. The French, immediately after its first appearance, gave it to the
+multitudes who read their far-diffused language, and placed it among the
+first works of its class. It was rendered into Castilian, and passed
+into the hands of those who dwell under the beams of the Southern Cross.
+At length it passed the eastern frontier of Europe, and the latest
+record I have seen of its progress towards absolute universality, is
+contained in a statement of the International Magazine, derived, I
+presume, from its author, that in 1847 it was published in a Persian
+translation at Ispahan. Before this time, I doubt not, they are reading
+it in some of the languages of Hindostan, and, if the Chinese ever
+translated anything, it would be in the hands of the many millions who
+inhabit the far Cathay.
+
+I have spoken of the hesitation which American critics felt in admitting
+the merits of the Spy, on account of crudities in the plot or the
+composition, some of which, no doubt, really existed. An exception must
+be made in favor of the Port Folio, which, in a notice written by Mrs.
+Sarah Hall, mother of the editor of that periodical, and author of
+Conversations on the Bible, gave the work a cordial welcome; and Cooper,
+as I am informed, never forgot this act of timely and ready kindness.
+
+It was perhaps favorable to the immediate success of the Spy, that
+Cooper had few American authors to divide with him the public attention.
+That crowd of clever men and women who now write for the magazines, who
+send out volumes of essays, sketches, and poems, and who supply the
+press with novels, biographies, and historical works, were then, for the
+most part, either stammering their lessons in the schools, or yet
+unborn. Yet it is worthy of note, that just about the time that the Spy
+made its appearance, the dawn of what we now call our literature was
+just breaking. The concluding number of Dana's Idle Man, a work
+neglected at first, but now numbered among the best things of the kind
+in our language, was issued in the same month. The Sketch Book was then
+just completed; the world was admiring it, and its author was meditating
+Bracebridge Hall. Miss Sedgwick, about the same time, made her first
+essay in that charming series of novels of domestic life in New England,
+which have gained her so high a reputation. Percival, now unhappily
+silent, had just put to press a volume of poems. I have a copy of an
+edition of Hallock's Fanny, published in the same year; the poem of
+Yamoyden, by Eastburn and Sands, appeared almost simultaneously with it.
+Livingston was putting the finishing hand to his Report on the Penal
+Code of Louisiana, a work written with such grave, persuasive eloquence,
+that it belongs as much to our literature as to our jurisprudence. Other
+contemporaneous American works there were, now less read. Paul Allen's
+poem of Noah was just laid on the counters of the booksellers. Arden
+published, at the same time, in this city, a translation of Ovid's
+Tristia, in heroic verse, in which the complaints of the effeminate
+Roman poet were rendered with great fidelity to the original, and
+sometimes not without beauty. If I may speak of myself, it was in that
+year that I timidly intrusted to the winds and waves of public opinion a
+small cargo of my own--a poem entitled The Ages, and half a dozen
+shorter ones, in a thin duodecimo volume, printed at Cambridge.
+
+We had, at the same time, works of elegant literature, fresh from the
+press of Great Britain, which are still read and admired. Barry
+Cornwall, then a young suitor for fame, published in the same year his
+Marcia Colonna; Byron, in the full strength and fertility of his genius,
+gave the readers of English his tragedy of Marino Faliero, and was in
+the midst of his spirited controversy with Bowles concerning the poetry
+of Pope. The Spy had to sustain a comparison with Scott's Antiquary,
+published simultaneously with it, and with Lockhart's Valerius, which
+seems to me one of the most remarkable works of fiction ever composed.
+
+In 1823, and in his thirty-fourth year, Cooper brought out his novel of
+the Pioneers, the scene of which was laid on the borders of his: own
+beautiful lake. In a recent survey of Mr; Cooper's works, by one of his
+admirers, it is intimated that the reputation of this work may have
+been, in some degree factitious. I cannot think so; I cannot see how
+such a work could fail of becoming, sooner or later, a favorite. It was
+several years after its first appearance that I read the Pioneers, and I
+read it with a delighted astonishment. Here, said I to myself, is the
+poet of rural life in this country--our Hesiod, our Theocritus, except
+that he writes without the restraint of numbers, and is a greater poet
+than they. In the Pioneers, as in a moving picture, are made to pass
+before us the hardy occupations and spirited, amusements of a prosperous
+settlement, in, a fertile region, encompassed for leagues around with
+the primeval wilderness of woods. The seasons in their different
+aspects, bringing with them, their different employments; forests
+falling before the axe; the cheerful population, with the first mild;
+day of spring, engaged in the sugar orchards; the chase of the deer
+through the deep woods, and into the lake; turkey-shooting, during the
+Christmas holidays, in which the Indian marksman vied for the prize of
+skill with the white man; swift sleigh rides under the bright winter
+sun, and, perilous encounters with wild animals in the forests; these,
+and other scenes of rural life, drawn, as Cooper knew how to draw them,
+in the bright and healthful coloring of which he was master are
+interwoven with a regular narrative of human fortunes, not unskilfully
+constructed; and how could such a work be otherwise than popular?
+
+In the Pioneers, Leatherstocking; is first introduced--a philosopher of
+the woods, ignorant of books, but instructed in all that nature, without
+the aid of, science, could reveal to the man of quick senses and
+inquiring intellect, whose life has been passed under the open sky, and
+in companionship with a race whose animal perceptions are the acutest
+and most cultivated of which there is any example. But Leatherstocking
+has higher qualities; in him there is a genial blending of the gentlest
+virtues of the civilized man with the better nature of the aboriginal
+tribes; all that in them is noble, generous, and ideal, is adopted into
+his own kindly character, and all that is evil is rejected. But why
+should I attempt to analyse a character so familiar? Leatherstocking is
+acknowledged, on all hands, to be one of the noblest, as well as most
+striking and original creations of fiction. In some of his subsequent
+novels, Cooper--for he had not yet Attained to the full maturity of his
+powers--heightened and ennobled his first conception of the character,
+but in the Pioneers it dazzled the world with the splendor of novelty;
+
+His next work was the Pilot, in which he showed how, from the
+vicissitudes of a life at sea, its perils and escapes, from the beauty
+and terrors of the great deep, from the working of a vessel on a long
+voyage, and from the frank, brave, and generous but peculiar character
+of the seaman, may be drawn materials of romance by which the minds of
+men may be as deeply moved as by anything in the power of romance to
+present. In this walk, Cooper has had many disciples but no rival. All
+who have since written romances of the sea have been but travellers in a
+country of which he was the great discoverer; and none of them all
+seemed to have loved a ship as Cooper loved it, or have been able so
+strongly to interest all classes of readers in its fortunes. Among other
+personages drawn with great strength in the Pilot, is the general
+favorite, Tom Coffin, the thorough seaman with all the virtues and one
+or two of the infirmities of his profession, superstitious, as seamen
+are apt to be, yet whose superstitions strike us as but an irregular
+growth of his devout recognition of the Power who holds the ocean in the
+hollow of his hand; true-hearted, gentle, full of resources, collected
+in danger, and at last calmly perishing at the post of duty, with the
+vessel he has long guided, by what I may call a great and magnanimous
+death. His rougher and coarser companion, Boltrope, is drawn with
+scarcely less skill, and with a no less vigorous hand.
+
+The Pioneers is not Cooper's best tale of the American forest, nor, the
+Pilot, perhaps, in all respects, his best tale of the sea; yet, if he
+had ceased to write here, the measure of his fame would possibly have
+been scarcely less ample than it now is. Neither of them is far below
+the best of his productions, and in them appear the two most remarkable
+creations of his imagination--two of the most remarkable characters in
+all fiction.
+
+It was about this time that my acquaintance with Cooper began, an
+acquaintance of more than a quarter of a century, in which his
+deportment towards me was that of unvaried kindness. He then resided a
+considerable part of the year in this city, and here he had founded a
+weekly club, to which many of the most distinguished men of the place
+belonged. Of the members who have since passed away, were Chancellor
+Kent, the jurist; Wiley the intelligent and liberal bookseller; Henry D.
+Sedgwick, always active in schemes of benevolence; Jarvis, the painter,
+a man of infinite humor, whose jests awoke inextinguishable laughter; De
+Kay, the naturalist; Sands, the poet; Jacob Harvey whose genial memory
+is cherished by many friends. Of those who are yet living was Morse, the
+inventor of the electric telegraph; Durand, then, one of the first of
+engravers, and now no less illustrious as a painter; Henry James
+Anderson, whose acquirements might awaken the envy of the ripest
+scholars of the old world; Halleck, the poet and wit; Verplanck, who has
+given the world the best edition of Shakspeare for general readers; Dr.
+King, now at the head of Columbia College, and his two immediate
+predecessors in that office. I might enlarge the list with many other
+names of no less distinction. The army and navy contributed their
+proportion of members, whose names are on record in our national
+history. Cooper when in town was always present, and I remember being
+struck with the inexhaustible vivacity of his conversation and the
+minuteness of his knowledge, in everything which depended upon acuteness
+of observation and exactness of recollection. I remember, too, being
+somewhat startled, coming as I did from the seclusion of a country life,
+with a certain emphatic frankness in his manner, which, however, I came
+at last to like and to admire. The club met in the hotel called
+Washington Hall, the site of which, is now occupied by part of the
+circuit of Stewart's marble building.
+
+Lionel Lincoln, which cannot be ranked among the successful productions
+of Cooper, was published in 1825; and in the year following appeared the
+Last of the Mohicans which more than recovered the ground lost by its
+predecessor. In this work, the construction of the narrative has signal
+defects, but it is one of the triumphs of the author's genius that he
+makes us unconscious of them while we read. It is only when we have had
+time to awake from the intense interest in which he has held us by the
+vivid reality of his narrative, and have begun to search for faults in
+cold blood, that we are able to find them, In the Last of the Mohicans,
+we have a bolder portraiture of. Leatherstocking than in the Pioneers.
+
+This work was published in 1826, and in the same year Cooper sailed with
+his family for Europe. He left New York as one of the vessels of war,
+described in his romances of the sea, goes out of port, amidst the
+thunder of a parting salute from the big guns on the batteries. A dinner
+was given him just before his departure, attended by most of the
+distinguished men of the city, at which Peter A. Jay presided, and Dr.
+King addressed him in terms which some then thought too glowing, but
+which would now seem sufficiently temperate, expressing the good wishes
+of his friends, and dwelling on the satisfaction they promised
+themselves in possessing so illustrious a representative of American
+literature in the old world. Cooper was scarcely in France when he
+remembered his friends of the weekly club, and sent frequent missives to
+be read at its meetings; but the club missed its founder went into a
+decline, and not long afterwards quietly expired.
+
+The first of Cooper's novels published after leaving America: was the
+Prairie, which appeared early in 1827, a work with the admirers of which
+I wholly agree. I read it with a certain awe, an undefined sense of
+sublimity, such as one experiences on entering, for the first time, upon
+those immense grassy deserts from which the work takes its name. The
+squatter and his family--that brawny old man and his large-limbed sons,
+living in a sort of primitive and patriarchal barbarism, sluggish on
+ordinary occasions, but terrible when roused, like the hurricane that
+sweeps the grand but monotonous wilderness in which they dwell--seem a
+natural growth of ancient fields of the West. Leatherstocking, a hunter
+in the Pioneers, a warrior in the Last of the Mohicans, and now, in his
+extreme old age, a trapper on the prairie, declined in strength, but
+undecayed in intellect, and looking to the near close of his life, and a
+grave under the long grass, as calmly as the laborer at sunset looks to
+his evening slumber, is no less in harmony with the silent desert in
+which he wanders. Equally so are the Indians, still his companions,
+copies of the American savage somewhat idealized, but not the less a
+part of the wild nature in which they have their haunts.
+
+Before the year closed, Cooper had given the world another nautical
+tale, the Red Rover, which, with many, is a greater favorite than the
+Pilot, and with reason, perhaps, if we consider principally the
+incidents, which are conducted and described with a greater mastery over
+the springs of pity and terror.
+
+It happened to Cooper while he was abroad, as it not unfrequently
+happens to our countrymen, to hear the United States disadvantageously
+compared with Europe. He had himself been a close observer of things
+both here and in the old world, and was conscious of being able to
+refute the detractors of his country in regard to many points. He
+published in 1828, after he had been two years in Europe, a series of
+letters, entitled Notions of the Americans, by a Travelling Bachelor, in
+which he gave a favorable account of the working of our institutions,
+and vindicated his country from various flippant and ill-natured
+misrepresentations of foreigners. It is rather too measured in style,
+but is written from a mind full of the subject, and from a memory
+wonderfully stored with particulars. Although twenty-four years have
+elapsed since its publication, but little of the vindication has become
+obsolete.
+
+Cooper loved his country and was proud of her history and her
+institutions, but it puzzles many that he should have appeared, at
+different times, as her eulogist, and her censor. My friends, she is
+worthy both of praise and of blame, and Cooper was not the man to shrink
+from bestowing either, at what seemed to him the proper time. He
+defended her from detractors abroad; he sought to save her from
+flatterers at home. I will not say that he was in as good humor with his
+country when he wrote Home at Found, as when he wrote his Notions of the
+Americans, but this I will say that whether he commended or censured, he
+did it in the sincerity of his heart, as a true American, and in the
+belief that it would do good. His Notions of the Americans were more
+likely to lessen than to increase his popularity in Europe, inasmuch as
+they were put forth without the slightest regard to European prejudices.
+
+In 1829, he brought out the novel entitled the Wept of Wishton-Wish, one
+of the few of his works which we now rarely hear mentioned. He was
+engaged in the composition of a third nautical tale, which he afterwards
+published under the name of the Water-Witch, when the memorable
+revolution of the Three Days of July broke out. He saw a government,
+ruling by fear and in defiance of public opinion, overthrown in a few
+hours, with little bloodshed; he saw the French nation, far from being
+intoxicated with their new liberty, peacefully addressing themselves to
+the discussion of the institutions under which they were to live. A work
+which Cooper afterwards published, his Residence in Europe, gives the
+outline of a plan of government for France furnished by him at that
+time, to La Fayette, with whom he was in habits of close and daily
+intimacy. It was his idea to give permanence to the new order of things
+by associating two strong parties in its support, the friends of
+legitimacy and the republicans. He suggested that Henry V. should be
+called to the hereditary throne of France, a youth yet to be educated as
+the head of a free people, that the peerage should be abolished, and a
+legislature of two chambers established, with a constituency of at least
+a million and a half of electors; the senate to be chosen by the general
+vote, as the representative of the entire nation, and the members of the
+other house to be chosen by districts, as the representatives of the
+local interests. To the middle ground of politics so ostentatiously
+occupied by Louis Philippe at the beginning of his reign, he predicted a
+brief duration, believing that it would speedily be merged in despotism,
+or supplanted by the popular rule. His prophecy has been fulfilled more
+amply than he could have imagined--fulfilled in both its alternatives.
+
+In one of the controversies of that time, Cooper bore a distinguished
+part. The Revue Britannique, a periodical published in Paris, boldly
+affirmed the government of the United States to be one of the most
+expensive in the world, and its people among the most heavily taxed of
+mankind. This assertion was supported with a certain show of proof, and
+the writer affected to have established the conclusion that a republic
+must necessarily be more expensive than a monarchy. The partisans of the
+court were delighted with the reasoning of the article, and claimed a
+triumph over our ancient friend La Fayette, who, during forty years, had
+not ceased to hold up the government of the United States as the
+cheapest in the world. At the suggestion of La Fayette, Cooper replied
+to this attack upon his country in a letter which was translated into
+French, and, together with, another from General Bertrand, for many
+years a resident in America, was laid before the people of France.
+
+These, two letters provoked a shower of rejoinders, in which, according
+to Cooper, misstatements were mingled with scurrility. He commenced a
+series of letters on the question in dispute, which were published in
+the National, a daily sheet, and gave the first evidence of that
+extraordinary acuteness in controversy which was no less characteristic
+of his mind than the vigor of his imagination. The enemies of La Fayette
+pressed into their service Mr. Leavitt Harris, of New Jersey, afterwards
+our chargé d'affaires at the court of France, but Cooper replied to Mr.
+Harris in the National of May 2d, 1832, closing a discussion in which he
+had effectually silenced those who objected to our institutions on the
+score of economy. Of these letters, which would form an important
+chapter in political science, no entire copy, I have been told, is to be
+found in this country.
+
+One of the consequences of earnest controversy is almost invariably
+personal ill-will. Cooper was told by one who held an official station
+under the French government, that the part he had taken in this dispute
+concerning taxation would neither be forgotten nor forgiven. The dislike
+he had incurred in that quarter was strengthened by his novel of the
+Bravo, published in the year 1831, while he was in the midst of his
+quarrel with the aristocratic party. In that work, of which he has
+himself justly said that it was thoroughly American in all that belonged
+to it, his object was to show how institutions, professedly created to
+prevent violence and wrong, become, when perverted from their natural
+destination, the instruments of injustice; and how, in every system
+which makes power the exclusive property of the strong, the weak are
+sure to be oppressed. The work is written with all the vigor and spirit
+of his best novels; the magnificent city of Venice, in which the scene
+of the story is laid, stands continually before the imagination; and
+from time to time the gorgeous ceremonies of the Venetian republic pass
+under our eyes, such as the marriage of the Doge with the Adriatic, and
+the, contest of the gondolas for the prize of speed. The Bravo himself
+and several of the other characters are strongly conceived and
+distinguished, but the most remarkable of them all is the spirited and
+generous-hearted daughter of the jailer.
+
+It has been said by some critics, who judge of Cooper by his failures,
+that he had no skill in drawing female characters. By the same process,
+it might, I suppose, be shown that Raphael was but an ordinary painter.
+It must be admitted that when Cooper drew a lady of high breeding, he
+was apt to pay too much attention to the formal part of her character,
+and to make her a mere bundle of cold proprieties. But when he places
+his heroines in some situation in life which leaves him nothing to do
+but to make them natural and true, I know of nothing finer, nothing more
+attractive or more individual than the portraitures he has given us.
+
+Figaro, the wittiest of the French periodicals, and at that time on the
+liberal side, commended the Bravo; the journals on the side of the
+government censured it. Figaro afterwards passed into the hands of the
+aristocratic party, and Cooper became the object of its attacks. He was
+not, however, a man to be driven from any purpose which he had formed,
+either by flattery or abuse, and both were tried with equal ill success.
+In 1832 he published his Heidenmauer, and in 1833 his Headsman of Berne,
+both with a political design similar to that of the Bravo, though
+neither of them takes the same high rank among his works.
+
+In 1833, after a residence of seven years in different parts of Europe,
+but mostly in France, Cooper returned to his native country. The welcome
+which met him here was somewhat chilled by the effect of the attacks
+made upon him in France, and remembering with what zeal, and at what
+sacrifice of the universal acceptance which his works would otherwise
+have met, he had maintained the cause of his country against the wits
+and orators of the court party in France, we cannot wonder that he
+should have felt this coldness as undeserved. He published, shortly
+after his arrival in this country, A Letter to his Countrymen in which
+he complained of the censures cast upon him in the American newspapers,
+gave a history of the part he had taken in exposing the misstatements of
+the Révue Britannique, and warned his countrymen against the too common
+error of resorting, with a blind deference, to foreign authorities,
+often swayed by national or political prejudices, for our opinions of
+American authors. Going beyond this topic, he examined and reprehended
+the habit of applying to the interpretation of our own constitution
+maxims derived from the practice of other governments, particularly that
+of Great Britain. The importance of construing that instrument by its
+own principles, he illustrated by considering several points in dispute
+between parties of the day, on which he gave very decided opinions.
+
+The principal effect of this pamphlet, as it seemed to me, was to awaken
+in certain quarters a kind of resentment that a successful writer of
+fiction should presume to give lessons in politics. I meddle not here
+with the conclusions to which he arrived, though must be allowed to say
+that they were stated and argued with great ability. In 1835 Cooper
+published The Monnikins, a satirical work, partly with a political aim;
+and in the same year appeared his American Democrat, a view of the civil
+and social relations of the United States, discussing more gravely
+various topics touched upon in the former work, and pointing out in what
+respects he deemed the American people in their practice to have fallen
+short of the excellence of their institutions.
+
+He found time, however, for a more genial task--that of giving to the
+world his observations on foreign countries. In 1836 appeared his
+Sketches of Switzerland, a series of letters in four volumes, the second
+part published about two months after the first, a delightful work,
+written in a more fluent and flexible style than his Notions of the
+Americans. The first part of Gleanings in Europe, giving an account of
+his residence in France, followed in the same year; and the second part
+of the same work, containing his observations on England, was published
+in April, 1837. In these works, forming a series of eight volumes, he
+relates and describes with much of the same distinctness as in his
+novels; and his remarks on the manners and institutions of the different
+countries, often sagacious, and always peculiarly his own, derive, from
+their frequent reference to contemporary events, an historical interest.
+
+In 1838 appeared Homeward Bound and Home as Found, two satirical novels,
+in which Cooper held up to ridicule a certain class of conductors of the
+newspaper press in America. These works had not the good fortune to
+become popular. Cooper did not, and, because he was too deeply in
+earnest, perhaps would not, infuse into his satirical works that gaiety
+without which satire becomes wearisome. I believe, however, that if they
+had been written by anybody else they would have met with more favor;
+but the world knew that Cooper was able to give them something better,
+and would not be satisfied with anything short of his best, Some
+childishly imagined that because, in the two works I have just
+mentioned, a newspaper editor is introduced, in whose character almost
+every possible vice of his profession is made to find a place, Cooper
+intended an indiscriminate attack upon the whole body of writers for the
+newspaper press, forgetting that such a portraiture was a satire only on
+those to whom it bore a likeness We have become less sensitive and more
+reasonable of late, and the monthly periodicals make sport for their
+readers of the follies and ignorance of the newspaper editors, without
+awakening the slightest resentment; but Cooper led the way in this sort
+of discipline, and I remember some instances of towering indignation at
+his audacity expressed in the journals of that time.
+
+The next year Cooper made his appearance before the public in a new
+department of writing; his Naval History of the United States was
+brought out in two octavo volumes at Philadelphia, by Carey and Lea. In
+writing his stories of the sea, his attention had been much turned to
+this subject, and his mind filled with striking incidents from
+expeditions and battles in which our naval commanders had been engaged.
+This made his task the lighter; but he gathered his materials with great
+industry, and with a conscientious attention to exactness, for he was
+not a man to take a fact for granted, or allow imagination to usurp the
+place of inquiry He digested our naval annals into a narrative, written
+with spirit it is true, but with that air of sincere dealing which the
+reader willingly takes as a pledge of its authenticity.
+
+An abridgment of the work was afterwards prepared and published by the
+author. The Edinburgh Review, in an article professing to examine the
+statements both of Cooper's work and of The History of the English Navy,
+written by Mr. James, a surgeon by profession, made a violent attack
+upon the American historian. Unfortunately, it took James's narrative as
+its sole guide, and followed it implicitly. Cooper replied in the
+Democratic Review for January, 1840, and by a masterly analysis of his
+statements, convicting James of self-contradiction in almost every
+particular in which he differed from himself, refuted both James and the
+reviewer. It was a refutation which admitted of no rejoinder.
+
+Scarce anything in Cooper's life was so remarkable, or so strikingly
+illustrated his character, as his contest with the newspaper press. He
+engaged in it after provocations, many and long endured, and prosecuted
+it through years with great energy, perseverance, and practical
+dexterity, till he was left master of the field. In what I am about to
+say of it, I hope I shall not give offence to any one, as I shall speak
+without the slightest malevolence towards those with whom he waged this
+controversy. Over some of them, as over their renowned adversary, the
+grave has now closed. Yet where shall the truth be spoken, if not beside
+the grave?
+
+I have already alluded to the principal causes which provoked the
+newspaper attacks upon Cooper. If he had never meddled with questions of
+government on either side of the Atlantic, and never satirized the
+newspaper press, I have little doubt that he would have been spared
+these attacks. I cannot, however, ascribe them all, or even the greater
+part of them, to personal malignity. One journal followed the example of
+another, with little reflection, I think, in most cases, till it became
+a sort of fashion, not merely to decry his works, but to arraign his
+motives.
+
+It is related that, in 1832, while he was at Paris, an article was shown
+him in an American newspaper, purporting to be a criticism on one of his
+works, but reflecting with much asperity on his personal character. "I
+care nothing," he is reported to have said, "for the criticism, but I am
+not indifferent to the slander. If these attacks on my character should
+be kept up five years after my return to America, I shall resort to the
+New York courts for protection." He gave the newspaper press of this
+state the full period of forbearance on which he had fixed, but finding
+that forbearance seemed to encourage assault, he sought redress in the
+courts of law.
+
+When these litigations were first begun, I recollect it seemed to me
+that Cooper had taken a step which would give him a great deal of
+trouble, and effect but little good. I said to myself--
+
+"Alas! Leviathan is not so tamed!"
+
+As he proceeded, however, I saw that he had understood the matter better
+than I. He put a hook into the nose of this huge monster, wallowing in
+his inky pool and bespattering the passers-by; he dragged him to the
+land and made him tractable. One suit followed another; one editor was
+sued, I think half-a-dozen times; some of them found themselves under a
+second indictment before the first was tried. In vindicating himself to
+his reader, against the charge of publishing one libel, the angry
+journalist often floundered into another. The occasions of these
+prosecutions seem to have been always carefully considered, for Cooper
+was almost uniformly successful in obtaining verdicts. In a letter of
+his, written in February, 1843, about five years, I think, from the
+commencement of the first prosecutions, he says, "I have beaten every
+man I have sued, who has not retracted his libels."
+
+In one of these suits, commenced against the late William L. Stone of
+the Commercial Advertiser, and referred to the arbitration of three
+distinguished lawyers, he argued himself the question of the
+authenticity of his account of the battle of Lake Erie, which was the
+matter in dispute. I listened to his opening; it was clear, skilful, and
+persuasive, but his closing argument was said to be splendidly eloquent.
+"I have heard nothing like it," said a barrister to me, "since the days
+of Emmet."
+
+Cooper behaved liberally towards his antagonists, so far as pecuniary
+damages were concerned, though some of them wholly escaped their payment
+by bankruptcy. After, I believe, about, six years of litigation, the
+newspaper press gradually subsided into a pacific disposition towards
+its adversary, and the contest closed with the account of pecuniary
+profit and loss, so far as he was concerned, nearly balanced. The
+occasion of these suits was far from honorable to those who provoked
+them, but the result was I had almost said, creditable to all parties;
+to him, as the courageous prosecutor, to the administration of justice
+in this country, and to the docility of the newspaper press, which he
+had disciplined into good manners.
+
+It was while he was in the midst of these litigations, that he
+published, in 1840, the Pathfinder. People had begun to think of him as
+a controversialist, acute, keen, and persevering, occupied with his
+personal wrongs and schemes of attack and defence. They were startled
+from this estimate of his character by the moral duty of that glorious
+work--I must so call it; by the vividness and force of its delineations,
+by the unspoiled love of nature apparent in every page, and by the fresh
+and warm emotions which everywhere gave life to the narrative and the
+dialogue. Cooper was now in his fifty-first year, but nothing which he
+had produced in the earlier part of his literary life was written with
+so much of what might seem the generous fervor of youth, or showed the
+faculty of invention in higher vigor. I recollect that near the time of
+its appearance I was informed of an observation made upon it by one
+highly distinguished in the literature of our country and of the age,
+between whom and the author an unhappy coolness had for some years
+existed. As he finished the reading of the Pathfinder, he exclaimed,
+"They may say what they will of Cooper; the man who wrote this book is
+not only a great man, but a good man."
+
+The readers of the Pathfinder were quickly reconciled to the fourth
+appearance of Leatherstocking, when they saw him made to act a different
+part from any which the author had hitherto assigned him--when they saw
+him shown as a lover, and placed in the midst of associations which
+invested his character with a higher and more affecting heroism. In this
+work are two female characters, portrayed in a masterly manner,--the
+corporal's daughter, Mabel Dunham, generous, resolute, yet womanly, and
+the young Indian woman, called by her tribe the Dew of June, a
+personification of female truth, affection, and sympathy, with a strong
+aboriginal cast, yet a product of nature as bright and pure as that from
+which she is named.
+
+Mercedes of Castile, published near the close of the same year, has none
+of the stronger characteristics of Cooper's genius; but in the
+Deerslayer, which appeared in 1841, another of his Leatherstocking
+tales, he gave us a work rivalling the Pathfinder. Leatherstocking is
+brought before us in his early youth, in the first exercise of that keen
+sagacity which is blended so harmoniously with a simple and ingenuous
+goodness. The two daughters of the retired freebooter dwelling on the
+Otsego lake, inspire scarcely less interest than the principal
+personage; Judith, in the pride of her beauty and intellect, her good
+impulses contending with a fatal love of admiration, holding us
+fascinated with a constant interest in her fate, which, with consummate
+skill, we are permitted rather to conjecture than to know; and Hetty,
+scarcely less beautiful in person, weak-minded, but wise in the midst,
+of that weakness beyond the wisdom of the loftiest intellect, through
+the power of conscience and religion. The character of Hetty would have
+been a hazardous experiment in feebler hands, but in his it was
+admirably successful.
+
+The Two Admirals and Wing-and-Wing were given to the public in 1842,
+both of them taking a high rank among Cooper's sea-tales. The first of
+these is a sort of naval epic in prose; the flight and chase of armed
+vessels hold us in breathless suspense, and the sea-fights are described
+with a terrible power. In the later sea-tales of Cooper, it seems to me
+that the mastery with which he makes his grand processions of events
+pass before the mind's eye is even greater than in his earlier. The next
+year he published the Wyandotte or Hutted Knoll, one of his beautiful
+romances of the woods, and in 1844 two more of his sea-stories, Afloat
+and Ashore and Miles Wallingfordits sequel. The long series of his
+nautical tales was closed by Jack Tier or the Florida Reef, published in
+1848, when Cooper was in his sixtieth year, and it is as full of spirit,
+energy, invention, life-like presentation of objects and events--
+
+The vision and the faculty divine--
+
+as anything he has written.
+
+Let me pause here to say that Cooper, though not a manufacturer of
+verse, was in the highest sense of the word a poet; his imagination
+wrought nobly and grandly, and imposed its creations on the mind of the
+reader for realities. With him there was no withering, or decline, or
+disuse of the poetic faculty; as he stepped downwards from the zenith of
+life, no shadow or chill came over it; it was like the year of some
+genial climates, a perpetual season of verdure, bloom, and fruitfulness.
+As these works came out, I was rejoiced to see that he was unspoiled by
+the controversies in which he had allowed, himself to become engaged;
+that they had not given to these better expressions of his genius, any
+tinge of misanthropy, or appearance of contracting and closing
+sympathies any trace of an interest in his fellow-beings less large and
+free than in his earlier works.
+
+Before the, appearance of his Jack Tier, Cooper published, in 1845 and
+the following year, a series of novels relating to the Anti-rent
+question, in which he took great interest. He thought that the
+disposition manifested in certain quarters to make con cessions, to what
+he deemed a denial of the rights of property was a first step in a most
+dangerous path. To discourage this disposition, he wrote Satanstoe, The
+Chainbearer, and The Redskins. They are didactic in their design, and
+want the freedom of invention which belongs to Cooper's best novels; but
+if they had been written by anybody but Cooper,--by a member of
+Congress, for example, or an eminent politician of any class,--they
+would have made his reputation. It was said, I am told, by a
+distinguished jurist of our state, that they entitled the author to as
+high a place in law as his other works had won for him in literature.
+
+I had thought, in meditating the plan of this discourse, to mention all
+the works of Mr. Cooper, but the length to which I have found it
+extending has induced me to pass over several written in the last ten
+years of his life, and to confine myself to those which best illustrate
+his literary character. The last of his novels was The Ways of the Hour,
+a work in which the objections he entertained to the trial by jury in
+civil causes were stated in the form of a narrative.
+
+It is a voluminous catalogue--that of Cooper's published works--but it
+comprises not all he wrote. He committed to the fire, without remorse,
+many of the fruits of his literary industry. It was understood, some
+years since, that he had a work ready for the press on the Middle States
+of the Union, principally illustrative of their social history; but it
+has not been found among his manuscripts, and the presumption is that he
+must have destroyed it. He had planned a work on the Towns of Manhattan,
+for the publication of which he made arrangements with Mr. Putnam of
+this city, and a part of which, already written, was in press at the
+time of his death. The printed part has since been destroyed by fire,
+but a portion of the manuscript was recovered. The work, I learn, will
+be completed by one of the family, who, within a few years past, has
+earned an honorable name among the authors of our country. Great as was
+the number of his works, and great as was the favor with which they were
+received, the pecuniary rewards of his success were far less than has
+been generally supposed--scarcely, as I am informed, a tenth part of
+what the common rumor made them. His fame was infinitely the largest
+acknowledgment which this most successful of American authors received
+for his labors.
+
+The Ways of the Hour appeared in 1850. At this time his personal
+appearance was remarkable. He seemed in perfect health, and in the
+highest energy and activity of his faculties. I have scarcely seen any
+man at that period of life on whom his years sat more lightly. His
+conversation had lost none of its liveliness, though it seemed somewhat
+more genial and forbearing in tone, and his spirits none of their
+elasticity. He was contemplating, I have since been told, another
+Leatherstocking tale, deeming that he had not yet exhausted the
+character; and those who consider what new resources it yielded him in
+the Pathfinder and the Deerslayer, will readily conclude that he was not
+mistaken.
+
+The disease, however, by which he was removed, was even then impending
+over him, and not long afterwards his friends here were grieved to learn
+that his health was declining. He came to New York so changed that they
+looked at him with sorrow, and after a stay of some weeks, partly for
+the benefits of medical advice returned to Cooperstown, to leave it no
+more. His complaint gradually gained strength, subdued a constitution
+originally robust, and finally passed into a confirmed dropsy. In
+August, 1851, he was visited by his excellent and learned friend, Dr.
+Francis, a member of the weekly club which he had founded in the early
+part of his literary career. He found him bearing the sufferings of his
+disease with manly firmness, gave him such medical counsels as the
+malady appeared to require, prepared him delicately for its fatal
+termination, and returned to New York with the most melancholy
+anticipations. In a few days afterwards, Cooper expired, amid the deep
+affliction of his family, on the 14th of September, the day before that
+on which he should have completed his sixty-second year. He died,
+apparently without pain, in peace and religious hope. The relations of
+man to his Maker, and to that state of being for which the present is
+but a preparation, had occupied much of his thoughts during his whole
+lifetime, and he crossed, with a serene composure, the mysterious
+boundary which divides this life from the next.
+
+The departure of such a man, in the full strength of his faculties,--on
+whom the country had for thirty years looked as one of the permanent
+ornaments of its literature, and whose name had been so often associated
+with praise, with renown, with controversy, with blame, but never with
+death,--diffused a universal awe. It was as if an earthquake had shaken
+the ground on which we stood, and showed the grave opening by our path.
+In the general grief for his loss, his virtues only were remembered; and
+his failings forgotten.
+
+Of his failings I have said little; such as he had were obvious to all
+the world; they lay on the surface of his character; those who knew him
+least made the most account of them. With a character so made up of
+positive qualities--a character so independent and uncompromising, and
+with a sensitiveness far more acute than he was willing to acknowledge,
+it is not surprising that occasions frequently arose to bring him,
+sometimes into friendly collision, and sometimes in to graver
+disagreements and misunderstandings with his fellow-men. For his
+infirmities, his friends found an ample counterpoise in the generous
+sincerity of his nature. He never thought of disguising his opinions,
+and he abhorred all disguise in others; he did not even deign to use
+that show of regard towards those of whom he did not think well, which
+the world tolerates, and almost demands. A manly expression of opinion,
+however different from his own, commanded his respect. Of his own works,
+he spoke with the same freedom as of the works of others; and never
+hesitated to express his judgment of a book for the reason that it was
+written by himself: yet he could bear with gentleness any dissent from
+the estimate lie placed on his own writings. His character was like the
+bark of the cinnamon, a rough and astringent rind without, and an
+intense sweetness within. Those who penetrated below the surface found a
+genial temper, warm affections, and a heart with ample place for his
+friends, their pursuits, their good name, their welfare. They found him
+a philanthropist, though not precisely after the fashion of the day; a
+religious man, most devout where devotion is most apt to be a feeling
+rather than a custom, in the household circle; hospitable, and to the
+extent of his means liberal-handed in acts of charity. They found, also,
+that though in general he would as soon have thought of giving up an old
+friend as of giving up an opinion, he was not proof against testimony,
+and could part with a mistaken opinion as one parts with an old friend
+who has been proved faithless and unworthy. In short, Cooper was one of
+those who, to be loved, must be intimately known.
+
+Of his literary character I have spoken largely in the narrative of his
+life, but there are yet one or two remarks which must be made to do it
+justice. In that way of writing in which he excelled, it seems to me
+that he united, in a pre-eminent degree, those qualities which enabled
+him to interest the largest number of readers. He wrote not for the
+fastidious, the over-refined, the morbidly delicate; for these find in
+his genius something too robust for their liking--something by which
+their sensibilities are too rudely shaken; but he wrote for mankind at
+large--for men and women in the ordinary healthful state of feeling--and
+in their admiration he found his reward. It is for this class that
+public libraries are obliged to provide themselves with an extraordinary
+number of copies of his works: the number in the Mercantile Library in
+this city, I am told, is forty. Hence it is, that he has earned a fame,
+wider, I think, than any author of modern times--wider, certainly, than
+any author, of any age, ever enjoyed in his lifetime. All his
+excellences are translatable--they pass readily into languages the least
+allied in their genius to that in which he wrote, and in them he touches
+the heart and kindles the imagination with the same power as in the
+original English.
+
+Cooper was not wholly without humor; it is sometimes found lurking in
+the dialogue of Harvey Birch, and of Leatherstocking but it forms no
+considerable element in his works; and if it did, it would have stood in
+the way of his universal popularity; since of all qualities, it is the
+most difficult to transfuse into a foreign language. Nor did the effect
+he produced upon the reader depend on any grace of style which would
+escape a translator of ordinary skill. With his style, it is true, he
+took great pains, and in his earlier works, I am told, sometimes altered
+the proofs sent from the printer so largely that they might be said to
+be written over Yet he attained no special felicity, variety, or compass
+of expression. His style, however, answered his purpose; it has defects,
+but it is manly and clear, and stamps on the mind of the reader the
+impression he desired to convey. I am not sure that some of the very
+defects of Cooper's novels do not add, by a certain force of contrast,
+to their power over the mind. He is long in getting at the interest of
+his narrative. The progress of the plot, at first, is like that of one
+of his own vessels of war, slowly, heavily, and even awkwardly working
+out of a harbor. We are impatient and weary, but when the vessel is once
+in the open sea, and feels the free breath of heaven in her full sheets,
+our delight and admiration is all the greater at the grace, the majesty,
+and power with which she divides and bears down the waves, and pursues
+her course, at will, over the great waste of waters.
+
+Such are the works so widely read, and so universally admired, in all
+the zones of the globe, and by men of every kindred and every tongue;
+works which have made of those who dwell in remote latitudes, wanderers
+in our forests, and observers of our manners, and have inspired them
+with an interest in our history. A gentleman who had returned from
+Europe just before the death of Cooper, was asked what he found the
+people of the Continent doing. "They all are reading Cooper," he
+answered; "in the little kingdom of Holland, with its three millions of
+inhabitants, I looked into four different translations of Cooper in the
+language of the country." A traveller, who has seen much of the middle
+classes of Italy, lately said to me, "I found that all they knew of
+America, and that was not little, they had learned from Cooper's novels;
+from him they had learned the story of American liberty, and through him
+they had been introduced to our Washington; they had read his works till
+the shores of the Hudson, and the valleys of Westchester, and the banks
+of Otsego lake, had become to them familiar ground."
+
+Over all the countries into whose speech this great man's works have
+been rendered by the labors of their scholars, the sorrow of that loss
+which we deplore is now diffusing itself. Here we lament the ornament of
+our country, there they mourn the death of him who delighted the human
+race. Even now, while I speak, the pulse of grief which is passing
+through the nations has haply just reached some remote neighborhood; the
+news of his death has been brought to some dwelling on the slopes of the
+Andes, or amidst the snowy wastes of the North, and the dark-eyed damsel
+of Chile, or the fair-haired maid of Norway, is sad to think that he
+whose stories of heroism and true love have so often kept her for hours
+from her pillow, lives no more.
+
+He is gone! but the creations of his genius, fixed in living words,
+survive the frail material organs by which the words were first traced.
+They partake of a middle nature, between the deathless mind and the
+decaying body of which they are the common offspring, and are,
+therefore, destined to a duration, if not eternal, yet indefinite. The
+examples he has given in his glorious fictions, of heroism, honor, and
+truth, of large sympathies between man and man, of all that is good,
+great, and excellent, embodied in personages marked with so strong an
+individuality that we place them among our friends and favorites; his
+frank and generous men, his gentle and noble women, shall live through
+centuries to come, and only perish with our language. I have said with
+our language; but who shall say when it may be the fate of the English
+language to be numbered with the extinct forms of human speech? Who
+shall declare which of the present tongues of the civilized world will
+survive its fellows? It may be that some one of them, more fortunate
+than the rest, will long outlast them, in some undisturbed quarter of
+the globe, and in the midst of a new civilization. The creations of
+Cooper's genius, even now transferred to that language, may remain to be
+the delight of the nations through another great cycle of centuries,
+beginning after the English language and its contemporaneous form of
+civilization shall have passed away. Preface to the New Edition
+
+This book originally owed its existence to an accident, and it was
+printed under circumstances that prevented the usual supervision of the
+press by the author. The consequences were many defects in plot, style,
+and arrangement, that were entirely owing to precipitation and
+inexperience; and quite as many faults, of another nature, that are to
+be traced solely to a bad manuscript and worse proof reading. Perhaps no
+novel of our times was worst printed than the first edition of this
+work. More than a hundred periods were placed in the middle of
+sentences, and perhaps five times that number were omitted in places
+where they ought to have been inserted. It is scarcely necessary to add,
+that passages were rendered obscure, and that entire paragraphs were
+unintelligible.
+
+Most of the faults just mentioned have now been corrected, though it
+would require more labor than would produce an entirely new work, to
+repair all the inherent defects that are attributable to haste, and to
+the awkwardness of a novice in the art of composing. In this respect,
+the work and its blemishes are probably inseparable. Still, the reader
+will now be better rewarded for his time, and, on the whole; the book is
+much more worthy of his attention.
+
+It has been said that Precaution owes its existence to fortuitous
+circumstances. The same causes induced its English plot, and, in a
+measure, the medley of characters that no doubt will appear a mistake in
+the conception. It can scarcely be said that the work was commenced with
+any view to publication; and when it was finally put into a publisher's
+hands, with "all its imperfections on its head," the last thought of the
+writer was any expectation that it would be followed by a series of
+similar tales from the same pen.
+
+More than this the public will feel no interest in knowing, and less
+than this the author could not consent to say on presenting to the world
+a reprint of a book with so few claims to notice.
+
+
+
+
+Precaution.
+
+
+Chapter I.
+
+"I wonder if we are to have a neighbor in the Deanery soon," inquired
+Clara Moseley, addressing herself to a small party assembled in her
+father's drawing-room, while standing at a window which commanded a
+distant view of the house in question.
+
+"Oh yes," replied her brother, "the agent has let it to a Mr. Jarvis for
+a couple of years, and he is to take possession this week."
+
+"And who is the Mr. Jarvis that is about to become so near a neighbor?"
+asked Sir Edward Moseley.
+
+"Why, sir, I learn he has been a capital merchant; that he has retired
+from business with a large fortune; that he has, like yourself, sir, an
+only hope for his declining years in son, an officer in the army; and,
+moreover, that he has couple of fine daughters; so, sir, he is a man of
+family in one sense, at least, you see. But," dropping his voice,
+"whether he is a man of family in your sense, Jane," looking at his
+second sister, "is more than I could discover."
+
+"I hope you did not take the trouble, sir, to inquire on my account,"
+retorted Jane, coloring slightly with vexation at his speech.
+
+"Indeed I did, my dear sis, and solely on your account," replied the
+laughing brother, "for you well know that no gentility, no husband; and
+it's dull work to you young ladies without at least a possibility of
+matrimony; as for Clara, she is----"
+
+Here he was stopped by his youngest sister Emily placing her hand on his
+mouth, as she whispered in his ear, "John, you forget the anxiety of a
+certain gentleman about a fair incognita at Bath, and a list of
+inquiries concerning her lineage, and a few other indispensables." John,
+in his turn, colored, and affectionately kissing the hand which kept him
+silent, addressed himself to Jane, and by his vivacity and good humor
+soon restored her to complacency.
+
+"I rejoice," said Lady Moseley, "that Sir William has found a tenant,
+however; for next to occupying it himself, it is a most desirable thing
+to have a good tenant in it, on account of the circle in which we live."
+
+"And Mr. Jarvis has the great goodness of money, by John's account,"
+caustically observed Mrs. Wilson, who was a sister of Sir Edward's.
+
+"Let me tell you, madam," cried the rector of the parish, looking around
+him pleasantly, and who was pretty constant, and always a welcome
+visitor in the family, "that a great deal of money is a very good thing
+in itself, and that a great many very good things may be done with it."
+
+"Such as paying tythes, ha! doctor," cried Mr. Haughton, a gentleman of
+landed property in the neighborhood, of plain exterior, but great
+goodness of heart, and between whom and the rector subsisted the most
+cordial good will.
+
+"Aye, tythes, or halves, as the baronet did here, when he forgave old
+Gregson one half his rent, and his children the other."
+
+"Well, but, my dear," said Sir Edward to his wife, "you must not starve
+our friends because we are to have a neighbor. William has stood with
+the dining-room door open these five minutes--"
+
+Lady Moseley gave her hand to the rector, and the company followed them,
+without any order, to the dinner table.
+
+The party assembled around the hospitable board of the baronet was
+composed, besides the before-mentioned persons, of the wife of Mr.
+Haughton, a woman of much good sense and modesty of deportment: their
+daughter, a young lady conspicuous for nothing but good nature; and the
+wife and son of the rector--the latter but lately admitted to holy
+orders himself.
+
+The remainder of the day passed in an uninterrupted flow of pleasant
+conversation, the natural consequence of a unison of opinions on all
+leading questions, the parties having long known and esteemed each other
+for those qualities which soonest reconcile us to the common frailties
+of our nature. On parting at the usual hour, it was agreed to meet that
+day week at the rectory, and the doctor, on making his bow to Lady
+Moseley, observed, that he intended, in virtue of his office, to make an
+early call on the Jarvis family, and that, if possible, he would
+persuade them to be of the party.
+
+Sir Edward Moseley was descended from one of the most respectable of the
+creations of his order by James, and had inherited, with many of the
+virtues of his ancestor, an estate which placed him amongst the greatest
+landed proprietors of the county. But, as it had been an invariable rule
+never to deduct a single acre from the inheritance of the eldest son,
+and the extravagance of his mother, who was the daughter of a nobleman,
+had much embarrassed the affairs of his father, Sir Edward, on coming
+into possession of his estate, had wisely determined to withdraw from
+the gay world, by renting his house in town, and retiring altogether to
+his respectable mansion, about a hundred miles from the metropolis. Here
+he hoped, by a course of systematic but liberal economy, to release
+himself from all embarrassments, and to make such a provision for his
+younger children, the three daughters already mentioned, as he conceived
+their birth entitled them to expect. Seventeen years enabled him to
+accomplish this plan; and for more than eighteen months, Sir Edward had
+resumed the hospitality and appearance usual in his family, and had even
+promised his delighted girls to take possession, the ensuing winter, of
+the house in St. James's Square. Nature had not qualified Sir Edward for
+great or continued exertions, and the prudent decision he had taken to
+retrieve his fortunes, was perhaps an act of as much forecast and vigor
+as his talents or energy would afford; it was the step most obviously
+for his interests, and the one that was safest both in its execution and
+consequences, and as such it had been adopted: but, had it required a
+single particle more of enterprise or calculation, it would have been
+beyond his powers, and the heir might have yet labored under the
+difficulties which distressed his more brilliant, but less prudent
+parent.
+
+The baronet was warmly attached to his wife; and as she was a woman of
+many valuable and no obnoxious qualities, civil and attentive by habit
+to all around her, and perfectly disinterested in her attachments to her
+own family, nothing in nature could partake more of perfection in the
+eyes of her husband and children than the conduct of this beloved
+relative. Yet Lady Moseley had her failings, however, although few were
+disposed to view her errors with that severity which truth and a just
+discrimination of character render necessary. Her union had been one of
+love, and for a time it had been objected to by the friends of her
+husband, on the score of fortune; but constancy and perseverance
+prevailed, and the protracted and inconsequent opposition of his parents
+had left no other effects than an aversion in the children to the
+exercise of parental authority, in marrying their own descendents: an
+aversion which, though common to both the worthy baronet and his wife,
+was somewhat different in its two subjects. In the husband it was
+quiescent; but in the wife, it was slightly shaded with the female
+esprit de corps, of having her daughters comfortably established, and
+that in due season. Lady Moseley was religious, but hardly pious; she
+was charitable in deeds, but not always in opinions; her intentions were
+pure, but neither her prejudices nor her reasoning powers suffered her
+to be at all times consistent. Still few knew her that did not love her,
+and none were ever heard to say aught against her breeding, her morals,
+or her disposition.
+
+The sister of Sir Edward had been married, early in life, to an officer
+in the army, who, spending much of his time abroad on service, had left
+her a prey to that solicitude to which she was necessarily a prey by her
+attachment to her husband. To find relief from this perpetual and life-
+wearing anxiety, an invaluable friend had pointed out the only true
+remedy of which her case admitted, a research into her own heart, and
+the employments of active benevolence. The death of her husband, who
+lost his life in battle, caused her to withdraw in a great measure from
+the world, and gave time and inducement for reflections, which led to
+impressions on religion that were sufficiently correct in themselves,
+and indispensable as the basis of future happiness, but which became
+slightly tinctured with the sternness of her vigorous mind, and
+possibly, at times were more unbending than was compatible with the
+comforts of this world; a fault, however, of manner, more than of
+matter. Warmly attached to her brother and his children, Mrs. Wilson,
+who had never been a mother herself, yielded to their earnest entreaties
+to become one of the family; and although left by the late General
+Wilson with a large income, ever since his death she had given up her
+own establishment, and devoted most of her time to the formation of the
+character of her youngest niece. Lady Moseley had submitted this child
+entirely to the control of the aunt; and it was commonly thought Emily
+would inherit the very handsome sum left at the disposal of the
+General's widow.
+
+Both Sir Edward and Lady Moseley possessed a large share of personal
+beauty when young, and it had descended in common to all their children,
+but more particularly to the two youngest daughters. Although a strong
+family resemblance, both in person and character, existed between these
+closely connected relatives, yet it existed with shades of distinction
+that had very different effects on their conduct, and led to results
+which stamped their lives with widely differing degrees of happiness.
+
+Between the families at Moseley Hall and the rectory, there had existed
+for many years an intimacy founded on esteem and on long intercourse.
+Doctor Ives was a clergyman of deep piety; and of very considerable
+talents; he possessed, in addition to a moderate benefice, an
+independent fortune in right of his wife, who was the only child of a
+distinguished naval officer. Both were well connected, well bred, and
+well disposed to their fellow creatures. They were blessed with but one
+child, the young divine we have mentioned, who promised to equal his
+father in all those qualities which had made the Doctor the delight of
+his friends, and almost the idol of his parishioners.
+
+Between Francis Ives and Clara Moseley, there had been an attachment,
+which had grown with their years, from childhood. He had been her
+companion in their youthful recreations, had espoused her little
+quarrels, and participated in her innocent pleasures, for so many years,
+and with such an evident preference for each other in the youthful pair,
+that, on leaving college to enter on the studies of his sacred calling
+with his father, Francis rightly judged that none other would make his
+future life as happy, as the mild, the tender, the unassuming Clara.
+Their passion, if so gentle a feeling deserve the term, received the
+sanction of their parents, and the two families waited only for the
+establishment of the young divine, to perfect the union.
+
+The retirement of Sir Edward's family had been uniform, with the
+exception of an occasional visit to an aged uncle of his wife's, and
+who, in return, spent much of his time with them at the Hall, and who
+had openly declared his intention of making the children of Lady Moseley
+his heirs. The visits of Mr. Benfield were always hailed with joy, and
+as an event that called for more than ordinary gaiety; for, although
+rough in manner, and somewhat infirm from years, the old bachelor, who
+was rather addicted to the customs in which he had indulged in his
+youth, and was fond of dwelling on the scenes of former days, was
+universally beloved where he was intimately known, for an unbounded
+though eccentric philanthropy.
+
+The illness of the mother-in-law of Mrs. Wilson had called her to Bath
+the winter preceding the spring when our history commences, and she had
+been accompanied thither by her nephew and favorite niece. John and
+Emily, during the month of their residence in that city, were in the
+practice of making daily excursions in its environs. It was in one of
+these little drives that they were of accidental service to a very young
+and very beautiful woman, apparently in low health. They had taken her
+up in their carriage, and conveyed her to a farm-house where she
+resided, during a faintness which had come over her in a walk; and her
+beauty, air, and manner, altogether so different from those around her,
+had interested them both to a painful degree. They had ventured to call
+the following day to inquire after her welfare, and this visit led to a
+slight intercourse, which continued for the fortnight they remained
+there.
+
+John had given himself some trouble to ascertain who she was, but in
+vain. They could merely learn that her life was blameless, that she saw
+no one but themselves, and her dialect raised a suspicion that she was
+not English, It was to this unknown fair Emily alluded in her playful
+attempt to stop the heedless rattle of her brother, who was not always
+restrained from uttering what he thought by a proper regard for the
+feelings of others.
+
+
+
+Chapter II.
+
+The morning succeeding the day of the dinner at the Hall, Mrs. Wilson,
+with all her nieces and her nephew, availed herself of the fineness of
+the weather to walk to the rectory, where they were all in the habit of
+making informal and friendly visits. They had just got out of the little
+village of B----, which lay in their route, when a rather handsome
+travelling carriage and four passed them, and took the road which led to
+the Deanery.
+
+"As I live," cried John, "there go our new neighbors the Jarvis's; yes,
+yes, that must be the old merchant muffled up in the corner; I mistook
+him at first for a pile of bandboxes; then the rosy-cheeked lady, with
+so many feathers, must be the old lady--heaven forgive me, Mrs. Jarvis I
+mean--aye, and the two others the belles."
+
+"You are in a hurry to pronounce them belles, John," said Jane,
+pettishly; "it would be well to see more of them before you speak so
+decidedly."
+
+"Oh!" replied John, "I have seen enough of them, and"--he was
+interrupted by the whirling of a tilbury and tandem followed by a couple
+of servants on horseback. All about this vehicle and its masters bore
+the stamp of decided fashion; and our party had followed it with their
+eyes for a short distance, when, having reached a fork in the roads, it
+stopped, and evidently waited the coming up of the pedestrians, as if to
+make an inquiry. A single glance of the eye was sufficient to apprise
+the gentleman on the cushion (who held the reins) of the kind of people
+he had to deal with, and stepping from his carriage, he met them with a
+graceful bow, and after handsomely apologizing for the trouble he was
+giving, he desired to know which road led to the Deanery. "The right,"
+replied John, returning his salutation.
+
+"Ask them, Colonel," cried the charioteer, "whether the old gentleman
+went right or not."
+
+The Colonel, in the manner of a perfect gentleman, but with a look of
+compassion for his companion's want of tact, made the desired inquiry;
+which being satisfactorily answered, he again bowed and was retiring, as
+one of several pointers who followed the cavalcade sprang upon Jane, and
+soiled her walking dress with his dirty feet.
+
+"Come hither, Dido," cried the Colonel, hastening to beat the dog back
+from the young lady; and again he apologized in the same collected and
+handsome manner, then turning to one of the servants, he said, "call in
+the dog, sir," and rejoined his companion. The air of this gentleman was
+peculiarly pleasant; it would not have been difficult to pronounce him a
+soldier had he not been addressed as such by his younger and certainly
+less polished companion. The Colonel was apparently about thirty, and of
+extremely handsome face and figure, while his driving friend appeared
+several years younger, and of altogether different materials.
+
+"I wonder," said Jane, as they turned a corner which hid them from view,
+"who they are?"
+
+"Who they are?" cried the brother, "why the Jarvis's to be sure; didn't
+you hear them ask the road to the Deanery?
+
+"Oh! the one that drove, he may be a Jarvis, but not the gentleman who
+spoke to us--surely not, John; besides, he was called Colonel, you
+know."
+
+"Yes, yes," said John, with one of his quizzing expressions, "Colonel
+Jarvis, that must be the alderman; they are commonly colonels of city
+volunteers: yes, that must have been the old gem'mun who spoke to us,
+and I was right after all about the bandboxes."
+
+"You forget," said Clara, smiling, "the polite inquiry concerning the
+old gem'mun."
+
+"Ah! true; who the deuce can this Colonel be then, for young Jarvis is
+only a captain, I know; who do you think he is, Jane?"
+
+"How do you think I can tell you, John? But whoever he is, he owns the
+tilbury, although he did not drive it; and he is a gentleman both by
+birth and manners."
+
+"Why, Jane, if you know so much of him, you should know more; but it is
+all guess with you."
+
+"No; it is not guess--I am certain of what I say."
+
+The aunt and sisters, who had taken little interest in the dialogue,
+looked at her with some surprise, which John observing, he exclaimed,
+"Poh: she knows no more than we all know."
+
+"Indeed I do."
+
+"Poh, poh, if you know, tell."
+
+"Why, the arms were different."
+
+John laughed as he said, "That is a good reason, sure enough, for the
+tilbury's being the colonel's property; but now for his blood; how did
+you discover that, sis--by his gait and actions, as we say of horses?"
+
+Jane colored a little, and laughed faintly. "The arms on the tilbury had
+six quarterings."
+
+Emily now laughed, and Mrs. Wilson and Clara smiled while John continued
+his teazing until they reached the rectory.
+
+While chatting with the doctor and his wife, Francis returned from his
+morning ride, and told them the Jarvis family had arrived; he had
+witnessed an unpleasant accident to a gig, in which were Captain Jarvis,
+and a friend, a Colonel Egerton; it had been awkwardly driven in turning
+into the Deanery gate, and upset: the colonel received some injury to
+his ankle, nothing, however, serious he hoped, but such as to put him
+under the care of the young ladies, probably, for a few days. After the
+exclamations which usually follow such details, Jane ventured to inquire
+who Colonel Egerton was.
+
+"I understood at the time, from one of the servants, that he is a nephew
+of Sir Edgar Egerton, and a lieutenant-colonel on half-pay, or furlough,
+or some such thing."
+
+"How did he bear his misfortune, Mr. Francis?" inquired Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"Certainly as a gentleman, madam, if not as a Christian," replied the
+young clergyman, slily smiling; "indeed, most men of gallantry would, I
+believe, rejoice in an accident which drew forth so much sympathy as
+both the Miss Jarvis's manifested."
+
+"How fortunate you should all happen to be near!" said the tender-
+hearted Clara.
+
+"Are the young ladies pretty?" asked Jane, with something of hesitation
+in her manner.
+
+"Why, I rather think they are; but I took very little notice of their
+appearance, as the colonel was really in evident pain."
+
+"This, then," cried the doctor, "affords me an additional excuse for
+calling on them at an early day, so I'll e'en go to-morrow."
+
+"I trust Doctor Ives wants no apologies for performing his duty," said
+Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"He is fond of making them, though," said Mrs. Ives, speaking with a
+benevolent smile, and for the first time in the little conversation.
+
+It was then arranged that the rector should make his official visit, as
+intended by himself; and on his report, the ladies would act. After
+remaining at the rectory an hour, they returned to the hall, attended by
+Francis.
+
+The next day the doctor drove in, and informed them the Jarvis family
+were happily settled, and the colonel in no danger, excepting from the
+fascinations of the two young ladies, who took such palpable care of him
+that he wanted for nothing, and they might drive over whenever they
+pleased, without fear of intruding unseasonably.
+
+Mr. Jarvis received his guests with the frankness of good feelings, if
+not with the polish of high life; while his wife, who seldom thought of
+the former, would have been mortally offended with the person who could
+have suggested that she omitted any of the elegancies of the latter. Her
+daughters were rather pretty, but wanted, both in appearance and manner,
+the inexpressible air of haut ton which so eminently distinguished the
+easy but polished deportment of Colonel Egerton, whom they found
+reclining on a sofa with his leg on a chair, amply secured in numerous
+bandages, but unable to rise. Notwithstanding the awkwardness of his
+situation, he was by far the least discomposed person of the party, and
+having pleasantly excused himself, he appeared to think no more of the
+matter.
+
+The captain, Mrs. Jarvis remarked, had gone out with his dogs to try the
+grounds around them, "for he seems to live only with his horses and his
+gun: young men, my lady, nowadays, appear to forget that there are any
+things in the world but themselves; now I told Harry that your ladyship
+and daughters would favor us with a call this morning--but no: there he
+went, as if Mr. Jarvis was unable to buy us a dinner, and we should all
+starve but for his quails and pheasants."
+
+"Quails and pheasants," cried John, in consternation, "does Captain
+Jarvis shoot quails and pheasants at this time of the year?"
+
+"Mrs. Jarvis, sir," said Colonel Egerton, with a correcting smile,
+"understands the allegiance due from us gentlemen to the ladies, better
+than the rules of sporting; my friend, the captain, has taken his
+fishing rod, I believe."
+
+"It is all one, fish or birds," continued Mrs. Jarvis, "he is out of the
+way when he is wanted, and I believe we can buy fish as easily as birds;
+I wish he would take pattern after yourself, colonel, in these matters."
+
+Colonel Egerton laughed pleasantly, but he did not blush; and Miss
+Jarvis observed, with a look, of something like admiration thrown on his
+reclining figure, "that when Harry had been in the army as long as his
+friend, he would know the usages of good society, she hoped, as well."
+
+"Yes," said her mother, "the army is certainly the place to polish a
+young man;" and turning to Mrs. Wilson, she abruptly added, "Your
+husband, I believe, was in the army, ma'am?"
+
+"I hope," said Emily hastily, "that we shall have the pleasure of seeing
+you soon, Miss Jarvis, at the Hall," preventing by her promptitude the
+necessity of a reply from her aunt. The young lady promised to make an
+early visit, and the subject changed to a general and uninteresting
+discourse on the neighborhood, the country, the weather, and other
+ordinary topics.
+
+"Now, John," cried Jane in triumph, as they drove from the door, "you
+must acknowledge my heraldic witchcraft, as you are pleased to call it,
+is right for once at least."
+
+"Oh! no doubt, Jenny," said John, who was accustomed to use that
+appellation to her as a provocation, when he wished what he called an
+enlivening scene; but Mrs. Wilson put a damper on his hopes by a remark
+to his mother, and the habitual respect of both the combatants kept them
+silent.
+
+Jane Moseley was endowed by nature with an excellent understanding, one
+at least equal to that of her brother, but the wanted the more essential
+requisites of a well governed mind. Masters had been provided by Sir
+Edward for all his daughters, and if they were not acquainted with the
+usual acquirements of young women in their rank of life, it was not his
+fault: his system of economy had not embraced a denial of opportunity to
+any of his children, and the baronet was apt to think all was done, when
+they were put where all might be done. Feeling herself and parents
+entitled to enter into all the gaieties and splendors of some of the
+richer families in their vicinity, Jane, who had grown up during the
+temporary eclipse of Sir Edward's fortunes, had sought that self-
+consolation so common to people in her situation, which was to be found
+in reviewing the former grandeur of her house, and she had thus
+contracted a degree of family pride. If Clara's weaknesses were less
+striking than those of Jane, it was because she had less imagination,
+and because that in loving Francis Ives she had so long admired a
+character, where so little was to be found that could be censured, that
+she might be said to have contracted a habit of judging correctly,
+without being able at all times to give a reason for her conduct or her
+opinions.
+
+
+
+Chapter III.
+
+The day fixed for one of the stated visits of Mr. Benfield had now
+arrived, and John, with Emily, who was the old bachelor's favorite
+niece, went in the baronet's post-chaise to the town of F----, a
+distance of twenty miles, to meet him, in order to accompany him in the
+remainder of his journey to the Hall, it being a settled rule with the
+old man, that his carriage horses should return to their own stables
+every night, where he imagined they could alone find that comfort and
+care to which their age and services gave them a claim. The day was
+uncommonly pleasant, and the young people were in high spirits with the
+expectation of meeting their respected relative, whose absence had been
+prolonged a few days by a severe fit of the gout.
+
+"Now, Emily," cried John, as he settled himself comfortably by the side
+of his sister in the chaise, "let me know honestly how you like the
+Jarvis's, and particularly how you like the handsome colonel."
+
+"Then, John, honestly, I neither like nor dislike the Jarvis's or the
+handsome colonel."
+
+"Well, then, there is no great diversity in our sentiments, as Jane
+would say."
+
+"John!"
+
+"Emily!"
+
+"I do not like to hear you speak so disrespectfully of out sister, whom
+I am sure you love as tenderly as I do myself."
+
+"I acknowledge my error," said the brother, taking her hand and
+affectionately kissing it, "and will endeavor to offend no more; but
+this Colonel Egerton, sister, is certainly a gentleman, both by blood
+and in manners, as Jane"--Emily interrupted him with a laugh, which John
+took very good-naturedly, repeating his remark without alluding to their
+sister.
+
+"Yes," said Emily, "he is genteel in his deportment, if that be what you
+mean; I know nothing of his family."
+
+"Oh, I have taken a peep into Jane's Baronetage, where find him set down
+as Sir Edgar's heir."
+
+"There is something about him," said Emily, musing, "that I do not much
+admire; he is too easy--there is no nature; I always feel afraid such
+people will laugh at me as soon as my back is turned, and for those very
+things they seem most to admire to my face. If I might be allowed to
+judge, I should say his manner wants one thing, without which no one can
+be truly agreeable."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"Sincerity."
+
+"Ah! that's my great recommendation; but I am afraid I shall have to
+take the poacher up, with his quails and his pheasants, indeed."
+
+"You know the colonel explained that to be a mistake."
+
+"What they call explaining away; but unluckily I saw the gentleman
+returning with his gun on his shoulder, and followed by a brace of
+pointers."
+
+"There's a specimen of the colonel's manners then," said Emily, smiling;
+"it will do until the truth be known."
+
+"And Jane, when she saw him also, praised his good nature and
+consideration, in what she was pleased to call relieving the awkwardness
+of my remark."
+
+Emily finding her brother disposed to dwell on the foibles of Jane, a
+thing he was rather addicted to at times, was silent. They rode some
+distance before John, who was ever as ready to atone as he was to
+offend, again apologized, again promised reformation, and during the
+remainder of the ride only forgot himself twice more in the same way.
+
+They reached F---- two hours before the lumbering coach of their uncle
+drove into the yard of the inn, and had sufficient time to refresh their
+own horses for the journey homewards.
+
+Mr. Benfield was a bachelor of eighty, but retained the personal
+activity of a man of sixty. He was strongly attached to all the fashions
+and opinions of his youth, during which he had sat one term in
+parliament, having been a great beau and courtier in the commencement of
+the reign. A disappointment in an affair of the heart drove him into
+retirement; and for the last fifty years he had dwelt exclusively at a
+seat he owned within forty miles of Moseley Hall, the mistress of which
+was the only child of his only brother. In figure, he was tall and
+spare, very erect for his years, and he faithfully preserved in his
+attire, servants, carriages, and indeed everything around him, as much
+of the fashions of his youth as circumstances would allow: such then was
+a faint outline of the character and appearance of the old man, who,
+dressed in a cocked hat, bag wig, and sword, took the offered arm of
+John Moseley to alight from his coach.
+
+"So," cried the old gentleman, having made good his footing on the
+ground, as he stopped short and stared John in the face, "you have made
+out to come twenty miles to meet an old cynic, have you, sir? but I
+thought I bid thee bring Emmy with thee."
+
+John pointed to the window, where his sister stood anxiously watching
+her uncle's movements. On catching her eye, he smiled kindly, and
+pursued his way into the house, talking to himself.
+
+"Aye, there she is indeed; I remember now, when I was a youngster, of
+going with my kinsman, old Lord Gosford, to meet his sister, the Lady
+Juliana, when she first came from school (this was the lady whose
+infidelity had driven him from the world); and a beauty she was indeed,
+something like Emmy there; only she was taller, and her eyes were black,
+and her hair too, that was black; and she was not so fair as Emmy, and
+she was fatter, and she stooped a little--very little; oh! they are
+wonderfully alike though; don't you think they were, nephew?" he stopped
+at the door of the room; while John, who in this description could not
+see a resemblance, which existed nowhere but in the old man's
+affections, was fain to say, "yes; but they were related, you know,
+uncle, and that explains the likeness."
+
+"True, boy, true," said his uncle, pleased at a reason for a thing he
+wished, and which flattered his propensities. He had once before told
+Emily she put him in mind of his housekeeper, a woman as old as himself,
+and without a tooth in her head.
+
+On meeting his niece, Mr. Benfield (who, like many others that feel
+strongly, wore in common the affectation of indifference and
+displeasure) yielded to his fondness, and folding her in his arms,
+kissed her affectionately, while a tear glistened in his eye; and then
+pushing her gently from him, he exclaimed, "Come, come, Emmy, don't
+strangle me, don't strangle me, girl; let me live in peace the little
+while I have to remain here--so," seating himself composedly in an arm
+chair his niece had placed for him with a cushion, "so Anne writes me,
+Sir William Harris has let the deanery."
+
+"Oh, yes, uncle," cried John.
+
+"I'll thank you, young gentleman," said Mr. Benfield, sternly, "not to
+interrupt me when I am speaking to a lady that is, if you please, sir.
+Then Sir William has let the deanery to a London merchant, a Mr. Jarvis.
+Now I knew three people of that name; one was a hackney coachman, when I
+was a member of the parliament of this realm, and drove me often to the
+house; the other was valet-de-chambre to my Lord Gosford; and the third,
+I take it, is the very man who has become your neighbor. If it be the
+person I mean, Emmy dear, he is like--like--aye, very like old Peter, my
+steward."
+
+John, unable to contain his mirth at this discovery of a likeness
+between the prototype of Mr. Benfield himself in leanness of figure, and
+the jolly rotundity of the merchant, was obliged to leave the room;
+Emily, though she could not forbear smiling at the comparison, quietly
+said, "You will meet him to-morrow, dear uncle, and then you will be
+able to judge for yourself."
+
+"Yes, yes," muttered the old man, "very like old Peter, my steward; as
+like as two peas." The parallel was by no means as ridiculous as might
+be supposed; its history being as follows:
+
+Mr. Benfield had placed twenty thousand pounds in the hands of a broker,
+with positive orders for him to pay it away immediately for government
+stock, bought by the former on his account; but disregarding this
+injunction, the broker had managed the transaction in such a way as to
+postpone the payment, until, on his failure, he had given up that and a
+much larger sum to Mr. Jarvis, to satisfy what he called an honorary
+debt. In elucidating the transaction Mr. Jarvis paid Benfield Lodge a
+visit, and honestly restored the bachelor his property. This act, and
+the high opinion he entertained of Mrs. Wilson, with his unbounded love
+for Emily, were the few things which prevented his believing some
+dreadful judgment was about to visit this world, for its increasing
+wickedness and follies. As his own steward was one of the honestest
+fellows living, he had ever after fancied that there was a personal
+resemblance between him and the conscientious merchant.
+
+The horses being ready, the old bachelor was placed carefully between
+his nephew and niece, and in that manner they rode on quietly to the
+Hall, the dread of accident keeping Mr. Benfield silent most of the way.
+On passing, however a stately castle, about ten miles from the
+termination of their ride, he began one of his speeches with,
+
+"Emmy, dear, does Lord Bolton come often to see you?"
+
+"Very seldom, sir; his employment keeps him much of his time at St.
+James's, and then he has an estate in Ireland."
+
+"I knew his father well--he was distantly connected by marriage with my
+friend Lord Gosford; you could not remember him, I suspect" (John rolled
+his eyes at this suggestion of his sister's recollection of a man who
+had been forty years dead); "he always voted with me in the parliament
+of this realm; he was a thoroughly honest man; very much such a man to
+look at as Peter Johnson, my steward: but I am told his son likes the
+good things of the ministry; well, well, William Pitt was the only
+minister to my mind. There was the Scotchman of whom they made a
+Marquis; I never could endure him--always voted against him."
+
+"Right or wrong, uncle," cried John, who loved a little mischief in his
+heart.
+
+"No, sir--right, but never wrong. Lord Gosford always voted against him
+too; and do you think, jackanapes, that my friend the Earl of Gosford
+and--and--myself were ever wrong? No, sir, men in my day were different
+creatures from what they are now: we were never wrong, sir; we loved our
+country, and had no motive for being in the wrong."
+
+"How was it with Lord Bute, uncle?"
+
+"Lord Bute, sir," cried the old man with great warmth, "was the
+minister, sir--he was the minister; aye, he was the minister, sir, and
+was paid for what he did."
+
+"But Lord Chatham, was he not the minister too?"
+
+Now, nothing vexed the old gentleman more than to hear William Pitt
+called by his tardy honors; and yet, unwilling to give up what he
+thought his political opinions, he exclaimed, with an unanswerable
+positiveness of argument,
+
+"Billy Pitt, sir, was the minister, sir; but--but--but--he was our
+minister, sir."
+
+Emily, unable to see her uncle agitated by such useless disputes, threw
+a reproachful glance on her brother, as she observed timidly,
+
+"That was a glorious administration, sir, I believe."
+
+"Glorious indeed! Emmy dear," said the bachelor, softening with the
+sound of her voice, and the recollections of his younger days, "we beat
+the French everywhere--in America--in Germany;--we took--(counting on
+his fingers)--we took Quebec--yes, Lord Gosford lost a cousin there; and
+we took all the Canadas; and we took their fleets: there was a young man
+killed in the battle between Hawke and Conflans, who was much attached
+to Lady Juliana--poor soul! how much she regretted him when dead, though
+she never could abide him when living--ah! she was a tender-hearted
+creature!"
+
+Mr. Benfield, like many others, continued to love imaginary qualities in
+his mistress, long after her heartless coquetry had disgusted him with
+her person: a kind of feeling which springs from self-love, which finds
+it necessary to seek consolation in creating beauties, that may justify
+our follies to ourselves; and which often keeps alive the semblance of
+the passion, when even hope, or real admiration, is extinct.
+
+On reaching the Hall, every one was rejoiced to see their really
+affectionate and worthy relative, and the evening passed in the tranquil
+enjoyment of the blessings which Providence had profusely scattered
+around the family of the baronet, but which are too often hazarded by a
+neglect of duty that springs from too great security, or an indolence
+which renders us averse to the precaution necessary to insure their
+continuance.
+
+
+
+Chapter IV.
+
+"You are welcome, Sir Edward," said the venerable rector, as he took the
+baronet by the hand; "I was fearful a return of your rheumatism would
+deprive us of this pleasure, and prevent my making you acquainted with
+the new occupants of the deanery, who have consented to dine with us to-
+day, and to whom I have promised, in particular, an introduction to Sir
+Edward Moseley."
+
+"I thank you, my dear doctor," rejoined the baronet; "I have not only
+come myself, but have persuaded Mr. Benfield to make one of the party;
+there he comes, leaning on Emily's arm, and finding fault with Mrs.
+Wilson's new-fashioned barouche, which he says has given him cold."
+
+The rector received the unexpected guest with the kindness of his
+nature, and an inward smile at the incongruous assemblage he was likely
+to have around him by the arrival of the Jarvis's, who, at that moment,
+drove to his door. The introductions between the baronet and the new
+comers had passed, and Miss Jarvis had made a prettily worded apology on
+behalf of the colonel, who was not yet well enough to come out, but
+whose politeness had insisted on their not remaining a home on his
+account, as Mr. Benfield, having composedly put on his spectacles,
+walked deliberately up to the place where the merchant had seated
+himself, and having examined him through his glasses to his
+satisfaction, took them off, and carefully wiping them, he began to talk
+to himself as he put them into his pocket--"No, no; it's not Jack, the
+hackney coachman, nor my Lord Gosford's gentleman, but"--cordially
+holding out both hands, "it's the man who saved my twenty thousand
+pounds."
+
+Mr. Jarvis, whom shame and embarrassment had kept silent during this
+examination, exchanged greetings sincerely with his old acquaintance,
+who now took a seat in silence by his side; while his wife, whose face
+had begun to kindle with indignation at the commencement of the old
+gentleman's soliloquy, observing that somehow or other it had not only
+terminated without degradation to her spouse, but with something like
+credit, turned complacently to Mrs. Ives, with an apology for the
+absence of her son.
+
+"I cannot divine, ma'am, where he has got to; he is ever keeping us
+waiting for him;" and, addressing Jane, "these military men become so
+unsettled in their habits, that I often tell Harry he should never quit
+the camp."
+
+"In Hyde Park, you should add, my dear, for he has never been in any
+other," bluntly observed her husband.
+
+To this speech no reply was made, but it was evidently little relished
+by the ladies of the family, who were a good deal jealous of the laurels
+of the only hero their race had ever produced. The arrival and
+introduction of the captain himself changed the discourse, which turned
+on the comforts of their present residence.
+
+"Pray, my lady," cried the captain, who had taken a chair familiarly by
+the side of the baronet's wife, "why is the house called the deanery? I
+am afraid I shall be taken for a son of the church, when I invite my
+friends to visit my father at the deanery."
+
+"But you may add, at the same time, sir, if you please," dryly remarked
+Mr. Jarvis, "that it is occupied by an old man, who has been preaching
+and lecturing all his life; and, like others of the trade, I believe, in
+vain."
+
+"You must except our good friend, the doctor here, at least, sir," said
+Mrs. Wilson; who, observing that her sister shrank from a familiarity
+she was unused to, took upon herself the office of replying to the
+captain's question: "The father of the present Sir William Harris held
+that station in the church, and although the house was his private
+property it took its name from the circumstance, which has been
+continued ever since."
+
+"Is it not a droll life Sir William leads," cried Miss Jarvis, looking
+at John Moseley, "riding about all summer from one watering-place to
+another, and letting his house year after year in the manner he does?"
+
+"Sir William," said Dr. Ives, gravely, "is devoted to his daughter's
+wishes; and since his accession to his title, has come into possession
+of another residence in an adjoining county, which, I believe, he
+retains in his own hands."
+
+"Are you acquainted with Miss Harris?" continued the lady, addressing
+herself to Clara; though, without waiting for an answer, she added, "She
+is a great belle--all the gentlemen are dying for her."
+
+"Or her fortune," said her sister, with a pretty toss of the head; "for
+my part, I never could see anything so captivating in her, although so
+much is said about her at Bath and Brighton."
+
+"You know her then," mildly observed Clara.
+
+"Why, I cannot say--we are exactly acquainted," the young lady
+hesitatingly answered, coloring violently.
+
+"What do you mean by exactly acquainted, Sally?" put in the father with
+a laugh; "did you ever speak to or were you ever in a room with her, in
+your life, unless it might be at a concert or a ball?"
+
+The mortification of Miss Sarah was too evident for concealment, and it
+happily was relieved by a summons to dinner.
+
+"Never, my dear child," said Mrs. Wilson to Emily, the aunt being fond
+of introducing a moral from the occasional incidents of every-day life,
+"never subject yourself to a similar mortification, by commenting on the
+characters of those you don't know: ignorance makes you liable to great
+errors; and if they should happen to be above you in life, it will only
+excite their contempt, should it reach their ears, while those to whom
+your remarks are made will think it envy."
+
+"Truth is sometimes blundered on," whispered John, who held his sister's
+arm, waiting for his aunt to precede them to the dining-room.
+
+The merchant paid too great a compliment to the rector's dinner to think
+of renewing the disagreeable conversation, and as John Moseley and the
+young clergyman were seated next the two ladies, they soon forgot what,
+among themselves, they would call their father's rudeness, in receiving
+the attentions of a couple of remarkably agreeable young men.
+
+"Pray, Mr. Francis, when do you preach for us?" asked Mr. Haughton; "I'm
+very anxious to hear you hold forth from the pulpit, where I have so
+often heard your father with pleasure: I doubt not you will prove
+orthodox, or you will be the only man, I believe, in the congregation,
+the rector has left in ignorance of the theory of our religion, at
+least."
+
+The doctor bowed to the compliment, as he replied to the question for
+his son, that on the next Sunday they were to have the pleasure of
+hearing Frank, who had promised to assist him on that day.
+
+"Any prospects of a living soon?" continued Mr. Haughton, helping
+himself bountifully to a piece of plum pudding as he spoke. John Moseley
+laughed aloud, and Clara blushed to the eyes, while the doctor, turning
+to Sir Edward, observed with an air of interest, "Sir Edward, the living
+of Bolton is vacant, and I should like exceedingly to obtain it for my
+son. The advowson belongs to the Earl, who will dispose of it only to
+great interest, I am afraid."
+
+Clara was certainly, too busily occupied in picking raisins from her
+pudding to hear this remark, but accidentally stole, from under her long
+eyelashes, a timid glance at her father as he replied:
+
+"I am sorry, my friend, I have not sufficient interest with his lordship
+to apply on my own account; but he is so seldom here, we are barely
+acquainted;" and the good baronet looked really concerned.
+
+"Clara," said Francis Ives in a low and affectionate tone, "have you
+read the books I sent you?"
+
+Clara answered him with a smile in the negative, but promised amendment
+as soon as she had leisure.
+
+"Do you ride much, on horseback, Mr. Moseley?" abruptly asked Miss
+Sarah, turning her back on the young divine, and facing the gentleman
+she addressed. John, who was now hemmed in between the sisters, replied
+with a rueful expression that brought a smile into the face of Emily,
+who was placed opposite to him--
+
+"Yes, ma'am, and sometimes I am ridden."
+
+"Ridden, sir, what do you mean by that?"
+
+"Oh! only my aunt there occasionally gives me a lecture."
+
+"I understand," said the lady, pointing slily with her finger at her own
+father.
+
+"Does it feel good?" John inquired, with a look of, great sympathy. But
+the lady, who now felt awkwardly, without knowing exactly why, shook her
+head in silence, and forced a faint laugh.
+
+"Whom have we here?" cried Captain Jarvis, who was looking out at a
+window which commanded a view of the approach to the house--"the
+apothecary and his attendant judging from the equipage."
+
+The rector threw an inquiring look on a servant, who told his master
+they were strangers to him.
+
+"Have them shown up, doctor," cried the benevolent baronet, who loved to
+see every one as happy as himself, "and give them some of your excellent
+pasty, for the sake of hospitality and the credit of your cook, I beg of
+you."
+
+As this request was politely seconded by others of the party, the rector
+ordered his servants to show in the strangers.
+
+On opening the parlor door, a gentleman, apparently sixty years of age,
+appeared, leaning on the arm of a youth of five-and-twenty. There was
+sufficient resemblance between the two for the most indifferent observer
+to pronounce them father and son; but the helpless debility and
+emaciated figure of the former, were finely contrasted by the vigorous
+health and manly beauty of the latter, who supported his venerable
+parent into the room with a grace and tenderness that struck most of the
+beholders with a sensation of pleasure. The doctor and Mrs. Ives rose
+from their seats involuntarily, and each stood for a moment, lost in an
+astonishment that was mingled with grief. Recollecting himself, the
+rector grasped the extended hand of the senior in both his own, and
+endeavored to utter something, but in vain. The tears followed each
+other down his cheeks, as he looked on the faded and careworn figure
+which stood before him; while his wife, unable to control her feelings,
+sank back into a chair and wept aloud.
+
+Throwing open the door of an adjoining room, and retaining the hand of
+the invalid, the doctor gently led the way, followed by his wife and
+son. The former, having recovered from the first burst of her sorrow,
+and regardless of everything else, now anxiously watched the enfeebled
+step of the stranger. On reaching the door, they both turned and bowed
+to the company in a manner of so much dignity, mingled with sweetness,
+that all, not excepting Mr. Benfield, rose from their seats to return
+the salutation. On passing from the dining parlor, the door was closed,
+leaving the company standing round the table in mute astonishment and
+commiseration. Not a word had been spoken, and the rector's family had
+left them without apology or explanation. Francis, however soon
+returned, and was followed in a few minutes by his mother, who, slightly
+apologizing for her absence, turned the discourse on the approaching
+Sunday, and the intention of Francis to preach on that day. The Moseleys
+were too well bred to make any inquiries, and the deanery family was
+afraid. Sir Edward retired at a very early hour, and was followed by the
+remainder of the party.
+
+"Well," cried Mrs. Jarvis, as they drove from the door, "this may be
+good breeding, but, for my part, I think both the doctor and Mrs. Ives
+behaved very rudely, with the crying and sobbing."
+
+"They are nobody of much consequence," cried her eldest daughter,
+casting a contemptuous glance on a plain travelling chaise which stood
+before the rector's stables.
+
+"'Twas sickening," said Miss Sarah, with a shrug; while her father,
+turning his eyes on each speaker in succession, very deliberately helped
+himself to a pinch of snuff, his ordinary recourse against a family
+quarrel. The curiosity of the ladies was, however, more lively than they
+chose to avow and Mrs. Jarvis bade her maid go over to the rectory that
+evening, with her compliments to Mrs. Ives; she had lost a lace veil,
+which her maid knew, and she thought it might have been left at the
+rectory.
+
+"And, Jones, when you are there, you can inquire of the servants; mind,
+of the servants--I would not distress Mrs. Ives for the world; how Mr.--
+Mr.--what's his name--Oh!--I have forgotten his name; just bring me his
+name too, Jones; and, as it may make some difference in our party, just
+find out how long they stay; and--and--- any other little thing, Jones,
+which can be of use, you know."
+
+Off went Jones, and within an hour she had returned. With an important
+look, she commenced her narrative, the daughters being accidentally
+present, and it might be on purpose.
+
+"Why, ma'am, I went across the fields, and William was good enough to go
+with me; so when we got there, I rang, and they showed us into the
+servants' room, and I gave my message, and the veil was not there. Why,
+ma'am, there's the veil now, on the back o' that chair."
+
+"Very well, very well, Jones, never mind the veil," cried the impatient
+mistress.
+
+"So, ma'am, while they were looking for the veil, I just asked one of
+the maids, what company had arrived, but"--(here Jones looked very
+suspicious, and shook her head ominously:) "would you think it, ma'am,
+not a soul of them knew! But, ma'am, there was the doctor and his son,
+praying and reading with the old gentleman the whole time--and"--
+
+"And what, Jones?"
+
+"Why, ma'am, I expect he has been a great sinner, or he wouldn't want so
+much praying just as he is about to die."
+
+"Die!" cried all three at once: "will he die?"
+
+"O yes," continued Jones, "they all agree he must die; but this praying
+so much, is just like the criminals. I'm sure no honest person needs so
+much praying, ma'am."
+
+"No, indeed," said the mother. "No, indeed," responded the daughters, as
+they retired to their several rooms for the night.
+
+
+
+Chapter V.
+
+There is something in the season of Spring which peculiarly excites the
+feelings of devotion. The dreariness of winter has passed, and with it,
+the deadened affections of our nature. New life, new vigor, arises
+within us, as we walk abroad and feel the genial gales of April breathe
+upon us; and our hopes, our wishes, awaken with the revival of the
+vegetable world. It is then that the heart, which has been impressed
+with the goodness of the Creator, feels that goodness brought, as it
+were, into very contact with the senses. The eye loves to wander over
+the bountiful provisions nature is throwing forth in every direction for
+our comfort, and fixes its gaze on the clouds, which, having lost the
+chilling thinness of winter, roll in rich volumes, amidst the clear and
+softened fields of azure so peculiar to the season, leading the mind
+insensibly, to dwell on the things of another and a better world. It was
+on such a day, that the inhabitants of B---- thronged toward the village
+church, for the double purpose of pouring out their thanksgivings, and
+of hearing the first efforts of their rector's son in the duties of his
+sacred calling.
+
+Amongst the crowd whom curiosity or a better feeling had drawn forth,
+were to be seen the flaring equipage of the Jarvises, and the handsome
+carriages of Sir Edward Moseley and his sister. All the members of the
+latter family felt a lively anxiety for the success of the young divine.
+But knowing, as they well did, the strength of his native talents, the
+excellence of his education, and the fervor of his piety, it was an
+anxiety that partook more of hope than of fear. There was one heart,
+however, amongst them, that palpitated with an emotion that hardly
+admitted of control, as they approached the sacred edifice, for it had
+identified itself completely with the welfare of the rector's son. There
+never was a softer, truer heart, than that which now almost audibly beat
+within the bosom of Clara Moseley; and she had given it to the young
+divine with all its purity and truth.
+
+The entrance of a congregation into the sanctuary will at all times
+furnish, to an attentive observer, food for much useful speculation, if
+it be chastened with a proper charity for the weaknesses of others; and
+most people are ignorant of the insight they are giving into their
+characters and dispositions, by such an apparently trivial circumstance
+as their weekly approach to the tabernacles of the Lord. Christianity,
+while it chastens and amends the heart, leaves the natural powers
+unaltered; and it cannot be doubted that its operation is, or ought to
+be, proportionate to the abilities and opportunities of the subject of
+its holy impression--"Unto whomsoever much is given, much will be
+required." While we acknowledge, that the thoughts might be better
+employed in preparing for those humiliations of the spirit and
+thanksgiving of the heart which are required of all, and are so
+necessary to all, we must be indulged in a hasty view of some of the
+personages of our history, as they entered the church of B----.
+
+On the countenance of the baronet, was the dignity and composure of a
+mind at peace with itself and mankind. His step was rather more
+deliberate than common; his eye rested on the pavement, and on turning
+into his pew, as he prepared to kneel, in the first humble petition of
+our beautiful service, he raised it towards the altar with an expression
+of benevolence and reverence, that spoke contentment, not unmixed with
+faith.
+
+In the demeanor of Lady Moseley, all was graceful and decent, while
+nothing could be properly said to be studied. She followed her husband
+with a step of equal deliberation, though it was slightly varied by a
+manner which, while it appeared natural to herself, might have been
+artificial in another: a cambric handkerchief concealed her face as she
+sank composedly by the side of Sir Edward, in a style which showed, that
+while she remembered her Maker, she had not entirely forgotten herself.
+
+The walk of Mrs. Wilson was quicker than that of her sister. Her eye,
+directed before her, was fixed, as if in settled gaze, on that eternity
+which she was approaching. The lines of her contemplative face were
+unaltered, unless there might be traced a deeper shade of humility than
+was ordinarily seen on her pale, but expressive countenance: her
+petition was long; and on rising from her humble posture, the person was
+indeed to be seen, but the soul appeared absorbed in contemplations
+beyond the limits of this sphere.
+
+There was a restlessness and varying of color, in the ordinarily placid
+Clara, which prevented a display of her usual manner; while Jane walked
+gracefully, and with a tincture of her mother's manner, by her side. She
+stole one hastily withdrawn glance to the deanery pew ere she kneeled,
+and then, on rising, handed her smelling-bottle affectionately to her
+elder sister.
+
+Emily glided behind her companions with a face beaming with a look of
+innocence and love. As she sank in the act of supplication, the rich
+glow of her healthful cheek lost some of its brilliancy; but, on rising,
+it beamed with a renewed lustre, that plainly indicated a heart touched
+with the sanctity of its situation.
+
+In the composed and sedate manner of Mr. Jarvis, as he steadily pursued
+his way to the pew of Sir William Harris, you might have been justified
+in expecting the entrance of another Sir Edward Moseley in substance, if
+not in externals. But the deliberate separation of the flaps of his
+coat, as he comfortably seated himself, when you thought him about to
+kneel, followed by a pinch of snuff as he threw his eye around the
+building, led you at once to conjecture, that what at first had been
+mistaken for reverence, was the abstraction of some earthly calculation;
+and that his attendance was in compliance with custom, and not a little
+depended upon the thickness of his cushions, and the room he found for
+the disposition of two rather unwieldy legs.
+
+The ladies of the family followed, in garments carefully selected for
+the advantageous display of their persons. As they sailed into their
+seats, where it would seem the improvidence of Sir William's steward had
+neglected some important accommodation (some time being spent in
+preparation to be seated), the old lady, whose size and flesh really put
+kneeling out of the question, bent forward for a moment at an angle of
+eighty with the horizon, while her daughters prettily bowed their heads,
+with all proper precaution for the safety of their superb millinery.
+
+At length the rector, accompanied by his son, appeared from the vestry.
+There was a dignity and solemnity in the manner in which this pious
+divine entered on the duties of his profession, which disposed the heart
+to listen with reverence and humility to precepts that were accompanied
+with so impressive an exterior. The stillness of expectation pervaded
+the church, when the pew opener led the way to the same interesting
+father and son whose entrance had interrupted the guests the preceding
+day, at the rectory. Every eye was turned on the emaciated parent,
+bending into the grave, and, as it were, kept from it by the supporting
+tenderness of his child. Hastily throwing open the door of her own pew,
+Mrs. Ives buried her face in her handkerchief; and her husband had
+proceeded far in the morning service before she raised it again to the
+view of the congregation. In the voice of the rector, there was an
+unusual softness and tremor that his people attributed to the feelings
+of a father about to witness the first efforts of an only child, but
+which in reality were owing to another and a deeper cause.
+
+Prayers were ended, and the younger Ives ascended the pulpit. For a
+moment he paused; when, casting an anxious glance to the pew of the
+baronet, he commenced his sermon. He had chosen for his discourse the
+necessity of placing our dependence on divine grace. After having
+learnedly, but in the most unaffected manner, displayed the necessity of
+this dependence, as derived from revelation, he proceeded to paint the
+hope, the resignation, the felicity of a Christian's death-bed. Warmed
+by the subject, his animation soon lent a heightened interest to his
+language; and at a moment when all around him were entranced by the
+eloquence of the youthful divine, a sudden and deep-drawn sigh drew
+every eye to the rector's pew. The younger stranger sat motionless as a
+statue, holding in his arms the lifeless body of his parent, who had
+fallen that moment a corpse by his side. All was now confusion: the
+almost insensible young man was relieved from his burden; and, led by
+the rector, they left the church. The congregation dispersed in silence,
+or assembled in little groups, to converse on the awful event they had
+witnessed. None knew the deceased; he was the rector's friend, and to
+his residence the body was removed. The young man was evidently his
+child; but here all information ended. They had arrived in a private
+chaise, but with post horses, and without attendants. Their arrival at
+the parsonage was detailed by the Jarvis ladies with a few exaggerations
+that gave additional interest to the whole event, and which, by creating
+an impression with some whom gentler feelings would not have restrained,
+that there was something of mystery about them, prevented many
+distressing questions to the Ives's, that the baronet's family forbore
+putting, on the score of delicacy. The body left B---- at the close of
+the week, accompanied by Francis Ives and the unweariedly attentive and
+interesting son. The doctor and his wife went into deep mourning, and
+Clara received a short note from her lover, on the morning of their
+departure, acquainting her with his intended absence for a month, but
+throwing no light upon the affair. The London papers, however, contained
+the following obituary notice, and which, as it could refer to no other
+person, as a matter of course, was supposed to allude to the rector's
+friend.
+
+"Died, suddenly, at B----, on the 20th instant, George Denbigh, Esq.,
+aged 63."
+
+
+
+Chapter VI.
+
+During the week of mourning, the intercourse between Moseley Hall and
+the rectory was confined to messages and notes of inquiry after each
+other's welfare: but the visit of the Moseleys to the deanery had been
+returned; and the day after the appearance of the obituary paragraph,
+the family of the latter dined by invitation at the Hall. Colonel
+Egerton had recovered the use of his leg, and was included in the party.
+Between this gentleman and Mr. Benfield there appeared, from the first
+moment of their introduction, a repugnance which was rather increased by
+time, and which the old gentleman manifested by a demeanor loaded with
+the overstrained ceremony of the day, and which, in the colonel, only
+showed itself by avoiding, when possible, all intercourse with the
+object of his aversion. Both Sir Edward and Lady Moseley, on the
+contrary, were not slow in manifesting their favorable impressions in
+behalf of the gentleman. The latter, in particular, having ascertained
+to her satisfaction that he was the undoubted heir to the title, and
+most probably to the estates of his uncle, Sir Edgar Egerton, felt
+herself strongly disposed to encourage an acquaintance she found so
+agreeable, and to which she could see no reasonable objection. Captain
+Jarvis, who was extremely offensive to her, from his vulgar familiarity,
+she barely tolerated, from the necessity of being civil, and keeping up
+sociability in the neighborhood. It is true, she could not help being
+surprised that a gentleman, as polished as the colonel, could find any
+pleasure in an associate like his friend, or even in the hardly more
+softened females of his family; then again, the flattering suggestion
+would present itself, that possibly he might have seen Emily at Bath, or
+Jane elsewhere, and availed himself of the acquaintance of young Jarvis
+to get into their neighborhood. Lady Moseley had never been vain, or
+much interested about the disposal of her own person, previously to her
+attachment to her husband: but her daughters called forth not a little
+of her natural pride--we had almost said of her selfishness.
+
+The attentions of the colonel were of the most delicate and insinuating
+kind; and Mrs. Wilson several times turned away in displeasure at
+herself, for listening with too much satisfaction to nothings, uttered
+in an agreeable manner, or, what was worse, false sentiments supported
+with the gloss of language and a fascinating deportment. The anxiety of
+this lady on behalf of Emily kept her ever on the alert, when chance, or
+any chain of circumstances, threw her in the way of forming new
+connexions of any kind; and of late, as her charge approached the period
+of life her sex were apt to make that choice from which there is no
+retreat, her solicitude to examine the characters of the men who
+approached her was really painful. As to Lady Moseley, her wishes
+disposed her to be easily satisfied, and her mind naturally shrank from
+an investigation to which she felt herself unequal; while Mrs. Wilson
+was governed by the convictions of a sound discretion, matured by long
+and deep reasoning, all acting on a temper at all times ardent, and a
+watchfulness calculated to endure to the end.
+
+"Pray, my lady," said Mrs. Jarvis, with a look of something like
+importance, "have you made any discovery about this Mr. Denbigh, who
+died in the church lately?"
+
+"I did not know, ma'am," replied Lady Moseley, "there was any discovery
+to be made."
+
+"You know, Lady Moseley," said Colonel Egerton, "that in town, all the
+little accompaniments of such a melancholy death would have found their
+way into the prints; and I suppose this is what Mrs. Jarvis alludes to."
+
+"Oh yes," cried Mrs. Jarvis, "the colonel is right." But the colonel was
+always right with that lady.
+
+Lady Moseley bowed her head with dignity, and the colonel had too much
+tact to pursue the conversation; but the captain, whom nothing had ever
+yet abashed, exclaimed,
+
+"These Denbighs could not be people of much importance--I have never
+heard the name before."
+
+"It is the family name of the Duke of Derwent, I believe," dryly
+remarked Sir Edward.
+
+"Oh, I am sure neither the old man nor his son looked much like a duke,
+or so much as an officer either," exclaimed Mrs. Jarvis, who thought the
+latter rank the dignity in degree next below nobility.
+
+"There sat, in the parliament of this realm, when I was a member, a
+General Denbigh," said Mr. Benfield, with his usual deliberation; "he
+was always on the same side with Lord Gosford and myself. He and his
+friend, Sir Peter Howell, who was the admiral that took the French
+squadron, in the glorious administration of Billy Pitt, and afterwards
+took an island with this same General Denbigh: aye, the old admiral was
+a hearty blade; a good deal such a looking man as my Hector would make."
+
+Hector was Mr. Benfield's bull dog.
+
+"Mercy," whispered John to Clara, "that's your grandfather that is to be
+uncle Benfield is speaking of."
+
+Clara smiled, as she ventured to say, "Sir Peter was Mrs. Ives's father,
+sir."
+
+"Indeed!" said the old gentleman, with a look of surprise, "I never knew
+that before; I cannot say they resemble each other much."
+
+"Pray, uncle, does Frank look much like the family?" asked John, with an
+air of unconquerable gravity.
+
+"But, sir," interrupted Emily, "were General Denbigh and Admiral Howell
+related?"
+
+"Not that I ever knew, Emmy dear. Sir Frederick Denbigh did not look
+much like the admiral; he rather resembled (gathering himself up into an
+air of formality, and bowing stiffly to Colonel Egerton) this gentleman,
+here."
+
+"I have not the honor of the connexion," observed the colonel,
+withdrawing behind the chair of Jane.
+
+Mrs. Wilson changed the conversation to one more general; but the little
+that had fallen from Mr. Benfield gave reason for believing a connexion,
+in some way of which they were ignorant, existed between the descendants
+of the two veterans, and which explained the interest they felt in each
+other.
+
+During dinner, Colonel Egerton placed himself next to Emily, and Miss
+Jarvis took the chair on the other side. He spoke of the gay world, of
+watering-places, novels, plays, and still finding his companion
+reserved, and either unwilling or unable to talk freely, he tried his
+favorite sentiment. He had read poetry, and a remark of his lighted up a
+spark of intelligence in the beautiful face of his companion that for a
+moment deceived him; but as he went on to point out his favorite
+beauties, it gave place to a settled composure, which at last led him to
+imagine the casket contained no gem equal to the promise of its
+brilliant exterior. After resting from one of his most labored displays
+of feeling and imagery, he accidentally caught the eyes of Jane fastened
+on him with an expression of no dubious import, and the soldier changed
+his battery. In Jane he found a more willing auditor; poetry was the
+food she lived on, and in works of the imagination she found her
+greatest delight. An animated discussion of the merits of their favorite
+authors now took place; to renew which, the colonel early left the
+dining-room for the society of the ladies; John, who disliked drinking
+excessively, being happy of an excuse to attend him.
+
+The younger ladies had clustered together round a window and even Emily
+in her heart rejoiced that the gentlemen had come to relieve herself and
+sisters from the arduous task of entertaining women who appeared not to
+possess a single taste or opinion in common with themselves.
+
+"You were saying, Miss Moseley," observed the colonel in his most
+agreeable manner, as he approached them, "you thought Campbell the most
+musical poet we have; I hope you will unite with me in excepting Moore."
+
+Jane colored, as with some awkwardness she replied, "Moore was certainly
+very poetical."
+
+"Has Moore written much?" innocently asked Emily.
+
+"Not half as much as he ought," cried Miss Jarvis. "Oh! I could live on
+his beautiful lines."
+
+Jane turned away in disgust; and that evening, while alone with Clara,
+she took a volume of Moore's songs, and very coolly consigned them to
+the flames. Her sister naturally asked an explanation of so
+extraordinary a procedure.
+
+"Oh!" cried Jane, "I can't abide the book, since that vulgar Miss Jarvis
+speaks of it with so much interest. I really believe aunt Wilson is
+right in not suffering Emily to read such things." And Jane, who had
+often devoured the treacherous lines with ardor, shrank with fastidious
+delicacy from the indulgence of a perverted taste, when it became
+exposed, coupled with the vulgarity of unblushing audacity.
+
+Colonel Egerton immediately changed the subject to one less
+objectionable, and spoke of a campaign he had made in Spain. He
+possessed the happy faculty of giving an interest to all he advanced,
+whether true or not; and as he never contradicted, or even opposed
+unless to yield gracefully, when a lady was his opponent, his
+conversation insensibly attracted, by putting the sex in good humor with
+themselves. Such a man, aided by the powerful assistants of person and
+manners, and no inconsiderable colloquial talents, Mrs. Wilson knew to
+be extremely dangerous as a companion to a youthful female heart; and as
+his visit was to extend to a couple of months, she resolved to
+reconnoitre the state of her pupil's opinion forthwith in reference to
+his merits. She had taken too much pains in forming the mind of Emily to
+apprehend she would fall a victim to the eye; but she also knew that
+personal grace sweetened a benevolent expression, and added force even
+to the oracles of wisdom. She labored a little herself under the
+disadvantage of what John called a didactic manner, and which, although
+she had not the ability, or rather taste, to amend, she had yet the
+sense to discern. It was the great error of Mrs. Wilson to attempt to
+convince, where she might have influenced; but her ardor of temperament,
+and great love of truth, kept her, as it were, tilting with the vices of
+mankind, and consequently sometimes in unprofitable combat. With her
+charge, however, this could never be said to be the case, Emily knew her
+heart, felt her love, and revered her principles too deeply, to throw
+away an admonition, or disregard a precept, that fell from lips she knew
+never spoke idly or without consideration.
+
+John had felt tempted to push the conversation with Miss Jarvis, and he
+was about to utter something rapturous respecting the melodious poison
+of Little's poems, as the blue eye of Emily rested on him in the fulness
+of sisterly affection and checking his love of the ridiculous, he
+quietly yielded to his respect for the innocence of his sisters; and, as
+if eager to draw the attention of all from the hateful subject, he put
+question after question to Egerton concerning the Spaniards and their
+customs.
+
+"Did you ever meet Lord Pendennyss in Spain, Colonel Egerton?" inquired
+Mrs. Wilson, with interest.
+
+"Never, madam," he replied. "I have much reason to regret that our
+service lay in different parts of the country: his lordship was much
+with the duke, and I made the campaign under Marshal Beresford."
+
+Emily left the group at the window, and taking a seat on the sofa by the
+side of her aunt, insensibly led her to forget the gloomy thoughts which
+had begun to steal over her; which the colonel, approaching where they
+sat, continued, by asking--
+
+"Are you acquainted with the earl, madam?"
+
+"Not in person, but by character," said Mrs. Wilson, in a melancholy
+manner.
+
+"His character as a soldier was very high. He had no superior of his
+years in Spain, I am told."
+
+No reply was made to this remark, and Emily endeavored anxiously to draw
+the mind of her aunt to reflections of a more agreeable nature. The
+colonel, whose vigilance to please was ever on the alert, kindly aided
+her, and they soon succeeded.
+
+The merchant withdrew, with his family and guest, in proper season: and
+Mrs. Wilson, heedful of her duty, took the opportunity of a quarter of
+an hour's privacy in her own dressing-room in the evening, to touch
+gently on the subject of the gentlemen they had seen that day.
+
+"How are you pleased, Emily, with your new acquaintances?" familiarly
+commenced Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"Oh! aunt, don't ask me; as John says, they are net indeed."
+
+"I am not sorry," continued the aunt, "to have you observe more closely
+than you have been used to the manners of such women as the Jarvises;
+they are too abrupt and unpleasant to create a dread of any imitation;
+but the gentlemen are heroes in very different styles."
+
+"Different from each other, indeed."
+
+"To which do you give the preference, my dear?"
+
+"Preference, aunt!" said her niece, with a look of astonishment;
+"preference is a strong word for either; but I rather think the captain
+the most eligible companion of the two. I do believe you see the worst
+of him; and although I acknowledge it to be bad enough, he might amend;
+but the colonel"--
+
+"Go on," said Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"Why, everything about the colonel seems so seated, so ingrafted in his
+nature, so--so very self-satisfied, that I am afraid it would be a
+difficult task to take the first step in amendment--to convince him of
+its necessity?
+
+"And is it then so necessary?"
+
+Emily looked up from arranging some laces, with an expression of
+surprise, as he replied:
+
+"Did you not hear him talk of those poems, and attempt to point out the
+beauties of several works? I thought everything he uttered was referred
+to taste, and that not a very natural one; at least," she added with a
+laugh, "it differed greatly from mine. He seemed to forget altogether
+there was such a thing as principle: and then he spoke of some woman to
+Jane, who had left her father for her lover, with so much admiration of
+her feelings, to take up with poverty and love, as he called it, in
+place of condemning her want of filial piety--I am sure, aunt, if you
+had heard that, you would not admire him so much."
+
+"I do not admire him at all, child; I only want to know your sentiments,
+and I am happy to find them so correct. It is as you think; Colonel
+Egerton appears to refer nothing to principle: even the more generous
+feelings I am afraid are corrupted in him, from too low intercourse with
+the surface of society. There is by far too much pliability about him
+for principle of any kind, unless indeed it be a principle to please, no
+matter how. No one, who has deeply seated opinions of right and wrong,
+will ever abandon them, even in the courtesies of polite intercourse:
+they may be silent but never acquiescent: in short, my dear, the dread
+of offending our Maker ought to be so superior to that of offending our
+fellow creatures, that we should endeavor, I believe, to be even more
+unbending to the follies of the world than we are."
+
+"And yet the colonel is what they call a good companion--I mean a
+pleasant one."
+
+"In the ordinary meaning of the words, he is certainly, my dear; yet you
+soon tire of sentiments which will not stand the test of examination,
+and of a manner you cannot but see is artificial. He may do very well
+for a companion, but very ill for a friend; in short, Colonel Egerton
+has neither been satisfied to yield to his natural impressions, nor to
+obtain new ones from a proper source; he has copied from bad models, and
+his work must necessarily be imperfect."
+
+Kissing her niece, Mrs. Wilson then retired into her own room, with the
+happy assurance that she had not labored in vain; but that, with divine
+aid, she had implanted a guide in the bosom of her charge that could not
+fail, with ordinary care, to lead her straight through the devious path
+of female duties.
+
+
+
+Chapter VII.
+
+A month now passed in the ordinary occupations and amusements of a
+country life, during which both Lady Moseley and Jane manifested a
+desire to keep up the deanery acquaintance, that surprised Emily a
+little, who had ever seen her mother shrink from communications with
+those whose breeding subjected her own delicacy, to the little shocks
+she could but ill conceal. In Jane this desire was still more
+inexplicable; for Jane had, in a decided way very common to her, avowed
+her disgust of the manners of their new associates at the commencement
+of the acquaintance; and yet Jane would now even quit her own society
+for that of Miss Jarvis, especially if Colonel Egerton happened to be of
+the party. The innocence of Emily prevented her scanning the motives for
+the conduct of her sister; and she set seriously about an examination
+into her own deportment to find the latent cause, in order, wherever an
+opportunity should offer, to evince her regret, had it been her
+misfortune, to have erred by the tenderness of her own manner.
+
+For a short time the colonel seemed at a loss where to make his choice;
+but a few days determined him, and Jane was evidently the favorite. It
+is true, that in the presence of the Jarvis ladies he was more guarded
+and general in his attentions; but as John, from a motive of charity,
+had taken the direction of the captain's sports into his own hands; and
+as they were in the frequent habit of meeting at the Hall preparatory to
+their morning excursion, the colonel suddenly became a sportsman. The
+ladies would often accompany them in their morning excursions; and as
+John would certainly be a baronet, and the colonel might not if his
+uncle married, he had the comfort of being sometimes ridden, as well as
+of riding.
+
+One morning, having all prepared for an excursion on horseback, as they
+stood at the door ready to mount, Francis Ives drove up in his father's
+gig, and for a moment arrested the party. Francis was a favorite with
+the whole Moseley family, and their greetings were warm and sincere. He
+found they meant to take the rectory in their ride, and insisted that
+they should proceed. "Clara would take a seat with him." As he spoke,
+the cast of his countenance brought the color into the cheeks of his
+intended; she suffered herself, however, to be handed into the vacant
+seat in the gig, and they moved on. John, who was at the bottom good-
+natured, and loved both Francis and Clara very sincerely, soon set
+Captain Jarvis and his sister what he called "scrub racing," and
+necessity, in some measure, compelled the rest of the equestrians to
+hard riding, in order to keep up with the sports.
+
+"That will do, that will do," cried John, casting his eye back, and
+perceiving they had lost sight of the gig, and nearly so of Colonel
+Egerton and Jane, "why you carry it off like a jockey, captain; better
+than any amateur I have ever seen, unless indeed it be your sister."
+
+The lady encouraged by his commendations, whipped on, followed by her
+brother and sister at half speed.
+
+"There, Emily," said John, quietly dropping by her side "I see no reason
+you and I should break our necks, to show the blood of our horses. Now
+do you know I think we are going to have a wedding in the family soon?"
+
+Emily looked at him in amazement.
+
+"Frank has got a living; I saw it the moment he drove up. He came in
+like somebody. Yes, I dare say he has calculated the tithes already a
+dozen times."
+
+John was right. The Earl of Bolton had, unsolicited, given him the
+desired living of his own parish; and Francis was at the moment pressing
+the blushing Clara to fix the day that was to put a period to his long
+probation. Clara, who had not a particle of coquetry about her, promised
+to be his as soon as he was inducted, an event that was to take place
+the following week; and then followed those delightful little
+arrangements and plans with which youthful hope is so fond of filling up
+the void of life.
+
+"Doctor," said John, as he came out of the rectory to assist Clara from
+the gig, "the parson here is a careful driver; see, he has not turned a
+hair."
+
+He kissed the burning cheek of his sister as she touched the ground, and
+whispered significantly.
+
+"You need tell me nothing, my dear--I know all--I consent."
+
+Mrs. Ives folded her future daughter to her bosom; and the benevolent
+smile of the good rector, together with the kind and affectionate manner
+of her sisters, assured Clara the approaching nuptials were anticipated,
+as a matter of course. Colonel Egerton offered his compliments to
+Francis on his preferment to the living, with the polish of high
+breeding, and not without an appearance of interest; and Emily thought
+him for the first time as handsome as he was generally reputed to be.
+The ladies undertook to say something civil in their turn, and John put
+the captain, by a hint, on the same track.
+
+"You are quite lucky, sir," said the captain, "in getting so good a
+living with so little trouble; I wish you joy of it with all my heart:
+Mr. Moseley tells me it is a capital thing now for a gentleman of your
+profession. For my part. I prefer a scarlet coat to a black one, but
+there must be parsons you know, or how should we get married or say
+grace?"
+
+Francis thanked him for his good wishes, and Egerton paid a handsome
+compliment to the liberality of the earl; "he doubted not he found that
+gratification which always attends a disinterested act;" and Jane
+applauded the sentiment with a smile.
+
+The baronet, when he was made acquainted with the situation of affairs,
+promised Francis that no unnecessary delay should intervene, and the
+marriage was happily arranged for the following week. Lady Moseley, when
+she retired to the drawing-room after dinner, commenced a recital of the
+ceremony and company to be invited on the occasion. Etiquette and the
+decencies of life were not only the forte, but the fault of this lady;
+and she had gone on to the enumeration of about the fortieth personage
+in the ceremonials, before Clara found courage to say, that "Mr. Ives
+and myself both wish to be married at the altar, and to proceed to
+Bolton Rectory immediately after the ceremony." To this her mother
+warmly objected; and argument and respectful remonstrance had followed
+each other for some time, before Clara submitted in silence, with
+difficulty restraining her tears. This appeal to the better feelings of
+the mother triumphed; and the love of parade yielded to love of her
+offspring. Clara, with a lightened heart, kissed and thanked her, and
+accompanied by Emily left the room; Jane had risen to follow them, but
+catching a glimpse of the tilbury of Colonel Egerton she reseated
+herself.
+
+He had merely driven over at the earnest entreaties of the ladies to beg
+Miss Jane would accept a seat back with him; "they had some little
+project on foot, and could not proceed without her assistance."
+
+Mrs. Wilson looked gravely at her sister, as she smiled acquiescence to
+his wishes; and the daughter, who but the minute before had forgotten
+there was any other person in the world but Clara, flew for her hat and
+shawl, in order, as he said to herself, that the politeness of Colonel
+Egerton might not keep him waiting. Lady Moseley resumed her seat by the
+side of her sister with an air of great complacency, as she returned
+from the window, after having seen her daughter off. For some time each
+was occupied quietly with her needle, when Mrs. Wilson suddenly broke
+the silence by saying:
+
+"Who is Colonel Egerton?"
+
+Lady Moseley looked up for a moment in amazement, but recollecting
+herself, answered,
+
+"The nephew and heir of Sir Edgar Egerton, sister."
+
+This was spoken in a rather positive way, as if it were unanswerable;
+yet as there was nothing harsh in the reply, Mrs. Wilson continued,
+
+"Do you not think him attentive to Jane?"
+
+Pleasure sparkled in the still brilliant eyes of Lady Moseley, as she
+exclaimed--
+
+"Do you think so?"
+
+"I do; and you will pardon me if I say improperly so. I think you were
+wrong in suffering Jane to go with him this afternoon."
+
+"Why improperly, Charlotte? If Colonel Egerton is polite enough to show
+Jane such attentions, should I not be wrong in rudely rejecting them?"
+
+"The rudeness of refusing a request that is improper to grant is a very
+venial offence. I confess I think it improper to allow any attentions to
+be forced on us that may subject us to disagreeable consequences; but
+the attentions of Colonel Egerton are becoming marked, Anne."
+
+"Do you for a moment doubt their being honorable, or that he dares to
+trifle with a daughter of Sir Edward Moseley?"
+
+"I should hope not, certainly, although it may be well to guard even
+against such a misfortune. But I am of opinion it is quite as important
+to know whether he is worthy to be her husband as it is to know that he
+is in a situation to become so."
+
+"On what points, Charlotte, would you wish to be more assured? You know
+his birth and probable fortune--you see his manners and disposition; but
+these latter are things for Jane to decide on; she is to live with him,
+and it is proper she should be suited in these respects."
+
+"I do not deny his fortune or his disposition, but I complain that we
+give him credit for the last, and for still more important requisites,
+without evidence of his possessing any of them. His principles, his
+habits, his very character, what do we know of them? I say we, for you
+know, Anne, your children are as dear to me as my own would have been."
+
+"I believe you sincerely, but the things you mention are points for Jane
+to decide on. If she be pleased, I have no right to complain. I am
+determined never to control the affections of my children."
+
+"Had you said, never to force the affections of your children, you would
+have said enough, Anne; but to control, or rather to guide the
+affections of a child, especially a daughter, is, in some cases, a duty
+as imperative as it would be to avert any other impending calamity.
+Surely the proper time to do this is before the affections of the child
+are likely to endanger her peace of mind."
+
+"I have seldom seen much good result from the interference of parents,"
+said Lady Moseley, a little pertinaciously.
+
+"True; for to be of use, unless in extraordinary cases, it should not be
+seen. You will pardon me, Anne, but I have often thought parents are too
+often in extremes--determined to make the election for their children,
+or leaving them entirely to their own vanity and inexperience, to govern
+not only their own lives, but, I may say, to leave an impression on
+future generations. And, after all, what is this love? In nineteen cases
+in twenty of what we call affairs of the heart, it would be better to
+term them affairs of the imagination."
+
+"And is there not a great deal of imagination in all love?" inquired
+Lady Moseley, smiling.
+
+"Undoubtedly, there is some; but there is one important difference: in
+affairs of the imagination, the admired object is gifted with all those
+qualities we esteem, as a matter of course, and there is a certain set
+of females who are ever ready to bestow this admiration on any applicant
+for their favors who may not be strikingly objectionable. The necessity
+of being courted makes our sex rather too much disposed to admire
+improper suitors."
+
+"But how do you distinguish affairs of the heart, Charlotte, from those
+of the fancy?"
+
+"When the heart takes the lead, it is not difficult to detect it. Such
+sentiments generally follow long intercourse, and opportunities of
+judging the real character. They are the only attachments that are
+likely to stand the test of worldly trials."
+
+"Suppose Emily to be the object of Colonel Egerton's pursuit, then,
+sister, in what manner would you proceed to destroy the influence I
+acknowledge he is gaining over Jane?"
+
+"I cannot suppose such a case," said Mrs. Wilson, gravely; and then,
+observing that her sister looked as if she required an explanation, she
+continued--
+
+"My attention has been directed to the forming of such principles, and
+such a taste, if I may use the expression, under those principles, that
+I feel no apprehension Emily will ever allow her affections to be
+ensnared by a man of the opinions and views of Colonel Egerton. I am
+impressed with a twofold duty in watching the feelings of my charge. She
+has so much singleness of heart, such real strength of native feeling,
+that, should an improper man gain possession of her affections, the
+struggle between her duty and her love would be weighty indeed; and
+should it proceed so far as to make it her duty to love an unworthy
+object, I am sure she would sink under it. Emily would die in the same
+circumstances under which Jane would only awake from a dream, and be
+wretched."
+
+"I thought you entertained a better opinion of Jane, sister," said Lady
+Moseley, reproachfully.
+
+"I think her admirably calculated to make an invaluable wife and mother;
+but she is so much under the influence of her fancy, that she seldom
+gives her heart an opportunity of displaying its excellences; and again,
+she dwells so much upon imaginary perfections, that adulation has become
+necessary to her. The man who flatters her delicately will be sure to
+win her esteem; and every woman might love the being possessed of the
+qualities she will not fail to endow him with."
+
+"I do not know that I rightly understand how you would avert all these
+sad consequences of improvident affections?" said Lady Moseley.
+
+"Prevention is better than cure--I would first implant such opinions as
+would lessen the danger of intercourse; and as for particular attentions
+from improper objects, it should be my care to prevent them, by
+prohibiting, or rather impeding, the intimacy which might give rise to
+them. And least of all," said Mrs. Wilson, with a friendly smile, as she
+rose to leave the room, "would I suffer a fear of being impolite to
+endanger the happiness of a young woman intrusted to my care."
+
+
+
+Chapter
+VIII.
+
+Francis, who labored with the ardor of a lover, soon completed the
+necessary arrangements and alterations in his new parsonage. The living
+was a good one, and as the rector was enabled to make a very
+considerable annual allowance from the private fortune his wife had
+brought him, and as Sir Edward had twenty thousand pounds in the funds
+for each of his daughters, one portion of which was immediately settled
+on Clara, the youthful couple had not only a sufficient, but an abundant
+provision for their station in life; and they entered on their
+matrimonial duties with as good a prospect of happiness as the ills of
+this world can give to health, affection, and competency. Their union
+had been deferred by Dr. Ives until his son was established, with a view
+to keep him under his own direction during the critical period of his
+first impressions in the priesthood; and as no objection now remained,
+or rather, the only one he ever felt was removed by the proximity of
+Bolton to his own parish, he now joyfully united the lovers at the altar
+of the village church, in the presence of his wife and Clara's immediate
+relatives. On leaving the church Francis handed his bride into his own
+carriage, which conveyed them to their new residence, amidst the good
+wishes of his parishioners, and the prayers of their relatives and
+friends. Dr. and Mrs. Ives retired to the rectory, to the sober
+enjoyment of the felicity of their only child; while the baronet and his
+lady felt a gloom that belied all the wishes of the latter for the
+establishment of her daughters. Jane and Emily acted as bridesmaids to
+their sister, and as both the former and her mother had insisted there
+should be two groomsmen as a counterpoise, John was empowered with a
+carte-blanche to make a provision accordingly. At first he intimated his
+intention of calling on Mr. Benfield, but he finally settled down, to
+the no small mortification of the before-mentioned ladies, into writing
+a note to his kinsman, Lord Chatterton, whose residence was then in
+London, and who in reply, after expressing his sincere regret that an
+accident would prevent his having the pleasure of attending, stated the
+intention of his mother and two sisters to pay them an early visit of
+congratulation, as soon as his own health would allow of his travelling.
+This answer arrived only the day preceding that fixed for the wedding,
+and at the very moment they were expecting his lordship in proper
+person.
+
+"There," cried Jane, in triumph, "I told you it was silly to send so far
+on so sudden an occasion; now, after all, what is to be done--it will be
+so awkward when Clara's friends call to see her--Oh! John, John, you are
+a Marplot."
+
+"Jenny, Jenny, you are a make-plot," said John, coolly taking up his hat
+to leave the room.
+
+"Which way, my son?" said the baronet, who met him at the door.
+
+"To the deanery, sir, to try to get Captain Jarvis to act as bridesmaid-
+-I beg his pardon, groomsman, to-morrow--Chatterton has been thrown from
+a horse and can't come.''
+
+"John!"
+
+"Jenny!"
+
+"I am sure," said Jane, indignation glowing in her pretty face, "that if
+Captain Jarvis is to be an attendant, Clara must excuse my acting. I do
+not choose to be associated with Captain Jarvis."
+
+"John," said his mother, with dignity, "your trifling is unseasonable;
+certainly Colonel Egerton is a more fitting person on every account, and
+I desire, under present circumstances, that you ask the colonel."
+
+"Your ladyship's wishes are orders to me," said John, gaily kissing his
+hand as he left the room.
+
+The colonel was but too happy in having it in his power to be of service
+in any manner to a gentleman he respected as much as Mr. Francis Ives.
+He accepted the duty, and was the only person present at the ceremony
+who did not stand within the bonds of consanguinity to the parties. He
+was invited by the baronet to dine at the hall, as a matter of course,
+and notwithstanding the repeated injunctions of Mrs. Jarvis and her
+daughters, to return immediately with an account of the dress of the
+bride, and with other important items of a similar nature, the
+invitation was accepted. On reaching the hall, Emily retired immediately
+to her own room, and at her reappearance when the dinner bell rang, the
+paleness of her cheeks and the redness of her eyes afforded sufficient
+proof that the translation of a companion from her own to another family
+was an event, however happy in itself, not unmingled with grief. The
+day, however, passed off tolerably well for people who are expected to
+be premeditatedly happy, and when, in their hearts, they are really more
+disposed to weep than to laugh. Jane and the colonel had most of the
+conversation to themselves during dinner: even the joyous and
+thoughtless John wearing his gaiety in a less graceful manner than
+usual. He was actually detected by his aunt in looking with moistened
+eyes at the vacant chair a servant had, from habit, placed at the table,
+in the spot where Clara had been accustomed to sit.
+
+"This beef is not done, Saunders," said the baronet to his butler, "or
+my appetite is not as good as usual to-day. Colonel Egerton, will you
+allow me the pleasure of a glass of sherry?"
+
+The wine was drunk, and the game succeeded the beef; but still Sir
+Edward could not eat.
+
+"How glad Clara will be to see us all the day after to-morrow," said
+Mrs. Wilson; "your new housekeepers delight in their first efforts in
+entertaining their friends."
+
+Lady Moseley smiled through her tears, and turning to her husband said,
+"We will go early, my dear, that we may see the improvements Francis has
+been making before we dine." The baronet nodded assent, but his heart
+was too full to speak; and apologizing to the colonel for his absence,
+on the plea of some business with his people, he left the room.
+
+All this time, the attentions of Colonel Egerton to both mother and
+daughter were of the most delicate kind. He spoke of Clara as if his
+office of groomsman entitled him to an interest in her welfare; with
+John he was kind and sociable; and even Mrs. Wilson acknowledged, after
+he had taken his leave, that he possessed a wonderful faculty of making
+himself agreeable, and she began to think that, under all circumstances,
+he might possibly prove as advantageous a connexion as Jane could expect
+to form. Had any one, however, proposed him as a husband for Emily,
+affection would have quickened her judgment in a way that would have
+urged her to a very different decision.
+
+Soon after the baronet left the room, a travelling carriage, with
+suitable attendants, drove to the door; the sound of the wheels drew
+most of the company to a window. "A baron's coronet!" cried Jane,
+catching a glimpse of the ornaments of the harness.
+
+"The Chattertons," echoed her brother, running out of the room to meet
+them.
+
+The mother of Sir Edward was a daughter of this family, and the sister
+of the grandfather of the present lord. The connexion had always been
+kept up with a show of cordiality between Sir Edward and his cousin,
+although their manner of living and habits were very different. The
+baron was a courtier and a placeman. His estates, which he could not
+alienate, produced about ten thousand a year, but the income he could
+and did spend; and the high perquisites of his situation under
+government, amounting to as much more were melted away year after year,
+without making the provision for his daughters that his duty and the
+observance of his promise to his wife's father required at his hands. He
+had been dead about two years, and his son found himself saddled with
+the support of an unjointured mother and unportioned sisters. Money was
+not the idol the young lord worshipped, nor even pleasure. He was
+affectionate to his surviving parent, and his first act was to settle,
+during his own life, two thousand a year on her, while he commenced
+setting aside as much more for each of his sisters annually. This
+abridged him greatly in his own expenditures; yet, as they made but one
+family, and the dowager was really a managing woman in more senses than
+one, they made a very tolerable figure. The son was anxious to follow
+the example of Sir Edward Moseley, and give up his town house, for at
+least a time; but his mother had exclaimed, with something like horror,
+at the proposal:
+
+"Chatterton, would you give it up at the moment it can be of the most
+use to us?" and she threw a glance at her daughters that would have
+discovered her motive to Mrs Wilson, which was lost on her son; he, poor
+soul, thinking she found it convenient to support the interest he had
+been making for the place held by his father one of more emolument than
+service, or even honor. The contending parties were so equally matched,
+that this situation was kept, as it were, in abeyance, waiting the
+arrival of some acquisition of interest to one or other of the
+claimants. The interest of the peer, however, had begun to lose ground
+at the period of which we speak, and his careful mother saw new motives
+for activity in providing for her children. Mrs. Wilson herself could
+not be more vigilant in examining the candidates for Emily's favors than
+was the dowager Lady Chatterton in behalf of her daughter. It is true,
+the task of the former lady was by far the most arduous, for it involved
+a study of character and development of principle; while that of the
+latter would have ended with the footing of a rent-roll, provided it
+contained five figures. Sir Edward's was well known to contain that
+number, and two of them were not ciphers. Mr. Benfield was rich, and
+John Moseley was a very agreeable young man. Weddings are the season of
+love, thought the prudent dowager, and Grace is extremely pretty.
+Chatterton, who never refused his mother anything in his power to grant,
+and who was particularly dutiful when a visit to Moseley Hall was in
+question, suffered himself to be persuaded his shoulder was well, and
+they had left town the day before the wedding, thinking to be in time
+for all the gaieties, if not for the ceremony itself.
+
+There existed but little similarity between the persons and manners of
+this young nobleman and the baronet's heir. The beauty of Chatterton was
+almost feminine; his skin, his color, his eyes, his teeth, were such as
+many a belle had sighed after; and his manners were bashful and
+retiring. Yet an intimacy had commenced between the boys at school,
+which ripened into friendship between the young men at college, and had
+been maintained ever since, probably as much from the contrarieties of
+character as from any other cause. With the baron, John was more sedate
+than ordinary; with John, Chatterton found unusual animation. But a
+secret charm which John held over the young peer was his profound
+respect and unvarying affection for his youngest sister, Emily. This was
+common ground; and no dreams of future happiness, no visions of dawning
+wealth, crossed the imagination of Chatterton in which Emily was not the
+fairy to give birth to the one, or the benevolent dispenser of the
+hoards of the other.
+
+The arrival of this family was a happy relief from the oppression which
+hung on the spirits of the Moseleys, and their reception marked with the
+mild benevolence which belonged to the nature of the baronet, and that
+impressement which so eminently distinguished the manners of his wife.
+
+The honorable Misses Chatterton were both handsome; but the younger was,
+if possible, a softened picture of her brother. There was the same
+retiring bashfulness and the same sweetness of temper as distinguished
+the baron, and Grace was the peculiar favorite of Emily Moseley. Nothing
+of the strained or sentimental nature which so often characterize what
+is called female friendships, however, had crept into the communications
+between these young women. Emily loved her sisters too well to go out of
+her own family for a repository of her griefs or a partaker in her joys.
+Had her life been chequered with such passions, her own sisters were too
+near her own age to suffer her to think of a confidence in which the
+holy ties of natural affection did not give a claim to a participation.
+Mrs. Wilson had found it necessary to give her charge very different
+views on many subjects from those which Jane and Clara had been suffered
+to imbibe of themselves; but in no degree had she impaired the
+obligations of filial piety or family concord. Emily was, if anything,
+more respectful to her parents, more affectionate to her friends, than
+any of her connexions; for in her the warmth of natural feeling was
+heightened by an unvarying sense of duty.
+
+In Grace Chatterton she found, in many respects, a temper and taste
+resembling her own. She therefore loved her better than others who had
+equally general claims on her partiality, and as such a friend she now
+received her with cordial and sincere affection.
+
+Jane, who had not felt satisfied with the ordering of Providence for the
+disposal of her sympathies, and had long felt a restlessness that
+prompted her to look abroad for a confiding spirit to whom to
+communicate her--secrets she had none that delicacy would suffer her to
+reveal--but to communicate her crude opinions and reflections, she had
+early selected Catherine for this person. Catherine, however, had not
+stood the test of trial. For a short time the love of heraldry kept them
+together; but Jane, finding her companion's gusto limited to the charms
+of the coronet and supporters chiefly, abandoned the attempt in despair,
+and was actually on the look-out for a new candidate for the vacant
+station as Colonel Egerton came into the neighborhood. A really delicate
+female mind shrinks from the exposure of its love to the other sex, and
+Jane began to be less anxious to form a connexion which would either
+violate the sensibility of her nature, or lead to treachery to her
+friend.
+
+"I regret extremely, Lady Moseley," said the dowager, as they entered
+the drawing-room, "that the accident which befel Chatterton should have
+kept us until it was too late for the ceremony: we made it a point to
+hasten with our congratulations, however, as soon as Astley Cooper
+thought it safe for him to travel."
+
+"I feel indebted for your kindness," replied the smiling hostess. "We
+are always happy to have our friends around us, and none more than
+yourself and family. We were fortunate in finding a friend to supply
+your son's place, in order that the young people might go to the altar
+in a proper manner. Lady Chatterton, allow me to present our friend,
+Colonel Egerton"--adding, in a low tone, and with a little emphasis,--
+"heir to Sir Edgar."
+
+The colonel bowed gracefully, and the dowager dropped a hasty courtesy
+at the commencement of the speech; but lower bend followed the closing
+remark, and a glance of the eye was thrown in quest of her daughters, as
+if she instinctively wished to bring them into what the sailors term
+"the line of battle."
+
+
+
+Chapter IX.
+
+The following morning, Emily and Grace, declining the invitation to join
+the colonel and John in their usual rides, walked to the rectory,
+accompanied by Mrs. Wilson and Chatterton. The ladies felt a desire to
+witness the happiness that they so well knew reigned in the rectory, for
+Francis had promised his father to drive Clara over in the course of the
+day. Emily longed to see Clara, from whom it appeared that she had been
+already separated a month. Her impatience as they approached the house
+hurried her ahead of her companions, who waited the more sober gait of
+Mrs. Wilson. She entered the parlor at the rectory without meeting any
+one, glowing with exercise, her hair falling over her shoulders,
+released from the confinement of the hat she had thrown down hastily as
+she reached the door. In the room there stood a gentleman in deep black,
+with his back towards the entrance, intent on a book, and she naturally
+concluded it was Francis.
+
+"Where is dear Clara, Frank?" cried the beautiful girl, faying her hand
+affectionately on his shoulder.
+
+The gentleman turned suddenly, and presented to her astonished gaze the
+well remembered countenance of the young man whose parent's death was
+not likely to be forgotten at B----.
+
+"I thought, sir," said Emily, almost sinking with confusion, "that Mr.
+Francis Ives--"
+
+"Your brother 'has not yet arrived, Miss Moseley," simply replied the
+stranger, who felt for her embarrassment. "But I will immediately
+acquaint Mrs. Ives with your visit." Bowing, he delicately left the
+room.
+
+Emily, who felt greatly relieved by his manner, immediately confined her
+hair in its proper bounds, and had recovered her composure by the time
+her aunt and friends joined her. She had not time to mention the
+incident, and laughed at her own precipitation, when the rector's wife
+came into the room.
+
+Chatterton and his sister were both known to Mrs. Ives, and both were
+favorites. She was pleased to see them, and after reproaching the
+brother with compelling her son to ask a favor of a comparative
+stranger, she turned to Emily, and smilingly said--
+
+"You found the parlor occupied, I believe?"
+
+"Yes," said Emily, laughing and blushing, "I suppose Mr. Denbigh told
+you of my heedlessness."
+
+"He told me of your attention in calling so soon to inquire after Clara,
+but said nothing more"--a servant just then telling her Francis wished
+to see her, she excused herself and withdrew. In the door she met Mr.
+Denbigh, who made way for her, saying, "your son has arrived, ma'am,"
+and in an easy but respectful manner he took his place with the guests,
+no introduction passing, and none seeming necessary. His misfortunes
+appeared to have made him acquainted with Mrs. Wilson, and his
+strikingly ingenuous manner won insensibly on the confidence of those
+who heard him. Everything was natural, yet everything was softened by
+education; and the little party in the rector's parlor in fifteen
+minutes felt as if they had known him for years. The doctor and his son
+now joined them. Clara had not come, but she was looking forward in
+delightful expectation of to-morrow, and wished greatly for Emily as a
+guest at the new abode. This pleasure Mrs. Wilson promised she should
+have as soon as they had got over the hurry of their visit; "our
+friends," she added, turning to Grace, "will overlook the nicer
+punctilios of ceremony, where sisterly regard calls for the discharge of
+more important duties. Clara needs the society of Emily just now."
+
+"Certainly," said Grace, mildly; "I hope no useless ceremony on the part
+of Emily would prevent her manifesting natural attachment to her sister-
+-I should feel hurt at her not entertaining a better opinion of us than
+to suppose so for a moment."
+
+"This, young ladies, is the real feeling to keep alive esteem," cried
+the doctor, gaily: "go on, and say and do nothing of which either can
+disapprove, when tried by the standard of duty, and you need never be
+afraid of losing a friend that is worth keeping."
+
+It was three o'clock before the carriage of Mrs. Wilson arrived at the
+rectory; and the time stole away insensibly in free and friendly
+communications. Denbigh had joined modestly, and with the degree of
+interest a stranger might be supposed to feel, in the occurrences of a
+circle to which he was nearly a stranger; there was at times a slight
+display of awkwardness, however, about both him and Mrs. Ives, for which
+Mrs. Wilson easily accounted by recollections of his recent loss and the
+scene they had all witnessed in that very room. This embarrassment
+escaped the notice of the rest of the party. On the arrival of the
+carriage, Mrs. Wilson took her leave.
+
+"I like this Mr. Denbigh greatly," said Lord Chatterton, as they drove
+from the door; "there is something strikingly natural and winning in his
+manner."
+
+"In his matter too, judging of the little we have seen of him," replied
+Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"Who is he, ma'am?"
+
+"I rather suspect he is someway related to Mrs. Ives; her staying from
+Bolton to-day must be owing to Mr. Denbigh, and as the doctor has just
+gone he must be near enough to them to be neither wholly neglected nor
+yet a tax upon their politeness. I rather wonder he did not go with
+them."
+
+"I heard him tell Francis," remarked Emily, "that he could not think of
+intruding, and he insisted on Mrs. Ives's going, but she had employments
+to keep her at home."
+
+The carriage soon reached an angle in the road where the highways
+between Bolton Castle and Moseley Hall intersected each other, at a
+point on the estate of the former. Mrs. Wilson stopped a moment to
+inquire after an aged pensioner, who had lately met with a loss in
+business, which she was fearful must have greatly distressed him. In
+crossing a ford in the little river between his cottage and the market-
+town, the stream, which had been swollen unexpectedly higher than usual
+by heavy rains, had swept away his horse and cart loaded with the entire
+produce of his small field, and with much difficulty he had saved even
+his own life. Mrs. Wilson had not had it in her power until this moment
+to inquire particularly into the affair, or to offer the relief she was
+ever ready to bestow on proper objects. Contrary to her expectations,
+she found Humphreys in high spirits, showing his delighted grand-
+children a new cart and horse which stood at the door, and exultingly
+pointing out the excellent qualities of both. He ceased talking on the
+approach of the party, and at the request of his ancient benefactress he
+gave a particular account of the affair.
+
+"And where did you get this new cart and horse, Humphreys?" inquired
+Mrs. Wilson, when he had ended.
+
+"Oh, madam, I went up to the castle to see the steward, and Mr. Martin
+just mentioned my loss to Lord Pendennyss, ma'am, and my lord ordered me
+this cart, ma'am, and this noble horse, and twenty golden guineas into
+the bargain to put me on my legs again--God bless him for it, for ever!"
+
+"It was very kind of his lordship, indeed," said Mrs. Wilson,
+thoughtfully: "I did not know he was at the castle."
+
+"He's gone, already, madam; the servants told me that he just called to
+see the earl, on his way to Lon'on; but finding he'd went a few days
+agone to Ireland my lord went for Lon'on, without stopping the night
+even. Ah! madam," continued the old man, who stood leaning on a stick,
+with his hat in his hand, "he's a great blessing to the poor; his
+servants say he gives thousands every year to the poor who are in want--
+he is main rich, too; some people say, much richer and more great like
+than the earl himself. I'm sure I have need to bless him every day of my
+life."
+
+Mrs. Wilson smiled mournfully as she wished Humphreys good day and put
+up her purse, finding the old man so well provided for; a display or
+competition in charity never entering into her system of benevolence.
+
+"His lordship is munificent in his bounty," said Emily, as they drove
+from the door.
+
+"Does it not savor of thoughtlessness to bestow so much where he can
+know so little?" Lord Chatterton ventured to inquire.
+
+"He is," replied Mrs. Wilson, "as old Humphrey says, main rich; but the
+son of the old man and the father of these children is a soldier in the
+----th dragoons, of which the earl is colonel, and that accounts to me
+for his liberality," recollecting, with a sigh, the feelings which had
+drawn her out of the usual circle of her charities in the case of the
+same man.
+
+"Did you ever see Lord Pendennyss, aunt?"
+
+"Never, my dear; he has been much abroad, but my letters were filled
+with his praises, and I confess my disappointment is great in not seeing
+him on this visit to Lord Bolton who is his relation; but," fixing her
+eyes thoughtfully on her niece, "we shall meet in London this winter, I
+trust."
+
+As she spoke a cloud passed over her features, and she continued much
+absorbed in thought for the remainder of their drive.
+
+General Wilson had been a cavalry officer, and he commanded the very
+regiment now held by Lord Pendennyss. In an excursion near the British
+camp he had been rescued from captivity, if not from death, by a gallant
+and timely interference of this young nobleman, then in command of a
+troop in the same corps. He had mentioned the occurrence to his wife in
+his letters, and from that day his correspondence was filled with the
+praises of the bravery and goodness to the soldiery of his young
+comrade. When he fell he had been supported from the field by, and he
+actually died in the arms of the young peer. A letter announcing his
+death had been received by his widow from the earl himself, and the
+tender and affectionate manner in which he spoke of her husband had
+taken a deep hold on her affections. All the circumstances together
+threw an interest around him that had made Mrs. Wilson almost entertain
+the romantic wish he might be found worthy and disposed to solicit the
+hand of Emily. Her anxious inquiries into his character had been
+attended with such answers as flattered her wishes; but the military
+duties of the earl or his private affairs had never allowed a meeting;
+and she was now compelled to look forward to what John laughingly termed
+their winter campaign, as the only probable place where she could be
+gratified with the sight of a young man to whom she owed so much, and
+whose name was connected with some of the most tender though most
+melancholy recollections of her life.
+
+Colonel Egerton, who now appeared to be almost domesticated in the
+family, was again of the party at dinner, to the no small satisfaction
+of the dowager, who from proper inquiries in the course of the day had
+learned that Sir Edgar's heir was likely to have the necessary number of
+figures in the sum total of his rental. While sitting in the drawing-
+room that afternoon she made an attempt to bring her eldest daughter and
+the elegant soldier together over a chess-board; a game the young lady
+had been required to learn because it was one at which a gentleman could
+be kept longer than any other without having his attention drawn away by
+any of those straggling charms which might be travelling a drawing-room
+"seeking whom they may devour." It was also a game admirably suited to
+the display of a beautiful hand and arm. But the mother had for a long
+time been puzzled to discover a way of bringing in the foot also, the
+young lady being particularly remarkable for the beauty of that portion
+of the frame. In vain her daughter hinted at dancing, an amusement of
+which she was passionately fond. The wary mother knew too well the
+effects of concentrated force to listen to the suggestion: dancing might
+do for every manager, but she prided herself in acting en masse, like
+Napoleon, whose tactics consisted in overwhelming by uniting his forces
+on a given point. After many experiments in her own person she
+endeavored to improve Catharine's manner of sitting, and by dint of
+twisting and turning she contrived that her pretty foot and ankle should
+be thrown forward in a way that the eye dropping from the move, should
+unavoidably rest on this beauteous object; giving, as it were, a Scylla
+and Charybdis to her daughter's charms.
+
+John Moseley was the first person on whom she undertook to try the
+effect of her invention; and after comfortably seating the parties she
+withdrew to a little distance to watch the effect.
+
+"Check to your king, Miss Chatterton," cried John, early in the game--
+and the young lady thrust out her foot. "Check to your king, Mr.
+Moseley," echoed the damsel, and John's eyes wandered from hand to foot
+and foot to hand. "Check king and queen, sir."--"Check-mate."--"Did you
+speak?" said John. Looking up he caught the eye of the dowager fixed on
+him in triumph--"Oh, ho," said the young man, internally, "Mother
+Chatterton, are you playing too?" and, coolly taking up his hat, he
+walked off, nor could they ever get him seated at the game again.
+
+"You beat me too easily, Miss Chatterton," he would say when pressed to
+play, "before I have time to look up it's check-mate--excuse me."
+
+The dowager next settled down into a more covert attack through Grace;
+but here she had two to contend with: her own forces rebelled, and the
+war had been protracted to the present hour with varied success, and at
+least without any material captures, on one side.
+
+Colonel Egerton entered on the duties of his dangerous undertaking with
+the indifference of foolhardiness. The game was played with tolerable
+ability by both parties; but no emotions, no absence of mind could be
+discovered on the part of the gentleman. Feet and hands were in motion;
+still the colonel played as well as usual; he had answers for all Jane's
+questions, and smiles for his partner; but no check-mate could she
+obtain, until wilfully throwing away an advantage he suffered the lady
+to win the game. The dowager was satisfied nothing could be done with
+the colonel.
+
+
+
+Chapter X.
+
+The first carriages that rolled over the lawn to Bolton parsonage, on
+the succeeding day, were those of the baronet and his sister; the latter
+in advance.
+
+"There, Francis," cried Emily, who was impatiently waiting for him to
+remove some slight obstruction to her alighting, "thank you, thank you;
+that will do."
+
+In the next moment she was in the extended arms of Clara. After pressing
+each other to their bosoms for a few moments in silence, Emily looked
+up, with a tear glistening in her eye, and first noticed the form of
+Denbigh, who was modestly withdrawing, as if unwilling to intrude on
+such pure and domestic feelings as the sisters were betraying,
+unconscious of the presence of a witness. Mrs. Wilson and Jane, followed
+by Miss Chatterton, now entered, and cordial salutes and greetings
+flowed upon Clara from her various friends.
+
+The baronet's coach reached the door; it contained himself and wife, Mr.
+Benfield, and Lady Chatterton. Clara stood on the portico of the
+building, ready to receive them; her face all smiles, and tears, and
+blushes, and her arm locked in that of Emily.
+
+"I wish you joy of your new abode, Mrs. Francis." Lady Moseley forgot
+her form, and bursting into tears, she pressed her daughter with ardor
+to her bosom.
+
+"Clara, my love!" said the baronet, hastily wiping his eyes, and
+succeeding his wife in the embrace of their child. He kissed her, and,
+pressing Francis by the hand, walked into the house in silence.
+
+"Well, well," cried the dowager, as she saluted her cousin, "all looks
+comfortable and genteel here, upon my word, Mrs. Ives: grapery--hot-
+houses--everything in good style too; and Sir Edward tells me the living
+is worth a good five hundred a year."
+
+"So, girl, I suppose you expect a kiss," said Mr. Benfield who ascended
+the steps slowly, and with difficulty. "Kissing has gone much out of
+fashion lately. I remember, on the marriage of my friend, Lord Gosford,
+in the year fifty-eight, that all the maids and attendants were properly
+saluted in order. The lady Juliana was quite young then; not more than
+fifteen: it was there I got my first salute from her--but--so--kiss me."
+After which he continued, as they went into the house, "Marrying in that
+day was a serious business. You might visit a lady a dozen times before
+you could get a sight of her naked hand. Who's that?" stopping short,
+and looking earnestly at Denbigh, who now approached them.
+
+"Mr. Denbigh, sir," said Clara, "my uncle, Mr. Benfield."
+
+"Did you ever know, sir, a gentleman of your name, who sat in the
+parliament of this realm in the year sixty?" Mr. Benfield abruptly
+asked, as soon as the civilities of the introduction were exchanged.
+"You don't look much like him."
+
+"That was rather before my day, sir," said Denbigh, with a smile,
+respectfully offering to relieve Clara, who supported him on one side,
+while Emily held his arm on the other.
+
+The old gentleman was particularly averse to strangers, and Emily was in
+terror lest he should say something rude; but, after examining Denbigh
+again from head to foot, he took the offered arm, and coolly replied--
+
+"True; very true; that was sixty years ago; you can hardly recollect as
+long. Ah! Mr. Denbigh, times are sadly altered since my youth. People
+who were then glad to ride on a pillion now drive their coaches; men who
+thought ale a luxury, drink their port; aye! and those who went barefoot
+must have their shoes and stockings, too. Luxury, sir, and the love of
+ease, will ruin this mighty empire. Corruption has taken hold of
+everything; the ministry buy the members, the members buy the ministry;
+everything is bought and sold. Now, sir, in the parliament in which I
+had the honor of a seat, there was a knot of us, as upright as posts,
+sir. My Lord Gosford was one, and General Denbigh was another, although
+I can't say he was much a favorite with me. You do not look in the least
+like him. How was he related to you, sir?"
+
+"He was my grandfather," replied Denbigh, looking pleasantly at Emily,
+as if to tell her he understood the character of her uncle.
+
+Had the old man continued his speech an hour longer, Denbigh would not
+have complained. They had stopped while talking, and he thus became
+confronted with the beautiful figure that supported the other arm.
+Denbigh contemplated in admiration the varying countenance which now
+blushed with apprehension, and now smiled in affection, or even with an
+archer expression, as her uncle proceeded in his harangue on the times.
+But all felicity in this world has an end, as well as misery. Denbigh
+retained the recollection of that speech long after Mr. Benfield was
+comfortably seated in the parlor, though for his life he could not
+recollect a word he had said.
+
+The Haughtons, the Jarvises, and a few more of their intimate
+acquaintances, arrived, and the parsonage had a busy air; but John, who
+had undertaken to drive Grace Chatterton in his own phaeton, was yet
+absent. Some little anxiety had begun to be manifested, when he
+appeared, dashing through the gates at a great rate, and with the skill
+of a member of the four-in-hand.
+
+Lady Chatterton had begun to be seriously uneasy, and she was about to
+speak to her son to go in quest of them, as they came in sight; but now
+her fears vanished, and she could only suppose that a desire to have
+Grace alone could keep one who had the reputation of a Jehu so much
+behind the rest of the party. She met them in great spirits, crying,
+
+"Upon my word, Mr. Moseley, I began to think you had taken the road to
+Scotland, you stayed so long."
+
+"Your daughter, my Lady Chatterton," said John, pithily, "would go to
+Scotland neither with me nor any other man, or I am greatly deceived in
+her character. Clara, my sister, how do you do?" He saluted the bride
+with great warmth and affection.
+
+"But what detained you, Moseley?" inquired the mother.
+
+"One of the horses was restive, and he broke the harness. We merely
+stopped in the village while it was mended."
+
+"And how did Grace behave?" asked Emily, laughing.
+
+"Oh, a thousand times better than you would, sister; as she always does,
+and like an angel."
+
+The only point in dispute between Emily and her brother was her want of
+faith in his driving; while poor Grace, naturally timid, and unwilling
+to oppose any one, particularly the gentleman who then held the reins,
+had governed herself sufficiently to be silent and motionless. Indeed,
+she could hardly do otherwise had she wished it, so great was his
+impetuosity of character; and John felt flattered to a degree of which
+he was himself unconscious. Self-complacency, aided by the merit, the
+beauty, and the delicacy of the young lady herself, might have led to
+the very results her mother so anxiously wished to produce, had that
+mother been satisfied with letting things take their course. But
+managers very generally overdo their work.
+
+"Grace is a good girl," said her gratified mother; "and you found her
+very valiant, Mr. Moseley?"
+
+"Oh, as brave as Cæsar," answered John, carelessly, in a way that was
+not quite free from irony.
+
+Grace, whose burning cheek showed but too plainly that praise from John
+Moseley was an incense too powerful for her resistance, now sank back
+behind some of the company, endeavoring to conceal the tears that almost
+gushed from her eyes. Denbigh was a silent spectator of the whole scene,
+and he now considerately observed, that he had lately seen an
+improvement which would obviate the difficulty Mr. Moseley had
+experienced. John turned to the speaker, and they were soon engaged in
+the discussion of curbs and buckles, when the tilbury of Colonel Egerton
+drove to the door, containing himself and his friend the captain.
+
+The bride undoubtedly received congratulations that day more sincere
+than those which were now offered, but none were delivered in a more
+graceful and insinuating manner than the compliments which fell from
+Colonel Egerton. He passed round the room, speaking to his
+acquaintances, until he arrived at the chair of Jane, who was seated
+next her aunt. Here he stopped, and glancing his eye round, and saluting
+with bows and smiles the remainder of the party, he appeared fixed at
+the centre of all attraction.
+
+"There is a gentleman I think I have never seen before," he observed, to
+Mrs. Wilson, casting his eyes on Denbigh, whose back was towards him in
+discourse with Mr. Benfield.
+
+"It is Mr. Denbigh, of whom you heard us speak," replied Mrs. Wilson.
+While she spoke, Denbigh faced them. Egerton started as he caught a view
+of his face, and seemed to gaze on the countenance which was open to his
+inspection with an earnestness that showed an interest of some kind, but
+of a nature that was inexplicable to Mrs. Wilson, who was the only
+observer of this singular recognition; for such it evidently was. All
+was now natural in the colonel for the moment; his color sensibly
+changed, and there was an expression of doubt in his face. It might be
+fear, it might be horror, it might be a strong aversion; it clearly was
+not love. Emily sat by her aunt, and Denbigh approached them, making a
+cheerful remark. It was impossible for the colonel to avoid him had he
+wished it, and he kept his ground. Mrs. Wilson thought she would try the
+experiment of an introduction.
+
+"Colonel Egerton--Mr. Denbigh."
+
+Both gentlemen bowed, but nothing striking was seen in the deportment of
+either. The colonel, who was not exactly at ease, said hastily--
+
+"Mr. Denbigh is, or has been in the army, I believe."
+
+Denbigh was now taken by surprise in his turn: he cast a look on Egerton
+of fixed and settled meaning; then carelessly observed, but still as if
+requiring an answer:
+
+"I am yet; but I do not recollect having had the pleasure of meeting
+with Colonel Egerton on service."
+
+"Your countenance is familiar, sir," replied the colonel, coldly; "but
+at this moment I cannot tax my memory with the place of our meeting,
+though one sees so many strange faces in a campaign, that they come and
+go like shadows."
+
+He then changed the conversation. It was some time, however, before
+either gentleman entirely recovered his ease--and many days elapsed ere
+anything like intercourse passed between them. The colonel attached
+himself during this visit to Jane, with occasional notices of the Misses
+Jarvis, who began to manifest symptoms of uneasiness at the decided
+preference he showed to a lady they now chose to look upon, in some
+measure, as a rival.
+
+Mrs. Wilson and her charge, on the other hand, were entertained by the
+conversation of Chatterton and Denbigh, relieved by occasional sallies
+from the lively John. There was something in the person and manners of
+Denbigh that insensibly attracted those whom chance threw in his way.
+His face was not strikingly handsome, but it was noble; and when he
+smiled, or was much animated, it invariably communicated a spark of his
+own enthusiasm to the beholder. His figure was faultless; his air and
+manner, if less easy than those of Colonel Egerton, were more sincere
+and ingenuous; his breeding was clearly higher; his respect for others
+rather bordering on the old school. But in his voice there existed a
+charm which would make him, when he spoke, to a female ear, almost
+resistless: it was soft, deep, melodious, and winning.
+
+"Baronet," said the rector, looking with a smile towards his son and
+daughter, "I love to see my children happy, and Mrs. Ives threatens a
+divorce if I go on in the manner I have commenced. She says I desert her
+for Bolton."
+
+"Why, doctor, if our wives conspire against us, and prevent our enjoying
+a comfortable dish of tea with Clara, or a glass of wine with Frank, we
+must call in the higher authorities as umpires. What say you, sister? Is
+a parent to desert his child in any case?"
+
+"My opinion is," said Mrs. Wilson, with a smile, yet speaking with
+emphasis, "that a parent is not to desert a child, in any case or in any
+manner."
+
+"Do you hear that, my Lady Moseley?" cried the good-humored baronet.
+
+"Do you hear that, my Lady Chatterton?" echoed John, who had just taken
+a seat by Grace, when her mother approached them.
+
+"I hear it, but do not see the application, Mr. Moseley."
+
+"No, my lady! Why, there is the honorable Miss Chatterton almost dying
+to play a game of her favorite chess with Mr. Denbigh. She has beaten us
+all but him, and her triumph will not be complete until she has him too
+at her feet."
+
+And as Denbigh politely offered to meet the challenge, the board was
+produced, and the parties were seated. Lady Chatterton stood leaning
+over her daughter's chair, with a view, however, to prevent any of those
+consequences she was generally fond of seeing result from this
+amusement; every measure taken by this prudent mother being literally
+governed by judicious calculation.
+
+"Umph," thought John, as he viewed the players, while listening with
+pleasure to the opinions of Grace, who had recovered her composure and
+spirits; "Kate, after all, has played one game without using her feet."
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XI.
+
+Ten days or a fortnight flew swiftly by, during which Mrs. Wilson
+suffered Emily to give Clara a week, having first ascertained that
+Denbigh was a settled resident at the rectory, and thereby not likely to
+be oftener at the House of Francis than at the hall, where he was a
+frequent and welcome guest, both on his own account and as a friend of
+Doctor Ives. Emily had returned, and she brought the bride and groom
+with her; when one evening as they were pleasantly seated at their
+various amusements, with the ease of old acquaintances, Mr. Haughton
+entered. It was at an hour rather unusual for his visits; and throwing
+down his hat, after making the usual inquiries, he began without
+preface--
+
+"I know, good people, you are all wondering what has brought me out this
+time of night, but the truth is, Lucy has coaxed her mother to persuade
+me into a ball in honor of the times; so, my lady, I have consented, and
+my wife and daughter have been buying up all the finery in B----, by the
+way, I suppose, of anticipating their friends. There is a regiment of
+foot come into barracks within fifteen miles of us, and to-morrow I must
+beat up for recruits among the officers--girls are never wanting on such
+occasions."
+
+"Why," cried the baronet, "you are growing young again, my friend." "No,
+Sir Edward, but my daughter is young, and life has so many cares that I
+am willing she should get rid of as many as she can at my expense."
+
+"Surely you would not wish her to dance them away," said Mrs. Wilson;
+"such relief I am afraid will prove temporary."
+
+"Do you disapprove of dancing, ma'am?" said Mr. Haughton, who held her
+opinions in great respect as well as a little dread.
+
+"I neither approve nor disapprove of it--jumping up and down is innocent
+enough in itself, and if it must be done it is well it were done
+gracefully; as for the accompaniments of dancing I say nothing--what do
+you say, Doctor Ives?"
+
+"To what, my dear madam?"
+
+"To dancing."
+
+"Oh let the girls dance if they enjoy it."
+
+"I am glad you think so, doctor," cried the delighted Mr. Haughton; I
+was afraid I recollected your advising your son never to dance nor to
+play at games of chance."
+
+"You thought right, my friend," said the doctor, laying down his
+newspaper; "I did give that advice to Frank, whom you will please to
+remember is now rector of Bolton. I do not object to dancing as not
+innocent in itself or as an elegant exercise; but it is like drinking,
+generally carried to excess: now as a Christian I am opposed to all
+excesses; the music and company lead to intemperance in the recreation,
+and they often induce neglect of duties--but so may anything else."
+
+"I like a game of whist, doctor, greatly," said Mr. Haughton; "but
+observing that you never play, and recollecting your advice to Mr.
+Francis, I have forbidden cards when you are my guest."
+
+"I thank you for the compliment, good sir," replied the doctor, with a
+smile; "still I would much rather see you play cards than hear you talk
+scandal, as you sometimes do."
+
+"Scandal!" echoed Mr. Haughton.
+
+"Ay, scandal," said the doctor, coolly, "such as the remark you made the
+last time, which was only yesterday, I called to see you. You accused
+Sir Edward of being wrong in letting that poacher off so easily; the
+baronet, you said, did not shoot himself, and did not know how to prize
+game as he ought."
+
+"Scandal, Doctor--do you call that scandal? why I told Sir Edward so
+himself, two or three times."
+
+"I know you did, and that was rude."
+
+"Rude! I hope sincerely Sir Edward has put no such construction on it?"
+
+The baronet smiled kindly, and shook his head.
+
+"Because the baronet chooses to forgive your offences, it does not alter
+their nature," said the doctor, gravely: "no, you must repent and amend;
+you impeached his motives for doing a benevolent act, and that I call
+scandal."
+
+"Why, doctor, I was angry the fellow should be let loose; he is a pest
+to all the game in the county, and every sportsman will tell you so--
+here, Mr. Moseley, you know Jackson, the poacher."
+
+"Oh! a poacher is an intolerable wretch!" cried Captain Jarvis.
+
+"Oh! a poacher," echoed John, looking drolly at Emily, "hang all
+poachers."
+
+"Poacher or no poacher, does not alter the scandal," said the doctor;
+"now let me tell you, good sir, I would rather play at fifty games of
+whist than make one such speech, unless indeed it interfered with my
+duties; now, sir, with your leave I'll explain myself as to my son.
+There is an artificial levity about dancing that adds to the dignity of
+no man: from some it may detract: a clergyman for instance is supposed
+to have other things to do, and it might hurt him in the opinions of
+those with whom his influence is necessary, and impair his usefulness;
+therefore a clergyman should never dance. In the same way with cards;
+they are the common instruments of gambling, and an odium is attached to
+them on that account; women and clergymen must respect the prejudices of
+mankind in some cases, or lose their influence in society."
+
+"I did hope to have the pleasure of your company, doctor, said Mr.
+Haughton, hesitatingly.
+
+"And if it will give you pleasure," cried the rector, "you shall have it
+with all my heart, good sir; it would be a greater evil to wound the
+feelings of such a neighbor as Mr. Haughton, than to show my face once
+at a ball," and rising, he laid his hand on the shoulder of the other
+kindly. "Both your scandal and rudeness are easily forgiven; but I
+wished to show you the common error of the world which has attached
+odium to certain things, while it charitably overlooks others of a more
+heinous nature."
+
+Mr. Haughton, who had at first been a little staggered with the attack
+of the doctor, recovered himself, and laying a handful of notes on the
+table, hoped he should have the pleasure of seeing every body. The
+invitation was generally accepted, and the worthy man departed, happy if
+his friends did but come, and were pleased.
+
+"Do you dance, Miss Moseley?" inquired Denbigh of Emily, as he sat
+watching her graceful movements in netting a purse for her father.
+
+"Oh, yes! the doctor said nothing of us girls, you know I suppose he
+thinks we have no dignity to lose."
+
+"Admonitions are generally thrown away on young ladies when pleasure is
+in the question," said the doctor, with a look of almost paternal
+affection.
+
+"I hope you do not seriously disapprove of it in moderation," said Mrs.
+Wilson.
+
+"That depends, madam, upon circumstances; if it is to be made subsidiary
+to envy, malice, coquetry, vanity, or any other such little lady-like
+accomplishment, it certainly had better be let alone. But in moderation,
+and with the feelings of my little pet here, I should be cynical,
+indeed, to object."
+
+Denbigh appeared lost in his own ruminations during this dialogue; and
+as the doctor ended, he turned to the captain, who was overlooking a
+game of chess between the colonel and Jane, of which the latter had
+become remarkably fond of late, playing with her hands and eyes instead
+of her feet--and inquired the name of the corps in barracks at F----.
+
+"The ----th foot, sir," replied the captain, haughtily, who neither
+respected him, owing to his want of consequence, nor loved him, from the
+manner in which Emily listened to his conversation.
+
+"Will Miss Moseley forgive a bold request," said Denbigh, with some
+hesitation.
+
+Emily looked up from her work in silence, but with some little
+flutterings at the heart.
+
+"The honor of her hand for the first dance," continued Denbigh,
+observing she was in expectation that he would proceed.
+
+Emily laughingly said, "Certainly, Mr. Denbigh, if you can submit to the
+degradation."
+
+The London papers now came in, and most of the gentlemen sat down to
+their perusal. The colonel, however, replaced the men for a second game,
+and Denbigh still kept his place beside Mrs. Wilson and her niece. The
+manners, the sentiments, the whole exterior of this gentleman were such
+as both the taste and judgment of the aunt approved of; his qualities
+were those which insensibly gained on the heart, and yet Mrs. Wilson
+noticed, with a slight uneasiness, the very evident satisfaction her
+niece took in his society. In Dr. Ives she had great confidence, yet Dr.
+Ives was a friend, and probably judged him favorably; and again, Dr.
+Ives was not to suppose he was introducing a candidate for the hand of
+Emily in every gentleman he brought to the hall. Mrs. Wilson had seen
+too often the ill consequences of trusting to impressions received from
+inferences of companionship, not to know the only safe way was to judge
+for ourselves: the opinions of others might be partial--might be
+prejudiced--and many an improper connexion had been formed by listening
+to the sentiments of those who spoke without interest, and consequently
+without examination. Not a few matches are made by this idle
+commendation of others, uttered by those who are respected, and which
+are probably suggested more by a desire to please than by reflection or
+even knowledge. In short Mrs. Wilson knew that as our happiness chiefly
+interests ourselves, so it was to ourselves, or to those few whose
+interest was equal to our own, we could only trust those important
+inquiries necessary to establish a permanent opinion of character. With
+Doctor Ives her communications on subjects of duty were frequent and
+confiding, and although she sometimes thought his benevolence disposed
+him to be rather too lenient to the faults of mankind, she entertained a
+profound respect for his judgment. It had great influence with her, if
+it were not always conclusive; she determined, therefore, to have an
+early conversation with him on the subject so near her heart, and be in
+a great measure regulated by his answers in the steps to be immediately
+taken. Every day gave her what he thought melancholy proof of the ill
+consequences of neglecting a duty, in the increasing intimacy of Colonel
+Egerton and Jane.
+
+"Here, aunt," cried John, as he ran over a paper, "is a paragraph
+relating to your favorite youth, our trusty and well beloved cousin the
+Earl of Pendennyss."
+
+"Read it," said Mrs. Wilson, with an interest his name never failed to
+excite.
+
+"We noticed to-day the equipage of the gallant Lord Pendennyss before
+the gates of Annandale-house, and understand the noble earl is last from
+Bolton castle, Northamptonshire."
+
+"A very important fact," said Captain Jarvis, sarcastically; "Colonel
+Egerton and myself got as far as the village, to pay our respects to
+him, when we heard he had gone on to town."
+
+"The earl's character, both as a man and a soldier," observed the
+colonel, "gives him a claim to our attentions that his rank would not:
+on that account we would have called."
+
+"Brother," said Mrs. Wilson, "you would oblige me greatly by asking his
+lordship to waive ceremony; his visits to Bolton castle will probably be
+frequent, now we have peace; and the owner is so much from home that we
+may never see him without some such invitation."
+
+"Do you want him as a husband for Emily?" cried John, as he gaily seated
+himself by the side of his sister.
+
+Mrs. Wilson smiled at an observation which reminded her of one of her
+romantic wishes; and as she raised her head to reply in the same tone,
+met the eye of Denbigh fixed on her with an expression that kept her
+silent. This is really an incomprehensible young man in some respects,
+thought the cautious widow, his startling looks on the introduction to
+the colonel crossing her mind at the same time; and observing the doctor
+opening the door that led to the baronet's library, Mrs. Wilson, who
+generally acted as soon as she had decided, followed him. As their
+conversations were known often to relate to the little offices of
+charity in which they both delighted, the movement excited no surprise,
+and she entered the library with the doctor uninterrupted.
+
+"Doctor," said Mrs. Wilson, impatient to proceed to the point, "you know
+my maxim, prevention is better than cure. This young friend of yours is
+very interesting."
+
+"Do you feel yourself in danger?" said the rector, smiling.
+
+"Not very imminent," replied the lady, laughing good-naturedly. Seating
+herself, she continued, "Who is he? and who was his father, if I may
+ask?"
+
+"George Denbigh, madam, both father and son," said the doctor, gravely.
+
+"Ah, doctor, I am almost tempted to wish Frank had been a girl. You know
+what I wish to learn."
+
+"Put your questions in order, dear madam," said the doctor, in a kind
+manner, "and they shall be answered."
+
+"His principles?"
+
+"So far as I can learn, they are good. His acts, as they have come to my
+notice, are highly meritorious, and I hope they originated in proper
+motives. I have seen but little of him of late years, however, and on
+this head you are nearly as good a judge as myself. His filial piety,"
+said the doctor, dashing a tear from his eye, and speaking with fervor,
+"was lovely."
+
+"His temper--his disposition?"
+
+"His temper is under great command, although naturally ardent; his
+disposition eminently benevolent towards his fellow-creatures."
+
+"His connexions?"
+
+"Suitable," said the doctor, gravely.
+
+His fortune was of but little moment. Emily would be amply provided, for
+all the customary necessaries of her station; and, thanking the divine,
+Mrs. Wilson returned to the parlor, easy in mind, and determined to let
+things take their own course for a time, but in no degree to relax the
+vigilance of her observation.
+
+On her return to the room, Mrs. Wilson observed Denbigh approach
+Egerton, and enter into conversation of a general nature. It was the
+first time anything more than unavoidable courtesies had passed between
+them. The colonel appeared slightly uneasy under his novel situation,
+while, on the other hand, his companion showed an anxiety to be on a
+more friendly footing than heretofore. There was something mysterious in
+the feelings manifested by both these gentlemen that greatly puzzled the
+good lady; and from its complexion, she feared one or the other was not
+entirely free from censure. It could not have been a quarrel, or their
+names would have been familiar to each other. They had both served in
+Spain, she knew, and excesses were often committed by gentlemen at a
+distance from home their pride would have prevented where they were
+anxious to maintain a character. Gambling, and a few other prominent
+vices, floated through her imagination, until, wearied of conjectures
+where she had no data, and supposing, after all, it might be only her
+imagination, the turned to more pleasant reflections.
+
+
+
+Chapter XII.
+
+The bright eyes of Emily Moseley unconsciously wandered round the
+brilliant assemblage at Mr. Haughton's, as she took her seat, in search
+of her partner. The rooms were filled with scarlet coats, and belles
+from the little town of F----; and if the company were not the most
+select imaginable, it was disposed to enjoy the passing moment
+cheerfully and in lightness of heart. Ere, however, she could make out
+to scan the countenances of the men, young Jarvis, decked in the full
+robes of his dignity, as captain in the ----th foot, approached and
+solicited the honor of her hand. The colonel had already secured her
+sister, and it was by the instigation of his friend, Jarvis had been
+thus early in his application. Emily thanked him, and pleaded her
+engagement. The mortified youth, who had thought dancing with the ladies
+a favor conferred on them, from the anxiety his sister always manifested
+to get partners, stood for a few moments in sullen silence; and then, as
+if to be revenged on the sex, he determined not to dance the whole
+evening. Accordingly, he withdrew to a room appropriated to the
+gentlemen, where he found a few of the military beaux, keeping alive the
+stimulus they had brought with them from the mess-table.
+
+Clara had prudently decided to comport herself as became a clergyman's
+wife, and she declined dancing altogether. Catherine Chatterton was
+entitled to open the ball, as superior in years and rank to any who were
+disposed to enjoy the amusement. The dowager, who in her heart loved to
+show her airs upon such occasions, had chosen to be later than the rest
+of the family; and Lucy had to entreat her father to have patience more
+than once during the interregnum in their sports created by Lady
+Chatterton's fashion. This lady at length appeared, attended by her son,
+and followed by her daughters, ornamented in all the taste of the
+reigning fashions. Doctor Ives and his wife, who came late from choice,
+soon appeared, accompanied by their guest, and the dancing commenced.
+Denbigh had thrown aside his black for the evening, and as he approached
+to claim her promised hand, Emily thought him, if not as handsome, much
+more interesting than Colonel Egerton, who just then passed them while
+leading her sister to the set. Emily danced beautifully, but perfectly
+like a lady, as did Jane; but Denbigh, although graceful in his
+movements and in time, knew but little of the art; and but for the
+assistance of his partner, he would have more than once gone wrong in
+the figure. He very gravely asked her opinion of his performance as he
+handed her to a chair, and she laughingly told him his movements were
+but a better sort of march. He was about to reply, when Jarvis
+approached. By the aid of a pint of wine and his own reflections, the
+youth wrought himself into something of a passion, especially as he saw
+Denbigh enter, after Emily had declined dancing with himself. There was
+a gentleman in the corps who unfortunately was addicted to the bottle,
+and he had fastened on Jarvis as a man at leisure to keep him company.
+Wine openeth the heart, and the captain having taken a peep at the
+dancers, and seen the disposition of affairs, returned to his bottle
+companion, bursting with the indignity offered to his person. He dropped
+a hint, and a question or two brought the whole grievance forth.
+
+There is a certain set of men in every service who imbibe extravagant
+notions that are revolting to humanity, and which too often prove to be
+fatal in their results. Their morals are never correct, and the little
+they have set loosely about them. In their own cases, their appeals to
+arms are not always so prompt; but in that of their friends, their
+perceptions of honor are intuitively keen, and their inflexibility in
+preserving it from reproach unbending; and such is the weakness of
+mankind, their "tenderness on points where the nicer feelings of a
+soldier are involved, that these machines of custom, these thermometers
+graduated to the scale of false honor, usurp the place of reason and
+benevolence, and become too often the arbiters of life and death to a
+whole corps. Such, then, was the confidant to whom Jarvis communicated
+the cause of his disgust, and the consequences may easily be imagined.
+As he passed Emily and Denbigh, he threw a look of fierceness at the
+latter, which he meant as an indication of his hostile intentions. It
+was lost on his rival, who at that moment was filled with passions of a
+very different kind from those which Captain Jarvis thought agitated his
+own bosom; for had his new friend let him alone, the captain would have
+gone quietly home and gone to sleep.
+
+"Have you ever fought?" said Captain Digby coolly to his companion, as
+they seated themselves in his father's parlor, whither they had retired
+to make their arrangements for the following morning.
+
+"Yes," said Jarvis, with a stupid look, "I fought once with Tom Halliday
+at school."
+
+"At school! My dear friend, you commenced young indeed," said Digby,
+helping himself to another glass. "And how did it end?"
+
+"Oh! Tom got the better, and so I cried enough," said Jarvis, surlily.
+
+"Enough! I hope you did not flinch," eyeing him keenly "Where were you
+hit?"
+
+"He hit me all over."
+
+"All over! The d---l! Did you use small shot? How did you fight?"
+
+"With fists," said Jarvis, yawning.
+
+His companion, seeing how matters were, rang for his servant to put him
+to bed, remaining himself an hour longer to finish the bottle.
+
+Soon after Jarvis had given Denbigh the look big with his intended
+vengeance, Colonel Egerton approached Emily, asking permission to
+present Sir Herbert Nicholson, the lieutenant-colonel of the regiment,
+and a gentleman who was ambitious of the honor of her acquaintance; a
+particular friend of his own. Emily gracefully bowed her assent. Soon
+after, turning her eyes on Denbigh, who had been speaking to her at the
+moment, she saw him looking intently on the two soldiers, who were
+making their way through the crowd to the place where she sat. He
+stammered, said something she could not understand, and precipitately
+withdrew; and although both she and her aunt sought his figure in the
+gay throng that flitted around them, he was seen no more that evening.
+
+"Are you acquainted with Mr. Denbigh?" said Emily to her partner, after
+looking in vain to find his person in the crowd.
+
+"Denbigh! Denbigh! I have known one or two of that name" replied the
+gentleman. "In the army there are several."
+
+"Yes," said Emily, musing, "he is in the army;" and looking up, she saw
+her companion reading her countenance with an expression that brought
+the color to her cheeks with a glow that was painful. Sir Herbert
+smiled, and observed that the room was warm. Emily acquiesced in the
+remark, for the first time in her life conscious of a feeling she was
+ashamed to have scrutinized, and glad of any excuse to hide her
+confusion.
+
+"Grace Chatterton is really beautiful to-night," whispered John Moseley
+to his sister Clara. "I have a mind to ask her to dance."
+
+"Do, John." replied his sister, looking with pleasure on her beautiful
+cousin, who, observing the movements of John as he drew near where she
+sat, moved her face on each side rapidly, in search of some one who was
+apparently not to be found. Her breathing became sensibly quicker, and
+John was on the point of speaking to her as the dowager stepped in
+between them. There is nothing so flattering to the vanity of a man as
+the discovery of emotions in a young woman excited by himself, and which
+the party evidently wishes to conceal; there is nothing so touching, so
+sure to captivate; or, if it seem to be affected, so sure to disgust.
+
+"Now, Mr. Moseley," cried the mother, "you shall not ask Grace to dance!
+She can refuse you nothing, and she has been up the last two figures."
+
+"Your wishes are irresistible, Lady Chatterton," said John, coolly
+turning on his heel. On gaining the other side of the room, he turned to
+reconnoitre the scene. The dowager was fanning herself as violently as
+if she had been up the last two figures instead of her daughter, while
+Grace sat with her eyes fastened on the floor, paler than usual.
+"Grace," thought the young man, "would be very handsome--very sweet--
+very--very everything that is agreeable, if--if it were not for Mother
+Chatterton." He then led out one of the prettiest girls in the room.
+
+Col. Egerton was peculiarly fitted to shine in a ball room. He danced
+gracefully and with spirit; was perfectly at home with all the usages of
+the best society, and was never neglectful of any of those little
+courtesies which have their charm for the moment; and Jane Moseley, who
+saw all those she loved around her, apparently as happy as herself,
+found in her judgment or the convictions of her principles, no
+counterpoise against the weight of such attractions, all centred as it
+were in one effort to please herself. His flattery was deep for it was
+respectful--his tastes were her tastes--his opinions her opinions. On
+the formation of their acquaintance they differed on some trifling point
+of poetical criticism, and for near a month the colonel had maintained
+his opinion with a show of firmness; but opportunities not wanting for
+the discussion, he had felt constrained to yield to her better judgment,
+her purer taste. The conquest of Colonel Egerton was complete, and Jane
+who saw in his attentions the submission of a devoted heart, began to
+look forward to the moment with trembling that was to remove the thin
+barrier that existed between the adulation of the eyes and the most
+delicate assiduity to please, and the open confidence of declared love.
+Jane Moseley had a heart to love, and to love strongly; her danger
+existed in her imagination: it was brilliant, unchastened by her
+judgment, we had almost said unfettered by her principles. Principles
+such as are found in every-day maxims and rules of conduct sufficient to
+restrain her within the bounds of perfect decorum she was furnished with
+in abundance; but to that principle which was to teach her submission in
+opposition to her wishes, to that principle that could alone afford her
+security against the treachery of her own passions, she was an utter
+stranger.
+
+The family of Sir Edward were, among the first to retire, and as the
+Chattertons had their own carriage, Mrs. Wilson and her charge returned
+alone in the coach of the former. Emily, who had been rather out of
+spirits the latter-part of the evening, broke the silence by suddenly
+observing,
+
+"Colonel Egerton is, or soon will be, a perfect hero!"
+
+Her aunt somewhat surprised, both with the abruptness and with the
+strength of the remark, inquired her meaning.
+
+"Oh, Jane will make him one, whether or not."
+
+This was spoken with an air of vexation which she was unused to, and
+Mrs. Wilson gravely corrected her for speaking in a disrespectful manner
+of her sister, one whom neither her years nor situation entitled her in
+any measure to advise or control. There was an impropriety in judging so
+near and dear a relation harshly, even in thought. Emily pressed the
+hand of her aunt and tremulously acknowledged her error; but she added,
+that she felt a momentary irritation at the idea of a man of Colonel
+Egerton's character gaining the command over feelings such as her sister
+possessed. Mrs. Wilson kissed the cheek of her niece, while she inwardly
+acknowledged the probable truth of the very remark she had thought it
+her duty to censure. That the imagination of Jane would supply her lover
+with those qualities she most honored herself, she believed was taken as
+a matter of course; and that when the veil she had helped to throw
+before her own eyes was removed, she would cease to respect, and of
+course cease to love him, when too late to remedy the evil, she greatly
+feared. But in the approaching fate of Jane she saw new cause to call
+forth her own activity.
+
+Emily Moseley had just completed her eighteenth year, and was gifted by
+nature with a vivacity and ardency of feeling that gave a heightened
+zest to the enjoyments of that happy age. She was artless but
+intelligent; cheerful, with a deep conviction of the necessity of piety;
+and uniform in her practice of all the important duties. The unwearied
+exertions of her aunt, aided by her own quickness of perception, had
+made her familiar with the attainments suitable to her sex and years.
+For music she had no taste, and the time which would have been thrown
+away in endeavoring to cultivate a talent she did not possess, was
+dedicated under the discreet guidance of her aunt, to works which had a
+tendency both to qualify her for the duties of this life, and fit her
+for that which comes hereafter. It might be said Emily Moseley had never
+read a book that contained a sentiment or inculcated an opinion improper
+for her sex or dangerous to her morals; and it was not difficult for
+those who knew the fact, to fancy they could perceive the consequences
+in her guileless countenance and innocent deportment. Her looks--her
+actions--her thoughts, wore as much of nature as the discipline of her
+well-regulated mind and softened manners could admit. In person she was
+of the middle size, exquisitely formed, graceful and elastic in her
+step, without, however, the least departure from her natural movements;
+her eye was a dark blue, with an expression of joy and intelligence; at
+times it seemed all soul, and again all heart; her color was rather
+high, but it varied with every emotion of her bosom; her feelings were
+strong, ardent, and devoted to those she loved. Her preceptress had
+never found it necessary to repeat an admonition of any kind, since her
+arrival at years to discriminate between the right and the wrong.
+
+"I wish," said Doctor Ives to his wife, the evening his son had asked
+their permission to address Clara, "Francis had chosen my little Emily."
+
+"Clara is a good girl," replied his wife; "she is so mild, so
+affectionate, that I doubt not she will make him happy--Frank might have
+done worse at the Hall."
+
+"For himself he has done well, I hope," said the father, "a young woman
+of Clara's heart may make any man happy but a union with purity, sense,
+principles, like those of Emily would be more--it would be blissful."
+
+Mrs. Ives smiled at her husband's animation. "You remind me more of the
+romantic youth I once knew than of the grave divine. There is but one
+man I know that I could wish to give Emily to; it is Lumley. If Lumley
+sees her, he will woo her; and if he wooes, he will win her."
+
+"And Lumley I believe to be worthy of her," cried the rector, now taking
+up a candle to retire for the night.
+
+
+
+Chapter XIII.
+
+The following day brought a large party of the military elegants to the
+Hall, in acceptance of the baronet's hospitable invitation to dinner.
+Lady Moseley was delighted; so long as her husband's or her children's
+interest had demanded a sacrifice of her love of society it had been
+made without a sigh, almost without a thought. The ties of affinity in
+her were sacred; and to the happiness, the comfort of those in which she
+felt an interest, there were few sacrifices of her own propensities she
+would not cheerfully have made: it was this very love of her offspring
+that made her anxious to dispose of her daughters in wedlock. Her own
+marriage had been so happy, that she naturally concluded it the state
+most likely to ensure the happiness of her children; and with Lady
+Moseley, as with thousands of others, who averse or unequal to the
+labors of investigation, jump to conclusions over the long line of
+connecting reasons, marriage was marriage, a husband was a husband. It
+is true there were certain indispensables, without which the formation
+of a connexion was a thing she considered not within the bounds of
+nature. There must be fitness in fortune, in condition, in education,
+and manners; there must be no glaring evil, although she did not ask for
+positive good. A professor of religion herself, had any one told her it
+was a duty of her calling to guard against a connexion with any but a
+Christian for her girls, she would have wondered at the ignorance that
+would embarrass the married state, with feelings exclusively belonging
+to the individual. Had any one told her it were possible to give her
+child to any but a gentleman, she would have wondered at the want of
+feeling that could devote the softness of Jane or Emily, to the
+association with rudeness or vulgarity. It was the misfortune of Lady
+Moseley to limit her views of marriage to the scene of this life,
+forgetful that every union gives existence to a long line of immortal
+beings, whose future welfare depends greatly on the force of early
+examples, or the strength of early impressions.
+
+The necessity for restriction in their expenditures had ceased, and the
+baronet and his wife greatly enjoyed the first opportunity their
+secluded situation had given them, to draw around their board their
+fellow-creatures of their own stamp. In the former, it was pure
+philanthropy; the same feeling urged him to seek out and relieve
+distress in humble life; while in the latter it was love of station and
+seemliness. It was becoming the owner of Moseley Hall, and it was what
+the daughters of the Benfield family had done since the conquest.
+
+"I am extremely sorry," said the good baronet at dinner, "Mr. Denbigh
+declined our invitation to-day; I hope he will yet ride over in the
+evening."
+
+Looks of a singular import were exchanged between Colonel Egerton and
+Sir Herbert Nicholson, at the mention of Denbigh's name; which, as the
+latter had just asked the favor of taking wine with Mrs. Wilson, did not
+escape her notice. Emily had innocently mentioned his precipitate
+retreat the night before; and he had, when reminded of his engagement to
+dine with them that very day, and promised an introduction to Sir
+Herbert Nicholson by John, in her presence, suddenly excused himself and
+withdrawn. With an indefinite suspicion of something wrong, she
+ventured, therefore, to address Sir Herbert Nicholson.
+
+"Did you know Mr. Denbigh, in Spain?"
+
+"I told Miss Emily Moseley, I believe, last evening, that I knew some of
+the name," replied the gentleman evasively; then pausing a moment, he
+added with great emphasis, "there is a circumstance connected with one
+of that name, I shall ever remember."
+
+"It was creditable, no doubt, Sir Herbert," cried young Jarvis,
+sarcastically. The soldier affected not to hear the question, and asked
+Jane to take wine with him. Lord Chatterton, however, putting his knife
+and fork down gravely, and with a glow of animation, observed with
+unusual spirit,
+
+"I have no doubt it was, sir."
+
+Jarvis in his turn, affected not to hear this speech, and nothing
+farther was said, as Sir Edward saw that the name of Mr. Denbigh excited
+a sensation amongst his guests for which he was unable to account, and
+which he soon forgot himself.
+
+After the company had retired, Lord Chatterton, however, related to the
+astonished and indignant family of the baronet the substance of the
+following scene, of which he had been a witness that morning, while on a
+visit to Denbigh at the rectory. They had been sitting in the parlor by
+themselves, over their breakfast, when a Captain Digby was announced.
+
+"I have the honor of waiting upon you, Mr. Denbigh," said the soldier,
+with the stiff formality of a professed duellist, "on behalf of Captain
+Jarvis, but will postpone my business until you are at leisure,"
+glancing his eye on Chatterton.
+
+"I know of no business with Captain Jarvis," said Denbigh, politely
+handing the stranger a chair, "to which Lord Chatterton cannot be privy;
+if he will excuse the interruption. The nobleman bowed, and Captain
+Digby, a little awed by the rank of Denbigh's friend, proceeded in a
+more measured manner.
+
+"Captain Jarvis has empowered me, sir, to make any arrangement with
+yourself or friend, previously to your meeting, which he hopes may be as
+soon as possible, if convenient to yourself," replied the soldier,
+coolly.
+
+Denbigh viewed him for a moment with astonishment, in silence; when
+recollecting himself, he said mildly, and without the least agitation,
+"I cannot affect, sir, not to understand your meaning, but am at a loss
+to imagine what act of mine can have made Mr. Jarvis wish to make such
+an appeal."
+
+"Surely Mr. Denbigh cannot think a man of Captain Jarvis's spirit can
+quietly submit to the indignity put upon him last evening, by your
+dancing with Miss Moseley, after she had declined the honor to himself,"
+said the captain, affecting an incredulous smile. "My Lord Chatterton
+and myself can easily settle the preliminaries, as Captain Jarvis is
+much disposed to consult your wishes, sir, in this affair."
+
+"If he consults my wishes," said Denbigh, smiling, "he will think no
+more about it."
+
+"At what time, sir, will it be convenient to give him the meeting?"
+then, speaking with a kind of bravado gentlemen of his cast are fond of
+assuming, "my friend would not hurry any settlement of your affairs."
+
+"I can never meet Captain Jarvis with hostile intentions," replied
+Denbigh, calmly.
+
+"Sir!"
+
+"I decline the combat, sir," said Denbigh, with more firmness.
+
+"Your reasons, sir, if you please?" asked Captain Digby compressing his
+lips, and drawing up with an air of personal interest.
+
+"Surely," cried Chatterton, who had with difficulty estrained his
+feelings, "surely Mr. Denbigh could never so far forget himself as
+cruelly to expose Miss Moseley by accepting this invitation."
+
+"Your reason, my lord," said Denbigh, with interest, "would at all times
+have its weight; but I wish not to qualify an act of what I conceive to
+be principle by any lesser consideration. I cannot meet Captain Jarvis,
+or any other man, in private combat. There can exist no necessity for an
+appeal to arms in any society where the laws rule, and I am averse to
+bloodshed."
+
+"Very extraordinary," muttered Captain Digby, somewhat at a loss how to
+act; but the calm and collected manner of Denbigh prevented a reply; and
+after declining a cup of tea, a liquor he never drank, he withdrew,
+saying he would acquaint his friend with Mr. Denbigh's singular notions.
+
+Captain Digby had left Jarvis at an inn, about half a mile from the
+rectory, for the convenience of receiving early information of the
+result of his conference. The young man had walked up and down the room
+during Digby's absence, in a train of reflections entirely new to him.
+He was the only son of his aged father and mother, the protector of his
+sisters, and, he might say, the sole hope of a rising family; and then,
+possibly, Denbigh might not have meant to offend him--he might even have
+been engaged before they came to the house; or if not, it might have
+been inadvertence on the part of Miss Moseley. That Denbigh would offer
+some explanation he believed, and he had fully made up his mind to
+accept it, let it be what it might, as his fighting friend entered.
+
+"Well," said Jarvis, in a tone that denoted anything but a consciousness
+that all was well.
+
+"He says he will not meet you," dryly exclaimed his friend, throwing
+himself into a chair, and ordering a glass of brandy and water.
+
+"Not meet me!" exclaimed Jarvis, in surprise. "Engaged, perhaps?"
+
+"Engaged to his d--d conscience."
+
+"To his conscience! I do not know whether I rightly understand you,
+Captain Digby," said Jarvis, catching his breath, and raising his voice
+a very little.
+
+"Then, Captain Jarvis," said his friend, tossing off his brandy, and
+speaking with great deliberation, "he says that nothing--understand me--
+nothing will ever make him fight a duel."
+
+"He will not!" cried Jarvis, in a loud voice.
+
+"No, he will not," said Digby, handing his glass to the waiter for a
+fresh supply.
+
+"He shall, by----!"
+
+"I don't know how you will make him."
+
+"Make him! I'll--I'll post him."
+
+"Never do that," said the captain, turning to him, as he leaned his
+elbows on the table. "It only makes both parties ridiculous. But I'll
+tell you what you may do. There's a Lord Chatterton who takes the matter
+up with warmth. If I were not afraid of his interests hurting my
+promotion, I should have resented something that fell from him myself.
+He will fight, I dare say, and I'll just return and require an
+explanation of his words on your behalf."
+
+"No, no," said Jarvis, rather hastily; "he--he is related to the
+Moseleys, and I have views there it might injure."
+
+"Did you think to forward your views by making the young lady the
+subject of a duel?" asked Captain Digby sarcastically, and eyeing his
+companion with contempt.
+
+"Yes, yes," said Jarvis; "it would certainly hurt my views."
+
+"Here's to the health of His Majesty's gallant ---- regiment of foot!"
+cried Captain Digby, in a tone of irony, when three-quarters drunk, at
+the mess-table, that evening, "and to its champion, Captain Henry
+Jarvis!"
+
+One of the corps was present accidentally as a guest; and the following
+week, the inhabitants of F---- saw the regiment in their barracks,
+marching to slow time after the body of Horace Digby.
+
+Lord Chatterton, in relating the part of the foregoing circumstances
+which fell under his observation, did ample justice to the conduct of
+Denbigh; a degree of liberality which did him no little credit, as he
+plainly saw in that gentleman he had, or soon would have, a rival in the
+dearest wish of his heart; and the smiling approbation with which his
+cousin Emily rewarded him for his candor almost sickened him with
+apprehension. The ladies were not slow in expressing their disgust at
+the conduct of Jarvis, or backward in their approval of Denbigh's
+forbearance. Lady Moseley turned with horror from a picture in which she
+could see nothing but murder and bloodshed; but both Mrs. Wilson and her
+niece secretly applauded a sacrifice of worldly feelings on the altar of
+duty; the former admiring the consistent refusal of admitting any
+collateral inducements, in explanation of his decision: the latter,
+while she saw the act in its true colors, could hardly help believing
+that a regard for her feelings had, in a trifling degree, its influence
+in inducing him to decline the meeting. Mrs. Wilson saw at once what a
+hold such unusual conduct would take on the feelings of her niece, and
+inwardly determined to increase, if possible, the watchfulness she had
+invariably observed on all he said or did, as likely to elucidate his
+real character, well knowing that the requisites to bring or to keep
+happiness in the married state were numerous and indispensable; and that
+the display of a particular excellence, however good in itself, was by
+no means conclusive as to character; in short, that we perhaps as often
+meet with a favorite principle as with a besetting sin.
+
+
+
+Chapter XIV.
+
+Sir Edward Moseley had some difficulty in restraining the impetuosity of
+his son, who was disposed to resent this impertinent interference of
+young Jarvis with the conduct of his favorite sister; indeed, the young
+man only yielded to his profound respect to his father's commands, aided
+by a strong representation on the part of his sister of the disagreeable
+consequences of connecting her name with such a quarrel. It was seldom
+the good baronet felt himself called on to act as decidedly as on the
+present occasion. He spoke to the merchant in warm, but gentleman-like
+terms, of the consequences which might have resulted to his own child
+from the intemperate act of his son; exculpated Emily entirely from
+censure, by explaining her engagement to dance with Denbigh, previously
+to Captain Jarvis's application; and hinted the necessity, if the affair
+was not amicably terminated, of protecting the peace of mind of his
+daughters against any similar exposures, by declining the acquaintance
+of a neighbor he respected as much as Mr. Jarvis.
+
+The merchant was a man of few words, but of great promptitude. He had
+made his fortune, and more than once saved it, by his decision; and
+assuring the baronet he should hear no more of it, he took his hat and
+hurried home from the village, where the conversation passed. On
+arriving at his own house, he found the family collected in the parlor
+for a morning ride, and throwing himself into a chair, he broke out on
+the whole party with great violence.
+
+"So, Mrs. Jarvis," he cried, "you would spoil a very tolerable book-
+keeper, by wishing to have a soldier in your family; and there stands
+the puppy who would have blown out the brains of a deserving young man,
+if the good sense of Mr. Denbigh had not denied him the opportunity."
+
+"Mercy!" cried the alarmed matron, on whom Newgate (for her early life
+had been passed near its walls), with all its horrors, floated, and a
+contemplation of its punishments had been her juvenile lessons of
+morality--"Harry! Harry! would you commit murder?"
+
+"Murder!" echoed her son, looking askance, as if dodging the bailiffs.
+"No, mother; I wanted nothing but what was fair. Mr. Denbigh would have
+had an equal chance to blow out my brains; I am sure everything would
+have been fair."
+
+"Equal chance!" muttered his father, who had cooled himself, in some
+measure, by an extra pinch of snuff. "No, sir, you have no brains to
+lose. But I have promised Sir Edward that you shall make proper
+apologies to himself, to his daughter, and to Mr. Denbigh." This was
+rather exceeding the truth, but the alderman prided himself on
+performing rather more than he promised.
+
+"Apology!" exclaimed the captain. "Why, sir, the apology is due to me.
+Ask Colonel Egerton if he ever heard of apologies being made by the
+challenger."
+
+"No, sure," said the mother, who, having made out the truth of the
+matter, thought it was likely enough to be creditable to her child;
+"Colonel Egerton never heard of such a thing. Did you, colonel?"
+
+"Why, madam," said the colonel, hesitatingly, and politely handing the
+merchant his snuff-box, which, in his agitation, had fallen on the
+floor, "circumstances sometimes justify a departure from ordinary
+measures. You are certainly right as a rule; but not knowing the
+particulars in the present case, it is difficult for me to decide. Miss
+Jarvis, the tilbury is ready."
+
+The colonel bowed respectfully to the merchant, kissed his hand to his
+wife, and led their daughter to his carriage.
+
+"Do you make the apologies?" asked Mr. Jarvis, as the door closed.
+
+"No, sir," replied the captain, sullenly.
+
+"Then you must make your pay answer for the next six months," cried the
+father, taking a signed draft on his banker from his pocket, coolly
+tearing it in two pieces, carefully putting the name in his mouth, and
+chewing it into a ball.
+
+"Why, alderman," said his wife (a name she never used unless she had
+something to gain from her spouse, who loved to hear the appellation
+after he had relinquished the office), "it appears to me that Harry has
+shown nothing but a proper spirit. You are unkind--indeed you are."
+
+"A proper spirit? In what way? Do you know anything of the matter?"
+
+"It is a proper spirit for a soldier to fight, I suppose," said the
+wife, a little at a loss to explain.
+
+"Spirit, or no spirit, apology, or ten and sixpence."
+
+"Harry," said his mother, holding up her finger in a menacing attitude,
+as soon as her husband had left the room (for he had last spoken with
+the door in his hand), "if you do beg his pardon, you are no son of
+mine."
+
+"No," cried Miss Sarah, "nor any brother of mine. It would be
+insufferably mean."
+
+"Who will pay my debts?" asked the son, looking up at the ceiling.
+
+"Why, I would, my child, if--if--I had not spent my own allowance."
+
+"I would," echoed the sister; "but if we go to Bath, you know, I shall
+want all my money."
+
+"Who will pay my debts?" repeated the son.
+
+"Apology, indeed! Who is he, that you, a son of Alderman--of--Mr.
+Jarvis, of the deanery, B----, North 'amptonshire, should beg his
+pardon--a vagrant that nobody knows!"
+
+"Who will pay my debts?" again inquired the captain drumming with his
+foot.
+
+"Harry," exclaimed the mother, "do you love money better than honor--a
+soldier's honor?"
+
+"No, mother; but I like good eating and drinking. Think mother; it's a
+cool five hundred, and that's a famous deal of money."
+
+"Harry," cried the mother, in a rage, "you are not fit for a soldier. I
+wish I were in your place."
+
+"I wish, with all my heart, you had been for an hour this morning,"
+thought the son. After arguing for some time longer, they compromised,
+by agreeing to leave it to the decision of Colonel Egerton, who, the
+mother did not doubt, would applaud her maintaining the Jarvis dignity,
+a family in which he took quite as much interest as he felt for his own-
+-so he had told her fifty times. The captain, however, determined within
+himself to touch the five hundred, let the colonel decide as he might;
+but the colonel's decision obviated all difficulties. The question was
+put to him by Mrs. Jarvis, on his return from the airing, with no doubt
+the decision would be favorable to her opinion. The colonel and herself,
+she said, never disagreed; and the lady was right--for wherever his
+interest made it desirable to convert Mrs. Jarvis to his side of the
+question, Egerton had a manner of doing it that never failed to succeed.
+
+"Why, madam," said he, with one of his most agreeable smiles, "apologies
+are different things, at different times. You are certainly right in
+your sentiments, as relates to a proper spirit in a soldier; but no one
+can doubt the spirit of the captain, after the stand he took in this
+affair; if Mr. Denbigh would not meet him (a very extraordinary measure,
+in deed, I confess), what can your son do more? He cannot make a man
+fight against his will, you know."
+
+"True, true," cried the matron, impatiently, "I do not want him to
+fight; heaven forbid! but why should he, the challenger, beg pardon? I
+am sure, to have the thing regular, Mr. Denbigh is the one to ask
+forgiveness."
+
+The colonel felt at a little loss how to reply, when Jarvis, in whom the
+thoughts of the five hundred pounds had worked a revolution, exclaimed--
+
+"You know, mother, I accused him--that is, I suspected him of dancing
+with Miss Moseley against my right to her; now you find that it was all
+a mistake, and so I had better act with dignity, and confess my error."
+
+"Oh, by all means," cried the colonel, who saw the danger of an
+embarrassing rupture between the families, otherwise: "delicacy to your
+sex particularly requires that, ma'am, from your son;" and he
+accidentally dropped a letter as he spoke.
+
+"From Sir Edgar, colonel?" asked Mrs. Jarvis, as he stooped to pick it
+up.
+
+"From Sir Edgar, ma'am, and he begs to be remembered to yourself and all
+of your amiable family."
+
+Mrs. Jarvis inclined her body, in what she intended for a graceful bend,
+and sighed--a casual observer might have thought, with maternal anxiety
+for the reputation of her child--but it was conjugal regret, that the
+political obstinacy of the alderman had prevented his carrying up an
+address, and thus becoming Sir Timothy. Sir Edgar's heir prevailed, and
+the captain received permission to do what he had done several hours
+before.
+
+On leaving the room, after the first discussion, and before the appeal,
+the captain had hastened to his father with his concessions. The old
+gentleman knew too well the influence of five hundred pounds to doubt
+the effect in the present instance, and he had ordered his carriage for
+the excursion. It came, and to the hall they proceeded. The captain
+found his intended antagonist, and in a rather uncouth manner, he made
+the required concession. He was restored to his former favor--no great
+distinction--and his visits to the hall were suffered, but with a
+dislike Emily could never conquer, nor at all times conceal.
+
+Denbigh was occupied with a book, when Jarvis commenced his speech to
+the baronet and his daughter, and was apparently too much engaged with
+its contents, to understand what was going on, as the captain blundered
+through. It was necessary, the captain saw by a glance of his father's
+eyes, to say something to that gentleman, who had delicately withdrawn
+to a distant window. His speech was consequently made here too, and Mrs.
+Wilson could not avoid stealing a look at them. Denbigh smiled, and
+bowed in silence. It is enough, thought the widow; the offence was not
+against him, it was against his Maker; he should not arrogate to
+himself, in any manner, the right to forgive, or to require apologies--
+the whole is consistent. The subject was never afterwards alluded to:
+Denbigh appeared to have forgotten it; and Jane sighed gently, as she
+devoutly hoped the colonel was not a duellist.
+
+Several days passed before the deanery ladies could sufficiently forgive
+the indignity their family had sustained, to resume the customary
+intercourse. Like all other grievances, where the passions are chiefly
+interested, it was forgotten in time, however, and things were put in
+some measure on their former footing. The death of Digby served to
+increase the horror of the Moseleys, and Jarvis himself felt rather
+uncomfortable, on more accounts than one, at the fatal termination of
+the unpleasant business.
+
+Chatterton, who to his friends had not hesitated to avow his attachment
+to his cousin, but who had never proposed for her, as his present views
+and fortune were not, in his estimation, sufficient for her proper
+support, had pushed every interest he possessed, and left no steps
+unattempted an honorable man could resort to, to effect his object. The
+desire to provide for his sisters had been backed by the ardor of a
+passion that had reached its crisis; and the young peer who could not,
+in the present state of things, abandon the field to a rival so
+formidable as Denbigh, even to further his views to preferment, was
+waiting in anxious suspense the decision on his application. A letter
+from his friend informed him, his opponent was likely to succeed; that,
+in short, all hopes of success had left him. Chatterton was in despair.
+On the following day, however, he received a second letter from the same
+friend, unexpectedly announcing his appointment. After mentioning the
+fact, he went on to say--"The cause of this sudden revolution in your
+favor is unknown to me, and unless your lordship has obtained interest I
+am ignorant of, it is one of the most singular instances of ministerial
+caprice I have ever known." Chatterton was as much at a loss as his
+friend, to understand the affair; but it mattered not; he could now
+offer to Emily--it was a patent office of great value, and a few years
+would amply portion his sisters. That very day, therefore, he proposed,
+and was refused.
+
+Emily had a difficult task to avoid self-reproach, in regulating her
+deportment on this occasion. She was fond of Chatterton as a relation--
+as her brother's friend--as the brother of Grace, and even on his own
+account; but it was the fondness of a sister. His manner--his words,
+which, although never addressed to herself, were sometimes overheard
+unintentionally, and sometimes reached her through her sisters, had left
+her in no doubt of his attachment; she was excessively grieved at the
+discovery, and had innocently appealed to her aunt for directions how to
+proceed. Of his intentions she had no doubt, but at the same time he had
+not put her in a situation to dispel his hopes; as to encouragement, in
+the usual meaning of the term, she gave none to him, nor to any one
+else. There are no little attentions that lovers are fond of showing to
+their mistresses, and which mistresses are fond of receiving, that Emily
+ever permitted to any gentleman--no rides--no walks--no tête-à-têtes.
+Always natural and unaffected, there was a simple dignity about her that
+forbade the request, almost the thought, in the gentlemen of her
+acquaintance: she had no amusements, no pleasures of any kind in which
+her sisters were not her companions; and if anything was on the carpet
+that required an attendant, John was ever ready. He was devoted to her;
+the decided preference she gave him over every other man, upon such
+occasions, flattered his affection; and he would, at any time, leave
+even Grace Chatterton to attend his sister. All this too was without
+affectation, and generally without notice. Emily so looked the delicacy
+and reserve she acted with so little ostentation that not even her own
+sex had affixed to her conduct the epithet of squeamish; it was
+difficult, therefore, for her to do anything which would show Lord
+Chatterton her disinclination to his suit, without assuming a dislike
+she did not feel, or giving him slights that neither good breeding nor
+good nature could justify. At one time, indeed, she had expressed a wish
+to return to Clara; but this Mrs. Wilson thought would only protract the
+evil, and she was compelled to wait his own time. The peer himself did
+not rejoice more in his ability to make the offer, therefore, than Emily
+did to have it in her power to decline it. Her rejection was firm and
+unqualified, but uttered with a grace and a tenderness to his feelings,
+that bound her lover tighter than ever in her chains, and he resolved on
+immediate flight as his only recourse.
+
+"I hope nothing unpleasant has occurred to Lord Chatterton," said
+Denbigh, with great interest, as he reached the spot where the young
+peer stood leaning his head against a tree, on his way from the rectory
+to the hall.
+
+Chatterton raised his face as he spoke: there were evident traces of
+tears on it, and Denbigh, greatly shocked, was about to proceed as the
+other caught his arm.
+
+"Mr. Denbigh," said the young man, in a voice almost choked with
+emotion, "may you never know the pain I have felt this morning. Emily--
+Emily Moseley--is lost to me--for ever."
+
+For a moment the blood rushed to the face of Denbigh, and his eyes
+flashed with a look that Chatterton could not stand. He turned, as the
+voice of Denbigh, in those remarkable tones which distinguished it from
+every other voice he had ever heard, uttered--
+
+"Chatterton, my lord, we are friends, I hope--I wish it; from my heart."
+
+"Go, Mr. Denbigh--go. You were going to Miss Moseley--do not let me
+detain you." "I am going with you, Lord Chatterton, unless you forbid
+it," said Denbigh, with emphasis, slipping his arm through that of the
+peer.
+
+For two hours they walked together in the park; and when they appeared
+at dinner, Emily wondered why Mr. Denbigh had taken a seat next to her
+mother, instead of his usual place between herself and her aunt. In the
+evening, he announced his intention of leaving B---- for a short time
+with Lord Chatterton. They were going to London together; but he hoped
+to return within ten days. This sudden determination caused some
+surprise; but, as the dowager supposed it was to secure the new
+situation, and the remainder of their friends thought it might be
+business, it was soon forgotten, though much regretted for the time. The
+gentlemen left the hall that night to proceed to an inn, from which they
+could obtain a chaise and horses; and the following morning, when the
+baronet's family assembled around their social breakfast, they were many
+miles on the road to the metropolis.
+
+
+
+Chapter XV.
+
+Lady Chatterton, finding that little was to be expected in her present
+situation, excepting what she looked forward to from the varying
+admiration of John Moseley to her youngest daughter, determined to
+accept an invitation of some standing to a nobleman's seat about fifty
+miles from the hall, and, in order to keep things in their proper
+places, to leave Grace with her friends, who had expressed a wish to
+that effect. Accordingly, the day succeeding the departure of her son,
+she proceeded on her expedition, accompanied by her willing assistant in
+the matrimonial speculations.
+
+Grace Chatterton was by nature retiring and delicate; but her feelings
+were acute, and on the subject of female propriety sensitive to a
+degree, that the great want of it in a relation she loved as much as her
+mother had possibly in some measure increased. Her affections were too
+single in their objects to have left her long in doubt as to their
+nature with respect to the baronet's son; and it was one of the most
+painful orders she had ever received, that which compelled her to accept
+her cousin's invitation. Her mother was peremptory, however, and Grace
+was obliged to comply. Every delicate feeling she possessed revolted at
+the step: the visit itself was unwished for on her part; but there did
+exist a reason which had reconciled her to that--the wedding of Clara.
+But now to remain, after all her family had gone, in the house where
+resided the man who had as yet never solicited those affections she had
+been unable to withhold, it was humiliating--it was degrading her in her
+own esteem, and she could scarcely endure it.
+
+It is said that women are fertile in inventions to further their schemes
+of personal gratification, vanity, or even mischief. It may be it is
+true; but the writer of these pages is a man--one who has seen much of
+the other sex, and he is happy to have an opportunity of paying a
+tribute to female purity and female truth. That there are hearts so
+disinterested as to lose the considerations of self, in advancing the
+happiness of those they love; that there are minds so pure as to recoil
+with disgust from the admission of deception, indelicacy, or management,
+he knows; for he has seen it from long and close examination. He regrets
+that the very artlessness of those who are most pure in the one sex,
+subjects them to the suspicions of the grosser materials which compose
+the other. He believes that innocency, singleness of heart, ardency of
+feeling, and unalloyed, shrinking delicacy, sometimes exist in the
+female bosom, to an extent that but few men are happy enough to
+discover, and that most men believe incompatible with the frailties of
+human nature. Grace Chatterton possessed no little of what may almost be
+called this ethereal spirit and a visit to Bolton parsonage was
+immediately proposed by her to Emily. The latter, too innocent herself
+to suspect the motives of her cousin, was happy to be allowed to devote
+a fortnight to Clara, uninterrupted by the noisy round of visiting and
+congratulations which had attended her first week; and Mrs. Wilson and
+the two girls left the hall the same day with the Dowager Lady
+Chatterton. Francis and Clara were happy to receive them, and they were
+immediately domesticated in their new abode. Doctor Ives and his wife
+had postponed an annual visit to a relation of the former on account of
+the marriage of their son, and they now availed themselves of this visit
+to perform their own engagement. B---- appeared in some measure
+deserted, and Egerton had the field almost to himself. Summer had
+arrived, and the country bloomed in all its luxuriance of vegetation:
+everything was propitious to the indulgence of the softer passions; and
+Lady Moseley, ever a strict adherent to forms and decorum, admitted the
+intercourse between Jane and her admirer to be carried to as great
+lengths as those forms would justify. Still the colonel was not
+explicit; and Jane, whose delicacy dreaded the exposure of feelings that
+was involved in his declaration, gave or sought no marked opportunities
+for the avowal of his passion. Yet they were seldom separate, and both
+Sir Edward and his wife looked forward to their future union as a thing
+not to be doubted. Lady Moseley had given up her youngest child so
+absolutely to the government of her aunt, that she seldom thought of her
+future establishment. She had that kind of reposing confidence in Mrs.
+Wilson's proceedings that feeble minds ever bestow on those who are much
+superior to them; and she even approved of a system in many respects
+which she could not endeavor to imitate. Her affection for Emily was
+not, however, less than what she felt for her other children: she was,
+in fact, her favorite, and, had the discipline of Mrs. Wilson admitted
+of so weak an interference, might have been injured as such.
+
+John Moseley had been able to find out exactly the hour they breakfasted
+at the deanery, the length of time it took Egerton's horses to go the
+distance between that house and the hall; and on the sixth morning after
+the departure of his aunt, John's bays were in his phaeton, and allowing
+ten minutes for the mile and a half to the park gates, John had got
+happily off his own territories, before he met the tilbury travelling
+eastward. I am not to know which road the colonel may turn, thought
+John: and after a few friendly, but rather hasty greetings, the bays
+were again in full trot to the parsonage.
+
+"John," said Emily, holding out her hand affectionately, and smiling a
+little archly, as he approached the window where she stood, "you should
+take a lesson in driving from Frank; you have turned more than one hair,
+I believe."
+
+"How is Clara?" cried John, hastily, taking the offered hand, with a
+kiss, "aye, and aunt Wilson?"
+
+"Both well, brother, and out walking this fine morning."
+
+"How happens it you are not with them?" inquired the brother, throwing
+his eyes round the room. "Have they left you alone?"
+
+"No Grace has this moment left me."
+
+"Well, Emily," said John, taking his seat very composedly, but keeping
+his eyes on the door, "I have come to dine with you. I thought I owed
+Clara a visit, and have managed nicely to give the colonel the go-by."
+
+"Clara will be happy to see you, dear John, and so will aunt, and so am
+I"--as she drew aside his fine hair with her fingers to cool his
+forehead.
+
+"And why not Grace, too?" asked John, with a look of a little alarm.
+
+"And Grace, too, I fancy--but here she is, to answer for herself."
+
+Grace said little on her entrance, but her eyes were brighter than
+usual, and she looked so contented and happy that Emily observed to her,
+in an affectionate manner--
+
+"I knew the eau-de-Cologne would do your head good."
+
+"Is Miss Chatterton unwell?" asked John, with a look of interest.
+
+"A slight headache," said Grace, faintly, "but I feel much better."
+
+"Want of air and exercise: my horses are at the door; phaeton will hold
+three easily; run, sister, for your hat," almost pushing Emily out of
+the room as he spoke. In a few minutes the horses might have been
+suffering for air, but surely not for exercise.
+
+"I wish," cried John, with impatience, when at the distance of a couple
+of miles from the parsonage, "that gentleman had driven his gig out of
+the road."
+
+There was a small group on one side of the road, consisting of a man, a
+woman, and several children. The owner of the gig had alighted, and was
+in the act of speaking to them, as the phaeton approached at a great
+rate.
+
+"John," cried Emily, in terror, "You never can pass--you will upset us."
+
+"There is no danger, dear Grace," said the brother, endeavoring to check
+his horses; he succeeded in part, but not so as to prevent his passing
+at a spot where the road was very narrow; a wheel hit violently against
+a stone, and some of his works gave way. The gentleman immediately
+hastened to his assistance--it was Denbigh.
+
+"Miss Moseley!" cried he, in a voice of the tenderest interest "you are
+not hurt in the least, I hope."
+
+"No," said Emily, recovering her breath, "only frightened;" and taking
+his hand, she sprang from the carriage.
+
+Miss Chatterton found courage to wait quietly for the care of John. His
+"dear Grace," had thrilled on every nerve, and she afterwards often
+laughed at Emily for her terror when there was so little danger. The
+horses were not in the least frightened, and after a little mending,
+John declared all was safe. To ask Emily to enter, the carriage again,
+was to exact no little sacrifice of her feelings to her reason; and she
+stood in a suspense that too plainly showed that, the terror she had
+been in had not left her.
+
+"If," said Denbigh, modestly, "if Mr. Moseley will take the ladies in my
+gig, I will drive the phaeton to the hall, as it is rather unsafe for so
+heavy a load."
+
+"No, no, Denbigh," said John, coolly, "you are not used to such mettled
+nags as mine--it would be indiscreet for you to drive them: if, however,
+you will be good enough to take Emily into your gig--Grace Chatterton, I
+am sure, is not afraid to trust my driving, and we might all get back as
+well as ever."
+
+Grace gave her hand almost unconsciously to John, and he handed her into
+the phaeton, as Denbigh stood willing to execute his part of the
+arrangement, but too diffident to speak. It was not a moment for
+affectation, if Emily had been capable of it, and blushing with the
+novelty of her situation, she took her place in the gig. Denbigh stopped
+and turned his eyes on the little group with which he had been talking,
+and at that moment they caught the attention of John also. The latter
+inquired after their situation. The tale was a piteous one, the distress
+evidently real. The husband had been gardener to a gentleman in a
+neighboring county, and he had been lately discharged, to make way, in
+the difficulty of the times, for a relation of the steward, who was in
+want of the place. Suddenly thrown on the world, with a wife and four
+children, with but the wages of a week for his and their support, they
+had travelled thus far on the way to a neighboring parish, where he said
+he had a right to, and must seek, public assistance. The children were
+crying for hunger, and the mother, who was a nurse, had been unable to
+walk further than where she sat, but had sunk on the ground overcome
+with fatigue, and weak from the want of nourishment. Neither Emily nor
+Grace could refrain from tears at the recital of these heavy woes; the
+want of sustenance was something so shocking in itself, and brought, as
+it were, immediately before their eyes, the appeal was irresistible.
+John forgot his bays--forgot even Grace, as he listened to the affecting
+story related by the woman, who was much revived by some nutriment
+Denbigh had obtained from a cottage near them, and to which they were
+about to proceed by his directions, as Moseley interrupted them. His
+hand shook, his eyes glistened as he took his purse from his pocket, and
+gave several guineas from it to the mendicant. Grace thought John had
+never appeared so handsome as the moment he handed the money to the
+gardener; his face glowed with unusual excitement, and his symmetry had
+lost the only charm he wanted in common, softness. Denbigh, after
+waiting patiently until Moseley had bestowed his alms, gravely repeated
+his directions for their proceeding to the cottage, when the carriages
+moved on.
+
+Emily revolved, in her mind, during their short ride, the horrid
+distress she had witnessed. It had taken a strong hold on her feelings.
+Like her brother, she was warm-hearted and compassionate, if we may use
+the term, to excess; and had she been prepared with the means, the
+gardener would have reaped a double harvest of donations. It struck her,
+at the moment, unpleasantly, that Denbigh had been so backward in his
+liberality. The man had rather sullenly displayed half a crown as his
+gift, in contrast with the golden shower of John's generosity. It had
+been even somewhat offensive in its exhibition, and urged her brother to
+a more hasty departure than, under other circumstances, he would just at
+the moment have felt disposed to make. Denbigh, however, had taken no
+notice of the indignity, and continued his directions in the same mild
+and benevolent manner he had used during the whole interview. Half a
+crown was but little, thought Emily, for a family that was starving;
+and, unwilling to judge harshly of one she had begun to value so highly,
+she came to the painful conclusion, her companion was not as rich as he
+deserved to be. Emily had not yet to learn that charity was in
+proportion to the means of the donor, and a gentle wish insensibly stole
+over her that Denbigh might in some way become more richly endowed with
+the good things of this world. Until this moment her thoughts had never
+turned to his temporal condition. She knew he was an officer in the
+army, but of what rank, or even of what regiment, she was ignorant. He
+had frequently touched in his conversations on the customs of the
+different countries he had seen. He had served in Italy, in the north of
+Europe, in the West Indies, in Spain. Of the manners of the people, of
+their characters, he not unfrequently spoke, and with a degree of
+intelligence, a liberality, a justness of discrimination, that had
+charmed his auditors; but on the point of personal service he had
+maintained a silence that was inflexible, and not a little surprising--
+more particularly of that part of his history which related to the
+latter country; from all which she was rather inclined to think his
+military rank was not as high as she thought he merited, and that
+possibly he felt an awkwardness of putting it in contrast with the more
+elevated station of Colonel Egerton. The same idea had struck the whole
+family, and prevented any inquiries which might be painful. He was so
+connected with the mournful event of his father's death, that no
+questions could be put with propriety to the doctor's family; and if
+Francis had been more communicative to Clara, she was too good a wife to
+mention it, and her own family was possessed of too just a sense of
+propriety to touch upon points that might bring her conjugal fidelity in
+question.
+
+Though Denbigh appeared a little abstracted during the ride, his
+questions concerning Sir Edward and her friends were kind and
+affectionate. As they approached the house he suffered his horse to
+walk, and, after some hesitation, he took a letter from his pocket, and
+handing it to her, said--
+
+"I hope Miss Moseley will not think me impertinent in becoming the
+bearer of a letter from her cousin, Lord Chatterton. He requested it so
+earnestly, that I could not refuse taking what I am sensible is a great
+liberty; for it would be deception did I affect to be ignorant of his
+admiration, or of his generous treatment of a passion she cannot return.
+Chatterton," and he smiled mournfully, "is yet too true to cease his
+commendations."
+
+Emily blushed painfully, but she took the letter in silence; and as
+Denbigh pursued the topic no further, the little distance they had to go
+was ridden in silence. On entering the gates, however, he said,
+inquiringly, and with much interest--
+
+"I sincerely hope I have not given offence to your delicacy, Miss
+Moseley. Lord Chatterton has made me an unwilling confidant. I need not
+say the secret is sacred, on more accounts than one."
+
+"Surely not, Mr. Denbigh," replied Emily, in a low tone; and the gig
+stopping, she hastened to accept the assistance of her brother to
+alight.
+
+"Well, sister," cried John, laughing, "Denbigh is a disciple to Frank's
+system of horse-flesh. Hairs smooth enough here, I see. Grace and I
+thought you would never get home." Now, John fibbed a little, for
+neither Grace nor he had thought in the least about them, or anything
+else but each other, from the moment they separated until the gig
+arrived.
+
+Emily made no reply to this speech, and as the gentlemen were engaged in
+giving directions concerning their horses, she seized an opportunity to
+read Chatterton's letter.
+
+"I avail myself of the return of my friend Mr. Denbigh to that happy
+family from which reason requires my self-banishment to assure my
+amiable cousin, of my continued respect for her character, and to
+convince her of my gratitude for the tenderness she has manifested to
+feelings she cannot return. I may even venture to tell her what few
+women would be pleased to hear, but what I know Emily Moseley too well
+to doubt, for a moment, will give her unalloyed pleasure--that owing to
+the kind, the benevolent, the brotherly attentions of my true friend,
+Mr. Denbigh, I have already gained a peace of mind and resignation I
+once thought was lost to me for ever. Ah! Emily, my beloved cousin, in
+Denbigh you will find, I doubt not, a mind, principles, congenial to
+your own. It is impossible that he could see you without wishing to
+possess such a treasure; and, if I have a wish that is now uppermost in
+my heart, it is, that you may learn to esteem each other as you ought,
+when, I doubt not, you will become as happy as you both deserve to be.
+What greater earthly blessing can I implore upon you!
+
+"Chatterton."
+
+Emily, while reading this epistle, felt a confusion but little inferior
+to that which would have oppressed her had Denbigh himself been at her
+feet, soliciting that love Chatterton thought him so worthy of
+possessing; and when they met, she could hardly look in the face a man
+who, it would seem, had been so openly selected by another, as the
+fittest to be her partner for life. The unaltered manner of Denbigh
+himself, however, soon convinced her that he was entirely ignorant of
+the contents of the note, and it greatly relieved her from the
+awkwardness his presence at first occasioned.
+
+Francis soon returned, accompanied by his wife and aunt, and was
+overjoyed to find the guest who had so unexpectedly arrived. His parents
+had not yet returned from their visit, and Denbigh, of course, would
+remain at his present quarters. John promised to continue with them for
+a couple of days: and everything was soon settled to the perfect
+satisfaction of the whole party. Mrs. Wilson knew the great danger of
+suffering young people to be inmates of the same house too well,
+wantonly to incur the penalties, but her visit had nearly expired, and
+it might give her a better opportunity of judging Denbigh's character;
+and Grace Chatterton, though too delicate to follow herself, was well
+contented to be followed, especially when John Moseley was the pursuer.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVI.
+
+"I am sorry, aunt, Mr. Denbigh is not rich," said Emily to Mrs. Wilson,
+after they had retired in the evening, almost unconscious of what she
+uttered. The latter looked at her niece in surprise, at a remark so
+abrupt, and one so very different from the ordinary train of Emily's
+reflections, as she required an explanation. Emily, slightly coloring at
+the channel her thoughts had insensibly strayed into, gave her aunt an
+account of their adventure in the course of the morning's drive, and
+touched lightly on the difference in the amount of the alms of her
+brother and those of Mr. Denbigh.
+
+"The bestowal of money is not always an act of charity," observed Mrs.
+Wilson, gravely, and the subject was dropped: though neither ceased to
+dwell on it in her thoughts, until sleep closed the eyes of both.
+
+The following day Mrs. Wilson invited Grace and Emily to accompany her
+in a walk; the gentlemen having preceded them in pursuit of their
+different avocations. Francis had his regular visits of spiritual
+consolation; John had gone to the hall for his pointers and fowling-
+piece, the season for woodcock having arrived; and Denbigh had proceeded
+no one knew whither. On gaining the high-road, Mrs. Wilson desired her
+companions to lead the way to the cottage where the family of the
+mendicant gardener had been lodged, and thither they soon arrived. On
+knocking at the door, they were immediately admitted to an outer room;
+in which they found the wife of the laborer who inhabited the building,
+engaged in her customary morning employments. They explained the motives
+of the visit, and were told that the family they sought were in an
+adjoining room, but she rather thought at that moment engaged with a
+clergyman who had called a quarter of an hour before. "I expect, my
+lady, it's the new rector, who everybody says is so good to the poor and
+needy; but I have not found time yet to go to church to hear his
+reverence preach, ma'am," courtseying and handing the fresh dusted
+chairs to her unexpected visitors. The ladies seated themselves, too
+delicate to interrupt Francis in his sacred duties, and were silently
+waiting his appearance, when a voice was distinctly heard through the
+thin partition, the first note of which undeceived them as to the
+character of the gardener's visitor.
+
+"It appears then, Davis, by your own confession," said Denbigh, mildly,
+but in a tone of reproof, "that your frequent acts of intemperance have
+at least given ground for the steward's procuring your discharge if it
+has not justified him in doing that which his duty to your common
+employer required."
+
+"It is hard, sir," replied the man sullenly, "to be thrown on the world
+with a family like mine, to make way for a younger man with but one
+child."
+
+"It may be unfortunate for your wife and children," said Denbigh, "but
+just, as respects yourself. I have already convinced you, that my
+interference or reproof is not an empty one: carry the letter to the
+person to whom it is directed, and I pledge you, you shall have a new
+trial; and should you conduct yourself soberly, and with propriety,
+continued and ample support; the second letter will gain you children
+immediate admission to the school I mentioned; and I now leave you, with
+an earnest injunction to remember that habits of intemperance not only
+disqualify you to support those who have such great claims on your
+protection, but inevitably lead to a loss of those powers which are
+necessary to insure your own eternal welfare."
+
+"May Heaven bless your honor," cried the woman, with fervor, and
+evidently in tears, "both for what you have said, and what you have
+done. Thomas only wants to be taken from temptation, to become a sober
+man again--an honest one he has ever been, I am sure."
+
+"I have selected a place for him," replied Denbigh "where there is no
+exposure through improper companions, and everything now depends upon
+himself, under Providence."
+
+Mrs. Wilson had risen from her chair on the first intimation given by
+Denbigh of his intention to go, but had paused at the door to listen to
+this last speech; when beckoning her companions, she hastily withdrew,
+having first made a small present to the woman of the cottage, and
+requested her not to mention their having called.
+
+"What becomes now of the comparative charity of your brother and Mr.
+Denbigh, Emily?" asked Mrs. Wilson, as they gained the road on their
+return homewards. Emily was not accustomed to hear any act of John
+slightly spoken of without at least manifesting some emotion, which
+betrayed her sisterly regard; but on the present occasion she chose to
+be silent; while Grace, after waiting in expectation that her cousin
+would speak, ventured to say timidly--
+
+"I am sure, dear madam, Mr. Moseley was very liberal and the tears were
+in his eyes while he gave the money. I was looking directly at them the
+whole time."
+
+"John is compassionate by nature," continued Mrs. Wilson with an almost
+imperceptible smile. "I have no doubt his sympathies were warmly
+enlisted in behalf of this family and possessing much, he gave
+liberally. I have no doubt he would have undergone personal privation to
+have relieved their distress, and endured both pain and labor, with such
+an excitement before him. But what is all that to the charity of Mr.
+Denbigh?"
+
+Grace was unused to contend, and, least of all, with Mrs. Wilson; but,
+unwilling to abandon John to such censure, with increased animation, she
+said--
+
+"If bestowing freely, and feeling for the distress you relieve, be not
+commendable, madam, I am sure I am ignorant what is."
+
+"That compassion for the woes of others is beautiful in itself, and the
+want of it an invariable evidence of corruption from too much, and an
+ill-governed intercourse with the world, I am willing to acknowledge, my
+dear Grace," said Mrs. Wilson, kindly; "but the relief of misery, where
+the heart has not undergone this hardening ordeal, is only a relief to
+our own feelings: this is compassion; but Christian charity is a higher
+order of duty: it enters into every sensation of the heart; disposes us
+to judge, as well as to act, favorably to our fellow creatures; is
+deeply seated in the sense of our own unworthiness; keeps a single eye,
+in its dispensations of temporal benefits, to the everlasting happiness
+of the objects of its bounty; is consistent, well regulated; in short,"-
+-and Mrs. Wilson's pale cheek glowed with an unusual richness of color--
+"it is an humble attempt to copy after the heavenly example of our
+Redeemer, in sacrificing ourselves to the welfare of others, and does
+and must proceed from a love of his person, and an obedience to his
+mandates."
+
+"And Mr. Denbigh, aunt," exclaimed Emily, the blood mantling to her
+cheeks with a sympathetic glow, while she lost all consideration for
+John in the strength of her feelings, "his charity you think to be of
+this description?"
+
+"So far, my child, as we can understand motives from the nature of the
+conduct, such appears to have been the charity of Mr. Denbigh."
+
+Grace was silenced, if not convinced; and the ladies continued their
+walk, lost in their own reflections, until they reached a bend in the
+road which hid the cottage from view. Emily involuntarily turned her
+head as they arrived at the spot, and saw that Denbigh had approached
+within a few paces of them. On joining them, he commenced his
+complimentary address in such a way as convinced them the cottager had
+been true to the injunction given by Mrs. Wilson. No mention was made of
+the gardener, and Denbigh began a lively description of some foreign
+scenery, of which their present situation reminded him. The discourse
+was maintained with great interest by himself and Mrs. Wilson for the
+remainder of their walk.
+
+It was yet early when they reached the parsonage, where they found John,
+who had driven to the hall to breakfast, and who, instead of pursuing
+his favorite amusement of shooting, laid down his gun as they entered,
+observing, "It is rather soon yet for the woodcocks, and I believe I
+will listen to your entertaining conversation, ladies, for the remainder
+of the morning." He threw himself upon a sofa at no great distance from
+Grace, and in such a position as enabled him, without rudeness, to study
+the features of her lovely face, while Denbigh read aloud to the ladies
+Campbell's beautiful description of wedded love, in Gertrude of Wyoming.
+
+There was a chastened correctness in the ordinary manner of Denbigh
+which wore the appearance of the influence of his reason, and a
+subjection of the passions, that, if anything, gave him less interest
+with Emily than had it been marked by an evidence of stronger feeling.
+But on the present occasion, this objection was removed: his reading was
+impressive; he dwelt on those passages which most pleased him with a
+warmth of eulogium fully equal to her own undisguised sensations. In the
+hour occupied in the reading this exquisite little poem, and in
+commenting on its merits and sentiments, Denbigh gained more on her
+imagination than in all their former intercourse. His ideas were as
+pure, as chastened, and almost as vivid as those of the poet; and Emily
+listened to his periods with intense attention, as they flowed from him
+in language as glowing as his ideas. The poem had been first read to her
+by her brother, and she was surprised to discover how she had overlooked
+its beauties on that occasion. Even John acknowledged that it certainly
+appeared a different thing now from what he had then thought it; but
+Emily had taxed his declamatory power in the height of the pheasant
+season, and, somehow or other, John now imagined that Gertrude was just
+such a delicate, feminine, warm-hearted domestic girl as Grace
+Chatterton. As Denbigh closed the book, and entered into a general
+conversation with Clara and her sister, John followed Grace to a window,
+and speaking in a tone of unusual softness for him, he said--
+
+"Do you know, Miss Chatterton, I have accepted your brother's invitation
+to go into Suffolk this summer, and that you are to be plagued with me
+and my pointers again?"
+
+"Plagued, Mr. Moseley!" said Grace, in a voice even softer than his own.
+"I am sure--I am sure, we none of us think you or your dogs in the least
+a plague."
+
+"Ah! Grace," and John was about to become what he had never been before-
+-sentimental--- when he saw the carriage of Chatterton, containing the
+dowager and Catherine entering the parsonage gates.
+
+Pshaw! thought John, there comes Mother Chatterton "Ah! Grace," said
+John, "there are your mother and sister returned already."
+
+"Already!" said the young lady, and, for the first time in her life, she
+felt rather unlike a dutiful child. Five minutes could have made no
+great difference to her mother, and she would greatly have liked to hear
+what John Moseley meant to have said; for the alteration in his manner
+convinced her that his first "ah! Grace" was to have been continued in a
+somewhat different language from that in which the second "ah! Grace"
+was ended.
+
+Young Moseley and her daughter, standing together at the open window,
+caught the attention of Lady Chatterton the moment she got a view of the
+house, and she entered with a good humor she had not felt since the
+disappointment in her late expedition in behalf of Catherine; for the
+gentleman she had had in view in this excursion had been taken up by
+another rover, acting on her own account, and backed by a little more
+wit and a good deal more money than what Kate could be fairly thought to
+possess. Nothing further in that quarter offering in the way of her
+occupation, she turned her horses' heads towards London, that great
+theatre on which there never was a loss for actors. The salutations had
+hardly passed before, turning to John, she exclaimed, with what she
+intended for a most motherly smile, "What! not shooting this fine day,
+Mr. Moseley? I thought you never missed a day in the season."
+
+"It is rather early yet, my lady," said John, coolly, a little alarmed
+by the expression of her countenance.
+
+"Oh!" continued the dowager, in the same strain, "I see how it is; the
+ladies have too many attractions for so gallant a young man as
+yourself." Now, as Grace, her own daughter, was the only lady of the
+party who could reasonably be supposed to have much influence over
+John's movements--a young gentleman seldom caring as much for his own as
+for other people's sisters, this may be fairly set down as a pretty
+broad hint of the opinion the dowager entertained of the real state of
+things; and John saw it, and Grace saw it. The former coolly replied,
+"Why, upon the whole, if you will excuse the neglect, I will try a shot
+this fine day." In five minutes, Carlo and Rover were both delighted.
+Grace kept her place at the window, from a feeling she could not define,
+and of which perhaps she was unconscious, until the gate closed, and the
+shrubbery hid the sportsman from her sight, and then she withdrew to her
+room to weep.
+
+Had Grace Chatterton been a particle less delicate--less retiring--
+blessed with a managing mother, as she was, John Moseley would not have
+thought another moment about her. But, on every occasion when the
+dowager made any of her open attacks, Grace discovered so much distress,
+so much unwillingness to second them, that a suspicion of a confederacy
+never entered his brain. It is not to be supposed that Lady Chattelton's
+manoeuvres were limited to the direct and palpable schemes we have
+mentioned; no--these were the effervescence, the exuberance of her zeal;
+but as is generally the case, they sufficiently proved the ground-work
+of all her other machinations; none of the little artifices of such as
+placing--of leaving alone--of showing similarity of tastes:--of
+compliments to the gentlemen, were neglected.--This latter business she
+had contrived to get Catherine to take off her hands; but Grace could
+never pay a compliment in her life, unless changing of color, trembling,
+undulations of the bosom, and such natural movements can be so called;
+but she loved dearly to receive them from John Moseley.
+
+"Well, my child," said the mother, as she seated herself by the side of
+her daughter, who hastily endeavored to conceal her tears, "when are we
+to have another wedding? I trust everything is settled between you and
+Mr. Moseley, by this time."
+
+"Mother! Mother!" said Grace, nearly gasping for breath, "Mother, you
+will break my heart, indeed you will." She hid her face in the clothes
+of the bed by which she sat, and wept with a feeling of despair.
+
+"Tut, my dear," replied the dowager, not noticing her anguish, or
+mistaking it for a girlish shame, "you young people are fools in these
+matters, but Sir Edward and myself will arrange everything as it should
+be."
+
+The daughter now not only looked up, but sprang from her seat, her hands
+clasped together, her eyes fixed in horror, her cheek pale as death; but
+the mother had retired, and Grace sank back into her chair with a
+sensation of disgrace, of despair, which could not have been surpassed,
+had she really merited the obloquy and shame which she thought were
+about to be heaped upon her.
+
+
+
+Chapter XVII.
+
+The succeeding morning, the whole party, with, the exception of Denbigh,
+returned to the hall. Nothing had occurred out of the ordinary course of
+the colonel's assiduities; and Jane, whose sense of propriety forbad the
+indulgence of premeditated tête-à-têtes, and such little accompaniments
+of every-day attachments, was rejoiced to see a sister she loved, and an
+aunt she respected, once more in the bosom of her family.
+
+The dowager impatiently waited an opportunity to effect, what she
+intended for a master-stroke of policy in the disposal of Grace. Like
+all other managers, she thought no one equal to herself in devising ways
+and means, and was unwilling to leave anything to nature. Grace had
+invariably thwarted all her schemes by her obstinacy; and as she thought
+young Moseley really attached to her, she determined by a bold stroke to
+remove the impediments of false shame, and the dread of repulse, which
+she believed alone kept the youth from an avowal of his wishes, and get
+rid at once of a plague that had annoyed her not a little--her
+daughter's delicacy.
+
+Sir Edward spent an hour every morning in his library, overlooking his
+accounts, and in other necessary employments of a similar nature, and it
+was here she determined to have the conference.
+
+"My Lady Chatterton, you do me honor," said the baronet, handing her a
+chair on her entrance.
+
+"Upon my word, cousin," cried the dowager, "you have a very convenient
+apartment here," looking around her in affected admiration of all she
+saw.
+
+The baronet replied, and a short discourse on the arrangements of the
+whole house insensibly led to some remarks on the taste of his mother,
+the Honorable Lady Moseley (a Chatterton), until, having warmed the
+feelings of the old gentleman by some well-timed compliments of that
+nature, she ventured on the principal object of her visit.
+
+"I am happy to find, Sir Edward, you are so well pleased with the family
+as to wish to make another selection from it. I sincerely hope it may
+prove as judicious as the former one."
+
+Sir Edward was a little at a loss to understand her meaning, although he
+thought it might allude to his son, who he had some time suspected had
+views on Grace Chatterton; and willing to know the truth, and rather
+pleased to find John had selected a young woman he loved in his heart,
+he observed--
+
+"I am not sure I rightly understand your ladyship, though I hope I do."
+
+"No!" cried the dowager, in well-counterfeited affectation of surprise.
+"Perhaps, after all, maternal anxiety has deceived me, then. Mr. Moseley
+could hardly have ventured to proceed without your approbation."
+
+"I have ever declined influencing any of my children, Lady Chatterton,"
+said the baronet, "and John is not ignorant of my sentiments. I
+sincerely hope, however, you allude to an attachment to Grace?"
+
+"I did certainly, Sir Edward," said the lady, hesitatingly. "I may be
+deceived; but you must understand the feelings of a mother, and a young
+woman ought not to be trifled with."
+
+"My son is incapable of trifling, I hope," cried Sir Edward; with
+animation, "and, least of all, with Grace Chatterton. No; you are quite
+right. If he has made his choice, he should not be ashamed to avow it."
+
+"I would not wish, on any account, to hurry matters," said the dowager;
+"but the report which is abroad will prevent other young men from
+putting in their claims, Sir Edward" (sighing). "I have a mother's
+feelings: if I have been hasty, your goodness will overlook it." And
+Lady Chatterton placed her handkerchief to her eyes, to conceal the
+tears that did not flow.
+
+Sir Edward thought all this very natural, and as it should be, and he
+sought an early conference with his son.
+
+"John," said the father, taking his hand kindly, "you have no reason to
+doubt my affection or my compliance to your wishes. Fortune is a thing
+out of the question with a young man of your expectations." And Sir
+Edward, in his eagerness to smoothe the way, went on: "You can live
+here, or occupy my small seat in Wiltshire. I can allow you five
+thousand a year, with much ease to myself. Indeed, your mother and
+myself would both straighten ourselves, to add to your comforts; but it
+is unnecessary--we have enough, and you have enough."
+
+Sir Edward, in a few moments, would have settled everything to the
+dowager's perfect satisfaction, had not John interrupted him by the
+exclamation of--
+
+"To what do you allude, father?"
+
+"Allude?" said Sir Edward, simply. "Why, Grace Chatterton, my son."
+
+"Grace Chatterton! Sir Edward. What have I to do with Grace Chatterton?"
+
+"Her mother has made me acquainted with your proposals, and"--
+
+"Proposals!"
+
+"Attentions, I ought to have said; and you have no reason to apprehend
+anything from me, my child."
+
+"Attentions!" said John, haughtily. "I hope Lady Chatterton does not
+accuse me of improper attentions to her daughter?"
+
+"No, not improper, my son," said his father: "on the contrary, she is
+much pleased with them."
+
+"She is, is she? But I am displeased that she should undertake to put
+constructions on my acts that no attention or words of mine will
+justify."
+
+It was now Sir Edward's turn to be surprised. He had thought he was
+doing his son a kindness, when he had only been forwarding the dowager's
+schemes; but averse from contention, and wondering at his cousin's
+mistake, which he at once attributed to her anxiety in behalf of a
+favorite daughter, he told John he was sorry there had been any
+misapprehension, and left him.
+
+"No, no," said Moseley, internally, as he paced up and down his father's
+library, "my lady dowager, you are not going to force a wife down my
+throat. If you do, I am mistaken; and Grace, if Grace"--John softened
+and began to feel unhappy a little, but anger prevailed.
+
+From the moment Grace Chatterton conceived a dread of her mother's
+saying anything to Sir Edward, her whole conduct was altered. She could
+hardly look any of the family in the face, and it was her most ardent
+wish that they might depart. John she avoided as she would an adder,
+although it nearly broke her heart to do so.
+
+Mr. Benfield had stayed longer than usual, and he now wished to return.
+John Moseley eagerly profited by this opportunity, and the very day
+after the conversation in the library he went to Benfield Lodge as a
+dutiful nephew, to see his venerable uncle safely restored once more to
+the abode of his ancestors.
+
+Lady Chatterton now perceived, when too late, that she had overshot her
+mark, while, at the same time, she wondered at the reason of a result so
+strange from such well-digested and well-conducted plans. She
+determined, however, never again to interfere between her daughter and
+the baronet's heir; concluding, with a nearer approach to the truth than
+always accompanied her deductions, that they resembled ordinary lovers
+in neither their temperaments nor opinions.
+
+Perceiving no further use in remaining any longer at the hall, she took
+her leave, and, accompanied by both her daughters, proceeded to the
+capital, where she expected to meet her son.
+
+Dr. Ives and his wife returned to the rectory on the same day, and
+Denbigh immediately resumed his abode under their roof. The intercourse
+between the rector's family and Sir Edward's was renewed with all its
+former friendly confidence.
+
+Colonel Egerton began to speak of his departure also, but hinted at
+intentions of visiting L---- at the period of the baronet's visit to his
+uncle, before he proceeded to town in the winter.
+
+L---- was a small village on the coast, within a mile of Benfield Lodge;
+and from its natural convenience, it had long been resorted to by the
+neighboring gentry for the benefit of sea bathing. The baronet had
+promised Mr. Benfield his visit should be made at an earlier day than
+usual, in order to gratify Jane with a visit to Bath, before they went
+to London, at which town they were promised by Mrs. Jarvis the pleasure
+of her society, and that of her son and daughters.
+
+Precaution is a word of simple meaning in itself, but various are the
+ways adopted by different individuals in this life to enforce its
+import; and not a few are the evils which it is thought necessary to
+guard against. To provide in season against the dangers of want;
+personal injury, loss of character, and a great many other such
+acknowledged misfortunes, has become a kind of instinctive process of
+our natures. The few exceptions which exist only go to prove the rule:
+in addition to these, almost every man has some ruling propensity to
+gratify, to advance which his ingenuity is ever on the alert, or some
+apprehended evil to avert, which calls all his prudence into activity.
+Yet how seldom is it exerted, in order to give a rational ground to
+expect permanent happiness in wedlock.
+
+Marriage is called a lottery, and it is thought, like all other
+lotteries, there are more blanks than prizes; yet is it not made more
+precarious than it ought to be, by our neglect of that degree of
+precaution which we would be ridiculed for omitting in conducting our
+every-day concerns? Is not the standard of matrimonial felicity placed
+too low? Ought we not to look more to the possession of principles than
+to the possession of wealth? Or is it at all justifiable in a Christian
+to commit a child, a daughter, to the keeping of a man who wants the
+very essential they acknowledge most necessary to constitute a perfect
+character? Most men revolt at infidelity in a woman, and most men,
+however licentious themselves, look for, at least, the exterior of
+religion in their wives. The education of their children is a serious
+responsibility; and although seldom conducted on such rules as will
+stand the test of reason, it is not to be entirely shaken off: they
+choose their early impressions should be correct, their infant conduct
+at least blameless. And are not one half mankind of the male sex? Are
+precepts in religion, in morals, only for females? Are we to reverse the
+theory of the Mahommedans, and though we do not believe it, act as if
+men had no souls. Is not the example of the father as important to the
+son as that of the mother to the daughter? In short, is there any
+security against the commission of enormities, but an humble and devout
+dependence on the assistance of that Almighty Power, which alone is able
+to hold us up against temptation?
+
+Uniformity of taste is no doubt necessary to what we call love, but is
+not taste acquired? Would our daughters admire a handsome deist, if
+properly impressed with a horror of his doctrines, sooner than they now
+would admire a handsome Mahommedan? We would refuse our children to a
+pious dissenter, to give them to impious members of the establishment:
+we make the substance less than the shadow.
+
+Our principal characters are possessed of these diversified views of the
+evils to be averted. Mrs. Wilson considers Christianity an indispensable
+requisite in the husband to be permitted to her charge, and watches
+against the possibility of any other than a Christian's gaining the
+affections of Emily. Lady Chatterton considers the want of an
+establishment as the unpardonable sin, and directs her energies to
+prevent this evil; while John Moseley looks upon a free will as the
+birthright of an Englishman, and is, at the present moment, anxiously
+alive to prevent the dowager's making him the husband of Grace, the
+thing of all others he most strenuously desires.
+
+
+
+Chapter XVIII.
+
+John Moseley returned from L---- within a week, and appeared as if his
+whole delight consisted in knocking over the inoffensive birds. His
+restlessness induced him to make Jarvis his companion; for although he
+abhorred the captain's style of pursuing the sport, being in his opinion
+both out of rule and without taste, yet he was a constitutional fidget,
+and suited his own moving propensities at the moment. Egerton and
+Denbigh were both frequently at the hall, but generally gave their time
+to the ladies, neither being much inclined to the favorite amusement of
+John.
+
+There was a little arbor within the walls of the park, which for years
+had been a retreat from the summer heats to the ladies of the Moseley
+family; even so long as the youth of Mrs. Wilson it had been in vogue,
+and she loved it with a kind of melancholy pleasure, as the spot where
+she had first listened to the language of love from the lips of her late
+husband. Into this arbor the ladies had one day retired, during the
+warmth of a noon-day sun, with the exception of Lady Moseley, who had
+her own engagement in the house. Between Egerton and Denbigh there was
+maintained a kind of courtly intercourse, which prevented any
+disagreeable collision from their evident dislike. Mrs. Wilson thought,
+on the part of Denbigh, it was the forbearance of a principled
+indulgence to another's weakness; while the colonel's otherwise uniform
+good breeding was hardly able to conceal a something amounting to very
+near repugnance. Egerton had taken his seat on the ground, near the feet
+of Jane; and Denbigh was stationed on a bench placed without the arbor
+but so near as to have the full benefit of the shade of the noble oak,
+branches of which had been trained so as to compose its principal
+covering. It might have been accident, that gave each his particular
+situation; but it is certain they were so placed as not to be in sight
+of each other, and so placed that the colonel was ready to hand Jane her
+scissors, or any other little implement that she occasionally dropped,
+and that Denbigh could read every lineament of the animated countenance
+of Emily as she listened to his description of the curiosities of Egypt,
+a country in which he had spent a few months while attached to the army
+in Sicily. In this situation we will leave them for an hour, happy in
+the society of each other, while we trace the route of John Moseley and
+his companion, in their pursuit of woodcock, on the same day.
+
+"Do you know, Moseley," said Jarvis, who began to think he was a
+favorite with John, now that he was admitted to his menus plaisirs,
+"that I have taken it into my head this Mr. Denbigh was very happy to
+plead his morals for not meeting me. He is a soldier, but I cannot find
+out what battles he has been in."
+
+"Captain Jarvis," said John, coolly, "the less you say about that
+business the better. Call in Rover."
+
+Now, another of Jarvis's recommendations was a set of lungs that might
+have been heard half a mile with great ease on a still morning.
+
+"Why," said Jarvis, rather humbly, "I am sensible, Mr Moseley, I was
+very wrong as regards your sister; but don't you think it a little odd
+in a soldier not to fight when properly called upon?"
+
+"I suppose Mr. Denbigh did not think himself properly called upon, or
+perhaps he had heard what a great shot you were."
+
+Six months before his appearance in B----, Captain Jarvis had been a
+clerk in the counting-room of Jarvis, Baxter & Co., and had never held
+fire-arms of any kind in his hand, with the exception of an old
+blunderbuss, which had been a kind of sentinel over the iron chest for
+years. On mounting the cockade, he had taken up shooting as a martial
+exercise, inasmuch as the burning of gunpowder was an attendant of the
+recreation. He had never killed but one bird in his life, and that was
+an owl, of which he took the advantage of daylight and his stocking feet
+to knock off a tree in the deanery grounds, very early after his
+arrival. In his trials with John, he sometimes pulled trigger at the
+same moment with his companion; and as the bird generally fell, he
+thought he had an equal claim to the honor. He was fond of warring with
+crows and birds of the larger sort, and invariably went provided with
+small balls fitted to the bore of his fowling-piece for such accidental
+rencontres. He had another habit, which was not a little annoying to
+John, who had several times tried in vain to break him of it--that of
+shooting at marks. If birds were not plenty, he would throw up a chip,
+and sometimes his hat, by way of shooting on the wing.
+
+As the day was excessively hot, and the game kept close, John felt
+willing to return from such unprofitable labor. The captain now
+commenced his chip firing, which in a few minutes was succeeded by his
+hat.
+
+"See, Moseley, see; I have hit the band," cried the captain, delighted
+to find he had at last wounded his old antagonist. "I don't think you
+can beat that yourself."
+
+"I am not sure I can," said John, slipping a handful of gravel in the
+muzzle of his piece slily, "but I can do, as you did--try."
+
+"Do," cried the captain, pleased to get his companion down to his own
+level of amusements. "Are you ready?"
+
+"Yes; throw."
+
+Jarvis threw, and John fired: the hat fairly bounced.
+
+"Have I hit it?" asked John, while reloading the barrel he had
+discharged.
+
+"Hit it!" said the captain, looking ruefully at his hat. "It looks like
+a cullender; but, Moseley, your gun don't scatter well: a dozen shot
+have gone through in the same place."
+
+"It does look rather like a cullender," said John, as he overlooked his
+companion's beaver, "and, by the size of some of the holes, one that has
+been a good deal used."
+
+The reports of the fowling-pieces announced to the party in the arbor
+the return of the sportsmen, it being an invariable practice with John
+Moseley to discharge his gun before he came in; and Jarvis had imitated
+him, from a wish to be what he called in rule.
+
+"Mr. Denbigh," said John, as he put down his gun, "Captain Jarvis has
+got the better of his hat at last."
+
+Denbigh smiled without speaking; and the captain, unwilling to have
+anything to say to a gentleman to whom be had been obliged to apologize,
+went into the arbor to show the mangled condition of his head-piece to
+the colonel, on whose sympathies he felt a kind of claim, being of the
+same corps. John complained of thirst, and went to a little run of water
+but a short distance from them, in order to satisfy it. The interruption
+of Jarvis was particularly unseasonable. Jane was relating, in a manner
+peculiar to herself, in which was mingled that undefinable exchange of
+looks lovers are so fond of, some incident of her early life to the
+colonel that greatly interested him. Knowing the captain's foibles, he
+pointed, therefore, with his finger, as he said--
+
+"There is one of your old enemies, a hawk."
+
+Jarvis threw down his hat, and ran with boyish eagerness to drive away
+the intruder. In his haste, he caught up the gun of John Moseley, and
+loading it rapidly/threw in a ball from his usual stock; but whether the
+hawk saw and knew him, or whether it saw something else it liked better,
+it made a dart for the baronet's poultry-yard at no great distance, and
+was out of sight in a minute. Seeing that his foe had vanished, the
+captain laid the piece where he had found it, and, recovering his old
+train of ideas, picked up his hat again.
+
+"John," said Emily, as she approached him affectionately, "you were too
+warm to drink."
+
+"Stand off, sis," cried John, playfully, taking up the gun from against
+the body of the tree, and dropping it towards her.
+
+Jarvis had endeavored to make an appeal to the commiseration of Emily in
+favor of the neglected beaver, and was within a few feet of them. At
+this moment, recoiling from the muzzle of the gun, he exclaimed, "It is
+loaded!" "Hold," cried Denbigh, in a voice of horror, as he sprang
+between John and his sister. Both were too late; the piece was
+discharged. Denbigh, turning to Emily, and smiling mournfully, gazed for
+a moment at her with an expression of tenderness, of pleasure, of
+sorrow, so blended that she retained the recollection of it for life,
+and fell at her feet.
+
+The gun dropped from the nerveless grasp of young Moseley. Emily sank in
+insensibility by the side of her preserver. Mrs. Wilson and Jane stood
+speechless and aghast. The colonel alone retained the presence of mind
+necessary to devise the steps to be immediately taken. He sprang to the
+examination of Denbigh; the eyes of the wounded man were open, and his
+recollection perfect: the first were fixed in intense observation on the
+inanimate body which lay at his side.
+
+"Leave me, Colonel Egerton," he said, speaking with difficulty, and
+pointing in the direction of the little run of water, "assist Miss
+Moseley--your hat--your hat will answer."
+
+Accustomed to scenes of blood, and not ignorant that time and care were
+the remedies to be applied to the wounded man, Egerton flew to the
+stream, and returning immediately, by the help of her sister and Mrs.
+Wilson, soon restored Emily to life. The ladies and John had now begun
+to act. The tenderest assiduities of Jane were devoted to her sister;
+while Mrs. Wilson observing her niece to be uninjured by anything but
+the shock, assisted John in supporting the wounded man.
+
+Denbigh spoke, requesting to be carried to the house; and Jarvis was
+despatched for help. Within half an hour, Denbigh was placed on a couch
+in the house of Sir Edward, and was quietly waiting for that
+professional aid which could only decide on his probable fate. The group
+assembled in the room were in fearful expectation of the arrival of the
+surgeons, in pursuit of whom messengers had been sent both to the
+barracks in F---- and to the town itself. Sir Edward sat by the side of
+the sufferer, holding one of his hands in his own, now turning his
+tearful eyes on that daughter who had so lately been rescued as it were
+from the certainty of death, in mute gratitude and thanksgiving; and now
+dwelling on the countenance of him, who, by bravely interposing his
+bosom to the blow, had incurred in his own person the imminent danger of
+a similar fate, with a painful sense of his perilous situation, and
+devout and earnest prayers for his safety. Emily was with her father, as
+with the rest of his family, a decided favorite; and no reward would
+have been sufficient, no gratitude lively enough, in the estimation of
+the baronet, to compensate the protector of such a child. She sat
+between her mother and Jane, with a hand held by each, pale and
+oppressed with a load of gratitude, of thanksgiving, of woe, that almost
+bowed her to the earth. Lady Moseley and Jane were both sensibly touched
+with the deliverance of Emily, and manifested the interest they took in
+her by the tenderest caresses, while Mrs. Wilson sat calmly collected
+within herself, occasionally giving those few directions which were
+necessary under the circumstances, and offering up her silent petitions
+in behalf of the sufferer. John had taken horse immediately for F----,
+and Jarvis had volunteered to go to the rectory and Bolton. Denbigh
+inquired frequently and with much anxiety for Dr. Ives; but the rector
+was absent from home on a visit to a sick parishioner, and it was late
+in the evening before he arrived. Within three hours of the accident,
+however, Dr. Black, the surgeon of the ----th, reached the hall, and
+immediately proceeded to examine the wound. The ball had penetrated the
+right breast, and gone directly through the body; it was extracted with
+very little difficulty, and his attendant acquainted the anxious friends
+of Denbigh that the heart certainly, and he hoped the lungs, had escaped
+uninjured. The ball was a very small one, and the principal danger to be
+apprehended was from fever: he had taken the usual precautions against
+that, and should it not set in with a violence greater than he
+apprehended at present, the patient might be abroad within the month.
+
+"But," continued the surgeon, with the hardened indifference of his
+profession, "the gentleman has had a narrow chance in the passage of the
+ball itself; half an inch would have settled his accounts with this
+world."
+
+This information greatly relieved the family, and orders were given to
+preserve a silence in the house that would favor the patient's
+disposition to quiet, or, if possible, sleep.
+
+Dr. Ives now reached the hall. Mrs. Wilson had never seen the rector in
+the agitation, or with the want of self-command he was in, as she met
+him at the entrance of the house.
+
+"Is he alive?--is there hope?--where is George?"--cried the doctor, as
+he caught the extended hand of Mrs. Wilson. She briefly acquainted him
+with the surgeon's report, and the reasonable ground there was to expect
+Denbigh would survive the injury.
+
+"May God be praised," said the rector, in a suppressed voice, and he
+hastily withdrew into another room. Mrs. Wilson followed him slowly and
+in silence; but was checked on opening the door with the sight of the
+rector on his knees, the tears stealing down his venerable cheeks in
+quick succession. "Surely," thought the widow, as she drew back
+unnoticed, "a youth capable of exciting such affection in a man like Dr.
+Ives, cannot be unworthy."
+
+Denbigh, hearing of the arrival of his friend, desired to see him alone.
+Their conference was short, and the rector returned from it with
+increased hopes of the termination of this dreadful accident. He
+immediately left the hall for his own house, with a promise of returning
+early on the following morning.
+
+During the night, however, the symptoms became unfavorable; and before
+the return of Dr. Ives, Denbigh was in a state of delirium from the
+height of his fever, and the apprehensions of his friends were renewed
+with additional force.
+
+"What, what, my good sir, do you think of him?" said the baronet to the
+family physician, with an emotion that the danger of his dearest child
+would not have exceeded, and within hearing of most of his children, who
+were collected in the ante-chamber of the room in which Denbigh was
+placed.
+
+"It is impossible to say, Sir Edward," replied the physician: "he
+refuses all medicines, and unless this fever abates, there is but little
+hope of recovery."
+
+Emily stood during this question and answer, motionless, pale as death,
+and with her hands clasped together, betraying by the workings of her
+fingers in a kind of convulsive motion, the intensity of her interest.
+She had seen the draught prepared which it was so desirable that Denbigh
+should take, and it now stood rejected on a table, where it could be
+seen through the open door of his room. Almost breathless, she glided
+in, and taking the draught in her hand, she approached the bed, by which
+sat John alone, listening with a feeling of despair to the wanderings of
+the sick man. Emily hesitated once or twice, as she drew near Denbigh;
+her face had lost the paleness of anxiety, and glowed with another
+emotion.
+
+"Mr. Denbigh--dear Denbigh." said Emily, with energy, unconsciously
+dropping her voice into the softest notes of persuasion, "will you
+refuse me?--me, Emily Moseley, whose life you have saved?"
+
+"Emily Moseley!" repeated Denbigh, and in those tones so remarkable to
+his natural voice. "Is she safe? I thought she was killed--dead." Then,
+as if recollecting himself, he gazed intently on her countenance--his
+eye became less fiery--his muscles relaxed--he smiled, and took, with
+the docility of a well-trained child, the prescribed medicines from her
+hand. His ideas still wandered, but his physician, profiting by the
+command Emily possessed over his patient, increased his care, and by
+night the fever had abated, and before morning the wounded man was in a
+profound sleep. During the whole day, it was thought necessary to keep
+Emily by the side of his bed; but at times it was no trifling tax on her
+feelings to remain there. He spoke of her by name in the tenderest
+manner, although incoherently, and in terms that restored to the
+blanched cheeks of the distressed girl more than the richness of their
+native color. His thoughts were not confined to Emily, however: he
+talked of his father, of his mother, and frequently spoke of his poor
+deserted Marian. The latter name he dwelt on in the language of the
+warmest affection, condemned his own desertion of her, and, taking Emily
+for her, would beg her forgiveness, tell her her sufferings had been
+enough, and that he would return, and never leave her again. At such
+moments his nurse would sometimes show, by the paleness of her cheeks,
+her anxiety for his health; and then, as he addressed her by her proper
+appellation, all her emotions appeared absorbed in the sense of shame at
+the praises with which he overwhelmed her. Mrs. Wilson succeeded her in
+the charge of the patient, and she retired to seek that repose she so
+greatly needed.
+
+On the second morning after receiving the wound, Denbigh dropped into a
+deep sleep, from which he awoke refreshed and perfectly collected in
+mind. The fever had left him, and his attendants pronounced, with the
+usual cautions to prevent a relapse, his recovery certain. It were
+impossible to have communicated any intelligence more grateful to all
+the members of the Moseley family; for Jane had even lost sight of her
+own lover, in sympathy for the fate of a man who had sacrificed himself
+to save her beloved sister.
+
+
+
+Chapter XIX.
+
+The recovery of Denbigh was as rapid as the most sanguine expectation of
+his friends could hope for, and in ten days he left his bed, and would
+sit an hour or two at a time in his dressing-room, where Mrs. Wilson,
+accompanied by Jane or Emily, came and read to him; and it was a remark
+of Sir Edward's gamekeeper, that the woodcocks had become so tame during
+the time Mr. Moseley was shut up in attendance on his friend, that
+Captain Jarvis was at last actually seen to bag one honestly.
+
+As Jarvis felt something like a consciousness that but for his folly the
+accident would not have happened, and also something very like shame for
+the manner he had shrunk from the danger Denbigh had so nobly met, he
+pretended a recall to his regiment, then on duty near London, and left
+the deanery. He went off as he came in--in the colonel's tilbury, and
+accompanied by his friend and his pointers, John, who saw them pass from
+the windows of Denbigh's dressing-room, fervently prayed he might never
+come back again--the chip-shooting poacher!
+
+Colonel Egerton had taken leave of Jane the evening preceding, with many
+assurances of the anxiety with which he should look forward to the
+moment of their meeting at L----, whither he intended repairing as soon
+as his corps had gone through its annual review. Jane had followed the
+bent of her natural feelings too much, during the period of Denbigh's
+uncertain fate, to think much of her lover, or anything else but her
+rescued sister and her preserver; but now the former was pronounced in
+safety, and the latter, by the very reaction of her grief, was, if
+possible, happier than ever, Jane dwelt in melancholy sadness on the
+perfections of the man who had taken with him the best affections (as
+she thought) of her heart. With him all was perfect: his morals were
+unexceptionable; his manners showed it; his tenderness of disposition
+manifest, for they had wept together over the distresses of more than
+one fictitious heroine; his temper, how amiable! he was never angry--she
+had never seen it; his opinions, his tastes, how correct! they were her
+own; his form, his face, how agreeable!--her eyes had seen it, and her
+heart acknowledged it; besides, his eyes confessed the power of her own
+charms; he was brave, for he was a soldier;--in short, as Emily had
+predicted, he was a hero--for he was Colonel Egerton.
+
+Had Jane been possessed of less exuberance of fancy, she might have been
+a little at a loss to identify all these good properties with her hero:
+or had she possessed a matured or well-regulated judgment to control
+that fancy, they might possibly have assumed a different appearance. No
+explanation had taken place between them, however. Jane knew, both by
+her own feelings and by all the legends of love from its earliest days,
+that the moment of parting was generally a crisis in affairs of the
+heart, and, with a backwardness occasioned by her modesty, had rather
+avoided than sought an opportunity to favor the colonel's wishes.
+Egerton had not been over anxious to come to the point, and everything
+was left as heretofore: neither, however, appeared to doubt in the least
+the state of the other's affections; and there might be said to exist
+between them one of those not unusual engagements by implication which
+it would have been, in their own estimation, a breach of faith to recede
+from, but which, like all other bargains that are loosely made, are
+sometimes violated when convenient. Man is a creature that, as
+experience has sufficiently proved, it is necessary to keep in his
+proper place in society by wholesome restrictions; and we have often
+thought it a matter of regret that some well understood regulations did
+not exist by which it became not only customary, but incumbent on him,
+to proceed in his road to the temple of Hymen. We know that it is
+ungenerous, ignoble, almost unprecedented, to doubt the faith, the
+constancy, of a male paragon; yet, somehow, as the papers occasionally
+give us a sample of such infidelity; as we have sometimes seen a
+solitary female brooding over her woes in silence, and, with the
+seemliness of feminine decorum shrinking from the discovery of its
+cause, or which the grave has revealed for the first time, we cannot but
+wish that either the watchfulness of the parent, or a sense of self-
+preservation in the daughter, would, for the want of a better, cause
+them to adhere to those old conventional forms of courtship which
+require a man to speak to be understood, and a woman to answer to be
+committed.
+
+There was a little parlor in the house of Sir Edward Moseley, that was
+the privileged retreat of none but the members of his own family. Here
+the ladies were accustomed to withdraw into the bosom of their domestic
+quietude, when occasional visitors had disturbed their ordinary
+intercourse; and many were the hasty and unreserved communications it
+had witnessed between the sisters, in their stolen flights from the
+graver scenes of the principal apartments. It might be said to be sacred
+to the pious feelings of the domestic affections. Sir Edward would
+retire to it when fatigued with his occupations, certain of finding some
+one of those he loved to draw his thoughts off from the cares of life to
+the little incidents of his children's happiness; and Lady Moseley, even
+in the proudest hours of her reviving splendor, seldom passed the door
+without looking in, with a smile, on the faces she might find there. It
+was, in fact, the room in the large mansion of the baronet, expressly
+devoted, by long usage and common consent, to the purest feelings of
+human nature. Into this apartment Denbigh had gained admission, as the
+one nearest to his own room and requiring the least effort of his
+returning strength to reach; and, perhaps, by an undefinable feeling of
+the Moseleys which had begun to connect him with themselves, partly from
+his winning manners, and partly by the sense of the obligation he had
+laid them under.
+
+One warm day, John and his friend had sought this retreat, in
+expectation of meeting his sisters, who they found, however, on inquiry,
+had walked to the arbor. After remaining conversing for an hour by
+themselves, John was called away to attend to a pointer that had been
+taken ill, and Denbigh throwing a handkerchief over his head to guard
+against the danger of cold, quietly composed himself on one of the
+comfortable sofas of the room, with a disposition to sleep. Before he
+had entirely lost his consciousness, a light step moving near him,
+caught his ear; believing it to be a servant unwilling to disturb him,
+he endeavored to continue in his present mood, until the quick but
+stifled breathing of some one nearer than before roused his curiosity.
+He commanded himself, however, sufficiently, to remain quiet; a blind of
+a window near him was carefully closed; a screen drawn from a corner and
+placed so as sensibly to destroy the slight draught of air in which he
+laid himself; and other arrangements were making, but with a care to
+avoid disturbing him that rendered them hardly audible. Presently the
+step approached him again, the breathing was quicker, though gentle, the
+handkerchief was moved, but the hand was with drawn hastily as if afraid
+of itself. Another effort was successful, and Denbigh stole a glance
+through his dark lashes, on the figure of Emily as she stood over him in
+the fulness of her charms, and with a face in which glowed an interest
+he had never witnessed in it before. It undoubtedly was gratitude. For a
+moment she gazed on him, as her color increased in richness. His hand
+was carelessly thrown over an arm of the sofa; she stooped towards it
+with her face gently, but with an air of modesty that shone in her very
+figure. Denbigh felt the warmth of her breath, but her lips did not
+touch it. Had he been inclined to judge the actions of Emily Moseley
+harshly, it were impossible to mistake the movement for anything but the
+impulse of natural feeling. There was a pledge of innocence, of modesty
+in her countenance, that would have prevented any misconstruction; and
+he continued quietly awaiting what the preparations on her little
+mahogany secretary were intended for.
+
+Mrs. Wilson entertained a great abhorrence of what is commonly called
+accomplishments in a woman; she knew that too much of that precious time
+which could never be recalled, was thrown away in endeavoring to acquire
+a smattering in what, if known, could never be of use to the party, and
+what can never be well known but to a few, whom nature and long practice
+have enabled to conquer. Yet as her niece had early manifested a taste
+for painting, and a vivid perception of the beauties of nature, her
+inclination had been indulged, and Emily Moseley sketched with neatness
+and accuracy, and with great readiness. It would have been no subject of
+surprise, had admiration, or some more powerful feeling, betrayed to the
+artist, on this occasion, the deception the young man was practising.
+She had entered the room from her walk, warm and careless; her hair,
+than which none was more beautiful, had strayed on her shoulders, freed,
+from the confinement of the comb, and a lock was finely contrasted to
+the rich color of a cheek that almost burnt with the exercise and the
+excitement. Her dress, white as the first snow of the winter; her looks,
+as she now turned them on the face of the sleeper, and betrayed by their
+animation the success of her art; formed a picture in itself, that
+Denbigh would have been content to gaze on for ever. Her back was to a
+window that threw its strong light on the paper--the figures of which
+were reflected, as she occasionally held it up to study its effect, in a
+large mirror so placed that Denbigh caught a view of her subject. He
+knew it at a glance--the arbor--the gun--himself, all were there; it
+appeared to have been drawn before--it must have been, from its perfect
+state, and Emily had seized a favorable moment to complete his own
+resemblance. Her touches were light and finishing, and as the picture
+was frequently held up for consideration, he had some time allowed for
+studying it. His own resemblance was strong; his eyes were turned on
+herself, to whom Denbigh thought she had not done ample justice, but the
+man who held the gun bore no likeness to John Moseley, except in dress.
+A slight movement of the muscles of the sleeper's mouth might have
+betrayed his consciousness, had not Emily been too intent on the
+picture, as she turned it in such a way that a strong light fell on the
+recoiling figure of Captain Jarvis. The resemblance was wonderful.
+Denbigh thought he would have known it, had he seen it in the Academy
+itself. The noise of some one approaching closed the portfolio; it was
+only a servant, yet Emily did not resume her pencil. Denbigh watched her
+motions, as she put the picture carefully in a private drawer of the
+secretary, reopened the blind, replaced the screen, and laid the
+handkerchief, the last thing on his face, with a movement almost
+imperceptible to himself.
+
+"It is later than I thought," said Denbigh, looking at his watch; "I owe
+an apology, Miss Moseley, for making so free with your parlor; but I was
+too lazy to move."
+
+"Apology! Mr. Denbigh," cried Emily, with a color varying with every
+word she spoke, and trembling at what she thought the nearness of
+detection, "you have no apology to make for your present debility; and
+surely, surely, least of all to me!"
+
+"I understand from Mr. Moseley," continued Denbigh, with a smile, "that
+our obligation is at least mutual; to your perseverance and care, Miss
+Moseley, after the physicians had given me up, I believe I am, under
+Providence, indebted for my recovery."
+
+Emily was not vain, and least of all addicted to a display of any of her
+acquirements; very few even of her friends knew she ever held a pencil
+in her hand; yet did she now unaccountably throw open her portfolio, and
+offer its contents to the examination of her companion. It was done
+almost instantaneously, and with great freedom, though not without
+certain flushings of the face and heavings of the bosom, that would have
+eclipsed Grace Chatterton in her happiest moments of natural flattery.
+Whatever might have been the wishes of Mr. Denbigh to pursue a subject
+which had begun to grow extremely interesting, both from its import and
+the feelings' of the parties, it would have been rude to decline viewing
+the contents of a lady's portfolio. The drawings were, many of them,
+interesting, and the exhibitor of them now appeared as anxious to remove
+them in haste, as she had but the moment before been to direct his
+attention to her performances. Denbigh would have given much to dare to
+ask for the paper so carefully secreted in the private drawer; but
+neither the principal agency he had himself in the scene, nor delicacy
+to his companion's wish for concealment, would allow of the request.
+
+"Doctor Ives! how happy I am to see you," said Emily, hastily closing
+her portfolio, and before Denbigh had gone half through its contents;
+"you have become almost a stranger to us since Clara left us."
+
+"No, no, my little friend, never a stranger, I hope, at Moseley Hall,"
+cried the doctor, pleasantly; "George, I am happy to see you look so
+well--you have even a color--there is a letter for you, from Marian."
+
+Denbigh took the letter eagerly, and retired to a window to peruse it.
+His hand shook as he broke the seal, and his interest in the writer, or
+its contents, could not have escaped the notice of any observer, however
+indifferent.
+
+"Now, Miss Emily, if you will have the goodness to order me a glass of
+wine and water after my ride, believe me, you will do a very charitable
+act," cried the doctor, as he took his seat on the sofa.
+
+Emily was standing by the little table, deeply musing on the contents of
+her portfolio; for her eyes were intently fixed on the outside, as if
+she expected to see through the leather covering their merits and
+faults.
+
+"Miss Emily Moseley," continued the doctor, gravely, "am I to die of
+thirst or not, this warm day?"
+
+"Do you wish anything, Doctor Ives?"
+
+"A servant to get me a glass of wine and water."
+
+"Why did you not ask me, my dear sir?" said Emily, as she threw open a
+cellaret, and handed him what he wanted.
+
+"There, my dear, there is a great plenty," said the doctor, with an arch
+expression; "I really thought I had asked you thrice--but I believe you
+were studying something in that portfolio."
+
+Emily blushed, and endeavored to laugh at her own absence of mind; but
+she would have given the world to know who Marian was.
+
+
+
+Chapter XX.
+
+As a month had elapsed since he received his wound, Denbigh took an
+opportunity, one morning at breakfast, where he was well enough now to
+meet his friends, to announce his intention of trespassing no longer on
+their kindness, but of returning that day to the rectory. The
+communication distressed the whole family, and the baronet turned to him
+in the most cordial manner, as he took one of his hands; and said with
+an air of solemnity--
+
+"Mr. Denbigh, I could wish you to make this house your home; Dr. Ives
+may have known you longer, and may have the claim of relationship on
+you, but I am certain he cannot love you better; and are not the ties of
+gratitude as binding as those of blood?"
+
+Denbigh was affected by the kindness of Sir Edward's manner.
+
+"The regiment I belong to, Sir Edward, will be reviewed next week, and
+it has become my duty to leave here; there is one it is proper I should
+visit, a near connexion, who is acquainted with the escape I have met
+with, and wishes naturally to see me; besides, my dear Sir Edward, she
+has many causes of sorrow, and it is a debt I owe her affection to
+endeavor to relieve them."
+
+It was the first time he had ever spoken of his family, or hardly of
+himself, and the silence which prevailed plainly showed the interest his
+listeners took in the little he uttered.
+
+That connexion, thought Emily--I wonder if her name be Marian? But
+nothing further passed, excepting the affectionate regrets of her
+father, and the promises of Denbigh to visit them again before he left
+B----, and of joining them at L---- immediately after the review of
+which he had spoken. As soon as he had breakfasted, John drove him in
+his phaeton to the rectory.
+
+Mrs. Wilson, like the rest of the baronet's family, had been too deeply
+impressed with the debt they owed this young man to interfere with her
+favorite system of caution against too great an intimacy between her
+niece and her preserver. Close observation and the opinion of Dr. Ives
+had prepared her to give him her esteem; but the gallantry, the self-
+devotion he had displayed to Emily was an act calculated to remove
+heavier objections than she could imagine as likely to exist to his
+becoming her husband. That he meant it, was evident from his whole
+deportment of late. Since the morning the portfolio was produced,
+Denbigh had given a more decided preference to her niece. The nice
+discrimination of Mrs. Wilson would not have said his feelings had
+become stronger, but that he labored less to conceal them. That he loved
+her niece she suspected from the first fortnight of their acquaintance,
+and it had given additional stimulus to her investigation into his
+character; but to doubt it, after stepping between her and death, would
+have been to have mistaken human nature. There was one qualification she
+would have wished to have been certain he possessed: before this
+accident, she would have made it an indispensable one; but the
+gratitude, the affections of Emily, she believed now to be too deeply
+engaged to make the strict inquiry she otherwise would have done; and
+she had the best of reasons for believing that if Denbigh were not a
+true Christian, he was at least a strictly moral man, and assuredly one
+who well understood the beauties of a religion she almost conceived it
+impossible for any impartial and intelligent man long to resist. Perhaps
+Mrs. Wilson, having in some measure interfered with her system, like
+others, had, on finding it impossible to conduct so that reason would
+justify all she did, began to find reasons for what she thought best to
+be done under the circumstances. Denbigh, however, both by his acts and
+his opinions, had created such an estimate of his worth in the breast of
+Mrs. Wilson, that there would have been but little danger of a repulse
+had no fortuitous accident helped him in his way to her favor.
+
+"Who have we here?" said Lady Moseley. "A landaulet and four--the Earl
+of Bolton, I declare!"
+
+Lady Moseley turned from the window with that collected grace she so
+well loved, and so well knew how to assume, to receive her noble
+visitor. Lord Bolton was a bachelor of sixty-five, who had long been
+attached to the court, and retained much of the manners of the old
+school. His principal estate was in Ireland, and most of that time which
+his duty at Windsor did not require he gave to the improvement of his
+Irish property. Thus, although on perfectly good terms with the
+baronet's family, they seldom met. With General Wilson he had been at
+college, and to his widow he always showed much of that regard he had
+invariably professed for her husband, The obligation he had conferred,
+unasked, on Francis Ives, was one conferred on all his friends, and his
+reception was now warmer than usual.
+
+"My Lady Moseley," said the earl, bowing formally on her hand, "your
+looks do ample justice to the air of Northamptonshire. I hope you enjoy
+your usual health."
+
+Then, waiting her equally courteous answer, he paid his compliments, in
+succession, to all the members of the family; a mode undoubtedly well
+adapted to discover their several conditions, but not a little tedious
+in its operations, and somewhat tiresome to the legs.
+
+"We are under a debt of gratitude to your lordship," said Sir Edward, in
+his simple and warm-hearted way, "that I am sorry it is not in our power
+to repay more amply than by our thanks."
+
+The earl was, or affected to be, surprised, as he required an
+explanation.
+
+"The living at Bolton," said Lady Moseley, with dignity.
+
+"Yes," continued her husband; "in giving the living to Frank you did me
+a favor, equal to what you would have done had he been my own child; and
+unsolicited, too, my lord, it was an additional compliment."
+
+The earl sat rather uneasy during this speech, but the love of truth
+prevailed; for he had been too much round the person of our beloved
+sovereign not to retain all the impressions of his youth; and after a
+little struggle with his self-love, he answered--
+
+"Not unsolicited, Sir Edward. I have no doubt, had nay better fortune
+allowed me the acquaintance of my present rector, his own merit would
+have obtained what a sense of justice requires I should say was granted
+to an applicant to whom the ear of royalty itself would not have been
+deaf."
+
+It was the turn of the Moseleys now to look surprised, and Sir Edward
+ventured to ask an explanation.
+
+"It was my cousin, the Earl of Pendennyss, who applied for it, as a
+favor done to himself; and Pendennyss is a man not to be refused
+anything."
+
+"Lord Pendennyss!" exclaimed Mrs. Wilson, with animation; "and in what
+way came we to be under this obligation to Lord Pendennyss?"
+
+"He did me the honor of a call during my visit to Ireland, madam,"
+replied the earl; "and on inquiring of my steward after his old friend,
+Doctor Stevens, learnt his death, and the claims of Mr. Ives; but the
+reason he gave me was his interest in the widow of General Wilson,"
+bowing with much solemnity to the lady as he spoke.
+
+"I am gratified to find the earl yet remembers us," said Mrs. Wilson,
+struggling to restrain her tears. "Are we to have the pleasure of seeing
+him soon?"
+
+"I received a letter from him yesterday, saying he should be here in all
+next week, madam." And turning pleasantly to Jane and her sister, he
+continued, "Sir Edward, you have here rewards fit for heavier services,
+and the earl is a great admirer of female charms."
+
+"Is he not married, my lord?" asked the baronet, with great simplicity.
+
+"No, baronet, nor engaged; but how long he will remain so after his
+hardihood in venturing into this neighborhood, will, I trust, depend on
+one of these young ladies."
+
+Jane looked grave--for trifling on love was heresy, in her estimation;
+but Emily laughed, with an expression in which a skilful physiognomist
+might have read--if he means me, he is mistaken.
+
+"Your cousin, Lord Chatterton, has found interest, Sir Edward,"
+continued the peer, "to obtain his father's situation; and if reports
+speak truth, he wishes to become more nearly related to you, baronet."
+
+"I do not well see how that can happen," said Sir Edward with a smile,
+and who had not art enough to conceal his thoughts, "unless he takes my
+sister here."
+
+The cheeks of both the young ladies now vied with the rose; and the
+peer, observing he had touched on forbidden ground, added, "Chatterton
+was fortunate to find friends able to bear up against the powerful
+interest of Lord Haverford."
+
+"To whom was he indebted for the place, my lord?" asked Mis. Wilson.
+
+"It was whispered at court, madam," said the earl, sensibly lowering his
+voice, and speaking with an air of mystery "and a lord of the bed-
+chamber is fonder of discoveries than a lord of the council--that His
+Grace of Derwent threw the whole of his parliamentary interest into the
+scale on the baron's side, but you are not to suppose," raising his hand
+gracefully, with a wave of rejection, "that I speak from authority; only
+a surmise, Sir Edward, only a surmise, my lady."
+
+"Is not the name of the Duke of Derwent, Denbigh?" inquired Mrs. Wilson,
+with a thoughtful manner.
+
+"Certainly, madam, Denbigh," replied the earl, with a gravity with which
+he always spoke of dignities; "one of our most ancient names, and
+descended on the female side from the Plantagenets and Tudors."
+
+He now rose to take his leave, and on bowing to the younger ladies,
+laughingly repeated his intention of bringing his cousin (an epithet he
+never omitted), Pendennyss, to their feet.
+
+"Do you think, sister," said Lady Moseley, after the earl had retired,
+"that Mr. Denbigh is of the house of Derwent?"
+
+"I cannot say," replied Mrs. Wilson, musing, "yet it is odd, Chatterton
+told me of his acquaintance with Lady Harriet Denbigh, but not with the
+Duke."
+
+As this was spoken in the manner of a soliloquy, it received no answer,
+and was in fact but little attended to by any of the party, excepting
+Emily, who glanced her eye once or twice at her aunt as she was
+speaking, with an interest the name of Denbigh never failed to excite.
+Harriet was, she thought, a pretty name, but Marian was a prettier; if,
+thought Emily, I could know a Marian Denbigh, I am sure I could love
+her, and her name too.
+
+The Moseleys now began to make their preparations for their departure to
+L----, and the end of the succeeding week was fixed for the period at
+which they were to go. Mrs. Wilson urged a delay of two or three days,
+in order to give her an opportunity of meeting with the Earl of
+Pendennyss, a young man in whom, although she had relinquished her
+former romantic wish of uniting him to Emily, in favor of Denbigh, she
+yet felt a deep interest, growing out of his connexion with the last
+moments of her husband, and his uniformly high character.
+
+Sir Edward accordingly acquainted his uncle, that on the following
+Saturday he might expect to receive himself and family, intending to
+leave the hall in the afternoon of the preceding day, and reach Benfield
+lodge to dinner. This arrangement once made, and Mr. Benfield notified
+of it, was unalterable, the old man holding a variation from an
+engagement a deadly sin. The week succeeding the accident which had
+nearly proved so fatal to Denbigh, the inhabitants of the hall were
+surprised with the approach of a being, as singular in his manners and
+dress as the equipage which conveyed him to the door of the house. The
+latter consisted of a high-backed, old-fashioned sulky, loaded with
+leather and large-headed brass nails; wheels at least a quarter larger
+in circumference than those of the present day, and wings on each side
+large enough to have supported a full grown roc in the highest regions
+of the upper air. It was drawn by a horse, once white, but whose milky
+hue was tarnished through age with large and numerous red spots, and
+whose mane and tail did not appear to have suffered by the shears during
+the present reign. The being who alighted from this antiquated vehicle
+was tall and excessively thin, wore his own hair drawn over his almost
+naked head into a long thin queue, which reached half way down his back,
+closely cased in numerous windings of leather, or the skin of some fish.
+His drab coat was in shape between a frock and a close-body--close-body,
+indeed, it was; for the buttons, which were in size about equal to an
+old-fashioned China saucer, were buttoned to the very throat, thereby
+setting off his shape to peculiar advantage; his breeches were buckskin,
+and much soiled; his stockings blue yarn, although it was midsummer; and
+his shoes were provided with buckles of dimensions proportionate to the
+aforesaid buttons; his age might have been seventy, but his walk was
+quick, and the movements of his whole system showed great activity both
+of mind and body. He was ushered into the room where the gentlemen were
+sitting, and having made a low and extremely modest bow, he deliberately
+put on his spectacles, thrust his hand into an outside pocket of his
+coat, and produced from under its huge flaps a black leathern pocket-
+book about as large as a good-sized octavo volume; after examining the
+multitude of papers it contained carefully, he selected a letter, and
+having returned the pocket-book to its ample apartment, read aloud,
+
+"For Sir Edward Moseley, bart. of Moseley Hall, B----, Northamptonshire-
+-with care and speed, by the hands of Mr. Peter Johnson, steward of
+Benfield Lodge, Norfolk;" and dropping his sharp voice, he stalked up to
+the baronet, and presented the epistle, with another reverence.
+
+"Ah, my good friend, Johnson," said Sir Edward as soon as he delivered
+his errand (for until he saw the contents of the letter, he had thought
+some accident had occurred to his uncle), "this is the first visit you
+have ever honored me with; come, take a glass of wine before you go to
+your dinner; let us drink, that it may not be the last."
+
+"Sir Edward Moseley, and you, honorable gentlemen, will pardon me,"
+replied the steward, in his own solemn key, "this is the first time I
+was ever out of his majesty's county of Norfolk, and I devoutly wish it
+may prove the last--Gentlemen, I drink your honorable healths."
+
+This was the only real speech the old man made during his visit, unless
+an occasional monosyllabic reply to a question could be thought so. He
+remained, by Sir Edward's positive order, until the following day; for
+having delivered his message, and receiving its answer, he was about to
+take his departure that evening, thinking he might get a good piece on
+his road homewards, as it wanted half an hour to sunset. On the
+following morning, with the sun, he was on his way to the house in which
+he had been born, and which he had never left for twenty-four hours at a
+time in his life. In the evening, as he was ushered in by John (who had
+known him from his own childhood, and loved to show him attention) to
+the room in which he was to sleep, he broke what the young man called
+his inveterate silence, with, "Young Mr. Moseley--young gentleman--might
+I presume--to ask--to see the gentleman?"
+
+"What gentleman?" cried John, astonished at the request, and at his
+speaking so much.
+
+"That saved Miss Emmy's life, sir."
+
+John now fully comprehended him, and led the way to Denbigh's room; he
+was asleep, but they were admitted to his bed-side. The steward stood
+for ten minutes gazing on the sleeper in silence; and John observed, as
+he blew his nose on regaining his own apartment, that his little grey
+eyes twinkled with a lustre which could not be taken for anything but a
+tear.
+
+As the letter was as characteristic of the writer as its bearer was of
+his vocation, we may be excused giving it at length.
+
+"Dear Sir Edward and Nephew,
+
+"Your letter reached the lodge too late to be answered that evening, as
+I was about to step into my bed; but I hasten to write my
+congratulations, remembering the often repeated maxim of my kinsman Lord
+Gosford, that letters should be answered immediately; indeed, a neglect
+of it had very nigh brought about an affair of honor between the earl
+and Sir Stephens Hallett. Sir Stephens was always opposed to us in the
+House of Commons of this realm; and I have often thought something might
+have passed in the debate itself, which commenced the correspondence, as
+the earl certainly told him as much as if he were a traitor to his King
+and country.
+
+"But it seems that your daughter Emily has been rescued from death by
+the grandson of General Denbigh, who sat with us in the house. Now I
+always had a good opinion of this young Denbigh, who reminds me, every
+time I look at him, of my late brother, your father-in-law that was; and
+I send my steward, Peter Johnson, express to the hall in order that he
+may see the sick man, and bring me back a true account how he fares: for
+should he be wanting for anything within the gift of Roderic Benfield,
+he has only to speak to have it; not that I suppose, nephew, you will
+willingly allow him to suffer for anything, but Peter is a man of close
+observation, although he is of few words, and may suggest something
+beneficial, that might escape younger heads. I pray for--that is, I
+hope, the young man will recover, as your letter gives great hopes; and
+if he should want any little matter to help him along in the army, as I
+take it he is not over wealthy, you have now a good opportunity to offer
+your assistance handsomely; and that it may not interfere with your
+arrangements for this winter, your draft on me for five thousand pounds
+will be paid at sight; for fear he may be proud, and not choose to
+accept your assistance, I have this morning detained Peter, while he has
+put a codicil to my will, leaving him ten thousand pounds. You may tell
+Emily she is a naughty child, or she would have written me the whole
+story; but, poor dear, I suppose she has other things on her mind just
+now. God bless Mr. ---- that is, God bless, you all, and try if you
+cannot get a lieutenant-colonelcy at once--the brother of Lady Juliana's
+friend was made a lieutenant-colonel at the first step.
+
+"RODERIC BENFIELD."
+
+The result of Peter's reconnoitering expedition has never reached our
+knowledge, unless the arrival of a servant some days after he took his
+leave, with a pair of enormous-goggles, and which the old gentleman
+assured his nephew in a note, both Peter and himself had found useful to
+weak eyes in their occasional sickness, might have been owing to the
+prudent forecast of the sagacious steward.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXI.
+
+The morning on which Denbigh left B---- was a melancholy one to all the
+members of the little circle, in which he had been so distinguished for
+his modesty, his intelligence, and his disinterested intrepidity. Sir
+Edward took an opportunity solemnly to express his gratitude for the
+services he had rendered him, and having retired to his library,
+delicately and earnestly pressed his availing himself of the liberal
+offer of Mr. Benfield to advance his interest in the army.
+
+"Look upon me, my dear Mr. Denbigh," said the good baronet, pressing him
+by the hand, while the tears stood in his eyes, "as a father, to supply
+the place of the one you have so recently lost. You are my child; I feel
+as a parent to you, and must be suffered to act as one."
+
+To this affectionate offer of Sir Edward, Denbigh replied with an
+emotion equal to that of the baronet, though he declined, with
+respectful language, his offered assistance as unnecessary. He had
+friends powerful enough to advance his interests, without resorting to
+the use of money; and on taking Sir Edward's hand, as he left the
+apartment, he added with great warmth, "yet, my dear Sir, the day will
+come, I hope, when I shall ask a boon from your hands, that no act of
+mine or a life of service could entitle me to receive."
+
+The baronet smiled his assent to a request he already understood, and
+Denbigh withdrew.
+
+John Moseley insisted on putting the bays in requisition to carry
+Denbigh for the first stage, and they now stood caparisoned for the
+jaunt, with their master in a less joyous mood than common, waiting the
+appearance of his companion.
+
+Emily delighted in their annual excursion to Benfield Lodge. She was
+beloved so warmly, and returned the affection of its owner so sincerely,
+that the arrival of the day never failed to excite that flow of spirits
+which generally accompanies anticipated pleasures, ere experience has
+proved how trifling are the greatest enjoyments the scenes of this life
+bestow. Yet as the day of their departure drew near, her spirits sunk in
+proportion; and on the morning of Denbigh's leave-taking, Emily seemed
+anything but excessively happy. There was a tremor in her voice and a
+redness about her eyes that alarmed Lady Moseley; but as the paleness of
+her cheeks was immediately succeeded by as fine a color as the heart
+could wish, the anxious mother allowed herself to be persuaded by Mrs.
+Wilson there was no danger, and she accompanied her sister to her own
+room for some purpose of domestic economy. It was at this moment Denbigh
+entered: he had paid his adieus to the matrons at the door, and been
+directed by them to the little parlor in quest of Emily.
+
+"I have come to make my parting compliments, Miss Moseley," he said, in
+a tremulous voice, as he ventured to hold forth his hand. "May heaven
+preserve you," he continued, holding it in fervor to his bosom: then
+dropping it, he hastily retired, as if unwilling to trust himself any
+longer to utter all he felt. Emily stood a few moments, pale and almost
+inanimate, as the tears flowed rapidly from her eyes; and then she
+sought a shelter in a seat of the window. Lady Moseley, on returning,
+was alarmed lest the draught would increase her indisposition; but her
+sister, observing that the window commanded a view of the road, thought
+the air too mild to do her injury.
+
+The personages who composed the society at B---- had now, in a great
+measure, separated, in pursuit of their duties or their pleasures. The
+merchant and his family left the deanery for a watering-place. Francis
+and Clara had gone on a little tour of pleasure in the northern
+counties, to take L---- in their return homeward; and the morning
+arrived for the commencement of the baronet's journey to the same place.
+The carriages had been ordered, and servants were running in various
+ways, busily employed in their several occupations, when Mrs. Wilson,
+accompanied by John and his sisters, returned from a walk they had taken
+to avoid the bustle of the house. A short distance from the park gates,
+an equipage was observed approaching, creating by its numerous horses
+and attendants a dust which drove the pedestrians to one side of the
+road. An uncommonly elegant and admirably fitted travelling barouche and
+six rolled by, with the graceful steadiness of an English equipage:
+several servants on horseback were in attendance; and our little party
+were struck with the beauty of the whole establishment.
+
+"Can it be possible Lord Bolton drives such elegant horses?" cried John,
+with the ardor of a connoisseur in that noble animal. "They are the
+finest set in the kingdom."
+
+Jane's eye had seen, through the clouds of dust, the armorial bearings,
+which seemed to float in the dark glossy panels of the carriage, and she
+observed, "It is an earl's coronet, but they are not the Bolton arms."
+Mrs. Wilson and Emily had noticed a gentleman reclining at his ease, as
+the owner of the gallant show; but its passage was too rapid to enable
+them to distinguish the features of the courteous old earl; indeed, Mrs.
+Wilson remarked, she thought him a younger man than her friend.
+
+"Pray, sir," said John to a tardy groom, as he civilly walked his horse
+by the ladies, "who has passed in the barouche?"
+
+"My Lord Pendennyss, sir."
+
+"Pendennyss!" exclaimed Mrs. Wilson, with a tone of regret, "how
+unfortunate!"
+
+She had seen the day named for his visit pass without his arrival, and
+now, as it was too late to profit by the opportunity, he had come for
+the second time into her neighborhood. Emily had learnt, by the
+solicitude of her aunt, to take an interest in the young peer's
+movements, and desired John to ask a question or two of the groom.
+
+"Where does your lord stop to-night?"
+
+"At Bolton Castle, sir; and I heard my lord tell his valet that he
+intended staying one day hereabouts, and the day after to-morrow he goes
+to Wales, your honor."
+
+"I thank you, friend," said John; when the man spurred his horse after
+the cavalcade. The carriages were at the door, and Sir Edward had been
+hurrying Jane to enter, as a servant, in a rich livery and well mounted,
+galloped up and delivered a letter for Mrs. Wilson, who, on opening it,
+read the following:
+
+"The Earl of Pendennyss begs leave to present his most respectful
+compliments to Mrs. Wilson and the family of Sir Edward Moseley. Lord
+Pendennyss will have the honor of paying his respects in person at any
+moment that the widow of his late invaluable friend, Lieutenant-General
+Wilson, will please to appoint.
+
+"Bolton Castle, Friday evening."
+
+To this note Mrs. Wilson, bitterly regretting the necessity which
+compelled her to forego the pleasure of meeting her paragon, wrote in
+reply a short letter, disliking the formality of a note.
+
+"My LORD, "I sincerely regret that an engagement which cannot be
+postponed compels us to leave Moseley Hall within the hour, and must, in
+consequence, deprive us of the pleasure of your intended visit. But as
+circumstances have connected your Lordship with some of the dearest,
+although the most melancholy events of my life, I earnestly beg you will
+no longer consider us as strangers to your person, as we have long
+ceased to be to your character. It will afford me the greatest pleasure
+to hear that there will be a prospect of our meeting in town next
+winter, where I may find a more fitting opportunity of expressing those
+grateful feelings so long due to your lordship from your sincere friend,
+
+"CHARLOTTE WILSON.
+
+"Moseley Hall, Friday morning."
+
+With this answer the servant was despatched, and the carriages moved on.
+John had induced Emily to trust herself once more to the bays and his
+skill; but on perceiving the melancholy of her aunt, she insisted on
+exchanging seats with Jane, who had accepted a place in the carriage of
+Mrs. Wilson. No objection being made, Mrs. Wilson and her niece rode the
+first afternoon together in her travelling chaise. The road ran within a
+quarter of a mile of Bolton Castle, and the ladies endeavored in vain to
+get a glimpse of the person of the young nobleman. Emily was willing to
+gratify her aunt's propensity to dwell on the character and history of
+her favorite; and hoping to withdraw her attention gradually from more
+unpleasant recollections, asked several trifling questions relating to
+those points.
+
+"The earl must be very rich, aunt, from the style he maintains."
+
+"Very, my dear; his family I am unacquainted with, but I understand his
+title is an extremely ancient one; and some one, I believe Lord Bolton,
+mentioned that his estates in Wales alone, exceeded fifty thousand a
+year."
+
+"Much good might be done," said Emily, thoughtfully, "with such a
+fortune."
+
+"Much good is done," cried her aunt, with fervor. "I am told by every
+one who knows him, his donations are large and frequent. Sir Herbert
+Nicholson said he was extremely simple in his habits, and it leaves
+large sums at his disposal every year."
+
+"The bestowal of money is not always charity," said Emily, with an arch
+smile and a slight color.
+
+Mrs. Wilson smiled in her turn as she answered, "not always, but it is
+charity to hope for the best."
+
+"Sir Herbert knew him, then?" said Emily.
+
+"Perfectly well; they were associated together in the service for
+several years, and he spoke of him with a fervor equal to my warmest
+expectations."
+
+The Moseley arms in F---- was kept by an old butler of the family, and
+Sir Edward every year, in going to or coming from L----, spent a night
+under its roof. He was received by its master with a respect that none
+who ever knew the baronet well, could withhold from his goodness of
+heart and many virtues.
+
+"Well, Jackson," said the baronet, kindly, as he was seated at the
+supper table, "how does custom increase with you--I hope you and the
+master of the Dun Cow are more amicable than formerly."
+
+"Why, Sir Edward," replied the host, who had lost a little of the
+deference of the servant in the landlord, but none of his real respect,
+"Mr. Daniels and I are more upon a footing of late than we was, when
+your goodness enabled me to take the house; then he got all the great
+travellers, and for more than a twelvemonth I had not a title in my
+house but yourself and a great London doctor, that was called here to
+see a sick person in the town. He had the impudence to call me the
+knight barrow-knight, your honor, and we had a quarrel upon that
+account."
+
+"I am glad, however, to find you are gaining in the rank of your
+customers, and trust, as the occasion has ceased, you will be more
+inclined to be good-natured to each other."
+
+"Why, as to good-nature, Sir Edward, I lived with your honor ten years,
+and you must know somewhat of my temper," said Jackson, with the self-
+satisfaction of an approving conscience; "but Sam Daniels is a man who
+is never easy unless he is left quietly at the top of the ladder;
+however," continued the host, with a chuckle, "I have given him a dose
+lately."
+
+"How so, Jackson?" inquired the baronet, willing to gratify the man's
+wish to relate his triumphs.
+
+"Your honor must have heard mention made of a great lord, the Duke of
+Derwent; well, Sir Edward, about six weeks agone he passed through with
+my Lord Chatterton."
+
+"Chatterton!" exclaimed John, interrupting him, "has he been so near us
+again, and so lately?"
+
+"Yes, Mr. Moseley," replied Jackson with a look of importance: "they
+dashed into my yard with their chaise and four, with five servants, and
+would you think it, Sir Edward, they hadn't been in the house ten
+minutes, before Daniel's son was fishing from the servants, who they
+were; I told him, Sir Edward--dukes don't come every day."
+
+"How came you to get his grace away from the Dun Cow--chance?"
+
+"No, your honor," said the host, pointing to his sign, and bowing
+reverently to his old master, "the Moseley Arms did it. Mr. Daniels used
+to taunt me with having worn a livery, and has said more than once he
+could milk his cow, but that your honor's arms would never lift me into
+a comfortable seat for life; so I just sent him a message by the way of
+letting him know my good fortune, your honor."
+
+"And what was it?"
+
+"Only that your honor's arms had shoved a duke and a baron into my
+house--that's all."
+
+"And I suppose Daniels' legs shoved your messenger out of his," said
+John, laughing.
+
+"No, Mr. Moseley; Daniels would hardly dare do that: but yesterday, your
+honor, yesterday evening, beat everything. Daniels was seated before his
+door, and I was taking a pipe at mine, Sir Edward, as a coach and six,
+with servants upon servants, drove down the street; it got near us, and
+the boys were reining the horses into the yard of the Dun Cow, as the
+gentleman in the coach saw my sign: he sent a groom to inquire who kept
+the house; I got up, your honor, and told him my name, sir. 'Mr.
+Jackson,' said his lordship, 'my respect for the family of Sir Edward
+Moseley is too great not to give my custom to an old servant of his
+family.'"
+
+"Indeed," said the baronet; "pray who was my lord?"
+
+"The Earl of Pendennyss, your honor. Oh, he is a sweet gentleman, and he
+asked all about my living with your honor, and about Madam Wilson."
+
+"Did his lordship stay the night?" inquired Mrs. Wilson, excessively
+gratified at a discovery of the disposition manifested by the earl
+towards her.
+
+"Yes, madam, he left here after breakfast."
+
+"What message did you send the Dun Cow this time, Jackson?" cried John.
+
+Jackson looked a little foolish, but the question being repeated, he
+answered--"Why, sir, I was a little crowded for room, and so your honor,
+so I just sent Tom across the street, to know if Mr. Daniels couldn't
+keep a couple of the grooms."
+
+"And Tom got his head broke."
+
+"No, Mr. John, the tankard missed him; but if--"
+
+"Very well," said the baronet, willing to change the conversation, "you
+have been so fortunate of late, you can afford to be generous; and I
+advise you to cultivate harmony with your neighbor, or I may take my
+arms down, and you may lose your noble visiters--see my room prepared."
+
+"Yes, your honor," said the host, and bowing respectfully he withdrew.
+
+"At least, aunt," cried John, pleasantly, "we have the pleasure of
+supping in the same room with the puissant earl, albeit there be twenty-
+four hours' difference in the time."
+
+"I sincerely wish there had not been that difference," observed his
+father, taking his sister kindly by the hand.
+
+"Such an equipage must have been a harvest indeed to Jackson," remarked
+the mother; as they broke up for the evening.
+
+The whole establishment at Benfield Lodge, were drawn up to receive them
+on the following day in the great hall, and in the centre was fixed the
+upright and lank figure of its master, with his companion in leanness,
+honest Peter Johnson, on his right.
+
+"I have made out, Sir Edward and my Lady Moseley, to get as far as my
+entrance, to receive the favor you are conferring upon me. It was a rule
+in my day, and one invariably practised by all the great nobility, such
+as Lord Gosford--and--and--his sister, the lady Juliana Dayton, always
+to receive and quit their guests in the country at the great entrance;
+and in conformity--ah, Emmy dear," cried the old gentleman, folding her
+in his arms as the tears rolled down his cheeks, forgetting his speech
+in the warmth of his feeling, "You are saved to us again; God be
+praised--there, that will do, let me breathe--let me breathe;" and then
+by the way of getting rid of his softer feelings, he turned upon John;
+"so, youngster, you would be playing with edge tools, and put the life
+of your sister in danger. No gentleman held a gun in my day; that is, no
+gentleman about the court. My Lord Gosford had never killed a bird in
+his life, or drove his horse; no sir, gentlemen then were not coachmen.
+Peter how old was I before I took the reins of the chaise, in driving
+round the estate--the time you broke your arm? it was--"
+
+Peter, who stood a little behind his master, in modest retirement, and
+who had only thought his elegant form brought thither to embellish the
+show, when called upon, advanced a step, made a low bow, and answered in
+his sharp key:
+
+"In the year 1798, your honor, and the 38th of his present majesty, and
+the 64th year of your life, sir, June the 12th, about meridian."
+
+Peter dropped back as he finished; but recollecting himself, regained
+his place with a bow, as he added, "new style."
+
+"How are you, old style?" cried John, with a slap on the back, that made
+the steward jump again.
+
+"Mr. John Moseley--young gentleman"--a term Peter had left off using to
+the baronet within the last ten years, "did you think--to bring home--
+the goggles?"
+
+"Oh yes," said John, gravely, producing them from his pocket. Most of
+the party having entered the parlor, he put them carefully on the bald
+head of the steward--"There, Mr Peter Johnson, you have your property
+again, safe and sound."
+
+"And Mr. Denbigh said he felt much indebted to your consideration in
+sending them," said Emily, soothingly, as she took them off with her
+beautiful hands.
+
+"Ah, Miss Emmy," said the steward, with one of his best bows, "that was-
+-a noble act; God bless him!" then holding up his finger significantly,
+"the fourteenth codicil--to master's will," and Peter laid his finger
+alongside his nose, as he nodded his head in silence.
+
+"I hope the thirteenth contains the name of honest Peter Johnson," said
+the young lady, who felt herself uncommonly well pleased with the
+steward's conversation.
+
+"As witness, Miss Emmy--witness to all--but God forbid," said the
+steward with solemnity, "I should ever live to see the proving of them:
+no, Miss Emmy, master has done for me what he intended, while I had
+youth to enjoy it. I am rich, Miss Emmy--good three hundred a year."
+Emily, who had seldom heard so long a speech as the old man's gratitude
+drew from him, expressed her pleasure at hearing it, and shaking him
+kindly by the hand, left him for the parlor.
+
+"Niece," said Mr. Benfield, having scanned the party closely with his
+eyes, "where is Colonel Denbigh?"
+
+"Colonel Egerton, you mean, sir," interrupted Lady Moseley.
+
+"No, my Lady Moseley," replied her uncle, with great formality, "I mean
+Colonel Denbigh. I take it he is a colonel by this time," looking
+expressively at the baronet; "and who is fitter to be a colonel or a
+general, than a man who is not afraid of gunpowder?"
+
+"Colonels must have been scarce in your youth, sir," cried John, who had
+rather a mischievous propensity to start the old man on his hobby.
+
+"No, jackanapes, gentlemen killed one another then, although they did
+not torment the innocent birds: honor was as dear to a gentleman of
+George the Second's court, as to those of his grandson's, and honesty
+too, sirrah--ay, honesty. I remember when we were in, there was not a
+man of doubtful integrity in the ministry, or on our side even; and then
+again, when we went out, the opposition benches were filled with
+sterling characters, making a parliament that was correct throughout.
+Can you show me such a thing at this day?"
+
+
+
+Chapter XXII.
+
+A few days after the arrival of the Moseleys at the lodge John drove his
+sisters to the little village of L----, which at that time was thronged
+with an unusual number of visiters. It had, among other fashionable
+arrangements for the accommodation of its guests, one of those
+circulators of good and evil, a public library. Books are, in a great
+measure, the instruments of controlling the opinions of a nation like
+ours. They are an engine, alike powerful to save or to destroy. It
+cannot be denied, that our libraries contain as many volumes of the
+latter, as the former description; for we rank amongst the latter that
+long catalogue of idle productions, which, if they produce no other
+evil, lead to the misspending of time, our own perhaps included. But we
+cannot refrain expressing our regret, that such formidable weapons in
+the cause of morality, should be suffered to be wielded by any
+indifferent or mercenary dealer, who undoubtedly will consult rather the
+public tastes than the private good: the evil may be remediless, yet we
+love to express our sentiments, though we should suggest nothing new or
+even profitable. Into one of these haunts of the idle, then, John
+Moseley entered with a lovely sister leaning on either arm. Books were
+the entertainers of Jane, and instructors of Emily. Sir Edward was fond
+of reading of a certain sort--that which required no great depth of
+thought, or labor of research; and, like most others who are averse to
+contention, and disposed to be easily satisfied, the baronet sometimes
+found he had harbored opinions on things not exactly reconcileable with
+the truth, or even with each other. It is quite as dangerous to give up
+your faculties to the guidance of the author you are perusing, as it is
+unprofitable to be captiously scrutinizing every syllable he may happen
+to advance; and Sir Edward was, if anything, a little inclined to the
+dangerous propensity. Unpleasant, Sir Edward Moseley never was. Lady
+Moseley very seldom took a book in her hand: her opinions were
+established to her own satisfaction on all important points, and on the
+minor ones, she made it a rule to coincide with the popular feeling.
+Jane had a mind more active than her father, and more brilliant than her
+mother; and if she had not imbibed injurious impressions from the
+unlicensed and indiscriminate reading she practised, it was more owing
+to the fortunate circumstance, that the baronet's library contained
+nothing extremely offensive to a pure taste, nor dangerous to good
+morals, than to any precaution of her parents against the deadly, the
+irretrievable injury to be sustained from ungoverned liberty in this
+respect to a female mind. On the other hand, Mrs. Wilson had inculcated
+the necessity of restraint, in selecting the books for her perusal, so
+strenuously on her niece, that what at first had been the effects of
+obedience and submission, had now settled into taste and habit; and
+Emily seldom opened a book, unless in search of information; or if it
+were the indulgence of a less commendable spirit, it was an indulgence
+chastened by a taste and judgment that lessened the danger, if it did
+not entirely remove it.
+
+The room was filled with gentlemen and ladies; and while John was
+exchanging his greetings with several of the neighboring gentry of his
+acquaintance, his sisters were running hastily over a catalogue of the
+books kept for circulation, as an elderly lady, of foreign accent and
+dress, entered; and depositing a couple of religious works on the
+counter, she inquired for the remainder of the set. The peculiarity of
+her idiom and her proximity to the sisters caused them both to look up
+at the moment, and, to the surprise of Jane, her sister uttered a slight
+exclamation of pleasure. The foreigner was attracted by the sound, and
+after a moment's hesitation, she respectfully curtsied. Emily,
+advancing, kindly offered her hand, and the usual inquiries after each
+other's welfare succeeded. To the questions asked after the friend of
+the matron Emily learnt, with some surprise, and no less satisfaction,
+that she resided in a retired cottage, about five miles from L----,
+where they had been for the last six months, and where they expected to
+remain for some time, "until she could prevail on Mrs. Fitzgerald to
+return to Spain; a thing, now there was peace, of which she did not
+despair." After asking leave to call on them in their retreat, and
+exchanging good wishes, the Spanish lady withdrew, and, as Jane had made
+her selection, was followed immediately by John Moseley and his sisters.
+Emily, in their walk home, acquainted her brother that the companion of
+their Bath incognita had been at the library, and that for the first
+time she had learnt that their young acquaintance was, or had been,
+married, and her name. John listened to his sister with the interest
+which the beautiful Spaniard had excited at the time they first met, and
+laughingly told her he could not believe their unknown friend had ever
+been a wife. To satisfy this doubt, and to gratify a wish they both had
+to renew their acquaintance with the foreigner, they agreed to drive to
+the cottage the following morning, accompanied by Mrs. Wilson and Jane,
+if she would go; but the next day was the one appointed by Egerton for
+his arrival at L----, and Jane, under a pretence of writing letters,
+declined the excursion. She had carefully examined the papers since his
+departure; had seen his name included in the arrivals at London; and at
+a later day, had read an account of the review by the commander-in-chief
+of the regiment to which he belonged. He had never written to any of her
+friends; but, judging from her own feelings, she did not in the least
+doubt he would be as punctual as love could make him. Mrs. Wilson
+listened to her niece's account of the unexpected interview in the
+library with pleasure, and cheerfully promised to accompany them in
+their morning's excursion, as she had both a wish to alleviate sorrow,
+and a desire to better understand the character of this accidental
+acquaintance of Emily's.
+
+Mr. Benfield and the baronet had a long conversation in relation to
+Denbigh's fortune the morning after their arrival; and the old man was
+loud in his expression of dissatisfaction at the youngster's pride. As
+the baronet, however, in the fulness of his affection and simplicity,
+betrayed to his uncle his expectation of a union between Denbigh and his
+daughter, Mr. Benfield became contented with this reward; one fit, he
+thought, for any services. On the whole, "it was best, as he was to
+marry Emmy, he should sell out of the army; and as there would be an
+election soon, he would bring him into parliament--yes--- yes--it did a
+man so much good to sit one term in the parliament of this realm--to
+study human nature. All his own knowledge in that way was raised on the
+foundations laid in the House." To this Sir Edward cordially assented,
+and the gentlemen separated, happy in their arrangements to advance the
+welfare of two beings they so sincerely loved.
+
+Although the care and wisdom of Mrs. Wilson had prohibited the admission
+of any romantic or enthusiastic expectations of happiness into the day-
+dreams of her charge, yet the buoyancy of health, of hope, of youth, of
+innocence, had elevated Emily to a height of enjoyment hitherto unknown
+to her usually placid and disciplined pleasures. Denbigh certainly
+mingled in most of her thoughts, both of the past and the future, and
+she stood on the threshold of that fantastic edifice in which Jane
+ordinarily resided. Emily was in the situation perhaps the most
+dangerous to a young female Christian: her heart, her affections, were
+given to a man, to appearance, every way worthy of possessing them, it
+is true but she had admitted a rival in her love to her Maker; and to
+keep those feelings distinct, to bend the passions in due submission to
+the more powerful considerations of endless duty, of unbounded
+gratitude, is one of the most trying struggles of Christian fortitude.
+We are much more apt to forget our God in prosperity than adversity. The
+weakness of human nature drives us to seek assistance in distress; but
+vanity and worldly-mindedness often induce us to imagine we control the
+happiness we only enjoy.
+
+Sir Edward and Lady Moseley could see nothing in the prospect of the
+future but lives of peace and contentment for their children. Clara was
+happily settled, and her sisters were on the eve of making connexions
+with men of family, condition, and certain character. What more could be
+done for them? They must, like other people, take their chances in the
+lottery of life; they could only hope and pray for their prosperity, and
+this they did with great sincerity. Not so Mrs. Wilson: she had guarded
+the invaluable charge intrusted to her keeping with too much assiduity,
+too keen an interest, too just a sense of the awful responsibility she
+had undertaken, to desert her post at the moment watchfulness was most
+required. By a temperate, but firm and well-chosen conversation she kept
+alive the sense of her real condition in her niece, and labored hard to
+prevent the blandishments of life from supplanting the lively hope of
+enjoying another existence. She endeavored, by her pious example, her
+prayers, and her judicious allusions, to keep the passion of love in the
+breast of Emily secondary to the more important object of her creation;
+and, by the aid of a kind and Almighty Providence, her labors, though
+arduous, were crowned with success.
+
+As the family were seated round the table after dinner, on the day of
+their walk to the library, John Moseley, awakening from a reverie,
+exclaimed suddenly,
+
+"Which do you think the handsomest, Emily, Grace Chatterton or Miss
+Fitzgerald?"
+
+Emily laughed, as she answered, "Grace, certainly; do you not think so,
+brother?"
+
+"Yes, on the whole; but don't you think Grace looks like her mother at
+times?"
+
+"Oh no, she is the image of Chatterton."
+
+"She is very like yourself, Emmy dear," said Mr. Benfield, who was
+listening to their conversation.
+
+"Me, dear uncle; I have never heard it remarked before."
+
+"Yes, yes, she is as much like you as she can stare. I never saw as
+great a resemblance, excepting between you and Lady Juliana--Lady
+Juliana, Emmy, was a beauty in her day; very like her uncle, old Admiral
+Griffin--you can't remember the admiral--he lost an eye in a battle with
+the Dutch, and part of his cheek in a frigate, when a young man fighting
+the Dons. Oh, he was a pleasant old gentleman; many a guinea has he
+given me when I was a boy at school."
+
+"And he looked like Grace Chatterton, uncle, did he?" asked John,
+innocently.
+
+"No, sir, he did not; who said he looked like Grace Chatterton,
+jackanapes?"
+
+"Why, I thought you made it out, sir: but perhaps it was the description
+that deceived me--his eye and cheek, uncle."
+
+"Did Lord Gosford leave children, uncle?" inquired Emily, throwing a
+look of reproach at John.
+
+"No, Emmy dear; his only child, a son, died at school. I shall never
+forget the grief of poor Lady Juliana. She postponed a visit to Bath
+three weeks on account of it. A gentleman who was paying his addresses
+to her at the time, offered then, and was refused--indeed, her self-
+denial raised such an admiration of her in the men, that immediately
+after the death of young Lord Dayton, no less than seven gentlemen
+offered, and were refused in one week. I heard Lady Juliana say, that
+what between lawyers and suitors, she had not a moment's peace."
+
+"Lawyers?" cried Sir Edward: "what had she to do with lawyers?"
+
+"Why, Sir Edward, six thousand a year fell to her by the death of her
+nephew; and there were trustees and deeds to be made out--poor young
+woman, she was so affected, Emmy, I don't think she went out for a week-
+-all the time at home reading papers, and attending to her important
+concerns. Oh! she was a woman of taste; her mourning, and liveries, and
+new carriage, were more admired than those of any one about the court.
+Yes, yes, the title is extinct; I know of none of the name now. The Earl
+did not survive his loss but six years, and the countess died broken-
+hearted, about a twelvemonth before him."
+
+"And Lady Juliana, uncle," inquired John, "what became of her, did she
+marry?"
+
+The old man helped himself to a glass of wine, and looked over his
+shoulder to see if Peter was at hand. Peter, who had been originally
+butler, and had made it a condition of his preferment, that whenever
+there was company, he should be allowed to preside at the sideboard, was
+now at his station. Mr. Benfield, seeing his old friend near him,
+ventured to talk on a subject he seldom trusted himself with in company.
+
+"Why, yes--yes--she did marry, it's true, although she did tell me she
+intended to die a maid; but--hem--I suppose--hem--it was compassion for
+the old viscount, who often said he could not live without her; and then
+it gave her the power of doing so much good, a jointure of five thousand
+a year added to her own income: yet--hem--I do confess I did not think
+she would have chosen such an old and infirm man--- but, Peter, give me
+a glass of claret." Peter handed the claret, and the old man proceeded:-
+-"They say he was very cross to her, and that, no doubt, must have made
+her unhappy, she was so very tender-hearted."
+
+How much longer the old gentleman would have continued in this strain,
+it is impossible to say; but he was interrupted by the opening of the
+parlor door, and the sudden appearance on its threshold of Denbigh.
+Every countenance glowed with pleasure at this unexpected return of
+their favorite; and but for the prudent caution of Mrs. Wilson, in
+handing a glass of water to her niece, the surprise might have proved
+too much for her. The salutations of Denbigh were returned by the
+different members of the family with a cordiality that must have told
+him how much he was valued by all its branches; and after briefly
+informing them that his review was over, and that he had thrown himself
+into a chaise and travelled post until he had rejoined them, he took his
+seat by Mr. Benfield, who received him with a marked preference,
+exceeding that which he had shown to any man who had ever entered his
+doors, Lord Gosford himself not excepted. Peter removed from his station
+behind his master's chair to one where he could face the new comer; and
+after wiping his eyes until they filled so rapidly with water, that at
+last he was noticed by the delighted John to put on the identical
+goggles which his care had provided for Denbigh in his illness. His
+laugh drew the attention of the rest to the honest steward, and when
+Denbigh was told this was Mr. Benfield's ambassador to the hall, he rose
+from his chair, and taking the old man by the hand, kindly thanked him
+for his thoughtful consideration for his weak eyes.
+
+Peter took the offered hand in both his own, and after making one or two
+unsuccessful efforts to speak, he uttered, "Thank you, thank you; may
+Heaven bless you," and burst into tears. This stopped the laugh, and
+John followed the steward from the room, while his master exclaimed,
+wiping his eyes, "Kind and condescending; just such another as my old
+friend, the Earl of Gosford."
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIII.
+
+At the appointed hour, the carriage of Mrs. Wilson was ready to convey
+herself and niece to the cottage of Mrs. Fitzgerald. John was left
+behind, under the pretence of keeping Denbigh company in his morning
+avocations, but really because Mrs. Wilson doubted the propriety of his
+becoming a visiting acquaintance at the house, tenanted as the cottage
+was represented to be. John was too fond of his friend to make any
+serious objections, and was satisfied for the present, by sending his
+compliments, and requesting his sister to ask permission for him to call
+in one of his morning excursions, in order to pay his personal respects.
+
+They found the cottage a beautiful and genteel, though a very small and
+retired dwelling, almost hid by the trees and shrubs which surrounded
+it, and its mistress in its little veranda, expecting the arrival of
+Emily. Mrs. Fitzgerald was a Spaniard, under twenty, of a melancholy,
+yet highly interesting countenance; her manners were soft and retiring,
+but evidently bore the impression of good company, if not of high life.
+She was extremely pleased with this renewal of attention on the part of
+Emily, and expressed her gratitude to both ladies for their kindness in
+seeking her out in her solitude. She presented her more matronly
+companion to them, by the name of Donna Lorenza; and as nothing but good
+feeling prevailed, and useless ceremony was banished, the little party
+were soon on terms of friendly intercourse. The young widow (for such
+her dress indicated her to be), did the honors of her house with
+graceful ease, and conducted her visiters into her little grounds,
+which; together the cottage, gave evident proofs of the taste and
+elegance of its occupant. The establishment she supported she
+represented as very small; two women and an aged man servant, with
+occasionally a laborer for her garden and shrubbery. They never visited;
+it was a resolution she had made on fixing her residence here, but if
+Mrs. Wilson and Miss Moseley would forgive the rudeness of not returning
+their call, nothing would give her more satisfaction than a frequent
+renewal of their visits. Mrs. Wilson took so deep an interest in the
+misfortunes of this young female, and was so much pleased with the
+modest resignation of her manner, that it required little persuasion on
+the part of the recluse to obtain a promise of soon repeating her visit.
+Emily mentioned the request of John, and Mrs. Fitzgerald received it
+with a mournful smile, as she replied that Mr. Moseley had laid her
+under such an obligation in their first interview, she could not deny
+herself the pleasure of again thanking him for it; but she must be
+excused if she desired they would limit their attendants to him, as
+there was but one gentleman in England whose visits she admitted, and it
+was seldom indeed he called; he had seen her but once since she had
+resided in Norfolk.
+
+After giving a promise not to suffer any one else to accompany them, and
+promising an early call again, our ladies returned to Benfield Lodge in
+season to dress for dinner. On entering the drawing-room, they found the
+elegant person of Colonel Egerton leaning on the back of Jane's chair.
+He had arrived during their absence, and immediately sought the
+baronet's family. His reception, if not as warm as that given to
+Denbigh, was cordial from all but the master of the house; and even he
+was in such spirits by the company around him, and the prospects of
+Emily's marriage (which he considered as settled), that he forced
+himself to an appearance of good will he did not feel. Colonel Egerton
+was either deceived by his manner, or too much a man of the world to
+discover his suspicion, and everything in consequence was very
+harmoniously, if not sincerely conducted between them.
+
+Lady Moseley was completely happy. If she had the least doubts before,
+as to the intentions of Egerton, they were now removed. His journey to
+that unfashionable watering-place, was owing to his passion; and however
+she might at times have doubted as to Sir Edgar's heir, Denbigh she
+thought a man of too little consequence in the world, to make it
+possible he would neglect to profit by his situation in the family of
+Sir Edward Moseley. She was satisfied with both connexions. Mr. Benfield
+had told her General Sir Frederic Denbigh was nearly allied to the Duke
+of Derwent, and Denbigh had said the general was his grandfather.
+Wealth, she knew Emily would possess from both her uncle and aunt; and
+the services of the gentleman had their due weight upon the feelings of
+the affectionate mother. The greatest of her maternal anxieties was
+removed, and she looked forward to the peaceful enjoyment of the remnant
+of her days in the bosom of her descendants. John, the heir of a
+baronetcy, and 15,000 pounds a year, might suit himself; and Grace
+Chatterton, she thought, would be likely to prove the future Lady
+Moseley. Sir Edward, without entering so deeply into anticipations of
+the future as his wife, experienced an equal degree of contentment; and
+it would have been a difficult task to discover in the island a roof,
+under which there resided at the moment more happy countenances than at
+Benfield Lodge; for as its master had insisted on Denbigh becoming an
+inmate, he was obliged to extend his hospitality in an equal degree to
+Colonel Egerton: indeed, the subject had been fully canvassed between
+him and Peter the morning of his arrival, and was near being decided
+against his admission, when the steward, who had picked up all the
+incidents of the arbor scene from the servants (and of course with many
+exaggerations), mentioned to his master that the colonel was very
+active, and that he even contrived to bring water to revive Miss Emmy, a
+great distance, in the hat of Captain Jarvis, which was full of holes,
+Mr. John having blown it off the head of the captain without hurting a
+hair, in firing at a woodcock. This mollified the master a little, and
+he agreed to suspend his decision for further observation. At dinner,
+the colonel happening to admire the really handsome face of Lord
+Gosford, as delineated by Sir Joshua Reynolds, which graced the dining-
+room of Benfield Lodge, its master, in a moment of unusual kindness,
+gave the invitation; it was politely accepted, and the colonel at once
+domesticated.
+
+The face of John Moseley alone, at times, exhibited evidences of care
+and thought, and at such moments it might be a subject of doubt whether
+he thought the most of Grace Chatterton or her mother: if the latter,
+the former was sure to lose ground in his estimation; a serious
+misfortune to John, not to be able to love Grace without alloy. His
+letters from her brother mentioned his being still at Denbigh castle, in
+Westmoreland, the seat of his friend the Duke of Derwent; and John
+thought one or two of his encomiums on Lady Harriet Denbigh, the sister
+of his grace, augured that the unkindness of Emily might in time be
+forgotten. The dowager and her daughters were at the seat of a maiden
+aunt in Yorkshire, where as John knew no male animal was allowed
+admittance, he was tolerably easy at the disposition of things. Nothing
+but legacy-hunting he knew would induce the dowager to submit to such a
+banishment from the other sex; but that was so preferable to husband-
+hunting he was satisfied. "I wish," said John mentally, as he finished
+the perusal of his letter, "mother Chatterton would get married herself,
+and she might let Kate and Grace manage for themselves. Kate would do
+very well, I dare say, and how would Grace make out!" John sighed, and
+whistled for Dido and Rover.
+
+In the manners of Colonel Egerton there was the same general disposition
+to please, and the same unremitted attention to the wishes and
+amusements of Jane. They had renewed their poetical investigations, and
+Jane eagerly encouraged a taste which afforded her delicacy some little
+coloring for the indulgence of an association different from the real
+truth, and which, in her estimation, was necessary to her happiness.
+Mrs. Wilson thought the distance between the two suitors for the favor
+of her nieces was, if anything, increased by their short separation, and
+particularly noticed on the part of the colonel an aversion to Denbigh
+that at times painfully alarmed, by exciting apprehensions for the
+future happiness of the precious treasure she had prepared herself to
+yield to his solicitations, whenever properly proffered. In the
+intercourse between Emily and her preserver, as there was nothing to
+condemn, so there was much to admire. The attentions of Denbigh were
+pointed, although less exclusive than those of the colonel; and the aunt
+was pleased to observe that if the manners of Egerton had more of the
+gloss of life, those of Denbigh were certainly distinguished by a more
+finished delicacy and propriety. The one appeared the influence of
+custom and association, with a tincture of artifice; the other,
+benevolence, with a just perception of what was due to others, and with
+an air of sincerity, when speaking of sentiments and principles, that
+was particularly pleasing to the watchful widow. At times, however, she
+could not but observe an air of restraint, if not of awkwardness, about
+him that was a little surprising. It was most observable in mixed
+society, and once or twice her imagination pictured his sensations into
+something like alarm. These unpleasant interruptions to her admiration
+were soon forgotten in her just appreciation of the more solid parts of
+his character, which appeared literally to be unexceptionable; and when
+momentary uneasiness would steal over her, the remembrance of the
+opinion of Dr. Ives, his behavior with Jarvis, his charity, and chiefly
+his devotion to her niece, would not fail to drive the disagreeable
+thoughts from her mind. Emily herself moved about, the image of joy and
+innocence. If Denbigh were near her, she was happy; if absent, she
+suffered no uneasiness. Her feelings were so ardent, and yet so pure,
+that jealousy had no admission. Perhaps no circumstances existed to
+excite this usual attendant of the passion; but as the heart of Emily
+was more enchained than her imagination, her affections were not of the
+restless nature of ordinary attachments, though more dangerous to her
+peace of mind in the event of an unfortunate issue. With Denbigh she
+never walked or rode alone. He had never made the request, and her
+delicacy would have shrunk from such an open manifestation of her
+preference; but he read to her and her aunt; he accompanied them in
+their little excursions; and once or twice John noticed that she took
+the offered hand of Denbigh to assist her over any little impediment in
+their course, instead of her usual unobtrusive custom of taking his arm
+on such occasions. "Well, Miss Emily," thought John, "you appear to have
+chosen another favorite," on her doing this three times in succession in
+one of their walks. "How strange it is women will quit their natural
+friends for a face they have hardly seen." John forgot his own--"There
+is no danger, dear Grace," when his sister was almost dead with
+apprehension. But John loved Emily too well to witness her preference of
+another with satisfaction, even though Denbigh was the favorite; a
+feeling which soon wore away, however, by dint of custom and reflection.
+Mr. Benfield had taken it into his head that if the wedding of Emily
+could be solemnized while the family was at the lodge, it would render
+him the happiest of men; and how to compass this object, was the
+occupation of a whole morning's contemplation. Happily for Emily's
+blushes, the old gentleman harbored the most fastidious notions of
+female delicacy, and never in conversation made the most distant
+allusion to the expected connexion. He, therefore, in conformity with
+these feelings, could do nothing openly; all must be the effect of
+management; and as he thought Peter one of the best contrivers in the
+world, to his ingenuity he determined to refer the arrangement.
+
+The bell rang--"Send Johnson to me, David."
+
+In a few minutes, the drab coat and blue yarn stockings entered his
+dressing-room with the body of Mr. Peter Johnson snugly cased within
+them.
+
+"Peter," commenced Mr. Benfield, pointing kindly to a chair, which the
+steward respectfully declined, "I suppose you know that Mr. Denbigh, the
+grandson of General Denbigh, who was in parliament with me, is about to
+marry my little Emmy?"
+
+Peter smiled, as he bowed an assent.
+
+"Now, Peter, a wedding would, of all things, make me most happy; that
+is, to have it here in the lodge. It would remind me so much of the
+marriage of Lord Gosford, and the bridemaids. I wish your opinion how to
+bring it about before they leave us. Sir Edward and Anne decline
+interfering, and Mrs. Wilson I am afraid to speak to on the subject."
+
+Peter was not a little alarmed by this sudden requisition on his
+inventive faculties, especially as a lady was in the case; but, as he
+prided himself on serving his master, and loved the hilarity of a
+wedding in his heart, he cogitated for some time in silence, when,
+having thought a preliminary question or two necessary, he broke it with
+saying--
+
+"Everything, I suppose, master, is settled between the young people?"
+
+"Everything, I take it, Peter."
+
+"And Sir Edward and my lady?"
+
+"Willing; perfectly willing."
+
+"And Madam Wilson, sir?"
+
+"Willing, Peter, willing."
+
+"And Mr. John and Miss Jane?"
+
+"All willing; the whole family is willing, to the best of my belief.'"
+
+"There is the Rev. Mr. Ives and Mrs. Ives, master?"
+
+"They wish it, I know. Don't you think they wish others as happy as
+themselves, Peter?"
+
+"No doubt they do, master. Well, then, as everybody is willing, and the
+young people agreeable, the only thing to be done, sir, is--"
+
+"Is what, Peter?" exclaimed his impatient master observing him to
+hesitate.
+
+"Why, sir, to send for the priest, I take it."
+
+"Pshaw! Peter Johnson, I know that myself," replied the dissatisfied old
+man. "Cannot you help me to a better plan?"
+
+"Why, master," said Peter, "I would have done as well for Miss Emmy and
+your honor as I would have done for myself. Now, sir, when I courted
+Patty Steele, your honor, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
+hundred and sixty-five, I should have been married but for one
+difficulty, which your honor says is removed in the case of Miss Emmy."
+
+"What was that, Peter?" asked his master, in a tender tone.
+
+"She wasn't willing, sir."
+
+"Very well, poor Peter," replied Mr. Benfield, mildly "you may go." And
+the steward, bowing low, withdrew.
+
+The similarity of their fortunes in love was a strong link in the
+sympathies which bound the master and man together and the former never
+failed to be softened by an allusion to Patty. The want of tact in the
+man, on the present occasion, after much reflection, was attributed by
+his master to the fact that Peter had never sat in parliament.
+
+
+
+Chapter
+XXIV.
+
+Mrs. Wilson and Emily, in the fortnight they had been at Benfield Lodge,
+paid frequent and long visits to the cottage: and each succeeding
+interview left a more favorable impression of the character of its
+mistress, and a greater certainty that she was unfortunate. The latter,
+however, alluded very slightly to her situation or former life; she was
+a Protestant, to the great surprise of Mrs. Wilson; and one that misery
+had made nearly acquainted with the religion she professed. Their
+conversations chiefly turned on the customs of her own, as contrasted
+with those of her adopted country, or in a pleasant exchange of
+opinions, which the ladies possessed in complete unison. One morning
+John had accompanied them and been admitted; Mrs. Fitzgerald receiving
+him with the frankness of an old acquaintance, though with the reserve
+of a Spanish lady. His visits were permitted under the direction of his
+aunt, but no others of the gentlemen were included amongst her guests.
+Mrs. Wilson had casually mentioned, in the absence of her niece, the
+interposition of Denbigh between her and death; and Mrs. Fitzgerald was
+so much pleased at the noble conduct of the gentleman, as to express a
+desire to see him; but the impressions of the moment appeared to have
+died away, a nothing more was said by either lady on the subject, and it
+was apparently forgotten. Mrs. Fitzgerald was found one morning, weeping
+over a letter she held in her hand, and the Donna Lorenza was
+endeavoring to console her. The situation of this latter lady was
+somewhat doubtful; she appeared neither wholly a friend nor a menial. In
+the manners of the two there was a striking difference; although the
+Donna was not vulgar, she was far from possessing the polish of her more
+juvenile friend, and Mrs. Wilson considered her to be in a station
+between that of a housekeeper and that of a companion. After hoping that
+no unpleasant intelligence occasioned the distress they witnessed, the
+ladies were delicately about to take their leave, when Mrs. Fitzgerald
+entreated them to remain.
+
+"Your kind attention to me, dear madam, and the goodness of Miss
+Moseley, give you a claim to know more of the unfortunate being your
+sympathy has so greatly assisted to attain her peace of mind. This
+letter is from the gentleman of whom you have heard me speak, as once
+visiting me, and though it has struck me with unusual force, it contains
+no more than I expected to hear, perhaps no more than I deserve to
+hear."
+
+"I hope your friend has not been unnecessarily harsh: severity is not
+the best way, always, of effecting repentance, and I feel certain that
+you, my young friend, can have been guilty of no offence that does not
+rather require gentle than stern reproof," said Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"I thank you, dear madam, for your indulgent opinion of me, but although
+I have suffered much, I am willing to confess it is a merited
+punishment; you are, however, mistaken as to the source of my present
+sorrow. Lord Pendennyss is the cause of grief, I believe, to no one,
+much less to me."
+
+"Lord Pendennyss!" exclaimed Emily, in surprise, unconsciously looking
+at her aunt.
+
+"Pendennyss!" reiterated Mrs. Wilson, with animation "and is he your
+friend, too?" "Yes, madam; to his lordship I owe everything--honor--
+comfort--religion--and even life itself."
+
+Mrs. Wilson's cheek glowed with an unusual color, at this discovery of
+another act of benevolence and virtue, in a young nobleman whose
+character she had so long admired, and whose person she had in vain
+wished to meet.
+
+"You know the earl, then?" inquired Mrs. Fitzgerald.
+
+"By reputation, only, my dear," said Mrs. Wilson; "but that is enough to
+convince me a friend of his must be a worthy character, if anything were
+wanting to make us your friends."
+
+The conversation was continued for some time, and Mrs. Fitzgerald saying
+she did not feel equal just then to the undertaking, but the next day,
+if they would honor her with another call, she would make them
+acquainted with the incidents of her life, and the reasons she had for
+speaking in such terms of Lord Pendennyss. The promise to see her was
+cheerfully made by Mrs. Wilson, and her confidence accepted; not from a
+desire to gratify an idle curiosity, but a belief that it was necessary
+to probe a wound to cure it; and a correct opinion, that she would be a
+better adviser for a young and lovely woman, than even Pendennyss; for
+the Donna Lorenza she could hardly consider in a capacity to offer
+advice, much less dictation. They then took their leave, and Emily,
+during their ride, broke the silence with exclaiming,--
+
+"Wherever we hear of Lord Pendennyss, aunt, we hear of him favorably."
+
+"A certain sign, my dear, he is deserving of it. There is hardly any man
+who has not his enemies, and those are seldom just; but we have met with
+none of the earl's yet."
+
+"Fifty thousand a year will make many friends," observed Emily, shaking
+her head.
+
+"Doubtless, my love, or as many enemies; but honor, life, and religion,
+my child, are debts not owing to money--in this country at least."
+
+To this remark Emily assented; and after expressing her own admiration
+of the character of the young nobleman, she dropped into a reverie. How
+many of his virtues she identified with the person of Mr. Denbigh, it is
+not, just now, our task to enumerate; but judges of human nature may
+easily determine, and that too without having sat in the parliament of
+this realm.
+
+The morning this conversation occurred at the cottage, Mr. and Mrs.
+Jarvis, with their daughters, made their unexpected appearance at L----.
+The arrival of a post-chaise and four with a gig, was an event soon
+circulated through the little village, and the names of its owners
+reached the lodge just as Jane had allowed herself to be persuaded by
+the colonel to take her first walk with him unaccompanied by a third
+person. Walking is much more propitious to declarations than riding; and
+whether it was premeditated on the part of the colonel or not, or
+whether he was afraid that Mrs. Jarvis or some one else would interfere,
+he availed himself of this opportunity, and had hardly got out of
+hearing of her brother and Denbigh, before he made Jane an explicit
+offer of his hand. The surprise was so great, that some time elapsed
+before the distressed girl could reply. This she, however, at length
+did, but incoherently: she referred him to her parents, as the arbiters
+of her fate, well knowing that her wishes had long been those of her
+father and mother. With this the colonel was obliged to be satisfied for
+the present. But their walk had not ended, before he gradually drew from
+the confiding girl an acknowledgment that, should her parents decline
+his offer, she would be very little less miserable than himself; indeed,
+the most tenacious lover might have been content with the proofs of
+regard that Jane, unused to control her feelings, allowed herself to
+manifest on this occasion. Egerton was in raptures; a life devoted to
+her would never half repay her condescension; and as their confidence
+increased with their walk, Jane re-entered the lodge with a degree of
+happiness in her heart she had never before experienced. The much
+dreaded declaration--her own distressing acknowledgements, were made,
+and nothing farther remained but to live and be happy. She flew into the
+arms of her mother, and; hiding her blushes in her bosom, acquainted her
+with the colonel's offer and her own wishes. Lady Moseley, who was
+prepared for such a communication, and had rather wondered at its
+tardiness, kissed her daughter affectionately, as she promised to speak
+to her father, and to obtain his approbation.
+
+"But," she added, with a degree of formality and caution which had
+better preceded than have followed the courtship, "we must make the
+usual inquiries, my child, into the fitness of Colonel Egerton as a
+husband for our daughter. Once assured of that, you have nothing to
+fear."
+
+The baronet was requested to grant an audience to Colonel Egerton, who
+now appeared as determined to expedite things, as he had been dilatory
+before. On meeting Sir Edward, he made known his pretensions and hopes.
+The father, who had been previously notified by his wife of what was
+forthcoming, gave a general answer, similar to the speech of the mother,
+and the colonel bowed in acquiescence.
+
+In the evening, the Jarvis family favored the inhabitants of the lodge
+with a visit, and Mrs. Wilson was struck with the singularity of their
+reception of the colonel. Miss Jarvis, especially, was rude to both him
+and Jane, and it struck all who witnessed it as a burst of jealous
+feeling for disappointed hopes; but to no one, excepting Mrs. Wilson,
+did it occur that the conduct of the gentleman could be at all
+implicated in the transaction. Mr. Benfield was happy to see under his
+roof again the best of the trio of Jarvises he had known, and something
+like sociability prevailed. There was to be a ball, Miss Jarvis
+remarked, at L----, the following day, which would help to enliven the
+scene a little, especially as there were a couple of frigates at anchor,
+a few miles off, and the officers were expected to join the party. This
+intelligence had but little effect on the ladies of the Moseley family;
+yet, as their uncle desired that, out of respect to his neighbors, if
+invited, they would go, they cheerfully assented. During the evening,
+Mrs. Wilson observed Egerton in familiar conversation with Miss Jarvis;
+and as she had been notified of his situation with respect to Jane, she
+determined to watch narrowly into the causes of so singular a change of
+deportment in the young lady. Mrs. Jarvis retained her respect for the
+colonel in full force; and called out to him across the room, a few
+minutes before she departed--
+
+"Well, colonel, I am happy to tell you I have heard very lately from
+your uncle, Sir Edgar."
+
+"Indeed, madam!" replied the colonel, starting. "He was well, I hope."
+
+"Very well, the day before yesterday. His neighbor, old, Mr. Holt, is a
+lodger in the same house with us at L----; and as I thought you would
+like to hear, I made particular inquiries about the baronet." The word
+baronet was pronounced with emphasis and a look of triumph, as if it
+would say, you see we have baronets as well as you. As no answer was
+made by Egerton, excepting an acknowledging bow, the merchant and his
+family departed.
+
+"Well, John," cried Emily, with a smile, "we have heard more good to-day
+of our trusty and well-beloved cousin, the Earl of Pendennyss."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed her brother. "You must keep Emily for his lordship,
+positively, aunt: she is almost as great an admirer of him as yourself."
+
+"I apprehend it is necessary she should be quite as much so, to become
+his wife," said Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"Really," said Emily, more gravely, "if all one hears of him be true, or
+even half, it would be no difficult task to admire him."
+
+Denbigh was standing leaning on the back of a chair, in situation where
+he could view the animated countenance of Emily as she spoke, and Mrs.
+Wilson noticed an uneasiness and a changing of color in him that
+appeared uncommon from so trifling a cause. Is it possible, she thought,
+Denbigh can harbor so mean a passion as envy? He walked away, as if
+unwilling to hear more, and appeared much engrossed with his own
+reflections for the remainder of the evening. There were moments of
+doubting which crossed the mind of Mrs. Wilson with a keenness of
+apprehension proportionate to her deep interest in Emily, with respect
+to certain traits in the character of Denbigh; and this, what she
+thought a display of unworthy feeling, was one of them. In the course of
+the evening, the cards for the expected ball arrived, and were accepted.
+As this new arrangement for the morrow interfered with their intended
+visit to Mrs. Fitzgerald, a servant was sent with a note of explanation
+in the morning and a request that on the following day the promised
+communication might be made. To this arrangement the recluse assented,
+and Emily prepared for the ball with a melancholy recollection of the
+consequences which grew out of the last she had attended--melancholy at
+the fate of Digby, and pleasure at the principles manifested by Denbigh,
+on the occasion. The latter, however, with a smile, excused himself from
+being of the party, telling Emily he was so awkward that he feared some
+unpleasant consequences to himself or his friends would arise from his
+inadvertencies, did he venture again with her into such an assembly.
+
+Emily sighed gently, as she entered the carriage of her aunt early in
+the afternoon, leaving Denbigh in the door of the lodge, and Egerton
+absent on the execution of some business; the former to amuse himself as
+he could until the following morning, and the latter to join them in the
+dance in the evening.
+
+The arrangement included an excursion on the water, attended by the
+bands from the frigates, a collation, and in the evening a ball. One of
+the vessels was commanded by a Lord Henry Stapleton, a fine young man,
+who, struck with the beauty and appearance of the sisters, sought an
+introduction to the baronet's family, and engaged the hand of Emily for
+the first dance. His frank and gentleman-like deportment was pleasing to
+his new acquaintances; the more so, as it was peculiarly suited to their
+situation at the moment. Mrs. Wilson was in unusual spirits, and
+maintained an animated conversation with the young sailor, in the course
+of which, he spoke of his cruising on the coast of Spain, and by
+accident he mentioned his having carried out to that country, upon one
+occasion, Lord Pendennyss. This was common ground between them, and Lord
+Henry was as enthusiastic in his praises of the earl, as Mrs. Wilson's
+partiality could desire. He also knew Colonel Egerton slightly, and
+expressed his pleasure, in polite terms, when they met in the evening in
+the ball-room, at being able to renew his acquaintance. The evening
+passed off as such evenings generally do--in gaiety, listlessness,
+dancing, gaping, and heartburnings, according to the dispositions and
+good or ill fortune of the several individuals who compose the assembly.
+Mrs. Wilson, while her nieces were dancing, moved her seat to be near a
+window, and found herself in the vicinity of two elderly gentlemen, who
+were commenting on the company. After making several common-place
+remarks, one of them inquired of the other--"Who is that military
+gentleman amongst the naval beaux, Holt?"
+
+"That is the hopeful nephew of my friend and neighbor, Sir Edgar
+Egerton; he is here dancing, and misspending his time and money, when I
+know Sir Edgar gave him a thousand pounds six months ago, on express
+condition, he should not leave the regiment or take a card in his hand
+for twelvemonth."
+
+"He plays, then?"
+
+"Sadly; he is, on the whole, a very bad young man."
+
+As they changed their topic, Mrs. Wilson joined her sister, dreadfully
+shocked at this intimation of the vices of a man so near an alliance
+with her brother's child. She was thankful it was not too late to avert
+part of the evil, and determined to acquaint Sir Edward, at once, with
+what she had heard, in order that an investigation might establish the
+colonel's innocence or guilt.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXV.
+
+They returned to the lodge at an early hour, and Mrs Wilson, after
+meditating upon the course she ought to take, resolved to have a
+conversation with her brother that evening after supper. Accordingly, as
+they were among the last to retire, she mentioned her wish to detain
+him, and when left by themselves, the baronet taking his seat by her on
+a sofa, she commenced as follows, willing to avoid her unpleasant
+information until the last moment.
+
+"I wished to say something to you, brother, relating to my charge: you
+have, no doubt, observed the attentions of Mr. Denbigh to Emily?"
+
+"Certainly, sister, and with great pleasure; you must not suppose I wish
+to interfere with the authority I have so freely relinquished to you,
+Charlotte, when I inquire if Emily favors his views or not?"
+
+"Neither Emily nor I, my dear brother, wish ever to question your right,
+not only to inquire into, but to control the conduct of your child;--she
+is yours, Edward, by a tie nothing can break, and we both love you too
+much to wish it. There is nothing you may be more certain of, than that,
+without the approbation of her parents, Emily would accept of no offer,
+however splendid or agreeable to her own wishes."
+
+"Nay, sister, I would not wish unduly to influence my child in an affair
+of so much importance to herself; but my interest in Denbigh is little
+short of that I feel for my daughter."
+
+"I trust," continued Mrs. Wilson, "Emily is too deeply impressed with
+her duty to forget the impressive mandate, 'to honor her father and
+mother:' yes, Sir Edward, I am mistaken if she would not relinquish the
+dearest object of her affections, at your request; and at the same time,
+I am persuaded she would, under no circumstances, approach the altar
+with a man she did not both love and esteem."
+
+The baronet did not appear exactly to understand his sister's
+distinction, as he observed, "I am not sure I rightly comprehend the
+difference you make, Charlotte."
+
+"Only, brother, that she would feel that a promise made at the altar to
+love a man she felt averse to, or honor one she could not esteem, as a
+breach of a duty, paramount to all earthly considerations," replied his
+sister; "but to answer your question--Denbigh has never offered, and
+when he does, I do not think he will be refused."
+
+"Refused!" cried the baronet, "I sincerely hope not; I wish, with all my
+heart, they were married already."
+
+"Emily is very young," said Mrs. Wilson, "and need not hurry: I was in
+hopes she would remain single a few years longer."
+
+"Well," said the baronet, "you and Lady Moseley, sister, have different
+notions on the subject of marrying the girls."
+
+Mrs. Wilson replied, with a good-humored smile, "you have made Anne so
+good a husband, Ned, that she forgets there are any bad ones in the
+world; my greatest anxiety is, that the husband of my niece may be a
+Christian; indeed, I know not how I can reconcile it to my conscience,
+as a Christian myself, to omit this important qualification,"
+
+"I am sure, Charlotte, both Denbigh and Egerton appear to have a great
+respect for religion; they are punctual at church, and very attentive to
+the service:" Mrs. Wilson smiled as he proceeded, "but religion may come
+after marriage, you know."
+
+"Yes, brother, and I know it may not come at all; no really pious woman
+can be happy, without her husband is in what she deems the road to
+future happiness himself; and it is idle--it is worse--it is almost
+impious to marry with a view to reform a husband: indeed, she greatly
+endangers her own safety thereby; for few of us, I believe, but find the
+temptation to err as much as we can contend with, without calling in the
+aid of example against us, in an object we love; indeed it appears to
+me, the life of such a woman must be a struggle between conflicting
+duties."
+
+"Why," said the baronet, "if your plan were generally adopted, I am
+afraid it would give a deadly blow to matrimony."
+
+"I have nothing to do with generals, brother, I am acting for individual
+happiness, and discharging individual duties: at the same time I cannot
+agree with you in its effects on the community. I think no man who
+dispassionately examines the subject, will be other than a Christian;
+and rather than remain bachelors, they would take even that trouble; if
+the strife in our sex were less for a husband, wives would increase in
+value."
+
+"But how is it, Charlotte," said the baronet, pleasantly, "your sex do
+not use your power and reform the age?"
+
+"The work of reformation, Sir Edward," replied his sister, gravely, "is
+an arduous one indeed, and I despair of seeing it general, in my day;
+but much, very much, might be done towards it, if those who have the
+guidance of youth would take that trouble with their pupils that good
+faith requires of them, to discharge the minor duties of life."
+
+"Women ought to marry," observed the baronet, musing.
+
+"Marriage is certainly the natural and most desirable state for a
+woman," but how few are there who, having entered it, know how to
+discharge its duties; more particularly those of a mother! On the
+subject of marrying our daughters, for instance, instead of qualifying
+them to make a proper choice, they are generally left to pick up such
+principles and opinions as they may come at, as it were by chance. It is
+true, if the parent be a Christian in name, certain of the externals of
+religion are observed; but what are these, if not enforced by a
+consistent example in the instructor?"
+
+"Useful precepts are seldom lost, I believe, sister," said Sir Edward,
+with confidence.
+
+"Always useful, my dear brother; but young people are more observant
+than we are apt to imagine, and are wonderfully ingenious in devising
+excuses to themselves for their conduct. I have often heard it offered
+as an apology, that father or mother knew it, or perhaps did it, and
+therefore it could not be wrong: association is all-important to a
+child."
+
+"I believe no family of consequence admits of improper associates within
+my knowledge," said the baronet.
+
+Mrs. Wilson smiled as she answered, "I am sure I hope not, Edward; but
+are the qualifications we require in companions for our daughters,
+always such as are most reconcileable with our good sense or our
+consciences; a single communication with an objectionable character is a
+precedent, if known and unobserved, which will be offered to excuse
+acquaintances with worse persons: with the other sex, especially, their
+acquaintance should be very guarded and select."
+
+"You would make many old maids, sister."
+
+"I doubt it greatly, brother; it would rather bring female society in
+demand. I often regret that selfishness, cupidity, and the kind of
+strife which prevails in our sex, on the road to matrimony, have brought
+celibacy into disrepute. For my part, I never see an old maid, but I am
+willing to think she is so from choice or principle, and although not in
+her proper place, serviceable, by keeping alive feelings necessary to
+exist, that marriages may not become curses instead of blessings."
+
+"A kind of Eddystone, to prevent matrimonial shipwrecks," said the
+brother, gayly.
+
+"Their lot may be solitary, baronet, and in some measure cheerless, but
+infinitely preferable to a marriage that may lead them astray from their
+duties, or give birth to a family which are to be turned on the world--
+without any religion but form--without any morals but truisms--or
+without even a conscience which has not been seared by indulgence. I
+hope that Anne, in the performance of her system, will have no cause to
+regret its failure."
+
+"Clara chose for herself, and has done well, Charlotte; and so, I doubt
+not, will Jane and Emily: and I confess I think their mother is right."
+
+"It is true," said Mrs. Wilson, "Clara has done well, though under
+circumstances of but little risk; she might have jumped into your fish-
+pond, and escaped with life, but the chances are she would drown: nor do
+I dispute the right of the girls to choose for themselves; but I say the
+rights extend to requiring us to qualify them to make their choice. I am
+sorry, Edward, to be the instigator of doubts in your breast of the
+worth of any one, especially as it may give you pain." Here Mrs. Wilson
+took her brother affectionately by the hand, and communicated what she
+had overheard that evening. Although the impressions of the baronet were
+not as vivid, or as deep as those of his sister, his parental love was
+too great not to make him extremely uneasy under the intelligence and
+after thanking her for her attention to his children's welfare, he
+kissed her, and withdrew. In passing to his own room, he met Egerton,
+that moment returned from escorting the Jarvis ladies to their lodgings;
+a task he had undertaken at the request of Jane, as they were without
+any male attendant. Sir Edward's heart was too full not to seek
+immediate relief, and as he had strong hopes of the innocence of the
+colonel, though he could give no reason for his expectation, he returned
+with him to the parlor, and in a few words acquainted him with the
+slanders which had been circulated at his expense; begging him by all
+means to disprove them as soon as possible. The colonel was struck with
+the circumstance at first, but assured Sir Edward, it was entirely
+untrue. He never played, as he might have noticed, and that Mr. Holt was
+an ancient enemy of his. He would in the morning take measures to
+convince Sir Edward, that he stood higher in the estimation of his
+uncle, than Mr. Holt had thought proper to state. Much relieved by this
+explanation, the baronet, forgetting that this heavy charge removed, he
+only stood where he did before he took time for his inquiries, assured
+him, that if he could convince him, or rather his sister, he did not
+gamble, he would receive him as a son-in-law with pleasure. The
+gentlemen shook hands and parted.
+
+Denbigh had retired to his room early, telling Mr. Benfield he did not
+feel well, and thus missed the party at supper; and by twelve, silence
+prevailed in the house.
+
+As usual after a previous day of pleasure, the party were late in
+assembling on the following, yet Denbigh was the last who made his
+appearance. Mrs. Wilson thought he threw a look round the room as he
+entered, which prevented his making his salutations in his usual easy
+and polished manner. In a few minutes, however, his awkwardness was
+removed, and they took their seats at the table. At that moment the door
+of the room was thrown hastily open, and Mr. Jarvis entered abruptly,
+and with a look bordering on wildness in his eye--"Is she not here?"
+exclaimed the merchant scanning the company closely.
+
+"Who?" inquired all in a breath.
+
+"Polly--my daughter--my child," said the merchant, endeavoring to
+control his feelings; "did she not come here this morning with Colonel
+Egerton?"
+
+He was answered in the negative, and he briefly explained the cause of
+his anxiety. The colonel had called very early, and sent her maid up to
+his daughter who rose immediately. They had quitted the house together,
+leaving word the Miss Moseleys had sent for the young lady to breakfast,
+for some particular reason. Such was the latitude allowed by his wife,
+that nothing was suspected until one of the servants of the house said
+he had seen Colonel Egerton and a lady drive out of the village that
+morning in a post-chaise and four.
+
+Then the old gentleman first took the alarm, and he proceeded instantly
+to the lodge in quest of his daughter. Of the elopement there now
+remained no doubt, and an examination into the state of the colonel's
+room, who, it had been thought, was not yet risen, gave assurance of it.
+Here was at once sad confirmation that the opinion of Mr. Holt was a
+just one. Although every heart felt for Jane during this dreadful
+explanation, no eye was turned on her excepting the stolen, and anxious
+glances of her sister; but when all was confirmed, and nothing remained
+but to reflect or act upon the circumstances, she naturally engrossed
+the whole attention of her fond parents. Jane had listened in
+indignation to the commencement of the narrative of Mr. Jarvis, and so
+firmly was Egerton enshrined in purity within her imagination, that not
+until it was ascertained that both his servant and clothes were missing,
+would she admit a thought injurious to his truth. Then indeed the
+feelings of Mr. Jarvis, his plain statement corroborated by this
+testimony, struck her at once as true; and as she rose to leave the
+room, she fell senseless into the arms of Emily who observing her
+movement and loss of color had flown to her assistance. Denbigh had
+drawn the merchant out in vain efforts to appease him, and happily no
+one witnessed this effect of Jane's passion but her nearest relatives.
+She was immediately removed to her own room, and in a short time was in
+bed with a burning fever. The bursts of her grief were uncontrolled and
+violent. At times she reproached herself--her friends--Egerton; in
+short, she was guilty of all the inconsistent sensations that
+disappointed hopes, accompanied by the consciousness of weakness on our
+part seldom fail to give rise to; the presence of her friends was
+irksome to her, and it was only to the soft and insinuating
+blandishments of Emily's love that she would at all yield. Perseverance
+and affection at length prevailed, and as Emily took the opportunity of
+some refreshments to infuse a strong soporific, Jane lost her
+consciousness of misery in a temporary repose. In the mean time a more
+searching inquiry had been able to trace out the manner and direction of
+the journey of the fugitives.
+
+It appeared the colonel left the lodge immediately after his
+conversation with Sir Edward; he slept at a tavern, and caused his
+servant to remove his baggage at daylight; here he had ordered a chaise
+and horses, and then proceeded, as mentioned, to the lodgings of Mr.
+Jarvis. What arguments he used with Miss Jarvis to urge her to so sudden
+a flight, remained a secret; but from the remarks of Mrs. Jarvis and
+Miss Sarah, there was reason to believe that he had induced them to
+think from the commencement, that his intentions were single, and Mary
+Jarvis their object. How he contrived to gloss over his attentions to
+Jane in such a manner as to deceive those ladies, caused no little
+surprise; but it was obvious it had been done, and the Moseleys were not
+without hopes his situation with Jane would not make the noise in the
+world such occurrences seldom fail to excite. In the afternoon a letter
+was handed to Mr. Jarvis, and by him immediately communicated to the
+baronet and Denbigh, both of whom he considered as among his best
+friends. It was from Egerton, and written in a respectful manner: he
+apologized for his elopement, and excused it on the ground of a wish to
+avoid the delay of a license or the publishing of bans, as he was in
+hourly expectation of a summons to his regiment, and contained many
+promises of making an attentive husband, and an affectionate son. The
+fugitives were on the road to Scotland, whence they intended immediately
+to return to London and to wait the commands of their parents. The
+baronet in a voice trembling with emotion at the sufferings of his own
+child, congratulated the merchant that things were no worse; while
+Denbigh curled his lips as he read the epistle, and thought settlements
+were a greater inconvenience than the bans--for it was a well known
+fact, a maiden aunt had left the Jarvises twenty thousand pounds between
+them.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVI.
+
+Although the affections of Jane had sustained a blow, her pride had
+received a greater, and no persuasions of her mother or sister could
+induce her to leave her room. She talked little, but once or twice she
+yielded to the affectionate attentions of Emily, and poured out her
+sorrows into the bosom of her sister. At such moments she would declare
+her intention of never appearing in the world again. One of these
+paroxysms of sorrow was witnessed by her mother, and, for the first
+time, self-reproach mingled in the grief of the matron. Had she trusted
+less to appearances and to the opinions of indifferent and ill-judging
+acquaintances, her daughter might have been apprized in season of the
+character of the man who had stolen her affections. To a direct
+exhibition of misery Lady Moseley was always sensible, and, for the
+moment, she became alive to its causes and consequences; but a timely
+and judicious safeguard against future moral evils was a forecast
+neither her inactivity of mind nor abilities were equal to.
+
+We shall leave Jane to brood over her lover's misconduct, while we
+regret she is without the consolation alone able to bear her up against
+the misfortunes of life, and return to the other personages of our
+history.
+
+The visit to Mrs. Fitzgerald had been postponed in consequence of Jane's
+indisposition; but a week after the colonel's departure, Mrs. Wilson
+thought, as Jane had consented to leave her room, and Emily really began
+to look pale from her confinement by the side of a sick bed, she would
+redeem the pledge she had given the recluse on the following morning.
+They found the ladies at the cottage happy to see them, and anxious to
+hear of the health of Jane, of whose illness they had been informed by
+note. After offering her guests some refreshments, Mrs. Fitzgerald, who
+appeared laboring under a greater melancholy than usual, proceeded to
+make them acquainted with the incidents of her life.
+
+The daughter of an English merchant at Lisbon had fled from the house of
+her father to the protection of an Irish officer in the service of his
+Catholic Majesty: they were united, and the colonel immediately took his
+bride to Madrid. The offspring of this union were a son and daughter.
+The former, at an early age, had entered into the service of his king,
+and had, as usual, been bred in the faith of his ancestors; but the
+Señora McCarthy had been educated, and yet remained a Protestant, and,
+contrary to her faith to her husband, secretly instructed her daughter
+in the same belief. At the age of seventeen, a principal grandee of the
+court of Charles sought the hand of the general's child. The Conde
+d'Alzada was a match not to be refused, and they were united in the
+heartless and formal manner in which marriages are too often entered
+into, in countries where the customs of society prevent an intercourse
+between the sexes. The Conde never possessed the affections of his wife.
+Of a stern and unyielding disposition, his harshness repelled her love;
+and as she naturally turned her eyes to the home of her childhood, she
+cherished all those peculiar sentiments she had imbibed from her mother.
+Thus, although she appeared to the world a Catholic, she lived in secret
+a Protestant. Her parents had always used the English language in their
+family, and she spoke it as fluently as the Spanish. To encourage her
+recollections of this strong feature, which distinguished the house of
+her father from the others she entered, she perused closely and
+constantly those books which the death of her mother placed at her
+disposal. These were principally Protestant works on religious subjects,
+and the countess became a strong sectarian, without becoming a
+Christian. As she was compelled to use the same books in teaching her
+only child, the Donna Julia, English, the consequences of the original
+false step of her grandmother were perpetuated in the person of this
+young lady. In learning English, she also learned to secede from the
+faith of her father, and entailed upon herself a life of either
+persecution or hypocrisy. The countess was guilty of the unpardonable
+error of complaining to their child of the treatment she received from
+her husband; and as these conversations were held in English, and were
+consecrated by the tears of the mother, they made an indelible
+impression on the youthful mind of Julia, who grew up with the
+conviction that next to being a Catholic herself, the greatest evil of
+life was to be the wife of one.
+
+On her attaining her fifteenth year, she had the misfortune (if it could
+be termed one) to lose her mother, and within the year her father
+presented to her a nobleman of the vicinity as her future husband. How
+long the religious faith of Julia would have endured, unsupported by
+example in others, and assailed by the passions soliciting in behalf of
+a young and handsome cavalier, it might be difficult to pronounce; but
+as suitor was neither very young, and the reverse of very handsome, it
+is certain the more he wooed, the more confirmed she became in her
+heresy, until, in a moment of desperation, and as an only refuge against
+his solicitations, she candidly avowed her creed. The anger of her
+father was violent and lasting: she was doomed to a convent, as both a
+penance for her sins and a means of reformation. Physical resistance was
+not in her power, but mentally she determined never to yield. Her body
+was immured, but her mind continued unshaken and rather more settled in
+her belief, by the aid of those passions which had been excited by
+injudicious harshness. For two years she continued in her novitiate,
+obstinately refusing to take the vows of the order, and at the end of
+that period the situation of her country had called her father and uncle
+to the field as defenders of the rights of their lawful prince. Perhaps
+to this it was owing that harsher measures were not adopted in her case.
+
+The war now raged around them in its greatest horrors, until at length a
+general battle was fought in the neighborhood, and the dormitories of
+the peaceful nuns were crowded with wounded British officers. Amongst
+others of his nation was a Major Fitzgerald, a young man of strikingly
+handsome countenance and pleasant manners. Chance threw him under the
+more immediate charge of Julia: his recovery was slow, and for a time
+doubtful, and as much owing to good nursing as science. The major was
+grateful, and Julia unhappy as she was beautiful. That love should be
+the offspring of this association, will excite no surprise. A brigade of
+British encamping in the vicinity of the convent, the young couple
+sought its protection from Spanish vengeance and Romish cruelty. They
+were married by the chaplain of the brigade, and for a month they were
+happy.
+
+As Napoleon was daily expected in person at the seat of war, his
+generals were alive to their own interests, if not to that of their
+master. The body of troops in which Fitzgerald had sought a refuge,
+being an advanced party of the main army, were surprised and defeated
+with loss. After doing his duty as a soldier at his post, the major, in
+endeavoring to secure the retreat of Julia, was intercepted, and they
+both fell into the hands of the enemy. They were kindly treated, and
+allowed every indulgence their situation admitted, until a small escort
+of prisoners was sent to the frontiers; in this they were included, and
+had proceeded to the neighborhood of the Pyrenees, when, in their turn,
+the French were assailed suddenly, and entirely routed; and the captive
+Spaniards, of which the party, with the exception of our young couple,
+consisted, released. As the French guard made a resistance until
+overpowered by numbers, an unfortunate ball struck Major Fitzgerald to
+the earth--he survived but an hour, and died where he fell, on the open
+field. An English officer, the last of his retiring countrymen, was
+attracted by the sight of a woman weeping over the body of a fallen man,
+and approached them. In a few words Fitzgerald explained his situation
+to this gentleman, and exacted a pledge from him to guard his Julia, in
+safety, to his mother in England.
+
+The stranger promised everything the dying husband required, and by the
+time death had closed the eyes of Fitzgerald, he had procured from some
+peasants a rude conveyance, into which the body, with its almost equally
+lifeless widow, were placed. The party which intercepted the convoy of
+prisoners, had been out from the British camp on other duty, but its
+commander hearing of the escort, had pushed rapidly into a country
+covered by the enemy to effect their rescue; and his service done, he
+was compelled to make a hasty retreat to ensure his own security. To
+this was owing the indifference, which left the major to the care of the
+Spanish peasantry who had gathered to the spot, and the retreating
+troops had got several miles on their return, before the widow and her
+protector commenced their journey. It was impossible to overtake them,
+and the inhabitants acquainting the gentleman that a body of French
+dragoons were already harassing their rear, he was compelled to seek
+another route to the camp. This, with some trouble and no little danger,
+he at last effected; and the day following the skirmish, Julia found
+herself lodged in a retired Spanish dwelling, several miles within the
+advanced posts of the British army. The body of her husband was
+respectfully interred, and Julia was left to mourn her irretrievable
+loss, uninterrupted by anything but by the hasty visits of the officer
+in whose care she had been left--visits which he stole from his more
+important duties as a soldier.
+
+A month glided by in this melancholy manner, leaving to Mrs. Fitzgerald
+the only consolation she would receive--her incessant visits to the
+grave of her husband. The calls of her protector, however, became more
+frequent; and at length he announced his intended departure for Lisbon,
+on his way to England. A small covered vehicle, drawn by one horse, was
+to convey them to the city, at which place he promised to procure her a
+female attendant, and necessaries for the voyage home. It was no time or
+place for delicate punctilio; and Julia quietly, but with a heart nearly
+broken, prepared to submit to the wishes of her late husband. After
+leaving the dwelling, the manners of her guide sensibly altered; he
+became complimentary and assiduous to please, but in a way rather to
+offend than conciliate; until his attentions became so irksome, that
+Julia actually meditated stopping at some of the villages through which
+they passed, and abandoning the attempt of visiting England entirely.
+But the desire to comply with Fitzgerald's wish, that she would console
+his mother for the loss of an only child, and the dread of the anger of
+her relatives, determined her to persevere until they reached Lisbon,
+where she was resolved to separate for ever from the disagreeable and
+unknown guardian into whose keeping she had been thrown by chance.
+
+The last day of their weary ride, while passing a wood, the officer so
+far forgot his own character and Julia's misfortunes, as to offer
+personal indignities. Grown desperate from her situation, Mrs.
+Fitzgerald sprang from the vehicle, and by her cries attracted the
+notice of an officer who was riding express on the same road with
+themselves. He advanced to her assistance at speed, but as he arrived
+near them, a pistol fired from the carriage brought his horse down, and
+the treacherous friend was enabled to escape undetected. Julia
+endeavored to explain her situation to her rescuer; and by her distress
+and appearance, satisfied him at once of its truth. Within a short time,
+a strong escort of light dragoons came up, and the officer despatched
+some for a conveyance, and others in pursuit of that disgrace to the
+army, the villanous guide: the former was soon obtained, but no tidings
+could be had of the latter. The carriage was found at a short distance,
+without the horse and with the baggage of Julia, but with no vestige of
+its owner. She never knew his name, and either accident or art had so
+completely enveloped him in mystery, that all efforts to unfold it then
+were fruitless, and had continued so ever since.
+
+On their arrival in Lisbon, every attention was shown to the
+disconsolate widow the most refined delicacy could dictate, and every
+comfort and respect were procured for her which the princely fortune,
+high rank, and higher character of the Earl of Pendennyss, could
+command. It was this nobleman, who, on his way from head-quarters with
+despatches for England, had been the means of preserving Julia from a
+fate worse than death. A packet was in waiting for the earl, and they
+proceeded in her for home. The Donna Lorenza was the widow of a
+subaltern Spanish officer, who had fallen under the orders and near
+Pendennyss, and the interest he took in her brave husband had induced
+him to offer her, in the destruction of her little fortune by the enemy,
+his protection: for near two years he had maintained her at Lisbon and
+now, judging her a proper person, had persuaded her to accompany Mrs.
+Fitzgerald to England.
+
+On the passage, which was very tedious, the earl became more intimately
+acquainted with the history and character of his young friend, and by a
+course of gentle yet powerful expedients had drawn her mind gradually
+from its gloomy contemplation of futurity, to a juster sense of good and
+evil. The peculiarity of her religious persuasion afforded an
+introduction to frequent discussions of the real opinions of that
+church, to which Julia had hitherto belonged, although ignorant of all
+its essential and vital truths. These conversations, which were renewed
+repeatedly in their intercourse while under the protection of his sister
+in London, laid the foundations of a faith which left her nothing to
+hope for but the happy termination of her earthly probation.
+
+The mother of Fitzgerald was dead, and as he had no near relative left,
+Julia found herself alone in the world. Her husband had taken the
+precaution to make a will in season it was properly authenticated, and
+his widow, by the powerful assistance of Pendennyss, was put in quiet
+possession of a little independency. It was while waiting the decision
+of this affair that Mrs. Fitzgerald resided for a short time near Bath.
+As soon as it was terminated, the earl and his sister had seen her
+settled in her present abode, and once since had they visited her; but
+delicacy had kept him away from the cottage, although his attempts to
+serve her had been constant, though not always successful. He had, on
+his return to Spain, seen her father, and interceded with him on her
+behalf, but in vain. The anger of the Spaniard remained unappeased, and
+for a season he did not renew his efforts; out having heard that her
+father was indisposed, Julia had employed the earl once more to make her
+peace with him, without prevailing. The letter the ladies had found her
+weeping over was from Pendennyss, informing her of his want of success
+on that occasion.
+
+The substance of the foregoing narrative was related by Mrs. Fitzgerald
+to Mrs. Wilson, who repeated it to Emily in their ride home. The
+compassion of both ladies was strongly moved in behalf of the young
+widow; yet Mrs. Wilson did not fail to point out to her niece the
+consequences of deception, and chiefly the misery which had followed
+from an abandonment of some of the primary duties of life--obedience and
+respect to her parent. Emily, though keenly alive to all the principles
+inculcated by her aunt, found so much to be pitied in the fate of her
+friend, that her failings lost their proper appearance in her eyes, and
+for a while she could think of nothing but Julia and her misfortunes.
+Previously to their leaving the cottage, Mrs. Fitzgerald, with glowing
+cheeks and some hesitation, informed Mrs. Wilson she had yet another
+important communication to make, but would postpone it until her next
+visit, which Mrs. Wilson promised should be on the succeeding day.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVII.
+
+Emily threw a look of pleasure on Denbigh, as he handed her from the
+carriage, which would have said, if looks could talk, "In the principles
+you have displayed on more than one occasion, I have a pledge of your
+worth." As he led her into the house, he laughingly informed her that he
+had that morning received a letter which would make his absence from L--
+-- necessary for a short time, and that he must remonstrate against
+these long and repeated visits to a cottage where all attendants of the
+male sex were excluded, as they encroached greatly on his pleasures and
+improvements, bowing, as he spoke, to Mrs. Wilson. To this Emily
+replied, gaily, that possibly, if he conducted himself to their
+satisfaction; they would intercede for his admission. Expressing his
+pleasure at this promise, as Mrs. Wilson thought rather awkwardly,
+Denbigh changed the conversation. At dinner he repeated to the family
+what he had mentioned to Emily of his departure, and also his
+expectation of meeting with Lord Chatterton during his journey.
+
+"Have you heard from Chatterton lately, John?" inquired Sir Edward
+Moseley.
+
+"Yes, sir, to-day: he had left Denbigh Castle a fortnight since, and
+writes he is to meet his friend, the duke, at Bath."
+
+"Are you connected with his grace, Mr. Denbigh?" asked Lady Moseley.
+
+A smile of indefinite meaning played on the expressive face of Denbigh,
+as he answered slightly--
+
+"On the side of my father, madam."
+
+"He has a sister," continued Lady Moseley, willing to know more of
+Chatterton's friends and Denbigh's relatives.
+
+"He has," was the brief reply.
+
+"Her name is Harriet," observed Mrs. Wilson. Denbigh bowed his assent in
+silence, and Emily timidly added--
+
+"Lady Harriet Denbigh?"
+
+"Lady Harriet Denbigh--will you do me the favor to take wine?"
+
+The manner of the gentleman during this dialogue had not been in the
+least unpleasant, but it was peculiar; it prohibited anything further on
+the subject; and Emily was obliged to be content without knowing who
+Marian was, or whether her name was to be found in the Denbigh family or
+not. Emily was not in the least jealous, but she wished to know all to
+whom her lover was dear.
+
+"Do the Dowager and the young ladies accompany Chatterton?" asked Sir
+Edward, as he turned to John, who was eating his fruit in silence.
+
+"Yes, sir--I hope--that is, I believe she will," was the answer.
+
+"She! Who is she, my son?"
+
+"Grace Chatterton," said John, starting from his meditations. "Did you
+not ask me about Grace, Sir Edward?"
+
+"Not particularly, I believe," said the baronet, dryly.
+
+Denbigh again smiled: it was a smile different from any Mrs. Wilson had
+ever seen on his countenance, and gave an entirely novel expression to
+his face; it was full of meaning, it was knowing--spoke more of the man
+of the world than anything she had before noticed in him, and left on
+her mind one of those vague impressions she was often troubled with,
+that there was something about Denbigh in character or condition, or
+both, that was mysterious.
+
+The spirit of Jane was too great to leave her a pining or pensive
+maiden; yet her feelings had sustained a shock that time alone could
+cure. She appeared again amongst her friends; but the consciousness of
+her expectations with respect to the colonel being known to them, threw
+around her a hauteur and distance very foreign to her natural manner.
+Emily alone, whose every movement sprang from the spontaneous feelings
+of her heart, and whose words and actions were influenced by the finest
+and most affectionate delicacy, such as she was not conscious of
+possessing herself, won upon the better feelings of her sister so far,
+as to restore between them the usual exchange of kindness and sympathy.
+But Jane admitted no confidence; she found nothing consoling, nothing
+solid, to justify her attachment to Egerton; nothing indeed, excepting
+such external advantages as she was now ashamed to admit had ever the
+power over her they in reality had possessed. The marriage of the
+fugitives in Scotland had been announced; and as the impression that
+Egerton was to be connected with the Moseleys was destroyed of course,
+their every-day acquaintances, feeling the restraints removed that such
+an opinion had once imposed, were free in their comments on his
+character. Sir Edward and Lady Moseley were astonished to find how many
+things to his disadvantage were generally known; that he gambled--
+intrigued--and was in debt--were no secrets apparently to anybody, but
+to those who were most interested in knowing the truth; while Mrs.
+Wilson saw in these facts additional reasons for examining and judging
+for ourselves; the world uniformly concealing from the party and his
+friends their honest opinions of his character. Some of these
+insinuations reached the ears of Jane: her aunt having rightly judged,
+that the surest way to destroy Egerton's power over the imagination of
+her niece was to strip him of his fictitious qualities, suggested this
+expedient to Lady Moseley; and some of their visitors had though as the
+colonel had certainly been attentive to Miss Moseley, it would give her
+pleasure to know that her rival had not made the most eligible match in
+the kingdom. The project of Mrs. Wilson succeeded in a great measure;
+but although Egerton fell, Jane did not find she rose in her own
+estimation; and her friends wisely concluded that time was the only
+remedy that could restore her former serenity.
+
+In the morning, Mrs. Wilson, unwilling to have Emily present at a
+conversation she intended to hold with Denbigh, with a view to satisfy
+her annoying doubts as to some minor points in his character, after
+excusing herself to her niece, invited that gentleman to a morning
+drive. He accepted her invitation cheerfully; and Mrs. Wilson saw, it
+was only as they drove from the door without Emily, that he betrayed the
+faintest reluctance to the jaunt. When they had got a short distance
+from the lodge she acquainted him with her intention of presenting him
+to Mrs. Fitzgerald, whither she had ordered the coachman to proceed.
+Denbigh started as she mentioned the name, and after a few moments'
+silence, desired Mrs. Wilson to allow him to stop the carriage; he was
+not very well--was sorry to be so rude--but with her permission, he
+would alight and return to the house. As he requested in an earnest
+manner that she would proceed without him, and by no means disappoint
+her friend, Mrs. Wilson complied; yet, somewhat at a loss to account for
+his sudden illness, she turned her head to see how the sick man fared, a
+short time after he had left her, and was not a little surprised to see
+him talking very composedly with John who had met him on his way to the
+fields with his gun. Lovesick--thought Mrs. Wilson with a smile; and as
+she rode on she came to the conclusion, that as Denbigh was to leave
+them soon, Emily would have an important communication to make on her
+return.
+
+"Well," thought Mrs. Wilson with a sigh, "if it is to happen, it may as
+well be done at once."
+
+Mrs. Fitzgerald was expecting her, and appeared rather pleased than
+otherwise that she had come alone. After some introductory conversation,
+the ladies withdrew by themselves, and Julia acquainted Mrs. Wilson with
+a new source of uneasiness. The day the ladies had promised to visit
+her, but had been prevented by the arrangements for the ball, the Donna
+Lorenza had driven to the village to make some purchases, attended as
+usual by their only man-servant, and Mrs. Fitzgerald was sitting in the
+little parlor in momentary expectation of her friends by herself. The
+sound of footsteps drew her to the door, which she opened for the
+admission of the wretch whose treachery to her dying husband's requests
+had given her so much uneasiness. Horror--fear--surprise--altogether,
+prevented her from, making any alarm at the moment, and she sank into a
+chair. He stood between her and the door, as he endeavored to draw her
+into a conversation; he assured her she had nothing to fear; that he
+loved her, and her alone; that he was about to be married to a daughter
+of Sir Edward Moseley, but would give her up, fortune, everything, if
+she would consent to become his wife--that the views of her protector,
+he doubted not, were dishonorable--that he himself was willing to atone
+for his former excess of passion, by a life devoted to her.
+
+How much longer he would have gone on, and what further he would have
+offered, is unknown; for Mrs. Fitzgerald, having recovered herself a
+little, darted to the bell on the other side of the room; he tried to
+prevent her ringing it, but was too late; a short struggle followed,
+when the sound of the footsteps of the maid compelled him to retreat
+precipitately. Mrs. Fitzgerald added, that his assertion concerning Miss
+Moseley had given her incredible uneasiness, and prevented her making
+the communication yesterday; but she understood this morning through her
+maid, that a Colonel Egerton, who had been supposed to be engaged to one
+of Sir Edward's daughters, had eloped with another lady. That Egerton
+was her persecutor, she did not now entertain a doubt; but that it was
+in the power of Mrs. Wilson probably to make the discovery, as in the
+struggle between them for the bell, a pocket-book had fallen from the
+breast-pocket of his coat, and his retreat was too sudden to recover it.
+
+As she put the book into the hands of Mrs. Wilson, she desired she would
+take means to return it to its owner; its contents might be of value,
+though she had not thought it correct to examine it. Mrs. Wilson took
+the book, and as she dropped it into her work-bag, smiled at the Spanish
+punctilio of her friend in not looking into her prize under the peculiar
+circumstances.
+
+A few questions as to the place and year of his first attempts, soon
+convinced her it was Egerton whose unlicensed passions had given so much
+trouble to Mrs. Fitzgerald. He had served but one campaign in Spain, and
+in that year, and that division of the army; and surely his principles
+were no restraint upon his conduct. Mrs. Fitzgerald begged the advice of
+her more experienced friend as to the steps she ought to take; to which
+the former asked if she had made Lord Pendennyss acquainted with the
+occurrence. The young widow's cheek glowed as she answered, that, at the
+same time she felt assured the base insinuation of Egerton was
+unfounded, it had created a repugnance in her to troubling the earl any
+more than was necessary in her affairs; and as she kissed the hand of
+Mrs. Wilson she added--"besides, your goodness, my dear madam, renders
+any other adviser unnecessary now." Mrs. Wilson pressed her hand
+affectionately, and assured her of her good wishes and unaltered esteem.
+She commended her delicacy, and plainly told the young widow, that how
+ever unexceptionable the character of Pendennyss might be, a female
+friend was the only one a woman in her situation could repose confidence
+in, without justly incurring the sarcasms of the world.
+
+As Egerton was now married, and would not probably offer, for the
+present at least, any further molestation to Mrs. Fitzgerald, it was
+concluded to be unnecessary to take any immediate measures of
+precaution; and Mrs. Wilson thought the purse of Mr. Jarvis might be
+made the means of keeping him within proper bounds in future. The
+merchant was prompt, and not easily intimidated; and the slightest
+intimation of the truth would, she knew, be sufficient to engage him on
+their side, heart and hand.
+
+The ladies parted, with a promise of meeting soon again, and an
+additional interest in each other by the communications of that and the
+preceding day.
+
+Mrs. Wilson had ridden half the distance between the cottage and the
+lodge, before it occurred to her they had not absolutely ascertained, by
+the best means in their possession, the identity of Colonel Egerton with
+Julia's persecutor. She accordingly took the pocket-book from her bag,
+and opened it for examination: a couple of letters fell from it into her
+lap, and conceiving their direction would establish all she wished to
+know, as they had been read, she turned to the superscription of one of
+them, and saw--"George Denbigh, Esq." in the well known hand-writing of
+Dr. Ives.--Mrs. Wilson felt herself overcome to a degree that compelled
+her to lower a glass of the carriage for air. She sat gazing on the
+letters until the characters swam before her eyes in undistinguished
+confusion; and with difficulty she rallied her thoughts to the point
+necessary for investigation. As soon as she found herself equal to the
+task, she examined the letters with the closest scrutiny, and opened
+them both to be sure there was no mistake. She saw the dates, the "dear
+George" at the commencements, and the doctor's name subscribed, before
+she would believe they were real; it was then the truth appeared to
+break upon her in a flood of light. The aversion of Denbigh to speak of
+Spain, or of his services in that country--his avoiding Sir Herbert
+Nicholson, and that gentleman's observations respecting him--Colonel
+Egerton's and his own manners--his absence from the ball, and startling
+looks on the following morning, and at different times before and since-
+-his displeasure at the name of Pendennyss on various occasions--and his
+cheerful acceptance of her invitation to ride until he knew her
+destination, and singular manner of leaving her--were all accounted for
+by this dreadful discovery, and Mrs. Wilson found the solution of her
+doubts rushing on her mind with a force and rapidity that sickened her.
+
+The misfortunes of Mrs. Fitzgerald, the unfortunate issue to the passion
+of Jane, were trifles in the estimation of Mrs. Wilson, compared to the
+discovery of Denbigh's unworthiness. She revolved in her mind his
+conduct on various occasions, and wondered how one who could behave so
+well in common, could thus yield to temptation on a particular occasion.
+His recent attempts, his hypocrisy, however, proved that his villany was
+systematic, and she was not weak enough to hide from herself the
+evidence of his guilt, or of its enormity. His interposition between
+Emily and death, she attributed now to natural courage, and perhaps in
+some measure to chance; but his profound and unvarying reverence for
+holy things, his consistent charity, his refusing to fight, to what were
+they owing? And Mrs. Wilson mourned the weakness of human nature, while
+she acknowledged to her self, there might be men, qualified by nature,
+and even disposed by reason and grace, to prove ornaments to religion
+and the world, who fell beneath the maddening influence of their
+besetting sins. The superficial and interested vices of Egerton vanished
+before these awful and deeply seated offences of Denbigh, and the
+correct widow saw at a glance, that he was the last man to be intrusted
+with the happiness of her niece; but how to break this heartrending
+discovery to Emily was a new source of uneasiness to her, and the
+carriage stopped at the door of the lodge, ere she had determined on the
+first step required of her by duty.
+
+Her brother handed her out, and, filled with the dread that Denbigh had
+availed himself of the opportunity of her absence to press his suit with
+Emily, she eagerly inquired after him. She was rejoiced to hear he had
+returned with John for a fowling-piece, and together they had gone in
+pursuit of game, although she saw in it a convincing proof that a desire
+to avoid Mrs. Fitzgerald, and not indisposition, had induced him to
+leave her.--As a last alternative, she resolved to have the pocket-book
+returned to him in her presence, in order to see if he acknowledged it
+to be his property; and, accordingly, she instructed her own man to hand
+it to him while at dinner, simply saying he had lost it.
+
+The open and unsuspecting air with which her niece met Denbigh on his
+return gave Mrs. Wilson an additional shock, and she could hardly
+command herself sufficiently to extend the common courtesies of good
+breeding to Mr. Benfield's guest.
+
+While sitting at the dessert, her servant handed the pocket book, as
+directed by his mistress, to its owner, saying, "Your pocket-book, I
+believe, Mr. Denbigh." Denbigh took the book, and held it in his hand
+for a moment in surprise, and then fixed his eye keenly on the man, as
+he inquired where he found it, and how he knew it was his. These were
+interrogatories Francis was not prepared to answer, and in his confusion
+he naturally turned his eyes on his mistress. Denbigh followed their
+direction with his own, and in encountering the looks of the lady, he
+asked in a stammering manner, and with a face of scarlet,
+
+"Am I indebted to you, madam, for my property?"
+
+"No, sir; it was given me by one who found it, to restore to you," said
+Mrs. Wilson, gravely, and the subject was dropped, both appearing
+willing to say no more. Yet Denbigh was abstracted and absent during the
+remainder of the repast, and Emily spoke to him once or twice without
+obtaining an answer. Mrs. Wilson caught his eye several times fixed on
+her with an inquiring and doubtful expression, that convinced her he was
+alarmed. If any confirmation of his guilt had been wanting, the
+consciousness he betrayed during this scene afforded it; and she set
+seriously about considering the shortest and best method of interrupting
+his intercourse with Emily, before he had drawn from her an
+acknowledgment of her love.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVIII.
+
+On withdrawing to her dressing-room after dinner, Mrs. Wilson commenced
+the disagreeable duty of removing the veil from the eyes of her niece,
+by recounting to her the substance of Mrs. Fitzgerald's last
+communication. To the innocence of Emily such persecution could excite
+no other sensations than surprise and horror; and as her aunt omitted
+the part concerning the daughter of Sir Edward Moseley, she naturally
+expressed her wonder as to who the wretch could be.
+
+"Possibly, aunt," she said with an involuntary shudder, "some of the
+many gentlemen we have lately seen, and one who has had art enough to
+conceal his real character from the world."
+
+"Concealment, my love," replied Mrs. Wilson, "would be hardly necessary.
+Such is the fashionable laxity of morals, that I doubt not many of his
+associates would laugh at his misconduct, and that he would still
+continue to pass with the world as an honorable man."
+
+"And ready," cried her niece, "to sacrifice human life, in the defence
+of any ridiculous punctilio."
+
+"Or," added Mrs. Wilson, striving to draw nearer to her subject, "with a
+closer veil of hypocrisy, wear even an affectation of principle and
+moral feeling that would seem to forbid such a departure from duty in
+favor of custom."
+
+"Oh! no, dear aunt," exclaimed Emily, with glowing cheeks and eyes
+dancing with pleasure, "he would hardly dare to be so very base. It
+would be profanity."
+
+Mrs. Wilson sighed heavily as she witnessed that confiding esteem which
+would not permit her niece even to suspect that an act which in Denbigh
+had been so warmly applauded, could, even in another, proceed from
+unworthy motives; and she found it would be necessary to speak in the
+plainest terms, to awaken her suspicions. Willing, however, to come
+gradually to the distressing truth, she replied--
+
+"And yet, my dear, men who pride themselves greatly on their morals,
+nay, even some who wear the mask of religion, and perhaps deceive
+themselves, admit and practise this very appeal to arms. Such
+inconsistencies are by no means uncommon. And why, then, might there
+not, with equal probability, be others who would revolt at murder, and
+yet not hesitate being guilty of lesser enormities? This is, in some
+measure, the case of every man; and it is only to consider killing in
+unlawful encounters as murder, to make it one in point."
+
+"Hypocrisy is so mean a vice, I should not think a brave man could stoop
+to it," said Emily, "and Julia admits he was brave."
+
+"And would not a brave man revolt at the cowardice of insulting an
+unprotected woman? And your hero did that too," replied Mrs. Wilson,
+bitterly, losing her self-command in indignation.
+
+"Oh! do not call him my hero, I beg of you, dear aunt," said Emily,
+starting, excited by so extraordinary an allusion, but instantly losing
+the unpleasant sensation in the delightful consciousness of the
+superiority of the man on whom she had bestowed her own admiration.
+
+"In fact, my child," continued her aunt, "our natures are guilty of the
+grossest inconsistencies. The vilest wretch has generally some property
+or which he values himself, and the most perfect are too often frail on
+some tender point. Long and tried friendships are those only which can
+be trusted, and these oftentimes fail."
+
+Emily looked at her aunt in surprise at hearing her utter such unusual
+sentiments; for Mrs. Wilson, at the same time she had, by divine
+assistance, deeply impressed her niece with the frailty of her nature,
+had withheld the disgusting representation of human vices from her view,
+as unnecessary to her situation and dangerous to her humility.
+
+After a short pause, Mrs. Wilson continued, "Marriage is a fearful step
+in a woman, and one she is compelled, in some measure, to adventure her
+happiness on, without fitting opportunities of judging of the merit of
+the man she confides in. Jane is an instance in point, but I devoutly
+hope you are not to be another."
+
+While speaking, Mrs. Wilson had taken the hand of Emily, and by her
+looks and solemn manner she had succeeded in alarming her niece,
+although Denbigh was yet furthest from the thoughts of Emily. The aunt
+reached her a glass of water, and willing to get rid of the hateful
+subject she continued, hurriedly, "Did you not notice the pocket-book
+Francis gave to Mr. Denbigh?" Emily fixed her inquiring eyes on her
+aunt, as the other added, "It was the one Mrs. Fitzgerald gave me to-
+day." Something like an indefinite glimpse of the facts crossed the mind
+of Emily; and as it most obviously involved a separation from Denbigh,
+she sank lifeless into the extended arms of her aunt. This had been
+anticipated by Mrs. Wilson, and a timely application of restoratives
+soon brought her back to a consciousness of misery. Mrs. Wilson,
+unwilling any one but herself should witness this first burst of grief,
+succeeded in getting her niece to her own room and in bed. Emily made no
+lamentations--shed no tears--asked no questions--her eye was fixed, and
+every faculty appeared oppressed with the load on her heart. Mrs. Wilson
+knew her situation too well to intrude with unseasonable consolation or
+useless reflections, but sat patiently by her side, waiting anxiously
+for the moment she could be of service. At length the uplifted eyes and
+clasped hands of Emily assured her she had not forgotten herself or her
+duty, and she was rewarded for her labor and forbearance by a flood of
+tears. Emily was now able to listen to a more full statement of the
+reasons her aunt had for believing in the guilt of Denbigh, and she felt
+as if her heart was frozen up for ever, as the proofs followed each
+other until they amounted to demonstration. As there was some indication
+of fever from her agitated state of mind, her aunt required she should
+remain in her room until morning; and Emily, feeling every way unequal
+to a meeting with Denbigh, gladly assented. After ringing for her maid
+to sit in the adjoining room, Mrs. Wilson went below, and announced to
+the family the indisposition of her charge, and her desire to obtain a
+little sleep. Denbigh looked anxious to inquire after the health of
+Emily, but there was a restraint on all his actions, since the return of
+his book, that persuaded Mrs. Wilson he apprehended that a detection of
+his conduct had taken place. He did venture to ask when they were to
+have the pleasure of seeing Miss Moseley again, hoping it would be that
+evening, as he had fixed the morning for his departure; and when he
+learnt that Emily had retired for the night, his anxiety was sensibly
+increased, and he instantly withdrew. Mrs. Wilson was alone in the
+drawing-room, and about to join her niece, as, Denbigh entered it with a
+letter in his hand: he approached her with a diffident and constrained
+manner, and commenced the following dialogue:
+
+"My anxiety and situation will plead my apology for troubling Miss
+Moseley at this time--may I ask you, madam, to deliver this letter--I
+hardly dare ask you for your good offices."
+
+Mrs. Wilson took the letter, and coldly replied,
+
+"Certainly, sir; and I sincerely wish I could be of any real service to
+you."
+
+"I perceive, madam," said Denbigh, like one that was choking, "I have
+forfeited your good opinion--that pocket book--"
+
+"Has made a dreadful discovery," said Mrs. Wilson, shuddering.
+
+"Will not one offence be pardoned, dear madam?" cried Denbigh, with
+warmth; "if you knew my circumstances--the cruel reasons--why--why did I
+neglect the paternal advice of Doctor Ives?"
+
+"It is not yet too late, sir," said Mrs. Wilson, more mildly, "for your
+own good; as for us, your deception--"
+
+"Is unpardonable--I see it--I feel it," cried he, in the accent of
+despair; "yet Emily--Emily may relent--you will at least give her my
+letter--anything is better than this suspense."
+
+"You shall have an answer from Emily this evening, and one entirely
+unbiassed by me," said Mrs. Wilson. As she closed the door, she observed
+Denbigh gazing on her retiring figure with a countenance of despair,
+that caused a feeling of pity to mingle with her detestation of his
+vices.
+
+On opening the door of Emily's room, Mrs. Wilson found her niece in
+tears, and her anxiety for her health was alleviated. She knew or hoped,
+that if she could once call in the assistance of her judgment and piety
+to lessen her sorrows, Emily, however she might mourn, would become
+resigned to her situation; and the first step to attain this was the
+exercise of those faculties which had been, as it were, momentarily
+annihilated. Mrs. Wilson kissed her niece with tenderness, as she placed
+the letter in her hand, and told her she would call for her answer
+within an hour. Employment, and the necessity of acting, would, she
+thought, be the surest means of reviving her energies; nor was she
+disappointed. When the aunt returned for the expected answer, she was
+informed by the maid in the ante-chamber, that Miss Moseley was up, and
+had been writing. On entering, Mrs. Wilson stood a moment in admiration
+of the picture before her. Emily was on her knees, and by her side, on
+the carpet, lay the letter and its answer: her face was hid by her hair,
+and her hands were closed in the fervent grasp of petition. In a minute
+she rose, and approaching her aunt with an air of profound resignation,
+but great steadiness, she handed her the letters, her own unsealed:
+
+"Read them, madam, and if you approve of mine, I will thank you to
+deliver it."
+
+Her aunt folded her in her arms, until Emily, finding herself yielding
+under the effects of sympathy, begged to be left alone. On withdrawing
+to her own room, Mrs. Wilson read the contents of the two letters.
+
+"I rely greatly on the goodness of Miss Moseley to pardon the liberty I
+am taking, at a moment she is so unfit for such a subject; but my
+departure--my feelings--- must plead my apology. From the moment of my
+first acquaintance with you, I have been a cheerful subject to your
+loveliness and innocence. I feel--I know--I am not deserving of such a
+blessing; but since knowing you, as I do, it is impossible not to strive
+to win you. You have often thanked me as the preserver of your life, but
+you little knew the deep interest I had in its safety. Without it my own
+would be valueless. By accepting my offered hand, you will place me
+amongst the happiest, or by rejecting it, the most wretched of men."
+
+To this note, which was unsigned, and evidently written under great
+agitation of mind, Emily had-penned the following reply:
+
+"Sir--It is with much regret that I find myself reduced to the
+possibility of giving uneasiness to one to whom I am under such heavy
+obligations. It will never be in my power to accept the honor you have
+offered me; and I beg you to receive my thanks for the compliment
+conveyed in your request, as well as my good wishes for your happiness
+in future, and fervent prayers that you may be ever found worthy of it--
+Your humble servant,
+
+"EMILY MOSELEY."
+
+Perfectly satisfied with this answer, Mrs. Wilson went below in order to
+deliver it at once. She thought it probable, as Denbigh had already sent
+his baggage to a tavern, preparatory to his intended journey, they would
+not meet again; and as she felt a strong wish, both on account of Doctor
+Ives, and out of respect to the services of the young man himself, to
+conceal his conduct from the world entirely, she was in hopes that his
+absence might make any disclosure unnecessary. He took the letter from
+her with a trembling hand, and casting one of his very expressive looks
+at her, as if to read her thoughts, he withdrew.
+
+Emily had fallen asleep free from fever, and Mrs. Wilson had descended
+to the supper-room, when Mr. Benfield was first struck with the absence
+of his favorite. An inquiry after Denbigh was instituted, and while they
+were waiting his appearance, a servant handed the old man a note.
+
+"From whom?" cried Mr. Benfield, in surprise.
+
+"Mr. Denbigh, sir," said the servant.
+
+"Mr. Denbigh?" exclaimed Mr. Benfield: "no accident, I hope--I remember
+when Lord Gosford--here, Peter, your eyes are young; read it for me,
+read it aloud."
+
+As all but Mrs. Wilson were anxiously waiting to know the meaning of
+this message, and Peter had many preparations to go through before his
+youthful eyes could make out the contents, John hastily caught the
+letter out of his hand, saying he would save him the trouble, and, in
+obedience to his uncle's wishes, he read aloud:
+
+"Mr. Denbigh, being under the necessity of leaving L---- immediately,
+and unable to endure the pain of taking leave, avails himself of this
+means of tendering his warmest thanks to Mr. Benfield, for his
+hospitality, and to his amiable guests for their many kindnesses. As he
+contemplates leaving England, he desires to wish them all a long and an
+affectionate farewell."
+
+"Farewell!" cried Mr. Benfield; "farewell--does he say farewell, John?
+Here, Peter, run--no, you are too old--John, run--bring my hat; I'll go
+myself to the village--some love-quarrel--Emmy sick--and Denbigh going
+away--yes--yes, I did so myself--Lady Juliana, poor dear soul, she was a
+long time before she could forget it--but Peter"--Peter had disappeared
+the instant the letter was finished, and he was quickly followed by
+John. Sir Edward and Lady Moseley were lost in amazement at this sudden
+and unexpected movement of Denbigh, and the breast of each of the
+affectionate parents was filled with a vague apprehension that the peace
+of mind of another child was at stake. Jane felt a renewal of her woes,
+in the anticipation of something similar for her sister--for the fancy
+of Jane was yet active, and she did not cease to consider the defection
+of Egerton a kind of unmerited misfortune and fatality, instead of a
+probable consequence of want of principle. Like Mr. Benfield, she was in
+danger of raising an ideal idol, and of spending the remainder of her
+days in devotion to qualities, rarely if ever found identified with a
+person that never had existed. The old gentleman was entirely engrossed
+by a different object; and having in his own opinion decided there must
+have been one of those misunderstandings which sometimes had occurred to
+himself and Lady Juliana, he quietly composed himself to eat his salad
+at the supper table: on turning his head, however, in quest of his first
+glass of wine, he observed Peter standing quietly by the sideboard with
+the favorite goggles over his eyes. Now Peter was troubled with two
+kinds of debility about his organs of vision; one was age and natural
+weakness, while the other proceeded more directly from the heart. His
+master knew of these facts, and he took the alarm. Again the wine-glass
+dropped from his nerveless hand, as he said in a trembling tone,
+
+"Peter, I thought you went"--
+
+"Yes, master," said Peter, laconically.
+
+"You saw him, Peter--will he return?"
+
+Peter was busily occupied at his glasses, although no one was dry.
+
+"Peter," repeated Mr. Benfield, rising from his seat; "is he coming in
+time for supper?" Peter was obliged to reply, and deliberately uncasing
+his eyes and blowing his nose, he was on the point of opening his mouth,
+as John came into the room, and threw himself into a chair with an air
+of great vexation. Peter pointed to the young gentleman in silence, and
+retired.
+
+"John," cried Sir Edward, "where is Denbigh?"
+
+"Gone, sir."
+
+"Gone!"
+
+"Yes, my dear father," said John, "gone without saying good-bye to one
+of us--without telling us whither, or when to return. It was cruel in
+him--- unkind--I'll never forgive him"--and John, whose feelings were
+strong, and unusually excited, hid his face between his hands on the
+table.--As he raised his head to reply to a question of Mr. Benfield--of
+"how he knew he had gone, for the coach did not go until daylight?" Mrs.
+Wilson saw evident marks of tears. Such proofs of emotion in one like
+John Moseley gave her the satisfaction of knowing that if she had been
+deceived, it was by a concurrence of circumstances and a depth of
+hypocrisy almost exceeding belief: self-reproach added less than common,
+therefore, to the uneasiness of the moment.
+
+"I saw the innkeeper, uncle," said John, "who told me that Denbigh left
+there at eight o'clock in a post-chaise and four; but I will go to
+London in the morning myself." This was no sooner said than it was
+corroborated by acts, for the young man immediately commenced his
+preparations for the journey. The family separated that evening with
+melancholy hearts; and the host and his privy counsellor were closeted
+for half an hour ere they retired to their night's repose. John took his
+leave of them, and left the lodge for the inn, with his man, in order to
+be ready for the mail. Mrs. Wilson looked in upon Emily before she
+withdrew herself, and found her awake, but perfectly calm and composed:
+she said but little, appearing desirous of avoiding all allusions to
+Denbigh; and after her aunt had simply acquainted her with his
+departure, and her resolution to conceal the cause, the subject was
+dropped. Mrs. Wilson, on entering her own room, thought deeply on the
+discoveries of the day: they had interfered with her favorite system of
+morals, baffled her ablest calculations upon causes and effects, but in
+no degree had impaired her faith or reliance on Providence. She knew one
+exception did not destroy a rule: she was certain without principles
+there was no security for good conduct, and the case of Denbigh proved
+it. To discover these principles, might be difficult; but was a task
+imperiously required at her hands, as she believed, ere she yielded the
+present and future happiness of her pupil to the power of any man.
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIX.
+
+The day had not yet dawned, when John Moseley was summoned to take his
+seat in the mail for London. Three of the places were already occupied,
+and John was compelled to get a seat for his man on the outside. An
+intercourse with strangers is particularly irksome to an Englishman, and
+none appeared disposed, for a long time, to break the silence. The coach
+had left the little village of L---- far behind it, before any of the
+rational beings it contained thought it prudent or becoming to bend in
+the least to the charities of our nature, in a communication with a
+fellow creature of whose name or condition he happened to be ignorant.
+This reserve is unquestionably characteristic of the nation; to what is
+it owing!--modesty? Did not national and deep personal vanity appear at
+once to refute the assertion, we might enter into an investigation of
+it. The good opinion of himself in an Englishman is more deeply seated,
+though less buoyant, than that of his neighbors; in them it is more of
+manner, in us more of feeling; and the wound inflicted on the self-love
+of the two is very different. The Frenchman wonders at its rudeness, but
+soon forgets the charge; while an Englishmam broods over it in silence
+and mortification. It is said this distinction in character is owing to
+the different estimation of principles and morals in the two nations.
+The solidity and purity of our ethics and religious creeds may have
+given a superior tone to our moral feeling; but has that man a tenable
+ground to value himself on either, whose respect to sacred things grows
+out of a respect to himself: on the other hand, is not humility the very
+foundation of the real Christian? For our part, we should be glad to see
+this national reserve lessened, if not done entirely away; we believe it
+is founded in pride and uncharitableness, and could wish to see men
+thrown accidentally together on the roads of the country, mindful that
+they are also travelling in company the highway of life, and that the
+goal of their destination is equally attainable by all.
+
+John Moseley was occupied with thoughts very different from those of any
+of his fellow-travellers, as they proceeded rapidly on their route; and
+it was only when roused from his meditations by accidentally coming in
+contact with the hilt of a sword, that he looked up, and in the
+glimmerings of the morning's light, recognised the person of Lord Henry
+Stapleton: their eyes met, and--"My lord,"--"Mr. Moseley,"--were
+repeated in mutual surprise. John was eminently a social being, and he
+was happy to find recourse against his gloomy thoughts in the
+conversation of the dashing young sailor. The frigate of the other had
+entered the bay the night before, and he was going to town to the
+wedding of his sister; the coach of his brother the marquis was to meet
+him about twenty miles from town, and the ship was ordered round to
+Yarmouth, where he was to rejoin her.
+
+"But how are your lovely sisters, Moseley?" cried the young sailor in a
+frank and careless manner. "I should have been half in love with one of
+them if I had time--and money; both are necessary to marriage nowadays,
+you know."
+
+"As to time," said John with a laugh, "I believe that may be dispensed
+with, though money is certainly a different thing."
+
+"Oh, time too," replied his lordship. "I have never time enough to do
+anything as it ought to be done--always hurried--I wish you could
+recommend to me a lady who would take the trouble off my hands."
+
+"It might be done," said John with a smile, and the image of Kate
+Chatterton crossed his brain, but it was soon succeeded by that of her
+more lovely sister. "But how do you manage on board your ship--hurried
+there too?"
+
+"Oh! never there," replied the captain gravely; "that's duty you know,
+and everything must be regular of course; on shore it is a different
+thing--there I am only a passenger. L---- has a charming society, Mr.
+Moseley--a week or ten days ago I was shooting, and came to a beautiful
+cottage about five miles from the village, that was the abode of a much
+more beautiful woman, a Spaniard, a Mrs. Fitzgerald--I am positively in
+love with her: so soft, so polished, so modest----"
+
+"How came you acquainted with her?" inquired Moseley, interrupting him
+in a little surprise.
+
+"Chance, my dear fellow, chance. I was thirsty, and approached for a
+drink of water; she was sitting in the veranda, and being hurried for
+time, you know, it saved the trouble of introduction. I fancy she is
+troubled with the same complaint; for she managed to get rid of me in no
+time, and with a great deal of politeness. I found out her name,
+however, at the next house."
+
+During this rattling talk, John had fixed his eyes on the face of one of
+the passengers who sat opposite to him. The stranger appeared to be
+about fifty years of age, strongly pock-marked, with a stiff military
+air, and had the dress and exterior of a gentlemen. His face was much
+sun-burnt, though naturally very fair; and his dark keen eye was
+intently fixed on the sailor as he continued his remarks.
+
+"Do you know such a lady, Moseley?"
+
+"Yes," said John, "though very slightly; she is visited by one of my
+sisters, and--"
+
+"Yourself," cried Lord Henry, with a laugh.
+
+"Myself, once or twice, my lord, certainly," answered John, gravely;
+"but a lady visited by Emily Moseley and Mrs. Wilson is a proper
+companion for any one. Mrs. Fitzgerald is very retired in her manner of
+living, and chance made us acquainted; but not being, like your
+lordship, in want of time, we have endeavored to cultivate her society,
+as we have found it very agreeable."
+
+The countenance of the stranger underwent several changes during this
+speech of John's, and at its close his eyes rested on him with a softer
+expression than generally marked its rigid and compressed muscles.
+Willing to change a discourse that was growing too particular for a
+mail-coach, John addressed himself to the opposite passengers, while his
+eye yet dwelt on the face of the military stranger.
+
+"We are likely to have a fine day, gentlemen." The soldier bowed
+stiffly, as he smiled his assent, and the other passenger humbly
+answered, "Very, Mr. John," in the well known tones of honest Peter
+Johnson. Moseley started, as he turned his face for the first time on
+the lank figure which was modestly compressed into the smallest possible
+compass in the corner of the coach, in a way not to come in contact with
+any of its neighbors.
+
+"Johnson," exclaimed John, in astonishment, "you here! Where are you
+going--to London?"
+
+"To London, Mr. John," replied Peter, with a look of much importance;
+and then, by way of silencing further interrogatories, he added, "On my
+master's business, sir."
+
+Both Moseley and Lord Henry examined him closely; the former wondering
+what could take the steward, at the age of seventy, for the first time
+in his life, into the vortex of the capital; and the latter in
+admiration at this figure and equipments of the old man. Peter was in
+full costume, with the exception of the goggles, and was in reality a
+subject to be gazed at; but nothing relaxed the muscles or attracted the
+particular notice of the soldier, who, having regained his set form of
+countenance, appeared drawn up in himself, waiting patiently for the
+moment he was expected to act. Nor did he utter more than as many words
+in the course of the first fifty miles of their journey. His dialect was
+singular, and such as put his hearers at a loss to determine his
+country. Lord Henry stared at him every time he spoke, as if to say,
+what countryman are you? until at length he suggested to John he was
+some officer whom the downfall of Bonaparte had driven into retirement.
+
+"Indeed, Moseley," he added, as they were about to resume their carriage
+after a change of horses, "we must draw him out, and see what he thinks
+of his master now--delicately, you know." The soldier was, however,
+impervious to his lordship's attacks, until the project was finally
+abandoned in despair. As Peter was much too modest to talk in the
+presence of Mr. John Moseley and a lord, the young men had most of the
+discourse to themselves. At a village fifteen miles from London, a
+fashionable carriage and four, with the coronet of a marquis was in
+waiting for Lord Henry. John refused his invitation to take a seat with
+him to town; for he had traced Denbigh from stage to stage, and was
+fearful of losing sight of him, unless he persevered in the manner he
+had commenced. Peter and he accordingly were put down safely at an inn
+in the Strand, and Moseley hastened to make his inquiries after the
+object of his pursuit. Such a chaise had arrived an hour before, and the
+gentleman had ordered his trunk to a neighboring hotel. After obtaining
+the address, and ordering a hackney coach, he hastened to the house; but
+on inquiring for Mr. Denbigh, to his great mortification was told they
+knew of no such gentleman. John turned away from the person he was
+speaking to in visible disappointment, when a servant respectfully
+inquired if the gentleman had not come from L----, in Norfolk, that day.
+"He had," was the reply. "Then follow me, sir, if you please." They
+knocked at a door of one of the parlors, and the servant entered: he
+returned, and John was shown into a room, where Denbigh was sitting with
+his head resting on his hand, and apparently musing. On seeing who
+required admittance, he sprang from his seat and exclaimed--
+
+"Mr. Moseley! Do I see aright?"
+
+"Denbigh," cried John, stretching out his hand to him, "was this kind--
+was it like yourself--to leave us so unexpectedly, and for so long a
+time, too, as your note mentioned?"
+
+Denbigh waved his hand to the servant to retire, and handed a chair to
+his friend.
+
+"Mr. Moseley," said he, struggling with his feelings, "you appear
+ignorant of my proposals to your sister."
+
+"Perfectly," answered the amazed John.
+
+"And her rejection of them."
+
+"Is it possible!" cried the brother, pacing up and down the room. "I
+acknowledge I did expect you to offer, but not to be refused."
+
+Denbigh placed in the other hand the letter of Emily, which, having
+read, John returned, with a sigh. "This, then, is the reason you left
+us," he continued. "Emily is not capricious--it cannot be a sudden
+pique--she means as she says."
+
+"Yes, Mr. Moseley," said Denbigh, mournfully; "your sister is faultless-
+-but I am not worthy of her--my deception"--here the door again opened
+to the admission of Peter Johnson. Both the gentlemen rose at this
+sudden interruption, and the steward advancing to the table, once more
+produced the formidable pocket-book, the spectacles, and a letter. He
+ran over its direction--"For George Denbigh, Esquire, London, by the
+hands of Peter Johnson, with care and speed." After the observance of
+these preliminaries, he delivered the missive to its lawful owner, who
+opened it, and rapidly perused its contents. Denbigh was much affected
+with whatever the latter might be, and kindly took the steward by the
+hand, as he thanked him for this renewed instance of the interest he
+took in him. If he would tell him where a letter would find him in the
+morning, he would send a reply to the one he had received. Peter gave
+his address, but appeared unwilling to go, until assured again and again
+that the answer would be infallibly sent. Taking a small account-book
+out of his pocket, and referring to its contents, the steward said,
+"Master has with Coutts & Co. £7,000; in the bank, £5,000. It can be
+easily done, sir, and never felt by us." Denbigh smiled in reply, as he
+assured the steward he would take proper notice of his master's offers
+in his own answer. The door again opened, and the military stranger was
+admitted to their presence. He bowed, appeared not a little surprised to
+find two of his mail-coach companions there, and handed Denbigh a
+letter, in quite as formal, although in a more silent manner than the
+steward. The soldier was invited to be seated, and the letter was
+perused with an evident curiosity on the part of Denbigh. As soon as the
+latter ended it, he addressed the stranger in a language which John
+rightly judged to be Spanish, and Peter took to be Greek. For a few
+minutes the conversation was maintained between them with great
+earnestness, his fellow travellers marvelling much at the garrulity of
+the soldier however, the stranger soon rose to retire, when the door
+thrown open for the fourth time, and a voice cried out,
+
+"Here I am, George, safe and sound--ready to kiss the bridesmaids, if
+they will let me--and I can find time--- bless me, Moseley!--old
+marling-spike!--general!--whew, where is the coachman and guard?"--it
+was Lord Henry Stapleton. The Spaniard bowed again in silence and
+withdrew, while Denbigh threw open the door of an adjoining room and
+excused himself, as he desired Lord Henry to walk in there for a few
+minutes.
+
+"Upon my word," cried the heedless sailor, as he complied, "we might as
+well have stuck together, Moseley; we were bound to one port, it seems."
+
+"You know Lord Henry?" said John, as he withdrew.
+
+"Yes," said Denbigh, and he again required his address of Peter, which
+having been given, the steward departed. The conversation between the
+two friends did not return to the course it was taking when they were
+interrupted, as Moseley felt a delicacy in making any allusion to the
+probable cause of his sister's refusal. He had, however, begun to hope
+it was not irremovable, and with the determination of renewing his visit
+in the morning, he took his leave, to allow Denbigh to attend to his
+other guest, Lord Henry Stapleton.
+
+About twelve on the following morning, John and the steward met at the
+door of the hotel where Denbigh lodged, in quest of the same person. The
+latter held in his hand the answer to his master's letter, but wished
+particularly to see its writer. On inquiring, to their mutual surprise
+they were told, that the gentleman had left there early in the morning,
+having discharged his lodgings, and that they were unable to say whither
+he had gone. To hunt for a man without a clew, in the city of London, is
+usually time misspent. Of this Moseley was perfectly sensible, and
+disregarding a proposition of Peter's, he returned to his own lodgings.
+The proposal of the steward, if it did not do much credit to his
+sagacity, was much in favor of his perseverance and enterprise. It was
+no other than that John should take one side of the street, and he the
+other, in order to inquire at every house in the place, until the
+fugitive was discovered. "Sir," said Peter, with great simplicity, "when
+our neighbor White lost his little girl, this was the way we found her,
+although we went nearly through L---- before we succeeded, Mr. John."
+Peter was obliged to abandon this expedient for want of an associate,
+and as no message was left at the lodgings of Moseley, he started with a
+heavy heart on his return to Benfield Lodge. But Moseley's zeal was too
+warm in the cause of his friend, notwithstanding his unmerited
+desertion, to discontinue the search for him. He sought out the town
+residence of the Marquess of Eltringham, the brother of Lord Henry, and
+was told that both the Marquess and his brother had left town early that
+morning for his seat in Devonshire, to attend the wedding of their
+sister.
+
+"Did they go alone?" asked John musing.
+
+"There were two chaises, the Marquess's and his Grace's"
+
+"Who was his Grace?" inquired John.
+
+"Why the Duke of Derwent, to be sure."
+
+"And the Duke?--was he alone?"
+
+"There was a gentleman with his Grace, but they did not know his name."
+
+As nothing further could be learnt, John withdrew. A good deal of
+irritation mixed with the vexation of Moseley at his disappointment; for
+Denbigh, he thought, too evidently wished to avoid him. That he was the
+companion of his kinsman, the Duke of Derwent, he had now no doubt, and
+he entirely relinquished all expectations of finding him in London or
+its environs. While retracing his steps in no enviable state of mind to
+his lodgings, with a resolution of returning immediately to L----, his
+arm was suddenly taken by his friend Chatterton. If any man could have
+consoled John at that moment, it was the Baron. Questions and answers
+were rapidly exchanged between them; and with increased satisfaction,
+John learnt that in the next square, he could have the pleasure of
+paying his respects to his kinswoman, the Dowager Lady Chatterton, and
+her two daughters. Chatterton inquired warmly after Emily, and in a
+particularly kind manner concerning Mr. Denbigh, hearing with
+undisguised astonishment the absence of the latter from the Moseley
+family.
+
+Lady Chatterton had disciplined her feelings upon the subject of Grace
+and John into such a state of subordination, that the fastidious
+jealousy of the young man now found no ground of alarm in anything she
+said or did. It cannot be denied the Dowager was delighted to see him
+again; and if it were fair to draw any conclusions from coloring,
+palpitations, and other such little accompaniments of female feeling,
+Grace was not excessively sorry. It is true, it was the best possible
+opportunity to ascertain all about her friend Emily and the rest of the
+family; and Grace was extremely happy to have intelligence of their
+general welfare so direct as was afforded by this visit of Mr. Moseley.
+Grace looked all she expressed, and possibly a little more; and John
+thought he looked very beautiful.
+
+There was present an elderly gentleman, of apparently indifferent
+health, although his manners were extremely lively, and his dress
+particularly studied. A few minutes observation convinced Moseley this
+gentleman was a candidate for the favor of Kate; and a game of chess
+being soon introduced, he also saw he was one thought worthy of peculiar
+care and attention. He had been introduced to him as Lord Herriefield,
+and soon discovered by his conversation that he was a peer who promised
+little towards rendering the house of incurables more convalescent than
+it was before his admission. Chatterton mentioned him as a distant
+connexion of his mother; a gentleman who had lately returned from
+filling an official situation in the East Indies, to take his seat among
+the lords by the death of his brother. He was a bachelor, and reputed
+rich, much of his wealth being personal property, acquired by himself
+abroad. The dutiful son might have added, if respect and feeling had not
+kept him silent, that his offers of settling a large jointure upon his
+elder sister had been accepted, and that the following week was to make
+her the bride of the emaciated debauchee who now sat by her side. He
+might also have said, that when the proposition was made to himself and
+Grace, both had shrunk from the alliance with disgust: and that both had
+united in humble though vain remonstrances to their mother, against the
+sacrifice, and in petitions to their sister, that she would not be
+accessary to her own misery. There was no pecuniary sacrifice they would
+not make to her, to avert such a connexion; but all was fruitless--Kate
+was resolved to be a viscountess, and her mother was equally determined
+that she should be rich.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXX.
+
+A day elapsed between the departure of Denbigh and the reappearance of
+Emily amongst her friends. An indifferent observer would have thought
+her much graver and less animated than usual. A loss of the rich color
+which ordinarily glowed on her healthful cheek might be noticed; but the
+placid sweetness and graceful composure which regulated her former
+conduct pervaded all she did or uttered. Not so with Jane: her pride had
+suffered more than her feelings--her imagination had been more deceived
+than her judgment--and although too well bred and soft by nature to
+become rude or captious, she was changed from a communicative, to a
+reserved; from a confiding, to a suspicious companion. Her parents
+noticed this alteration with an uneasiness that was somewhat embittered
+by the consciousness of a neglect of some of those duties that
+experience now seemed to indicate, could never be forgotten with
+impunity.
+
+Francis and Clara had arrived from their northern tour, so happy in each
+other, and so contented with their lot, that it required some little
+exercise of fortitude in both Lady Moseley and her daughters, to expel
+unpleasant recollections while they contemplated it. Their relation of
+the little incidents of their tour had, however, an effect to withdraw
+the attention of their friends in some degree from late occurrences; and
+a melancholy and sympathizing kind of association had taken place of the
+unbounded confidence and gaiety; which so lately prevailed at Benfield
+Lodge. Mr. Benfield mingled with his solemnity an air of mystery; and he
+was frequently noticed by his relatives looking over old papers, and was
+apparently employed in preparations that indicated movements of more
+than usual importance.
+
+The family were collected in one of the parlors on an extremely
+unpleasant day, the fourth after the departure of John, when the thin
+person of Johnson stalked in amongst them. All eyes were fixed on him in
+expectation of what he had to communicate, and all apparently dreading
+to break the silence, from an apprehension that his communication would
+be unpleasant. In the meantime Peter, who had respectfully left his hat
+at the door, proceeded to uncase his body from the multiplied defences
+he had taken against the inclemency of the weather. His master stood
+erect, with an outstretched hand, ready to receive the reply to his
+epistle; and Johnson having liberated his body from thraldom, produced
+the black leathern pocket-book, and from its contents a letter, when he
+read aloud--Roderic Benfield, Esq., Benfield Lodge, Norfolk; favored by
+Mr.--here Peter's modesty got the better of his method; he had never
+been called Mr. Johnson by anybody, old or young; all knew him in that
+neighborhood as Peter Johnson--and he had very nearly been guilty of the
+temerity of arrogating to himself another title in the presence of those
+he most respected: a degree of self-elevation from which he escaped with
+the loss of a small piece of his tongue. Mr. Benfield took the letter
+with an eagerness that plainly indicated the deep interest he took in
+its contents, while Emily, with a tremulous voice and flushed cheek,
+approached the steward with a glass of wine.
+
+"Peter," she said, "take this; it will do you good."
+
+"Thank you, Miss Emma," said Peter, casting his eyes from her to his
+master, as the latter, having finished his letter, exclaimed, with a
+strange mixture of consideration and disappointment--
+
+"Johnson, you must change your clothes immediately, or you will take
+cold: you look now like old Moses, the Jew beggar."
+
+Peter sighed heavily at this comparison, and saw in it a confirmation of
+his fears; for he well knew, that to his being the bearer of unpleasant
+tidings was he indebted for a resemblance to anything unpleasant to his
+master, and Moses was the old gentleman's aversion.
+
+The baronet now followed his uncle from the room to his library,
+entering it at the same moment with the steward, who had been summoned
+by his master to an audience.
+
+Pointing to a chair for his nephew, Mr. Benfield commenced the discourse
+with saying,
+
+"Peter, you saw Mr. Denbigh; how did he look?"
+
+"As usual, master," said Peter, laconically, still piqued at being
+likened to old Moses.
+
+"And what did he say to the offer? did he not make any comments on it?
+He was not offended at it, I hope," demanded Mr. Benfield.
+
+"He said nothing but what he has written to your honor," replied the
+steward, losing a little of his constrained manner in real good feeling
+to his master.
+
+"May I ask what the offer was?" inquired Sir Edward.
+
+Mr. Benfield regarding him a moment in silence, said, "Certainly, you
+are nearly concerned in his welfare; your daughter"--the old man
+stopped, turned to his letter-book, and handed the baronet a copy of the
+epistle he had sent to Denbigh. It read as follows:
+
+DEAR FRIEND MR. DENBIGH,
+
+"I have thought a great deal on the reason of your sudden departure from
+a house I had begun to hope you thought your own; and by calling to mind
+my own feelings when Lady Juliana became the heiress to her nephew's
+estate, take it for granted you have been governed by the same
+sentiments; which I know both by my own experience and that of the
+bearer, Peter Johnson, is a never-failing accompaniment of pure
+affection. Yes, my dear Denbigh, I honor your delicacy in not wishing to
+become indebted to a stranger, as it were, for the money on which you
+subsist, and that stranger your wife--who ought in reason to look up to
+you, instead of your looking up to her; which was the true cause Lord
+Gosford would not marry the countess--on account of her great wealth, as
+he assured me himself; notwithstanding, envious people said it was
+because her ladyship loved Mr Chaworth better: so in order to remove
+these impediments of delicacy, I have to make three propositions,
+namely, that I bring you into parliament the next election for my own
+borough--that you take possession of the lodge the day you marry Emmy,
+while I will live, for the little time I have to stay here, in the large
+cottage built by my uncle--and that I give you your legacy of ten
+thousand pounds down, to prevent trouble hereafter.
+
+"As I know nothing but delicacy has driven you away from us, I make no
+doubt you will now find all objections removed, and that Peter will
+bring back the joyful intelligence of your return to us, as soon as the
+business you left us on, is completed.
+
+"Your uncle, that is to be,
+
+"RODERIC BENFIELD."
+
+"N.B. As Johnson is a stranger to the ways of the town, I wish you to
+advise his inexperience, particularly against the arts of designing
+women, Peter being a man of considerable estate, and great modesty."
+
+"There, nephew," cried Mr. Benfield, as the baronet finished reading the
+letter aloud, "is it not unreasonable to refuse my offers? Now read his
+answer."
+
+"Words are wanting to express the sensations which have been excited by
+Mr. Benfield's letter; but it would be impossible for any man to be so
+base as to avail himself of such liberality: the recollection of it,
+together with that of his many virtues, will long continue deeply
+impressed on the heart of him, whom Mr. Benfield would, if within the
+power of man, render the happiest amongst human beings."
+
+The steward listened eagerly to this answer, but after it was done he
+was as much at a loss to know its contents as before its perusal. He
+knew it was unfavorable to their wishes, but could not comprehend its
+meaning or expressions, and immediately attributed their ambiguity to
+the strange conference he had witnessed between Denbigh and the military
+stranger.
+
+"Master," exclaimed Peter, with something of the elation of a
+discoverer, "I know the cause, it shows itself in the letter: there was
+a man talking Greek to him while he was reading your letter."
+
+"Greek!" exclaimed Sir Edward in astonishment.
+
+"Greek!" said the uncle. "Lord Gosford read Greek; but I believe never
+conversed in that language."
+
+"Yes, Sir Edward--yes, your honor--pure wild Greek; it must have been
+something of that kind," added Peter, with positiveness, "that would
+make a man refuse such offers--Miss Emmy--the lodge--£10,000!"--and the
+steward shook his head with much satisfaction at having discovered the
+cause.
+
+Sir Edward smiled at the simplicity of Johnson, but disliking the idea
+attached to the refusal of his daughter, said, "Perhaps, after all,
+uncle, there has been some misunderstanding between Emily and Denbigh,
+which may have driven him from us so suddenly."
+
+Mr. Benfield and his steward exchanged looks, and a new idea broke upon
+them at the instant. They had both suffered in that way; and after all
+it might prove that Emily was the one whose taste or feelings had
+subverted their schemes. The impression, once made, soon became strong,
+and the party separated; the master thinking alternately on Lady Juliana
+and his niece, while the man, after heaving one heavy sigh to the memory
+of Patty Steele, proceeded to the usual occupations of his office.
+
+Mrs. Wilson thinking a ride would be of service to Emily, and having the
+fullest confidence in her self-command and resignation, availed herself
+of a fine day to pay a visit to their friend in the cottage. Mrs.
+Fitzgerald received them in her usual manner, but a single glance of her
+eye sufficed to show the aunt that she noticed the altered appearance of
+Emily and her manners, although without knowing its true reason, which
+she did not deem it prudent to explain. Julia handed her friend a note
+which she said she had received the day before, and desired their
+counsel how to proceed in the present emergency. As Emily was to be made
+acquainted with its contents, her aunt read it aloud as follows:
+
+"MY DEAR NIECE,
+
+"Your father and myself had been induced to think you were leading a
+disgraceful life, with the officer your husband had consigned you to the
+care of; for hearing of your captivity, I had arrived with a band of
+Guerillas, on the spot where you were rescued, early the next morning,
+and there learnt of the peasants your misfortunes and retreat. The enemy
+pressed us too much to allow us to deviate from our route at the time;
+but natural affection and the wishes of your father have led me to make
+a journey to England, in order to satisfy our doubts as regards your
+conduct. I have seen you, heard your character in the neighborhood, and
+after much and long search have found out the officer, and am satisfied,
+that so far as concerns your deportment, you are an injured woman. I
+have therefore to propose to you, on my own behalf, and that of the
+Conde, that you adopt the faith of your country, and return with me to
+the arms of your parent, whose heiress you will be, and whose life you
+may be the means of prolonging. Direct your answer to me, to the care of
+our ambassador; and as you decide, I am your mother's brother, LOUIS
+M'CARTHY Y HARRISON."
+
+"On what point do you wish my advice?" said Mrs. Wilson, kindly, after
+she had finished reading the letter, "and when do you expect to see your
+uncle?"
+
+"Would you have me accept the offer of my father, dear madam, or am I to
+remain separated from him for the short residue of his life?"
+
+Mrs. Fitzgerald was affected to tears, as she asked this question, and
+waited her answer, in silent dread of its nature.
+
+"Is the condition of a change of religion, an immovable one?" inquired
+Mrs. Wilson, in a thoughtful manner.
+
+"Oh! doubtless," replied Julia, shuddering; "but I am deservedly
+punished for my early disobedience, and bow in submission to the will of
+Providence. I feel now all that horror of a change of my religion, I
+once only affected; I must live and die a Protestant, madam."
+
+"Certainly, I hope so, my dear," said Mrs. Wilson; "I am not a bigot,
+and think it unfortunate you were not, in your circumstances, bred a
+pious Catholic. It would have saved you much misery, and might have
+rendered the close of your father's life more happy; but as your present
+creed embraces doctrines too much at variance with the Romish church to
+renounce the one or to adopt the other, with your views, it will be
+impossible to change your church without committing a heavy offence
+against the opinions and practices of every denomination of Christians.
+I should hope a proper representation of this to your uncle would have
+its weight, or they might be satisfied with your being a Christian,
+without becoming a Catholic."
+
+"Ah! my dear madam," answered Mrs. Fitzgerald, despairingly, "you little
+know the opinions of my countrymen on this subject."
+
+"Surely, surely," cried Mrs. Wilson, "parental affection is a stronger
+feeling than bigotry."
+
+Mrs. Fitzgerald shook her head in a manner which bespoke both her
+apprehensions and her filial regard.
+
+"Julia ought not, must not, desert her father, dear aunt," said Emily,
+her face glowing with the ardency of her feelings.
+
+"And ought she to desert her heavenly Father, my child?" asked the aunt,
+mildly.
+
+"Are the duties conflicting, dearest aunt?"
+
+"The Conde makes them so. Julia is, I trust, in sincerity a Christian,
+and with what face can she offer up her daily petitions to her Creator,
+while she wears a mask to her earthly father; or how can she profess to
+honor doctrines that she herself believes to be false, or practise
+customs she thinks improper?"
+
+"Never, never," exclaimed Julia, with fervor; "the struggle is dreadful,
+but I submit to the greater duty."
+
+"And you decide rightly, my friend," said Mrs. Wilson, soothingly; "but
+you need relax no efforts to convince the Conde of your wishes: truth
+and nature will finally conquer."
+
+"Ah!" cried Mrs. Fitzgerald, "the sad consequences of one false step in
+early life!"
+
+"Rather," added Mrs. Wilson, "the sad consequences of one false step in
+generations gone by. Had your grandmother listened to the voice of
+prudence and duty, she never would have deserted her parents for a
+comparative stranger, and entailed upon her descendants a train of evils
+which yet exist in your person."
+
+"It will be a sad blow to my poor uncle too," said Mrs. Fitzgerald, "he
+who once loved me so much."
+
+"When do you expect to see him?" inquired Emily.
+
+Julia informed them she expected him hourly; as, fearful a written
+statement of her views would drive him from the country without paying
+her a visit before he departed, she had earnestly entreated him to see
+her without delay.
+
+On taking their leave, the ladies promised to obey her summons whenever
+called to meet the general, as Mrs. Wilson thought she might be better
+able to give advice to a friend, by knowing more of the character of her
+relatives, than she could do with her present information,
+
+One day intervened, and it was spent in the united society of Lady
+Moseley and her daughters, while Sir Edward and Francis rode to a
+neighboring town on business; and on the succeeding, Mrs. Fitzgerald
+apprised them of the arrival of General M'Carthy. Immediately after
+breakfast, Mrs. Wilson and Emily drove to the cottage, the aunt both
+wishing the latter as a companion in her ride, and believing the
+excitement would have a tendency to prevent her niece from indulging in
+reflections, alike dangerous to her peace of mind and at variance with
+her duties.
+
+Our readers have probably anticipated, that the stage companion of John
+Moseley was the Spanish general, who had just been making those
+inquiries into the manner of his niece's living which terminated so
+happily in her acquittal. With that part of her history which relates to
+the injurious attempts on her before she arrived at Lisbon, he appears
+to have been ignorant, or his interview with Denbigh might have
+terminated very differently from the manner already related.
+
+A description of the appearance of the gentleman presented to Mrs.
+Wilson is unnecessary, as it has been given already; and the discerning
+matron thought she read through the rigid and set features of the
+soldier, a shade of kinder feelings, which might be wrought into an
+advantageous intercession on behalf of Julia. The General was evidently
+endeavoring to keep his feelings within due bounds, before the decision
+of his niece might render it proper for him to indulge in that affection
+for her, which his eye plainly showed existed under the cover of his
+assumed manner.
+
+It was an effort of great fortitude on the part of Julia to acquaint her
+uncle with her resolution; but as it must be done, she seized a moment
+after Mrs. Wilson had at some length defended her adhering to her
+present faith, until religiously impressed with its errors, to inform
+him such was her unalterable resolution. He heard her patiently, and
+without anger, but in visible surprise. He had construed her summons to
+her house into a measure preparatory to accepting his conditions; yet he
+betrayed no emotion, after the first expression of his wonder: he told
+her distinctly, a renunciation of her heresy was the only condition on
+which her father would own her either as his heiress or his child. Julia
+deeply regretted the decision, but was firm; and her friends left her to
+enjoy uninterruptedly for one day, the society of so near a relative.
+During this day every doubt as to the propriety of her conduct, if any
+yet remained, was removed by a relation of her little story to her
+uncle; and after it was completed, he expressed great uneasiness to get
+to London again, in order to meet a gentleman he had seen there, under a
+different impression as to his merits, than what now appeared to be
+just. Who the gentleman was, or what these impressions were, Julia was
+left to conjecture, taciturnity being a favorite property in the
+general.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXI.
+
+The sun had just risen on one of the loveliest vales of Caernarvonshire,
+as a travelling chaise and six swept up to the door of a princely
+mansion, so situated as to command a prospect of the fertile and
+extensive domains, the rental of which filled the coffers of its rich
+owner, having a beautiful view of the Irish channel in the distance.
+
+Everything around this stately edifice bespoke the magnificence of its
+ancient possessors and the taste of its present master. It was
+irregular, but built of the best materials, and in the tastes of the
+different ages in which its various parts had been erected; and now in
+the nineteenth century it preserved the baronial grandeur of the
+thirteenth, mingled with the comforts of this later period.
+
+The lofty turrets of its towers were tipt with the golden light of the
+sun, and the neighboring peasantry had commenced their daily labors, as
+the different attendants of the equipage we have mentioned collected
+around it at the great entrance to the building. The beautiful black
+horses, with coats as shining as the polished leather with which they
+were caparisoned, the elegant and fashionable finish of the vehicle,
+with its numerous grooms, postillions, and footmen, all wearing the
+livery of one master, gave evidence of wealth and rank.
+
+In attendance there were four outriders, walking leisurely about,
+awaiting the appearance of those for whose comforts and pleasures they
+were kept to contribute; while a fifth, who, like the others, was
+equipped with a horse, appeared to bear a doubtful station. The form of
+the latter was athletic, and apparently drilled into a severer
+submission than could be seen in the movements of the liveried
+attendants: his dress was peculiar, being neither quite menial nor quite
+military, but partaking of both characters. His horse was heavier and
+better managed than those of the others, and by its side was a charger,
+that was prepared for the use of no common equestrian. Both were coal-
+black, as were all the others of the cavalcade; but the pistols of the
+two latter, and housings of their saddles, bore the aspect of use and
+elegance united.
+
+The postillions were mounted, listlessly waiting the pleasure of their
+superiors; when the laughs and jokes of the menials were instantly
+succeeded by a respectful and profound silence, as a gentleman and lady
+appeared on the portico of the building. The former was a young man of
+commanding stature and genteel appearance; and his air, although that of
+one used to command, was softened by a character of benevolence and
+gentleness, that might be rightly supposed to give birth to the willing
+alacrity with which all his requests or orders were attended to.
+
+The lady was also young, and resembled her companion both in features
+and expression, for both were noble, both were handsome. The former was
+attired for the road; the latter had thrown a shawl around her elegant
+form, and by her morning dress showed that a separation of the two was
+about to happen. Taking the hand of the gentleman with both her own, as
+she pressed it with fingers interlocked, the lady said, in a voice of
+music, and with great affection, "Then, my dear brother, I shall
+certainly hear from you within the week, and see you next?"
+
+"Certainly," replied the gentleman, as he tenderly paid his adieus; then
+throwing himself into the chaise, it dashed from the door, like the
+passage of a meteor. The horsemen followed; the unridden charger,
+obedient to the orders of his keeper, wheeled gracefully into his
+station; and in an instant they were all lost amidst the wood, through
+which the road to the park gates conducted.
+
+After lingering without until the last of her brother's followers had
+receded from her sight, the lady retired through ranks of liveried
+footmen and maids, whom curiosity or respect had collected.
+
+The young traveller wore a gloom on his expressive features, amidst the
+pageantry that surrounded him, which showed the insufficiency of wealth
+and honors to fill the sum of human happiness. As his carriage rolled
+proudly up an eminence ere he had reached the confines of his extensive
+park, his eye rested, for a moment, on a scene in which meadows,
+forests, fields waving with golden corn, comfortable farm-houses
+surrounded with innumerable cottages, were seen, in almost endless
+variety. All these owned him for their lord, and one quiet smile of
+satisfaction beamed on his face as he gazed on the unlimited view. Could
+the heart of that youth have been read, it would at that moment have
+told a story very different from the feelings such a scene is apt to
+excite; it would have spoken the consciousness of well applied wealth,
+the gratification of contemplating meritorious deeds, and a heartfelt
+gratitude to the Being which had enabled him to become the dispenser of
+happiness to so many of his fellow-creatures.
+
+"Which way, my lord, so early?" cried a gentleman in a phaeton, as he
+drew up, on his way to a watering place, to pay his own parting
+compliments.
+
+"To Eltringham, Sir Owen, to attend the marriage of my kinsman, Mr.
+Denbigh, to one of the sisters of the marquess."
+
+A few more questions and answers, and the gentlemen, exchanging friendly
+adieus, pursued each his own course; Sir Owen Ap Rice pushing forward
+for Cheltenham, and the Earl of Pendennyss proceeding to act as
+groomsman to his cousin.
+
+The gates of Eltringham were open to the admission of many an equipage
+on the following day, and the heart of the Lady Laura beat quick, as the
+sound of wheels, at different times, reached her ears. At last an
+unusual movement in the house drew her to a window of her dressing-room,
+and the blood rushed to her heart as she beheld the equipages which were
+rapidly approaching, and through the mist which stole over her eyes she
+saw alight from the first, the Duke of Derwent and the bridegroom. The
+next contained Lord Pendennyss, and the last the Bishop of----. Lady
+Laura waited to see no more, but with a heart filled with terror, hope,
+joy, and uneasiness, she threw herself into the arms of one of her
+sisters.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Lord Henry Stapleton, about a week after the wedding of
+his sister, seizing John suddenly by the arm, while the latter was
+taking his morning walk to the residence of the dowager Lady Chatterton,
+"Moseley, you dissipated youth, in town yet: you told me you should stay
+but a day, and here I find you at the end of a fortnight."
+
+John blushed a little at the consciousness of his reason for sending a
+written, instead of carrying a verbal report, of the result of his
+journey, but replied,
+
+"Yes, my friend Chatterton unexpectedly arrived, and so--and so--"
+
+"And so you did not go, I presume you mean," cried Lord Henry, with a
+laugh.
+
+"Yes," said John, "and so I stayed--but where is Denbigh?"
+
+"Where?--why with his wife, where every well-behaved man should be,
+especially for the first month," rejoined the sailor, gaily.
+
+"Wife!" echoed John, as soon as he felt able to give utterance to his
+words--"wife! is he married?"
+
+"Married," cried Lord Henry, imitating his manner, "are you yet to learn
+that? why did you ask for him?"
+
+"Ask for him!" said Moseley, yet lost in astonishment; "but when--how--
+where did he marry--my lord?"
+
+Lord Henry looked at him for a moment with a surprise little short of
+his own, as he answered more gravely:
+
+"When?--last Tuesday; how? by special license, and the Bishop of----;
+where?--at Eltringham:--yes, my dear fellow," continued he, with his
+former gaiety, "George is my brother now--and a fine fellow he is."
+
+"I really wish your lordship much joy," said John, struggling to command
+his feelings.
+
+"Thank you--thank you," replied the sailor; "a jolly time we had of it,
+Moseley. I wish, with all my heart, you had been there; no bolting or
+running away as soon as spliced, but a regularly constructed, old-
+fashioned wedding; all my doings. I wrote Laura that time was scarce,
+and I had none to throw away on fooleries; so dear, good soul, she
+consented to let me have everything my own way. We had Derwent and
+Pendennyss, the marquess, Lord William, and myself, for groomsmen, and
+my three sisters--ah, that was bad, but there was no helping it--Lady
+Harriet Denbigh, and an old maid, a cousin of ours, for bridesmaids;
+could not help the old maid either, upon my honor, or be quite certain I
+would."
+
+How much of what he said Moseley heard, we cannot say; for had he talked
+an hour longer he would have been uninterrupted. Lord Henry was too much
+engaged with his description to notice his companion's taciturnity or
+surprise, and after walking a square or two together they parted; the
+sailor being on the wing for his frigate at Yarmouth.
+
+John continued his course, musing on the intelligence he had just heard.
+That Denbigh could forget Emily so soon, he would not believe, and he
+greatly feared he had been driven into a step, from despair, that he
+might hereafter repent of. The avoiding of himself was now fully
+explained; but would Lady Laura Stapleton accept a man for a husband at
+so short a notice? and for the first time a suspicion that something in
+the character of Denbigh was wrong, mingled in his reflections on his
+sister's refusal of his offers.
+
+Lord and Lady Herriefield were on the eve of their departure for the
+continent (for Catherine had been led to the altar the preceding week),
+a southern climate having been prescribed as necessary to the
+bridegroom's constitution; and the dowager and Grace were about to
+proceed to a seat of the baron's within a couple of miles of Bath.
+Chatterton himself had his own engagements, but he promised to be there
+in company with his friend Derwent within a fortnight; the former visit
+having been postponed by the marriages in their respective families.
+
+John had been assiduous in his attentions during the season of forced
+gaiety which followed the nuptials of Kate; and as the dowager's time
+was monopolized with the ceremonials of that event, Grace had risen
+greatly in his estimation. If Grace Chatterton was not more miserable
+than usual, at what she thought was the destruction of her sister's
+happiness, it was owing to the presence and unconcealed affection of
+John Moseley.
+
+The carriage of Lord Herriefield was in waiting when John rang for
+admittance. On opening the door and entering the drawing-room, he saw
+the bride and bridegroom, with their mother and sister, accoutred for an
+excursion amongst the shops of Bond street: for Kate was dying to find a
+vent for some of her surplus pin-money--her husband to show his handsome
+wife in the face of the world--the mother to display the triumph of her
+matrimonial schemes. And Grace was forced to obey her mother's commands,
+in accompanying her sister as an attendant, not to be dispensed with at
+all in her circumstances.
+
+The entrance of John at that instant, though nothing more than what
+occurred every day at that hour, deranged the whole plan: the dowager,
+for a moment, forgot her resolution, and forgot the necessity of Grace's
+appearance, exclaiming with evident satisfaction,
+
+"Here is Mr. Moseley come to keep you company, Grace; so, after all, you
+must consult your headache and stay at home. Indeed, my love, I never
+can consent you should go out. I not only wish, but insist you remain
+within this morning."
+
+Lord Herriefield looked at his mother-in-law in some surprise, and threw
+a suspicious glance on his own rib at the moment, which spoke as plainly
+as looks can speak,
+
+"Is it possible I have been taken in after all!"
+
+Grace was unused to resist her mother's commands, and throwing off her
+hat and shawl, reseated herself with more composure than she would
+probably have done, had not the attentions of Moseley been more delicate
+and pointed of late than formerly.
+
+As they passed the porter, Lady Chatterton observed to him
+significantly--"Nobody at home, Willis."--"Yes, my lady," was the
+laconic reply, and Lord Herriefield, as he took his seat by the side of
+his wife in the carriage, thought she was not as handsome as usual.
+
+Lady Chatterton that morning unguardedly laid the foundation of years of
+misery for her eldest daughter; or rather the foundations were already
+laid in the ill-assorted, and heartless, unprincipled union she had
+labored with success to effect. But she, had that morning stripped the
+mask from her own character prematurely, and excited suspicions in the
+breast of her son-in-law, which time only served to confirm, and memory
+to brood over. Lord Herriefield had been too long in the world not to
+understand all the ordinary arts of match-makers and match-hunters. Like
+most of his own sex who have associated freely with the worst part of
+the other, his opinions of female excellences were by no means
+extravagant or romantic. Kate had pleased his eye; she was of a noble
+family; young, and at that moment interestingly quiet, having nothing
+particularly in view. She had a taste of her own, and Lord Herriefield
+was by no means in conformity with it; consequently, she expended none
+of those pretty little arts upon him which she occasionally practised,
+and which his experience would immediately have detected. Her disgust he
+had attributed to disinterestedness; and as Kate had fixed her eye on a
+young officer lately returned from France, and her mother on a Duke who
+was mourning the death of a third wife, devising means to console him
+with a fourth--the Viscount had got a good deal enamored with the lady,
+before either she or her mother took any particular notice that there
+was such a being in existence. His title was not the most elevated, but
+it was ancient. His paternal acres were not numerous, but his East-India
+shares were. He was not very young, but he was not very old; and as the
+Duke died of a fit of the gout in his stomach, and the officer ran away
+with a girl in her teens from a boarding-school, the dowager and her
+daughter, after thoroughly scanning the fashionable world, determined,
+for want of a better, that he would do.
+
+It is not to be supposed that the mother and child held any open
+communications with each other to this effect. The delicacy and pride of
+both would have been greatly injured by such a suspicion; yet they
+arrived simultaneously at the same conclusion, as well as at another of
+equal importance to the completion of their schemes on the Viscount. It
+was simply to adhere to the same conduct which had made him a captive,
+as most likely to insure the victory.
+
+There was such a general understanding between the two it can excite no
+surprise that they co-operated harmoniously as it were by signal.
+
+For two people, correctly impressed with their duties and
+responsibilities, to arrive at the same conclusion in the government of
+their conduct, would be merely a matter of course; and so with those who
+are more or less under the dominion of the world. They will pursue their
+plans with a degree of concurrence amounting nearly to sympathy; and
+thus had Kate and her mother, until this morning, kept up the masquerade
+so well that the Viscount was as confiding as a country Corydon. When he
+first witnessed the dowager's management with Grace and John, however,
+and his wife's careless disregard of a thing which appeared too much a
+matter of course to be quite agreeable, his newly awakened distrust
+approached conviction.
+
+Grace Chatterton both sang and played exquisitely; it was, however,
+seldom she could sufficiently overcome her desire, when John was an
+auditor, to appear to advantage.
+
+As the party went down stairs, and Moseley had gone with them part of
+the way, she threw herself unconsciously in a seat, and began a
+beautiful song, that was fashionable at the time. Her feelings were in
+consonance with the words, and Grace was very happy both in execution
+and voice.
+
+John had reached the back of her seat before she was at all sensible of
+his return, and Grace lost her self-command immediately. She rose and
+took a seat on a sofa, and the young man was immediately at her side.
+
+"Ah, Grace," said John, the lady's heart beating high, "you certainly do
+sing as you do everything, admirably."
+
+"I am happy you think so, Mr. Moseley," returned Grace looking
+everywhere but in his face.
+
+John's eyes ran over her beauties, as with palpitating bosom and varying
+color she sat confused at the unusual warmth of his language and manner.
+
+Fortunately a remarkably striking likeness of the Dowager hung directly
+over their heads, and John taking her unresisting hand, continued,
+
+"Dear Grace, you resemble your brother very much in features, and what
+is better still, in character."
+
+"I could wish," said Grace, venturing to look up, "to resemble your
+sister Emily in the latter."
+
+"And why not to be her sister, dear Grace?" said he with ardor. "You are
+worthy to become her sister. Tell me, Grace, dear Miss Chatterton--can
+you--will you make me the happiest of men? may I present another
+inestimable daughter to my parents?"
+
+As John paused for an answer, Grace looked up, and he waited her reply
+in evident anxiety; but she continued silent, now pale as death, and now
+of the color of the rose, and he added:
+
+"I hope I have not offended you, dearest Grace; you are all that is
+desirable to me; my hopes, my happiness, are centred in you. Unless you
+consent to become my wife, I must be very wretched."
+
+Grace burst into a flood of tears, as her lover, interested deeply in
+their cause, gently drew her towards him. Her head sank on his shoulder,
+as she faintly whispered something that was inaudible, but which he did
+not fail to interpret into everything he most wished to hear. John was
+in ecstasies. Every unpleasant feeling of suspicion had left him. Of
+Grace's innocence of manoeuvring he never doubted, but John did not
+relish the idea of being entrapped into anything, even a step which he
+desired. An uninterrupted communication followed; it was as confiding as
+their affections: and the return of the dowager and her children first
+recalled them to the recollection of other people.
+
+One glance of the eye was enough for Lady Chatterton. She saw the traces
+of tears on the cheeks and in the eyes of Grace, and the dowager was
+satisfied; she knew his friends would not object; and as Grace attended
+her to her dressing-room, she cried on entering it, "Well, child, when
+is the wedding to be? You will wear me out with so much gaiety."
+
+Grace was shocked, but did not as formerly weep over her mother's
+interference in agony and dread. John had opened his whole soul to her,
+observing the greatest delicacy towards her mother, and she now felt her
+happiness placed in the keeping of a man whose honor she believed much
+exceeded that of any other human being.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXII.
+
+The seniors of the party at Benfield Lodge were all assembled one
+morning in a parlor, when its master and the baronet were occupied in
+the perusal of the London papers. Clara had persuaded her sisters to
+accompany her and Francis in an excursion as far as the village.
+
+Jane yet continued reserved and distant to most of her friends; while
+Emily's conduct would have escaped unnoticed, did not her blanched cheek
+and wandering looks at times speak a language not to be misunderstood.
+With all her relatives she maintained the affectionate intercourse she
+had always supported; though not even to her aunt did the name of
+Denbigh pass her lips. But in her most private and humble petitions to
+God, she never forgot to mingle with her requests for spiritual
+blessings on herself, fervent prayers for the conversion of the
+preserver of her life.
+
+Mrs. Wilson, as she sat by the side of her sister at their needles,
+first discovered an unusual uneasiness in their venerable host, while he
+turned his paper over and over, as if unwilling or unable to comprehend
+some part of its contents, until he rang the bell violently, and bid the
+servant to send Johnson to him without a moment's delay.
+
+"Peter," said Mr. Benfield doubtingly, "read that--your eyes are young,
+Peter; read that."
+
+Peter took the paper, and after having adjusted his spectacles to his
+satisfaction, he proceeded to obey his master's injunctions; but the
+same defect of vision as suddenly seized the steward as it had affected
+his master. He turned the paper sideways, and appeared to be spelling
+the matter of the paragraph to himself. Peter would have given his three
+hundred a year to have had the impatient John Moseley at hand, to
+relieve him from his task; but the anxiety of Mr. Benfield overcoming
+his fear of the worst, he inquired in tremulous tone--
+
+"Peter? hem! Peter, what do you think?"
+
+"Why, your honor," replied the steward, stealing a look at his master,
+"it does seem so indeed."
+
+"I remember," said the master, "when Lord Gosford saw the marriage of
+the countess announced he--"
+
+Here the old gentleman was obliged to stop, and rising with dignity, and
+leaning on the arm of his faithful servant, he left the room.
+
+Mrs. Wilson immediately took up the paper, and her eye catching the
+paragraph at a glance, she read aloud as follows to her expecting
+friends:
+
+"Married by special license, at the seat of the Most Noble the Marquess
+of Eltringham, in Devonshire, by the Right Rev. Lord Bishop of ----,
+George Denbigh Esq., Lieutenant Colonel of his Majesty's ---- regiment
+of dragoons, to the Right Honorable Lady Laura Stapleton, eldest sister
+of the Marquess. Eltringham was honored on the present happy occasion
+with the presence of his grace of Derwent, and the gallant Lord
+Pendennyss, kinsmen of the bridegroom, and Captain Lord Henry Stapleton
+of the Royal Navy. We understand that the happy couple proceed to
+Denbigh Castle immediately after the honey-moon."
+
+Although Mrs. Wilson had given up the expectation of ever seeing her
+niece the wife of Denbigh, she felt an indescribable shock as she read
+this paragraph. The strongest feeling was horror at the danger Emily had
+been in of contracting an alliance with such a man. His avoiding the
+ball, at which he knew Lord Henry was expected, was explained to her by
+this marriage; for with John, she could not believe a woman like Lady
+Laura Stapleton was to be won in the short space of one fortnight, or
+indeed less. There was too evidently a mystery yet to be developed, and
+she felt certain one that would not elevate his character in her
+opinion.
+
+Neither Sir Edward nor Lady Moseley had given up the expectation of
+seeing Denbigh again, as a suitor for Emily's hand, and to both of them
+this certainty of his loss was a heavy blow. The baronet took up the
+paper, and after perusing the article, he muttered in a low tone, as he
+wiped the tears from his eyes, "Heaven bless him: I sincerely hope she
+is worthy of him." Worthy of him, thought Mrs. Wilson, with a feeling of
+indignation, as, taking up the paper, she retired to her own room,
+whither Emily, at that moment returned from her walk, had proceeded. As
+her niece must hear this news, she thought the sooner the better. The
+exercise, and the unreserved conversation of Francis and Clara, had
+restored in some degree the bloom to the cheek of Emily; and Mrs. Wilson
+felt it necessary to struggle with herself, before she could summon
+sufficient resolution to invade the returning peace of her charge.
+However, having already decided on her course, she proceeded to the
+discharge of what she thought to be a duty.
+
+"Emily, my child," she whispered, pressing her affectionately to her
+bosom, "you have been all I could wish, and more than I expected, under
+your arduous struggles. But one more pang, and I trust your
+recollections on this painful subject will be done away."
+
+Emily looked at her aunt in anxious expectation of what was coming, and
+quietly taking the paper, followed the direction of Mrs. Wilson's finger
+to the article on the marriage of Denbigh.
+
+There was a momentary struggle in Emily for self-command. She was
+obliged to find support in a chair. The returning richness of color,
+excited by her walk, vanished; but recovering herself, she pressed the
+hand of her anxious guardian, and, gently waving her back, proceeded to
+her own room.
+
+On her return to the company, the same control of her feelings which had
+distinguished her conduct of late, was again visible; and, although her
+aunt most narrowly watched her movements, looks, and speeches, she could
+discern no visible alteration by this confirmation of misconduct. The
+truth was, that in Emily Moseley the obligations of duty were so
+imperative, her sense of her dependence on Providence so humbling and
+yet so confiding, that, as soon as she was taught to believe her lover
+unworthy of her esteem, that moment an insuperable barrier separated
+them. His marriage could add nothing to the distance between them. It
+was impossible they could be united; and although a secret lingering of
+the affections over his fallen character might and did exist, it existed
+without any romantic expectations of miracles in his favor, or vain
+wishes of reformation, in which self was the prominent feeling. She
+might be said to be keenly alive to all that concerned his welfare or
+movements, if she did not harbor the passion of love; but it showed
+itself in prayers for his amendment of life, and the most ardent
+petitions for his future and eternal happiness. She had set about,
+seriously and with much energy, the task of erasing from her heart
+sentiments which, however delightful she had found it to entertain in
+times past, were now in direct variance with her duty. She knew that a
+weak indulgence of such passions would tend to draw her mind from, and
+disqualify her to discharge, those various calls on her time and her
+exertions, which could alone enable her to assist others, or effect in
+her own person the great purposes of her creation. It was never lost
+sight of by Emily Moseley, that her existence here was preparatory to an
+immensely more important state hereafter. She was consequently in
+charity with all mankind; and if grown a little more distrustful of the
+intentions of her fellow-creatures, it was a mistrust bottomed in a
+clear view of the frailties of our nature; and self-examination was
+amongst the not unfrequent speculations she made on this hasty marriage
+of her former lover.
+
+Mrs. Wilson saw all this, and was soon made acquainted by her niece in
+terms, with her views of her own condition; and although she had to, and
+did, deeply regret, that all her caution had not been able to guard
+against deception, where it was most important for her to guide aright,
+yet she was cheered with the reflection that her previous care, with the
+blessings of Providence, had admirably fitted her charge to combat and
+overcome the consequences of their mistaken confidence.
+
+The gloom which this little paragraph excited, extended to every
+individual in the family; for all had placed Denbigh by the side of
+John, in their affections, ever since his weighty services to Emily.
+
+A letter from John announcing his intention of meeting them at Bath, as
+well as his new relation with Grace, relieved in some measure this
+general depression of spirit. Mr. Benfield alone found no consolation in
+the approaching nuptials. John he regarded as his nephew, and Grace he
+thought a very good sort of young woman; but neither of them were beings
+of the same genus with Emily and Denbigh.
+
+"Peter," said he one day, after they had both been expending their
+ingenuity in vain efforts to discover the cause of this so-much-desired
+marriage's being so unexpectedly frustrated, "have I not often told you,
+that fate governed these things, in order that men might be humble in
+this life? Now, Peter, had the Lady Juliana wedded with a mind congenial
+to her own, she might have been mistress of Benfield Lodge to this very
+hour."
+
+"Yes, your honor--but there's Miss Emmy's legacy."
+
+And Peter withdrew, thinking what would have been the consequences had
+Patty Steele been more willing, when he wished to make her Mrs. Peter
+Johnson--an association by no means uncommon in the mind of the steward;
+for if Patty had ever a rival in his affections, it was in the person of
+Emily Moseley, though, indeed, with very different degrees and coloring
+of esteem.
+
+The excursions to the cottage had been continued by Mrs. Wilson and
+Emily, and as no gentleman was now in the family to interfere with their
+communications, a general visit to the young widow had been made by the
+Moseleys, including Sir Edward and Mr. Ives.
+
+The Jarvises had gone to London to receive their children, now penitent
+in more senses than one; and Sir Edward learnt with pleasure that
+Egerton and his wife had been admitted into the family of the merchant.
+
+Sir Edgar had died suddenly, and the entailed estates had fallen to his
+successor the colonel, now Sir Harry; but the bulk of his wealth, being
+in convertible property, he had given by will to his other nephew, a
+young clergyman, and a son of a younger brother. Mary, as well as her
+mother, were greatly disappointed, by this deprivation, of what they
+considered their lawful splendor; but they found great consolation in
+the new dignity of Lady Egerton, whose greatest wish now was to meet the
+Moseleys, in order that she might precede them in or out of some place
+where such ceremonials are observed. The sound of "Lady Egerton's
+carriage stops the way," was delightful, and it never failed to be used
+on all occasions, although her ladyship was mistress of only a hired
+vehicle.
+
+A slight insight into the situation of things amongst them may be found
+in the following narrative of their views, as revealed in a discussion
+which took place about a fortnight after the reunion of the family under
+one roof.
+
+Mrs. Jarvis was mistress of a very handsome coach, the gift of her
+husband for her own private use. After having satisfied herself the
+baronet (a dignity he had enjoyed just twenty-four hours) did not
+possess the ability to furnish his lady, as she termed her daughter,
+with such a luxury, she magnanimously determined to relinquish her own,
+in support of the new-found elevation of her daughter. Accordingly, a
+consultation on the alterations which were necessary took place between
+the ladies--"The arms must be altered, of course," Lady Egerton
+observed, "and Sir Harry's, with the bloody hand and six quarterings,
+put in their place; then the liveries, they must be changed."
+
+"Oh, mercy! my lady, if the arms are altered, Mr. Jarvis will be sure to
+notice it, and he would never forgive me; and perhaps--"
+
+"Perhaps what?" exclaimed the new-made lady, with a disdainful toss of
+her head.
+
+"Why," replied the mother, warmly, "not give me the hundred pounds he
+promised, to have it new-lined and painted."
+
+"Fiddlesticks with the painting, Mrs. Jarvis," cried the lady with
+dignity: "no carriage shall be called mine that does not bear my arms
+and the bloody hand."
+
+"Why, your ladyship is unreasonable, indeed you are," said Mrs. Jarvis,
+coaxingly; and then after a moment's thought she continued, "is it the
+arms or the baronetcy you want, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, I care nothing for the arms, but I am determined, now I am a
+baronet's lady, Mrs. Jarvis, to have the proper emblem of my rank."
+
+"Certainly, my lady, that's true dignity: well, then, we will put the
+bloody hand on your father's arms, and he will never notice it, for he
+never sees such things."
+
+The arrangement was happily completed, and for a few days the coach of
+Mr. Jarvis bore about the titled dame, until one unlucky day the
+merchant, who still went on 'change when any great bargain in the stocks
+was to be made, arrived at his own door suddenly, to procure a
+calculation he had made on the leaf of his prayer-book the last Sunday
+during sermon. This he obtained after some search. In his haste he drove
+to his broker's in the carriage of his wife, to save time, it happening
+to be in waiting at the moment, and the distance not great. Mr. Jarvis
+forgot to order the man to return, and for an hour the vehicle stood in
+one of the most public places in the city. The consequence was, that
+when Mr. Jarvis undertook to examine into his gains, with the account
+rendered of the transaction by his broker, he was astonished to read,
+"Sir Timothy Jarvis, Bart., in account with John Smith, Dr." Sir Timothy
+examined the account in as many different ways as Mr. Benfield had
+examined the marriage of Denbigh, before he would believe his eyes; and
+when assured of the fact, he immediately caught up his hat, and went to
+find the man who had dared to insult him, as it were, in defiance of the
+formality of business. He had not proceeded one square in the city
+before he met a friend, who spoke to him by the title; an explanation of
+the mistake followed, and the quasi baronet proceeded to his stables.
+Here by actual examination he detected the fraud. An explanation with
+his consort followed; and the painter's brush soon effaced the emblem of
+dignity from the panels of the coach. All this was easy but with his
+waggish companions on 'Change and in the city (where, notwithstanding
+his wife's fashionable propensities, he loved to resort) he was Sir
+Timothy still.
+
+Mr. Jarvis, though a man of much modesty, was one of great decision, and
+he determined to have the laugh on his side. A newly purchased borough
+of his sent up an address flaming with patriotism, and it was presented
+by his own hands. The merchant seldom kneeled to his Creator, but on
+this occasion he humbled himself dutifully before his prince, and left
+the presence with a legal right to the appellation which his old
+companions had affixed to him sarcastically.
+
+The rapture of Lady Jarvis may be more easily imagined than faithfully
+described, the Christian name of her husband alone throwing any alloy
+into the enjoyment of her elevation: but by a license of speech she
+ordered, and addressed in her own practice, the softer and more familiar
+appellation of Sir Timo. Two servants were discharged the first week,
+because, unused to titles, they had addressed her as mistress; and her
+son, the captain, then at a watering-place, was made acquainted by
+express with the joyful intelligence.
+
+All this time Sir Henry Egerton was but little seen amongst his new
+relatives. He had his own engagements and haunts, and spent most of his
+time at a fashionable gaming house in the West End. As, however, the
+town was deserted, Lady Jarvis and her daughters, having condescended to
+pay a round of city visits, to show off her airs and dignity to her old
+friends, persuaded Sir Timo that the hour for their visit to Bath had
+arrived, and they were soon comfortably settled in that city.
+
+Lady Chatterton and her youngest daughter had arrived at the seat of her
+son, and John Moseley, as happy as the certainty of love returned and
+the approbation of his friends could make him, was in lodgings in the
+town. Sir Edward notified his son of his approaching visit to Bath, and
+John took proper accommodations for the family, which he occupied for a
+few days by himself as locum tenens.
+
+Lord and Lady Herriefield had departed for the south of France; and
+Kate, removed from the scenes of her earliest enjoyments and the bosom
+of her own family, and under the protection of a man she neither loved
+nor respected, began to feel the insufficiency of a name or of a fortune
+to constitute felicity. Lord Herriefield was of a suspicious and harsh
+temper, the first propensity being greatly increased by his former
+associations, and the latter not being removed by the humility of his
+eastern dependants. But the situation of her child gave no uneasiness to
+the managing mother, who thought her in the high-road to happiness, and
+was gratified at the result of her labors. Once or twice, indeed, her
+habits had overcome her caution so much as to endeavor to promote, a day
+or two sooner than had been arranged, the wedding of Grace; but her
+imprudence was checked instantly by the recoiling of Moseley from her
+insinuations in disgust; and the absence of the young man for twenty-
+four hours gave her timely warning of the danger of such an interference
+with one of such fastidious feelings. John punished himself as much as
+the dowager on these occasions; but the smiling face of Grace, with her
+hand frankly placed in his own at his return, never failed to do away
+the unpleasant sensations created by her mother's care.
+
+The Chatterton and Jarvis families met in the rooms, soon after the
+arrival of the latter, when the lady of the knight, followed by both her
+daughters, approached the dowager with a most friendly salute of
+recognition. Lady Chatterton, really forgetful of the persons of her B--
+-- acquaintance, and disliking the vulgarity of her air, drew up into an
+appearance of great dignity, as she hoped the lady was well. The
+merchant's wife felt the consciousness of rank too much to be repulsed
+in this manner, and believing that the dowager had merely forgotten her
+face, she added, with a simpering smile, in imitation of what she had
+seen better bred people practise with success--
+
+"Lady Jarvis--my lady--your ladyship don't remember me--Lady Jarvis of
+the Deanery, B----, Northamptonshire, and my daughters, Lady Egerton and
+Miss Jarvis." Lady Egerton bowed stiffly to the recognising smile the
+dowager now condescended to bestow; but Sarah, remembering a certain
+handsome lord in the family, was more urbane, determining at the moment
+to make the promotion of her mother and sister stepping-stones to
+greater elevation for herself.
+
+"I hope my lord is well," continued the city lady. "I regret that Sir
+Timo, and Sir Harry, and Captain Jarvis, are not here this morning to
+pay their respects to your ladyship; but as we shall see naturally a
+good deal of each other, it must be deferred to a more fitting
+opportunity."
+
+"Certainly, madam," replied the dowager, as, passing her compliments
+with those of Grace, she drew back from so open a conversation with
+creatures of such doubtful standing in the fashionable world.
+
+
+
+Chapter
+XXXIII.
+
+On taking leave of Mrs. Fitzgerald, Emily and her aunt settled a plan of
+correspondence; the deserted situation of this young woman having
+created great interest in the breasts of her new friends. General
+M'Carthy had returned to Spain without receding from his original
+proposal, and his niece was left to mourn her early departure from one
+of the most solemn duties of life.
+
+Mr. Benfield, thwarted in one of his most favorite schemes of happiness
+for the residue of his life, obstinately refused to make one of the
+party at Bath; and Ives and Clara having returned to Bolton, the
+remainder of the Moseleys arrived at the lodgings of John a very few
+days after the interview of the preceding chapter, with hearts ill
+qualified to enter into the gaieties of the place, though, in obedience
+to the wishes of Lady Moseley, to see and to be seen once more on that
+great theatre of fashionable amusement.
+
+The friends of the family who had known them in times past were
+numerous, and were glad to renew their acquaintance with those they had
+always esteemed; so that they found themselves immediately surrounded by
+a circle of smiling faces and dashing equipages.
+
+Sir William Harris, the proprietor of the deanery, and a former
+neighbor, with his showy daughter, were amongst the first to visit them.
+Sir William was a man of handsome estate and unexceptionable character,
+but entirely governed by the whims and desires of his only child.
+Caroline Harris wanted neither sense nor beauty, but expecting a
+fortune, she had placed her views too high. She at first aimed at the
+peerage; and while she felt herself entitled to suit her taste as well
+as her ambition, had failed of her object by ill-concealed efforts to
+attain it. She had justly acquired the reputation of the reverse of a
+coquette or yet of a prude; still she had never received an offer, and
+at the age of twenty-six, had now begun to lower her thoughts to the
+commonalty. Her fortune would have easily obtained her husband here, but
+she was determined to pick amongst the lower supporters of the
+aristocracy of the nation. With the Moseleys she had been early
+acquainted, though some years their senior; a circumstance, however, to
+which she took care never to allude unnecessarily.
+
+The meeting between Grace and the Moseleys was tender and sincere.
+John's countenance glowed with delight, as he saw his future wife folded
+successively in the arms of those he loved, and Grace's tears and
+blushes added twofold charms to her native beauty. Jane relaxed from her
+reserve to receive her future sister, and determined with herself to
+appear in the world, in order to show Sir Henry Egerton that she did not
+feel the blow he had inflicted as severely as the truth might have
+proved.
+
+The Dowager found some little occupation, for a few days, in settling
+with Lady Moseley the preliminaries of the wedding; but the latter had
+suffered too much through her youngest daughters, to enter into these
+formalities with her ancient spirit. All things were, however, happily
+settled; and Ives making a journey for the express purpose, John and
+Grace were united privately at the altar of one of the principal
+churches in Bath. Chatterton had been summoned on the occasion; and the
+same paper which announced the nuptials, contained, amongst the
+fashionable arrivals, the names of the Duke of Derwent and his sister,
+the Marquess of Eltringham and sisters, amongst whom was to be found
+Lady Laura Denbigh. Lady Chatterton carelessly remarked, in presence of
+her friends, the husband of the latter was summoned to the death-bed of
+a relative, from whom he had great expectations. Emily's color did
+certainly change as she listened to this news, but not allowing her
+thoughts to dwell on the subject, she was soon enabled to recall her
+serenity of appearance.
+
+But Jane and Emily were delicately placed. The lover of the former, and
+the wives of the lovers of both, were in the way of daily, if not hourly
+rencounters; and it required all the energies of the young women to
+appear with composure before them. The elder was supported by pride, the
+younger by principle. The first was restless, haughty, distant, and
+repulsive. The last mild, humble, reserved, but eminently attractive.
+The one was suspected by all around her; the other was unnoticed by any,
+but by her nearest and dearest friends.
+
+The first rencounter with these dreaded guests occurred at the rooms one
+evening, where the elder ladies had insisted on the bride's making her
+appearance. The Jarvises were there before them, and at their entrance
+caught the eyes of the group. Lady Jarvis approached immediately, filled
+with exultation--her husband with respect. The latter was received with
+cordiality--the former politely, but with distance. The young ladies and
+Sir Henry bowed distantly, and the gentleman soon drew off into another
+part of the room: his absence alone kept Jane from fainting. The
+handsome figure of Egerton standing by the side of Mary Jarvis, as her
+acknowledged husband, was near proving too much for her pride,
+notwithstanding all her efforts; and he looked so like the imaginary
+being she had set up as the object of her worship, that her heart was
+also in danger of rebelling.
+
+"Positively, Sir Edward and my lady, both Sir Timo and myself, and, I
+dare say, Sir Harry and Lady Egerton too, are delighted to see you
+comfortably at Bath among us. Mrs. Moseley, I wish you much happiness;
+Lady Chatterton too. I suppose your ladyship recollects me now; I am
+Lady Jarvis. Mr. Moseley, I regret, for your sake, that my son Captain
+Jarvis is not here; you were so fond of each other, and both so loved
+your guns."
+
+"Positively, my Lady Jarvis," said Moseley, drily, "my feelings on the
+occasion are as strong as your own; but I presume the captain is much
+too good a shot for me by this time."
+
+"Why, yes; he improves greatly in most things he undertakes," rejoined
+the smiling dame, "and I hope he will soon learn, like you, to shoot
+with the harrows of Cupid. I hope the Honorable Mrs. Moseley is well."
+
+Grace bowed mildly, as she answered to the interrogatory, and smiled at
+the thought of Jarvis put in competition with her husband in this
+species of archery, when a voice immediately behind where they sat
+caught the ears of the whole party; all it said was--
+
+"Harriet, you forgot to show me Marian's letter."
+
+"Yes, but I will to-morrow," was the reply.
+
+It was the tone of Denbigh. Emily almost fell from her seat as it first
+reached her, and the eyes of all but herself were immediately turned in
+quest of the speaker. He had approached within a very few feet of them,
+supporting a lady on each arm. A second look convinced the Moseleys that
+they were mistaken. It was not Denbigh, but a young man whose figure,
+face, and air resembled him strongly, and whose voice possessed the same
+soft melodious tones which had distinguished that of Denbigh. This party
+seated themselves within a very short distance of the Moseleys, and they
+continued their conversation.
+
+"You heard from the Colonel to-day, too, I believe," continued the
+gentleman, turning to the lady who sat next to Emily.
+
+"Yes, he is a very punctual correspondent; I hear every other day."
+
+"How is his uncle, Laura?" inquired her female companion.
+
+"Rather better; but I will thank your grace to find the Marquess and
+Miss Howard."
+
+"Bring them to us," rejoined the other.
+
+"Yes," said the former lady, with a laugh, "and Eltringham will thank
+you too, I dare say."
+
+In an instant the duke returned, accompanied by a gentleman of thirty
+and an elderly lady, who might have been safely taken for fifty without
+offence to anybody but herself.
+
+During these speeches their auditors had listened with almost breathless
+interest. Emily had stolen a glance which satisfied her it was not
+Denbigh himself and it greatly relieved her; but was startled at
+discovering that she was actually seated by the side of his young and
+lovely wife. When an opportunity offered, she dwelt on the amiable,
+frank countenance of her rival with melancholy satisfaction: at least,
+she thought, he may yet be happy, and I hope penitent.
+
+It was a mixture of love and gratitude which prompted this wish, both
+sentiments not easily got rid of when once ingrafted in our better
+feelings. John eyed the strangers with a displeasure for which he could
+not account at once, and saw, in the ancient lady, the bridesmaid Lord
+Henry had so unwillingly admitted to that distinction.
+
+Lady Jarvis was astounded with her vicinity to so much nobility, and she
+drew back to her family to study its movements to advantage; while Lady
+Chatterton sighed heavily, as she contemplated the fine figures of an
+unmarried Duke and Marquess, and she without a single child to dispose
+of. The remainder of the party continued to view them with curiosity,
+and listened with interest to what they said.
+
+Two or three young ladies had now joined the strangers, attended by a
+couple of gentlemen, and the conversation became general. The ladies
+declined dancing entirely, but appeared willing to throw away an hour in
+comments on their neighbors.
+
+"William," said one of the young ladies, "there is your old messmate,
+Col. Egerton."
+
+"Yes, I observe him," replied her brother, "I see him;" but, smiling
+significantly, he continued, "we are messmates no longer."
+
+"He is a sad character," said the Marquess, with a shrug. "William, I
+would advise you to be cautious of his acquaintance."
+
+"I thank you," replied Lord William, "but I believe I understand him
+thoroughly."
+
+Jane manifested strong emotion during these remarks, while Sir Edward
+and his wife averted their faces from a simultaneous feeling of self-
+reproach. Their eyes met, and mutual concessions were contained in the
+glance; yet their feelings were unnoticed by their companions, for over
+the fulfilment of her often repeated forewarnings of neglect and duty to
+our children, Mrs. Wilson had mourned in sincerity, but she had
+forgotten to triumph.
+
+"When are we to see Pendennyss?" inquired the Marquess; "I hope he will
+be here with George--I have a mind to beat up his quarters in Wales this
+season--what say you, Derwent?"
+
+"I intend it, if I can persuade Lady Harriet to quit the gaieties of
+Bath so soon--what say you, sister--will you be in readiness to attend
+me so early?"
+
+This question was asked in an arch tone, and drew the eyes of her
+friends on the person to whom it was addressed.
+
+"I am ready now, Frederick, if you wish it," answered the sister
+hastily, and coloring excessively as she spoke.
+
+"But where is Chatterton? I thought he was here--he had a sister married
+here last week," inquired Lord William Stapleton, addressing no one in
+particular.
+
+A slight movement in their neighbors attracted the attention of the
+party.
+
+"What a lovely young woman," whispered the duke to Lady Laura, "your
+neighbor is!"
+
+The lady smiled her assent, and as Emily overheard it, she rose with
+glowing cheeks, and proposed a walk round the room.
+
+Chatterton soon after entered. The young peer had acknowledged to Emily
+that, deprived of hope as he had been by her firm refusal of his hand,
+his efforts had been directed to the suppression of a passion which
+could never be successful; but his esteem, his respect, remained in full
+force. He did not touch at all on the subject of Denbigh, and she
+supposed that he thought his marriage was a step that required
+justification.
+
+The Moseleys had commenced their promenade round the room as Chatterton
+came in. He paid his compliments to them as soon as he entered, and
+walked with their party. The noble visitors followed their example, and
+the two parties met. Chatterton was delighted to see them, the Duke was
+particularly fond of him; and, had one been present of sufficient
+observation, the agitation of his sister, the Lady Harriet Denbigh,
+would have accounted for the doubts of her brother as respects her
+willingness to leave Bath.
+
+A few words of explanation passed; the duke and his friends appeared to
+urge something on Chatterton, who acted as their ambassador, and the
+consequence was, an introduction of the two parties to each other. This
+was conducted with the ease of the present fashion--it was general, and
+occurred, as it were incidentally, in the course of the evening.
+
+Both Lady Harriet and Lady Laura Denbigh were particularly attentive to
+Emily. They took their seats by her, and manifested a preference for her
+conversation that struck Mrs. Wilson as remarkable. Could it be that the
+really attractive manners and beauty of her niece had caught the fancy
+of these ladies, or was there a deeper seated cause for the desire to
+draw Emily out, that both of them evinced? Mrs. Wilson had heard a rumor
+that Chatterton was thought attentive to Lady Harriet, and the other was
+the wife of Denbigh; was it possible the quondam suitors of her niece
+had related to their present favorites the situation they had stood in
+as regarded Emily? It was odd, to say no more; and the widow dwelt on
+the innocent countenance of the bride with pity and admiration. Emily
+herself was not a little abashed at the notice of her new acquaintances,
+especially Lady Laura's; but as their admiration appeared sincere, as
+well as their desire to be on terms of intimacy with the Moseleys, they
+parted, on the whole, mutually pleased.
+
+The conversation several times was embarrassing to the baronet's family,
+and at moments distressingly so to their daughters.
+
+At the close of the evening they all formed one group at a little
+distance from the rest of the company, and in a situation to command a
+view of it.
+
+"Who is that vulgar-looking woman," said Lady Sarah Stapleton, "seated
+next to Sir Henry Egerton, brother?"
+
+"No less a personage than my Lady Jarvis," replied the marquess,
+gravely, "and the mother-in-law of Sir Harry, and the wife to Sir Timo--
+;" this was said, with a look of drollery that showed the marquess was a
+bit of a quiz.
+
+"Married!" cried Lord William, "mercy on the woman who is Egerton's
+wife. He is the greatest latitudinarian amongst the ladies, of any man
+in England--nothing--no, nothing would tempt me to let such a man marry
+a sister of mine!"
+
+Ah, thought Mrs. Wilson, how we may be deceived in character, with the
+best intentions, after all! In what are the open vices of Egerton worse
+than the more hidden ones of Denbigh?
+
+These freely expressed opinions on the character of Sir Henry were
+excessively awkward to some of the listeners, to whom they were
+connected with unpleasant recollections of duties neglected, and
+affections thrown away.
+
+Sir Edward Moseley was not disposed to judge his fellow-creatures
+harshly; and it was as much owing to his philanthropy as to his
+indolence, that he had been so remiss in his attention to the associates
+of his daughters. But the veil once removed, and the consequences
+brought home to him through his child, no man was more alive to the
+necessity of caution on this important particular; and Sir Edward formed
+many salutary resolutions for the government of his future conduct in
+relation to those whom an experience nearly fatal in its results had now
+greatly qualified to take care of themselves. But to resume our
+narrative--Lady Laura had maintained with Emily a conversation, which
+was enlivened by occasional remarks from the rest of the party, in the
+course of which the nerves as well as the principles of Emily were put
+to a severe trial.
+
+"My brother Henry," said Lady Laura, "who is a captain in the navy, once
+had the pleasure of seeing you, Miss Moseley, and in some measure made
+me acquainted with you before we met."
+
+"I dined with Lord Henry at L----, and was much indebted to his polite
+attentions in an excursion on the water," replied Emily, simply.
+
+"Oh, I am sure his attentions were exclusive," cried the sister;
+"indeed, he told us that nothing but want of time prevented his being
+deeply in love--he had even the audacity to tell Denbigh it was
+fortunate for me he had never seen you, or I should have been left to
+lead apes."
+
+"And I suppose you believe him now," cried Lord William, laughing, as he
+bowed to Emily.
+
+His sister laughed in her turn, but shook her head, in the confidence of
+conjugal affection.
+
+"It is all conjecture, for the Colonel said he had never enjoyed the
+pleasure of meeting Miss Moseley, so I will not boast of what my powers
+might have done; Miss Moseley," continued Lady Laura, blushing slightly
+at her inclination to talk of an absent husband, so lately her lover, "I
+hope to have the pleasure of presenting Colonel Denbigh to you soon."
+
+"I think," said Emily, with a strong horror of deception, and a mighty
+struggle to suppress her feelings, "Colonel Denbigh was mistaken in
+saying that we had never met; he was of material service to me once, and
+I owe him a debt of gratitude that I only wish I could properly repay."
+
+Lady Laura listened in surprise; but as Emily paused, she could not
+delicately, as his wife, remind her further of the obligation, by asking
+what the service was, and hesitating a moment, continued--
+
+"Henry quite made you the subject of conversation amongst us; Lord
+Chatterton too, who visited us for a day, was equally warm in his
+eulogiums. I really thought they created a curiosity in the Duke and
+Pendennyss to behold their idol."
+
+"A curiosity that would be ill rewarded in its indulgence," said Emily,
+abashed by the personality of the discourse.
+
+"So says the modesty of Miss Moseley," said the Duke of Derwent, in the
+peculiar tone which distinguished the softer keys of Denbigh's voice.
+Emily's heart beat quick as she heard them, and she was afterwards vexed
+to remember with how much pleasure she had listened to this opinion of
+the duke. Was it the sentiment, or was it the voice? She, however,
+gathered strength to answer, with a dignity that repressed further
+praises:--
+
+"Your grace is willing to divest me of what little I possess."
+
+"Pendennyss is a man of a thousand," continued Lady Laura, with the
+privilege of a married woman. "I do wish he would join us at Bath--is
+there no hope, duke?"
+
+"I am afraid not," replied his grace: "he keeps himself immured in Wales
+with his sister, who is as much of a hermit as he is himself."
+
+"There was a story of an inamorata in private somewhere," cried the
+marquess; "why at one time it was even said he was privately married to
+her."
+
+"Scandal, my lord," said the duke, gravely: "Pendennyss is of
+unexceptionable morals, and the lady you mean is the widow of Major
+Fitzgerald, whom you knew. Pendennyss never sees her, though by accident
+he was once of very great service to her."
+
+Mrs. Wilson breathed freely again, as she heard this explanation, and
+thought if the Marquess knew all, how differently would he judge
+Pendennyss, as well as others.
+
+"Oh! I have the highest opinion of Lord Pendennyss," cried the Marquess.
+
+The Moseleys were not sorry that the usual hour of retiring put an end
+to the conversation and their embarrassment.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXIV.
+
+During the succeeding fortnight, the intercourse between the Moseleys
+and their new acquaintances increased daily. It was rather awkward at
+first on the part of Emily; and her beating pulse and changing color too
+often showed the alarm of feelings not yet overcome, when any allusions
+were made to the absent husband of one of the ladies. Still, as her
+parents encouraged the acquaintance, and her aunt thought the best way
+to get rid of the remaining weakness with respect to Denbigh was not to
+shrink from even an interview with the gentleman himself, Emily
+succeeded in conquering her reluctance; and as the high opinion
+entertained by Lady Laura of her husband was expressed in a thousand
+artless ways, an interest was created in her that promised in time to
+weaken if not destroy the impression that had been made by Denbigh
+himself.
+
+On the other hand, Egerton carefully avoided all collision with the
+Moseleys. Once, indeed, he endeavored to renew his acquaintance with
+John, but a haughty repulse almost produced a quarrel.
+
+What representations Egerton had thought proper to make to his wife, we
+are unable to say; but she appeared to resent something, as she never
+approached the dwelling or persons of her quondam associates, although
+in her heart she was dying to be on terms of intimacy with their titled
+friends. Her incorrigible mother was restrained by no such or any other
+consideration, and contrived to fasten on the Dowager and Lady Harriet a
+kind of bowing acquaintance, which she made great use of at the rooms.
+
+The Duke sought out the society of Emily wherever he could obtain it;
+and Mrs. Wilson thought her niece admitted his approaches with less
+reluctance than that of any other of the gentlemen around her. At first
+she was surprised, but a closer observation betrayed to her the latent
+cause.
+
+Derwent resembled Denbigh greatly in person and voice, although there
+were distinctions easily to be made on an acquaintance. The Duke had an
+air of command and hauteur that was never to be seen in his cousin. But
+his admiration of Emily he did not attempt to conceal; and, as he ever
+addressed her in the respectful language and identical voice of Denbigh,
+the observant widow easily perceived, that it was the remains of her
+attachment to the one that induced her niece to listen, with such
+evident pleasure, to the conversation of the other.
+
+The Duke of Derwent wanted many of the indispensable requisites of a
+husband, in the eyes of Mrs. Wilson; yet, as she thought Emily out of
+all danger at the present of any new attachment, she admitted the
+association, under no other restraint than the uniform propriety of all
+that Emily said or did.
+
+"Your niece will one day be a Duchess, Mrs. Wilson," whispered Lady
+Laura, as Derwent and Emily were running over a new poem one morning, in
+the lodgings of Sir Edward; the former reading a fine extract aloud so
+strikingly in the air and voice of Denbigh, as to call all the animation
+of the unconscious Emily into her expressive face.
+
+Mrs. Wilson sighed, as she reflected on the strength of those feelings
+which even principles and testimony had not been able wholly to subdue,
+as she answered--
+
+"Not of Derwent, I believe. But how wonderfully the Duke resembles your
+husband at times," she added, entirely thrown off her guard.
+
+Lady Laura was evidently surprised.
+
+"Yes, at times he does; they are brothers' children, you know: the voice
+in all that connexion is remarkable. Pendennyss, though a degree further
+off in blood, possesses it; and Lady Harriet, you perceive, has the same
+characteristic; there has been some syren in the family, in days past."
+
+Sir Edward and Lady Moseley saw the attention of the Duke with the
+greatest pleasure. Though not slaves to the ambition of wealth and rank,
+they were certainly no objections in their eyes; and a proper suitor
+Lady Moseley thought the most probable means of driving the recollection
+of Denbigh from the mind of her daughter. The latter consideration had
+great weight in inducing her to cultivate an acquaintance so
+embarrassing on many accounts.
+
+The Colonel, however, wrote to his wife the impossibility of his
+quitting his uncle while he continued so unwell, and it was settled that
+the bride should join him, under the escort of Lord William.
+
+The same tenderness distinguished Denbigh on this occasion that had
+appeared so lovely when exercised to his dying father. Yet, thought Mrs.
+Wilson, how insufficient are good feelings to effect what can only be
+the result of good principles.
+
+Caroline Harris was frequently of the parties of pleasure, walks, rides,
+and dinners, which the Moseleys were compelled to join in; and as the
+Marquess of Eltringham had given her one day some little encouragement,
+she determined to make an expiring effort at the peerage, before she
+condescended to enter into an examination of the qualities of Capt.
+Jarvis, who, his mother had persuaded her, was an Apollo, that had great
+hopes of being one day a Lord, as both the Captain and herself had
+commenced laying up a certain sum quarterly for the purpose of buying a
+title hereafter--an ingenious expedient of Jarvis's to get into his
+hands a portion of the allowance of his mother.
+
+Eltringham was strongly addicted to the ridiculous; and without
+committing himself in the least, drew the lady out on divers occasions,
+for the amusement of himself and the Duke--who enjoyed, without
+practising, that species of joke.
+
+The collisions between ill-concealed art and as ill-concealed irony had
+been practised with impunity by the Marquess for a fortnight, and the
+lady's imagination began to revel in the delights of a triumph, when a
+really respectable offer was made to Miss Harris by a neighbor of her
+father's in the country--one she would rejoice to have received a few
+days before, but which, in consequence of hopes created by the following
+occurrence, she haughtily rejected.
+
+It was at the lodgings of the Baronet that Lady Laura exclaimed one
+day,--
+
+"Marriage is a lottery, certainly, and neither Sir Henry nor Lady
+Egerton appears to have drawn a prize."
+
+Here Jane stole from the room.
+
+"Never, sister," cried the Marquess. "I will deny that. Any man can
+select a prize from your sex, if he only knows his own taste."
+
+"Taste is a poor criterion, I am afraid," said Mrs. Wilson, gravely, "on
+which to found matrimonial felicity."
+
+"To what would you refer the decision, my dear madam?" inquired the Lady
+Laura.
+
+"Judgment."
+
+Lady Laura shook her hear doubtingly.
+
+"You remind me so much of Lord Pendennyss! Everything he wishes to bring
+under the subjection of judgment and principles."
+
+"And is he wrong, Lady Laura?" asked Mrs. Wilson, pleased to find such
+correct views existed in one of whom she thought so highly.
+
+"Not wrong, my dear madam, only impracticable. What do you think,
+Marquess, of choosing a wife in conformity to your principles, and
+without consulting your tastes?"
+
+Mrs. Wilson shook her head with a laugh, and disclaimed any such
+statement of the case; but the Marquess, who disliked one of John's
+didactic conversations very much, gaily interrupted her by saying--
+
+"Oh! taste is everything with me. The woman of my heart against the
+world, if she suits my fancy, and satisfies my judgment."
+
+"And what may this fancy of your Lordship be?" said Mrs. Wilson, willing
+to gratify the trifling. "What kind of a woman do you mean to choose?
+How tall for instance?"
+
+"Why, madam," cried the Marquess, rather unprepared for such a
+catechism, and looking around him until the outstretched neck and the
+eager attention of Caroline Harris caught his eye, when he added with an
+air of great simplicity--"about the height of Miss Harris."
+
+"How old?" asked Mrs. Wilson with a smile.
+
+"Not too young, ma'am, certainly. I am thirty-two--my wife must be five
+or six and twenty. Am I old enough, do you think, Derwent?" he added in
+a whisper to the Duke.
+
+"Within ten years," was the reply.
+
+Mrs. Wilson continued--
+
+"She must read and write, I suppose?"
+
+"Why, faith," said the Marquess, "I am not fond of a bookish sort of a
+woman, and least of all a scholar."
+
+"You had better take Miss Howard," whispered his brother. "She is old
+enough--never reads--and is just the height."
+
+"No, no, Will," rejoined the brother. "Rather too old that. Now, I
+admire a woman who has confidence in herself. One that understands the
+proprieties of life, and has, if possible, been at the head of an
+establishment before she is to take charge of mine."
+
+The delighted Caroline wriggled about in her chair, and, unable to
+contain herself longer, inquired:--
+
+"Noble blood of course, you would require, my Lord?"
+
+"Why no! I rather think the best wives are to be found in a medium. I
+would wish to elevate my wife myself. A Baronet's daughter for
+instance."
+
+Here Lady Jarvis, who had entered during the dialogue, and caught a clue
+to the topic they were engaged in, drew near, and ventured to ask if he
+thought a simple knight too low. The Marquess, who did not expect such
+an attack, was a little at a loss for an answer; but recovering himself
+answered gravely, under the apprehension of another design on his
+person, that "he did think that would be forgetting his duty to his
+descendants."
+
+Lady Jarvis sighed, and fell back in disappointment; while Miss Harris,
+turning to the nobleman, in a soft voice, desired him to ring for her
+carriage. As he handed her down, she ventured to inquire if his lordship
+had ever met with such a woman as he described.
+
+"Oh, Miss Harris," he whispered, as he handed her into the coach, "how
+can you ask me such a question? You are very cruel. Drive on, coachman."
+
+"How, cruel, my Lord?" said Miss Harris eagerly. "Stop, John. How,
+cruel, my Lord?" and she stretched her neck out of the window as the
+Marquess, kissing his hand to her, ordered the man to proceed.
+
+"Don't you hear your lady, sir?"
+
+Lady Jarvis had followed them down, also with a view to catch anything
+which might be said, having apologized for her hasty visit; and as the
+Marquess handed her politely into her carriage, she also begged "he
+would favor Sir Timo and Sir Henry with a call;" which being promised,
+Eltringham returned to the room.
+
+"When am I to salute a Marchioness of Eltringham?" cried Lady Laura to
+her brother, "one on the new standard set up by your Lordship."
+
+"Whenever Miss Harris can make up her mind to the sacrifice," replied
+the brother very gravely. "Ah me! how very considerate some of your sex
+are, for the modesty of ours."
+
+"I wish you joy with all my heart, my Lord Marquess," exclaimed John
+Moseley. "I was once favored with the notice of that same lady for a
+week or two, but a viscount saved me from capture."
+
+"I really think, Moseley," said the Duke innocently, but speaking with
+animation, "an intriguing daughter worse than a managing mother."
+
+John's gravity for a moment vanished, as he replied in a lowered key,
+
+"Oh, much worse."
+
+Grace's heart was in her throat, until, by stealing a glance at her
+husband, she saw the cloud passing over his fine brow; and happening to
+catch her affectionate smile; his face was at once lighted into a look
+of pleasantry.
+
+"I would advise caution, my Lord. Caroline Harris has the advantage of
+experience in her trade, and was expert from the first."
+
+"John--John," said Sir Edward with warmth, "Sir William is my friend,
+and his daughter must be respected."
+
+"Then, baronet," cried the Marquess, "she has one recommendation I was
+ignorant of, and as such I am silent: but ought not Sir William to teach
+his daughter to respect herself? I view these husband-hunting ladies as
+pirates on the ocean of love, and lawful objects for any roving cruiser
+like myself to fire at. At one time I was simple enough to retire as
+they advanced, but you know, madam," turning to Mrs. Wilson with a droll
+look, "flight only encourages pursuit, so I now give battle in self-
+defence."
+
+"And I hope successfully, my Lord," observed the Lady. "Miss Harris,
+brother, does appear to have grown desperate in her attacks, which were
+formerly much more masked than at present. I believe it is generally the
+case, when a young worman throws aside the delicacy and feelings which
+ought to be the characteristics of her sex, and which teach her
+studiously to conceal her admiration, that she either becomes in time
+cynical and disagreeable to all around her from disappointment, or
+persevering in her efforts, as it were, runs a muck for a husband. Now
+in justice to the gentlemen, I must say, baronet, there are strong
+symptoms of the Malay about Caroline Harris."
+
+"A muck, a muck," cried the marquess, as, in obedience to the signal of
+his sister, he rose to withdraw.
+
+Jane had retired to her own room in a mortification of spirit she could
+ill conceal during this conversation, and she felt a degree of
+humiliation which almost drove her to the desperate resolution of hiding
+herself for ever from the world. The man she had so fondly enshrined in
+her heart proving to be so notoriously unworthy as to be the subject of
+unreserved censure in general company, was a reproach to her delicacy,
+her observation, her judgment, that was the more severe, from being
+true; and she wept in bitterness over her fallen happiness.
+
+Emily had noticed the movement of Jane, and waited anxiously for the
+departure of the visitors to hasten to her room. She knocked two or
+three times before her sister replied to her request for admittance.
+
+"Jane, my dear Jane," said Emily, soothingly, "will you not admit me?"
+
+Jane could not resist any longer the affection of her sister, and the
+door was opened; but as Emily endeavored to take her hand, she drew back
+coldly, and cried--
+
+"I wonder you, who are so happy, will leave the gay scene below for the
+society of an humbled wretch like me;" and overcome with the violence of
+her emotion, she burst into tears.
+
+"Happy!" repeated Emily, in a tone of anguish, "happy, did you say,
+Jane? Oh, little do you know my sufferings, or you would never speak so
+cruelly!"
+
+Jane, in her turn, surprised at the strength of Emily's language,
+considered her weeping sister with commiseration; and then her thoughts
+recurring to her own case, she continued with energy--
+
+"Yes, Emily, happy; for whatever may have been the reason of Denbigh's
+conduct, he is respected; and if you do or did love him, he was worthy
+of it. But I," said Jane, wildly, "threw away my affections on a wretch-
+-a mere impostor--and I am miserable for ever."
+
+"No, dear Jane," rejoined Emily, having recovered her self-possession,
+"not miserable--nor for ever. You have many, very many sources of
+happiness yet within your reach, even in this world. I--I do think, even
+our strongest attachments may be overcome by energy and a sense of duty.
+And oh! how I wish I could see you make the effort."
+
+For a moment the voice of the youthful moralist had failed her; but
+anxiety in behalf of her sister overcame her feelings, and she ended the
+sentence with earnestness.
+
+"Emily," said Jane, with obstinacy, and yet in tears, "you don't know
+what blighted affections are. To endure the scorn of the world, and see
+the man you once thought near being your husband married to another, who
+is showing herself in triumph before you, wherever you go!"
+
+"Hear me, Jane, before you reproach me further, and then judge between
+us." Emily paused a moment to acquire nerve to proceed, and then related
+to her astonished sister the little history of her own disappointments.
+She did not affect to conceal her attachment for Denbigh. With glowing
+cheeks she acknowledged, that she found a necessity for all her efforts
+to keep her rebellious feelings yet in subjection; and as she recounted
+generally his conduct to Mrs. Fitzgerald, she concluded by saying, "But,
+Jane, I can see enough to call forth my gratitude; and although, with
+yourself, I feel at this moment as if my affections were sealed for
+ever, I wish to make no hasty resolutions, nor act in any manner as if I
+were unworthy of the lot Providence has assigned me."
+
+"Unworthy? no!--you have no reasons for self-reproach. If Mr. Denbigh
+has had the art to conceal his crimes from you, he did it to the rest of
+the world also, and has married a woman of rank and character. But how
+differently are we situated! Emily--I--I have no such consolation."
+
+"You have the consolation, my sister, of knowing there is an interest
+made for you where we all require it most, and it is there I endeavor to
+seek my support," said Emily, in a low and humble tone. "A review of our
+own errors takes away the keenness of our perception of the wrongs done
+us, and by placing us in charity with the rest of the world, disposes us
+to enjoy calmly the blessings within our reach. Besides, Jane, we have
+parents whose happiness is locked up in that of their children, and we
+should--we must overcome the feelings which disqualify us for our common
+duties, on their account."
+
+"Ah!" cried Jane, "how can I move about in the world, while I know the
+eyes of all are on me, in curiosity to discover how I bear my
+disappointments. But you, Emily, are unsuspected. It is easy for you to
+affect a gaiety you do not feel."
+
+"I neither affect nor feel any gaiety," said her sister, mildly. "But
+are there not the eyes of One on us, of infinitely more power to punish
+or reward than what may be found in the opinions of the world? Have we
+no duties? For what is our wealth, our knowledge, our time given us, but
+to improve for our own and for the eternal welfare of those around us?
+Come then, my sister, we have both been deceived--let us endeavor not to
+be culpable."
+
+"I wish, from my soul, we could leave Bath," cried Jane. "The place, the
+people are hateful to me!"
+
+"Jane," said Emily, "rather say you hate their vices, and wish for their
+amendment: but do not indiscriminately condemn a whole community for the
+wrongs you have sustained from one of its members."
+
+Jane allowed herself to be consoled, though by no means convinced, by
+this effort of her sister; and they both found a relief by thus
+unburdening their hearts to each other, that in future brought them more
+nearly together, and was of mutual assistance in supporting them in the
+promiscuous circles in which they were obliged to mix.
+
+With all her fortitude and principle, one of the last things Emily would
+have desired was an interview with Denbigh, and she was happily relieved
+from the present danger of it by the departure of Lady Laura and her
+brother, to go to the residence of the Colonel's sick uncle.
+
+Both Mrs. Wilson and Emily suspected that a dread of meeting them had
+detained him from his intended journey to Bath; and neither was sorry to
+perceive, what they considered as latent signs of grace--a grace of
+which Egerton appeared entirely to be without.
+
+"He may yet see his errors, and make a kind and affectionate husband,"
+thought Emily; and then, as the image of Denbigh rose in her
+imagination, surrounded with the domestic virtues, she roused herself
+from the dangerous reflection to the exercise of the duties in which she
+found a refuge from unpardonable wishes.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXV.
+
+Nothing material occurred for a fortnight after the departure of Lady
+Laura, the Moseleys entering soberly into the amusements of the place,
+and Derwent and Chatterton becoming more pointed every day in their
+attentions--the one to Emily, and the other to Lady Harriet; when the
+dowager received a pressing entreaty from Catherine to hasten to her at
+Lisbon, where her husband had taken up his abode for a time, after much
+doubt and indecision as to his place of residence. Lady Herriefield
+stated generally in her letter, that she was miserable, and that without
+the support of her mother she could not exist under the present
+grievances; but what was the cause of those grievances, or what grounds
+she had for her misery, she left unexplained.
+
+Lady Chatterton was not wanting in maternal regard, and she promptly
+determined to proceed to Portugal in the next packet. John felt inclined
+for a little excursion with his bride; and out of compassion to the
+baron, who was in a dilemma between his duty and his love (for Lady
+Harriet about that time was particularly attractive), he offered his
+services.
+
+Chatterton allowed himself to be persuaded by the good-natured John,
+that his mother could safely cross the ocean under the protection of the
+latter. Accordingly, at the end of the before mentioned fortnight, the
+dowager, John, Grace, and Jane, commenced their journey to Falmouth.
+
+Jane had offered to accompany Grace, as a companion in her return (it
+being expected Lady Chatterton would remain in the country with her
+daughter); and her parents appreciating her motives, permitted the
+excursion, with a hope it would draw her thoughts from past events.
+
+Although Grace shed a few tears at parting with Emily and her friends,
+it was impossible for Mrs. Moseley to be long unhappy, with the face of
+John smiling by her side; and they pursued their route uninterruptedly.
+In due season they reached the port of embarkation.
+
+The following morning the packet got under weigh, and a favorable breeze
+soon wafted them out of sight of their native shores. The ladies were
+too much indisposed the first day to appear on the deck; but the weather
+becoming calm and the sea smooth, Grace and Jane ventured out of the
+confinement of their state-rooms, to respire the fresh air above.
+
+There were but few passengers, and those chiefly ladies--the wives of
+officers on foreign stations, on their way to join their husbands. As
+these had been accustomed to moving in the world, their disposition to
+accommodate soon removed the awkwardness of a first meeting, and our
+travellers began to be at home in their novel situation.
+
+While Grace stood leaning on the arm of her husband, and clinging to his
+support, both from affection and a dread of the motion of the vessel,
+Jane ventured with one of the ladies to attempt a walk round the deck of
+the ship. Unaccustomed to such an uncertain foothold, the walkers were
+prevented falling by the kind interposition of a gentleman, who for the
+first time had shown himself among them at that moment. The accident,
+and their situation, led to a conversation which was renewed at
+different times during their passage, and in some measure created an
+intimacy between our party and the stranger. He was addressed by the
+commander of the vessel as Mr. Harland; and Lady Chatterton exercised
+her ingenuity in the investigation of his history, by which she made the
+following discovery:
+
+The Rev. and Hon. Mr. Harland was the younger son of an Irish earl, who
+had early embraced his sacred profession in that church, in which he
+held a valuable living in the gift of his father's family. His father
+was yet alive, and then at Lisbon with his mother and sister, in
+attendance on his elder brother, who had been sent there in a deep
+decline a couple of months before. It had been the wish of his parents
+to have taken all their children with them; but a sense of duty had kept
+the young clergyman in the exercise of his holy office, until a request
+of his dying brother, and the directions of his father, caused him to
+hasten abroad to witness the decease of the one, and to afford all the
+solace within his power to the others.
+
+It may be easily imagined that the discovery of the rank of their
+accidental acquaintance, with the almost certainty that existed of his
+being the heir of his father's honors, in no degree impaired his
+consequence in the eyes of the dowager; and it is certain, his visible
+anxiety and depressed spirits, his unaffected piety, and disinterested
+hopes for his brother's recovery, no less elevated him in the opinions
+of her companions.
+
+There was, at the moment, a kind of sympathy between Harland and Jane,
+notwithstanding the melancholy which gave rise to it proceeding from
+such very different causes and as the lady, although with diminished
+bloom, retained all her personal charms, rather heightened than
+otherwise by the softness of low spirits, the young clergyman sometimes
+relieved his apprehensions of his brother's death by admitting the image
+of Jane among his more melancholy reflections.
+
+The voyage was tedious, and some time before it was ended the dowager
+had given Grace an intimation of the probability there was of Jane's
+becoming, at some future day, a countess. Grace sincerely hoped that
+whatever she became she would be as happy as she thought all allied to
+John deserved to be.
+
+They entered the bay of Lisbon early in the morning; and as the ship had
+been expected for some days, a boat came alongside with a note for Mr.
+Harland, before they had anchored. It apprised him of the death of his
+brother. The young man threw himself precipitately into it, and was soon
+employed in one of the loveliest offices of his vocation, that of
+healing the wounds of the afflicted.
+
+Lady Herriefield received her mother in a sort of sullen satisfaction,
+and her companions with an awkwardness she could ill conceal. It
+required no great observation in the travellers to discover, that their
+arrival was entirely unexpected by the viscount, if it were not equally
+disagreeable; indeed, one day's residence under his roof assured them
+all that no great degree of domestic felicity was an inmate of the
+dwelling.
+
+From the moment Lord Herriefield became suspicious that he had been the
+dupe of the management of Kate and her mother, he viewed every act of
+his wife with a prejudiced eye. It was easy, with his knowledge of human
+nature, to detect her selfishness and worldly-mindedness; for as these
+were faults she was unconscious of possessing, so she was unguarded in
+her exposure of them. But her designs, in a matrimonial point of view,
+having ended with her marriage, had the viscount treated her with any of
+the courtesies due her sex and station, she might, with her disposition,
+have been contented in the enjoyment of rank and in the possession of
+wealth; but their more private hours were invariably rendered
+unpleasant, by the overflowings of her husband's resentment at having
+been deceived in his judgment of the female sex.
+
+There is no point upon which men are more tender than their privilege of
+suiting themselves in a partner for life, although many of both sexes
+are influenced in this important selection more by the wishes and whims
+of others than is usually suspected; yet, as all imagine what is the
+result of contrivance and management is the election of free will and
+taste, so long as they are ignorant, they are contented. Lord
+Herriefield wanted this bliss of ignorance; and, with contempt for his
+wife, was mingled anger at his own want of foresight.
+
+Very few people can tamely submit to self-reproach; and as the cause of
+this irritated state of mind was both not only constantly present, but
+completely within his power, the viscount seemed determined to give her
+as little reason to exult in the success of her plans as possible.
+Jealous he was, from temperament, from bad associations, and a want of
+confidence in the principles of his wife, the freedom of foreign manners
+having an additional tendency to excite this baneful passion to an
+unusual degree. Abridged in her pleasures, reproached with motives she
+was incapable of harboring, and disappointed in all those enjoyments her
+mother had ever led her to believe the invariable accompaniments of
+married life, where proper attention had been paid to the necessary
+qualifications of riches and rank, Kate had written to the dowager with
+the hope her presence might restrain, or her advice teach her,
+successfully to oppose the unfeeling conduct of the viscount.
+
+Lady Chatterton never having implanted any of her favorite systems in
+her daughter, so much by precept as by the force of example in her own
+person, as well as by indirect eulogiums on certain people who were
+endowed with those qualities and blessings she most admired, on the
+present occasion Catherine did not unburden herself in terms to her
+mother; but by a regular gradation of complaints, aimed more at the
+world than at her husband, she soon let the knowing dowager see their
+application, and in the end completely removed the veil from her
+domestic grievances.
+
+The example of John and Grace for a short time awed the peer into
+dissembling his disgust for his spouse; but the ice once broken, their
+presence soon ceased to affect either the frequency or the severity of
+his remarks, when under its influence.
+
+From such exhibitions of matrimonial discord, Grace shrank timidly into
+the retirement of her room, and Jane, with dignity, would follow her
+example; while John at times became a listener, with a spirit barely
+curbed within the bounds of prudence, and at others, he sought in the
+company of his wife and sister, relief from the violence of his
+feelings.
+
+John never admired nor respected Catherine, for she wanted those very
+qualities he chiefly loved in her sister; yet, as she was a woman, and
+one nearly connected with him, he found it impossible to remain a quiet
+spectator of the unmanly treatment she often received from her husband;
+he therefore made preparations for his return to England by the first
+packet, abridging his intended residence in Lisbon more than a month.
+
+Lady Chatterton endeavored all within her power to heal the breach
+between Kate and her husband, but it greatly exceeded her abilities. It
+was too late to implant such principles in her daughter, as by a long
+course of self-denial and submission might have won the love of the
+viscount, had the mother been acquainted with them herself; so that
+having induced her child to marry with a view to obtaining precedence
+and a jointure, she once more set to work to undo part of her former
+labors, by bringing about a decent separation between the husband and
+wife, in such a manner as to secure to her child the possession of her
+wealth, and the esteem of the world. The latter, though certainly a
+somewhat difficult undertaking, was greatly lessened by the assistance
+of the former.
+
+John and his wife determined to seize the opportunity to examine the
+environs of the city. In one of these daily rides, they met their fellow
+traveller, Mr. now Lord Harland. He was rejoiced to see them again, and
+hearing of their intended departure, informed them of his being about to
+return to England in the same vessel--his parents and sister
+contemplating ending the winter in Portugal.
+
+The intercourse between the two families was kept up with a show of
+civilities between the noblemen, and much real good-will on the part of
+the juniors of the circle, until the day arrived for the sailing of the
+packet.
+
+Lady Chatterton was left behind with Catherine, as yet unable to
+circumvent her schemes with prudence; it being deemed by the world a
+worse offence to separate, than to join together one's children in the
+bands of wedlock.
+
+The confinement of a vessel is very propitious to those intimacies which
+lead to attachments. The necessity of being agreeable is a check upon
+the captious, and the desire to lessen the dulness of the scene a
+stimulus to the lively; and though the noble divine and Jane could not
+possibly be ranked in either class, the effect was the same. The noble
+man was much enamored, and Jane unconsciously gratified. It is true,
+love had never entered her thoughts in its direct and unequivocal form;
+but admiration is so consoling to those laboring under self-
+condemnation, and flattery of a certain kind so very soothing to all, it
+is not to be wondered that she listened with increasing pleasure to the
+interesting conversation of Harland on all occasions, and more
+particularly, as often happened, when exclusively addressed to herself.
+
+Grace had of late reflected more seriously on the subject of her eternal
+welfare than she had been accustomed to do in the house of her mother;
+and the example of Emily, with the precepts of Mrs. Wilson, had not been
+thrown away upon her. It is a singular fact, that more women feel a
+disposition to religion soon after marriage than at any other period of
+life; and whether it is, that having attained the most important station
+this life affords the sex, they are more willing to turn their thoughts
+to a provision for the next, or whether it be owing to any other cause,
+Mrs. Moseley was included in the number. She became sensibly touched
+with her situation, and as Harland was both devout and able as well as
+anxious to instruct, one of the party, at least, had cause to rejoice in
+the journey for the remainder of her days. But precisely as Grace
+increased in her own faith, so did her anxiety after the welfare of her
+husband receive new excitement; and John, for the first time, became the
+cause of sorrow to his affectionate companion.
+
+The deep interest Harland took in the opening conviction of Mrs.
+Moseley, did not so entirely engross his thoughts as to prevent the too
+frequent contemplation of the charms of her friend for his own peace of
+mind; and by the time the vessel reached Falmouth, he had determined to
+make a tender of his hand and title to the acceptance of Miss Moseley.
+Jane did not love Egerton; on the contrary, she despised him; but the
+time had been, when all her romantic feelings, every thought of her
+brilliant imagination, had been filled with his image, and Jane felt it
+a species of indelicacy to admit the impression of another so soon, or
+even at all. These objections would, in time, have been overcome, as her
+affections became more and more enlisted on behalf of Harland, had she
+admitted his addresses; but there was an impediment that Jane considered
+insurmountable to a union with any man.
+
+She had once communicated her passion to its object. There had been the
+confidence of approved love; and she had now no heart for Harland, but
+one that had avowedly been a slave to another. To conceal this from him
+would be unjust, and not reconcilable to good faith; to confess it,
+humiliating, and without the pale of probability. It was the misfortune
+of Jane to keep the world too constantly before her, and to lose sight
+too much of her really depraved nature, to relish the idea of humbling
+herself so low in the opinion of a fellow-creature. The refusal of
+Harland's offer was the consequence, although she had begun to feel an
+esteem for him, that would no doubt have given rise to an attachment in
+time, far stronger and more deeply seated than her passing fancy for
+Colonel Egerton had been.
+
+If the horror of imposing on the credulity of Harland a wounded heart,
+was creditable to Jane, and showed an elevation of character that under
+proper guidance would have placed her in the first ranks of her sex; the
+pride which condemned her to a station nature did not design her for was
+irreconcilable with the humility a just view of her condition could not
+fail to produce; and the second sad consequence of the indulgent
+weakness of her parents, was confirming their child in passions directly
+at variance with the first duties of a Christian.
+
+We have so little right to value ourselves on anything, that pride is a
+sentiment of very doubtful service, and one certainly, that is unable to
+effect any useful results which will not equally flow from good
+principles.
+
+Harland was disappointed and grieved, but prudently judging that
+occupation and absence would remove recollections which could not be
+very deep, they parted at Falmouth, and our travellers proceeded on
+their journey for B----, whither, during their absence, Sir Edward's
+family had returned to spend a month, before they removed to town for
+the residue of the winter.
+
+The meeting of the two parties was warm and tender, and as Jane had many
+things to recount, and John as many to laugh at, their arrival threw a
+gaiety around Moseley Hall to which it had for months been a stranger.
+
+One of the first acts of Grace, after her return, was to enter strictly
+into the exercise of all those duties and ordinances required by her
+church, and the present state of her mind, and from the hands of Dr.
+Ives she received her first communion at the altar.
+
+As the season had now become far advanced, and the fashionable world had
+been some time assembled in the metropolis, the Baronet commenced his
+arrangements to take possession of his town-house, after an interval of
+nineteen years. John proceeded to the capital first; and the necessary
+domestics procured, furniture supplied, and other arrangements usual to
+the appearance of a wealthy family in the world having been completed,
+he returned with the information that all was ready for their triumphal
+entrance.
+
+Sir Edward, feeling that a separation for so long a time, and at such an
+unusual distance, in the very advanced age of Mr. Benfield, would be
+improper, paid him a visit, with the intention of persuading him to make
+one of his family for the next four months. Emily was his companion, and
+their solicitations were happily crowned with a success they had not
+anticipated. Averse to be deprived of Peter's society, the honest
+steward was included in the party.
+
+"Nephew," said Mr. Benfield, beginning to waver in his objections to the
+undertaking, as the arguments pro and con were produced, "there are
+instances of gentlemen, not in parliament, going to town in the winter,
+I know. You are one yourself; and old Sir John Cowel, who never could
+get in, although he ran for every city in the kingdom, never missed his
+winter in Soho. Yes, yes--the thing is admissible--but had I known your
+wishes before, I would certainly have kept my borough if it were only
+for the appearance of the thing--besides," continued the old man,
+shaking his head, "his majesty's ministers require the aid of some more
+experienced members in these critical times; for what should an old man
+like me do in Westminster, unless it were to aid his country with his
+advice?"
+
+"Make his friends happy with his company, dear uncle," said Emily,
+taking his hand between both her own, and smiling affectionately on the
+old gentleman as she spoke.
+
+"Ah! Emmy dear!" cried Mr. Benfield, looking on her with melancholy
+pleasure, "you are not to be resisted--just such another as the sister
+of my old friend Lord Gosford; she could always coax me out of anything.
+I remember now, I heard the earl tell her once he could not afford to
+buy a pair of diamond ear-rings; and she looked--only looked--did not
+speak! Emmy!--that I bought them with intent to present them to her
+myself."
+
+"And did she take them, uncle?" asked his niece, in a little surprise.
+
+"Oh yes! When I told her if she did not I would throw them into the
+river, as no one else should wear what had been intended for her; poor
+soul! how delicate and unwilling she was. I had to convince her they
+cost three hundred pounds, before she would listen to it; and then she
+thought it such a pity to throw away a thing of so much value. It would
+have been wicked, you know, Emmy, dear; and she was much opposed to
+wickedness and sin in any shape."
+
+"She must have been a very unexceptionable character indeed," cried the
+Baronet, with a smile, as he proceeded to make the necessary orders for
+their journey. "But we must return to the party left at Bath."
+
+
+
+Chapter
+XXXVI.
+
+The letters of Lady Laura informed her friends, that she and Colonel
+Denbigh had decided to remain with his uncle until the recovery of the
+latter was complete, and then to proceed to Denbigh Castle, to meet the
+Duke and his sister during the approaching holidays.
+
+Emily was much relieved by this postponement of an interview which she
+would gladly have avoided for ever; and her aunt sincerely rejoiced that
+her niece was allowed more time to eradicate impressions, which, she saw
+with pain, her charge had yet a struggle to overcome.
+
+There were so many points to admire in the character of Denbigh; his
+friends spoke of him with such decided partiality; Dr. Ives, in his
+frequent letters, alluded to him with so much affection; that Emily
+frequently detected herself in weighing the testimony of his guilt, and
+indulging the expectation that circumstances had deceived them all in
+their judgment of his conduct. Then his marriage would cross her mind;
+and with the conviction of the impropriety of admitting him to her
+thoughts at all, would come the mass of circumstantial testimony which
+had accumulated against him.
+
+Derwent served greatly to keep alive the recollections of his person,
+however; and as Lady Harriet seemed to live only in the society of the
+Moseleys, not a day passed without giving the Duke some opportunity of
+indirectly preferring his suit.
+
+Emily not only appeared, but in fact was, unconscious of his admiration;
+and entered into their amusements with a satisfaction that was increased
+by the belief that the unfortunate attachment her cousin Chatterton had
+once professed for herself, was forgotten in the more certain enjoyments
+of a successful love.
+
+Lady Harriet was a woman of manners and character very different from
+Emily Moseley; yet had she in a great measure erased the impressions
+made by the beauty of his kinswoman from the bosom of the baron.
+
+Chatterton, under the depression of his first disappointment, it will be
+remembered, had left B---- in company with Mr. Denbigh. The interest of
+the duke had been unaccountably exerted to procure him the place he had
+so long solicited in vain, and gratitude required his early
+acknowledgments for the favor. His manner, so very different from a
+successful applicant for a valuable office, had struck both Derwent and
+his sister as singular. Before, however, a week's intercourse had passed
+between them, his own frankness had made them acquainted with the cause;
+and a double wish prevailed in the bosom of Lady Harriet, to know the
+woman who could resist the beauty of Chatterton, and to relieve him from
+the weight imposed on his spirits by disappointed affection.
+
+The manners of Lady Harriet Denbigh were not in the least forward or
+masculine; but they had the freedom of high rank, mingled with a good
+deal of the ease of fashionable life. Mrs. Wilson noticed, moreover, in
+her conduct to Chatterton, a something exceeding the interest of
+ordinary communications in their situation, which might possibly have
+been attributed more to feeling than to manner. It is certain, one of
+the surest methods to drive Emily from his thoughts, was to dwell on the
+perfections of some other lady; and Lady Harriet was so constantly
+before him in his visit into Westmoreland, so soothing, so evidently
+pleased with his presence, that the baron made rapid advances in
+attaining his object.
+
+He had alluded, in his letter to Emily, to the obligation he was under
+to the services of Denbigh, in erasing his unfortunate partiality for
+her: but what those services were, we are unable to say, unless they
+were the usual arguments of the plainest good sense, enforced in the
+singularly insinuating and kind manner which distinguished that
+gentleman. In fact, Lord Chatterton was not formed by nature to love
+long, deprived of hope, or to resist long the flattery of a preference
+from such a woman as Harriet Denbigh.
+
+On the other hand, Derwent was warm in his encomiums on Emily to all but
+herself; and Mrs. Wilson again thought it prudent to examine into the
+state of her feelings, in order to discover if there was any danger of
+his unremitted efforts drawing Emily into a connexion that neither her
+religion nor prudence could wholly approve.
+
+Derwent was a man of the world--a Christian only in name; and the
+cautious widow determined to withdraw in season, should she find grounds
+for her apprehensions.
+
+About ten days after the departure of the Dowager and her companions,
+Lady Harriet exclaimed, in one of her morning visits--
+
+"Lady Moseley! I have now hopes of presenting to you soon the most
+polished man in the United Kingdom!"
+
+"As a husband! Lady Harriet?" inquired the other, with a smile.
+
+"Oh, no! only as a cousin, a second cousin! madam!" replied Lady
+Harriet, blushing a little, and looking in the opposite direction to the
+one in which Chatterton was placed.
+
+"But his name? You forget our curiosity! What is his name?" cried Mrs.
+Wilson, entering into the trifling for the moment.
+
+"Pendennyss, to be sure, my dear madam: whom else can I mean?"
+
+"And you expect the earl at Bath?" Mrs. Wilson eagerly inquired.
+
+"He has given us such hopes, and Derwent has written him to-day,
+pressing the journey."
+
+"You will be disappointed, I am afraid, sister," said the duke.
+"Pendennyss has become so fond of Wales of late, that it is difficult to
+get him out of it."
+
+"But," said Mrs. Wilson, "he will take his seat in parliament during the
+winter, my lord?"
+
+"I hope he will, madam; though Lord Eltringham holds his proxies, in my
+absence, in all important questions before the house."
+
+"Your grace will attend, I trust," said Sir Edward. "The pleasure of
+your company is among my expected enjoyments in the town."
+
+"You are very good, Sir Edward," replied the duke, looking at Emily. "It
+will somewhat depend on circumstances, I believe."
+
+Lady Harriet smiled, and the speech seemed understood by all but the
+lady most concerned in it.
+
+"Lord Pendennyss is a universal favorite, and deservedly so," cried the
+duke. "He has set an example to the nobility, which few are equal to
+imitate. An only son, with an immense estate, he has devoted himself to
+the profession of a soldier, and gained great reputation by it in the
+world; nor has he neglected any of his private duties as a man----"
+
+"Or a Christian, I hope," said Mrs. Wilson, delighted with the praises
+of the earl.
+
+"Nor of a Christian, I believe," continued the duke; "he appears
+consistent, humble, and sincere--three requisites, I believe, for that
+character."
+
+"Does not your grace know?" said Emily, with a benevolent smile.
+
+Derwent colored slightly as he answered--
+
+"Not as well as I ought; but"--lowering his voice for her ear alone, he
+added, "under proper instruction I think I might learn."
+
+"Then I would recommend that book to you, my lord," rejoined Emily, with
+a blush, pointing to a pocket Bible which lay near her, though still
+ignorant of the allusion he meant to convey.
+
+"May I ask the honor of an audience of Miss Moseley," said Derwent, in
+the same low tone, "whenever her leisure will admit of her granting the
+favor?"
+
+Emily was surprised; but from the previous conversation and the current
+of her thoughts at the moment, supposing his communication had some
+reference to the subject before them, she rose from her chair, and
+unobtrusively, but certainly with an air of perfect innocence and
+composure, she went into the adjoining room, the door of which was open
+very near them.
+
+Caroline Harris had abandoned all ideas of a coronet with the departure
+of the Marquess of Eltringham and his sisters for their own seat; and as
+a final effort of her fading charms, had begun to calculate the
+capabilities of Captain Jarvis, who had at this time honored Bath with
+his company.
+
+It is true, the lady would have greatly preferred her father's neighbor,
+but that was an irretrievable step. He had retired, disgusted with her
+haughty dismissal of his hopes, and was a man who, although he greatly
+admired her fortune, was not to be recalled by any beck or smile which
+might grow out of caprice.
+
+Lady Jarvis had, indeed, rather magnified the personal qualifications of
+her son; but the disposition they had manifested, to devote some of
+their surplus wealth to purchasing a title, had great weight, for Miss
+Harris would cheerfully, at any time, have sacrificed one half her own
+fortune to be called my lady. Jarvis would make but a shabby-looking
+lord, 'tis true; but then what a lord's wife would she not make herself!
+His father was a merchant, to be sure, but then merchants were always
+immensely rich, and a few thousand pounds, properly applied, might make
+the merchant's son a baron. She therefore resolved to inquire, the first
+opportunity, into the condition of the sinking fund of his plebeianism,
+and had serious thoughts of contributing her mite towards the
+advancement of the desired object, did she find it within the bounds of
+probable success.
+
+An occasion soon offered, by the invitation of the Captain to accompany
+him in an excursion in the tilbury of his brother-in-law.
+
+In this ride they passed the equipages of Lady Harriet and Mrs. Wilson,
+with their respective mistresses, taking an airing. In passing the
+latter, Jarvis bowed (for he had renewed his acquaintance at the rooms,
+without daring to visit at the lodgings of Sir Edward), and Miss Harris
+saw both parties as they dashed by them.
+
+"You know the Moseleys, Caroline?" said Jarvis, with the freedom her
+manners had established between them.
+
+"Yes," replied the lady, drawing her head back from a view of the
+carriages; "what fine arms those of the Duke's are--and the coronet, it
+is so noble--so rich--I am sure if I were a man," laying great emphasis
+on the word--"I would be a Lord."
+
+"If you could, you mean," cried the captain.
+
+"Could--why money will buy a title, you know--only most people are
+fonder of their cash than of honor."
+
+"That's right," said the unreflecting captain; "money is the thing,
+after all. Now what do you suppose our last mess-bill came to?"
+
+"Oh, don't talk of eating and drinking," cried Miss Harris, in affected
+aversion; "is it beneath the consideration of nobility."
+
+"Then any one may be a lord for me," said Jarvis, drily "if they are not
+to eat and drink; why, what do they live for, but such sort of things!"
+
+"A soldier lives to fight and gain honor and distinction"--for his wife-
+-Miss Harris would have added, had she spoken all she thought.
+
+"A poor way that of spending a man's time," said the Captain. "Now there
+is Captain Jones in our regiment; they say he loves fighting as much as
+eating: if he do, he is a bloodthirsty fellow."
+
+"You know how intimate I am with your dear mother," continued the lady,
+bent on the principal object; "she has made me acquainted with her
+greatest wish."
+
+"Her greatest wish!" cried the Captain, in astonishment; "why, what can
+that be?--a new coach and horses?"
+
+"No, I mean one much dearer to us--I should say, to her, than any such
+trifles: she has told me of the plan."
+
+"Plan!" said Jarvis, still in wonder, "what plan?"
+
+"About the fund for the peerage, you know. Of course, the thing is
+sacred with me, as, indeed, I am equally interested with you all in its
+success."
+
+Jarvis eyed her with a knowing look, and as she concluded, rolling his
+eyes in an expression of significance, he said--
+
+"What, serve Sir William some such way, eh?"
+
+"I will assist a little, if it be necessary, Henry," said the lady,
+tenderly, "although my mite cannot amount to a great deal."
+
+During this speech, the Captain was wondering what she could mean; but,
+having had a suspicion, from something that had fallen from his mother,
+that the lady was intended for him as a wife, and that she might be as
+great a dupe as Lady Jarvis herself, he was resolved to know the whole,
+and to act accordingly.
+
+"I think it might be made to do," he replied, evasively in order to
+discover the extent of his companion's information.
+
+"Do!", cried Miss Harris, with fervor, "it cannot fail! How much do you
+suppose will be wanting to buy a barony, for instance?"
+
+"Hem!" said Jarvis; "you mean more than we have already?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Why, about a thousand pounds, I think, will do it, with what we have,"
+said Jarvis, affecting to calculate.
+
+"Is that all?" cried the delighted Caroline; and the captain grew in an
+instant, in her estimation, three inches higher;--quite noble in his
+air, and, in short, very tolerably handsome.
+
+From that moment, Miss Harris, in her own mind, had fixed the fate of
+Captain Jarvis, and had determined to be his wife, whenever she could
+persuade him to offer himself; a thing she had no doubt of accomplishing
+with comparative ease. Not so the Captain. Like all weak men, there was
+nothing of which he stood more in terror than of ridicule. He had heard
+the manoeuvres of Miss Harris laughed at by many of the young men in
+Bath, and was by no means disposed to add himself to the food for mirth
+of these wags; and, indeed, had cultivated her acquaintance with a kind
+of bravado to some of his bottle companions, in order to show his
+ability to oppose all her arts, when most exposed to them: for it is one
+of the greatest difficulties to the success of this description of
+ladies, that their characters soon become suspected, and do them
+infinitely more injury than all their skill in their vocation.
+
+With these views in the respective champions the campaign opened, and
+the lady, on her return, acquainted his mother with the situation of the
+privy purse, that was to promote her darling child to the enviable
+distinction of the peerage. Lady Jarvis was for purchasing a baronetcy
+on the spot, with what they had, under the impression that when ready
+for another promotion they would only have to pay the difference, as
+they did in the army when he received his captaincy. As, however, the
+son was opposed to any arrangement that might make the producing the few
+hundred pounds he had obtained from his mother's folly necessary, she
+was obliged to postpone the wished-for day, until their united efforts
+could compass the means of effecting the main point. As an earnest,
+however, of her spirit in the cause, she gave him a fifty pound note,
+that morning obtained from her husband, and which the Captain lost at
+one throw of the dice to his brother-in-law the same evening.
+
+During the preceding events, Egerton had either studiously avoided all
+collision with the Moseleys, or his engagements had confined him to such
+very different scenes, that they never met.
+
+The Baronet had felt his presence a reproach, and Lady Moseley rejoiced
+that Egerton yet possessed sufficient shame to keep him from insulting
+her with his company.
+
+It was a month after the departure of Lady Chatterton that Sir Edward
+returned to B----, as related in the preceding chapter, and that the
+arrangements for the London winter were commenced.
+
+The day preceding their leaving Bath, the engagement of Chatterton with
+Lady Harriet was made public amongst their mutual friends, and an
+intimation was given that their nuptials would be celebrated before the
+family of the Duke left his seat for the capital.
+
+Something of the pleasure that she had for a long time been a stranger
+to, was felt by Emily Moseley, as the well remembered tower of the
+village church of B---- struck her sight on their return from their
+protracted excursion. More than four months had elapsed since they had
+commenced their travels, and in that period what changes of sentiments
+had she not witnessed in others; of opinions of mankind in general, and
+of one individual in particular, had she not experienced in her own
+person. The benevolent smiles, the respectful salutations they received,
+in passing the little group of houses which, clustered round the church,
+had obtained the name of "the village," conveyed a sensation of delight
+that can only be felt by the deserving and virtuous; and the smiling
+faces, in several instances glistening with tears, which met them at the
+Hall, gave ample testimony to the worth of both the master and his
+servants.
+
+Francis and Clara were in waiting to receive them, and a very few
+minutes elapsed before the rector and Mrs. Ives, having heard they had
+passed, drove in also. In saluting the different members of the family,
+Mrs. Wilson noticed the startled look of the doctor, as the change in
+Emily's appearance first met his eyes. Her bloom, if not gone, was
+greatly diminished; and it was only when under the excitement of strong
+emotions, that her face possessed that radiance which had so eminently
+distinguished it before her late journey.
+
+"Where did you last see my friend George?" said the Doctor to Mrs.
+Wilson, in the course of the first afternoon, as he took a seat by her
+side, apart from the rest of the family.
+
+"At L----," said Mrs. Wilson, gravely.
+
+"L----!" cried the doctor, in evident amazement. "Was he not at Bath
+then during your stay there?"
+
+"No; I understand he was in attendance on some sick relative, which
+detained him from his friends," said Mrs. Wilson, wondering why the
+doctor chose to introduce so delicate a topic. Of his guilt in relation
+to Mrs. Fitzgerald he was doubtless ignorant, but surely not of his
+marriage.
+
+"It is now some time since I heard from him," continued the doctor,
+regarding Mrs. Wilson expressively, but to which the lady only replied
+with a gentle inclination of the body; and the Rector, after pausing a
+moment, continued:
+
+"You will not think me impertinent if I am bold enough to ask, has
+George ever expressed a wish to become connected with your niece by
+other ties than those of friendship?"
+
+"He did," answered the widow, after a little hesitation.
+
+"He did, and--"
+
+"Was refused," continued Mrs. Wilson, with a slight feeling for the
+dignity of her sex, which for a moment caused her to lose sight of
+justice to Denbigh.
+
+Dr. Ives was silent; but manifested by his dejected countenance the
+interest he had taken in this anticipated connexion, and as Mrs. Wilson
+had spoken with ill-concealed reluctance on the subject at all, the
+Rector did not attempt a renewal of the disagreeable.
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXVII.
+
+"Samvenson has returned, and I certainly must hear from Harriet,"
+exclaimed the sister of Pendennyss, as she stood at a window watching
+the return of a servant from the neighboring post-office.
+
+"I am afraid," rejoined the Earl, who was seated by the breakfast table,
+waiting the leisure of the lady to give him his cup of tea--"You find
+Wales very dull, sister. I sincerely hope both Derwent and Harriet will
+not forget their promise of visiting us this month."
+
+The lady slowly took her seat at the table, engrossed in her own
+reflections, when the man entered with his budget of news; and having
+deposited sundry papers and letters he respectfully withdrew. The Earl
+glanced his eyes over the directions of the epistles, and turning to his
+servants said, "Answer the bell when called." Three or four liveried
+footmen deposited their silver salvers and different implements of
+servitude, and the peer and his sister were left to themselves.
+
+"Here is one from the Duke to me, and one for you from his sister," said
+the brother; "I propose they be read aloud for our mutual advantage." To
+this proposal the lady, whose curiosity to hear the contents of
+Derwent's letter greatly exceeded her interest in that of his sister,
+cheerfully acquiesced, and her brother first broke the seal of his own
+epistle, and read its contents as follow:
+
+"Notwithstanding my promise of seeing you this month in Caernarvonshire,
+I remain here yet, my dear Pendennyss, unable to tear myself from the
+attractions I have found in this city, although the pleasure of their
+contemplation has been purchased at the expense of mortified feelings
+and unrequited affections. It is a truth (though possibly difficult to
+be believed), that this mercenary age has produced a female disengaged,
+young, and by no means very rich, who has refused a jointure of six
+thousand a year, with the privilege of walking at a coronation within a
+dozen of royalty itself."
+
+Here the accidental falling of a cup from the hands of the fair listener
+caused some little interruption to the reading of the brother; but as
+the lady, with a good deal of trepidation and many blushes, apologized
+hastily for the confusion her awkwardness had made, the Earl continued
+to read.
+
+"I could almost worship her independence: for I know the wishes of both
+her parents were for my success. I confess to you freely, that my vanity
+has been a good deal hurt, as I really thought myself agreeable to her.
+She certainly listened to my conversation, and admitted my approaches,
+with more satisfaction than those of any other of the men around her;
+and when I ventured to hint to her this circumstance, as some
+justification for my presumption, she frankly acknowledged the truth of
+my impression, and, without explaining the reasons for her conduct,
+deeply regretted the construction I had been led to place upon the
+circumstance. Yes, my lord, I felt it necessary to apologize to Emily
+Moseley for presuming to aspire to the honor of possessing so much
+loveliness and virtue. The accidental advantages of rank and wealth lose
+all their importance, when opposed to her delicacy, ingenuousness, and
+unaffected principles.
+
+"I have heard it intimated lately, that George Denbigh was in some way
+or other instrumental in saving her life once; and that to her
+gratitude, and to my resemblance to the colonel, am I indebted to a
+consideration with Miss Moseley, which, although it has been the means
+of buoying me up with false hopes, I can never regret, from the pleasure
+her society has afforded me. I have remarked, on my mentioning his name
+to her, that she showed unusual emotion; and as Denbigh is already a
+husband, and myself rejected, the field is now fairly open to you. You
+will enter on your enterprise with great advantage, as you have the same
+flattering resemblance, and, if anything, the voice, which, I am told,
+is our greatest recommendation with the ladies, in higher perfection
+than either George or your humble servant."
+
+Here the reader stopped of his own accord, and was so intently absorbed
+in his meditations, that the almost breathless curiosity of his sister
+was obliged to find relief by desiring him to proceed. Roused by the
+sound of her voice, the earl changed color sensibly, and continued:
+
+"But to be serious on a subject of great importance to my future life
+(for I sometimes think her negative will make Denbigh a duke), the
+lovely girl did not appear happy at the time of our interview, nor do I
+think she enjoys at any time the spirits nature has evidently given her.
+Harriet is nearly as great an admirer of Miss Moseley, and takes her
+refusal to heart as much as myself; she even attempted to intercede with
+her in my behalf. But the charming girl though mild, grateful, and
+delicate, was firm and unequivocal, and left no grounds for the remotest
+expectation of success from perseverance on my part.
+
+"As Harriet had received an intimation that both Miss Moseley and her
+aunt entertained extremely rigid notions on the score of religion, she
+took occasion to introduce the subject in her conference with the
+former, and was told in reply, 'that other considerations would have
+determined her to decline the honor I intended her; but that, under any
+circumstances, a more intimate knowledge of my principles would be
+necessary before she could entertain a thought of accepting my hand, or,
+indeed, that of any other man.' Think of that, Pendennyss! The
+principles of a duke!--now, a dukedom and forty thousand a year would
+furnish a character, with most people, for a Nero.
+
+"I trust the important object I have had in view here is a sufficient
+excuse for my breach of promise to you; and I am serious when I wish you
+(unless the pretty Spaniard has, as I sometimes suspect, made you a
+captive) to see, and endeavor to bring me in some degree connected with,
+the charming family of Sir Edward Moseley.
+
+"The aunt, Mrs. Wilson, often speaks of you with the greatest interest,
+and, from some cause or other, is strongly enlisted in your favor, and
+Miss Moseley hears your name mentioned with evident pleasure. Your
+religion or principles cannot be doubted. You can offer larger
+settlements, as honorable if not as elevated a title, a far more
+illustrious name, purchased by your own services, and personal merit
+greatly exceeding the pretensions of your assured friend and relative,
+
+"DERWENT."
+
+Both brother and sister were occupied with their own reflections for
+several minutes after the letter was ended, and the silence was broken
+first, by the latter saying with a low tone to her brother,--
+
+"You must endeavor to become acquainted with Mrs. Wilson; she is, I
+know, very anxious to see you, and your friendship for the general
+requires it of you."
+
+"I owe General Wilson much," replied the brother, in a melancholy voice;
+"and when we go to Annerdale House, I wish you to make the acquaintance
+of the ladies of the Moseley family, should they be in town this
+winter;--but you have yet the letter of Harriet to read."
+
+After first hastily running over its contents, the lady commenced the
+fulfilment of her part of the engagement.
+
+"Frederick has been so much engrossed of late with his own affairs, that
+he has forgotten there is such a creature in existence as his sister,
+or, indeed, any one else but a Miss Emily Moseley, and consequently I
+have been unable to fulfil my promise of making you a visit, for want of
+a proper escort, and--and--perhaps some other considerations, not worth
+mentioning in a letter I know you will read to the earl.
+
+"Yes, my dear cousin, Frederick Denbigh has supplicated the daughter of
+a country baronet to become a duchess; and, hear it, ye marriage-seeking
+nymphs and marriage-making dames! has supplicated in vain!
+
+"I confess to you, when the thing was first in agitation, my
+aristocratic blood roused itself a little at the anticipated connexion;
+but finding on examination that Sir Edward was of no doubtful lineage,
+and that the blood of the Chattertons runs in his veins, and finding the
+young lady everything I could wish in a sister, my scruples soon
+disappeared, with the folly that engendered them.
+
+"There was no necessity for any alarm, for the lady very decidedly
+refused the honor offered her by Derwent, and what makes the matter
+worse, refused the solicitations of his sister also.
+
+"I have fifty times been surprised at my own condescension, and to this
+moment am at a loss to know whether it was to the lady's worth, my
+brother's happiness, or the Chatterton blood, that I finally yielded.
+Heigho! this Chatterton is certainly much too handsome for a man; but I
+forget you have never seen him." (Here an arch smile stole over the
+features of the listener, as his sister continued)--"To return to my
+narration, I had half a mind to send for a Miss Harris there is here, to
+learn the most approved fashion of a lady preferring a suit, but as fame
+said she was just now practising on a certain hero ycleped Captain
+Jarvis, heir to Sir Timo of that name, it struck me her system might be
+rather too abrupt, so I was fain to adopt the best plan--that of
+trusting to nature and my own feelings for words.
+
+"Nobility is certainly a very pretty thing (for those who have it), but
+I would defy the old Margravine of ---- to keep up the semblance of
+superiority with Emily Moseley. She is so very natural, so very
+beautiful, and withal at times a little arch, that one is afraid to set
+up any other distinctions than such as can be fairly supported.
+
+"I commenced with hoping her determination to reject the hand of
+Frederick was not an unalterable one. (Yes, I called him Frederick, what
+I never did out of my own family before in my life.) There was a
+considerable tremor in the voice of Miss Moseley, as she replied, 'I now
+perceive, when too late, that my indiscretion has given reason to my
+friends to think that I have entertained intentions towards his grace,
+of which I entreat you to believe me, Lady Harriet, I am innocent.
+Indeed--indeed, as anything more than an agreeable acquaintance I have
+never allowed myself to think of your brother:' and from my soul I
+believe her. We continued our conversation for half an hour longer, and
+such was the ingenuousness, delicacy, and high religious feeling
+displayed by the charming girl, that if I entered the room with a spark
+of regret that I was compelled to solicit another to favor my brother's
+love, I left it with a feeling that my efforts had been unsuccessful.
+Yes! thou peerless sister of the more peerless Pendennyss! I once
+thought of your ladyship as a wife for Derwent--"
+
+A glass of water was necessary to enable the reader to clear her voice,
+which grew husky from speaking so long.
+
+"But I now openly avow, neither your birth, your hundred thousand
+pounds, nor your merit, would put you on a footing, in my estimation,
+with my Emily. You may form some idea of her power to captivate, and of
+her indifference to her conquests, when I mention that she once refused-
+-but I forget, you don't know him, and therefore cannot be a judge. The
+thing is finally decided, and we shortly go into Westmoreland, and next
+week, the Moseleys return to Northamptonshire. I don't know when I shall
+be able to visit you, and think I may now safely invite you to Denbigh
+Castle, although a month ago I might have hesitated. Love to the earl,
+and kind assurance to yourself of unalterable regard.
+
+"HARRIET DENBIGH."
+
+"P.S. I believe I forgot to mention that Mrs. Moseley, a sister of Lord
+Chatterton, has gone to Portugal, and that the peer himself is to go
+into the country with us: there is, I suppose, a fellow-feeling between
+them just now, though I do not think Chatterton looks so very miserable
+as he might. Adieu."
+
+On ending this second epistle the same silence which had succeeded the
+reading of the first prevailed, until the lady with an arch expression,
+interrupted it by saying,
+
+"Harriet will, I think, soon grace the peerage."
+
+"And happily, I trust," replied the brother.
+
+"Do you know Lord Chatterton?"
+
+"I do; he is very amiable, and admirably calculated to contrast with the
+lively gaiety of Harriet Denbigh."
+
+"You believe in loving our opposites, I see," rejoined the lady; and
+then affectionately stretching out her hand to him, she added, "but,
+Pendennyss, you must give me for a sister one as nearly like yourself as
+possible."
+
+"That might please your affections," answered the earl with a smile,
+"but how would it comport with my tastes? Will you suffer me to describe
+the kind of man you are to select for your future lord, unless, indeed,
+you have decided the point already?"
+
+The lady colored violently, and appearing anxious to change the subject,
+she tumbled over two or three unopened letters, as she cried eagerly--
+
+"Here is one from the Donna Julia." The earl instantly broke the seal
+and read aloud; no secrets existing between them in relation to their
+mutual friend.
+
+"My Lord,
+
+"I hasten to write you what I know it will give you pleasure to hear,
+concerning my future prospects in life. My uncle, General M'Carthy, has
+written me the cheerful tidings, that my father has consented to receive
+his only child, without any other sacrifice than a condition of
+attending the service of the Catholic Church without any professions on
+my side, or even an understanding that I am conforming to its peculiar
+tenets. This may be, in some measure, irksome at times, and possibly
+distressing; but the worship of God with a proper humiliation of spirit,
+I have learnt to consider as a privilege to us here, and I owe a duty to
+my earthly father of penitence and care in his later years that will
+justify the measure in the eyes of my heavenly One. I have, therefore,
+acquainted my uncle in reply, that I am willing to attend the Conde's
+summons at any moment he will choose to make them; and I thought it a
+debt due your care and friendship to apprise your lordship of my
+approaching departure from this country; indeed, I have great reasons
+for believing that your kind and unremitted efforts to attain this
+object have already prepared you to expect this result.
+
+"I feel it will be impossible to quit England without seeing you and
+your sister, to thank you for the many, very many favors, of both a
+temporal and eternal nature, you have been the agents of conferring on
+me. The cruel suggestions which I dreaded, and which it appears had
+reached the ears of my friends in Spain, have prevented my troubling
+your lordship of late unnecessarily with my concerns. The consideration
+of a friend to your character (Mrs. Wilson) has removed the necessity of
+applying for your advice; she and her charming niece, Miss Emily
+Moseley, have been, next to yourselves, the greatest solace I have had
+in my exile, and united you will be remembered in my prayers. I will
+merely mention here, deferring the explanation until I see you in
+London, that I have been visited by the wretch from whom you delivered
+me in Portugal, and that the means of ascertaining his name have fallen
+into my hands. You will be the best judge of the proper steps to be
+taken; but I wish, by all means, something may be done to prevent his
+attempting to see me in Spain. Should it be discovered to my relations
+there that he has any such intentions, it would certainly terminate in
+his death, and possibly in my disgrace. Wishing you and your kind sister
+all possible happiness, I remain,
+
+"Your Lordship's obliged friend,
+
+"JULIA FITZGERALD."
+
+"Oh!" cried the sister as she concluded the letter, "we must certainly
+see her before she goes. What a wretch that persecutor of hers must be!
+how persevering in his villainy!"
+
+"He does exceed my ideas of effrontery," said the earl, in great warmth-
+-"but he may offend too far; the laws shall interpose their power to
+defeat his schemes, should he ever repeat them."
+
+"He attempted to take your life, brother," said the lady shuddering, "if
+I remember the tale aright."
+
+"Why, I have endeavored to free him from that imputation," rejoined the
+brother, musing, "he certainly fired a pistol, but the latter hit my
+horse at such a distance from myself, that I believe his object was to
+disable me and not murder. His escape has astonished me; he must have
+fled by himself into the woods, as Harmer was but a short distance
+behind me, admirably mounted, and the escort was up and in full pursuit
+within ten minutes. After all it may be for the best he was not taken;
+for I am persuaded the dragoons would have sabred him on the spot, and
+he may have parents of respectability, or a wife to kill by the
+knowledge of his misconduct."
+
+"This Emily Moseley must be a faultless being," cried the sister, as she
+ran over the contents of Julia's letter. "Three different letters, and
+each containing her praises!"
+
+The earl made no reply, but opening the duke's letter again, he appeared
+to be studying its contents. His color slightly changed as he dwelt on
+its passages, and turning to his sister he inquired if she had a mind to
+try the air of Westmoreland for a couple of weeks or a month.
+
+"As you say, my Lord," replied the lady, with cheeks of scarlet.
+
+"Then I say we will go. I wish much to see Derwent and I think there
+will be a wedding during our visit."
+
+He rang the bell, and the almost untasted breakfast was removed in a few
+minutes. A servant announced that his horse was in readiness. The earl
+wished his sister a friendly good morning, and proceeded to the door,
+where was standing one of the noble black horses before mentioned, held
+by a groom, and the military-looking attendant ready mounted on another.
+
+Throwing himself into the saddle, the young peer rode gracefully from
+the door, followed by his attendant horseman. During this ride, the
+master suffered his steed to take whatever course most pleased himself,
+and his follower looked up in surprise more than once, to see the
+careless manner in which the Earl of Pendennyss, confessedly one of the
+best horsemen in England, managed the noble animal. Having, however, got
+without the gates of his own park, and into the vicinity of numberless
+cottages and farm-houses, the master recovered his recollection, and the
+man ceased to wonder.
+
+For three hours the equestrians pursued their course through the
+beautiful vale which opened gracefully opposite one of the fronts of the
+castle; and if faces of smiling welcome, inquiries after his own and his
+sister's welfare, which evidently sprang from the heart, or the most
+familiar but respectful representations of their own prosperity or
+misfortunes, gave any testimony of the feelings entertained by the
+tenantry of this noble estate for their landlord, the situation of the
+young nobleman might be justly considered envied.
+
+As the hour for dinner approached, they turned the heads of their horses
+towards home; and on entering the park, removed from the scene of
+industry and activity without, the earl relapsed into his fit of musing.
+A short distance from the house he suddenly called, "Harmer." The man
+drove his spurs into the loins of his horse, and in an instant was by
+the side of his master, which he signified by raising his hand to his
+cap with the palm opening outward.
+
+"You must prepare to go to Spain when required, in attendance on Mrs.
+Fitzgerald."
+
+The man received his order with the indifference of one used to
+adventures and movements, and having laconically dignified his assent,
+he drew his horse back again into his station in the rear.
+
+
+
+Chapter
+XXXVIII.
+
+The day succeeding the arrival of the Moseleys at the seat of their
+ancestors, Mrs. Wilson observed Emily silently putting on her pelisse,
+and walking out unattended by either of the domestics or any of the
+family. There was a peculiar melancholy in her air and manner, which
+inclined the cautious aunt to suspect that her charge was bent on the
+indulgence of some ill-judged weakness; more particularly, as the
+direction she took led to the arbor, a theatre in which Denbigh had been
+so conspicuous an actor. Hastily throwing a cloak over her own
+shoulders, Mrs. Wilson followed Emily with the double purpose of
+ascertaining her views, and if necessary, of interposing her own
+authority against the repetition of similar excursions.
+
+As Emily approached the arbor, whither in truth she had directed her
+steps, its faded vegetation and chilling aspect, so different from its
+verdure and luxuriance when she last saw it, came over her heart as a
+symbol of her own blighted prospects and deadened affections. The
+recollection of Denbigh's conduct on that spot, of his general
+benevolence and assiduity to please, being forcibly recalled to her mind
+at the instant, forgetful of her object in visiting the arbor, Emily
+yielded to her sensibilities, and sank on the seat weeping as if her
+heart would break.
+
+She had not time to dry her eyes, and to collect her scattered thoughts,
+before Mrs. Wilson entered the arbor. Eyeing her niece for a moment with
+a sternness unusual for the one to adopt or the other to receive, she
+said,
+
+"It is a solemn obligation we owe our religion and ourselves, to
+endeavor to suppress such passions as are incompatible with our duties;
+and there is no weakness greater than blindly adhering to the wrong,
+when we are convinced of our error. It is as fatal to good morals as it
+is unjust to ourselves to persevere, from selfish motives, in believing
+those innocent whom evidence has convicted as guilty. Many a weak woman
+has sealed her own misery by such wilful obstinacy, aided by the
+unpardonable vanity of believing herself able to control a man that the
+laws of God could not restrain."
+
+"Oh, dear madam, speak not so unkindly to me," sobbed the weeping girl;
+"I--I am guilty of no such weakness, I assure you:" and looking up with
+an air of profound resignation and piety, she continued: "Here, on this
+spot, where he saved my life, I was about to offer up my prayers for his
+conviction of the error of his ways, and for the pardon of his too--too
+heavy transgressions."
+
+Mrs. Wilson, softened almost to tears herself, viewed her for a moment
+with a mixture of delight, and continued in a milder tone,--
+
+"I believe you, my dear. I am certain, although you may have loved
+Denbigh much, that you love your Maker and his ordinances more; and I
+have no apprehensions that, were he a disengaged man, and you alone in
+the world--unsupported by anything but your sense of duty--you would
+ever so far forget yourself as to become his wife But does not your
+religion, does not your own usefulness in society, require you wholly to
+free your heart from the power of a man who has so unworthily usurped a
+dominion over it?"
+
+To this Emily replied, in a hardly audible voice, "Certainly--and I pray
+constantly for it."
+
+"It is well, my love," said the aunt, soothingly; "you cannot fail with
+such means, and your own exertions, finally to prevail over your own
+worst enemies, your passions. The task our sex has to sustain is, at the
+best, an arduous one; but so much the greater is our credit if we do it
+well."
+
+"Oh! how is an unguided girl ever to judge aright, if,--" cried Emily,
+clasping her hands and speaking with great energy, and she would have
+said, "one like Denbigh in appearance, be so vile!" Shame, however, kept
+her silent.
+
+"Few men can support such a veil of hypocrisy as that with which I
+sometimes think Denbigh must deceive even himself. His case is an
+extraordinary exception to a very sacred rule--'that the tree is known
+by its fruits,'" replied her aunt. "There is no safer way of judging of
+character that one's opportunities will not admit of more closely
+investigating, than by examining into and duly appreciating early
+impressions. The man or woman who has constantly seen the practice of
+piety before them, from infancy to the noon of life, will seldom so far
+abandon the recollection of virtue as to be guilty of great enormities.
+Even Divine Truth has promised that his blessings or his curses shall
+extend to many generations. It is true, that with our most most guarded
+prudence we may be deceived." Mrs. Wilson paused and sighed heavily, as
+her own case, connected with the loves of Denbigh and her niece,
+occurred strongly to her mind. "Yet," she continued, "we may lessen the
+danger much by guarding against it; and it seems to me no more than what
+self-preservation requires in a young woman. But for a religious parent
+to neglect it, is a wilful abandonment of a most solemn duty."
+
+As Mrs. Wilson concluded, her niece, who had recovered the command of
+her feelings pressed her hand in silence to her lips, and showed a
+disposition to retire from a spot which she found recalled too many
+recollections of a man whose image it was her imperious duty to banish,
+on every consideration of propriety and religion.
+
+Their walk into the house was silent, and their thoughts were drawn from
+the unpleasant topic by finding a letter from Julia, announcing her
+intended departure from this country, and her wish to take leave of them
+in London before she sailed. As she had mentioned the probable day for
+that event, both the ladies were delighted to find it was posterior to
+the time fixed by Sir Edward for their own visit to the capital.
+
+Had Jane, instead of Emily, been the one that suffered through the
+agency of Mrs. Fitzgerald, however innocently on the part of the lady,
+her violent and uncontrolled passions would have either blindly united
+the innocent with the guilty in her resentments; or, if a sense of
+justice had vindicated the lady in her judgment, yet her pride and ill-
+guided delicacy would have felt her name a reproach, that would have
+forbidden any intercourse with her or any belonging to her.
+
+Not so with her sister. The sufferings of Mrs. Fitzgerald had taken a
+strong hold on her youthful feelings, and a similarity of opinions and
+practices on the great object of their lives, had brought them together
+in a manner no misconduct in a third person could weaken. It is true,
+the recollection of Denbigh was intimately blended with the fate of Mrs.
+Fitzgerald. But Emily sought support against her feeling from a quarter
+that rather required an investigation of them than a desire to drown
+care with thought.
+
+She never indulged in romantic reflections in which the image of Denbigh
+was associated. This she had hardly done in her happiest moments; and
+his marriage, if nothing else had interfered, now absolutely put it out
+of the question. But, although a Christian, and an humble and devout
+one, Emily Moseley was a woman, and had loved ardently, confidingly, and
+gratefully. Marriage is the business of life with her sex,--with all,
+next to a preparation for a better world,--and it cannot be supposed
+that a first passion in a bosom like that of our heroine was to be
+suddenly erased and to leave no vestiges of its existence.
+
+Her partiality for the society of Derwent, her meditations in which she
+sometimes detected herself drawing a picture of what Denbigh might have
+been, if early care had been taken to impress him with his situation in
+this world, and from which she generally retired to her closet and her
+knees, were the remains of feelings too strong and too pure to be torn
+from her in a moment.
+
+The arrival of John, with Grace and Jane, enlivened not only the family
+but the neighborhood. Mr. Haughton and his numerous friends poured in on
+the young couple with their congratulations, and a few weeks stole by
+insensibly, previously to the commencement of the journeys of Sir Edward
+and his son--the one to Benfield Lodge and the other to St. James's
+Square.
+
+On the return of the travellers, a few days before they commenced their
+journey to the capital, John laughingly told his uncle that, although he
+himself greatly admired the taste of Mr. Peter Johnson in dress, yet he
+doubted whether the present style of fashions in the metropolis would
+not be scandalized by the appearance of the honest steward.
+
+John had in fact noticed, in their former visit to London, mob of
+mischievous boys eyeing Peter with indications of rebellious movements
+which threatened the old man, and from which he had retreated by taking
+a coach, and he now made the suggestion from pure good-nature, to save
+him any future trouble from a similar cause.
+
+They were at dinner when Moseley made the remark, and the steward was in
+his place at the sideboard--for his master was his home. Drawing near at
+the mention of his name first, and casting an eye over his figure to see
+if all was decent, Peter respectfully broke silence, determined to
+defend his own cause.
+
+"Why! Mr. John--Mr. John Moseley? if I might judge, for an elderly man,
+and a serving man," said the steward, bowing humbly, "I am no
+disparagement to my friends, or even to my honored master."
+
+Johnson's vindication of his wardrobe drew the eyes of the family upon
+him, and an involuntary smile passed from one to the other, as they
+admired his starched figure and drab frock, or rather doublet with
+sleeves and skirts. Sir Edward, being of the same opinion with his son,
+observed--
+
+"I do think, Uncle Benfield, there might be an improvement in the dress
+of your steward without much trouble to the ingenuity of his tailor."
+
+"Sir Edward Moseley--honorable sir," said the steward, beginning to grow
+alarmed, "if I may be so bold, you young gentlemen may like gay clothes;
+but as for me and his honor; we are used to such as we wear, and what we
+are used to we love."
+
+The old man spoke with earnestness, and drew the particular attention of
+his master to a review of his attire. After reflecting that no gentleman
+in the house had been attended by any servitor in such a garb, Mr.
+Benfield thought it time to give his sentiments on the subject.
+
+"Why I remember that my Lord Gosford's gentleman never wore a livery,
+nor can I say that he dressed exactly after the manner of Johnson. Every
+member had his body servant, and they were not unfrequently taken for
+their masters. Lady Juliana, too, after the death of her nephew, had one
+or two attendants out of livery, and in a different fashion from your
+attire. Peter, I think with John Moseley there, we must alter you a
+little for the sake of appearances."
+
+"Your honor!" stammered out Peter, in increased terror; "for Mr. John
+Moseley and Sir Edward, and youngerly gentlemen like, dress may do. Now,
+your honor, if--" and Peter, turning to Grace, bowed nearly to the
+floor--"I had such a sweet, most beautiful young lady to smile on me, I
+might wish to change; but, sir, my day has gone by." Peter sighed as the
+recollection of Patty Steele and his youthful love floated across his
+brain. Grace blushed and thanked him for the compliment, and gave her
+opinion that his gallantry merited a better costume.
+
+"Peter," said his master, decidedly, "I think Mrs. Moseley is right. If
+I should call on the viscountess (the Lady Juliana, who yet survived an
+ancient dowager of seventy), I shall want your attendance, and in your
+present garb you cannot fail to shock her delicate feelings. You remind
+me now I think, every time I look at you, of old Harry, the earl's
+gamekeeper, one of the most cruel men I ever knew."
+
+This decided the matter. Peter well knew that his master's antipathy to
+old Harry arose from his having pursued a poacher one day, in place of
+helping the Lady Juliana over a stile, in her flight from a bull that
+was playing his gambols in the same field; and not for the world would
+the faithful steward retain even a feature, if it brought unpleasant
+recollections to his kind master. He at one time thought of closing his
+innovations on his wardrobe, however, with a change of his nether
+garment; as after a great deal of study he could only make out the
+resemblance between himself and the obnoxious gamekeeper to consist in
+the leathern breeches. But fearful of some points escaping his memory in
+forty years, he tamely acquiesced in all John's alterations, and
+appeared at his station three days afterwards newly decked from head to
+foot in a more modern suit of snuff-color.
+
+The change once made, Peter greatly admired himself in a glass, and
+thought, could he have had the taste of Mr. John Moseley in his youth to
+direct his toilet, that the hard heart of Patty Steele would not always
+have continued so obdurate.
+
+Sir Edward wished to collect his neighbors round him once more before he
+left them for another four months; and accordingly the rector and his
+wife, Francis and Clara, the Haughtons, with a few others, dined at the
+Hall by invitation, the last day of their stay in Northamptonshire. The
+company had left the table to join the ladies, when Grace came into the
+drawing-room with a face covered with smiles and beaming with pleasure.
+
+"You look like the bearer of good news, Mrs. Moseley," cried the rector,
+catching a glimpse of her countenance as she passed.
+
+"Good! I sincerely hope and believe," replied Grace. "My letters from my
+brother announce that his marriage took place last week, and give us
+hopes of seeing them all in town within the month."
+
+"Married!" exclaimed Mr. Haughton, casting his eyes unconsciously on
+Emily, "my Lord Chatterton married! May I ask the name of the bride, my
+dear Mrs. Moseley?"
+
+"To Lady Harriet Denbigh--and at Denbigh Castle in Westmoreland; but
+very privately, as you may suppose from seeing Moseley and myself here,"
+answered Grace, her cheeks yet glowing with surprise and pleasure at the
+intelligence.
+
+"Lady Harriet Denbigh?" echoed Mr. Haughton; "what! a kinswoman of our
+old friend? your friend, Miss Emily?" The recollection of the service he
+had performed at the arbor still-fresh in his memory.
+
+Emily commanded herself sufficiently to reply, "Brothers' children, I
+believe, sir."
+
+"But a lady--how came she my lady?" continued the good man, anxious to
+know the whole, and ignorant of any reasons for delicacy where so great
+a favorite as Denbigh was in the question.
+
+"She is the daughter of the late Duke of Derwent," said Mrs. Moseley, as
+willing as himself to talk of her new sister.
+
+"How happens it that the death of old Mr. Denbigh was announced as plain
+Geo. Denbigh, Esq., if he was the brother of a duke?" said Jane,
+forgetting for a moment the presence of Dr. and Mrs. Ives, in her
+surviving passion for genealogy: "should he not have been called Lord
+George, or honorable?"
+
+This was the first time any allusion had been made to the sudden death
+in the church by any of the Moseleys in the hearing of the rector's
+family; and the speaker sat in breathless terror at her own
+inadvertency. But Dr. Ives, observing that a profound silence prevailed
+as soon as Jane ended, answered, mildly, though in a way to prevent any
+further comments--
+
+"The late Duke's succeeding a cousin-german in the title, was the
+reason, I presume. Emily, I am to hear from you by letter I hope, after
+you enter into the gaieties of the metropolis?"
+
+This Emily cheerfully promised, and the conversation took another turn.
+
+Mrs. Wilson had carefully avoided all communications with the rector
+concerning his youthful friend, and the Doctor appeared unwilling to
+commence anything which might lead to his name being mentioned. "He is
+disappointed in him as well as ourselves," thought the widow, "and it
+must be unpleasant to have his image recalled. He saw his attentions to
+Emily, and he knows of his marriage to Lady Laura of course, and he
+loves us all, and Emily in particular, too well not to feel hurt by his
+conduct."
+
+"Sir Edward!" cried Mr. Haughton, with a laugh, "Baronets are likely to
+be plenty. Have you heard how near we were to have another in the
+neighborhood lately?" Sir Edward answered in the negative, and his
+neighbor continued--
+
+"Why no less a man than Captain Jarvis, promoted to the bloody hand."
+
+"Captain Jarvis!" exclaimed five or six at once; "explain yourself, Mr.
+Haughton."
+
+"My near neighbor, young Walker, has been to Bath on an unusual
+business--his health--and for the benefit of the country he has brought
+back a pretty piece of scandal. It seems that Lady Jarvis, as I am told
+she is since she left here, wished to have her hopeful heir made a lord,
+and that the two united for some six months in forming a kind of
+savings' bank between themselves, to enable them at some future day to
+bribe the minister to honor the peerage with such a prodigy. After
+awhile the daughter of our late acquaintance, Sir William Harris, became
+an accessory to the plot, and a contributor too, to the tune of a couple
+of hundred pounds. Some circumstances, however, at length made this
+latter lady suspicious, and she wished to audit the books. The Captain
+prevaricated--the lady remonstrated, until the gentleman, with more
+truth than manners, told her that she was a fool--the money he had
+expended or lost at dice; and that he did not think the ministers quite
+so silly as to make him a lord, or that he himself was such a fool as to
+make her his wife; so the whole thing exploded."
+
+John listened with a delight but little short of what he had felt when
+Grace owned her love, and anxious to know all, eagerly inquired--
+
+"But, is it true? how was it found out?"
+
+"Oh, the lady complained of part, and the Captain tells all to get the
+laugh on his side; so that Walker says the former is the derision and
+the latter the contempt of all Bath."
+
+"Poor Sir William," said the baronet, with feeling; "he is much to be
+pitied."
+
+"I am afraid he has nothing to blame but his own indulgence," remarked
+the rector.
+
+"You don't know the worst of it," replied Mr. Haughton. "We poor people
+are made to suffer--Lady Jarvis wept and fretted Sir Timo out of his
+lease, which has been given up, and a new house is to be taken in
+another part of the kingdom, where neither Miss Harris nor the story is
+known."
+
+"Then Sir William has to procure a new tenant," said Lady Moseley, not
+in the least regretting the loss of the old one.
+
+"No! my lady!" continued Mr. Haughton, with a smile. "Walker is, you
+know, an attorney, and does some business occasionally for Sir William.
+When Jarvis gave up the lease, the baronet, who finds himself a little
+short of money, offered the deanery for sale, it being a useless place
+to him; and the very next day, while Walker was with Sir William, a
+gentleman called, and without higgling agreed to pay down at once his
+thirty thousand pounds for it."
+
+"And who is the purchaser?" inquired Lady Moseley, eagerly.
+
+"The Earl of Pendennyss."
+
+"Lord Pendennyss!" exclaimed Mrs. Wilson in rapture.
+
+"Pendennyss!" cried the rector, eyeing the aunt and Emily with a smile.
+
+"Pendennyss!" echoed all in the room in amazement.
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Haughton, "it is now the property of the earl, who says
+he has bought it for his sister."
+
+
+
+Chapter XXXIX.
+
+Mrs. Wilson found time the ensuing day to ascertain before they left the
+hall, the truth of the tale related by Mr. Haughton. The deanery had
+certainly changed its master, and a new steward had already arrived to
+take possession in the name of his lord. What induced Pendennyss to make
+this purchase she was at a loss to conceive--most probably some
+arrangement between himself and Lord Bolton. But whatever might be his
+motive, it in some measure insured his becoming for a season their
+neighbor; and Mrs. Wilson felt a degree of pleasure at the circumstance
+that she had been a stranger to for a long time--a pleasure which was
+greatly heightened as she dwelt on the lovely face of the companion who
+occupied the other seat in her travelling chaise.
+
+The road to London led by the gates of the deanery, and near them they
+passed a servant in the livery of those they had once seen following the
+equipage of the earl. Anxious to know anything which might hasten her
+acquaintance with this admired nobleman, Mrs. Wilson stopped her
+carriage to inquire.
+
+"Pray, sir, whom do you serve?"
+
+"My Lord Pendennyss, ma'am," replied the man, respectfully taking off
+his hat.
+
+"The earl is not here?" asked Mrs. Wilson, with interest.
+
+"Oh, no, madam; I am here in waiting on his steward. My lord is in
+Westmoreland, with his grace and Colonel Denbigh, and the ladies."
+
+"Does he remain there long?" continued the anxious widow, desirous of
+knowing all she could learn.
+
+"I believe not, madam; most of our people have gone to Annerdale-House,
+and my lord is expected in town with the duke and the colonel."
+
+As the servant was an elderly man, and appeared to understand the
+movements of his master so well, Mrs. Wilson was put in unusual spirits
+by this prospect of a speedy termination to her anxiety to meet
+Pendennyss.
+
+"Annerdale-House is the earl's town residence?" quietly inquired Emily.
+
+"Yes; he got the fortune of the last duke of that title, but how I do
+not exactly know. I believe, however, through his mother. General Wilson
+did not know his family: indeed, Pendennyss bore a second title during
+his lifetime; but did you observe how very civil his servant was, as
+well as the one John spoke to before,--a sure sign their master is a
+gentleman?"
+
+Emily smiled at the strong partialities of her aunt, and replied, "Your
+handsome chaise and attendants will draw respect from most men in his
+situation, dear aunt, be their masters who they may."
+
+The expected pleasure of meeting the earl was a topic frequently touched
+upon between her aunt and Emily during their journey; the former
+beginning to entertain hopes she would have laughed at herself for,
+could they have been fairly laid before her; and the latter entertaining
+a profound respect for his character, but chiefly governed by a wish to
+gratify her companion.
+
+The third day they reached the baronet's handsome house in St. James's
+Square, and found that the forethought of John had provided everything
+in the best and most comfortable manner.
+
+It was the first visit of both Jane and Emily to the metropolis; and
+under the protection of their almost equally curious mother, and
+escorted by John, they wisely determined to visit the curiosities, while
+their leisure yet admitted of the opportunity. For the first two weeks
+their time was chiefly employed in the indulgence of this unfashionable
+and vulgar propensity, which, if it had no other tendency, served
+greatly to draw the thoughts of both the young women from the
+recollections of the last few months.
+
+While her sister and nieces were thus employed, Mrs. Wilson, assisted by
+Grace, was occupied in getting things in preparation to do credit to the
+baronet's hospitality.
+
+The second week after their arrival, Mrs. Moseley was delighted by
+seeing advance upon her unexpectedly through the door of the breakfast
+parlor, her brother, with his bride leaning on his arm. After the most
+sincere greetings and congratulations, Lady Chatterton cried out gaily,
+
+"You see, my dear Lady Moseley, I am determined to banish ceremony
+between us, and so, instead of sending you my card, have come myself to
+notify you of my arrival. Chatterton would not suffer me even to swallow
+my breakfast, he was so impatient to show me off."
+
+"You are placing things exactly on the footing I wish to see ourselves
+with all our connexions," replied Lady Moseley, kindly; "but what have
+you done with the duke? is he not in your train?"
+
+"Oh! he is gone to Canterbury with George Denbigh, madam," cried the
+lady, shaking her head reproachfully though affectionately at Emily;
+"his grace dislikes London just now excessively, he says, and the
+Colonel being obliged to leave his wife, on regimental business, Derwent
+was good enough to keep him company during his exile."
+
+"And Lady Laura, do we see her?" inquired Lady Moseley.
+
+"She came with us. Pendennyss and his sister follow immediately; so, my
+dear madam, the dramatis personæ will all be on the stage soon."
+
+Cards and visits now began to accumulate on the Moseleys, and their time
+no longer admitted of that unfettered leisure which they had enjoyed at
+their entrance on the scene. Mrs. Wilson, for herself and charge,
+adopted a rule for the government of her manner of living, which was
+consistent with her duties. They mixed in general society sparingly;
+and, above all, they rigidly adhered to the obedience to the injunction
+which commanded them to keep the Sabbath day holy; a duty of no trifling
+difficulty to perform in fashionable society in the city of London, or,
+indeed, in any other place, where the influence of fashion has
+supplanted the laws of God.
+
+Mrs. Wilson was not a bigot; but she knew and performed her duty
+rigidly. It was a pleasure to her to do so. It would have been misery to
+do otherwise. In the singleness of heart and deep piety of her niece,
+she had a willing pupil to her system of morals, and a rigid follower of
+her religious practices. As they both knew that the temptations to go
+astray were greater in town than in country, they kept a strict guard
+over the tendency to err, and in watchfulness found their greatest
+security.
+
+John Moseley, next to his friends, loved his bays: indeed, if the
+aggregate of his affections for these and Lady Herriefield had been put
+in opposite scales, we strongly suspect the side of the horses would
+predominate.
+
+One Sunday, soon after being domesticated, John, who had soberly
+attended morning service with the ladies, came into a little room where
+the more reflecting part of the family were assembled, in search of his
+wife.
+
+Grace, we have before mentioned, had become a real member of that church
+in which she had been educated, and had entered, under the direction of
+Dr. Ives and Mrs. Wilson, into an observance of its wholesome
+ordinances. Grace was certainly piously inclined, if not devout. Her
+feelings on the subject of religion had been sensibly awakened during
+their voyage to Lisbon; and at the period of which we write, Mrs.
+Moseley was as sincerely disposed to perform her duty as her powers
+admitted. To the request of her husband, that she would take a seat in
+his phaeton while he drove her round the park once or twice, Grace gave
+a mild refusal, by saying,
+
+"It is Sunday, my dear Moseley."
+
+"Do you think I don't know that?" cried John, gaily. "There will be
+everybody there, and, the better day, the better deed."
+
+Now, Moseley, if he had been asked to apply this speech to the case
+before them, would have frankly owned his inability; but his wife did
+not make the trial: she was contented with saying, as she laid down her
+book to look on a face she so tenderly loved,
+
+"Ah! Moseley, you should set a better example to those below you in
+life."
+
+"I wish to set an example," returned her husband, with an affectionate
+smile, "to all above as well as below me, in order that they may find
+out the path to happiness, by exhibiting to the world a model of a wife,
+in yourself, dear Grace."
+
+As this was uttered with a sincerity which distinguished the manner of
+Moseley, his wife was more pleased with the compliment than she would
+have been willing to make known; and John spoke no more than he thought;
+for a desire to show his handsome wife was the ruling passion for a
+moment.
+
+The husband was too pressing and the wife too fond not to yield the
+point; and Grace took her seat in the carriage with a kind of half-
+formed resolution to improve the opportunity by a discourse on serious
+subjects--a resolution which terminated as all others do, that postpone
+one duty to discharge another of less magnitude; it was forgotten.
+
+Mrs. Wilson had listened with interest to the efforts of John to prevail
+on his wife to take the ride, and on her leaving the room to comply she
+observed to Emily, with whom she now remained alone--
+
+"Here is a consequence of a difference in religious views between man
+and wife, my child: John, in place of supporting Grace in the discharge
+of her duties, has been the actual cause of her going astray."
+
+Emily felt the force of her aunt's remark, and saw its justice; yet her
+love for the offender induced her to say--
+
+"John will not lead her openly astray for he has a sincere respect for
+religion, and this offence is not unpardonable, dear aunt."
+
+"The offence is assuredly not unpardonable," replied Mrs. Wilson, "and
+to infinite mercy it is hard to say what is; but it is an offence, and
+directly in the face of an express ordinance of the Lord; it is even
+throwing off the appearance of keeping the Sabbath day holy, much less
+observing the substance of the commandment; and as to John's respect for
+holy things in this instance, it was injurious to his wife. Had he been
+an open deist she would have shrunk from the act in suspicion of its
+sinfulness. Either John must become Christian, or I am afraid Grace will
+fall from her undertaking."
+
+Mrs. Wilson shook her head mournfully, while Emily offered up a silent
+petition that the first might speedily be the case.
+
+Lady Laura had been early in her visit to the Moseleys; and as Denbigh
+had both a town residence and a seat in parliament, it appeared next to
+impossible to avoid meeting him or to requite the pressing civilities of
+his wife by harsh refusals; that might prove in the end injurious to
+themselves by creating a suspicion that resentment at his not choosing a
+partner from amongst them, governed the conduct of the Moseleys towards
+a man to whom they were under such a heavy obligation.
+
+Had Sir Edward known as much as his sister and daughters he would
+probably have discountenanced the acquaintance altogether; but owing to
+the ignorance of the rest of her friends of what had passed, Mrs. Wilson
+and Emily had not only the assiduities of Lady Laura but the wishes of
+their own family to contend with, and consequently she submitted to the
+association with a reluctance that was in some measure counteracted by
+their regard for Lady Laura, and by compassion for her abused
+confidence.
+
+A distant connexion of Lady Moseley's had managed to collect in her
+house a few hundred of her nominal friends, and as she had been
+particularly attentive in calling in person on her venerable relative,
+Mr. Benfield, soon after his arrival in town, out of respect to her
+father's cousin, or perhaps mindful of his approaching end, and
+remembering there were such things as codicils to wills, the old man,
+flattered by her notice, and yet too gallant to reject the favor of a
+lady, consented to accompany the remainder of the family on the
+occasion.
+
+Most of their acquaintances were there, and Lady Moseley soon found
+herself engaged in a party at quadrille, while the young people were
+occupied by the usual amusements of their age in such scenes. Emily
+alone feeling but little desire to enter into the gaiety of general
+conversation with a host of gentlemen who had collected round her aunt
+and sisters, offered her arm to Mr. Benfield, on seeing him manifest a
+disposition to take a closer view of the company, and walked away with
+him.
+
+They wandered from room to room, unconscious of the observation
+attracted by the sight of a man in the costume of Mr. Benfield, leaning
+on the arm of so young and lovely a woman as his niece; and many an
+exclamation of surprise, ridicule, admiration, and wonder had been made,
+unnoticed by the pair, until finding the crowd rather inconvenient to
+her companion, Emily gently drew him into one of the apartments where
+the card-tables, and the general absence of beauty, made room less
+difficult to be found.
+
+"Ah! Emmy dear," said the old gentleman, wiping his face, "times are
+much changed, I see, since my youth. Then you would see no such throngs
+assembled in so small a space; gentlemen shoving ladies, and yes, Emmy,"
+continued her uncle in a lower tone, as if afraid of uttering something
+dangerous, "the ladies themselves shouldering the men. I remember at a
+drum given by Lady Gosford, that although I may, without vanity, say I
+was one of the gallantest men in the rooms, I came in contact with but
+one of the ladies during the whole evening, with the exception of
+handing the Lady Juliana to a chair, and that," said her uncle, stopping
+short and lowering his voice to a whisper, "was occasioned by a
+mischance in the old duchess in rising from her seat when she had taken
+too much strong waters, as she was at times a little troubled with a
+pain in the chest."
+
+Emily smiled at the casualty of her grace, and they proceeded slowly
+through the table until their passage was stopped by a party at the game
+of whist, which, by its incongruous mixture of ages and character,
+forcibly drew her attention.
+
+The party was composed of a young man of five or six and twenty, who
+threw down his cards in careless indifference, and heedlessly played
+with the guineas which were laid on the side of the table as markers, or
+the fruits of a former victory: or by stealing hasty and repeated
+glances through the vista of the tables into the gayer scenes of the
+adjoining rooms, proved he was in duresse, and waited for an opportunity
+to make his escape from the tedium of cards and ugliness to the life of
+conversation and beauty.
+
+His partner was a woman of doubtful age, and one whose countenance
+rather indicated that the uncertainty was likely to continue until the
+record of the tomb-stone divulged the so often contested circumstance to
+the world. Her eyes also wandered to the gayer scenes, but with an
+expression of censoriousness mingled with longings; nor did she neglect
+the progress of the game as frequently as her more heedless partner. A
+glance thrown on the golden pair which was placed between her and her
+neighbor on her right, marked the importance of the corner, and she
+shuffled the cards with a nervousness which plainly denoted her
+apprehension of the consequences of her partner's abstraction.
+
+Her neighbor on the right was a man of sixty, and his vestments
+announced him a servant of the sanctuary. His intentness on the game
+proceeded no doubt from his habits of reflection; his smile at success,
+quite possibly from charity to his neighbors; his frown in adversity
+from displeasure at the triumphs of the wicked, for such in his heart he
+had set down Miss Wigram to be; and his unconquerable gravity in the
+employment from a profound regard to the dignity of his holy office.
+
+The fourth performer in this trial of memories was an ancient lady,
+gaily dressed, and intently eager on the game. Between her and the young
+man was a large pile of guineas, which appeared to be her exclusive
+property, from which she repeatedly, during the play, tendered one to
+his acceptance on the event of a hand or a trick, and to which she
+seldom failed from inadvertence to add his mite, contributing to
+accumulate the pile.
+
+"Two double and the rub, my dear doctor," exclaimed the senior lady, in
+triumph. "Sir William, you owe me ten."
+
+The money was paid as easily as it had been won, and the dowager
+proceeded to settle some bets with her female antagonist.
+
+"Two more, I fancy, ma'am," said she, closely scanning the contributions
+of the maiden.
+
+"I believe it is right, my lady," was the answer, with a look that said
+pretty plainly, that or nothing.
+
+"I beg pardon, my dear, here are but four; and you remember two on the
+corner, and four on the points. Doctor, I will trouble you for a couple
+of guineas from Miss Wigram's store, I am in haste to get to the
+Countess's route."
+
+The doctor was coolly helping himself from the said store, under the
+watchful eyes of its owner, and secretly exulting in his own judgment in
+requiring the stakes, when the maiden replied in great warmth,
+
+"Your ladyship forgets the two you lost to me at Mrs. Howard's."
+
+"It must be a mistake, my dear, I always pay as I lose," cried the
+dowager, with great spirit, stretching over the table and helping
+herself to the disputed money.
+
+Mr. Benfield and Emily had stood silent spectators of the whole scene,
+the latter in astonishment to meet such manners in such society, and the
+former under feelings it would have been difficult to describe; for in
+the face of the Dowager which was inflamed partly from passion and more
+from high living, he recognised the remains of his Lady Juliana, now the
+Dowager Viscountess Haverford.
+
+"Emmy, dear," said the old man, with a heavy-drawn sigh, as if awaking
+from a long and troubled dream, "we will go."
+
+The phantom of forty years had vanished before the truth and the fancies
+of retirement, simplicity, and a diseased imagination yielded to the
+influence of life and common sense.
+
+
+
+Chapter XL.
+
+With Harriet, now closely connected with them by marriage as well as
+attachment, the baronet's family maintained a most friendly intercourse;
+and Mrs. Wilson, and Emily, a prodigious favorite with her new cousin,
+consented to pass a day soberly with her during an excursion of her
+husband to Windsor on business connected with his station. They had,
+accordingly, driven round to an early breakfast; and Chatterton, after
+politely regretting his loss, and thanking them for their consideration
+for his wife, made his bow.
+
+Lady Harriet Denbigh had brought the Baron a very substantial addition
+to his fortune; and as his sisters were both provided for by ample
+settlements, the pecuniary distresses which had existed a twelvemonth
+before had been entirely removed. Chatterton's income was now large, his
+demands upon it small, and he kept up an establishment in proportion to
+the rank of both husband and wife.
+
+"Mrs. Wilson," cried the hostess, twirling her cup as she followed with
+her eyes the retreating figure of her husband at the door, "I am about
+to take up the trade of Miss Harris, and become a match-maker."
+
+"Not on your own behalf so soon, surely," rejoined the widow.
+
+"Oh no, my fortune is made for life, or not at all," continued the
+other, gaily; "but in behalf of our little friend Emily here."
+
+"Me," cried Emily, starting from a reverie, in which the prospect of
+happiness to Lady Laura was the subject; "you are very good, Harriet;
+for whom do you intend me?"
+
+"Whom! Who is good enough for you, but my cousin Pendennyss? Ah!" she
+cried, laughing, as she caught Emily by the hand, "Derwent and myself
+both settled the matter long since, and I know you will yield when you
+come to know him."
+
+"The duke!" cried the other, with a surprise and innocence that
+immediately brought a blush of the brightest vermillion into her face.
+
+"Yes, the duke," said Lady Chatterton: "you may think it odd for a
+discarded lover to dispose of his mistress so soon, but both our hearts
+are set upon it. The earl arrived last night, and this day he and his
+sister dine with us in a sober way: now, my dear madam," turning to Mrs.
+Wilson, "have I not prepared an agreeable surprise for you?"
+
+"Surprise indeed," said the widow, excessively gratified at the probable
+termination to her anxieties for this meeting; "but where are they
+from?"
+
+"From Northamptonshire, where the earl has already purchased a
+residence, I understand, and in your neighborhood too; so, you perceive,
+he at least begins to think of the thing."
+
+"A certain evidence, truly," cried Emily, "his having purchased the
+house. But was he without a residence that he bought the deanery?"
+
+"Oh no! he has a palace in town, and three seats in the country; but
+none in Northamptonshire but this," said the lady, with a laugh. "To own
+the truth he did offer to let George Denbigh have it for the next
+summer, but the Colonel chose to be nearer Eltringham; and I take it, it
+was only a ruse in the earl to cloak his own designs. You may depend
+upon it, we trumpeted your praises to him incessantly in Westmoreland."
+
+"And is Colonel Denbigh in town?" said Mrs. Wilson, stealing an anxious
+glance towards her niece, who, in spite of all her efforts, sensibly
+changed color.
+
+"Oh, yes! and Laura is as happy--as happy--as myself," said Lady
+Chatterton, with a glow on her cheeks, as she attended to the request of
+her housekeeper, and left the room.
+
+Her guests sat in silence, occupied with their own reflections, while
+they heard a summons at the door of the house. It was opened, and
+footsteps approached the door of their own room. It was pushed partly
+open, as a voice on the other side said, speaking to a servant without,-
+-
+
+"Very well. Do not disturb your lady. I am in no haste."
+
+At the sound of its well known tones, both the ladies almost sprang from
+their seats. Here could be no resemblance, and a moment removed their
+doubts. The speaker entered. It was Denbigh.
+
+He stood for a moment fixed as a statue: It was evident the surprise was
+mutual. His face was pale as death, and then instantly was succeeded by
+a glow of fire. Approaching them, he paid his compliments with great
+earnestness, and in a voice in which his softest tones preponderated.
+
+"I am happy, very happy, to be so fortunate in again meeting with such
+friends, and so unexpectedly."
+
+Mrs. Wilson bowed in silence to his compliment, and Emily, pale as
+himself, sat with her eyes fastened on the carpet, without daring to
+trust her voice with an attempt to speak.
+
+After struggling with his mortified feelings for a moment, Denbigh rose
+from the chair he had taken, and drawing near the sofa on which the
+ladies were placed, exclaimed with fervor,
+
+"Tell me, dear madam, lovely, too lovely Miss Moseley, has one act of
+folly, of wickedness if you please, lost me your good opinion for ever?
+Derwent had given me hopes that you yet retained some esteem for my
+character, lowered, as I acknowledge it to be, in my own estimation."
+
+"The Duke of Derwent? Mr. Denbigh!"
+
+"Do not; do not use a name, dear madam, almost hateful to me," cried he,
+in a tone of despair.
+
+"If," said Mrs. Wilson, gravely, "you have made your own name
+disreputable, I can only regret it, but--"
+
+"Call me by my title--oh! do not remind me of my folly; I cannot bear
+it, and from you."
+
+"Your title!" exclaimed Mrs. Wilson, with a cry of wonder, and Emily
+turned on him a face in which the flashes of color and succeeding
+paleness were as quick, and almost as vivid, as the glow of lightning.
+He caught their astonishment in equal surprise.
+
+"How is this? some dreadful mistake, of which I am yet in ignorance," he
+cried, taking the unresisting hand of Mrs. Wilson, and pressing it with
+warmth between both his own, as he added, "do not leave me in suspense."
+
+"For the sake of truth, for my sake, for the sake of this suffering
+innocent, say, in sincerity, who and what you are," said Mrs. Wilson in
+a solemn voice, gazing on him in dread of his reply.
+
+Still retaining her hand, he dropped on his knees before her, as he
+answered,--
+
+"I am the pupil, the child of your late husband, the companion of his
+dangers, the sharer of his joys and griefs, and would I could add, the
+friend of his widow. I am the Earl of Pendennyss."
+
+Mrs. Wilson's head dropped on the shoulders of the kneeling youth, her
+arms were thrown in fervor around his neck, and she burst into a flood
+of tears. For a moment, both were absorbed in their own feelings; but a
+cry from Pendennyss aroused the aunt to the situation of her niece.
+
+Emily had fallen senseless on the sofa.
+
+An hour elapsed before her engagements admitted of the return of Lady
+Chatterton to the breakfast parlor, where she was surprised to find the
+breakfast equipage yet standing, and her cousin, the earl. Looking from
+one to the other in surprise, she exclaimed,--
+
+"Very sociable, upon my word; how long has your lordship honored my
+house with your presence, and have you taken the liberty to introduce
+yourself to Mrs. Wilson and Miss Moseley?"
+
+"Sociability and ease are the fashion of the day. I have been here an
+hour, my dear coz, and have taken the liberty of introducing myself to
+Mrs. Wilson and Miss Moseley," replied the earl gravely, although a
+smile of meaning lighted his handsome features as he uttered the latter
+part of the sentence, which was returned by Emily with a look of
+archness and pleasure that would have graced her happiest moments of
+juvenile joy.
+
+There was such an interchange of looks, and such a visible alteration in
+the appearance of her guests, that it could not but attract the notice
+of Lady Chatterton. After listening to the conversation between them for
+some time in silence; and wondering what could have wrought so sudden a
+change below stairs, she broke forth with saying,--"Upon my word, you
+are an incomprehensible party to me. I left you ladies alone, and find a
+gentleman with you. I left you grave, if not melancholy, and find you
+all life and gaiety. I find you with a stranger, and you talk with him
+about walks, and rides, and scenes, and acquaintances. Will you, madam,
+or you, my lord, be so kind as to explain these seeming
+inconsistencies?"
+
+"No," cried the earl, "to punish your curiosity, I will keep you in
+ignorance; but Marian is in waiting for me at your neighbor's, Mrs.
+Wilmot, and I must hasten to her--- you will see us both by five."
+Rising from his seat he took the offered hand of Mrs. Wilson and pressed
+it to his lips. To Emily he also extended his hand, and received hers in
+return, though with a face suffused with the color of the rose.
+Pendennyss held it to his heart for a moment with fervor, and kissing
+it, precipitately left the room. Emily concealed her face with her
+hands, and, dissolving in tears, sought the retirement of an adjoining
+apartment.
+
+All these unaccountable movements filled Lady Chatterton with amazement,
+that would have been too painful for further endurance; and Mrs. Wilson,
+knowing that further concealment with so near a connexion would be
+impossible, if not unnecessary, entered into a brief explanation of the
+earl's masquerade (although ignorant herself of its cause, or of the
+means of supporting it), and his present relation with her niece.
+
+"I declare it is provoking," cried Lady Chatterton, with a tear in her
+eye, "to have such ingenious plans as Derwent and I had made lost from
+the want of necessity in putting them in force. Your demure niece has
+deceived us all handsomely; and my rigid cousin, too--I will rate him
+soundly for his deception."
+
+"I believe he already repents sincerely of his having practised it,"
+said Mrs. Wilson, "and is sufficiently punished for his error by its
+consequence. A life of misery for four months is a serious penalty to a
+lover."
+
+"Yes," said the other; "I am afraid his punishment was not confined to
+himself alone: he has made others suffer from his misconduct. I will
+rate him famously, depend upon it I will."
+
+If anything, the interest felt by Lady Chatterton for her friend was
+increased by this discovery of the affections of Pendennyss, and a few
+hours were passed by the three, in we will not say sober delight, for
+transport would be a better word. Lady Chatterton frankly declared that
+she would rather see Emily the wife of the earl than of her brother, for
+he alone was good enough for her; and Mrs. Wilson felt an exhilaration
+of spirits, in the completion of her most sanguine wishes, that neither
+her years, her philosophy, nor even her religion, could entirely
+restrain. The face of Emily was a continued blush, her eye sparkled with
+the lustre of renewed hope, and her bosom was heaving with the purest
+emotions of happiness.
+
+At the appointed hour the rattling of wheels announced the approach of
+the earl and his sister.
+
+Pendennyss came into the room with a young woman of great personal
+beauty and extremely feminine manners, leaning on his arm. He first
+announced her to Mrs. Wilson as his sister, Lady Marian Denbigh, who
+received her with a frank cordiality that made them instantly
+acquainted. Emily, although confiding in the fullest manner in the truth
+and worth of her lover, had felt an inexplicable sensation of pleasure,
+as she heard the earl speak of his sister by the name of Marian; love is
+such an unquiet, and generally such an engrossing passion, that few
+avoid unnecessary uneasiness while under its influence, unless so
+situated as to enjoy a mutual confidence.
+
+As this once so formidable Marian approached to salute her with an
+extended hand, Emily rose, with a face illumined with pleasure, to
+receive her. Marian viewed her for a moment intently, and folding her
+arms around her, whispered softly as she pressed her to her heart,
+
+"My sister, my only sister."
+
+Our heroine was affected to tears, and Pendennyss gently separating the
+two he loved best in the world, they soon became calm.
+
+Lady Marian was extremely like her brother, and had a family resemblance
+to her cousin Harriet; but her manners were softer and more retiring,
+and she had a slight tinge of a settled melancholy. When her brother
+spoke she was generally silent, not in fear, but in love. She evidently
+regarded him amongst the first of human beings, and all her love was
+amply returned.
+
+Both the aunt and niece studied the manners of the earl closely, and
+found several shades of distinction between what he was and what he had
+been. He was now the perfect man of the world, without having lost the
+frank sincerity which caused you to believe all he said. Had Pendennyss
+once told Mrs. Wilson, with his natural air and manner, "I am innocent,"
+she would have believed him, and an earlier investigation would have
+saved them months of misery; but the consciousness of his deception had
+oppressed him with the curse of the wicked.
+
+Pendennyss had lost that air of embarrassment and alarm which had so
+often startled the aunt, even in her hours of greatest confidence, and
+which had their original in the awkwardness of disguise. But he retained
+his softness, his respect, his modest diffidence of his opinions,
+although somewhat corrected now by his acknowledged experience and
+acquaintance with man.
+
+Mrs. Wilson thought these decided trifling alterations in manner were
+improvements; but it required some days and a few tender speeches to
+reconcile Emily to any change in the appearance of Denbigh.
+
+Lady Marian had ordered her carriage early, as she had not anticipated
+the pleasure she found, and was engaged to accompany her cousin, Lady
+Laura, to a fashionable rout that evening. Unwilling to be torn from ins
+newly found friends, the earl proposed that the three ladies should
+accompany his sister to Annerdale House, and then accept himself as an
+escort to their own residence. To this Harriet assented, and leaving a
+message for Chatterton, they entered the coach of Marian, and
+Pendennyss, mounting the dickey, drove off.
+
+Annerdale House was amongst the best edifices of London. It had been
+erected in the preceding century, and Emily for a moment felt, as she
+went through its splendid apartments, that it threw a chill around her
+domestic affections; but the figure of Pendennyss by her side reconciled
+her to a magnificence she had been unused to, which looked the lord
+indeed; but with so much modesty and softness, and so much attention to
+herself, that before she left the house, Emily began to think it very
+possible to enjoy happiness even in the lap of splendor.
+
+The names of Colonel Denbigh and Lady Laura were soon announced, and
+this formidable gentleman made his appearance, He resembled Pendennyss
+more than even the duke, and appeared about the same age.
+
+Mrs. Wilson soon saw that she had no grounds for pitying Lady Laura. The
+colonel was a polished, elegant man, of evident good sense and knowledge
+of the world, and apparently devoted to his wife. He was called George
+frequently by all his relatives, and he, not unfrequently, used the same
+term himself in speaking to the earl. Something was said of a much
+admired bust, and the doors of a large library were opened to view it.
+Emily was running over the backs of a case of books, until her eye
+rested on one; and half smiling and blushing she turned to Pendennyss,
+who watched every movement, as she said, playfully,
+
+"Pity me, my lord, and lend me this volume."
+
+"What is it you read?" he asked, as he bowed his cheerful assent.
+
+But Emily hid the book in her handkerchief. Pendennyss noticing an
+unwillingness, though an extremely playful one, to let him into the
+secret, examined the case, and perceiving her motive, smiled, as he took
+down another volume and said--
+
+"I am not an Irish, but an English peer, Emily. You have the wrong
+volume."
+
+Emily laughed, with deeper blushes, when she found her wishes detected,
+while the earl, opening the volume he held--the first of Debrett's
+Peerage--pointed with his finger to the article concerning his own
+family, and said to Mrs. Wilson, who had joined them at the instant--
+
+"To-morrow, dear madam, I shall beg your attention to a melancholy tale,
+and which may, in some slight degree, extenuate the offence I was guilty
+of in assuming, or rather in maintaining an accidental disguise."
+
+As he ended, he went to the others, to draw off their attention, while
+Emily and her aunt examined the paragraph. It was as follows:
+
+"George Denbigh--Earl of Pendennyss--and Baron Lumley, of Lumley Castle-
+-- Baron Pendennyss--Beaumaris, and Fitzwalter, born----, of----, in the
+year of----; a bachelor." The list of earls and nobles occupied several
+pages, but the closing article was as follows:
+
+"George, the 21st earl, succeeded his mother Marian, late Countess of
+Pendennyss, in her own right, being born of her marriage with George
+Denbigh, Esq., a cousin-german to Frederick, the 9th Duke of Derwent."
+
+"Heir apparent. The titles being to heirs general, will descend to his
+lordship's sister, Lady Marian Denbigh, should the present earl die
+without lawful issue."
+
+As much of the explanation of the mystery of our tales, involved in the
+foregoing paragraphs, we may be allowed to relate in our own language,
+what Pendennyss made his friends acquainted with at different times, and
+in a manner suitable to the subject and his situation.
+
+
+
+Chapter XLI.
+
+It was at the close of that war which lost this country the wealthiest
+and most populous of her American colonies, that a fleet of ships were
+returning from their service amongst the islands of the New World, to
+seek for their worn out and battered hulks, and equally weakened crews,
+the repairs and comforts of England and home.
+
+The latter word, to the mariner the most endearing of all sounds, had,
+as it were, drawn together by instinct a group of sailors on the
+forecastle of the proudest ship of the squadron, who gazed with varied
+emotions on the land which gave them birth, but with one common feeling
+of joy that the day of attaining it was at length arrived.
+
+The water curled from the bows of this castle of the ocean, in
+increasing waves and growing murmurs, that at times drew the attention
+of the veteran tar to their quickening progress, and having cheered his
+heart with the sight, he cast his experienced eye in silence on the
+swelling sails, to see if nothing more could be done to shorten the
+distance between him and his country.
+
+Hundreds of eyes were fixed on the land of their birth, and hundreds of
+hearts were beating in that one vessel with the awakening delights of
+domestic love and renewed affections; but no tongue broke the
+disciplined silence of the ship into sounds that overcame the propitious
+ripple of the water.
+
+On the highest summit of their towering mast floated a small blue flag,
+the symbol of authority, and beneath it paced a man to and fro the deck,
+who was abandoned by his inferiors to his more elevated rank. His
+square-built form and careworn features, which had lost the brilliancy
+of an English complexion, and hair whitened prematurely, spoke of bodily
+vigor, and arduous services which had put that vigor to the severest
+trials.
+
+At each turn of his walk, as he faced the land of his nativity, a
+lurking smile stole over his sun-burnt features, and then a glance of
+his eye would scan the progress of the far-stretched squadron which
+obeyed his orders, and which he was now returning to his superiors,
+undiminished in numbers, and proud with victory.
+
+By himself stood an officer in a uniform differing from all around him.
+His figure was small, his eye restless, quick, and piercing, and bent on
+those shores to which he was unwillingly advancing, with a look of
+anxiety and mortification, that showed him the late commander of those
+vessels around them, which, by displaying their double flags, manifested
+to the eye of the seaman a recent change of masters.
+
+Occasionally the conqueror would stop, and by some effort of well meant,
+but rather uncouth civility, endeavor to soften the hours of captivity;
+efforts which were received with the courtesy of the most punctilious
+etiquette, but a restraint which showed that they were unwelcome.
+
+It was, perhaps, the most unlucky moment that had occurred within the
+two months of their association, for an exchange of their better
+feelings. The honest heart of the English tar dilated with ill-concealed
+delight at his approach to the termination of labors performed with
+credit and honor, and his smiles and good humor, which partly proceeded
+from the feelings of a father and a friend, were daggers to the heart of
+his discomfited rival.
+
+A third personage now appeared from the cabin of the vessel, and
+approached the spot where the adverse admirals at the moment were
+engaged in one of these constrained conferences.
+
+The appearance and dress of this gentleman differed widely from the two
+just described. He was tall, graceful, and dignified; he was a soldier,
+and clearly of high rank. His carefully dressed hair concealed the
+ravages of time and on the quarter-deck of a first-rate his attire and
+manners were suited to a field-day in the park.
+
+"I really insist, monsieur," cried the admiral, good-naturedly, "that
+you shall take part of my chaise to London. You are a stranger, and it
+will help to keep up your spirits by the way."
+
+"You are very good, Monsieur Howell," replied the Frenchman, with a
+polite bow and forced smile, misconstruing ill-judged benevolence into a
+wish for his person to grace a triumph--"but I have accepted the offer
+Monsieur le General Denbigh was so good as to make me."
+
+"The comte is engaged to me, Howell," said the general, with a courtly
+smile, "and, indeed, you must leave the ship to night, or as soon as we
+anchor.--But I shall take daylight and to-morrow."
+
+"Well--well--Denbigh," exclaimed the other, rubbing his hands with
+pleasure as he viewed the increasing power of the wind, "only make
+yourselves happy, and I am contented."
+
+A few hours intervened before they reached the Bay of Plymouth, and
+round the table, after their dinner, were seated the general and English
+admiral. The comte, under the pretence of preparing his things for a
+removal, had retired to his apartment to conceal his feelings;--and the
+captain of the ship was above, superintending the approach of the vessel
+to her anchorage. Two or three well emptied bottles of wine yet
+remained; but as the healths of all the branches of the House of
+Brunswick had been propitiated from their contents, with a polite
+remembrance of Louis XVI. and Marie Antoinette from General Denbigh,
+neither of the superiors was much inclined for action.
+
+"Is the Thunderer in her station?" said the admiral to the signal
+lieutenant, who at that moment came below with a report.
+
+"Yes, sir, and has answered."
+
+"Very well; make the signal to prepare to anchor."
+
+"Aye, aye, sir."
+
+"And here, Bennet," to the retiring lieutenant--"call the transports all
+in shore of us."
+
+"Three hundred and eighty-four, sir," said the officer, looking at his
+signal-book.
+
+The admiral cast his eye at the book, and nodded an assent.
+
+"And let the Mermaid--Flora--Weasel--Bruiser, and all the sloops lie
+well off, until we have landed the soldiers: the pilot says the channel
+is full of luggers, and Jonathan has grown very saucy."
+
+The lieutenant made a complying bow, and was retiring to execute these
+orders, as Admiral Howell, taking up a bottle not yet entirely deserted
+by its former tenant, cried stoutly--"Here, Bennet--I forgot--take a
+glass of wine; drink success to ourselves, and defeat to the French all
+over the world."
+
+The general pointed significantly to the adjoining cabin of the French
+admiral, as he pressed his hand on his lips for silence.
+
+"Oh!" cried Admiral Howell, recollecting himself, continuing in a
+whisper, "you can drink it in your heart, notwithstanding."
+
+The signal officer nodded, and drank the liquor. As he smacked his lips
+while going on deck, he thought to himself, these nabobs drink famous
+good wine.
+
+Although the feelings of General Denbigh were under much more command
+and disciplined obedience than those of his friend, yet was he too
+unusually elated with his return to home and expected honors. If the
+admiral had captured a fleet, he had taken an island;--and hand in hand
+they had co-operated in unusual harmony through the difficulties of an
+arduous campaign. This rather singular circumstance was owing to their
+personal friendship. From their youth they had been companions, and
+although of very different characters and habits, chance had cemented
+their intimacy in more advanced life. While in subordinate stations,
+they had been associated together in service; and the general and
+admiral, in command of an army and fleet, had once before returned to
+England with less renown, as a colonel and a captain of a frigate. The
+great family influence of the soldier, with the known circumstance of
+their harmony, had procured them this later command, and home, with its
+comforts and rewards, was close before them. Pouring out a glass of
+Madeira, the general, who always calculated what he said, exclaimed,
+
+"Peter--we have been friends from boys."
+
+"To be sure we have," said the admiral, looking up in a little surprise
+at this unexpected commencement--"and it will not be my fault if we do
+not die such, Frederick."
+
+Dying was a subject the general did not much delight in although of
+conspicuous courage in the field; and he proceeded to his more important
+purpose--"I could never find, although I have looked over our family
+tree so often, that we are in any manner related, Howell."
+
+"I believe it is too late to mend that matter now," said the admiral,
+musing.
+
+"Why no--hem--I think not, Howell; take a glass of this Burgundy."
+
+The admiral shook his head with a stubborn resolution to taste nothing
+French, but he helped himself to a bountiful stock of Madeira, as he
+replied--
+
+"I should like to know how you can bring it about this time of day,
+Denbigh."
+
+"How much money will you be able to give that girl of yours, Peter?"
+said his friend, evading the point.
+
+"Forty thousand down, my good fellow, and as much more when I die,"
+cried the open-hearted sailor, with a nod of exultation.
+
+"George, my youngest son, will not be rich--but Francis will be a duke,
+and have a noble estate; yet," said the general; meditating, "he is so
+unhappy in his disposition and uncouth in his manners, I cannot think of
+offering him to your daughter as a husband."
+
+"Isabel shall marry a good-natured man, like myself, or not at all,"
+said the admiral, positively, but not in the least suspecting the drift
+of his friend, who was influenced by anything but a regard for the
+lady's happiness.
+
+Francis, his first born, was, in truth, as he had described; but his
+governing wish was to provide for his favorite George. Dukes could never
+want wives, but unportioned captains in the guards might.
+
+"George is one of the best tempers in the world," said his father, with
+strong feeling, "and the delight of us all. I could wish he had been the
+heir to the family honors."
+
+"That it is certainly too late to help," cried the admiral, wondering if
+the ingenuity of his friend could devise a remedy for this evil too.
+
+"Too late, indeed," said the other, with a heavy sigh, "but Howell, what
+say you to matching Isabel with my favorite George?"
+
+"Denbigh," cried the sailor, eyeing him keenly, "Isabel is my only
+child, and a dutiful, good girl; one that will obey orders if she breaks
+owners, as we sailors say. Now I did think of marrying her to a seaman,
+when a proper man came athwart my course; yet your son is a soldier, and
+that is next to being in the navy: if-so-be you had made him come aboard
+me, when I wanted you to, there would have been no objection at all:
+however, when occasion offers. I will overhaul the lad, and if I find
+him staunch he may turn in with Bell and welcome."
+
+This was uttered in perfect simplicity, and with no intention of giving
+offence, partaking partly of the nature of a soliloquy; so the general,
+greatly encouraged, was about to push the point, when a gun was fired
+from their own ship.
+
+"There's some of them lubberly transports won't mind our signals; they
+have had these soldiers so long on board, they get as clumsy as the red-
+coats themselves," muttered the admiral, hastening on deck to enforce
+his commands.
+
+A shot or two, sent significantly in the direction of the wanderers, but
+so as not to hit them, restored order; and within an hour forty line of
+battle ships and a hundred transports were disposed in the best manner
+for convenience and safety.
+
+On their presentation to their sovereign, both veterans were embellished
+with the riband of the Bath; and as their exploits filled the mouths of
+the newsmongers, and the columns of the public prints of the day, the
+new knights began to think more seriously of building a monument to
+their victories, in a union between their children. The admiral,
+however, determined to do nothing with his eyes shut, and he demanded a
+scrutiny.
+
+"Where is the boy who is to be a duke?" exclaimed he, one day, when his
+friend had introduced the point with a view to a final arrangement.
+"Bell has good blood in her veins--is a tight built little vessel--clean
+heel'd and trim, and would make as good a duchess as the best of them;
+so Denbigh, I will begin by taking a survey of the senior." To this the
+general had no objection, as he well knew that Francis would be wide of
+pleasing the tastes of an open-hearted, simple man, like the sailor.
+They met, accordingly, for what the general facetiously called the
+review, and what the admiral innocently termed his survey, at the house
+of the former, when the young gentlemen were submitted to his
+inspection.
+
+Francis Denbigh was about four and twenty, of a feeble body, and with a
+face marked with the small-pox, to approaching deformity; his eye was
+brilliant and piercing, but unsettled, and at times wild--his manner
+awkward, constrained, and timid. There would be seen, it is true, an
+intelligence and animation, which occasionally lighted his countenance
+into gleams of sunshine, that caused you to overlook the lesser
+accompaniments of complexion and features in the expression; but they
+were transient, and inevitably vanished whenever his father spoke or in
+any manner mingled in his pursuits.
+
+An observer close as Mrs. Wilson, would have said that the feelings of
+the father and son were not such as ought to exist between parent and
+child.
+
+But the admiral, who regarded model and rigging a good deal, satisfied
+himself with muttering, as he turned his eye on the junior--
+
+"He may do for a duke--but I would not have him for a cockswain."
+
+George was a year younger than Francis; in form, stature, and personal
+grace, the counterpart of his father; his eye was less keen but more
+attractive than that of his brother; his air open, polished, and manly.
+
+"Ah!" thought the sailor, as he ended a satisfactory survey of the
+youth, "what a thousand pities Denbigh did not send him to sea!"
+
+The thing was soon settled, and George was to be the happy man. Sir
+Peter concluded to dine with his friend, in order to settle
+preliminaries over the bottle by themselves; the young men and their
+mother being engaged to their uncle the duke.
+
+"Well, Denbigh," cried the admiral, as the last servant withdrew, "when
+do you mean to have the young couple spliced?"
+
+"Why," replied the wary soldier, who knew he could not calculate on
+obedience to his mandate with as great a certainty as his friend--"the
+better way is to bring the young people together, in order that they may
+become acquainted, you know."
+
+"Acquainted--together--" cried his companion, in a little surprise,
+"what better way is there to bring them together, than to have them up
+before a priest, or to make them acquainted by letting them swing in the
+same hammock?"
+
+"It might answer the end, indeed," said the general, with a smile, "but
+somehow or other, it is always the best method to bring young folks
+together, to let them have their own way in the affair for a time."
+
+"Own way!" rejoined Sir Peter, bluntly, "did you ever find it answer to
+let a woman have her own way, Sir Frederick?"
+
+"Not common women certainly, my good friend," said the general, "but
+such a girl as my intended daughter is an exception."
+
+"I don't know that," cried the sailor; "Bell is a good girl, but she has
+her quirks and whims like all the sex."
+
+"You have had no trouble with her as yet, I believe, Howell," said Sir
+Frederick cavalierly, throwing an inquiring glance on his friend at the
+same time.
+
+"No, not yet--nor do I think she will ever dare to mutiny; but there has
+been one wishing to take her in tow already since we got in."
+
+"How!" said the other in alarm, "who--what is he? some officer in the
+navy, I suppose."
+
+"No, he was a kind of chaplain, one Parson Ives, a good sort of a youth
+enough, and a prodigious favorite with my sister, Lady Hawker."
+
+"Well, what did you answer, Peter?" said his companion in increasing
+uneasiness; "did you put him off?"
+
+"Off! to be sure I did--do you think I wanted a barber's clerk for a
+son-in-law? No, no, Denbigh; a soldier is bad enough, without having a
+preacher."
+
+The general compressed his lips at this direct attack on a profession
+that he thought the most honorable of any in the world, in some
+resentment; but remembering the eighty thousand pounds, and accustomed
+to the ways of the other, he curbed his temper, and inquired--
+
+"But Miss Howell--your daughter--how did she stand affected to this
+priest?"
+
+"How--why--how?--why I never asked her."
+
+"Never asked her?"
+
+"No, never asked her: she is my daughter, you know, and bound to obey my
+orders, and I did not choose she should marry a parson; but, once for
+all, when is the wedding to take place?"
+
+General Denbigh had indulged his younger son too blindly and too fondly
+to expect that implicit obedience the admiral calculated to a certainty
+on, and with every prospect of not being disappointed, from his
+daughter. Isabel Howell was pretty, mild, and timid, and unused to
+oppose any of her father's commands; but George Denbigh was haughty,
+positive, and self-willed, and unless the affair could be so managed as
+to make him a willing assistant in the courtship, his father knew it
+might be abandoned at once. He thought his son might be led, but not
+driven; and, relying on his own powers for managing, the general saw his
+only safety in executing the scheme was in postponing his advances for a
+regular siege to the lady's heart.
+
+Sir Peter chafed and swore at this circumlocution: the thing could be
+done as well in a week as in a year; and the veterans, who, for a
+miracle, had agreed in their rival stations, and in doubtful moments of
+success, were near splitting on the point of marrying a girl of
+nineteen.
+
+As Sir Peter both loved his friend, and had taken a prodigious fancy to
+the youth, he however was fain to submit to a short probation.
+
+"You are always for going a round-about way to do a thing," said the
+admiral, as he yielded the point. "Now, when you took that battery, had
+you gone up in front, as I advised you, you would have taken it in ten
+minutes, instead of five hours."
+
+"Yes," said the other, with a friendly shake of the hand at parting,
+"and lost fifty men in place of one by the step."
+
+
+
+Chapter XLII.
+
+The Honorable General Denbigh was the youngest of three sons. His
+seniors, Francis and George, were yet bachelors. The death of a cousin
+had made Francis a duke while yet a child, and both he and his favorite
+brother George, had decided on lives of inactivity and sluggishness.
+
+"When I die, brother," the oldest would say, "you will succeed me, and
+Frederick can provide heirs for the name hereafter."
+
+This arrangement had been closely adhered to, and the two elder brothers
+reached the ages of fifty-five and fifty-six, without altering their
+condition. In the mean time, Frederick married a young woman of rank and
+fortune; the fruits of their union being the two young candidates for
+the hand of Isabel Howell.
+
+Francis Denbigh, the eldest son of the general, was naturally diffident,
+and, in addition, it was his misfortune to be the reverse of captivating
+in external appearance. The small-pox sealed his doom;--ignorance, and
+the violence of the attack, left him indelibly impressed with the
+ravages of that dreadful disorder. Oh the other hand, his brother
+escaped without any vestiges of the complaint; and his spotless skin and
+fine open countenance, met the gaze of his mother, after the recovery of
+the two, in striking contrast to the deformed lineaments of his elder
+brother. Such an occurrence is sure to excite one of two feelings in the
+breast of every beholder--pity or disgust; and, unhappily for Francis,
+maternal tenderness, in his case, was unable to counteract the latter
+sensation. George become a favorite, and Francis a neutral. The effect
+was easy to be seen, and it was rapid, as it was indelible.
+
+The feelings of Francis were sensitive to an extreme. He had more
+quickness, more sensibility, more real talent than George; which enabled
+him to perceive, and caused him to feel more acutely, the partiality of
+his mother.
+
+As yet, the engagements and duties of the general had kept his children
+and, their improvements out of his sight; but at the ages of eleven and
+twelve, the feelings of a father, began, to take pride in the possession
+of his sons.
+
+On his return from a foreign station, after an absence of two years, his
+children were ordered from school to meet him. Francis had improved in
+stature, but not in beauty; George had flourished in both.
+
+The natural diffidence of the former was increased, by perceiving that
+he was no favorite, and the effect began to show itself on manners at no
+time engaging. He met his father with doubt, and he saw with anguish,
+that the embrace received by his brother much exceeded in warmth that
+which had been bestowed on himself.
+
+"Lady Margaret," said the general to his wife, as he followed the boys
+as they retired from the dinner table, with his eyes, "it is a thousand
+pities George had not been the elder. He would have graced a dukedom or
+a throne. Frank is only fit for a parson."
+
+This ill-judged speech was uttered sufficiently loud to be overheard by
+both the sons: on the younger, it made a pleasurable sensation for the
+moment. His father--his dear father, had thought him fit to be a king;
+and his father must be a judge, whispered his native vanity; but all
+this time the connexion between the speech and his brother's rights did
+not present themselves to his mind. George loved this brother too well,
+too sincerely, to have injured him even in thought; and so far as
+Francis was concerned, his vanity was as blameless as it was natural.
+
+The effect produced on the mind of Francis was different both in
+substance and in degree. It mortified his pride, alarmed his delicacy,
+and wounded his already morbid sensibility to such an extent, as to make
+him entertain the romantic notion of withdrawing from the world, and of
+yielding a birthright to one so every way more deserving of it than
+himself.
+
+From this period might be dated an opinion of Francis's, which never
+afterwards left him; he fancied he was doing injustice to another, and
+that other, a brother whom he ardently loved, by continuing to exist.
+Had he met with fondness in his parents, or sociability in his
+playfellows, these fancies would have left him as he grew into life. But
+the affections of his parents were settled on his more promising
+brother; and his manners daily increasing in their repulsive traits,
+drove his companions to the society of others, more agreeable to their
+own buoyancy and joy.
+
+Had Francis Denbigh, at this age, met with a guardian clear-sighted
+enough to fathom his real character, and competent to direct his onward
+course, he would yet have become an ornament to his name and country,
+and a useful member of society. But no such guide existed. His natural
+guardians, in his particular case, were his worst enemies; and the boys
+left school for college four years afterwards, each advanced in his
+respective properties of attraction and repulsion.
+
+Irreligion is hardly a worse evil in a family than favoritism. When once
+allowed to exist, in the breast of the parent, though hid apparently
+from all other eyes, its sad consequences begin to show themselves.
+Effects are produced, and we look in vain for the cause. The awakened
+sympathies of reciprocal caresses and fondness are mistaken for uncommon
+feelings, and the forbidding aspect of deadened affections is miscalled
+native sensibility.
+
+In this manner the evil increases itself, until manners are formed, and
+characters created, that must descend with their possessor to the tomb.
+
+In the peculiar formation of the mind of Francis Denbigh, the evil was
+doubly injurious. His feelings required sympathy and softness, and they
+met only with coldness and disgust. George alone was an exception to the
+rule. He did love his brother; but even his gaiety and spirits finally
+tired of the dull uniformity of the diseased habits of his senior.
+
+The only refuge Francis found in his solitude, amidst the hundreds of
+the university, was in his muse and in the powers of melody. The voice
+of his family has been frequently mentioned in these pages; and if, as
+Lady Laura had intimated, there had ever been a siren in the race, it
+was a male one. He wrote prettily, and would sing these efforts of his
+muse to music of his own, drawing crowds around his windows, in the
+stillness of the night, to listen to sounds as melodious as they were
+mournful. His poetical efforts partook of the distinctive character of
+the man, being melancholy, wild, and sometimes pious.
+
+George was always amongst the most admiring of his brother's auditors,
+and would feel a yearning of his heart towards him, at such moments,
+that was painful. But George was too young and too heedless, to supply
+the place of a monitor, or to draw his thoughts into a more salutary
+train. This was the duty of his parents, and should have been their
+task. But the world, his rising honors, and his professional
+engagements, occupied the time of the father; and fashion, parties, and
+pleasure, killed the time of his mother. When they did think of their
+children, it was of George; the painful image of Francis being seldom
+admitted to disturb their serenity.
+
+George Denbigh was open-hearted without suspicion, and a favorite. The
+first quality taxed his generosity, the second subjected him to fraud,
+and the third supplied him with the means. But these means sometimes
+failed. The fortune of the general, though handsome, was not more than
+competent to support his style of living. He expected to be a duke
+himself one day, and was anxious to maintain an appearance now that
+would not disgrace his future elevation. A system of strict but liberal
+economy had been adopted in the case of his sons. They had, for the sake
+of appearances, a stated and equal allowance.
+
+The duke had offered to educate the heir himself, and under his own eye.
+But to this Lady Margaret had found some ingenious excuse, and one that
+seemed to herself and the world honorable to her natural feeling; but
+had the offer been made to George, these reasons would have vanished in
+the desire to advance his interests, or to gratify his propensities.
+Such decisions are by no means uncommon; parents having once decided on
+the merits and abilities of their children, frequently decline the
+interference of third persons, since the improvement of their denounced
+offspring might bring their own judgment into question, if it did not
+convey an indirect censure on their justice.
+
+The heedlessness of George brought his purse to a state of emptiness.
+His last guinea was gone, and two months were wanting to the end of the
+quarter. George had played and been cheated. He had ventured to apply to
+his mother for small sums, when his dress or some trifling indulgence
+required an advance; and always with success. But here were sixty
+guineas gone at a blow, and pride, candor, forbade his concealing the
+manner of his loss, if he made the application. This was dreadful; his
+own conscience reproached him, and he had so often witnessed the
+violence of his mother's resentments against Francis, for faults which
+appeared to him very trivial, not to stand in the utmost dread of her
+more just displeasure in the present case.
+
+Entering the apartment of his brother, in this disturbed condition,
+George threw himself into a chair, and with his face concealed between
+his hands, sat brooding over his forlorn situation.
+
+"George!" said his brother, soothingly, "you are in distress; can I
+relieve you in any way?"
+
+"Oh no--no--no--Frank; it is entirely out of your power."
+
+"Perhaps not, my dear brother," continued the other, endeavoring to draw
+his hand into his own.
+
+"Entirely! entirely!" said George. Then springing up in despair, he
+exclaimed, "But I must live--I cannot die."
+
+"Live! die!" cried Francis, recoiling in horror. "What do you mean by
+such language? Tell me, George, am I not your brother? Your only brother
+and best friend?"
+
+Francis felt he had no friend if George was not that friend, and his
+face grew pale while the tears flowed rapidly down his cheeks.
+
+George could not resist such an appeal. He caught the hand of his
+brother and made him acquainted with his losses and his wants.
+
+Francis mused some little time over his narration, ere he broke silence.
+
+"It was all you had?"
+
+"The last shilling," cried George, beating his head with his hand.
+
+"How much will you require to make out the quarter?"
+
+"Oh I must have at least fifty guineas, or how can I live at all?"
+
+The ideas of life in George were connected a good deal with the manner
+it was to be enjoyed. His brother appeared struggling with himself, and
+then turning to the other, continued,
+
+"But surely, under present circumstances, you could make less do."
+
+"Less, never--hardly that"--interrupted George, vehemently. "If Lady
+Margaret did not inclose me a note now and then, how could we get along
+at all? don't you find it so yourself, brother?"
+
+"I don't know," said Francis, turning pale--
+
+"Don't know!" cried George, catching a view of his altered countenance--
+"you get the money, though?"
+
+"I do not remember it," said the other, sighing heavily.
+
+"Francis," cried George, comprehending the truth, "you shall share every
+shilling I receive in future--you shall--indeed you shall."
+
+"Well, then," rejoined Francis with a smile, "it is a bargain; and you
+will receive from me a supply in your present necessities."
+
+Without waiting for an answer, Francis withdrew into an inner apartment,
+and brought out the required sum for his brother's subsistence for two
+months. George remonstrated, but Francis was positive; he had been
+saving, and his stock was ample for his simple habits without it.
+
+"Besides, you forget we are partners, and in the end I shall be a
+gainer."
+
+George yielded to his wants and his brother's entreaties, and he gave
+him great credit for the disinterestedness of the act. Several weeks
+passed without any further allusion to this disagreeable subject, which
+had at least the favorable result of making George more guarded and a
+better student.
+
+The brothers, from this period, advanced gradually in those distinctive
+qualities which were to mark the future men; George daily improving in
+grace and attraction, Francis, in an equal ratio, receding from those
+very attainments which it was his too great desire to possess. In the
+education of his sons, General Denbigh had preserved the appearance of
+impartiality; his allowance to each was the same: they were at the same
+college, they had been at the same school; and if Frank did not improve
+as much as his younger brother, it was unquestionably his own obstinacy
+and stupidity, and surely not want of opportunity or favor.
+
+Such, then, were the artificial and accidental causes, which kept a
+noble, a proud, an acute but a diseased mind, in acquirements much below
+another every way its inferior, excepting in the happy circumstance of
+wanting those very excellences, the excess and indiscreet management of
+which proved the ruin instead of the blessing of their possessor.
+
+The duke would occasionally rouse himself from his lethargy, and
+complain to the father, that the heir of his honors was far inferior to
+his younger brother in acquirements, and remonstrate against the course
+which produced such an unfortunate inequality. On these occasions a
+superficial statement of his system from the general met the objection;
+they cost the same money, and he was sure he not only wished but did
+everything an indulgent parent could, to render Francis worthy of his
+future honors. Another evil of the admission of feelings of partiality,
+in the favor of one child, to the prejudice of another, is that the
+malady is contagious as well as lasting: it exists without our own
+knowledge, and it seldom fails to affect those around us. The uncle soon
+learnt to distinguish George as the hope of the family, yet Francis must
+be the heir of its honors, and consequently of its wealth.
+
+The duke and his brother were not much addicted to action, hardly to
+reflection; but if anything could rouse them to either, it was the
+reputation of the house of Denbigh. Their ideas of reputation, it is
+true, were of their own forming.
+
+The hour at length drew near when George expected a supply from the ill-
+judged generosity of his mother; it came, and with a heart beating with
+pleasure, the youth flew to the room of Francis with a determination to
+force the whole of his twenty pounds on his acceptance. On throwing open
+his door, he saw his brother evidently striving to conceal something
+behind his books. It was at the hour of breakfast, and George had
+intended for a novelty to share his brother's morning repast. They
+always met at dinner, but the other meals were made in their own rooms.
+George looked in vain for the usual equipage of the table; suspicion
+flashed upon him; he threw aside the books, and a crust of bread and a
+glass of water met his eye; the truth now flashed upon him in all its
+force.
+
+"Francis, my brother, to what has my extravagance reduced you!"
+exclaimed the contrite George with a heart nearly ready to burst.
+Francis endeavored to explain, but a sacred regard to the truth held him
+tongue-tied, until dropping his head on the shoulder of George, he
+sobbed out--
+
+"It is a trifle; nothing to what I would do for you, my brother."
+
+George felt all the horrors of remorse, and was much too generous to
+conceal his error any longer; he wrote a circumstantial account of the
+whole transaction to Lady Margaret.
+
+Francis for a few days was a new being. He had acted nobly, his
+conscience approved of his motives, and of his delicate concealment of
+them; he in fact began to think there were in himself the seeds of
+usefulness, as his brother, who from this moment began to understand his
+character better, attached himself more closely to him.
+
+The eye of Francis met that of George with the look of acknowledged
+affection, his mind became less moody, and his face was sometimes
+embellished with a smile.
+
+The reply of their mother to the communication of George threw a damp on
+the revived hopes of the senior, and drove him back into himself with
+tenfold humility.
+
+"I am shocked, my child, to find that you have lowered yourself, and
+forgot the family you belong to, so much as to frequent those gambling-
+houses, which ought not to be suffered in the neighborhood of the
+universities: when at a proper age and in proper company, your
+occasional indulgence at cards I could not object to, as both your
+father and myself sometimes resort to it as an amusement, but never in
+low company. The consequence of mingling in such society is, that you
+were cheated, and such will always be your lot unless you confine
+yourself to associates more becoming your rank and illustrious name.
+
+"As to Francis, I see every reason to condemn the course he has taken.
+Being the senior by a year, he should have taken the means to prevent
+your falling into such company; and he should have acquainted me
+immediately with your loss, in place of wounding your pride by
+subjecting you to the mortification of receiving a pecuniary obligation
+from one so little older than yourself, and exposing his own health by a
+diet on bread and water, as you wrote me, for a whole month. Both the
+general and myself are seriously displeased with him, and think of
+separating you, as you thus connive at each other's follies."
+
+George was too indignant to conceal this letter and the reflections of
+Francis were dreadful.
+
+For a short time he actually meditated suicide, as the only method of
+removing himself from before the advancement of George. Had not George
+been more attentive and affectionate than formerly, the awful expedient
+might have been resorted to.
+
+From college the young men went, one into the army and the other to the
+mansion of his uncle. George became an elegant, gay, open-hearted,
+admired captain in the guards; and Francis stalked through the halls of
+his ancestors, their acknowledged future lord, but a misanthrope;
+hateful to himself and disagreeable to all around him.
+
+This picture may be highly wrought, but the effects, in the case of
+Francis, were increased by the peculiar tone of his diseased state of
+mind. The indulgence of favoritism, nevertheless, always brings its own
+sad consequences, in a greater or less degree, while it seldom fails to
+give sorrow and penitence to the bosom of the parents.
+
+
+
+Chapter XLIII.
+
+No little art and management had been necessary to make the admiral
+auxiliary to the indirect plan proposed by his friend to bring George
+and Isabel together. This, however, effected, the general turned his
+whole strategy to the impression to be made on the heart of the young
+gentleman.
+
+Sir Frederick Denbigh had the same idea of the virtue of management as
+the Dowager Lady Chatterton, but he understood human nature better.
+
+Like a prudent officer, his attacks were all masked, and, like a great
+officer, they seldom failed of success.
+
+The young couple were thrown in each other's way, and as Isabel was
+extremely attractive, somewhat the opposite to himself in ardor of
+temperament and vivacity, modest, and sensible, it cannot be expected
+that the association was maintained by the youth with perfect impunity.
+Within a couple of months he fancied himself desperately in love with
+Isabel Howell; and, in truth, he had some reason for the supposition.
+
+The general watched every movement of his son with a wary and vigilant
+eye--occasionally adding fuel to the flame, by drawing his attention to
+projects of matrimony in other quarters, until George began to think he
+was soon to undergo a trial of his constancy, and in consequence he
+armed himself with a double portion of admiration for his Isabel, in
+order to enable himself to endure the persecution; while the admiral
+several times endangered the success of the whole enterprise by
+volunteer contributions to the hopes of the young man, which only
+escaped producing an opposite effect to that which was intended, by
+being mistaken for the overflowings of good nature and friendship.
+
+After suffering his son to get, as he thought, sufficiently entangled in
+the snares of Cupid, Sir Frederick determined to fire a volley from one
+of his masked batteries, which he rightly judged would bring on a
+general engagement. They were sitting at the table after dinner, alone,
+when the general took the advantage of the name of Miss Howell being
+accidentally mentioned, to say--
+
+"By the by, George, my friend the admiral said something yesterday on
+the subject of your being so much with his daughter. I wish you to be
+cautious, and not to give the old sailor offence in any way, for he is
+my particular friend."
+
+"He need be under no violent apprehensions," cried George, coloring
+highly with shame and pride, "I am sure a Denbigh is no unworthy match
+for a daughter of Sir Peter Howell."
+
+"Oh! to be sure not, boy, we are as old a house as there is in the
+kingdom, and as noble too; but the admiral has queer notions, and,
+perhaps, he has some cub of a sailor in his eye for a son-in-law. Be
+prudent, my boy, be prudent; that is all I ask of you."
+
+The general, satisfied with the effect he had produced, carelessly arose
+from his seat, and joined Lady Margaret in her drawing-room.
+
+George remained for several minutes musing on his father's singular
+request, as well as the admiral's caution, when he sprang from his seat,
+caught up his hat and sword, and in ten minutes rang at Sir Peter's door
+in Grosvenor Square. He was admitted, and ascending to the drawing-room,
+he met the admiral on his way out. Nothing was further from the thoughts
+of the veteran than a finesse like the general's; and, delighted to see
+George on the battle-ground, he pointed significantly over his shoulder
+towards the door of the room Isabel was in, and exclaimed, with a good-
+natured smile,
+
+"There she is, my hearty; lay her aside, and hang me if she don't
+strike. I say, George, faint heart never won fair lady: remember that,
+my boy; no, nor a French ship."
+
+George would have been at some loss to have reconciled this speech to
+his father's caution, if time had been allowed him to think at all; but
+the door being open he entered, and found Isabel endeavoring to hide her
+tears.
+
+The admiral, dissatisfied from the beginning with the tardy method of
+despatching things, thought he might be of use in breaking the ice for
+George, by trumpeting his praises on divers occasions to his daughter.
+Under all circumstances, he thought she might be learning to love the
+man, as he was to be her husband; and speeches like the following had
+been frequent of late from the parent to the child:
+
+"There's that youngster, George Denbigh: now, Bell, is he not a fine
+looking lad? Then I know he is brave. His father before him, was good
+stuff and a true Englishman. What a proper husband he would make for a
+young woman, he loves his king and country so; none of your new-fangled
+notions about religion and government, but a sober, religious churchman;
+that is, as much so, girl, as you can expect in the guards. No
+Methodist, to be sure;--it's a great pity he wasn't sent to sea, don't
+you think so? But cheer up, girl, one of these days he may be taking a
+liking to you yet."
+
+Isabel, whose fears taught her the meaning of these eloquent praises of
+Captain Denbigh, listened to these harangues in silence, and often
+meditated on their import by herself in tears.
+
+George approached the sofa on which the lady was seated before she had
+time to conceal the traces of her sorrow, and in a voice softened by
+emotion, he took her hand gently as he said,--
+
+"What can have occasioned this distress to Miss Howell. If anything in
+my power to remove, or which a life devoted to her service can mitigate,
+she has only to command me to find a cheerful obedience."
+
+"The trifling causes of sorrow in a young woman," replied Isabel,
+endeavoring to smile, "will hardly require such serious services to
+remove them."
+
+But the lady was extremely interesting at the moment. George was goaded
+by his father's caution, and urged on by his own feelings, with great
+sincerity, and certainly much eloquence, he therefore proffered his love
+and hand to the acceptance of his mistress.
+
+Isabel heard him in painful silence. She respected him, and dreaded his
+power over her father; but, unwilling to abandon hopes to which she yet
+clung as to her spring of existence, with a violent effort she
+determined to throw herself on the generosity of her lover.
+
+During her father's late absence Isabel had, as usual, since the death
+of her mother, been left with his sister, and had formed an attachment
+for a young clergyman, a younger son of a baronet, and the present Dr.
+Ives. The inclination had been mutual; and as Lady Hawker knew her
+brother to be perfectly indifferent to money, she could see no possible
+objection to its indulgence.
+
+On his return, Ives made his proposals, as related; and although warmly
+backed by the recommendations of the aunt, he was refused. Out of
+delicacy the wishes of Isabel had not been mentioned by her clerical
+lover, and the admiral supposed he had only complied with his agreement
+with the general, without in any manner affecting the happiness of his
+daughter by his answer. But the feelings which prompted the request
+still remained in full vigor in the lovers; and Isabel now, with many
+blushes and some hesitation of utterance, made George fully acquainted
+with the state of her heart, giving him at the same time to understand
+that he was the only obstacle to her happiness.
+
+It cannot be supposed that George heard her without pain or
+mortification. The struggle with self-love was a severe one, but his
+better feelings prevailed, and he assured the anxious Isabel that from
+his importunities she had nothing to apprehend in future. The grateful
+girl overwhelmed him with thanks, and George had to fly ere he repented
+of his own generosity.
+
+Miss Howell intimated, in the course of her narrative, that a better
+understanding existed between their parents than the caution of the
+general had discovered to his unsuspecting child, and George was
+determined to know the worst at once.
+
+At supper he mentioned, as if in remembrance of his father's injunction,
+that he had been to take his leave of Miss Howell, since he found his
+visits gave uneasiness to her friends. "On the whole," he added,
+endeavoring to yawn carelessly, "I believe I shall visit there no more."
+
+"Nay, nay," returned Sir Frederick, a little displeased at his son's
+obedience, "I meant no such thing. Neither the admiral nor myself, has
+the least objection to your visiting in moderation; indeed, you may
+marry the girl with all our hearts, if you can agree."
+
+"But we can't agree, I take it," said George, looking up at the wall.
+
+"Why not? what hinders?' cried his father unguardedly.
+
+"Only--only I don't like her," said the son, tossing off a glass of
+wine, which nearly strangled him.
+
+"You don't," cried the general with great warmth, thrown entirely off
+his guard by this unexpected declaration "and may I presume to ask the
+reason why you do not like Miss Howell, sir?"
+
+"Oh! you know, one never pretends to give a reason for this sort of
+feeling, my dear sir."
+
+"Then," cried his father with increasing heat, "you must allow me to
+say, my dear sir, that the sooner you get rid of these sort of feelings
+the better. I choose you shall not only like, but love Miss Howell; and
+this I have promised her father."
+
+"I thought that the admiral was displeased with my coming to his house
+so much--or did I not understand you this morning?"
+
+"I know nothing of his displeasure, and care less. He has agreed that
+Isabel shall be your wife, and I have passed my word to the engagement;
+and if, sir, you wish to be considered as my son, you will prepare to
+comply."
+
+George was expecting to discover some management on the part of his
+father, but by no means so settled an arrangement, and his anger was in
+proportion to the deception.
+
+To annoy Isabel any further was out of the question; to betray her,
+base; and the next morning he sought an audience with the Duke. To him
+he mentioned his wish for actual service, but hinted that the maternal
+fondness of Lady Margaret was averse to his seeking it. This was true,
+and George now pressed his uncle to assist him in effecting an exchange.
+
+The boroughs of the Duke of Derwent were represented by loyal members of
+parliament, his two brothers being contemporary with Mr. Benfield in
+that honor; and a request from a man who sent six members to the
+Commons, besides having a seat in the Lords in his own person, must be
+listened to.
+
+Within the week George ceased to be a captain in the guards, and became
+lieutenant-colonel of a regiment under orders for America.
+
+Sir Frederick soon became sensible of the error his warmth had led him
+into, and endeavored, by soothing and indulgence, to gain the ground he
+had so unguardedly lost. But terrible was his anger, and bitter his
+denunciations, when his son acquainted him with his approaching
+embarkation with his new regiment for America. They quarrelled; and as
+the favorite child had never, until now, been thwarted or spoken harshly
+to, they parted in mutual disgust. With his mother George was more
+tender; and as Lady Margaret never thought the match such as the
+descendant of two lines of dukes was entitled to form, she almost
+pardoned the offence in the cause.
+
+"What's this here?" cried Sir Peter Howell, as he ran over a morning
+paper at the breakfast table: "Captain Denbigh, late of the guards, has
+been promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the ---- Foot, and sails
+to-morrow to join that regiment, now on its way to America."
+
+"It's a lie, Bell!--it's all a lie! not but what he ought to be there,
+too, serving his king and country; but he never would serve you so."
+
+"Me?" said Isabel, with a heart throbbing with the contending feelings
+of admiration for George's generosity, and delight at her own
+deliverance. "What have I to do with the movements of Mr. Denbigh?"
+
+"What!" cried her father in astonishment; "a'n't you to be his wife,
+a'n't it all agreed upon--that is, between Sir Frederick and me, which
+is the same thing, you know--"
+
+Here he was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the general himself,
+who had just learnt the departure of his son and hastened, with the
+double purpose of breaking the intelligence to his friend, and of making
+his own peace.
+
+"See here, Denbigh," exclaimed the admiral, pointing to the paragraph,
+"what do you say to that?"
+
+"Too true--too true, my dear friend," replied the general shaking his
+head mournfully.
+
+"Hark ye, Sir Frederick Denbigh," cried the admiral fiercely; "did you
+not say that your son George was to marry my daughter?"
+
+"I certainly did, Sir Peter, and am sorry to say that, in defiance of my
+entreaties and commands, he has deserted his home, and, in consequence,
+I have discarded him for ever."
+
+"Now, Denbigh," said the admiral, a good deal mollified by this
+declaration, "have I not always told you, that in the army you know
+nothing of discipline? Why, sir, if he was a son of mine, he should
+marry blindfolded, if I chose to order it. I wish, now, Bell had an
+offer, and dared to refuse it."
+
+"There is the barber's clerk, you know," said the general, a good deal
+irritated by the contemptuous manner of his friend.
+
+"And what of that, Sir Frederick?" said the sailor sternly; "if I choose
+her to marry a quill-driver, she shall comply."
+
+"Ah! my good friend," said the general, willing to drop the disagreeable
+subject, "I am afraid we shall both find it more difficult to control
+the affections of our children than we at first imagined."
+
+"You do, General Denbigh?" said the admiral, with a curl of contempt on
+his lip; and ringing the bell violently, he bid the servant send his
+young lady to him.
+
+On the appearance of Isabel, her father inquired with an air of settled
+meaning where young Mr. Ives resided. It was only in the next street,
+and a messenger was sent to him, with Sir Peter Howell's compliments,
+and a request to see him without a moment's delay.
+
+"We'll see, we'll see, my old friend, who keeps the best discipline,"
+muttered the admiral, as he paced up and down the room, in eager
+expectation of the return of his messenger.
+
+The wondering general gazed on his friend, to ascertain if he was out of
+his senses. He knew he was quick to decide, and excessively obstinate,
+but he did not think him so crazy as to throw away his daughter in a fit
+of spleen. It never occurred to Sir Frederick, however, that the
+engagement with himself was an act of equal injustice and folly, because
+it was done with more form and deliberation, which, to the eye of sober
+reason, would rather make the matter worse. Isabel sat in trembling
+suspense for the issue of the scene, and Ives in a few minutes made his
+appearance in no little alarm.
+
+On entering, the admiral addressed him abruptly, by inquiring if he
+still wished to marry that girl, pointing to his daughter. The reply was
+an eager affirmative. Sir Peter beckoned to Isabel, who approached,
+covered with blushes; and her father having placed her hand in that of
+her lover, with an air of great solemnity he gave them his blessing. The
+young people withdrew to another room at Sir Peter's request, when he
+turned to his friend, delighted with his own decision and authority, and
+exclaimed,
+
+"There, Fred. Denbigh, that is what I call being minded."
+
+The general had penetration enough to see that the result was agreeable
+to both the young people, a thing he had long apprehended; and being
+glad to get rid of the affair in any way that did not involve him in a
+quarrel with his old comrade, he gravely congratulated the admiral on
+his good fortune and retired.
+
+"Yes, yes," said Sir Peter to himself, as he paced up and down his room,
+"Denbigh is mortified enough, with his joy, and felicity, and grand-
+children. I never had any opinion of their manner of discipline at all;
+too much bowing and scraping. I'm sorry, though, he is a priest; not but
+what a priest may be as good a man as another, but let him behave ever
+so well, he can only get to be a bishop at the most. Heaven forbid he
+should ever get to be a Pope! After all, his boys may be admirals if
+they behave themselves;" and he went to seek his daughter, having in
+imagination manned her nursery with vice and rear admirals in embryo by
+the half dozen.
+
+Sir Peter Howell survived the marriage of his daughter but eighteen
+months; yet that was sufficient time to become attached to his
+invaluable son-in-law. Mr. Ives insensibly led the admiral, during his
+long indisposition, to a more correct view of sacred things, than he had
+been wont to entertain; and the old man breathed his last, blessing both
+his children for their kindness, and with an humble hope of future
+happiness. Some time before his death, Isabel, whose conscience had
+always reproached her with the deception practised on her father, and
+with the banishment of George from his country and home, threw herself
+at the feet of Sir Peter and acknowledged her transgression.
+
+The admiral heard her in astonishment, but not in anger. His opinions of
+life had sensibly changed, and his great cause of satisfaction with his
+new son removed all motives for regret for anything but for the fate of
+poor George. With the noble forbearance and tenderness of the young man
+to his daughter, the hardy veteran was sensibly touched; and his
+entreaties with Sir Frederick made his peace with a father already
+longing for the return of his only hope.
+
+The admiral left Colonel Denbigh his blessing, and his favorite pistols,
+as a remembrance of his esteem; but he did not live to see the reunion
+with his family.
+
+George had soon learnt, deprived of hope and in the midst of novelty, to
+forget a passion which could no longer be prosperous; and two years from
+his departure returned to England, glowing in health, and improved in
+person and manners by a more extensive knowledge of the world and
+mankind.
+
+
+
+Chapter XLIV.
+
+During the time occupied by the foregoing events, Francis continued a
+gloomy inmate of his uncle's house. The duke and his brother George were
+too indolent and inactive in their minds to pierce the cloud that
+mortification and deadened affections had drawn around the real
+character of their nephew; and although he was tolerated as the heir, he
+was but little loved as a man.
+
+In losing his brother, Francis lost the only human being with whom he
+possessed any sympathies in common; and he daily drew more and more into
+himself, in gloomy meditation on his forlorn situation, in the midst of
+wealth and expected honors. The attentions he received were paid to his
+rank, and Francis had penetration enough to perceive it. His visits to
+his parents were visits of ceremony, and in time all parties came to
+look to their termination with pleasure, as to the discontinuance of
+heartless and forced civilities.
+
+Affection, even in the young man, could not endure, repulsed as his
+feelings were, for ever; and in the course of three years, if his
+attachments were not alienated from his parents, his ardor had become
+much abated.
+
+It is a dreadful truth, that the bonds of natural affection can be
+broken by injustice and contumely; and it is yet more to be deplored,
+that when from such causes we loosen the ties habit and education have
+drawn around us, a reaction in our feelings commences; we seldom cease
+to love, but we begin to hate. Against such awful consequences it is one
+of the most solemn duties of the parent to provide in season; and what
+surer safeguard is there, than to inculcate those feelings which teach
+the mind to love God, and in so doing induce love to the whole human
+family?
+
+Sir Frederick and Lady Margaret attended the church regularly, repeated
+the responses with much decency, toasted the church next to the king,
+even appeared at the altars of their God, and continued sinners. From
+such sowings, no good fruit could be expected to flourish: yet Francis
+was not without his hours of devotion; but his religion was, like
+himself, reserved, superstitious, ascetic, and gloomy. He never entered
+into social worship: if he prayed it was with an ill-concealed wish to
+end this life of care. If he returned thanks, it was with a bitterness
+that mocked the throne before which he was prostrate. Such pictures are
+revolting; but their originals have and do exist; for what enormity is
+there of which human frailty, unchecked by divine assistance, may not be
+guilty?
+
+Francis received an invitation to visit a brother of his mother's at his
+seat in the country, about the time of the expected return of George
+from America; and in compliance with the wishes of his uncles he
+accepted it. The house was thronged with visitors, and many of them were
+ladies. To these, the arrival of the unmarried heir of the house of
+Derwent was a subject of no little interest. His character had, however,
+preceded him, and a few days of his awkward and, as they conceived,
+sullen deportment, drove them back to their former beaux, with the
+exception of one; and she was not only amongst the fairest of the
+throng, but decidedly of the highest pretensions on the score of birth
+and fortune.
+
+Marian Lumley was the only surviving child of the last Duke of
+Annerdale, with whom had expired the higher honors of his house. But the
+Earldom of Pendennyss, with numerous ancient baronies, were titles in
+fee; and together with his princely estates had descended to his
+daughter as heir-general of the family. A peeress in her own right, with
+an income far exceeding her utmost means of expenditure, the lovely
+Countess of Pendennyss was a prize aimed at by all the young nobles of
+the empire.
+
+Educated in the midst of flatterers and dependants she had become
+haughty, vain, and supercilious; still she was lovely, and no one knew
+better how to practise the most winning arts of her sex, when whim or
+interest prompted her to the trial.
+
+Her host was her guardian and relative; and through his agency she had
+rejected, at the age of twenty, numerous suitors for her hand. Her eyes
+were fixed on the ducal coronet; and unfortunately for Francis Denbigh,
+he was, at the time, the only man of the proper age who could elevate
+her to that enviable distinction in the kingdom; and an indirect measure
+of her own had been the means of his invitation to the country.
+
+Like the rest of her young companions, Marian was greatly disappointed
+on the view of her intended captive, and for a day or two she abandoned
+him to his melancholy and himself. But ambition was her idol; and to its
+powerful rival, love, she was yet a stranger. After a few struggles with
+her inclinations the consideration that their united fortunes and family
+alliances would make one of the wealthiest and most powerful houses in
+the kingdom, prevailed. Such early sacrifices of the inclinations in a
+woman of her beauty, youth and accomplishments, may excite surprise; but
+where the mind is left uncultivated by the hand of care, the soul
+untouched by the love of goodness, the human heart seldom fails to set
+up an idol of its own to worship. In the Countess of Pendennyss this
+idol was pride.
+
+The remainder of the ladies, from ceasing to wonder at the manners of
+Francis, had made them the subject of their mirth; and nettled at his
+apparent indifference to their society, which they erroneously
+attributed to his sense of his importance, they overstepped the bounds
+of good-breeding in manifesting their displeasure.
+
+"Mr. Denbigh," cried one of the most thoughtless and pretty of the gay
+tribe to him one day, as Francis sat in a corner abstracted from the
+scene around him, "when do you mean to favor the world with your
+brilliant ideas in the shape of a book?"
+
+"Oh! no doubt soon," said a second; "and I expect they will be homilies,
+or another volume to the Whole Duty of Man."
+
+"Rather," cried a third, with bitter irony, "another canto to the Rape
+of the Lock, his ideas are so vivid and full of imagery."
+
+"Or, what do you think," said a fourth, speaking in a voice of harmony,
+and tones of the most soothing tenderness, "of pity and compassion, for
+the follies of those inferior minds, who cannot enjoy the reflections of
+a good sense and modesty peculiarly his own?"
+
+This might also be irony; and Francis thought it so; but the tones were
+so soft and conciliating, that with a face pale with his emotions, he
+ventured to look up and met the eye of Marian, fixed on him in an
+expression that changed his death-like hue into the color of vermillion.
+
+He thought of this speech; he reasoned on it; he dreamt on it. But for
+the looks which accompanied it, like the rest of the party, he would
+have thought it the cruellest cut of them all. But that look, those
+eyes, that voice, what a commentary on her language did they not afford!
+
+Francis was not long in suspense; the next morning an excursion was
+proposed, which included all but himself in its arrangements. He was
+either too reserved or too proud to offer services which were not
+required.
+
+Several gentlemen had contended for the honor of driving the countess in
+a beautiful phaeton of her own. They grew earnest in their claims: one
+had been promised by its mistress with an opportunity of trying the ease
+of the carriage; another was delighted with the excellent training of
+her horses; in short, all had some particular claim to the distinction,
+which was urged with a warmth and pertinacity proportionate to the value
+of the prize to be obtained. Marian heard the several claimants with an
+ease and indifference natural to her situation, and ended the dispute by
+saying--
+
+"Gentlemen, as I have made so many promises from the dread of giving
+offence, I must throw myself on the mercy of Mr. Denbigh, who alone,
+with the best claims, does not urge them; to you then," continued she,
+approaching him with the whip which was to be given the victor, "I
+adjudge the prize, if you will condescend to accept it."
+
+This was uttered with one of her most attractive smiles, and Francis
+received the whip with an emotion that he with difficulty could control.
+
+The gentlemen were glad to have the contest decided by adjudging the
+prize to one so little dangerous, and the ladies sneered at her choice
+as they left the house.
+
+There was something so soothing in the manners of Lady Pendennyss, she
+listened to the little he said with such a respectful attention, was so
+anxious to have him give his opinions, that the unction of flattery,
+thus sweetly applied, and for the first time, could not fail of its
+wonted effects.
+
+The communications thus commenced were continued. It was so easy to be
+attentive, by being simply polite to one unused to notice of any kind,
+that Marian found the fate of the young man in her hands almost as soon
+as she attempted to control it.
+
+A new existence opened upon Francis, as day after day she insensibly led
+him to a display of powers he was unconscious until now of possessing
+himself. His self-respect began to increase, his limited pleasures to
+multiply, and he could now look around him with a sense of participation
+in the delights of life, as he perceived himself of consequence to this
+much admired woman.
+
+Trifling incidents, managed on her part with consummate art, had led him
+to the daring inference that he was not entirely indifferent to her; and
+Francis returned the incipient affection of his mistress with a feeling
+but little removed from adoration. Week flew by after week, and still he
+lingered at the residence of his kinsman, unable to tear himself from
+the society of one so worshipped, and yet afraid to take a step by
+making a distinct declaration which might involve him in disgrace or
+ridicule.
+
+The condescension of the countess increased, and she had indirectly
+given him the most flattering assurances of his success, when George,
+just arrived from America, having first paid his greetings to his
+reconciled parents, and the happy couple of his generosity, flew to the
+arms of his brother in Suffolk.
+
+Francis was overjoyed to see George, and George delighted in the visible
+improvement of his brother. Still Francis was far, very far behind his
+junior in graces of mind and body; indeed, few men in England were more
+adapted by nature and education for female society than was Colonel
+Denbigh at the period of which we write.
+
+Marian witnessed all his attractions, and deeply felt their influence;
+for the first time she felt the emotions of the gentle passion; and
+after having sported in the gay world, and trifled with the feelings of
+others for years, the countess in her turn became an unwilling victim to
+its power. George met her flame with a corresponding ardor, and the
+struggle between ambition and love became severe; the brothers
+unconsciously were rivals.
+
+Had George for a moment suspected the situation of the feelings of
+Francis, his very superiority in the contest would have induced him to
+retreat from the unnatural rivalry. Had the elder dreamt of the views of
+his junior, he would have abandoned his dearest hopes in utter despair.
+Francis had so long been accustomed to consider George as his superior
+in everything, that a competition with him would have appeared
+desperate. Marian contrived to keep both in hopes, undecided herself
+which to choose, and perhaps ready to yield to the first applicant. A
+sudden event, however, removed all doubts, and decided the fate of the
+three.
+
+The Duke of Derwent and his bachelor brother became so dissatisfied with
+the character of their future heir, that they as coolly set about
+providing themselves with wives as they had performed any other ordinary
+transaction of life, They married cousins, and on the same day the
+choice of the ladies was assigned between them by lots; and if his grace
+got the prettier, his brother certainly got the richest; under the
+circumstances a very tolerable distribution of fortune's favors.
+
+These double marriages dissolved the charm of Francis, and Lady
+Pendennyss determined to consult her wishes; a little pointed
+encouragement brought out the declaration of George, and he was
+accepted.
+
+Francis, who had never communicated his feelings to any one but the
+lady, and that only indirectly, was crushed by the blow. He continued in
+public until the day of their union; was present, composed and silent;
+but it was the silence of a mountain whose volcanic contents had not
+reached the surface. The same day he disappeared, and every inquiry
+after him proved fruitless; search was baffled, and for seven years it
+was not known what had become of the general's eldest son.
+
+George on marrying resigned his commission, at the earnest entreaties of
+his wife, and retired to one of her seats, to the enjoyment of ease and
+domestic love. The countess was enthusiastically attached to him; and as
+motives for the indulgence of coquetry were wanting, her character
+became gradually improved by the contemplation of the excellent
+qualities of her generous husband.
+
+A lurking suspicion of the cause of Francis's sudden disappearance
+rendered her uneasy at times; but Marian was too much beloved, too
+happy, in the enjoyment of too many honors, and of too great wealth, to
+be open to the convictions of conscience. It is in our hours of pain and
+privation that we begin to feel its sting: if we are prosperous, we
+fancy we reap the fruits of our own merit; but if we are unfortunate,
+the voice of truth seldom fails to remind us that we are deserving of
+our fate:--a blessed provision of Providence that often makes the
+saddest hours of our earthly career the morn of a day that is to endure
+for ever.
+
+General Denbigh and Lady Margaret both died within five years of the
+marriage of their favorite child, although both lived to see their
+descendant, in the person of the infant Lord Lumley.
+
+The duke and his brother George were each blessed with offspring, and in
+these several descendants of the different branches of the family of
+Denbigh may be seen the different personages of our history. On the
+birth of her youngest child, the Lady Marian, the Countess of Pendennyss
+sustained a shock in her health from which she never wholly recovered:
+she became nervous, and lost most of her energy both of mind and body.
+Her husband was her solace; his tenderness remaining unextinguished,
+while his attentions increased.
+
+As the fortune of Ives and Isabel put the necessity of a living out of
+the question, and no cure offering for the acceptance of the first, he
+was happy to avail himself of an offer to become domestic chaplain to
+his now intimate friend, Mr. Denbigh. For the first six years they were
+inmates of Pendennyss Castle. The rector of the parish was infirm, and
+averse to a regular assistant; but the unobtrusive services of Mr. Ives
+were not less welcome to the pastor than to his parishioners.
+
+Employed in the duties which of right fell to the incumbent, and
+intrusted with the spiritual guardianship of the dependants of the
+castle, our young clergyman had ample occupation for all his time, if
+not a sufficient theatre for his usefulness. Isabel and himself remained
+the year round in Wales, and the first dawnings of education received by
+Lord Lumley were those he acquired conjointly with Francis from the care
+of the latter's father. They formed, with the interval of the time spent
+by Mr. Denbigh and Lady Pendennyss in town in winter, but one family. To
+the gentleman, the attachment of the grateful Ives was as strong as it
+was lasting. Mrs. Ives never ceased to consider him as a self-devoted
+victim to her happiness; and although a far more brilliant lot had
+awaited him by the change, yet her own husband could not think it a more
+happy one.
+
+The birth of Lady Marian had already, in its consequences, begun, to
+throw a gloom round the domestic comforts of Denbigh, when he was to
+sustain another misfortune in a separation from his friends.
+
+Mr., now Dr. Ives, had early announced his firm intention, whenever an
+opportunity was afforded him, to enter into the fullest functions of his
+ministry, as a matter of duty. Such an opportunity now offered at B----,
+and the doctor became its rector about the period Sir Edward became
+possessor of his paternal estate.
+
+Denbigh tried every inducement within his power to keep the doctor in
+his own society. If as many thousands as his living would give him
+hundreds could effect it, they would have been at his service; but
+Denbigh understood the character of the divine too well to offer such an
+inducement: he however urged the claims of friendship to the utmost, but
+without success. The doctor acknowledged the hold both himself and
+family had gained upon his affections, but he added--
+
+"Consider, my dear Mr. Denbigh, what we would have thought of one of the
+earlier followers of our Saviour, who from motives of convenience or
+worldly-mindedness could have deserted his sacred calling. Although the
+changes in the times may have rendered the modes of conducting them
+different, necessarily the duties remain the same. The minister of our
+holy religion who has once submitted to the call of his divine Master,
+must allow nothing but ungovernable necessity to turn him from the path
+he has entered on; and should he so far forget himself, I greatly fear
+he would plead, when too late to remedy the evil, his worldly duties,
+his cares, or even his misfortunes, in vain. Solemn and arduous are his
+obligations to labor, but when faithfully he has discharged these
+duties, oh! how glorious must be his reward."
+
+Before such opinions every barrier must fall, and the doctor entered
+into the cure of his parish without further opposition, though not
+without unceasing regret on the part of his friend. Their intercourse
+was, however, maintained by letter, and they also frequently met at
+Lumley Castle, a seat of the countess's, within two days' ride of the
+doctor's parish, until her increasing indisposition rendered journeying
+impossible; then, indeed, the doctor extended his rides into Wales, but
+with longer intervals between his visits, though with the happiest
+effects to the objects of his journey.
+
+Mr. Denbigh, worn down with watching and blasted hopes, under the
+direction of the spiritual watchfulness of the rector of B----, became
+an humble, sincere, and pious Christian.
+
+
+
+Chapter XLV.
+
+It has been already mentioned, that the health of Lady Pendennyss
+suffered a severe shock, in giving birth to a daughter. Change of scene
+was prescribed as a remedy for her disorder, and Denbigh and his wife
+were on their return from a fruitless excursion amongst the northern
+lakes, in pursuit of amusement and relief for the latter when they were
+compelled to seek shelter from the fury of a sudden gust in the first
+building that offered. It was a farm-house of the better sort; and the
+attendants, carriages, and appearance of their guests, caused no little
+confusion to its simple inmates. A fire was lighted in the best parlor,
+and every effort was made by the inhabitants to contribute to the
+comforts of the travellers.
+
+The countess and her husband were sitting in that kind of listless
+melancholy which had been too much the companion of their later hours,
+when in the interval of the storm, a male voice in an adjoining room
+commenced singing the following ballad, the notes being low, monotonous,
+but unusually sweet, and the enunciation so distinct, as to rende every
+syllable intelligible:
+
+Oh! I have lived in endless pain, And I have lived, alas! in vain, For
+none regard my woe--No father's care conveyed the truth, No mother's
+fondness blessed my youth, Ah! joys too great to know--
+
+And Marian's love, and Marian's pride, Have crushed the heart that would
+have died. To save my Marian's tears--A brother's hand has struck the
+blow Oh! may that brother never know Such madly sorrowing years!
+
+But hush my griefs--and hush my song, I've mourned in vain--I've mourned
+too long; When none have come to soothe--And dark's the path, that lies
+before, And dark have been the days of yore, And all was dark in youth.
+
+The maids employed around the person of their comfortless mistress, the
+valet of Denbigh engaged in arranging a dry coat for his master--all
+suspended their employments to listen in breathless silence to the
+mournful melody of the song.
+
+But Denbigh himself had started from his seat at the first notes, and he
+continued until the voice ceased, gazing in vacant horror in the
+direction of the sounds. A door opened from the parlor to the room of
+the musician; he rushed through it, and there, in a kind of shed to the
+building, which hardly sheltered him from the fury of the tempest, clad
+in the garments of the extremest poverty, with an eye roving in madness,
+and a body rocking to and fro from mental inquietude, he beheld seated
+on a stone the remains of his long lost brother, Francis.
+
+The language of the song was too plain to be misunderstood. The truth
+glared around George with a violence that dazzled his brain; but he saw
+it all, he felt it all, and rushing to the feet of his brother, he
+exclaimed in horror, pressing his hands between his own,--
+
+"Francis--my own brother--do you not know me?"
+
+The maniac regarded him with a vacant gaze, but the voice and the person
+recalled the compositions of his more reasonable moments to his
+recollection; pushing back the hair of George, so as to expose his fine
+forehead to view, he contemplated him for a few moments, and then
+continued to sing, in a voice still rendered sweeter than before by his
+faint impressions:
+
+His raven locks, that richly curled, His eye, that proud defiance
+hurled. Have stol'n my Marian's love! Had I been blest by nature's
+grace, With such a form, with such a face, Could I so treacherous prove?
+
+And what is man--and what is care--That he should let such passions tear
+The bases of the soul! Oh! you should do, as I have done--And having
+pleasure's summit won, Each bursting sob control!
+
+On ending the last stanza, the maniac released his brother, and broke
+into the wildest laugh of madness.
+
+"Francis!--Oh! Francis, my brother," cried George, in bitterness. A
+piercing shriek drew his eye to the door he had passed through--on its
+threshold lay the senseless body of his wife. The distracted husband
+forgot everything in the situation of his Marian, and raising her in his
+arms, he exclaimed,--
+
+"Marian--my Marian, revive--look up--know me."
+
+Francis had followed him, and now stood by his side, gazing intently on
+the lifeless body; his looks became more soft--his eye glanced less
+wildly--he too cried,--
+
+"Marian--My Marian."
+
+There was a mighty effort; nature could endure no more, he broke a
+blood-vessel and fell at the feet of George. They flew to his
+assistance, giving the countess to her women; but he was dead.
+
+For seventeen years Lady Pendennyss survived this shock: but having
+reached her own abode, during that long period she never left her room.
+
+In the confidence of his surviving hopes, Doctor Ives and his wife were
+made acquainted with the real cause of the grief of their friend, but
+the truth went no further. Denbigh was the guardian of his three young
+cousins, the duke, his sister, and young George Denbigh; these, with his
+son, Lord Lumley, and daughter, Lady Marian, were removed from the
+melancholy of the Castle to scenes better adapted to their opening
+prospects in life. Yet Lumley was fond of the society of his father, and
+finding him a youth endowed beyond his years, the care of his parent was
+early turned to the most important of his duties in that sacred office;
+and when he yielded to his wishes to go into the army, he knew he went a
+youth of sixteen, possessed of principles and self-denial that would
+become a man of five-and-twenty.
+
+General Wilson completed the work which the father had begun; and Lord
+Lumley formed a singular exception to the character of most of his
+companions.
+
+At the close of the Spanish war, he returned home, and was just in time
+to receive the parting breath of his mother.
+
+A few days before her death, the countess requested that her children
+might be made acquainted with her history and misconduct; and she placed
+in the hands of her son a letter; with directions for him to open it
+after her decease. It was addressed to both children, and after
+recapitulating generally the principal events of her life, continued:
+
+"Thus, my children, you perceive the consequences of indulgence and
+hardness of heart, which made me insensible to the sufferings of others,
+and regardless of the plainest dictates of justice. Self was my idol.
+The love of admiration, which was natural to me, was increased by the
+flatterers who surrounded me; and had the customs of our country
+suffered royalty to descend in their unions to a grade in life below
+their own, your uncle would have escaped the fangs of my baneful
+coquetry.
+
+"Oh! Marian, my child, never descend so low as to practise those arts
+which have degraded your unhappy mother. I would impress on you, as a
+memorial of my parting affection, these simple truths--that coquetry
+stands next to the want of chastity in the scale of female vices; it is
+in fact a kind of mental prostitution; it is ruinous to all that
+delicacy of feeling which gives added lustre to female charms; it is
+almost destructive to modesty itself. A woman who has been addicted to
+its practice, may strive long and in vain to regain that singleness of
+heart, which can bind her up so closely in her husband and children as
+to make her a good wife or a mother; and if it should have degenerated
+into habit, it may lead to the awful result of infidelity to her
+marriage vows.
+
+"It is vain for a coquette to pretend to religion; its practice involves
+hypocrisy, falsehood, and deception--everything that is mean--everything
+that is debasing. In short, as it is bottomed on selfishness and pride,
+where it has once possessed the mind, it will only yield to the truth-
+displaying banners of the cross. This, and this only, can remove the
+evil; for without it she, whom the charms of youth and beauty have
+enabled to act the coquette, will descend into the vale of life,
+altered, it is true, but not amended. She will find the world, with its
+allurements, clinging around her parting years, in vain regrets for days
+that are flown, and in mercenary views for her descendants. Heaven bless
+you, my children, console and esteem your inestimable father while he
+yet remains with you; and place your reliance on that Heavenly Parent
+who will never desert those who seek him in sincerity and love. Your
+dying mother,
+
+"M. PENDENNYSS."
+
+This letter, evidently written under the excitement of deep remorse,
+made a great impression on both her children. In Lady Marian it was
+pity, regret, and abhorrence of the fault which had been the principal
+cause of the wreck of her mother's peace of mind; but in her brother,
+now Earl of Pendennyss, these feelings were united with a jealous dread
+of his own probable lot in the chances of matrimony.
+
+His uncle had been the supposed heir to a more elevated title than his
+own, but he was now the actual possessor of as honorable a name, and of
+much larger revenues. The great wealth of his maternal grandfather, and
+the considerable estate of his own father, were, or would soon be,
+centred in himself; and if a woman as amiable, as faultless, as
+affection had taught him to believe his mother to be, could yield in her
+situation to the lure of worldly honors, had he not great reason to
+dread, that a hand might be bestowed at some day upon himself, when the
+heart would point out some other destination, if the real wishes of its
+owner were consulted?
+
+Pendennyss was modest by nature, and humble from principle, though by no
+means distrustful; yet the shock of discovering his mother's fault, the
+gloom occasioned by her death and his father's declining health,
+sometimes led him into a train of reflections which, at others, he would
+have fervently deprecated.
+
+A short time after the decease of the countess, Mr. Denbigh, finding his
+constitution fast giving way, under the wasting of a decline he had been
+in for a year, resolved to finish his days in the abode of his Christian
+friend, Doctor Ives. For several years they had not met; increasing
+duties and infirmities on both sides having interrupted their visits.
+
+By easy stages he left the residence of his son in Wales, and
+accompanied by both his children he reached Lumley Castle much
+exhausted; here he took a solemn and final leave of Marian, unwilling
+that she should so soon witness again the death of another parent, and
+dismissing the earl's equipage and attendants a short day's ride from B-
+---, they proceeded alone to the rectory.
+
+A letter had been forwarded acquainting the doctor of his approaching
+visit, wishing it to be perfectly private, but not alluding to its
+object, and naming a day, a week later than the one on which he arrived.
+This plan was altered on perceiving the torch of life more rapidly
+approaching the socket than he had at first supposed. His unexpected
+appearance and reception are known. Denbigh's death and the departure of
+his son followed; Francis having been Pendennyss's companion to the tomb
+of his ancestors in Westmoreland.
+
+The earl had a shrinking delicacy, under the knowledge of his family
+history, that made him anxious to draw all eyes from the contemplation
+of his mother's conduct; how far the knowledge of it had extended in
+society he could not know, but he wished it buried with her in the tomb.
+The peculiar manner of his father's death would attract notice, and
+might recall attention to the prime cause of his disorder; as yet all
+was veiled, and he wished the doctor's family to let it remain so. It
+was, however, impossible that the death of a man of Mr. Denbigh's rank
+should be unnoticed in the prints, and the care of Francis dictated the
+simple truth without comments, as it appeared. As regarded the Moseleys,
+what was more natural than that the son of Mr. Denbigh should also be
+Mr. Denbigh?
+
+In the presence of the rector's family no allusions were made to their
+friends, and the villagers and the neighborhood spoke of them as old and
+young Mr. Denbigh.
+
+The name of Lord Lumley, now Earl of Pendennyss, was known to the whole
+British nation; but the long retirement of his father and mother had
+driven them almost from the recollection of their friends. Even Mrs.
+Wilson supposed her favorite hero a Lumley. Pendennyss Castle had been
+for centuries the proud residence of that family; and the change of name
+in its possessor was forgotten with the circumstances that had led to
+it.
+
+When, therefore, Emily met the earl so unexpectedly the second time at
+the rectory, she, of course, with all her companions, spoke of him as
+Mr. Denbigh. On that occasion, Pendennyss had called in person, in
+expectation of meeting his kinsman, Lord Bolton; but, finding him
+absent, he could not resist his desire to visit the rectory.
+Accordingly, he sent his carriage and servants on to London, leaving
+them at a convenient spot, and arrived on foot at the house of Dr. Ives.
+From the same motives which had influenced him before--a wish to
+indulge, undisturbed by useless ceremony, his melancholy reflections--he
+desired that his name might not be mentioned.
+
+This was an easy task. Both Doctor and Mrs. Ives had called him, when a
+child, George or Lumley, and were unused to his new appellation of
+Pendennyss; indeed, it rather recalled painful recollections to them
+all.
+
+It may be remembered that circumstances removed the necessity of any
+introduction to Mrs. Wilson and her party; and the difficulty in that
+instance was happily got rid of.
+
+The earl had often heard Emily Moseley spoken of by his friends, and in
+their letters they frequently mentioned her name as connected with their
+pleasures and employments, and always with an affection Pendennyss
+thought exceeding that which they manifested for their son's wife; and
+Mrs Ives, the evening before, to remove unpleasant thoughts, had given
+him a lively description of her person and character. The earl's
+curiosity had been a little excited to see this paragon of female beauty
+and virtue; and, unlike most curiosity on such subjects, he was
+agreeably disappointed by the examination. He wished to know more, and
+made interest with the doctor to assist him to continue the incognito
+with which accident had favored him.
+
+The doctor objected on the ground of principle, and the earl desisted;
+but the beauty of Emily, aided by her character, had made an impression
+not to be easily shaken off, and Pendennyss returned to the charge.
+
+His former jealousies were awakened in proportion to his admiration;
+and, after some time, he threw himself on the mercy of the divine, by
+declaring his new motive, but without mentioning his parents. The doctor
+pitied him, for he scanned his feelings thoroughly, and consented to
+keep silent, but laughingly declared it was bad enough for a divine to
+be accessory to, much less aiding in a deception; and that he knew if
+Emily and Mrs. Wilson learnt his imposition, he would lose ground in
+their favor by the discovery.
+
+"Surely, George," said the doctor with a laugh, "you don't mean to marry
+the young lady as Mr. Denbigh?"
+
+"Oh, no! it is too soon to think of marrying her at all," replied the
+earl with a smile; "but, somehow, I should like to see what my reception
+in the world will be as plain Mr. Denbigh, unprovided for and unknown."
+
+"No doubt, my lord," said the rector archly, "in proportion to your
+merits, very unfavorably indeed; but then your humility will be finally
+elevated by the occasional praises I have heard Mrs. Wilson lavish on
+your proper character of late."
+
+"I am much indebted to her partiality," continued the earl mournfully;
+then throwing off his gloomy thoughts he added, "I wonder, my dear
+doctor, your goodness did not set her right in the latter particular."
+
+"Why, she has hardly given me an opportunity; delicacy and my own
+feelings have kept me very silent on the subject of your family to any
+of that connexion. They think, I believe, I was a rector in Wales,
+instead of your father's chaplain; and somehow," continued the doctor,
+smiling on his wife, "the association with your late parents was so
+connected in my mind with my most romantic feelings, that although I
+have delighted in it, I have seldom alluded to it in conversation at
+all. Mrs. Wilson has spoken of you but twice in my hearing, and that
+since she has expected to meet you; your name has doubtless recalled the
+remembrance of her husband."
+
+"I have many, many reasons to remember the general with gratitude,"
+cried the earl with fervor; "but doctor, do not forget my incognito:
+only call me George; I ask no more."
+
+The plan of Pendennyss was put in execution. Day after day he lingered
+in Northamptonshire, until his principles and character had grown upon
+the esteem of the Moseleys in the manner we have mentioned.
+
+His frequent embarrassments were from the dread and shame of a
+detection. With Sir Herbert Nicholson he had a narrow escape, and Mrs.
+Fitzgerald and Lord Henry Stapleton he of course avoided; for having
+gone so far, he was determined to persevere to the end. Egerton he
+thought knew him, and he disliked his character and manners.
+
+When Chatterton appeared most attentive to Emily, the candor and good
+opinion of that young nobleman made the earl acquainted with his wishes
+and his situation. Pendennyss was too generous not to meet his rival on
+fair grounds. His cousin and the duke were requested to use their united
+influence secretly to obtain the desired station for the baron. The
+result is known, and Pendennyss trusted his secret to Chatterton; he
+took him to London, gave him in charge to Derwent, and returned to
+prosecute his own suit. His note from Bolton Castle was a ruse to
+conceal his character, as he knew the departure of the baronet's family
+to an hour, and had so timed his visit to the earl as not to come in
+collision with the Moseleys.
+
+"Indeed, my lord," cried the doctor to him one day, "your scheme goes on
+swimmingly, and I am only afraid when your mistress discovers the
+imposition, you will find your rank producing a different effect from
+what you have apprehended."
+
+
+
+Chapter XLVI.
+
+But Dr. Ives was mistaken. Had he seen the sparkling eyes and glowing
+cheeks of Miss Moseley, the smile of satisfaction and happiness which
+played on the usually thoughtful face of Mrs. Wilson, when the earl
+handed them into his own carriage, as they left his house on the evening
+of the discovery, the doctor would have gladly acknowledged the failure
+of his prognostics. In truth, there was no possible event that, under
+the circumstances, could have given both aunt and niece such heartfelt
+pleasure, as the knowledge that Denbigh and the earl were the same
+person.
+
+Pendennyss stood holding the door of the carriage in his hand,
+irresolute how to act, when Mrs. Wilson said--
+
+"Surely, my lord, you sup with us."
+
+"A thousand thanks, my dear madam, for the privilege," cried the earl,
+as he sprang into the coach; the door was closed, and they drove off.
+
+"After the explanations of this morning, my lord," said Mrs. Wilson,
+willing to remove all doubts between him and Emily, and perhaps anxious
+to satisfy her own curiosity, "it will be fastidious to conceal our
+desire to know more of your movements. How came your pocket-book in the
+possession of Mrs. Fitzgerald?"
+
+"Mrs. Fitzgerald!" cried Pendennyss, in astonishment "I lost the book in
+one of the rooms of the Lodge, and supposed it had fallen into your
+hands, and betrayed my disguise by Emily's rejection of me, and your own
+altered eye. Was I mistaken then in both?"
+
+Mrs. Wilson now, for the first time, explained their real grounds for
+refusing his offers, which, in the morning, she had loosely mentioned as
+owing to a misapprehension of his just character, and recounted the
+manner of the book falling into the hands of Mrs. Fitzgerald.
+
+The earl listened in amazement, and after musing with himself,
+exclaimed--
+
+"I remember taking it from my pocket, to show Colonel Egerton some
+singular plants I had gathered, and think I first missed it when
+returning to the place where I had then laid it; in some of the side-
+pockets were letters from Marian, addressed to me, properly; and I
+naturally thought they had met your eye."
+
+Mrs. Wilson and Emily immediately thought Egerton the real villain, who
+had caused both themselves and Mrs. Fitzgerald so much uneasiness, and
+the former mentioned her suspicions to the earl.
+
+"Nothing more probable, dear madam," cried he, "and this explains to me
+his startled looks when we first met, and his evident dislike to my
+society, for he must have seen my person, though the carriage hid him
+from my sight."
+
+That Egerton was the wretch, and that through his agency the pocket-book
+had been carried to the cottage, they all now agreed, and turned to more
+pleasant subjects.
+
+"Master!--here--master," said Peter Johnson, as he stood at a window of
+Mr. Benfield's room, stirring a gruel for the old gentleman's supper,
+and stretching his neck and straining his eyes to distinguish objects by
+the light of the lamps--"I do think there is Mr. Denbigh, handing Miss
+Emmy from a coach, covered with gold, and two footmen, all dizened with
+pride like."
+
+The spoon fell from the hands of Mr. Benfield. He rose briskly from his
+seat, and adjusting his dress, took the arm of the steward, and
+proceeded to the drawing-room. While these several movements were in
+operation, which consumed some time, the old bachelor relieved the
+tedium of Peter's impatience by the following speech:--
+
+"Mr. Denbigh!--what, back?--I thought he never could let that rascal
+John shoot him and forsake Emmy after all; (here the old gentleman
+suddenly recollected Denbigh's marriage) but now, Peter, it can do no
+good either.--I remember, that when my friend the Earl of Gosford "--
+(and again he was checked by the image of the card-table and the
+viscountess) "but, Peter," he said with great warmth, "we can go down
+and see him, notwithstanding."
+
+"Mr. Denbigh!" exclaimed Sir Edward, in astonishment, when he saw the
+companion of his sister and child enter the drawing-room, "you are
+welcome once more to your old friends: your sudden retreat from us gave
+us much pain; but we suppose Lady Laura had too many attractions to
+allow us to keep you any longer in Norfolk."
+
+The good Baronet sighed, as he held out his hand to the man whom he had
+once hoped to receive as a son.
+
+"Neither Lady Laura nor any other lady, my dear Sir Edward," cried the
+earl, as he took the baronet's hand, "drove me from you, but the frowns
+of your own fair daughter; and here she is, ready to acknowledge her
+offence, and, I hope, to atone for it."
+
+John, who knew of the refusal of his sister, and was not a little
+displeased with the cavalier treatment he had received at Denbigh's
+hands, felt indignant at such improper levity in a married man, and
+approached with--
+
+"Your servant, Mr. Denbigh--I hope my Lady Laura is well."
+
+Pendennyss understood his look, and replied very gravely--
+
+"Your servant, Mr. John Moseley--my Lady Laura is, or certainly ought to
+be, very well, as she has this moment gone to a rout, accompanied by her
+husband."
+
+The quick eye of John glanced from the earl to his aunt, to Emily; a
+lurking smile was on all their features. The heightened color of his
+sister, the flashing eyes of the young nobleman, the face of his aunt,
+all told him that something uncommon was about to be explained; and,
+yielding to his feelings, he caught the hand which Pendennyss extended
+to him, and cried,
+
+"Denbigh, I see--I feel--there is some unaccountable mistake--we are--"
+
+"Brothers!" said the earl, emphatically. "Sir Edward--dear Lady Moseley,
+I throw myself on your mercy. I am an impostor: when your hospitality
+received me into your house, it is true you admitted George Denbigh, but
+he is better known as the Earl of Pendennyss."
+
+"The Earl of Pendennyss!" exclaimed Lady Moseley, in a glow of delight,
+as she saw at once through some juvenile folly a deception which
+promised both happiness and rank to one of her children. "Is it
+possible, my dear Charlotte, that this is your unknown friend?"
+
+"The very same, Anne," replied the smiling widow, "and guilty of a folly
+that, at all events, removes the distance between us a little, by
+showing that he is subject to the failings of mortality. But the
+masquerade is ended, and I hope you and Edward will not only treat him
+as an earl, but receive him as a son."
+
+"Most willingly--most willingly," cried the baronet, with great energy;
+"be he prince, peer, or beggar, he is the preserver of my child, and as
+such he is always welcome."
+
+The door now slowly opened, and the venerable bachelor appeared on its
+threshold.
+
+Pendennyss, who had never forgotten the good will manifested to him by
+Mr. Benfield, met him with a look of pleasure, as he expressed his
+happiness at seeing him again in London.
+
+"I never have forgotten your goodness in sending honest Peter such a
+distance from home, on the object of his visit. I now regret that a
+feeling of shame occasioned my answering your kindness so laconically:"
+turning to Mrs. Wilson, he added, "for a time I knew not how to write a
+letter even, being afraid to sign my proper appellation, and ashamed to
+use my adopted."
+
+"Mr. Denbigh, I am happy to see you. I did send Peter, it is true, to
+London, on a message to you--but it is all over now," the old man
+sighed--"Peter, however, escaped the snares of this wicked place; and if
+you are happy, I am content. I remember when the Earl of--"
+
+"Pendennyss!" exclaimed the other, "imposed on the hospitality of a
+worthy man, under an assumed appellation, in order to pry into the
+character of a lovely female, who was only too good for him, and who now
+is willing to forget his follies, and make him not only the happiest of
+men, but the nephew of Mr. Benfield."
+
+During this speech, the countenance of Mr. Benfield had manifested
+evident emotion: he looked from one to another, until he saw Mrs. Wilson
+smiling near him. Pointing to the earl with his finger, he stood unable
+to speak, as she answered simply,--
+
+"Lord Pendennyss."
+
+"And Emmy dear--will you--will you marry him?" cried Mr. Benfield,
+suppressing his feelings, to give utterance to his question.
+
+Emily felt for her uncle, and blushing deeply, with great frankness she
+put her hand in that of the earl, who pressed it with rapture again and
+again to his lips.
+
+Mr. Benfield sank into a chair, and with a heart softened by emotion,
+burst into tears.
+
+"Peter," he cried, struggling with his feelings, "I am now ready to
+depart in peace--I shall see my darling Emmy happy, and to her care I
+shall commit you."
+
+Emily, deeply affected with his love, threw herself into his arms, in a
+torrent of tears, and was removed from them by Pendennyss, in
+consideration for the feelings of both.
+
+Jane felt no emotions of envy for her sister's happiness; on the
+contrary, she rejoiced in common with the rest of their friends in her
+brightening prospects, and they all took their seats at the supper
+table, as happy a group as was contained in the wide circle of the
+metropolis. A few more particulars served to explain the mystery
+sufficiently, until a more fitting opportunity made them acquainted with
+the whole of the earl's proceedings.
+
+"My Lord Pendennyss," said Sir Edward, pouring out a glass of wine, and
+passing the bottle to his neighbor: "I drink your health--and happiness
+to yourself and my darling child."
+
+The toast was drunk by all the family, and the earl replied to the
+compliments with his thanks and smiles, while Emily could only notice
+them with her blushes and tears.
+
+But this was an opportunity not to be lost by the honest steward, who,
+from affection and long services, had been indulged in familiarities
+exceeding any other of his master's establishment. He very deliberately
+helped himself to a glass of wine, and drawing near the seat of the
+bride-elect, with an humble reverence, commenced his speech as follows:
+
+"My dear Miss Emmy:--Here's hoping you'll live to be a comfort to your
+honored father, and your honored mother, and my dear honored master, and
+yourself, and Madam Wilson." The steward paused to clear his voice, and
+profited by the delay to cast his eye round the table to collect the
+names; "and Mr. John Moseley, and sweet Mrs. Moseley, and pretty Miss
+Jane" (Peter had lived too long in the world to compliment one handsome
+woman in the presence of another, without the qualifying his speech a
+little); "and Mr. Lord Denbigh--earl like, as they say he now is, and"--
+Peter stopped a moment to deliberate, and then making another reference,
+he put the glass to his lips; but before he had got half through its
+contents, recollected himself, and replenishing it to the brim, with a
+smile acknowledging his forgetfulness, continued, "and the Rev. Mr.
+Francis Ives, and the Rev. Mrs. Francis Ives."
+
+Here the unrestrained laugh of John interrupted him; and considering
+with himself that he had included the whole family, he finished his
+bumper. Whether it was pleasure at his own eloquence in venturing on so
+long a speech, or the unusual allowance, that affected the steward, he
+was evidently much satisfied with himself, and stepped back behind his
+master's chair, in great good humor.
+
+Emily, as she thanked him, noticed a tear in the eye of the old man, as
+he concluded his oration, that would have excused a thousand breaches of
+fastidious ceremony. But Pendennyss rose from his seat, and took him
+kindly by the hand, and returned his own thanks for his good wishes.
+
+"I owe you much good will, Mr. Johnson, for, your two journeys in my
+behalf, and trust I never shall forget the manner in which you executed
+your last mission in particular. We are friends, I trust, for life."
+
+"Thank you--thank your honor's lordship," said the steward, almost
+unable to utter; "I hope you may live long, to make dear little Miss
+Emmy as happy--as I know she ought to be."
+
+"But really, my lord," cried John, observing that the steward's
+affection for his sister had affected her to tears, "it was a singular
+circumstance, the meeting of the four passengers of the stage so soon at
+your hotel."
+
+Moseley explained his meaning to the rest of the company.
+
+"Not so much so as you imagine," said the earl in reply; "yourself and
+Johnson were in quest of me. Lord Henry Stapleton was under an
+engagement to meet me that evening at the hotel, as we were both going
+to his sister's wedding--I having arranged the thing with him by letter
+previously; and General M'Carthy was also in search of me, on business
+relating to his niece, the Donna Julia. He had been to Annerdale House,
+and, through my servants, heard I was at an hotel. It was the first
+interview between us, and not quite as amicable a one as has since been
+had in Wales. During my service in Spain, I saw the Conde, but not the
+general. The letter he gave me was from the Spanish ambassador, claiming
+a right to require Mrs. Fitzgerald from our government, and deprecating
+my using an influence to counteract his exertions"--
+
+"Which you refused," said Emily, eagerly.
+
+"Not refused," answered the earl, smiling at her warmth, while he
+admired her friendly zeal, "for it was unnecessary: there is no such
+power vested in the ministry. But I explicitly told the general, I would
+oppose any violent measures to restore her to her country and a convent.
+From the courts, I apprehended nothing for my fair friend."
+
+"Your honor--my lord," said Peter, who had been listening with great
+attention, "if I may presume just to ask two questions, without
+offence."
+
+"Say on, my good friend," said Pendennyss, with an encouraging smile.
+
+"Only" continued the steward--hemming, to give proper utterance to his
+thoughts--"I wish to know, whether you stayed in that same street after
+you left the hotel--for Mr. John Moseley and I had a slight difference
+in opinion about it."
+
+The earl smiled, having caught the arch expression of John, and replied-
+-
+
+"I believe I owe you an apology, Moseley, for my cavalier treatment; but
+guilt makes us all cowards. I found you were ignorant of my incognito,
+and I was equally ashamed to continue it, or to become the relater of my
+own folly. Indeed," he continued, smiling on Emily as he spoke, "I
+thought your sister had pronounced the opinion of all reflecting people
+on my conduct. I went out of town, Johnson, at day-break. What is the
+other query?"
+
+"Why, my lord," said Peter, a little disappointed at finding his first
+surmise untrue, "that outlandish tongue your honor used--"
+
+"Was Spanish," cried the earl.
+
+"And not Greek, Peter," said his master, gravely. "I thought, from the
+words you endeavored to repeat to me, that you had made a mistake. You
+need not be disconcerted, however, for I know several members of the
+parliament of this realm who could not talk the Greek language, that is,
+fluently. So it can be no disgrace to a serving-man to be ignorant of
+it."
+
+Somewhat consoled to find himself as well off as the representatives of
+his country, Peter resumed his station in silence, when the carriages
+began to announce the return from the opera. The earl took his leave,
+and the party retired to rest.
+
+The thanksgivings of Emily that night, ere she laid her head on her
+pillow, were the purest offering of mortal innocence. The prospect
+before her was unsullied by a cloud and she poured out her heart in the
+fullest confidence of pious love and heartfelt gratitude.
+
+As early on the succeeding morning as good-breeding would allow, and
+much earlier than the hour sanctioned by fashion, the earl and Lady
+Marian stopped in the carriage of the latter at the door of Sir Edward
+Moseley. Their reception was the most flattering that could be offered
+to people of their stamp; sincere, cordial, and, with a trifling
+exception in Lady Moseley, unfettered with any useless ceremonies.
+
+Emily felt herself drawn to her new acquaintance with a fondness which
+doubtless grew out of her situation with her brother; which soon found
+reasons enough in the soft, lady-like, and sincere manners of Lady
+Marian, to justify her attachment on her own account.
+
+There was a very handsome suite of drawing-rooms in Sir Edward's house,
+and the communicating doors were carelessly open. Curiosity to view the
+furniture, or some such trifling reasons, induced the earl to find his
+way into the one adjoining that in which the family were seated. It was
+unquestionably a dread of being lost in a strange house, that induced
+him to whisper a request to the blushing Emily, to be his companion; and
+lastly, it must have been nothing but a knowledge that a vacant room was
+easier viewed than one filled with company, that prevented any one from
+following them. John smiled archly at Grace, doubtless in approbation of
+the comfortable time his friend was likely to enjoy, in his musings on
+the taste of their mother. How the door became shut, we have ever been
+at a loss to imagine.
+
+The company without were too good-natured and well satisfied with each
+other to miss the absentees, until the figure of the earl appeared at
+the reopened door, beckoning, with a face of rapture, to Lady Moseley
+and Mrs. Wilson. Sir Edward next disappeared, then Jane, then Grace--
+then Marian; until John began to think a tête-à-tête with Mr. Benfield
+was to be his morning's amusement.
+
+The lovely countenance of his wife, however, soon relieved his ennui,
+and John's curiosity was gratified by an order to prepare for his
+sister's wedding the following week.
+
+Emily might have blushed more than common during this interview, but it
+is certain she did not smile less; and the earl, Lady Marian assured Sir
+Edward, was so very different a creature from what he had recently been,
+that she could hardly think it was the same sombre gentleman with whom
+she had passed the last few months in Wales and Westmoreland.
+
+A messenger was dispatched for Dr. Ives and their friends at B----, to
+be witnesses to the approaching nuptials; and Lady Moseley at length
+found an opportunity of indulging her taste for splendor on this joyful
+occasion.
+
+Money was no consideration; and Mr. Benfield absolutely pined at the
+thought that the great wealth of the earl put it out of his power to
+contribute in any manner to the comfort of his Emmy. However, a
+fifteenth codicil was framed by the ingenuity of Peter and his master,
+and if it did not contain the name of George Denbigh, it did that of his
+expected second son, Roderick Benfield Denbigh, to the qualifying
+circumstance of twenty thousand pounds, as a bribe for the name.
+
+"And a very pretty child, I dare say, it will be," said the steward, as
+he placed the paper in its repository. "I don't know that I ever saw,
+your honor, a couple that I thought would make a handsomer pair like,
+except--" Peter's mind dwelt on his own youthful form coupled with the
+smiling graces of Patty Steele.
+
+"Yes! they are as handsome as they are good!" replied his master. "I
+remember now, when our Speaker took his third wife, the world said that
+they were as pretty a couple as there was at court. But my Emma and the
+earl will be a much finer pair. Oh! Peter Johnson; they are young, and
+rich, and beloved; but, after all, it avails but little if they be not
+good."
+
+"Good!" cried the steward in astonishment; "they are as good as angels."
+
+The master's ideas of human excellence had suffered a heavy blow in the
+view of his viscountess, but he answered mildly,
+
+"As good as mankind can well be."
+
+
+
+Chapter XLVII.
+
+The warm weather had now commenced; and Sir Edward, unwilling to be shut
+up in London at a time the appearance of vegetation gave the country a
+new interest, and accustomed for many years of his life to devote an
+hour in his garden each morn, had taken a little ready furnished cottage
+a short ride from his residence, with the intention of frequenting it
+until after the birthday. Thither then Pendennyss took his bride from
+the altar, and a few days were passed by the newly married pair in this
+little asylum.
+
+Doctor Ives, with Francis, Clara, and their mother, had obeyed the
+summons with an alacrity in proportion to the joy they felt on receiving
+it, and the former had the happiness of officiating on the occasion. It
+would have been easy for the wealth of the earl to procure a license to
+enable them to marry in the drawing-room; the permission was obtained,
+but neither Emily nor himself felt a wish to utter their vows in any
+other spot than at the altar, and in the house of their Maker.
+
+If there was a single heart that felt the least emotion of regret or
+uneasiness, it was Lady Moseley, who little relished the retirement of
+the cottage on so joyful an occasion; but Pendennyss silenced her
+objections by good-humoredly replying--
+
+"The fates have been so kind to me, in giving me castles and seats, you
+ought to allow me, my dear Lady Moseley, the only opportunity I shall
+probably ever have of enjoying love in a cottage."
+
+A few days, however, removed the uneasiness of the good matron, who had
+the felicity within the week of seeing her daughter initiated mistress
+of Annerdale House.
+
+The morning of their return to this noble mansion the earl presented
+himself in St. James's Square, with the intelligence of their arrival,
+and smiling as he bowed to Mrs. Wilson, he continued--
+
+"And to escort you, dear madam, to your new abode."
+
+Mrs. Wilson started with surprise, and with a heart beating quick with
+emotion, she required an explanation of his words.
+
+"Surely, dearest Mrs. Wilson--more than aunt--my mother--you cannot
+mean, after having trained my Emily through infancy to maturity in the
+paths of duty, to desert her in the moment of her greatest trial. I am
+the pupil of your husband," he continued, taking her hands in his own
+with reverence and affection; "we are the children of your joint care,
+and one home, as there is but one heart, must in future contain us."
+
+Mrs. Wilson had wished for, but hardly dared to expect this invitation.
+It was now urged from the right quarter, and in a manner that was as
+sincere as it was gratifying. Unable to conceal her tears, the good
+widow pressed the hand of Pendennyss to her lips as she murmured out her
+thanks. Sir Edward was prepared also to lose his sister; but unwilling
+to relinquish the pleasure of her society, he urged her making a common
+residence between the two families.
+
+"Pendennyss has spoken truth, my dear brother," cried she, recovering
+her voice; "Emily is the child of my care and my love--the two beings I
+love best in this world are now united--but," she added, pressing Lady
+Moseley to her bosom, "my heart is large enough for you all; you are of
+my blood, and my gratitude for your affection is boundless. There shall
+be but one large family of us; and although our duties may separate us
+for a time, we will, I trust, ever meet in tenderness and love, though
+with George and Emily I will take up my abode."
+
+"I hope your house in Northamptonshire is not to be vacant always," said
+Lady Moseley to the earl, anxiously.
+
+"I have no house there, my dear madam," he replied; "when I thought
+myself about to succeed in my suit before, I directed a lawyer at Bath,
+where Sir William Harris resided most of his time, to endeavor to
+purchase the deanery, whenever a good opportunity offered: in my
+discomfiture," he added, smiling, "I forgot to countermand the order,
+and he purchased it immediately on its being advertised. For a short
+time it was an incumbrance to me, but it is now applied to its original
+purpose. It is the sole property of the Countess of Pendennyss, and I
+doubt not you will see it often and agreeably tenanted."
+
+This intelligence gave great satisfaction to his friends, and the
+expected summer restored to even Jane a gleam of her former pleasure.
+
+If there be bliss in this life, approaching in any degree to the
+happiness of the blessed, it is the fruition of long and ardent love,
+where youth, innocence, piety, and family concord, smile upon the union.
+And all these were united in the case of the new-married pair; but
+happiness in this world cannot or does not, in any situation, exist
+without alloy.
+
+The peace of mind and fortitude of Emily were fated to receive a blow,
+as unlooked for to herself as it was unexpected to the world. Bonaparte
+appeared in France, and Europe became in motion.
+
+From the moment the earl heard the intelligence his own course was
+decided. His regiment was the pride of the army, and that it would be
+ordered to join the duke he did not entertain a doubt.
+
+Emily was, therefore, in some little measure prepared for the blow. It
+is at such moments as our own acts, or events affecting us, get to be
+without our control, that faith in the justice and benevolence of God is
+the most serviceable to the Christian. When others spend their time in
+useless regrets he is piously resigned: it even so happens, that when
+others mourn he can rejoice.
+
+The sound of the bugle, wildly winding its notes, broke on the stillness
+of the morning in the little village in which was situated the cottage
+tenanted by Sir Edward Moseley. Almost concealed by the shrubbery which
+surrounded its piazza, stood the forms of the Countess of Pendennyss and
+her sister Lady Marian, watching eagerly the appearance of those whose
+approach was thus announced.
+
+The carriage of the ladies, with its idle attendants, was in waiting at
+a short distance; and the pale face but composed resignation of its
+mistress, indicated a struggle between conflicting duties.
+
+File after file of heavy horse passed them in military pomp, and the
+wistful gaze of the two females had scanned them in vain for the well
+known, much-beloved countenance of the leader. At length a single
+horseman approached them, riding deliberately and musing: their forms
+met his eye, and in an instant Emily was pressed to the bosom of her
+husband.
+
+"It is the doom of a soldier," said the earl, dashing a tear from his
+eye; "I had hoped that the peace of the world would not again be
+assailed for years, and that ambition and jealousy would yield a respite
+to our bloody profession; but cheer up, my love--hope for the best--your
+trust is not in the things of this life, and your happiness is without
+the power of man."
+
+"Ah! Pendennyss--my husband," sobbed Emily, sinking on his bosom, "take
+with you my prayers--my love--everything that can console you--
+everything that may profit you. I will not tell you to be careful of
+your life; your duty teaches you that. As a soldier, expose it; as a
+husband guard it; and return to me as you leave me, a lover, the dearest
+of men, and a Christian."
+
+Unwilling to prolong the pain of parting, the earl gave his wife a last
+embrace, held Marian affectionately to his bosom, and mounting his
+horse, was out of sight in an instant.
+
+Within a few days of the departure of Pendennyss, Chatterton was
+surprised with the entrance of his mother and Catharine. His reception
+of them was that of a respectful child, and his wife exerted herself to
+be kind to connexions she could not love, in order to give pleasure to a
+husband she adored. Their tale was soon told. Lord and Lady Herriefield
+were separated; and the dowager, alive to the dangers of a young woman
+in Catharine's situation, and without a single principle on which to
+rest the assurance of her blameless conduct in future, had brought her
+to England, in order to keep off disgrace, by residing with her child
+herself.
+
+There was nothing in his wife to answer the expectations with which Lord
+Herriefield married. She had beauty, but with that he was already sated;
+her simplicity, which, by having her attention drawn elsewhere, had at
+first charmed him, was succeeded by the knowing conduct of a determined
+follower of the fashions, and a decided woman of the world.
+
+It had never struck the viscount as impossible that an artless and
+innocent girl would fall in love with his faded and bilious face, but
+the moment Catharine betrayed the arts of a manager, he saw at once the
+artifice that had been practised; of course he ceased to love her.
+
+Men are flattered for a season with notice that has been unsought, but
+it never fails to injure the woman who practises it in the opinion of
+the other sex, in time. Without a single feeling in common, without a
+regard to anything but self, in either husband or wife, it could not but
+happen that a separation must follow, or their days be spent in
+wrangling and misery. Catharine willingly left her husband; her husband
+more willingly got rid of her.
+
+During all these movements the dowager had a difficult game to play. It
+was unbecoming her to encourage the strife, and it was against her
+wishes to suppress it; she therefore moralized with the peer, and
+frowned upon her daughter.
+
+The viscount listened to her truisms with the attention of a boy who is
+told by a drunken father how wicked it is to love liquor, and heeded
+them about as much; while Kate, mistress at all events of two thousand a
+year, minded her mother's frowns as little as she regarded her smiles;
+both were indifferent to her.
+
+A few days after the ladies left Lisbon, the viscount proceeded to Italy
+in company with the repudiated wife of a British naval officer; and if
+Kate was not guilty of an offence of equal magnitude, it was more owing
+to her mother's present vigilance than to her previous care.
+
+The presence of Mrs. Wilson was a great source of consolation to Emily
+in the absence of her husband; and as their longer abode in town was
+useless, the countess declining to be presented without the earl, the
+whole family decided upon a return into Northamptonshire.
+
+The deanery had been furnished by order of Pendennyss immediately on his
+marriage; and its mistress hastened to take possession of her new
+dwelling. The amusement and occupation of this movement, the planning of
+little improvements, her various duties under her increased
+responsibilities, kept Emily from dwelling unduly upon the danger of her
+husband. She sought out amongst the first objects of her bounty the
+venerable peasant whose loss had been formerly supplied by Pendennyss on
+his first visit to B----, after the death of his father. There might not
+have been the usual discrimination and temporal usefulness in this
+instance which generally accompanied her benevolent acts; but it was
+associated with the image of her husband, and it could excite no
+surprise in Mrs. Wilson, although it did in Marian, to see her sister
+driving two or three times a week to relieve the necessities of a man
+who appeared actually to be in want of nothing.
+
+Sir Edward was again amongst those he loved, and his hospitable board
+was once more surrounded with the faces of his friends and neighbors.
+The good-natured Mr. Haughton was always a welcome guest at the hall,
+and met, soon after their return, the collected family of the baronet,
+at a dinner given by the latter to his children and one or two of his
+most intimate neighbors--
+
+"My Lady Pendennyss," cried Mr. Haughton, in the course of the
+afternoon, "I have news from the earl, which I know it will do your
+heart good to hear."
+
+Emily smiled at the prospect of hearing in any manner of her husband,
+although she internally questioned the probability of Mr. Haughton's
+knowing anything of his movements, of which her daily letters did not
+apprise her.
+
+"Will you favor me with the particulars of your intelligence, sir?" said
+the countess.
+
+"He has arrived safe with his regiment near Brussels; heard it from a
+neighbor's son who saw him enter the house occupied by Wellington, while
+he was standing in the crowd without, waiting to get a peep at the
+duke."
+
+"Oh!" said Mrs. Wilson with a laugh, "Emily knew that ten days ago.
+Could your friend tell us anything of Bonaparte? We are much interested
+in his movements just now."
+
+Mr. Haughton, a good deal mortified to find his news stale, mused a
+moment, as if in doubt to proceed or not; but liking of all things to
+act the part of a newspaper, he continued--
+
+"Nothing more than you see in the prints; but I suppose your ladyship
+has heard about Captain Jarvis too?"
+
+"Why, no," said Emily, laughing; "the movements of Captain Jarvis are
+not quite as interesting to me as those of Lord Pendennyss--has the duke
+made him an aide-de-camp?"
+
+"Oh! no," cried the other, exulting at his having something new: "as
+soon as he heard of the return of Boney, he threw up his commission and
+got married."
+
+"Married!" cried John; "not to Miss Harris, surely."
+
+"No; to a silly girl he met in Cornwall, who was fool enough to be
+caught with his gold lace. He married one day, and the next told his
+disconsolate wife and panic-stricken mother that the honor of the
+Jarvises must sleep until the supporters of the name became sufficiently
+numerous to risk them in the field of battle."
+
+"And how did Mrs. Jarvis and Sir Timo's lady relish the news?" inquired
+John, expecting something ridiculous.
+
+"Not at all," rejoined Mr. Haughton; "the former sobbed, and said she
+had only married him for his bravery and red coat, and the lady
+exclaimed against the destruction of his budding honors."
+
+"How did it terminate?" asked Mrs. Wilson.
+
+"Why, it seems while they were quarrelling about it, the War-Office cut
+the matter short by accepting his resignation, I suppose the commander-
+in-chief had learned his character; but the matter was warmly contested:
+they even drove the captain to a declaration of his principles."
+
+"And what kind of ones might they have been, Haughton?" said Sir Edward,
+drily.
+
+"Republican."
+
+"Republican!" exclaimed two or three in surprise.
+
+"Yes, liberty and equality, he contended, were his idols, and he could
+not find it in his heart to fight against Bonaparte."
+
+"A somewhat singular conclusion," said Mr. Benfield, musing. "I remember
+when I sat in the House, there was a party who were fond of the cry of
+this said liberty; but when they got the power they did not seem to me
+to suffer people to go more at large than they went before; but I
+suppose they were diffident of telling the world their minds after they
+were put in such responsible stations, for fear of the effect of
+example."
+
+"Most people like liberty as servants but not as masters, uncle," cried
+John, with a sneer.
+
+"Captain Jarvis, it seems, liked it as a preservative against danger,"
+continued Mr. Haughton; "to avoid ridicule in his new neighborhood, he
+has consented to his father's wishes, and turned merchant in the city
+again."
+
+"Where I sincerely hope he will remain," cried John, who since the
+accident of the arbor, could not tolerate the unfortunate youth.
+
+"Amen!" said Emily, in an under tone, heard only by her brother.
+
+"But Sir Timo--what has become of Sir Timo--the good, honest merchant?"
+asked John.
+
+"He has dropt the title, insists on being called plain Mr. Jarvis, and
+lives entirely in Cornwall. His hopeful son-in-law has gone with his
+regiment to Flanders; and Lady Egerton, being unable to live without her
+father's assistance, is obliged to hide her consequence in the west
+also."
+
+The subject became now disagreeable to Lady Moseley, and it was changed.
+Such conversations made Jane more reserved and dissatisfied than ever.
+She had no one respectable excuse to offer for her partiality to her
+former lover, and when her conscience told her the mortifying fact, was
+apt to think that others remembered it too.
+
+The letters from the continent now teemed with preparations for the
+approaching contest; and the apprehensions of our heroine and her
+friends increased, in proportion to the nearness of the struggle, on
+which hung not only the fates of thousands of individuals, but of
+adverse princes and mighty empires. In this confusion of interests, and
+of jarring of passions, there were offered prayers almost hourly for the
+safety of Pendennyss, which were as pure and ardent as the love which
+prompted them.
+
+
+
+Chapter XLVIII.
+
+Napoleon had commenced those daring and rapid movements, which for a
+time threw the peace of the world into the scale of fortune, and which
+nothing but the interposition of a ruling Providence could avert from
+their threatened success. As the the ----th dragoons wheeled into a
+field already deluged with English blood, on the heights of Quatre Bras,
+the eye of its gallant colonel saw a friendly battalion falling beneath
+the sabres of the enemy's cuirassiers. The word was passed, the column
+opens, the sounds of the quivering bugle were heard for a moment above
+the roar of the cannon and the shouts of the combatants; the charge,
+sweeping like a whirlwind, fell heavily on those treacherous Frenchmen,
+who to-day had sworn fidelity to Louis, and to-morrow intended lifting
+their hands in allegiance to his rival.
+
+"Spare my life in mercy," cried an officer, already dreadfully wounded,
+who stood shrinking from the impending blow of an enraged Frenchman. An
+English dragoon dashed at the cuirassier, and with one blow severed his
+arm from his body.
+
+"Thank God," sighed the wounded officer, sinking beneath the horse's
+feet.
+
+His rescuer threw himself from the saddle, and raising the fallen man
+inquired into his wounds. It was Pendennyss, and it was Egerton. The
+wounded man groaned aloud, as he saw the face of him who had averted the
+fatal blow; but it was not the hour for explanations or confessions,
+other than those with which the dying soldiers endeavored to make their
+tardy peace with their God.
+
+Sir Henry was given in charge to two slightly wounded British soldiers,
+and the earl remounted: the scattered troops were rallied at the sound
+of the trumpet, and again and again, led by their dauntless colonel,
+were seen in the thickest of the fray, with sabres drenched in blood,
+and voices hoarse with the shouts of victory.
+
+The period between the battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo was a trying
+one to the discipline and courage of the British army. The discomfited
+Prussians on their flank had been routed and compelled to retire, and in
+their front was an enemy, brave, skilful, and victorious, led by the
+greatest captain of the age. The prudent commander of the English forces
+fell back with dignity and reluctance to the field of Waterloo; here the
+mighty struggle was to terminate, and the eye of every experienced
+soldier looked on those eminences as on the future graves for thousands.
+
+During this solemn interval of comparative inactivity the mind of
+Pendennyss dwelt on the affection, the innocence, the beauty and worth
+of his Emily, until the curdling blood, as he thought on her lot should
+his life be the purchase of the coming victory, warned him to quit the
+gloomy subject, for the consolations of that religion which only could
+yield him the solace his wounded feelings required. In his former
+campaigns the earl had been sensible of the mighty changes of death, and
+had ever kept in view the preparations necessary to meet it with hope
+and joy; but the world clung around him now, in the best affections of
+his nature, and it was only as he could picture the happy reunion with
+his Emily in a future life, that he could look on a separation in this
+without despair.
+
+The vicinity of the enemy admitted of no relaxation in the strictest
+watchfulness in the British lines: and the comfortless night of the
+seventeenth was passed by the earl, and his Lieutenant Colonel, George
+Denbigh, on the same cloak, and under the open canopy of Heaven.
+
+As the opening cannon of the enemy gave the signal for the commencing
+conflict, Pendennyss mounted his charger with a last thought on his
+distant wife. With a mighty struggle he tore her as it were from his
+bosom, and gave the remainder of the day to duty.
+
+Who has not heard of the events of that fearful hour, on which the fate
+of Europe hung as it were suspended in the scale? On one side supported
+by the efforts of desperate resolution, guided by the most consummate
+art; and on the other defended by a discipline and enduring courage
+almost without a parallel.
+
+The indefatigable Blucher arrived, and the star of Napoleon sank.
+
+Pendennyss threw himself from his horse, on the night of the eighteenth
+of June, as he gave way by orders, in the pursuit, to the fresher
+battalions of the Prussians, with the languor that follows unusual
+excitement, and mental thanksgivings that this bloody work was at length
+ended. The image of his Emily again broke over the sterner feelings of
+the battle, like the first glimmerings of light which succeed the awful
+darkness of the eclipse of the sun: and he again breathed freely, in the
+consciousness of the happiness which would await his speedy return.
+
+"I am sent for the colonel of the ----th dragoons," said a courier in
+broken English to a soldier, near where the earl lay on the ground,
+waiting the preparations of his attendants "have I found the right
+regiment, my friend?"
+
+"To be sure you have," answered the man, without looking up from his
+toil on his favorite animal, "you might have tracked us by the dead
+Frenchmen, I should think. So you want my lord, my lad, do you? do we
+move again to-night?" suspending his labor for a moment in expectation
+of a reply.
+
+"Not to my knowledge," rejoined the courier; "my message is to your
+colonel, from a dying man. Will you point out his station?"
+
+The soldier complied, the message was soon delivered, and Pendennyss
+prepared to obey its summons immediately. Preceded by the messenger as a
+guide, and followed by Harmer, the earl retraced his steps over that
+ground on which he had but a few hours before been engaged in the deadly
+strife of man to man, hand to hand.
+
+How different is the contemplation of a field of battle during and after
+the conflict! The excitement, suspended success, shouts, uproar, and
+confusion of the former, prevent any contemplation of the nicer parts of
+this confused mass of movements, charges, and retreats; or if a
+brilliant advance is made, a masterly retreat effected, the imagination
+is chained by the splendor and glory of the act, without resting for a
+moment on the sacrifice of individual happiness with which it is
+purchased. A battle-ground from which the whirlwind of the combat has
+passed, presents a different sight; it offers the very consummation of
+human misery.
+
+There may occasionally be an individual, who from station, distempered
+mind, or the encouragement of chimerical ideas of glory, quits the
+theatre of life with at least the appearance of pleasure in his
+triumphs. If such there be in reality, if this rapture of departing
+glory be anything more than the deception of a distempered excitement,
+the subject of its exhibition is to be greatly pitied. To the Christian,
+dying in peace with both God and man, can it alone be ceded in the eye
+of reason, to pour out his existence with a smile on his quivering lip.
+
+And the warrior, who falls in the very arms of victory, after passing a
+life devoted to the world; even, if he sees kingdoms hang suspended on
+his success, may smile indeed, may utter sentiments full of loyalty and
+zeal, may be the admiration of the world, and what is his reward? a
+deathless name, and an existence of misery, which knows no termination.
+
+Christianity alone can make us good soldiers in any cause, for he who
+knows how to live, is always the least afraid to die.
+
+Pendennyss and his companions pushed their way over the ground occupied
+before the battle by the enemy; descended into and through that little
+valley, in which yet lay, in undistinguished confusion, masses of the
+dead and dying of either side; and again over the ridge, on which could
+be marked the situation of those gallant squares which had so long
+resisted the efforts of the horse and artillery by the groups of bodies,
+fallen where they had bravely stood, until even the callous Harmer
+sickened with the sight of a waste of life that he had but a few hours
+before exultingly contributed to increase.
+
+Appeals to their feelings as they rode through the field had been
+frequent, and their progress was much retarded by attempts to contribute
+to the ease of a wounded or a dying man; but as the courier constantly
+urged speed, as the only means of securing the object of their ride,
+these halts were reluctantly abandoned.
+
+It was ten o'clock before they reached the farm-house, where, in the
+midst of hundreds of his countrymen, lay the former lover of Jane.
+
+As the subject of his confession must be anticipated by the reader, we
+will give a short relation of his life, and of those acts which more
+materially affect our history.
+
+Henry Egerton had been turned early on the world, hundreds of his
+countrymen, without any principle to counteract the arts of infidelity,
+or resist the temptations of life. His father held a situation under
+government, and was devoted to his rise in the diplomatic line. His
+mother was a woman of fashion, who lived for effect and idle competition
+with her sisters in weakness and folly. All he learnt in his father's
+house was selfishness, from the example of one, and a love of high life
+and its extravagance from the other.
+
+He entered the army young, and from choice. The splendor and reputation
+of the service caught his fancy; and, by pride and constitution, he was
+indifferent to personal danger. Yet he loved London and its amusements
+better than glory; and the money of his uncle, Sir Edgar, whose heir he
+was reputed to be, raised him to the rank of lieutenant colonel, without
+his spending an hour in the field.
+
+Egerton had some abilities, and a good deal of ardor of temperament, by
+nature. The former, from indulgence and example, degenerated into
+acquiring the art to please in mixed society; and the latter, from want
+of employment, expended itself at the card table.
+
+The association between the vices is intimate. There really appears to
+be a kind of modesty in sin that makes it ashamed of good company. If we
+are unable to reconcile a favorite propensity to our principles, we are
+apt to abandon the unpleasant restraint on our actions, rather than
+admit the incongruous mixture. Freed entirely from the fetters of our
+morals, what is there that our vices will not prompt us to commit?
+Egerton, like thousands of others, went on from step to step, until he
+found himself in the world; free to follow all his inclinations, so he
+violated none of the decencies of life.
+
+When in Spain, in his only campaign, he was accidentally, as has been
+mentioned, thrown in the way of the Donna Julia, and brought her off the
+ground under the influence of natural sympathy and national feeling; a
+kind of merit that makes vice only more dangerous, by making it
+sometimes amiable. He had not seen his dependant long before her beauty,
+situation, and his passions decided him to effect her ruin.
+
+This was an occupation that his figure, manners, and propensities had
+made him an adept in, and nothing was further from his thoughts than the
+commission of any other than the crime that, according to his code, a
+gentleman might be guilty of with impunity.
+
+It is, however, the misfortune of sin, that from being our slave it
+becomes a tyrant; and Egerton attempted what in other countries, and
+where the laws ruled, might have cost him his life.
+
+The conjecture of Pendennyss was true. He saw the face of the officer
+who interposed between him and his villanous attempt, but was hid
+himself from view. He aimed not at his life, but at his own escape.
+Happily his first shot succeeded, for the earl would have been
+sacrificed to preserve the character of a man of honor; though no one
+was more regardless of the estimation he was held in by the virtuous
+than Colonel Egerton.
+
+In pursuance of his plans on Mrs. Fitzgerald, the colonel had sedulously
+avoided admitting any of his companions into the secret of his having a
+female in his care.
+
+When he left the army to return home, he remained until a movement of
+the troops to a distant part of the country enabled him to effect his
+own purposes, without incurring their ridicule; and when he found
+himself obliged to abandon his vehicle for a refuge in the woods, the
+fear of detection made him alter his course; and under the pretence of
+wishing to be in a battle about to be fought, he secretly rejoined the
+army, and the gallantry of Colonel Egerton was mentioned in the next
+despatches.
+
+Sir Herbert Nicholson commanded the advanced guard, at which the earl
+arrived with the Donna Julia; and like every other brave man (unless
+guilty himself) was indignant at the villany of the fugitive. The
+confusion and enormities daily practised in the theatre of the war
+prevented any close inquiries into the subject, and circumstances had so
+enveloped Egerton in mystery, that nothing but an interview with the
+lady herself was likely to expose him.
+
+With Sir Herbert Nicholson, he had been in habits of intimacy, and on
+that gentleman's alluding in a conversation in the barracks at F---- to
+the lady brought into his quarters before Lisbon, he accidentally
+omitted mentioning the name of her rescuer. Egerton had never before
+heard the transaction spoken of, and as he had of course never mentioned
+the subject himself, was ignorant who had interfered between him and his
+views; also of the fate of Donna Julia; indeed, he thought it probable
+that it had not much improved by a change of guardians.
+
+In coming into Northamptonshire he had several views; he wanted a
+temporary retreat from his creditors. Jarvis had an infant fondness for
+play, without an adequate skill, and the money of the young ladies, in
+his necessities, was becoming of importance; but the daughters of Sir
+Edward Moseley were of a description more suited to his taste, and their
+portions were as ample as the others. He had become in some degree
+attached to Jane; and as her imprudent parents, satisfied with his
+possessing the exterior and requisite recommendations of a gentleman
+admitted his visits freely, he determined to make her his wife.
+
+When he met Denbigh the first time, he saw that chance had thrown him in
+the way of a man who might hold his character in his power. He had never
+seen him as Pendennyss, and, it will be remembered, was ignorant of the
+name of Julia's friend: he now learnt for the first time that it was
+Denbigh. Uneasy at he knew not what, fearful of some exposure he knew
+not how, when Sir Herbert alluded to the occurrence, with a view to
+rebut the charge, if Denbigh should choose to make one, and with the
+near-sightedness of guilt, he pretended to know the occurrence, and
+under the promise of secresy, mentioned that the name of the officer was
+Denbigh. He had noticed Denbigh avoiding Sir Herbert at the ball; and
+judging others from himself, thought it was a wish to avoid any
+allusions to the lady he had brought into the other's quarters that
+induced the measure; for he was in hopes that if Denbigh was not as
+guilty as himself, he was sufficiently so to wish to keep the
+transaction from the eyes of Emily. He was, however, prepared for an
+explosion or an alliance with him, when the sudden departure of Sir
+Herbert removed the danger of a collision. Believing at last that they
+were to be brothers-in-law, and mistaking the earl for his cousin, whose
+name he bore, Egerton became reconciled to the association; while
+Pendennyss, having in his absence heard, on inquiring, some of the vices
+of the colonel, was debating with himself whether he should expose them
+to Sir Edward or not.
+
+It was in their occasional interchange of civilities that Pendennyss
+placed his pocket-book upon a table, while he exhibited the plants to
+the colonel: the figure of Emily passing the window drew him from the
+room, and Egerton having ended his examination, observing the book, put
+it in his own pocket, to return it to its owner when they next met.
+
+The situation, name, and history of Mrs. Fitzgerald were never mentioned
+by the Moseleys in public; but Jane, in the confidence of her
+affections, had told her lover who the inmate of the cottage was. The
+idea of her being kept there by Denbigh immediately occurred to him, and
+although he was surprised at the audacity of the thing, he was
+determined to profit by the occasion.
+
+To pay this visit, he stayed away from the excursion on the water, as
+Pendennyss had done to avoid his friend, Lord Henry Stapleton. An excuse
+of business, which served for his apology, kept the colonel from seeing
+Denbigh to return the book, until after his visit to the cottage. His
+rhapsody of love, and offers to desert his intended wife, were nothing
+but the common-place talk of his purposes; and his presumption in
+alluding to his situation with Miss Moseley, proceeded from his
+impressions as to Julia's real character. In the struggle for the bell,
+the pocket-book of Denbigh accidentally fell from his coat, and the
+retreat of the colonel was too precipitate to enable him to recover it.
+
+Mrs. Fitzgerald was too much alarmed to distinguish nicely, and Egerton
+proceeded to the ball-room with the indifference of a hardened offender.
+When the arrival of Miss Jarvis, to whom he had committed himself,
+prompted him to a speedy declaration, and the unlucky conversation of
+Mr. Holt brought about a probable detection of his gaming propensities,
+the colonel determined to get rid of his awkward situation and his debts
+by a coup-de-main. He accordingly eloped with Miss Jarvis.
+
+What portion of the foregoing narrative made the dying confession of
+Egerton to the man he had so lately discovered to be the Earl of
+Pendennyss, the reader can easily imagine.
+
+
+
+Chapter XLIX.
+
+The harvest had been gathered, and the beautiful vales of Pendennyss
+were shooting forth a second crop of verdure. The husbandman was turning
+his prudent forethought to the promises of the coming year, while the
+castle itself exhibited to the gaze of the wondering peasant a sight of
+cheerfulness and animation which had not been seen in it since the days
+of the good duke. Its numerous windows were opened to the light of the
+sun, its halls teemed with the faces of its happy inmates. Servants in
+various liveries were seen gliding through its magnificent apartments
+and multiplied passages. Horses, grooms, and carriages, with varied
+costumes and different armorial bearings, crowded its spacious stables
+and offices. Everything spoke society, splendor, and activity without;
+everything denoted order, propriety, and happiness within.
+
+In a long range of spacious apartments were grouped in the pursuit of
+their morning employments, or in arranging their duties and pleasures of
+the day, the guests and owners of the princely abode.
+
+In one room was John Moseley, carefully examining the properties of some
+flints which were submitted to his examination by his attending servant;
+while Grace, sitting at his side, playfully snatches the stones from his
+hand, as she cries half reproachfully, half tenderly---
+
+"You must not devote yourself to your gun so incessantly, Moseley; it is
+cruel to kill inoffensive birds for your amusement only."
+
+"Ask Emily's cook, and Mr. Haughton's appetite," said John, coolly
+extending his hand towards her for the flint--"whether no one is
+gratified but myself. I tell you, Grace, I seldom fire in vain."
+
+"That only makes the matter worse; the slaughter you commit is
+dreadful."
+
+"Oh!" cried John, with a laugh, "the ci-devant Captain Jarvis is a
+sportsman to your mind. He would shoot a month without moving a feather;
+he was a great friend to," throwing an arch look to his solitary sister,
+who sat on a sofa at a distance perusing a book, "Jane's feathered
+songsters."
+
+"But now, Mosely," said Grace, yielding the flints, but gently retaining
+the hand that took them, "Pendenyss and Chatterton intend driving their
+wives, like good husbands, to see the beautiful waterfall in the
+mountains; and what am I to do this long tedious morning?"
+
+John stole an enquiring glance, to see if his wife was very anxious to
+join the party--cast one look of regret on a beautiful agate that he had
+selected, and inquired--
+
+"Do you wish to go very much, Mrs. Mosely?"
+
+"Indeed--indeed I do," said the other, eagerly, "if--"
+
+"If what?"
+
+"You will drive me?" continued she, with a cheek slightly tinged with
+color.
+
+"Well, then," answered John, with deliberation, and regarding his wife
+with affection "I will go on one condition."
+
+"Name it!" cried Grace, with still increasing color.
+
+"That you will not expose your health again in going to the church on a
+Sunday, if it rains."
+
+"The carriage is so close, Mosely," answered Grace, with a paler cheek
+than beforehand eyes fixed on the carpet, "it is impossible I can take
+cold: you see the earl, and countess, and aunt Wilson never miss public
+worship, when possibly within their power."
+
+"The earl goes with his wife; but what becomes of poor me at such
+times!" said John, taking her hand and pressing it kindly. "I like to
+hear a good sermon, but not in bad weather. You must consent to oblige
+me, who only live in your presence."
+
+Grace smiled faintly, as John, pursuing the point, said--"What do you
+say to my condition?"
+
+"Well then, if you wish," replied Graces without the look of gaiety her
+hopes had first inspired, "I will not go if it rain."
+
+John ordered his phaeton, and his wife went to her room to prepare for
+the trip, and to regret her own resolution.
+
+In, the recess of a window, in which bloomed a profusion of exotics,
+stood the figure of Lady Marian Denbigh, playing with a half-blown rose
+of the richest colors; and before her, leaning against the angle of the
+wall, stood her kinsman the Duke of Derwent.
+
+"You heard the plan at the breakfast table," said his Grace, "to visit
+the little falls in the hills. But I suppose you have seen them too
+often to undergo the fatigue?"
+
+"Oh no! I love that ride dearly, and should wish to accompany the
+countess in her first visit to it. I had half a mind to ask George to
+take me in his phaeton."
+
+"My curricle would be honored with the presence of Lady Marian Denbigh,"
+cried the duke with animation, "if, she would accept me for her knight
+on the occasion."
+
+Marian bowed an assent, in evident satisfaction, as the duke proceeded--
+
+"But if you take me as your knight I should wear your ladyship's
+colors;" and he held out his hand towards the budding rose. Lady Marian
+hesitated a moment--looked out at the prospect--up at the wall--turned,
+and wondered where her brother was; and still finding the hand of the
+duke extended, while his eye rested on her in admiration, she gave him
+the boon with a cheek that vied with the richest tints of the flower.
+They separated to prepare, and it was on their return from the falls
+that the duke seemed uncommonly gay and amusing, and the lady silent
+with her tongue, though her eyes danced in every direction but towards
+her cousin.
+
+"Really, my dear Lady Mosely," said the dowager, as, seated by the side
+of her companion, her eyes roved over the magnificence within, and
+widely extended domains without--"Emily is well established indeed--
+better even than my Grace."
+
+"Grace has an affectionate husband," replied the other, gravely, "and
+one that I hope will make her happy."
+
+"Oh! no doubt happy!" said Lady Chatterton, hastily: "but they say Emily
+has a jointure of twelve thousand a year--by-the-by," she added, in a
+low tone, though no one was near enough to hear what she said, "could
+not the earl have settled Lumley Castle on her instead of the deanery?"
+
+"Upon my word I never think of such gloomy subjects as provisions for
+widowhood," cried Lady Mosely: "you have been in Annerdale House--is it
+not a princely mansion?"
+
+"Princely, indeed," rejoined the dowager, sighing: "don't the earl
+intend increasing the rents of this estate as the leases fall in? I am
+told they are very low now!"
+
+"I believe not," said the other. "He has enough, and is willing others
+should prosper. But there is Clara, with her little boy--is he not a
+lovely child?" cried the grandmother, rising to take the infant in her
+arms.
+
+"Oh! excessively beautiful!" said the dowager, looking the other way,
+and observing Catharine making a movement towards Lord Henry Stapleton,
+she called to her. "Lady Herriefield--come this way, my dear--I wish to
+speak to you."
+
+Kate obeyed with a sullen pout of her pretty lip, and entered into some
+idle discussion about a cap, though her eyes wandered round the rooms in
+listless vacancy.
+
+The dowager had the curse of bad impressions in youth to contend with,
+and labored infinitely harder now to make her daughter act right, than
+formerly she had ever done to make her act wrong.
+
+"Here! uncle Benfield," cried Emily, with a face glowing with health and
+animation, as she approached his seat with a glass in her hands. "Here
+is the negus you wished; I have made it myself, and you will praise it
+of course."
+
+"Oh! my dear Lady Pendennyss," said the old gentleman, rising politely
+from his seat to receive the beverage: "you are putting yourself to a
+great deal of trouble for an old bachelor like me; too much indeed, too
+much."
+
+"Old bachelors are sometimes more esteemed than young one," cried the
+earl gaily, joining them in time to hear this speech. "Here is my
+friend, Mr. Peter Johnson; who knows when we may dance at his wedding?"
+
+"My lord, and my lady, and my honored master," said Peter gravely, in
+reply, bowing respectfully where he stood, waiting to take his master's
+glass--"I am past the age to think of a wife: I am seventy-three coming
+next 'lammas, counting by the old style."
+
+"What do you intend to do with your three hundred a year," said Emily
+with a smile, "unless you bestow it on some good woman, for making the
+evening of your life comfortable?'
+
+"My lady--hem--my lady," said the steward, blushing, "I had a little
+thought, with your kind ladyship's consent, as I have no relations,
+chick or child in the world, what to do with it."
+
+"I should be happy to hear your plan," said the countess, observing that
+the steward was anxious to communicate something.
+
+"Why, my lady, if my lord and my honored master's agreeable, I did think
+of making another codicil to master's will in order to dispose of it."
+
+"Your master's will," said the earl laughing; "why not to your own, good
+Peter?"
+
+"My honored lord," said the steward, with great humility, "it don't
+become a poor serving-man like me to make a will."
+
+"But how will you prove it?" said the earl, kindly, willing to convince
+him of his error; "you must be both dead to prove it."
+
+"Our wills," said Peter, gulping his words, "will be proved on the same
+day."
+
+His master looked round at him with great affection, and both the earl
+and Emily were too much struck to say anything. Peter had, however, the
+subject too much at heart to abandon it, just as he had broken the ice.
+He anxiously wished for the countess's consent to the scheme, for he
+would not affront her, even after he was dead.
+
+"My lady--Miss Emmy," said Johnson, eagerly, "my plan is, if my honored
+master's agreeable--to make a codicil, and give my mite to a little--
+Lady Emily Denbigh."
+
+"Oh! Peter, you and uncle Benfield are both too good," cried Emily,
+laughing and blushing, as she hastened to Clara and her mother.
+
+"Thank you, thank you," cried the delighted earl, following his wife
+with his eyes, and shaking the steward cordially by the hand; "and, if
+no better expedient be adopted by us, you have full permission to do as
+you please with your money.
+
+"Peter," said his master to him in a low tone, "you should never speak
+of such things prematurely; now I remember when the Earl of Pendennyss,
+my nephew, was first presented to me, I was struck with the delicacy and
+propriety of his demeanor, and the Lady Pendennyss, my niece, too; you
+never see any thing forward, or--Ah! Emmy, dear," said the old man,
+tenderly interrupting himself, "you are too good to remember your old
+uncle," taking one of the fine peaches she handed him from a plate.
+
+"My lord," said Mr. Haughton to the earl, "Mrs. Ives and myself have had
+a contest about the comforts of matrimony; she insists she may be quite
+as happy at Bolton Parsonage as in this noble castle, and with this rich
+prospect in view."
+
+"I hope," said Francis, "you are not teaching my wife to be discontented
+with her humble lot--if so, both hers and your visit will be an unhappy
+one."
+
+"It would be no easy task, if our good friend intended any such thing by
+his jests," said Clara, smiling. "I know my true interests, I trust, too
+well, to wish to change my fortune."
+
+"You are right," said Pendennyss; "it is wonderful how little our
+happiness depends on a temporal condition. When here, or at Lumley
+Castle, surrounded by my tenantry, there are, I confess, moments of
+weakness, in which the loss of my wealth or rank would be missed
+greatly; but when on service, subjected to great privations, and
+surrounded by men superior to me in military rank, who say unto me--go,
+and I go--come, and I come--I find my enjoyments intrinsically the
+same."
+
+"That," said Francis, "may be owing to your Lordship's tempered
+feelings, which have taught you to look beyond this world for pleasures
+and consolation."
+
+"It has, doubtless, an effect," said the earl, "but there is no truth of
+which I am more fully persuaded, than that our happiness here does not
+depend upon our lot in life, so we are not suffering for necessaries--
+even changes bring less real misery than they are supposed to do."
+
+"Doubtless," cried Mr. Haughton, "under the circumstances, I would not
+wish to change even with your lordship--unless, indeed," he continued,
+with a smile and bow to the countess, "it were the temptation of your
+lovely wife."
+
+"You are quite polite," said Emily laughing, "but I have no desire to
+deprive Mrs. Haughton of a companion she has made out so well with these
+twenty years past."
+
+"Thirty, my lady, if you please."
+
+"And thirty more, I hope," continued Emily, as a servant announced the
+several carriages at the door. The younger part of the company now
+hastened to their different engagements, and Chatterton handed Harriet;
+John, Grace; and Pendennyss, Emily, into their respective carriages; the
+duke and Lady Marian following, but at some little distance from the
+rest of the party.
+
+As the earl drove from the door, the countess looked up to a window, at
+which were standing her aunt and Doctor Ives. She kissed her hand to
+them, with a face, in which glowed the mingled expression of innocence,
+love, and joy.
+
+Before leaving the Park, the party passed Sir Edward; with his wife
+leaning on one arm and Jane on the other, pursuing their daily walk. The
+baronet followed the carriages with his eyes, and exchanged looks of the
+fondest love with his children, as they drove slowly and respectfully by
+him; and if the glance which followed on Jane, did not speak equal
+pleasure, it surely denoted its proper proportion of paternal love.
+
+"You have much reason to congratulate yourself on the happy termination
+of your labors," said the doctor, with a smile, to the widow; "Emily is
+placed, so far as human foresight can judge, in the happiest of all
+stations a female can be in: she is the pious wife of a pious husband,
+beloved, and deserving of it."
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Wilson, drawing back from following the phaeton with
+her eyes, "they are as happy as this world will admit, and, what is
+better, they are well prepared to meet any reverse of fortune which may
+occur, as well as to discharge the duties on which they have entered. I
+do not think," continued she, musing, "that Pendennyss can ever doubt
+the affections of such a woman as Emily."
+
+"I should think not" said the doctor, "but what can excite such a
+thought in your breast, and one so much to the prejudice of George?"
+
+"The only unpleasant thing I have ever observed in him," said Mrs.
+Wilson gravely, "is the suspicion which induced him to adopt the
+disguise in which he entered our family."
+
+"He did not adopt it, madam--- chance and circumstances drew it around
+him accidentally; and when you consider the peculiar state of his mind
+from the discovery of his mother's misconduct--his own great wealth and
+rank--- it is not so surprising that he should yield to a deception,
+rather harmless than injurious."
+
+"Dr. Ives," said Mrs. Wilson, "is not wont to defend deceit."
+
+"Nor do I now, madam;" replied the doctor with a smile; "I acknowledge
+the offence of George, myself, wife, and son. I remonstrated at the time
+upon principle; I said the end would not justify the means; that a
+departure from ordinary rules of propriety was at all times dangerous,
+and seldom practised with impunity."
+
+"And you failed to convince your hearers," cried Mrs. Wilson, gaily; "a
+novelty in your case, my good rector."
+
+"I thank you for the compliment," said the doctor; "I did convince them
+as to the truth of the principle, but the earl contended that his case
+might make an innocent exception. He had the vanity to think, I believe,
+that by concealing his real name, he injured himself more than any one
+else, and got rid of the charge in some such way. He is however,
+thoroughly convinced of the truth of the position, by practice; his
+sufferings, growing out of the mistake of his real character, and which
+could not have happened had he appeared in proper person, having been
+greater than he is ready to acknowledge."
+
+"If they study the fate of the Donna Julia, and his own weakness," said
+the widow, "they will have a salutary moral always at hand, to teach
+them the importance of two cardinal virtues at least--obedience and
+truth."
+
+"Julia has suffered much," replied the doctor; "and although she has
+returned to her father, the consequences of her imprudence are likely to
+continue. When once the bonds of mutual confidence and respect are
+broken, they may be partially restored, it is true, but never with a
+warmth and reliance such as existed previously. To return, however, to
+yourself, do you not feel a sensation of delight at the prosperous end
+of your exertions in behalf of Emily?"
+
+"It is certainly pleasant to think we have discharged our duties, and
+the task is much easier than we are apt to suppose," said Mrs. Wilson;
+"it is only to commence the foundation, so that it will be able to
+support the superstructure. I have endeavored to make Emily a Christian.
+I have endeavored to form such a taste and principles in her, that she
+would not be apt to admire an improper suitor and I have labored to
+prepare her to discharge her continued duties through life, in such a
+manner and with such a faith, as under the providence of God will result
+in happiness far exceeding anything she now enjoys. In all these, by the
+blessing of Heaven, I have succeeded, and had occasion offered, I would
+have assisted her inexperience through the more delicate decisions of
+her sex, though in no instance would I attempt to control them."
+
+"You are right, my dear madam," said the doctor, taking her kindly by
+the hand, "and had I a daughter, I would follow a similar course. Give
+her delicacy, religion, and a proper taste, aided by the unseen
+influence of a prudent parent's care, and the chances of a woman for
+happiness would be much greater than they are; and I am entirely of your
+opinion--'That prevention is at all times better than cure.'"
+
+The End.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Precaution, by James Fenimore
+Cooper
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10365 ***