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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Home Influence, by Grace Aguilar
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Home Influence
+       A Tale for Mothers and Daughters
+
+Author: Grace Aguilar
+
+Release Date: July 8, 2011 [EBook #36648]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOME INFLUENCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brownfox, Chad Vance, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            HOME INFLUENCE:
+
+                                A Tale
+
+                       FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
+
+                           BY GRACE AGUILAR.
+
+
+    NEW EDITION.
+
+    NEW YORK:
+    HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
+    NOS. 329 AND 331 PEARL STREET,
+    (FRANKLIN SQUARE.)
+    1856.
+
+
+
+
+TO MRS. HERBERT TOWNSHEND BOWEN.
+
+MY DEAR FRIEND,
+
+Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this
+unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a
+mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and
+deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be
+tendered. Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to
+illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from
+the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with
+you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have
+offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if
+no story of mine could more completely belong to you. Will you, then,
+pardon the _unintentional_ errors which I fear you, as an earnest
+Protestant, _may_ discern, and accept this little work as a slight
+tribute of the warm affection and sincere esteem with which you have
+been so long regarded by
+
+Your truly attached Friend,
+
+GRACE AGUILAR.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The following story will, the author trusts, sufficiently illustrate its
+title to require but few words in the way of preface. She is only
+anxious to impress two facts on the minds of her readers. The one--that
+having been brought before the public principally as the author of
+Jewish works, and as an explainer of the Hebrew Faith, some Christian
+mothers might fear that the present Work has the same tendency, and
+hesitate to place it in the hands of their children. She, therefore,
+begs to assure them, that as a simple domestic story, the characters in
+which are all Christians, believing in and practicing that religion, all
+_doctrinal_ points have been most carefully avoided, the author seeking
+only to illustrate the spirit of true piety, and the virtues always
+designated as the Christian virtues thence proceeding. Her sole aim,
+with regard to Religion, has been to incite a train of serious and
+loving thought toward God and man, especially toward those with whom He
+has linked us in the precious ties of parent and child, brother and
+sister, master and pupil.
+
+The second point she is desirous to bring forward is her belief, that
+in childhood and youth the _spoken_ sentiment is one of the safest
+guides to individual character; and that if, therefore, she have written
+more conversation than may appear absolutely necessary for the
+elucidation of "Home Influence," or the interest of the narrative, it is
+from no wish to be diffuse, but merely to illustrate her own belief.
+SENTIMENT is the vehicle of THOUGHT, and THOUGHT the origin of ACTION.
+Children and youth have very seldom the power to evince character by
+action, and scarcely if ever understand the mystery of thought; and
+therefore their unrestrained conversation may often greatly aid parents
+and teachers in acquiring a correct idea of their natural disposition,
+and in giving hints for the mode of education each may demand.
+
+Leaving the beaten track of works written for the young, the author's
+aim has been to assist in the education of the HEART, believing that of
+infinitely greater importance than the mere instruction of the MIND, for
+the bright awakening of the latter, depends far more on the happy
+influences of the former than is generally supposed.
+
+The _moral_ of the following story the author acknowledges is addressed
+to mothers only, for on them so much of the responsibility of Home
+Influence devolves. On them, more than on any other, depends the
+well-doing and happiness, or the error and grief, not of childhood
+alone, but of the far more dangerous period of youth. A Preface is not
+the place to enter on their mission. The author's only wish is to _aid_
+by the thoughts, which in some young mothers, anxious and eager to
+perform their office, her story _may_ excite. To daughters also, she
+hopes it may not be found entirely useless, for on them rests so much of
+the happiness of home, in the simple thought of, and attention to those
+little things which so bless and invigorate domestic life. Opportunities
+to evince the more striking virtues woman may never have, but for the
+cultivation and performance of the lesser, they are called upon each
+day.
+
+CLAPTON, _January, 1847_.
+
+
+
+
+MEMOIR OF GRACE AGUILAR.
+
+
+Grace Aguilar was born at Hackney, June 2d, 1816. She was the eldest
+child and only daughter of Emanuel Aguilar, one of those merchants
+descended from the Jews of Spain, who, almost within the memory of man,
+fled from persecution in that country, and sought and found an asylum in
+England.
+
+The delicate frame and feeble health observable in Grace Aguilar
+throughout her life displayed itself from infancy; from the age of three
+years, she was almost constantly under the care of some physician, and,
+by their advice, annually spending the summer months by the sea, in the
+hope of rousing and strengthening a naturally fragile constitution. This
+want of physical energy was, however, in direct contrast to her mental
+powers, which developed early and readily. She learned to read with
+scarcely any trouble, and, when once that knowledge was gained, her
+answer, when asked what she would like for a present, was, invariably,
+"A book," which was read, re-read, and preserved with a care remarkable
+in so young a child. With the exception of eighteen months passed at
+school, her mother was her sole instructress, and both parents took
+equal delight in directing her studies and facilitating her personal
+inspection of all that was curious and interesting in the various
+counties of England to which they resorted for her health.
+
+From the early age of seven she commenced keeping a journal, which was
+continued with scarce any intermission throughout her life. In 1825 she
+visited Oxford, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester, Ross, and Bath, and
+though at that time but nine years old, her father took her to
+Gloucester and Worcester cathedrals, and also to see a porcelain and pin
+manufactory, &c., the attention and interest she displayed on these
+occasions affording convincing proof that her mind was alive to
+appreciate and enjoy what was thus presented to her observation. Before
+she had completed her twelfth year, she ventured to try her powers in
+composition, and wrote a little drama, called Gustavus Vasa, never
+published, and only here recorded as being the first germ of what was
+afterward to become the ruling passion.
+
+In September, 1828, the family went to reside in Devonshire for the
+health of Mr. Aguilar, and there a strong admiration for the beauties
+and wonders of nature manifested itself: she constantly collected
+shells, stones, sea-weed, mosses, &c., in her daily rambles; and, not
+satisfied with admiring their beauty, sedulously procured whatever
+little catechisms or other books on those subjects she could purchase or
+borrow, eagerly endeavoring, by their study, to increase her knowledge
+of their nature and properties.
+
+When she had attained the age of fourteen, her father commenced a
+regular course of instruction for his child, by reading aloud while she
+was employed in drawing, needle-work, &c. History was selected, that
+being the study which now most interested her, and the first work chosen
+was Josephus.
+
+It was while spending a short time at Tavistock, in 1830, that the
+beauty of the surrounding scenery led her to express her thoughts in
+verse. Several small pieces soon followed her first essay, and she
+became extremely fond of this new exercise and enjoyment of her opening
+powers, yet her mind was so well regulated that she never permitted
+herself to indulge in original composition until her duties and her
+studies were all performed.
+
+Grace Aguilar was extremely fond of music; she had learned the piano
+from infancy, and in 1831 commenced the harp. She sang pleasingly,
+preferring English songs, and invariably selecting them for the beauty
+or sentiment of the words; she was also passionately fond of dancing,
+and her cheerful, lively manners in the society of her young friends
+would scarcely have led any to imagine how deeply she felt and pondered
+upon the serious and solemn subjects which afterward formed the labor of
+her life. She seemed to enjoy all, to enter into all, but a keen
+observer would detect the hold that sacred and holy principle ever
+exercised over her lightest act and gayest hour. A sense of duty was
+apparent in the merest trifle, and her following out of the divine
+command of obedience to parents was only equaled by the unbounded
+affection she felt for them. A wish was once expressed by her mother
+that she should not waltz, and no solicitation could afterward tempt
+her. Her mother also required her to read sermons, and study religion
+and the Bible regularly; this was readily submitted to, first as a task,
+but afterward with much delight; for evidence of which we can not do
+better than quote her own words, in one of her religious works:
+
+"This formed into a habit, and persevered in for a life, would in time,
+and without labor or weariness, give the comfort and the knowledge that
+we seek; each year it would become lighter and more blessed; each year
+we should discover something we knew not before, and, in the valley of
+the shadow of death, feel to our heart's core that the Lord our God is
+Truth."--_Women of Israel_, vol. ii., p. 43.
+
+Nor did Grace Aguilar only study religion for her own personal
+observance and profit. She embraced its _principles_ (the principles of
+all creeds) in a widely-extended and truly liberal sense. She carried
+her practice of its holy and benevolent precepts into every minutiæ of
+her daily life, doing all the good her limited means would allow,
+finding time in the midst of her own studies, and most varied and
+continual occupations, to work for and instruct her poor neighbors in
+the country, and, while steadily venerating and adhering to her own
+faith, neither inquiring nor heeding the religious opinions of the needy
+whom she succored or consoled. To be permitted to help and comfort she
+considered a privilege and a pleasure; she left the rest to God; and
+thus, bestowing and receiving blessings and smiles from all who had the
+opportunity of knowing her, her young life flowed on in an almost
+uninterrupted stream of enjoyment, until she had completed her
+nineteenth year.
+
+Alas! the scene was soon to change, and trials awaited that spirit
+which, in the midst of sunshine, had so beautifully striven to prepare
+itself a shelter from the storm. The two brothers of Miss Aguilar, whom
+she tenderly loved, left the paternal roof to be placed far from their
+family at school. Her mother's health necessitated a painful and
+dangerous operation; and from that time, for several years, alternate
+hopes and fears, through long and dreary watchings beside the sick-bed
+of that beloved mother, became the portion of her gifted child. But even
+this depressing and arduous change in the duties of her existence did
+not suspend her literary pursuits and labors. She profited by all the
+intervals she could command, and wrote the tale of the "Martyr," the
+"Spirit of Judaism," and "Israel Defended;" the latter translated from
+the French at the earnest request of a friend, and printed only for
+private circulation. The "Magic Wreath," a little poetical work, and the
+first our authoress ever published, dedicated to the Right Honorable the
+Countess of Munster, also appeared about this time.
+
+In the spring of 1835, Grace Aguilar was attacked with measles, and
+never afterward recovered her previous state of health, suffering at
+intervals with such exhausting feelings of weakness as to become,
+without any visible disease, really alarming.
+
+The medical attendants recommended entire rest of mind and body; she
+visited the sea, and seemed a little revived, but anxieties were
+gathering around her horizon, to which it became evidently impossible
+her ardent and active mind could remain passive or indifferent, and
+which recalled every feeling, every energy of her impressible nature
+into action. Her elder brother, who had long chosen music as his
+profession, was sent to Germany to pursue his studies; the younger
+determined upon entering the sea-service. The excitement of these
+changes, and the parting with both, was highly injurious to their
+affectionate sister; and her delight, a few months after, at welcoming
+the sailor boy returned from his first voyage, with all his tales of
+danger and adventure, and his keen enjoyment of the path of life he had
+chosen, together with her struggles to do her utmost to share his walks
+and companionship, contributed yet more to impair her inadequate
+strength.
+
+The second parting was scarcely over ere her father, who had long shown
+symptoms of failing health, became the victim of consumption. He
+breathed his last in her arms; and the daughter, while sorrowing over
+all she had lost, roused herself once more to the utmost, feeling that
+she was the sole comforter beside her remaining parent. Soon after, when
+her brother again returned finding the death of his father he resolved
+not to make his third voyage as a midshipman, but endeavor to procure
+some employment sufficiently lucrative to prevent his remaining a burden
+upon his widowed mother. Long and anxiously did he pursue this object,
+his sister, whose acquaintance with literary and talented persons had
+greatly increased, using all her energy and influence in his behalf, and
+concentrating all the enthusiastic feelings of her nature in inspiring
+him with patience, comfort, and hope, as often as they failed him under
+his repeated disappointments. At length his application was taken up by
+a powerful friend, for her sake; she had the happiness of succeeding,
+and saw him depart at the very summit of his wishes. Repose, which had
+been so long necessary, seemed now at hand; but her nerves had been too
+long and too repeatedly overstrung, and when this task was done the worn
+and weary spirit could sustain no more, and sank under the labor that
+had been imposed upon it.
+
+Severe illness followed; and though it yielded, after a time, to
+skillful remedies and tender care, her excessive languor and severe
+headaches continued to give her family and friends great uneasiness.
+
+During all these demands upon her time, her thoughts, and her health,
+however, the ruling passion neither slumbered nor slept. She completed
+the Jewish Faith, and also prepared Home Influence for the press, though
+very unfit to have taxed her powers so far. Her medical attendant became
+urgent for total change of air and scene, and again strongly interdicted
+_all_ mental exertion; a trip to Frankfort, to visit her elder brother,
+was therefore decided on. In June, 1847, she set out, and bore the
+journey without suffering nearly so much as might have been expected.
+Her hopes were high, her spirits raised; the novelty and interest of her
+first travels on the Continent gave her, for a very transient period, a
+gleam, as it were, of strength. For a week or two she appeared to rally;
+then, again, every exertion became too much for her, every stimulating
+remedy seemed to exhaust her. She was ordered from Frankfort to try the
+baths and mineral waters of Schwalbach, but without success. After a
+stay of six weeks, and persevering with exemplary patience in the
+treatment prescribed, she was one night seized with alarming convulsive
+spasms, so terrible that her family removed her the next morning with
+all speed back to Frankfort, to the house of a family of most kind
+friends, where every attention and care was lavishly bestowed.
+
+In vain. She took to her bed the very day of her arrival, and never rose
+from it again; she became daily weaker, and in three weeks from that
+time her sufferings ceased forever. She was perfectly conscious to
+within less than two hours before her death, and took an affectionate
+leave of her mother and brother. Speech had been a matter of difficulty
+for some time previous, her throat being greatly affected by her malady;
+but she had, in consequence, learned to use her fingers in the manner of
+the deaf and dumb, and almost the last time they moved it was to spell
+upon them, feebly, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."
+
+She was buried in the cemetery of Frankfort, one side of which is set
+apart for the people of her faith. The stone which marks the spot bears
+upon it a butterfly and five stars, emblematic of the soul in heaven,
+and beneath appears the inscription,
+
+     "Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works
+     praise her in the gates."--Prov., ch. xxxi., v. 31.
+
+And thus, 16th of September, 1847, at the early age of thirty-one, Grace
+Aguilar was laid to rest; the bowl was broken, the silver cord was
+loosed. Her life was short, and checkered with pain and anxiety, but she
+strove hard to make it useful and valuable, by employing diligently and
+faithfully the talents with which she had been endowed. Nor did the
+serious view with which she ever regarded earthly existence induce her
+to neglect or despise any occasion of enjoyment, advantage, or sociality
+which presented itself. Her heart was ever open to receive, her hand to
+give.
+
+Inasmuch as she succeeded to the satisfaction of her fellow-beings, let
+them be grateful; inasmuch as she failed, let those who perceive it deny
+her not the meed of praise for her endeavor to open the path she
+believed would lead mankind to practical virtue and happiness, and
+strive to carry out the pure philanthropic principles by which she was
+actuated, and which she so earnestly endeavored to diffuse.
+
+_October, 1849._
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PART I.
+
+THE SISTERS.
+
+I.--A Launch--A Promise--A new Relation
+
+II.--Glimpses into a Child's Heart--A Death-bed
+
+III.--Retrospection--The Lowly sought--The Haughty foiled
+
+IV.--Retrospective--Effects of Coquetry--Obedience and Disobedience
+
+V.--A Heart and Home in England--A Heart and Home in India
+
+VI.--Domestic Discord, and its End
+
+
+PART II.
+
+TRAITS OF CHARACTER.
+
+I.--Youthful Colloquy--Introducing Character
+
+II.--Three English Homes, and their Inmates
+
+III.--Home Scene--Visitors--Childish Meditations
+
+IV.--Varieties
+
+V.--A Young Gentleman in a Passion--A Walk--A Scene of Distress
+
+VI.--Cecil Grahame's Philosophy--An Error, and its Consequences--A
+Mystery and a Confidence
+
+VII.--Mr. Morton's Story--A Confession--A young Pleader--Generosity not
+always Justice
+
+VIII.--An unpleasant Proposal--The Mystery Solved--A Father's Grief from
+a Mother's Weakness--A Father's Joy from a Mother's Influence
+
+IX.--Temptation and Disobedience--Fear--Falsehood and Punishment
+
+X.--Pain and Penitence--Truth Impressed, and Reconciliation--The
+Family-tree
+
+XI.--The Children's Ball
+
+XII.--Effects of Pleasure--The young Midshipman--Ill-temper, Origin and
+Consequences
+
+XIII.--Suspicion--A Parting, a double Grief--Innocence proved--Wrong
+done and Evil confirmed by Doubt
+
+
+PART III.
+
+SIN AND SUFFERING.
+
+I.--Advance and Retrospect
+
+II.--A Letter, and its Consequences
+
+III.--A Summons and a Loss
+
+IV.--The broken Desk
+
+V.--The Culprit and the Judge
+
+VI.--The Sentence, and its Execution
+
+VII.--The Light glimmers
+
+VIII.--The Struggle
+
+IX.--Illness and Remorse
+
+X.--Mistaken Impressions eradicated
+
+XI.--The Loss of the Siren
+
+XII.--Forebodings
+
+XIII.--Forgiveness
+
+XIV.--The Rich and the Poor
+
+XV.--A Home Scene, and a Parting
+
+XVI.--The Birthday Gift
+
+
+
+
+HOME INFLUENCE.
+
+
+
+
+PART I.
+
+THE SISTERS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+A LAUNCH.--A PROMISE.--A NEW RELATION.
+
+
+In a very beautiful part of Wales, between the northern boundaries of
+Glamorgan and the southeastern of Carmarthenshire, there stood, some
+twenty or thirty years ago, a small straggling village. Its locality was
+so completely concealed that the appearance of a gentleman's carriage,
+or, in fact, any vehicle superior to a light spring-cart, was of such
+extremely rare occurence as to be dated, in the annals of Llangwillan,
+as a remarkable event, providing the simple villagers with amusing
+wonderment for weeks.
+
+The village was scattered over the side of a steep and rugged hill; and
+on the east, emerging from a thick hedge of yews and larches, peeped
+forth the picturesque old church, whose tin-coated spire, glittering in
+the faintest sunshine, removed all appearance of gloom from the thick
+trees, and seemed to whisper, whatever darkness lingered round, light
+was always shining there. The churchyard, which the yews and larches
+screened, was a complete natural garden, from the lowly cottage flowers,
+planted by loving hands over many a grassy grave, and so hallowed that
+not a child would pluck them, however tempted by their luxuriance and
+beauty. A pretty cottage, whose white walls were covered with jasmine,
+roses, and honeysuckle, marked the humble residence of the village
+minister, who though in worldly rank only a poor curate, from his
+spiritual gifts deserved a much higher grade.
+
+A gurgling stream ran leaping and sparkling over the craggy hill till it
+formed a deep, wide bed for itself along the road leading to the nearest
+town, embanked on one side by a tall leafy hedge, and on the other by
+rich grass and meadow flowers. By the side of this stream groups of
+village children were continually found, sometimes reaching for some
+particular flower or insect, or floating pieces of wood with a twig
+stuck upright within them as tiny fleets; but this amusement had given
+place the last ten days to the greater excitement of watching the
+progress of a miniature frigate, the workmanship of a young lad who had
+only very lately become an inmate of the village. All had been at length
+completed, sails, ropes, and masts, with a degree of neatness and
+beauty, showing not only ingenuity but observation; and one lovely
+summer evening the ceremony of launching took place. For a few minutes
+she tottered and reeled amid the tiny breakers, then suddenly regained
+her equilibrium and dashed gallantly along. A loud shout burst from the
+group, from all save the owner, a beautiful boy of some twelve years,
+who contented himself with raising his slight figure to its full height,
+and looking proudly and triumphantly round him. One glance would suffice
+to satisfy that his rank in life was far superior to that of his
+companions, and that he condescended from circumstances, not from
+choice, to mingle with them. So absorbed was the general attention that
+the very unusual sound of carriage-wheels was unremarked until close
+beside them, and then so astounding was the sight of a private carriage
+and the coachman's very simple question if that road led to the village,
+that all hung back confused. The owner of the little vessel, however,
+answered proudly and briefly in the affirmative. "And can you direct me,
+my good boy," inquired a lady, looking from the window, and smiling
+kindly at the abashed group "to the residence of Mrs. Fortescue, it is
+out of the village, is it not?"
+
+"Mrs. Fortescue!" repeated the boy eagerly and gladly, and his cap was
+off his head in a moment, and the bright sunshine streamed on a face of
+such remarkable beauty, and withal so familiar, that though the lady
+bent eagerly forward to address him, emotion so choked her voice that
+the lad was enabled to reply to her inquiry, and direct the coachman to
+the only inn of the village, and they had driven off before words
+returned.
+
+The boy looked eagerly after them, then desiring one of his companions
+to meet the lady at the inn, and guide her to the cottage, caught up his
+little vessel, and darted off across some fields which led by a shorter
+cut to the same place.
+
+It was a very humble dwelling, so surrounded by hills that their shadow
+always seemed to overhang it: yet within, the happy temper of a poor
+widow and her daughter kept up a perpetual sunshine. Three weeks
+previous to the evening we have mentioned, a lady and two children had
+arrived at Llangwillan, unable to proceed farther from the severe
+indisposition of the former. They were unattended, and the driver only
+knew that their destination was Swansea; he believed they had been
+shipwrecked off Pembroke, and that the poor lady was very ill when she
+commenced her journey, but the curious inquiries of the villagers could
+elicit nothing more. Mr. Myrvin, with characteristic benevolence,
+devoted himself to insuring, as far as he could, the comfort of the
+invalid; had her removed from the inn to Widow Morgan's cottage,
+confident that there she would at least be nursed with tenderness and
+care, and so near him as to permit his constant watchfulness. But a very
+few days too sadly convinced him, not only that her disease was mortal,
+but that his presence and gentle accents irritated instead of soothed.
+Ill-temper and self-will seemed to increase with the weakness, which
+every day rendered her longing to continue her journey more and more
+futile. It was some days before she could even be persuaded to write to
+the relative she was about to seek, so determined was she that she would
+get well; and when the letter was forwarded, and long before an answer
+could have been received (for twenty years ago there were no railroads
+to carry on epistolary communication as now), fretfulness and
+despondency increased physical suffering, by the determined conviction
+that she was abandoned, her children would be left uncared for. In vain
+Mr. Myrvin assured her of the impossibility yet to receive a reply, that
+the direction might not even have been distinct enough, for her memory
+had failed her in dictating it; she knew she was deserted, she might
+have deserved it, but her Edward was innocent, and it was very hard on
+him. As self-will subsided in physical exhaustion, misery increased. A
+restless torturing remembrance seemed to have taken possession of her,
+which all the efforts of the earnest clergyman were utterly ineffectual
+to remove. She would not listen to the peace he proffered, and so
+painfully did his gentle eloquence appear to irritate instead of calm,
+that he desisted, earnestly praying, that her sister might answer the
+letter in person, and by removing anxiety prepare the mind for better
+thoughts.
+
+One object alone had power to bring something like a smile to that
+altered but still most beautiful countenance, conquer even irritation,
+and still create intervals of pleasure--it was her son, the same
+beautiful boy we have already noticed, and whose likeness to herself was
+so extraordinary that it would have been almost too feminine a beauty,
+had it not been for the sparkling animated expression of every feature,
+and the manly self-possession which characterized his every movement.
+That he should be his mother's idol was not very surprising, for the
+indiscreet and lavish indulgence which had been his from birth, had not
+yet had power to shake his doating fondness for his mother, or interfere
+with her happiness by the visible display of the faults which her
+weakness had engendered. Caressingly affectionate, open-hearted,
+generous, and ever making her his first object, perhaps even a more
+penetrating mother would have seen nothing to dread but all to love. His
+uncontrolled passion at the slightest cross, his haughty pride and
+indomitable will toward all save her, but increased her affection. And
+when he was with her, which he was very often, considering that a sick
+close room would have been utterly repugnant to him had it not contained
+his mother, Mrs. Fortescue was actually happy. But it was a happiness
+only increasing her intensity of suffering when her son was absent. Hide
+it from herself as she might, the truth would press upon her that she
+was dying, and her darling must be left to the care of relations indeed,
+but utter strangers to him, and unlikely to treat him as she had done.
+She knew that he had, what strict disciplinarians, as she chose to
+regard her sister and her husband, would term and treat as serious
+faults, while she felt them actually virtues; and agony for him in the
+dread of what he might be called upon to endure, would deluge her pillow
+with passionate tears, and shake her slight frame as with convulsion.
+
+The day we have mentioned, Edward had been absent longer than usual, and
+toward evening Mrs. Fortescue awoke from a troubled sleep to brood over
+these thoughts, till they had produced their usual effect in tears and
+sobs, the more painful to witness from the increasing physical
+incapacity to struggle with them.
+
+A little girl, between ten and eleven years old, was seated on a low
+wooden stool, half concealed by the coarse curtain of the bed, employed
+in sewing some bright gilt buttons on a blue jacket. It seemed hard work
+for those small, delicate hands; but she did not look up from her task
+till roused by the too familiar sound of her mother's suffering, and
+then, as she raised her head, and flung back the heavy and somewhat
+disordered ringlets, the impulse seemed to be to spring up and try to
+soothe, but a mournful expression quickly succeeded, and she sat several
+minutes without moving. At length, as Mrs. Fortescue's sobs seemed
+almost to suffocate her, the child gently bent over her, saying, very
+timidly, "Dear mamma, shall I call widow Morgan, or can I get any thing
+for you?" and, without waiting for a reply, save the angry negative to
+the first question, she held a glass of water to her mother's lips and
+bathed her forehead. After a few minutes Mrs. Fortescue revived
+sufficiently to inquire where Edward was.
+
+"He has gone down to the stream to launch his little frigate, mamma, and
+asked me to fasten these buttons on his jacket, to make it look like a
+sailor's meanwhile; I do not think he will be very long now."
+
+Mrs. Fortescue made no rejoinder, except to utter aloud those thoughts
+which had caused her previous paroxysm, and her little girl, after a
+very evident struggle with her own painful timidity, ventured to say:
+
+"But why should you fear so much for Edward, dear mamma? Every body
+loves him and admires him, so I am sure my aunt and uncle will."
+
+"Your aunt may for my sake, but she will not love or bear with his
+childish faults as I have done; and your uncle is such a harsh, stern
+man, that there is little hope for his forbearance with my poor Edward.
+And he is so frank and bold, he will not know how even to conceal his
+boyish errors, and he will be punished, and his fine spirit broken, and
+who will be there to shield and soothe him!"
+
+"I may be able sometimes, mamma, and indeed, indeed, I will whenever I
+can," replied her child, with affecting earnestness. "I love him so
+very, very much, and I know he is so much better than I am, that it will
+be very easy to help him whenever I can."
+
+"Will you promise me, Ellen, will you really promise me to shield him,
+and save him from harshness whenever it is in your power," exclaimed
+Mrs. Fortescue, so eagerly, that she half raised herself, and pressed
+Ellen to her with an appearance of affection so unusual, and a kiss so
+warm, that that moment never passed from the child's mind, and the
+promise she gave was registered in her own heart, with a solemnity and
+firmness of purpose little imagined by her mother, who when she demanded
+it, conceived neither its actual purport nor extent; she only felt
+relieved that Edward would have some one by him, to love him and enable
+him to conceal his errors, if he should commit any.
+
+Had she studied and known the character of Ellen as she did that of her
+son, that promise would perhaps never have been asked; nor would she so
+incautiously and mistakenly have laid so great a stress upon
+_concealment_, as the only sure means of guarding from blame. From her
+childhood Mrs. Fortescue had been a creature of passion and impulse, and
+maternity had unhappily not altered one tittle of her character. In what
+manner, or at what cost, Ellen might be enabled to keep that promise,
+never entered her mind. It had never been her wont, even in days of
+health, to examine or reflect, and present weakness permitted only the
+morbid indulgence of one exaggerated thought.
+
+For several minutes she lay quite silent, and Ellen resumed her seat and
+work, her temples throbbing, she knew not why, and a vain longing to
+throw her arms round her mother's neck, and entreat her only for one
+more kiss, one other word of love; and the consciousness that she dared
+not, caused the hot tears to rush into her eyes, and almost blind her,
+but she would not let them fall, for she had learned long ago, that
+while Edward's tears only excited soothing and caresses, hers always
+called forth irritation and reproof.
+
+"Joy, joy! Mother, darling!" exclaimed an eager voice, some minutes
+afterward, and Edward bounded into the room, and throwing himself by his
+mother's side, kissed her pale cheek again and again. "Such joy! My ship
+sailed so beautifully, I quite longed for you to see it, and you will
+one day when you get well and strong again; and I know you will soon
+now, for I am sure aunt Emmeline will very soon come, and then, then,
+you will be so happy, and we shall all be happy again!"
+
+Mrs. Fortescue pressed him closer and closer to her, returning his
+kisses with such passionate fondness, that tears mingled with them, and
+fell upon his cheek.
+
+"Don't cry, mamma, dear! indeed, indeed, my aunt will soon come. Do you
+know I think I have seen her and spoken to her, too?"
+
+"Seen her, Edward? You mean you have dreamed about her, and so fancy you
+have seen her;" but the eager, anxious look she fixed upon him evinced
+more hope than her words.
+
+"No, no, mamma; as we were watching my ship, a carriage passed us, and a
+lady spoke to me, and asked me the way to the cottage where you lived,
+and I am sure it is aunt Emmeline from her smile."
+
+"It can not be," murmured his mother, sadly; "unless--" and her
+countenance brightened. "Did she speak to you, Edward, as if she knew
+you, recognized you, from your likeness to me?"
+
+"No, mamma, there was no time, the carriage drove off again so quickly;
+but, hush! I am sure I hear her voice down stairs," and he sprung up
+from the bed and listened eagerly. "Yes, yes, I am right, and she is
+coming up; no, it's only widow Morgan, but I am sure it is my aunt by
+your face," he added, impatiently, as Mrs. Morgan tried by signs to beg
+him to be more cautious, and not to agitate his mother. "Why don't you
+let her come up?" and springing down the whole flight of stairs in two
+bounds, he rushed into the little parlor, caught hold of the lady's
+dress, and exclaimed, "You are my aunt, my own dear aunt; do come up to
+mamma, she has been wanting you so long, so very long, and you will make
+her well, dear aunt, will you not?"
+
+"Oh, that I may be allowed to do so, dear boy!" was the painfully
+agitated reply, and she hastened up the stairs.
+
+But to Edward's grief and astonishment, so little was he conscious of
+his mother's exhausted state, the sight of his aunt, prepared in some
+measure as she was, seemed to bring increase of suffering instead of
+joy. There was a convulsive effort for speech, a passionate return of
+her sister's embrace, and she fainted. Edward in terror flung himself
+beside her, entreating her not to look so pale, but to wake and speak to
+him. Ellen, with a quickness and decision, which even at that moment
+caused her aunt to look at her with astonishment, applied the usual
+restoratives, evincing no unusual alarm, and a careless observer might
+have said, no feeling; but it was only a momentary thought which Mrs.
+Hamilton could give to Ellen, every feeling was engrossed in the deep
+emotion with which she gazed on the faded form and altered face of that
+still beloved though erring one: who, when she had last beheld her,
+thirteen years previous, was bright, buoyant, lovely as the boy beside
+them. Her voice yet, more than the proffered remedies, seemed to recall
+life, and after a brief interval the choking thought found words.
+
+"My father! my father! Oh, Emmeline I know that he is dead! My
+disobedience, my ingratitude for all his too indulgent love, killed
+him--I know it did. But did he curse me, Emmeline? did all his love turn
+to wrath, as it ought to have done? did--"
+
+"Dearest Eleanor," replied Mrs. Hamilton, with earnest tenderness,
+"dismiss such painful thoughts at once; our poor father did feel your
+conduct deeply, but he forgave it, would have received your husband,
+caressed, loved you as before, had you but returned to him; and so loved
+you to the last moment, that your name was the last word upon his lips.
+But this is no subject for such youthful auditors," she continued,
+interrupting herself, as she met Edward's bright eyes fixed wonderingly
+upon her face, and noticed the excessive paleness of Ellen's cheek. "You
+look weary, my love," she said, kindly, drawing her niece to her, and
+affectionately kissing her. "Edward has made his own acquaintance with
+me, why did you not do so too? But go now into the garden for a little
+while, I am sure you want fresh air, and I will take your place as nurse
+mean while. Will you trust me?"
+
+And the kind smile which accompanied her words gave Ellen courage to
+return her kiss, but she left the room without speaking. Edward required
+more persuasion; and the moment he was permitted he returned, seated
+himself on a stool at his aunt's feet, laid his head on her lap, and
+remained for nearly an hour quite silent, watching with her the calm
+slumbers which had followed the agitating conversation between them.
+Mrs. Hamilton was irresistibly attracted toward him, and rather wondered
+that Ellen should stay away so long. She did not know that Edward had
+spent almost the whole of that day in the joyous sports natural to his
+age, and that it had been many weary days and nights since Ellen had
+quitted her mother's room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+GLIMPSES INTO A CHILD'S HEART.--A DEATHBED.
+
+
+On leaving the cottage, Ellen hastily traversed the little garden, and
+entered a narrow lane, leading to Mr. Myrvin's dwelling. Her little
+heart was swelling high within her, and the confinement she had endured,
+the constant control she exercised for fear she should add to her
+mother's irritation, combined with the extreme delicacy of natural
+constitution, had so weakened her, as to render the slightest exertion
+painful. She had been so often reproved as fretful and ill-tempered,
+whenever in tears, that she always checked and concealed them. She had
+been so frequently told that she did not know what affection was, that
+she was so inanimate and cold, that though she did not understand the
+actual meaning of the words, she believed she was different to any one
+else, and was unhappy without knowing why. Compared with her brother,
+she certainly was neither a pretty nor an engaging child. Weakly from
+her birth, her residence in India had increased constitutional delicacy,
+and while to a watchful eye the expression of her countenance denoted
+constant suffering, the heedless and superficial observer would
+condemn it as peevishness, and so unnatural to a young child, that
+nothing but confirmed ill-temper could have produced it. The soft,
+beautifully-formed black eye was too large for her other features, and
+the sallowness of her complexion, the heavy tresses of very dark hair,
+caused her to be remarked as a very plain child, which in reality she
+was not. Accustomed to hear beauty extolled above every thing else,
+beholding it in her mother and brother, and imagining it was Edward's
+great beauty that always made him so beloved and petted, an
+evil-disposed child would have felt nothing but envy and dislike toward
+him. But Ellen felt neither. She loved him devotedly; but that any one
+could love her, now that the only one who ever had--her idolized
+father--was dead, she thought impossible.
+
+Why her heart and temples beat so quickly as she left her mother's
+room--why the promise she had so lately made should so cling to her
+mind, that even her aunt's arrival could not remove it--why she felt so
+giddy and weak as to render walking painful, the poor child could not
+have told, but, unable at length to go farther, she sat down on a grassy
+bank, and believing herself quite alone, cried bitterly. Several minutes
+passed and she did not look up, till a well-known voice inquired:--
+
+"Dear Ellen, what is the matter? What has happened to grieve you so
+to-day? won't you tell me?"
+
+"Indeed, indeed, I do not know, dear Arthur; I only feel--feel--as if I
+had not so much strength as I had a few days ago--and, and I could not
+help crying."
+
+"You are not well, Ellen," replied her companion, a fine lad of sixteen,
+and Mr. Myrvin's only son. "You are looking paler than I ever saw you
+before; let me call my father. You know he is always pleased when he
+sees you, and he hoped you would have been to us before to-day; come
+with me to him now."
+
+"No, Arthur, indeed I can not; he will think I have forgotten all he
+said to me the last time I saw him, and, indeed, I have not--but I--I do
+not know what is the matter with me to-day."
+
+And, in spite of all her efforts to restrain them, the tears would burst
+forth afresh; and Arthur, finding all his efforts at consolation
+ineffectual, contented himself with putting his arm round her and
+kissing them away. A few minutes afterward his father appeared.
+
+"In tears, my dear Ellen!" he said, kindly; "your mother is not worse, I
+hope?"
+
+"I do not know, sir," replied the child, as well as her tears would
+permit; "she has been very ill just now, for her faint was longer than
+usual."
+
+"Did any thing particular occasion it?"
+
+"I think it was seeing my aunt. Mamma was very much agitated before and
+afterward."
+
+"Mrs. Hamilton has arrived then! I am rejoiced to hear it," replied Mr.
+Myrvin, gladly. Then sitting down by Ellen, he took one of her hands in
+his, and said, kindly, "Something has grieved my little girl this
+evening; I will not ask what it is, because you may not like to tell me;
+but you must not imagine evils, Ellen. I know you have done, and are
+doing, the duty of a good, affectionate child, nursing your suffering
+mother, bearing with intervals of impatience, which her invalid state
+occasions, and giving up all your own wishes to sit quietly by her. I
+have not seen you, my child, but I know those who have, and this has
+pleased me, and, what is of much more consequence, it proves you have
+not forgotten all I told you of your Father in Heaven, that even a
+little child can try to love and serve Him."
+
+"But have you not told me those who are good are always happy?" inquired
+Ellen; "then I can not be good, though indeed I try to be so, for I do
+not think I am happy, for I can never laugh and sing and talk as Edward
+does."
+
+"You are not in such strong health as your brother, my dear little girl,
+and you have had many things to make you unhappy, which Edward has not.
+But you must try and remember that even if it please God that sometimes
+you should be more sorrowful than other children, He loves you
+notwithstanding. I am sure you have not forgotten the story of Joseph
+that I told you a few Sundays ago. God so loved him, as to give him the
+power of foretelling future events, and enabling him to do a great deal
+of good, but when he was taken away from his father and sold as a slave
+and cast into prison among cruel strangers, he could not have been very
+happy, Ellen. Yet still, young as he was, little more than a child in
+those days, and thrown among those who did not know right from wrong, he
+remembered all that his father had taught him, and prayed to God, and
+tried to love and obey Him; and God was pleased with him, and gave him
+grace to continue good, and at last so blessed him, as to permit him to
+see his dear father and darling brother again."
+
+"But Joseph was his father's favorite child," was Ellen's sole
+rejoinder; and the tears which were checked in the eagerness with which
+she had listened, seemed again ready to burst forth. "He must have been
+happy when he thought of that."
+
+"I do not think so, my dear Ellen," replied Mr. Myrvin, more moved than
+he chose to betray, "for being his father's favorite first excited the
+dislike and envy of his brothers, and caused them to wish to send him
+away. There was no excuse indeed for their conduct; but perhaps if
+Joseph had always remained near his father he might have been spoiled by
+too great indulgence, and never become as good as he afterward was.
+Perhaps in his solitary prison he might even have regretted that his
+father had not treated them all alike, as then the angry feelings of his
+brothers would not have been called forth. So you see, being a favorite
+will not always make us happy, Ellen. It is indeed very delightful to be
+loved and caressed, and if we try to do our duty and love as much as we
+can, even if we are not sure of being loved at first, we may be quite
+certain that we shall be loved and happy at last. Do you understand me,
+my child?"
+
+The question was almost needless, for Ellen's large eyes had never moved
+from his face, and their expression was so full of intelligence and
+meaning, that the whole countenance seemed lighted up. "Then do you
+think mamma will recover?" she eagerly exclaimed; "will she ever love
+me?--oh, if I thought so, I could never, never be naughty again!"
+
+"She will love you, my dear Ellen," replied Mr. Myrvin, now visibly
+affected, "I can not, I dare not tell you that she will recover to love
+you on earth, but if indeed it be God's will that she should go to Him,
+she will look down on you from Heaven and love you far more than she has
+done yet, for she will know then how much you love her."
+
+"And will she know if I do all she wishes--if I love and help Edward?"
+asked Ellen, in a low, half-frightened voice; and little did Mr. Myrvin
+imagine how vividly and how indelibly his reply was registered in the
+child's memory.
+
+"It is a question none can answer positively, Ellen, but it is my own
+firm belief, that the beloved ones we have lost are permitted to watch
+over and love us still, and that they see us, and are often near us,
+though we can not see them. But even to help Edward," he continued
+somewhat anxiously, "you must not be tempted--"
+
+He was interrupted by the appearance of a stranger, who addressing him
+courteously, apologized for his intrusion, and noticing the children,
+inquired if both were his.
+
+Mr. Myrvin replied that he could only lay claim to one; the little girl
+was Miss Fortescue.
+
+"And my name is Hamilton, so I think I have an uncle's privilege," was
+the reply; and Ellen, to her astonishment, received an affectionate
+embrace from the unknown relative, whom her mother's ill-judged words
+had taught her actually to dread. Mr. Myrvin gladly welcomed him, and,
+in the interest of the conversation which followed, forgot the lesson he
+had been so anxious to impress upon Ellen. Arthur accompanied her to the
+garden gate, and the gentlemen soon afterward entered the cottage
+together.
+
+Days merged into weeks, and still Mrs. Fortescue lingered; but her
+weakness increasing so painfully from alternate fever and exhaustion
+that to remove her was impossible. It was the first time that Mrs.
+Hamilton had ever been separated from her children, and there were many
+disagreeables attendant on nursing a beloved invalid in that confined
+cottage; and with only those little luxuries and comforts that could be
+procured (and even these were obtained with difficulty, for the nearest
+town was twenty miles distant), but not a selfish or repining thought
+entered Mrs. Hamilton's mind. It was filled with thankfulness, not only
+that she was permitted thus to tend a sister, whom neither error, nor
+absence, nor silence could estrange from her heart, but that she was
+spared long enough for her gentle influence and enduring love to have
+some effect in changing her train of thought, calming that fearful
+irritability, and by slow degrees permitting her to look with
+resignation and penitent hope to that hour which no human effort could
+avert. That Mr. Myrvin should seek Mrs. Hamilton's society and delight
+in conversing with her, Mrs. Fortescue considered so perfectly natural,
+that the conversations which took place in her sick room, whenever she
+was strong enough to bear them, excited neither surprise nor impatience.
+Different as she was, willfully as she had always neglected the mild
+counsels and example of her sister, the years of separation and but too
+often excited self-reproach had fully awakened her to Mrs. Hamilton's
+superiority. She had never found any one at all like her--so good and
+holy, yet so utterly unassuming; and the strong affection, even the deep
+emotion in one usually so controlled, with which her sister had met her,
+naturally increased these feelings.
+
+"Ah, you and Emmeline will find much to converse about," had been her
+address to Mr. Myrvin, on his first introduction to Mrs. Hamilton. "Talk
+as much as you please, and do not mind me. With Emmeline near me, I can
+restrain irritability which must have frightened you away. I know she is
+right. Oh, would to God I had always been like her!" and the suffering
+betrayed in the last words was a painful contrast with the lightness of
+her previous tone.
+
+Mr. Myrvin answered soothingly, and for the first time his words were
+patiently received. From listening listlessly, Mrs. Fortescue, by slow
+degrees, became interested in the conversations between him and Mr. and
+Mrs. Hamilton, and so a change in sentiments was gradually wrought,
+which by any other and harsher method of proceeding would have been
+sought for in vain.
+
+One evening as Mrs. Hamilton sat watching the faded countenance of her
+patient, and recalling those days of youth and buoyancy, when it seemed
+as if neither death nor care could ever have assailed one so bright and
+lovely, Edward, before he sought his favorite stream, threw his arms
+round her neck, and pressed his rosy lips on her cheek, as thus to wish
+her good-by.
+
+"He will repay you for all your care, dearest Emmeline," his mother
+said, with a heavy sigh, as he left the room; "I know he has what you
+and your husband will think faults, but, oh, for my sake, do not treat
+him harshly; his noble spirit will be broken if you do!"
+
+"Dearest Eleanor, dismiss all such fears. Am I not a mother equally with
+yourself? and do you think when your children become mine I shall show
+any difference between them and my own? You would trust me even in
+former years, surely you will trust me now?"
+
+"Indeed, indeed, I do; you were always kind and forbearing with me, when
+I little deserved it. But my poor Edward, it is so hard to part with
+him, and he loves me so fondly!" and a few natural tears stole down her
+cheek.
+
+"And he shall continue to love you dearest Eleanor; and oh, believe me,
+all that you have been to him I will be. I have won the devoted
+affection of all my own darlings, and I do not fear to gain the love of
+yours; and then it will be an easy task to make them happy as my own."
+
+"Edward's love you will very quickly obtain, if it be not yours already;
+but Ellen you will have more trouble with. She is a strange, cold,
+unlovable child."
+
+"Are the dispositions of your children so unlike? I should not have
+fancied Ellen cold; she is timid, but that I thought would wear off when
+she knew me better."
+
+"It is not timidity; I never knew her otherwise than cold and reserved
+from her birth. I never could feel the same toward her as I did toward
+Edward, and therefore there must be something in Ellen to prevent it."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton did not think so, but she answered gently, "Are you quite
+sure, my dear Eleanor, that you have equally studied the characters of
+both your children? because you know there are some cases which require
+more study and carefulness than others."
+
+"I never was fond of studying any thing, Emmeline, as you may remember,"
+replied Mrs. Fortescue, painfully trying to smile, "and therefore I dare
+say I have not studied my children as you have yours. Besides, you know
+I always thought, and still think, the doctrine of mothers forming the
+characters of their children, and all that good people say about the
+importance of early impressions, perfectly ridiculous. The disposition
+for good or bad, loving or unloving, is theirs from the moment of their
+birth, and what human efforts can alter that? Why, the very infancy of
+my children was different; Edward was always laughing, and animated, and
+happy; Ellen fretful and peevish, and so heavy that she never seemed
+even to know when I entered the room, while Edward would spring into my
+arms, and shout and laugh only to see me. Now what conduct on my part
+could have done this? Surely I was justified in feeling differently
+toward such opposite dispositions; and I know I never made more
+difference between them than--than papa did between us, Emmeline, and I
+have had greater reason to be partial; you were always better than I
+was."
+
+She ceased, from exhaustion, but the flush which had risen to her
+temples, and the trembling hands evinced the agitation always called for
+by the mention of her father, which Mrs. Hamilton, with earnest
+tenderness, endeavored to soothe.
+
+"I must speak, Emmeline," she continued, natural impetuosity for the
+moment regaining ascendency; "how did I repay my fond father's
+partiality? his too great indulgence? Did I not bring down his gray
+hairs with sorrow to the grave? Did I not throw shame and misery upon
+him by my conduct to the ill-fated one he had chosen for my husband? Did
+I not?--oh, my God, my God! Death may indeed be merciful!--my Edward
+might do the same by me!" and, shuddering violently, she hid her face on
+her sister's bosom.
+
+It was long before Mrs. Hamilton could calm that fearful agitation, long
+before her whispered words of heavenly hope, and peace, and pardon--if
+indeed she believed--could bring comfort; but they did at length, and
+such fearful paroxysms returned at longer and longer intervals, and at
+length ceased, in the deep submission and clinging trust to which she
+was at last permitted to attain. Though Mrs. Hamilton was detained six
+weeks at Llangwillan, her devoted attendance on her sister prevented any
+thing more than occasional observation of the children so soon about to
+be committed to her care. That Edward was most engaging, and riveted her
+affection at once, and that Ellen was unlike any child she had ever
+known or seen, she could not but feel, but she was not one to decide on
+a mere feeling. Her present mournful task prevented all actual
+interference with them, except the endeavor by kindly notice to win
+their confidence and love. His mother's illness and his uncle's
+presence, besides, for the present, his perfect freedom with regard to
+employment, had deprived Edward of all inclination to rebel or exert his
+self-will, and Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton both felt that he certainly had
+fewer faults, than was generally the consequence of unlimited
+indulgence. Whether Ellen's extreme attention to her mother, her silent
+but ever ready help when her aunt required it, proceeded from mere cold
+duty, or really had its origin in affection, Mrs. Hamilton could not
+satisfactorily decide. Her sister had avowed partiality, but that
+neglect and unkindness could have been shown to such an extent by a
+mother as to create the cold exterior she beheld, was so utterly
+incomprehensible, so opposed to every dictate of maternal love, which
+she knew so well, that she actually could not even imagine it. She could
+believe in the possibility of a preference for one child more than
+another, but not in utter neglect and actual dislike. She could imagine
+that Ellen's love for her mother might be less warm than Edward's,
+believing, as she did, that a parent must call for a child's affection,
+not be satisfied with leaving all to Nature; but if it were not love
+that dictated Ellen's conduct, it was strange and almost unnatural, and
+so unpleasing, that so young a child should have such an idea of duty.
+But these were only passing thoughts; cost what trouble it might, Mrs.
+Hamilton determined she would understand her niece as she did her own
+children.
+
+But though to her Ellen was a riddle, to her sister Nature was resuming
+her sway, too late, alas! for all, save the mother's own reproaches. Her
+weakness had become such that days would pass when speech, save a few
+whispered words, was impossible; but she would gaze upon her child, as
+hour after hour she would sit by the bed, resisting all Edward's
+entreaties, and sometimes even her aunt's to go and play, and long to
+fold her to her heart, and confess she had been cruelly unjust, and that
+she did love her now almost as much as Edward, but she was much too weak
+to do more than feel. And Ellen remained unconscious of the change,
+except that now and then, as she would bring her nourishment or bend
+over to bathe her forehead, her mother would, as if involuntarily, kiss
+her cheek and murmur some caressing word. And Ellen longed to cling to
+her neck and say how much she loved her, but she did not dare and she
+would hurry out of the room to conceal her tears, instead of returning
+the caress, thus unhappily confirming the idea of natural coldness.
+
+Even the comfort of sitting by her mother was at length denied her. Mrs.
+Fortescue became so alarmingly and painfully ill, that Mrs. Hamilton
+felt it an unnecessary trial for her children to witness it, especially
+as they could be no comfort to her, for she did not know them. The
+evening of the fourth day she recovered sufficiently to partake of the
+sacrament with her sister and Mr. Hamilton, and then entreat that her
+children might be brought to her. She felt herself, what the physician
+had imparted to her sister, that the recovery of her senses would in all
+human probability be followed in a few hours by death, and her last
+thoughts were on them.
+
+Edward, full of glee at being permitted to see her again, bounded
+joyfully into the room, but the fearful change in that beloved face so
+startled and terrified him, that he uttered a loud cry, and throwing
+himself beside her, sobbed upon her bosom. Mrs. Fortescue was fearfully
+agitated, but she conjured her sister not to take him from her, and her
+heavy eyes wandered painfully round the room in search of Ellen.
+
+"Come to me, Ellen, I have done you injustice, my sweet child," she
+murmured in a voice that Ellen never in her life forgot, and she clung
+to her in silent agony. "I have not done my duty to you, I know--I feel
+I have not, and it is too late now to atone. I can only pray God to
+bless you, and raise you up a kinder parent than I have been! Bless,
+bless you both." Faintness overpowered her, and she lay for several
+minutes powerless, in Mrs. Hamilton's arms. Edward, in passionate grief,
+refused to stir from the bed; and Ellen, almost unconsciously, sunk on
+her knees by Mr. Myrvin.
+
+"My own sister, bless you--for all you have been to me--all you will be
+to my children--may they repay you better than I have done, Emmeline!
+You are right, there is but one hope, our Saviour, for the sinner--it is
+mine--" were the broken sentences that, in a voice which was scarcely
+audible, and uttered at long intervals, escaped Mrs. Fortescue's lips,
+and then her head sunk lower on Mrs. Hamilton's bosom, and there was a
+long, long silence, broken only by Edward's low and half-suffocated
+sobs. And he knew not, guessed not, the grief that was impending. He
+only felt that his mother was worse, not better, as he had believed she
+would and must be, when his aunt arrived. He had never seen death,
+though Ellen had and he had passionately and willfully refused either to
+listen or to believe in his uncle's and Mr. Myrvin's gentle attempts to
+prepare him for his loss. Terrified at the continued silence, at the
+cold heavy feel of his mother's hand, as, when Mr. Myrvin and the widow
+gently removed her from the still-supporting arm of Mrs. Hamilton, it
+fell against his, he started up, and clinging to his aunt, implored her
+to speak to him, to tell him why his mother looked so strange and white,
+her hand felt so cold, and why she would not speak to and kiss him, as
+she always did, when he was grieved.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton raised her head from her husband's shoulder, and
+struggling with her own deep sorrow, she drew her orphan nephew closer
+to her, and said, in a low, earnest voice, "My Edward, did you not hear
+your mother pray God to bless you?"
+
+The child looked at her inquiringly.
+
+"That good God has taken her to Himself, my love; He has thought it
+better to remove her from us, and take her where she will never know
+pain nor illness more."
+
+"But she is lying there," whispered Edward, in a frightened voice, and
+half hiding his face in his aunt's dress, "she is not taken away. Why
+will she not speak to me?"
+
+"She can not speak, my sweet boy! the soul which enabled her to speak,
+and smile, and live, was God's gift, and it has pleased Him to recall
+it."
+
+"And will she never, never speak to me again? will she never kiss
+me--never call me her own darling, beautiful Edward again?" he almost
+screamed in passionate grief, as the truth at length forced itself upon
+him. "Mamma, mamma, my own dear, pretty, good mamma, oh! do not go away
+from me--or let me go with you--let me die too; no one will love me and
+kiss me as you have done." And even the natural awe and terror of death
+gave way before his grief; he clung to the body of his mother so
+passionately, so convulsively, that it required actual force to remove
+him. And for hours his aunt and sister watched over and tried to soothe
+and comfort him in vain; he would only rouse himself angrily to ask
+Ellen how she could know what he felt; she had never loved their mother
+as he had--she did not know what he had lost--she could not feel as he
+did, and then relapse into tears and sobs. Ellen did not attempt reply.
+She thought, if it were such pain to her to lose her mother, who had
+only the last few weeks evinced affection for her, it must indeed be
+still more suffering to him; and though his angry words grieved and hurt
+her (for she knew she did love her mother most fondly, her idea of her
+own extreme inferiority acquitted her unconsciously of all injustice
+toward her, and made her believe that she had loved Edward best only
+because he was so much better than herself), his very grief caused her
+to love and admire him still more, and to believe that she really did
+not feel as much as he did. And yet before they quitted Llangwillan,
+which they did the second day after Mrs. Fortescue's funeral, Edward
+could laugh and talk as usual--except when any object recalled his
+mother; and poor Ellen felt that though she had fancied she was not
+happy before, she was much more unhappy now. Her fancy naturally vivid,
+and rendered more so from her having been left so much to herself, dwelt
+morbidly on all that had passed in her mother's illness, on every
+caress, every unusual word of affection, and on Mr. Myrvin's assurance
+that she would love her in Heaven; the promise she had made to love and
+help Edward returned to her memory again and again, and each time with
+the increased determination to keep it solemnly. It was not for her
+mother's sake alone, and connected only with her; perhaps, had it not
+been for the careful instructions of her father, whom, as we shall
+presently see, she had cause almost to idolize, Ellen might have become
+indifferent to her mother and envious of Edward. But his repeated
+instructions, under all circumstances to love, cherish, and obey her
+mother had been indelibly engraved, and heightened natural feeling. She
+believed that to keep the promise, which had so evidently pleased her
+mother, would be also obeying her father, and this double incentive gave
+it a weight and consequence, which, could Mrs. Hamilton have known it,
+would have caused her great anxiety, and urged its removal. But Ellen
+had been too long accustomed to hide every thought and feeling to betray
+that which, child as she was, she believed sacred between herself and
+her mother. Mrs. Hamilton watched her in silence, and trusted to time
+and care to do their work; and by enabling her to understand her
+character, permit her to guide it rightly.
+
+The morning of their intended departure was bright and sunny, and before
+even widow Morgan was moving, Ellen had quitted her little bed and was
+in the churchyard by her mother's grave. She sat there thinking so
+intently, that she did not know how time passed, till she was roused by
+her favorite Arthur Myrvin's voice.
+
+"Up so early, Ellen, why, I thought I should have been first, to show
+you I had not forgotten my promise." And he displayed some choice
+flower-roots, which he commenced planting round the grave.
+
+"Dear Arthur, how very kind you are; but you look so sad--what is the
+matter? Does not Mr. Myrvin like you to do this--pray don't, then."
+
+"No, no, Ellen, my father said I was right, and that he would take care
+of the flowers also himself. I am only sorry you are going away, and to
+live so differently to what we do--you will quite forget me."
+
+"Indeed, indeed I shall not, dear Arthur; I can never forget those who
+have been so kind to me as you and dear Mr. Myrvin. I would much rather
+stay here always with you, than go among strangers again, but I heard my
+aunt say last night, that perhaps Mr. Myrvin would let you come and see
+us sometimes--and you will like that, will you not?" Arthur did not seem
+quite sure whether he would like it or not; but they continued talking
+till his task was completed, and Arthur, at Ellen's earnest request, for
+she suddenly feared her aunt would be displeased at her having staid out
+so long, returned with her to the cottage; the silent kiss, however,
+which she received, when Arthur explained what had detained them,
+reassured her, and bound her yet closer to the kind relative, whom, if
+timidity had permitted, she would already have so loved.
+
+The novelty of his situation, the rapid and pleasant movement of his
+uncle's carriage, the idea of the new relations he was about to meet,
+and an unconfessed but powerful feeling of his own increased consequence
+in being so nearly connected with wealth and distinction, all had their
+effect upon Edward, and his eye sparkled and his cheek glowed, as if all
+sorrow had entirely passed away; not that he had ceased to think of his
+mother, for the least reference to her would fill his eyes with tears
+and completely check his joy--but still delight predominated. Ellen felt
+more and more the wish to shrink into her self, for the farther they
+left Llangwillan, the more painfully she missed Mr. Myrvin and his son,
+and the more she shrunk from encountering strangers. Edward she knew
+would speedily find companions to love, and to be loved by, and he would
+think still less of her. Her aunt would soon be surrounded by her own
+children, and then how could she expect to win her love? And Ellen
+looked intently and silently out from the carriage-window--her uncle
+believed on the many-flowered hedge and other objects of interest by
+which they passed--his wife imagined to hide a tear that trembled in her
+eyes, but which she had determined should not fall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+RETROSPECTION.--THE LOWLY SOUGHT.--THE HAUGHTY FOILED.
+
+
+In order clearly to understand the allusions of the previous chapters,
+and the circumstances which had formed the different characters of Mrs.
+Hamilton and Mrs. Fortescue, it will be necessary to take a
+retrospective glance on their early lives. Should it be uninteresting to
+the more youthful of our readers, we will beg them to proceed at once to
+"Traits of Character," but to their elder relatives, we hope the matter
+will prove of sufficient interest to obtain perusal.
+
+Emmeline and Eleanor Manvers were the daughters of Lord Delmont, a
+nobleman whose title and rank were rather burdensome than otherwise,
+from the want of sufficient means to keep them up as inclination and
+position warranted. Lady Delmont, whose energetic yet gentle character
+would have greatly ameliorated the petty vexations of her husband, died
+when Emmeline was only seven, Eleanor five, and Charles, her only boy an
+infant of but three years old. A widow lady, Mrs. Harcourt by name, had
+been selected by Lady Delmont, in her last illness, as instructress and
+guardian of her daughters. Her wishes, always laws to her doating
+husband, were promptly fulfilled, and Mrs. Harcourt, two months after
+her friend's death, assumed the arduous and responsible duties for which
+her high character well fitted her.
+
+With Emmeline, though there were naturally some faults to correct, an
+indolence and weakness to overcome, and apparently no remarkable natural
+aptitude for acquirement, her task was comparatively easy, for her pupil
+had the capabilities, not only of affection but of reverence, to a very
+great extent, and once loving and respecting Mrs. Harcourt, not a
+command was neglected nor a wish unfulfilled. Eleanor, on the contrary,
+though so gifted that teaching might have been a complete labor of
+love--by self-will, violent passions, and a most determined want of
+veneration, even, of common respect, a resolute opposition from her
+earliest years to the wishes of Mrs. Harcourt, because she was merely a
+governess, so much her inferior in rank, rendered the task of education
+one of the most difficult and painful that can be conceived--increased
+from the injudicious partiality of Lord Delmont. It was not indeed the
+culpable negligence and dislike which Eleanor afterward displayed toward
+her own, but originating in the fancy that Mrs. Harcourt was unjust, and
+Emmeline was her favorite. Lord Delmont was one of those unfortunately
+weak, irresolute characters, that only behold the surface of things, and
+are therefore utterly incapable of acting either with vigor or judgment.
+When he did venture into the precincts of his daughters' apartments, he
+generally found Eleanor in sobs and tears, and Emmeline quietly pursuing
+her daily duties. That Mrs. Harcourt often entreated his influence with
+her younger pupil, to change her course of conduct, he never remembered
+longer than the time her expostulations lasted. Once or twice indeed he
+did begin to speak seriously, but Eleanor would throw her arms round his
+neck and kiss him, call him every endearing name, and beg him not to
+look so much like grave, cross Mrs. Harcourt, or she should think she
+had indeed no one to love her; and her beautiful eyes would swell with
+tears, and her voice quiver, so that her gratified father would forget
+all his reproof, and give her some indulgence to make up for the
+injustice and harshness she encountered in the school-room. Her power
+once thus experienced, of course, was never resigned. Her father's
+appearance in their study was always the signal for her tears, which she
+knew would confirm all his ideas of Mrs. Harcourt's unjust partiality.
+
+And this idea was strengthened as they grew older, and masters for
+various accomplishments somewhat lightened Mrs. Harcourt's actual
+labors. Emmeline's steady application, and moderate abilities were lost
+sight of in the applause always elicited by her younger sister; whose
+natural gifts alike in music, languages, and drawing had full play,
+directly she was released, even in part, from the hated thralldom of her
+governess.--Lord Delmont had been accustomed to hear Eleanor's beauty
+extolled, and now the extraordinary versatility and brilliancy of her
+talents became the theme of every tongue. Professors are naturally
+proud of a pupil who does them more than justice, and Miss Eleanor
+Manvers was in consequence held up in very many families, whom Lord
+Delmont only casually knew, and spoken of by very many again to him,
+knowing his weak point, and thus seeking to curry favor. Mrs. Harcourt
+was the only one from whom he never heard Eleanor's praises, and the
+only one, who spoke in praise of Emmeline. It must then be willful
+blindness on her part; and the father felt indignant, but in spite of
+himself had too much real respect for her, individually, to do more than
+redouble his indulgence to Eleanor. Emmeline could not complain of her
+father's neglect, for he was both kind and affectionate to her; but she
+did sometimes wish she could be quite sure that he loved her as much as
+her sister; and her deep affections, unsuspected by her father, rejected
+and laughed at by Eleanor, twined themselves closer and closer round
+Mrs. Harcourt, and her brother Charles, on whom she actually doted, and
+who returned her affection with one quite as fond and warm as a happy,
+laughter-loving, frank-hearted boy had it in his power to bestow; yet
+even his holidays were times of as much suffering as joy to his sister,
+from the violent quarrels which were continually taking place between
+him and Eleanor. Emmeline, happy in herself and Mrs. Harcourt's
+companionship, could endure Eleanor's determined supremacy, and, except
+where her conscience disapproved, yielded to her. But this could not be
+expected from Charles, who, despite his elder sister's gentle
+entreaties, would stand up for what he called her rights, and declare
+that, when he was at home, Miss Eleanor should not lord it over the
+whole family. Eleanor would of course quarrel first with him and then
+appeal to her father, who without hearing the case would give her right,
+and harshly condemn Charles, whose high spirit revolted; and unable to
+bear with his father's weakness of character, as he ought to have done,
+would answer disrespectfully; and words succeeded words till Charles in
+a desperate passion would seek Emmeline's chamber, and his father,
+though he actually deeply loved and was very proud of his son, wished
+that the holidays were over, and Charles safe again at school.
+
+Trifling as domestic disputes may seem in description, they never fail
+in their painful reality to banish all lasting happiness. Emmeline could
+bear that her father should prefer Eleanor to herself, but that he
+should be unjust to her darling Charles, and that Charles should
+increase this evil by dispute and self-will, tried her severely, and
+obliged her often and often to fly to the solitude of her own chamber,
+lest her temper also should fail, and, to defend her brother, she should
+forget her duty to her father. But with her, Mrs. Harcourt's lessons had
+indeed been blessed. The spirit of true, heartfelt piety, which she had
+sought to instill into her youthful charge, even more by the example of
+her daily life than by precepts, had become Emmeline's, young as she
+still was, and enabled her not only to bear up against the constant
+petty annoyances of her home, but the heavy trial sustained in the death
+of Mrs. Harcourt, just as she was looking forward to her entrance into
+the gay world, under her maternal guardianship, and her parting with her
+brother, who, not two months afterward, left her to fulfill his darling
+wish of going to sea.
+
+At eighteen, then, Emmeline Manvers became the mistress of her father's
+establishment, and had to encounter alone, not only the suffering of
+bereavement--in which, though Lord Delmont sincerely respected Mrs.
+Harcourt, he could not sympathize, and at which, after the first shock
+and momentary remorse for her own conduct to so true a friend, Eleanor,
+if she did not actually rejoice, felt so very greatly relieved as to be
+irritated and angry at Emmeline's quiet sorrow--but the separation from
+her brother and all the cares and disagreeables of such strict economy
+at home, as would permit the sustaining a proper position in society, so
+that the necessity of economy should not even be suspected. It was this
+regard of appearances which so chafed and pained Emmeline's upright and
+independent spirit. Not that Lord Delmont, even for appearances, would
+go beyond his income; but still there were obliged concealments and
+other petty things which his daughter could not bear. Mrs. Harcourt's
+trial--a widow, compelled not only to teach for a subsistence, but to
+part with her only child, who had been adopted by a married sister,
+living in Italy--appeared to Emmeline's ideas of truth and honor
+preferable to appearing richer than they really were. But on this
+subject, even less than on any other, she knew there was no chance of
+sympathy, and so she devoted all the energies of her matured and
+well-regulated mind to correcting the evil as much as it lay in her
+individual power; and in the year which her earnest entreaties prevailed
+on her father to permit her remaining in quiet retirement, before she
+entered the world, Lord Delmont was astonished at the greater comfort
+and increase of dignity which pervaded his establishment. He never had
+chosen Mrs. Harcourt to interfere with his household concerns,
+believing that he conducted them himself, when in reality he was
+completely governed by his housekeeper and steward. Mrs. Harcourt's
+penetration had seen and regretted this, and had endeavored so to guide
+and instruct Emmeline, that when she became old enough to claim her
+right as mistress, the evil should be remedied. Could she have looked
+down on the child of her love, she would indeed have rejoiced at the
+beautiful fruition of her labors. Lord Delmont was not astonished and
+delighted only, a feeling of respect toward his gentle, his truthful
+child entered his heart, such as he had experienced toward none, save
+her mother. Emmeline would indeed have thought all her toils repaid,
+could she have known this, but the very feeling prevented the display of
+that caressing affection he still lavished on Eleanor, and the tears of
+his elder girl often fell thick and fast from the painful longing for
+one similar caress, one evidence on his part, that, though neither so
+beautiful, nor talented, nor engaging as Eleanor, she could yet minister
+to his comfort and increase his happiness.
+
+But Emmeline's strong feeling of religion, while it enabled her to bear
+up against care and the constant and most painful feeling of loneliness,
+rendered the trial of beholding her sister's willful course of error, if
+possible, still more severe. She knew that all her affectionate counsels
+were worse than useless, that though Eleanor could be even caressingly
+affectionate when it served her purpose, would even listen to her at the
+moment of suffering from some too hasty impulse, she had no lasting
+influence. And this became more and more evident as Eleanor became the
+almost constant companion of the Marchioness Lascelles, their only
+female relative. It was the evil influence of this lady which had so
+increased Eleanor's natural repugnance to Mrs. Harcourt's gentle sway,
+that for full two years before the latter's death the flattery of Lady
+Lascelles and Eleanor's passionate entreaties had prevailed on Lord
+Delmont to permit his daughter being more with her than with her sister
+and governess. Lady Lascelles was a woman of the world, utterly
+heartless, highly distinguished, and supremely fashionable. At her house
+all the ton of the beau monde congregated, and scandal, frivolity, and
+_esprît_ were the prevailing topics, diversified with superficial
+opinions of the literature, arts, and politics of the day, and various
+sentimental episodes, which the lady of the house endured for the sake
+of variety. Here Eleanor, even at fourteen, was made a popular idol; her
+extreme beauty, her vivacity, her talents, her sharpness of repartee,
+all were admired, extolled, and encouraged. At seventeen she was
+introduced and initiated into all the mysteries of an ultra-fashionable
+life, and very speedily added to her other accomplishments all the arts
+of a finished and heartless coquette.
+
+With Lady Lascelles for her chaperon, it was not very surprising that
+Emmeline Manvers shrunk in pain and dread from her introduction into
+society; but yet she knew her social duties too well to refuse, and, by
+an affectation of superior sanctity, which of course would have been the
+charge leveled against her, throw a sneer upon those holy feelings and
+spiritual principles which had become part of her very being. She
+entered into society, but the isolation to a heart like hers of the
+coteries of Lady Lascelles and her friends, was indeed most painful, and
+aggravated by the constant dread which the contemplation of Eleanor's
+reckless career could not but occasion.
+
+But Emmeline's trial of loneliness was happily not of very long
+duration. At a ball, which was less exclusive than the assemblages of
+Lady Lascelles, the attention of both sisters was attracted to a young
+nan, by name Arthur Hamilton--Eleanor, from his distinguished appearance
+and extreme reserve, Emmeline, by the story attached to his name. His
+father had so distinguished himself in the amelioration of the peasantry
+and working classes in various parts of England, in addition to various
+services of a private and confidential nature from the home government
+to the courts abroad, that a viscountcy was offered to his acceptance.
+The message from royalty reached him on his death-bed, and though, from
+the faint and flickering accents with which he replied to the intended
+honor, it seemed as if he declined it, it was attributed to the natural
+feelings of a dying man, seeing the utter nothingness of earthly honors,
+and the title was generously proposed to his son. But Arthur Hamilton
+had not been the pupil and friend of his father in vain. With a calm
+dignity and uncompromising independence, he declared that he had neither
+claim nor heirship to the reward of his father's services; that he
+believed his parent would himself have refused it, preferring the
+honorable distinction of being an untitled English gentleman, to the
+unvalued honor of a newly-created lordship. He respectfully thanked the
+government for the honor they intended, but decisively refused it--that
+his dearest inheritance was his father's name.
+
+Of course this most extraordinary decision was canvassed again and
+again in the fashionable world, meeting there with very little
+appreciation, because it sprang from much higher feelings than the world
+could comprehend. By many he was imagined very little removed from
+insane--by others as actuated by some ulterior motive, which would be
+sure to display itself some day--by all regarded with curiosity--by some
+few with earnest, quiet, heartfelt admiration: and of this number was
+not only Emmeline Manvers, but her father; who, though weak and
+yielding, was not worldly, and could admire honorable independence, even
+while some of his friends succeeded in persuading him that in this case
+it nearly reached romance.
+
+Arthur Hamilton was a star creating a sensation; it signified little to
+Eleanor Manvers why or wherefore, but she fully resolved to conquer him
+and chain him, as she had already done innumerable others, victim to her
+charms. His very reserve deepened her ardent longing, and the difficulty
+only strengthened her resolution, but she tried in vain; for the first
+time she was completely and entirely foiled, and she disliked him
+accordingly--a dislike increasing to actual abhorrence--when the truth
+at length forced itself upon her, that he admired, conversed with,
+evidently sought the society of her sister, whom she chose to charge
+with deceit and underhand dealing, with all the violence of angry
+passion and mortified defeat.
+
+Emmeline bore the storm calmly, for her conscience perfectly acquitted
+her. She was not indeed indifferent to Arthur Hamilton, but she had
+tried hard to prevent the ascendency of affection, for she had heard
+that he still mourned the loss of a beloved one to whom he had been for
+many years engaged. And deep was her thankful joy, and unexpected indeed
+the intensity of her happiness, when six months after their first
+introduction he related to her the heavy trial of his early life, and
+concluded by asking her if she could indeed accept a heart which had so
+loved another, but which was now entirely her own, and happier than he
+had once believed it ever could be. The very frankness of his avowal
+increased the feelings of reverence and regard he had already inspired,
+and to the great delight, and no little pride of Lord Delmont, his elder
+daughter, who had been by Lady Lascelles' coterie so overlooked and
+neglected, who had been by many for years considered a mere foil to the
+beauty and talent of her younger sister, was united before she was
+twenty, to a man who--however his high principles might have excited
+laughter as high-flown romance, his unbending integrity and dislike of
+the pleasures and amusements, but too often the sole pursuit of the
+wealthy, exposed him to the charge of severity and eccentricity--was yet
+sought, and his connection deemed a most desirable _partie_ by all and
+every family who had marriageable daughters.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+RETROSPECTIVE.--EFFECTS OF COQUETRY.--OBEDIENCE AND DISOBEDIENCE.
+
+
+Eleanor's unfounded dislike toward Arthur Hamilton did not decrease when
+he became her brother-in-law; she chose to believe that he had injured
+her by being the only one who had remained proof against all the
+fascinations she had thrown in his way. Even in her childhood, if any
+one chanced to notice Emmeline more than herself, it was considered a
+mortal offense, and the person who had so offended was scarcely spoken
+to again. Therefore that Emmeline should be married before herself, and
+to the man she intended to captivate, but _not to love_, or wed, was an
+offense visited upon her sister by the withdrawal of her speech for six
+months, and on Mr. Hamilton by an insulting haughtiness of demeanor
+toward him, at which he only smiled; and, to her extreme annoyance, she
+found that even as she had failed to fascinate, she equally failed to
+offend. He _would_ speak to her, _would_ treat her with courtesy, and
+the quiet familiarity of an older relative--and more, actually
+remonstrate with her conduct whenever he thought it wrong. It was the
+recollection of this time, yet more than actual present feeling, which
+had occasioned the mistaken impressions she had infused into both her
+children, of the extreme severity and harshness of their uncle,
+thoughtlessly indeed, for the present was always all to her, and if she
+did think that they might one day be under his charge, she little
+imagined the unhappiness and mischief which their supposition of his
+unbending sternness might engender.
+
+To Emmeline, the change in her young life was so marvelous, so
+complete--care, anxiety, loneliness, that sinking of the whole frame and
+heart, from the absence of appreciation and social kindness, had so
+departed, leaving in their stead such an intensity of quiet domestic
+happiness, that it was long before her full heart could believe it
+reality, and rest secure. She had always longed for one to reverence, to
+cling to, and her husband gave her room for both. As his betrothed, even
+before their marriage, she had been introduced to very different society
+to that of the marchioness; she beheld him reverenced, loved, appealed
+to by the wisest and the best men, often older than himself. That this
+man should so love, cherish, and actually reverence her--no wonder that
+under the magic of such feelings her character matured, displaying such
+engaging and unsuspected qualities, that even her husband often looked
+at her with astonishment, playfully asking her if she could be the same
+calm, almost too quiet, and seemingly too cold Emmeline Manvers whom he
+had first seen. Her very talents, which had seemed worthless, compared
+to her sister's, were called forth by her husband. She found that her
+voice and her touch on either piano or harp, could give him exquisite
+pleasure, and this once discovered, she made such improvement as almost
+to surprise herself. She found the sketches taken from the various
+lovely spots in the vicinity of their noble seat, and in which
+Devonshire abounds, delighted him, and when Eleanor did visit Oakwood,
+she was astounded at the various beautiful drawings, which evinced the
+employment of that leisure which she had declared must be even to the
+quiet Emmeline a horrid bore.
+
+To Lord Delmont the change in his daughter was much more astonishing
+than to her husband. He was very often at Oakwood (particularly when a
+little grandson was added to the happy party), for his home under
+Eleanor's extravagant and heedless management had lost all the comfort
+that Emmeline had bestowed. He had begun, too, to discover that his
+darling, his still favorite Eleanor, was not faultless. Emmeline's
+generous assistance and determination to spare her father all discomfort
+had concealed Eleanor's personal extravagance from him; but after her
+marriage, as Eleanor's fashionable amusements increased, so did the
+quantity and amount of her bills, which, as the young lady did not seem
+inclined to settle them, were sent to her father. Lord Delmont was
+painfully startled, and with his usual want of judgment spoke to Eleanor
+at the very moment that he felt most angry; unaccustomed to reproof from
+him, she retorted with equal passion, and a violent altercation ensued,
+which ended in Eleanor ordering the carriage and driving to Lady
+Lascelles, declaring she could not think of returning home, till her
+father had sufficiently recovered his senses for her to do so in safety.
+
+The interference of Emmeline at length succeeded in restoring peace, but
+Lord Delmont's eyes had been rudely opened, and, as is unhappily too
+often the case with those weak characters where over-indulgence of
+childhood, has occasioned those annoyances of ungoverned youth, he
+became irritable and sometimes even harsh with Eleanor, which conduct
+threw her still more with Lady Lascelles. As to joining society with Mr.
+and Mrs. Hamilton, when they were in London, Eleanor would not hear of
+it. But to her sister's great joy, and some surprise, she accepted an
+invitation to Oakwood a short time after little Percy's birth; and,
+still more surprising, condescended to make herself agreeable. The
+London season had tired her, and she thought she might just as well be
+dull on the banks of the Dart in August and September as in some stupid
+watering-place. Mr. Hamilton, despite her dislike, which she cared not
+to avow, she found could be at least very entertaining; her father was
+more like his former self, her sister far more delightful and lovely
+than she ever thought she could be, and her nephew certainly a pretty
+little plague. Then Mr. Hamilton had a beautiful horse entirely for her
+use, and she rode exceedingly well, and was greatly admired. She was
+seized with an exploring mania, and dragged Emmeline to every old ruin
+and dark wood within ten miles of Oakwood. Altogether the impression she
+left behind her, after a two months' visit, was such as to ease Mrs.
+Hamilton's great anxiety, more especially as it appeared from certain
+private conversations, that her affections were for the first time
+really engaged, and Emmeline had always fondly hoped that when that
+should be the case, Eleanor would become a very different person. Alas!
+penetrative as she was, she had not yet learned her sister's character;
+simply because utter heartlessness in any woman she could not
+comprehend.
+
+Her visit to her father in London, in the winter, removed all their
+rising hopes, and caused such increased and intense anxiety, as so to
+injure her already delicate health that her husband bore her back to
+Oakwood a full month before they had originally intended. Whether or not
+Eleanor loved Lord Fitzclair, it was impossible to determine; but that
+he devotedly, passionately loved her, was only too evident, not only to
+the world, but to herself; and this once confirmed, she left no method
+untried to torment, and so, as she declared, to try if his affections
+were worth having. He was half an Italian, and had inherited all the
+strong, fierce passions of that country, without one atom of
+self-control. Mr. Hamilton knew him well, far better than he knew
+himself, and conjured him to withdraw from the society of one who could
+never make him happy, and whose capricious conduct was so likely to
+render him desperate and miserable: he reasoned, entreated in vain. "She
+only wants to try the strength of my love," was his sole reply; "and
+were she to torment health and life away, it will never change--she will
+be mine yet."
+
+And to the astonishment of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, two months afterward
+he proposed in form, and actually was accepted, with the sole condition
+that their engagement should be kept secret till it should please
+Eleanor to name the wedding day, which could not be at least for six or
+eight months.
+
+This engagement might have eased anxiety, but the condition increased
+it, especially, as instead of coming to Oakwood, as Emmeline had asked
+and hoped, the latter part of the summer and autumn was to be spent in
+Cheltenham with a very gay party, in which Eleanor was still of course
+the star. Mrs. Hamilton entered the nursery one morning earlier than
+usual, for her infant had not been well the night before, and she had
+already experienced the care as well as the joy of a mother. Her babe
+was better, and as he lay smilingly and happily in her lap, and watched
+the eager movements of his brother, she was only sensible of pleasure.
+The nurse had arranged the chairs in a long line, that Master Percy
+might, with their help, walk the whole length of the large and airy
+room. The feat mightily pleased the little gentleman, who, having
+acquired the venerable age of fifteen months, liked better to feel his
+feet than crawl on the floor, or be carried about on any limbs but his
+own. Every two or three paces he stood nearly alone, and burst into a
+loud merry laugh, which was always echoed by a crow of joy from his
+little brother.
+
+"Take care, Percy, love, don't fall and frighten mamma," said his young
+mother, who was watching him with such pleasure as to send for his
+father to share it. When her son, to prove how well he obeyed her
+commands to take care, stood for a second without any support, and then
+ran quite alone across the room, and with a yet louder laugh hid his
+rosy face in her lap. Mrs. Hamilton fondly kissed the little nestling
+head, and at that moment her husband entered the room. "Dearest
+Arthur," she eagerly exclaimed, "I was actually foolish enough to send
+for you. Herbert seems quite well; I was, it seems, needlessly alarmed,
+and Percy has this moment--" She stopped in sudden terror, for there was
+an expression on her husband's countenance of such unusual agitation,
+that though he tried to smile when he heard her words, she could not
+conquer her alarm, more than to say, in a caressing voice to her little
+boy--
+
+"Will not Percy run to papa, and ask him why he looks so sad?"
+
+The child looked up in her face, and then, as his father held out his
+arms to him, let go his mother's dress, and obeyed her. Mr. Hamilton
+caught him to his heart, held him for above a minute, kissed him fondly,
+and left the nursery without uttering a single word.
+
+"Let me take Master Herbert, ma'am," said the head nurse respectfully,
+for she saw that her mistress's unexpressed alarm had nearly overpowered
+her; and in a few minutes Emmeline was with her husband, whose agitation
+was so excessive, that even his wife's presence, for the moment, had
+scarcely power to calm him.
+
+The tale was soon told. Eleanor's conduct since her engagement had been
+such as to excite the displeasure, not of her father alone, but actually
+of the marchioness; who, though a weak and worldly woman, had yet some
+idea of propriety. As a near relation of Lord Delmont, Eleanor's
+engagement with Lord Fitzclair was of course told to her, and again and
+again she warned her that she was going too far, and might lose her
+lover before she was aware of it; but Eleanor only laughed at her, and
+at last won her over to the belief that it was certainly better to cure
+Fitzclair of his jealous tendency _before_ marriage than afterward. Lord
+Delmont's reproofs she was wont to silence, by invariably making them
+the signal of mortifying and annoying Lord Fitzclair still more than
+usual. Yet still at times she relented, and so strengthened the love she
+had excited, so enhanced her own fascinations, that all the agony he had
+endured and was still, he knew, to endure, by an incomprehensible
+contradiction, riveted her power and hastened his own doom. Weak in all
+things but his love, he could not demand as his actual right the
+publication of their engagement. Eleanor vowed if he did till she
+permitted him, she would have nothing more to say to him. She knew,
+though she did not say it, that once made known, a chain would be
+thrown round her actions, which she did not choose to endure. And
+father, lover, and friend, all feeling she was wrong, and the first and
+last repeatedly telling her so, had yet neither of them the resolution
+to contend with her, and compel the proper course.
+
+A month of their visit to Cheltenham so passed, when Eleanor's attention
+was arrested by a new actor on the scene. She had begun to tire of her
+present satellites, and a young military captain, whose furlough from
+India had just expired, and whose pale face, somewhat melancholy
+expression, and very elegant figure, presented a new subject for
+conquest impossible to be resisted; and it was unhappily, only too
+easily achieved. She made no secret of her admiration, speaking of him
+in such terms to her intended husband as to excite anew every jealous
+feeling. It was easy for Captain Fortescue to discover Fitzclair was his
+rival; but believing himself decidedly the object of Eleanor's
+preference, he increased his attentions, little imagining the storm he
+was exciting, the more fearful from its determined suppression. Lord
+Delmont interfered several times, not only by reproaches to Eleanor, but
+by determined coldness to her new suitor. Finding at length that her
+encouragement actually neared a criminal extent, and after a desperately
+stormy interview, he solemnly declared that if she did not dismiss
+Captain Fortescue at once, he would shame her in the face of the whole
+world, by proclaiming her engagement with the young marquis. Eleanor in
+equal anger, declared that if he threatened, so too could she; and if he
+tormented her any more she would prevent all publication of her
+engagement, by herself snapping it asunder, and pledging her faith to
+Captain Fortescue. This was too much even for Lord Delmont. Declaring if
+she did so, a father's heaviest malediction should fall on her head, he
+hastily left her; and Eleanor very composedly went to prepare for an
+excursion on horseback with Fortescue, Fitzclair and others.
+
+When Lord Delmont's passions were once roused, even his ordinarily
+slender judgment entirely forsook him, and he did that which at another
+time, knowing Fitzclair as he did, he would have shrunk from. He sought
+him, while still exasperated, upbraided him for his weakness in
+permitting Eleanor's unprincipled conduct, and warned him that, if he
+did not adopt some strong measures to prevent it, he would certainly
+lose her entirely.
+
+The young man heard him without reply; but his face grew livid, and he
+clenched his hand till the blood started from the nails, and in this
+mood of concentrated passion joined the riding party. The exercise
+itself is, to some temperaments, unusually exciting, and the determined
+coldness of Eleanor to himself, and the eagerly-received devotion of
+Fortescue, maddened him. He demanded an interview with her on their
+return home, struggled to speak calmly, expostulated, and, finally,
+reproached. Eleanor, already irritated; and, beyond all, that her lover,
+in general so obsequious and humble, should dare to call her to account
+for mere amusement, combined with the recollection of Captain
+Fortescue's flattering vows and willing homage, excited her to an extent
+of which she was herself unconscious, inasmuch as she firmly believed,
+whatever she might say then, a few soft words would speedily obliterate.
+She told him that really his jealous temperament was beyond all
+endurance; that he certainly must intend her to despise and abhor him;
+and that the contrast he presented to Captain Fortescue was such as to
+make her most heartily wish to put an end to their engagement, as she
+felt quite sure it must only end in misery for both; and, without
+waiting for a reply, she haughtily brushed by him, and disappeared.
+
+Of the extent of Fitzclair's passion Eleanor had not the least idea, and
+this is saying a great deal, for she generally exaggerated her own
+power. She believed she had inflicted pain, but not as much as he
+deserved; and determined that she would torment him yet more at the ball
+that evening. But to her extreme mortification, he did not appear, and
+there was a vague dread on her spirits as she retired for the night,
+which prevented any thing like rest. His absence had excited surprise in
+all, especially Lady Lascelles, who knew that to leave Eleanor entirely
+to the attentions of young Fortescue was so unprecedented as to bode no
+good. But the wildest conjectures were far from reality. The very next
+morning all Cheltenham was thrown into the most painful excitement by
+the incomprehensible and most extraordinary fact of the suicide of Lord
+Fitzclair; by what occasioned, plunged into such mystery that nothing
+but sudden aberration of mind was imagined, a belief justified by the
+very peculiar temperament and manners of the young nobleman during his
+sojourn with them. His will, a valuable present, with a few lines of
+regard to his faithful attendant, and a letter addressed to Arthur
+Hamilton, Esq., were the sole evidences that the awful deed had not been
+committed without some preparation; but as that was often the case with
+madness itself, it excited no remark.
+
+The state of Eleanor's mind when these awful tidings were communicated
+to her, which they were by her father, in his agitation and anger,
+without the least preparation, we leave our readers to imagine.
+Hardened, heartless, willful as she was, she was still a woman, and a
+very young one, and till Captain Fortescue appeared, had loved, as far
+as it was in her nature, Lord Fitzclair. To believe that she had nothing
+to do with his miserable end was an attempt so vain and hollow, that
+even she shrunk from the hopeless struggle to realize it; remorse in all
+its torturing, unmitigated anguish took possession of her, but instead
+of leading her to penitence, and thence the hope of peace, it urged her
+to a course of action from which she imagined there was no withdrawing;
+and which must in time, by removing her from all painful associations,
+lessen her present misery.
+
+For three days and nights she never quitted her own apartment, and then
+joined her usual circles without the smallest evidence of the internal
+agony which was still hers. It was very easy to displace paleness by
+artificial roses, and her gay smiles and joyous sallies were tempered
+only by a judiciously-expressed horror when the late event was discussed
+before her, supposed natural to one who had known him so intimately; but
+the hours of loneliness which followed this conduct in society were
+terrible indeed. By a strange contrariety of feeling, her better nature
+longed for Emmeline, and her artificial, which had, alas! only too
+forcibly become her natural self, felt as if she would leave the kingdom
+rather than encounter the mild, sorrowful glance of those penetrating
+eyes.
+
+Lord Delmont was himself in a most pitiable condition; even minor evils
+had always been great to him, and the effect of this, the wish to take
+Eleanor away from Captain Fortescue's increased and annoying attentions,
+and yet the dread that doing so would connect her with Fitzclair's
+death, so distracted him as to render him really ill--information which
+instantly brought Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to Cheltenham.
+
+Some young wives and mothers might have felt it hard that their domestic
+enjoyment should so continually have been disturbed and annoyed from the
+faults of others; but Emmeline had been accustomed to trace every thing
+that created personal suffering to the highest source, and feel that it
+was good for her, or it would not be; a conviction that enabled her to
+bear with and still to love the erring one that was the visible cause of
+pain.
+
+Eleanor was at a gay ball the night of her arrival, and Mrs. Hamilton
+requested she might not be informed of it till the following day. About
+half an hour before her usual hour of rising after such scenes, she
+entered her sister's room. All around her lay the ornaments of the
+previous evening, looking so strange, gaudy, and faded in the darkened
+room, and judged by the calmer feelings of the morning. A sensation of
+intense depression crept over Emmeline as she gazed, increasing as she
+looked on the face of the sleeper, which, divested of its unnatural
+bloom, looked so fearfully wan and haggard. Her beautiful hair lay in
+tangled masses on her damp brow, and as Emmeline gently tried to remove
+it, Eleanor started and awoke.
+
+"Is it already time to get up?" she said languidly, and only half
+unclosing her eyes; "I feel as if I had not slept at all. Am I
+dreaming?" she added, starting up, "or have I slept in one place, and
+awoke in another? Am I at Oakwood?"
+
+"No, dearest Eleanor; will you not welcome me to Malvern House?"
+
+The voice, the look, seemed to thrill through her; her temples were
+throbbing, her heart weighed down, as it always was when she first
+awoke, with an undefinable sense of guilt and pain; she tried to be
+cold, proud, reserved, but it would not do, and she suddenly flung her
+arms round her sister's neck, and burst into agonized tears.
+
+It was a most unexpected greeting, and Mrs. Hamilton argued hopefully
+from it. Alas! the unwonted softening only lasted one brief half hour.
+She left her at Eleanor's entreaty while dressing, and when she
+returned, though the reckless girl told her with a half smile that she
+was ready for her lecture, for she could only have come from Oakwood to
+give her one; and that however severe her words might be, she could not
+alter her tone, that must be kind, in spite of herself. Yet Emmeline
+could not succeed in convincing her how wrongly, how cruelly she had
+acted. Eleanor would persist that she was not in the least to blame, and
+that poor Fitzclair's fearful end was only owing to his own violent
+passions; in fact, that he must have been out of his mind, and that,
+though it was certainly very dreadful, she had perhaps escaped a very
+terrible doom; but speak as she might, Emmeline was not deceived as to
+the agony she was actually enduring. Finding, however, that all her
+gentle efforts were useless, that even the perusal of Fitzclair's brief
+lines to her husband--which Eleanor insisted on seeing, and in which he
+deplored his madness in not having followed his advice, and flown from
+her presence, and bade him take his forgiveness to her, and say, that
+the means he had adopted would, he trusted, dissolve their engagement to
+her satisfaction--had no effect, save in causing her to turn so deadly
+pale, that her sister was convinced nothing but an almost supernatural
+effort of pride preserved her from fainting. She desisted; hoping
+against hope that Eleanor would yet repent and become a different being.
+She knew harshness would only harden, and so she tried to prevail on her
+father to treat her as usual, but this Lord Delmont could not do. It is
+strange how often we find those parents who have been over-indulgent to
+childhood, unusually harsh to the faults of youth. Weak characters,
+also, when driven to anger, are always more violent than firmer ones;
+and, certainly, Eleanor's continued haughtiness and coldness, as if she
+were the injured one, did not tend to calm him.
+
+And his angry feelings were unfortunately but too soon aggravated by a
+proposal in form from Captain Fortescue for the hand of Eleanor. Without
+a moment's delay he dispatched a decided and almost insulting refusal to
+the young soldier, and then sought his daughter, and vented on her the
+anger and vexation which overpowered him, upbraiding her not only with
+the death of Fitzclair, but for having dared so to encourage young
+Fortescue as to give him courage for his audacious proposal. To his
+astonishment, he was heard without any attempt at reply; but he would
+have been startled, could he have seen the pallid cheek, compressed lip,
+and clenched hand with which, when he had left her, Eleanor muttered--
+
+"Father, if it be sin to leave you, be it on your own head. I would have
+wedded with your consent, had you permitted it; but now my destiny is
+fixed. There is no peace in England: at least let me be spared the agony
+of breaking another loving heart."
+
+Nearly three weeks rolled on, and Eleanor's extraordinary submission,
+and even in some degree withdrawal from society (for which Mrs.
+Hamilton's arrival was a good excuse), caused her father's irritation
+against her almost entirely to subside. That she passed several hours
+each day apart from her sister, excited no surprise. Emmeline was
+thankful even for her change of deportment, but nothing confidential
+ever again passed between them. That reports were floating about,
+connecting the names of Miss Manvers and the late Lord Fitzclair, seemed
+little heeded by Eleanor, though they caused natural vexation to her
+family. About this time an invitation arrived for Eleanor from a lady of
+rank, slightly known to her father, and living ten miles from Cheltenham
+in a beautiful villa, at which she expected a select party of
+fashionables to ruralize for a week or two. There was nothing in the
+note to excite the dread that weighed on Mrs. Hamilton's spirits, as
+Eleanor carelessly threw it to her for her perusal, but she would not
+express it, as Lord Delmont seemed inclined that Eleanor should accept
+it, knowing that the lady was much too exclusive for Captain Fortescue
+to join her guests, and believing that Eleanor's apparent indifference
+to the visit originated from that cause. Telling her he was so gratified
+by her having devoted so many evenings to her sister, he added, she had
+his full consent to go if she liked, as he could better spare her than
+when Emmeline returned to Oakwood. She quietly thanked him, but evinced
+no particular pleasure.
+
+The day before her intended departure, the sisters were sitting
+together, and little Percy, who now ran firmly without any falls, was
+playing about the room. He had already displayed a high spirit and
+passionate temper, with their general accompaniment, self-will, even in
+trifles, that Mrs. Hamilton felt would render her task a trying one; but
+she was as firm as she was gentle, and faced the pain of contradicting
+her darling bravely:--
+
+"Do not touch that, Percy, love," she said, as her little boy stretched
+out his hand toward a beautiful but fragile toy, that stood with other
+nick-nacks on a low table. The child looked laughingly and archly toward
+her, and withdrew his hand, but did not move from the table.
+
+"Come here, Percy, you have not played with these pretty things for a
+long time;" and she took from her work-box some gayly colored ivory
+balls, which had been his favorite playthings, but just at present they
+had lost their charm, and the young gentleman did not move.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton knelt down by him, and said quietly:
+
+"My Percy will not disobey mamma, will he?"
+
+"Me want that;" he replied, in the pretty coaxing tone of infancy; and
+he twined his little round arms caressingly round her neck.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton felt very much tempted to indulge him, but she resisted
+it.
+
+"But that is not a fit plaything for you, love; besides, it is not mine,
+and we must not touch what is not ours. Come and see if we can not find
+something just as pretty, that you may have."
+
+And after some minutes' merry play in her lap his mother hoped he had
+forgotten it; but the little gentleman was not, he thought, to be so
+governed. The forbidden plaything was quietly grasped, and he seated
+himself on the ground, in silent but triumphant glee.
+
+Surprised at his sudden silence, Mrs. Hamilton looked toward him. It was
+his first act of decided disobedience, and she knew she must not waver.
+Young as he was, he had already learned to know when she was displeased,
+and when she desired him very gravely to give her the toy, he
+passionately threw it down, and burst into a violent fit of crying. His
+nurse took him struggling from the room, and Mrs. Hamilton quietly
+resumed her work; but there was such an expression of pain in her
+countenance, that Eleanor exclaimed,
+
+"Emmeline! I have been watching you for the last half hour, and I can
+not comprehend you. Do explain yourself."
+
+"I will if I can;" and Mrs. Hamilton looked up, and smiled.
+
+"Why would you not let that poor little Percy have that toy?"
+
+"Because it would have been encouraging his touching or taking every
+thing he sees, whether proper for him or not."
+
+"But he could not understand that."
+
+"Not now, perhaps; but I wish him to know that when I speak, he must
+obey me. It is, I think, a mistaken doctrine, that we ought to give
+children a _reason_ for all we desire them to do. Obedience can then
+never be prompt, as it ought to be. And, in fact, if we wait until they
+are old enough to understand the reasons for a command, the task will be
+much more difficult, from the ascendency which willfulness may already
+have obtained."
+
+"But then why were you so cruel as to send the poor child up-stairs? Was
+it not enough to take the toy from him?"
+
+"Not quite; for him to remember that he must not touch it again."
+
+"And do you really think he will not?"
+
+"I can only hope so, Eleanor; but I must not be disheartened if he do.
+He is an infant still, and I can not expect him to learn such a
+difficult lesson as obedience in one, two, or six lessons."
+
+"And will he love you as much as if you had given it to him?"
+
+"Not at the moment, perhaps, but when he is older he will love me more.
+And it is that hope which reconciles me to the pain which refusing to
+indulge him costs me now."
+
+"And voluntarily you will bear the pain which had almost brought tears
+into the eyes of the severe and stoical Mrs. Hamilton!" exclaimed
+Eleanor.
+
+"It was a foolish weakness, my dear Eleanor, for which my husband would
+have chidden me; but there must be pain to a mother if called upon to
+exert authority, when inclination so strongly points to indulgence."
+
+"Well, if ever I have any thing to do with children, I certainly shall
+not be half as particular as you are, Emmeline. I really can not imagine
+what harm gratifying myself and Percy could possibly have done."
+
+"If ever you have children, my dear Eleanor, may you have strength of
+mind and self-control sufficient to forget self, and refuse the
+gratification of the present moment for the welfare of future years!"
+
+Mrs. Hamilton spoke impressively, and something, either in her words or
+tone, caused the blood to rush into Eleanor's cheeks, and she hastily
+walked to the window; then, as abruptly returning, she kissed her
+sister, a very rare token of affection, and declaring she was much too
+good for her to understand, quitted the room.
+
+The following day, dressed for her visit, and only waiting for the
+carriage, Eleanor, accompanied by Mrs. Hamilton and her little boys,
+entered the same apartment. Though not in general fond of nursing,
+Eleanor had taken Herbert in her arms, and was playing with him with
+unusual fondness; Percy, who had not seen the tempting plaything since
+his banishment the preceding day, the moment his eye caught it, to the
+astonishment of Eleanor, ran up to his mother, and lisping, "Me no touch
+that--Percy good boy now," held up his little face lovingly to hers, and
+with a very pardonable feeling of delight, Mrs. Hamilton lifted him up
+and covered him with kisses. The feelings which thrilled through Eleanor
+at that moment she might indeed have found it difficult to explain, but
+she was so conscious of a change of countenance as to hide her face on
+Herbert's head. It might have been obedience and disobedience brought so
+suddenly and strangely in contrast--and who were the actors? an infant
+and herself. For a minute she recovered, stricken with sudden and
+agonized remorse; but it was too late, she had gone too far, and the
+announcement of the carriage was a relief from that bitter moment of
+painful indecision. Placing her baby nephew in his nurse's arms, she
+said, caressingly, "Will not Percy give Lina some of those kisses as
+well as mamma?" The child threw one little arm round her neck, and the
+other round that of his mother, and then burst into a merry laugh at
+thus seeing himself as it were a link between them. Never had it seemed
+to Eleanor that she had loved and admired her sister as she did at that
+moment; all the neglect, unkindness, she had shown her, all the sarcasm
+and satire, of which, either before or behind her, she had so often made
+her the victim, combined with an intense, but how painfully vain longing
+to have resembled her in the remotest degree, rather than be the
+character which had never before appeared so degraded, so
+hateful--almost overpowered her--a convulsive sob escaped her as she
+clasped Emmeline in a close embrace, and almost choked her hurried
+good-by! Lord Delmont and Mr. Hamilton were in the hall, and the former
+was surprised and delighted at the warmth with which his usually
+reckless child returned his kiss and farewell; the carriage drove off
+leaving unusual hope and cheerfulness behind it. Alas! in one short
+fortnight every rising hope was blighted, Emmeline's momentary dread
+fulfilled, and Lord Delmont experiencing, in all its agony,
+
+    "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is,
+    To have a thankless child"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A HEART AND HOME IN ENGLAND.--A HEART AND HOME IN INDIA.
+
+
+From the moment Arthur Hamilton returned to Cheltenham with the painful
+intelligence that he had arrived at Leith only in time to witness the
+departure of the beautiful vessel which contained Captain Fortescue and
+the exquisitely lovely bride who had, it seemed, turned the heads of all
+the usually quiet Scotsmen who had seen her, Lord Delmont gradually
+sunk. The agony of losing her forever--for so he regarded her departure
+for, and residence in India for an indeterminate time--conquered every
+other feeling. Her conduct had caused emotions of anguish far too deep
+for the relieving sensation of anger. The name of the lady from whose
+house and by whose connivance she had eloped, he was never heard to
+breathe; but, if ever casually mentioned before him, every feature would
+become convulsed, and he would instantly leave the room. Often and often
+he accused his own harshness as the cause of driving her from him, and
+then came, with overwhelming bitterness, the thought that if he lately
+had been harsh, surely the recollection of all the indulgent fondness he
+had shown demanded some gratitude in return. If she had but written, had
+but expressed one wish for his continued love, one regret for his
+present pain! But no letter came, and the contending but all-depressing
+emotions so completely undermined a constitution never very strong, and
+already worn by care, that when another and still heavier trial came, he
+sunk at once beneath it.
+
+Though Eleanor had been his favorite, his feelings of pride and hope had
+greatly centered in his son, whose career, in five years' active service
+on board a man-of-war, had been such as to raise him already to a
+lieutenancy, and excite every gratifying emotion, not only in his
+immediate family, but in a large circle of admiring friends. Mrs.
+Hamilton's love for her brother had naturally increased, strong as it
+always had been, even in childhood--and the visits which Charles had
+been enabled to make to Oakwood, brief in duration as they were
+compelled to be, had always been fraught with heartfelt, joyous
+happiness, not only to herself but to her husband. The pain and anxiety
+attendant on Eleanor's elopement, and the dread of its effects on Lord
+Delmont, had for two or three months been the sole subject of thought;
+but at length, and, like a fearful flash bringing a new sorrow to light,
+it pressed upon them that it was long after the period that intelligence
+of Charles ought to have been received. Still hoping against hope, not
+only the Delmont family, but all who had friends and relatives on board
+the Leander, imagined that she might have drifted from her course, or
+been engaged on some secret and distant expedition, but that
+intelligence concerning her would and must soon come. Alas! after months
+of agonizing suspense, information was received that several planks and
+masts, bearing evidence of fire as well as water, and some sea-chests,
+bearing names, only too soon recognized as those of some of the
+Leander's crew, had been cast off the coast of Barbary, and there could
+be no more doubt that death or slavery--that fearful slavery which the
+bombardment of Algiers had so displayed to European eyes--was the
+portion of all those beloved ones, for whom so many aching hearts and
+eyes had watched and wept in vain. It was a trial so terrible that Mrs.
+Hamilton felt at first as if even submission had departed from her; and
+she could almost have rebelled in spirit against the inscrutable decree,
+that had consigned one so free from vice and evil, so full of happiness
+and worth, to a doom so terrible. Much as she had loved and reverenced
+her husband before, she seemed never to have felt his worth and
+tenderness till then. It was his sympathy, his strength, that recalled
+her to a sense of her duty, and gave her power to endure, by a
+realization once more of that submissiveness to a Father's will, which
+had never before failed her. But time, though it softened the first
+anguish, had no power over the memories of this brother, not even when
+the increasing cares and joys of maternity so fully engrossed her, that
+the present and the future of her children appeared to have banished all
+of her own past.
+
+Lord Delmont did not survive the mournful tidings of the certain wreck
+of the Leander above two months; but his released spirit did not meet
+that of his son. Charles was not dead. He toiled as a slave long years
+in living death, before there was even a partial amelioration of his
+sufferings. But no tidings of him ever came, a young child of three
+years old, a distant branch of the Manvers family, became Lord Delmont.
+
+Years rolled on, and Mrs. Hamilton's lot was so full of tranquil
+happiness, so fraught with the innumerable daily joys of a loving wife
+and devoted mother, that her prayer was ever rising for guidance, and
+gratitude, that prosperity might not unfit her for the dark days of
+trial and adversity, when they should come. That she had cares as well
+as joys could not be otherwise, when so intensely anxious to bring up
+her children with more regard to their spiritual and moral welfare, than
+even the cultivation of their intellect. She was one of those who
+thought still more of the training of the heart than of the mind,
+believing that were the first properly awakened, the latter would need
+little incitement to exertion. Two girls had been the sole addition to
+her family.
+
+One other wish, and one of many years' standing, Mrs. Hamilton had it in
+her power to fulfill. From childhood she had been accustomed to think of
+Lucy Harcourt as one, to whom it might one day be in her power to return
+the heavy debt of gratitude she owed her mother; she had been accustomed
+to correspond with her from very early years; Mrs. Harcourt delighting
+in creating a mutual interest between her pupil and the child from whom
+circumstances had so sadly separated her. When therefore an event of a
+very painful nature to Miss Harcourt's individual feelings compelled
+her--as the only hope of regaining peace, and strengthening her for the
+arduous duty of instruction, which she knew, as a single woman, was her
+sole source of independent subsistence--she had no scruple in accepting
+that friendship which Mrs. Hamilton had so warmly proffered. A very few
+days of personal intercourse sufficed for mutual conviction, that
+correspondence had not deceived in the favorable impressions of either.
+Miss Harcourt found, indeed, the friend her aching spirit needed; and
+Mrs. Hamilton, long before the months of repose which she had insisted
+should forestall the commencement of exertion were over, rejoiced in the
+conviction that the daughter of her beloved and regretted friend was
+indeed well-fitted for that position in her family--her helper in the
+moral and intellectual training of her daughters--which her vivid fancy
+had often pictured as so filled. They were indeed but infants when Miss
+Harcourt arrived; but Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton found means to overrule the
+honorable scruples which, on the part of Lucy, seemed at first against
+their plan, and in her gradually returning health and peace, Mrs.
+Hamilton not only rejoiced, but felt gratefully thankful that the wish
+of so many years' standing, and which had seemed so little likely to be
+fulfilled, was absolutely accomplished, and she could prove how deeply
+she had loved and mourned her truly maternal friend. It is astonishing
+how often, if an earnest, heartfelt desire for the gratification of some
+good feeling or for the performance of some good deed be steadily and
+unvaryingly held before us, without any regard to its apparent
+impossibility, its accomplishment is at length obtained. It is supposed
+to be only done so in books, but this is a mistaken supposition, arising
+from the simple fact of individuals so often forgetting their own past,
+and failing steadily to pursue one object, regardless of the lapse of
+years. If they looked into themselves more often and more carefully, if
+they sought consistency in desire and pursuit, they would often be
+startled at their connection, and that it is not so useless to _wish_
+and _seek_, when both are of such a nature as can be based on and
+strengthened by prayer, as it may seem. Human life presents as many
+startling connections and contingencies as romance--only, as the
+_actors_ not the _observers_ of this world's busy scene, we can not
+trace them as we do in books.
+
+The thought of Eleanor was the only dark shade in Mrs. Hamilton's life.
+She had written to her often, but communication with India was not then
+what it is now, and her letters might not have reached their
+destination; especially as being in active service, Captain Fortescue
+was himself constantly changing his quarters. Whatever the cause (for
+Eleanor's letters, Mrs. Hamilton thought, might also have miscarried),
+she heard nothing of her till the hurried epistle commenced by her
+sister, and finished by Mr. Myrvin, brought the startling intelligence
+that she was a widow and dying, unable to reach Oakwood, where she had
+hoped at least to have sufficient strength to bring her children, and
+implore for them protection and love and conjuring Mrs. Hamilton to come
+to her without delay. The letter, imperfectly directed, had been days on
+its journey, and it was with the most melancholy forebodings Mr. and
+Mrs. Hamilton had started for Llangwillan.
+
+But though it was not till many years after Edward and Ellen Fortescue
+became inmates of her family that Mrs. Hamilton became acquainted with
+all the particulars of their childhood, it is necessary that our readers
+should be rather more enlightened; otherwise the character of Ellen may
+be to them as unnatural and as incomprehensible as it was to her aunt.
+
+That Eleanor could realize true happiness in a marriage entered into
+only because she could not bear the torture of her own thoughts, and her
+constant dread of the world's contumely, was not likely. At first,
+indeed, it was a very delightful thing to find herself the object not
+only of devotion to her husband (whom, could she entirely have forgotten
+Fitzclair, she might have really loved), but a still more brilliant star
+in India than she had even been in England. Though Captain Fortescue was
+often engaged in marches and countermarches, where Eleanor sometimes,
+though very rarely, accompanied him, still there were intervals of rest
+for him in the larger cities, where his wife ever shone pre-eminent. For
+the first three or four years, the pride he felt in seeing her so
+universally admired, in the greater attention he received for her sake,
+compensated for, or concealed the qualities, which, as a soldier's wife,
+he had fondly believed she would possess. But as his health, always
+delicate, became more and more undermined, and compelled him to
+relinquish society, at least in a great measure, and to look for the
+quiet pleasures of domestic life, he found, and bitter was that first
+awakening, that his wishes, his comfort, were of no importance. She
+could not resign the pleasures of society--of still being enabled to
+pursue the dangerous amusement of her girlhood (though so guardedly that
+not a rumor against her ever found breath), for the dullness of her
+home. Yet still he loved her; and when Eleanor, with all the fascinating
+playfulness of her former self, would caress and try to persuade him to
+go out with her, and not sit moping at home, and that if he would, she
+would behave just as he liked, and if he did not care to see her
+surrounded, as she knew she was, by red coats, she would dismiss them
+all, and devote herself to him--but indeed she could not stay at
+home--he would feel that it would be cruel indeed to chain such a being
+to his side, and sometimes make the exertion (for which he was little
+fitted) to accompany her; at others, with kind words and indulgent love,
+permit her to follow her own wishes, and remain alone. But little did he
+think the real reason that Eleanor could not rest in quiet at home. The
+recollection of Lord Fitzclair was at such times so fearfully vivid,
+that the very agony she had endured when first told of his fearful end
+would return in all its intensity; the thought: Had her father really
+cursed her for her disobedience, and was it that forever hovering round
+her, preventing any thing like lasting happiness. And yet, by a strange
+contradiction, while the idea of her father's curse shook her whole
+frame at times with convulsive sobs, pride, that most fatal ingredient
+of her character, utterly prevented all attempt on her part to
+communicate with her relations. She said, as they had made no effort to
+conciliate, she would not; and yet the longing for Emmeline sometimes
+became actually painful.
+
+Eleanor was never intended for the heartless, reckless being she had
+tried to become. It was a constant and most terrible struggle between
+the good and evil parts of her nature, and though the evil triumphed--in
+the determination that nothing should change her course of action,
+nothing compel her to acknowledge she had ever been in the wrong, and
+was really not the perfect creature which flattery was ever ready to
+pour into her ear--the good had yet so much power as to make her
+miserable, by the conviction, that she was not what she might have
+been--that she never could be happy--that every pleasure was hollow,
+every amusement vain. Again and again the memories of Emmeline's gentle,
+sustaining, ever active piety would come before her, as if beseeching
+her to seek the only fount of peace; but so terrible was the
+self-reproach, the anguish which the thought called up, that she always
+turned from it with a shudder, resolved that religion was never meant
+for such as herself, and that its restrictions should never enter her
+mind, or its dictates pass her lips.
+
+With the awakening intelligence of her son, however, there seemed one
+pleasure not wholly hollow--one enjoyment without the shadow of alloy;
+and she grasped it with an avidity and a constancy, that in a character
+generally so wavering and inconsistent was almost incredible. That her
+son was from his earliest infancy the image of herself, might have added
+strength to the feeling; but the intense love, almost idolatry, she felt
+toward him, increasing with his growth, did much toward banishing the
+unpleasant feelings of remorse and home-sickness. She devoted herself to
+her boy, not judiciously indeed, for she was not one to practice
+self-denial in education; and as Edward's disposition was not one to
+cause her annoyance, even from over-indulgence, there was not even the
+check of his ill-temper or rudeness toward herself, to whisper the
+fearful evil she was engendering.
+
+What was the emotion which had so riveted her to her son, it might have
+been difficult to ascertain; it could scarcely have been the mere
+instinct of maternity, for then it would have extended to her daughter;
+but as complete as was her indulgence to Edward, so was her neglect of
+Ellen.
+
+Colonel Fortescue (for he had gradually attained that rank) had borne,
+without complaint, neglect of himself; nay, it had not had power in the
+least degree to diminish his love, though it might have awakened him to
+the consciousness that his wife was indeed not perfect. Her devotion to
+Edward, even undertaking the toilsome task of instruction, had delighted
+him; for, at first, having been much from home, he was not conscious of
+the lonely fate of his little girl; but when the truth became evident,
+that she was an object almost of dislike--that she was left entirely to
+the tender mercies of a hireling, and Eleanor only alluded to her, to
+contrast her peevishness and stupidity with Edward's happiness and
+intellect, all the father was roused within him, and, for the first
+time, he felt and expressed serious displeasure. He acknowledged that
+his son might, indeed, be superior in beauty and talent, but he would
+not allow that Ellen's affections were less warm, or her temper less
+capable of guidance. To him, and to all who had in the least attended to
+childhood, Ellen's face, even from infancy, expressed not ill-temper,
+but suffering. Continually ill, for she inherited her father's
+constitution, the poor little infant was constantly crying or fretful;
+which Eleanor; never having known what illness was, attributed at once
+to a naturally evil temper which annoyed her. The nurse, as ignorant as
+she was obsequious, adopted the same opinion; and, before she was even
+three years old, harshness, both by nurse and mother, had been
+constantly used, to make Ellen as good a child as her brother.
+
+In vain did the colonel, when he became aware of this treatment,
+remonstrate that it was the illness of the poor child--neither obstinacy
+nor ill-temper: his wife would not understand him, and at length he
+sternly and peremptorily declared, that as she had her will with Edward,
+he would have his with Ellen, and that no chastisement should be
+inflicted. If she did wrong, he was to be told of it, and if necessary
+he would reprove her, but he would allow no other interference. Mrs.
+Fortescue made not the least objection, believing that as her husband
+had thus taken her in charge, she was exonerated from all blame if she
+left her entirely to him.
+
+Only too quickly did the poor child discover that the lovely being whom
+she called mother, and whom she loved so fondly, had no love, no caress
+for her. Repeated punishment, though it had only extended to her fifth
+year, had completely crushed the gentle, tender spirit, that had
+required such judicious nursing; and combined with physical suffering,
+instead of deadening the feelings, as in some dispositions it would
+have done, had rendered them morbidly acute--an effect which constant
+loneliness naturally deepened. Her father's love and caresses had caused
+her to cling to him so passionately, that every word he said, every
+request he made her, was treasured and thought upon, when he was away
+from her, with a tenacity many would have fancied unnatural in a child.
+He taught her, though his heart often bled as he did so (for what claim
+had her mother upon the feelings he sought to inculcate), to love,
+honor, and obey her mother in all things; that if she did so, she would
+be as happy as Edward in time, and Ellen, though she did not understand
+him, obeyed; but Colonel Fortescue little imagined the evil which was
+accruing from these very natural lessons.
+
+Ellen learned to believe that, as her mother never noticed her, except
+in accounts of anger or irritation, it must be her own fault. She longed
+to be beautiful and buoyant as Edward; and that she was neither, marked
+her in her own young mind as so inferior, it was no wonder her mother
+could not caress or love her. Had Edward presumed on his favoritism, and
+been unkind or neglectful, she might, perhaps, have envied more than she
+loved him; but his disposition was naturally so noble, so open-hearted,
+so generous, that he always treated her with affection, and would share
+with her his playthings and sweets, even while he could not but believe
+her in all things his inferior; and that as such, of course, her wishes
+could never cross with his. Poor child, she scarcely knew what it was to
+wish, except that she might cling to her mother as she did to her
+father, and that she could but be good and beautiful enough to win her
+love! The lesson of concealment of every feeling is but too easily and
+too early learned. Tears do not flow even from childhood, when always
+rudely checked, and angrily reproved. Affection can not display itself
+unless called forth; and so the very outward seeming of children is more
+in a parent's hand than mere superficial observers may believe: and Mrs.
+Fortescue blamed and disliked the cold inanimate exterior which she had
+never tried to warm.
+
+Ellen's extreme difficulty in acquiring knowledge, compared with
+Edward's extraordinary quickness, only confirmed her painful conviction
+of her great inferiority, the impossibility of her ever winning
+love--and the consequent increased intensity of her affection for her
+father and brother, who loved her notwithstanding. That the child
+herself could not have defined these sensations is true, but that they
+had existence, even before she was nine years old, and that they
+influenced many years of her after-life, causing error and suffering,
+and rendering Mrs. Hamilton's task one of pain and difficulty, before
+these mistaken influences could be eradicated, is equally so. The power
+over early years is so immense, its responsibility so extensive, its
+neglect or abuse may indeed make the earnest thinker tremble; less,
+perhaps, for the actual amount of general evil, for that circumstances
+in after life are sometimes graciously permitted to avert, but for
+individual suffering and individual joy--and especially is this the case
+in the training of girls. More enduring in their very fragility than
+boys, they may be compared to those precious metals which fire and water
+and pressure have no power to break, but simply to draw out to a thinner
+and thinner thread, dwindling more and more, but to its last
+spider-woven fineness capable of tenuity and vitality. While boys, like
+men, are often crushed at once--the frame of the one and the spirit of
+the other equally unable to endure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+DOMESTIC DISCORD AND ITS END.
+
+
+The displeasure of her husband, his reproaches for her conduct to Ellen,
+by causing some degree of annoyance, increased Mrs. Fortescue's feelings
+of dislike toward the object who had caused it, and this was soon
+afterward heightened by self-reproach.
+
+A malignant fever broke out in the British settlement where Colonel
+Fortescue was stationed; his wife and children were with him, and,
+dreadfully alarmed, Eleanor determined to remove with her children to
+some less unhealthy spot. The colonel willingly consented; but before
+their hasty preparations were concluded Ellen sickened. Alarm for
+Edward, however, so engrossed the mother, that she appeared incapable of
+any other thought. In vain Colonel Fortescue urged that his son would be
+safe with the friends who had promised to take charge of him, and who
+were on the point of leaving the city; that there were none on whom he
+could depend so to tend the little sufferer as not to require a guiding
+head, and she knew how impossible it was for him to be with his child
+as his heart prompted. He urged, entreated, commanded in vain, Mrs.
+Fortescue was inexorable. She declared that the idea of her son being
+away from her at such a time would drive her mad; and as for duty, one
+child demanded her care as much as another; that her husband might not
+care about thus exposing her to infection, but she really thought, for
+Edward's sake, it was her duty to take care of herself. It might be
+nothing to the colonel or Ellen whether she lived or died, but to Edward
+it was a great deal; and so as she must choose between them, she would
+go with him who loved her best, and who would be miserable without her.
+The haughty, angry tone with which she spoke, the unjust taunt, roused
+every indignant feeling, and Colonel Fortescue said more in that moment
+of irritation than he could have believed possible. But it only awakened
+the cold, sustaining pride which Eleanor always called to her aid when
+conscience smote her, and she departed with her son, hardening every
+better feeling, and rousing anger against her husband and child to
+conquer the suffering of self-reproach. But when many miles from the
+city of death, and there were no fears for Edward, anxiety and
+wretchedness so assailed her, that pride itself gave way. To communicate
+with the infected city was difficult, and very infrequent, and again and
+again did she wish that she had remained.
+
+During the continuance of Ellen's illness her father's anguish was
+indeed terrible. Every leisure moment he spent by her side, moistening
+her parched lips, bathing her burning forehead, and listening to the
+plaintive accents of delirium with an acuteness of suffering, that
+injured his own health more than he had the least idea of. The
+attendants were really both kind and skillful, but the colonel fancied,
+when he was not with her, she was neglected, and in still greater
+suffering; and the struggle between his duties and his child was almost
+more than he could bear. He had never been a religious man--never known
+what it was to pray, except in the public services of his regiment, but
+now prayer, earnest, heartfelt, poured from him, and the thankfulness to
+God, which so overpowered him, when she was pronounced out of danger, as
+to compel him to weep like a child, planted a sense of a Father's
+infinite love and infinite compassion within him, which was his sole
+sustainer the short remainder of his life.
+
+Eleanor's letters, few as they were, had in some degree softened his
+anger toward her; but as he beheld the ravages of disease on his poor
+child's face and form, rendering her still less attractive than she had
+been, and perceived that bodily weakness had extended to her mind, and
+often and often forced tears from her eyes and momentary complainings,
+he trembled lest Eleanor should find still more to dislike and reprove;
+and often his heart bled as Ellen would ask with tears, for her dear
+mamma, adding, plaintively, "Mamma never kisses me or loves me as she
+does Edward; but I like to be near her, and look at her dear beautiful
+face, and wish I was good and pretty enough for her to love me. Why does
+she never come to me?--and why may I not go to her?"
+
+And what could the colonel reply, except that her mother feared Edward
+would take the infection, and therefore she was obliged to go with him
+to some place of safety? And his child was satisfied, repeating so
+fondly her delight that her dear, dear Edward had been saved from being
+as ill as she was, that her father clasped her closer and closer to his
+heart, feeling the intrinsic beauty of a disposition that, instead of
+repining that she was left alone to suffer, could rejoice that her
+brother had been spared.
+
+Colonel Fortescue obtained a few weeks' leave, that he might take his
+child to the sea-side as recommended, ere she joined her mother. And
+alone with him, gradually regaining a moderate degree of strength, Ellen
+was very happy; but such bright intervals were indeed few and far
+between. There was no change in her mother's conduct toward her, when
+reunited. Her heart had, indeed, risen to her lips as she again beheld
+the child so nearly lost; and had she followed impulse, she would have
+clasped her in her arms and wept over her, but that would have seemed
+tacitly to acknowledge that she had been wrong, and had suffered from
+it; and so she refrained, causing suffering to herself, anguish to her
+child, and pain to her husband, all from that fell demon, pride. She
+only chose to remember that it was Ellen who had been the cause of her
+husband's anger--Ellen, the constant subject of contention between
+them--Ellen, always causing the pang of self-reproach: and so how was it
+possible that she could love her?
+
+About a year after Ellen's dangerous illness, when she was nearly ten,
+and Edward just eleven, Colonel Fortescue was ordered to take command of
+some troops to be stationed at a fort, whose vicinity to some hostile
+natives rendered it rather a post of danger. The wives and children of
+the officers were permitted to accompany them, if they wished it, and,
+except in the colonel's own family, there had been no hesitation in
+their choice. The colonel was strangely and painfully depressed as with
+some vague dread, and all his affection for his wife had returned with
+such force as to make him shrink in unusual suffering from the idea of
+leaving her; and conquering reluctance, for he felt as if she would not
+accede, he implored her to accompany him, confessing he felt ill and
+unhappy, and shrank from a separation. His wife looked at him with
+astonishment; he had never asked nor thought of such a thing before, she
+said, in their many brief partings, and she really could not understand
+him. The place was decidedly unhealthy, and Edward must not be exposed
+to its malaria; besides which, she had promised him to go to a juvenile
+ball, which was given by an English family of rank, in a fortnight's
+time, and she could not possibly disappoint him; and why her husband
+should wish for her in such a place she could not imagine, but she knew
+she should die of terror before she had been there a week. Not a word
+did the colonel utter in reply, but he felt as if an ice-bolt had struck
+his heart and frozen it at once. He fixed his eyes upon her, with a
+strange, sad, reproaching look, which haunted her till her death, and
+turning from her, sought the room where Ellen was preparing her lessons
+for the joyful hour when he could attend to her. As she sprung toward
+him with a cry of glee, he clasped her to his bosom, without the power
+of uttering a sound, save a groan so deep and hollow, that the child's
+unusual glee was checked, and she clung to him in terror; and when he
+could tell her that he was about to leave her, and for an indefinite
+time, her passionate grief seemed almost to comfort him, by its strong
+evidence of her childish love.
+
+"Let me go with you, papa, dear papa! oh! I will be so good--I will not
+give you any trouble, indeed, indeed I will not. Pray, pray, take me
+with you, dear, dear papa?" And she looked in his face so beseechingly,
+that the colonel had no strength to resist, and fondly kissing her, he
+promised that if Mrs. Cameron would permit her to join her little
+family, she should go with him: and, to Ellen's intense thankfulness,
+the permission was willingly accorded.
+
+Mrs. Fortescue had indeed replied, when her husband briefly imparted his
+intention, that he certainly must intend Ellen to be ill again, by
+exposing her to such an unhealthy climate; and that if she were, he
+must not be angry if she refused to go and nurse her, as it would be all
+his weak indulgence, and no fault of hers. The colonel made no answer,
+and irritated beyond measure at his manner, Eleanor parted from her
+husband in coldness and in pride.
+
+The fortnight passed, and Mrs. Fortescue felt as if her own youth were
+indeed renewed, the longings for universal admiration again her own; but
+now it was only for her son, and her triumph was complete; many and
+lovely were the youthful beings called together on that festive night,
+seeming as if England had concentrated her fairest and purest offspring
+in that far distant land; but Edward, and his still lovely mother,
+outshone them all. That she was herself admired as much, if not more,
+than she had ever been in her palmy days of triumph, Eleanor scarcely
+knew; her every feeling was centered in her boy, and consequently the
+supercilious haughtiness which had so often marred her beauty in former
+days was entirely laid aside, and maternal pride and pleasure gratified
+to the utmost, added a new charm to her every movement and every word.
+She heard the universal burst of admiration which greeted her, as to
+oblige Edward she went through a quadrille with him, and never in her
+whole career had she felt so triumphant, so proud, so joyous. During the
+past fortnight she had often been tormented by self-reproach, and her
+husband's look had disagreeably haunted her; but this night not a
+fleeting thought of either the colonel or Ellen entered her mind, and
+her pleasure was complete.
+
+Tired with dancing, and rather oppressed with the heat, Eleanor quitted
+the crowded ball-room, and stood for a few minutes quite alone in a
+solitary part of the verandah, which, covered with lovely flowers, ran
+round the house. The music in the ball-room sounded in the distance as
+if borne by the night breeze in softened harmony over the distant hills.
+The moon was at the full, and lit up nearly the whole garden with the
+refulgence of a milder day. At that moment a cold chill crept over the
+heart and frame of Eleanor, causing her breath to come thick and
+gaspingly. Why, she knew not, for there was nothing visible to cause it,
+save that, in one part of the garden, a cluster of dark shrubs, only
+partly illuminated by the rays of the moon, seemed suddenly to have
+assumed the shape of a funeral bier, covered with a military pall. At
+the same moment the music in the ball-room seemed changed to the low
+wailing plaint and muffled drums, the military homage to some mighty
+dead. And if it were indeed but excited fancy, it had a strange effect,
+for Eleanor fainted on the marble floor.
+
+That same afternoon Colonel Fortescue, with some picked men, had set off
+to discover the track of some marauding natives, who for some days had
+been observed hovering about the neighborhood. Military ardor carried
+him farther than he intended, and it was nearly night, when entering a
+narrow defile, a large body of the enemy burst upon them, and a
+desperate contest ensued. The defile was so hemmed in with rock and
+mountain, that though not very distant from the fort, the noise of the
+engagement had not been distinguished. Captain Cameron was quietly
+sitting with his wife and elder children, awaiting without any
+forebodings the return of the colonel. Though it was late, Ellen's fears
+had been so visible, that Mrs. Cameron could not send her to bed; the
+child seemed so restless and uneasy that the captain had tried to laugh
+her out of her cowardice, as he called it, declaring that her father
+would disown her if she could not be more brave. Hasty footsteps were at
+length heard approaching, and Ellen started from her seat and sprung
+forward, as the door opened; but it was not the colonel, only a
+sergeant, who had accompanied him, and whose face caused Captain Cameron
+to exclaim, in alarm, "How now, Sergeant Allen, returned, and alone;
+what has chanced?"
+
+"The worst those brown devils could have done!" was the energetic reply.
+"We've beaten them, and we will beat them again, the villains! but that
+will not bring _him_ back--captain--captain--the colonel's down!"
+
+The captain started from his chair, but before he could frame another
+word, Ellen had caught hold of the old man's arm, and wildly exclaimed,
+"Do you mean--do you mean, pray tell me, Sergeant Allen!--Have the
+natives met papa's troop, and have they fought?--and--is he hurt--is he
+killed?" The man could not answer her--for her look and tone, he
+afterward declared to his comrades, went through his heart, just for all
+the world like a saber cut; and for the moment neither Captain nor Mrs.
+Cameron could address her. The shock seemed to have banished voice from
+all, save from the poor child principally concerned.
+
+"Stay with me, my dear Ellen!" Mrs. Cameron at length said, advancing to
+her, as she stood still clinging to the sergeant's arm: "the captain
+will go and meet your father, and if he be wounded, we will nurse him
+together, dearest! Stay with me."
+
+"No, no, no!" was the agonized reply; "let me go to him, he may die
+before they bring him here, and I shall never feel his kiss or hear him
+bless me again. He told me he should fall in battle--oh! Mrs. Cameron,
+pray let me go to him?"
+
+And they who knew all which that father was to his poor Ellen, could not
+resist that appeal. The sergeant said the colonel was not dead, but so
+mortally wounded they feared to move him. It was a fearful scene. Death
+in its most horrid form was all around her; her little feet were
+literally deluged in blood, and she frequently stumbled over the dusky
+forms and mangled and severed limbs that lay on the grass, but neither
+sob nor cry escaped her till she beheld her father. His men had removed
+him from the immediate scene of slaughter, and tried to form a rough
+pallet of military cloaks, but the ghastly countenance, which the moon's
+light rendered still more fixed and pallid, the rigidity of his limbs,
+all seemed to denote they had indeed arrived too late, and that terrible
+stillness was broken by the convulsed and passionate sobs of the poor
+child, who, flinging herself beside him, besought him only to open his
+eyes, to look upon her once more, to call her his darling, and kiss her
+once, only once again: and it seemed as if her voice had indeed power to
+recall the fluttering soul. The heavy eyes did unclose, the clenched
+hand relaxed to try and clasp his child, and he murmured feebly--
+
+"How came you here, my poor darling Ellen? are friends here?--is that
+Cameron's voice?" The captain knelt down by him and convulsively pressed
+his hand, but he could not speak.
+
+"God bless you, Cameron! Take my poor child to her mother--implore
+her--to--and it is to-night, this very night--she and my boy are
+happy--and I--and my poor Ellen--" A fearful convulsion choked his
+voice, but after a little while he tried to speak again--
+
+"My poor child, I have prepared you for this; but I know you must grieve
+for me. Take my blessing to your brother, tell him to protect--love your
+mother, darling! she must love you at last--a ring--my left hand--take
+it to her--oh! how I have loved her--God have mercy on her--on my poor
+children!" He tried to press his lips again on Ellen's cheek and brow,
+but the effort was vain--and at the very moment Mrs. Fortescue had
+stood transfixed by some unknown terror, her husband ceased to breathe.
+
+It was long before Ellen rallied from that terrible scene. Even when the
+fever which followed subsided, and she had been taken, apparently
+perfectly restored to health, once more to her mother and brother, its
+recollection so haunted her, that her many lonely hours became fraught
+with intense suffering. Her imagination, already only too morbid, dwelt
+again and again upon the minutest particular of that field of horror;
+not only her father, but the objects which, when her whole heart was
+wrapped in him, she seemed not even to have seen. The ghastly heaps of
+dead, the severed limbs, the mangled trunks, the gleaming faces all
+fixed in the distorted expressions with which they died--the very hollow
+groans and louder cry of pain which, as she passed through the field,
+had fallen on her ear unheeded, returned to the poor child's too early
+awakened fancy so vividly, that often and often it was only a powerful
+though almost unconscious effort that prevented the scream of fear. Her
+father's last words were never forgotten; she would not only continue to
+love her mother because he had desired her to do so, but because _he had
+so loved her_, and on her first return home this seemed easier than ever
+to accomplish. Mrs. Fortescue, tortured by remorse and grief, had
+somewhat softened toward the child who had received the last breath of
+her husband; and could Ellen have overcome the reserve and fear which so
+many years of estrangement had engendered, and given vent to the warmth
+of her nature, Mrs. Fortescue might have learned to know, and knowing,
+to love her--but it was then too late.
+
+So torturing were Mrs. Fortescue's feelings when she recalled the last
+request of her husband, and her cruel and haughty refusal; when that
+which had seemed so important, a juvenile ball--because not to go would
+disappoint Edward--became associated with his fearful death, and sunk
+into worse than nothing--she had parted with him in anger, and it proved
+forever;--that even as England had become odious to her, twelve years
+before, so did India now; and she suddenly resolved to quit it, and
+return to the relatives she had neglected so long, but toward whom she
+now yearned more than ever. She thought and believed such a complete
+change would and must bring peace. Alas! what change will remove the
+torture of remorse?
+
+Though incapable of real love, from her studied heartlessness, it was
+impossible for her to have lived twelve years with one so indulgent and
+fond as Colonel Fortescue, without realizing some degree of affection,
+and his unexpected and awful death roused every previously dormant
+feeling so powerfully, that she was astonished at herself, and in her
+misery believed that the feeling had only come, to add to her
+burden--for what was the use of loving now? and determined to rouse
+herself, she made every preparation for immediate departure, but she was
+painfully arrested. The selfish mother had fled from the couch of her
+suffering child, and now a variation of the same complaint laid her on a
+bed of pain. It was a desperate struggle between life and death; but she
+rallied, and insisted on taking her passage for England some weeks
+before her medical attendant thought it advisable. The constant struggle
+between the whisperings of good and the dominion of evil, which her
+whole life had been, had unconsciously undermined a constitution
+naturally good; and when to this was added a malignant disease, though
+brief in itself, the seeds of a mortal complaint were planted, which,
+ere the long voyage was concluded, had obtained fatal and irremediable
+ascendency, and occasioned those sufferings and death which in our first
+chapters we described.
+
+To Edward, though the death of his father had caused him much childish
+grief, still more perhaps from sympathy with the deep suffering of his
+mother, than a perfect consciousness of his own heavy loss, the _manner_
+in which he died was to him a source of actual pride. He had always
+loved the histories of heroes, military and naval, and gloried in the
+idea that his father had been one of them, and died as they did, bravely
+fighting against superior numbers, and in the moment of a glorious
+victory. He had never seen death, and imagined not all the attendant
+horrors of such a one; and how that Ellen could never even hear the word
+without shuddering he could not understand, nor why she should always so
+painfully shrink from the remotest reference to that night, which was
+only associated in his mind with emotions of pleasure. In the tedious
+voyage of nearly six months (for five-and-twenty years ago the voyage
+from India to England was not what it is now), the character of Edward
+shone forth in such noble coloring as almost to excuse his mother's
+idolatry, and win for him the regard of passengers and crew. Captain
+Cameron had impressed on his mind that he now stood in his father's
+place to his mother and sister; and as the idea of protecting is always
+a strong incentive to manliness in a boy, however youthful, Edward well
+redeemed the charge, so devoting himself not only to his mother, but to
+Ellen, that her affection for him redoubled, as did her mistaken idea of
+his vast superiority.
+
+His taste had always pointed to the naval in preference to the military
+profession, and the voyage confirmed it. Before he had been a month on
+board he had become practically an expert sailor--had learned all the
+technical names of the various parts of a ship, and evinced the most
+eager desire for the acquirement of navigation. Nor did he fail in the
+true sailor spirit, when, almost within sight of England, a tremendous
+storm arose, reducing the vessel almost to a wreck, carrying her far
+from her destined moorings, and compelling her, after ten days' doubt
+whether or not she would reach land in safety, to anchor in Milford
+Haven, there to repair her injuries, ere she could be again seaworthy.
+
+The passengers here left her, and Mrs. Fortescue, whose illness the
+terrors of the storm had most alarmingly increased, was conveyed to
+Pembroke in an almost exhausted state; but once on land she rallied,
+resolved on instantly proceeding to Swansea, then cross to Devonshire,
+and travel direct to Oakwood, where she had no doubt her sister was. But
+her temper was destined to be tried still more. The servant who had
+accompanied her from India, an Englishwoman, tired out with the fretful
+impatience of Mrs. Fortescue during the voyage, and disappointed that
+she did not at once proceed to London, demanded her instant discharge,
+as she could not stay any longer from her friends. The visible illness
+of her mistress might have spared this unfeeling act, but Eleanor had
+never shown feeling or kindness to her inferiors, and therefore,
+perhaps, had no right to expect them. Her suppressed anger and annoyance
+so increased physical suffering, that had it not been for her children
+she must have sunk at once; but for their sakes she struggled with that
+deadly exhaustion, and set off the very next morning, without any
+attendant, for Swansea. They were not above thirty miles from this town
+when, despite her every effort, Mrs. Fortescue became too ill to
+proceed. There was no appearance of a town or village, but the owners of
+a half-way house, pitying the desolate condition of the travelers,
+directed the postboy to the village of Llangwillan; which, though out of
+the direct road and four or five miles distant, was yet the nearest
+place of shelter. And never in her whole life had Mrs. Fortescue
+experienced such a blessed sensation of physical relief, as when the
+benevolent exertions of Mr. Myrvin had installed her in widow Morgan's
+humble dwelling, and by means of soothing medicine and deep repose in
+some degree relieved the torture of a burning brain and aching frame.
+Still she hoped to rally, and obtain strength sufficient to proceed; and
+bitter was the anguish when the hope was compelled to be
+relinquished.--With all that followed, our readers are already
+acquainted, and we will, therefore, at once seek the acquaintance of
+Mrs. Hamilton's own family, whose "Traits of Character" will, we hope,
+illustrate other and happier home influences than those of indiscreet
+indulgence and culpable neglect.
+
+
+
+
+PART II.
+
+TRAITS OF CHARACTER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+YOUTHFUL COLLOQUY--INTRODUCING CHARACTER
+
+
+The curtains were drawn close, the large lamp was on the table, and a
+cheerful fire blazing in the grate; for though only September, the room
+was sufficiently large, and the evenings sufficiently chill, for a fire
+to add greatly to its aspect of true English comfort. There were many
+admirable pictures suspended on the walls, and well-filled book-cases,
+desks, and maps, stands of beautiful flowers, and some ingenious toys,
+all seeming to proclaim the apartment as the especial possession of the
+young party who were this evening busily engaged at the large round
+table which occupied the centre of the room. They were only four in
+number, but what with a large desk piled with books and some most
+alarming-sized dictionaries, which occupied the elder of the two lads,
+the embroidery frame of the elder girl, the dissected map before her
+sister, and two or three books scattered round the younger boy, the
+table seemed so well filled that Miss Harcourt had quietly ensconced
+herself in her own private little corner, sufficiently near to take an
+interest, and sometimes join in the conversation of her youthful charge;
+but so apart as to be no restraint upon them, and to enable her to
+pursue her own occupations of either reading, writing, or working
+uninterruptedly. Could poor Mrs. Fortescue have glanced on the happy
+group, she certainly might have told her sister, with some show of
+justice, that there was such an equal distribution of interesting and
+animated expression (which is the great beauty of youth), that she could
+not have known the trial of having such a heavy, dull, unhappy child as
+Ellen. Mrs. Hamilton, indeed, we rather think, would not have considered
+such a trial, except as it proved ill-health and physical pain in the
+little sufferer; and, perhaps her increased care and tenderness (for
+such with her would have been the consequence of the same cause which
+had created her sister's neglect) might have removed both the depression
+of constant but impalpable illness, and the expression of heaviness and
+gloom. Certain it is, that her own Herbert had, with regard to delicate
+health, given her more real and constant anxiety than Eleanor had ever
+allowed herself to experience with Ellen; but there was nothing in the
+boy's peculiarly interesting countenance to denote the physical
+suffering he very often endured. Care and love had so surrounded his
+path with blessings, that he was often heard to declare, that he never
+even wished to be as strong as his brother, or to share his active
+pleasures, he had so many others equally delightful. Whether it was his
+physical temperament, inducing a habitude of reflection and studious
+thought much beyond his years, or whether the unusually gifted mind
+worked on the frame, or the one combined to form the other, it would be
+as impossible to decide with regard to him as with hundreds of others
+like him; but he certainly seemed, not only to his parents, but to their
+whole household, and to every one who casually associated with him, to
+have more in him of heaven than earth; as if indeed he were only lent,
+not given. And often, and often his mother's heart ached with its very
+intensity of love, causing the unspoken dread--how might she hope to
+retain one so faultless, and yet so full of every human sympathy and
+love! The delicate complexion, beautiful color of his cheeks and lips,
+and large soft, very dark blue eye, with its long black lash, high,
+arched brow, shaded by glossy chestnut hair, were all so lit up with the
+rays of mind, that though his face returned again and again to the fancy
+of those who had only once beheld it, they could scarcely have recalled
+a single feature, feeling only the almost angelic expression of the
+whole.
+
+His brother, as full of mirth and mischief, and as noisy and
+laughter-loving as Herbert was quiet and thoughtful, made his way at
+once, winning regard by storm, and retaining it by his frank and
+generous qualities, which made him a favorite with young and old. Even
+in his hours of study, there was not the least evidence of reflection or
+soberness. As a child he had had much to contend with, in the way of
+passion, pride, and self-will; but his home influence had been such a
+judicious blending of indulgence and firmness on the part of both his
+parents, such a persevering inculcation of a strong sense of duty,
+religious and moral, that at fifteen his difficulties had been all
+nearly overcome; and, except when occasional acts of thoughtlessness and
+hasty impulse lured him into error and its painful consequences, he was
+as happy and as good a lad as even his anxious mother could desire.
+
+The elder of his two sisters resembled him in the bright, dark, flashing
+eye, the straight intellectual brow, the rich dark brown hair and
+well-formed mouth; but the expression was so different at present, that
+it was often difficult to trace the likeness that actually existed.
+Haughtiness, and but too often ill-temper, threw a shade over a
+countenance, which when happy and animated was not only attractive then,
+but gave a fair promise of great beauty in after years. The disposition
+of Caroline Hamilton was in fact naturally so similar to that of her
+aunt, Mrs. Fortescue, that Mrs. Hamilton's task with her was not only
+more difficult and painful in the present than with any of the others,
+but her dread of the future at times so overpowering, that it required
+all her husband's influence to calm her, by returning trust in Him, who
+had promised to answer all who called upon Him, and would bless that
+mother's toils which were based on, and looked up alone, to His
+influence on her child, and guidance for herself.
+
+The blue-eyed, fair-haired, graceful, little Emmeline, not only the
+youngest of the family, but, from her slight figure, delicate, small
+features, and childish manner, appearing even much younger than she was,
+was indeed a source of joy and love to all, seeming as if sorrow, except
+for others, could not approach her. She had indeed much that required a
+carefully guiding hand, in a yielding weakness of disposition, indolent
+habit in learning, an unrestrained fancy, and its general accompaniment,
+over-sensitiveness of feeling, but so easily guided by affection, and
+with a disposition so sweet and gentle, that a word from her mother was
+always enough. Mrs. Hamilton had little fears for her, except, indeed,
+as for the vast capability of individual suffering which such a
+disposition engendered, in those trials which it was scarcely possible
+she might hope to pass through life without. There was only one
+safeguard, one unfailing comfort, for a character like hers, and that
+was a deep ever-present sense of religion, which untiringly, and yet
+more by example than by precept, her parents endeavored to instill.
+Greatly, indeed, would both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been astonished,
+had they been told that the little girl, Ellen Fortescue, who to both
+was such an enigma, and who was seemingly in all things so utterly
+unlike their Emmeline, was in natural disposition _exactly the same_;
+and that the vast difference in present and future character simply
+arose from the fact, that the early influences of the one were sorrow
+and neglect, and of the other, happiness and love.
+
+"I wonder whether mamma and papa will really come home to-night;"
+observed Caroline, after several minutes of unbroken silence, all
+seemingly so engrossed in their own occupations as to have no
+inclination to speak. "And if they do, I wish we could know the exact
+time, I do so hate expecting and being disappointed."
+
+"Then neither wonder nor expect, my sage sister," replied Percy,
+without, however, raising his head or interrupting his writing; "and I
+will give you two capital reasons for my advice. Firstly, wonder is the
+offspring of ignorance, and has two opposite effects on my sex and on
+yours. With us it is closely connected with philosophy, for we are told
+in 'wonder all philosophy begins, in wonder it ends, and adoration fills
+up the interspace;' but with you, poor weak creatures, the only effect
+it produces is increased curiosity, of which you have naturally a more
+than adequate supply. Secondly, if you begin to wonder and expect, and
+speculate as to the ayes and noes of a contingency to-night, you will
+not cease talking till mamma really does appear; and then good-by to my
+theme, for to write while your tongue is running, is impossible. So
+pray, take my advice, on consideration that you have had as good a
+sermon from me as my reverend brother Herbert can ever hope to give."
+
+"I do not think mamma and papa will be quite satisfied if he do not give
+us a much better one, even the very first time he attempts it;" rejoined
+Emmeline, with a very arch look at her brother.
+
+"What, you against me, Miss Emmy! and beginning to talk too. You forget
+what an important personage I am, during papa's absence especially; and
+that as such, I am not to be insulted with impunity. So here goes--as a
+fresh exercise for your patience!" And he mingled all the fixed and
+unfixed parts of her map in most bewildering confusion, regardless of
+her laughing entreaty to let them alone.
+
+"You have tried a very bad way to keep me quiet, Percy," continued
+Caroline; "you must either explain why wonder may not equally have the
+same good effect on us as on you, or retract your words entirely. You
+know you would not have expressed such a contemptuous opinion, if mamma
+had been present."
+
+"My mother is such a very superior person, that when she is present her
+superiority extends over her whole sex, Caroline; even you are safe,
+because, as her child, it is to be hoped that one of these days you may
+be something like her: exactly, I do not expect--two such woman as my
+mother can not exist."
+
+"As if your opinion were of such importance, Percy," replied Caroline
+haughtily; "it really is very little consequence to me whether you think
+me like mamma or not."
+
+"It is to me, though," rejoined Emmeline, earnestly; "I would rather be
+like mamma than like any body else, and I should like Percy to think I
+was, because then he would love me still more."
+
+"Bravo, my little Em.; spoken almost as well as I could myself, and, as
+a reward, as soon as this most annoying piece of erudition is
+accomplished, I will help you with your map why, you silly little thing,
+you have put Kamschatka as the terra firma of South America; no doubt
+that ice and snow would be very welcome there, but how the Americans
+would stare to see the fur-clad Kamschatkans such near neighbors. That's
+it, go on, puzzle away till I can help you. And you Miss Caroline,
+retain your contempt of my opinion, and may you never repent it."
+
+"I thought you told me not to talk, Percy," replied his sister; "and I
+should like to know who is talking the most, you or I? You will not
+finish what you are doing before the bell rings for prayers, if you go
+on in this way."
+
+"That proves how little you know the extent of my powers. I have only to
+make a clean copy of these learned reflections. Why, in the name of all
+the gods, were there such provokingly clever people as Seneca, Cicero,
+Pliny, and a host of others! or, if they must be wise, why did they not
+burn all the written wisdom, instead of leaving it as a means of torture
+in the hands of learned pedagogues, yclept schoolmasters, and as a curse
+on those poor unfortunates whose noddles are not wise enough to contain
+it."
+
+"I should be very sorry if all the ancient authors were thus
+annihilated," observed Herbert, looking up from his book with a bright
+smile. "I should lose a great deal of enjoyment even now, and still more
+by-and-by, when I know more."
+
+"Ay, but my dear fellow, your head is not quite so like a sieve as mine.
+Yours receives, contains, digests, and sends forth the matter improved
+by your own ideas; but as for mine, the matter undoubtedly enters, but
+runs out again, and only leaves behind that which is too large and gross
+to pass through. No, no, Bertie, your head and mine are not related even
+in the twentieth degree of consanguinity, however nearly connected their
+masters may be. Hush! not a word; I have only one line more; what a wise
+man that was to be sure, who said 'Otiosum esse quam nihil
+agere'--better to be idle than doing nothing. Don't shake your head and
+laugh, Emmy. Vale: never did I say good-by so willingly. Hurrah! mamma
+and papa may come home when they like now. Cast your eyes over it
+Herbert; just tell me if it look correct, and then vale books--vale
+pens--vale desk for to-night!" He placed his writing on his brother's
+open bunk, threw his dictionary and grammar high in air, and dexterously
+caught them as they fell, piled up his books, closed his desk, and then,
+with a comical sigh of relief, flung himself full length on a sofa.
+
+"Now that you have finished your task, Percy, perhaps you will have the
+kindness to inform us why at this time of the evening you have been
+writing Latin?" inquired Caroline.
+
+"And open my wound afresh! However, it is quite right that Miss Harcourt
+should know that, if I am ill from over-study to-morrow, it is her
+doing."
+
+"Mine!" answered Miss Harcourt, laughing; "pray explain yourself, young
+man, for I am so perfectly innocent as not even to understand you."
+
+"Did you not this morning give me a message to Lady Helen Grahame?"
+
+"I did; you passed her house on your way to Mr. Howard's."
+
+"Well, then, if you had not given me the message, much as I felt
+disinclined to pore over musty books and foolscap paper, from the
+extreme loveliness of the morning, I should have nerved myself to go
+straight on to the Rectory. Lady Helen was not visible, so I tarried,
+believing your message of vital importance, and Annie came to
+me--by-the-by, what a little woman that child is; Emmeline, you are a
+baby to her. I wonder she condescends to associate with you."
+
+"I do not think she is at all fond of me--Caroline is her friend,"
+replied Emmeline; "but what can Annie have to do with your Latin?"
+
+"A great deal--for she talked and we walked, and time walked too, and by
+the time I had seen Lady Helen, it was two hours later than I ought to
+have been with Mr. Howard. On I went, feeling not particularly
+comfortable; but though it is clear logic that if Miss Harcourt had not
+sent me to Lady Helen's I should not have been led into temptation, I
+was magnanimous enough not to mention her, but to lay the whole blame of
+my non-appearance, on my own disinclination for any study but that of
+nature. Mr. Howard looked grave and sorrowful--I wish to heaven he was
+more like any other schoolmaster; that look and tone of his are worse
+than any rod!--and to redeem my lost time in the morning, I was desired
+to write a Latin theme on a letter of Pliny's this evening. And now that
+I have satisfied all your inquiries, please satisfy mine. Is there any
+chance of mamma's coming home to-night?"
+
+"Every probability," replied Miss Harcourt. "It only depends on your
+cousin, who is so very delicate, that if she were too fatigued, Mr.
+Hamilton would remain at Exeter to-night, and proceed here early
+to-morrow."
+
+"Well, my little cousin, though I have not the pleasure of knowing you,
+I hope you will be so kind as to let mamma come on to-night, for we have
+been too long without her, and I long to resign to papa his robes of
+office, for they sit mightily like borrowed plumes upon me. Mamma writes
+of Ellen and Edward--I wonder what they are like! Come, Tiny, paint them
+for me--your fertile fancy generally fills up the shadow of a name."
+
+"I can not, Percy, for I am afraid my pictures would not be agreeable."
+
+"Not agreeable!" repeated Percy and Miss Harcourt together. "Why not?"
+
+Emmeline hesitated, then answered ingenuously, "We are so very, very
+happy together, that I do not feel quite sure that I am glad my cousins
+are going to live with us."
+
+"What! are you afraid I shall love Ellen more than you, Emmy?" exclaimed
+her brother, starting up and sitting on her chair; "do not be alarmed,
+Tiny; no cousin shall take your place."
+
+"Indeed I am not afraid of that, Percy, dear," she replied, looking so
+fondly in his face, that he gave her a hearty kiss. "I can not tell why
+I should feel half sorry that they are coming, but I am quite sure I
+will do all I can to make them happy."
+
+"You could not do otherwise if you were to try, Tiny. Come, Caroline,
+what say you? We have all been thinking about them, so we may as well
+give each other the benefit of our thoughts."
+
+"Suppose I do not feel inclined to do so?"
+
+"Why we must all believe you are ashamed of them," replied Percy
+quickly, "and if you are, I know who has made you so. I would lay any
+wager, the whole time you have been with Lady Helen Grahame, since mamma
+has been away, she has been talking of nothing else--look, look, she is
+blushing--I am right."
+
+"And if she did," replied Caroline, very much provoked, "she said
+nothing that I am ashamed of repeating. She knew my aunt before she went
+to India, and I am sure if her children are like her, they will be no
+agreeable additions to our family."
+
+"Bravo, Caroline! you really are an apt pupil; Lady Helen's words and
+manner completely! but you may have one comfort; children are not always
+like their parents, and if they are as unlike Lady Helen's description
+of my poor aunt (which by the way she had no right to give, nor you to
+listen to) as you are at this moment unlike mamma, we shall get on
+capitally, and need have no fears about them."
+
+"Percy you are intolerably disagreeable!"
+
+"Because I speak the sad, sober truth? Caroline, do pray, get rid of
+that dawning ill temper, before mamma comes; it will not be a pleasant
+welcome home."
+
+"I am not ill-tempered, Percy: I suppose I may have my own opinion of
+Ellen and Edward, as well as all of you," replied his sister angrily.
+
+"But do not let it be an unkind one, without knowing them, dear
+Caroline," observed Herbert gently; "it is so very difficult to get rid
+of a prejudice when once it has entered our minds, even when we know and
+feel that it is a wrong one. I am sure if we only thought how sad it is
+that they have neither father nor mother to love them, and are coming
+all among strangers--born in a strange land too--we should find quite
+enough to think kindly about, and leave all wonder as to what they will
+be like, till we know them. I dare say we shall often have to bear and
+forbear, but that we have to do with each other, and it will only be one
+brother and sister more."
+
+"Brother and sister! I am sure I shall not think of them so, Herbert,
+however you may. My father might have been a nobleman, and who knows any
+thing of theirs?"
+
+"Caroline, how can you be so ridiculous!" exclaimed Percy, with a most
+provoking fit of laughter. "Their father served and died for his
+king--as our grandfather did; and had he lived might have been offered a
+title too--and their mother--really I think you are very insulting to
+mamma: her sister's children I should imagine quite as high in rank as
+ourselves!"
+
+"And even if they were not--what would it signify?" rejoined Herbert.
+"Dear Caroline, pray do not talk or think so; it makes me feel so sorry,
+for I know how wrong it is--we might have been in their place."
+
+"I really can not fancy any thing so utterly impossible," interrupted
+Caroline, "so you may spare the supposition, Herbert."
+
+"It is no use, Bertie; you must bring the antipodes together, before you
+and Caroline will think alike," interposed Percy, perceiving with regret
+the expression of pain on his brother's face, and always ready to guard
+him either from physical or mental suffering, feeling instinctively
+that, from his extraordinary mind and vivid sense of duty, he was liable
+to the latter, from many causes which other natures would pass
+unnoticed.
+
+Miss Harcourt did not join the conversation. It had always been Mrs.
+Hamilton's wish that in their intercourse with each other, her children
+should be as unrestrained as if they had been alone. Had Caroline's
+sentiments received encouragement, she would have interfered; but the
+raillery of Percy and the earnestness of Herbert, she knew were more
+likely to produce an effect than any thing like a rebuke from herself,
+which would only have caused restraint before her in future. It was
+through this perfect unrestraint that Mrs. Hamilton had become so
+thoroughly acquainted with the several characters of her children. That
+Caroline's sentiments caused her often real pain was true, but it was
+far better to know them, and endeavor to correct and remove them, by
+causing education to bear upon the faults they revealed, than to find
+them concealed from her by the constant fear of words of reproof.
+
+To remove Herbert's unusual seriousness, Percy continued, laughingly--
+
+"Miss Harcourt, what are your thoughts on this momentous subject? It is
+no use asking Herbert's, we all know them without his telling us; but
+you are almost the principally concerned of the present party, for Ellen
+will bring you the trouble of another pupil."
+
+"I shall not regret it, Percy; but only shall rejoice if I can in any
+way lessen your mother's increased charge. As for what your cousins will
+be like, I candidly tell you, I have scarcely thought about it. I have
+no doubt we shall find them strange and shy at first; but we must do all
+we can to make them feel they are no strangers."
+
+"And now, then, it only remains for the right honorable me to speak; and
+really Emmy and Herbert and you have told my story, and left me nothing.
+I do not know whether I am pleased or not, but I am very sorry for them;
+and it will be capital if this Master Edward turns out a lad of spirit
+and mischief, and not over-learned or too fond of study--one, in fact,
+that I can associate with, without feeling such a painful sensation of
+inferiority as I do when in company with my right reverend brother."
+
+"Dear Percy, do not call me reverend," said Herbert, appealingly: "I
+feel it almost a mockery now, when I am so very far from being worthy to
+become a clergyman."
+
+"You are a good fellow, Bertie; and I will not tease you, if I can help
+it--but really I do not mean it for mockery; you know, or ought to know,
+that you are better now than half the clergymen who have taken orders,
+and as much superior to me in goodness as in talent."
+
+"Indeed I know no such thing, Percy; I am not nearly so strong in health
+as you are, and am therefore, naturally more fond of quiet pleasures:
+and as for talent, if you were as fond of application as of frolic, you
+would leave me far behind."
+
+"Wrong, Bertie, quite wrong! but think of yourself as you please, I know
+what every body thinks of you. Hush! is that the sound of a carriage, or
+only the wind making love to the old oaks?"
+
+"The wind making love, Percy!" repeated Emmeline, laughing; "I neither
+hear that, nor the carriage wheels kissing the ground."
+
+"Well done, Tiny! my poetry is beaten hollow; but there--there--I am
+sure it is a carriage!" and Percy bounded from the table so impetuously
+as nearly to upset it, flung back the curtain, and looked eagerly from
+the window.
+
+Herbert closed his book to listen; Emmeline left her nearly-completed
+map, and joined Percy; Caroline evidently tried to resume serenity, but,
+too proud to evince it, industriously pursued her work, breaking the
+thread almost every time that she drew out the needle.
+
+"It is nothing, Percy; how could you disappoint us so?" said Herbert, in
+a tone of regret.
+
+"My good fellow, you must be deaf--listen! nearer and louder--and, look
+there, Emmeline, through those trees, don't you see something
+glimmering? that must be the lamp of the carriage."
+
+"Nonsense, Percy, it is a glowworm."
+
+"A glowworm! why, Em., the thought of seeing mamma has blinded you. What
+glowworm ever came so steadily forward? No! there is no mistake now.
+Hurrah, it is the carriage; here Robert, Morris, Ellis, all of you to
+the hall! to the hall! The carriage is coming down the avenue." And with
+noisy impatience, the young gentleman ran into the hall, assembled all
+the servants he had named, and others too, all eager to welcome the
+travelers; flung wide back the massive door, and he and Herbert both
+were on the steps several minutes before the carriage came in sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THREE ENGLISH HOMES, AND THEIR INMATES.
+
+
+If more than the preceding conversation were needed to reveal the
+confidence and love with which Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were regarded by
+their children, the delight, the unrestrained expressions of affection,
+with which by every one of the young party they were received, would
+have evinced it still more clearly. Herbert was very speedily on his
+favorite seat, a low stool at his mother's feet. Emmeline, for that one
+half hour at least, assumed her still unresigned privilege, as the
+youngest and tiniest, to quietly slip in her lap; Percy was talking to
+his father, making Edward perfectly at home, saying many kind words to
+Ellen, and caressing his mother, all almost at the same moment. Caroline
+was close to her father, with her arm round his neck; and Miss Harcourt
+was kindly disrobing Ellen from her many wraps, and making her lie
+quietly on a sofa near her aunt; who, even in that moment of delightful
+reunion with her own, had yet time and thought, by a few judicious
+words, to remove the undefinable, but painful sensation of loneliness,
+which was creeping over the poor child as she gazed on her bright,
+happy-looking cousins; and thought if to her own mother Edward's beauty
+and happiness had made him so much more beloved than herself, what claim
+could she have on her aunt? Ellen could not have said that such were the
+thoughts that filled her eyes with tears, and made her heart so heavy;
+she only knew that much as she had loved her aunt during the journey,
+her kiss and kind words at that moment made her love her more than ever.
+
+Never had there been a happier meal at Oakwood than the substantial tea
+which was speedily ready for the travelers. So much was there to hear
+and tell: Percy's wild sallies; Caroline's animated replies (she had now
+quite recovered her temper); Herbert's gentle care of Ellen, by whom he
+had stationed himself (even giving up to her his usual seat by his
+mother); Emmeline's half shy, half eager, efforts to talk to her
+cousins; Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's earnest interest, all combined, long
+before the meal was concluded, to make Edward feel perfectly at his
+ease, and very happy, and greatly to remove Ellen's unacknowledged
+dread. The time passed so quickly, that there was a general start when
+the prayer bell sounded, though it was nearly two hours after the usual
+time.
+
+"Are you prepared for to-night, my boy?" Mr. Hamilton asked of Herbert,
+as they rose to adjourn to the library, where, morning and evening, it
+had been the custom of the Hamilton family for many generations, to
+assemble their whole household for family devotion.
+
+"Yes, papa; I was not quite sure whether you would arrive to-night."
+
+"Then I will not resume my office till to-morrow, Herbert, that I may
+have the gratification of hearing you officiate," replied his father,
+linking his son's arm in his, and affectionately glancing on the bright
+blush that rose to the boy's cheek.
+
+There was a peculiar sweetness in Herbert Hamilton's voice, even in
+speaking; and as he read the service of the lessons for the evening,
+adding one or two brief explanations when necessary, and more especially
+when reading, or rather praying, the beautiful petitions appropriated
+to family worship, there was an earnest solemnity of tone and manner,
+presenting a strange contrast, yet beautiful, combining with the boyish
+form and youthful face, on which the lamp, suspended over the
+reading-desk shed such a soft and holy light. The occasional prayer
+which was added to the usual evening service, was always chosen by the
+reader; and Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were surprised and affected at the
+earnestness with which their almost angel boy selected and read over one
+peculiarly bearing on the events of that evening; the introduction of
+their orphan relatives, for compassion and blessing on them, and grace
+for increased kindness and forbearance in their intercourse with one
+another--Miss Harcourt, his brother and sisters, knew well to what he
+alluded, and all but one responded with earnestness and truth. Caroline
+could not enter into Herbert's feelings even at that moment: it was a
+great effort to prevent a feeling of irritation, believing that he
+directly pointed at her, and determining that as neither he nor any one
+else had any right to interfere with her private thoughts, and that they
+could do harm to none while confined to her own breast, she resolved not
+to overcome them, and so could not join with any fervor in the prayer.
+
+To Edward all was strange. While the graces of his body and mind had
+been most sedulously cultivated, he had never been taught even the
+public ordinances of religion, much less its inward spirit. His mother
+had often and often felt a pang of reproach, at thus neglecting that
+which an inward voice would whisper was most essential; but she was wont
+to silence the pang by the determined idea, that she was neither worthy
+nor able to give him such solemn lessons, and that it would come by
+instinct to him in after years. There was time enough for him to think
+of such things. He had been now and then to church, but it was a mere
+form, regarded as a weary duty, from which he escaped whenever he could.
+The present scene, then, completely bewildered him. He had always
+fancied himself superior to any of the boys he had associated with; but
+as he looked at and listened to Herbert, who seemed at most only two
+years older than himself, he became sensible of a very strange and
+disagreeable, but a very decided feeling of inferiority: and then, too,
+it was so incomprehensible the servants all joining them, a class of
+people whom in India he had been taught so to consider his inferiors,
+that even to speak with them was a species of degradation; and he was
+destined to be still more surprised, for before they left the library,
+he heard his aunt and uncle address them all, and say a few kind words,
+and make inquiries after their families to each.
+
+To Ellen that evening service recalled some of Mr. Myrvin's
+instructions, and seemed to help her to realize those new thoughts and
+feelings, which she had learned, for the first time, in Wales. Her
+father had, indeed, the last year of his life tried to give her some
+ideas of religion; but having only so very lately begun to think
+seriously himself, he felt diffident and uncertain of his own powers,
+and so left an impression more of awe toward the subject than of love,
+which to a disposition such as Ellen's was unfortunate.
+
+A very short time sufficed for Percy and Emmeline to introduce their
+cousins to all the delights and mysteries of their dear old home: and
+Oakwood Hall was really a place for imagination to revel in. It was a
+large castelated mansion, fraught with both the associations of the
+past, and the comforts of the present. The injuries which the original
+mansion had received during the civil war of Charles I., had, when the
+family returned at the Restoration, caused much of the old house to be
+pulled down, and replaced with larger rooms, and greater conveniences
+for a modern dwelling-house, retaining, however, quite sufficient of the
+past to throw interest around it.
+
+The wings were still flanked with turrets, which were Percy's and
+Emmeline's delight; and the many stair-cases, leading into all sorts of
+nooks and corners--and the small and most uncomfortable rooms, because
+some of them happened to be hung with tapestry, and had those small
+narrow windows sunk in deep recesses--were pronounced by both far more
+enjoyable than the beautiful suite of rooms forming the center of the
+mansion, and the dwelling of the family. These were only saved from
+being disagreeably modern--Percy would declare--by their beautiful
+richly-polished oaken panels, and by the recesses which the large
+windows still formed, making almost a room by themselves. The hall, too,
+with its superb sweep of staircase and broad carved oaken balustrade,
+leading to a gallery above, which opened on the several sleeping
+apartments, and thus permitting the full height of the mansion, from
+base to roof, to be visible from the hall. Tho doors visible in the
+gallery opened mostly on dressing-rooms, or private sitting-rooms, which
+led to the large, airy sleeping-rooms, to which the servants had access
+by back stair-cases leading from their hall; and so leaving the oaken
+staircase and gallery entirely to the use of the family, and of many a
+game of noisy play had that gallery been the scene. There had been a
+beautiful little chapel adjoining the mansion, but it was mercilessly
+burned to the ground by the infatuated Puritans, and never restored; the
+venerable old church of the village henceforth serving the family of the
+hall.
+
+Situated on the banks of the Dart, whose serpentine windings gave it the
+appearance of a succession of most lovely lakes, Nature had been so
+lavish of her beauties in the garden and park, especially in the
+magnificent growth of the superb oaks, from which the estate took its
+name, that it was not much wonder Mrs. Hamilton, always an intense lover
+of nature, should have become so attached to her home, as never to feel
+the least inclination to leave it. She did not wish her girls to visit
+London till a few months before Caroline was old enough to be
+introduced, to give them then finishing masters; and to that time she of
+course always looked, as demanding from her part of the year to be spent
+in town. The career of Eleanor, the recollections of the frivolity and
+error into which her own early youth had been thrown, had given her not
+only a distaste, but an actual dread of London for her girls, till such
+principles and associations had been instilled which would enable them
+to pass through the ordeal of successive seasons without any change of
+character or feeling. Her sons, since their tenth year, had more than
+once accompanied their father to the metropolis; but though these visits
+were always sources of enjoyment, especially to Percy, they never failed
+to return with unabated affection to their home, and to declare there
+was no place in England like it.
+
+Mr. Hamilton, though in neither profession nor business, was far from
+being an idle man. His own estate was sufficiently large, and contained
+a sufficient number of dependents, for whose mortal and immortal welfare
+he was responsible, to give him much employment; and in addition to
+this, the home interests and various aspects of his country were so
+strongly entwined with his very being--that, though always refusing to
+enter Parliament, he was the prompter and encourager of many a political
+movement, having for its object amelioration of the poor, and
+improvement of the whole social system; closely connected with which, as
+he was, they gave him neither public fame nor private emolument. He
+acted in all things from the same single-hearted integrity and high
+honor which caused him to refuse the title proffered to his father. Her
+husband's connection with many celebrated characters, and her own
+correspondence, and occasional visits from her friends to Oakwood,
+prevented Mrs. Hamilton's interest from too complete concentration in
+her home, as, in her first retirement, many feared. She had, too, some
+friends near her, whose society gave her both pleasure and interest; and
+many acquaintances who would have visited more than she felt any
+inclination for, had she not had the happy power of quietly pursuing her
+own path, and yet conciliating all.
+
+The Rev. William Howard had accepted Mr. Hamilton's eagerly-proffered
+invitation to become his rector, and undertake the education of his
+boys, from very peculiar circumstances. He had been minister of a
+favorite church in one of the southern towns, and master of an
+establishment for youths of high rank, in both which capacities he had
+given universal satisfaction. The reprehensible conduct of some of his
+pupils, carried on at first so secretly as to elude his knowledge, at
+length became so notorious as to demand examination. He had at first
+refused all credence, but when proved, by the confused replies of all,
+and half confession of some, he briefly and emphatically laid before
+them the enormity of their conduct, and declared that, as confidence was
+entirely broken between them, he would resign the honor of their
+education, refusing to admit them any longer as members of his
+establishment. In vain the young men implored him to spare them the
+disgrace of such an expulsion; he was inexorable.
+
+This conduct, in itself so upright, was painted by the smarting
+offenders in such colors, that Mr. Howard gradually but surely found his
+school abandoned, and himself so misrepresented, that a spirit less
+self-possessed and secure in its own integrity must have sunk beneath
+it. But he had some true friends, and none more active and earnest than
+Mr. Hamilton. A very brief residence at Oakwood Rectory removed even the
+recollection of the injustice he had experienced; and he himself, as
+pastor and friend, proved a treasure to high and low. Ten other youths,
+sons of the neighboring gentry, became his pupils, their fathers gladly
+following in Mr. Hamilton's lead.
+
+About a mile and a half across the park was Moorlands, the residence of
+Lady Helen Grahame, whose name had been so often mentioned by the young
+Hamiltons. Her husband Montrose Grahame, had been Arthur Hamilton's
+earliest friend, at home, at college, and in manhood. Lady Helen the
+youngest daughter of a marquis, had been intimate with Emmeline and
+Eleanor Manvers from childhood, and had always admired and wished to
+resemble the former, but always failed, she believed, from being
+constituted so differently; others might have thought from her utter
+want of energy and mental strength. The marriage at first appeared
+likely to be a happy one, but it was too soon proved the contrary.
+Grahame was a man of strict, perhaps severe principles; his wife, though
+she never did any thing morally wrong, scarcely knew the meaning of the
+word. Provoked with himself for his want of discrimination, in imagining
+Lady Helen so different to the being she really was; more than once
+discovering she did not speak the exact truth, or act with the steady
+uprightness he demanded, his manner became almost austere; and, in
+consequence, becoming more and more afraid of him, Lady Helen sunk lower
+and lower in his esteem.
+
+Two girls and a boy were the fruits of this union. Lady Helen had made a
+great many excellent resolutions with regard to their rearing and
+education, which she eagerly confided to Mrs. Hamilton, but when the
+time of trial came, weakness and false indulgence so predominated, that
+Grahame, to counteract these evil influences, adopted a contrary
+extreme, and, by a system of constant reserve and severity, became an
+object of as much terror to his children as he was to his wife. But he
+did not pursue this conduct without pain, and never did he visit Oakwood
+without bitter regret that his home was not the same.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had often tried to alter the aspect of affairs at
+Moorlands; the former, by entreating Grahame to be less severe; the
+latter, by urging Lady Helen to a firmer mode of conduct. But those
+friendly efforts were as yet entirely useless. Grahame became a member
+of Parliament, which took his family to London for five or six months in
+the year--a particularly agreeable change to Lady Helen, who then
+associated with her sisters, whose families were conducted much on the
+same fashion as her own, but unfortunately only increasing the
+discomfort of Moorlands when they returned to it. And this was the more
+to be regretted, from the fact that both Grahame and his wife were full
+of good intentions, and had the one been more yielding, and the other
+more firm, there might have been no small share of happiness for both.
+
+But heavy as Lady Helen thought her trial in the want of her husband's
+confidence and love, and which she had greatly brought upon herself, it
+was light in comparison with that of Mrs. Greville, another near
+neighbor and valued friend of Mrs. Hamilton. She had loved and married a
+man whose winning manners and appearance, and an ever-varying flow of
+intelligent conversation, had completely concealed, till too late, his
+real character. Left at a very early age his own master, with a capital
+estate and large fortune; educated at a very large public school, at
+which he learned literally nothing but vice, and how effectually to
+conceal it; courted and flattered wherever he went, he became vain,
+overbearing, and extravagant; with no pursuit but that of gambling in
+all its varieties, even hunting and shooting could not be thoroughly
+enjoyed without some large bets depending on the day's sport: his
+thoughts from boyhood were so completely centered in self, that he had
+affection for nothing else. He had indeed fancied he loved Jessie
+Summers, when he had so successfully wooed her; but the illusion was
+speedily dispelled, and repeatedly he cursed his folly for plaguing
+himself with a wife. His first child, too, was a girl and that annoyed
+him still more; and when, the next year, a boy was granted, he certainly
+rejoiced, but it was such rejoicing as to fill his wife's heart with an
+agony of dread; for he swore he would make his boy as jovial a spirit as
+himself, and that her namby-pamby ideas should have nothing to do with
+him.
+
+It was indeed a difficult and painful task Mrs. Greville had to perform.
+Though her husband would spend weeks and even months at a time away, the
+impressions she so earnestly and prayerfully sought to instill into her
+son's heart were, or appeared to be, completely destroyed by her
+husband's interference the whole time of his sojourn at his home. It was
+his pleasure to thwart her every plan, laugh at her fine notions, make a
+mockery of all that was good, and holy, and self denying; and all in the
+presence of his children; succeeding in making Alfred frequently guilty
+of disrespect and unkindness, but failing entirely with Mary, who,
+though of such a fragile frame and gentle spirit that her father's
+visits almost always caused her a fit of illness, so idolized her
+suffering but never murmuring mother, that she only redoubled her
+attention and respect whenever she saw her more tried than usual. This
+conduct, of course, only made her an object, equally with her mother, of
+her father's sneers and taunts, but she bore it with the true spirit of
+a martyr. Suffering was doing for her what Herbert Hamilton was
+naturally--making her spiritual and thoughtful far beyond her years, and
+drawing her and Herbert together with such a bond of mutual reverence
+and sympathy, that to talk to him was her greatest consolation, and to
+endeavor to lessen her sorrows one of his dearest pleasures.
+
+Alfred was not naturally an evil-disposed boy, and when his father was
+from home seldom failed either in respect or obedience. Mrs. Greville
+possessed the rather rare combination of extreme submissiveness with a
+natural dignity and firmness, which enabled her to retain the reverence
+and sympathy of her friends and her household, without once stooping to
+receive their pity. It was generally supposed by those who did not know
+her personally, that she was one of those too soft and self-denying
+characters who bring on themselves the evils they deplore; but this in
+Mrs. Greville's case was a very great mistake. It was impossible to
+associate even casually with her, without feeling intuitively that she
+suffered deeply, but the emotion such conviction called was respect
+alone.
+
+As anxious and as earnest a parent as Mrs. Hamilton herself, Mrs.
+Greville failed not to inculcate the good in both her children, and
+still more forcibly, when they became old enough to observe, by example
+than by precept. But with Alfred there must have been an utter
+hopelessness as to the fruit of her anxious labors, had she not
+possessed that clinging, single-hearted trust which taught her that no
+difficulty should deter from a simple duty, and that nothing was too
+hard for Him who--if He saw that she shrunk not from the charge and
+responsibility which, in permitting her to become a mother, he had
+given, and did all she could to counteract those evil influences, for
+the removal of which she had no power--would, in His own good time,
+reward, if not on earth--with Him in Heaven; and so untiringly, as
+unmurmuringly, she struggled on.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HOME SCENE.--VISITORS.--CHILDISH MEDITATIONS.
+
+
+The part of the day which to Emmeline Hamilton was the happiest of all,
+was that in which she and Caroline, and now, of course, Ellen, were with
+their mother alone. Not that she particularly liked the very quiet
+employment of plain work, which was then their usual occupation, but
+that she could talk without the least restraint, either about her
+lessons, or her pleasures, or her thoughts, and the stories or histories
+she had been reading, and if she thought wrong no one ever corrected her
+so delightfully so impressively as "mamma." The mornings, from three to
+four hours, according as their age and studies required, were always
+under the control of Miss Harcourt, with such visits from Mrs. Hamilton
+as gave an increased interest to exertion, and such interruption only as
+permitted their practice and lessons in music, which three times a week
+Mrs. Hamilton had as yet herself bestowed. The dressing-bell always rung
+at half-past three, and dinner was at four, to allow the lads return
+from Mr. Howard's, whose daily lessons commenced at nine and concluded
+at three. From half-past one to half-past three, in the very short days,
+was devoted to recreation, walking, or driving, and in the longer, to
+Emmeline's favorite time--an hour at work with her mother, and the
+remainder to the preparation of lessons and exercises for the next day,
+which in the winter occupied from five to six. From six to seven in the
+same generally gloomy season they read aloud some entertaining book with
+their mother and Miss Harcourt, and seven was the delightful hour of a
+general reunion at tea, and signal for such recreation till nine as they
+felt inclined for; their brothers having been employed for Mr. Howard
+part of the time between dinner and tea, with sufficient earnestness to
+enjoy the rest and recreation afterward, quite as buoyantly and gladly
+as their sisters; and many a merry dance enlivened their winter
+evenings.
+
+In the summer, of course, this daily routine was frequently varied by
+most delightful excursions in the country. Mrs. Hamilton earnestly
+longing to implant a love of Nature and all its fresh, pure associations
+in the minds of her children while yet young, knowing that once
+obtained, the pleasures of the world would be far less likely to obtain
+too powerful dominion. That which the world often terms romance, she
+felt to be a high, pure sense of poetry in the Universe and in Man,
+which she was quite as anxious to instill as many mothers to root out.
+She did not believe that to cultivate the spiritual needed the
+banishment of the matter of fact; but she believed, that to infuse the
+latter with the former would be their best and surest preventive against
+all that was low and mean; their best help in the realization of a
+constant unfailing piety. For the same reason she cultivated a taste for
+the beautiful, not only in her girls, but in her boys--and beauty, not
+in arts and nature alone, but in character. She did not allude to beauty
+of merely the high and striking kind, but to the lowly virtues,
+struggles, faith, and heroism in the poor--their forbearance and
+kindness to one another--marking something to admire, even in the most
+rugged and surly, that at first sight would seem so little worthy of
+notice. It was gradually, and almost unconsciously, to accustom her
+daughters to such a train of thought and sentiment, that she so
+particularly laid aside one part of the day to have them with her alone;
+ostensibly, it was to give part of their day to working for the many
+poor, to whom gifts of ready-made clothing are sometimes much more
+valuable than money; but the _education_ of that one hour she knew
+might, for the right cultivation of the heart, do more than the mere
+_teaching_ of five or six, and that education, much as she loved and
+valued Miss Harcourt, she had from the first resolved should come from
+her alone.
+
+To Emmeline this mode of life was so happy, she could not imagine any
+thing happier. But Caroline often and often envied her great friend
+Annie Grahame, and believed that occasional visits to London would make
+her much happier than remaining all the year round at Oakwood, and only
+with her own family. She knew the expression of such sentiments would
+meet no sympathy at home, and certainly not obtain their gratification,
+so she tried to check them, except when in company with Annie and Lady
+Helen; but her mother knew them, and, from the discontent and
+unhappiness they so often engendered in her child, caused her both pain
+and uneasiness. But she did not waver in her plans, because only in
+Emmeline they seemed to succeed: nor did she, as perhaps some
+over-scrupulous mothers would have done, check Caroline's association
+with Miss Grahame. She knew that those principles must be indeed of
+little worth, which could only actuate in retirement, and when free from
+temptation. That to prevent intimacy with all, except with those of whom
+she exactly approved, would be impossible, if she ever meant her
+daughters to enter the world; and therefore she endeavored so to obtain
+their unrestrained confidence and affection, as to be regarded, both now
+and when they were young women, as their first, best, and truest friend;
+and that end obtained, intimacies with their young companions, however
+varied their character, she felt would do no permanent harm.
+
+"Dear, dear mamma!" exclaimed Emmeline, one morning about a week after
+her parents' return, and dropping her work to speak more eagerly, "you
+can not think how delightful it does seem to have you at home again; I
+missed this hour of the day so very much; I did not know how much I
+loved it when I always had it, but when you were away, every time the
+hour came I missed you, and longed for you so much that--I am afraid you
+will think me very silly--I could not help crying."
+
+"Why, how Percy must have laughed at you, Emmy!"
+
+"Indeed, he did not, mamma; I think he felt half inclined to cry too,
+the first day or two that he came home from Mr. Howard's, and could not
+rush up into your dressing-room, as he always does. He said it was a
+very different thing for you to go from home, than for him to go to
+London, and he did not like it at all; nor Herbert, nor Caroline,
+neither; though they did not say so much about it."
+
+"I did not miss mamma after the first, quite so much as you did,
+Emmeline," replied her sister, ingenuously; "because when Lady Helen
+returned from London, she made me go there so often, and as I know you
+never refuse me that indulgence, mamma, and Miss Harcourt did not
+object, I was glad to do so."
+
+"I have only one objection my dear Caroline, and I think you know what
+that is."
+
+"That whenever I am with Annie I think and wish more about going to
+London, mamma; I am afraid I do; but indeed I try to think that you must
+know what is better for me, and try not to be discontented, though
+sometimes I know I do not succeed," and her eyes filled with tears.
+
+"I am satisfied that you endeavor to trust my experience, my love; I am
+quite aware of all the difficulties you have to encounter in doing so,
+and therefore your most trifling conquest of self is a great source of
+comfort to me. I myself should feel that the pain of increased
+discontent, and so of course increased difficulty in conquering its
+constant accompaniment, ill temper, would more than balance the pleasure
+of Annie's society, and so not indulge in the one so often at the
+expense of the other; but of that you are yourself the best judge, and
+you know in such a case I always permit you to be a free agent. But what
+has become of Mary, Emmeline? I begged Mrs. Greville to let you be as
+much together as possible during my absence; did not her society afford
+you some pleasure?"
+
+"Oh, yes, mamma, a great deal; but unfortunately Mr. Greville was at
+home almost all the time you were away, and poor Mary could not often
+leave her mother, and I don't feel as if it were quite right for me to
+go so often there, when he is at home. I am sure Mrs. Greville and Mary
+must both feel still more uncomfortable when any one is there to see how
+unkind he is, and hear the cruel things he says. Oh, how I do wish I
+could make poor Mary more happy!"
+
+"She would tell you that affection is a great comfort to her, Emmy."
+
+"Yours and Herbert's may be, mamma, because you are both so much better
+and wiser than I am; but I can do so little, so very little."
+
+"You can be and are a great source of interest to her, my dear; and when
+we wish very much to make another person happy, you may be quite sure
+that the most trifling act gives pleasure; but Ellen looks very much as
+if she would like to know who this Mary is, that is so tried--suppose
+you tell her."
+
+Emmeline eagerly obeyed, painting her friend in such glowing colors,
+that Ellen felt, however tried she might be, a person so good and holy
+must be happy, notwithstanding; besides, to be loved so by Mrs. Hamilton
+and Herbert, discovered to her mind such superior qualities, that she
+almost wondered how Emmeline could speak of her so familiarly, and think
+of her as her own particular friend. But the conversation on her, and
+then on other topics, so interested her, that she was almost as sorry as
+her cousin, when it was interrupted by a visit from Lady Helen Grahame
+and her daughter.
+
+"Returned at length, dearest Emmeline!" was the former's lively
+greeting, and evincing far more warmth of manner than was usual to her.
+"Do you know, the banks of the Dart have seemed so desolate without
+their guardian spirit, that the very flowers have hung their heads, and
+the trees are withered?"
+
+"I rather think the change of season, and not my absence, has been the
+cause of these melancholy facts," replied Mrs. Hamilton, in the same
+tone; "but even London will not change your kind thoughts for me,
+Helen."
+
+"Nay, I must follow the example of my neighbors, rich and poor, whom you
+may appeal to as to the fact of your absence causing terrible
+lamentation; ask this naughty little girl too, who scarcely ever came to
+see me, because she had so many things to do to please mamma; but
+forgive me," she added, more seriously, as she glanced on the deep
+mourning of her friend, and indeed of all the group; "what a cold,
+heartless being you must believe me to run on in this way, when there
+has been so sad a cause for your absence--poor Eleanor!"
+
+"I trust we may say happy Eleanor, my dear Helen; mercy has indeed been
+shown to her and to me--but we will talk of this another time. Annie,"
+she continued, addressing Miss Grahame, who was already deep in
+conversation with Caroline, "I have another little girl to introduce to
+you, whom I hope you will be as friendly with as with Caroline and
+Emmeline."
+
+The young lady turned round at the words, but her sole notice of Ellen,
+who had come timidly forward, was a haughty stare, a fashionable
+courtesy, and a few unintelligible words, which caused Emmeline to feel
+so indignant, that it was with difficulty she kept silence, and made
+Ellen so uncomfortable, that it was with even more than her usual
+shyness, she received Lady Helen's proffered hand.
+
+"And why not introduce her to me too, Emmeline? I knew your mother when
+she was little older than you are, my dear; so I hope you will learn to
+know and to like me as fast as you can."
+
+Ellen might have found courage to reply for there was an interest
+attached to all who had known her mother; but as she raised her eyes to
+speak, she again encountered Annie's rude and disagreeable stare, and
+the words died on her lips. The young party were, however, soon all in
+the garden, for Mrs. Hamilton never made any scruple in dismissing her
+children, when she wished to speak on subjects she did not choose them
+to hear; and she was anxious so to relate Eleanor's illness and change
+of sentiment, as to remove the impressions which her early career had
+left on Lady Helen's memory.
+
+"It must be nearly time for my brothers to be returning; shall we go and
+look for them, Ellen? I dare say Edward will have a great deal to tell
+you," was Emmeline's affectionate address, as Annie and Caroline turned
+in a different direction; and generally judging others by herself, she
+thought that being Edward's first day of regular attendance on Mr.
+Howard, Ellen would like to know all about it as soon as possible, and
+they proceeded accordingly.
+
+"Well, how do you like your new cousins, what are they like?" inquired
+Miss Grahame, the moment she had Caroline entirely to herself.
+
+"Edward I think I may like very much; he is so affectionate and so
+good-natured, and as merry and full of fun as Percy. And he is so
+handsome, Annie, I think even you would admire him."
+
+"Then altogether he must be very unlike his sister. I never saw a girl
+so plain, and I am sure she looks as if no fun could exist near her."
+
+"Mamma says we must remember how short a time has elapsed since poor
+aunt's death, and also that Ellen is not strong enough to be very
+lively."
+
+"That does not at all account for her looking cross. I am sure she has
+nothing to be ill-tempered about; there are few girls in her situation
+who would have made one of your family, as she will be. Mamma said it
+would be a very anxious thing for Mrs. Hamilton."
+
+"Mamma did seem to think so," replied Caroline, thoughtfully; "but I
+fancy you are wrong, Annie. Ellen has not yet given any proof of
+ill-temper."
+
+"She has had no time, my dear; but no one can be deceived by such a
+face. My cousin, Lady Adelaide Maldon, told me she could always judge
+people by their faces. But do you like her as well as her brother,
+Caroline?"
+
+"Ask me that question this day month, my dear Annie; I can not answer
+you now, for I really do not know. I certainly do not see any thing
+particularly striking in her yet--I do not understand her; she is so
+dreadfully shy or timid, and so very inanimate, one can not tell whether
+she is pleased or sorry. To tell you the real truth, I am afraid I shall
+not like her."
+
+"Why afraid?"
+
+"Because mamma would be so sorry were she to know it. I know she wishes
+us to love one another."
+
+"Nonsense, Caroline. Mrs. Hamilton can not be so unreasonable as to
+expect you to love every body alike."
+
+"Mamma is never unreasonable," replied Caroline, with spirit; "and I do
+wish, Annie, you would treat Ellen exactly as you do us."
+
+"Indeed, I shall not. What is Colonel Fortescue's daughter to me? Now
+don't be angry, Caroline, you and I are too old friends to quarrel for
+nothing: I shall certainly hate Ellen altogether, if she is to be a
+subject of dispute. Come, look kind again;" and the caress with which
+she concluded restored Caroline's serenity, and other subjects were
+discussed between them.
+
+Annie Grahame was a few months younger than Caroline Hamilton (who was
+nearly thirteen,) but from having been emancipated from the nursery and
+school-room at a very early age, and made her mother's companion and
+confidant in all her home vexations--very pretty and engaging--she was
+very much noticed, and her visits to her titled relations in London, by
+causing her to imitate their fashionable manners, terms of speech,
+thoughts on dress, and rank, &c., made her a woman many years before her
+time; and though to Lady Helen's family and to Lady Helen herself this
+made her still more agreeable, from becoming so very companionable; to
+Mrs. Hamilton, and to all, in fact, who loved childhood for childhood's
+sake, it was a source of real regret, as banishing all the freshness and
+artlessness and warmth which ought to have been the characteristics of
+her age. Her father was the only one of her own family who did not
+admire--and so tried to check--this assumption of fine ladyism, on the
+part of his daughter; but it was not likely he could succeed, and he
+only estranged from him the affections of his child.
+
+Annie Grahame had a great many fashionable acquaintances in London, but
+she still regarded Caroline Hamilton as her favorite friend. Why, she
+could not exactly tell, except that it was so very, very delightful to
+have some one in the country to whom she could dilate on all the
+pleasures of London, display her new dresses, new music, drawings, work,
+&c. (not however considering it at all necessary to mention that her
+work and drawings were only _half_ her own, and Caroline was much too
+truthful herself to imagine it, and her mother too anxious to retain
+that guileless simplicity to enlighten her, as she was well capable of
+doing). Annie's quick eye discovered that at such times Caroline
+certainly envied her, and she imagined she must be a person of infinite
+consequence to excite such a feeling, and this was such a pleasant
+sensation, that she sought Caroline as much as possible during their
+stay at Moorlands. Of Mrs. Hamilton, indeed, she stood in such
+uncomfortable awe, though that lady never addressed her except in
+kindness, that as she grew older, it actually became dislike; but this
+only increased her intimacy with Caroline, whom she had determined
+should be as unlike her mother as possible; and as this friendship was
+the only one of his daughter's sentiments which gave Mr. Grahame unmixed
+satisfaction, he encouraged it by bringing them together as often as he
+could.
+
+Emmeline and Ellen, meanwhile, had pursued their walk in silence, both
+engrossed with their own thoughts (for that children of eleven years,
+indeed, of any age, do not think, because when asked what they are
+thinking about, their answer is invariably "Nothing," is one of those
+mistaken notions which modern education is, we hope, exploding).
+Emmeline was so indignant with Annie that she felt more sure than ever
+that she did not and could never like her. "She is always talking of
+things mamma says are of such little consequence, and is so proud and
+contemptuous, and I am afraid she does not always tell the exact truth.
+I wonder if it is wrong to feel so toward her; one day when I am quite
+alone with mamma, I will ask her," was the tenor of her meditations.
+
+But Ellen, though Annie's greeting had caused her to shrink still more
+into herself, and so produced pain, was not thinking only of her. The
+whole of that hour's intimate association with Mrs. Hamilton had puzzled
+her; she had doted on her father--she was sure she loved her aunt almost
+as dearly, but could she ever have given words to that affection as
+Emmeline had done, and as Edward always did? and so, perhaps, after all,
+she did not feel as they did, though the wish was so strong to caress
+her aunt, and sit as close and lovingly by her as Herbert and Emmeline
+and even Edward did, that its very indulgence seemed to give her pain.
+Then Caroline's confession too--could she ever have had courage to
+confess the indulgence of a feeling which she knew to be wrong--and all
+her aunt had said both to Caroline and Emmeline so fastened on her mind
+as to make her head ache, and she quite started when a loud shout
+sounded near them.
+
+"It is only Percy," said Emmeline laughing; "I dare say he and Edward
+are running a race or having some sort of fun." And so they were;
+laughing, shouting, panting, they came full speed, darting in and out
+the trees in every variety of mathematical figures their ingenuity could
+frame; but as soon as Percy's restless eye discovered Emmeline, he
+directed his course toward her, exclaiming, "Holla, Edward, stop running
+for to-day: come here, and let us be sober. Why, Tiny, what brings you
+and Ellen out now? It is not your usual time."
+
+"Ellen, Ellen, I have had such a happy day; I like Mr. Howard more than
+ever (he had only seen him twice before.) I am sure I shall get on with
+him, and he will teach me astronomy and navigation too, so I shall not
+be ashamed to go to sea next year; I shall learn so much first."
+
+"Let me walk home with you, dear Edward, and do tell me every thing you
+have done and are going to do," asked Ellen, clinging to his arm, and
+looking in his face with such an expression that there was little trace
+of ill-temper. Emmeline meanwhile had made her brother a party in her
+indignation against Annie's pride, which he termed insolence, vowing he
+would make her feel it. And as they came in sight of her and Caroline,
+he called out to Ellen, who, all her timidity returning, tried to draw
+Edward into another walk.
+
+"Not there, not there, Miss Nelly, you are not going to cut me in that
+fashion. You have talked quite enough to Edward and must now come to me.
+Edward, there's mamma; off with you to tell your tale of delight to
+her." And Edward did not wait a second bidding, leaving Ellen to Percy,
+who threw his arm affectionately round her, and began talking to her so
+amusingly that she could not help laughing, and so devoted did he appear
+to her, that he had only time to greet Miss Grahame, with a very marked
+and polite bow, and passed on. He wished to provoke, and he succeeded,
+for Annie was always particularly pleased when the handsome, spirited
+Percy Hamilton paid her any attention, and that he should be so devoted
+to his little pale, disagreeable-looking cousin, as not even to give her
+a word, annoyed her as much as he desired.
+
+Edward's hasty progress to his aunt was slightly checked at seeing a
+stranger with her, but when he was introduced he made his bow with so
+much of his mother's grace, that, combined with the extraordinary
+likeness, and her feelings already interested in Mrs. Hamilton's account
+of her sister's sufferings and death, Lady Helen could not for the
+moment speak except to exclaim, "Oh, how that look recalls the past! I
+could almost fancy poor Eleanor herself stood before me."
+
+"Did you--did you know my mother madam?" said Edward, with so much
+eagerness that his cheeks crimsoned and his voice trembled.--"Were you
+one of mamma's"--but he could not finish the sentence, and leaning his
+head against his aunt, he burst into tears.
+
+"Poor child!" said Lady Helen pityingly, as Mrs. Hamilton pressed him
+closer to her, and stooped down to kiss his forehead without speaking;
+and that sudden and unexpected display of feeling contrasted with
+Ellen's painful shyness, stamped at once and indelibly Lady Helen's
+opinion of the two orphans.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+VARIETIES.
+
+
+A few days more brought Mrs. Greville and Mary to welcome their friends,
+and Ellen had again the pain of being introduced to strangers; but this
+time it was only the pain of her own shyness, for could she have
+overcome that feeling, she might have felt even pleasure. As it was, the
+gentle voice and manner with which Mrs. Greville addressed her, and the
+timid yet expressive glance of Mary, told of such sympathy and kindness,
+that she felt attracted toward both, and could quite enter into
+Emmeline's enthusiastic admiration of her friend; not, however,
+believing it possible that she herself could ever be worthy to win
+Mary's regard. Taught from such a very early age to believe herself so
+far inferior to Edward, such characters as Herbert and Mary appeared to
+her so exalted, that it was quite impossible they could ever think of
+her; the constant little acts of unobtrusive kindness that her cousin
+showed her, she attributed to his extreme goodness, not from the most
+trifling merit in herself. She did indeed love him very dearly, the best
+next to her aunt; but so much of reverence mingled with it, that she was
+almost more reserved with him than with the others. But Herbert was
+naturally reserved himself in words, and so he did not think any thing
+about it, except to wish and endeavor to make his little cousin happier
+than she seemed.
+
+When contrasting Mary Greville with Annie Grahame, as she was rather
+fond of doing, Emmeline became so afraid she was disliking the latter
+more than she ought to do, that she never rested till she made an
+opportunity to confess all her feelings to her mother, and beg her to
+tell her if they were very wrong, and if she ought to like her.
+
+"I am not so unconscionable as to expect you to like every one with whom
+you associate, my dear little girl," replied her mother, fondly, for
+there was something in Emmeline's guileless confidence irresistibly
+claiming love. "All we have to do when we find nothing that exactly
+sympathizes with our own feelings, or our own ideas of right and wrong,
+is to try and find out some reason for their being so different; some
+circumstance that may have exposed them to greater temptations and
+trials, for you know I have often told you pleasure and amusements, if
+too much indulged in, are a much greater trial to some than sorrow and
+pain. Now Annie has had a great many more temptations of this kind than
+you or Mary, and we can not expect one so very young entirely to resist
+them."
+
+"Do you mean, mamma, her going out so much in London?"
+
+"Yes, love; she is very much noticed, and so perhaps thinks a little
+more of appearance and dress and pleasure than is quite necessary."
+
+"But Lady Helen need not take her out so much, if she did not like. Do
+you think she is quite right to do so?" asked Emmeline, very
+thoughtfully.
+
+"We must never pronounce judgment on other people's actions, my little
+girl. I think it better not to interrupt your present quiet and I hope
+happy life, and therefore I do not take you or Caroline to London; but
+Mr. Grahame is obliged to be there for several months, and Lady Helen
+very naturally would not like to be separated either from him or her
+children. And then she has such a large family, and Annie so many young
+relations, that you see Lady Helen could not keep her children quite as
+free from temptation as I do mine, and we should be more sorry for Annie
+than blame her individually, however we may not like her faults. Do you
+understand me, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, yes, mamma, and I am so glad I took courage to tell you all I felt.
+I am afraid I have encouraged many unkind thoughts about her, and I am
+quite sorry now, for I see she can not help them as much as I thought
+she could. I do not think I could ever make her my friend, but I will
+try very much not to dislike and avoid her."
+
+"And that is all that is required of you, my love. When I tell you that
+our Father in Heaven commands us to love one another, and to avoid all
+unkindness in thought and deed, I do not mean that He desires us to love
+all alike, because He knew it would be neither for our happiness nor
+good that it should be so, but only to prevent the too great influence
+of prejudice and dislike. We might think such feelings can do no harm,
+because only confined to our own minds, but they would be sure gradually
+to lead us to taking pleasure in listening to their dispraise, and
+joining in it, and to seeing and talking only of their faults,
+forgetting that if we had been circumstanced exactly as they are, we
+might have been just the same: and this is the feeling David condemns in
+one of the Psalms we read this morning. Are you tired of listening to
+me, dearest, or shall we read it over again together?"
+
+Emmeline's only answer was to run eagerly for her little Bible, and with
+glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes listen to her mother, as she turned to
+the fifteenth Psalm, and reading it through, particularly pointed out
+the third verse, and so explained it, as easily and happily to satisfy
+her child as to the Divine authority for all that she had said, and to
+stamp them still more forcibly on her memory.
+
+"And now I do not mean to talk to you any more, my darling," she said,
+kissing the little earnest face upturned to hers. "You have heard quite
+enough to think about, and I am sure you will not forget it, so go and
+play; Ellen must be wondering what has become of you." And again full of
+glee, the happy child bounded away, exclaiming, as she did so, "Poor
+Annie, I am glad I am not exposed to such temptations, for I am sure I
+should not be able to resist them either."
+
+But though any one who had seen her the next half hour might have
+fancied that a serious thought or sober task could not approach her,
+neither the conversation nor the Psalm was forgotten; with Herbert's
+explanatory assistance, she not only found the Psalm, but committed it
+to memory; and the second Sunday after her conversation with her mother,
+repeated it so correctly and prettily to her father, as to give her the
+delight of his caressing approbation. Learning correctly by rote was
+always her greatest trial, for her vivid fancy and very versatile powers
+occasioned her actual lessons to be considered such drudgery, as to
+require a great effort on her part to retain them. The sense, indeed, if
+she understood it, she learned quickly enough; but she preferred her own
+language to any one's else, and Mrs. Hamilton had some difficulty in
+making her understand that in time of study she required _correctness_,
+and not fancy; and that the attention which was necessary to conquer the
+words as well as the sense of the lesson, was much more important and
+valuable, however disagreeable it might seem, than the facility of
+changing the language to something prettier than the original.
+
+When, therefore, as in the present case, she voluntarily undertook, and
+conquered really a difficult task for a little lively girl, her parents
+had no scruple in giving the only reward she cared for--their
+approbation. It was in the bestowal of praise Mrs. Hamilton was
+compelled to be almost painfully guarded. She found that the least
+expression of unusual approbation caused Caroline to relax in her
+efforts, thinking she had done quite enough, and perniciously increasing
+her already too exalted ideas of herself. While to Emmeline it was the
+most powerful incentive to a continuance in improvement, and determined
+conquest of her faults. There was constantly a dread on the mother's
+heart, that Caroline would one day accuse her of partiality, from the
+different measure of her approbation which she was compelled to bestow;
+and yet painful as it was to persevere under such an impression, the
+future welfare of both was too precious to be risked for the
+gratification of the present.
+
+She was watching with delight Emmeline's unrestrained enjoyment of her
+father's caresses and lively conversation, in which Percy as usual
+joined--for Tiny, as he chose to call her, was his especial pet and
+plaything--when she was startled by a low and evidently suppressed sob
+near her; Ellen was bending over a book of Bible-stories which Herbert
+had lent her, and her long ringlets completely concealed her face; Miss
+Harcourt and Caroline both looked up surprised, but a rapid sign from
+Mrs. Hamilton prevented their making any remark. Herbert fixed his eyes
+pityingly on his little cousin as if wishing but not liking to address
+her. Edward was the only one of the party who moved. He was busily
+engaged in examining a large Noah's ark, and speculating as to its
+resemblance to a ship, and its powers of floating, but after a few
+minutes' apparent thought he left it, and sitting down on Ellen's chair,
+put his arm round her, and begged her to find a picture of Noah's ark,
+and see if it were at all like the toy. Cheered by his affection, she
+conquered with a strong effort the choking in her throat, and turned to
+the page, and tried to sympathize in his wonder if it really were like
+the vessel in which Noah was saved, and where he could have put all the
+animals. Mrs. Hamilton joined them, and without taking more notice of
+Ellen's very pale cheeks and heavy eyes, than gently to put back the
+thick tresses that seemed to annoy her by their weight, gave them so
+much interesting information on the subject, and so delighted Edward
+with allowing him to drag down several books from the library to find
+out all they said about it, that two hours slipped away quite
+unconsciously; and Ellen's very painful feeling had been so soothed,
+that she could smile, and join Emmeline in making all the animals walk
+in grand procession to their temporary dwelling.
+
+But Mrs. Hamilton did not forget the child's involuntary evidence of
+suffering, and vainly tried to imagine what at that moment could have
+caused it. Herbert seemed to think about it, too, for the next day she
+heard him ask Edward--
+
+"If he knew why his sister always looked so sad? if he thought it was
+because she was not yet reconciled to Oakwood?"
+
+"It is not that," was Edward's reply: "she has always looked and seemed
+sad, as long as I can remember her. One reason may be, she was always
+ill in India, and papa was often telling me how very much she suffered,
+and how patiently she bore it; and then, too, she knew I was poor
+mamma's favorite, (his voice trembled), and that used to make her very
+unhappy; but I do not know why she is so very sad now, unless she is ill
+again, and that no one can tell, for she never will complain."
+
+"Was your sister such a constant sufferer then?" inquired his aunt.
+"Come here, and tell me all you can about her Edward. I wish I could
+know more about both your lives in India."
+
+Edward, with eager willingness, communicated all he knew, though, from
+his being so constantly with his mother, and Ellen so much left with her
+father and herself, that all was little enough; adding, however, that
+after her very dangerous illness, when she was eight years old, he
+perfectly well remembered hearing some celebrated physician say to his
+father she would probably feel the effects of it all her life.
+
+"It was a very long time before mamma permitted me to see her," added
+Edward, "and when I did, I remember being almost frightened, she was so
+altered, so pale, and thin, and weak; and then she was very ill after
+poor papa's death; but since then she has never complained, and never
+kept her bed; but I know she is often in pain, for when I have touched
+her forehead sometimes, it has burnt my hand like fire."
+
+This childish explanation certainly told Mrs. Hamilton more than she had
+known before; but that Ellen had witnessed the fearful scene of her
+father's death was still concealed. Edward, as he grew older, though he
+did not know why, seemed to shrink from the subject, particularly that
+he had been at a ball the same awful night.
+
+A few days afterward, as Mrs. Hamilton was crossing the large hall on
+her way to the school-room--for so, spite of Percy's determination that
+it should receive the more learned and refined appellation of studio, it
+was still called--she overheard Caroline's voice, exclaiming in angry
+impatience--
+
+"Indeed, I shall not, I have enough to do with my own lessons, without
+attending to other people's. It is your idleness, Ellen, not the
+difficulty of your lesson; for I am sure it is easy enough."
+
+"For shame, Caroline!" was Emmeline's indignant reply "She is not idle,
+and I am sure her lesson is not so easy; I wish I could explain it
+properly."
+
+"You know Miss Harcourt herself said she was careless or idle to-day,
+and she must know. I am not going to lose my hour of recreation to help
+those who won't help themselves."
+
+"How can you be so ill-natured, so unkind!" began Emmeline; but Ellen's
+beseeching voice interrupted her--
+
+"Do not quarrel with your sister on my account, dearest Emmeline; I dare
+say I am very stupid, but my head does feel confused to-day; pray do not
+mind me, dear Emmy; go with Caroline, aunt Emmeline will not like your
+remaining in."
+
+Caroline had already quitted the room, and in her haste ran against her
+mother, who she instantly perceived had heard all she said. With a deep
+blush, she turned as to re-enter the school-room, but Mrs. Hamilton
+stopped her--
+
+"No," she said, gravely, "if you are only to act kindly for fear of my
+reproof, it will do no good either to yourself or Ellen. I could
+scarcely have believed it possible you should so have spoken, had I not
+heard it. Go and amuse yourself as you intended; I rather think had you
+given up a little of your time to help your cousin, you would have
+experienced more real pleasure than you will now feel all day."
+
+"Dear mamma, will _you_ help Ellen?" asked Emmeline, very timidly, for
+though at Ellen's reiterated entreaty she had left her, she felt it
+almost disrespect to run across the hall while her mother was speaking;
+and the thought suddenly crossed her that, as she was quite sure Ellen
+was not idle though Miss Harcourt thought she was, her mother, by
+assisting her, might save her from increased displeasure.
+
+"Yes, dearest, if necessary; I have heard enough to satisfy me that you
+would if you could; and so I will, for your sake." And Emmeline ran
+away, quite happy, to try all she could to soothe Caroline, whose
+self-reproach had as usual terminated in a fit of ill-temper and anger
+against Ellen, instead of against herself.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton entered the school-room, and stood by Ellen so quietly
+that the child did not perceive her. Her attention was completely
+absorbed in her book; but after a few minutes she suddenly pushed it
+from her, and exclaiming almost passionately:
+
+"I _can not_ learn it, try all I can! and Miss Harcourt will be so very,
+very angry"--and she gave way, for the first time since her arrival at
+Oakwood, to a violent burst of tears.
+
+"What is this very, _very_ difficult lesson, my little Ellen!" inquired
+her aunt, kindly taking one hand from her face. "Tell me, and we shall
+be able to learn it together, perhaps."
+
+"Oh, no, no! it is because I am so very stupid; Miss Harcourt has
+explained it to me twice, and I know, I know, I ought to understand
+it--but--"
+
+"Well, then, never mind it to-day. We can all learn much better some
+days than others, you know; and I dare say to-morrow you will be able to
+conquer it."
+
+"But Miss Harcourt is already displeased, and she will be still more so,
+if I leave it without her permission," replied the sobbing girl,
+longing, but not daring, to throw her arms round her aunt's neck, and
+lean her aching head against her bosom.
+
+"Not if I beg a reprieve," replied her aunt, smiling; "but you must not
+let it make you so very unhappy, Ellen. I am afraid it is not only your
+lesson, but that you are ill, or unhappy about something else. Tell me,
+dearest, what can I do to make you more happy, more at home?"
+
+"Oh, nothing, nothing!" replied Ellen, struggling with her tears.
+"Indeed I am happier than I ever thought I could be; I must be very
+ungrateful to make you think I am unhappy, when you are so good and so
+kind. My head ached to-day, and that always makes me feel a wish to cry;
+but indeed I am not unhappy, and never when you kiss me and call me your
+Ellen, whatever I may feel when you are not by;" and, as if frightened
+at her own confession, she hid her face in her aunt's dress.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton lifted her into her lap, and kissed her without speaking.
+
+"You must learn to love me more and more then, my Ellen," she said,
+after a pause, "and when you are feeling ill or in pain, you must not be
+afraid to tell me, or I shall think that you only fancy you love me."
+
+"Oh, no, it is not fancy; I never loved any one as I do you--except
+papa--my own darling, good papa!" the word was almost choked with sobs.
+"He used to fondle me and praise me, and call me his darling Ellen, as
+uncle Hamilton did Emmeline last Sunday; and when I was ill, so ill they
+said I should die, he never left me, except when his military duties
+called him away; and he used to nurse me, and try to amuse me, that I
+might forget pain and weakness. Oh, I shall never, never forget that
+dreadful night!" and she closed her eyes and shuddered, as the horrid
+scene of blood and death flashed before her.
+
+"What dreadful night my poor child?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, soothingly,
+after doubting whether or not it would be better for Ellen to pursue
+such an evidently painful theme, and no longer requiring an explanation
+of her emotion the previous Sabbath.
+
+"The night poor papa was killed;--oh, there were so many horrid forms on
+the grass, the natives and poor papa's own men, and they looked so
+ghastly in the moonlight, and the grass was covered with blood and limbs
+and heads that had been shot off; and there were such cries and groans
+of pain--I see it, I hear it all again so often before I go to sleep,
+and when my head feels as it does to-day, and fancy I hear poor papa's
+last words and feel his kiss as he lay bleeding, bleeding slowly to
+death and his voice was so strange, and his lips so cold!"
+
+"But how came you in such a dreadful scene, my poor Ellen? who could
+have permitted such a little child to be there?"
+
+"Because I wished it so very much; I knew he would die before they
+could bring him to me, and I did so want to feel his kiss and hear his
+voice once more. Oh, aunt Emmeline! shall I never see him again? I know
+he can not come to me; but shall I, oh, shall I ever be good enough to
+go to him?" And she looked up in her aunt's face with such a countenance
+of beseeching entreaty, that Mrs. Hamilton's eyes filled with tears, and
+it was a full minute before she could speak; but when she did, Ellen
+felt more relieved and comforted, than on the subject of her father's
+death she had ever felt before. From her mother not being able to bear
+the subject even partially alluded to, and from having no one to whom
+she could speak of it, it had taken a still stronger hold of her
+imagination; and whenever she was unusually weak, and her head aching
+and confused, it became still more vivid. The very visible sympathy and
+interest of her aunt, and the gentle words in which she tried to turn
+the child's thoughts from that scene of horror to the happiness of her
+father in Heaven, and an assurance that, if she tried to do her duty,
+and to love and serve God, and trust in His mercy to render her efforts
+acceptable, she would rejoin him, seemed to remove the mass of tangled
+thought within her young mind. Her head, indeed, still ached very
+painfully, and her eyes seemed as if they would close, notwithstanding
+all her efforts to keep them open; but when she awoke from a long quiet
+sleep, on the sofa in Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room, where her aunt had
+laid her, and found that kind friend still watching over her, the little
+heart and temples had ceased to throb so quickly, and she felt better
+and happier.
+
+Mr. Maitland, the medical friend of the family, confirmed the opinion
+which Edward had said their physician in India had given of his sister's
+state of health. He did not, he said, consider her liable to serious
+illness, or of a constitution that would not endure; but that he feared
+it would be some years before she knew the blessing of really good
+health, and be constantly subject to that lassitude, severe headache,
+and the depression of the whole system thence proceeding, which must
+prevent the liveliness and quickness of acquirement natural to most
+children. He thought the evil had been very greatly increased by want of
+sufficient care in early years, and the unwholesome climate in which she
+had so long lived, that he wondered her mother had not been advised to
+send her over to England, adding, with a smile, he was quite sure Mrs.
+Hamilton would not have refused the charge, anxious as it might have
+been. And earnestly, not only on account of the child's physical but
+mental health, did Mrs. Hamilton wish that such had been the case, and
+that she had had the care of her niece from earliest infancy; and how
+much more would she have wished this, had she known that Mrs. Fortescue
+had really been advised to do with Ellen as Mr. Maitland had said, but
+that believing it merely an idle fancy, and persisting, too, in her own
+headstrong idea, that it was ill-temper, not illness, which rendered
+Ellen so disagreeable, she would not stoop so to conquer her unfortunate
+pride as to ask such a favor of her relatives, and to whom else could
+she appeal? Colonel Fortescue had none but distant cousins. She did
+satisfy a qualm of conscience by once suggesting to her husband--as her
+own idea, however, not as that of an experienced physician--that as he
+fancied Ellen was always ill, she might be better in England; but, as
+she expected, not only his intense love for his little girl rose up
+against the idea of separation, but his pride revolted from sending her
+to claim the pity of relatives who had so completely cast off her
+parents: yet had he been told it was absolutely necessary for her health
+and so greatly for her happiness, he would not have hesitated to
+sacrifice every thought of self. But Eleanor, satisfied that she had
+done her duty, and delighted that in one respect he was quite as proud
+as she was, never again referred to the subject, and the physician who
+had thus advised, from his constant removals, he never chanced to meet.
+
+Great, indeed, was the amount of childish suffering which this selfish
+decision, on the part of her mother, occasioned Ellen. We do not mean
+the pain of constant languor itself, though that in its full amount our
+happy healthful young readers can not have the least idea of: they,
+perhaps, think it almost a pleasant change, the care, and petting, and
+presents so often lavished on a brief decided illness: but that is a
+very different thing to that kind of suffering which only so affects
+them as to be dull and heavy, they do not know why, and to make it such
+a very difficult task to learn the lessons others find so easy; and such
+a pain sometimes to move, that they are thought slow and unwilling, and
+perhaps even idle, when they would gladly run, and help, and work as
+others; and so weak sometimes, that tears start at the first harsh or
+unkind word, and they are thought cross, when they do not in the least
+feel so; and this, not for a few weeks, but, with few exceptions, the
+trial of months and even years.
+
+And this was Ellen's--which not even the tenderest and most unfailing
+care of her aunt could entirely guard her from. It is a most difficult
+thing for those who are strong and healthy themselves to understand and
+always bear with physical suffering in others. Miss Harcourt, though in
+general free from any thing like prejudice, and ardently desirous to
+follow up her own and Mrs. Hamilton's ideas of right and wrong, could
+not so govern her affections as to feel the same toward Ellen as she did
+toward Edward and the children she had lived with and taught so long.
+Her task with Ellen required more patience and forbearance and care than
+with either of the others, and sometimes she could not help believing
+and acting toward her as if it were willful idleness and carelessness,
+not the languor of disease.
+
+With the recollection and evidence of Herbert, who had been delicate
+from his birth, and who was yet of such a remarkably gifted mind, and so
+bright in aspect, so sweet in temper, that illness seemed to have
+spiritualized instead of deadened every faculty, she could not
+understand, as Mrs. Hamilton did, the force of circumstances in
+producing from nearly the same cause two much different effects, nor how
+it was that complete neglect had engendered more evils than indiscreet
+indulgence; but that it appeared to have done so, was unhappily only too
+evident not only to Miss Harcourt but to Mrs. Hamilton. It seemed almost
+surprising, and certainly a proof of a remarkably good disposition, that
+Edward appeared so free from great faults, and of such a warm, generous,
+frank, and _seemingly_ unselfish nature, so open to conviction and to
+all good impressions, that, except occasional fits of violent passion,
+there really was, as far as his aunt and uncle could perceive, nothing
+to complain of. They did not know that he stood in such awe of Mr.
+Hamilton, from his mother's lessons of his exceeding sternness, that he
+exercised the greatest control over himself; and he was so excessively
+fond of Mr. Howard, and his days glided by in such varied and delightful
+employment, that there was no temptation to do wrong, except certain
+acts of trifling disobedience, of more consequence from the self-will
+they betrayed than the acts themselves, but which might have been
+sources of anxiety to his aunt, and lessened her confidence in him had
+she known them; but she did not, for Ellen not only constantly
+concealed, but she was the sufferer for him, and so brought reproof and
+suspicion on herself, which, could the truth have been known, might have
+been averted. But truth of act as well as word had never been impressed
+on Edward; and, therefore, though he was constitutionally too brave to
+utter a falsehood, too honorable to shield himself at the expense of
+another, if he knew that other suffered, he had been too long taught to
+believe that Ellen was his inferior, and must always give up to him, to
+imagine that he was even acting deceitfully or unmanfully in permitting
+her to conceal his acts of disobedience.
+
+There was so much to love and admire in Edward, that neither Mr. nor
+Mrs. Hamilton imagined the real weakness of his character--that those
+lovable qualities all sprung from natural impulse, unsustained by any
+thing like principle. The quickness and apparent fervor with which he
+received the religious impressions they and Mr. Howard sought so
+earnestly to instill in the short time that was allowed them before he
+entered the navy, they augured so hopefully from, that not only his
+preceptor and uncle, but his ever anxious aunt, looked forward to his
+career with scarcely a doubt as to its probity and honor.
+
+Ellen caused her infinitely more anxiety. There was a disregard to
+truth, a want of openness and candor, which, though Mrs. Hamilton
+believed the effects of neglect and extreme timidity, both her husband
+and Miss Harcourt feared were natural. Much, indeed, sprung from the
+poor child's mistaken idea of the nature and solemnity of the promise
+she had made her mother, and her constant watchfulness and determination
+to shield Edward. For the disregard to truth, her mother had, indeed,
+alone been answerable. Ellen's naturally very timid character required
+the inculcation of a high, firm principle, to enable her so to conquer
+herself as to speak the truth, even if she suffered from it. It was
+only, indeed, in extreme cases of fear--and never to her father that she
+had ever spoken falsely; but to Mrs. Hamilton's high principles, which
+by extreme diligence and care she had so successfully imparted to her
+own children, even concealment was often an acted untruth, and of this
+fault and equivocation Ellen was but too often guilty; exciting Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's prejudices yet more against her. The latter,
+with all her faults, never swerved from the rigid truth, and had a
+strong contempt and dislike toward all those who did--except her friend
+Annie, who, as she always took care to speak the truth to her, she did
+not suspect of being less careful than herself. Emmeline, who had had
+some difficulty in restraining her love of exaggeration, and also in so
+conquering her own timidity and fear as always to speak the truth, only
+pitied Ellen, but did not love her the less.
+
+Of course, it was not till some months had passed that these lights and
+shadows of character in the orphans, and in the opinions they culled
+forth in those around them, could be discovered; but notwithstanding she
+stood almost alone in her opinion, notwithstanding there was very little
+outward evidence that she was correct, Mrs. Hamilton believed there was
+a great deal more in her niece than was discernible. She seemed to
+possess a strength, almost an intensity, of feeling and warmth of
+affection, which, if properly guided, would effectually aid in removing
+the childish errors engendered by neglect; and it was this belief which
+not only enabled her to bear calmly the anxiety and care, and often
+pain, which those faults and their compelled correction occasioned, but
+actually to love her niece, if possible, still more than Edward, and
+very nearly with the same amount of quiet but intense affection which
+she felt for her own children.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A YOUNG GENTLEMAN IN A PASSION.--A WALK.--A SCENE OF DISTRESS.
+
+
+One very fine morning in May, Mrs. Hamilton invited Edward to join her
+in a walk, intending also to call at Moorlands and Greville Manor on
+their way. The lads were released for a few days from their attendance
+on Mr. Howard, that gentleman having been summoned on some clerical
+business to Exeter. Percy was to accompany his father on an equestrian
+excursion; Herbert had been commissioned by Emmeline some days before to
+take some books to Mary Greville, and had looked forward himself to
+spending a morning with her. Edward, delighted at being selected as his
+aunt's companion, prepared with haste and glee for his excursion. Robert
+was, however, unfortunately not at hand to give him a clean pair of
+shoes (he had already spoiled two pair that morning by going into the
+stream which ran through the park to sail a newly-rigged frigate), and
+angry at the delay, fearing that his aunt would not wait for him, he
+worked himself into such a violent passion, that when Robert did appear
+he gave vent to more abusive language than he had ever yet ventured to
+use, concluding by hurling both his discarded shoes at the domestic,
+who only escaped a severe blow by starting aside, and permitting them to
+go through the window.
+
+"Robert, leave the room: I desire that you will not again give your
+assistance to Master Fortescue till he knows how to ask it," was Mrs.
+Hamilton's most unexpected interference, and Edward so started at her
+voice and look, that his passion was suddenly calmed.
+
+"Finish your toilet, and when you have found your shoes and put them
+away, you may join me in the breakfast-room, Edward. I only wait your
+pleasure."
+
+And never did Edward leave her presence more gladly. Shame had suddenly
+conquered anger; and though his chest still heaved and his cheeks were
+still flushed, he did not utter another word till nearly a quarter of a
+mile on their walk. Twice he had looked up in his aunt's face as if
+about to speak, but the expression was so very grave, that he felt
+strangely afraid to proceed. At length he exclaimed--
+
+"You are displeased with me, dear aunt; but indeed I could not help
+feeling angry."
+
+"I am still more sorry than displeased, Edward; I had hoped you were
+learning more control, and to know your duty to a domestic better. Your
+uncle--"
+
+"Oh, pray do not tell him!" implored Edward, "and I will ask Robert's
+pardon the moment I go home."
+
+"I certainly shall not complain of you to him, Edward, if my arguments
+can convince you of your error; but if you are only to ask Robert's
+pardon for fear of your uncle, I would rather you should not do so. Tell
+me the truth; if you were quite sure your uncle would know nothing about
+it, would you still ask Robert's pardon?"
+
+Edward unhesitatingly answered "No!"
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"Because I think he ought to ask mine for keeping me waiting as he did,
+and for being insolent first to me."
+
+"He did not keep you waiting above five minutes, and that was my fault
+not his, as I was employing him; and as for insolence, can you tell me
+what he said?" Edward hesitated.
+
+"I do not remember the exact words, but I know he called me impatient,
+and if I were, he had no right to tell me so."
+
+"Nor did he. I heard all that passed, and I could not help thinking how
+very far superior was Robert, a poor country youth, to the young
+gentleman who abused him."
+
+The color rose to Edward's temples, but he set his teeth and clenched
+his hand, to prevent any farther display of anger; and his aunt, after
+attentively observing him, continued--
+
+"He said that his young master Percy never required impossibilities, and
+though often impatient never abused him. You heard the word, and feeling
+you had been so, believed he applied it to yourself."
+
+"But in what can he be my superior?" asked Edward, in a low voice, as if
+still afraid his passion would regain ascendency.
+
+"I will answer your question by another, Edward. Suppose any one had
+used abusive terms toward you, and contemptuously desired you to get out
+of their sight, how would you have answered?"
+
+"I would have struck him to the earth," replied Edward, passionately,
+and quite forgetting his wished for control. "Neither equal nor superior
+should dare speak so to me again."
+
+"And what prevented Robert acting in the same manner? Do you think he
+has no feeling?--that he is incapable of such emotions as pain or
+anger?"
+
+Edward stood for a minute quite still and silent.
+
+"I did not think any thing about it," he said, at length; "but I
+certainly supposed I had a right to say what I pleased to one so far
+beneath me."
+
+"And in what is Robert so far beneath you?"
+
+"He is a servant, and I am a gentleman in birth, rank--"
+
+"Stop, Edward! did you make yourself a gentleman? Is it any credit to
+you, individually, to be higher in the world, and receive a better
+education than Robert?"
+
+Edward was again silent, and his aunt continued to talk to him so kindly
+yet so earnestly, that at length he exclaimed--
+
+"I feel I have indeed been wrong, dear aunt; but what can I do to prove
+to Robert I am really sorry for having treated him so ill?"
+
+"Are you really sorry, Edward, or do you only say this for fear of your
+uncle's displeasure?"
+
+"Indeed, I had quite forgotten him," replied Edward, earnestly; "I
+deserve his anger, and would willingly expose myself to it, if it would
+redeem my fault."
+
+"I would rather see you endeavor earnestly to restrain your passions my
+dear boy, than inflict any such pain upon you. It will be a great
+pleasure to me if you can really so conquer yourself as to apologize to
+Robert; and I think the pain of so doing will enable you more easily to
+remember all we have been saying, than if you weakly shrink from it. The
+life you have chosen makes me even more anxious that you should become
+less passionate--than were you to remain longer with me; I fear you will
+so often suffer seriously from it."
+
+"I very often make resolutions never to be in a passion again," returned
+Edward, sorrowfully; "but whenever any thing provokes me, something
+seems to come in my throat, and I am compelled to give way."
+
+"You will not be able to conquer your fault, my dear Edward, without
+great perseverance; but remember, the more difficult the task, the
+greater the reward; and that you _can_ control anger I have, even during
+our walk, had a proof."
+
+Edward looked up surprised.
+
+"Did you not feel very angry when I said Robert was your superior?"
+
+"Yes," replied Edward, blushing deeply.
+
+"And yet you successfully checked your rising passion, for fear of
+offending me. I can not be always near you; but, my dear boy, you must
+endeavor to remember that lesson I have tried to teach you so
+often--that you are never _alone_. You can not even think an angry
+thought, much less speak an abusive word and commit the most trifling
+act of passion, without offending God. If you would but ask for His
+help, and recollect that to offend Him is far more terrible than to
+incur the displeasure of either your uncle or myself, I think you would
+find your task much easier, than if you attempted it, trusting in your
+own strength alone, and only for fear of man."
+
+Edward did not make any reply, but his countenance expressed such
+earnest thought and softened feeling, that Mrs. Hamilton determined on
+not interrupting it by calling at Moorlands as she had intended, and so
+turned in the direction of Greville Manor. They walked on for some
+little time in silence, gradually ascending one of those steep and
+narrow but green and flowery lanes peculiar to Devonshire; and on
+reaching the summit of the hill, and pausing a moment by the little gate
+that opened on a rich meadow, through which their path lay, an
+exclamation of "How beautiful!" burst from Edward.
+
+Fields of alternate red and green sloped down to the river's edge, the
+green bearing the glistening color peculiar to May, the red from the
+full rich soil betraying that the plow had but lately been there, and
+both contrasting beautifully with the limpid waters, whose deep azure
+seemed to mock the very heavens. The Dart from that point seemed no
+longer a meandering river: it was so encompassed by thick woods and
+fertile hills that it resembled a lake, to which there was neither
+outlet nor inlet, save from the land. The trees all presented that
+exquisite variety of green peculiar to May, and so lofty was the slope
+on which they grew, that some seemed to touch the very sky, while others
+bent gracefully over the water, which their thick branches nearly
+touched. The hills themselves presented a complete mosaic of red and
+green; the fields divided by high hedges, from which the oak and elm and
+beech and ash would start up, of growth so superb as to have the
+semblance of a cultivated park, not of natural woodland.
+
+Greville Manor, an Elizabethan building, stood on their right,
+surrounded by its ancient woods, which, though lovely still, Mr.
+Greville's excesses had already shorn off some of their finest timber.
+Some parts of the river were in complete shade from the overhanging
+branches, while beyond them would stretch the bright blue of heaven: in
+other parts, a stray sunbeam would dart through an opening in the thick
+branches, and shine like a bright spot in the surrounding darkness; and
+farther on, the cloudless sun so flung down his full refulgence, that
+the moving waters flashed and sparkled like burning gems.
+
+"Is it not beautiful, dear aunt? Sometimes I feel as if I were not half
+so passionate in the open air as in the house; can you tell me why?"
+
+"Not exactly, Edward," she replied, smiling; "but I am very pleased to
+hear you say so, and to find that you can admire such a lovely scene as
+this. To my feelings, the presence of a loving God is so impressed upon
+his works--we can so distinctly trace goodness, and love, and power, in
+the gift of such a bountiful world, that I feel still more how wrong it
+is to indulge in vexation, or care, or anxiety, when in the midst of a
+beautiful country, than when at home; and perhaps it is something of the
+same feeling working in you, though you do not know how to define it."
+
+"But _you_ can never do or feel any thing wrong, dear aunt," said
+Edward, looking with surprised inquiry in her face.
+
+"Indeed, my dear boy, I know that I very often have wrong thoughts and
+feelings; and that only my Father in Heaven's infinite mercy enables me
+to overcome them. It would be very sad, if I were as faulty, and as
+easily led into error, as you and your cousins may be, when I have had
+so many more years to think and try to improve in; but just in the same
+way as you have duties to perform and feelings to overcome, so have I;
+and if I fail in the endeavor to lead you all in the better and happier
+path--or feel too much anxiety, or shrink from giving myself pain, when
+compelled to correct a fault in either of you, I am just as likely to
+incur the displeasure of our Father in Heaven, as you are when you are
+passionate or angry; and perhaps still more so, for the more capable we
+are of knowing and doing our duty, the more wrong we are when we fail in
+it, even in thought."
+
+There was so much in this reply to surprise Edward, it seemed so to fill
+his mind with new ideas, that he continued his walk in absolute silence.
+That his aunt could ever fail, as she seemed to say she had and did, and
+even still at times found it difficult to do right, was very strange;
+but yet somehow it seemed to comfort him, and to inspire him with a sort
+of courage to emulate her, and conquer his difficulties. He had fancied
+that she could not possibly understand how difficult it was for him
+always to be good; but when he found that she could do so even from her
+own experience, her words appeared endowed with double force, and he
+loved her, and looked up to her more than ever.
+
+Ten minutes more brought them to the Gothic lodge of the Manor, and
+instead of seeking the front entrance, Mrs. Hamilton led the way to the
+flower-garden, on which Mrs. Greville's usual morning-room opened by a
+glass door.
+
+"Herbert was to tell Mary of our intended visit; I wonder she is not
+watching for me as usual," observed Mrs. Hamilton, somewhat anxiously;
+and her anxiety increased, as on nearing the half open door she saw poor
+Mary, her head leaning against Herbert, deluged in tears. Mrs. Greville
+was not there, though the books, work, and maps upon the table told of
+their morning's employment having been the same as usual. Herbert was
+earnestly endeavoring to speak comfort, but evidently without success;
+and Mary was in general so controlled, that her present grief betrayed
+some very much heavier trial than usual.
+
+"Is your mother ill, my dear Mary? What can have happened to agitate you
+so painfully?" she inquired, as at the first sound of her voice the poor
+girl sprung toward her, and tried to say how very glad she was that she
+had come just then; but the words were inarticulate from sobs; and Mrs.
+Hamilton, desiring Edward to amuse himself in the garden, made her sit
+down by her, and told her not to attempt to check her tears, but to let
+them have free vent a few minutes, and then to try and tell her what had
+occurred. It was a very sad tale for a child to tell, and as Mrs.
+Hamilton's previous knowledge enabled her to gather more from it than
+Mary's broken narrative permitted, we will give it in our own words.
+
+Mr. Greville had been at home for a month, a quarter of which time the
+good humor which some unusually successful bets had excited, lasted; but
+no longer. His amusement then consisted, as usual, in trying every
+method to annoy and irritate his wife, and in endeavoring to make his
+son exactly like himself. Young as the boy was--scarcely twelve--he took
+him to scenes of riot and feasting, which the society of some boon
+companions, unhappily near neighbors, permitted; and though Alfred's
+cheek became pale, his eye haggard, and his temper uneven, his
+initiation was fraught with such a new species of excitement and
+pleasure, that it rejoiced and encouraged his father in the same measure
+as it agonized his mother, and, for her sake, poor Mary.
+
+That morning Alfred had declared his intention of visiting a large fair,
+which, with some races of but ill repute, from the bad company they
+collected, was to be held at a neighboring town, and told his father to
+prepare for a large demand on his cash, as he meant to try his hand at
+all the varieties of gaming which the scene presented. Mr. Greville
+laughed heartily at what he called the boy's right spirit, and promised
+him all he required; but there was a quivering on her mother's lip, a
+deadly paleness on her cheek, that spoke volumes of suffering to the
+heart of the observant Mary, who sat trembling beside her. Still Mrs.
+Greville did not speak till her husband left the room; but then, as
+Alfred was about to follow him, she caught hold of his hand, and
+implored him, with such a tone and look of agony, only to listen to her,
+for her sake to give up his intended pleasure; that, almost frightened
+by an emotion which in his gentle mother he had scarcely ever seen, and
+suddenly remembering that he had lately been indeed most unkind and
+neglectful to her, he threw his arms round her neck, and promised with
+tears that if it gave her so much pain, he would not go; and so sincere
+was his feeling at the moment that, had there been no tempter near, he
+would, in all probability, have kept his word. But the moment Mr.
+Greville heard from his son his change of intention and its cause, he
+so laughed at his ridiculous folly, so sneered at his want of spirit in
+preferring his mother's whims to his father's pleasures, that, as could
+not fail to be the case, every better feeling fled. This ought to have
+been enough; but it was too good an opportunity to vent his ill-temper
+on his wife, to be neglected. He sought her, where she was
+superintending Mary's lessons, and for nearly an hour poured upon her
+the most fearful abuse and cutting taunts, ending by declaring that all
+the good she had done by her saintly eloquence was to banish her son
+from her presence, whenever he left home, as in future Alfred should be
+his companion; and that he should begin that very day. Mrs. Greville
+neither moved nor spoke in reply; and the expression of her countenance
+was so sternly calm, that poor Mary felt as if she dared not give way to
+the emotion with which her heart was bursting.
+
+Mr. Greville left the room, and they heard him peremptorily desire the
+housekeeper to put up some of Master Alfred's clothes. In a perfectly
+composed voice Mrs. Greville desired Mary to proceed with the exercise
+she was writing, and emulating her firmness, she tried to obey.
+Fortunately her task was writing, for to have spoken or read aloud
+would, she felt, have been impossible. So full half an hour passed, and
+then hasty footsteps were heard in the hall, and the joyous voice of
+Alfred exclaiming--
+
+"Let me wish mamma and Mary good-by, papa."
+
+"I have not another moment to spare," was the reply. "You have kept me
+long enough, and must be quicker next time; come along, my boy."
+
+The rapid tread of horses' hoofs speedily followed the sullen clang with
+which the hall-door closed, and as rapidly faded away in the distance.
+With an irresistible impulse, Mary raised her eyes to her mother's face;
+a bright red flush had risen to her temples, but her lips were perfectly
+colorless, and her hand tightly pressed her heart; but this only lasted
+a minute, for the next she had fallen quite senseless on the floor. Her
+poor child hung over her almost paralyzed with terror, and so long did
+the faint last, that she was conveyed to her own room, partially
+undressed, and laid on her bed before she at all recovered. A brief
+while she had clasped Mary to her bosom, as if in her was indeed her
+only earthly comfort, and then in a faint voice desired to be left quite
+alone. Mary had flung herself on the neck of the sympathizing Herbert
+Hamilton (who had arrived just in the confusion attendant on Mrs.
+Greville's unusual illness), and wept there in all the uncontrolled
+violence of early sorrow.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton remained some time with her afflicted friend, for so truly
+could she sympathize with her, that her society brought with it the only
+solace Mrs. Greville was capable of realizing from human companionship.
+
+"It is not for myself I murmur," were the only words that in that
+painful interview might have even seemed like complaint; "but for my
+poor child. How is her fragile frame and gentle spirit to endure through
+trials such as these; oh, Emmeline, to lose both, and through their
+father!"
+
+And difficult indeed did it seem to realize the cause of such a terrible
+dispensation; but happily for Mrs. Greville, she could still look up in
+love and trust, even when below all of comfort as of joy seemed
+departed; and in a few days she was enabled to resume her usual
+avocations, and, by an assumption of cheerfulness and constant
+employment, to restore some degree of peace and happiness to her child.
+
+Neither Herbert nor Edward seemed inclined to converse on their walk
+home, and Mrs. Hamilton was so engrossed in thought for Mrs. Greville,
+that she did not feel disposed to speak either. Herbert was contrasting
+his father with Mary's, and with such a vivid sense of his own happier
+lot, that he felt almost oppressed with the thought, he was not, he
+never could be, grateful enough; for, what had he done to be so much
+more blessed? And when Mr. Hamilton, who, wondering at their long
+absence, had come out to meet them, put his arm affectionately round
+him, and asked him what could possibly make him look so pale and
+pensive, the boy's excited feelings completely overpowered him. He
+buried his face on his father's shoulder, and burst into tears; and then
+leaving his mother to explain it, for he felt quite sure she could,
+without his telling her, darted away and never stopped till he found
+himself in the sanctuary of his own room; and there he remained, trying
+to calm himself by earnest thought and almost unconscious prayer, till
+the dinner-bell summoned him to rejoin his family, which he did, quiet
+and gentle, but cheerful, as usual.
+
+Edward did not forget the thoughts of the morning, but the struggles so
+to subdue his pride as to apologize to Robert, seemed very much more
+difficult when he was no longer hearing his aunt's earnest words; but he
+_did_ conquer himself, and the fond approving look, with which he was
+rewarded, gave him such a glowing feeling of pleasure, as almost to
+lessen the pain of his humiliation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+CECIL GRAHAME'S PHILOSOPHY.--AN ERROR AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.--A MYSTERY
+AND A CONFIDENCE.
+
+
+A few days after the events of the last chapter, Mrs. Hamilton,
+accompanied by Percy, called at Moorlands. Cecil Grahame was playing in
+the garden, and Percy remained with him, his good-nature often making
+him a companion, though there was nearly six years' difference in their
+age.
+
+"Are you going to T-- on Thursday, Percy? There will be such fine
+doings. Races and the county fair, and wild beasts and shows, and every
+thing delightful; of course, you will go?"
+
+"I do not think it at all likely," replied young Hamilton.
+
+"No!" repeated Cecil, much astonished. "Why, I was only saying the other
+day how much I should like to be as old as you are; it must be so
+delightful to be one's own master."
+
+"I do not consider myself my own master yet, Cecil. Sometimes I wish I
+were; at others, I think I am much better as I am. And, as for this
+fair, Mr. Howard will be back to-morrow, so there is no chance of my
+going."
+
+"Why is there no such thing as the possibility of a holiday, Percy?"
+replied Cecil, with great glee; "or perhaps," he added, laughing, "your
+papa is like mine, and does not allow such freaks; thinks it wrong to go
+to such places, acting against morality, and such out of the way ideas."
+
+"Are these Mr. Grahame's opinions?" inquired Percy, almost sternly.
+
+"Why ye--yes--why do you look at me so, Percy? I am sure I said no harm;
+I only repeated what I have heard mamma say continually."
+
+"That is not the very least excuse for your disrespect to your father;
+and if he think thus, I wonder you should talk of going to the races;
+you can not have his permission."
+
+"Oh, but mamma has promised if I am a good boy till then and she can
+manage it, I shall go; for she can not see any harm in it. And as for
+waiting for papa's permission--if I did, I should never go any where. He
+is so unkind, that I am always afraid of speaking or even playing, when
+he is in the room."
+
+"You are a silly boy, Cecil," replied young Hamilton; "Believe me, you
+do not know your best friend. I should be very sorry to feel thus toward
+my father."
+
+"Oh! but yours and mine are very different sort of people. Your papa
+never punishes you, or refuses you his permission, when you wish
+particularly to do any thing, or go any where."
+
+"If papa thinks my wishes foolish, or liable to lead me into error, he
+does refuse me without scruple, Cecil. And though I am old enough now, I
+hope, so to conduct myself as to avoid actual punishment: when I was as
+young as you are, papa very frequently punished me, both for my violence
+and pride."
+
+"But then he was kind to you afterward. Now I should not so much mind
+papa's severity when I am naughty, if he would only be kind, or take
+some notice of me when I am good. But has Mr. Hamilton told you not to
+go to the races?"
+
+"Not exactly: he has merely said he thinks it a day most unprofitably
+wasted; and that the gambling and excesses, always the attendant of
+races, are not fit scenes for young persons. Were I to take my horse and
+go, he would not, perhaps, be actually displeased, as I am old enough
+now, he says, in some things, to judge for myself; but I should be
+acting against his principles, which, just now, I am not inclined to do,
+for I am sure to suffer from it afterward."
+
+"Well, all I can say, is, that when I am as old as you are, Percy, I
+shall certainly consider myself under no one. I hope I shall be at Eton
+by that time, and then we shall see if Cecil Grahame has not some spirit
+in him. I would not be tied down to Oakwood, and to Mr. Howard's humdrum
+lessons, as you are, Percy, for worlds."
+
+"Take care that Cecil Grahame's spirit does not effervesce so much, as
+to make him, when at Eton, wish himself back at Moorlands," replied
+Percy, laughing heartily at his young companion's grotesque attempts at
+self-consequence, by placing his cap dandily on his head, flourishing
+his cane, and trying to make himself look taller. Cecil took his laugh,
+however, in good part, and they continued in amicable conversation till
+Mrs. Hamilton summoned Percy to attend her home.
+
+Our readers have, perhaps, discovered that Percy, this day was not quite
+as lively as usual. If they have not his mother did; for, strange to
+say, he walked by her side silent and dispirited. His thoughtlessness
+very often led him into error and its disagreeable consequences; and,
+fearing this had again been the case, she playfully inquired the cause
+of his most unusual abstraction. He colored, but evaded the question,
+and successfully roused himself to talk. His mother was not anxious, for
+she had such perfect confidence in him, that she know if he had
+committed error, he would redeem it, and that his own good feelings and
+high principles would prevent its recurrence.
+
+It so happened, however, that young Hamilton, by a series of rather
+imprudent actions, had plunged himself into such a very unusual and
+disagreeable position, as not very well to know how to extricate himself
+from it, without a full confession to his father; which, daringly brave
+as in general he was, he felt almost as if he really had not the courage
+to make. One of Mr. Hamilton's most imperative commands was, that his
+sons should never incur a debt, and, to prevent the temptation, their
+monthly allowance was an ample one, and fully permitted any recreative
+indulgences they might desire.
+
+Now Percy was rather inclined to extravagance, from thoughtlessness and
+a profuse generosity, which had often caused him such annoyance as to
+make him resolve again and again to follow his father's advice, and keep
+some accounts of his expenditure, as a slight check on himself. The
+admiration for beauty in the fine arts, which his mother had so
+sedulously cultivated, had had only one bad effect; and that was that
+his passion for prints and paintings, and illustrated and richly-bound
+volumes, sometimes carried him beyond bounds, and very often occasioned
+regret, that he had not examined the letter-press of such works, as well
+as their engravings and bindings. He had given orders to Mr. Harris, a
+large fancy stationer, librarian, and publisher of T--, to procure for
+him a set of engravings, whose very interesting subjects and beautiful
+workmanship, Mr. Grahame had so vividly described to him, that young
+Hamilton felt to do without them till his father or he himself should
+visit the metropolis, and so judge of their worth themselves, was quite
+impossible. The order was given without the least regard to price. They
+arrived at the end of the month, and the young gentleman, to his extreme
+astonishment, discovered that his month's allowance had been so
+expended, as not to leave him a half-quarter of the necessary sum. What
+to do he did not very well know. Mr. Harris had had great difficulty in
+procuring the prints, and of course he was bound in honor to take them.
+If he waited till he could pay for them, he must sacrifice the whole of
+one month's allowance, and then how could he keep free from debt till
+the next? As for applying to his father, he shrank from it with actual
+pain. How could he ask his ever kind and indulgent parent to discharge a
+debt incurred by such a thoughtless act of unnecessary extravagance? Mr.
+Harris made very light of it, declaring that, if Mr. Percy did not pay
+him for a twelvemonth, it was of no consequence; he would trust him for
+any sum or any time he liked. But to make no attempt to liquidate his
+debt was as impossible as to speak to his father. No, after a violent
+struggle with his pride, which did not at all like the idea of betraying
+his inability to pay the whole, or of asking a favor of Mr. Harris, he
+agreed to pay his debt by installments, and so in two or three months,
+at the very latest, discharge the whole.
+
+One week afterward he received his month's allowance, and riding over
+directly to the town relieved his conscience of half its load. To have
+only half his usual sum, however, for monthly expenditure caused him so
+many checks and annoyances as to make him hate the very sight of the
+prints whose possession he had so coveted, but he looked forward to the
+next month to be free at least of Mr. Harris. The idea of disobedience
+to his father in incurring a debt at all, causing him more annoyance
+than all the rest.
+
+Again the first day of the month came round, and putting the full sum
+required in his purse, he set off, but on his way encountered such a
+scene of distress, that every thought fled from his mind, except how to
+relieve it. He accompanied the miserable half-famished man to a hut in
+which lay a seemingly dying woman with a new-born babe, and two or three
+small half-starved, half-naked children--listened to their story, which
+was really one of truth and misfortune, not of whining deceit, poured
+the whole contents of his purse into their laps, and rode off to T--, to
+find not Mr. Harris but Mr. Maitland, and implore him to see what his
+skill would do for the poor woman. He encountered that gentleman at the
+outskirts of the town, told his story, and was so delighted at Mr.
+Maitland's willing promise to go directly, and also to report the case
+to those who would relieve it, that he never thought of any thing else
+till he found himself directly opposite Mr. Harris's shop, and his
+bounding heart sunk suddenly down, as impelled by a weight of lead. The
+conviction flashed upon him that he had been giving away money which was
+actually not his own; and the deed which had been productive of so much
+internal happiness, now seemed to reproach and condemn him. He rode back
+without even seeking Mr. Harris, for what could he tell him as the
+reason of his non-payment? Certainly not his having given it away.
+
+The first of May, which was his birthday, he had been long engaged to
+spend with some young men and lads who were to have a grand game of
+cricket, a jovial dinner, an adjournment to some evening amusement, and,
+to conclude the day, a gay supper, with glees and songs. Mr. Hamilton
+had rather wished Percy to leave the party after dinner, and had told
+him so, merely, however, as a preference, not a command, but giving him
+permission to use his own discretion. Percy knew there would be several
+expenses attendant on the day, but still he had promised so long to be
+one of the party, which all had declared would be nothing without him,
+and his own inclinations so urged him to join it, that it seemed to him
+utterly impossible to draw back, especially as he could give no excuse
+for doing so. How could he say that he could not afford it? when he was,
+or ought to have been, nearly the richest of the party; and what would
+his father think?
+
+He went. The day was thoroughly delightful, and so exciting, that though
+he had started from home with the intention of leaving them after
+dinner, he could not resist the pleadings of his companions and his own
+wishes, and remained. At supper alone excitement and revelry seemed to
+have gained the upper hand, and Percy, though steady in entirely
+abstaining from all excess, was not quite so guarded as usual. A
+clergyman had lately appeared at T--, whose appearance, manners, and
+opinions had given more than usual food for gossip, and much
+uncharitableness. His cloth indeed ought to have protected him, but it
+rather increased the satire, sarcasm, and laughter which he excited. He
+was brought forward by the thoughtless youths of Percy's party, quizzed
+unmercifully, made the object of some clever caricatures and satires,
+and though young Hamilton at first kept aloof, he could not resist the
+contagion. He dashed off about half-a-dozen verses of such remarkably
+witty and clever point, that they were received with roars of applause,
+and an unanimous request for distribution; but this he positively
+refused, and put them up with one or two other poems of more innocent
+wit, in which he was fond of indulging, into his pocket.
+
+The day closed, and the next morning brought with it so many regrets,
+and such a confused recollection of the very unusual excitement of the
+previous evening, that he was glad to dismiss the subject from his mind,
+and threw his satire, as he believed, into the fire. In fact, he was so
+absorbed with the disagreeable conviction that he could only pay Mr.
+Harris a third of his remaining debt, trifling as in reality it was,
+that he thought of nothing else. Now Mr. Harris was the editor and
+publisher of rather a clever weekly paper, and Percy happened to be in
+his parlor waiting to speak to him, while he was paying a contribution.
+
+"I wish my head were clever enough to get out of your debt in that
+comfortable way," he said, half laughing, as the gentleman left them
+together.
+
+"I wish all my customers were as desirous of paying their large debts as
+you are your small ones," was Mr. Harris's reply. "But I have heard
+something of your clever verses, Mr. Percy; if you will let me see some,
+I really may be able to oblige you, as you seem so very anxious to have
+nothing more to do with me--"
+
+"In the way of debt, not of purchases, Mr. Harris; and I assure you, I
+am not thinking so much about you, as of my own disobedience. I will
+lend you my papers, only you must give me your word not to publish them
+with my name."
+
+"They will not be worth so much," replied Mr. Harris, smiling.
+
+"Only let me feel they have helped to discharge my debt, or at least let
+me know how much more is wanted to do so, and I will worship the muses
+henceforth," replied Percy, with almost his natural gayety, for he felt
+he wrote better verses than those Mr. Harris had been so liberally
+paying for; and the idea of feeling free again was so very delightful,
+that, after receiving Mr. Harris's solemn promise not to betray his
+authorship, he galloped home, more happy than he had been for some days.
+
+Mr. Harris had said he must have them that evening, and Robert was
+leaving for the town, as his young master entered the house. He hastily
+put up his portfolio, and sent it off. His conscience was so perfectly
+free from keeping any thing that he afterward had cause to regret, that
+he did not think of looking them over, and great was his delight, when a
+few lines arrived from Mr. Harris, speaking in the highest terms of his
+talent, and saying, that the set of verses he had selected, even without
+the attraction of his name, would entirely liquidate his trifling debt.
+
+For the next few days Percy trod on air. He had resolved on waiting till
+the poem appeared, and then, as he really had discharged his debt, take
+courage and confess the whole to his father, for his idea of truth made
+him shrink from any farther concealment. He hoped and believed that his
+father would regard the pain and constant annoyance he had been enduring
+so long, as sufficient penalty for his disobedience, and after a time
+give him back the confidence, which he feared must at his first
+confession be withdrawn.
+
+What, then, was his grief, his vexation, almost his despair, when he
+recognized in the poem selected, the verses he thought and believed he
+had burned the morning after they were written; and which in print, and
+read by his sober self, seemed such a heartless, glaring, cruel insult,
+not only on a fellow-creature, but a minister of God, that he felt
+almost overwhelmed. What could he do? Mr. Harris was not to blame, for
+he had made no reservation as to the contents of his portfolio. His
+name, indeed, was not to them, and only having been read lightly once to
+his companions of that hateful supper--for so he now felt it--almost all
+of whom were not perfectly sober, there was a chance of their never
+being recognized as his, and as their subject did not live near any town
+where the paper was likely to circulate, might never meet his eye. But
+all this was poor comfort. The paper was very seldom seen at Oakwood,
+but its contents were often spoken of before his parents, and how could
+he endure a reference to those verses, how bear this accumulation of
+concealment, and, as he felt, deceit, and all sprung from the one
+thoughtless act of ordering an expensive and unnecessary indulgence,
+without sufficient consideration how it was to be paid. To tell his
+father, avow himself the author of such a satire, and on such a subject,
+he could not. Could he tell his mother, and implore her intercession?
+that seemed like a want of confidence in his father--no--if he ever
+could gain courage to confess it, it should be to Mr. Hamilton alone;
+but the more he thought, the more, for the first time, his courage
+failed. It was only the day before his visit to Lady Helen's that he
+had discovered this accumulation of misfortune, and therefore it was not
+much wonder he was so dispirited. Two days afterward Herbert, with a
+blushing cheek and very timid voice, asked his father to grant him a
+great favor. He was almost afraid to ask it, he said, but he hoped and
+believed his parent would trust his assurance that it was for nothing
+improper. It was that he might be from home next day unattended for
+several hours. He should go on horseback, but he was so accustomed to
+ride, and his horse was so steady, he hoped he might be allowed to go
+alone. Mr. Hamilton looked very much surprised, as did all present. That
+the quiet, studious Herbert should wish to give up his favorite
+pursuits, so soon too after Mr. Howard's return, and go on what appeared
+such a mysterious excursion, was something so extraordinary, that
+various expressions of surprise broke from his sisters and Edward. Percy
+did look up but made no observation. Mr. Hamilton only paused, however,
+to consult his wife's face and then replied--
+
+"You certainly have mystified us, my dear boy; but I freely grant you my
+consent, and if I can read your mother's face aright, hers is not far
+distant. You are now nearly fifteen, and never once from your birth has
+your conduct given me an hour's pain or uneasiness; I have therefore
+quite sufficient confidence in your integrity and steadiness to trust
+you, as you wish, alone. I will not even ask your intentions, for I am
+sure they will not lead you into wrong."
+
+"Thank you, again and again, my own dear father. I hope I shall never do
+any thing to forfeit your confidence," replied Herbert, so eagerly that
+his cheeks flushed still deeper, and his eyes glistened; then throwing
+himself on the stool at his mother's feet, he said, pleadingly, "Will
+you, too, trust me, dearest mother, and promise me not to be anxious, if
+I do not appear till after our dinner-hour?--promise me this, or I shall
+have no pleasure in my expedition."
+
+"Most faithfully," replied Mrs. Hamilton, fondly. "I trust my Herbert
+almost as I would his father; I do not say as much for this young man,
+nor for that," she added, playfully laying her hand on Percy's shoulder,
+and laughing at Edward, who was so excessively amused at the sage
+Herbert's turning truant, that he was giving vent to a variety of most
+grotesque antics of surprise. Percy sighed so heavily that his mother
+was startled.
+
+"I did not intend to call such a very heavy sigh, my boy," she said.
+"In an emergency I would trust you quite as implicitly as Herbert; but
+you have often yourself wished you had his steadiness."
+
+"Indeed I do, mother; I wish I were more like him in every thing,"
+exclaimed Percy, far more despondingly than usual.
+
+"You will be steady all in time, my boy, I have not the very slightest
+fear; and as I like variety, even in my sons, I would rather retain my
+Percy, with all his boyish errors, than have even another Herbert. So
+pray do not look so sad, or I shall fancy I have given you pain, when I
+only spoke in jest."
+
+Percy threw his arm round her waist, and kissed her two or three times,
+without saying a word, and when he started up and, said, in his usual
+gay tone, that as he was not going to turn truant the next day, he must
+go and finish some work, she saw tears in his eyes. That something was
+wrong, she felt certain, but still she trusted in his candor and
+integrity, and did not express her fears even to her husband.
+
+The morrow came. Percy and Edward went to Mr. Howard's, and Herbert at
+half-past nine mounted his quiet horse, and after affectionately
+embracing his mother, and again promising care and steadiness, departed.
+He had risen at five this morning, and studied till breakfast so
+earnestly that a double portion was prepared for the next day. He had
+said, as he was starting, that, if he might remain out so long, he
+should like to call at Greville Manor on his way back, take tea there,
+and return home in the cool of the evening.
+
+"Your next request, my very modest son, will be, I suppose, to stay out
+all night," replied Mrs. Hamilton; "and that certainly will be refused.
+This is the last to which I shall consent--off with you, my boy, and
+enjoy yourself."
+
+But Herbert did not expect to enjoy himself half as much as if he had
+gone to Mr. Howard's as usual. He did not like to mention his real
+object, for it appeared as if the chances were so much against its
+attainment, and if it were fulfilled, to speak about it would be equally
+painful, from its having been an act of kindness.
+
+The day passed quietly, and a full hour before prayers, Herbert was seen
+riding through the grounds, and when he entered the usual sitting-room,
+he looked so happy, so animated that, if his parents had felt any
+anxiety--which they had not--it would have vanished at once. But though
+they were contented not to ask him any questions, the young party were
+not, and, except by Percy (who seemed intently engaged with a drawing),
+he was attacked on all sides, and, to add to their mirth, Mr. Hamilton
+took the part of the curious, his wife that of her son.
+
+"Ah, mamma may well take Herbert's part," exclaimed the little joyous
+Emmeline; "for of course she knows all about it; Herbert would never
+keep it from her."
+
+"Indeed I do not!" and "Indeed I have not even told mamma!" was the
+reply from both at the same moment, but the denial was useless; and the
+prayer-bell rung, before any satisfaction for the curious could be
+obtained, except that from half-past six Herbert had been very quietly
+at Mrs. Greville's.
+
+That night, as Percy sat in gloomy meditation in his own room, before he
+retired to bed, he felt a hand laid gently on his shoulder, and looking
+up, beheld his brother--
+
+"Have you lost all interest in me, Percy?" asked Herbert, with almost
+melancholy reproach. "If you had expressed one word of inquiry as to my
+proceedings, I should have told you all without the slightest reserve.
+You have never before been so little concerned for me, and indeed I do
+not like it."
+
+"I could not ask your confidence, my dear Herbert, when for the last
+three months I have been wanting in openness to you. Indeed, annoyed as
+I am with my own folly, I was as deeply interested as all the rest in
+your expedition, though I guessed its object could be nothing but
+kindness; but how could I ask your secret when I was so reserved with
+you."
+
+"Then do not let us have secrets from each other any longer, dearest
+Percy," pleaded Herbert, twining his arm round his neck, and looking
+with affectionate confidence in his face. "I do not at all see why my
+secret must comprise more worth and kindness than yours. You talk of
+folly, and I have fancied for some days that you are not quite happy;
+but you often blame yourself so much more than you deserve, that you do
+not frighten me in the least. You said, last night, you wished you were
+more like me; but, indeed, if you were, I should be very sorry. What
+would become of me without your mirth and liveliness, and your strength
+and ever-working care to protect me from any thing like pain, either
+mentally or bodily? I should not like my own self for my brother at
+all."
+
+"Nor I myself for mine," replied Percy, so strangely cheered, that he
+almost laughed at Herbert's very novel idea, and after listening with
+earnest interest to his story, took courage and told his own. Herbert in
+this instance, however, could not comfort him as successfully as usual.
+The satire was the terrible thing; every thing else but that, even the
+disobedience of the debt, he thought might be easily remedied by an open
+confession to his father; but that unfortunate oversight in not looking
+over his papers before he sent them to Mr. Harris, the seeming utter
+impossibility to stop their circulation, was to both these
+single-hearted, high-principled lads something almost overwhelming. It
+did not in the least signify to either that Percy might never be known
+as their author. Herbert could not tell him what to do, except that, if
+he could but get sufficient courage to tell their father, even if he
+could not help them, he was sure it would be a great weight off his
+mind, and then he gently reproached him for not coming to him to help
+him discharge his debt; it was surely much better to owe a trifle to his
+brother than to Mr. Harris.
+
+"And, to gratify my extravagance, deprive you of some much purer and
+better pleasure!" replied Percy, indignantly. "No, no, Bertie; never
+expect me to do any such thing; I would rather suffer the penalty of my
+own faults fifty times over! I wish to heaven I were a child again," he
+added with almost comic ruefulness, "and had mamma to come to me every
+night, as she used to do, before I went to sleep. It was so easy then to
+tell her all I had done wrong in the course of the day, and then one
+error never grew into so many: but now--it must be out before Sunday, I
+suppose--I never can talk to my father as I do on that day, unless it
+is;--but go to bed, dear Herbert; I shall have your pale cheeks upon my
+conscience to-morrow, too!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+MR. MORTON'S STORY.--A CONFESSION.--A YOUNG PLEADER.--GENEROSITY NOT
+ALWAYS JUSTICE.
+
+
+"Do you remember, Emmeline, a Mr. Morton, who officiated for Mr. Howard
+at Aveling, five or six weeks ago?" asked Mr. Hamilton of his wife, on
+the Saturday morning after Herbert's mysterious excursion. The family
+had not yet left the breakfast-table.
+
+"Perfectly well," was the reply; "poor young man! his appearance and
+painful weakness of voice called for commiseration too deeply not to be
+remembered."
+
+"Is he not deformed?" inquired Miss Harcourt; "there was something
+particularly painful about his manner as he stood in the pulpit."
+
+"He is slightly deformed now; but not five years ago he had a graceful,
+almost elegant figure, though always apparently too delicate for the
+fatiguing mental duties in which he indulged. He was of good family, but
+his parents were suddenly much reduced, and compelled to undergo many
+privations to enable him to go to Oxford. There he allowed himself
+neither relaxation nor pleasure of the most trifling and most harmless
+kind; his only wish seemed to be to repay his parents in some degree the
+heavy debt of gratitude which he felt he owed them. His persevering
+study, great talent, and remarkable conduct, won him some valuable
+friends, one of whom, as soon as he was ordained, presented him with a
+rich living in the North. For nine months he enjoyed the most unalloyed
+happiness. His pretty vicarage presented a happy, comfortable home for
+his parents, and the comforts they now enjoyed, earned by the worth of
+their son, amply repaid them for former privations.--One cold snowy
+night he was summoned to a poor parishioner, living about ten miles
+distant. The road was rugged, and in some parts dangerous; but he was
+not a man to shrink from his duty for such reasons. He was detained
+eight hours, during which time the snow had fallen incessantly, and it
+was pitchy dark. Still believing he knew his road, he proceeded, and the
+next morning was found lying apparently dead at the foot of a
+precipice, and almost crushed under the mangled and distorted carcass of
+his horse."
+
+An exclamation of horror burst from all the little group, except from
+Percy and Herbert; the face of the former was covered with his hands,
+and his brother seemed so watching and feeling for him, as to be unable
+to join the general sympathy. All, however, were so engrossed with Mr.
+Hamilton's tale, that neither was observed.
+
+"He was so severely injured, that for months his very life was despaired
+of. Symptoms of decline followed, and the inability to resume his
+ministerial duties for years, if ever again, compelled him to resign his
+rich and beautiful living in Yorkshire; and he felt himself once more a
+burden on his parents, with scarcely any hope of supporting them again.
+Nor was this all; his figure, once so slight and supple, had become so
+shrunk and maimed, that at first he seemed actually to loathe the sight
+of his fellows. His voice, once so rich and almost thrilling, became
+wiry, and almost painfully monotonous; and for some months the conflict
+for submission to this inscrutable and most awful trial was so terrible
+that he nearly sunk beneath it. This was, of course, still more physical
+than mental, and gradually subsided, as, after eighteen months'
+residence in Madeira, where he was sent by a benevolent friend, some
+portion of health returned. The same benefactor established his father
+in some humble but most welcome business in London; and earnestly, on
+his return, did his parents persuade him to remain quietly with them,
+and not undertake the ministry again; but this he could not do, and
+gratefully accepted a poor and most miserable parish on the moor, not
+eight miles from here."
+
+"But when did you become acquainted with him, papa?" asked Caroline;
+"you have never mentioned him before."
+
+"No, my dear; I never saw him till the Sunday he officiated for Mr.
+Howard; but his appearance so deeply interested me, I did not rest till
+I had learned his whole history, which Mr. Howard had already
+discovered. He has been nearly a year in Devonshire, but so kept aloof
+from all but his own poor parishioners, dreading the ridicule and sneers
+of the more worldly and wealthy, that it was mere accident which made
+Mr. Howard acquainted with him. Our good minister's friendship and
+earnest exhortations have so far overcome his too great sensitiveness,
+as sometimes to prevail on him to visit the Vicarage, and I trust in
+time equally to succeed in bringing him here."
+
+"But what is he so afraid of, dear papa?" innocently asked Emmeline.
+"Surely nobody could be so cruel as to ridicule him because he is
+deformed?"
+
+"Unfortunately, my dear child, there are too many who only enter church
+for the sake of the sermon and the preacher, and to criticise severely
+and uncharitably all that differs from their preconceived ideas; to such
+persons Mr. Morton must be an object of derision. And now I come to the
+real reason of my asking your mother if she remembered him."
+
+"Then you had a reason," answered Mrs. Hamilton, smiling; "your story
+has made me wonder whether you had or not."
+
+"I must tax your memory once more, Emmeline, before my cause is told. Do
+you recollect, for a fortnight after the Sunday we heard him, he
+preached twice a week at Torrington, to oblige a very particular
+friend?"
+
+"Yes, and that you feared the increased number of the congregation
+proceeded far more from curiosity than kindliness or devotion."
+
+"I did say so, and my fears are confirmed: some affairs brought Morton
+to Torrington for two or three days this week, and yesterday I called on
+him, and had some hours' interesting conversation. He was evidently even
+more than usually depressed and self-shrinking, if I may use the word,
+and at length touched, it seemed, by my sympathy, he drew my attention
+to a poem in Harris's 'Weekly Magazine.'"
+
+"'It is not enough that it has pleased my God to afflict me,' he said,
+'but my fellow-creatures must unkindly make me the subject of attacks
+such as these. There is indeed no name, but to none else but me will it
+apply.' I could not reply, for I really felt too deeply for him. It was
+such a cruel, wanton insult, the very talent of the writer, for the
+verses though few in number were remarkably clever, adding to their
+gall."
+
+"I wonder Harris should have published them," observed Miss Harcourt;
+"his paper is not in general of a personal kind."
+
+"It is never sufficiently guarded; and it would require a person of
+higher principles than I fear Harris has, to resist the temptation of
+inserting a satire likely to sell a double or treble number of his
+papers. I spoke to him at once, and bought up every one that remained;
+but though he expressed regret, it was not in a tone that at all
+satisfied me as to his feeling it, and of course, as the paper has been
+published since last Saturday evening, the circulation had nearly
+ceased. If I could but know the author, I think I could make him feel
+the excessive cruelty, if not the actual guilt, of his wanton deed."
+
+"But, dear papa, the person who wrote it might not have known his
+story," interposed Caroline, to Edward's and Ellen's astonishment, that
+she had courage to speak at all; for their uncle's unusual tone and look
+brought back almost more vividly than it had ever done before their
+mother's lessons of his exceeding and terrible sternness.
+
+"That does not excuse the ridicule, my dear child; it only confirms the
+lesson I have so often tried to teach you all, that any thing tending by
+word or deed to hurt the feelings of a fellow-creature, is absolutely
+wrong--wrong in the thing itself, not according to the greater or less
+amount of pain it may excite."
+
+"But, my dear husband, the writer may not have been so taught. Satire
+and ridicule are unhappily so popular, that these verses may have been
+penned without any thought of their evil tendency, merely as to the
+_éclat_ they would bring their author. We must not be too severe, for we
+do not know--"
+
+"Mother! mother! do not--do not speak so, if you have ever loved me!" at
+length exclaimed poor Percy, so choked with his emotion, that he could
+only throw himself by her side, bury his face in her lap, and sob for a
+few minutes like a child. But he recovered himself with a strong effort,
+before either of his family could conquer their anxiety and alarm, and,
+standing erect, though pale as marble, without in the least degree
+attempting excuse or extenuation, acknowledged the poem as his, and
+poured out his whole story, with the sole exception of how he had
+disposed of the money, with which the second time of receiving his
+allowance he had intended to discharge his debt; and the manner in which
+he told that part of his tale, from the fear that it would seem like an
+excuse or a boast, was certainly more calculated to call for doubt than
+belief. Herbert was about to speak, but an imploring glance from Percy
+checked him.
+
+Mr. Hamilton was silent several minutes after his son had concluded,
+before he could reply. Percy was so evidently distressed--had suffered
+so much from the consequence of his own errors--felt so intensely the
+unintentional publication of his poem--for his father knew his truth far
+too well to doubt his tale, and there was something so intrinsically
+noble in his brave confession, that to condemn him severely he felt as
+if he could not.
+
+"Of willful cruelty toward Mr. Morton, your story has certainly
+exculpated you," he said, as sternly as he could; "but otherwise you
+must be yourself aware that it has given me both grief and pain, and the
+more so, because you evidently shrink from telling me in what manner you
+squandered away that money which would have been sufficient to have
+fully discharged your debt six weeks ago; I must therefore believe there
+is still some deed of folly unrevealed. I condemn you to no
+punishment--you are old enough now to know right from wrong, and your
+own feelings must condemn or applaud you. Had you been firm, as I had
+hoped you were, example would not so have worked upon you, as to tempt
+even the composition of your satire; as it is, you must reap the
+consequences of your weakness, in the painful consciousness that you
+have deeply wounded one, who it would seem had been already sufficiently
+afflicted, and that confidence must for the time be broken between us.
+Go, sir, the hour of your attendance on Mr. Howard is passed."
+
+Mr. Hamilton rose with the last words, and somewhat hastily quitted the
+room. Percy only ventured one look at his mother, she seemed so
+grieved--so sad--that he could not bear it; and darting out of the room,
+was seen in less than a minute traversing the grounds in the direction
+of the vicarage, at such a rate that Edward, fleet as in general he was,
+could not overtake him. Herbert lingered; he could not bear that any
+part of Percy's story should remain concealed, and so told at once how
+his second allowance had been expended.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton's eyes glistened. Percy's incoherence on that one point
+had given her more anxiety than any thing else, and the relief the truth
+bestowed was inexpressible. Imprudent it was; but there was something so
+lovable in such a disposition, that she could not resist going directly
+to her husband to impart it.
+
+"You always bring me comfort, dearest!" was his fond rejoinder; "anxious
+as that boy's thoughtlessness must make me (for what are his temptations
+now to what they will be?) still I must imbibe your fond belief, that
+with such an open, generous, truthful heart, he can not go far wrong.
+But what _are_ we to do about that unfortunate poem? I can not associate
+with Morton, knowing the truth, and yet permit him to believe I am as
+ignorant of the author as himself."
+
+"Let me speak to Percy before we decide on anything, my dear Arthur. Is
+Mr. Morton still at Torrington?"
+
+"No; he was to return to Heathmore this morning."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton looked very thoughtful, but she did not make any
+rejoinder.
+
+In the hour of recreation Emmeline, declaring it was much too hot for
+the garden, sought her mother's private sitting-room, with the intention
+of asking where she could find her father. To her great delight, the
+question was arrested on her lips, for he was there. She seated herself
+on his knee, and remained there for some minutes without speaking--only
+looking up in his face with the most coaxing expression imaginable.
+
+"Well, Emmeline, what great favor are you going to ask me?" said Mr.
+Hamilton, smiling; "some weighty boon, I am quite sure."
+
+"Indeed, papa, and how do you know that?"
+
+"I can read it in your eyes."
+
+"My eyes are treacherous tell-tales then, and you shall not see them any
+more," she replied, laughing, and shaking her head till her long bright
+ringlets completely hid her eyes and blushing cheeks. "But have they
+told you the favor I am going to ask?"
+
+"No," replied her father, joining in her laugh; "they leave that to your
+tongue."
+
+"I can read more, I think," said Mrs. Hamilton; "I am very much
+mistaken, if I do not know what Emmeline is going to ask."
+
+"Only that--that--" still she hesitated, as if afraid to continue, and
+her mother added--
+
+"That papa will not be very angry with Percy; Emmeline, is not that the
+boon you have no courage to ask?"
+
+A still deeper glow mounted to the child's fair cheek, and throwing her
+arms round her father's neck, she said, coaxingly and fondly--
+
+"Mamma has guessed it, dear papa! you must, indeed, you must forgive
+him--poor fellow! he is so _very_ sorry, and he has suffered so much
+already--and he did not throw away his money foolishly, as you thought;
+he gave it to some very poor people--and you are always pleased when we
+are charitable; pray forget every thing else but that, and treat him as
+you always do, dear papa--will you not?"
+
+"I wonder which is most certain--that mamma must be a witch, or Emmeline
+a most eloquent little pleader," said Mr. Hamilton, caressingly stroking
+the ringlets she had disordered, "and suppose, after to-day, I do grant
+your request--what then?"
+
+"Oh, you will be such a dear, darling, good papa!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+almost suffocating him with kisses, and then starting from his knee, she
+danced about the room in a perfect ecstasy of delight; "and Percy will
+be happy again, and we shall all be so happy. Mamma, dear mamma, I am
+sure you will be glad too."
+
+"And now, Emmeline, when you have danced yourself sober again, come back
+to your seat, for as I have listened to and answered you, you must
+listen to and answer me."
+
+In an instant she was on his knee again, quite quiet and attentive.
+
+"In the first place, do you think Percy was justified making Mr. Morton
+an object of satire at all, even if it should never have left his own
+portfolio?"
+
+"No, papa, and I am quite sure, if he had not been rather more
+excited--and--and heedless than usual--which was very likely he should
+be, you know, papa, after such a day of nothing but pleasure--he would
+never have done such a thing: I am sure he did not think of hurting Mr.
+Morton's feelings; he only wanted to prove that he was quite as clever
+as his companions, and that was very natural, you know, when he is so
+clever at such things. But my brother Percy willingly ridicule a
+clergyman! no, no, dear papa, pray do not believe it."
+
+"Well defended, my little girl; but how do you justify his disobeying my
+commands, and incurring a debt?"
+
+Emmeline was silent. "He was very wrong to do that, papa; but I am sure,
+when he ordered the engravings, he did not intend to disobey you, and
+you know he is naturally very--I mean a little impatient."
+
+"Still on the defensive, Emmeline, even against your better judgment.
+Well, well, I must not make you condemn your brother; does he know what
+an eloquent pleader he has in his sister?"
+
+"No, papa; and pray do not tell him."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"Because he might think it was only for my sake you forgave him, and not
+for his own; and I know I should not like that, if I were in his place."
+
+"He shall know nothing more than you desire, my dear little girl,"
+replied her father, drawing her closer to him, with almost involuntary
+tenderness. "And now will you try and remember what I am going to say.
+You wish me only to think of Percy's kind act in giving his money to the
+poor people; but I should have been better pleased in this case, had he
+been more _just_, and not so generous. I know it is not unfrequently
+said by young persons, when they think they are doing a charitable act,
+and can only do it by postponing the payment of their debts--'Oh, Mr. So
+and so has plenty of business, he can afford to wait for his money, but
+these poor creatures are starving.' Now this is not generosity or
+charity, but actual injustice, and giving away money which is literally
+not their own. I do not believe Percy thought so, because I have no
+doubt he forgot Mr. Harris, at the time, entirely; but still, as it was
+a mere impulse of kindness, it does not please me quite so much as it
+does you."
+
+"But it was charity, papa, was it not? You have said that whenever we
+are kind and good to the poor, God is pleased with us; and if Percy did
+not intend to wrong Mr. Harris, and only thought about relieving the
+poor family, was it not a good feeling?"
+
+"It was; but it might have been still worthier. Suppose Percy had
+encountered this case of distress when on his way to order his
+engravings, and to enable him to relieve it as he wished, he had given
+up the purchasing them. That he found he could not afford the _two_, and
+so gave up the one mere _individual_ gratification, to succor some
+unhappy fellow-creatures: would not that have been still worthier? and
+by the conquest of his own inclinations rendered his charity still more
+acceptable to God? Do you quite understand me, Emmy?"
+
+"I think I do, dear papa; you mean that, though God is so good, He is
+pleased whenever we are charitable, He is still better pleased when to
+be so gives us a little pain."
+
+"Very well explained, my little girl; so you see in this instance, if
+Percy had been just before he was generous, and then to be generous, had
+denied himself some pleasure, his conduct would not have given us or
+himself any pain, but have been quite as worthy of all the praise you
+could bestow. And now I wonder how mamma could have discovered so
+exactly what favor you had to ask?"
+
+"Oh, mamma always knows all my feelings and wishes, almost before I know
+them myself, though I never can find out how."
+
+"Shall I tell you, Emmeline? Your mother has devoted hours, weeks,
+months, and years to studying the characters of all her children; so to
+know them, that she may not only be able to guide you in the path of
+good, but to share all your little joys and sorrows, to heighten the one
+and guard you from the other. Ought you not to be very grateful to your
+Father in Heaven for giving you such a mother?"
+
+His child made no answer in words, but she slipped from his knee, and
+darting to her mother, clasped her little arms tight round her neck, and
+hid her glowing cheeks and tearful eyes in her bosom. And from that
+hour, as she felt her mother's fond return of that passionate embrace,
+her love became religion, though she knew it not. Her thoughts flew to
+her cousins and many others, who had no mother, and to others whose
+mothers left them to nurses and governesses, and seemed always to keep
+them at a distance. And she felt, How could she thank and love God
+enough? Nor was it the mere feeling of the moment, it became part of her
+being, for the right moment had been seized to impress it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+AN UNPLEASANT PROPOSAL.--THE MYSTERY SOLVED.--A FATHER'S GRIEF FROM A
+MOTHER'S WEAKNESS.--A FATHER'S JOY FROM A MOTHER'S INFLUENCE.
+
+
+Meanwhile the young heir of Oakwood had passed no very pleasant day. His
+thoughts since Mr. Howard's return had been so pre-occupied, that his
+studies had been unusually neglected; so much so, as rather to excite
+the displeasure of his gentle and forbearing preceptor. The emotion of
+the morning had not tended to steady his ideas, and a severe reproof and
+long imposition was the consequence. Not one word did he deign to
+address Herbert and Edward, who, perceiving him leave the Vicarage with
+every mark of irritation, endeavored, during their walk home, to soothe
+him. His step was even more rapid than that in which he had left home,
+and he neither stopped nor spoke till he had reached his father's
+library, which, fortunately for the indulgence of his ire in words, was
+untenanted. He dashed his cap from his brow, flung his books with
+violence on the ground, and burst forth--
+
+"Am I not a fool--an idiot, thus to torment myself, and for one act of
+folly, when hundreds of boys, at my age, are entirely their own masters?
+do what they please--spend what they please--neither questioned nor
+reproved--and that poem--how many would glory in its authorship, and not
+care a whit whom it might wound. Why am I such a fool, as to reproach
+myself about it, and then be punished, like a school-boy, with an
+imposition to occupy me at home, because I did not choose to learn in
+the hours of study?--Not choose! I wish Mr. Howard could feel as I have
+done to-day, nay, all this week; and I challenge him to bore his head
+with Greek and Latin! But why am I so cowed as to feel so? Why can not I
+have the same spirit as others--instead of being such a slave--such a--"
+
+"Percy!" exclaimed Mrs. Hamilton, who, having sought him the moment she
+heard the hall-door close, had heard nearly the whole of his violent
+speech, and was almost alarmed at the unusual passion it evinced. Her
+voice of astonished expostulation checked his words, but not his
+agitation; he threw himself on a chair, leaning his arms upon the table,
+buried his face upon them, while his whole frame shook. His mother sat
+down by him, and laying her hand on his arm, said gently--
+
+"What is it that has so irritated you, my dear Percy? What has made you
+return home in such a very different mood to that in which you left it?
+Tell me, my boy."
+
+Percy tried to keep silence, for he knew if he spoke he should, as he
+expressed it, be a child again, and his pride tried hard for victory.
+Even his father or Herbert at that moment would have chafed him into
+increased anger, but the almost passionate love and reverence which he
+felt for his mother triumphed over his wrath, and told him he was much
+more unhappy than angry; and that he longed for her to comfort him, as
+she always had done in his childish griefs; and so he put his arms round
+her, and laid his head on her shoulder and said, in a half-choked
+voice:--
+
+"I am very unhappy, mother; I feel as if I had been every thing that was
+bad, and cruel, and foolish, and so it was a relief to be in a passion;
+but I did not mean you to hear it, and cause you more grief than I have
+done already."
+
+"You have been very thoughtless, very foolish, and not quite so firm as
+we could have wished, my own dear boy, but I will not have you accuse
+yourself of any graver faults," replied Mrs. Hamilton, as she lightly
+pushed back the clustering hair from his heated forehead, and the
+gentle touch of her cool hand seemed as restorative as her soothing
+words; and Percy, as he listened to her, as she continued speaking to
+him in the same strain for some little time, felt more relieved than
+five minutes before he thought possible, and more than ever determined
+that he would never act so thoughtlessly; or, if he were tempted to do
+so, never keep it concealed so long again. Mrs. Hamilton's anxious
+desire with him was, always to do justice to his better qualities, at
+the same time that she blamed and convinced him of his faults. It was a
+very delicate thing, and very difficult to succeed in, perhaps
+impossible to minds less peculiarly refined, and hearts less intensely
+anxious than Mrs. Hamilton's; but no difficulty, no failure, had ever
+deterred her--and in Percy she was already rewarded. He was of that
+high, fine spirit, that any unjust harshness would have actually
+confirmed in error--any unguarded word bring argument on argument, and
+so, for the mere sake of opposition, cause him to abide in his opinions,
+when the acknowledgment of his being right in some things, produced the
+voluntary confession of his error in others.
+
+"And now about these unfortunate verses, my dear boy; I am not quite
+clear as to their fate, how it happened that you did not destroy them
+directly you returned home."
+
+"I fully intended, and believed I had done so, mother, but the whirl of
+that night seemed to extend to the morning, and I dressed and prepared
+for Mr. Howard in such a hurry (I had overslept myself, too), that
+though I had quite resolved they should not pollute my pocket-book any
+longer, I had no time to look over my papers--thought I could not be
+mistaken in their outside--burnt those I really wished to keep, and
+threw those which have caused me all this pain into my portfolio. If I
+had but been firm enough to have followed my father's advice, and left
+my companions before supper!--or, if I did join them, had not been so
+weak, so mad, as to yield to the temptation, but adhered to my
+principles, notwithstanding they might have been laughed at, I might
+have been spared it all; but I was so excited, so heated, with a more
+than sufficient quantity of wine, that I did not know what I was
+about--not its extent of wrong, at least."
+
+"And you have suffered enough for an evening's excitement, my poor boy;
+but I am sure you would atone for it, if you could."
+
+"Atone for it, mother! I would give all I possess to cancel that odious
+poem, and blot it from Mr. Morton's memory, as from my own."
+
+"And I think you can do both, Percy."
+
+He looked at her in utter bewilderment.
+
+"Do both, mother!" he repeated.
+
+"Yes, my boy! it is a painful remedy, but it would be an effectual one.
+Seek Mr. Morton, and tell him yourself your whole story."
+
+Percy crimsoned to the very temples.
+
+"Do not ask me such a thing, mother," he answered very hurriedly; "I can
+not do it."
+
+"You think so at this moment, my dear boy; I am not at all astonished
+that you should, for it will be very humiliating, and very painful; and
+if I could spare you either the humiliation or the pain, yet produce the
+same good effects, I need not tell you how gladly I would; but no one
+can remove the sting of that poem from Mr. Morton's sensitive feelings
+but yourself; and I am quite sure if you will allow yourself a little
+time for quiet thought, you will agree with me."
+
+"But why should I inflict such pain upon myself, granting I deserve it?"
+answered Percy, still much heated; "when, though my poem is the only one
+that has unfortunately met his eye, the others were quite as galling,
+and my companions quite as much to blame--why should I be the sufferer?"
+
+"Because, by many errors, you have brought it on yourself. Your
+companions did indeed act very wrongly, but are we quite sure that the
+principles which your father and Mr. Howard have so carefully impressed
+upon you, have been as carefully impressed upon them? and in such a case
+are not you the more responsible? They had evidently no inward check to
+keep them from such an amusement; you had, for you have acknowledged
+that you kept aloof at first, _knowing it was wrong_, and only yielded
+from want of sufficient firmness. Inflict the pain of an avowal upon
+yourself, my boy, and its memory will help you in future from yielding
+to too great weakness--and the act prove to us that, though for a moment
+led into great error, you are still as brave and honest as we believe
+you."
+
+Percy did not reply, but his countenance denoted an inward struggle, and
+his mother added--
+
+"Suppose, as is very likely, Mr. Morton becomes intimate here, how can
+you, with your open, truthful heart, associate with him, with any
+comfort or confidence even though perfectly satisfied that we would not
+betray you, and that he would never know the truth? You may fancy now
+that you could, but I know my Percy better; but I must not talk to you
+any more, for the dressing-bell rang some minutes ago. Remember, my dear
+boy, that I lay no command on you to seek Mr. Morton; I have only told
+you that which I believe would restore you to happiness and atone for
+your faults, more effectually than any thing else; but you are quite at
+liberty to act as you think proper."
+
+She left the room as she spoke, but Percy remained for some few minutes
+longer in deep thought, and when he prepared for dinner, and joined his
+family, it was still in the same unbroken silence. Mr. Hamilton took no
+notice of him, and two or three times the little affectionate Emmeline
+felt the tears rising to her eyes, for she could not bear to see that
+brother, who was in general the life of the family group, so silent and
+abstracted.
+
+Sliding after him, as he quitted the room after dinner, she took his
+hand, and looked coaxingly in his face, longing, but not daring to tell
+him her father's promise, for fear he should discover her share in the
+transaction.
+
+"Well, dear Emmy?"
+
+"Are you going to take a walk, Percy?--let me go with you."
+
+"I do not think I am, love. I may be going to ride."
+
+"To ride!" repeated the little girl; "will it be worth while?"
+
+"You forget, Emmy, it is summer now, I have full four hours before
+prayers; but do not say any thing about my intentions, Emmeline, for I
+do not know them myself yet."
+
+He kissed her forehead and left her, and a few minutes afterward she was
+summoned to join her mother, Caroline, and Ellen, in a walk. They
+sauntered through the grounds in the direction of the northern lodge,
+which opened on the road leading to Dartmoor; when, not a quarter of an
+hour after they had left the house, they were overtaken by Percy, riding
+at what seemed almost a hand gallop, but he had time as he passed his
+mother to gracefully doff his cap, and her fond heart throbbed, as she
+caught the expression of his flushed, but earnest face. He was out of
+sight in another moment, followed by Robert, who was the lads' constant
+attendant.
+
+Before they had concluded their walk, they met Mrs. Greville and Mary,
+and returned with them to the house. Emmeline, who had not seen Mary
+for nearly a fortnight, was in an ecstasy of enjoyment, and Ellen always
+felt it a real pleasure quietly to walk by Mary's side, and answer the
+many questions with which she always contrived to interest her. On
+entering the house, Mr. Hamilton, Herbert, and Edward joined them, and
+Mrs. Hamilton was somewhat surprised at the even more than ordinary
+warmth with which her son was greeted by her friends, and at the flush
+which stained his cheek at Mrs. Greville's first words--
+
+"You were not too much fatigued last Thursday, I hope, my dear Herbert?"
+she inquired, and as she looked at him, her eyes glistened in tears.
+
+"Oh, not in the least," he replied instantly, and as if he would
+exceedingly like to change the subject; but Mrs. Greville, turning to
+Mrs. Hamilton, continued--
+
+"Will you forgive me, Emmeline, if I confess that my visit this evening
+was more to inquire after your son, than even to see you. I was so
+anxious to know that he had suffered no inconvenience from his unusual,
+and I am sure fatiguing, exertion."
+
+"I suppose I must not be jealous, as you are so candid," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, smiling; "but I feel very much inclined to be so, finding that
+you are more in my son's confidence than I am myself. I know Herbert was
+from home on Thursday, but I was not aware of any particular exertion on
+his part."
+
+"Did you not know then where he went?" exclaimed Mary and her mother at
+the same moment; and the former continued, with unusual eagerness, "Did
+you not know that he went to the races, to try and hear something of
+Alfred? and that by hunting about both the fair and the
+race-ground--scenes which I know he so much dislikes--he actually found
+him, and amused him so successfully, that he kept him with him all day.
+Papa was so engaged that he had no time to look after Alfred, who, from
+being left entirely to himself, might have sought the worst companions;
+I can not think what charm Herbert used, but Alfred was quite contented
+to be with him; they dined together, and--"
+
+"He brought me what, next to my boy himself, was the greatest
+consolation I could have," interposed Mrs. Greville, her voice so
+faltering, that tears almost escaped,--"a few lines which, he assures
+me, Alfred thought of writing himself, telling me, he could not bear to
+think he had left home without kissing me, and that, though he was so
+happy with his father, that he could not wish to return home, he still
+loved me and Mary very, very much, and would continue to love us, and
+come and see us, whenever he could. Oh, Emmeline, can you not imagine
+the relief of such a letter, of hearing of him at all? and it was all
+through the kindness, the goodness of your boy!"
+
+When Mrs. Greville and Mary had first begun to speak, Herbert tried to
+retreat; but Edward placing himself against the door, so that to open it
+was impossible, and Caroline and Emmeline, both at once catching hold of
+him, to keep him prisoner, egress was not to be thought of; so, in
+laughing despair, he broke from his sisters, flung himself on his usual
+seat, his mother's stool, and almost hid himself in her dress.
+
+"It must have been a relief, indeed," answered Mr. Hamilton; "and
+rejoiced am I that my quiet Herbert thought of such a plan. Look up,
+Master Shamefaced, and tell us the reason of your most extraordinary
+mystery on this occasion. Why did you so carefully conceal your
+intentions from your mother and myself?"
+
+"Because, papa, I feared you might not approve of them; I hardly dared
+think about it myself, for it seemed as if I were doing actually wrong
+in disregarding your principles, for only the _chance_ of effecting
+good. I know, if I had mentioned my wish to find Alfred, or hear
+something about him, you would not have refused my going; but then mamma
+must have known it, and she would have been anxious and uncomfortable,
+if I had not appeared the very moment I had named; would you not?" he
+continued, looking up in her face with that expression of affection,
+which very few, even comparative strangers, had power to remit.
+
+"I should indeed, my dear boy; I fear I should have condemned your
+scheme as a very wild one, and really am glad you thought so much of my
+comfort, as not to tell me more than you did. So I must not even be
+jealous, Jessie, but rather propose a vote of thanks to you and Mary for
+solving the mystery. I do not think Herbert ever excited so much
+curiosity and speculation, in his life, before."
+
+The entrance of Mr. Grahame changed the current of the conversation,
+greatly to Herbert's relief, for he did not at all like being thus
+brought forward. Austere as Grahame was at home, he was always welcomed
+with pleasure by the young Hamiltons, who never could understand why
+Annie and Cecil should so fear him. That something unusual had annoyed
+him, Mr. Hamilton perceived at the first glance; but he took no notice,
+for Grahame seemed to find relief in talking gayly to the young people.
+
+"And where is my friend Percy?" he inquired, as he joined the happy
+group at tea, and Percy was still absent. Mr. Hamilton repeated the
+question in some surprise; but his wife replying that he had gone to
+ride, and might not be back yet, the subject dropped.
+
+After tea, Mrs. Greville and Mary, attended by Herbert and Edward,
+returned to the Manor; and the little girls went to finish some business
+for the next day, and amuse themselves as they liked. Grahame remained
+alone with his friends, who at length drew from him the cause of his
+solicitude. He had that morning discovered, that, notwithstanding his
+positive commands, Cecil had gone to the prohibited places of amusement.
+His wife had prevaricated when he questioned her; at one moment almost
+denying her connivance at the boy's disobedience, at another
+unconsciously acknowledging it, by insisting that there was no harm in
+it; and if Grahame would persist in so interfering with his children's
+amusements, he must expect to be disobeyed. If such were his home, where
+was he to look for truth, honor, and affection? What would be his son's
+after career, if such were the lessons of his childhood? He had punished
+him severely, but there was little hope of its producing any good
+effect, when his wife was yet more to blame than his child. It would
+only alienate the boy's affections still more from him. Yet what could
+he do? Could he let such disobedience and untruthfulness--for Cecil had
+denied his having been at the races--pass unnoticed? He had shut himself
+up in his library the remainder of the day; but at length, unable to
+bear his own thoughts, had walked over to Oakwood, feeling sure, if
+peace were to be found, he should find it there.
+
+Their sympathy it was easy for Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to give--for they
+felt it sincerely--but to advise was both delicate and difficult. To
+interfere in a household is not the part even of the most intimate
+friends. And when Lady Helen herself encouraged the boy in his
+disobedience, and showed him an example of equivocation, what could be
+said? Grahame could not bear the idea of a public school for a boy
+scarcely eleven, and whose home-influence was so injurious, and Mr.
+Hamilton could not advise it. He tried, therefore, merely to raise the
+depressed spirits of his friend, bringing forward many instances, when
+even the best training failed; and others where the faults of childhood
+were subdued by circumstances, and became fair promising youth. Grahame
+shook his head despondingly.
+
+"You can scarcely be a fit judge of my trial, Hamilton," he said; "you
+have known nothing but the blessing of hand-in-hand companionship, in
+the training of your children, as in every thing else. There must be
+_unity_ between father and mother, or there is little hope of joy in
+their offspring for either; were my wife only in some things like
+yours--but I see I must not speak so," he added hurriedly, as he met a
+glance of reproach from Mrs. Hamilton, and he turned to address the two
+lads, who at that instant entered from their walk. The bell for prayers
+rung soon afterward, and Grahame rose to say good night.
+
+"Nay, stay with us," said Mr. Hamilton, earnestly. "Why should the call
+for devotion be the signal for separation? join us, Grahame. It is not
+the first time by very many that we have prayed together."
+
+Grahame yielded without an instant's hesitation. Still Percy had not
+returned, and his mother became dreadfully anxious. Her husband, at her
+request, waited a quarter of an hour, but reluctantly; for he was more
+particular that every member of his household should assemble at the
+stated hour of prayer, than in any other point relating to his
+establishment. Scarcely, however, had the first word been said, when
+Percy and Robert entered, and the former, with a very rapid, but
+noiseless step, traversed the large room, and kneeled in his accustomed
+place. In vain did Mrs. Hamilton try to keep her thoughts fixed on the
+service. Had he really been to Mr. Morton, and if he had, how had he
+been received? had his fine spirit been soothed or irritated? and a
+thousand other nameless but natural fears thronged her heart. But one
+look on her son as he rose reassured her; his cheek was flushed with
+rapid riding, but his dark eye sparkled, and he looked more bright and
+joyous than he had done for weeks. He advanced without hesitation to Mr.
+Hamilton the moment the domestics had quitted the library and said,
+eagerly, but still respectfully--
+
+"Will you, too, forgive me, my dear father? Mr. Morton knows the whole
+truth, and has not only pardoned my cruel folly, but assured me, that I
+have more than atoned for the pain my hateful verses inflicted; that he
+will laugh at them himself and declare he knows their author as a most
+particular friend--which he hopes you will permit me to become--whenever
+he has the opportunity; for that such notice of them will be the surest
+way to consign them to oblivion. I have endured so much pain the last
+few weeks that I do not think I shall be so thoughtless and weak in a
+hurry again. Will you try me once more?"
+
+Astonished and touched, far more than he was ever in the habit of
+allowing himself to feel, much less to display, Mr. Hamilton had some
+difficulty in replying; but his words were even more than satisfactory
+to his son's eager heart, for he answered earnestly--
+
+"Pray, do not give me any praise for my courage, papa; I am quite sure,
+if it had not been for mamma's suggestion, I never could have done it.
+It might have crossed my mind, but I fear pride would not have permitted
+me to listen to it; but when mamma put the case before me as she did, I
+could not prevent my conscience from feeling the truth of all she said,
+and if I had not followed her advice, I should have been more miserable
+still. Dearest mother," he continued, as he turned with even more than
+his usual affection to receive her nightly embrace, "you have made me so
+happy! how can I thank you?"
+
+If she made him happy, he certainly had returned the blessing, for Mrs.
+Hamilton had seldom felt more exquisite pleasure than she did at that
+moment; and her little Emmeline, though she could not quite understand
+all her mother's feelings, felt, in her way, almost as glad.
+
+"Well, Mrs. Hamilton will not your son's words confirm mine?" said Mr.
+Grahame trying to speak cheerfully, when the young party had retired,
+and he was again alone with his friends. "Can he go far wrong with such
+a friend?"
+
+"Indeed, he has done me more than justice, and himself not enough. When
+I left him, I had scarcely a hope that my very disagreeable advice would
+be followed; besides, Mr. Grahame," she added, more playfully, "it was
+not from disagreeing with you on a mother's influence that my look
+reproached you, you know well enough what it meant; and I still say,
+that even now, if you would but be less reserved and stern, would but
+see Helen's many better qualities, as clearly as you do her faults, you
+might still win her to your will even with regard to your children."
+
+"Not now, Mrs. Hamilton, it is too late; but you have no idea how your
+look transported me back to years past," he added, evidently resolved to
+change the subject, "when I actually almost feared to approach you. Do
+you remember, Hamilton, when I told you, if Miss Manvers had a fault,
+she was too cold?"
+
+"I shall not easily forget the incidents of that night," replied Mr.
+Hamilton, with a fond glance toward his wife. "Poor Eleanor, when her
+conduct that evening fell under my lash, I little thought her orphan
+children would be living under my roof, and to me almost like my own."
+
+"And one her very image," observed Grahame. "Does either resemble her in
+mind or disposition?"
+
+"Edward almost as much in mind as in personal beauty," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton; "But not in all points of his disposition. Ellen does not
+resemble her poor mother in any thing."
+
+"Is she like her father?"
+
+"I did not know him sufficiently to judge, but I fancy not.--In fact, I
+hardly yet understand Ellen."
+
+"Indeed!" answered Grahame, smiling; "is your penetrative genius here at
+fault?"
+
+"I fear it is," she answered, in the same tone; "Ellen is my youngest
+child--and that which has been my successful help five times, has become
+blunted at the sixth, and refuses to aid me further."
+
+"Grahame, do not heed her," interposed her husband, laughing; "she
+fancies there is something extraordinary about Ellen, which she can not
+comprehend; and I feel certain that imagination has been playing with my
+wife's sober judgment, and that our little niece is a very ordinary
+child, only rather more sad and quiet than is usual at her age, which
+may be easily accounted for by her early trials and constant ill-health.
+So I solve what my wife pronounces a mystery. She has so few fancies,
+however, that I do not quarrel with this, for it has all the charm of
+novelty."
+
+There were more than usual subjects of thought on the minds of all the
+young inmates of Oakwood, before they went to sleep that night. Percy's,
+Herbert's, and Emmeline's were all peculiarly happy and peaceful.
+Caroline's were not so agreeable. Praise lavished on others never gave
+her pleasure: the question would always come, Why did she not receive it
+too? It was very hard that she so seldom received it, and self-love was
+always ready to accuse her parents of some degree of partiality rather
+than herself of unworthiness. But these thoughts only came when she was
+alone; the moment she heard her father's voice, or met her mother's
+smile, they fled from her till they were pertinaciously recalled.
+
+Ellen thought mostly of Herbert. She had been as curious as the rest to
+know where he had been, though she had not said so much about it. But
+that it was for some good, kind deed she had never doubted.
+
+"No wonder Mary loves him so much," she said internally; "but how can I
+ever hope he will love one so often naughty as I am. If Edward be so
+much superior, what must Herbert be? How I wish I were his sister, and
+then he would love me, deserving or not."
+
+That poor Ellen was often thought, as she expressed it, "naughty" was
+true; and it was this mingling of many apparent faults, especially
+disregard to her aunt's commands, and but too often endeavor to conceal
+and equivocate, instead of an open confession, with a sorrow and
+repentance too deep and painful for her years, that so fairly bewildered
+Mrs. Hamilton, and really, as she had told Mr. Grahame, prevented her
+from understanding Ellen. If she could but have known of that
+unfortunate promise, and the strong hold it had taken of the child's
+vivid imagination; that by dwelling on it she had actually made herself
+believe that, by always shielding Edward from blame or punishment, she
+was obeying and making her mother love her from Heaven, and so, still
+more deepening her father's affection for her; and that this idea
+enabled her to bear the suffering of that most painful of all
+punishments, her aunt's displeasure, Mrs. Hamilton would have left no
+means untried to remove such a mistaken impression, and no doubt would
+have succeeded; but she had not the slightest conception of the real
+origin of her niece's incomprehensible contradictions. She had believed
+and hoped the influences of her earlier life would disappear before the
+quiet, wholesome routine of the present, and often and often she found
+herself fearing that it could not be only maternal neglect, but actual
+disposition, at fault. When convinced of the great importance of truth,
+Ellen frequently, instead of attempting to conceal what Edward might
+have heedlessly done, actually took it upon herself, not being able to
+define that in such self-sacrifice she was also forfeiting truth; or, if
+she did believe so, it was also clear, that to tell the real truth to
+her aunt and betray Edward, was breaking her solemn promise to her
+mother; and, either way, she was doing wrong. To describe or define the
+chaos in the poor child's mind, from these contending feelings, would be
+almost as impossible to us as it was to herself. She only knew that she
+was often naughty when she most wished to be good; that her aunt must
+think she did not care for her displeasure; when it made her so very
+unhappy, that she was scarcely ever in disgrace without being ill. That
+she never could feel happy, for even when "good" there always seemed a
+weight hanging over her, and therefore she must be different to, and
+worse than any body else. Little do mere superficial observers know the
+capabilities for joy or suffering in a young child's heart, the
+exquisitely tender germ which is committed to us; the awful
+responsibility which lies in the hands of adults, for the joy or grief,
+good or evil, as the portion of a child! Happily for Ellen, Mrs.
+Hamilton's love was as inexhaustible as her patience, or her niece might
+have been still more unhappy, for few would have so understood and
+practiced the delicate and difficult task of constantly being called
+upon to correct, and yet to love.
+
+Our young readers must not think Edward very cowardly and very
+dishonorable, always to let his sister bear the penalty of his faults.
+He had never been taught, and therefore could not understand, the
+imperative necessity, when guilty of heedlessness or disobedience,
+boldly to step forward, whether others were injured or not, and avow it.
+He did not understand how not to say any thing about it, unless he was
+asked, could be a want of truth.
+
+It was also Mrs. Hamilton's constant custom never to mention to the
+members of her family, who might have been absent at the time, any thing
+of fault or disgrace which had fallen under her own immediate
+jurisdiction, unless their nature absolutely demanded it; and the
+absence of the young offenders from the happy family circle, either at
+meals or hours of recreation, when such an unusual proceeding was
+necessary, in consequence, never excited any remark, but a very general
+feeling of regret. Edward, therefore, scarcely ever heard the actual
+cause of his sister's disgrace, and sometimes did not even know she had
+incurred it. He did, indeed, when she was sometimes absent, feel very
+uncomfortable; but his immovable awe of his really indulgent uncle (an
+impression of his mother's creating, quite as strong as Ellen's idea of
+the sanctity of her promise) caused him to adopt every means of
+removing the uncomfortable consciousness that he was far more to blame
+than Ellen, but the right one, a fearless inquiry as to why she was
+punished, and an open avowal that it was he who had either led her into
+error, or was the real offender. His thoughts on Percy's conduct were
+very different to those of his cousins.
+
+"No!" he exclaimed, almost aloud, in the energy of his feelings, "no! I
+would have suffered any thing, every thing, rather than have done
+this--seek Mr. Morton, humble myself by avowing the truth to him, and
+ask his pardon for a mere clever joke, that Percy ought to have been
+proud of, instead of regretting! If I did not know him well, I should
+believe him a craven milk-and-water lad, without a particle of the right
+spirit within him. What could have possessed him?--my uncle's look must
+have frightened him out of his sober senses: to be sure it was very
+terrible; poor mamma was, indeed, right as to his unbending sternness;
+but I think I could have dared even his anger, rather than beg Mr.
+Morton's pardon, when there really was no necessity." And sleep overtook
+him, with the firm conviction resting on his mind, that though in some
+things Percy might be his equal, yet in manliness and spirit, he
+(Edward) was decidedly the superior.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TEMPTATION AND DISOBEDIENCE.--FEAR.--FALSEHOOD AND PUNISHMENT.
+
+
+It was the Christmas vacation--always a happy season in the halls of
+Oakwood. The previous year, the general juvenile party with which Mr.
+and Mrs. Hamilton indulged their children on the first or sixth of
+January, as circumstances permitted, had not taken place on account of
+Mrs. Fortescue's death, and was therefore this year anticipated with
+even more than usual joy. Caroline and Emmeline were never permitted to
+go to indiscriminate parties. Two or three, really confined to children,
+their mother allowed their joining, with Miss Harcourt, in the course of
+the year, but their own ball was always considered the acme of
+enjoyment, especially now that Caroline began to fancy herself very much
+too old for only children's parties. Annie went almost every where with
+Lady Helen, and quite laughed at the idea of joining children; and
+Caroline this year began to wish most intensely that her mother would
+take her out to grown-up parties too, and lost all relish for the
+pleasant parties she had enjoyed. Mrs. Hamilton never obliged her to go
+out with Emmeline and Ellen, if she really did not wish it; but Caroline
+could not get any farther in considering herself a woman.
+
+The week before Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton did not allow to be all
+holiday and amusement. The season was to their feelings of religion one
+of earnest, intense thankfulness, and they wished to make it equally so
+to their children--a source of joy and hope indeed, but the joy and hope
+of Heaven, not the mere amusements and pleasures of earth. They had
+thought long and tried earnestly to make their children so to love
+serious things, as never to associate them with gloom or sadness--never
+to fancy that to be truly and spiritually religious demanded a
+relinquishment of the joys and pleasures and innocent happiness of their
+age, and admirably had they succeeded. Christmas week was always
+anticipated with quiet gladness, for they were still more with their
+father and mother; and the few serious readings and lessons they had,
+were from and with them alone; Miss Harcourt's time was then entirely
+her own. As soon as Christmas-day was passed, the young party, with the
+sole exception of two hours' work by themselves, in the morning or some
+part of the day if the mornings were wanted--(for Mrs. Hamilton never
+permitted _all_ duty to be suspended, believing--and her children had
+experienced the wisdom of the belief--that pleasure and recreation were
+infinitely more enjoyable after the performance of some duty, however
+brief and easy, than had they nothing to do but to amuse themselves all
+day)--were allowed to be just as free, happy, and noisy as they pleased;
+and the exuberance of their innocent happiness would have been envied by
+many, who might have thought the quiet routine of their usual life
+irksome indeed.
+
+Edward Fortescue was looking forward with the greatest delight to
+becoming a midshipman in the course of the following year. He hoped,
+indeed, it would be in a very few months; but his uncle and Mr. Howard
+had only told him to work on as hard as he could, for the summons might
+come for him to join at a very short notice, and it would be very
+dreadful, if the commission should be refused because his guardians did
+not think him forward enough in his various studies to leave them. They
+had looked very mischievous when they had told him this, and Edward had
+enjoyed the joke, and resolved they should not have any such amusement.
+He would go to sea, if he worked night and day for the privilege; and he
+really did so well, that his uncle gave him great praise, which was as
+unexpected and delightful as his anger was terrible.
+
+It happened that on the morning after Christmas-day, Edward and Ellen
+were quite alone in the school room; the former was in one of his most
+impatient moods, for at his own request, his uncle was to examine him in
+a favorite study, and one of the necessary books was wanting. He had
+read it a few evenings previous, but something had crossed him, and in a
+desperate passion he had flung the book from him, and where it fell he
+neither knew nor cared. Caroline and Emmeline had already gone on an
+expedition to some poor people, with their mother; Ellen had asked and
+received permission to put some seeds in her little garden, Percy having
+kindly promised to show her where, and to do some harder work in it for
+her. He was, however, still engaged with his father, and would be, he
+had told her, for perhaps an hour longer, but he would be sure to come
+to her then; and, to employ the interval, she had intended to work hard
+at a purse she was making for him. Edward, however, entirely engrossed
+her, and for nearly half an hour they hunted in every nook and corner of
+the room, at length--
+
+"I see it! I see it! Edward," Ellen exclaimed, adding, however, in a
+very desponding tone, "but what shall we do? we can not get it."
+
+"Why not?" answered Edward, impatiently; "where is it, Ellen?"
+
+"Behind that stand of flowers," she replied, pointing to one that filled
+a corner of the room and which, though it was winter, was filled with
+some beautiful flowering geraniums of all colors, and some few rare
+myrtles in full flower.
+
+"There!" said Edward joyfully; "Oh, that is very easily moved--I shall
+get it in a minute."
+
+"But you know aunt Emmeline desired us not to touch it," implored Ellen,
+clinging to his arm; "and the flowers are almost all Caroline's. Dear
+Edward--pray do not move it."
+
+"Stuff and nonsense, Ellen! How is aunt to know any thing about it? and
+what do I care about the flowers being Caroline's; they may be whose
+they like, but they shall not prevent my getting my book."
+
+"But it will be disobeying aunt. Edward--pray, pray, don't; you know how
+displeased she was with Emmeline last week for a much more trifling
+disobedience than this will be. And if any thing should happen to the
+flowers, Caroline will be so angry."
+
+"And what do I care for Caroline's anger," retorted Edward impatiently;
+"My uncle's indeed is something to care about, and if I don't get my
+book and go to him directly, I shall have it. I don't like to disobey
+aunt, but in this case there is no help for it. I am sure I can reach it
+without doing any harm; besides, I _must_ get my book--I can not do
+without it."
+
+"Then only wait till aunt comes home, or at least let me ask uncle if we
+may move it, dear Edward; do let me go--I will not be a minute."
+
+"And so betray my being in a passion the other day, and get me a reproof
+for that, and for my carelessness into the bargain! Nonsense, Ellen; I
+will get it, and, you must help me, for I have not a moment to lose."
+
+"No, Edward! indeed, indeed, I can not touch it," she replied
+imploringly, and shrinking back.
+
+"Say, rather, you wish to get me into disgrace, and perhaps prevented
+from going out this evening, and to-morrow, and Friday too!" exclaimed
+Edward, irritated beyond all forbearance; "and the other day you were so
+very sorry I was going from home so soon--much you must care about me,
+that you can not do such a trifling thing as this to oblige me! I hate
+deceit."
+
+Ellen made no reply, though the tears started to her eyes; but as usual
+her firmness deserted her. The heavy stand was carefully moved a little
+forward, without injuring any of the plants; the book was obtained, and
+at that moment the voice of Percy was heard exclaiming--
+
+"Edward! Edward! what are you about? papa has been expecting you the
+last half-hour; he says if you do not come directly, you will not have
+time to do all you wish--what can you be about?"
+
+Edward did not wait to hear much more than his name, but darted off,
+leaving his sister to push back the stand. Ellen felt almost sure she
+could not do it by herself; but how was she to act? To ask assistance
+would not only be confessing her own disobedience, but inculpating her
+brother, and really, perhaps, deprive him of the enjoyments he
+anticipated, and so confirm his unkind words. She tried to replace it,
+and thought she had quite succeeded; but as she moved it, one of the
+myrtles fell to the ground, and its beautiful blossom hung on the stalk,
+preserved from being quite broken off only by three or four delicate
+fibers. It was Caroline's favorite plant; one she so cherished and
+tended, that Percy called it her petted child; and poor Ellen stood
+paralyzed; she raised the pot mechanically, and rested the broken head
+of the flower against the still uninjured sprig, and it looked so well
+and natural, that the thought for a moment darted across her mind that
+after all it might not be discovered. Then came all her aunt's lessons
+of the many ways of acting an untruth without words, and, therefore,
+even if it should not be discovered, it was no comfort; but could she,
+dared she, voluntarily confess what must appear a willful disobedience?
+If her aunt had been at home, she might in that first moment have gained
+the necessary courage; but she was not expected back for two or three
+hours, and Ellen sat with her face buried in her hands, only conscious
+of misery, till her cousin's joyous voice called out from the hall--
+
+"Come along, Nelly, I have kept you long enough; Tiny would never have
+left me quiet so long; but there is no tiring your patience. However, I
+will make up for it now."
+
+And glad to escape from her own thoughts, she hastily collected the
+various seeds, and ran after him. And Percy was so active, so obliging,
+so amusing in his queer ways of working and talking, that she almost
+forgot the impending trial, till she met her aunt and cousins at
+luncheon. Edward had been so intent, so happy at his business with his
+uncle, that he had never cast a thought as to how the stand got back;
+and after lunch he had to go for a row on the river, and after dinner to
+attend a lecture on astronomy, which, that night and the one following,
+was to be given in the town-hall in T--. His uncle and Percy and Herbert
+were to accompany him, and so, that he should give a thought to any
+thing disagreeable, was not likely.
+
+The day wore on; Ellen's little courage had all gone, and she almost
+unconsciously hoped that nothing would be discovered. Mr. Hamilton and
+the lads departed at six, and Mrs. Hamilton proposed adjourning to her
+daughters' room, to finish an entertaining book that they were reading
+aloud. She had noticed, with her usual penetration, that all day Ellen
+evidently shrunk from her eye, and felt quite sure something was wrong
+again; but she asked no questions, fearing again to tempt equivocation.
+Caroline's passionate exclamation that somebody had broken her beautiful
+flower, drew the attention of all to the stand, and one glance sufficed
+to tell Mrs. Hamilton that it had been moved. Her anxious suspicions at
+once connected this with Ellen's shrinking manner, and she turned to ask
+her if she knew any thing about it. But Ellen had disappeared; and she
+rang the bell, and inquired of the only domestics whose department ever
+led them into the room, if they could explain the accident. But neither
+of them could; all uniting in declaring, that in the morning the myrtle
+was quite perfect.
+
+"Ellen was at home, mamma; she must know something about it. Percy said
+they did not begin gardening till more than an hour after we were gone,"
+exclaimed Caroline, whose temper was sorely tried by this downfall of
+all her cares. "I dare say she did it herself--spiteful thing!--and has
+gone to hide herself rather than confess it--it is just like her!"
+
+"Stop, Caroline, do not condemn till you are quite certain; and do not
+in your anger say what is not true. Ellen has given no evidence as yet
+of being spiteful or mischievous. Emmeline, go and tell your cousin that
+I want her."
+
+The child obeyed. Miss Harcourt had continued working most industriously
+at the table, without uttering a word, though Mrs. Hamilton's
+countenance expressed such unusual perplexity and pain, that it would
+have seemed kinder to have spoken. One look at Ellen convinced her aunt,
+and she actually paused before she spoke, dreading the reply almost as
+much as the child did the question. It was scarcely audible; it might
+have been denial, it certainly was not affirmative, for Miss Harcourt
+instantly exclaimed--
+
+"Ellen, how can you tell such a deliberate falsehood? I would not tell
+your aunt, for I really wished you to have the opportunity of in some
+degree redeeming your disobedience; but I saw you move back the stand,
+and your sinful attempt at concealment by replacing the broken
+flower--and now you dare deny it?"
+
+"I did not replace the flower with the intention of concealing it,"
+exclaimed Ellen, bursting into tears; for that one unjust charge seemed
+to give back the power of speech, though the violent reproach and
+invective which burst from Caroline prevented any thing further.
+
+"I must beg you to be silent, Caroline, or to leave the room, till I
+have done speaking to your cousin," said her mother, quietly; "the fate
+of your flower seems to make you forget that I have never yet permitted
+disrespect or any display of temper in my presence."
+
+"But what right had Ellen to touch the stand?"
+
+"None--she has both disobeyed and again tried to deceive me; faults
+which it is my duty to chastise, but not yours to upbraid. Answer me,
+Ellen, at once and briefly; your fault is known, and, therefore, all
+further equivocation is useless. Did you move that flower-stand?"
+
+"Yes," replied the child, almost choked with sobs, called forth the more
+from the contrast which her aunt's mildness presented to Miss Harcourt's
+harshness, and Caroline's violent anger, and from the painful longing to
+say that her first disobedience was not entirely her own fault.
+
+"Did you remember that I had expressly forbidden either of you to
+attempt to move it?"
+
+"Yes," replied Ellen again, and an exclamation at the apparent hardihood
+of her conduct escaped from both Miss Harcourt and Caroline.
+
+"And yet you persisted, Ellen: this is indeed a strange contradiction to
+your seemingly sincere sorrow for a similar fault a few months back.
+What did you move it for?"
+
+For full a minute Ellen hesitated, thus unhappily confirming the
+suspicion that when she did reply it was another equivocation.
+
+"To get a book which had fallen behind."
+
+"I do not know how a book could have fallen behind, unless it had been
+put or thrown there, Ellen; you said, too, that you did not replace the
+broken flower for the purpose of concealment. I hardly know how to
+believe either of these assertions. Why did you leave the room just
+now?"
+
+"Because--because--I knew you would question me, and--and--I felt I
+should not have courage to speak the truth--and I knew--you would be
+so--so displeased." The words were scarcely articulate.
+
+"I should have been better satisfied, Ellen, if your fear of my
+displeasure had prevented the committal of your first fault, not to
+aggravate it so sinfully by both acted and spoken untruths. Painful as
+it is to me in this season of festivity and enjoyment to inflict
+suffering, I should share your sin if I did not adopt some measures to
+endeavor at least to make you remember and so avoid it in future. I have
+told you so very often that it is not me you mostly offend when you
+speak or act falsely but God himself--who is Truth--that I fear words
+alone will be of no avail. Go to your own room, Ellen; perhaps solitude
+and thought, when your brother and cousins are so happy and
+unrestrained, may bring you to a sense of your aggravated misconduct
+better than any thing else. You will not leave your apartment, except
+for the hours of devotion and exercise--which you will take with Ellis,
+not with me--till I think you have had sufficient time to reflect on all
+I have said to you on this subject."
+
+Ellen quitted the room without answering; but it was several minutes
+before Mrs. Hamilton could sufficiently conquer the very painful
+feelings which her niece's conduct and her own compelled severity
+excited, to enter into her daughters' amusements; but she would not
+punish them for the misconduct of another; and, by her exertions, temper
+to Caroline and cheerfulness to Emmeline (whose tears of sympathy had
+almost kept pace with Ellen's of sorrow), gradually returned, and their
+book became as delightful a recreation as it had been before.
+
+Great was Edward's grief and consternation when he found the effects of
+what was actually in the first instance his fault; but he had not
+sufficient boldness to say so. His aunt had expressly said it was the
+untruth that had occasioned her greatest displeasure, that if the
+disobedience had been confessed at once, she would, in consideration of
+the season, have forgiven it with a very slight rebuke. "Now," he
+thought, "it is only the disobedience in which I am concerned, and if I
+confess it was mostly my fault, it won't help Ellen in the least--so
+what is the use of my acknowledging it? Of course, if she wishes it, I
+will; but how could she tell such a deliberate story?"
+
+That he was acting one of equal deliberation, and of far more
+culpability, if possible--for he was permitting her to bear the whole
+weight of his fault--never struck him; if it did, he did not at all
+understand or believe it. He went to his sister, and offered to confess
+his share in her fault, and when--as he fully expected--she begged him
+not, that it could do her no good, and perhaps only get him punished
+too, his conscience was so perfectly satisfied, that he actually took
+upon himself to ask her how she could be so foolish and wrong as, when
+she was asked, not to allow that she had moved it at once--
+
+"It would have been all right, then," he said; and added, almost with
+irritation, "and I should not have been teased with the thought of your
+being in disgrace just now, when I wanted so much to enjoy myself."
+
+"Do not think about me, then, Edward," was his sister's reply; "I know
+the untruth is entirely my own fault, so why should it torment you; if I
+could but always tell and act the truth, and not be so very, very
+frightened--oh, how I wonder if I ever shall!" and she leaned her head
+on her arms, which rested on the table, so despondingly, so sorrowfully,
+that Edward felt too uncomfortable to remain with her. He was satisfied
+that he could not help her; but the disagreeable thought would come,
+that if he had not tempted her to disobey, she would have had no
+temptation to tell an untruth, and so he sought a variety of active
+amusements to get rid of the feeling. The continuation of the
+entertaining astronomical lecture, too, was so very delightful, and
+Thursday and Friday morning brought so many enjoyments, that he almost
+forgot her, till startled back into self-reproach by finding that she
+was not to accompany them on Friday evening to Mr. Howard's, whose great
+pleasure was to collect young people around him, and whose soirée in the
+Christmas holidays, and whose day in the country at midsummer, were
+anticipated by girls and boys, great and small, with such delight as to
+pervade the whole year round. Caroline never refused to join Mr.
+Howard's parties though they were "juvenile;" and Percy always declared
+they were as unlike any other person's as Mr. Howard was unlike a
+schoolmaster. Ellen had so enjoyed the day in the country, that, timid
+as she was, she had looked forward to Friday with almost as much delight
+as Emmeline.
+
+In vain Emmeline, Edward, Percy, Herbert, and even Mr. Hamilton
+entreated, that she might be permitted to go. Mrs. Hamilton's own kind
+heart pleaded quite as strongly, but she remained firm.
+
+"Do not ask me, my dear children," she said, almost as beseechingly as
+they had implored; "I do assure you it is quite as much, if not more
+pain to me on this occasion to refuse, as it is for you all to be
+refused. If it were the first, second, or even third time that Ellen had
+disregarded truth, I would yield for your sakes; and in the hope that
+the indulgence would produce as good an effect as continued severity;
+but I can not hope this now. The habit, is, I fear, so deeply rooted,
+that nothing but firmness in inflicting pain, whenever it is committed,
+will succeed in eradicating it. God grant I may remove it at last."
+
+The tone and words were so earnest, so sad, that not only did her
+children cease in their intercession, but all felt still more forcibly
+the solemn importance of the virtue, in which Ellen had so failed, from
+the effect of her conduct upon their mother. She was always grieved when
+they had done wrong, but they never remembered seeing her so very sad as
+now. Edward, indeed, could scarcely understand this as his cousins did;
+but as his aunt still only alluded to the untruth, the qualm of
+conscience was again silenced, for he had only caused the disobedience.
+Emmeline asked timidly if she might remain with Ellen, and Edward
+followed her example, thinking himself very magnanimous in so doing; but
+both were refused--and surely he had done enough!
+
+All went--Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt, as well as the young
+people; and it was such a happy evening! First, there was the orrery,
+that Mr. Howard had prevailed on the lecturer to display first at his
+house, and Edward was almost wild in his delight; and then there were
+some games and intellectual puzzles, that made them all think, as well
+as enjoy; and then there were some music and singing and dancing, and
+every thing was so quiet and orderly, and yet so full of youthful
+enjoyment, that it was not much wonder there was no longer any room for
+a sorrowful thought, in any of the young party from Oakwood. Mrs.
+Hamilton alone thought of Ellen, and again and again accused herself of
+too great harshness; for, perhaps, after all, it might have no better
+effect than kindness; but what could she do? She almost envied the
+quiet, unruffled unconcern of less anxious guardians; but for her to
+feel indifferent to her responsibility was impossible. Ellen was so
+often unwell that her absence did not occasion so much remark as her
+brother's or either of her cousins' would. "Mamma did not wish her to
+come," was the answer she had desired the children to give to any
+inquiries, and her character for indulgence was so generally known, that
+no one suspected any thing more than indisposition. Annie Grahame's
+dislike to Ellen might have made her more suspicious, but she was not
+there. Cecil and Lilla were, with their father, but Miss Grahame did not
+condescend to attend Mr. Howard's "juvenile" parties; and Caroline,
+though she would not have allowed it, even to herself, was both happier,
+and much more inclined to enjoy herself, with the amusements and society
+offered to her when Annie was not at a party, than when she was.
+
+The next night, to Ellen's disposition, was a greater trial than the
+Friday. She neither expected, nor hardly wished to be allowed to go to
+Mr. Howard's, though, as the affectionate Emmeline had come to wish her
+good night, and with tears in her eyes repeated the regrets that she was
+not to go, she felt the bitter disappointment more than in the morning
+she had thought possible; but Saturday night it had been her aunt's
+custom, from the time she had been at Oakwood, to visit her daughters
+and niece before they went to sleep, and prepare them for the Sabbath's
+rest and enjoyment, by an examination of their conduct during the past
+week, and full forgiveness of any thing that had been wrong. When
+younger, Mrs. Hamilton had attended to this duty every night; but
+wishing to give them a habit of private prayer and self-examination,
+independent of her, she had, after Emmeline was twelve years old, set
+apart the Saturday night, until they were fifteen--old enough for her to
+relinquish it altogether. It had been such a habit with her own
+children, that they felt it perfectly natural; but with Ellen and
+Edward, from their never having been accustomed to it as young children,
+she had never felt the duty understood by them, or as satisfactorily
+performed by herself as with her own. Still, Ellen looked forward to
+this night as the termination of her banishment; for great indeed was
+the offense whose correction extended over the Sabbath. Ellen could not
+remember one instance since she had been at Oakwood, and when she heard
+the doors of her cousins' rooms successively close, and her aunt's step
+retreating without approaching hers, she did, indeed, believe herself
+irreclaimably wicked, or her kind, good aunt, would, at least, have come
+to her. Mrs. Hamilton had purposely refrained from indulging her own
+inclinations, as well as comforting Ellen, hoping still more to impress
+upon her how greatly she had sinned. The impossibility of her perfectly
+comprehending her niece's character, while the poor child felt it such a
+sacred duty to victimize herself, made her far more severe than she
+would have been, could she have known her real disposition; but how was
+it possible she could believe Ellen's grief as deep and remorseful as it
+seemed, when a short time afterward she would commit the same faults?
+Her task was infinitely more difficult and perplexing than less anxious
+mothers can have the least idea of.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+PAIN AND PENITENCE.--TRUTH IMPRESSED, AND RECONCILIATION.--THE FAMILY
+TREE.
+
+
+In feverish dreams of her parents, recalling both their deaths, and with
+alternate wakefulness, fraught with those deadly incomprehensible
+terrors which some poor children of strong imagination know so well,
+Ellen's night passed; and the next morning she rose, with that painful
+throbbing in her throat and temples, which always ended with one of
+those intense and exhausting headaches to which which she had been so
+subject, but which her aunt's care and Mr. Maitland's remedies had much
+decreased, both in frequency and violence. She went to church, however
+with the family, as usual.
+
+"Remain out, Edward!" Percy exclaimed, as they neared the house; "the
+old year is taking leave of us in such a glorious mood, that Tiny and I
+are going to ruralize and poetize till dinner--will you come with
+us?--and you, Ellen?"
+
+Ellen withdrew her arm from her brother's, saying, as she did so--
+
+"Go, dear Edward, I am very tired, and would rather not."
+
+"Tired, and with this short walk; and you really do look as if you
+were--what is the matter, Ellen? you are not well."
+
+His sister did not reply, but shrinking from the look which Mrs.
+Hamilton, who was passing at the moment, fixed earnestly upon her, she
+ran into the house.
+
+Edward again felt uncomfortable; in fact, he had done so, so often since
+the Tuesday morning, that his temper was not half so good as usual. He
+did not choose to acknowledge, even to himself, that the uncomfortable
+feeling was self-reproach, and so he vented it more than once in
+irritation against Ellen, declaring it was so disagreeable she should be
+in disgrace just then.
+
+It was Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's custom always to dine on Sundays at
+half-past one, to allow those of their household who were unable to
+attend divine service in the morning to go in the afternoon. With regard
+to themselves and their children they pursued a plan, which many rigid
+religionists might, perhaps, have condemned, and yet its fruits were
+very promising. Their great wish was to make the Sabbath a day of love,
+divine and domestic; to make their children look to it with joy and
+anticipation throughout the week as a day quite distinct in its
+enjoyment from any other; and for this reason, while their children were
+young, they only went to church in the morning, the afternoons were
+devoted to teaching them to know and to love God in His works as well as
+word, and their evenings to such quiet but happy amusements and
+literature, as would fill their young hearts with increased thankfulness
+for their very happy lot. As they grew older, they were perfectly at
+liberty to do as they pleased with regard to the afternoon church.
+Herbert, whose ardent desire to enter the ministry increased with his
+years, generally spent the greater part of Sunday with Mr. Howard, with
+his parents' glad and full consent. The contemplation of serious things
+was his greatest happiness, but Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton did not expect
+that all their other children were to be like him. They were contented,
+and intensely thankful also, to perceive that diverse as were their
+characters, still the constant sense of God's presence and of His
+infinite love was active and earnest in them all, inciting love and
+reverence for Herbert, even though they could not sympathize with him
+entirely. Another peculiarity of Mr. Hamilton consisted in his
+permitting no _Sunday_ schools at Aveling and his other villages. The
+Saturday afternoons were set apart instead of the Sunday. He wished his
+wife, and daughters when they were old enough, to superintend them, and
+help the children in preparing for the Sunday services and Sunday
+enjoyments; but he particularly disliked the system of overwork on a day
+of rest, which could not fail to be the case, if there were schools to
+attend to twice or three times a day, as well as church.
+
+It being the last day of the old year, Mr. Howard had expressed a wish
+that Percy and Edward as well as Herbert should attend church that
+afternoon, and the lads, without the least reluctance, consented; Mr.
+Hamilton and Miss Harcourt were going too, and Caroline and Emmeline, of
+their own accord, asked permission to accompany them. Ellen's pale,
+suffering face had so haunted her aunt, that she could not think of any
+thing else, and remained for a very much longer time than was usual to
+her character in a state of indecision. The next night was her
+children's ball, and it was too, the first day of the new year--always
+in her happy circle a festival of joy and thankfulness. Ellen's face
+certainly looked as if she had suffered quite enough to prevent the
+recurrence of her fault, but so it had always done, and yet, before she
+could possibly have forgotten its consequences, she failed again. Mrs.
+Hamilton sat for some time, after her children had left her, in
+meditation, trying to silence the pleadings of affection, and listen
+only to reason, as to whether continued severity or returning kindness
+would be the more effective, and save both Ellen and herself any further
+pain.
+
+To the child herself physical suffering was so increasing as gradually
+to deaden mental, till at last it became so severe, that she felt sick
+and faint. She knew the medicine she was in the habit of taking when
+similarly suffering, and the lotion which her aunt applied to her
+forehead, and which always succeeded in removing the excessive
+throbbing, were both in Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room; but it seemed
+quite impossible that she could get at them, for she did not like to
+leave her room without permission, nor did she feel as if she could walk
+so far, her head throbbing with increased violence with every step she
+took. At length she summoned sufficient courage to ring the bell, and
+beg Fanny to ask Ellis to come to her. The girl, who had been already
+dreadfully concerned that Miss Ellen had eaten no dinner, and on Sunday
+too! gave such an account of her, that the housekeeper hastened to her
+directly, and begged her to let her go for her mistress--it was so lucky
+she had not gone to church--but Ellen clung to her, imploring her not.
+
+"Dear, dear Ellis, get me the medicine, and bathe my forehead yourself;
+I shall get well then in an hour or two, without giving my aunt any
+trouble; pray, pray, don't tell her. I scarcely feel the pain when she
+is nursing and soothing me; but I do not deserve that now, and I am
+afraid I never shall."
+
+"But indeed, Miss Ellen, she will be displeased if I do not. Why, only
+the other morning she was quite concerned that I had not told her Jane
+was ill directly, and went herself two or three times every day to see
+she had every thing proper and comfortable."
+
+"But that is quite different, dear Ellis; do get the lotion; I feel as
+if I could not bear this pain much longer without crying; you can tell
+her afterward, if you think you ought."
+
+And seeing that farther argument only increased the poor child's
+sufferings, Ellis promised, and left her. Ellen leaned her forehead
+against the side of her little bed, and held the curtain tightly
+clasped, as if so to prevent the utterance of the hysteric sob that
+would rise in her throat, though she did not know what it was. But the
+wholly unexpected sound of Mrs. Hamilton's voice saying, close by her,
+"I am afraid you have one of your very bad headaches, Ellen," so
+startled her, as to make her raise her head suddenly; and the movement
+caused such agony, that, spite of all her efforts, she could not prevent
+an almost convulsive cry of pain.
+
+"My dear child! I had no idea of pain like this; why did you not send
+for me? We have always prevented its becoming so very violent by taking
+it in time, my Ellen."
+
+"Miss Ellen would not let me go for you, madam," rejoined Ellis, who, to
+her mistress's inexpressible relief, was close at hand with the remedies
+she wanted, and she repeated what the child had said.
+
+"Again your old mistake, Ellen. I would so much, so very much rather
+hear you say you were _resolved_ to deserve my love, than that you did
+not merit it. Why should you not deserve it as well as your brother and
+cousins, if you determined with all your heart to try and not do any
+thing to lessen it? Nothing is so likely to prevent your even
+endeavoring to deserve it, as the mistaken fancy that you never shall;
+but you are too unwell to listen to me now; we must try all we can to
+remove this terrible pain, and then see if we can bring back happiness
+too."
+
+And for above an hour did Mrs. Hamilton, with the most patient
+tenderness, apply the usual remedies, cheered by finding that, though
+much more slowly than usual, still by degrees the violence of the pain
+did subside, and the hysterical affection give way to natural and quiet
+tears. Exhaustion produced a deep though not very long sleep, and after
+watching her some few minutes very anxiously, Mrs. Hamilton sat down by
+her bed, and half unconsciously drew toward her Ellen's little Bible,
+which lay open on the table, as if it had been only lately used. Several
+loose papers were between the leaves; her eyes filled with tears as she
+read on one of them a little prayer, touching from the very childishness
+of the language and imperfect writing, beseeching her Father in Heaven
+in His great mercy to forgive her sin, and give her courage to speak the
+truth, to help her not to be so frightened, but to guide her in her
+difficult path. Mrs. Hamilton little guessed how difficult it was, but
+she hoped more from the effects of her present penitence than she had
+done yet. She had copied, too, several verses from the various parts of
+the Old and New Testament which were condemnatory of falsehood, and her
+aunt felt no longer undecided as to her course of action.
+
+"You have employed your solitary hours so well, my dear Ellen," she
+said, as, when the child awoke and looked anxiously toward her--she
+kissed her cheek with even more than her usual fondness--"that I
+scarcely require your assurance of repentance or promises of amendment.
+When you have taken some coffee, and think you are well enough to listen
+to me, I will read you an illustration of the fearful sin of falsehood
+from the Old Testament, which I do not think I have yet pointed out to
+you. Ananias and Sapphira, I see you remember."
+
+And when Ellen had taken the delicious cup of coffee, which her aunt had
+ordered should be ready for her directly she awoke, and sat up, though
+her head was still so weak it required the support of a pillow, yet she
+seemed so revived, so almost happy, from the mesmeric effect of that
+warm, fond kiss, that her aunt did not hesitate to continue the lesson
+she was so anxious to impress, while the mind and heart were softened to
+receive it. She turned to the fourth chapter of the second book of
+Kings, and after briefly relating the story of Naaman--for she did not
+wish to divert Ellen's attention from the one important subject, by
+giving any new ideas--she read from the 20th verse to the end, and so
+brought the nature of Gehazi's sin and its awful punishment, at the hand
+of God himself (for the prophet was merely an instrument of the Eternal,
+he had no power in himself to call the disease of leprosy on his
+servant) to Ellen's mind, that she never forgot it.
+
+"Do you think Elisha knew where he had been, and what he had done,
+before he asked him?" she ventured timidly to inquire, as her aunt
+ceased; "Gehazi had told a falsehood already to Naaman. Do you think God
+punished that or his falsehood to Elisha?"
+
+"Most probably he punished both, my love. Elisha no doubt knew how his
+servant had been employed in his absence, in fact he tells him so"--and
+she read the 26th verse again--"but he asked him whence he had come, to
+give him an opportunity for a full confession of his first sin, which
+then, no doubt would, after some slight rebuke, have been pardoned. It
+was a very great fault at first, but the mercy of God was then, as it is
+now, so infinite so forgiving, that, had Elisha's question recalled
+Gehazi to a sense of his great guilt and excited real repentance, his
+punishment would have been averted. But his aggravated and repeated
+falsehood called down on him a chastisement most terrible even to think
+about. Leprosy was not merely a dreadful disease in itself, but it cut
+him off, from all the blessings and joys not only of social life but of
+domestic; because, as God had said it should cleave to his seed as well
+as to himself, he could never find any one who would dare to love him,
+and he must have been compelled to lonely misery all his life."
+
+"It was a very dreadful punishment," repeated Ellen, fearfully.
+
+"It was, dearest; but it was merciful, notwithstanding. If, God had
+passed it by, and permitted Gehazi to continue his sinful course,
+without any check or chastisement that would recall him to a sense of
+better things, and a wish to pursue them, he might have continued
+apparently very happy in this life, to be miserable forever in the next;
+to be banished forever from God and His good angels; and would not that
+have been still more dreadful than the heaviest suffering here? In those
+times God manifested his judgments through His prophets directly. That
+is not the case now, but He has given us His word to tell us, by history
+as well as precept, those things that are pleasing to Him, and those
+which excite His anger; and which, if not corrected while we are in this
+world, will cause our condemnation when our souls appear before Him in
+judgment, and when we can not correct them if we would. Now children,
+and even young people, can not know those things as well as their
+parents and guardians can, and if we neglect to teach them right and
+wrong, God is more angry with us than with them, as He tells Ezekiel."
+She read from the 18th to the 22d verse of the third chapter, and
+explained it, so that Ellen could clearly understand it, and then said.
+"And now, my dear Ellen, can you quite understand and quite feel why I
+have caused you so much pain, and been, as I dare say you have felt, so
+very, very severe?"
+
+Ellen's arms were round her neck in a moment, and her head cradled on
+her bosom, as her sole reply, for she felt she could not speak at first,
+without crying again.
+
+"I wish I could remember that God sees me wherever I am," she said after
+a short pause, and very sadly. "I am so frightened when I think of any
+body's anger, even Caroline's, that I can not remember any thing else."
+
+"Did you notice the Psalm we read the day before yesterday, my dear
+Ellen, in the morning lesson?"
+
+The child had not; and her aunt turning to the 129th, read the first
+twelve and the two last verses carefully with her, adding--
+
+"Suppose you learn one verse for me every morning, till you can repeat
+the whole fourteen perfectly, and I think that will help you to remember
+it, my Ellen, and prove to me that you really are anxious to correct
+yourself; and now one word more, and I think I shall have talked to you
+quite enough."
+
+"Indeed, indeed I am not tired, dear aunt," replied Ellen, very
+earnestly; "I feel when you are talking to me as if I never could be
+naughty again. Oh! how I wish I never were."
+
+"I am not so unconscionable as to expect you to have no faults, my dear
+child; all I wish you to attend to, is more obedience to my commands. I
+have not said any thing about your disobedience, because your untruth
+was of still more consequence, but that grieved me too, for disobedience
+to me is also disobedience to God, for He has commanded you to obey your
+parents and guardians; as you said you remembered I had told you not to
+move the flower-stand, I can not imagine what could have induced you so
+willfully to disobey me."
+
+Ellen looked up in her face with such earnest, wistful eyes that Mrs.
+Hamilton felt puzzled; but as she did not speak, and laid her head again
+on its resting place, to hide the tears that rose, her aunt merely
+added--
+
+"But as I do not wish to inflict any further pain, I will not say any
+thing more about it; only remember, that though I may be displeased if
+you disobey me again, an instant and full confession will soon gain my
+forgiveness; and that though I will never doubt your word, still, if I
+discover another untruth, it will and must oblige me to adopt still
+severer measures, painful as it will be to myself. Do not tremble so, my
+Ellen, you know you can prevent it; and remember too that whenever you
+fail in truth, you punish me as well as yourself;" and Mrs. Hamilton
+fondly kissed her as she spoke.
+
+Light steps and a ringing laugh at that moment sounded in the passage,
+and Emmeline, though she certainly did ask if she might enter, scarcely
+waited for an answer, before she bounded in, the very personification of
+health and joy.
+
+"Mamma, papa wants to know if we may not have tea to-night, and if we
+may not have Ellen's company too?"
+
+"It is New Year's Eve," pleaded another joyous voice, and Percy's brown
+head just intruded itself through the half-opened door; "and our tree
+will not be half enjoyable unless we are all there."
+
+"I had really forgotten your tree, my dear children, but I am glad papa
+and you all have remembered it. Come in, Percy; Ellen will, I dare say,
+admit you into her room."
+
+"He raced me all round the gallery, mamma, declaring he would give you
+papa's message, or so take away my breath, that even if I outstripped
+him, I should not be able; but I have, you see, sir."
+
+"Only because I did not know whether it was quite proper to enter a
+young lady's room. But do come, mamma; Mr. Howard is with us as usual,
+and we are all _au desespoir_ for you and our little Ellen--she _may_
+come, I can read it in your eyes."
+
+"Are you well enough, my love? Do you think this poor little head will
+permit you to join us?" asked Mrs. Hamilton, anxiously, for the sudden
+joy that gleamed in Ellen's eyes at the idea of joining the family, told
+what the disappointment would be if she could not.
+
+"It does not hurt me at all if I can rest it, aunt; but I am afraid it
+will not let me walk," she added, sorrowfully, as the attempt to walk
+caused it to throb again.
+
+"Never mind, Nelly, even if you can not walk; you shall make use of my
+pedestrian powers," replied Percy, joyously; "rest your head on my
+shoulder--that's it--I should make a capital nurse I declare; should I
+not, mamma?"
+
+And gayly answering in the affirmative, his mother could scarcely
+prevent a throb of pride, as she looked on his fine manly face, beaming
+with benevolent kindness on his little cousin, whom he had tenderly
+lifted in his arms, and checked his boisterous mirth and rapid stride to
+accommodate her.
+
+"You are not quite so light as Tiny, but she is all air; I expect she
+will evaporate some day: never mind your hair, it does very well."
+
+"Stop, I will smooth it in a moment," exclaimed Emmeline, eagerly; "it
+is Sunday, Percy, she shall look well."
+
+"You had better let me do it, Emmy," said her mother, smiling; "your
+cousin's head can only bear very tender handling to-night. There, that
+will do--and I am quite ready to attend you."
+
+The lights, the joyous voices, even her uncle's kind greeting, almost
+overpowered poor Ellen; as Percy, still preserving his character of an
+admirable nurse, laid her carefully on a couch in the sitting-room,
+where not only tea was waiting, but the celebrated family tree, which
+Mrs. Hamilton's anxiety and Ellen's sorrow had caused them both to
+forget, was displayed with even more than usual taste and beauty.
+
+Mr. Hamilton, when young, had been a great deal with his father in
+Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, and brought from the first and latter
+country certain domestic observances which had especially pleased him,
+as so greatly enhancing the enjoyments of home, and helping to a right
+understanding between parents and children, by increasing their mutual
+love and confidence. The family tree, or Christmas Tree, as it was
+called, was one of these, and from their earliest years it had been one
+of the children's greatest delights on New Year's Eve. Of course, as
+they grew older, and their taste improved, the tree itself, its
+suspended presents, and its surrounding decorations increased in beauty,
+and it had never been prettier than it was this year. The whole of the
+preceding afternoon had the young artists labored in preparing it, for
+of course, as the next day was Sunday, it was obliged to be all finished
+by the Saturday night; the servants, eager in all things to enhance the
+happiness of those whose parents made them so happy, did not care what
+trouble they took to help them. They always selected the room in which
+there was a very lofty and very deep oriel window, in the center of
+which recess (which was almost as large as a moderately sized room) they
+placed _the_ tree, which was a very large, gracefully-cut spruce fir; it
+was placed in a tub filled with the same soil as that in which the tree
+grew, so that by watering and care it remained fresh for some time. The
+tub which contained it, was completely hidden by the flowering shrubs
+that were placed round it, rising in an expanding pyramid, by means of
+several flower-stands, till the recess seemed one mass of leaf and
+flower; among which the superb scarlet geranium, that in Devonshire
+grows so luxuriantly all through the winter, shining against its own
+beautiful leaf, the brilliant berries of the holly, with their dark
+glistening branches, the snow-berry and flowering myrtle, shone
+pre-eminent. Small lamps glittered through the flowers, and were
+suspended in sufficient profusion from the pendent branches of the tree
+to half reveal and half hide the various gifts and treasures that were
+there deposited; and altogether the effect, from every part of the room,
+was really striking.
+
+The tree always remained till after their ball, but, the interchange of
+gifts which took place on New Year's Eve, causing so many peculiarly
+happy and home feelings, was confined to the family group; Mr. Howard
+always included. Many weeks before had each individual worked at his own
+secret undertaking. If it could not all be done in private, no questions
+were ever asked, and each helped the other to keep it at least from
+their parents till the eventful night itself. They formed so large a
+party altogether, as little tokens of affection between the brothers and
+sisters were also exchanged, that the tree was quite loaded, and many a
+time had Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton discovered some trait of character or
+some ruling fancy, even in such a simple thing as the manufacture and
+presentation of home gifts. Their own idea of family ties was so strong
+and so holy, that one great aim in the education of their children was
+to make them not only _love_ each other, but have thought and attention
+for individual feelings and wishes, and so heighten feeling by action,
+not depend entirely on natural ties. Mrs. Hamilton had known many young
+persons who were lavish in attentions and even presents to friends, but
+never imagined that their own home circle had the first and strongest
+claim to kindness, whether of word or deed. She knew that affections and
+thought lavished on comparative strangers never radiated on home, but
+that when given to home _first_, they shed light and kindliness far and
+near.
+
+Their tea was indeed a mirthful one; Ellen had been very fearful of
+meeting Mr. Howard, for she thought he must have been told how naughty
+she had been; but if he had, there was nothing in his manner to say so;
+for he shook hands with her, and even kissed her most kindly, and told
+her, laughingly, that she must be quite well by the next night, or how
+was she to dance? That he thought it would be a good thing if Emmeline
+could give her a little of her dancing mania, as she hardly ever only
+walked, even when she called herself quite sober. Edward, every passing
+thought of self-reproach banished by his sister's return to favor, was
+in the wildest spirits; Percy and Emmeline seemed to have laid a wager
+who could say the wittiest things and laugh the most. Herbert was very
+quiet, but looking as happy as the rest, and quite entering into their
+mirth, and showing all sorts of little gentle attentions to Ellen, who
+had seemed to shrink from his eye, more than from all the others.
+Caroline fully entered into the spirit of the evening, but neither she
+nor Miss Harcourt took the same notice of Ellen as the rest. The person
+who was to act the Wizard's part, and by means of a long wand detach the
+various treasures from the tree, and carry them to the owners whose
+names they bore, was always chosen by lot; and great was the delight of
+the young party, when this night the office fell on Mr. Howard. No one
+seemed more pleased than himself, performing it with such a spirit of
+enjoyment and originality, that a general vote declared him the very
+choicest wizard they had ever had. To enumerate all the contents of that
+marvelous tree would be impossible. Their parents' gifts to each of them
+were not in the tree, but always given afterward; but great was the
+delight, when, after a terrible tussle to detach a large roll of cloth,
+down it came, right on Mr. Howard's head, and almost enveloped him with
+its folds, and proved to be a beautiful cover, which he had long desired
+for a favorite table in his drawing-room at the embroidered border of
+which, not only the three girls, but Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt had
+all worked, as a joint offering of love and respect. This good man was
+so charmed, that he declared he would not use his wand again till he had
+full five minutes to admire it. Then there was a very pretty,
+comfortable pair of slippers, worked by Caroline and Emmeline for their
+father, and a pair of braces worked by Ellen, all accompanied by some
+most ludicrous, but very clever verses from Percy. Edward, who was very
+ingenious, had turned a very pretty stand for his uncle to put his watch
+in at night; and manufactured two little vessels out of cork for his
+aunt, so delicately, and neatly, that she promised him they should stand
+on the mantelpiece of her dressing-room, as long as they would last.
+Caroline had knitted her mother a very pretty bag, and Emmeline and
+Ellen had collected for her a variety of leaves throughout the year, and
+arranged them with great taste, both as to grouping and tinting, in a
+sort of small herbal, with two or three lines of poetry, selected and
+carefully written by each alternately, attached to each page. Mrs.
+Hamilton was excessively pleased, as she was also with a portfolio
+formed by drawings from both her boys, and tastefully made up by Miss
+Harcourt; and with their gifts to their father, a correct and most
+beautifully written out Greek poem, which Mr. Hamilton had several
+months, if not more than a year before, expressed a wish to possess, but
+the volume which contained it was so scarce, and so expensive from the
+quantity of uninteresting matter in which the gem was buried, that he
+had given up all thought of it. Herbert, however, had not, and never
+rested from the time his father spoke, till he had found and copied
+it--a task of no small difficulty, for the original was in many parts
+almost entirely effaced, and, if Herbert had not been an admirable Greek
+scholar, and a quick imaginator as to what it ought to be, Mr. Howard
+himself had said he could not have succeeded. The writing of the Greek
+character was most beautiful, and Percy, in imitation of the ancient
+missals, had designed and painted an elegant illuminated border round
+it, and a beautiful cover, forming a thin volume, so valuable, their
+father delighted them by saying, that he would not exchange it for
+twenty of the most precious volumes in his library. Such evidences of
+the home influence they had given, in permitting leisure for the
+cultivation of taste and imagination, teaching them the beautiful, and
+opening innumerable resources of enjoyment within themselves, and thence
+allowing them to enhance the pleasures of others, were indeed most
+gratifying to those earnest and affectionate guardians. From their
+earliest years they had been taught, that to give the greatest amount of
+pleasure to their parents, their gifts must be all, or at least have
+something in them, of their own workmanship, and to enable them to do
+this, the lads had been taught in their hours of recreation to use all
+sorts of tools, visiting and knowing something of a variety of
+handicrafts; and the girls to work and draw, and even bring the stores
+of Nature to their aid when needed, as in the present case, with
+Emmeline and Ellen's tasteful gift.
+
+Our young readers must call upon their own imagination as to the other
+treasures of this valuable tree; for, as they would, no doubt, like to
+know what sort of New Year's gifts Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had in store
+for their children (for Miss Harcourt too, for they never omitted her),
+we really must not linger round it any longer. Poor Ellen, indeed, had
+the pain of feeling that her fault and its consequences had prevented
+the completion of her purse for Percy, and a chain for Edward, and her
+cheek burned very painfully, when Mr. Howard, after exhausting the tree,
+exclaimed--
+
+"Nothing from Ellen for Percy and Edward. Young gentlemen, have you been
+receiving any gifts in secret?--out with them if you have--it is against
+all law and propriety."
+
+"We shall receive them next week, most potent conjuror, as you ought to
+have known without inquiring," answered Percy, directly; and bending
+over Ellen, by whom he chanced to be standing, he said, kindly, "Never
+mind, Nelly, you will have time to finish them both next week."
+
+"Do not say 'never mind,' my dear boy, though I admire and sympathize in
+your kind care of your cousin's feelings," said his mother, in the same
+low tone, as only to be heard by him and Ellen. (Mr. Howard was very
+quick-sighted, and he took Percy's jest and turned off all farther
+notice of his words.) "Even such a little thing as this in Ellen's case
+is pain, and can only be felt as such; we do not lessen it by denying
+it, my Ellen, do we?"
+
+"I would rather feel it, if it would help me to remember," was Ellen's
+earnest and humble reply; adding, "but I thank you, dear Percy--you are
+so kind."
+
+"Not a bit," was his laughing answer. "Why, what in the world is this?"
+he added; "I thought the tree was exhausted."
+
+"So it is, but this was hid at its root," replied Mr. Howard, "and
+though it is directed to Caroline, it is somewhat too heavy for my wand,
+and must reach her in a more natural way."
+
+"Why, it is my flower, my own beautiful flower, or one exactly like it,
+at least," exclaimed Caroline, joyfully, as, removing a hollow pyramid
+of green and white paper, a myrtle was discovered of the same rare kind,
+and almost in as beautiful flower as the one whose death had caused such
+increased coldness in her feelings toward Ellen. "How did it come? who
+could have procured it for me?"
+
+"Ellis sent for it at my request, dear Caroline," answered Ellen. "She
+said they were to be purchased from the gardener at Powderham, and if it
+were possible to send any one so far, she would endeavor to get one for
+me; she told me yesterday she had succeeded, and I thought she gave it
+you, as I begged her, directly; I had no opportunity to tell you before,
+but I was so very, very sorry I had hurt your flower."
+
+"Ellis was very wise to put it among the pretty things of this evening,
+instead of obeying you," said her uncle, kindly; "and I really am glad
+that your great desire to replace it made her think of sending for it,
+for though I meant to have given Caroline another, I had so many things
+on my mind this week that it escaped me; and I know they are so much
+sought for, Wilson has scarcely ever one on hand."
+
+"Indeed, papa, you were much too kind to think about it at all," said
+Caroline, very earnestly. "I am afraid, if you knew how very cross and
+unkind the loss of the other made me, you would have withdrawn your idea
+of such indulgence. I am very much obliged to you, Ellen," she continued
+much more cordially than she had yet spoken to her cousin; "I did not
+deserve it even from you, for I worked myself into such an ill-temper,
+as almost to believe you did it purposely, and I had no right to think
+that."
+
+It did indeed bear out its language, that pretty flower, for, with this
+one coldness removed--though Mrs. Hamilton's trembling heart dared not
+hope it would be lasting--love now reigned pre-eminent. Every happy
+feeling increased when in the presents from their parents each
+recognized something that had been wished for, though they never
+remembered expressing it. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were always united in
+these New Year's gifts, though tokens of approval or occasional
+indulgences were often given separately. There were a set of most
+beautiful engravings for Percy, which for the last three or four months
+he had been most anxious to possess; but with the recollection of former
+folly very fresh in his memory, he had actually succeeded in driving
+them from his mind, and gave them up as unattainable, till he was
+richer, at least. For Herbert there was a fine edition of the Greek
+tragedians in their original, as beautiful a work of art, in its
+"getting up," as Percy called it, as its letter-press, which to Herbert
+was beyond all price. Edward was almost wild, as his uncle and aunt
+telling him he was fourteen next March, and might not be with them next
+New Year's eve, presented him with a treasure coveted beyond all other,
+a gold watch. (His father's had been given by his mother as a parting
+gift to Captain Cameron.) Mr. Howard declared that it was much too good
+for a sailor, and would be lost his first voyage; he had much better
+hand it over to the Rectory, promising to take every care of it; but
+looking so mischievous, Edward vowed it should not get near his hand.
+For Caroline was a most complete and elegantly fitted-up embroidery-box,
+which quite charmed her, for it was exactly like, if not more tasteful
+and complete, than one Annie Grahame had brought from London, and which
+she had wondered, Caroline could "exist" without. As Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton found that she could not only comfortably "exist," but much as
+she admired and had at first so coveted it, as to have a hard battle
+with discontent, she had never even hinted that it might be useful. As
+they perceived that her mind was so happily engrossed by the idea of the
+pleasure her gifts would bestow, as not to cast a thought upon Annie's
+superior box, they indulged themselves and their child, and were more
+than repaid by the beaming look of delight with which it was received.
+For Emmeline was a parcel almost as large as herself, Percy declared. "A
+drawing-box all to yourself, Tiny! Thank goodness! My chalks and pencils
+have some chance of being let alone; I really ought to thank mamma and
+papa quite as much, if not more, than you, considering that in giving
+you a new possession they have preserved me an old one, which I began to
+suspect would desert me piece by piece. What, more?" he continued,
+laughing at his sister's almost scream of delight, as she undid the
+covering of a book, and found it to be the complete poem of the "Lady of
+the Lake," extracts of which she had read in the reviews, and so reveled
+in them, child as she was, as to commit them all to memory, with scarce
+an effort, only longing to know the whole story.
+
+"And now, Nelly, what is your secret? still larger than Tiny's; what can
+it be? Come, guess; I have you in my power, for you are not strong
+enough to race me as Em. would, and so I will be more merciful. What of
+all things would you like the best?--one, two, three guesses, and then
+I'll relieve you; I want to know if papa and mamma have looked into your
+secret chamber of wishes, as they have done in all of ours."
+
+"Do not be afraid of guessing, Ellen; you are so very quiet, that your
+secret chamber of wishes, as Percy calls it, is more concealed than any
+of the others," said her uncle, smiling; "I am always obliged to refer
+to your aunt."
+
+"Come, Nell, speak or I will indict you as unworthy of any thing. What
+did you say? a desk! Hurrah! then, there it is; and what a
+beauty--rosewood and mother-of-pearl--just fitted for an elegant young
+lady. How could mamma have found out so exactly? You have used the old
+shabby thing Herbert lent you, as quietly and contentedly as if there
+could not be a better. Do let us examine it!" and he dragged a table to
+her sofa, and displayed to the delighted child all its fittings-up, and
+its conveniences, and the pretty pen-holder and pencil-case, and fancy
+wafers, and sealing-wax, and a little gold seal with her own name, and
+every thing that could possibly be thought of. "And even a secret
+drawer," exclaimed Percy, quite proud of the discovery. "Do look,
+Ellen; why, you can keep all sorts of secrets there, for no one would be
+as clever as I am to find out the spring without being told, and of
+course I should not betray it:" and he laughingly sent away every body
+while he explained to Ellen the spring. For some little while longer did
+the young party examine and re-examine and talk of their own and each
+other's treasures. And then Mr. Hamilton bade them remember, that,
+though it was New Year's Eve, it was Sunday evening, too,[1] and that he
+had deferred the hour of evening prayer till ten, that they might have
+time to keep both, and so not lose the sacred music which was always
+part of their Sunday recreation, to put away their things, and adjourn
+to their music-room. And he was obeyed in a very few minutes; for though
+they might have preferred lingering and talking where they were, what
+exertion could be too great for those who so thought of, so cared for
+them?
+
+[Footnote 1: While passing through the press, the scene of the Family
+Tree has been strongly objected to by a valued Christian Friend, as
+being enacted on the Sunday evening. It was too late then to repair the
+error. The author can only express her sincere regret for a fault
+originating in an insufficient knowledge of the Christian feeling toward
+the Sabbath, and most earnestly trusts the error may be pardoned.]
+
+Returning happiness had had such a beneficial effect, that, though Ellen
+still looked pale enough for her aunt not to feel quite comfortable
+about her, she could walk without any return of pain, and in one or two
+hymns even join her voice with her cousins', though it was weaker than
+usual. However small in appearance the talent for music, still Mrs.
+Hamilton cultivated it, in her boys as well as her girls, simply for the
+sake of giving them home resources and amusements that could be pursued
+together; she thought it such a mistaken notion in education to imagine
+that only perfection was worth attaining in the fine arts, and that, if
+there were not talent enough for that, it was better not attempted. Many
+a home might have envied the feelings with which old and young, to the
+lowest domestics, sought their pillows that night; for Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton, so lavish in their indulgence to their children, never forgot
+that for their domestics and retainers there were also claims on New
+Year's Eve; and the servants' hall, and every cottage which called Mr.
+Hamilton landlord, had vied in happiness with his own.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had visited Ellen the last thing, to see that she was
+quite comfortable, and that there was no return of pain; and she was
+almost startled, and certainly still more bewildered as to how such a
+depth of feeling could exist with such a real childish liability to
+error, and why it should be so carefully concealed, by the way in which
+Ellen clung to her, as she bent over her to wish her good night, with
+the same unrestrained affection as her own Emmeline did so often, with
+the only difference, that with the latter it seemed always to spring
+from the very exuberance of happiness, which could only be thus
+displayed. With Ellen, this night, it appeared like some deep, quiet
+feeling, almost of devotion, and as if--though Mrs. Hamilton's sober
+reason tried to persuade her imagination that it was too much meaning to
+attach to a mere embrace--she would thus tell her how intensely she
+felt, not only the indulgence of that evening, but the true kindness and
+watchful love which had caused the preceding sorrow. She might have
+thought, as no doubt many of our readers will, that Ellen was much too
+young and too childish, to contrast her system of treatment with her
+poor mother's; that she felt her soothing care in her hours of physical
+suffering--her indulgent love making no distinction between her and her
+cousins--still the more keenly and gratefully, from the recollection of
+her own mother's constant preference of Edward, and utter neglect of
+her; and that this contrast so deepened the love she bore her aunt, that
+it exceeded in intensity even that borne toward her by her own
+children.--Adults will think this all very fanciful, and perhaps
+interesting, but wholly improbable. Mrs. Hamilton herself would have
+banished the idea, as too imaginary to be entertained seriously for a
+moment, as any guide for her conduct. Ellen herself could not have
+explained or told herself that so she felt; and yet, notwithstanding,
+all we have written was there, and _was_ the real prompter of that
+almost passionate embrace.
+
+"Bless you, my darling!" was Mrs. Hamilton's fond reply, instead of
+permitting the child to perceive the surprise it excited in herself; and
+Ellen sunk to sleep, almost more happy than ever, in her little life,
+she had felt before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE CHILDREN'S BALL.
+
+
+If the thought of their promised ball were the first that entered the
+minds of the young party at Oakwood, as they opened their eyes on New
+Year's day, it was not very unnatural. Percy gloried in the anticipation
+of being master of the ceremonies, and in conducting the whole affair
+with such inimitable grace and gallantry, that every one should declare
+it was far superior to any party, old or young, of the season, except
+Mr. Howard's; that was beyond him, he said, for he could not put Mr.
+Howard's head on his shoulders. Herbert anticipated the enjoyment of
+Mary Greville's society, talking to and dancing with her undisturbed,
+and to hearing the almost universal remark, what a sweet girl she was.
+Edward did not exactly know what he expected, but he was in such a mood
+of hilarity and mischief, that the servants all declared Master
+Fortescue was "_mazed_." To Caroline their ball was almost always
+(though unconfessedly) the happiest evening in the year. She knew she
+was handsome--Annie Grahame had told her how very much she would be
+admired in London, and that if she were not her very dearest friend, she
+should envy her beauty terribly. She often in secret longed painfully
+for admiration and homage; and child as she still was in years, yet at
+her own house, and as Mr. Hamilton's eldest daughter, in addition to her
+real attractions, she always received both in sufficient measure, as to
+satisfy even herself. She delighted in those evenings when it so chanced
+that her brothers had young friends with them, making no hesitation in
+confessing that she very much preferred conversing with boys than with
+girls, there was so much more variety, more spirit; and though her
+mother's heart would actually tremble at the fearful ordeal which an
+introduction to the pleasures of the world would be to such a character,
+still she would not check the open expression of such sentiments by
+reproving them as wrong, and not to be encouraged. She knew that though
+education might do much, very much, it could not make natural characters
+all alike; nor, in fact, did she wish it. She did not grieve and
+complain that, with all her efforts she could not make Caroline give
+her as little trouble and anxiety as Emmeline, nor did she imagine that
+she should see the effect of her earnest prayers and cares all at once,
+or without constant relapses in the cherished object of her care. She
+did all she could to counteract a tendency which, situated as she would
+be when she entered life, must, without some strong, high principle,
+lead to suffering, and, perhaps, to sin--for what is coquetry? But she
+indulged in no idea of security, never believed that because she had so
+tried, so striven to sow the good seed, it could not fail to bring forth
+good fruit. She knew many trials might be in store for her; for how
+might she hope to pass through life blessed as she was then? It might
+please her Father in Heaven to try her faith and duty through those she
+loved so intensely; but if she failed not in her task, he would bring
+her joy at last.
+
+To Emmeline the idea of dancing was quite enough to be the acme of
+enjoyment. The only drawback was, that in the intervals of rest, there
+was to be a little music, and though her mother had excused her at Mr.
+Howard's, she knew that if anybody expressed a wish to hear her at her
+own house, play she must; and at those times she was half sorry she had
+chosen to learn the harp instead of the piano, as Caroline played so
+well on the latter instrument nobody would care to hear her; but the
+harp was rather a novelty, and no little girl who was coming played it,
+and so she was sadly afraid there was no escape for her, and that was
+very disagreeable, but she would not think about it till the time came;
+the dancing to such music as that which Mr. Hamilton had ordered from
+Plymouth was joy enough.
+
+Ellen though rather afraid of so many strangers, could not resist the
+general contagion of anticipated enjoyment. She did not indeed wake with
+the thought of the ball, but with the determination to learn the verse
+of the Psalm her aunt had pointed out, and go and say it to her in her
+dressing-room before she went down. And as the first verse was very
+short she learned two, and repeated them without missing a word, and so
+as if she quite understood them, that her aunt was very much pleased;
+and then Ellen could think of and join her brother's and cousins'
+delight, even though Mrs. Hamilton was obliged to be what she called
+very cruel, but what Ellen knew was very kind, though it did seem a
+restraint, and keep her very quiet all day, instead of letting her run
+about from room to room, as Emmeline and Edward, and even Percy did, for
+fear of another headache; and so well did quietness succeed, that she
+looked and was unusually well, and so was almost lively by the evening.
+
+Just before dinner, Percy, who had gone to ride, because he said he was
+sure he should get into some scrape if he did not give a natural vent to
+his spirits, galloped back in company with a gentleman, whose presence
+seemed to occasion him still greater excitement.
+
+"Where is my mother? and is my father at home?" he asked impatiently,
+flinging his horse's rein to Robert, desiring him to take every care of
+the gentleman's horse, as he should not let him leave Oakwood that
+night; and rushing across the hall threw open the door of their common
+sitting-room, and exclaimed--
+
+"Mother, give me a vote of thanks and praise for my invincible
+eloquence!--Here is this anchorite, this monk of the moor, who, when I
+first encountered him, seemed so doughty a denier of my wishes, actually
+conquered--led a slave to your feet; reward me by throwing all the
+fascinations you possibly can in his way, that he may only dream of his
+cold ride and desolate cottage on Dartmoor to-night."
+
+"Be quiet, madcap!" replied Mrs. Hamilton, rising with very evident
+pleasure, and coming forward with extended hand; "your noisy welcome
+will not permit mine to be heard. This is indeed, a pleasure, Mr.
+Morton," she added, addressing the young clergyman with that earnest
+kindness, which always goes to the heart, "and one that Mr. Hamilton
+will most highly appreciate--if, as I trust, the chains my son has
+thrown over you, are not so heavy as to become painful."
+
+"I should rather fear the pain will be in casting them off, Mrs.
+Hamilton, not in the wearing them," replied Mr. Morton, almost sadly;
+"it is the knowledge, that mingling as often in your home circle as Mr.
+Hamilton and my friend Percy desire, would wholly unfit me for the
+endurance of my loneliness, that keeps me so aloof, believe me.
+Inclination would act a very different part, but there was no resisting
+such eloquence and such happiness as his to-day," he continued, more
+gayly.
+
+And Mr. Hamilton and Herbert entering as he spoke, their greeting was
+quite as warm and eager as Percy's and his mother's, and Mr. Morton gave
+himself up, for the evening at least, to enjoyment. His own generous
+nature had been particularly struck by Percy's manly conduct with regard
+to his satire, and different as were their characters, a warm friendship
+from that moment commenced between them. It was impossible to resist
+Percy's warm-heartedness of word and deed; and that he would sometimes
+leave his luxurious home, and stay two or three days with Mr. Morton,
+seeming actually to enjoy the rude cottage and its desolate localities,
+and spread such a spirit of mirth within and around, that it was no
+wonder the afflicted young man looked to his society as almost his
+greatest pleasure, especially as he felt he dared not too often accept
+Mr. Hamilton's continually-proffered invitation. Oakwood was the home
+which had been his _beau idéal_ for long years, but which now seemed
+wholly unattainable. He felt himself doomed to solitude and suffering,
+and the struggle for content and cheerfulness was always more painful
+after he had been with his friends.
+
+When all preparations for the evening were concluded, even the
+respective toilets completed, Percy and Emmeline found it impossible to
+resist trying the spring, as they called it, of the oaken floors (whence
+the carpets had been removed), and amused themselves by waltzing in the
+largest circle they could make. The beautiful suite of rooms were all
+thrown open, and perceiving Caroline standing by the piano in an
+adjoining apartment, Percy called out--
+
+"Play us a waltz, Caroline, there's a love; the very liveliest you can
+find. Tiny and I want to try the boards while we can enjoy them to
+perfection, that is, when we are the only persons in the room."
+
+"You must excuse me, Percy," she replied somewhat pettishly. "I should
+think you would have dancing enough in the course of the evening; and
+what will our friends think, if they come and find me playing?"
+
+"Think? why, that you are very obliging, which at present you are not,"
+answered Percy, laughing; "never mind, Emmy; let us try what our united
+lungs will do."
+
+"You may if you like, Percy, but really I am not clever enough to dance
+and sing at the same time--I should have no breath left," was her as
+joyous rejoinder.
+
+"Come and dance, Caroline, if you will not play;" exclaimed Edward, who
+after decorating his button-hole with a sprig of holly, seemed seized
+with Percy's dancing-mania. "Do give me an opportunity of practicing the
+graces before I am called upon to display them."
+
+"My love of dancing is not so great as to attempt it without music, so
+practice by yourself, Edward," was Caroline's quick reply.
+
+"Without spectators, you mean, Lina," observed her brother, very dryly;
+and as Emmeline begged him not to tease her, he asked--
+
+"What has put her in this ill-humor, Emmy?"
+
+"Oh, I don't know exactly; but if you let her alone, she will soon
+recover it."
+
+"Well, to please you, I will; for you look so pretty to-night, I can not
+resist you."
+
+"Take care, Percy, if you try to turn my head with such speeches, I
+shall go to Edward, and punish you by not waltzing with you," said his
+little sister, shaking her head at him with a comic species of reproach.
+
+"That's right, Emmy; do not take flattery even from a brother," said her
+father, coming forward with a smile; "but will you not tire yourself by
+dancing already?"
+
+"Oh, no, papa; I feel as if I could dance all night without stopping."
+
+"Not with me, Emmeline," rejoined Percy, shrugging his shoulders with
+horror at the idea; "I should cry you mercy, before one half the time
+had elapsed."
+
+"But if you are not to be tired, will you not spoil your dress, and
+disorder all these flowing curls," continued Mr. Hamilton, "and surely
+that will be a great misfortune."
+
+"Indeed it will not, papa; Percy has surely too much regard for me, to
+willfully hurt my frock, and if my hair should be so troublesome as to
+get out of order, Fanny will re-arrange it in a few minutes."
+
+"If you wish to cause alarm on that score, my dear father," said Percy,
+with marked emphasis, "You must go to Caroline, not to Emmeline. Thank
+goodness, I have one sister above such petty misfortunes."
+
+"Are you not too hard upon Caroline, Percy?"
+
+"Yes, papa, he is indeed; do not mind what he says," answered Emmeline,
+very eagerly; but Percy said impetuously--
+
+"I am not, Emmeline. I would lay any wager that some thing has gone
+wrong with her dressing, to-night, and so made her pettish. Her frock is
+not smart enough, or she does not wear the ornaments she wished, or some
+such thing."
+
+Caroline had fortunately quitted the music-room, or this speech would
+not have tended to restore her serenity; but before Mr. Hamilton could
+reply, Edward, who had been to seek Ellen, burst into the room
+exclaiming--
+
+"Now, Percy, we may have a proper waltz; aunt Emmeline says we may have
+just one before any one comes, and here she is to play for us, and Ellen
+for my partner," and they enjoyed it in earnest. Mr. Hamilton watched
+them for a few minutes, and then went to seek his elder girl.
+
+She was alone in a little room prepared for refreshments, tastefully
+arranging some beautiful flowers in a bouquet. She looked up as he
+entered, and so smiled that her fond father thought Percy must be wrong,
+for there certainly seemed no trace of ill-temper.
+
+"Why are you not with your brothers and sister in the drawing-room, my
+dear? and why did you just now refuse your brother such a trifling favor
+as playing a waltz?" he asked, but so kindly, that Caroline, though she
+blushed deeply, instantly replied--
+
+"Because, papa, my temper was not quite restored; I went into the
+music-room to try mamma's remedy of solitude for a few minutes, but
+Percy spoke to me before I had succeeded. I know I answered him
+pettishly, but indeed, papa," she added, looking up earnestly in his
+face, "indeed he is very provoking sometimes."
+
+"I know he is, my love; he does not always know how to time his jokes,
+or to make sufficient allowance for dispositions not exactly like his
+own; but tell me, what first occasioned temper so to fail that solitude
+was necessary."
+
+Caroline's blush became still deeper, and she turned away her head
+saying, very hesitatingly--
+
+"For such a very, _very_ silly reason, papa, that I do not like to tell
+you."
+
+"Nay, my dear, do not fear that I shall either laugh at or reproach you.
+If you feel yourself how very silly it was, I am not afraid of its
+gaining too great ascendency, even if you fail again."
+
+"It was only--only--that I was not quite satisfied with the dress mamma
+desired me to wear to-night, papa; that was all, indeed."
+
+"You wished, perhaps, to wear a smarter one, my love," replied her
+father, kissing her glowing cheek so affectionately, that the pain of
+her confession was instantly soothed; "but, indeed, I think mamma has
+shown a much better taste. It requires more care than you are yet
+perhaps aware of to dress so exactly according to our age and station,
+as to do ourselves justice, and yet excite no unpleasant feelings in
+those of a lower, and no contempt in those of a higher grade. Many of
+our friends who are coming to-night could not afford to dress their
+children as we might ours, and do you not think it would be both
+inhospitable and unkind, by being over-dressed, to excite any unpleasant
+feeling of inferiority in their minds, when actually none exists? for
+difference of fortune alone can never constitute inferiority. I am
+wizard enough to guess that was mamma's reason for your being attired so
+simply and yet so prettily to-night, and equally wizard enough to guess
+your reason for wishing to be smarter--shall I tell it you?" he added,
+playfully. "Because you fancy Miss Grahame will be attired in such a
+very fashionable London costume, that yours will appear so very plain
+and so childish. I see by that conscious smile, I have guessed
+correctly; but, indeed, I would not exchange my dear ingenuous Caroline,
+even were she attired in the cottager's stuff frock for Annie Grahame,
+did she bring worlds as her dowry. And as you like ornaments, wear
+this," he added, tastefully twining a superb sprig of scarlet geranium
+in the rich dark hair that shaded Caroline's noble brow; "and if mamma
+inquires, tell her your father placed it there, as a token of his
+approbation, for temper conquered and truth unhesitatingly spoken--spite
+of pain."
+
+Caroline's brilliant eye sparkled with a more delightful sense of
+pleasure than any triumph of dress could have bestowed, and in answer to
+her father's inquiry, for whom she had arranged such a beautiful
+bouquet, she said--
+
+"It is for mamma, dear papa--Emmeline is always before me; but I think
+the idea of to-night's enjoyment has so bewildered her, that she has
+forgotten it, so I may just have time to present it before any one
+comes," and she hastened with her father to the drawing-room, where she
+found Mrs. Greville and her two children (for Alfred was at home for a
+few months), in addition to Mr. Morton and their own family group; and
+the young clergyman could not but admire the natural grace with which
+Caroline, after warmly welcoming her guests, presented her flowers to
+her mother. It was a very little thing, but the joys and griefs of home
+are almost all made up of little things, and Mrs. Hamilton was pleased,
+not from the attention alone, but that it proved, trifling as it was,
+that the annoyance and discontent which her command had occasioned in
+her child had left no unkind feeling behind them; and the manner with
+which she received it made Caroline very happy, for she had inwardly
+feared her ill-temper not only deserved, but had excited her mother's
+displeasure.
+
+Emmeline's look of disappointment and self-reproach at her own unusual
+forgetfulness was so irresistibly comic, that Percy and Edward burst
+into an immoderate fit of laughter, which the former only checked to ask
+Caroline where she had been, and what she had done, to produce such an
+extraordinary change for the better in her appearance in so short a
+time.
+
+"Oh, you have no right to my secrets, Percy," was her perfectly
+good-humored reply; "I do not think I shall answer you, except by having
+the charity to refer you to papa, who has produced the change."
+
+"By means of this pretty flower then, I imagine," said Mrs. Hamilton;
+"its power I do not pretend to know, but the taste with which it is
+placed might vie with that of the most fashionable artiste of the
+metropolis. Mrs. Greville, do unite with me in congratulating Mr.
+Hamilton on his new accomplishment."
+
+The rapid succession of arrivals prevented any further remark, and very
+speedily the inspiring sound of the beautiful music, which was stationed
+in a sort of ante-chamber between the drawing-room and ball-room,
+removed any thing like stiffness or reserve which the younger guests
+might have at first experienced among themselves. After two or three
+quadrilles, the spirit of enjoyment seemed to reign alone, not only
+among the dancers themselves, but even those who sat out and talked,
+either from preference or because the sets were full. Percy, his
+brother, and cousin, were so active, so universal in their attention and
+politeness, that all had the same measure of enjoyment; there was no
+sitting down four or five times consecutively for any one, and therefore
+neither weariness nor dissatisfaction. Where there is a great desire in
+the givers of a party to make every one as happy as themselves, and
+thoroughly to enjoy it, they seldom fail to succeed. And there was such
+a variety of amusements in the various rooms that were thrown open,
+suitable for all ages--from the mammas and papas to the youngest child,
+that it was scarcely possible to feel any thing but pleasure. Very many
+sets had been formed and danced before the Grahame family appeared, and
+as Caroline glanced at her friend and even at her little sister, it
+required a very vivid recollection of her father's words to prevent a
+feeling of false shame, while Annie looked at Emmeline and even her
+favorite Caroline for a few minutes with almost contempt.
+
+"People talk so very much of Mrs. Hamilton's taste," she thought, "but
+she can have none in dress, that's certain--why no one could distinguish
+her daughters from the poorest gentleman's here!--But no one can mistake
+my rank. Thank goodness, there is not a dress like mine--how it will be
+envied!"
+
+If looks were evidence of envy, Annie had them to her heart's content,
+but how would she have been mortified, could she have read the secret
+meaning of those looks, the contrast drawn between the manners and
+appearance of Lady Helen's daughters and those of the Honorable Mrs.
+Hamilton. Lady Helen herself, indeed, when she saw Caroline and
+Emmeline, was quite provoked that she had been so weak as to permit, and
+even encourage Annie, to select her own and her sister's costume.
+
+"You are so late," said Mrs. Hamilton, as she came forward to greet
+them, "that I almost gave you up, fearing I don't exactly know what. I
+do hope nothing unpleasant has occasioned it."
+
+"Oh, no," was Mr. Grahame's reply, and it was almost bitter; "only Miss
+Grahame was so dreadfully afraid of being unfashionably early, that her
+mother did not choose to come before--indeed, my patience and my little
+Lilla's was so exhausted, that we thought of leaving Cecil to be their
+beau, and coming alone an hour ago." Lady Helen's look of entreaty at
+Mrs. Hamilton was answered by her saying directly--
+
+"I suppose Annie was thinking of her London parties, and forgot how
+completely Gothic we are as to hours and every thing else in Devonshire.
+But you must try and forget such superior pleasures to-night, my dear
+girl," she added, jestingly, though the young lady felt it rather
+uncomfortably as earnest, "or I fear you will find but little
+amusement." Alfred Greville at that moment came to claim Annie as his
+partner, and she gladly joined him, for though Mrs. Hamilton had
+"certainly no taste in dress," she never felt quite at her ease in her
+presence. Cecil and Lilla were soon provided with little partners, and
+dancing with much more real delight than their sister.
+
+It was scarcely possible for any one, much less a parent, to look at
+Caroline that night without admiration. She was so animated, so
+graceful, so pleasing, and as such completely the center of attraction
+(and really without any effort on her part) to all the gentlemen, young
+or old in the room. The lads congregated round her, and it was rather a
+difficult task to keep clear of offense, when so very many more
+entreated her to dance than the length of the evening permitted; but she
+managed to talk to all, and yet not to neglect any of her own sex, for
+she always refused to dance, if she fancied her being in a quadrille
+prevented any couple who had not danced so much, and at those times
+contrived to conciliate five or six instead of only one. Emmeline took
+charge of the younger children, often refusing to dance with older boys,
+who would have made her much pleasanter partners, that she might join
+the little quadrille and set them all right.
+
+"I am really glad to see Ellen among us to-night, and seeming truly to
+enjoy herself," said Mrs. Greville, addressing Mrs. Hamilton, who was
+standing rather apart at the moment, watching Caroline with such mingled
+feelings of pride and dread, that she was quite glad when her friend's
+voice disturbed her train of thought. "She looked so ill in church
+yesterday, that I half feared we should not see her. I told her I was
+quite grieved that she was too unwell to be at Mr. Howard's last Friday,
+and--"
+
+"What did she say?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, anxiously.
+
+"That it was not illness which prevented her; but she looked so confused
+and pained that I changed the subject directly, and the smile soon came
+back."
+
+"You touched on a very painful theme," replied Mrs. Hamilton, with real
+relief; "Ellen and I were not quite as good friends as we usually are,
+last week, and my poor little girl felt my severity more than I imagined
+or meant. I gave her to your dear Mary's especial care to-night, for she
+is so timid, that left quite to herself, I was afraid it would be more
+pain than pleasure. Mary has taken my hint most admirably, for Ellen
+seems quite happy."
+
+"It would be rather hard, if your little niece's were the only sad face
+in this scene of enjoyment; surely, if ever there were happiness without
+alloy, it is here."
+
+"If you think so Mrs. Greville, you will agree with my friend Morton,
+who has just been half poetizing half philosophizing on this scene,"
+said Mr. Hamilton joining them, with the young clergyman leaning on his
+arm. "He says there is something singularly interesting in watching the
+countenances and movements of children, and in tracing the dawnings of
+respective characters."
+
+"You are not one of those, then, who think childhood a mere negative
+species of existence," rejoined Mrs. Greville.
+
+"Indeed I do not; there is much more pleasure to me in watching such a
+scene, than a similar one of adults. It is full of that kind of poetry,
+which, from the beauty and freshness of the present, creates a future of
+happiness or sorrow, good or evil, as something in each countenance
+seems dimly to foretell. How many will be the longing thoughts thrown
+back in after years upon to-night!"
+
+"Do you think then childhood the happiest season of life?"
+
+He answered in the affirmative, but Mr. Hamilton shook his head.
+
+"I differ from you, my good friend," he said. "Childhood feels its
+griefs as bitterly as those of maturer years. We are apt to think it was
+all joy in the retrospect, perhaps because it has not the anxiety and
+cares of riper years, but sorrow itself is felt as keenly. From reason
+not being perfectly formed, the difficulty to control self-will, to
+acquiesce in the, to them, incomprehensible wishes of parents or
+guardians, the restraint they are often compelled to use, must be all
+trials even to well-regulated children, and to those subject to the
+caprices of weakness, indolence, neglect, indulgence at one time, and
+tyranny at another, feelings disbelieved in, and therefore never studied
+or soothed--the little heart thrown back upon itself--Morton, believe
+me, these are trials as full of suffering, and as hard to be endured, as
+those which belong to manhood."
+
+"You may be right," replied Morton; "but do you not think there is an
+elasticity in childhood which flings off sorrow, and can realize
+happiness sooner than older years?"
+
+"Undoubtedly, and most happy it is that they are so constituted, else
+what would become of them if their susceptibilities for either joy or
+sorrow are equally quick. If the former did not balance the latter, how
+would their tender frames and quick affections bear their burden? The
+idea that childhood is in itself the happiest season in life is so far
+mischievous, that it prevents the necessary care and watchfulness, which
+alone can make it so. But we must not philosophize any more, for it has
+made us all grave. I see my wife is addressing Miss Grahame, and I think
+it is for music. Come, Morton, take Mrs. Greville to the music-room, and
+woo melody instead of poetry for the next half hour. Miss Grahame
+promises to be a very fair musician, so you will be charmed."
+
+They adjourned to the music-room, where Percy had already gallantly
+conducted Annie, and several of the guests, young and old, seconded the
+move: Annie Grahame really played remarkably well, so far as execution
+and brilliancy were concerned, and Mrs. Hamilton was delighted at the
+expression of Grahame's face as he listened to his child and the
+applause she excited. "Why will he not try to win his home-affections,"
+she thought, "when he is so formed to enjoy them? and why, why has Helen
+so indolently, so foolishly cast away her happiness?" was the thought
+that followed at the contrast which Lady Helen's face presented to her
+husband's; she knew Annie played well, she had heard it from very
+superior judges, and how could it concern her what the present company
+thought?
+
+A very pretty vocal duet from the two sisters followed, and soon
+afterward Caroline approached the music-stand, near which Percy and Mr.
+Morton were talking, and Percy, with his usual love of provoking,
+exclaimed--
+
+"You surely are not going to play after Miss Grahame, Caroline. If your
+powers deserted you a few hours ago, and prevented the execution of a
+waltz, they would certainly do you a charity in deserting you completely
+now."
+
+Caroline's cheek burned, but she answered, with spirit--
+
+"Mamma desired me to oblige my friends, Percy; and she would not do so,
+if she thought I should disgrace myself or her."
+
+"Do not heed your brother, Miss Hamilton," interposed Mr. Morton, taking
+the music from her, and offering her his arm to lead her to the piano.
+"I have had the pleasure of hearing you often, and those who can not
+find an equal, if not superior charm in your playing to Miss Grahame's
+do not deserve to listen."
+
+"Nay, you must be flattering, Mr. Morton; think of Annie's advantages."
+
+"Indeed, my dear Miss Hamilton, yours exceed hers; no master's heart is
+in his pupil's progress, as a mother's in her child's, even should she
+not teach, but merely superintend."
+
+Caroline was seated at the instrument as he spoke, and there was
+something in his few words touching a right chord; for as she began to
+play she certainly thought more of her mother than any one else; and
+determined, if possible, that others should think with Mr. Morton,
+forgetting at the moment that very few, except their own immediate
+circle, knew whose pupil she was, not imagining that the mistress of
+Oakwood and its large possessions could have time or inclination for
+any part of the education of her daughters. Morton was certainly right
+as to the amount of admiration, equaling, if not surpassing, that
+bestowed on Miss Grahame; there was a soul, a depth of expression and
+feeling, in Caroline's far simpler piece, that won its way to the heart
+at once, and if it did not surprise as much, it pleased more, and
+excited an earnest wish to listen to her again.
+
+"Does not your younger daughter play?" inquired a lady, who had been
+much attracted with Emmeline.
+
+"Very little, compared with her sister," replied Mrs. Hamilton; "she is
+not nearly so fond of it, and therefore does not devote so much time to
+its acquirement just yet."
+
+"Do you think it right to permit children to follow their own
+inclinations with regard to their education?" asked another rather
+stern-looking lady, with much surprise.
+
+"Only with regard to their accomplishments; my Emmeline is as fond of
+drawing as Caroline is of music, and therefore I indulge her by
+permitting her to give more time to the one, than to the other."
+
+"But do you think natural taste can be traced so early? that it can be
+distinguished from idleness or perverseness?"
+
+"Indeed, I do," replied Mrs. Hamilton, earnestly. "If a child be allowed
+leisure to choose its own pursuits, and not always confined to the
+routine of a school-room, natural taste for some employment in
+preference to another will, I think, always display itself. Not that I
+would depend entirely on that, because I think it right and useful to
+cultivate a taste for all the fine arts, only giving more time to that
+which is the favorite. My niece has shown no decided taste for any
+particular pursuit yet; but I do not neglect the cultivation of
+accomplishments on that account; if, in a few years, a preference
+manifests itself, it will be quite time enough to work hard at that
+particular branch."
+
+"Is that pretty little harp used by either of your daughters?" inquired
+the first speaker. "It looks very much as if it were the especial
+property of my engaging little friend."
+
+"Your guess is correct," replied Mrs. Hamilton, smiling "Emmeline was
+quite sure she should hate music, if she must learn the great ugly
+piano. If she might only have a harp, she would do all she could to
+learn, and she really has."
+
+"And may we not hear her?"
+
+"When the room is not quite so full: she has not half her sister's
+confidence, and so large an audience would frighten away all her little
+powers; but I will promise you a very sweet song instead," she added, as
+Herbert approached, and eagerly whispered some request. "That is, if my
+persuasions can prevail on my young friend; Mrs. Greville, must I ask
+your influence, or will mine be enough?"
+
+"What, with Mary? I rather think, your request in this case will be of
+more weight than mine;" and a few minutes afterward Mrs. Hamilton led
+the blushing, timid girl in triumph to the piano. Her voice, which was
+peculiarly sweet and thrilling, though not strong, trembled audibly as
+she commenced; but Herbert was turning over the leaves of her music, his
+mother was standing close beside her, and after the first few bars her
+enthusiastic spirit forgot the presence of all, save those she loved,
+and the spirit of her song.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton never listened to and looked at her at such moments
+without a trembling foreboding she vainly struggled to overcome. There
+was something in those deep blue, earnest eyes, the hectic color that
+with the least exertion rose to her cheek, the transparency of
+complexion, the warm and elevated spirit, the almost angel temper and
+endurance in her peculiarly tried lot, that scarcely seemed of earth;
+and never was that sad foreboding stronger than at that moment, as she
+looked round the crowd of young and happy faces, and none seemed to
+express the same as Mary's. She could scarcely command her voice and
+smile sufficiently to warmly thank her young favorite as she ceased; but
+Mary was more than satisfied by the fond pressure of her hand.
+
+This little interruption to the actual business of the evening only
+increased the zest and enjoyment, when dancing recommenced. Even the
+call to supper was obeyed with reluctance, and speedily accomplished,
+that they might return the sooner to the ball-room. The hours had worn
+away, it seemed, on gossamer-wings, and as each happy child felt assured
+that the delight could not last much longer, the longing to dance to the
+very last moment seemed to increase. Emmeline's excitable spirit had
+thrown off all alloy, for it was quite impossible any one would think of
+asking her to play now; she had arranged all the remaining couples--for
+the room had begun very much to thin--for the favorite haymaker's
+country dance,[2] and accepting Edward as her own partner, and being
+unanimously desired to take the top, led off her young friends with such
+spirit and grace, and so little semblance of fatigue, that it certainly
+appeared as if she would verify her own words, and dance all night.
+
+[Footnote 2: A country dance, the author believes, peculiar to
+Devonshire, for she has never seen it danced elsewhere.]
+
+Miss Grahame had declared it was much too great a romp, and declined
+joining it. Caroline, who would have enjoyed it, more out of politeness
+to her friend than inclination, sat down with her, and a cheerful group
+of some of the older lads, and one or two young ladies, joined them.
+Herbert and Mary finding the quadrille for which they were engaged,
+changed to a dance for which, though they had quite the spirit, they had
+not the physical strength, enjoyed a quiet chat instead, and Ellen
+seated herself by her favorite Mary, declining, from fatigue, Alfred
+Greville's entreaty that she would second Emmeline.
+
+"I declare I could dance myself with that merry group," exclaimed Mr.
+Grahame, after watching them some time, and all his austerity banished
+by the kindly spirit of the evening. "Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Greville, do
+one of you take pity on me, and indulge my fancy."
+
+Both ladies laughingly begged to be excused, offering, however, to
+introduce him to a partner.
+
+"No; it must be one of you or none at all. That little sylph of yours,
+Mrs. Hamilton, seems inclined to dance for you and herself too. What a
+pretty couple she and that handsome cousin of hers make! And there goes
+my little Lilla--I do hope I may have one really happy child. What,
+tired, Percy--compelled to give up--absolutely exhausted?"
+
+"Indeed I am," answered Percy, who had waltzed his partner very cleverly
+out of the line, and, after giving her a seat, threw himself on a large
+ottoman.
+
+"Mother, if you do not put a stop to Emmeline's proceedings, her
+strength will entirely fail, and down she and Edward will go, and the
+rest follow, just like a pack of cards. Do, pray, prevent such a
+catastrophe, for I assure you it is not in the least unlikely."
+
+The gravity with which he spoke caused a general laugh; but Mrs.
+Hamilton, feeling by the length of time the fatiguing dance had lasted,
+there was really some truth in his words, desired the musicians to stop;
+causing an exclamation of regret and disappointment from many youthful
+lips, and Emmeline and Edward ran up to her, to entreat that they might
+go on little longer. Mrs. Hamilton, however, refused; and Edward
+yielded directly, but Emmeline was so much excited, that obedience was
+most unusually difficult; and when her mother desired her to sit down
+quietly for ten minutes, and then come to the music-room, as Mrs. Allan
+most particularly wished to hear her play before she left, she answered,
+with more petulance than she was at all aware of--
+
+"I am sure I can not play a note now--it will be no use trying."
+
+"Emmeline!" exclaimed her mother, adding, gravely, "I am afraid you have
+danced too much, instead of not enough."
+
+The tone, still more than the words, was enough; poor Emmeline was just
+in that mood when tears are quite as near as smiles; her own petulance
+seemed to reproach her too, and she suddenly burst into tears. Many
+exclamations of sympathy and condolence burst from her mother's
+friends:--"Poor child!" "She has over-tired herself!" "We cannot expect
+her to play now!"--but Mrs. Greville saying, with a smile, that her
+little friend's tears were always the very lightest April showers,
+successfully turned the attention of many from her; while Mrs. Hamilton
+taking her hand from her face, merely said, in a low voice--
+
+"Do not make me more ashamed of you, Emmeline. What would papa think if
+he were to see you now?" Her little girl's only answer was to bury her
+face still more closely in her mother's dress, very much as if she would
+like to hide herself entirely; but on Mrs. Allan saying, very kindly--
+
+"Do not distress yourself, my dear. I would not have asked to hear you
+play, if I had thought you would dislike it so much. I dare say you are
+very tired, and so think you will not succeed."
+
+She raised her head directly, shook back the fair ringlets that had
+fallen over her face, and though the tears were still on her cheeks and
+filling her eyes, she said, with a blending of childish shyness and yet
+courageous truth, impossible to be described--
+
+"No, ma'am, I am not too tired to play--I did not cry from fatigue,
+but because I was angry with mamma for not letting me dance any
+more, and angry with myself for answering her so pettishly; and
+because--because--I thought she was displeased, and that I deserved it."
+
+"Then come and redeem your character," was Mrs. Hamilton's only notice
+of a reply that actually made her heart throb with thankfulness, that
+her lessons of truth were so fully understood and practiced by one
+naturally so gentle and timid as her Emmeline: while Mrs. Allan knew not
+what to answer, from a feeling of involuntary respect. It would have
+been so easy to escape a disagreeable task by tacitly allowing that she
+was too tired to play; and what careful training must it have been to
+have so taught truth.
+
+"Mrs. Allan would not ask you before, because she knew you did not like
+to play while the room was so very full; therefore, ought you not to do
+your very best to oblige her?"
+
+Emmeline looked timidly up in her mother's face to be quite sure that
+her displeasure had subsided, as her words seemed to denote; and quite
+satisfied, her tears were all checked, and taking Mrs. Allan's offered
+hand, she went directly to the music-room.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton lingered to desire Herbert (who had come up to know the
+cause of his sister's sudden tears) to form the last quadrille, and
+reserve a place, if he possibly could, for Emmeline, as they would not
+begin till she had done. Her little girl was playing as she rejoined
+her, and it really was a pretty picture, her fairy figure with her tiny
+harp, and her sweet face seeming to express the real feeling with which
+she played. There was no execution in the simple Highland air, but her
+vivid imagination lent it a meaning, and so, when fairly playing, she
+did not mind it. Mrs. Allan had lost a little girl just at Emmeline's
+age, who had also played the harp, and there was something in her caress
+and thanks, after she had done, that made Emmeline stand quietly at her
+side, without heeding the praises that were lavished round her. Herbert
+at that moment appeared with one of the young Allans.
+
+"Come, Emmy, we are only waiting for you; Mr. Allan says you have not
+favored him to-night, and he hopes you will now."
+
+"Pray, do," added Mrs. Allan, as her son gayly pleaded his own cause;
+Emmeline only waited to read her mother's consent in her eyes, for she
+thought that she ought not to dance any more; and in another minute the
+joyous music had resounded, and she was dancing and chatting as gayly
+and happily as if there had been no interruption to her joy.
+
+"And you will leave all these delights to imprison yourself in a
+man-of-war?" asked Mr. Grahame, jestingly of Edward while waiting for
+his wife and daughters, who were the last departures (much to Annie's
+horror, for it was so unfashionable to be quite the last), to be cloaked
+and shawled.
+
+"Imprison!" was his very indignant reply, "and on the wide, free,
+glorious ocean! flying on the wings of the wind wherever we please, and
+compelling the flag of every land to acknowledge ours! No, Mr. Grahame;
+you landsmen don't know what liberty is, if you talk of imprisonment in
+a ship! We take our home wherever we go, which you landsmen can not do,
+though you do so poetize on the maternal properties of Old Mother
+Earth."
+
+"Only hear him, Hamilton," exclaimed Grahame, laughing heartily; "any
+one would think he had been a sailor all his little life. You talk
+boldly now, my boy, but you may change your tone when you have once
+tried the cockpit."
+
+"I do not think I shall," answered Edward, earnestly; "I know there are
+many hardships, and I dare say I shall find them more disagreeable than
+I can possibly imagine; but I shall get used to them; it is so cowardly
+to care for hardships."
+
+"And is it no grief to give up all the pleasures of land?"
+
+"I exchange them for others more delightful still."
+
+"And the sea is to be your sister, uncle, aunt, and
+cousins--altogether?"
+
+"Yes all," replied Edward, laughing; adding, as he put his arm
+affectionately round Ellen, "my sister has so many kind friends that she
+will be able to spare me till I am old enough to do all a brother
+ought."
+
+"You are a good fellow, Edward, and I see I must not talk of parting, if
+I would preserve this evening's pleasure unalloyed," Grahame said, as he
+laid his hand kindly on Ellen's head, and then turned to obey the
+summons of his wife.
+
+The young party, no doubt, felt that it would be infinitely more
+agreeable to sit up all night, and talk of the only too quickly
+concluded enjoyment, than to retire to their respective pillows; but the
+habits of Oakwood were somewhat too well regulated for such dissipation,
+though, no doubt, their _dream-land_ that night, was peopled with the
+pleasant shadows of reality, and, according to their respective sources
+of enjoyment, brought back their evening's happiness again and again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+EFFECTS OF PLEASURE.--THE YOUNG MIDSHIPMAN.--ILL-TEMPER, ITS ORIGIN AND
+CONSEQUENCES.
+
+
+The return to the quiet routine of work, and less exciting recreation
+after the Christmas pleasures, was of course a trial to all our young
+friends. Not so much to the boys, as to their sisters; Percy's elastic
+spirits found pleasure in every thing, being somewhat too old to care
+for his studies, or feel them now as a restraint. Herbert only exchanged
+one kind of happiness for another. Edward looked to every month that
+passed, as bringing nearer the attainment of his wishes; and he was so
+fond of Mr. Howard, and so quick at learning, and such a favorite with
+all his schoolfellows, that he did not care at all when the time of work
+came again. Ellen and Emmeline both found it very difficult to like
+their lessons again; especially the latter, who felt as if work and
+regularity were most particularly disagreeable things, and sometimes was
+almost in despair as to her ever enjoying them again; but she tried very
+hard to overcome indolence, and never give way to petulance, and
+succeeded, so as to win her the delight of both her parents'
+approbation. Indulgence always made her feel as if no effort on her part
+was too great to prove how much she felt it; and when any one, old or
+young, experiences this sort of feeling, they need never be afraid but
+that they will succeed in their efforts, painful and hard as they may at
+first seem. It was not so difficult for Ellen as for Emmeline, because
+she was less able to realize such an intensity of pleasure. She seemed
+safer when regularly employed; and besides, to work hard at her
+respective studies, was one of the very few things which she could do to
+prove how much she loved her aunt; and accustomed from such early
+childhood to conquer inclination, and, in fact, never to fancy pleasure
+and indulgence were her due, there was happiness enough for her even in
+their more regular life: but to Caroline the change was actually
+unbearable. While admiration and praise only incited Emmeline to greater
+exertions, they caused Caroline completely to relax in hers, and to
+give, in consequence, as much trouble and annoyance as she had received
+pleasure. The perseverance in her various studies, especially in music,
+the unceasing control over her temper, which _before_ the holidays she
+had so striven for, had now entirely given way. It was much less trouble
+for her to learn than Emmeline, therefore her studies with Miss Harcourt
+were generally well performed; but the admiration she had excited made
+her long for more, and believe herself a person deserving much more
+consideration and respect than she received from her own family. These
+thoughts persisted in, of course, produced and retained ill-temper;
+which, as there was no longer any fear of her being debarred by its
+indulgence from any pleasure, she made no attempt to overcome. The
+praise bestowed on her music, made her fancy herself a much greater
+proficient than she really was, and though her love of music was great,
+her love of praise was greater; and so she not only relaxed in her
+practice, but inwardly murmured at the very little praise she received
+from her mother.
+
+"How can you give mamma so much trouble, Caroline, when you know you can
+do so much better?" Herbert exclaimed, one day, when an attack of
+weakness, to which he was liable, had confined him to a sofa.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton, after giving her usual hour's lesson, in which Caroline
+had chosen to do nothing, had left her in very evident displeasure, and
+even Herbert was roused to most unusual indignation.
+
+"What is the use of practicing day after day?" was her angry reply; "I
+am sure I should play just as well if I practiced less."
+
+"You did not think so a month ago, Caroline."
+
+"No, because then I had something to practice for."
+
+"And have you nothing now?--Is mamma's approbation nothing?--Is the
+pleasure you give all of us, by your talent for music, nothing?--Oh,
+Caroline, why will you throw away so much real gratification, for the
+vain desire of universal admiration?"
+
+"There surely can be no harm, Herbert, in wishing to be universally
+loved and admired."
+
+"There is, when it makes you discontented and unhappy, and blind to the
+love and admiration of your home. What is the praise of strangers worth,
+compared to that of those who love you best?"
+
+"There is not much chance of my receiving either at present," was the
+cold reply.
+
+"Because you will not try for the one most easily and happily obtained;
+and even without thinking of praise, how can you be so ungrateful, as to
+repay all mamma's care and trouble by the indolence, coldness, and
+almost insolence, you have shown to-day? How few mothers of her rank
+would--"
+
+"You may spare your sermon, Herbert; for at this moment I am not
+disposed either to listen to or profit by it," interrupted Caroline, and
+she left the room in anger. A faint flush rose to the pale cheek of her
+brother, but he quickly conquered the natural irritation, and sought his
+mother, by every fond attention on his part, to remove the pain of
+Caroline's conduct.
+
+This continued for about a fortnight, at the end of which time, Caroline
+suddenly resumed her music with assiduity, and there were no more
+ebullitions of ill-temper. Herbert hoped his expostulations were taking
+effect; Mrs. Hamilton trusted that her child was becoming sensible of
+her past folly, and trying to conquer it, and banish its memory herself:
+both, however, were mistaken. Annie Grahame had imparted to her friend,
+in strict confidence, that her mother intended giving a grand ball about
+the end of February, and meant to entreat Mrs. Hamilton, as a personal
+favor, to let Caroline be present. Caroline little knew the very slight
+foundation Annie had for this assertion. Lady Helen had merely said,
+_perhaps_ she would ask; and this was only said, because she was too
+indolent and weak to say "No" at once. Not that she had any unkind
+feeling toward Caroline, but simply because she was perfectly certain
+Mrs. Hamilton would not consent, and to persuade as earnestly as Annie
+wished was really too much trouble.
+
+Caroline's wishes in this instance triumphed over her better judgment,
+for had she allowed herself to think soberly, she ought to have known
+her mother's principles of action sufficiently, not to entertain the
+slightest hope of going.
+
+The invitations (three weeks' notice) for her parents and brothers came.
+In them she did not expect to be included, but when above a week passed,
+and still not a word was said, disappointment took the place of hope,
+and it was only the still lingering belief that she might go, even at
+the last moment, that prevented the return of ill-temper.
+
+Now Lady Helen really had asked, though she did not persuade; and Mrs.
+Hamilton thanked her, but, as she expected, decidedly refused. "Caroline
+was much too young," she said, "for such a party. Did she know any thing
+about being asked?" Lady Helen said, with truth, that she had not
+mentioned the subject to her, and had desired Annie to be equally
+silent.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton quite forgot that Miss Grahame was not famous for
+obedience, and, relying on her friend's assurance, determined on not
+saying any thing to Caroline about it; wishing to spare her the pain
+which she knew her refusal would inflict. As it happened, it would have
+been better if she had spoken. The weather had prevented Caroline from
+seeing Annie, but she was quite sure she would not deceive her; and her
+proud heart rebelled against her mother, not only for refusing Lady
+Helen's request, but for treating her so much like a child, as to hide
+that refusal from her. Under the influence of such thoughts, of course,
+her temper became more and more difficult to control and as a natural
+consequence, anger and irritation against her mother, and self-reproach
+for the indulgence of such feelings increased, till she became actually
+miserable.
+
+It happened that about this time Miss Harcourt left Oakwood for a week
+on a visit to an invalid friend at Dartmouth. Mrs. Hamilton had given
+her full liberty, promising that her pupils should lose nothing by her
+absence. She left on the Saturday, and the Thursday was Lady Helen's
+ball. On the Monday, Mr. Hamilton, detained Edward as he was leaving the
+library, after morning prayers, and told him that he had received a
+letter, which he thought might chance to interest him. Ten minutes
+afterward, Edward rushed into the breakfast-room, in a state of such
+joyous excitement that he could scarcely speak.
+
+"Wish me five, ten, twenty thousand joys!" he exclaimed, springing from
+chair to chair, as if velocity of movement should bring back speech. "In
+one month the Prince William sails, and I am to meet her at Portsmouth,
+and be a sailor, a real sailor; and to-morrow fortnight uncle says we
+are to start for London, and have ten days there to see all the fine
+sights, and then go to Portsmouth, and see all that is to be seen there,
+and then--and then--"
+
+"Take care you do not lose your wits before you leave Oakwood,"
+interposed Percy laughing heartily. "I should not at all wonder, before
+you go, that you will be fancying the river Dart the Atlantic, and set
+sail in a basket, touch at all the islets you may pass, imagining them
+various cities, and finally land at Dartmouth, believing it Halifax,
+your destined port--that will be the end of your sailorship, Edward,
+depend upon it."
+
+"I rather think I should stand a chance of being ducked into my sober
+senses again, Percy, unless wicker be waterproof, which I never heard it
+was."
+
+"But I have, though," eagerly interrupted Emmeline; "the Scots and Picts
+invaded England in wicker boats, and to have held so many men, they must
+have been strong and waterproof too. So you see, Percy's basket is only
+an ancient boat, Edward. You are much better off than you thought you
+were."
+
+"Give me Alfred's wooden walls instead, Emmy; your Picts and Scots were
+very little better than savages--Alfred is my man; he deserves to be
+called great, if it were only for forming the first English navy. But
+neither my aunt nor Ellen have wished me joy. I think I shall be
+offended."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton could not speak at the first moment, for the joy, the
+animation of her nephew so recalled the day when her own much-loved
+brother, her darling Charles, had rushed into her room, to tell her all
+his glee, for no one ever listened to and shared in his joys and
+troubles as she did. He was then scarcely older than Edward, as full of
+hope and joy and buoyancy--where was he? Would his fate be that of the
+bright, beautiful boy before her? And as Edward threw his arms round her
+neck, and kissed her again and again, telling her he could not be quite
+sure it was not all a dream, unless she wished him joy too it was the
+utmost effort to prevent the fast gathering tears, and so command her
+voice, that he should not hear her tremble. Poor Ellen looked and felt
+bewildered. She had always tried to realize that Edward, to be a sailor,
+must leave her; and in fact aware that his summons would soon come, her
+aunt and uncle had often alluded to his departure before her, but still
+she had never thought it near; and now the news was so sudden, and
+Edward was so wild with joy she fancied she ought to rejoice too, but
+she could not; and Percy was obliged to ask her merrily, what ailed her,
+and if she could not trust to his being a much more worthy brother than
+such a water-rat, who had no business whatever on land, before she could
+take her place at the breakfast table and try to smile. But her eyes
+would rest on Edward even then, and she felt as if there were something
+across her throat and she could not swallow the nice roll which Herbert,
+had so kindly buttered and cut, and so quietly placed in her plate; and
+when Edward said something very funny, as he was in the habit of doing,
+and made them all laugh, she tried to laugh too, but instead of a laugh
+it was a sob that startled herself, for she was quite sure she did not
+mean to be so foolish: but instead of being reproved, as she was afraid
+she should be, she felt her aunt's arm thrown gently round her, till she
+could hide her face on her shoulder, and cry quite quietly for a few
+minutes, for they went on talking and laughing round the
+breakfast-table, and nobody took any notice of her, which she was quite
+glad of, for she could not bear Edward to think she was unhappy when he
+was so pleased. And after breakfast, though he was in such a desperate
+hurry to tell Mr. Howard the good news, that when he did set off, he
+left even Percy far behind him, he found time to give her a hearty kiss,
+and to tell her that he loved her very much, though he could not help
+being so glad he was going to sea; and that he was quite proud of her,
+because though he knew she was very sorry he was going, she did not cry
+and make a fuss as some selfish people would; and then she really did
+smile.
+
+"It is Monday morning, my dears, and I find Ellis and Morris require my
+attention for a longer time than I expected," Mrs. Hamilton said, as she
+entered the school-room, and found the three girls preparing their
+books, "so I must set you all to work, and see how well you can get on
+without me till eleven, when I will rejoin you. I shall order the
+carriage at half-past twelve, and if all I require is completed, we will
+pay your favorite old ruin a visit, Emmy; the morning is so lovely, that
+I think we may venture to take our sketch-books, and see what other part
+of Berry Pomeroy we can take pencil possession of."
+
+Such an anticipation was quite enough for Emmeline. Her dance about the
+room was only checked by the idea that her lessons would never be ready,
+nor her exercises and sums done, unless she sat quietly down, and so,
+with a great effort, she gave all her attention to her various tasks,
+and mastered them even before her mother returned. Ellen, though she
+tried quite as much, was not so successful. The Prince William would
+sail in miniature on her slate, over all her figures. The recollection
+of the awful storm they had encountered on their voyage to England would
+return so vividly, that the very room seemed to heave. And then--but she
+could not make out why she should think about that then--her mother's
+death-bed came before her and her promise, and it seemed harder still to
+part with Edward, from a vague dread that came over her, but still she
+tried to attend to what she had to do, and congratulated herself on its
+completion before her aunt appeared.
+
+Caroline, alone, was determined not to work. Because she had not made
+herself miserable enough already, the most unfounded jealousy entered
+her head from seeing her mother's caressing kindness toward Ellen at
+breakfast; why was not her manner as kind to her! She was quite as
+unhappy, and her mother must see it, but she took no notice of her--only
+of Ellen. She might be cross sometimes, but she never told stories or
+tried to hide her faults, and it was very hard and unjust that she
+should be treated so like a child, and Ellen made so much of; and so she
+thought and thought, not attempting to do a single thing till she
+actually made herself believe, for the time, that her kind, indulgent
+mother had no love for her; and every thing looked blacker than before.
+
+She made no effort to rouse herself even in Mrs. Hamilton's presence,
+but listened to her remonstrances with such extreme carelessness, almost
+insolence, that her mother felt her patience failing. The self-control,
+however, for which she had successfully striven, enabled her so to
+overcome the irritation, as to retain her own quiet dignity, and simply
+to desire Caroline to give her attention at once to her studies, and
+conquer her ill-temper, or not to think of accompanying them on their
+excursion, as idleness and peevishness were better left to themselves.
+An insolent and haughty reply rose to Caroline's lips; but with an
+effort she remained silent, her flushed forehead alone denoting the
+internal agitation. Emmeline's diligence and the approbation she
+received irritated her still more; but she rejoiced when she heard her
+mother tell Ellen there was not a correct line in her French exercise,
+and her sum, a compound long division, wrong from the very first figure.
+But the pleasure soon gave place to indignant anger, when, instead of
+the reproof which she believed would follow, Mrs. Hamilton said very
+kindly--
+
+"I should very much like these done correctly, Ellen, before we go out;
+suppose you ensconce yourself in that bay window, there are a table and
+chair all ready for you, and we shall not interrupt you as we should if
+you remain at this table. I know they are both very difficult, to-day
+especially, but the more merit in their accomplishment, you know the
+more pleased I shall be."
+
+Ellen obeyed directly; a little care, and with the assistance of her
+grammar, which her aunt permitted her to refer to, instead of depending
+entirely on her memory that morning, enabled her to succeed with her
+French; but four times was that tormenting sum returned to, till at last
+her tears effaced the figures as fast as they were written. Still,
+patience and resolution in both teacher and pupil conquered, and the
+fifth time there was not a figure wrong; and Mrs. Hamilton, fondly
+putting back the heavy ringlets which in Ellen's absorbed attention had
+fallen over her tearful cheeks, said, playfully--
+
+"Shall I tell you a secret, my little Ellen? I was quite as disinclined
+to be firm this morning as you were to be patient; so you see we have
+both gained a grand victory. My conjuring propensities, as Emmy thinks
+them, told me that you had real cause for some little inattention, and,
+therefore that it was very cruel in me to be so determined; but my
+_judgment_ would tell me that my _feeling_ was wrong, and that to
+conquer disinclination and overcome a difficulty, was a much better way
+of lessening even natural sorrow than to give up. I do not expect you to
+think so just now, but I fancy you are not very sorry this disagreeable,
+terribly tiresome sum has not to be done to-morrow, which it must have
+been, had you left it to-day."
+
+Ellen was so glad, that she felt almost happy, and her few other duties
+were done quite briskly, for Mrs. Hamilton had been so kind as to
+countermand the carriage till one, that she and Caroline might have time
+to finish. But Caroline, if she had not tried before, was now still less
+capable of doing so. Every word of kindness addressed to Ellen increased
+the storm raging within, and the difficulty of restraining it in Mrs.
+Hamilton's presence caused it to burst forth with unmitigated violence
+the moment she quitted the apartment, desiring Emmeline and Ellen to
+make haste, and put away their books, but still without taking the least
+notice of her. Invective, reproach, almost abuse, were poured against
+Ellen, who stood actually frightened at the violence she had so very
+innocently excited, and at the fearful and deforming passion which
+inflamed her cousin's every feature. Caroline's anger had miscounted
+time, or she must have known that her mother could not have gone far
+enough, for such unusual tones of excitement to escape her quick
+hearing. Mrs. Hamilton, startled and alarmed, returned directly, and so
+vividly did her child's appearance and words recall her own misguided
+sister in those uncontrolled fits of fury, under which she had so often
+trembled, that present disappointment and dread for the future, took
+possession of her, and for the moment rendered her powerless. Caroline
+was too much engrossed to perceive her at first, and she had, therefore
+time to rally from the momentary weakness.
+
+"What does this mean?" she exclaimed, fixing her eyes on Caroline, with
+that expression of quiet but stern reproof, which when she did use
+it--and it was very seldom--had the power of subduing even the wildest
+excitement. "What has Ellen done, that you should abuse her with this
+unjust and cruel and most unfeminine violence? You have indulged your
+ill-temper till you do not know what you say or do, and you are venting
+on another the anger which my displeasure has caused you to feel toward
+me and toward yourself. I desire that you will control it directly, or
+retire to your own room, till you can behave with some degree of
+propriety, and not disturb the comfort and happiness of others in this
+most uncalled-for manner."
+
+"I will not go," answered Caroline, bursting into violent tears, and
+scarcely aware of what she was saying, "I know I dislike Ellen, and I
+have reason to dislike her, for before she came, you were never so often
+displeased with me; you are always kind and indulgent to her, always
+treat her as a reasonable being, not as the child, the infant you think
+me. I know you have lost all love for me, or you must have seen I was
+unhappy, and spoken kindly to me, as you did to Ellen; I have every
+reason to dislike her, stealing your affection from me as she has, and I
+do with all my heart!"
+
+"Go, and prepare for our drive, my dear children," Mrs. Hamilton said,
+as she calmly turned for a moment to Emmeline and Ellen, who both stood
+bewildered, the former from actual terror that her sister should dare so
+to address her mother, and the latter from pain at the violent avowal of
+a dislike which she had intuitively felt, but had always tried to
+disbelieve. "The beauty of the day will be gone if we linger much
+longer, and I do not intend to be disappointed of our promised ramble.
+Do not think any thing of what this unhappy girl is saying; at present
+she scarcely knows herself, and will by-and-by wish it recalled, far
+more intensely than ever we can."
+
+Emmeline longed to throw her arms round her mother, and with tears
+beseech her to forget what Caroline had said; but, though Mrs. Hamilton
+had spoken cheerfully, and in quite her usual tone of voice to them,
+there was something in her countenance, that checked any display of
+softness even in her affectionate child; something that almost awed her,
+and she left the room with Ellen to prepare for the promised excursion,
+which had, however, lost all its anticipated enjoyment from the
+uncontrolled temper of another.
+
+"Now, Caroline, I will answer you," said Mrs. Hamilton, as soon as they
+were alone, and again regarding Caroline, who was sobbing violently,
+with that same searching look. "Your charges are such very heavy ones,
+that I really must request you during my absence to arrange and define
+them in some order. I am so perfectly ignorant of having given you any
+foundation for them, that, before I can attempt defense, you must inform
+me exactly and definitely of what you complain. That this morning my
+manner was kinder to Ellen than to you I quite acknowledge. Her
+inattention and depression had a cause, yours had none; for if you were
+unhappy, it was from your own fearful temper, which by encouragement has
+blackened every thing around you. You may employ your time till dinner
+as you choose; but at five o'clock come to me in my dressing-room,
+prepared to define and inform me of every charge you can bring against
+me. You will consider this a command, Caroline, disregard or evasion of
+which will be disobedience."
+
+She left the room, and in a very short time afterward Caroline heard the
+carriage drive off; but for nearly three long hours she never moved from
+her seat, so utterly miserable, as scarcely even to change her position.
+Never in her life before, not in her most angry moments, had she so
+spoken to her mother, and her remorse was almost intolerable. Again and
+again she remembered what Mrs. Hamilton had told her so often, that, if
+she did not strive and pray against the dominion of ill-temper while
+young, it would become more and more uncontrollable, and the older she
+became, the more difficult to subdue, even in a moderate degree; and her
+words were indeed true. It had been many months since temper had gained
+such an ascendency, and its effects were far, far more violent, and its
+power over her more determined, and if, as she grew older, it should be
+still worse, what would become of her? how insufferably wretched? what
+would she not have given to have recalled her words? The jealousy which
+had arisen, now she knew not how, had sunk into air before those few
+calm inquiring sentences from her mother, and in her excessive misery
+every kind deed and word and look, every fond indulgence and
+forbearance, in fact, all the love her mother had so lavished on her
+from her infancy, rushed back upon her, till she actually hated herself,
+and longed the more intensely for the comfort of that soothing
+affection, which, in real pain or childish sorrow, had never been
+refused her.
+
+"Why, why did Annie tell me any thing about that hateful ball?" she
+exclaimed, at length, as the sound of many joyous voices and the
+dressing-bell proclaimed the return of the various members of her family
+only in time to prepare for dinner. "It was all, all from that; I know
+now, only from that one thought--one wish. Why was I such a fool, as not
+to tell mamma at once that I knew I was to be asked, and wished so much
+to go?--if she had refused me, it would not have been half the pain I
+have made for myself. And how can I meet papa's eye and Percy's unkind
+jokes with eyes like these?" she added, as on rising to go to her own
+room, she caught sight of her own face in a mirror, and actually started
+at the disfigurement which the violence of her emotion had wrought. "Oh,
+how I wish mamma had not desired me to go to her; that I could but hide
+myself from every body--or get rid of this horrible black cloud."
+
+From every eye but her mother's she could and did hide herself; for
+saying that her head ached, which was the truth, and she did not wish
+any thing to take, she refused to go down to dinner. Mrs. Hamilton had
+successfully exerted herself during their excursion, and Emmeline and
+Ellen enjoyed themselves so thoroughly as almost to forget the alloy of
+the morning; and even when Caroline's message recalled it, the boys were
+all so merry, that it did not disturb them. Percy always declared that
+Caroline's headache was only another term for temper-ache, and he would
+certainly have sent her some message of mock pity, if his quick eye had
+not discovered or fancied that his mother did not look quite as well as
+usual, and so he contented himself by trying still more to be the life
+of the dinner-table. Mr. Hamilton had seen at a single glance that all
+was not quite right, and Caroline's non-appearance and message explained
+it, to his extreme regret, for he had begun to hope and believe that his
+wife's extreme solicitude, on her account, was beginning to decrease.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had not much doubt that silence and solitude had so far
+had effect on Caroline as to subdue passion, and bring her to a sense of
+her misconduct; but that had scarcely power to lessen the anxiety and
+the pain which Caroline's words had so wantonly inflicted. Had she
+indeed evinced any thing like undue partiality? the idea alone almost
+brought a smile; fondly, and almost as her own child, as she loved her
+little niece. The very anxiety Caroline occasioned her, deepened her
+affection; the very control she was obliged to exercise in her mode of
+guiding her, strengthened every feeling toward her. She was so enwrapped
+in these painfully engrossing thoughts, in the strict examination of her
+own own heart, that she was not aware the time she had appointed had
+passed by full ten minutes, till she was roused by the handle of her
+door being softly turned, and left again, as if some one had wished to
+enter, but hesitated. The very hesitation gave her hope, for she really
+did not know that the utmost penalty she could have inflicted on
+Caroline, in the moment of natural indignation, would have failed in
+producing such an effect as the simple command to seek her, and define
+her charges against her, when that angry excitement had so calmed, that
+Caroline would have given worlds, if she might but have not referred to
+it again. She knew she dared not disobey, but her daring had left her so
+powerless that she had stood at her mother's door full ten minutes
+before she could command courage sufficient to open it and enter.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton looked at her changed aspect, the bitter humiliation
+expressed in every feature, with such pity, that it required even more
+than her usual exercise of control, to retain the grave, and apparently
+unmoved tone with which she said--
+
+"You have had a long time in which to reflect on your charges against
+me, Caroline. I hope they are now sufficiently defined for me to
+understand and answer them. You may sit down, for you do not seem very
+capable of standing."
+
+Caroline gladly obeyed, by sitting down on a low ottoman, some little
+distance from her mother, on whose neck she absolutely longed to throw
+herself and beseech forgiveness; but Mrs. Hamilton's tone was not such
+as to give her courage to do so. She remained silent, burying her face
+in her hands.
+
+"I am waiting your pleasure, Caroline; I should have thought that you
+had had plenty of time to think during my absence. Of what do you accuse
+me?"
+
+"Oh, nothing, nothing! mamma, dear mamma, do not speak to me in that
+tone, I can not bear it; indeed, indeed, I am miserable enough already;
+condemn me to any punishment, the severest you can, I know I deserve
+it--but do not, do not speak so."
+
+"No, Caroline; were I to condemn you to any punishment, it would seem
+more like vengeance for the pain you have inflicted on me by your
+accusation of partiality and injustice, than from the hope of producing
+any good end. You are no longer a child, who must be taught the line of
+duty to a parent. You know it now as well as I can teach it, and if you
+fail, must be answerable only to yourself. I can not help you any
+further, than by requesting you to explain clearly the origin of your
+complaint against me. Its main ground of offense is, I believe, that
+since Ellen has become an inmate of my family I have treated you with
+more harshness and unkindness than I ever did before. Can you look back
+on the last eighteen months and recall one instance in which this has
+been the case? I must have an answer, Caroline; you may now think
+explanation is not necessary, and that you meant nothing when you spoke,
+but that will not satisfy me nor you, when ill-temper regains
+ascendency. You need not refrain from answering for fear of wounding me.
+You can scarcely do that more than you have done already."
+
+Caroline tried to speak, but she could only sob forth, that she could
+not recall one instance, in which her mother had been more displeased
+with her than her conduct merited. Acknowledging, but almost
+inarticulately, that she had sometimes fancied that she had remained
+longer cold with her than with Ellen, after the committal of a
+fault--and that--(she stopped).
+
+"Go on, Caroline."
+
+"I could not feel my faults such heavy ones as Ellen's."
+
+"They are of equal, if not greater weight than your cousin's, Caroline.
+You have been, from your earliest infancy, the object of the most tender
+and devoted care to your father and myself. Miss Harcourt has followed
+out our plans; you have never been exposed to any temptation, not even
+that of casual bad example. Ellen, till she became mine, encountered
+neglect, harshness, all that could not fail in such a character to
+engender the faults she has. You can not compare yourself with her, for,
+had you been situated as she was, I fear you would have had still
+heavier failings."
+
+"I should never have told untruths," exclaimed Caroline with returning
+temper.
+
+"Perhaps not, for some persons are so physically constituted that they
+do not know what fear is; and harshness would harden, not terrify and
+crush, as with such dispositions as Ellen's. But Caroline, when temper
+gains dominion over you, as it has done to-day, do you always think and
+utter nothing but the truth?"
+
+Caroline turned from that penetrating look and burst into tears. Few as
+the words were, they seemed to flash light into the very inmost recesses
+of her heart, and tell her that in moments of uncontrolled temper, in
+her brooding fancies, she really did forfeit the truth, on adherence to
+which she so prided herself; and that there was no excuse for her in the
+idea that she did not know what she said or did--for why had religion
+and reason been so carefully implanted within her, but to enable her to
+subdue the evil temper, ere it acquired such fearful dominion.
+
+"Perhaps you have never thought of this before, Caroline," resumed Mrs.
+Hamilton, and her tone was not quite so cold; "but think of it in
+future, and it may help you to conquer yourself. Remember, words can
+never be recalled, and that, though you may have lost such command over
+yourself, as scarcely to know the exact sense of what you say, yet those
+to whom they are addressed, or those who may have only heard them, must
+believe, and so receive, and perhaps act on false impressions, which no
+after effort will remove. Now to your next charge, that I treat Ellen as
+a reasonable being, and you as a child:--if you have the least
+foundation for this supposition, speak it without hesitation--whence has
+it arisen?"
+
+For one minute Caroline hesitated, but then resolved she would atone for
+her fault at least by a full confession. She told all the wishes, the
+hopes Annie's information of Lady Helen's promise had imparted, and the
+pain it was to feel that her mother thought her such a child as not to
+speak to her on the subject.
+
+"And if you did think so, Caroline, why did you not from the first
+moment that Annie told you of it, come to me, and tell me how very much
+you wished it? I could not, indeed, have granted your wishes, but your
+confidence would have been met with such indulgence as would at least
+have saved you some degree of pain. Believing, as I did, and as Lady
+Helen assured me I might with safety, that you knew nothing about
+it--would you have thought it kind or judicious in me, had I said, 'Lady
+Helen has persuaded me to take you to her ball, but I have refused her.'
+I was silent to spare you pain, as, had you permitted yourself calmly to
+think, you would have believed. However, as appearances were, I grant
+that I have not treated you, in this instance, with the consideration
+that your age might perhaps have demanded; and from Annie not obeying
+Lady Helen's desire, that she should not mention the subject to you,
+have failed in sparing you the pain of disappointment, as I had hoped.
+But another time, instead of brooding over that which seems want of
+consideration on my part, come to me at once, and spare yourself and me
+the pain you have caused me to-day. I do not think you can accuse me of
+ever meeting your confidence with so much harshness as to check such
+openness on your part."
+
+Caroline looked hastily up; her mother's tone was almost as fond as
+usual, and, unable to restrain the impulse any longer, she started from
+her low seat, and kneeling down close by her, clung round her,
+passionately exclaiming--
+
+"Mamma! mamma! pray, forgive me; I am so very miserable--I can not bear
+myself--I do not know when I shall be happy again; for even if you
+forgive me, I know--I know--I never can forgive myself."
+
+"I do not wish you to forgive yourself just yet, my dear child," replied
+her mother, not refusing the kiss Caroline's eyes so earnestly besought.
+"Your fault has been such an aggravated one, that I fear it must cause
+you many days of remorse, the most painful kind of suffering which error
+can bring; but do not try to shake it off; I would rather see you endure
+it, and not expect happiness for a few days. You know where to seek the
+only source which can bring peace and comfort, and you must endeavor by
+earnest prayer to strengthen yourself for the conflict you have so often
+to encounter. You have a very difficult task, my poor child, that I
+know; and, therefore, do I so try to provide you with a guard and help."
+
+"If I could but conquer it at first," answered Caroline, whose violent
+excitement had given way to tears of real repentance; "but at first it
+seems almost a pleasure to me to be cross to every body, and answer
+pettishly, and as if it were pleasanter to encourage disagreeable
+thoughts than to read or do any thing that would remove them. And then,
+when I would give any thing to escape from them, it seems every body's
+fault but my own, and I can not."
+
+"If you accustomed yourself constantly to pray against this great fault,
+my dear child, you would find, that its very first approach would so
+startle you, that you would use every energy to subdue it. But I fear,
+it is only when temper has made you miserable, as it has to-day, that
+you are quite aware of its enormity. You do not think the fault great
+enough to demand the watchfulness and care without which it never will
+be subdued."
+
+"I am afraid I do not indeed, mamma. I know I do not make it a subject
+of prayer, as you have so often advised me, except when every thing
+looks so black, and I am so miserable; and then, I fear, I ask more to
+be happy again, than for forgiveness of my sin, and for grace and
+strength to overcome it. I never felt this to be the case so strongly as
+to-day, but your coldness seems to have shown me my whole self, and I
+never thought I was so wicked, and so I must be miserable."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton involuntarily drew her child more closely to her. The
+humility, the bitterness of self-reproach, was so unlike Caroline's
+usual haughtiness--so very much deeper than they had ever been before,
+that she hoped, in spite of her anxiety, and her voice audibly trembled
+as she answered--
+
+"If you really feel this, my Caroline, you will not hesitate to follow
+my advice, and really pray and watch against this unhappy temper, even
+when every thing is so smooth and happy, that you can not imagine why
+you need. Sin always gains ascendency by using pleasure as his covering.
+Do not let a single cross word, or momentary unkind thought, pass
+unnoticed; never cease in your petition for grace and strength, but do
+not be content with only prayer; you must use effort as well, and if
+your thoughts will be black, and you feel as if you could not conquer
+them by yourself, nor banish them even by your favorite employments,
+come to me, confess them without fear or hesitation to me, and let us
+try if we can not conquer them together. Will you promise me to try this
+plan, Caroline?"
+
+Caroline could not reply, for every kind word her mother spoke, seemed
+to heighten self-reproach, and make her still more wretched. Mrs.
+Hamilton felt that there was no refusal in her silence, and continued
+talking to her in that same gentle strain a little while longer, and
+then rose to leave her--but Caroline looked so sorrowful that she
+hesitated.
+
+"No, mamma, I do not deserve that you should stay with me, and so
+deprive Emmeline and Ellen, and the boys of their favorite hour," she
+said, though the tears started again to her eyes, for she felt as if it
+would be an indescribable comfort still to be alone with her mother. "I
+am too unhappy and too ashamed to join them, if I may remain away?" Mrs.
+Hamilton answered in the affirmative. "I have not a thing prepared for
+to-morrow, and--and I do not--indeed, I do not mean to give you any more
+trouble with my studies. I hate myself for that, too."
+
+"Do not attempt to study to-night, my dear Caroline; get up a little
+earlier to-morrow, to be ready for me, if you like; but though it will
+be much more painful to you to remain idle the remainder of this evening
+than to employ yourself, even with the most disagreeable task, I would
+much rather you should do so. Once let temper be quite subdued, and your
+heart receive its necessary government, and I have no fear but that you
+will very quickly make up for lost time; and even if you did not,
+believe me, my dear child, the graces of the mind, precious as in
+general they are considered, and as they are, still are to me actually
+nothing worth, if unaccompanied by a gentle temper and womanly heart. Do
+not shrink from the suffering which it will be to sit alone and think on
+all that has passed to-day; but let your remorse be accompanied by a
+resolution (which you are quite capable of not only forming, but of
+keeping) not to rest till by prayer and effort you have sought God's
+blessing on your difficult task, and so feel strengthened for its
+fulfillment; and also for persevering in it, for you must not hope to
+succeed in subduing yourself all at once. Do this, and I shall be better
+pleased than if to-morrow morning you brought me a treble quantity of
+mental work."
+
+She embraced and left her--to meditations, from whose bitter, though
+salutary pain, Caroline made no attempt to escape; though, had it not
+been for her mother's advice, she would gladly have flown to her
+studies, and worked with double assiduity, believing that she was, by
+doing so, atoning for her fault, instead of merely shrinking from its
+remembrance. It was a trial to join her family even for prayers; for she
+felt so self-convicted, so humbled, that she fancied every one must
+despise her; and when, after the service, Percy approached, and, with
+mock sympathy, inquired how her headache was, and if she had recovered
+her appetite, and begged her not to be ill at such a critical time, as
+he most particularly wished to go to Lady Helen's ball, and he could not
+be so cruel, if she were not well, her spirit was so broken that the
+large tears rolled down her cheeks, and she turned away without uttering
+a single word.
+
+"If you had taken the trouble to look in your sister's face, Percy, you
+would not have spoken so unkindly," said Mrs. Hamilton, more hastily
+than she was in the habit of interfering; and as Caroline came to her,
+she whispered some few fond words, that enabled her to wish her father
+good-night and leave the room, without any farther display of emotion.
+
+"Do you wish your sister to dislike you, Percy?" she said gently
+detaining him, as he was following Caroline.
+
+"Dislike me, mother? No! how can you think so?"
+
+"Because you act as if you wished it; you never see her uncomfortable,
+without trying to make her more so, and is that kind? How can she ever
+look up to and love you, while such is the case?"
+
+"I only mean it for fun, mother. It is such glorious enjoyment to me to
+torment, when I see people cross and miserable for nothing."
+
+"And in the enjoyment of your fun, my dear boy, you forget other
+people's feelings. I must beg you as an especial favor to myself, that
+you will do all you can to soothe rather than irritate Caroline, in the
+short time that intervenes before you go to London. She will have a hard
+struggle with herself, so do not you make her trial more difficult."
+
+"Do you wish it, mother, dear? you know I would refrain from teasing
+even for a whole year, if it would please you, and give me the privilege
+of a kiss whenever I like," he laughingly answered, looking up in her
+face so archly and yet so fondly, that his mother could not help
+smiling; promising she would not sentence him to any thing so terrible
+as not to tease for a whole year, as she was quite sure he would fall
+into his old propensities before a quarter of the time had expired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+SUSPICION.--A PARTING, A DOUBLE GRIEF.--INNOCENCE PROVED.--WRONG DONE
+AND EVIL CONFIRMED BY DOUBT.
+
+
+Lady Helen's ball took place; and Caroline had so conquered herself,
+that she could listen to Percy's flowing account of its delights with
+actual cheerfulness. It was so associated with self-reproach, that she
+could scarcely think of it without pain; but she was so convinced of her
+folly in permitting such a very little thing so to affect her temper as
+to cause all the misery she had endured, that she had resolved to punish
+herself, not only by listening to Percy, but by herself inquiring the
+details. She was a girl of really a strong mind, and once convinced of
+error, once released from the fell dominion of temper, she did not care
+what pain she endured, or what difficulty she encountered, so that she
+could but convince her mother how truly she regretted, and tried to
+atone for past misconduct. It was very easy, as Mrs. Hamilton had told
+her, to regain lost time in her studies, but not quite so easy to check
+the cross word or unkind thought, and to break from the black cloud that
+still at times would envelop her. But she did not give way, constantly
+even making opportunities for self-denial, and doing little kindnesses
+for Ellen, though she was too truthful to profess an affection which as
+yet she could not feel.
+
+Early in the following week Mr. Grahame came over to Oakwood with a
+petition. Annie having taken cold at the party, had been obliged to
+enact the invalid, much against her inclination, and so entreated her
+mother to invite Caroline to spend a few days with her; and to her
+astonishment, her cold, harsh father volunteered to go himself for her.
+Mr. Hamilton at once acceded; his wife hesitated; but she went at once
+to Caroline, who chanced to be reading alone in the school-room, for it
+was the time of recreation, and told her. For a moment her countenance
+was actually radiant with delight, the next it clouded over.
+
+"You would like it very much, but you are afraid I shall not permit you
+to go--is that the meaning of your change of countenance?" asked her
+mother, half smiling.
+
+"I am afraid of myself, mamma; for I fear I am always more ill-tempered
+and proud after any such pleasure as going to Moorlands would be."
+
+"Would you rather not go, then?"
+
+"I can not say quite that, mamma; I should like it very much, if I could
+but be sure of myself afterward."
+
+"Did you ever feel such a doubt of yourself before, Caroline, when going
+to stay with Annie?"
+
+"No, mamma; I seem to have thought a great deal more the last few days,
+and not to feel half so sure of myself."
+
+"Then I think there is less danger for you, that is, of course, if you
+are willing to risk the temptation of Lady Helen's too kind
+consideration and lavish praises, which make mine so very tame."
+
+"Oh, mamma, pray do not say so," interrupted Caroline, very eagerly.
+"Indeed, I would rather hear you speak and see you smile as you do now,
+than listen to all that Lady Helen is so kind as to say. I know I did
+like it very much, and that it did sometimes make me fancy when I came
+home, that you were almost cold. But, indeed, indeed, I hope I am
+learning to know you better."
+
+"I hope so, too, dearest. But Mr. Grahame is waiting for you; and,
+by-the-by, begged me to ask you for some lines you promised to copy out
+for a print in Lady Helen's album. You may do just as you like about
+going, because you are quite old and wise enough to decide for yourself.
+Ill-temper always brings such suffering with it, that if pleasure must
+recall it, you will be wiser not to go; but if you can resist it--if you
+think you can return to your quiet daily routine as forbearing and
+gentle and happy as you are now, go, my love, and enjoy yourself as much
+as you can."
+
+"I will try and remember all you said about prayer when we think we are
+most secure, dear mamma," answered Caroline, in a very earnest and
+somewhat lowered voice. "I know, whenever I have been to Moorlands
+before, I have felt so elated, so sure I should never be in an
+ill-temper, so proud from being made so much of, that I fear I have very
+often relaxed even in my daily prayers, and never thought it necessary
+to pray against ill-temper. Do you think if I watch myself, and still
+pray against it, it will save me from being cross and unkind on my
+return?"
+
+"It will undoubtedly help you, my dear child, very considerably, and
+render your trial very much easier, but I can not promise you that it
+will entirely prevent the _inclination_ to feel pettish and unhappy. I
+have no doubt that in time it will prevent even that; but now, you know,
+it is very early days, and you have not yet forgotten the bitter pain of
+last week; still I think you may venture to go, love, and if I do see
+you happy and gentle on your return, it will do much toward convincing
+me you are striving in earnest. Make haste and get ready, and do not
+forget the poem. I will send over your things. Tell Lady Helen I shall
+expect all her family next Monday evening, to join Edward's little
+farewell-party, and you can return with them."
+
+With the most delighted alacrity Caroline hastened to get ready, and in
+her hurry forgot the poem till she re-entered the school-room, which was
+still untenanted.
+
+"What shall I do for some writing-paper?" she thought; "the desks are
+all put away, and it will detain me so long to go up again for the
+keys, and the volume is too large to carry--oh, I will tear out a blank
+page from this book, it will not be very elegant, but I can recopy it at
+Moorlands."
+
+And she hastily tore out a page from an exercise-book which lay open on
+the table; not perceiving that by doing so, a fellow-leaf, which was
+written on, was loosened, and fell to the ground, mingling with some
+torn papers which had been put in a heap to be cleared away. She had
+just finished it, when Fanny came to tell her Mr. Grahame could not wait
+any longer, and asking if all the papers on the ground were to be
+removed, Caroline hastily answered in the affirmative, without looking
+at them, and the girl bore them off in her apron, the written leaf among
+them.
+
+Now it so happened that this written leaf had already occasioned
+trouble. Miss Harcourt had been so displeased with Ellen's careless
+performance of a French exercise that morning, that she had desired her
+to write it again. It was very difficult, and had materially shortened
+the time which she had promised to devote to Edward, who was this week
+released from his attendance on Mr. Howard, to permit him and Ellen to
+be as much together as possible. Hurried by him, she left her book open
+on the table to dry, and, finding it closed on her return, put it away,
+without looking at it. The following day Miss Harcourt, of course,
+requested to see it, and, to Ellen's utter astonishment, her exercise
+was not there; only the faulty and blotted theme, with no sign to
+explain its disappearance. Now we know Miss Harcourt was rather
+prejudiced against Ellen, and, as she had unhappily failed in truth more
+than once (perhaps she was not so unjust and harsh as poor Ellen felt
+her to be), she refused to believe her assurance that she had written
+it. No one had been in the school-room at the time to whom she could
+refer: if Ellen had never disobeyed or deceived, of course her word
+would be sufficient, as her brother's and cousins' would.
+
+"That you have failed again, both in obedience and truth, Ellen, I can
+not for a moment doubt, and it certainly would be my duty to inform your
+aunt directly; but as I know it would cause her real suffering to be
+compelled to punish you just this last week that Edward will be with us
+for some time, I shall say nothing about it to her, nor inflict any
+penalty on you to attract her notice, but it is entirely for her sake I
+forbear. One so hardened in falsehood as you must be, so soon to forget
+her kind indulgence after your fault only a few weeks ago, can deserve
+nothing but harshness and contempt. I shall certainly, after this week,
+warn her not to trust too implicitly in your artful professions of
+repentance."
+
+Poor Ellen felt too bewildered and too miserable even to cry. That she
+had written her exercise, she was as positive as that she had been told
+to do so; but if she had--what had become of it? Harsh as Miss Harcourt
+seemed, appearances were certainly very much against her. She had not a
+single proof that she had obeyed, and her word was nothing; even
+Emmeline looked at her doubtingly, and as if she could scarcely even
+pity her. It was very little comfort to think her aunt was not to be
+told. Her own impulse was to go to her, and tell her at once; but how
+could she be believed? and Mrs. Hamilton's words--"If I ever discover
+another untruth, you will compel me to adopt still severer measures,
+pain as it will be to myself," the remembrance of all she had suffered,
+the disappointment it would be to her aunt to think all she had said and
+read to her were forgotten, when in reality she was constantly thinking
+of and trying to act on them, all checked the impulse, and terrified her
+into silence.
+
+Miss Harcourt was not an acute physiognomist; she could only read in
+Ellen's face hardihood and recklessness. We rather think Mrs. Hamilton
+would have read something very different; but she was very much engaged
+with Edward, and if she did think Ellen looked much more out of spirits,
+she attributed it to natural feeling at the rapid approach of the day of
+separation. For her brother's sake, to prove to him she could enter into
+his joy, she tried very hard not to evince the least symptom of
+depression, and never to cry before him at least; though every night,
+that told her another day had gone, and brought before her all sorts of
+vague feelings and fancies of dread, she either cried herself to sleep,
+or laid awake, still more unhappy. The suspicion attached to her seemed
+to double the severity of the trial of parting. Edward was her own;
+Edward must love her, with all her faults; but even her aunt, her kind,
+dear, good aunt, must cease to have any affection for her, if so
+constantly believed guilty of a sin so terrible as falsehood. And she
+seemed to love her brother still more than ever, every day that brought
+the hour of parting nearer--sometimes as if she _could not_ bear the
+pain of not being able to look at his bright face, and listen to his
+glad laugh and dear voice for three, perhaps six long years. Her aunt's
+gentle kindness seemed to increase her unhappiness, for though she knew
+she was innocent, still she felt, if Miss Harcourt had told Mrs.
+Hamilton, she could not be so caressed and cared for and she was
+receiving that which she was believed to have forfeited. Miss Harcourt's
+face certainly seemed to ask her as distinctly as words, how she could
+be so artful--so deceitful--as to permit her aunt to take such notice of
+her; and so she often shrunk away, when she most longed to sit by and
+listen to her.
+
+Edward's spirits never sobered, except now and then, when he thought of
+leaving Mrs. Hamilton, to whom he had given the same love he had
+lavished on his mother, perhaps to a still greater extent, for reverence
+was largely mingled with it. Mr Howard, too, was another whom he grieved
+to leave, and Mrs. Hamilton so trusted in these apparently strong
+affections and his good disposition, as to feel but little anxiety;
+merely sorrow that she was to lose him for a profession of danger. She
+did not know, nor did Mr. Howard, nor Edward himself, that he was one
+who would be guided more by the influence of those with whom he was
+intimately thrown, than by any memory of the absent, or judgment of his
+own.
+
+Ellen's manner on Monday evening annoyed and prejudiced Miss Harcourt
+still more; Mrs. Greville and Mary, Lady Helen and all her family,
+bringing Caroline home with them, Mr. Howard, and some of Edward's
+favorite companions, all assembled at Oakwood, and every one was
+determined to be gay and cheerful, and Edward's voice was the merriest,
+and his laugh the happiest there; and Ellen, though her head ached with
+the effort, and the constant struggle of the preceding week, was quite
+cheerful too, and talked to Mary Greville, and Lilla and Cecil Grahame,
+and even to Mr. Howard, as Miss Harcourt felt she had no right to do;
+and as must prove her to be that which she had always fancied her. Mrs.
+Hamilton, on the contrary, saw that in the very midst of a laugh, or of
+speaking, her niece's eye would rest upon Edward, and the lip quite
+quiver, and her smile become for the moment so strained, that she was
+satisfied Ellen's cheerfulness proceeded from no want of feeling; she
+wondered, indeed, at so much control at such an early age, but she loved
+her for it, notwithstanding. Once only Ellen was nearly conquered. Mary
+had begged her to sing a little Hindoo air, of which she was
+particularly fond, and Edward, hearing the request, said eagerly--
+
+"Do sing it, dear Ellen; I am quite as fond of it as Mary is, for it
+seems to make me think of India and poor mamma, and it will be such a
+long time before I hear it again."
+
+She had never in her whole life felt so disinclined to sing, so as if it
+were quite impossible--as if she must cry if she did; but Edward would
+think it so unkind if she refused, for she did not know herself why his
+very words should have increased the difficulty, and what reason could
+she give him? Mary went and asked Mrs. Hamilton to accompany her; and
+Ellen did her very best, but her voice would tremble, and just before
+the end of the second verse it failed entirely; but still she was glad
+she had tried, for on Mrs. Hamilton saying, very kindly, and in a voice
+that only she and Mary could hear, "I was half afraid you would not
+succeed to-night, my dear Ellen, but you were quite right to try," Mary
+seemed to understand at once why it had been so difficult for her to
+oblige her, and to be quite sorry she had pressed it so much, and Edward
+had thanked her, and told her he should sing it in idea very often. She
+tried to be merry again, but she could not succeed as before, and so she
+kept as near her aunt as she could, all the remainder of the evening, as
+if she were only safe there.
+
+Edward, too, had a hard battle with himself, as one by one his favorite
+companions took leave of him with a hearty shake of the hand, and
+eager--but in some, half-choked wishes for his health and prosperity;
+and when all had gone, and Mr. Howard, who had remained for prayers,
+took him in his arms, and solemnly prayed God to bless him, and save him
+from danger and temptation, and permit him to return to his family,
+improved in all things that would make him an affectionate guardian to
+his orphan sister, and repay all the love and care of his aunt and
+uncle, it was a desperate effort that prevented him from sobbing like a
+child; but he had his midshipman's uniform on for the first time, and he
+was quite resolved he would not disgrace it; therefore he only returned
+Mr. Howard's embrace very warmly, and ran out of the room. But when his
+aunt went into his room an hour afterward, it appeared as if he had put
+off his pride and his uniform together, for, though he was fast asleep,
+his pillow was quite wet with tears.
+
+The next morning was a very sad one, though Percy and his father did all
+they could to make it cheerful (we ought to have said before that Percy
+and Herbert were both going with Mr. Hamilton and Edward). No one liked
+the idea of losing Edward for so long a time. He had made himself a
+favorite with all, even with every one of the servants, who, when the
+carriage was ready at eleven o'clock, thronged into the hall to take a
+last look at him. He was so altered, that he had that morning, actually
+of his own accord, shaken hands with every one of them who had ever done
+any thing for him, especially Ellis and Morris, and Robert, to whom he
+had given a very handsome present, and thanked him for all his
+attention.
+
+He kept up very manfully till he came to his aunt, whose emotion, as she
+held him in a close embrace, was so unusually visible, and for the
+moment he seemed so to love her, that the idea of the sea lost half its
+delight, and he felt as if he could almost have liked to remain with
+her. But Percy's joyous voice--
+
+"Come, Master Edward, I thought you were a sailor, not a school-boy. Off
+with you; you will not give me time or room for one kiss from mamma
+before we go," roused him, and he tried to laugh in the midst of his
+tears, gave Ellen another kiss, and ran into the carriage, where he was
+quickly followed by his uncle and cousins, and in a very few minutes
+Oakwood, dear, happy Oakwood, as his whole heart felt it at that moment,
+was hidden from his sight.
+
+Ellen remained by the window, looking after the carriage, long after it
+was impossible to see or hear it, very pale, and her eyes very heavy,
+but not in tears; and as her aunt went to her, and put her arm round
+her, and began talking to her very cheerfully of all Edward would have
+to write to her about, and how soon they might hear from him, and that
+Ellen should answer him as often and as fully as she liked, and that she
+would not even ask to see her letters to him, or all his to her, as they
+might have many little affectionate things to say to each other, that
+they might not care about any one else seeing, and she would trust them
+both--Ellen seemed as if one pain was soothed, and if indeed she heard
+often from him, she might bear his departure. But there was still the
+other source of unhappiness, recalled every time she met Miss Harcourt's
+cold suspicious look, which had not changed even then. Still she tried
+to join her cousins, and get her work, for there were no studies that
+morning, and so some little time passed, by Mrs. Hamilton's exertions,
+almost cheerfully; but then Ellen left the room to get something she
+wanted, and, in seeking her own, passed Edward's room, the door of which
+stood half open. She could not resist entering, and every thing spoke of
+him so vividly, and yet seemed so to tell her he had gone, really gone,
+and she was quite alone, that all the pain came back again worse than
+ever, and she laid her head on his pillow, and her long-checked tears
+flowed with almost passionate violence.
+
+"My dear Ellen, I have been looking for you every where," said her
+aunt's kind voice, full an hour afterward; "Emmeline went into your room
+and could not find you, and I could not imagine what had become of you.
+It was not wise of you to come here just this morning, love. You have
+been so brave, so unselfish all this week, that I must not let you give
+way now. Try and think only that Edward will be happier as a sailor than
+he would be remaining with you; and though I know you must miss him
+very, very painfully, you will be able to bear it better. Poor Alice
+Seaton, of whom you have heard me speak, has no such comfort; her
+brother could not bear the idea of a sea life, and is scarcely strong
+enough for it; and yet, poor fellow, it is the only opening his uncle
+has for him, and his poor sister had not only that pain to bear--for you
+can fancy how dreadful it would be, if Edward had left us for a life in
+which he thought he should be miserable--but is obliged to leave the
+aunt she loves, as much, I think, as you love me, Ellen, and go as a
+teacher in a school, to bear her accumulated sorrow quite alone. Sad as
+your trial is, you have still many things to bless God for, dearest, as
+I am sure you will acknowledge, if, when the pain of the present moment
+has subsided, you think of Alice, and try to put yourself in her place."
+
+"It is not only parting from Edward," answered Ellen, trying to check
+her tears, but clasping her arms still closer round her aunt, as if
+dreading that her own words should send her from her.
+
+"Not only parting from Edward, Ellen, love! what is it then? tell me,"
+replied Mrs. Hamilton, surprised and almost alarmed. But Ellen could not
+go on, much as she wished it, for her momentary courage had deserted
+her, and she could only cry more bitterly than before. "Have you done
+any thing wrong, Ellen? and have you forgotten my promise?" inquired her
+aunt, after waiting several minutes, and speaking very sorrowfully.
+
+"Miss Harcourt thinks I have, aunt; but indeed, indeed, I have not; I
+have not been so very wicked as to tell another falsehood. I know no one
+can believe me, but I would rather you should know it, even if--if you
+punish me again."
+
+"You must try to be more calm, my dear Ellen, and tell me clearly what
+is causing you so much additional suffering; for I can not quite
+understand you. I certainly shall not punish you, unless _quite_
+convinced you have failed in truth again, which I do not think you have.
+Tell me exactly what it is, and look at me while you are speaking."
+
+Ellen tried to obey, but her grief had gained such an ascendency, that
+it was very difficult. Mrs. Hamilton looked very thoughtful when she
+ceased, for she really was more perplexed than she allowed Ellen to
+perceive; and the poor child, fancying her silence could only mean
+disbelief and condemnation, remained quiet and trembling by her side.
+
+"I promised you that I would not doubt you, Ellen, and I will not now,
+though appearances are so strong against you," she said, after several
+minutes' thought. "Come with me to the school-room, and show me your
+exercise-book; I may find some clew to explain this mystery."
+
+Ellen thought that was quite impossible; but, inexpressibly comforted by
+her aunt's trust, she went with her directly.
+
+"Ellen has been telling me that you have been very much displeased with
+her, my dear Lucy," Mrs. Hamilton said, directly she entered, addressing
+Miss Harcourt, who was sitting reading with Caroline and Emmeline, "and
+certainly with great apparent justice; but she is so unhappy about it,
+that I can scarcely believe that she has forgotten all which passed
+between us a short time ago, and I am going, therefore, with your
+permission, to try if I can not discover something that may throw a
+light on the subject."
+
+"I am afraid that will scarcely be possible," replied Miss Harcourt;
+"however, I am glad she has had the candor to tell you, instead of
+continuing to receive your notice, as she has done the last week." Ellen
+had brought her book while Miss Harcourt was speaking, and Mrs. Hamilton
+attentively examined it.
+
+"Did you not begin one like this the same day, Caroline?"
+
+"Yes, mamma; don't you remember we were obliged to send to Harris for
+them? as the parcel with the stationery did not come from Exeter as soon
+as we expected. And we noticed how much thinner they were, though they
+were the same sized books."
+
+"And did I not hear you say something about their having the same number
+of leaves, and therefore it must have been only the quality of the paper
+which made the difference?"
+
+"What a memory you have, mamma," answered Caroline, smiling. "I did not
+think you were taking the least notice of us, but I do remember saying
+so now, and, indeed, I very often wish the quality had been the same,
+for our writing looks horrid."
+
+"Do you happen to remember the number of leaves they contained, and if
+they were both alike?"
+
+"I know they had both the same number, and I think it was
+two-and-twenty, but I can tell you in a moment." And with her usual
+quickness of movement, Caroline unlocked her desk, drew forth her book,
+and ran over the leaves.
+
+"I am right--two-and-twenty."
+
+"And you are quite sure they had both the same number?"
+
+"Perfectly certain, mamma."
+
+"Then, by some incomprehensible means, two leaves have disappeared from
+Ellen's--here are only twenty. Have you ever torn a leaf out, Ellen?"
+
+"No, aunt, indeed I have not."
+
+"When did Miss Harcourt tell you to write this missing exercise?"
+
+"Last Monday week--I mean yesterday week."
+
+"Where did you write it, and what did you do with your book afterward?"
+
+"I wrote it at this table, aunt: I was so sorry I had to do it, when
+Edward depended so much on my going out with him, that I thought it
+would save time not to get my desk; and as soon as it was done, I left
+it open to dry. When I came home it was closed, and I put it away
+without looking at it, and the next morning the exercise was not there."
+
+"Who was in this room after you left it? by-the-by, it was the morning
+you went to Lady Helen's, Caroline; did you notice Ellen's book open, as
+she said? Why, what is the matter, my dear?" she added, observing that
+Caroline looked as if some sudden light had flashed upon her, and then,
+really grieved.
+
+"I am so very, _very_ sorry, mamma; I do believe it has been all my
+haste and carelessness that has caused Ellen all this unhappiness. I was
+in such a hurry to copy the poem for Lady Helen, that I tore a blank
+leaf out of an open book on the table, without thinking whose it was. In
+my haste the book fell to the ground, I picked it up to write on it, but
+never noticed if the fellow-leaf fell out, which it must have done, and
+no doubt Fanny carried it away with some other torn papers, which she
+asked me if she were to destroy. I am more sorry than I can tell you,
+Ellen; pray believe that I did not do it purposely."
+
+"I am sure she will, if it be only for the comfort of our knowing the
+truth," said Mrs. Hamilton, truly relieved, not only from the
+explanation, but perceiving Caroline's voluntarily offered kiss was
+willingly and heartily returned by Ellen. It was almost the first she
+had ever seen exchanged between them.
+
+"I must believe you, dear Caroline, for you never say what you do not
+mean," said Ellen, earnestly; "but I do so wish Miss Harcourt could see
+my exercise; she would quite believe me then."
+
+"And we should all be more satisfied," replied Mrs. Hamilton, perceiving
+in a moment that Miss Harcourt still doubted, and ringing the bell, she
+desired the footman to send Fanny to her.
+
+"Do you remember taking some torn papers from this room the morning you
+went to tell Miss Hamilton that Mr. Grahame was waiting?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, madam."
+
+"And were they all torn up in small pieces?"
+
+"No, madam; there was one like the page out of a book, which made me ask
+Miss Hamilton if they were all to be destroyed. It was such a nice clean
+piece, only being written on one side, that I wrapped up some lace in
+it--Mrs. Ellis having only half an hour before scolded me for not
+keeping it more carefully."
+
+"Bring me the leaf, my good girl, and Miss Ellen will give you a still
+better piece for the purpose," replied her mistress, quite unable to
+suppress a smile, and Ellen hastily took out a large sheet of writing
+paper, and the moment Fanny returned (she seemed gone an age) gave it to
+her, and seized her own, which she placed in her aunt's hand, without
+being able to speak a single word.
+
+"I think that is the very theme, and certainly Ellen's writing, my dear
+Lucy; we can have no more doubt now," said Mrs. Hamilton, the moment
+Fanny had left the room, delighted with the exchange, and drawing Ellen
+close to her, for the poor child could really scarcely stand.
+
+"I have done you injustice, Ellen, and I beg your pardon," replied Miss
+Harcourt directly, and Mrs. Hamilton would have been better pleased had
+she stopped there, but she could not help adding, "You know I should
+never have doubted you, if you had not so often forfeited truth."
+
+Ellen's first impulse had been to go to her, but her last words caused
+her to bury her face on her aunt's shoulder.
+
+"I really think, Ellen, you ought to thank Ellis for giving Fanny a
+scolding, as it has done you such excellent service," resumed Mrs.
+Hamilton, playfully; "and what fee are you going to give me for taking
+upon myself to prove your innocence in open court? I think myself so
+very clever, that I shall tell Percy I am a better lawyer without study,
+than he can hope to be with. You don't seem very capable of doing any
+thing but kissing me now, and so I will not be very exacting. You have
+cried yourself almost ill, and so must bear the penalty. Go and lie down
+in my dressing-room for an hour or two; Emmeline, go with your cousin,
+and see what a kind, affectionate nurse you can be till I come. It is
+never too early to practice such a complete woman's office."
+
+Emmeline, quite proud of the charge, and more grieved than she very well
+knew how to express, till she was quite alone with Ellen, that she, too,
+had suspected and been cold to her the last week, left the room with her
+cousin. Caroline seemed to hesitate for a moment, but she was quite
+certain by her mother's face that she wished to speak with Miss
+Harcourt, and so, without being told, took up her book, and went into
+the library.
+
+"And now, Lucy, I am going to ask you a personal favor," began Mrs.
+Hamilton, the moment they were alone.
+
+"That I will try and not judge Ellen so harshly again," was her instant
+reply; "you have every right to _desire_ it, my dear friend, not to ask
+it as a favor; I _was_ too prejudiced and too hasty; but your own dear
+children are so truthful, so open, that I fear they have quite spoiled
+me for the necessary patience and forbearance with others."
+
+"You have not quite guessed it, Lucy. Appearances were so very strongly
+against that poor child, that I am not at all astonished you should have
+disbelieved her assertion. In the moment of irritation, it is not
+unlikely I should have done so myself; but the favor I am going to ask
+you, is merely that you will try and _never show_ that you doubt her
+word, or refer to her past failures. I am quite convinced that untruth
+is not Ellen's natural disposition, but that it has been caused by the
+same circumstances which have made her such a painfully timid, too
+humble character. If, with all her efforts to conquer herself, she still
+finds her word doubted, and the past brought forward, she never will be
+able to succeed. Examine as strictly and carefully as you please, and as
+I am sure she will desire, if necessary--as she did to-day--but oblige
+me, and _never doubt her_. If she finds we never do, it will raise her
+self-esteem, and give her a still further incentive to adhere as
+strictly to the truth, as she sees we believe she does. I am certain the
+habit of falsehood has often been strengthened by the injudicious and
+cruel references to one or two childish failures. If I am never to be
+believed, what is the use of trying to tell the truth? is the very
+natural question; and the present pain of carefulness being greater than
+the visible amount of evil, the habit is confirmed. Will you oblige me?"
+
+"Of course I will, dearest Mrs. Hamilton; how can you talk so! Have you
+not a right to desire what you think proper, in my guidance of your
+children, instead of so appealing to me as an equal?"
+
+"And are you not? My dear Lucy, have I ever, in act or word, considered
+you otherwise? In the very intrusting my children to your care, do I not
+prove that I must think you so? Have you lived with me all these years,
+and not yet discovered that I have some few notions peculiar perhaps to
+myself, but that one among them is, that we can never consider too much,
+or be too grateful to those invaluable friends who help us in the
+training of our children?"
+
+"I have lived long enough with you to know that there never was, never
+can be, any woman like you, either as wife, mother, mistress, or
+friend!" exclaimed Miss Harcourt, with most unusual fervor.
+
+"You did not know your own mother, dearest Lucy, as how I wish you had,
+or you would not think so. Every firm, truthful, estimable quality I may
+possess, under God's blessing, I owe to her. As a young child, before
+she came to me, and some years afterward, I was more like Ellen than
+either of my own darlings; and that perhaps explains the secret of my
+love for, and forbearance with her."
+
+"Like Ellen!" repeated Miss Harcourt, much surprised; "forgive me, but,
+indeed, I can scarcely believe it."
+
+"It is truth, notwithstanding; my poor father's great preference for
+Eleanor, when we were children, her very superior beauty and quickness,
+threw me back into myself; and I am quite certain if it had not been for
+your excellent mother, who came to live with us when I was only seven,
+my character would have suffered as much from neglect on the one side,
+and too painful humility on my own, as Ellen's has done. I can
+understand her feelings of loneliness, misappreciation, shrinking into
+herself, better even than she does herself."
+
+"But your affection and kindness ought to have altered her character by
+this time."
+
+"Hardly--eighteen months is not long enough to remove the painful
+impressions and influences of eleven sorrowful years. Besides, I
+scarcely know all these influences; I fear sometimes that she has
+endured more than I am aware of. So you must think charitably of my
+fancy, dearest Lucy," she added, smiling, "and help me to make Ellen as
+much like me as a woman, as I believe she is to me as a child; and to do
+so, try and think a little, a very little, more kindly and hopefully of
+her than you do."
+
+"I really do wish you were not quite so penetrating, dearest Mrs.
+Hamilton; there is no hiding a single feeling or fancy from you,"
+answered Miss Harcourt, slightly confused, but laughing at the same
+time. "What with your memory, and your quick observation, and your
+determined notice of little things, you really are a most dangerous
+person to live with; and if you were not more kind, and indulgent, and
+true than any body else, we should all be frightened to come near you."
+
+"I am glad I have some saving qualities," replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+laughing also; "it would be rather hard to be isolated because I can
+read other people's thoughts. However, we have entered into a compact,"
+she continued, rather more seriously; "you will never show that you
+doubt Ellen, and in any difficult matter, come at once to me," and Miss
+Harcourt willingly assented.
+
+The day passed much more happily than the morning could have
+anticipated. Emmeline's nursing was so affectionate and successful, that
+Ellen was quite able to join them at dinner, and her aunt had selected
+such a very interesting story to read aloud, in which one character was
+a young sailor, that the hours seemed to fly; and then they had a long
+talk about poor Alice Seaton and her brother, whether it would be
+possible for Mr. Hamilton to place young Seaton in a situation that he
+liked better, and that his health was more fitted for. Ellen said she
+should like to see and know Alice so much, for her trial must be such a
+very hard one, that her aunt promised her she should in the midsummer
+holidays, for Alice should then come and spend a week with them. It
+seemed as if not to be able to wish Edward good-night, and kiss him,
+brought back some of the pain again; but she found that thinking about
+poor Alice, and fancying how miserable she must be, if she loved her
+aunt as dearly as she did Mrs. Hamilton, to be obliged to part from her
+as well as her brother, and live at a school, made her pain seem less
+absorbing; as if to help Alice would do more toward curing it than any
+thing. And though, of course, every day, for a little while, she seemed
+to miss Edward more and more, still her aunt's affection and her own
+efforts, prepared her to see her uncle and cousins return, and listen to
+all they could tell her about him, without any increase of pain.
+
+
+
+
+PART III.
+
+SIN AND SUFFERING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ADVANCE AND RETROSPECT.
+
+
+Our readers must imagine that two years and four months have elapsed
+since our last visit to the inmates of Oakwood. It was the first week in
+March that Edward Fortescue (only wanting ten days for the completion of
+his fourteenth year) quitted a home, which was happier than any he had
+ever known, to enter the world as a sailor; and it is the 7th of June,
+two years later, the day on which Ellen Fortescue completes her
+fifteenth year, that we recommence our narrative.
+
+Over this interval, however, much as we are anxious to proceed, we must
+take a brief glance, clearly to understand the aspect of the Oakwood
+home affairs, which, from the increasing age of the younger members, had
+undergone some slight change. The greatest and most keenly felt was the
+departure of Percy and Herbert for college, the October twelvemonth
+after Edward had gone; the house seemed actually desolate without them.
+Percy's wild jokes and inexhaustible spirits, and Herbert's quiet,
+unobtrusive kindness, much as they had always been truly appreciated by
+their home circle, still scarcely seemed to have been fully felt till
+the young men were gone; and the old house actually seemed enwrapped in
+a silence, which it required very determined effort on the part of all
+who remained in the least degree to dispel.
+
+Our readers who are mothers, and earnest ones, will easily understand
+the anxious tremblings of Mrs. Hamilton's heart, when she parted from
+her boys for the world: for such, to spirits fresh, boyish,
+unsophisticated, as they still were, Oxford could not fail to be. For
+Herbert, indeed, she had neither fear nor doubt: no sneer, no
+temptation, no bad example, would affect him, in whom every passing
+year seemed to increase and deepen those exalted feelings which, in his
+earliest childhood, had "less in them of earth than heaven." His piety
+was so real, his faith so fervent, his affections so concentrated in his
+home and in one other individual, his love and pursuit of study so
+ardent and unceasing, his one aim, to become worthy in heart and mind to
+serve God as his minister, so ever present, that he was effectually
+guarded even from the world. Percy had none of these feelings to the
+same extent, save his ardent love for home and its inmates--his mother,
+above all. He did, indeed, give every promise that the principles so
+carefully instilled had taken firm root, and would guide his conduct in
+the world; but Mrs. Hamilton was too humble-minded--too convinced that
+every human effort is imperfect, without the sustaining and vitalizing
+grace of God, to rest in security, as many might have done, that
+_because_ she had so worked, so prayed, she _must_ succeed. She was
+hopeful, indeed, very hopeful--how could she be otherwise when she
+beheld his deep, though silent, reverence for sacred things--his
+constant and increasing respect and love for his father--his devoted
+affection for herself--his attachment to Herbert, which seemed so
+strangely yet so beautifully to combine almost reverence for his
+superior mind and holier spirit, with the caressing protectiveness of an
+older for a younger--a stronger for a weaker? There was much in all this
+to banish anxiety altogether, but not from such a heart as Mrs.
+Hamilton's, whose very multiplicity of blessings made her often tremble,
+and led her to the footstool of her God, with a piety as humble, as
+constant, as fervent, as many believe is the fruit of adversity alone.
+
+Caroline had sufficiently improved as greatly to decrease solicitude on
+her account: though there was still a want of sufficient humility, a too
+great proneness to trust implicitly in her own strength, an inclination
+to prejudice, and a love of admiration, which all made Mrs. Hamilton
+fear would expose her to some personal sorrow ere they were entirely
+overcome. To produce eternal good, she might not murmur at temporal
+suffering; but her fond heart, though it could anticipate it calmly for
+herself, so shrunk from it, as touching her child, that the nearer
+approached the period of Caroline's introduction to the gay world, the
+more painfully anxious she became, and the more gladly would she have
+retained her in the retirement of Oakwood, where all her better and
+higher qualities alone had play. But she knew this could not be; and
+she could only _trust_ that her anxiety would be proved as groundless
+with Caroline, as every letter from Oxford proved it to be with Percy,
+and _endeavor_ to avert it by never wavering in her watchful and guiding
+love.
+
+Emmeline, at fifteen, was just the same sportive, happy, innocent child
+as she had been at twelve. Her feelings were, indeed, still deeper, her
+imagination more vivid, her religion more fervid. To her every thing was
+touched with poetry--it mattered not how dull and commonplace it might
+seem to other people; but Mrs. Hamilton's judicious care had so taught
+that _Truth_ alone was poetry and beauty--the Ideal only lovable when
+its basis was the Real--that she was neither romantic nor visionary.
+Keen as her sensibilities were, even over a work of fiction, they
+prompted the _deed_ and _act_ of kindness, not the tear alone. For miles
+round her father's large domain she was known, loved, so felt as a
+guardian spirit, that the very sound of her step seemed to promise joy.
+She actually seemed to live for others--making their pleasures hers;
+and, withal, so joyous, especially in her own home and at Greville
+Manor, that even anxiety seemed exorcised when she was near. Before
+strangers, indeed, she would be as shy as a young fawn; though even then
+natural kindliness of heart prompted such kindness of word and manner,
+as always to excite the wish to see her again.
+
+Edward, in the two years and a quarter which he had been away, had only
+once occasioned anxiety. Two or three months after he had sailed, he
+wrote home in the highest terms of a certain Gilbert Harding, one of the
+senior midshipmen of his ship, from whom he had received kindness upon
+kindness; and who, being six or seven years older than himself, he
+jestingly wrote to his aunt and uncle, must certainly be the very best
+friend he could have chosen, as he was much too old to lead him into
+mischief. Why he (Harding) had taken such a fancy to him, Edward could
+not tell; but he was so excessively kind, so taught him his duty, and
+smoothed all the difficulties and disagreeables which, he owned, had at
+first seemed overwhelming, that he never could be grateful enough. He
+added, that, though not a general favorite with his immediate messmates,
+he was very highly esteemed by Sir Edward Manly and his other superior
+officers, and that the former had much commended him for his kindness to
+the youngest boy on board, which Edward was. It was very easy to
+perceive that young Fortescue's susceptible affections had all been not
+only attracted, but already riveted by this new friend. All the young
+party at Oakwood rejoiced at it; Mrs. Hamilton would have done so also,
+had she not perceived an anxious expression on her husband's face, which
+alarmed her. He did not, however, make any remark till he had spoken to
+Mr. Howard, and then imparted to his wife alone (not choosing to create
+suspicion in the open hearts of his children) that this Gilbert Harding,
+though very young at the time had been one of the principal actors in
+the affair which had caused Mr. Howard to dismiss his pupils, as we
+related in a former page; that his very youth, for he could scarcely
+have been more than eleven or twelve, and determined hardihood, so
+marked natural depravity, that Mr. Howard had had less hope for him than
+for any of the others. This opinion had been borne out by his after
+conduct at home; but the affair had been successfully hushed up by his
+family; and by immense interest he been permitted to enter the navy,
+where, it was said, his youthful errors had been so redeemed, and his
+courage and conduct altogether had so won him applause, that no farther
+fears were entertained for him. Mr. Howard alone retained his opinion,
+that the disposition was naturally bad, and doubted the _internal_
+response to the seeming _outward good_; and he was grieved and anxious
+beyond measure, when he heard that he was not only on board the same
+ship as Edward, but already his favorite companion and most trusted
+friend. His anxiety, of course, extended itself to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton
+to such a degree, that at the first moment they would gladly have
+endeavored to exchange his ship; but this would have seemed very strange
+to Sir Edward Manly, who was one of Mr. Hamilton's most valued friends.
+He had, in fact, actually delayed Edward's becoming a midshipman till
+Sir Edward could take him in his own ship and now to place him elsewhere
+was really impossible; and, after all, though he might be removed from
+Harding's influence, how could his anxious guardians know all with whom
+he might be thrown? They were obliged to content themselves with writing
+earnestly and affectionately to Edward; and, painful as it was, to throw
+a doubt and shade over such youthful confidence and affection, implored
+him not to trust too implicitly in Harding; that his character had not
+always been free from stain; that he (Edward) was still so young and so
+susceptible, he might find that he had imbibed principles, and been
+tempted to wrong almost unconsciously, and suffer from its effects when
+too late to escape. They wrote as affectionately and indulgently as they
+could--Mr. Howard, as well as his aunt and uncle; but still they felt
+that it certainly did appear cruel to warn a young, warm heart to break
+off the first friendship it had formed; especially as he beheld that
+friend approved of by his captain, and looked up to by the crew. And
+that Edward's reply was somewhat cold, though he did promise caution,
+and assure them he had not so forgotten the influences and principles of
+Oakwood as to allow any one to lead him into error, did not surprise
+them. He never referred to Harding again, except sometimes casually to
+mention his companionship, or some act which had won him approval; and
+they really hoped their letters had had at least the effect of putting
+him on his guard. Sir Edward Manly's own reply to Mr. Hamilton's anxious
+appeal to him, however, succeeded in quieting their fears; he assured
+them he had seen nothing in Harding's conduct, since he had been at sea,
+to render him an unfit companion for any boy: that he had heard of some
+boyish faults, but it was rather hard he was to suffer from them as a
+man; and he assured his friends that he would keep a strict look-out
+after young Fortescue, and the first appearance of a change in a
+character which, young as he was, he could not help loving, should be
+inquired into, and the friendship ended by sending Harding to some other
+ship. So wrote Sir Edward Manly, with the fullest possible intention to
+perform; and Edward's anxious friends were happy, more especially as
+letter after letter brought praises of the young sailor from captain,
+officers, and crew, and his own epistles, though brief, were
+affectionate and satisfactory.
+
+It was happy for Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, and Mr. Howard, too, that they
+were ignorant of the multiplicity of great and little things which could
+not fail to engross the mind of Sir Edward Manly, who was not only
+captain of the Prince William, a gallant seventy-four, but commander of
+the little flotilla which accompanied him, or they could not have rested
+so secure. Happy for them too, during those years of separation, that
+they were not perfectly acquainted with Edward's real weakness of
+character, or of the fearful extent of mischief which the influences of
+his first twelve years had engendered. Had he remained at Oakwood till
+nineteen or twenty, it _is_ probable they would have been insensibly
+conquered, and the impressions of good, which he had appeared so
+readily to receive, really taken root and guided his after life, but
+eighteen months could not do this, as Mrs. Hamilton would have felt, had
+she known _all_ the effect of her sister's ill-judged partiality and
+indulgence; but this, as we have already mentioned, was concealed from
+her by the bright, lovable, winning qualities, which alone were
+uppermost. Our readers, in fact, know more of Edward (if they have at
+all thought of his conduct in so frequently allowing his sister to
+suffer for him) than his aunt, penetrative as she was; and, therefore,
+in the events we shall have occasion to relate, we trust that Mrs.
+Hamilton will not appear an inconsistent character, inasmuch that one in
+general so successfully observant, should fail in penetration when most
+needed.
+
+Edward's life at Oakwood had been so very happy, its pleasures and
+indulgences so innocent, so numerous, that he did not himself know his
+liability to temptation, from the excessive love of pleasure which his
+mother's indiscreet indulgence had originally infused. The control which
+his uncle and Mr. Howard exercised over him had been so very gentle and
+forbearing, that he had scarcely ever felt the inclination to exert
+self-will, and when it so chanced that he had, Ellen had covered his
+fault, or borne its penalty for him. He thought he had guided himself,
+when, in fact, he was guided; but this could no longer be the case when
+one of the little world which thronged a first-rate man-of-war. Outward
+actions were, indeed, under control; but what captain, the most earnest,
+most able in the world, could look into and guide the _hearts_ of all
+those committed to his care? And almost the first action of Edward's
+unbiased will was indignantly to tear into shreds, and scatter to the
+winds and the waves, those affectionate and warning letters, and cling
+the more closely to, rest the more confidingly on Harding, for the wrong
+that he thought he had done him, by allowing his eye even to rest for a
+moment on such base, unfounded aspersions on his name.
+
+When Mrs. Hamilton told Ellen that her letters to her brother, and his
+to her, should never be subjected to any scrutiny but their own, she
+acted on a principle which many parents and guardians would consider as
+high-flown and romantic, and which she herself had most painful reason
+to regret--the effects, at least, but not the principle itself, for that
+was based on too refined a feeling to waver, even though she suffered
+from it. She could not bear, nor could her husband, the system which
+prevailed in some families of their acquaintance, that their children
+could neither receive nor write letters to each other, or their intimate
+friends, without being shown to their seniors. As for opening and
+reading a letter directed to one of them, before its possessor saw it,
+as they had seen done, it was, in their estimation, as much dishonor and
+as mean, as if such a thing had been done to an adult. Perfect
+confidence in their home they had indeed instilled, and that confidence
+was never withheld. There was a degree of suspicion attached to a demand
+always to see what a child had written or received, from which Mrs.
+Hamilton's pure mind actually shrunk in loathing. In the many months the
+Grahame family passed in London, Annie and Caroline corresponded without
+the least restraint: no doubt many would pronounce Mrs. Hamilton very
+unwise, knowing Annie so well, and trembling for Caroline as she did;
+but, as she told Miss Harcourt, she had some notions peculiar to herself
+(they always had the sanction and sympathy of her husband, however), and
+this was one of them. She was always pleased and interested in all that
+her children read to her, either from their own epistles or those they
+received, and if they wished it, read them herself, but she never asked
+to do so, and the consequence was, that the most perfect confidence was
+given.
+
+When Ellen and Edward parted, they were both so young, that Mr. Hamilton
+had hesitated as to whether his wife was quite justified in the perfect
+trust with which she treated them, and whether it would not be wiser to
+overlook their correspondence; but Mrs. Hamilton so argued that their
+very youth was their safeguard, that they were all in all to each other,
+and as such she wished them to feel they were bound by even a closer and
+a fonder tie than that of brother and sister under other circumstances,
+so won over her husband that he yielded; and from the long extracts that
+Ellen would read of Edward's letters to the family in general, and of
+her own to her aunt, he was quite satisfied as to the wisdom of his
+wife's judgment.
+
+For full a year after Edward's departure, Ellen's conduct and general
+improvement had given her aunt nothing but pleasure; even Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's prejudice was nearly removed, though, at
+times, the fancy would steal over both that she was not exactly what she
+seemed, and that that which was hidden was not exactly that which Mrs.
+Hamilton believed it; and this fancy strengthened by a certain
+indefinable yet _felt_ change in Ellen, commencing about thirteen months
+after she had parted from her brother. Mrs. Hamilton herself, for some
+time strove against belief, but at length she could no longer conceal
+from herself that Ellen _was_ becoming reserved again, and fearful, at
+times almost shrinking, and sad, as in her childhood. The openness, and
+almost light-heartedness, which for one brief year had so characterized
+her, seemed completely but so insensibly to have gone, that Mrs.
+Hamilton could not satisfy herself as to the time of the commencement,
+or reason of the change. Her temper, too, became fitful, and altogether
+her aunt's anxiety and bewilderment as to her real character returned in
+full force. Once, when gently questioned as to why her temper was so
+altered, Ellen confessed with tears, that she knew it was, but she could
+not help it, she believed she was not well; and Mrs. Hamilton called in
+Mr. Maitland, who said that she really was in a highly nervous state,
+and required care and quietness, and the less notice that was taken of
+her momentary irritability or depression the better. Little did the
+worthy man imagine how his young patient blessed him for these words;
+giving a reason for and so allowing the trepidation which paled her
+cheek, parched her lips, and made her hand so tremble, when she received
+a letter from her brother, to pass unnoticed.
+
+But change in manner was not all; almost every second or third month
+Ellen's allowance of pocket-money (which was unusually liberal, as Mrs.
+Hamilton wished to accustom her girls, from an early age, to purchase
+some few articles of dress for themselves, and so learn the value of
+money) most strangely and mysteriously disappeared. Ellen either could
+not or would not give any account of it; and, of course, it not only
+exposed her to her aunt's most serious displeasure, but inexpressibly
+heightened not only Mrs. Hamilton's bewilderment and anxiety, but Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's unspoken prejudice. From the time of Edward's
+departure, Ellen had never been discovered in or suspected of either
+uttering or acting an untruth; but her silence, her apparent determined
+ignorance of, or resolution not to confess the cause of the
+incomprehensible disappearance of her allowance, naturally compelled
+Mrs. Hamilton to revert to the propensity of her childhood, and fear
+that truthfulness was again deserting her. Her displeasure lasting of
+course, the longer from Ellen's want of openness, and the air of what
+almost appeared to her anxious yet still affectionate aunt like sullen
+defiance (in reality, it was almost despair), when spoken to, caused a
+painful degree of estrangement between them, always, however, giving
+place to Mrs. Hamilton's usual caressing manner, the moment Ellen seemed
+really repentant, and her month's expenditure could be properly
+explained.
+
+For six or eight months before the day on which we recommence our
+narrative, there had been, however, nothing to complain of in Ellen,
+except still that unnatural reserve and frequent depression, as if
+dreading something she knew not what, which, as every other part of her
+conduct was satisfactory, Mrs. Hamilton tried to comfort herself was
+physical alone. No reference to the past was ever made: her manner to
+her niece became the same as usual; but she could not feel secure as to
+her character, and, what was most painful, there were times when she was
+compelled to doubt even Ellen's affection for herself, a thing she had
+never had the slightest cause to do even when she was a little inanimate
+child.
+
+But very few changes had taken place in the Greville and Grahame
+families. Mrs. Greville's trial continued in unmitigated, if not
+heightened bitterness: the example, the companionship of his father had
+appeared to have blighted every good seed which she had strenuously
+endeavored to plant in the bosom of her son. At sixteen he was already
+an accomplished man of the world, in its most painful sense: he had his
+own companions, his own haunts; scarcely ever visiting his home, for a
+reason which, could his poor mother have known it, would have given her
+some slight gleam of comfort. He could not associate either with her or
+his sister, without feeling a sort of loathing of himself, a longing to
+be to them as Percy and Herbert Hamilton were at Oakwood; and not having
+the moral courage sufficient to break from the control of his father,
+and the exciting pleasures in which that control initiated him, he
+shrunk more and more from the only spot in which better feelings were so
+awakened within him as to give him pain. To deaden this unacknowledged
+remorse, his manner was rude and unfeeling, so that his very visits,
+though inexpressibly longed for by his mother, brought only increase of
+grief.
+
+Mrs. Greville seemed herself so inured to suffering, that she bore up
+against it without any visible failing of health; struggling against its
+enervating effects, more, perhaps, than she was aware of herself, for
+the sake of one treasure still granted her--her own almost angel
+Mary--who, she knew, without her love and constant cheerfulness, must
+sink beneath such a constant aggravated trial. Yet that very love
+brought increase of anxiety from more than one cause. As yet there was
+no change in their manner of living, but Mrs. Greville knew that, from
+the excesses of her husband and son, there very soon must be. Ruin,
+poverty, all its fearful ills, stood before her in perspective, and how
+could Mary's fragile frame and gentle spirit bear up against them? Again
+and again the question pressed upon her--Did Herbert Hamilton indeed
+love her child, as every passing year seemed to confirm? and if he did,
+would--could his parents consent to his union with the child of such a
+father, the sister of such a brother? There were always long messages to
+Mary in Herbert's letters to his mother, which Mrs. Hamilton not only
+delivered herself, but sometimes even put the whole letter into Mary's
+hand, and at last laughingly said, she really thought they had much
+better write to each other, as then she should chance to get a letter
+all to herself, not merely be the medium of a communication between
+them; and Mary, though she did slightly blush, which she was in the
+habit of doing for scarcely any thing, seemed to think it so perfectly
+natural, that she merely said, if Herbert had time to write to her, she
+should like it very much, and would certainly answer him.
+
+"My dear Emmeline, what are you about?" was Mrs. Greville's anxious
+appeal, the moment they were alone.
+
+"Giving pleasure to two young folks, of whom I am most excessively
+fond," was Mrs. Hamilton's laughing reply. "Don't look so terrified, my
+dear Jessie. They love each other as boy and girl now, and if the love
+should deepen into that of man and woman, why, all I can say is--I would
+rather have your Mary for my Herbert than any one else I know."
+
+"She is not only _my_ Mary!" answered the poor mother, with such a
+quivering of the eye and lip, that it checked Mrs. Hamilton's joyousness
+at once.
+
+"She is _your_ Mary, in all that can make such a character as my Herbert
+happy," was her instant reply, with a pressure of Mrs. Greville's hand,
+that said far more than her words. "I am not one of those who like to
+make matches in anticipation, for man's best laid schemes are so often
+overthrown by the most trifling but unforeseen chances, that display a
+much wiser providence than our greatest wisdom, that I should consider
+it almost sinful so to do; but never let a thought of suffering cross
+your mind, dearest Jessie, as to what my husband's and my own answer
+will be, if our Herbert should indeed ever wish to choose your Mary as
+his wife, and, certainly a most important addition, should she wish it
+too. Our best plan now is to let them follow their own inclinations
+regarding correspondence. We can, I am sure, trust them both, for what
+can be a greater proof of my boy's perfect confidence in my sympathy
+with his feelings toward her, than to make me his messenger, as he has
+done, and as he, no doubt, will continue to do, even if he write. I have
+not the smallest doubt, that he will inclose me his letters to her
+unsealed, and I rather think your Mary will send me her replies in the
+same unreserved manner."
+
+And she was right. Nor, we think, did the purity and innocence of those
+letters, so intensely interesting to each other, give place to any other
+style, even when they chanced to discover that Mrs. Hamilton was utterly
+ignorant of their contents, except that which they chose to read or
+impart to her themselves.
+
+But even this assurance on the part of one so loved and trusted as Mrs.
+Hamilton, could not entirely remove Mrs. Greville's vague anticipations
+of evil. Mr. Greville always shunned, and declared he hated the Hamilton
+family; but as he seemed to entertain the same feeling toward herself
+and her poor Mary, she tried to comfort herself by the idea that he
+would never trouble his head about his daughter; or be glad to get her
+out of his way, especially if she married well. Still anxiety for the
+future would press upon her; only calmed by her firm, unchanging faith
+in that gracious, ever-watchful Providence, who, if in spite of her
+heavy troubles she still tried to trust and serve, would order all
+things for the best; and it was this, this faith alone, which so
+supported her, as to permit her to make her child's home and heart
+almost as happy as if her path had all been smooth.
+
+In the Grahame family a change had taken place, in Master Cecil's being
+sent to Eton some time before his father had intended; but so many cases
+of Lady Helen's faulty indolence and ruinous indulgence had come under
+his notice, that he felt to remove the boy from her influence must be
+accomplished at any cost. Cecil was quite delighted, but his mother was
+so indignant, that she overcame her habitual awe of her husband
+sufficiently to vow that she would not live so far from her son, and if
+he must go to school, she must leave Moorlands. Grahame, with equal
+positiveness, declared that he would not give up a home endeared to him
+so long, nor to entirely break off his companionship with his dearest
+friends. A very stormy dialogue of course took place, and ended by both
+parties being more resolved to entertain their own opinion. The
+interposition of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, however, obtained some
+concession on Grahame's part, and he promised that if Lady Helen would
+make Moorlands her home from the middle of July till the end of October,
+November and December should be spent in the vicinity of Eton, and she
+should then have six months for London and its attractions. This
+concession brought back all Lady Helen's smiles, and charmed Annie,
+though it was a source of real regret to Caroline, who could not help
+feeling a little pained at her friend's small concern at this long
+separation from her. But still she loved her; and, as Annie wrote
+frequently, and when she was at Moorlands never tired of her society
+(the eight months of absence giving her so much interesting matter to
+impart), Caroline was not only satisfied, but insensible to the utter
+want of sympathy which Annie manifested in _her_ pursuits, _her_
+pleasures. Mrs. Hamilton often wished that Caroline had chosen one more
+deserving of her friendship, but she trusted that time and experience
+would teach her Annie's real character, and so did not feel any anxiety
+on that score.
+
+There was only one member in Grahame's family, that Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton hoped might bring joy and comfort to their friend, and that was
+his little Lilla. She was five years younger than Annie, and being much
+less attractive, seemed almost forgotten, and so was spared the
+dangerous ordeal of flattery and indulgence to which Annie had been
+subject; and from being more violent and less agreeable than Cecil, was
+not so frequently spoiled by her mother. They feared the poor child
+would have much to endure from her own temper, Annie's overbearing
+insolence, and Lady Helen's culpable indolence; but Mrs. Hamilton hoped,
+when she resided part of the year in London, as she felt she would very
+soon be called upon to do, to be enabled to rouse Grahame's attention
+toward his youngest child, and prevail on him to relax in his sternness
+toward her; and by taking notice of her continually herself, instill
+such feelings in her as would attract her toward her father, and so
+increase the happiness of both. Every visit of the Grahame family to
+Moorlands, she resolved to study Lilla well, and try all she could to
+make one in reality so estimable, as her husband's friend, happy, in one
+child at least.
+
+It had been Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's intention to go to London the
+January after Caroline was seventeen, and give her the advantage of
+finishing masters, and a partial introduction to the world, by having
+the best society at home, before she launched into all its exciting
+pleasures; to return to Oakwood in July or August, and revisit the
+metropolis the following February or March, for the season, when, as she
+would be eighteen and a half, she should be fully introduced. Caroline,
+of course, anticipated this period with intense delight. She was quite
+satisfied that in her first visit she should study as much as, if not
+more than before; and content and thankful that her mother would allow
+her to enter so far into society, as always to join dinner or evening
+parties at home, and go to some of her most intimate friends, when their
+coteries were very small and friendly; and, another eagerly anticipated
+delight, sometimes go to the opera and the best concerts, and visit all
+the galleries of art.
+
+To poor Emmeline these anticipations gave no pleasure whatever; she
+hated the very thought of leaving Oakwood, firmly convinced that not the
+most highly intellectual, nor the most delightful social enjoyment in
+London, could equal the pure delights of Devonshire and home. Ellen
+seemed too engrossed with her own thoughts to evince a feeling either
+way, much to her aunt's regret, as her constant quietness and seeming
+determined repression of her sentiments, rendered her character still
+more difficult to read.
+
+But a heavy disappointment was preparing for Caroline, in the compelled
+postponement of her bright anticipations; to understand the causes of
+which, we must glance back on an event in the Hamilton family, which had
+occurred some years before its present head was born. In the early part
+of the reign of George the Third, Arthur Hamilton, the grandfather of
+our friend of the same name, had been sent by government to the coast of
+Denmark: his estimable character so won him the regard of the reigning
+sovereign, Christian VII., that, on his departure, the royal wish was
+expressed for his speedy return.--On his voyage home, he was wrecked off
+the Feroe Islands, and rescued from danger and death by the strenuous
+exertions of the islanders, who entertained him and the crew with the
+utmost hospitality, till their ship was again seaworthy. During his
+involuntary detention, Mr. Hamilton became deeply interested in the
+Feroese, a people living, it seemed, in the midst of desolation, a
+cluster of small rocky islets, divided by some hundred miles of stormy
+sea from their fellows. He made the tour of the islands, and found
+almost all their inhabitants possessing the same characteristics as
+those of Samboe, the island off which he had been wrecked; kind,
+hospitable, honest, temperate, inclined to natural piety, but so
+perfectly indifferent to the various privations and annoyances of their
+lot, as to make no effort toward removing them. Traveling either by land
+or sea was so dangerous and difficult, that in some parishes the
+clergyman could only perform service twice a year,[3] or once every one,
+two, or three months. The islands in which the clergyman resided were,
+Mr. Hamilton observed, in a much higher state of civilization and
+morality than Samboe and some others, and an earnest desire took
+possession of him, to do some real service for those who had saved him
+from danger and treated him so hospitably. He very speedily acquired
+their language, which gave him still more influence. He found, also,
+that if their ancient customs and traditions were left undisturbed, they
+were very easily led, and this discovery strengthened his purpose.--His
+departure was universally regretted; and his promise to return imagined
+too great a privilege to be believed.
+
+[Footnote 3: For this account of Feroe and the Feroese the author is
+indebted to a "History of the Islands, by a Resident."]
+
+As soon as his political duties in England permitted, Mr. Hamilton
+revisited Denmark, and was received with such cordiality as to encourage
+him to make his petition for the improvement of his majesty's poor
+subjects of Samboe. It was granted directly; the little island so far
+made over to him, that he was at liberty to introduce and erect whatever
+he pleased within it; and Mr. Hamilton, all eagerness for the perfection
+of his plans, returned with speed to England; obtained the valuable aid
+of a poor though worthy clergyman, who, with his wife, voluntarily
+offered to make Samboe their home, and assist their benefactor (for such
+Mr. Hamilton had long been), to the very best of their ability. A
+strong-built vessel was easily procured, and a favorable voyage soon
+transported them to Feroe. The delight of the Samboese at beholding
+their former guest again, prepossessed Mr. and Mrs. Wilson in their
+favor, and Mr. Hamilton, before his six months' sojourn with them was
+over, beheld the island in a fair way of religious and moral
+improvement.--Schools were formed and masters appointed--houses were
+made more comfortable--women and young children more cared for, and
+employments found, and sufficiently rewarded to encourage persevering
+labor. Three or four times Mr. Hamilton visited the island again before
+his death, and each time he had more reason to be satisfied with the
+effect of his schemes. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were perfectly happy. Their
+son was united to the pretty and excellent daughter of one of the Danish
+clergymen, and a young family was blooming round them, so that there
+seemed a fair promise of the ministry of Samboe continuing long in
+charge of the same family.
+
+Mr. Hamilton, on his death-bed, exacted a promise from his son that he
+would not permit the island to fall back into its old habits; but that,
+if required, he would visit it himself. The visit was not required, but
+Percy Hamilton (the father of the present possessor of Oakwood), from
+respect to his father's memory, made a voyage to Samboe on the demise of
+the elder Wilson. He found every thing flourishing and happy; Frederic
+Wilson had been received as their pastor and head, with as much joy as
+their regret for his father would permit; and Mr. Hamilton returned to
+England, satisfied with himself, and inexpressibly touched by the
+veneration still entertained in that distant island for his father. The
+same promise was demanded by him from his son, and Arthur Hamilton had
+visited Feroe directly after the loss of his parent, and before his
+engagement with Miss Manvers. He found it in the same satisfactory
+condition as his predecessors had done, and the letters he regularly
+received confirmed it; but for the last year and a half he had received
+no tidings. Frederic Wilson, he knew, was dead, but his last account had
+told him his eldest son, who had been educated in Denmark, had been
+gladly received by the simple people, and promised fair to be as much
+loved, and do the same good as his father and grandfather. The silence
+then was incomprehensible, and Mr. Hamilton had resolved, if another
+year passed without intelligence, it would be a positive duty to visit
+it himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A LETTER, AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
+
+
+It was the seventh of June, and one of those glorious mornings, when
+Nature looks lovelier than ever. The windows of the breakfast-room were
+thrown widely open, and never did the superb trees of Oakwood Park look
+richer or display a greater variety of green. The flower-garden, on part
+of which the breakfast-room opened, was actually dazzling with its
+profusion of brilliant flowers, on which the sun looked down so
+gloriously; a smooth lawn whose green was a perfect emerald, stretched
+down from the parterre, till it was lost in woody openings, which
+disclosed the winding river, that, lying as a lake on one side, appeared
+to sweep round some exquisite scenery on the opposite side, and form
+another lake, about a mile further. It was Emmeline's favorite view, and
+she always declared, that it so varied its aspects of loveliness, she
+was sure it never looked two mornings exactly alike, and so long would
+she stand and admire, that her mother often threatened to send her her
+breakfast in her own room, where the view, though picturesque, would not
+so completely turn her attention from the dull realities of life. There
+were some letters on the table this morning, so she had a longer time to
+drink in poetry than usual.
+
+"Who can offer Ellen a more precious birthday-gift than mine?" exclaimed
+Mrs. Hamilton, playfully holding up a letter, as her niece entered. "I
+wonder if Edward remembered how near his sister was to fifteen, and so
+wrote on the chance of your receiving it on the day itself!"
+
+"Why, Ellen, what a queer effect pleasure has on you! I always notice
+you turn quite pale whenever Edward's letters are given to you,"
+interposed Emmeline, looking at her cousin, and laughing. "I am sure,
+the very hurry I am in to open Percy's and Herbert's, must give me a
+color, and you are as deliberate as if you did not care about it. I do
+wish you would not be so cold and quiet."
+
+"One giddy brain is quite enough in a house," rejoined her father, in
+the same mirthful tone, and looking up from his letter he called Ellen
+to him, and kissed her. "I forgot the day of the month, my little girl,
+but I am not too late, I hope, to say, God bless you, and wish that
+every year may pass more happily, more usefully, and more prepared for
+eternity than the last!"
+
+"I do not think you have forgotten it, my dear uncle," replied Ellen,
+gratefully (she had not yet opened her brother's letter); "for my aunt
+says, I am to thank you as well as her for this beautiful birthday
+gift," and she displayed an elegant little gold watch; "indeed, I do not
+know how to thank you for all your kindness!" she added, so earnestly
+that tears came to her eyes.
+
+"I will say, as I have heard your aunt often say--by trying to be a
+little more lively, and unreserved, my dear Ellen; that would prove our
+kindness and affection made you happy, better than any thing; but I am
+not going to lecture you on your birthday, and with a letter from Edward
+in your hand," he continued, smiling. "Open it, my dear, I want to know
+its date; I rather think my friend Manly's must be written later."
+
+"Nothing in it for me, Ellen?" asked her aunt. "What a lazy boy he has
+grown!"
+
+"An inclosure for you, Ellen; why, that is as queer as your paleness!"
+said Emmeline.
+
+"Do let your cousin's paleness alone," interposed Mrs. Hamilton, gayly.
+"I really can not perceive she has any less color than usual, and as for
+the inclosure, Edward often has something to add at the last moment, and
+no room to insert it, and so there is nothing remarkable in his using
+another half sheet."
+
+"Emmeline always creates wonders out of shadows," said Caroline, dryly.
+
+"And you never see any thing but dull, coarse, heavy realities," laughed
+her sister in reply. "Come, Ellen, tell us something of this idle
+brother of yours, who promised to write to me every packet, and never
+does."
+
+Ellen read nearly the whole letter aloud, and it was unusually
+entertaining, for the ship had been cruising about the last month and
+Edward described the various scenes and new places he had visited more
+lengthily than usual. He anticipated with great glee an engagement with
+some desperate pirates, whose track they were pursuing.
+
+"Does he mention an engagement?" inquired Mr. Hamilton.
+
+"No, uncle; he concludes quite abruptly, saying they have just piped
+all hands, and he must be off. The direction does not seem his writing."
+
+"Nor is it; Sir Edward sealed, directed, and put it up for him in his
+own to me. They had piped all hands, as he calls it, because the pirate
+ship was in sight, and an engagement did take place."
+
+"And Edward--oh, uncle, is he hurt? I am sure, he is, by your face,"
+exclaimed Ellen; trembling and all the little circle looked alarmed.
+
+"Then my face is a deceiver," replied Mr. Hamilton, quite cheerfully.
+"He only received a slight flesh wound in his right arm, which prevented
+his using it to complete his letter, and I rather think, he would have
+willingly been hurt still more, to receive such praises as Sir Edward
+lavishes on him. Listen to what he says--'Not a boy or man on board
+distinguished himself more than your nephew: in fact, I am only
+astonished he escaped as he did, for those pirates are desperate
+fighters, and when we boarded them, Fortescue was in the midst of them,
+fighting like a young lion. Courage and gallantry are such dazzling
+qualities in a young lad, that we think more of them perhaps than we
+ought, but I can not say too much for your nephew; I have not a lad more
+devoted to his duty. I was glad to show him my approbation by giving him
+some days' liberty, when we were off New York; but I have since told
+him, the air of land certainly did not agree with him, for he has looked
+paler and thinner ever since. He is growing very fast; and altogether,
+if I have occasion to send another prize schooner home, I think it not
+improbable I shall nominate him as one of the officers, that he may have
+the benefit of the healthful breezes of Old England, to bring back his
+full strength.' There Ellen, I think that is a still better
+birthday-present than even Edward's own letter. I am as proud of my
+nephew as Sir Edward is."
+
+"And do you think he really will come?" asked Ellen, trying to conquer
+her emotion.
+
+"We will hope it, dearest," replied her aunt, kindly. "But do not think
+too much about it, even if Sir Edward be not able to do as he says. His
+own ship will be coming home in a year or two, and you owned to me
+yourself this morning, it did not seem as long as it really is, since
+our dear sailor left us; so the remaining time will soon pass. Finish
+your breakfast, and go, love, and enjoy his letter again to yourself."
+
+And Ellen gladly obeyed; for it was from no imaginary cause that the
+receipt of Edward's letters so often paled her cheek, and parched her
+lip with terror. She knew that concerning him which none else but
+Harding did; and even when those letters imparted nothing but that which
+she could read to her family, the dread was quite enough to banish any
+thing like the elastic happiness, natural to her age, and called for by
+the kindness of those she loved. His letter this time, however, had not
+a word to call for that sickness of the heart, with which she had
+received it, and she read it again and again; with a thankfulness, too
+intense for words.
+
+"You dropped this, Ellen dear," said the voice of her cousin Emmeline at
+her door, ten minutes after she left the breakfast-room. "It was under
+the table, and I do not think you have read it; it is the inclosure I
+was so amused at."
+
+"I dare say it is a letter written for some other opportunity, and
+forgotten to be sent; it is only a few words," replied Ellen as she
+looked at its length, not at its meaning, for the fearful lesson of
+quiet unconcern when the heart is bursting had been too early learned.
+
+"Then I will leave you in peace: by-the-by, cousin mine, papa told me to
+tell you, that as the Prince William is soon going to cruise again, your
+answer to Edward must be ready this day week, the latest, and mamma
+says, if you like to write part of it now that all Edward's little
+love-speeches are fresh in your mind, you can do so; it is your
+birthday, and you may spend it as you like. How I shall enjoy making a
+lion of my cousin, when he comes!"--and away tripped the happy girl,
+singing some wild snatch of an old ballad about sailors.
+
+Ellen shut the door, secured it, and with a lip and cheek colorless as
+her robe, an eye strained and bloodshot, read the following words--few
+indeed!
+
+"Ellen! I am again in that villain's power, and for a sum so trifling,
+that it maddens me to think I can not discharge it without again
+appealing to you. I had resolved never to play again--and again some
+demon lured me to those Hells! If I do not pay him by my next receipts
+from home, he will expose me, and what then--disgrace, expulsion,
+_death_! for I will not survive it; there are easy means of
+self-destruction to a sailor, and who shall know but that he is
+accidentally drowned? You promised me to save part of every allowance,
+in case I needed it. If you would indeed save me, send me
+five-and-thirty pounds! Ellen! by some means, I _must_ have it; but
+breathe it to my uncle or aunt--for if _she_ knows it, _he_ will--and
+you will never see me more!"
+
+For one long hour Ellen never moved. Her brain felt scorched, her limbs
+utterly powerless. Every word seemed to write itself in letters of fire
+on her heart and brain, till she could almost have screamed, from the
+dread agony; and then came the heavy weight, so often felt before, but
+never crushing every thought and energy as now, the seeming utter
+impossibility to comply with that fearfully urged demand. _He_ called it
+a sum so trifling, and _she_ felt a hundred, ay, a thousand pounds were
+not more difficult to obtain. She had saved, indeed, denying herself
+every little indulgence, every personal gratification, spending only
+what she was obliged, and yet compelled to let her aunt believe she had
+properly expended all, that she might have the means of sending him
+money when he demanded it, without exposing herself to doubt and
+displeasure as before; but in the eight months since his last call, she
+had only been enabled to put by fifteen pounds, not half the sum he
+needed. How was she to get the rest? and she had so buoyed herself with
+the fond hope, that even if he did write for help again, she could send
+it to him so easily--and now--her mind seemed actually to reel beneath
+the intense agony of these desperate words. She was too young, too
+believing, and too terror-stricken to doubt for a moment the alternative
+he placed before her, with a vividness, a desperation, of which he was
+unconscious himself. Those words spoken, would have been terrible,
+almost awful in one so young--though a brief interval would have
+sufficiently calmed both the hearer and the speaker, to satisfy that
+they were _but words_, and that self-destruction is never breathed, if
+really intended: but _written_, the writer at a distance, imagination at
+liberty, to heighten every terror, every reality; their reader a young
+loving girl, utterly ignorant of the world's ways and temptations, and
+the many errors to which youth is subject, but from which manhood may
+spring up unsullied; and so believing, almost crushed by the belief,
+that her brother, the only one, her own--respected, beloved, as he was
+said to be--had yet committed such faults, as would hurl him from his
+present position to the lowest depth of degradation, for what else could
+tempt him, to swear not to survive it? Was it marvel, that poor Ellen
+was only conscious that she must save him?--Again did her dying mother
+stand before her--again did her well-remembered voice beseech her to
+save him her darling, beautiful Edward, from disgrace and
+punishment--reiterate that her word was pledged, and she _must_ do it,
+and if she suffered--had she not done so from infancy--and what was her
+happiness to his? Define why it should be of less moment, indeed, she
+could not. It was the fatal influences of her childhood working alone.
+
+How that day passed, Ellen never knew. She had been too long accustomed
+to control, to betray her internal suffering (terror for Edward seemed
+to endow her with additional self command), except by a deadly paleness,
+which even her aunt at length remarked. It was quite evening, and the
+party were all scattered, when Mrs. Hamilton discovered Ellen sitting in
+one of the deep recesses of the windows: her work in her lap, her hands
+clasped tightly together, and her eyes fixed on the beautiful scenery of
+the park, but not seeing a single object.
+
+"My dear Ellen, I am going to scold you, so prepare," was her aunt's
+lively address, as she approached and stood by her. "You need not start
+so guiltily and look so very terrified, but confess that you are
+thinking about Edward, and worrying yourself that he is not quite so
+strong as he was, and magnifying his wound, till you fancy it something
+very dreadful, when, I dare say, if the truth were told, he himself is
+quite proud of it; come confess, and I will only give you a very little
+lecture, for your excessive silliness."
+
+Ellen looked up in her face; that kind voice, that affectionate smile,
+that caressing, constantly-forgiving love, would they again all be
+forfeited, again give way to coldness, loss of confidence, heightened
+displeasure? How indeed she was to act, she knew not; she only knew
+there must be concealment, the very anticipation of which, seemed too
+terrible to bear, and she burst into an agony of tears.
+
+"Why, Ellen--my dear child--you can not be well, to let either the
+accounts of your brother, or my threatened scolding, so affect you, and
+on your birthday, too! Why, all the old women would say it was such a
+bad omen, that you would be unhappy all the year round. Come, this will
+never do, I must lecture, in earnest, if you do not try to conquer this
+unusual weakness. We have much more to be thankful for, in Sir Edward's
+account of our dear sailor, than to cry about; he might have been
+seriously wounded or maimed, and what would you have felt then? I wonder
+if he will find as much change in you as we shall in him. If you are not
+quite strong and quite well, and quite happy to greet him when he comes,
+I shall consider my care insulted, and punish you accordingly. Still no
+smile. What is the matter, dearest? Are you really not well again?"
+
+Ellen made a desperate effort, conquered her tears, and tried to
+converse cheerfully. It was absolute agony to hear Edward's name, but
+she nerved herself to do so, to acknowledge she was thinking of him; and
+that it _was_ very silly to worry about such a slight wound: and when
+Mrs. Hamilton proposed that they should walk over to Greville Manor, and
+tell the good news to Mrs. Greville and Mary, acquiesced with apparent
+pleasure.
+
+"Ah, do, mamma: you have not asked me, but I shall go notwithstanding,"
+exclaimed Emmeline, springing through the open window, with her usual
+airy step.
+
+"Why, Emmeline, I thought you were going to the village with your
+sister!"
+
+"No; she and Miss Harcourt were talking much too soberly to suit me this
+evening. Then I went to tease papa but he let me do just what I pleased,
+being too engrossed with some disagreeable farmers, to notice me, so in
+despair I came here. Why, Ellen, you look as if this were any day but
+what it is; unless you cry because you are getting old, which I am very
+often inclined to do; only think, I am sixteen next December--how
+dreadful! I do wish my birthday were in June."
+
+"And what difference would that make?"
+
+"A great deal, mamma; only look how lovely every thing is now; nature is
+quite juvenile, and has dressed herself in so many colors, and seems to
+promise so many more beauties, that, whether we will or no, we must feel
+gay and young; but in December, though it is very delightful in the
+house, it is so drear and withered, without, that if born in such a
+season, one must feel withered too."
+
+"When do you intend to speak in prose, Emmeline?"
+
+"Never, if I can help it mamma; but I must learn the lesson before I go
+to London, I suppose; that horrid London! that is one reason why I
+regret the years going so fast; I know I shall leave all my happiness
+here."
+
+"You will be more ungrateful, than I believe you, if you do," replied
+her mother. "So pray banish such foolish fancies as fast as you can; for
+if you encourage them, I shall certainly suppose that it is only Oakwood
+you love; and that neither your father nor myself, nor any member of
+your family, has any part in your affections, for we shall be with you,
+wherever you are."
+
+"Dear mamma, I spoke at random, forgive me," replied Emmeline, instantly
+self-reproached. "I am indeed the giddy brain papa calls me; but you can
+not tell how I love this dear old home."
+
+"Indeed I think I can, my dear child, loving it as I do myself; but
+come, we shall have no time for our visit, if we do not go at once."
+
+Days passed, and were each followed by such sleepless feverish nights,
+that Ellen felt it almost a miracle, that she could so seem, so act, as
+to excite no notice. The image of her dying mother never left her, night
+or day, mingled with the horrid scene of her father's death, and Edward
+disgraced, expelled, and seeking death by his own hand. There was only
+one plan that seemed in the least feasible, and that was to send to him,
+or sell herself the watch she had received on her birthday, and if that
+was not enough, some few trinkets, which had been her mother's, and
+which the last six months her aunt had given into her own care. She
+ventured casually to inquire if there were any opportunity of sending a
+parcel to Edward, but the answer was in the negative, and increased her
+difficulty. The only person she dared even to think of so far intrusting
+with her deep distress and anxiety for money, but not its cause, was
+widow Langford, the mother of Robert (the young gentlemen's attendant,
+whom we have had occasion more than once to mention, and the former
+nurse of all Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's children). She occupied a cottage
+on the outskirts of the park, and was not only a favorite with all the
+young party, Ellen included (for she generally came to nurse her in her
+many illnesses), but was regarded with the greatest confidence and
+affection by Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton themselves. They had endeavored to
+return her unwavering fidelity and active service, by taking her only
+child Robert into their family, when only seven; placing him under the
+immediate charge of Morris, the steward, and of course living in the
+same house, of his mother also; and when fifteen, making him personal
+attendant to Percy and Herbert, who were then about ten and eleven years
+old. An older and more experienced domestic had, however, accompanied
+the young men to college, and Robert remained employed in many little
+confidential services for his master at Oakwood.
+
+To widow Langford, Ellen tried to resolve that she would apply, but her
+fearful state of mental agony had not marked the lapse of time, or had
+caused her to forget that her letter must be ready in a week. The party
+were all going a delightful excursion, and to drink tea at Greville
+Manor, so that they would not be home till quite late; but in the
+morning, Ellen, though she had dressed for going out, appeared to have
+every symptom of such a violent headache, that her aunt advised her
+remaining quietly at home, and she assented with eagerness, refusing
+every offer of companionship, saying if the pain went off, she could
+quite amuse herself, and if it continued, quietness and Ellis's nursing
+were the best things for her.
+
+"But give me your letter before we go out, Ellen, I am only waiting for
+it, to close mine to Sir Edward. Why, my dear, have you forgotten I told
+you it must be ready by to-day?" her uncle added, surprised at her
+exclamation that she had not finished it. "It must be done and sent to
+T--, before four to-day, so I do hope your head will allow you to write,
+for Edward will be woefully disappointed if there be not a line from
+you, especially as, from his ship cruising about, it may be several
+weeks before he can hear again. I must leave my letter with you, to
+inclose Edward's and seal up, and pray see that it goes in time."
+
+Ellen tried to promise that it should, but her tongue actually clove to
+the roof of her mouth; but all the party dispersing at the moment, her
+silence was unnoticed. Mr. Hamilton gave her his letter, and in half an
+hour afterward she was alone. She sat for nearly an hour in her own
+room, with her desk before her, her face buried in her hands, and her
+whole frame shaking as with an ague.
+
+"It must be," she said at length, and unlocking a drawer, took thence a
+small cross, and one or two other trinkets, put them up, and taking off
+her watch, looked at it with such an expression of suffering, that it
+seemed as if she could not go on, carefully folded it up with the other
+trinkets, and murmuring, "If nurse Langford will but take these, and
+lend me the twenty pounds till she can dispose of them, I may save him
+yet--and if she betray me--if she tell my aunt afterward, at least only
+I shall suffer; they will not suspect him. But oh--to lose--to be
+doubted, hated, which I must be at last. Oh, mother! mother! Why may I
+not tell my aunt? she would not disgrace him." And again she crouched
+down, cowed by that fearful struggle to the very earth. After a few
+minutes, it passed, and deliberately putting on her bonnet and shawl,
+she took up her trinkets, and set off to the widow's cottage, her limbs
+so trembling, that she knew not how she should accomplish even that
+short walk.
+
+The wind was unusually high, although the day was otherwise lovely, and
+she was scarcely able to stand against the strong breeze, especially as
+every breath seemed to increase the pain in her temples; but she
+persisted. The nearest path lay through a thick shrubbery, almost a
+wood, which the family never used, and, in fact, the younger members
+were prohibited from taking, but secrecy and haste were all which at
+that moment entered Ellen's mind. She felt so exhausted by the wind
+blowing the branches and leaves noisily and confusedly around, that on
+reaching a sort of grassy glade, more open than her previous path, she
+sat down a minute on a mossy stone. The wind blew some withered sticks
+and leaves toward her, and, among them, two or three soiled pieces of
+thin paper, stained with damp, one of which she raised mechanically, and
+started up with a wild cry, and seized the others almost unconsciously.
+She pressed her hands over her eyes, and her lips moved in the utterance
+of thanksgiving. "Saved!--Edward and myself, too!--some guardian angel
+must have sent them!" if not actually spoken, were so distinctly uttered
+in her heart, that she thought she heard them; and she retraced her
+steps, so swiftly--so gladly, the very pain and exhaustion were unfelt.
+She wrote for half an hour intently--eagerly; though that which she
+wrote she knew not herself, and never could recall. She took from the
+secret drawer of her desk (that secret drawer which, when Percy had so
+laughingly showed her the secret of its spring, telling her nobody but
+himself knew it, she little thought she should have occasion so to use),
+some bank notes, of two, three, and five pounds each, making the fifteen
+she had so carefully hoarded, and placed with them the two she had
+found. As she did so, she discovered that two had clung so closely
+together that the sum was five pounds more than she wanted. Still, as
+acting under the influence of some spell, she carelessly put one aside,
+sealed up the packet to Edward, inclosed it in her uncle's to Sir Edward
+Manly, and dispatched it full four hours before the hour Mr. Hamilton
+had named. It was gone; and she sat down to breathe. Some impulse, never
+experienced before, urged her, instead of destroying Edward's desperate
+letter, as she had done similar appeals, to retain it in a blank envelop
+in that same secret drawer. As she tried to rouse herself from a sort
+of stupor which was strangely creeping over her, her eye caught the five
+pound note which she had not had occasion to use, and a thought of such
+overwhelming wretchedness rushed upon her, as effectually, for the
+moment, to disperse that stupor, and prostrate her in an agony of
+supplication before her God.
+
+"What have I done?"--if her almost maddening thoughts could have found
+words, such they would have been--"How dared I appropriate that money,
+without one question--one thought--as to whom it could belong? Sent me?
+No, no! Who could have sent it? Great God of Mercy! Oh, if Thy wrath
+must fall on a guilty one, pour it on me, but spare, spare my brother! I
+have sinned, but I meant it not--thought not of it--knew not what I did!
+Thou knowest, Thou alone canst know, the only thought of that
+moment--the agony of this. No suffering, no wrath, can be too great for
+me; but, oh! spare him!"
+
+How long that withering agony lasted, Ellen knew not, nor whether her
+tears fell, or lay scorching her eyes and heart. The note lay before her
+like some hideous specter, from which she vainly tried to turn. What
+could she do with it? Take it back to the spot where the others had been
+blown to her? She tried to rise to do so; but, to her own terror, she
+found she was so powerless, that she actually could not walk. With
+desperate calmness she placed it in the little secret drawer, put up the
+remainder of her papers, closed and locked her desk, and laid down upon
+her bed, for she could sit up no longer. Ellis came to her with an
+inquiry after her head, and if she could take her dinner. Ellen asked
+for a cup of coffee, and to be left quite quiet instead, as writing had
+not decreased the pain; and the housekeeper, accustomed to such casual
+attacks, did as she was requested, and came frequently to see her in the
+course of the afternoon and evening; still without perceiving any thing
+unusual, and, therefore, not tormenting her with any expression of
+surprise or anxiety.
+
+Thought after thought congregated in the poor girl's mind, as she thus
+lay; so fraught with agony that the physical suffering, which was far
+more than usual, was unfelt, save in its paralyzing effect on every
+limb. Her impulse was to confess exactly what she had done to her aunt,
+the moment she should see her, and conjure her to sentence her to some
+heavy chastisement, that must deaden her present agony; but this was
+impossible without betraying Edward, and nullifying for him the relief
+she had sent. How could she confess the sin, without the full confession
+of the use to which that money had been applied? Whose were the notes?
+They were stained with damp, as if they must have lain among those
+withered leaves some time; and yet she had heard no inquiry made about
+them, as the loss of so large a sum would surely have demanded. The only
+plan she could think of, as bringing the least hope of returning peace,
+was still to beseech Mrs. Langford to dispose of her watch and trinkets,
+and the very first mention she heard made of the loss to return the full
+sum to the real possessor, if possible, so secretly as for it not to be
+traced to herself. She thought, too, that if she gave her trinkets, one
+by one, not all together, to Mrs. Langford, it would be less suspicious,
+and, perhaps, more easily prevail on her to grant her secrecy and
+assistance; and if she positively refused, unless Ellen revealed the
+reason of her desiring their disposal, and would solemnly promise
+secrecy, she would tell her so much of her intense misery, as might
+perhaps induce her to give her aid. If she did not demand the reason and
+betrayed her, she must endure the doubt and serious displeasure such a
+course of acting on her part would inevitably produce; but two things
+alone stood clear before her: she _must_ replace that money--she _must_
+keep Edward's secret. She would have gone that very day to Mrs.
+Langford, but she could not move, and Ellis, at seven o'clock, prevailed
+on her to undress and go to bed.
+
+"Not better, my Ellen? I hoped to-day's perfect quietness would have
+removed your headache, and am quite disappointed," was Mrs. Hamilton's
+affectionate address, as she softly entered her niece's room, on the
+return of the happy party at eleven at night, and placing the lamp so
+that the bed remained in shade she could not see any expression in
+Ellen's face, except that of suffering, which she naturally attributed
+to physical pain. "How hot your hands and face are, love; I wish you had
+not left Edward's letter to write to-day. I am afraid we shall be
+obliged to see Mr. Maitland's face again to-morrow; if he were not as
+kind a friend as he is a skillful doctor, I am sure you would get quite
+tired of him, Ellen. Shall I stay with you? I can not bear leaving you
+in pain and alone!" But Ellen would not hear of it; the pain was not
+more than she was often accustomed to, she said, and, indeed, she did
+not mind being alone--though the unusual, almost passionate, warmth with
+which she returned Mrs. Hamilton's fond kiss betrayed it was no
+indifference to the affectionate offer which dictated her refusal. It
+was well Mrs. Hamilton, though anxious enough to feel the inclination to
+do so, did not visit her niece again, or the convulsive agony she would
+have witnessed, the choking sobs which burst forth, a few minutes after
+she disappeared from Ellen's sight, would have bewildered and terrified
+her yet more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A SUMMONS AND A LOSS.
+
+
+Mr. Maitland declared Ellen to be ill of a nervous fever which for three
+days confined her to her bed, and left her very weak for some little
+time, and so nervous that the least thing seemed to startle her; but, as
+he said it was no consequence, and she would soon recover, Mrs. Hamilton
+adopted his advice, took no notice of it, and only endeavored to make
+her niece's daily routine as varied in employment, though regular in
+hours and undisturbed in quiet, as she could. Perhaps she would have
+felt more anxious, and discovered something not quite usual in Ellen's
+manner, if her thoughts had not been painfully pre-occupied. About a
+week after their excursion she entered the library earlier than usual,
+and found her husband intently engaged with some dispatches just
+received. She saw he was more than ordinarily disturbed, and hesitated a
+moment whether to address him; but he was seldom so engrossed as to be
+unconscious of the presence of his wife.
+
+"I am really glad you are here at this moment, Emmeline, for I actually
+was weak enough to shrink from seeking you with unpleasant news. Letters
+from Feroe have at length arrived, and my personal presence is so
+imperatively needed, that I am self-reproached at not going before; the
+long silence ought to have convinced me that all was not as it should
+be."
+
+"But what has occurred, Arthur? I had no idea you contemplated the
+necessity of going," replied his wife very quietly, as she sat down
+close by him; but the fiat of separation, the thoughts of a perilous
+voyage, a visit to an almost desolate island, and the impossibility of
+receiving regular letters, so crowded upon her all at once, that it was
+a strong effort to speak at all.
+
+"No, dearest; for what was the use of tormenting you with disagreeable
+anticipations, when there really might have been no foundation for them.
+The last accounts from Samboe, were, as you know, received nearly two
+years ago, telling me that Frederic Wilson was dead, but that his son
+had been received as his successor in the ministry, and as civil
+guardian of the island, with if possible, a still greater degree of
+popularity than his predecessors, from his having been educated in
+Denmark. His parents had lived on straitened means to give him superior
+advantages, which, as it proves, he would have been much better without.
+The vices he has acquired have far outrun the advantages. His example,
+and that of a band of idle, irregular spirits who have joined him, has
+not only scandalized the simple people but disturbed their homesteads,
+brought contention and misery, and in some cases, bloodshed; so that in
+point of social and domestic position, I fear they have sunk lower than
+when my grandfather first sought the island. The mother of this unhappy
+young man has, naturally, perhaps, but weakly, shrunk from informing
+against him; but her brother, the clergyman of Osteroe, has at length
+taken upon himself to do so, clearly stating that nothing but personal
+interference and some months' residence among them will effect a
+reformation; and that the ruin is more to be regretted, as the little
+island has been for more than half a century the admiration not only of
+its immediate neighbors, but of all who have chanced to harbor off its
+coast. He states, too, that if properly directed and not exposed to the
+contagion of large cities, as his brother has been, poor Wilson's
+younger son, now a boy of eleven, may become us worthy and judicious a
+pastor as his father and grandfather, and so keep the office in his
+family, as my grandfather was so desirous of doing. The question is, how
+is this boy to be educated on the island, and whom can I find to take
+the ministry meanwhile."
+
+"And must your own residence there be very long?" inquired Mrs.
+Hamilton, still in that quiet tone, but her lip quivered.
+
+"It depends entirely on whom I can get to accompany me, dearest. I must
+set Mr. Howard and Morton to work to find me some simple-minded,
+single-hearted individual, who will regard this undertaking in the same
+missionary spirit as the elder Wilson did. If I am happy enough to
+succeed in this, I hope a year, or somewhat less, will be the farthest
+limit of our separation."
+
+"A year! a whole long year--dearest Arthur, must it be so very, very
+long?"
+
+"Who tried to persuade Ellen, a fortnight ago, that a year, even two
+years, would pass so very quickly?" replied Mr. Hamilton trying to
+smile, and folding his arm fondly round his wife, he kissed the cheek
+which had become pale from the effort to restrain her feelings. "It is
+indeed an unexpected and a painful trial, and, as is generally the case
+with our rebellious spirits, I feel as if it would have been better
+borne at any other period than the present. We had so portioned out this
+year, had so anticipated gratifying Caroline by introducing her to the
+so long and so eagerly anticipated pleasures of London next January,
+that I can not bear to think of her disappointment."
+
+"And our boys, too, they say it is so strange to be without their
+father, even in college term; what will it be when they come home for
+the long vacation, to which we have all so looked forward? But this is
+all weakness, my own dear husband; forgive me, I am only rendering your
+duty more difficult," she added, raising her head from his shoulder, and
+smiling cheerfully, even while the tears glistened in her eyes. "I must
+try and practice my own lesson, and believe the term of separation will
+really pass quickly, interminable as it now seems. We have been so
+blessed, so guarded from the bitter pang of even partial separation for
+twenty years, that how dare I murmur now the trial has come? It is God's
+pleasure, dearest Arthur, though it seems like the work of man, and as
+HIS we can endure it."
+
+"Bless you, my beloved! you have indeed put a new spirit in me by those
+words," replied her husband, with a fondness, the more intense from the
+actual veneration that so largely mingled with it. "And bitter
+disappointment as it is to me to be from home when our sons return, it
+is better so, perhaps, for their company will wile away at least nearly
+three months of my absence."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton remained some hours together that morning in
+earnest conversation. All of individual regret was conquered for the
+sake of the other: its expression, at least, not its feeling; but they
+understood each other too well, too fondly, to need words or complaints
+to prove to either how intensely painful was the very thought of
+separation. To elude the performance of a duty which many persons,
+unable to enter into the hope of effecting good, would, no doubt,
+pronounce Quixotic--for what could the poor inhabitants of Samboe be to
+him?--never entered either Mr. or Mrs. Hamilton's mind. He was not one
+to neglect his immediate duties for distant ones; but believed and acted
+on the belief, that both could be united. His own large estate, its
+various farms, parishes, and villages, were so admirably ordered, that
+he could leave it without the smallest scruple in the hands of his wife
+and steward. Though interested in, and actually assisting in the
+political movements of his country, he was still, as from his youth he
+had firmly resolved to be, a free, independent Englishman; bound to no
+party, but respected by all; retaining his own principles unshaken as a
+rock, though often and often his integrity had been tried by court
+bribes and dazzling offers. And yet, rare blending with such individual
+feelings, Arthur Hamilton looked with candor and kindness on the conduct
+and principles of others, however they might differ from his own, and
+found excuses for them, which none others could. That he should give up
+all the comforts, the luxuries, the delights of his peculiarly happy
+home, to encounter several months' sojourn in a bleak, half-civilized
+island, only in the hope of restoring and insuring moral and religious
+improvement to a small colony of human beings, whose sole claim upon him
+was, that they were immortal as himself, and that they had done a
+kindness to his grandfather more than half a century back, was likely
+to, and no doubt did, excite the utmost astonishment in very many
+circles; but not a sneer, not a word seeming to whisper good should be
+done at home before sought abroad, could find a moment's resting-place
+near Arthur Hamilton's name.
+
+For half an hour after Mrs. Hamilton quitted her husband she remained
+alone, and when she rejoined her family, though she might have been a
+shade paler than her wont, she was as cheerful in conversation and
+earnest in manner as usual. That evening Mr. Hamilton informed his
+children and Miss Harcourt of his intended departure, and consequent
+compelled change of plan. Emmeline's burst of sorrow was violent and
+uncontrolled. Caroline looked for a minute quite bewildered, and then
+hastening to her father threw one arm round his neck, exclaiming, in a
+voice of the most affectionate sincerity, "Dear papa, what shall we do
+without you for such a long time?"
+
+"My dear child! I thank you for such an affectionate thought; believe
+me, the idea of your wishes being postponed has pained me as much as any
+thing else in this unpleasant duty."
+
+"My wishes postponed, papa--what do you mean?"
+
+"Have you quite forgotten our intended plans for next January, my love?
+My absence must alter them."
+
+For a moment an expression of bitter disappointment clouded Caroline's
+open countenance.
+
+"Indeed, papa, I had forgotten it; I only thought of your going away for
+so many months. It is a great disappointment, I own, and I dare say I
+shall feel it still more when January comes; but I am sure parting from
+you must be a still greater trial to mamma, than any such disappointment
+ought to be to me; and, indeed, I will try and bear it as
+uncomplainingly and cheerfully as she does."
+
+Her father almost involuntarily drew her to his heart, and kissed her
+two or three times, without speaking; and Caroline was very glad he did
+so, for when she looked up again, the tears that would come at the first
+thought of her disappointment were bravely sent back again; and she
+tried to cheer Emmeline, by assuring her she never could be like her
+favorite heroines of romance, if she behaved so very much like a child;
+taking the opportunity when they retired for the night, to say more
+seriously--
+
+"Dear Emmeline, do try and be as lively as you always are. I am sure
+poor mamma is suffering very much at the idea of papa's leaving us,
+though she will not let us see that she does, and if you give way so, it
+will make her more uncomfortable still."
+
+Emmeline promised to try; but her disposition, quite as susceptible to
+sorrow as to joy, and not nearly as firm as her sister's, rendered the
+promise very difficult to fulfill. It was her first sorrow; and Mrs.
+Hamilton watched her with some anxiety, half fearful that she had been
+wrong to shield her so carefully from any thing like grief, if, when it
+came, she should prove unequal to its firm and uncomplaining endurance.
+Ellen had been out of the room when Mr. Hamilton had first spoken; and
+engaged in soothing Emmeline; when she re-entered and the news was
+communicated to her, he did not observe any thing particular in mode of
+receiving it. But Mrs. Hamilton was so struck with "the expression of
+her countenance, which, as she tried somewhat incoherently to utter
+regrets, took the place of its usual calm, that she looked at her
+several minutes in bewilderment; but it passed again, so completely,
+that she was angry with herself for fancying any thing uncommon.
+Caroline, however, had remarked it too, and she could not help observing
+to Miss Harcourt, the first time they were alone--
+
+"You will say I am always fancying something extraordinary, Miss
+Harcourt; but Ellen certainly did look pleased last night, when mamma
+told her of papa's intended departure."
+
+"The expression must have been something extraordinary for you to remark
+it at all," replied Miss Harcourt; "nobody but Mrs. Hamilton, whose
+penetration is out of the common, can ever read any thing on Ellen's
+face."
+
+"And it was for that very reason I looked again; and mamma noticed it
+too, and was surprised, though she did not say any thing. If she really
+be pleased, she is most ungrateful, and all her profession of feeling
+mamma and papa's constant kindness sheer deceit. I never shall
+understand Ellen, I believe; but I do hope mamma will never discover
+that she is not exactly that which her affection believes her."
+
+"Pray do not talk so, my dear Caroline, or I shall be tempted to confess
+that you are giving words to my own feelings. Her conduct with regard to
+the disappearance of her allowance, the wholly unsatisfactory account of
+its expenditure, even every month, for she seems to me to mention many
+things she has never had, banish every hopeful feeling, and I dread more
+than I can tell you, the very thing you have expressed. But all this is
+very wrong; we have relieved each other by a mutual acknowledgment, and
+now let us never revert, even in thought, if possible, to the subject."
+
+Caroline willingly acquiesced, for it was far from agreeable. Mr.
+Hamilton's preparations, meanwhile, rapidly progressed. He imparted his
+wishes for a companion willing to remain in the island, till young
+Wilson should be prepared for the ministry, both to Mr. Howard and Mr.
+Morton (the latter still remained in his desolate parish, still more
+isolated in feeling from the loss of both his parents, and Percy's
+absence), and both, especially Morton, gave him every hope of obtaining
+the character he wanted. His next inquiry was at Dartmouth for a strong,
+well-built vessel, fitted to encounter the stormy seas between Scotland
+and Feroe, determining to do all in his power to provide some means of
+regular communication between himself and the beloved inmates of his
+home. Wick, in Caithness, was the farthest post town to which letters
+could be addressed. Every ten days or fortnight communications were to
+be sent there, and the Siren, after conveying him to Feroe, was
+regularly to ply between Samboe and Wick, bringing from the latter place
+to Mr. Hamilton the various letters that had accumulated there, should
+unfavorable winds have lengthened the voyage, and forwarding his through
+that post to his home. By this means, he hoped to hear and be heard of
+regularly; an intense relief, if it really could be so accomplished, to
+his wife.
+
+As soon as a ship, a competent captain, mate, and crew were obtained,
+Mr. Hamilton set off for Oxford and London, wishing in the latter place
+to see his friend Grahame, and in the former to pass a few days with his
+sons, who, knowing nothing of his summons, received him with unbounded
+delight. Their regret, when they heard the cause of his visit, was as
+great as their joy had been. Percy, in a desperate fit of impatience,
+wished the little island and all its concerns at the bottom of the sea,
+the best place for such unruly, disagreeable people; and he was only
+sobered when his father put before him that, though it must be a very
+heightened individual disappointment, it was the greatest comfort to
+him, to think that they would both be with their mother and sisters the
+first few months of his absence. Percy instantly altered his tone.
+
+"You are quite right, my dear father; I was very selfish not to think of
+it. Trust me for making my dearest mother as cheerful and as happy as I
+can. You don't know what a guardian angel the thought of her love has
+been to me in temptation; and as for Bertie, if ever I thought he was
+studying himself ill, and not taking the care of himself he ought, or
+wanted him to take exercise and recreation, when he thought me a great
+bore, the word mother, made him yield at once."
+
+And Herbert's kindling eye and cheek bore testimony to the truth of his
+brother's words. His only feeling and exclamation had been, if he might
+but accompany his father, and save him all the trouble he could;
+allowing, however, its impossibility, when the circumstances of his
+still delicate health and the necessity for uninterrupted study, were
+placed before him.
+
+That visit to Oxford was a proud one for Mr. Hamilton. His sons held
+that place in the estimation of the professors, superiors, and their
+fellow-collegians, which their early influences had promised, and which,
+as the sons of Arthur Hamilton, seemed naturally their own. Percy could
+so combine firmness in principle, unbending rectitude in conduct, with
+such a spirit of fun and enjoyment, as rendered him the prime mover of
+all sports at Oxford, as he had been at Oakwood; and Herbert, though so
+gentle and retiring as (until Percy's spirit was roused to shield him),
+gained him many nick-names and many petty annoyances, silently and
+insensibly won his way, and so bore with the thoughtless, the mirthful,
+and even the faulty, as at length to gain him the privilege of being
+allowed to do just as he liked, and win by his extraordinary talents the
+admiration and love of all the professors with whom he was thrown.
+
+Morton had promised to introduce a person to Mr. Hamilton on his return
+from Oxford, who, if approved of, would be his willing, his eager
+assistant, and gladly remain in the island, attending to all that was
+required in its superintendence, and in the education of young Wilson,
+till he was old enough and properly fitted to take his father's place.
+Great, then, was Mr. Hamilton's disappointment, when Morton entered his
+library according to appointment, but quite alone. Still greater was his
+astonishment, when he found it was Morton himself, thus eagerly desirous
+to become his companion, urging his wishes, his motives, Mr. Howard's
+sanction, with such earnestness, such single-mindedness of purpose, that
+every objection which, for Morton's own sake, Mr. Hamilton so
+strenuously brought forward, was overruled; and after a lengthened
+interview, matters were arranged to the entire satisfaction of both
+parties. The idea of the companionship and aid of such a friend as
+Morton bringing as great a relief to both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, as
+their acquiescence filled the whole heart of the young missionary with
+the most unbounded gratitude and joy. He suggested many little things,
+which, in the agitation of his hasty summons, had escaped his friends,
+and his whole being seemed transformed from despondency and listlessness
+to energy and hope. Engrossed as he was, Mr. Hamilton's usual thought
+for others had not deserted him, and he remarked that one of his
+household, Robert Langford, so often mentioned, appeared to linger in
+the library after morning and evening service, as if anxious to speak to
+him, but failing in courage so to do. He thought, too, that the young
+man seemed quite altered, dispirited, gloomy, almost wretched at times,
+instead of the mirthful, happy being he had been before. Determining to
+give him an opportunity of speaking before his departure, if he wished
+it, Mr. Hamilton summoned him to arrange, write a list, and pack some
+books, which Morton had selected to take with him. For some time Robert
+pursued his work in persevering silence, but at length fixed his eyes on
+his master with such beseeching earnestness, that Mr. Hamilton inquired
+the matter at once. It was some time before the young man could
+sufficiently compose himself to speak with any coherency, but at last
+Mr. Hamilton gathered the following details.
+
+About five weeks previous (the first day of June) he had been
+introduced, as he had very often before been, by his master, with
+certain papers and law articles to convey to Plymouth, and with a pocket
+book containing thirty pounds, in two ten and two five pound notes,
+which he had orders to leave at some poor though respectable families,
+whom Mr. Hamilton was in the habit of occasionally assisting, though
+they were out of his own domains. The morning he was to have started on
+this expedition a cousin, whom he had always regarded as a brother, came
+unexpectedly to see him. He had just arrived at Plymouth from a four
+years' residence with his regiment in Ireland: and Robert's glee was so
+great as to require reiterated commands from the steward to take care of
+the papers, and not stay at his mother's cottage, where he was to take
+his cousin, later than the afternoon. He lingered so long before he set
+off from Oakwood, that he gathered up all the papers as quickly as he
+could, forgot his principal charge, so far at least as not to look to
+the secure fastening of the pocket-book, and hastened with his cousin
+through the brushwood and glade we have before mentioned, to his
+mother's cottage. It was very hot, and the young men, heated and in
+eager conversation, took off their coats, threw them loosely over their
+arms, and proceeded on their walk without them, much too engrossed with
+each other to be aware that, as they carried their coats, it was the
+easiest and most natural thing possible for all the smaller contents of
+their pockets to fall out, and if not missed directly, from the winding
+and rugged wood path, not likely to be found again.
+
+A draught of cider and half an hour's rest at Mrs. Langford's cottage
+sufficiently revived Robert to resume his coat; he satisfied himself
+that his packet of papers was secure, and, as he imagined from the feel
+of another pocket, the pocket-book also.
+
+What, then, was his consternation, when he approached the first house at
+which he was to leave ten pounds of the money, about twenty miles from
+Oakwood to discover that the pocket book was gone! and that which, by
+its feel, he believed to have been it, an old card-case, that his young
+master Percy had laughingly thrown at him one day after failing in his
+endeavor to emblazon it, the sticky materials he had used causing it to
+adhere to whatever it touched, and so preserving it in Robert's pocket,
+when almost all the other things had fallen out. He racked his memory in
+vain as to what could have become of it, convinced that he had not left
+it at Oakwood, as he first sincerely wished that he had. Two or three
+other things had also disappeared, and it suddenly flashed upon him,
+that when carrying his coat over his arm they must have fallen out. He
+cursed his thoughtlessness again and again, and would have retraced his
+steps immediately, but the papers with which he was intrusted had to be
+delivered at Plymouth by a certain hour, and he could not do it. The
+intense heat of the day gave place in the evening to a tremendous storm
+of thunder and lightning, wind and very heavy rain, which last continued
+unabated through the night. He returned home, or rather to his mother's
+cottage, the next day, in a state of mind little removed from
+distraction; searching the path he had traversed with his cousin in
+every direction, but only succeeded in finding some worthless trifles,
+and the pocket-book itself but open and empty; but at a little distance
+from it one five pound note. In an instant he remembered that in his
+hurry he had failed to see to its proper fastening: if he had, all would
+have been right, for the wind and rain would hardly have had power to
+open it, and disperse its contents. Hour after hour he passed in the
+vain search for the remainder; the storm had rendered the path more
+intricate; the ground was slimy, and quantities of dried sticks and
+broken branches and leaves almost covered it. He told his tale to his
+mother in the deepest distress; what was he to do? She advised him to
+tell the steward the whole story, and to request him to keep back the
+sum she was in the habit of receiving quarterly, till the whole amount
+could be repaid. Robert obeyed her, but with most painful reluctance,
+though even then he did not imagine all the misery his carelessness
+would entail upon him. Morris, as was natural, was exceedingly
+displeased, and not only reproved him very severely, but let fall
+suspicions as to the truth of his story: he knew nothing of his cousin,
+he said, and could not say what company he might have been led into. If
+the notes had fallen out of his pocket during his walk, they must be
+found; it was all nonsense that the wind and rain could so have
+scattered and annihilated them, as to remove all trace of them. He would
+not say any thing to his master, because it would only annoy him, and
+the charities he would give himself, not from Mrs. Langford's allowance,
+but from Robert's own wages, which he should certainly stop till the
+whole sum was paid; he should take care how he intrusted such a
+responsible office to him again.
+
+Robert was at first indignant, and violent in his protestations of the
+truth of his story; but as it got wind in the servants' hall as he found
+himself suspected and shunned by almost all, as days merged into weeks,
+and there was no trace of the notes, and Morris and Ellis both united in
+declaring that, as no strangers passed through that part of the park, if
+found they must have been heard of, the young man sunk into a state of
+the most gloomy despondency, longing to tell his kind master the whole
+tale, and yet, naturally enough, shrinking from the dread of his
+suspicion of his honesty, as more terrible than all the rest.
+
+But Mr. Hamilton did not suspect him, and so assured him of his firm
+belief in his truth and innocence, that it was with great difficulty
+poor Robert refrained from throwing himself at his feet to pour forth
+his gratitude. He was so severely punished from his heedlessness, that
+his master would not say much about it, and soon after dismissing him,
+summoned Morris, and talked with him some time on the subject, declaring
+he would as soon suspect his own son of dishonesty as the boy who had
+grown up under his own eye from infancy, and the son of such a mother.
+It was very distressing for Mrs. Langford certainly, the old steward
+allowed, and she looked sad enough; but it was no use, he had tried hard
+enough to prevent his suspicions, but they would come. None but the
+servants and the woodmen and gardeners went that path, and if the notes
+had been dropped there, they must have been found; and it was a very
+hard thing for the other servants, as none knew who might be suspected
+of appropriating them. His master was much too kind in his opinions, but
+he must forgive him if he continued to keep a sharp look out after the
+young man. Morris was very old, and somewhat opinionated; so all that
+his master could succeed in, was to insist that he should only keep back
+half of Robert's wages, till the sum was paid.
+
+"Take away the whole, and if he have been unfortunately led into
+temptation, which I do not believe he has, you expose him to it again,"
+was his judicious command. "It is all right he should return it, even
+though lost only by carelessness; but I will not have him put to such
+straits for want of a little money, as must be the case if you deprive
+him of all his wages; and now, my good Morris, if you can not in
+conscience repeat my firm opinion of this lad's innocence to the
+servants, I must do it myself."
+
+And that very evening after prayers, when the whole household were
+assembled in the library, Mr. Hamilton addressed them simply and
+briefly, mentioning that Robert Langford had himself told his tale to
+him, and that it was his own opinion, and that of their mistress, that
+he did not deserve the suspicions attached to him, and that his
+fellow-servants would all be acting more charitably and religiously if
+they believed his story, until they had had some strong proof to the
+contrary; he could not of course, interfere with private opinion; he
+could only tell them his own and their lady's. He acknowledged it was a
+very unpleasant occurrence, but he begged them all to dismiss the idea
+that suspicion could be attached to either of them; he felt too
+convinced that had any one of his household chanced to find the missing
+notes, they would at once have mentioned it to the steward or
+housekeeper, more especially, since Robert's loss had been known among
+them only a few days after it had occurred. Appropriation, he need not
+tell them, in such a case was theft, and of that sin, he was perfectly
+certain, not one present would be guilty. He allowed that it would be
+much more satisfactory to have the tangible proof of Robert's innocence
+by discovering some trace of them but it was not unlikely the heavy wind
+and rain had destroyed the thin material of the notes or borne them into
+the brambly brushwood, where it was scarcely possible they could be
+found.
+
+If the attention of Mrs. Hamilton, her daughters, and Miss Harcourt had
+not been naturally riveted on Mr. Hamilton's address, and its effect on
+the servants, especially Robert, whose emotion was almost overpowering,
+they must have remarked that Ellen had shrunk into the shade of the
+heavy curtains falling by one of the windows, and had unconsciously
+grasped the oaken back of one of the massive chairs; lips, cheek, and
+brow, white and rigid as sculptured marble. An almost supernatural
+effort alone enabled her to master the crushing agony, sending the blood
+up to her cheeks with such returning violence, that when she wished her
+aunt and uncle good night, she might have been thought more flushed than
+pale; but it passed unnoticed Mrs. Hamilton too much annoyed on Mrs.
+Langford's account, to think at that moment of any thing but how she
+could best set the poor mother's heart at rest. It was very evident that
+though some of the domestics after their master's address came up to
+Robert, shook hands with him and begged his pardon, the greater number
+still sided with Morris, and retained their own less favorable opinion,
+and she could well imagine what Mrs. Langford's sufferings must be. It
+only wanted five days to that fixed for Mr. Hamilton's departure, wind
+permitting; and there were so many things to think of and do for him,
+that his family could have little thought of any thing else; but Mrs.
+Hamilton, assured her husband she would leave no means untried to prove
+Robert's innocence.
+
+For nearly an hour that same night did Ellen, after her attendant had
+left her, sit crouched by the side of her bed as if some bolt had struck
+and withered her as she sat. One word alone sounded and resounded in her
+ears; she had known it, pronounced it to be such to herself numbers of
+times, but it had never mocked and maddened her as when spoken in her
+uncle's voice, and in his deepest, most expressive tone--"theft!" And
+she was the guilty one--and she must see the innocent bearing the
+penalty of her crime, suspicion, dislike, avoidance, for she dared not
+breathe the truth. Again came the wild, almost desperate, resolve to
+seek Mrs. Hamilton that very moment, avow herself the criminal, implore
+her to take back every trinket belonging to her, to replace it, and do
+with her what she would. But if she did confess, and so draw attention
+to her, how could she keep her brother's secret? Could she have firmness
+to bear all, rather than betray it? What proof of her inward
+wretchedness and remorse could there be in the mere confession of
+appropriation, when the use to which she had applied that money and all
+concerning it, even to the day it was found, must be withheld, lest it
+should in any way be connected with her letter to her brother. She must
+be silent; and the only prayer which, night and morning, ay, almost
+every hour, rose, from that young heart, was for death, ere it was too
+late for God's forgiveness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE BROKEN DESK
+
+
+The many secret wishes for an unfavorable wind, that Mr. Hamilton might
+stay at Oakwood still a little longer, were not granted, and he left his
+family the very day he had fixed, the 14th of July, just three weeks
+after his summons, and about ten days before his sons were expected
+home. Without him Oakwood was strange indeed, but with the exception of
+Emmeline, all seemed determined to conquer the sadness and anxiety,
+which the departure of one so beloved, naturally occasioned. Emmeline
+was so unused to any thing like personal sorrow, that she rather seemed
+to luxuriate in its indulgence.
+
+"Do you wish to both disappoint and displease me, my dear Emmeline?" her
+mother said, one day, about a week after her husband had gone, as she
+entered the music-room, expecting to find her daughter at the harp, but
+perceiving her instead, listless and dispirited, on the sofa. "Indeed,
+you will do both, if you give way to this most uncalled-for gloom."
+
+"Uncalled for," replied Emmeline, almost pettishly.
+
+"Quite uncalled for, to the extent in which you are indulging it; and
+even if called for, do you not think you would be acting more correctly,
+if you thought more of others than yourself, and tried to become your
+own cheerful self for their sakes? It is the first time you have ever
+given me cause to suspect you of selfishness; and I am disappointed."
+
+"Selfishness, mamma; and I do hate the thought of it so! Am I selfish?"
+she repeated, her voice faltering, and her eyes filling fast with tears.
+
+"I hope not, my love; but if you do not try to shake off this
+depression, we must believe you to be so. Your father's absence is a
+still greater trial to Caroline than it is to you, for it compels a very
+bitter disappointment, as well as the loss of his society; and yet,
+though she feels both deeply, she has exerted herself more than I ever
+saw her do before, and so proves, more than any words or tears could do,
+how much she loves both him and me."
+
+"And do you think I love you both, less than she does?" replied
+Emmeline, now fairly sobbing.
+
+"No, dearest; but I want you to prove it in the same admirable manner.
+Do you think I do not feel your father's absence, Emmeline? but would
+you like to see me as sad and changed as you are?"
+
+Emmeline looked up in her face, for there was something in the tone that
+appealed to her better feelings at once. Throwing her arms round her,
+she sobbed--
+
+"Dear mamma, do forgive me. I see now I have been very selfish and very
+weak, but I never, never can be as firm and self-controlled as you and
+Caroline are."
+
+"Do not say never, love, or you will never try to be so. I am quite sure
+you would not like to be one of those weak, selfish characters, who lay
+all their faults, and all the mischief their faults produce, on a
+supposed impossibility to become like others. I know your disposition is
+naturally less strong and firm than your sister's, but it is more
+elastic, and still more joyous; and so had you not too weakly encouraged
+your very natural sorrow, you would have been enabled to throw it off,
+and in the comfort such an exertion would have brought to us, fully
+recompensed yourself."
+
+"And if I do try now?"
+
+"I shall be quite satisfied, dearest; though I fear you will find it
+more difficult than had you tried a few days ago. Confess that I am
+right. Did you not, after the first two or three days, feel that you
+could have been cheerful again, at least at times, but that you fancied
+you had not felt sorry enough, and so increased both sorrow and anxiety
+by determinedly dwelling on them, instead of seeking some pursuit?"
+
+"Dear mamma, shall I never be able to hide a feeling from you?" answered
+Emmeline, so astonished, that her tears half dried. "I did not know I
+felt so myself till you put it before me, and now I know that I really
+did. Was it very wrong?"
+
+"I will answer your question by another, love. Did you find such
+pertinacious indulgence of gloom, help you to bring the object of your
+regret and anxiety, and of your own grief before your Heavenly Father?"
+
+Emmeline hesitated, but only for a minute, then answered, with a crimson
+blush--
+
+"No, mamma; I could not pray to God to protect dear papa, or to give me
+His blessing, half as earnestly and believingly as when I was happier;
+the more I indulged in gloomy thoughts, the more difficulty I had to
+turn them to prayer, and the last few days, I fear I have not even
+tried."
+
+"Then, dearest, is it necessary for me to answer your former question? I
+see by that conscious look that it is not. You have always trusted my
+experience and affection, my Emmeline, trust them now, and try my plan.
+Think of your dear father, whom you can not love too well, or whose
+compelled absence really regret too much; but so think of him, as to
+pray continually in spirit to your gracious God, to have him always in
+His holy keeping, either on sea or land, in storm or calm, and so
+prosper his undertaking, as to permit his return to us still sooner than
+we at present expect. The very constant prayer for this, will make you
+rest secure and happy in the belief, that our God is with him wherever
+he is, as He is with us, and so give you cheerfulness and courage to
+attend to your daily duties, and conquer any thing like too selfish
+sorrow. Will you try this, love, even if it be more difficult now, than
+it would have been a few days ago?"
+
+"I will indeed, mamma," and she raised her head from her mother's
+shoulder, and tried to smile. "When you first addressed me to-day, I
+thought you were almost harsh, and so cold--so you see even there I was
+thinking wrong--and now I am glad, oh, so glad, you did speak to me!"
+
+"And I know who will be glad too, if I have prevented his having a Niobe
+for his Tiny, instead of the Euphrosyne, which I believe he sometimes
+calls you. I thought there was one particular duet that Percy is to be
+so charmed with, Emmy. Suppose you try it now." And, her tears all
+checked, her most unusual gloom dispersed, Emmeline obeyed with
+alacrity, and finding, when she had once begun, so many things to get
+perfect for the gratification of her brothers, that nearly three hours
+slipped away quite unconsciously; and when Caroline returned from a
+walk, she was astonished at the change in her sister, and touched by the
+affectionate self-reproach with which Emmeline, looking up in her face,
+exclaimed--
+
+"Dear Caroline, I have been so pettish and so cross to you since papa
+left, that I am sure you must be quite tired of me; but I am going to be
+really a heroine now, and not a shy sentimental one; and bear the pain
+of papa's absence as bravely as you do."
+
+And she did so; though at first it was, as her mother had warned her,
+very difficult to compel the requisite exertion, which for employment
+and cheerfulness, was now needed; but when the _will_ is right, there is
+little fear of failure.
+
+As each day passed, so quickly merging into weeks, that five had now
+slipped away since that fatal letter had been sent to Edward, the
+difficulty to do as she had intended, entreat Mrs. Langford to dispose
+of her trinkets and watch, became to Ellen, either in reality or
+seeming, more and more difficult. Her illness had confined her to her
+room for nearly a week, and when she was allowed to take the air, the
+state of nervous debility to which it had reduced her, of course
+prevented her ever being left alone. The day after Mr. Hamilton's appeal
+to his domestics, she had made a desperate attempt, by asking permission
+to be the bearer of a message from her aunt to the widow; and as the
+girls were often allowed and encouraged to visit their nurse, the
+request was granted without any surprise, though to the very last moment
+she feared one of her cousins or Miss Harcourt would offer to accompany
+her. They were all, however, too occupied with and for Mr. Hamilton, and
+she sought the cottage, and there, with such very evident mental agony,
+besought Mrs. Langford to promise her secrecy and aid, that the widow,
+very much against her conscience, was won over to accede. She was in
+most pressing want of money, she urged, and dared not appeal to her
+aunt. Not daring to say the whole amount which she so urgently required
+at once, she had only brought with her the antique gold cross and two or
+three smaller ornaments, which had been among her mother's trinkets, and
+a gold locket Percy had given her. Mrs. Langford was painfully startled.
+She had no idea her promise comprised acquiescence and assistance in any
+matter so very wrong and mysterious as this; and she tried every
+argument, every persuasion, to prevail on Ellen to confide all her
+difficulties to Mrs. Hamilton, urging that if even she had done wrong,
+it could only call for temporary displeasure, whereas the mischief of
+her present proceeding might never come to an end, and must be
+discovered at last; but Ellen was inexorable, though evidently quite as
+miserable as she was firm, and Mrs. Langford had too high an idea of the
+solemn nature of a pledged word to draw back, or think of betraying her.
+She said that, of course, it might be some weeks before she could
+succeed in disposing of them all; as to offer them all together, or even
+at one place, would be exposing herself to the most unpleasant
+suspicions.
+
+One step was thus gained, but nearly a fortnight had passed, and she
+heard nothing from the widow.
+
+"Will they never come?" exclaimed Emmeline, in mirthful impatience, one
+evening, about four days after her conversation with her mother; "it
+_must be_ past the hour Percy named."
+
+"It still wants half an hour," replied Mrs. Hamilton; adding, "that
+unfortunate drawing, when will it succeed in obtaining your undivided
+attention?"
+
+"Certainly not this evening, mamma; the only drawing I feel inclined
+for, is a sketch of my two brothers, if they would only have the
+kindness to sit by me."
+
+"Poor Percy," observed Caroline, dryly; "if you are to be as restless as
+you have been the last hour, Emmeline, he would not be very much
+flattered by his portrait."
+
+"Now that is very spiteful of you, Caroline, and all because I do not
+happen to be so quiet and sober as you are; though I am sure all this
+morning, that mamma thought by your unusually long absence that you were
+having a most persevering practice, you were only collecting all Percy's
+and Herbert's favorite songs and pieces, and playing them over, instead
+of your new music."
+
+"And what if I did, Emmeline?"
+
+"Why, it only proves that your thoughts are quite as much occupied by
+them as mine are, though you have so disagreeably read, studied, worked,
+just as usual, to make one believe you neither thought nor cared any
+thing about them."
+
+"And so, because Caroline can control even joyous anticipation, she is
+to be thought void of feeling, Emmy. I really can pronounce no such
+judgment; so, though she may have settled to her usual pursuits, and you
+have literally done nothing at all to-day, I will not condemn her as
+loving her brothers less."
+
+"But you will condemn me as an idle, unsteady, hair-brained girl,"
+replied Emmeline, kneeling on the ottoman at her mother's feet, and
+looking archly and fondly in her face. "Then do let me have a
+fellow-sufferer, for I can not stand condemnation alone. Ellen, do put
+away that everlasting sketch, and be idle and unsteady, too!"
+
+"It won't do, Emmy; Ellen has been so perseveringly industrious since
+her illness, that I should rather condemn her for too much application
+than too great idleness. But you really have been stooping too long this
+warm evening, my love," she added, observing, as Ellen, it seemed almost
+involuntarily, looked up at her cousin's words, that her cheeks were
+flushed almost painfully. "Oblige Emmeline this once, and be as idle as
+she is: come and talk to me, I have scarcely heard a word from you
+to-day; you have been more silent than ever, I think, since your uncle
+left us; but I must have no gloom to greet your cousins, Ellen."
+
+There was no rejoinder to these kind and playful words. Ellen did indeed
+put aside her drawing, but instead of taking a seat near her aunt, which
+in former days she would have been only too happy to do, she walked to
+the farthest window, and ensconcing herself in its deep recess, seemed
+determined to hold communion with no one. Miss Harcourt was so indignant
+as scarcely to be able to contain its expression. Caroline looked
+astonished and provoked. Emmeline was much too busy in flying from
+window to window, to think of any thing else but her brothers. Mrs.
+Hamilton was more grieved and hurt than Ellen had scarcely ever made her
+feel. Several times before, in the last month, she had fancied there was
+something unusual in her manner; but the many anxieties and thoughts
+which had engrossed her since her husband's summons and his departure,
+had prevented any thing, till that evening, but momentary surprise.
+Emmeline's exclamation that she was quite sure she heard the trampling
+of horses, and that it must be Percy, by the headlong way he rode,
+prevented any remark, and brought them all to the window; and she was
+right, for in a few minutes a horseman emerged from some distant trees,
+urging his horse to its utmost speed, waving his cap in all sorts of
+mirthful gesticulations over his head, long before he could be quite
+sure that there was any body to see him. Another minute, and he had
+flung the reins to Robert, with a laughing greeting, and springing up
+the long flight of steps in two bounds, was in the sitting-room and in
+the arms of his mother, before either of his family imagined he could
+have had even time to dismount.
+
+"Herbert?" was the first word Mrs. Hamilton's quivering lip could speak.
+
+"Is quite well, my dearest mother, and not five minutes' ride behind me.
+The villagers would flock round us, with such an hurrah, I thought you
+must have heard it here; so I left Bertie to play the agreeable, and
+promised to see them to-morrow, and galloped on here, for you know the
+day we left, I vowed that the firstborn of my mother should have her
+first kiss."
+
+"Still the same, Percy--not sobered yet, my boy?" said his mother,
+looking at him with a proud smile; for while the tone and manner were
+still the eager, fresh-feeling boy, the face and figure were that of the
+fine-growing, noble-looking man.
+
+"Sobered! why, mother, I never intend to be," he answered, joyously, as
+he alternately embraced his sisters, Miss Harcourt, and Ellen, who,
+fearing to attract notice, had emerged from her hiding-place; "if the
+venerable towers of that most wise and learned town, Oxford, and all the
+grave lectures and long faces of sage professors have failed to tame me,
+there can be no hope for my sobriety; but here comes Herbert, actually
+going it almost as fast as I did. Well done, my boy! Mother, that is all
+your doing; he feels your influence at this distance. Why, all the
+Oxonians would fancy the colleges must be tumbling about their ears, if
+they saw the gentle, studious, steady Herbert Hamilton riding at such a
+rate." He entered almost as his brother spoke; and though less
+boisterous, the intense delight it was to him to look in his mother's
+face again, to be surrounded by all he loved, was as visible as Percy's;
+and deep was the thankfulness of Mrs. Hamilton's ever anxious heart, as
+she saw him looking so well--so much stronger than in his boyhood. The
+joy of that evening, and of very many succeeding days, was, indeed,
+great; though many to whom the sanctity and bliss of domestic affection
+are unknown, might fancy there was little to call for it; but to the
+inmates of Oakwood it was real happiness to hear Percy's wild laugh and
+his inexhaustible stories, calling forth the same mirth from his
+hearers--the very sound of his ever-bounding step, and his boisterous
+career from room to room, to visit, he declared, and rouse all the
+bogies and spirits that must have slept while he was away: Herbert's
+quieter but equal interest in all that had been done, studied, read,
+even thought and felt, in his absence: the pride and delight of both in
+the accounts of Edward, Percy insisting that to have such a gallant
+fellow of a brother, ought to make Ellen as lively and happy as
+Emmeline, who was blessed nearly in the same measure--looking so
+excessively mischievous as he spoke, that, though his sister did not at
+first understand the inference, it was speedily discovered, and called
+for a laughing attack on his outrageous self-conceit. Herbert more
+earnestly regretted to see Ellen looking as sad and pale as when she was
+quite a little girl, and took upon himself gently to reproach her for
+not being, or, at least, trying to make herself more cheerful, when she
+had so many blessings around her, and was so superlatively happy in
+having such a brave and noble-hearted brother. If he did not understand
+her manner as he spoke, both he and the less observant Percy were
+destined to be still more puzzled and grieved as a few weeks passed, and
+they at first fancied and then were quite sure that she was completely
+altered, even in her manner to their mother. Instead of being so gentle,
+so submissive, so quietly happy to deserve the smallest sign of approval
+from Mrs. Hamilton, she now seemed completely to shrink from her, either
+in fear, or that she no longer cared either to please or to obey her. By
+imperceptible, but sure degrees, this painful conviction pressed itself
+on the minds of the whole party, even to the light-hearted, unsuspicious
+Emmeline, to whom it was so utterly incomprehensible, that she declared
+it must be all fancy, and that they were all so happy that their heads
+must be a little turned.
+
+"Even mamma's!" observed Caroline, dryly.
+
+"No; but she is the only sensible person among us, for she has not said
+any thing about it, and, therefore, I dare say does not even see that
+which we are making such a wonder about."
+
+"I do not agree with you, for I rather think she has both seen and felt
+it before either of us, and that because it so grieves and perplexes
+her, she can not speculate or even speak about it as we do. Time will
+explain it, I suppose, but it is very disagreeable."
+
+It was, indeed, no fancy; but little could these young observers or even
+Mrs. Hamilton suspect that which was matter of speculation or grief to
+them, was almost madness in its agony of torture to Ellen; who, as weeks
+passed, and but very trifling returns for her trinkets were made her by
+Mrs. Langford, felt as if her brain must fail before she could indeed
+accomplish her still ardently desired plan, and give back the missing
+sum to Robert, without calling suspicion on herself. She felt to herself
+as changed as she appeared to those that observed her; a black
+impenetrable pall seemed to have enveloped her heart and mind, closing
+up both, even from those affections, those pursuits, so dear to her
+before. She longed for some change from the dense impenetrable fog, even
+if it were some heavy blow--tangible suffering of the fiercest kind was
+prayed for, rather than the stagnation which caused her to move, act,
+and speak as if under some fatal spell, and look with such terror on the
+relation she had so loved, that even to be banished from her presence
+she imagined would be less agony, than to associate with her, as the
+miserable, guilty being she had become.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton watched and was anxious, but she kept both her
+observations and anxiety to herself, for she would not throw even a
+temporary cloud over the happiness of her children. A fortnight after
+the young men's arrival, letters came most unexpectedly from Mr.
+Hamilton, dated twelve days after he had left, and brought by a Scottish
+trader whom they had encountered near the Shetland Isles, and who had
+faithfully forwarded them from Edinburgh, as he had promised. The voyage
+had been most delightful, and they hoped to reach Feroe in another week.
+He wrote in the highest terms of Morton; the comfort of such
+companionship, and the intrinsic worth of his character, which could
+never be known, until so closely thrown together.
+
+"I may thank our Percy for this excellent friend," he wrote. "He tells
+me his brave and honest avowal of those verses, which had given him so
+much pain, attracted him more toward me and mine, than even my own
+efforts to obtain his friendship. Percy little thought when he so
+conquered himself the help he would give his father--so little do we
+know to what hidden good, the straightforward, honest performance of a
+duty, however painful, may lead."
+
+"My father should thank you, mother, not me," was Percy's rejoinder,
+with a flushed cheek and eye sparkling with animation, as his mother
+read the passage to him.
+
+"No such thing, Percy; I will not have you give me all the merit of your
+good deeds. I did but try to guide you, my boy; neither the disposition
+to receive, nor the fruit springing from the seeds I planted, is from
+me."
+
+"They are, mother, more than you are in the least aware of!" replied he,
+with even more than his usual impetuosity, for they happened to be quite
+alone; "I thought I knew all your worth before I went to Oxford, but I
+have mingled with the world now; I have been a silent listener and
+observer of such sentiments, such actions, as I know would naturally
+have been mine, and though in themselves perhaps of little moment, saw
+they led to irregularity, laxity of principle and conduct, which now I
+can not feel as other than actual guilt; and what saved me from the
+same? The _principle_ which from my infancy you taught. I have
+questioned, led on in conversation, these young men to speak of their
+boyhood and their homes, and there were none guided, loved as I was;
+none whose parents had so blended firmness with indulgence, as while my
+wild, free spirits were unchecked, prevented the ascendency of evil. _I
+could not do_ as they did. Mother! love you more, perhaps, I can not,
+but every time I join the world, fresh from this home sanctuary, I must
+bless and venerate you more! To walk through this world with any degree
+of security, man _must_ have principle based on the highest source; and
+that principle can only be instilled by the constant example of a mother
+and the association of a home!" Mrs. Hamilton could not answer, but--a
+very unusual sign of weakness with her--tears of the most intense
+happiness poured down on the cheek of her son, as in his impetuosity he
+knelt before her, and ended his very unusually grave appeal by the same
+loving caresses he was wont to lavish on her, in his infancy and
+boyhood.
+
+The letters from Mr. Hamilton, of course, greatly increased the general
+hilarity, and the arrival of Mr. Grahame's family about the same time,
+added fresh zest to youthful enjoyment. In the few months she spent at
+Moorlands, Annie actually condescended to be agreeable. Percy, and some
+of Percy's boyish friends, now young men, as himself, were quite
+different to her usual society, and as she very well knew the only way
+to win Percy's even casual notice was to throw off her affectation and
+superciliousness as much as possible, she would do so, and be pleasing
+to an extent that surprised Mrs. Hamilton, who, always inclined to judge
+kindly, hoped more regarding Annie than she had done yet. Little could
+her pure mind conceive that, in addition to the pleasure of flirting
+with Percy, Annie acted in this manner actually to throw her off her
+guard, and so give her a wider field for her machinations when Caroline
+should enter the London world; a time to which, from her thirteenth
+year, she had secretly looked as the opportunity to make Caroline so
+conduct herself, as to cover her mother with shame and misery, and bring
+her fine plans of education to failure and contempt.
+
+Mrs. Greville and Mary were also constantly at the Hall, or having their
+friends with them; Herbert and Mary advancing in words or feelings not
+much farther than they had ever done as boy and girl, but still feeling
+and acknowledging to their mutual mothers that, next to them, they loved
+each other better than all the world, and enjoyed each other's society
+more than any other pleasure which life could offer. Excursions by land
+or water, sometimes on horseback, sometimes in the carriages, constant
+little family reunions, either at Oakwood, Moorlands, or Greville Manor,
+passed days and evenings most delightfully, to all but Ellen, who did
+not dare stay at home as often as inclination prompted, and whose
+forced gayety, when in society, did but increase the inward torture when
+alone. Mrs. Hamilton had as yet refrained from speaking to her--still
+trying to believe she must be mistaken, and there really was nothing
+strange about her. One morning, however, about a month after the young
+men had been at home, her attention was unavoidably arrested by hearing
+Percy gayly ask his cousin--
+
+"Nelly, Tiny wrote me such a description of your birthday watch, that I
+quite forgot, I have been dying to see it all the time I have been at
+home; show it me now, there's a dear; it can not be much use to you,
+that's certain, for I have never seen you take it from its
+hiding-place."
+
+Ellen answered, almost inarticulately, it was not in her power to show
+it him.
+
+"Not in your power! You must be dreaming, Nell, as I think you are very
+often now. Why, what do you wear that chain, and seal and key for, if
+you have not your watch on too?"
+
+"Where is your watch, Ellen? and why, if you are not wearing it, do you
+make us suppose you are?" interrupted Mrs. Hamilton, startled out of all
+idea that Ellen was changed only in fancy.
+
+Ellen was silent, and to Percy's imagination, so sullenly and insolently
+so, that he became indignant.
+
+"Did you hear my mother speak to you, Ellen? Why don't you answer?"
+
+"Because I thought my watch was my own to do what I liked with, to wear
+or to put away," was the reply; over neither words nor tone of which,
+had she at that moment any control, for in her agonized terror, she did
+not in the least know what she said.
+
+"How dare you answer so, Ellen? Leave the room, or ask my mother's
+pardon at once," replied Percy, his eyes flashing with such unusual
+anger that it terrified her still more, and under the same kind of spell
+she was turning to obey him, without attempting the apology he demanded.
+
+"Stay, Ellen; this extraordinary conduct must not go on any longer
+without notice on my part. I have borne with it, I fear, too long
+already. Leave us, my dear Percy; I would rather speak with your cousin
+alone."
+
+"I fear it will be useless, mother; what has come over Ellen I _can not_
+imagine, but I never saw such an incomprehensible change in my life."
+
+He departed, unconscious that Ellen, who was near the door transfixed at
+her aunt's words, made a rapid movement as to catch hold of his arm, and
+that the words, "Do not go, Percy, for pity's sake!" trembled on her
+pale lips, but they emitted no sound.
+
+What passed in the interview, which lasted more than an hour, no one
+knew; but to the watchful eyes of her affectionate children, there were
+traces of very unusual disturbance on Mrs. Hamilton's expressive
+countenance when she rejoined them; and the dark rim round Ellen's eyes,
+the deadly pallor of her cheeks and lips seemed to denote that it had
+not been deficient in suffering to her; though not one sign of
+penitence, one word of acknowledgment that she was, and had been for
+some weeks in error, by her extraordinary conduct--not even a softening
+tear could her aunt elicit. She had never before so failed--never, not
+even when the disappearance of her allowance had caused extreme
+displeasure, had Ellen evinced such an apparently sullen spirit of
+determined hardihood. She would not attempt defense or reply to the
+acted falsehood with which she was charged, of appearing to wear her
+watch when she did not, or to say what she had done with it. Mrs.
+Hamilton spoke to her till she was almost exhausted, for her own
+disappointment was most painful, and she had not a gleam of hope to urge
+her on. Her concluding words were these--
+
+"That you are under the evil influence of some unconfessed and most
+heinous fault, Ellen, I am perfectly convinced; what it is time will
+reveal. I give you one month to decide on your course of action; subdue
+this sullen spirit, confess whatever error you may have been led into,
+and so change your conduct as to be again the child I so loved, spite of
+occasional faults and errors, and I will pardon all that is past. If, at
+the end of a month, I find you persisting in the same course of
+rebellion and defiance, regardless alike of your duty to your God and to
+me, I shall adopt some measures to compel submission. I had hoped to
+bring up all my children under my own eye, and by my own efforts; but if
+I am not permitted so to do, I know my duty too well to shrink from the
+alternative. You will no longer remain under my care; some severer
+guardian and more rigid discipline may bring you to a sense of your
+duty. I advise you to think well on this subject, Ellen; you know me too
+well, I think, to imagine that I speak in mere jest."
+
+She had left the room as she spoke, so, that if Ellen had intended
+reply, there was no time for it. But she could not have spoken. Go from
+Oakwood, and in anger! Yet it was but just; it was better, perhaps, than
+the lingering torture she was then enduring--better to hide her shame
+and misery among strangers, than remain among the good, the happy--the
+guilty wretch she was. She sat and thought till feeling itself became
+utterly exhausted, and again the spell, the stupor of indifference,
+crept over her. She would have confessed, but she knew that it could
+never satisfy, as the half confession she would have been compelled to
+make it; and the dread of herself, that she should betray her brother,
+sealed her lips.
+
+Robert's story, and the strange disappearance of the notes, had of
+course been imparted to Percy and Herbert. In fact, the change in the
+young man, from being as light-hearted as his young master himself, to
+gravity and almost gloom--for the conviction of his master and mistress,
+as to his innocence could not cheer him, while suspicion against him
+still actuated Morris, and many of the other servants--would have called
+the young men's attention toward him at once. The various paths and
+glades between the Hall and Mrs. Langford's cottage had been so
+searched, that unless the storm had destroyed them or blown the notes
+very far away, it seemed next to impossible, that they could not be
+found. Mr. Hamilton knew the number of each note, had told them to his
+wife, and gave notice at his banker's that though he did not wish them
+stopped, he should like to know, if possible, when they had passed. No
+notice of such a thing had been sent to Oakwood, and it seemed curious
+that, if found and appropriated, they should not yet have been used, for
+ten weeks had now slipped away since their loss, and nearly nine since
+the letters had been sent to Edward and his captain, answers to which
+had not yet been received; but that was nothing remarkable, for Edward
+seldom wrote above once in three or four months.
+
+It was nearing the end of August, when one afternoon Mrs. Hamilton was
+prevented joining her children in a sail up the Dart, though it had been
+a long promise, and Percy was, in consequence, excessively indignant;
+but certain matters relative to the steward's province demanded a
+reference to his mistress, and Morris was compelled to request a longer
+interview than usual. Ellen had chosen to join the aquatic party, a
+decision now so contrary to her usual habits, that Mrs. Hamilton could
+not help fancying it was to prevent the chance of being any time alone
+with her. There had been no change in her manner, except a degree more
+care to control the disrespectful or pettish answer; but nothing to give
+hope that the spirit was changing, and that the hidden error, whatever
+it might be, would be acknowledged and atoned. Mrs. Hamilton was nerving
+her own mind for the performance of the alternative she had placed
+before her niece; passing many a sleepless night in painful meditations.
+If to send her from Oakwood were necessary, would it produce the effect
+she wished? with whom could she place her? and what satisfactory reason
+could she assign for doing so? She knew there would be a hundred tongues
+to cry shame on her for sending her orphan niece from her roof, but that
+was but one scarcely-tasted bitter drop in the many other sources of
+anxiety. But still these were but her nightly sorrows; she might have
+been paler when she rose, but though her children felt quite sure that
+Ellen was grieving her exceedingly, her cheerful sympathy in their
+enjoyments and pursuits never waned for a moment.
+
+Morris left her at six o'clock, all his business so satisfactorily
+accomplished, that the old man was quite happy, declaring to Ellis, he
+had always thought his mistress unlike any one else before; but such a
+clear head for reducing difficult accounts and tangled affairs to order,
+he had never imagined could either be possessed by, or was any business
+of a woman. Not in the least aware of the wondering admiration she had
+excited, Mrs. Hamilton had called Robert and proceeded to the
+school-room to get a pattern of embroidery and a note, which Caroline
+had requested might be sent to Annie Grahame that evening; the note was
+on the table, but the pattern and some silks she had neglected to put up
+till her brothers were ready, and they so hurried her, that her mother
+had promised she would see to it for her. The embroidery box was in a
+paneled closet of the school-room, rather high up, and in taking
+especial care to bring it safely down, Robert loosened a desk from its
+equilibrium, and it fell to the ground with such force as to break into
+several pieces, and scatter all its contents over the floor. It was
+Ellen's! the pretty rosewood desk which had been her gift, that
+memorable New Year's Eve, and was now the repository of her dread
+secret. It was actually in fragments, especially where the ink-stands
+and pens had been, and the spring broken, the secret drawer burst open,
+and all its contents were disclosed. Robert was much too concerned to
+think of any thing but his own extreme carelessness, and his mistress's
+reprimand; and he busied himself in hastily picking up the contents, and
+placing them carefully on the table, preparatory to their arrangement by
+Mrs. Hamilton in a drawer of the table which she was emptying for the
+purpose. She laid them carefully in, and was looking over a book of very
+nicely written French themes, glad there was at least one thing for
+which she might be satisfied with Ellen, when an exclamation--
+
+"Why, there is one of them! I am so glad," and as sudden, a stop and
+half-checked groan from Robert startled her. She looked inquiringly at
+him, but he only covered his face with one hand, while the other
+remained quite unconsciously covering the secret drawer out of which the
+contents had not fallen, but were merely disclosed.
+
+"What _is_ the matter, Robert? what have you found to cause such
+contradictory exclamations? Speak, for God's sake!" escaped from Mrs.
+Hamilton's lips, for by that lightning touch of association, memory,
+thought, whatever it may be, which joins events together, and unites
+present with past, so that almost a life seems crowded in a moment, such
+a suspicion flashed upon her as to make her feel sick and giddy, and
+turn so unusually pale, as effectually to rouse Robert, and make him
+spring up to get her a chair.
+
+"Nothing, madam, indeed it can be nothing--I must be mistaken--I am
+acting like a fool this afternoon, doing the most unheard-of mischief,
+and then frightening you and myself at shadows."
+
+"This evasion will not do, Robert; give me the papers at which you were
+so startled."
+
+He hesitated, and Mrs. Hamilton extended her hand to take them herself;
+but her hand and arm so shook, that to hide it from her domestic, she
+let it quietly drop by her side, and repeated her command in a tone that
+brooked no farther delay. He placed the little drawer and its contents
+in her hand, and, without a word, withdrew into the farthest window. For
+full five, it might have been ten minutes, there was silence so deep, a
+pin-fall might have been loudly heard. It was broken by Mrs. Hamilton.
+
+"Robert!"
+
+There was neither change nor tremor in the voice, but the fearful
+expression of forcibly-controlled suffering on her deathlike countenance
+so awed and terrified him, he besought her, almost inarticulately, to
+let him fetch a glass of water--wine--something--
+
+"It is not at all necessary, my good boy; I am perfectly well. This is,
+I believe, the only note that can be identified as one of those you
+lost; these smaller ones (she pointed to three, of one, two, and four
+pounds each, which Ellen had received at long intervals from Mrs.
+Langford) have nothing to do with it?"
+
+"No, madam, and that--that may not--"
+
+"We can not doubt it, Robert, I have its number; I need not detain you,
+however, any longer. Take care of these broken fragments, and if they
+can be repaired, see that it is done. Here is Miss Hamilton's note and
+parcel. I believe you are to wait for an answer, at all events inquire.
+I need not ask you to be silent on this discovery, till I have spoken to
+Miss Fortescue, or to trust my promise to make your innocence fully
+known."
+
+"Not by the exposure of Miss Ellen! Oh, madam, this is but one of them,
+the smallest one--it may have come to her by the merest chance--see how
+stained it is with damp--for the sake of mercy, oh, madam, spare her and
+yourself too!" and in the earnestness of his supplication Robert caught
+hold of her dress, hardly knowing himself how he had found courage so to
+speak. His mistress's lips quivered.
+
+"It is a kind thought, Robert, and if justice to you and mercy to the
+guilty can, by any extenuating clause unknown to me now, be united,
+trust me, they shall. Now go."
+
+He obeyed in silence, and still Mrs. Hamilton changed not that outward
+seeming of rigid calm. She continued to put every paper and letter away
+(merely retaining the notes), locked the drawer, took possession of the
+key, and then retired to her own room, where for half an hour she
+remained alone.
+
+It is not ours to lift the vail from that brief interval. We must have
+performed our task badly indeed, if our readers can not so enter into
+the lofty character, the inward strivings and outward conduct of Mrs.
+Hamilton, as not to imagine more satisfactorily to themselves than we
+could write it, the heart-crushing agony of that one half hour; and
+anguish as it was, it did but herald deeper. There was not even partial
+escape for her, as there would have been had her husband been at home.
+Examination of the culprit, whose mysterious conduct was so fatally
+explained, that she did not even dare hope this was the only missing
+note she had appropriated--compelled confession of the use to which it
+had been applied--public acknowledgment of Robert's perfect truth and
+innocence, all crowded on her mind like fearful specters of pain and
+misery, from which there could be no escape; and from whom did they
+spring? Ellen! the child of her adoption, of her love, whose character
+she had so tried to mold to good--whose young life she had so sought to
+make happier than its earliest years--for whom she had so hoped, so
+prayed--so trusted--had borne with anxiety and care; tended in physical
+suffering with such untiring gentleness, such exhaustless love: and now!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CULPRIT AND THE JUDGE.
+
+
+It was nearly seven when the young party returned, delighted as usual
+with their afternoon's amusement; and Percy, shouting loudly for his
+mother, giving vent to an exclamation of impatience at finding she was
+still invisible.
+
+"I shall wish Morris and all his concerns at the bottom of the Dart, if
+he is so to engross my mother when I want her," he said, as he flung
+himself full length on a couch in the music-room, desiring Emmeline to
+make haste and disrobe, as he must have an air on the harp to soothe his
+troubled spirit.
+
+Herbert, to look for a poem, the beauty of which he had been discussing
+with Miss Harcourt during their sail, entered the library, but
+perceiving his mother, would have retreated, thinking her still engaged;
+but she looked up as the door opened, and perceiving him, smiled, and
+asked him if they had had a pleasant afternoon. He looked at her
+earnestly, without making any reply; then approaching her, took one of
+her hands in his, and said, fondly--
+
+"Forgive me, dearest mother; I ought not, perhaps, to ask, but I am sure
+something is wrong. You are ill--anxious--may I not share it? Can I do
+nothing?"
+
+"Nothing, my Herbert; bless you for your watchful love--it is such
+comfort." And the long pressure of the hand which so warmly clasped
+hers, the involuntary tenderness with which these few words were said,
+betrayed how much she needed such comfort at that moment, but she
+rallied instantly. "Do not look so anxious, dear boy, I am not ill--not
+quite happy, perhaps, but we know where to look for strength to bear
+trial, Herbert. Wait tea for me till eight o'clock; it is probable I may
+be engaged till then;" and, satisfied that she did not wish to be more
+explicit, Herbert took his book, and somewhat sorrowfully left her.
+
+Ten minutes more, and the massive door unclosed again, but no step
+advanced, for the intruder remained rooted where the door had closed. It
+was a very large and lofty room, with an arched and Gothic roof, of
+black and fretted oak, the walls and chimney-piece of the same material
+and most elaborate workmanship. A sort of dais, remnant of olden times,
+divided the upper part of the room, by two or three steps, from the
+lower. On this dais was the raised reading-desk of superbly carved oak,
+at which Mr. Hamilton officiated morning and evening, and two library
+tables of more modern workmanship stood on each side, but rather lower
+down. Except the massive oaken chairs and couches, and three or four
+curious tables scattered about, and the well-filled book-cases, forming,
+to the height of five feet, the border, as it were, of the fretted
+wood-work of the walls, and filling up the niches formed by the windows;
+the lower part of the hall, two-thirds of the length, was comparatively
+unoccupied, showing its vast space and superb roof to still greater
+advantage. The magnificently stained windows, one on the dais--a deep
+oriel--threw such subdued light into the room, as accorded well with its
+other appointments; but as evening advanced, gave it that sort of soft,
+holy light, which always impresses the spirit with a species of awe.
+
+We do not think it was that feeling alone which so overpowered the
+second intruder, as to arrest her spell-bound on the threshold. Mrs.
+Hamilton was seated at one of the tables on the dais nearest the oriel
+window, the light from which fell full on her, giving her figure, though
+she was seated naturally enough in one of the large, maroon velvet,
+oaken chairs, an unusual effect of dignity and command, and impressing
+the terrified beholder with such a sensation of awe, that had her life
+depended on it, she could not for that one minute have gone forward; and
+even when desired to do so by the words--
+
+"I desired your presence, Ellen, because I wished to speak to you; come
+here without any more delay,"--how she walked the whole length of that
+interminable room, and stood facing her aunt, she never knew.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton for a full minute did not speak, but she fixed that
+searching look, to which we have once before alluded, upon Ellen's face;
+and then said, in a tone which, though very low and calm, expressed as
+much as that earnest look--
+
+"Ellen! is it necessary for me to tell you why you are here--necessary
+to produce the proof that my words are right, and that you _have_ been
+influenced by the fearful effects of some unconfessed and most heinous
+sin? Little did I dream its nature."
+
+For a moment Ellen stood as turned to stone, as white and rigid--the
+next she had sunk down, with a wild, bitter cry at Mrs. Hamilton's feet,
+and buried her face in her hands.
+
+"Is it true--can it be true--that you, offspring of my own sister, dear
+to me, cherished by me as my own child--you have been the guilty one to
+appropriate, and conceal the appropriation of money, which has been a
+source of distress by its loss, and the suspicion thence proceeding, for
+the last seven weeks?--that you could listen to your uncle's words,
+absolving his whole household as incapable of a deed which was actual
+theft, and yet, by neither word nor sign, betray remorse or
+guilt?--could behold the innocent suffering, the fearful misery of
+suspicion, loss of character, without the power of clearing himself, and
+stand calmly, heedlessly by--only proving by your hardened and
+rebellious temper that all was not right within--Ellen, can this be
+true?"
+
+"Yes!" was the reply, but with such a fearful effort, that her slight
+frame shook as with an ague; "thank God, that it is known! I dared not
+bring down the punishment on myself; but I can bear it."
+
+"This is mere mockery, Ellen; how dare I believe even this poor evidence
+of repentance, with the recollection of your past conduct? What were the
+notes you found?"
+
+Ellen named them.
+
+"Where are they?--This is but one, and the smallest."
+
+Ellen's answer was scarcely audible.
+
+"Used them--and for what?"
+
+There was no answer, neither then, nor when Mrs. Hamilton sternly
+reiterated the question. She then demanded--
+
+"How long have they been in your possession?"
+
+"Five or six weeks;" but the reply was so tremulous, it carried no
+conviction with it.
+
+"Since Robert told his story to your uncle, or before?"
+
+"Before."
+
+"Then your last answer was a falsehood, Ellen; it is full seven weeks
+since my husband addressed the household on the subject. You could not
+have so miscounted time, with such a deed to date by. Where did you find
+them?"
+
+Ellen described the spot.
+
+"And what business had you there? You know that neither you nor your
+cousins are ever allowed to go that way to Mrs. Langford's cottage, and
+more especially alone. If you wanted to see her, why did you not go the
+usual way? And when was this?--you must remember the exact day. Your
+memory is not in general so treacherous."
+
+Again Ellen was silent.
+
+"Have you forgotten it?"
+
+She crouched lower at her aunt's feet, but the answer was audible--
+
+"No."
+
+"Then answer me, Ellen, this moment, and distinctly; for what purpose
+were you seeking Mrs. Langford's cottage by that forbidden path, and
+when?"
+
+"I wanted money, and I went to ask her to take my trinkets--my watch, if
+it must be--and dispose of them as I had read of others doing, as
+miserable as I was; and the wind blew the notes to my very hand, and I
+used them. I was mad then--I have been mad since, I believe; but I would
+have returned the whole amount to Robert, if I could but have parted
+with my trinkets in time."
+
+To describe the tone of utter despair, the recklessness as to the effect
+her words would produce, is impossible. Every word increased Mrs.
+Hamilton's bewilderment and misery. To suppose that Ellen did not feel
+was folly. It was the very depth of wretchedness which was crushing her
+to the earth, but every answered and unanswered question but deepened
+the mystery, and rendered her judge's task more difficult.
+
+"And when was this, Ellen? I will have no more evasion--tell me the
+exact day."
+
+But she asked in vain. Ellen remained moveless, and silent as the dead.
+
+After several minutes, Mrs. Hamilton removed her hands from her face,
+and compelling her to lift up her head; gazed searchingly on her
+deathlike countenance for some moments in utter silence, and then said,
+in a tone that Ellen never in her life forgot--
+
+"You can not imagine, Ellen, that this half-confession will either
+satisfy me, or in the smallest degree redeem your sin. One and one only
+path is open to you; for all that you have said and left unsaid but
+deepens your apparent guilt, and so blackens your conduct, that I can
+scarcely believe I am addressing the child I so loved--and could still
+so love, if but one real sign be given of remorse and penitence--one
+hope of returning truth. But that sign, that hope, can only be a full
+confession. Terrible as is the guilt of appropriating so large a sum,
+granted it came by the merest chance into your hand; dark as is the
+additional sin of concealment when an innocent person was
+suffering--something still darker, more terrible, must lie concealed
+behind it, or you would not, could not, continue thus obdurately silent.
+I can believe that under some heavy pressure of misery, some strong
+excitement, the sum might have been used without thought, and that fear
+might have prevented the confession of any thing so dreadful; but what
+was this heavy necessity for money, this strong excitement? What fearful
+and mysterious difficulties have you been led into to call for either?
+Tell me the truth, Ellen, the whole truth; let me have some hope of
+saving you and myself the misery of publicly declaring you the guilty
+one, and so proving Robert's innocence. Tell me what difficulty, what
+misery so maddened you, as to demand the disposal of your trinkets. If
+there be the least excuse, the smallest possibility of your obtaining in
+time forgiveness, I will grant it. I will not believe you so utterly
+fallen. I will do all I can to remove error, and yet to prevent
+suffering; but to win this, I must have a full confession--every
+question that I put to you must be clearly and satisfactorily answered,
+and so bring back the only comfort to yourself, and hope to me. Will you
+do this, Ellen?"
+
+"Oh, that I could!" was the reply in such bitter anguish, Mrs. Hamilton
+actually shuddered. "But I can not--must not--dare not. Aunt Emmeline,
+hate me, condemn me to the severest, sharpest suffering; I wish for it,
+pine for it: you can not loathe me more than I do myself, but do not--do
+not speak to me in these kind tones--I can not bear them. It was because
+I knew what a wretch I am, that I have so shunned you, I was not worthy
+to be with you; oh, sentence me at once! I dare not answer as you
+wish."
+
+"Dare not!" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, more and more bewildered, and, to
+conceal the emotion Ellen's wild words and agonized manner had produced,
+adopting greater sternness. "You dare commit a sin, from which the
+lowest of my household would shrink in horror, and yet tell me you dare
+not make the only atonement, give me the only proof of real penitence I
+demand. This is a weak and wicked subterfuge, Ellen, and will not pass
+with me. There can be no reason for this fearful obduracy, not even the
+consciousness of greater guilt, for I promise forgiveness, if it be
+possible, on the sole condition of a full confession. Once more, will
+you speak? Your hardihood will be utterly useless, for you can not hope
+to conquer me; and if you permit me to leave you with your conduct still
+clothed in this impenetrable mystery, you will compel me to adopt
+measures to subdue that defying spirit, which will expose you and myself
+to intense suffering, but which must force submission at last."
+
+"You can not inflict more than I have endured the last seven weeks,"
+murmured Ellen, almost inarticulately. "I have borne that, I can bear
+the rest."
+
+"Then you will not answer? You are resolved not to tell me the day on
+which you found that money, the use to which it was applied, the reason
+of your choosing that forbidden path, permitting me to believe you
+guilty of heavier sins than may be the case in reality. Listen to me,
+Ellen; it is more than time this interview should cease, but I will give
+you one chance more. It is now half-past seven,"--she took the watch
+from her neck, and laid it on the table--"I will remain here one
+half-hour longer: by that time this sinful temper may have passed away,
+and you will consent to give me the confession I demand. I can not
+believe you so altered in two months as to choose obduracy and misery,
+when pardon, and in time confidence and love, are offered in their
+stead. Get up from that crouching posture, it can be but mock humility,
+and so only aggravates your sin."
+
+Ellen rose slowly and painfully, and seating herself at the table, some
+distance from her aunt, leaned her arms upon it, and buried her face
+within them. Never before, and never after did half an hour appear so
+interminable to either Mrs. Hamilton or Ellen. It was well for the
+firmness of the former, perhaps, that she could not read the heart of
+that young girl, even if the cause of its anguish had been still
+concealed. Again and again did the wild longing, turning her actually
+faint and sick with its agony, come over her to reveal the whole, to ask
+but rest and mercy for herself, pardon and security for Edward; but then
+clear as held before her in letters of fire she read every word of her
+brother's desperate letter, particularly "Breathe it to my uncle or
+aunt, for if she knows it he will, and you will never see me more." Her
+mother, pallid as death, seemed to stand before her, freezing confession
+on her heart and lips, looking at her threateningly, as she had so often
+seen her, as if the very thought were guilt. The rapidly advancing
+twilight, the large and lonely room, all added to that fearful illusion,
+and if Ellen did succeed in praying, it was with desperate fervor, for
+strength not to betray her brother. If ever there were a martyr spirit,
+it was enshrined in that young, frail form.
+
+But how could Mrs. Hamilton imagine this? How could her wildest fancy
+bring Edward--the brave, happy, eager Edward, of whom captain, officers,
+and crew wrote in such terms of praise and admiration, who had never
+given cause for anxiety, and who was so far distant--as the uniting link
+to this terrible mystery? Was it not more natural that he should not
+enter the incongruous and painful thoughts floating through her brain,
+save as her last resource, by his influence, to obtain the truth from
+Ellen? The more she thought, the more agonizing her thoughts became;
+what could induce this determined silence, but a conviction of deeper
+guilt, and what could that guilt be? The most terrible suspicions
+crossed her mind; she had heard, though she had scarcely believed in
+them, of entanglements, even where the guardianship had been most rigid.
+Could one so young, seemingly so innocent, have fallen into the power of
+some desperate character, who was working on her thus? How could she be
+sure she intended to take her trinkets to Mrs. Langford? Her choosing
+that forbidden path which was never by any chance trodden by the family
+or their friends, her constant desire lately not to join them in their
+excursions, preferring, and often finding some excuse to remain
+alone--all came to Mrs. Hamilton's mind, with such an overpowering
+sensation of dread and misery, that the worst guilt Ellen could have
+avowed would scarcely have been worse than anticipation pictured; and
+yet every thought was so vague, every fancy so undefined--there was
+nothing she could grasp at as a saving hope, or in the remotest degree
+excusing cause; such obdurate silence in one so young, generally so
+yielding, could and must conceal nothing but still more fearful sin.
+The darkness which had gathered round them, save the brightening light
+of the harvest moon, suddenly awakened her to the lapse of time. The
+moonlight fell full on the face of the watch, which was a repeater. It
+wanted but three minutes more, and Mrs. Hamilton watched the progress of
+the hand with such sickening dread, that when it reached the hour, she
+had scarcely strength to strike it, and so give notice--for words she
+had none--that the hour of grace had passed. But she conquered the
+powerlessness, and those soft chimes, which, when Ellen first came to
+Oakwood, had been such a constant source of childish wonder and delight,
+now rang in her ears louder, hoarser, more fearfully distinct, than even
+those of the ancient time-piece in the hall, which at the same moment
+rang out the hour of eight.
+
+The sound ceased, and with heightened dignity, but in perfect silence,
+Mrs. Hamilton rose, passed her niece, and had nearly reached the door,
+when she paused, and turned toward Ellen, as if irresolute. Ellen's eyes
+had watched her as in fascination, and the pause endowed her with just
+sufficient power to spring forward, fling herself at her aunt's feet,
+and clasping her knees with all her little remaining strength,
+passionately implore--
+
+"Aunt Emmeline, aunt Emmeline, speak to me but one word, only one word
+of kindness before you go. I do not ask for mercy, there can be none for
+such a wretch as I am; I will bear without one complaint, one murmur,
+all you may inflict--you can not be too severe. Nothing can be such
+agony as the utter loss of your affection; I thought, the last two
+months, that I feared you so much that it was all fear, no love, but
+now, now that you know my sin, it has all, all come back to make me
+still more wretched." And before Mrs. Hamilton could prevent, or was in
+the least aware of her intention, Ellen had obtained possession of one
+of her hands, and was covering it with kisses, while her whole frame
+shook with those convulsed, but completely tearless sobs.
+
+"Will you confess, Ellen, if I stay? Will you give me the proof that it
+_is_ such agony to lose my affection, that you _do_ love me as you
+profess, and that it is only one sin which has so changed you? One word,
+and, tardy as it is, I will listen, and, if I can, forgive."
+
+Ellen made no answer, and Mrs. Hamilton's newly-raised hopes vanished;
+she waited full two or three minutes, then gently disengaged her hand
+and dress from Ellen's still convulsive grasp; the door closed, with a
+sullen, seemingly unwilling sound, and Ellen was alone. She remained in
+the same posture, the same spot, till a vague, cold terror so took
+possession of her, that the room seemed filled with ghostly shapes, and
+all the articles of furniture suddenly transformed to things of life!
+and springing up, with the wild, fleet step of fear, she paused not till
+she found herself in her own room, where flinging herself on her bed,
+she buried her face on her pillow, to shut out every object--oh, how she
+longed to shut out thought!
+
+It was such a different scene, such a fullness of innocent joy, on which
+Mrs. Hamilton entered, that though she thought herself nerved to control
+all visible emotion, the contrast almost overpowered her; knowing, too,
+that the fatal effects of one person's sin must banish that innocent
+enjoyment, and would fall on them all as some fearful, joy-destroying
+blow. The room, one of the least spacious, was cheerfully lighted, the
+urn hissing upon the table, at which Caroline, us usual, was presiding,
+only waiting for her mother's appearance, to satisfy Percy, who was
+loudly declaring he was famished in two senses--for want of his mother's
+company, and of some restorative for his craving appetite. He was
+lounging on the sofa, playing with Emmeline's flowing ringlets, as she
+sat on a low stool by his side, chatting with him, in as discursive a
+strain as his fancy willed. Herbert and Miss Harcourt were still in
+earnest discussion on their poem, from which Herbert was occasionally
+reading aloud such beautiful passages, and with such richness of
+intonation, and variety of expression, that Caroline, and even Percy and
+Emmeline, would pause involuntarily to listen.
+
+"At length!" exclaimed Percy, springing up, as did Herbert at the same
+moment, to get their mother a chair, and place her comfortably as usual
+in the midst of them. "Mother, I really did begin to think you intended
+to punish my impatience by not joining us at all to-night."
+
+"I did not know you were impatient, my dear boy, or perhaps I might have
+done so!" was her quiet, and even smiling reply. "I fear, indeed,
+waiting for me so long after a water-excursion, must have caused you to
+be impatient in another sense."
+
+"What! that we must be all famished? I assure you, we are, and the loss
+of your society sharpened the pangs of hunger I owe Morris a grudge,
+and will certainly serve him out one day, for detaining you so long when
+I wanted you."
+
+"It was not Morris that detained me," answered Mrs. Hamilton, somewhat
+hurriedly. "I had done with him by six o'clock; but come, tell me
+something about your excursion," she added, evidently anxious to elude
+farther remark, and perceiving at once that Miss Harcourt and Herbert
+both looked at her very anxiously. "How did your boat go, and how did
+Caroline's voice and your flute sound on the water, Percy? Herbert, I
+see, has found poetry, as usual, and made Miss Harcourt his companion;
+you must tell me what verses our beautiful river recalled this
+afternoon; and you, Emmy, have you any more sketches to fill up?"
+
+Her children eagerly entered on their day's enjoyment--Herbert
+conquering his anxiety, to emulate his mother's calmness, but Miss
+Harcourt had been too painfully startled by the unusual expression of
+forcibly-controlled suffering on her friend's face, to do so with any
+success. Nearly an hour, however, passed animatedly as usual; each found
+so much to tell, and Percy was in such wild spirits, that it was utterly
+impossible for there to be any thing like a pause. Tea had always been a
+favorite meal at Oakwood, as bringing all the family together after the
+various business of the day, and it continued to be so. They had
+lingered over it as usual, when Caroline suddenly exclaimed--
+
+"What has become of Ellen? I had quite forgotten her till this moment;
+how neglectful she will think us! Do ring the bell, Percy, that we may
+send and let her know."
+
+"If she has no recollection of meal-time, I really think we need not
+trouble ourselves about her," was Percy's half-jesting, half-earnest
+reply, for Ellen's changed manner to his mother had made him more angry
+with her, and for a longer time together, than he had ever been with any
+body, especially a woman, in his life. He stretched out his hand,
+however, to ring the bell, but Mrs. Hamilton stopped him.
+
+"You need not, Percy; your cousin will not wish to join us," she said;
+and her tone was now so expressive of almost anguish, that every one of
+that happy party startled and looked at her with the most unfeigned
+alarm, and Percy, every thought of jest and joyousness checked, threw
+his arms round her, exclaiming--
+
+"Mother dearest! what _has_ happened?--that unhappy girl again! I am
+sure it is. Why do you not cast her off from your heart at once; she
+will bring you nothing but sorrow for all your love."
+
+"Percy, how can you be so harsh?--how unlike you!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+indignantly, as Mrs. Hamilton's head, for a few minutes of natural
+weakness, sunk on her son's encircling arm. "We have all given mamma
+trouble and pain enough one time or other, and what would have become of
+us if she had cast us off? and Ellen has no mother, too--for shame!"
+
+"Hush!" answered Percy, almost sternly, for there were times when he
+could quite throw off the boy. "This is no light or common matter, to
+affect my mother thus. Shall we send for Mr. Howard, mother?" he
+continued, fondly; "in my father's absence he is your ablest friend--we
+can only feel, not counsel."
+
+But there are times when feeling can aid in bringing back control and
+strength, when counsel alone would seem so harsh and cold, we can only
+weep before it; and the fond affection of her children, the unusual
+assumption of protecting manliness in Percy, so touchingly united with
+the deep respect that prevented the least intrusive question as to the
+cause of her distress till she chose to reveal it, gave her power to
+send back the tears that had escaped at first so hot and fast, and
+though still holding his hand, as if its very pressure was support, she
+was enabled calmly to relate the fatal discovery of that evening. Its
+effect was, in truth, as if a thunderbolt had fallen in the midst of
+them. An execration, forcibly checked, but passionate as his nature,
+burst from the lips of Percy, as he clamped his arm close round his
+mother, as thus to protect her from the misery he felt himself. Herbert,
+with a low cry of pain, buried his face in his hands. Caroline, shocked
+and bewildered, but her first thought for her mother, could only look
+at, and feel for her, quite forgetting that her every prejudice against
+Ellen did indeed seem fulfilled. Emmeline at first looked stunned, then
+sinking down at Mrs. Hamilton's feet, hid her face on her lap, and
+sobbed with such uncontrolled violence, that it might have seemed as if
+she herself, not Ellen, were the guilty cause of all this misery. Miss
+Harcourt, like Caroline, could only think and feel for Mrs. Hamilton;
+for she knew so well all the hope, interest, and love which Ellen had
+excited, and what must be the bitter suffering of this fearful
+disappointment.
+
+"Do not weep thus, love," Mrs. Hamilton said, addressing Emmeline,
+after nearly a quarter of an hour had passed, and the various emotions
+of each individual had found vent in words well illustrative of their
+respective characters; all but Emmeline who continued to sob so
+painfully, that her mother successfully forgot her own sorrow to comfort
+her. "Ellen is still very young, and though she is giving us all this
+misery and disappointment now, she may become all we can wish her,
+by-and-by. We must not give up all hope, because now all my cares seem
+so blighted. There is some fatal mystery attached to her conduct; for I
+am indeed deceived if she is not very wretched and there is some hope in
+that."
+
+"Then why does she not speak?" rejoined Percy, impetuously; for when he
+found his mother resuming control and firmness, he had given vent to his
+indignation by striding hastily up and down the room. "What but the most
+determined hardihood and wickedness can keep her silent, when you
+promise forgiveness if she will but speak? What mystery can there, or
+ought there, to be about her, when she has such an indulgent friend as
+yourself to bring all her troubles to? Wretched! I hope she is, for she
+deserves to be, if it were only for her base ingratitude."
+
+"Percy! dear Percy! do not speak and judge so very harshly," interposed
+Herbert, with deep feeling; "there does, indeed, seem no excuse for her
+conduct, but if we ever should find that there is some extenuating
+cause, how unhappy we shall be for having judged her still more harshly
+than she deserved."
+
+"It is impossible we can do that," muttered Percy, continuing his angry
+walk. "Nothing but guilt can be the cause of her keeping any thing from
+my mother. Ellen knows, as we all know, that even error when confessed,
+has always been forgiven, sorrow always soothed, and every difficulty
+removed. What can her silence spring from, then, but either defying
+obstinacy or some blacker sin?"
+
+"It does seem like it, unhappily," rejoined Caroline, but very
+sorrowfully, not at all as if she triumphed in her own previous
+penetration; "but she can not persevere in it long. Dear mamma, do not
+look so distressed: it is impossible she can resist you for any length
+of time."
+
+"She has resisted every offer of kindness, my dear child, and it is the
+difficulty as to what course to pursue, to compel submission and
+confession, that so grieves and perplexes me."
+
+"Let me seek Mr. Howard, dearest mother," answered Herbert; "he is so
+good, so kind, even in his severest judgments, that I really think Ellen
+will scarcely be able to persevere in her mistaken silence, if he speak
+to her."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton paused for some moments in thought.
+
+"I believe you are right, Herbert. If I must have counsel out of my own
+family, I can not go to a kinder, wiser, or more silent friend. If the
+fearful shame which I must inflict on Ellen to-night of proving Robert's
+innocence before my whole household, by the denouncement of her guilt,
+have no effect in softening her, I will appeal to him."
+
+"Oh, mamma, must this be--can you not, will you not spare her this?"
+implored Emmeline, clinging to her mother, in passionate entreaty; "it
+would kill me, I know it would. Do not--do not expose her to such
+shame."
+
+"Do you think it is no suffering to my mother to be called upon to do
+this, Emmeline, that you add to it by this weak interference?" replied
+Percy, sternly, before his mother could reply. "Shame! she has shamed us
+all enough. There wants little more to add to it."
+
+But Emmeline's blue eyes never moved from her mother's face, and Miss
+Harcourt, longing to spare Mrs. Hamilton the suffering of such a
+proceeding, tried to persuade her to evade it, but she did not succeed.
+
+"One word of confession--one evidence that her sin originated in a
+momentary temptation, that it conceals nothing darker--one real proof of
+penitence, and God knows how gladly I would have spared myself and her;
+but as it is, Lucy, Emmeline, do not make my duty harder."
+
+Few as those words were, the tone that spoke them was enough. No more
+was said, and Mrs. Hamilton tried, but with very little success, to turn
+her children's thoughts to other and pleasanter things. Time seemed to
+lag heavily, and yet when the prayer bell sounded, it fell on every
+heart as some fearful knell which must have been struck too soon.
+
+All were assembled in the library, and in their respective places, all
+but one, and Herbert waited her appearance.
+
+"Tell Miss Fortescue that we are only waiting for her to commence
+prayers;" and Fanny, the young ladies' attendant, departed to obey,
+wondering at Miss Ellen's non-appearance, but hearing nothing unusual in
+her mistress's voice. She returned, but still they waited; again the
+door unclosed, and Emmeline bent forward in an attitude of agony and
+shame unable even to look at her cousin, whose place was close beside
+her; but the words she dreaded came not then--Herbert, at his mother's
+sign, commenced the service, and it proceeded as usual. The fearful
+struggle in Mrs. Hamilton's gentle bosom, who might read, save the
+all-pitying God, whom she so fervently addressed for strength and
+guidance? The voice of her son ceased, and the struggle was over.
+
+"Before we part for the night," she said, when all but one had arisen,
+"it is necessary that the innocent should be so justified before you
+all, that he should no longer be injured by suspicion and avoidance. It
+is nearly two months since your master assured you of his own and of my
+perfect conviction that Robert Langford had told the truth, and that the
+missing notes had been unfortunately lost by him; not appropriated, as I
+fear most of you have believed, and are still inclined to do. The
+complete failure of every search for them has induced a very
+uncomfortable feeling among you all as to the person on whom suspicion
+of finding and appropriating them might fall, none but the household
+frequenting that particular path, and none being able to suppose that
+the storm could have so dispersed as to lose all trace of them. I
+acknowledge it was unlikely, but not so unlikely as that Robert Langford
+should have failed in honesty, or that any of my household should have
+appropriated or concealed them. All mystery is now, however, at an end;
+the missing notes have been traced and found; and that all suspicion and
+discomfort may be removed from among you, it becomes my duty to
+designate the individual who has thus transgressed every duty to God and
+man, not by the sin alone, but by so long permitting the innocent to
+suffer for the guilty, more especially as that individual is one of my
+own family"--for one moment she paused, whether to gain strength, or to
+give more force to her concluding words, no one could tell--"ELLEN
+FORTESCUE!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE SENTENCE, AND ITS EXECUTION.
+
+
+The excitement which reigned in the servants' hall, after they had
+withdrawn, in the most respectful silence, from the library, was
+extreme. Robert, utterly unable to realize relief in this proof of his
+own innocence, could only pace the hall in agony, deploring his mad
+carelessness, which, by exposing to temptation, had caused it all; and
+Morris and Ellis deepened the remorse by perfectly agreeing with him.
+Before they separated, the old steward called them all together; and,
+his voice trembling with agitation, the tears actually running down his
+furrowed cheeks, told them that even as their mistress had done her duty
+to the utmost, ay, more than the utmost by them--for it must have
+well-nigh broken her heart to do it--a solemn duty was demanded from
+them to her, and that if either man, woman, or child failed in it, he
+should know that they had neither feeling, honor, nor gratitude in their
+hearts, and deserved and should be scouted by them all; and that duty
+was never to let the event of that night pass their lips, even to each
+other. It was enough that all mystery and suspicion had been taken from
+them, and that time would clear up the remainder; he never would believe
+the grandchild of his mistress's father, one she had so loved and cared
+for, could willfully act as appearances seemed to say; that he was sure,
+one day or other, they would all find there was much more to pity than
+to blame; and till then, if they had the least spark of generous or
+grateful feeling, they would forget the whole affair, and only evince
+their sense of their mistress's conduct, by yet greater respect and
+attention to their respective duties.
+
+The old man's speech was garrulous, and perhaps often faulty in grammar,
+but it came from the heart, and so went to the heart at once, and not
+one held back from the pledge of silence he demanded. There are some who
+imagine that the refinement of feeling which alone could actuate
+Morris's speech, and its warm and immediate response, is only to be
+found among the educated and the rich: how little those who thus suppose
+understand the human heart! Kindness begets kindness; and if superiors
+will but think of, and seek the happiness, temporal and eternal, of
+their inferiors--will but prove that they are considered us children of
+one common Father--there needs no equality of rank to create equality of
+happiness, or equality of refined, because _true_ feeling.
+
+The next morning, when Mrs. Hamilton had occasion to speak to Morris
+about some farm receipts, which had not been forthcoming the preceding
+day, she recalled him as he was departing; but the words she had to say
+seemed unusually difficult, for her voice audibly faltered, and her face
+was completely shaded by her hand. It was simply to ask that which
+Morris's loving reverence had already done; and when the old man, in
+those earnest accents of heartfelt respect and kindness which never can
+be mistaken, related what had passed, his mistress hastily extended her
+hand to him, saying, in a tone he never forgot--
+
+"God bless you, Morris! I ought to have known your love for your
+master's house would have urged this, without any request from me. I can
+not thank you enough." The kiss he ventured to press upon the delicate
+hand which pressed his rough palm, was not unaccompanied, though he did
+force back the tear, and most respectfully, yet very earnestly, beseech
+his mistress not to take on too much. There must be some cause, some
+mystery; no one belonging to her could so have acted without some very
+fearful temptation, some very powerful reason, and it would all come
+straight one day.
+
+But whatever the future, the present was only suffering; for, to obtain
+a full confession from Ellen, Mrs. Hamilton felt so absolutely incumbent
+on her, that she steadily refused to listen to either pity or affection,
+which could shake her firmness; and the opinion and advice of Mr. Howard
+strengthened the determination. He had a private interview with Ellen,
+but it was attended with so very little success, that he left her far
+more bewildered and grieved than he had sought her; but fully convinced
+it was mere hardihood and obstinacy, which caused her incomprehensible
+and most guilty silence. Not even allowing, as Mrs. Hamilton had, that
+there was any evidence of misery and remorse; perhaps she had been more
+quiet, more resolutely calm, and if it had not been for the strong
+appearances against her, he surely must have seen it was the strength
+and quiet of despair, not the defiance he believed.
+
+"This rebellious spirit must be conquered," he said, on rejoining Mrs.
+Hamilton, who, with her children and Miss Harcourt, had most anxiously
+and yet hopefully awaited the result of his interference. "We should
+actually be sharing her sin, if we permit her to conquer us by obduracy
+and self-will. Solitary confinement and complete idleness may bring her
+to a better temper, and, in fact, should be persisted in, till a full
+confession be made. If that fail, my dear Mrs. Hamilton, your niece
+should be banished from Oakwood. She must not remain here, a continual
+source of anxiety and misery to you, and of successful hardihood to
+herself; but of that there will be time enough to think when you have an
+answer from Mr. Hamilton; his judgment from a distance may be wiser than
+ours on the spot, and irritated as we are by such unaccountable
+obstinacy in one we have always thought almost too yielding."
+
+And it was this incomprehensible change of character, in seeming, that
+still more perplexed Mrs. Hamilton, and so made her believe there must
+be some worse fault, or dangerous entanglement, demanding such resolute
+pertinacity in concealment.
+
+Closely connected with Ellis's private apartments, and having neither
+inlet nor outlet, save through the short passage opening from her
+sitting-room, were two small but not uncomfortable apartments, opening
+one into the other, and looking out on a very pretty but quite
+unfrequented part of the park. They had often been used when any of
+Ellis's children or grandchildren came to see her, and were in
+consequence almost sufficiently habitable, without any further
+preparation, except the turning one into a sitting-room, which Ellis's
+active care speedily accomplished. Her mistress inspected them, at her
+desire, suggested one or two additional comforts, and then held a long
+confidential conversation with her. She had such perfect confidence in
+her (for Ellis had been from a child--married, and become mother and
+widow, and married her children--all as an inmate of the Hamilton
+family, and had held the confidential post of housekeeper for sixteen
+years), that she did not hesitate one moment to commit Ellen entirely to
+her care, at least till she could receive an answer about her from her
+husband. She depended on her to watch over her health, to see that she
+took daily exercise with her, in those parts of the park where she was
+not likely to attract notice, as being with her instead of with any
+member of her family, and that she took her regular meals; to be with
+her whenever she took them, and at casual times in the day, not so as
+to remove the impression of solitude and disgrace, but to be enabled to
+watch her closely, and the least symptom of a softening spirit to report
+instantly to her.
+
+"She will, of course, join us in the hours of devotion, though not
+occupying her usual place, for she who has lowered herself, in the sight
+of God and man, beneath the humblest of my domestics, may no longer
+kneel above them," she said in conclusion. "But of my determination on
+that point she is already aware; and she will go with us as usual to
+church; I will have no remark made, further than I can avoid. Be as kind
+to her as you can, Ellis, consistent with your character as a wise and
+watchful guardian. God in mercy grant that her heart may be so softened,
+that you will not fill that painful position long. And now to see her."
+
+But Percy's watchful care had so quietly interposed, that his mother
+found herself in their usual sitting-room, and in the midst of them all,
+before she could seek Ellen; and when, with half reproach, she told him,
+that she had still a most painful duty to accomplish, therefore he ought
+not to have prevented it, he answered impetuously--
+
+"Mother, you shall not see Ellen any more alone! she has made you
+miserable enough already, and each time that she sees you, her deceitful
+appearance of remorse and suffering, for they _can not_ be real, or she
+would speak, but add to it; send for her here, and tell her your
+decision before us all."
+
+And Mrs. Hamilton complied, for she felt as if her firmness would be
+less likely to fail, than if Ellen attempted any thing like supplication
+with her alone. But not a word of supplication came. Ellen had answered
+the summons, by quietly accompanying Ellis, who had been sent for her,
+to her aunt's presence, pale, indeed, as marble, but so tearless and
+still, as to seem unmoved. An expression of actual relief stole over her
+features as she heard her sentence, undisturbed even when told that this
+would only be, till Mr. Hamilton's sentence came; as, if she continued
+silent until then, of course whatever severer measures he might dictate
+would be instantly obeyed. But when Mrs. Hamilton proceeded to say that
+she intended writing the whole affair to Edward, that his influence
+might awaken her to a sense of the fearfully aggravated guilt she was
+incurring by her silence, an expression of the most intense agony
+succeeded the previous calm, and sinking down before her, Ellen wildly
+implored--
+
+"Oh, aunt Emmeline, in mercy spare him! do not, oh, do not throw such
+shame upon him, he who is so brave, admired, honored! do not, oh, if you
+have any pity left, do not make him hate me, loathe me too, my own only
+brother! he must throw me off. How can he bear such shame upon his name!
+Oh, do with me more than you have said, any thing, every thing, but
+that. Spare him!"
+
+"Spare him yourself," interposed Percy, sternly.--(He was standing, with
+his arms crossed, by a window; Herbert was leaning at the back of Mrs.
+Hamilton's chair; Caroline and Miss Harcourt trying very steadily to
+work, and Emmeline bending over a drawing, which her tears were utterly
+spoiling).--"If the knowledge of your sin make him miserable, as it
+must, be yourself the one to save him--you alone can. Speak--break this
+determined and most guilty silence, and his influence will not be
+needed, and my mother will be silent to him concerning what has passed,
+now and forever, as we will all. If you so love him, spare him the shame
+you have brought on all of us; if not, it is mere words, as must be the
+love you have professed all these years for my mother."
+
+Ellen turned her face toward him for a single minute, with such an
+expression of unutterable misery, that he turned hastily away, even his
+anger in part subdued, and Mrs. Hamilton could scarcely reply.
+
+"I can not grant your request, Ellen, for to refuse it, appears to me
+the only means of softening you. It may be a full fortnight before I can
+write to Edward, for we must receive letters first. If during that
+interval you choose to give me the only proof of repentance that can
+satisfy me, or bring the least hope of returning happiness to yourself,
+I shall now know how to act. I would indeed spare your brother this
+bitter shame, but if you continue thus obdurate, no entreaties will move
+me. Rise, and go with Ellis. Punishment and misery, repentance and
+pardon, are all before you; you alone can choose. I shall interfere no
+more, till your uncle's sentence comes." And longing to end this painful
+scene, for her mistress's sake, Ellis led Ellen from the room, and
+conducted her to the apartments assigned her. She felt much too angry
+and annoyed at the pain and trouble Ellen, was giving her mistress, to
+evince any thing like kindness toward her at first, but she had not been
+under her care above a week before her feelings underwent a complete
+change.
+
+Suffering as she was enduring, more especially from the conviction,
+that to every one of those she loved (for affection for each one of the
+family had now returned with almost passionate violence) she must be an
+object of hate and loathing, yet that her sin was known, was a relief so
+inexpressibly blessed, she felt strengthened to endure every thing else.
+She knew, and her God knew, the agonized temptation to the momentary
+act, and the cause of her determined silence. She felt there was strange
+comfort in that; though she knew no punishment could be too severe for
+the sin itself, and she prayed constantly to be enabled to bear it, and
+still not to betray her brother; and the consequence of these petitions
+was a calm, gentle, deeply submissive demeanor. Not a murmur ever passed
+her lips, and Ellis scarcely ever saw the signs of tears, which she
+longed for; for the quiet, but fearfully intense suffering, Ellen's very
+evident daily portion, alarmed her for its effect upon her always
+delicate health. As yet, however, there was no outward appearance of its
+failing, it rather bore up, from the cessation of the nervous dread and
+constant terror, which she had endured before; and before Mr. Hamilton's
+letter arrived, a month after the fatal discovery, Ellis had drawn her
+own conclusions, and her manner, instead of being distant and cold, had
+become so excessively kind and feeling, that the poor girl felt some
+heavy change must be impending, she dared not look to the continuance of
+such comfort.
+
+But Mrs. Hamilton never saw her niece, save when no words could pass
+between them; and she could not judge as Ellis did. She could only feel,
+as each day passed, without bringing the desired proof of sorrow and
+amendment, more and more bewildered, and very wretched. Though, for her
+children's sake, she so conquered the feeling as, after the first week,
+to restore cheerfulness, and promote the various amusements they had all
+so enjoyed. Ellen's disappearance had of course to be accounted for, to
+the intimate friends with whom they so constantly were; but her
+acknowledgment that she had been disappointed in her, and that her
+conduct would not allow her any social or domestic indulgence, at least
+for a time, satisfied the elder members. Annie, for the first time,
+discovered that Caroline was her match in cleverness, merely from her
+excessive truth and simplicity, and that, manoeuvre as she might, she
+could not discover the smallest clew to this sudden mystery. And Mary,
+for the first time, and on this one subject alone, found Herbert and
+Emmeline impenetrably reserved.
+
+As soon as Mrs. Langford had been informed by her son, at his mistress's
+desire, of the unanswerable proof of his innocence, she hastened to the
+Hall, and requesting a private interview with Mrs. Hamilton, placed at
+once in her hands all the trinkets and watch, with which she had been at
+different times intrusted; related all that had passed between her and
+Miss Fortescue, the excessive misery she seemed to be enduring; and
+confessed that the few pounds she had given her, as the sums obtained by
+the sale of the trinkets, she had advanced herself, having resolved that
+nothing should induce her to dispose of them; and that of course it was
+the difficulty she had in advancing their right value, which had
+occasioned the length of time that had elapsed since Ellen had first
+sought her.
+
+"Would it not go far to prove she really did wish to return the money?"
+Mrs. Hamilton thought, long after the widow had left her, and the sums
+she had advanced returned with interest. "Was it to return the fatally
+appropriated sum, or because she needed more? Ellen had so positively,
+and with such agony asserted the first, that it was scarcely possible to
+disbelieve her; but what was this fearful difficulty, this pressing
+demand by one so young for so much money? Why, if it were comparatively
+innocent, would she not speak?" The more she thought, the more perplexed
+and anxious she seemed to become. The act itself of endeavoring to
+dispose of the trinkets, especially those that had been given and
+received, as doubly valuable because they had been worn by her mother,
+would have been sufficiently faulty to have occasioned natural
+displeasure, but compared with other known and unknown faults, it sunk
+into almost nothing. Mrs. Hamilton collected them all together, those
+Mrs. Langford had returned, and the few remaining in her niece's drawer,
+and carefully put them away, till circumstances might authorize her
+returning them to Ellen, and determined on saying nothing more on the
+subject either to Ellen or her own family.
+
+One thing Ellis reported to her regarding Ellen, which certainly seemed
+like a consciousness of the wrong she had done Robert, and a wish to
+atone for it. She begged Ellis so earnestly that she might see him, if
+it were only for five minutes, that she could not resist her; and when
+he came, she implored him so touchingly, so pleadingly to forgive her
+long silence himself, and entreat his mother to do so too; assuring him,
+that it was the hope of being able to restore the notes to him, without
+revealing her identity, which had caused the silence, that it was
+scarcely possible to listen to her unmoved. It was no false humility,
+but the deepest, most unfeigned contrition for having been the cause of
+injury.
+
+Ten days after Ellen's imprisonment, the letter arrived from Sir Edward
+Manly, which Mrs. Hamilton had alluded to as necessary to be received,
+before she could write to her nephew, and the news it brought, though
+somewhat alloyed, would at another time have been received with the
+greatest delight. Edward was returning. In three weeks, or a month at
+the utmost, after the receipt of his commander's letter, he might be
+with them all; invalided home for a three or four months' leave. There
+had been another, and rather severe engagement, in which young Fortescue
+had still more distinguished himself; but from his headlong courage had
+been severely, but not at all seriously, hurt. Sir Edward intended
+sending the pirate frigate which they had taken to England, as she was a
+tight-built, well looking craft enough, he wrote, if manned with
+honorable men instead of desperate villians; and had nominated Harding
+and Fortescue to accompany the second lieutenant, as her officers.
+
+The name of Harding produced no disagreeable reminiscences in Mrs.
+Hamilton's mind. It had been so very long since Edward had even
+mentioned him, that she had almost forgotten his early fancy for him.
+Her only thought now was thankfulness that her gallant nephew had been
+preserved, and that he was coming home. It could scarcely be pleasure
+she felt, though all the young party did, for there was such an
+excitement in Edward's courage, and in his having been in two desperate
+engagements, and seen so much, that, with the buoyancy happily natural
+to well-disposed youth, they could only think and talk of his return,
+forgetting the alloy that must cloud it. Percy and Herbert hoped he
+would arrive within the three weeks, as then they should be with him at
+least a week or ten days. If delayed, he would very provokingly just
+arrive as they would be returning to college.
+
+After much painful deliberation, Mrs. Hamilton determined on making
+Herbert her messenger with these unexpected tidings to Ellen; hoping
+more than she expressed that his gentle eloquence in bringing before her
+the misery to which she must condemn her brother if she would persist in
+this silence, and so compel an appeal to him, would have some effect;
+especially as she charged him to impress upon her that even now
+confession should bring pardon, and concealment of all from Edward.
+Herbert gladly undertook the mission, and so feelingly, so earnestly
+discharged it, that poor Ellen felt more heart-broken than she had done
+yet, and almost incapable of retaining her firmness. But she did; for
+danger to Edward seemed more imminent now that he was coming home, to
+the very vicinity of his dreaded uncle, than when he was at a distance.
+She could only feel thankful--if concealment were indeed so absolutely
+necessary as he had declared it to be--that Mr. Hamilton was still from
+home, and might continue to be so during Edward's visit. It was
+difficult to repress the sickening shudder, when Herbert chanced to
+mention that Harding was her brother's companion in his voyage home, and
+difficult, not to express more disappointment than the occasion
+warranted, that Edward had not answered her last letter. He must have
+received it, Herbert said, for Sir Edward acknowledged his father's in
+which hers to Edward had been inclosed. He left her after a very long
+interview, deeply grieved at the failure of all his persuasions, all his
+remonstrances, but compelled, he could not satisfactorily explain why,
+either to himself or to his family, to pity far more than to blame.
+Percy declared, as did Caroline and Miss Harcourt, that it must be only
+his own too kind and gentle disposition, which never could blame anybody
+or any thing. Mrs. Hamilton was bitterly disappointed; Mr. Howard
+insisted that such obduracy demanded nothing but the sternest treatment,
+and he only wished Mr. Hamilton's letter could arrive at once. He saw
+Ellen again himself twice in the five weeks, which elapsed between the
+discovery of her sin and the arrival of Mr. Hamilton's answer; but if
+kindness had so failed, it was comparatively easy to resist his
+well-intentioned, but in this case utterly mistaken sternness. He was in
+general so kind even in his judgments, that Mrs. Hamilton thought he
+must have some reason to believe Ellen so thoroughly hardened, and from
+his report of her was enabled to impart her husband's sentence with more
+firmness, than had she listened to her own kind, still loving heart.
+
+It was as she and Mr. Howard had both expected. Ellen was no longer to
+remain at Oakwood, but to be placed under the care of a maiden lady,
+living in Yorkshire, a relation of Mr. Hamilton, and one who had
+occasionally visited Oakwood, and was, therefore, well known to Mrs.
+Hamilton, and to Ellis too, and regarded with such dislike by the
+latter, as to make her actually venture to entreat her mistress not to
+send Miss Ellen to her; she was sure it would break her heart. Now Miss
+Seldon was one of the worthiest women that ever breathed--honest,
+straightforward, truth-speaking literally to a fault, but as hard as she
+was true. Whether she ever had any feelings or not, Mrs. Hamilton, with
+all her penetration, never could discover; but the good she did was
+immense in practical benevolence, though the quick sympathy, the kindly
+word, the indulgent thought, seemed utterly unknown. She had no pity for
+faults or failings, always declaring forbearance and love were all
+folly; "if a branch were in the slightest degree decayed, cut it off; if
+the blight extend to the root, destroy it," she was fond of saying. As
+for youthful follies or errors, she had no patience with them, for never
+having been, or rather felt young herself, she could not understand the
+age in others. Ellis had not discrimination enough to discern the good
+which lay under this very disagreeable exterior; Mrs. Hamilton had; and
+suffering as she knew a residence with her must be to Ellen, if indeed
+she were really the character she had seemed in childhood--though the
+last few months had so contradicted it--she felt her husband had decided
+wisely, spite of the misery which still even the very thought of sending
+her orphan niece so completely from her, was to herself. Mr. Hamilton's
+letter read harshly, but his wife knew his high, almost stern
+principles; he had not seen Ellen's evident anguish; he could only judge
+from the relation which had been sent him, and all which that told was
+indeed against her. Of course he said, if she had confessed, and her
+confession in any degree, pleaded for her, his wife would use her own
+judgment as to the period of her banishment; but he could not imagine
+any cause for her conduct sufficiently excusing, as to demand the
+avoidance of his sentence altogether.
+
+Miss Seldon's last visit to Oakwood was sufficiently well remembered by
+the young Hamiltons (though, it was before their cousins had arrived
+from India), for them all--even Percy and Caroline, the most indignant
+against Ellen--to think of their father's sentence with the deepest
+regret, and with almost dread for its effect on Ellen.
+
+"If she did but know her, she must speak," was Emmeline's exclamation.
+"I did not feel quite sure that I was my own happy self, all the time
+she was with us."
+
+"The atmosphere was frozen twenty degrees below zero in all the rooms
+she frequented, though it was otherwise a hot summer," rejoined Percy;
+"and in Yorkshire--"
+
+"Pray do not joke, dear Percy; I can not bear to think of Ellen going
+away from us at all, much less to such a guardian, though I know she is
+very good," answered Herbert.
+
+"Now, my good fellow, do not attempt to say a word for Nancy Seldon; she
+was the only person in the world I ever heard you acknowledge you
+disliked; so what must she be? Worthy! no doubt, or my father would not
+have trusted Ellen to her, but for any thing else--"
+
+"Poor Ellen! she little knows to what her obstinacy is condemning her,"
+rejoined Caroline; "I wish she did and then she might spare herself and
+mamma, too; though I fear even confession would not help her much now."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton might and did think with them all, but she could not
+swerve from her duty. She wrote at once to Miss Seldon, not entering
+into particulars, but merely asking if she would consent to take charge
+of a relative, whose conduct demanded more rigid watchfulness and care,
+and an entire cessation of indulgence, than could be the case in the
+family circle at Oakwood. She and her husband had such perfect
+confidence in her, she said, that if she could oblige them by
+undertaking the duty, they knew, without any assurance on her part, that
+she would discharge it faithfully. The yearly sum they offered was
+large, because they wished their young relative to have all the comforts
+and appurtenances of a gentlewoman, and the advantages of the best
+education, the city near which she resided, could afford. Mrs. Hamilton
+had no doubt of the affirmative nature of the reply, for Miss Seldon
+owed the recovery of her fortune and position entirely to the exertions
+of Mr. Hamilton; and she had told him, once for all, that if she could
+but serve or oblige him in any way, great or small, it would make her
+far happier than she had ever been, or was likely to be in her solitary
+life. The letter written and dispatched, Mrs. Hamilton summoned Ellen
+once more to her presence.
+
+The scene was again the library, where she had been writing, and the
+time nearing the short twilight of October. It was three weeks, rather
+more, since Sir Edward Manly's letter had been received, and Edward was,
+therefore, almost daily expected. The feelings with which his unhappy
+sister looked to his return it would be a vain attempt to define. At
+times the intense longing to see him again, caused a wild, almost sick
+feeling of pleasure, that she might, perhaps, so soon do so; then came
+all that had passed, and she pictured his anger, his loathing--true it
+had been for him, but he had not thought of such a deed. He would, he
+must hate and spurn her, too; and the idea of meeting him became
+absolute agony. Then--and she shuddered in dread--would he think that he
+must acknowledge it was for him she had thus acted? and, if so, had she
+not betrayed instead of saving him? Incident after incident in their
+childhood rose before her, to give her hope that he would be silent now
+as then, and not betray himself; but these contending terrors, united
+with the constant though silent suffering of her banishment from all she
+loved, the utter hopelessness as to the end of this trial, had not been
+without their effect on the outward frame. Ellis did not see it, from so
+constantly watching her, and from Ellen never refusing to take the
+exercise she desired her, and not making a single complaint as to the
+pain it was sometimes to walk, and always to swallow her meals; but as
+she stood opposite to her aunt, in the full light of the oriel
+window--her approach had been so noiseless, Mrs. Hamilton, who was
+bending over some papers, did not see her till she chanced to look
+up--the attenuation of form and feature was so very visible, that her
+aunt could not prevent herself from starting painfully, and the words
+with which she had intended to address her froze on her lips. It was
+with the utmost difficulty she refrained from folding her to her heart,
+and trying, by every means affection could devise, to soothe or remove
+that anguish, whatever its nature, far too deep and constant for one so
+very young; but how dared she do this, when, by this determined silence,
+Ellen so defied her authority, and seemed so resolved that neither
+severity nor kindness, nor her own sufferings should humble her spirit,
+though they had even affected her frame?
+
+Conquering with a powerful effort the pleadings of affection, Mrs.
+Hamilton calmly entered on the subject for which she had summoned her,
+reading to her a greater part of her uncle's letter, hoping that its
+severity would spare her the pain of any additional remarks. Every word
+seemed to burn itself on Ellen's brain. What she had hoped she knew not,
+for she thought she had never hoped at all, but the words, "No cause can
+be excusing enough to justify the entire setting aside this sentence,"
+seemed by its agony to tell her that the thought _had_ entered her mind,
+if the real cause were by any chance discovered would she be forgiven,
+and in time restored to confidence and love? And now it was over, even
+that hope was gone.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton paused for a reply or an observation, but none came, and
+she continued, impressively--"I can scarcely hope, Ellen, that as even
+the idea of sparing your only brother shame and misery, on his return
+home, expecting nothing but joy, after nearly three years' separation
+and exposure to danger, has had no effect in softening you, that your
+uncle's sentence will. Once I should have believed that only the thought
+of leaving me, and going to the care of a stranger, would have urged you
+to speak directly. I can believe this no longer; but as I wish you to be
+with Edward, at least part of his stay with us, I shall postpone your
+leaving us, one month from to-day. If, indeed, Edward's influence be
+such that, for his sake, you will make me a full confession and answer
+clearly and distinctly every question I put to you, your residence with
+Miss Seldon shall be limited to three, six, ten, or twelve months,
+according to the nature of the motive of this incomprehensible and,
+apparently most sinful conduct. If you leave us still obdurate, years
+will, in all probability, pass before we can feel sufficiently confident
+in the restored integrity and openness of your character to permit your
+return to us. The pain you are inflicting upon me it is useless to dwell
+upon. As the child of my only and most dearly loved sister, I have loved
+you, hoped for you, with little less intensity of affection than that I
+have borne toward my own; for I felt that, with the sole exception of
+your brother, I was the only being you had on earth united to you by
+ties of blood. How this conduct repays my love and care you must answer
+to yourself; I can only be sensible of bitter disappointment."
+
+Again she stopped, evidently expecting a reply, but Ellen still remained
+silent. The short twilight of autumn had set in so suddenly, that Mrs.
+Hamilton was not aware her niece's cheek had become still paler, and
+that her white lips quivered repeatedly, as if she several times tried
+to speak, but could not. After a silence of some minutes, she said--
+
+"If you are determined not to speak, Ellen, you may retire. I have told
+you all I wished to say, except that till you leave us though you will
+still occupy your present rooms, and be still under Ellis's care, you
+are at liberty to employ yourself, and go about the house and grounds as
+usual."
+
+Ellen turned to go, still in that unbroken silence; she had reached the
+low step dividing the upper part from the lower part of the room, and
+whether she did not see it, or from some other cause, the room suddenly
+reeled before her, and she fell heavily forward. To spring toward her,
+raise her tenderly, bear her to the nearest couch, though she so
+trembled herself at finding Ellen quite insensible, as to render the
+task unusually difficult, and to ring hastily for Ellis, was the work of
+a minute, but it was many minutes before their united efforts could
+bring back consciousness.
+
+"I knew it would break her heart, poor lamb!" was Ellis's exclamation,
+in a tone of most unusual excitement; "thank God, thank God! Master
+Edward's coming home, and that she is not to go till he does."
+
+"Have you so much confidence in his influence?" asked her mistress, as,
+unable to resist the impulse, she bent down and repeatedly kissed the
+cold brow and cheek, to which she was so earnestly striving to restore
+warmth, "God in mercy grant you may be right!"
+
+"Right? Dear my lady!" (whenever Ellis was strongly moved, she always so
+addressed her mistress;) "I would stake your confidence in me, which is
+all my life's worth, if Master Edward is not at the bottom of it all,
+and that this poor child is sacrificing herself for some fancied danger
+to him! I saw enough of that work when they were young children, and I
+have noticed enough since she has been under my care."
+
+"Edward!" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, so bewildered, as to stop for the
+moment chafing Ellen's cold hand; "Edward! bearing the high character he
+does; what can he have to do with it?"
+
+"I don't know, my lady, but I am sure he has. Young men, ay, some of the
+finest and bravest among us, get into difficulties sometimes, and it
+don't touch their characters as their officers see them, and Master
+Edward was always so terrified at the mere thought of my master knowing
+any of his faults; but--hush! we must not let her know we suspect any
+thing, poor lamb; it will make her still more miserable. You are better
+now, dear Miss Ellen, are you not?" she added, soothingly, as Ellen
+feebly raised her hand to her forehead, and then slowly unclosed her
+eyes, and beheld her aunt leaning over her, with that same expression of
+anxious affection, which her illness had so often caused in her
+childhood. Sense, or rather memory, had not quite returned, and her
+first words were, with a faint but happy smile--
+
+"I am better, dear aunt, much better; I dare say I shall soon be well."
+But it was only a momentary forgetfulness; swift as thought came the
+whole of what had so lately passed--her uncle's letter, her aunt's
+words, and murmuring, in a tone how painfully changed! "I
+forgot--forgive me," she buried her face in the pillow.
+
+"Ellen, my dear Ellen! why will you persist in making yourself and me so
+miserable, when a few words would make us happier?" exclaimed Mrs.
+Hamilton, almost imploringly, as she bent over her.
+
+"Do not urge her now, dear my lady, she is not well enough; give her
+till Master Edward comes; I am sure she will not resist him," answered
+Ellis, very respectfully, though meaningly, as her look drew her
+mistress's attention to the shudder which convulsed Ellen's slight
+frame, at the mention of her brother.
+
+Pained and bewildered more than ever, Mrs. Hamilton, after waiting till
+the faintness seemed quite gone, and thinking that if the restraint of
+her presence were removed, Ellen might be relieved by tears, left her,
+desiring Ellis to let her know in a short time how she was. The moment
+the door closed, Ellen threw her arms round Ellis's neck, exclaiming
+passionately--
+
+"Take me away--take me away, dear Ellis; I can not bear this room--it
+seems all full of misery! and I loved it so once, and I shall love it
+again, when I am miles and miles away, and can not see it--nor any one
+belonging to it. Oh, Ellis, Ellis! I knew you were too kind. I was too
+glad and contented to be with you; it was not punishment enough for my
+sin--and I must go away--and I shall never, never see my aunt again--I
+know I shall not. Oh! if I might but die first! but I am too wicked for
+that; it is only the good that die."
+
+And almost for the first time since her sin had been discovered, she
+gave way to a long and violent fit of weeping, which, though terrible
+while it lasted, as the anguish of the young always is, greatly relieved
+her, and enabled her after that day not to revert in words (the thought
+never left her till a still more fearful anxiety deadened it) to her
+uncle's sentence again.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton sat for a very long time alone after she had left Ellen.
+Ellis's words returned to her again and again so pertinaciously, that
+she could not break from them. Edward! the cause of it all--could it be
+possible?--could it be, that he had plunged himself into difficulties,
+and afraid to appeal to his uncle or her, had so worked on Ellen as not
+only to make her send relief, but actually so to keep his secret, as to
+endure every thing rather than betray it? Circumstance after
+circumstance, thought after thought, so congregated upon her, so seemed
+to burst into being, and flash light one from the other, that her mind
+ached beneath their pressure. Ellen's unhappiness the day his last
+letter had been received, her sudden illness--had it taken place before
+or after Robert had lost the money? She could not satisfy herself, for
+her husband's sudden summons to Feroe, hasty preparations, and
+departure, had rendered all the month confused and unsatisfactory in its
+recollections. So intense was the relief of the idea, that Mrs. Hamilton
+feared to encourage it, lest it should prove a mere fancy, and urge
+softer feelings toward her niece than ought to be. Even the supposition
+made her heart yearn toward her with such a feeling of love, almost of
+veneration, for the determined self-devotion, so essentially woman's
+characteristic, that she resolutely checked its ascendency. All her
+previous fancies, that Ellen was no ordinary child, that early suffering
+and neglect had, while they produced some childish faults, matured and
+deepened the capabilities of endurance and control, from the
+consciousness (or rather existence, for it was not the consciousness to
+the child herself) of strong feeling, returned to her, as if determined
+to confirm Ellis's supposition. The disappearance of her allowance; her
+assertion, that she was seeking Mrs. Langford's cottage, by that shorter
+but forbidden path, to try and get her to dispose of her trinkets, when
+the wind blew the notes to her hand--all now seemed connected one with
+the other, and confirmed. She could well understand, how in a moment of
+almost madness they might have been used without thought, and the
+after-effect upon so delicate a mind and conscience. Then, in
+contradiction to all this (a mere hypothesis raised on nothing firmer
+than Ellis's supposition), came the constantly favorable accounts of
+Edward; his captain's pride and confidence in him; the seeming
+impossibility that he could get into such difficulties, and what were
+they? The name of Harding rushed on her mind, she knew not why or
+how--but it made her tremble, by its probable explanation of the whole.
+A coarse or even less refined mind, would have either appealed at once
+to Ellen, as to the truth of this suspicion, or thought herself
+justified in looking over all Edward's letters to his sister, as thus
+to discover the truth; but in Mrs. Hamilton's pure mind the idea never
+even entered, though all her niece's papers and letters were in her
+actual possession. She could only feel to her heart's core with Ellis,
+"Thank God, Master Edward's coming home!" and pray earnestly that he
+might be with them, as they hoped and anticipated, in a few, a very few
+days.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE LIGHT GLIMMERS.
+
+
+The earnest wishes and prayers of Mrs. Hamilton and her faithful Ellis
+were disappointed. The latter part of the month of September had been
+exceedingly stormy, and though there was a lull from about the 3d to the
+9th of October, the equinoctial gales then set in with the utmost fury;
+continuing day after day, night after night, till the ear seemed almost
+to tire of the sound, and the mind, anxious for friends at sea, despair
+of their cessation. During the few calm days, the young party at Oakwood
+had scarcely been absent from the windows, or from that part of the park
+leading to the Plymouth road, above an hour at a time. Percy and Herbert
+rode over to Plymouth, but were told the frigate could not be in for a
+full week. The late storms must have detained her, though she was a
+fast-sailing craft. It was a great disappointment to them, for on the
+10th of October college term began, and they were compelled to return to
+Oxford. The cause of their mother's intense desire for Edward's return,
+indeed, they did not know; but they were most impatient to see him, and
+they hoped, they did not exactly know what, with regard to his influence
+with Ellen. However, the day of their departure came, and still he had
+not arrived, and the storms had recommenced. Percy had gone to say
+good-by to Ellis, with whom Ellen chanced at that moment to be. Full of
+spirits and jokes, he determinately looked away from his cousin, took
+both Ellis's hands, and shook them with his usual heartiness.
+
+"Good-by, dear Ellis. I wonder if I shall ever feel myself a man when
+talking to you. How many tricks I have played you in this room, and you
+were always so good-natured, even when one of my seat-crackers set your
+best gown on fire, and quite spoiled it; do you remember it? I do think
+you were nearly angry then, and quite enough to make you; and papa made
+me save up my money to buy you a new dress. I did not play such a
+practical joke in a hurry again."
+
+Ellis laughed and perfectly remembered it, and with another hearty
+good-by he turned away.
+
+"You have forgotten your cousin, Mr. Percy," she said, disregarding
+Ellen's imploring look.
+
+"When she remembers her duty to my mother, I will remember that she is
+my cousin," was his hasty answer, and he hurried from the room as
+Herbert entered. His good-by to Ellis was quite as warm as Percy's, and
+then turning to Ellen, he put his arm round her, kissed her cheek, and
+said, with impressive earnestness--
+
+"God bless you, dear Ellen! I hope you will be happier when we meet
+again, and that it will not be so long before we do, as we fancy now;"
+and, affected almost to tears at the grateful, humble look she raised to
+his, he left her.
+
+Overcome as much by the harshness of the generous, warm-hearted Percy,
+whom she so dearly loved, as by the gentle kindness of Herbert, Ellen
+remained for several minutes with her arms on the table, her face hid
+upon them. She thought she was quite alone, for Ellis had gone about
+some of her business, when she was startled by Percy's voice.
+
+"I am a brute, Ellen, nothing less; forgive me, and say good-by. I can't
+understand it at all, but angry as I am with you, your pale face haunts
+me like a specter, so we must part friends;" and as she looked hastily
+up, he kissed her warmly twice, and ran away without another word.
+
+Days passed heavily, the gales seeming to increase in violence, and
+causing Mrs. Hamilton more terrible anxiety and vague dread than she
+allowed to be visible. The damage among the shipping was fearful, and
+the very supposed vicinity of the frigate to the Channel increased the
+danger. The papers every morning presented long lists of ships wrecked,
+or fatally dismantled, loss of crews or part of them, mails and cargoes
+due but missing: and the vivid recollection of the supposed fate of her
+own brother, the wretchedness of the suspense before the fate of his
+vessel was ascertained, returned to heighten the fears that would gain
+ascendency for her nephew, and for the effect of this terrible suspense
+on Ellen, more especially--if indeed she had endured all these weeks,
+nay, months, of misery for him.
+
+At first Ellen seemed unconscious that there was any thing remarkable in
+the delay, the thought of her own departure being uppermost; but when
+the thought did press upon her, how it came she knew not--that of the
+given month the weeks were passing, and Edward had not arrived, and that
+there must be some reason for the long delay--storm, shipwreck, death,
+all flashed upon her at once, and almost maddened her. The quiet calm of
+endurance gave way. She could not sleep at night from the tremendous
+winds; not even when Ellis had a bed put up in her room, and remained
+with her all night herself; she never complained indeed, but hour after
+hour she would pace her room and the passage leading to Ellis's, till
+compelled to cease from exhaustion; she would try steadily to employ
+herself with some difficult study, and succeed, perhaps, for half an
+hour, but then remain powerless, or recommence her restless walk. Mrs.
+Hamilton made several attempts without any apparent interference on her
+part, to get her to sit occasionally with her and Miss Harcourt, and her
+cousins, but she seemed to shrink from them all. Emmeline, indeed, when
+once aware of the terrible trial she was enduring, would sit with her,
+drawing or working as if nothing had occurred to estrange them, and try
+to cheer her by talking on many topics of interest. Caroline would speak
+to her kindly whenever she saw her. Miss Harcourt alone retained her
+indignation, for no suspicion of the real cause of her silence ever
+entered her mind.
+
+Poor Ellen felt that she dared not indulge in the comfort this change in
+her aunt's and cousins' manner produced. She wanted to wean herself
+quite from them, that the pang of separation might be less severe, but
+she only seemed to succeed in loving them more. One thought, indeed, at
+length took such entire possession of her mind, as to deaden every
+other:--it was the horrible idea that as she had sinned to save Edward,
+perhaps, from merited disgrace, he would be taken from her; she never
+breathed it, but it haunted her night and day. Mr. Maitland saw her
+continually, but he plainly told Mrs. Hamilton, while the cause of
+anxiety and mental suffering lasted he could do her no good. It was a
+constant alternation of fearful excitement and complete depression,
+exhausting the whole system. Repose and kindness--alas! the latter
+might be given, but the former, in the present position of affairs, how
+could it be insured?
+
+The month of grace was waning; only two days remained, and Edward had
+not arrived, and how could Mrs. Hamilton obey her husband--whose every
+letter reiterated his hope that she had not been prevailed on to alter
+his sentence, if Ellen still remained silent--and send her niece from
+her? She came at length to the determination, that if another week
+passed and still there were no tidings, not to let this fearful
+self-sacrifice, if it really were such, last any longer, but gently,
+cautiously, tenderly as she could, prevail on Ellen to confide all to
+her, and promise, if Edward really had been erring and in difficulties,
+all should be forgiven for her sake, and even his uncle's anger averted.
+Once her determination taken, she felt better enabled to endure an
+anxiety which was injuring her almost as much as Ellen; and she turned
+to Ellis's room, which she had lately very often frequented, for she
+scarcely felt comfortable when Ellen was out of her sight, though she
+had full confidence in Ellis's care.
+
+Ellen was asleep on a sofa, looking so wan, so haggard--so altered from
+the Ellen of five short months back, that Mrs. Hamilton sat down by her
+side, pondering whether she was doing right to wait even another week,
+before she should try to bring relief by avowing her suspicions--but
+would it bring relief? and, after all, was it for Edward? or, had she
+been allowing affection and imagination to mislead and soften, when
+sternness might still be needed?
+
+Ellen woke with a start as from some fearful dream, and gazed at Mrs.
+Hamilton for a full minute, as if she did not know her.
+
+"My dear Ellen, what is it? You have been sleeping uncomfortably--surely
+you know me?"
+
+"I thought I was at--at--Seldon Grange--are you sure I am not? Dear aunt
+Emmeline, do tell me I am at Oakwood, I know I am to go, and very soon;
+but I am not there now, am I?" and she put one hand to her forehead, and
+gazed hurriedly and fearfully round her, while, with the other, she held
+tightly Mrs. Hamilton's dress. There was something alarming both in her
+look and tone.
+
+"No, love, you are with me still at Oakwood, and you will not go from me
+till you have been with Edward some little time. You can not think I
+would send you away now, Ellen?"
+
+The soothing tone, her brother's name, seemed to disperse the cloud, and
+bursting into tears, she exclaimed--
+
+"He will never come--I know he will never come--my sin has killed him!"
+
+"Your sin, Ellen, what can that have to do with Edward?"
+
+"Because," the words "it was for him" were actually on her
+lips; but they were checked, and, in increasing excitement, she
+continued--"Nothing, nothing, indeed, with him--what could it have? But
+if he knows it--oh, it will so grieve him; perhaps it would be better I
+should go before he comes--and then, then, he need not know it; if,
+indeed, he ever comes."
+
+"I do not think you quite know what you are saying, my dear Ellen; your
+uncomfortable dream has unsettled you. Try and keep quiet for an hour,
+and you will be better. Remember, suffering as this dreadful suspense
+is, your brother is still in a Father's gracious keeping; and that He
+will listen to your prayers for his safety, and if it be His good
+pleasure, still restore him to you."
+
+"My prayers," answered Ellen, fearfully. "Mr. Howard said, there was a
+barrier between Him and me, while I would not confess; I had refused His
+mercy."
+
+"Can you confess before God, Ellen? Can you lay your whole heart open
+before Him, and ask Him in his infinite mercy, and for your Saviour's
+sake, to forgive you?"
+
+"I could, and did do so," answered Ellen, returning Mrs. Hamilton's
+earnestly inquiring look, by raising her large, expressive eyes,
+steadily and fearlessly, to her face; "but Mr. Howard told me it was a
+mockery and sin to suppose God would hear me or forgive me while I
+refused to obey Him, by being silent and obdurate to you. That if I
+wished His forgiveness, I must prove it by telling the whole to you,
+whom His commandments desired me to obey, and--and--as I dared not do
+that, I have been afraid to pray." And the shudder with which she laid
+her head again upon the pillow, betrayed the misery of the fear.
+
+"And is it impossible, quite impossible that you can confide the source
+of your grief and difficulty to me, Ellen? Will you not do so, even if I
+promise forgiveness, not merely to you, but to _all_ who may have erred?
+Answer me, my sweet child; your silence is fearfully injuring your mind
+and body. Why do you fancy you dare not tell me?"
+
+"Because, because I have promised!" answered Ellen, in a fearful tone
+of returning excitement, and, sitting upright, she clasped her hands
+convulsively together, while her cheek burned with painful brilliancy.
+"Aunt Emmeline--oh, do not, pray do not speak to me in that kind tone!
+be harsh and cold again, I can bear it better. If you did but know how
+my heart and brain ache--how they long to tell you and so rest--but I
+can not--I dare not--I have promised."
+
+"And you may not tell me whom you have promised?" replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+every former thought rendered apparently null and vain by these words,
+and painfully disappointing her; but the answer terrified her.
+
+"Mamma--I promised her, and she stands by me so pale, so grieved,
+whenever I think of telling you," answered Ellen, clinging to Mrs.
+Hamilton, but looking with a strained gaze of terror on vacancy. "I
+thought I must have told you, when you said I was to go--to go to Seldon
+Grange--but she stood by me and laid her hand on my head, and it was so
+cold, so heavy, I don't remember any thing more till I found you and
+Ellis leaning over me; but I ought not to tell you even this. I know I
+ought not--for look--look, aunt Emmeline!--don't you see
+mamma--there--quite close to me; oh, tell her to forgive me--I will keep
+my promise," and shuddering convulsively, she hid her face in her aunt's
+dress.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton was dreadfully alarmed. Whatever the foundation, and she
+had no doubt that there was some, and that it really had to do with
+Edward and his poor mother's mistaken partiality, Ellen's imagination
+was evidently disordered. To attempt obtaining the truth, while she was
+in this fearful state of excitement, was as impossible as cruel, and she
+tried only to soothe her to composure; speaking of her mother as happy
+and in Heaven and that Ellen had thought of her so much, as was quite
+natural in her sorrow, that she fancied she saw her.
+
+"It is not reality, love; if she could see and speak to you, I am sure
+it would be to tell you to confide all your sorrow to me, if it would
+make you happier."
+
+"Oh, no, no--I should be very wicked if it made me happier; I ought not
+even to wish to tell you. But Mr. Myrvin told me, even when mamma went
+to Heaven, she would still see me, and know if I kept my promise, and
+tried to win her love, by doing what I know she wished, even after she
+was dead; and it was almost a pleasure to do so till now, even if it
+gave me pain and made me unhappy; but now, now, aunt Emmeline, I know
+you must hate me; you never, never can love me again--and that--that is
+so hard to bear."
+
+"Have you forgotten, my dear Ellen, the blessed assurance, there is more
+joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety-and-nine
+who have not sinned? and if our Father in Heaven can so feel, so act,
+are His creatures to do less? Do you think, because you have given me
+pain, and trouble and disappointment, and compelled me to use such
+extreme severity, and cause you so much suffering, that it will be quite
+impossible for me to love you again, if I see you do all you can to win
+back that love?"
+
+Ellen made no answer; but the alarming excitement had so far subsided,
+as to raise the hope that quietness would subdue it altogether. Mrs.
+Hamilton remained with her till she seemed quite calm, and would not
+have left her then, but he had promised Caroline to drive with her into
+T---- that afternoon, to make some purchases; Emmeline and Miss Harcourt
+were spending the day at Greville Manor, and her daughter depending on
+her, she did not like to disappoint her. But the difficulty to think of
+other things, and cheerfully converse on comparatively indifferent
+topics, was greater than she had ever found it. That Ellis's surmise was
+correct, she had no longer the smallest doubt. Ellen was sacrificing
+herself, not merely for the love she bore her brother, but from some
+real or imaginary promise to her poor mother. What its exact nature was,
+she could not indeed satisfy herself, but that it had something to do
+with concealing Edward's faults seemed to flash upon her, she hardly
+knew how. Ellis's words "that she had seen enough of that work when they
+were children," returned to her, and various incongruities in Ellen's
+character and conduct which she had been unable to reconcile at the
+time, all seemed connected with it. But to arrive at the truth was much
+more difficult than ever; still, how could she send Ellen away? and yet,
+if still silent, would mere surmise satisfy her husband? There was but
+one hope, one ray of light--Edward's own honor, if indeed he were
+permitted to return; and even while driving and talking with Caroline,
+her heart was one fervent prayer that this might be, and the fearful
+struggle of her devoted Ellen cease.
+
+Her aunt's gentle and unexpected kindness had had such a beneficial
+effect on Ellen, that, after her early dinner, about three o'clock, she
+told Ellis she would go in the school-room, and try and read there for
+an hour; she knew all the family were out, and therefore would be quite
+undisturbed. Ellis willingly acquiesced, rejoicing that she should seek
+any change herself, and advised her, as it was such a mild, soft
+afternoon, after the late storms, to take a turn on the terrace, on
+which a glass-door from the school-room opened; it would do her good.
+Ellen meant to take her advice, but as she looked out from a window over
+a well-remembered landscape, so many painful thoughts and recollections
+crowded on her, that she lost all inclination to move. She had not stood
+there for many weeks, and it seemed to her that the view had never
+looked so very lovely. The trees all had the last glories of autumn--for
+it was early in November--the grass was of that beautiful humid emerald
+which always follows heavy rain, and though the summer-flowers had all
+gone, the sheltered beds of the garden, lying beneath the terrace,
+presented many very beautiful still. The end of the terrace, a flight of
+stone steps, overlooked the avenue, leading from the principal lodge to
+the main entrance, and where Ellen stood, she could distinguish a few
+yards of the path where it issued from some distant trees. She gazed at
+first, conscious only that she was banished from it all, and that,
+however long her departure might be deferred, she must go at last, for
+her uncle's mandate could not be disobeyed; but gradually her eye became
+fixed as in fascination. A single figure was emerging from the trees,
+and dressed in the uniform of a midshipman--she was sure it was! but it
+was a figure so tall, so slim, his step so lingering, it could not be
+Edward, most likely some one of his messmates come to tell his fate. He
+was taller even than Percy, but so much slighter, so different to the
+boy from whom she had parted, that, though her heart bounded and sunk
+till faintness seemed to overpower her, she could not convince herself
+it was he. With an almost unconscious effort she ran out, through the
+glass-door, to the steps of the terrace; she could now see him
+distinctly, but not his face, for his cap was low over his forehead; but
+as he approached, he paused, as if doubting whether to go up to the hall
+door, or the well-known terrace, by which he had always rushed into the
+school-room, on his daily return from Mr. Howard's; and as he looked
+hastily up, his cap fell back, and his eyes met Ellen's. A wild but
+checked scream broke from her lips, and all was an impenetrable mist
+till she found herself in her brother's arms, in the room she had
+quitted, his lips repeatedly pressing her cheek and forehead, and his
+voice, which sounded so strange--it did not seem like Edward's, it was
+so much more deep and manly--entreating her to speak to him, and tell
+him why she looked so ill; but still her heart so throbbed she could not
+speak. She could only cling close to him and look intently in his face,
+which was so altered from the happy, laughing boy, that had he not been,
+from his extreme paleness and attenuation of feature, still more like
+their mother when she was ill, his sister would scarcely have known him.
+
+"Dearest Ellen, do speak to me; what has been the matter, that you look
+so pale and sad? Are you not glad to see me?"
+
+"Glad! oh, Edward, you can not know how glad; I thought you would never,
+never come, the storms have been so terrible; I have been ill, and your
+sudden appearance startled me, for I had thought of such dreadful
+things, and that was the reason I could not speak at first; but I am
+sure you are as pale as I am, dear, dear Edward; you have been
+wounded--have you not recovered them yet?"
+
+"My wounds, Ellen! oh, they were slight enough; I wished and tried for
+them to be severer, to have done for me at once, but they would not,
+they only bought me praise, praise which maddened me!"
+
+"Sir Edward," murmured Ellen, in a low, fearful voice, "how did he part
+with you?"
+
+"As he has always treated me, a kind, too kind father! oh, Ellen, Ellen,
+if he did but know the deceiving villain that I am!"
+
+"Would he indeed not forgive, Edward, if he so loves you? not if he knew
+all, the temptation, the--"
+
+"Temptation, Ellen! what excuse ought there to be in temptation? Why was
+I such a fool, such a madman, to allow myself to be lured into error
+again and again by that villain, after I had discovered his double face,
+and I had been warned against him, too? Why did I so madly disregard Mr.
+Howard's and my uncle's warning letters, trusting my self-will and
+folly, instead of their experience? Brave! I am the veriest coward that
+ever trod the deck, because I could not bear a sneer!"
+
+"And he? are you still within his power?" inquired Ellen, shrinking in
+terror from the expression of her brother's face.
+
+"No, Ellen, no; God forgive me--I have tried not to rejoice; the death
+was so terrible, so nearly my own, that I stood appalled, and, for the
+first time these two years, knelt down to my God for pardon, mercy to
+repent. The lightning struck him where he stood, struck him beside me,
+leaving the withering smile of derisive mockery, with which he had that
+moment been regarding me, still on his lips. Why, and where had he gone?
+he, who denied God and his holy Word, turned the solemn service into
+mockery, and made me like himself--and why was I spared? Oh, Ellen, I
+have no words to describe the sensation of that moment!" He stopped, and
+shuddered, then continued, hurriedly, "Changed as I am in appearance, it
+is nothing to the change within. I did not know its extent till now that
+I am here again, and all my happy boyhood comes before me; aunt
+Emmeline's gentle lessons of piety and goodness--oh, Ellen, Ellen, what
+have been their fruits? For two years I have given myself up to passion,
+unrestrained by one word, one thought of prayer; I dared, sinful madman
+as I was, to make a compact with my own conscience, and vow, that if I
+received the relief I expected from you, and was free from Harding, I
+would reform, would pray for the strength to resist temptation, which I
+had not in myself; and when, when the man that was dispatched by Sir
+Edward from the shore, with the letters for the crew, sunk beneath the
+waves, bearing every dispatch along with him, I cursed him, and the
+Fate, which had ordained his death. Ellen, Ellen! why was I saved, and
+Harding killed!"
+
+"And you never received my letter, Edward? Never knew if I had tried to
+relieve you from Harding's power?" answered Ellen, becoming so deadly
+pale, that Edward forced himself to regain composure; the nature of his
+information causing such a revulsion of feeling in his sister as to
+deaden her to the horror of his words. For what had all this suffering
+been?
+
+"I was sure you had, Ellen, for you always did, and I could trust you as
+I could myself. A sudden squall had upset the boat, and the man was so
+encumbered by a large great-coat, every pocket filled with letters and
+papers, that he sunk at once though every help was offered. I threw
+myself into the sea to save him, and Lieutenant Morley praised my
+courage and benevolence--little did he know my motive! Besides, Sir
+Edward told me there was an inclosure for me in my uncle's to him, and
+regretted he had not kept it to give it me himself--would to Heaven he
+had! Till Harding's death I was in his power; and he had so used it,
+that I had vowed, on our arrival in England, to abscond, hide myself
+forever, go I cared not where, nor in what character! But he is dead,
+and I am free: my tale need be told to none, and if I can I will break
+from this fatal spell, and redeem the past; but it seems, as if fiends
+urged me still to the path of evil! Would that I had but courage to tell
+all to Mr. Howard, I should be safer then; but I can not--can not--the
+risk is too great. Carriage wheels!" he added, starting up--"my aunt and
+Caroline; oh, how I rejoiced when they told me at the lodge that my
+uncle was not here!" And in his extreme agitation at the thought of
+meeting his aunt, he forgot his sister, or he might have been startled
+at the effect of his words.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE STRUGGLE.
+
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had been told at the lodge of her nephew's arrival, and so
+powerful was her emotion, that she leaned back in the carriage, as it
+drove rapidly from the lodge to the Hall, without the power of uttering
+a word. Caroline was surprised, for his return seemed to her only a
+cause of rejoicing; she had no idea of the mingled dread and joy, the
+trembling, lest Edward had indeed deceived them all, and, if he had not,
+the redoubled mystery of Ellen's conduct. While he was absent she could
+think calmly on him as the cause of all, but now that he was returned,
+her heart seemed to turn sick with apprehension, and she had hardly
+strength to inquire where he was, and great was her surprise when she
+found his arrival was still unknown. Caroline's joyful exclamation as
+she ran into the school-room to put away some of her purchases, drew her
+there at once; and for the first five minutes the intense thankfulness
+that he was indeed safe and comparatively well--that whatever might be
+the secret change, his affection for her, to judge by the warmth, and
+agitation of his embrace, was unchanged, and she had that to work on,
+alone occupied her mind and enabled her to regain her calmness.
+
+"You do indeed look as if you wanted English air and home nursing, my
+dear boy," she said, after some little time had elapsed, and Edward had
+seated himself by her, his hand still clasped in hers; "Sir Edward was
+quite right to invalid you. Emmeline does nothing but talk of your
+wounds as making you a complete hero; I am unromantic enough to wish
+that you had brought me home more color and more flesh, and less glory;
+but, I suppose from being so pale, you are more like your poor mother
+than ever;" and she looked at him so earnestly, that Edward's eyes,
+spite of all his efforts, sunk beneath hers. He answered gayly, however,
+and, in reply to Caroline's numerous queries, entered into an animated
+description of their voyage home and the causes of their detention, in
+their being so often compelled to put into port from the fearful storms
+they had encountered, and time slipped away so fast that the dinner-bell
+rung before any one was prepared.
+
+That Ellen should look paler than even when she had left her in the
+morning, and be still more silent, did not astonish Mrs. Hamilton; the
+agitation of meeting her brother was quite enough to occasion it; and
+she advised her to remain quiet while they were at dinner, that she
+might rejoin them afterward. She looked as if she had been so very
+lately ill, that Edward was not surprised at her having dined already;
+but many little things that occured during the evening--her excessive
+quietness, the evident restraint between her and Caroline, and, he at
+first fancied, and then was quite certain, between her and his aunt,
+startled and perplexed him. She seemed restrained and shy, too, with
+him, as if in constant terror. Poor child! her aunt had advised
+quietness while alone, and her brother's words rung in her ears, till
+repose seemed farther off than ever. After all she had suffered before,
+and after the sending that fatal letter, it had never reached him: she
+had utterly failed in her attempt to save him. If she had, indeed,
+confided at first in Mrs. Hamilton, measures would have been taken, she
+was sure, to have secured him the necessary relief, for whenever her
+uncle had sent him his allowance it was through Sir Edward, not
+encountering the risk of the loss of the letter. There had been times
+when, in the midst of her sufferings, Ellen could realize a sort of
+comfort in the idea that she had saved Edward and kept his secret; but
+where was this comfort now? All she had endured all she was still to
+endure, was for nothing, worse than nothing; for if Edward knew her sin,
+feeling that it had brought him no good, and given up, as she felt he
+must be, to unrestrained passion, or he could not have given vent to
+such fearful sentiments, she actually trembled for its effect upon him
+and his anger on herself. She had sometimes fancied that, perhaps, his
+errors were not so great as he believed them, that he would confess
+them when he found only his kind, indulgent aunt at home, and so peace
+and hope gradually dawn for both him and her. All her wish, her hope now
+was that Mrs. Hamilton could be prevailed upon not to tell him what she
+had done, for whether it made him think he ought to confess himself its
+cause or not, its effect on him would be so terrible, that she felt any
+additional suffering to herself could be better borne.
+
+With these thoughts, no wonder she was silent, utterly unable to subdue
+them as she wished, and evince natural interest in all that had occurred
+to Edward; and tell him all that had happened to herself during their
+long separation. Caroline, however, was so animated; and when Emmeline
+and Miss Harcourt returned, unable to comprehend what they could
+possibly be sent for, a full hour earlier than usual, the astonishment
+and delight at seeing Edward, prevented any thing like a pause in
+conversation, or unnatural restraint. His cousins found so much to tell
+as well as to listen to, about Percy and Herbert, as well as themselves;
+and Emmeline made Edward tell her such minute particulars of their
+engagements with the pirates, and how he was wounded, and what Sir
+Edward said to him, that Mrs. Hamilton, anxious as she was--for the
+longer she was with her nephew, the more convinced she was that he could
+not meet her eye, and that his gayety was not natural--could not help
+being amused in spite of herself.
+
+Engrossed with thought how to arrive at the truth, for which she
+ardently longed, she entered the library, when the prayer-bell rung,
+with her children; quite forgetting, till she had taken the place at the
+reading-desk, which, in the absence of her husband and sons, she always
+occupied herself, that she had intended to desire Ellen to resume her
+usual place by Emmeline, wishing to spare her any additional suffering
+the first night of Edward's return, and to prevent any painful feeling
+on his part. It was an oversight, but it vexed her exceedingly. She
+looked hastily round, in the hope of being in time, but Ellen was
+already in her place, though she had evidently shrunk still more into
+the recess of the lower window, as if longing for its massive curtains
+to hide her, and her face was buried in her hands. Mrs. Hamilton would
+have been still more grieved, if she had seen, as Ellis did, the
+beseeching, humble look, which, as they entered, Ellen had fixed upon
+her, and that her pale lips had quivered with the half-uttered
+supplication, which she failed in courage to fully pronounce. Edward
+appeared too wrapped in his own thoughts to notice it then; and as his
+aunt's gentle but impressive voice fell on his fear, the words, the
+room, the whole scene so recalled the happy, and comparatively innocent
+past, that it was with difficulty he could restrain his feelings, till
+the attitude of kneeling permitted them full vent in tears, actual
+tears, when he had thought he could never weep again. The contrast of
+his past and present self, rendered the one more brightly happy, the
+other more intensely dark than the actual reality. The unchecked faults
+and passions of his early childhood had been the sole cause of his
+present errors; but, while under the gentle control of his aunt and
+uncle, and Mr. Howard, he had not known these faults, and, therefore,
+believed they had all come since. He longed intensely to confide all his
+errors, all his remorse, to Mr. Howard, whom he still so dearly loved;
+but he knew he had not courage to confess, and yet hated himself for his
+cowardice.
+
+Only too well accustomed to control, he banished every trace of tears
+(from all save the eye rendered even more than usually penetrating from
+anxiety), as he arose, and became aware, for the first time, that Ellen
+was not where he was accustomed to see her. He kissed her fondly as she
+hurriedly approached him; but perceiving she left the room with merely a
+faint good-night to the rest of the family, and no embrace, as usual,
+from Mrs. Hamilton, he darted forward, seized his aunt's hand, and
+exclaimed--
+
+"What is the matter with Ellen, aunt Emmeline? Why is she so changed,
+and why is your manner to her so cold and distant? and why did she kneel
+apart, as if unworthy to join us even in prayers? Tell me, for pity's
+sake!"
+
+"Not to-night, my dear Edward. It is a long tale, and a painful one, and
+I rely on _you_ to help me, that Ellen and myself may be again as we
+have been. It is as much pain to me as to her that we are not.
+To-morrow, I promise you, you shall know all. You have had excitement
+enough for to-day, and after your exhausting voyage must need rest. Do
+not fancy this an evasion of your request; I have longed for your return
+to influence Ellen, almost as much as for the happiness of seeing you
+again."
+
+Edward was compelled to be satisfied and retire; but though he did feel
+sufficient physical exhaustion, for the comfort of his room to be
+unusually luxurious, his sleep was restless and disturbed by frightful
+dreams, in which, however varied the position, it always seemed that he
+was in danger, and Ellen sacrificing herself to save him.
+
+On retiring for the night, Mrs. Hamilton discovered a note on her
+dressing-table. She thought she knew the writing, but from tremulousness
+it was so nearly illegible, that it was with great difficulty she
+deciphered the following words:
+
+     "I am so conscious I ought not to address you, know so well
+     that I have no right to ask any favor from you, when I have
+     given you so much trouble and pain, that I could not have asked
+     it, if you had not been so very, very kind this morning. Oh!
+     aunt Emmeline, if indeed you can feel any pity for me, do not,
+     pray, do not tell Edward the real reason of my banishment from
+     Oakwood; tell him I have been very wicked--have refused to
+     evince any real repentance--but do not tell him what I have
+     done. He is ill, unhappy at having to resign his profession
+     even for a few months. Oh! spare him the misery of knowing my
+     sin. I know I deserve nothing but severity from you--I have no
+     right to ask this--but, oh! if you have ever loved me, do not
+     refuse it. If you would but grant it, would but say, before I
+     go, that in time you will forgive me, it would be such comfort
+     to the miserable--ELLEN."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton's eyes filled with tears; the word "_your_" had evidently
+been written originally, but partially erased, and "_the_" substituted
+in its stead, and she could not read the utter desolation of one so
+young, which that simple incident betrayed, without increase of pain;
+yet to grant her request was impossible. It puzzled her--for why should
+she so persist in the wish expressed from the beginning, that Edward
+should not know it? unless, indeed--and her heart bounded with the
+hope--that she feared it would urge him to confess himself the cause,
+and her sacrifice be useless. She locked up the note, which she would
+not read again, fearing its deep humility, its earnest supplication,
+would turn her from her purpose, and in praying fervently for guidance
+and fitful sleep her night passed.
+
+For some time after breakfast the following morning, Edward and his aunt
+were alone together in the library. It was with the utmost difficulty,
+he suppressed, sufficiently to conceal, the fearful agitation which
+thrilled through every nerve as he listened to the tale he had demanded.
+He could not doubt the use to which that money had been applied. His
+sister's silence alone would have confirmed it; but in that hour of
+madness--for what else is passion unrestrained by principle or
+feeling?--he was only conscious of anger, fierce anger against the
+unhappy girl who had borne so much for him. He had utterly forgotten the
+desperate words he had written. He had never received the intended
+relief. Till within a week, a short week of his return, he had been in
+Harding's power, and as Ellen's devotion had saved him nothing, what
+could it weigh against the maddening conviction, that if he had one
+spark of honor remaining, he _must_ confess that he had caused her sin?
+Instead of saving, she had betrayed him; and he left his aunt to seek
+Ellen, so evidently disturbed and heated, and the interview itself had
+been so little satisfactory in softening him, as, she had hoped to win
+him to confession at once, for she had purposely spoken as indulgently
+of error and difficulty as she could, without betraying her strengthened
+suspicions, that if she had known how to do so, she would have forbidden
+his seeing Ellen till he was more calm.
+
+Unhappily, too, it was that part of the day when Ellis was always most
+engaged, and she was not even in her own room, so that there was no
+check on Edward's violence. The control he had exercised while with his
+aunt but increased passion when it was removed. He poured forth the
+bitterest reproaches--asked how she could dare hope relief so obtained,
+would ever have been allowed to reach him?--what had she done but
+betrayed him? for how could he be such a dishonored coward as to let her
+leave Oakwood because she would not speak? and why had she not
+spoken?--why not betrayed him at once, and not decoyed him home to
+disgrace and misery? Passion had so maddened him that he neither knew
+what he said himself, nor heard her imploring entreaties not to betray
+himself and she never would. She clung to his knees as she kneeled
+before him, for she was too powerless to stand, reiterating her
+supplication in a tone that ought to have recalled him to his better
+self, but that better self had been too long silenced, and infuriated at
+her convulsive efforts to detain him, he struck her with sufficient
+force to make her, more by the agony of a blow from him, than the pain
+itself, loose her hold at once, and darted from the room.
+
+The hall door was open, and he rushed through it unseen into the park,
+flying he neither knew where nor cared, but plunging into the wildest
+parts. How he arrived at one particular spot he knew not, for it was one
+which of all others, in that moment of excitement, he would gladly have
+avoided. It was a small glade in the midst of the wood, shelving down to
+the water's edge, where he and Percy, with the assistance of Robert, had
+been permitted to erect a miniature boat-house, and where Edward had
+kept a complete flotilla of tiny vessels. There were the trees, the
+glade, the boat-house still, aye, and the vessels, in such beautiful
+repair and keeping, that it brought back the past so vividly, so
+overpoweringly, from the voiceless proof which it was of the
+affectionate remembrance with which he and his favorite tastes had been
+regarded, even in his absence, that he could not bear it. He flung
+himself full length on the greensward, and as thought after thought came
+back upon him, bringing Ellen before him, self-sacrificing, devoted,
+always interposing between him and anger, as she had done from the first
+hour they had been inmates of Oakwood, the thought of that craven blow,
+those mad reproaches, was insupportable; and he sobbed for nearly an
+hour in that one spot, longing that some chance would but bring Mr.
+Howard to him, that he might relieve that fearful remorse at once; but
+utterly unable to seek him of himself.
+
+Edward's disposition, like his mother's, was naturally much too good for
+the determined pursuit of evil. His errors had actually been much less
+grave, than from Harding's artful representations he imagined them. He
+never indulged in passion without its being followed by the most
+agonized remorse; but from having pertinaciously banished the religion
+which his aunt had so tried to instill, and been taught by Harding to
+scoff at the only safe guide for youth, as for every age, God's holy
+word, he had nothing whereon to lean, either as a comfort in his
+remorse, a hope for amendment, or strength for self-conquest; and
+terrible indeed might have been the consequences of Harding's fatal
+influence, if the influence of a home of love had not been still
+stronger.
+
+Two hours after he had quitted his aunt, he rejoined the family,
+tranquil, but bearing such evident traces of a mental struggle, at least
+so Mrs. Hamilton fancied, for no one else noticed it, that she still
+hoped she did not exactly know what, for she failed in courage to ask
+the issue of his interview with Ellen. She contented herself with
+desiring Emmeline to tell her cousin to bring her work or drawing, and
+join them, and she was so surprised, when Emmeline brought back word
+that Ellen had said she had much rather not, that she sought her
+herself.
+
+Ellen's cheeks, in general so pale, were crimson, her eyes in
+consequence unnaturally brilliant, and she looked altogether so unlike
+herself, that her aunt was more anxious than ever; nor did her manner
+when asked why she refused to join them, when Edward had so lately
+returned, tend to decrease the feeling.
+
+"Emmeline did not say _you_ desired it, or I should have known better
+than disobey," was her reply, and it was scarcely disrespectful; the
+tone seemed that of a spirit, crushed and goaded to the utmost, and so
+utterly unable to contend more, though every nerve was quivering with
+pain. Mrs. Hamilton felt bitter pain that Ellen at length did indeed
+shrink from her; that the disregard of her entreaty concerning her
+brother appeared so to have wounded, that it had shaken the affection
+which no other suffering had had power to move.
+
+"I do not _desire_ it, Ellen, though I wish it," she replied, mildly;
+"you are of course at liberty to act as you please, though I should have
+thought it most natural that, not having been with Edward so long, you
+should wish to be with him as much as possible now he is at home."
+
+"He will not wish it; he hates me, spurns me, as I knew he would, if he
+knew my sin! To-day I was to have gone to Seldon Grange; let me go at
+once! then neither he, nor you, nor any one need be tormented with me
+any more, and you will all be happy again; let me go, aunt Emmeline;
+what should I stay for?"
+
+"If you wish it, Ellen, you shall go next week. I did not imagine that
+under any circumstances, you could have expressed a desire to leave me,
+or suppose that it would make me particularly happy to send you away."
+
+"Why should it not? you must hate me, too, or--or you would not have
+refused the only--only favor I asked you before I went," answered poor
+Ellen, and the voice, which had been unnaturally clear, was choked for
+the moment with sobs, which she resolutely forced back. Mrs. Hamilton
+could scarcely bear it; taking her ice-cold hands in both hers, she
+said, almost tenderly--
+
+"You have reason to condemn me as harsh and cruel Ellen; but time will
+perhaps explain the motives of my conduct, as I trust and pray it will
+solve the mystery of yours; you are not well enough to be left long
+alone, and Ellis is so much engaged to-day that I do wish you to be with
+me, independent of your brother's society. If you so much prefer
+remaining here, I will stay with you, though of course, as Edward has
+been away from us so long, I should wish to be with him also."
+
+It was almost the first time Mrs. Hamilton had ever had recourse in the
+management of her family to any thing that was not perfectly
+straightforward; and though her present motives would have hallowed much
+deeper stratagems, her pure mind shrunk from her own words. She wished
+Ellen to be constantly in Edward's presence, that he might not be able
+to evade the impulse of feeling and honor, which the sight of such
+suffering, she thought, must call forth; she could not bear to enforce
+this wish as a command, when she had already been, as she felt--if
+Ellen's silence were indeed self-devotion, not guilt--so cruelly and so
+unnecessarily severe. Ellen made neither reply nor resistance, but,
+taking up her work, accompanied her aunt to the usual morning-room, from
+which many a burst of happy laughter, and joyous tones were echoing.
+Caroline and Emmeline were so full of enjoyment at Edward's return, had
+so many things to ask and tell, were so perfectly unsuspicious as to his
+having any concern with his sister's fault, that if they did once or
+twice think him less lively and joyous, than when he left home, they
+attributed it simply, to his not having yet recovered the exhausting
+voyage and his wounds. Miss Harcourt, just as unsuspicious, secretly
+accused Ellen as the cause of his occasional abstraction: her conduct
+was not likely to pass unfelt by one so upright, so honorable, and if he
+had been harsh with her, as from Ellen's fearfully shrinking manner, and
+complete silence when they were together, she fancied, she thought it
+was so deserved, that she had no pity for her whatever.
+
+The day passed briskly and happily enough, in _seeming_ to Mrs. Hamilton
+and Edward, in reality to all the other members of the party--but one.
+The great subject of regret was Mr. Howard's absence, he might be back
+at the rectory that evening, and Emmeline was sure he would come to see
+Edward directly. As the hours waned, Ellen became sensible of a sharp
+and most unusual pain darting through her temples, and gradually
+extending over her forehead and head, till she could scarcely move her
+eyes. It had come at first so suddenly, and lasting so short a time,
+that she could scarcely define what it was, or why she should have felt
+so suddenly sick and faint; but it increased, till there was no
+difficulty in tracing it, and before prayer-time, had become such
+fearful agony, that, if she had not been inured to pain of all kinds,
+and endowed with extraordinary fortitude and control, she must more than
+once have betrayed it by either giving way to faintness, or screaming
+aloud. She had overheard Mrs. Hamilton desire Robert to request Mr.
+Maitland to come to Oakwood as soon as he could, and not hearing the
+reply that he was not expected home till late at night, expected him
+every moment, and thought he would give her something to relieve it,
+without her complaining.
+
+Edward had asked his cousins for some music, and then to please
+Emmeline, had sketched the order of their engagement with the pirates,
+and no one noticed her, for Mrs. Hamilton's heart was sinking with
+disappointed hope, as the hours passed, and there was no sign to prove
+that her surmise was correct, and if it were, that the truth would be
+obtained.
+
+The prayer-bell rang, and as they rose, Edward's eyes, for the first
+time since she had joined them, sought and fixed themselves on his
+sister's face. The paroxysm of pain had for a few minutes subsided, as
+it had done alternately with violence all day, but it had left her so
+ghastly pale, that he started in actual terror. It might have been
+fancy, but he thought there was the trace of his cowardly blow on her
+pale forehead, raised, and black, and such a feeling of agony and
+remorse rushed over him, that it was with difficulty he restrained
+himself from catching her in his arms, and beseeching her forgiveness
+before them all; but there was no time then, and they proceeded to the
+library. Every step Ellen took appeared to bring back that fearful pain,
+till as she sat down, and then knelt in her place, she was sensible of
+nothing else.
+
+The service was over; and as Mrs. Hamilton rose from the private prayer,
+with which each individual concluded his devotions, her nephew stood
+before her, white as marble, but with an expression of fixed resolution,
+which made her heart bound up with hope, at the very moment it turned
+sick and faint with terror.
+
+Several of the lower domestics had quitted the library before Edward
+regained voice, and his first word, or rather action, was to desire
+those that remained to stay.
+
+"My sister has been disgraced, exposed before you all" he exclaimed, in
+a tone of misery and determination, that so startled Miss Harcourt and
+his cousins, they gazed at him bewildered, "and before you all must be
+her exculpation. It was less for her sin than her silence, and for the
+increased guilt which that appeared to conceal, you tell me, she has
+been so severely treated. Aunt Emmeline, I am the cause of her
+silence--I was the tempter to her sin--I have deceived my commander,
+deceived my officers, deceived you all--and instead of being what you
+believe me, am a gambler and a villain. She has saved me again and again
+from discovery and disgrace, and but for her sin and its consequences
+would have saved me now. But what has sin ever done but to betray and
+render wretched? Take Ellen back to your love and care, aunt Emmeline,
+and tell my uncle, tell Sir Edward the wretch I am!"
+
+For a full minute after these unexpected, startling words there was
+silence, for none could speak, not even Emmeline, whose first thought
+was only joy, that Ellen's silence was not so guilty as it seemed.
+Edward had crossed his arms on the reading-desk, and buried his face
+upon them. The instantaneous change of sentiment which his confession
+excited toward Ellen in those most prejudiced can scarcely be described;
+but Mrs. Hamilton, now that the words she had longed for, prayed for,
+had been spoken, had scarcely strength to move. Address Edward she could
+not, though she felt far more pity toward him than anger; she looked
+toward Ellen, who still remained kneeling, though Ellis stood close by
+her, evidently trying to rouse her, and with a step far more hurried,
+more agitated than her children or household had ever seen, she
+traversed the long room, and stood beside her niece.
+
+"Ellen," she said, as she tried to remove the hands which clasped the
+burning forehead, as if their rooted pressure could alone still that
+agonizing pain, "my own darling, devoted Ellen! look up, and forgive me
+all the misery I have caused you. Speak to me, my child! there is
+nothing to conceal now, all shall be forgiven--Edward's errors,
+difficulties, all for your sake, and he will not, I know he will not,
+cause you wretchedness again; look up, my poor child; speak to me, tell
+me you forgive me."
+
+Ellen unclasped her hands from her forehead, and looked up in Mrs.
+Hamilton's face. Her lips moved as if to speak, but in a moment an
+expression of agony flitted over her face, a cry broke from her of such
+fearful physical pain, that it thrilled through the hearts of all who
+heard, and consciousness deserted her at the same moment that Mr.
+Maitland and Mr. Howard, entered the room together.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ILLNESS AND REMORSE.
+
+
+It was indeed a fearful night which followed the close of our last
+chapter. Illness, sufficient to occasion anxiety, both in Herbert and
+Ellen, had been often an inmate of Oakwood, but it had merely called for
+care, and all those kindly sympathies, which render indisposition
+sometimes an actual blessing, both to those who suffer and those who
+tend. But illness, appearing to be but the ghastly vehicle of death,
+clothed in such fearful pain that no control, even of reason and strong
+will, can check its agonized expression, till at last, reason itself
+succumbs beneath it, and bears the mind from the tortured frame, this is
+a trial of no ordinary suffering, even when such illness has been
+brought about by what may be termed natural causes. But when it follows,
+nay, springs from mental anguish, when the sad watchers feel that it
+might have been averted, that it is the consequence of mistaken
+treatment, and it comes to the young, to whom such sorrow ought to be a
+thing unknown, was it marvel that Mrs. Hamilton, as she stood by Ellen's
+bed, watching the alternations of deathlike insensibility with paroxysms
+of pain, which nothing could relieve (for it was only the commencement
+of brain fever), felt as if she had indeed never known grief or anxiety
+before. She had looked forward to Edward's confession bringing hope and
+rest to all; that the aching head and strained nerves of her poor Ellen,
+only needed returning love, and the quietness of assured forgiveness for
+herself and Edward, for health and happiness gradually to return; and
+the shock of such sudden and terrible illness, betraying, as it did, an
+extent of previous mental suffering, which she had not conceived as
+possible in one so young, almost unnerved her. But hers was not a
+character to give way; the anguish she experienced might be read in the
+almost stern quiet of her face, in her gentle but firm resistance to
+every persuasion to move from Ellen's bed, not only through that
+dreadful night, but for the week which followed. The idea of death was
+absolute agony; none but her God knew the struggle, day after day, night
+after night, which she endured, to compel her rebellious spirit to
+submission to His will, whatever it might be. She knew earth's dearest,
+most unalloyed happiness could not compare with that of Heaven, if
+indeed it should be His pleasure to recall her; but the thought _would
+not_ bring peace. She had no reason to reproach herself, for she had
+acted only as imperative duty demanded, and it had caused her almost as
+much misery as Ellen. But yet the thought would not leave her, that her
+harshness and cruelty had caused all the suffering she beheld. She did
+not utter those thoughts aloud, she did not dare give words to that deep
+wretchedness, for she felt her only sustaining strength was in her God.
+The only one who would have read her heart, and given sympathy,
+strength, comfort, without a word from her, her husband, was far away,
+and she dared not sink; though there were times when heart and frame
+felt so utterly exhausted, it seemed at if she must.
+
+Mr. Howard's presence had been an inexpressible relief. "Go to Edward,
+my dear friend," she had said, as he lingered beside the bed where Ellen
+had been laid, longing to comfort, but feeling at such a moment it was
+impossible; "he wants you more than any one else; win him to confide in
+you, soothe, comfort him; do not let him be out of your sight."
+
+Not understanding her, except that Edward must be naturally grieved at
+his sister's illness, Mr. Howard sought him, and found him still in the
+library, almost in the same spot.
+
+"This is a sad welcome for you, Edward," he said, kindly laying his hand
+on his shoulder, "but do not be too much cut down. Ellen is very young,
+her constitution, Mr. Maitland assures us is good, and she may be spared
+us yet. I came over on purpose to see you, for late as it was when I
+returned from Exeter, and found you had arrived, I would not defer it
+till to-morrow."
+
+"You thought you came to see the pupil you so loved," answered Edward,
+raising his head, and startling Mr. Howard, both by his tone and
+countenance. "You do not know that I am the cause of my poor sister's
+suffering, that if she dies, I am her murderer. Oh, Mr. Howard," he
+continued, suddenly throwing himself in his arms, and bursting into
+passionate tears, "why did I ever leave you? why did I forgot your
+counsels, your goodness, throw your warning letter to the winds? Hate
+me if you will, but listen to me--pity me, save me from myself."
+
+Startled as he was, Mr. Howard, well acquainted with the human heart,
+its errors, as well as its better impulses, knew how to answer this
+passionate appeal, so as to invite its full confidence and soothe at the
+same time. Edward poured out his whole tale. It is needless to enter
+upon it here in detail; suffice it, that the artful influence of
+Harding, by gradually undermining the good impressions of the home he
+had left, had prepared his pupil for an unlimited indulgence in
+pleasure, and excitement, at every opportunity which offered. And as the
+Prince William was cruising off the coast of British America, and
+constantly touching at one or other of her ports, where Harding, from
+his seniority and usefulness, and Edward, from his invariable good
+conduct, were often permitted to go ashore, these opportunities,
+especially when they were looked for and used by one practiced in deceit
+and wickedness, were often found. It does not require a long period to
+initiate in gambling. The very compelled restraint, in the intervals of
+its indulgence, but increased its maddening excitement, and once given
+up to its blind pursuit, Harding became more than ever necessary to
+Edward, and of course his power over him increased. But when he tried to
+make him a sharer and conniver in his own low pleasures, to teach him
+vice, cautiously as he thought he had worked, he failed; Edward started
+back appalled, and though unhappily he could not break from him, from
+that hour he misdoubted and shrunk away. But he had given an advantage
+to his fell tutor, the extent of which he knew not himself. Harding was
+too well versed in art to betray disappointment. He knew when to bring
+wine to the billiard-table, so to create such a delirium of excitement,
+that Edward was wholly unconscious of his own actions; and once or twice
+he led him into scenes, and made him sharer of such vicious pleasures,
+that secured him as his slave; for when the excitement was over, the
+agony of remorse, the misery, lest his confiding captain should suspect
+him other than he seemed, made him cling to Harding's promises of
+secrecy, as his only refuge, even while he loathed the man himself. It
+was easy to make such a disposition believe that he had, in some moment
+of excitement, done something which, if known, would expel him the Navy;
+Edward could never recall what, but he believed him, and became
+desperate. Harding told him it was downright folly to think about it so
+seriously. It was only known to him, and he would not betray him. But
+Edward writhed beneath his power; perpetually he called on him for
+pecuniary help, and when he had none, told him he must write home for
+it, or win it at the billiard-table, or he knew the consequences; and
+Edward, though again and again he had resolved he would not touch a ball
+or cue (and the remorse had been such, that he would no doubt have kept
+the resolve, had it not been for dread of betrayal), rather than write
+home, would madly seek the first opportunity, and play, and win perhaps
+enough, all but a few pounds, to satisfy his tormentor, and for these he
+would appeal to his sister, and receive them, as we know; never asking,
+and so never hearing, the heavy price of individual suffering at which
+they were obtained.
+
+The seven or eight months which had elapsed before his last fatal
+appeal, had been occasioned by the ship being out at sea. Sir Edward had
+mentioned to Mr. Hamilton, that Edward's excellent conduct on board had
+given him a longer holiday on shore, when they were off New-York, to
+which place he had been dispatched on business to the President, than
+most of his companions. Edward thought himself safe, for Harding had
+been unusually quiet; but the very day they neared land, he told him he
+must have some cash, sneered at the trifling sum Edward had by him, told
+him if he chose to let him try for it fairly, they should have a chance
+at billiards for it; but if that failed, he must pump his rich relations
+for it, for have it he must. Trusting to his luck, for he had often won,
+even with Harding, he rushed to the table, played, and as might be
+expected, left off, owing his tormentor fifty pounds. Harding's fiendish
+triumph, and his declaration that he must trouble him for a check to
+that amount, signed by the great millionaire, Arthur Hamilton, Esq.,
+goaded him to madness. He drank down a large draught of brandy, and
+deliberately sought another table and another opponent, and won back
+fifteen; but it was the last day of his stay on shore, as his enslaver
+knew, and it was the wretchedness, the misery of this heavy debt to the
+crafty, merciless betrayer of his youthful freshness and innocence, who
+had solemnly sworn if he did not pay it by the next letters from his
+home, he would inform against him, and he knew the consequences, which
+had urged that fearful letter to Ellen, from which all her suffering had
+sprung. Edward was much too young and ignorant of the world's ways to
+know that Harding no more dared execute his threat against him, than he
+could put his own head in the lion's mouth. His remorse was too deep,
+his loathing of his changed self too unfeigned, to believe that his
+errors were not of the heinous, fatal nature which Harding taught him to
+suppose them; and the anguish of a naturally fine, noble, independent
+spirit may be imagined. All his poor mother's lessons of his uncle's
+excessive sternness, and determined pitilessness, toward the faults of
+those less firm and worthy than himself, returned to him, completely
+banishing his own experience of that same uncle's excessive kindness.
+The one feeling had been insensibly instilled in his boyhood, from as
+long as he could remember, till the age of twelve; the other was but the
+experience of eighteen short months. Oh, if parents would but think and
+tremble at the vast importance of the first lessons which reach the
+understanding of the young beings committed to their care! Let them
+impress TRUTH, not prejudice, and they are safe. Once fix a false
+impression, and they know not, and it is well, perhaps, they do not, the
+misery that tiny seed may sow.
+
+Mr. Howard listened with such earnest, heartfelt sympathy, such deep
+commiseration, that his young penitent told him every error, every
+feeling, without the smallest reserve; and in the long conversation
+which followed, he felt more comforted, more hopeful of himself, than he
+had done for long, long months. He told with such a burst of remorseful
+agony, his cruelty to his devoted sister, that Mr. Howard could scarcely
+hear it unmoved, for on that subject there seemed indeed no comfort; and
+he himself, though he would not add to Edward's misery by confessing it,
+felt more painfully self-reproached for his severity toward her than his
+conduct as a minister had ever excited before.
+
+"Be with me, or rather let me be with you, as much as you can," was
+Edward's mournful appeal, as their long interview closed; "I have no
+dependence on myself--a weak, miserable coward! longing to forsake the
+path of evil, and having neither power nor energy to do so. I know you
+will tell me, pray--trust. If I had not prayed, I could not have
+confessed--but it will not, I know it will not last."
+
+"It will, while enduring this heavy trial of your poor sister's terrible
+illness, and God's infinite mercy may so strengthen you in the furnace
+of affliction, as to last in returning joy! Despair, and you must fall;
+trust, and you will hope and struggle--despite of pain or occasional
+relapses. Your faults are great, but not so great as Harding
+represented them--not so heavy but that you can conquer and redeem them,
+and be yet all we have believed you, all that you hoped for in
+yourself."
+
+"And my uncle--" said Edward, hesitatingly.
+
+"Must be told; but I will answer for him that he will be neither harsh
+nor unjust, nor even severe. I will write to him myself, and trust to
+convince him that your repentance, and resolution are sufficiently
+sincere, to permit you a second trial, without referring to Sir Edward.
+You have done nothing to expel you from your profession; but it depends
+on yourself to become truly worthy of its noble service."
+
+There was much in the sad tale he had heard to give hope, and Mr. Howard
+longed to impart its comfort to Mrs. Hamilton; but he felt she could not
+listen. While day after day passed, and the poor sufferer for another's
+errors lay hovering between life and death, reason so utterly suspended,
+that even when the violent agony of the first seven days and nights had
+subsided into lethargic stupors, alternating with such quiet submission
+and gentle words, that, had it not been for their wandering sense, one
+might have fancied intellect returning; still reason was absent--and,
+though none said it aloud, the fear would gain dominion, that health
+might return, but not the mind. The first advice had been procured--what
+was distance, even then, to wealth?--every remedy resorted to. Her
+luxuriant hair cut close, and ice itself applied to cool that burning,
+throbbing pain; but all had seemed vain, till its cessation, at the end
+of seven days, somewhat renewed Mr. Maitland's hope.
+
+Not one tear had Mrs. Hamilton shed, and so excessive had been her
+fatigue, that Miss Harcourt and her children trembled for her; conjuring
+her, for their sakes, for her husband's, to take repose. Mr. Maitland's
+argument, that when Ellen recovered her senses (which he assured her now
+he had little doubt she would eventually), she would need the soothing
+comfort of her presence still more than she could then, and her strength
+must fail before that--if she so exhausted it--carried more weight than
+all the rest; and her daughters had the inexpressible relief of finding
+that when, in compliance with their tearful entreaties, she did lie
+down, she slept, and slept refreshingly, for nature was exhausted. There
+was much of comfort in those days of trial, which Mrs. Hamilton fully
+realized, when Ellen's convalescence permitted her to recall it, though
+at the time it seemed unnoticed. That Caroline's strong mind and good
+heart should urge her to do every thing in her power to save her mother
+trouble, even to entreat Ellis and Morris to show her, and let her
+attend to the weekly duties with them, and accomplish them so earnestly
+and well, that both these faithful domestics were astonished and
+delighted, was not surprising; for hers was a character to display its
+better qualities in such emergencies. But that Emmeline should so
+effectually rouse herself from the overwhelming grief, which had at
+first assailed her at Ellen's fearful sufferings and great danger, as to
+be a comfort alike to her mother and Edward, and assist Caroline
+whenever she could, even trying to be hopeful and cheerful for others'
+sakes, till she actually became so, _was_ so unexpected, from the grief
+she had indulged in when she parted from her father, that it did
+surprise. To be in the room with Ellen had so affected her at first,
+that she became pale, and so evidently terrified, that Mrs. Hamilton
+half desired her not to come, especially as she could do no good; and
+Mrs. Greville and Mary had tried to prevail on her to stay with them,
+but she would not hear of it.
+
+"If I can do no good, can neither help mamma in nursing Ellen, nor do as
+Caroline does, I can, at least, try to comfort poor Edward, and I will
+not leave him. If I am so weak as not to be able to endure anxiety and
+sorrow without showing it, it shall not conquer me. No, no, dear Mary;
+come and see me as often as you like, but I can not leave home till
+mamma and Ellen and we are all happy again!"
+
+And she did devote herself to Edward, and so successfully--with her
+gentle sympathy with his grief, her tender feeling toward his faults,
+her conviction of her father's forgiveness, her unassuming but
+heart-breathing piety, which, without one word unduly introduced of a
+subject so holy, for she felt herself much too lowly and ignorant to
+approach it--yet always led up his thoughts to God, and from one so
+young, so humble, and, in general, so joyous, had still greater effect
+in confirming his returning religious hope, than had his teachers been
+only those who were older and wiser than himself. However miserable he
+might be before she came, he looked to her society, her eloquence, as
+comfort and hope; and soon perceiving this, she was encouraged to go on,
+though quite astonished--for she could not imagine what she had done to
+deserve such commendation--when Mr. Howard, one day meeting her alone,
+took both her hands in his, and with even unusual fervor bade God bless
+her!--for young, lowly as she was, she not only comforted the erring,
+but raised and strengthened the penitent's trembling faith and hope.
+
+Poor Edward! harder than all seemed to him his aunt's silence. He knew
+his sister entirely engrossed her--ill as Ellen was, it could not be
+otherwise; but he passionately longed only for one word from her: that
+she forgave him the misery she was enduring. Not aware that such was his
+feeling, conscious herself that her sole feeling toward him was pity,
+not anger, and looking to herself alone as the cause of her poor child's
+sufferings, she did not think for a moment that he could imagine her
+never referring to his confession originated in displeasure.
+
+Ten or twelve days had so passed, when one afternoon, completely
+exhausted with two nights' watchfulness--for though nurse Langford and
+Fanny were in constant attendance on Ellen, she could not rest if she
+heard that harrowing cry for her, even though her presence brought no
+comfort--she went to lie down for a few hours on a couch in her
+dressing-room. Caroline had taken a book, though with not much
+inclination to read, to sit by her, and watch that her sleep should not
+be disturbed. How in those moments of quiet did she long for her father!
+feeling intuitively how much heavier was her mother's trial without his
+loved support. He had been written to by them all since Edward's
+confession. Mrs. Hamilton had done so in Ellen's room, only to beseech
+him to write forgivingly, forbearingly, to the unhappy cause of all. She
+did not dare breathe her feelings, even on paper, to him, convinced that
+if she did so, control must give way, and she was powerless at once; but
+her husband knew her so well that every suppression of individual
+emotion betrayed more forcibly than the most earnest words, all she was
+enduring.
+
+Caroline had kept her affectionate vigil nearly two hours, when Edward's
+voice whispered, "Miss Harcourt wants you, dear Caroline; let me take
+your place, I will be quite as watchful as yourself; only let me stay
+here, you do not know the comfort it will be."
+
+To resist his look of pleading wretchedness was impossible. She left
+him, and Edward drawing a low stool to the foot of the couch, as if not
+daring to occupy his cousin's seat, which was close by the pillow, gazed
+on the mild, gentle features of his aunt, as in their deep repose they
+showed still clearer the traces of anxiety and sorrow, and felt more
+keenly than ever the full amount of misery, which his errors and their
+fatal concealment had created. "Why is it," he thought, "that man can
+not bear the punishment of his faults without causing the innocent, the
+good, to suffer also?" And his heart seemed to answer, "Because by those
+very social ties, the strong impulses of love for one another, which
+would save others from woe, we may be preserved and redeemed from vice
+again, and yet again, when, were man alone the sufferer, vice would be
+stronger than remorse, and never be redeemed."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton woke with that painful start which long watchfulness
+always occasions, and missing Caroline, yet feeling as if she were not
+alone, her eyes speedily fixed themselves in some surprise on the figure
+of her nephew, who, unable to bear the thoughts the sight of her
+exhaustion produced, had bent his head upon the couch. Inexpressibly
+touched, and glad of the opportunity to speak to him alone, she called
+him to her, and there was something in the tone that encouraged him to
+fling himself on his knees by her side, and sob like an infant, saying,
+almost inarticulately--
+
+"Can you, will you, ever forgive me, aunt Emmeline? Your silence has
+almost broken my heart, for it seemed to say you never could; and when I
+look at my poor Ellen, and see how I have changed this happy home into
+sorrow and gloom and sin, for it is all my work--mine, whom you have
+loved, treated, trusted, as a son--I feel you can not forgive me; I
+ought to go from you; I have no right to pollute your home."
+
+"Hush, Edward! do not give utterance or indulgence to any such thoughts.
+My poor unhappy boy! your errors have brought such fearful chastisement
+from the hand of God himself, it is not for me to treat you harshly. May
+His mercy avert yet severer trial! I will not hear your story now; you
+are too agitated to tell it, and I am not at this moment strong enough
+to hear it. I am satisfied that you have confided all to Mr. Howard, and
+will be guided by him. Only tell me how came you first to apply to
+Ellen? Did the thought never strike you, that in sending relief to you,
+she might be exposing herself to inconvenience or displeasure? Was there
+no consideration due to her?"
+
+"I never seemed to think of her, except as glad and willing to help me,
+at whatever cost to herself," was his reply. "I feel now the cruel
+selfishness of the belief--but, oh, aunt Emmeline, it was fostered in me
+from my earliest childhood, grew with my growth, increased with my
+years, received strength and meaning from my poor mother's utter
+neglect of her, and too indulgent thought for me. I never thought so
+till now, now that I know all my poor sister's meek and gentle worth,
+and it makes me still more miserable. I never could think her my equal;
+never could fancy she could have a will or wish apart from mine, and I
+can not trace the commencement of the feeling. Oh! if we had been but
+treated alike! but taught to so love each other, as to think of each
+other's happiness above our own, as you taught my cousins!"
+
+"Do you know any thing of the promise to which poor Ellen so constantly
+refers?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, after gently soothing his painful
+agitation.
+
+He did not; but acknowledged that from the time they had become inmates
+of Oakwood, Ellen had constantly saved him from punishment by bearing
+the penalty of his faults; recalling numerous incidents, trifling in
+themselves, but which had always perplexed Mrs. Hamilton, as evincing
+such strange contradictions in Ellen's childish character, and none more
+so than the disobedience which we related in our second part, and which
+Edward's avowal of having himself moved the flower-stand, now so clearly
+explained. He said, too, that Mr. Howard had thought it necessary, for
+Ellen's perfect justification, to examine her letters and papers, but
+that all his appeals to her had been destroyed but one--his last fatal
+inclosure, the exact contents of which he had so utterly forgotten,
+written, as they were, in a moment of madness, that he shuddered himself
+as he read it. He placed the paper in Mrs. Hamilton's hand, conjuring
+her not to recall her forgiveness when she read it; but she must see it,
+it was the only amends he could make his poor Ellen, to exculpate her
+fully. Was it any wonder it had almost driven her wild? or that she
+should have scarcely known the means she adopted to send him the relief,
+which, as he deserved, had never reached him.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton read the letter, and as thought after thought rose to her
+mind, connecting, defining, explaining Ellen's conduct from her
+fifteenth birthday, the day she received it, to the discovery of her
+sin, and her devoted silence afterward, trifling incidents which she had
+forgotten returned to add their weight of evidence, and increase almost
+to agony her self-reproach, for not seeing the whole before, and acting
+differently. She remembered now Ellen's procrastination in writing to
+Edward, the illness which followed, and could well understand her dread
+lest the finding the notes should be traced to that day, and so throw a
+suspicion on her brother, and her consequent firmness in refusing to
+state the day she had found them.
+
+That long interview was one of inexpressible comfort to Edward; but
+though his unfeigned repentance and full confession gave his aunt hope
+for him, it did but increase her individual trial, as she returned to
+Ellen's couch, and listened to wanderings only too painfully explained
+by the tale she had heard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MISTAKEN IMPRESSIONS ERADICATED.
+
+
+It was the seventeenth day of Ellen's illness, and for six-and-thirty
+hours she had slept profoundly, waking only at very long intervals, just
+sufficiently to swallow a few drops of port wine, which Mr. Maitland had
+ordered to be administered if she woke, and sunk to sleep again. It was
+that deep, still, almost fearful repose, for it is so like death, which
+we can scarcely satisfy ourselves is life, except by holding a glass at
+intervals to the lips, to trace if indeed it receive the moisture of the
+breath. And nurse Langford, Mrs. Hamilton, and Edward had, through these
+long hours, watched and scarcely stirred. For they knew that on her
+waking hung hope or misery, return of intellect, or its confirmed
+suspension. Mr. Maitland had particularly wished Edward to be with her
+when she recovered her senses, that his presence might seem as natural
+as either of her cousins; but he warned him that the least display of
+agitation on his part, or reference to the past, in her exhausted state,
+might be fatal to her. It was quite the evening. Widow Langford had
+lighted the lamp, and sat down by the fire, scarcely able to breathe
+freely, from the intensity of her hope that Ellen would recover. And if
+such were her feelings, what were Edward's and Mrs. Hamilton's? The
+former was kneeling on the right of the bed, his eyes alternately fixed
+on his sister, and buried in the coverlid. Mrs. Hamilton was on the
+opposite side, close to Ellen's pillow, the curtain drawn so far back,
+that the least change on the patient's countenance was discernible. Hour
+after hour had so passed, the chimes that told their flight were
+scarcely heard by those anxious watchers. It was about eight o'clock,
+when a slight movement in Ellen made her aunt's heart so throb, as
+almost to deprive her of breath; her eyes unclosed, and a smile, such as
+Mrs. Hamilton had not seen for weeks, nay, months, circled her lips.
+
+"Dear aunt, have I been ill? It seems such a long, long time since I
+have seen you, and my head feels so strange, so light; and this room, it
+is my own, I know, but I feel as if it did not belong to me, somehow. Do
+make my head clear, I can not think at all."
+
+"Do not try to think yet, darling. You have been very, very ill, and to
+endeavor to think might hurt you. Strength will soon return now, I hope,
+and then your head will be quite clear again," returned Mrs. Hamilton,
+quietly and caressingly, though she so trembled with the change from
+sickening dread to certain hope, that she herself scarcely knew how she
+spoke at all.
+
+"But what made me so ill, aunt? I feel as if it were some great pain; I
+can not remember any thing clearly, but yet it seems as if I had been
+very unhappy--and that--that you did not love me any more. Did any thing
+make me ill? Was it really so?"
+
+"That I did not love you, my Ellen! Indeed, that was only fancy. You
+were very unhappy, as we were all, for Edward did not come as soon as we
+expected him, and the storms were very dreadful, and we feared his ship
+might have been wrecked, or cast ashore, somewhere very far off, where
+we could not hear of him; and when you saw him, and knew he was safe,
+the anxiety and pain you had undergone, made you ill; you know a little
+thing will do that, dearest."
+
+"But is he really safe, aunt Emmeline? Where is he?"
+
+"Close by you, love. He has been as watchful and anxious a nurse as I
+have been. Poor fellow, you have given him a sad welcome, but you must
+make up for it, by-and-by."
+
+Ellen looked languidly, yet eagerly round, as her aunt spoke, and her
+gaze fixed itself on her brother, who was struggling violently to
+suppress the emotion which, at the sound of her voice, in connected
+words, nearly overpowered him; and still more so, when Ellen said, more
+eagerly than she had yet spoken--
+
+"Dear Edward! come and kiss me, and do not look so sad. I shall soon get
+well."
+
+He bent over her, and kissed her repeatedly, trying in vain to say
+something, but he felt so choked, he could not; and Ellen held his hand,
+and looked earnestly, searchingly in his face, as if trying painfully to
+define the vague thoughts and memories which seemed all connected with
+him and with pain, but which would not take a distinct form. Her eye
+wandered from him for a moment to nurse Langford, who had come to the
+foot of the bed, and that seemed another face connected with the blank
+past, and then it fixed itself again on Edward, and her pale face so
+worked with the effort of thought, that Mrs. Hamilton became alarmed.
+She saw, too, that Edward was growing paler and paler, and trembled for
+the continuance of his control. Taking Ellen's hand gently from his, and
+arranging her pillow at the same time, so as to turn her face rather
+from him, she said, playfully--
+
+"You have looked at Edward long enough, Ellen, to be quite sure he is
+safe at home. So now I shall be jealous if you give him any more of your
+attention and neglect me; you must take some nourishment, and try to go
+to sleep again, for I must not have you try your strength too much."
+
+"If I could but remember clearly," answered Ellen, sadly; "it is all so
+vague--so dark--but I do not think it was only because he did not come,
+that made me so unhappy."
+
+"You are not going to be disobedient, dearest," replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+firmly, though fondly, as she hastily signed to Edward to leave the
+room, which he most thankfully did, never stopping till he reached his
+own, and tried to thank God for His great mercy, but could only sob. "I
+told you not to think, because to do so might retard return of strength,
+and indeed you must try and obey me; you know I am very peremptory
+sometimes." And the fond kiss with which she enforced the command seemed
+to satisfy Ellen, whose natural submissiveness, combined with excessive
+physical weakness, caused her to obey at once, and not attempt to think
+any more. She took the required nourishment with returning appetite, and
+soon afterward fell quietly and happily to sleep again, her aunt's hand
+closely clasped in hers.
+
+From that day, all fear of disordered intellect departed, and,
+gradually, the extreme exhaustion gave way before Mr. Maitland's
+judicious treatment. Strength, indeed, returned so slowly and almost
+imperceptibly, that it was necessary to count improvement by weeks, not
+days. And when, six weeks after her first seizure, she was thought well
+enough to be carried to Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room, and laid on a
+couch there, it was a source of gratitude and rejoicing to all. But Mr.
+Maitland and Mrs. Hamilton soon saw, with intense anxiety, that with
+physical strength, memory and thought had both fully returned, and that
+their consequence was a depression so deep, as effectually to retard her
+perfect recovery. She seemed to shrink from all attention, all kindness,
+as utterly undeserved, even from her cousins. She would look at Edward
+for half an hour together, with an expression of suffering that made the
+heart actually ache. At times she would receive Mrs. Hamilton's
+caressing and judicious tenderness as if it were her only comfort, at
+others, shrink from it, as if she had no right to it.
+
+"This will never do," Mr. Maitland said, about ten days after Ellen's
+removal into her daily quarters, and finding she was losing ground;
+"there is something on her mind, which must be removed, even if to do
+so, you refer to the past. She remembers it all too clearly, I fear, so
+our not alluding to it does no good. You must be the physician in this
+case, my dear Mrs. Hamilton, for I am powerless."
+
+But though she quite agreed with him, how to approach such a very
+painful subject required no little consideration; but, as is very often
+the case, chance does that on which we have expended so much thought.
+
+One afternoon Ellen lay so still, so pale, on her couch, that Mrs.
+Hamilton bent over her to listen if she breathed, saying as she did so,
+almost unconsciously--
+
+"My poor Ellen, when shall I have the comfort of seeing you well and
+happy again?"
+
+Ellen hastily unclosed her eyes, for she was not asleep--it had been
+only the stupor of painfully-engrossing thought, rendering her
+insensible to all outward things, but her aunt's voice aroused her, and
+it seemed an inexpressible relief to feel they were quite alone. Trying
+to rise, and clasping her hands, she said, in a tone of strong
+excitement--
+
+"Oh, aunt Emmeline, how can I be happy--how can I be well--when I
+think--think--that if it had not been for my sin, and the misery it
+brought on me, Edward might be safe still? no one need have known his
+errors. I tried to save--and--and I have only betrayed, and made him
+wretched. All I suffered was for nothing, worse than nothing!"
+
+"Thank God, you have spoken, my dear child! I felt as if I dared not
+introduce the subject; but now that you have yourself, I think I shall
+be able, if indeed you will listen to me patiently, Ellen, to disperse
+the painful mists, that are still pressing so heavily on this poor
+little heart and brain," she said, fondly, though seriously, as she put
+her arm round Ellen, to support her as she sat up. "I do not tell you it
+is not a natural feeling, my love, but it is a wrong one. Had your sin,
+in consideration of its being, as I am now convinced it was, wholly
+involuntary--for in the fearful state of mind Edward's desperate letter
+occasioned, you could not have known or thought of any thing, but that
+relief seemed sent to your hand--had it on that account been permitted
+so far to succeed, as to give him the aid he demanded, and never have
+been traced to you, it would have confirmed him in the path of guilt and
+error, and poisoned your happiness forever. When you recall the agony,
+almost madness you felt, while burdened with the consciousness of such
+an act, how could you have borne it, if it had continued through months,
+perhaps years? You shudder; yet this must have been the case, and Edward
+would have persisted in error, if your sin had been permitted to
+succeed. Its detection, and the sufferings thence springing, terrible as
+they have been to you, my poor child, have saved him; and will, I trust,
+only bring securer happiness to you."
+
+"Saved him!" repeated Ellen, half starting up, and scarcely hearing the
+last words--"saved Edward!"
+
+"Yes, dearest, by leading him to a full confession, and giving him not
+only the inexpressible comfort of such a proceeding, but permitting him
+to see, that great and disappointing as his errors are, they can be
+conquered. They are not of the irremediable, guilt-confirming nature,
+that he was taught to suppose them for Harding's own most guilty ends,
+and so giving him hope and resolution to amend, which a belief that
+amendment is impossible, entirely frustrates. Do not fear for Edward, my
+own love; he will give you as much pride and comfort as he has anxiety
+and grief; and you, under God's mercy, will have been the cause. It is a
+hard lesson to learn, and yet, Ellen, I think one day, when you can look
+back more calmly on the last few months, you will acknowledge with me,
+that great as your sufferings have been, they were sent in love both to
+him and to you."
+
+"If they have saved him--saved him from a continuance in error, and so
+made him happy!--Oh, aunt Emmeline, I can think so now, and I will try
+to bear the rest? but why," she added, growing more excited, "oh, why
+have you been so good, so kind? Why did you not continue cold and
+distant? I could bear it better, then."
+
+"Bear what, love? What have you more to bear? Tell me all without
+reserve. Why should I be cold, when you deserve all my love and
+kindness?"
+
+"Because--because, am I not to go to Seldon Grange, as soon as I am
+strong enough? Uncle Hamilton said, there could be no excusing cause
+demanding a complete avoidance of his sentence. I thought it was pain
+enough when you first told me; but now, now every time I think about it,
+it seems as if I could not bear it."
+
+"And you are not called upon to bear it, my dear child. Is it possible
+you could think for a moment that I could send you away from me, when
+you have borne so much, and been treated with far too much severity
+already? Did I not tell you that the term of your banishment depended
+entirely on the motive of your silence, and do you think there was no
+excuse in your motive, my Ellen, mistaken as it was? Is self-devotion to
+be of no more account to me, than it seemed to you? Come, smile,
+dearest; I promise you, in your uncle's name and my own, you shall never
+leave us, unless it be of your own free will and pleasure, a few years
+hence."
+
+Ellen did try to smile, but she was too weak to bear this complete
+removal of a double burden without an emotion that seemed more like pain
+than joy. She laid her head on her aunt's shoulder, and wept without
+restraint. They were the first tears she had shed since her illness, and
+Mrs. Hamilton thanked God for them. She did not attempt to check them,
+but the few words she did speak, told such affectionate sympathy, such
+perfect comprehension of that young heart, that Ellen felt as if a
+mountain of lead were dissolving from her.
+
+"And now, my Ellen, that I have relieved you of a painful dread, will
+you ease my mind of a great anxiety?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, nearly an
+hour afterward, when Ellen seemed so relieved and calmed, that she could
+talk to her without fear. "You look surprised; but it is a subject you
+alone can explain, and till it is solved, I shall never feel that your
+happiness is secure. What is this promise, to which in your illness you
+so constantly referred, and which, I fear, has strengthened you in the
+system of self-sacrifice for Edward's sake, in addition to your love for
+him?"
+
+A deep flush rose to Ellen's transparent cheek and brow, as she
+answered, falteringly--
+
+"Ought I to tell you, dear aunt? You do not know how often, how very
+often I have longed to ask you, if to keep it made me do wrong--whether
+I ought to break it? And yet it seemed so sacred, and it gave poor mamma
+such comfort!"
+
+"When did you make it, love? Its import I need not ask you, for you
+betrayed it, when you knew not what you said, and it was confirmed by
+your whole conduct. To shield Edward from blame or punishment, by never
+revealing his faults?"
+
+"Was it wrong?" murmured Ellen, hiding her conscious face.
+
+"Wrong in you! no dearest; for you were too young to know all the pain
+and evil it was likely to bring. Tell me when, and how, it was taken;
+and I think I can prove to you that your poor mother would have recalled
+it, had she had the least idea of the solemn hold it had taken upon
+you."
+
+Thus encouraged, Ellen narrated the scene that had taken place in widow
+Morgan's cottage just before Mrs. Hamilton arrived; and her mother's
+fears for Edward, and dread of Mr. Hamilton, which it was very evident,
+and now more than ever, had extended to both her children. She said that
+Mr. Myrvin's assurance, that her mother could see, and would love her in
+Heaven, directly following the promise, had given it still more weight
+and solemnity. That at first she thought it would be very easy to keep,
+because she loved Edward so dearly; but she had not been long at Oakwood
+before it made her very unhappy, from its constant interference with,
+and prevention of, her obedience and duty to her aunt; that it had often
+caused her violent head aches, only from her vain attempts to satisfy
+herself as to that which she ought to do. When Edward first went to sea,
+and all seemed so right and happy with him, of course she became happier
+than she had ever been before. Then came his difficulties, and her
+conviction that she must save him and keep his secret. That her reason
+and her affection often urged her to confide all to her aunt, certain
+that she would not harshly condemn Edward, but would forgive and help
+him far more effectually than she could; but she dared not, for whenever
+she thought thus, the figure of her mother rose before her, seeming to
+reproach and threaten her for exposing the child she so dearly loved to
+disgrace and ruin; and this was so vivid--so constant during his last
+appeal, that she thought she must be going mad; that nothing but the
+dread of not being firm enough to keep Edward's secret, had withheld her
+from confessing her sin at once to her aunt, especially when her uncle
+had so solemnly denounced it as theft, and that when it was discovered
+it seemed actual relief, though it brought such severe punishment, for
+she knew no suffering for her could be too severe.
+
+The tale, as Ellen told it, was brief and simple enough, and that there
+was any merit in such a system of self-devotion never seemed to enter
+her mind for a moment; but to Mrs. Hamilton it revealed such an amount
+of suffering and trial, such a quiet, systematic, heroic endurance, that
+she unconsciously drew that young delicate being closer and closer to
+her, as if her love should protect her in future from any such trial;
+and from what had it all sprung?--the misery of years, at a period when
+life should be so joyous and so free, that care and sorrow flee it as
+purely and too briefly happy to approach? From a few thoughtless words,
+from a thoughtless, partial mother, whose neglect and dislike had
+pronounced that disposition cold, unloving and inanimate whose nature
+was so fervid, so imaginative, that the utmost care should have been
+taken to prevent the entrance of a single thought or feeling too
+precocious, too solemn for her years. It may be urged, and with truth,
+that to an ordinary child the promise might have been forgotten, or
+heedlessly laid aside, without any harm accruing from it, but it was
+from not caring to know the real character of the little being, for
+whose happiness and virtue she was responsible, that the whole mischief
+sprung; and it is this neglect of maternal duty against which we would
+so earnestly warn those who may not have thought about it. It is _not
+enough_ to educate the mind, to provide bodily necessaries, to be
+indulgent in the gift of pleasure and amusement, the _heart_ must be won
+and taught; and to do so with any hope of success, the character must be
+transparent as the day: and what difficulty, what hinderance, can there,
+or ought there to be, in obtaining this important knowledge to a mother,
+from whose breast the babe has received its nourishment, from whose arms
+it has gradually slipped away to feel its own independence, from whose
+lips it has received its first lessons, at whose knee lisped its first
+prayer? How comparatively trifling the care, how easy the task to learn
+the opening disposition and natural character, so as to guide with
+gentleness and love, and create happiness, not for childhood alone,
+though that is much, but for youth and maturity.
+
+All these thoughts passed though Mrs. Hamilton's mind as she listened
+to her niece, and looked at the pale, sweet face lifted up to hers in
+the earnestness of her simple tale, as if unconsciously appealing for
+her protection against the bewildering and contending feelings of her
+own young heart. How she was effectually to remove these impressions of
+years indeed she knew not; her heart seemed to pray for guidance that
+peace might at length be Ellen's portion, even as she heard.
+
+"You could scarcely have acted otherwise than you have always done
+toward Edward, my dear Ellen, under the influence of such a promise,"
+she said; "your extreme youth, naturally enough, could not permit you to
+distinguish, whether it was called for by a mere impulse of feeling in
+your poor mother, or really intended. But tell me, do you think it would
+give me any comfort or happiness if I could see Emmeline act by Percy as
+you have done by Edward? To see her suffer pain and sorrow, and be led
+into error, too, sometimes, to conceal Percy's faults, and prevent their
+removal, when, by the infliction of some trifling pain, it would save
+his exposing himself to greater?"
+
+"But it seems so different with my cousins, aunt; they are all such
+equals. I can not fancy Emmeline in my place. You have always loved them
+all alike."
+
+"And do you not think a mother ought to do to, dearest?"
+
+"But how can she, if they are not all equally deserving? I was so
+different to Edward: he was so handsome and good, and so animated and
+happy; and I was always fretful and ill, and they said so often naughty;
+and he used to fondle poor mamma, and show his love, which I was afraid
+to do, though I did love her so _very_ much (the tears started to her
+eyes), so I could not help feeling he must be much better than I was,
+just as I always feel all my cousins are, and so it was no wonder poor
+mamma loved him so much the best."
+
+"Have I ever made any difference between Edward and you, Ellen?" asked
+Mrs. Hamilton, conquering, with no small effort, the emotion called
+forth by Ellen's simple words.
+
+"Oh, no, no!" and she clung to her in almost painful emotion. "But you
+are so good, so kind to every body; you would love me, and be kind to me
+as poor papa was, because nobody else could.
+
+"My dear Ellen, what can I do to remove these mistaken impressions? I
+love you, and your father loved you, because you have qualities claiming
+our love quite as powerfully as your brother. You must not imagine
+because you may be less personally and mentally favored, that you are
+_inferior_ to him, either in the sight of your Heavenly Father, or of
+the friends and guardians He has given you. And even if such were the
+case, and you were as undeserving as you so wrongly imagine yourself, my
+duty, as that of your mother, would be just the same. A parent does not
+love and guide her children according to their individual merits, my
+dear Ellen, but according to the fountain of love which, to enable her
+to do her duty, God has so mercifully placed in her heart; and therefore
+those who have the least attractions and the most faults, demand the
+greater cherishing to supply the place of the one, and more careful
+guiding to overcome the other. Do you quite understand me, love."
+
+Ellen's earnest face, on which joy and hope seemed struggling with
+doubt, was sufficient answer.
+
+"All mothers do not think of their solemn responsibility in the same
+light; and many causes--sad recollections and self-reproaches for her
+early life, and separation in coldness from her father and myself, might
+all have tended to weaken your mother's consciousness of her duty, and
+so, without any fault in yourself, my Ellen, have occasioned her too
+great partiality for Edward. But do you remember her last words?"
+
+Ellen did remember them, and acknowledged they had so increased her
+affection for her mother, as to render the promise still more sacred to
+her.
+
+"I feared so, dearest; but it is just the contrary effect which they
+should have had. When she called you to her, and blessed and kissed you
+as fondly as she did Edward, she said she had done you injustice, had
+failed in her duty to you, and it so grieved her, for it was too late to
+atone for it then; she could only pray to God to raise you up a kinder
+parent. I have tried to be that, for her sake, as well as your own; and
+will you not acknowledge, that if she had been spared to love and know
+your affection for her, she could no more have borne to see you suffer
+as you have done for Edward, than I could my Emmeline for Percy? Do you
+not think, when she had learned to feel as I do, which she had already
+begun to do, that she would have recalled that fatal promise, and
+entreated you not to act upon it? What has it ever done but to make you
+to painfully suffer, lead you often into error, and confirm, by
+concealment, Edward's faults?"
+
+Ellen's tears were falling fast and freely, but they were hardly tears
+of pain. Her aunt's words seemed to disperse a thick mist from her brain
+and heart, and for the first time, to satisfy her that she might dismiss
+the painful memory of her promise, and dismiss it without blame or
+disobedience to her mother.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had begun the conversation in trembling, for it seemed so
+difficult to accomplish her object without undue condemnation of her
+sister; but as Ellen, clasping her arms about her neck, tried to thank
+her again and again, for taking such a heavy load from her heart, saying
+that she would still help Edward just the same, and she would try to
+guard him and herself from doing wrong, that her mother should love her
+still, she felt she had succeeded, and silently, but how fervently,
+thanked God.
+
+"But will you tell me one thing, aunt Emmeline? Why, if the promise were
+mistaken, and poor mamma would have wished it recalled, did I always
+seem to see her so distinctly, and fancy she so desired me to save
+Edward from my uncle's displeasure?"
+
+"Because you have a very strong imagination, my love, increased by
+dwelling on this subject; and in your last trial your mind was in such a
+fearful and unnatural state of excitement, that your imagination became
+actually diseased. It was not at all surprising; for much older and
+stronger, and wiser persons would have experienced the same, under the
+same pressure of grief, and terror, and remorse. But what can I do to
+cure this morbid imagination, Ellen?" she continued playfully; "sentence
+you, as soon as you get well, to a course of mathematics, six hours each
+day?"
+
+"I am afraid my poor head will be more stupid at figures than ever,"
+replied Ellen, trying to smile, too.
+
+"Then I suppose I must think of something else. Will you follow
+Emmeline's example, and tell me every thing, however foolish or
+unfounded it may seem, that comes into this little head--whether it
+worries or pleases you? You have nothing, and you will have nothing ever
+again, I trust, to conceal from me, my dear Ellen; and if you will do
+this, you will give me more comfort individually, and more security for
+the furtherance of your happiness, as far as my love can promote it,
+than any other plan."
+
+Her playfulness had given place to renewed earnestness, and Ellen, as if
+in the very thought of such perfect confidence dwelt security and
+peace, so long unknown to her, gave the required assurance so eagerly
+and gratefully, that Mrs. Hamilton was satisfied and happy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE LOSS OF THE SIREN.
+
+
+From that day, Ellen's recovery, though a sad trial of patience both to
+the young invalid and her affectionate nurses, was surely progressive,
+without any of those painful relapses which had so tried Mr. Maitland's
+skill before. She no longer shrunk from the society of her relations,
+receiving Caroline's and Miss Harcourt's many kind attentions with
+surprise indeed, for she could not imagine what could so have altered
+their feelings toward her, but with that evident gratitude and pleasure,
+which encourages a continuance of kindness. Emmeline was always kind,
+but it was indeed happiness to feel she might talk with and share her
+amusements, as in former days; and that, instead of thinking she ought
+not to receive her aunt's affection, the only thing she asked in return
+was her full confidence. The inexpressible rest to poor Ellen which that
+conversation gave is not to be described. It was so blessed, so
+soothing, that it seemed too unnatural to last, and the secret dread
+that her uncle would not feel toward her and Edward as her aunt did was
+its only alloy. Edward, too, was cheerful, and almost happy when with
+her; and a long conversation with Mr. Howard, which that worthy man
+insisted upon having as soon as she was strong enough, to remove the
+false impressions which his severity had given, and which never ceased
+to grieve and reproach him, caused his almost daily visits to be
+anticipated by her with as much gladness as they had before brought
+dread.
+
+"And now that anxiety for Ellen is at end, I must have you take more
+care of yourself, Mrs. Hamilton. Your husband's last injunctions, were,
+that I should never pass a week without calling once or twice at Oakwood
+to know how all was going on, and what would he say to me if he could
+see you now?"
+
+"He little thought how my strength would be tried, my good friend, and
+so will quite acquit you. I assure you that, physically, I am perfectly
+well"--(the worthy doctor shook his head most unbelievingly)--"but even
+with one great anxiety calmed, there remains another, which every week
+increases. It is more than double the usual time of hearing from my
+husband. We have never had any answer to the letters detailing Ellen's
+danger and Edward's return, and the answers have been due a full month."
+
+"But the weather has been so unusually tempestuous, it may have been
+impossible for the Siren to ply to and fro from Feroe to Scotland, as
+Hamilton wished, and no ships are likely to touch at those islands in
+the winter. I really think you need not be anxious on that score; none
+but Arthur Hamilton's head could have contrived your hearing as
+regularly from such an outlandish place as you have done. No news is
+good news, depend upon it. He may be anxious on your account, and
+returning himself."
+
+"God forbid!" answered Mrs. Hamilton, turning very pale; "better the
+anxiety of not hearing from him than the thought of his being at sea in
+this season."
+
+Oakwood had resumed its regular happy aspect, though Ellen was still
+up-stairs. Morris and Ellis had once more the happiness of their beloved
+mistress's superintendence, and proud were they both, as if Caroline had
+been their own child, to show all she had done, and so unostentatiously,
+to save her mother trouble when she had been too anxious to think of any
+thing but Ellen; and the mother's heart swelled with a delicious feeling
+of gratitude to Him who, if in making her so acutely sensible of her
+solemn responsibility had deepened and extended _anxiety_, had yet in
+the same measure heightened and spiritualized _joy_. The fruit was
+indeed worth the nurture, though it might have been often washed with
+tears. Intensely anxious as she felt herself, as did also Mr. Howard and
+Mr. Maitland, and, in fact, all Arthur Hamilton's friends, she yet tried
+to sustain the spirits of her children, for the young men had evidently
+grown anxious on the subject too. It was not unlikely that the seas
+round Feroe, always stormy, should prevent any ship leaving the island,
+and the young people eagerly grasped the idea: so painful is it to youth
+to realize a cause for anxiety; but even they, at times, grew
+unconsciously sad and meditating, as the usually joyous season of
+Christmas and New Year passed, and still there was no letter. Ellen and
+Edward both in secret dreaded the arrival of the answer to the latter's
+confession; but still their affection for Mrs. Hamilton was too
+powerful to permit any thought of self interfering with the wish that
+her anxiety might be calmed.
+
+In January the weather changed; the tremendous winds gave place to an
+almost unnatural calm, and to such excessive mildness and closeness of
+atmosphere, that it affected the health of many who were strong, and not
+only made Ellen very languid, but frequently recalled those dreadful
+headaches which were in themselves an illness. Business called Mr.
+Howard to Dartmouth near the end of the month, and he prevailed on
+Edward to accompany him, for whenever his sister was more than usually
+suffering his gloom redoubled. The first few days were so fine that the
+change renovated him; Mr. Howard declared it was the sight of old ocean,
+and Edward did not deny it; for though it was good for the permanence of
+his repentance and resolution to amend, to have the influence of his
+home sufficiently long, his spirit inwardly chafed at his detention, and
+yearned to be at sea again, and giving proof of his determination to
+become indeed a British sailor.
+
+The third day of their visit, the lull and heaviness of the air
+increased so strangely and closely, for January, as to seem almost
+portentous. Edward and Mr. Howard lingered on the beach; the
+well-practiced eye of the former tracing in many little things unseen to
+landsmen, the slow, but sure approach of a fearful storm.
+
+"It is strange for the season, but there is certainly electricity in the
+air," he said, directing Mr. Howard's attention to ridges of
+white-fringed clouds floating under the heavens, whose murky hue was
+becoming denser and denser; and ever and anon, as lashed by some as yet
+silent and invisible blast, the ocean heaved and foamed, and gave sure
+evidence of approaching fury; "there will be, I fear, a terrible storm
+to-night; and look at those birds" (several sea-gulls were skimming
+along the waves almost bathing their white plumage in the blackened
+waters) "strange how they always herald tempest! Emmeline would call
+them spirits of the blast, reveling in the destruction it foretells!"
+
+"It is approaching already," rejoined Mr. Howard, as a long hollow blast
+moaned and shivered round them, followed by the roar of a mountainous
+wave bursting on the beach. "God have mercy on all exposed to its fury!"
+and he gladly turned more inland, while Edward remained watching its
+progress with an almost pleasurable feeling of excitement, only wishing
+he could but be on the sea, to enjoy it as such a storm deserved to be.
+
+As the day drew to a close it increased, and as darkness set in, its
+fury became appalling. Blasts, long and loud as the reverberation of
+artillery, succeeded one another with awful rapidity, tearing up huge
+trees by the roots, and tiles from the roofs. Now and then, at distant
+intervals, blue lightning played through the black heavens, betraying
+that thunder had mingled with the wind, though it was impossible to
+distinguish the one sound from the other; and as the gusts passed
+onward, streaks of white and spots of strange unnatural blue gleamed
+through the gloom for a moment's space, leaving deeper darkness as they
+disappeared. The ocean, lashed to wildest fury, rolled in huge mountains
+of troubled waters, throwing up showers of snowy foam, contrasting
+strangely with the darkness of earth and heaven, and bursting with a
+sound that deadened for the time even the wild roar of the blast. To
+read or even to converse, in their comfortable quarters in the hotel,
+which overlooked the sea, became as impossible to Mr. Howard as to
+Edward. About eleven o'clock, however, the wind suddenly veered and
+lulled, only sending forth now and then a long sobbing wail, as if
+regretful that its work of destruction was even checked; but the sea
+raged with equal fury, presenting a spectacle as magnificent, as awful,
+and giving no appearance of a calm. A sharp report sounded suddenly from
+the sea--whether it was the first, or that others might have been lost
+in the tumult of the winds and waves, who might answer? Another, and
+another, at such rapid intervals, that the danger was evidently
+imminent, and Edward started to his feet. Again--and he could bear it no
+longer. Hurriedly exclaiming, "They are signals of distress and close at
+hand! Something must be done; no sailor can sit still, and see sailors
+perish!" he rushed to the beach, closely followed by Mr. Howard, who was
+resolved on preventing any mad attempt. Crowds of fishermen and townsmen
+had congregated on the beach, drawn by that fearful sound, which, by the
+light from the guns seemed scarcely half a mile distant; and yet so
+perilous was the present appearance of the ocean, that to go to their
+assistance seemed impossible. Suddenly, however, Edward's voice
+exclaimed, with the glad and eager tone of perfect confidence, "They can
+be saved!--a strong boat and two willing rowers, and I will undertake to
+reach the vessel, and bring the crew safe to shore. Who among you," he
+continued turning eagerly to the group of hardy fishermen, "will be my
+assistants in this act of common humanity? who possesses willing hearts
+and able hands, and will lend them?"
+
+"No one who cares for his life!" was the sullen answer from one of those
+he addressed, and the rest stood silent, eyeing, half disdainfully half
+admiringly, the slight figure of the young sailor, revealed as it was,
+in the fitful light of the many torches scattered by the various groups
+along the beach. "It is well for boys to talk, we can not expect old
+heads on young shoulders; but not a boat with my consent leaves the
+harbor to-night; it would be willful murder."
+
+"I tell you I will stake my life on the venture," answered Edward, his
+passion rising high. "Am I speaking to sailors, and can they hesitate
+when they hear such sounds? Give me but a boat, and I will go by myself:
+and when you need aid, may you find those to give it! you will scarce
+dare ask it, if that vessel perish before your eyes. Lend me a boat, I
+say, fitted for such a sea, and the lender shall be rewarded handsomely.
+If there be such risk, I ask none to share it; my life is my own, and I
+will peril it."
+
+It would have made a fine scene for a painter, that young, slight form
+and boyish face, surrounded by those weather-beaten men, every
+countenance expressing some different emotion, yet almost all unwilling
+admiration; the torches' glare, so lurid on the pitchy darkness; the
+sheets of foam, rising and falling like showers of dazzling snow; the
+craggy background; and, out at sea, the unfortunate vessel, a perfect
+wreck, struggling still with the fast-rising waters. Mr. Howard saw all,
+but with no thought of the picturesque, his mind was far otherwise
+engaged.
+
+"By Neptune! but your honor shall not go alone! I have neither parent,
+nor sister, nor wife to pipe for me, if I go; so my life must be of less
+moment than yours, and if you can so peril it, why should not I?"
+exclaimed a stalwart young fisherman, advancing, and Edward eagerly
+grasped his rough hand, conjuring him to get his boat at once, there was
+not a moment to lose; but the example was infectious, and an old man
+hastily stepped forward, declaring the youngsters had taught him his
+duty, and he would do it.
+
+"Great God! what do they say?" exclaimed Edward, as his younger
+companion hastened down the beach to bring his boat to the leeward of
+the cliff, to launch it more securely, and a rumor ran through the
+crowds, whence arising it was impossible to discover. "The
+Siren--Captain Harvey--my uncle's ship!--and he must be in her--she
+would never leave Feroe without him. What foundation is there for this
+rumor? let me know, for God's sake!"
+
+But none could tell more than that a vessel, entering the harbor just
+before the gale, had hailed the Siren, about twenty miles distant, and
+she seemed laboring heavily, and in such a distressed state that a very
+little would finish her. Not a word escaped Edward's lips which grew for
+the moment blanched as marble. Mr. Howard to whom the rumor had brought
+the most intense agony, for not a doubt of its truth would come to
+relieve him, was at his side, grasping his hand, and murmuring,
+hoarsely--
+
+"Edward, my poor boy, must your life be periled too?--both--both--this
+is awful!"
+
+"Let me but save _him_, and if I perish it will be in a good cause. Tell
+aunt Emmeline, I know she will comfort my poor Ellen; and that the boy
+she has saved from worse misery than death, did all he could to save her
+husband! and if I fail"--he stopped, in strong emotion, then
+added--"give Ellen this, and this," he cut off a lock of his hair with
+his dirk, and placed it and his watch in Mr. Howard's trembling
+hand.--"And now, my friend, God bless you and reward you, too!" He threw
+himself a moment in Mr. Howard's arms, kissed his cheek, and, darting
+down the beach, leaped into the boat, which was dancing like a nutshell
+on the water. It was several minutes, ere they could succeed in getting
+her off, the waves seeming determined to cast her back; but they were
+fairly launched at length, and then they heeded not that one minute they
+rode high on a mountain wave, seeming as if nothing could save them from
+being dashed in the abyss below; the next were buried in a deep valley,
+surrounded by huge walls of water, threatening to burst and overwhelm
+them. For a boat to live in such a sea at all seemed miraculous; and old
+Collins always declared that unless some angel sat at the helm with
+Edward, no human arm could have taken them in safety. If it were an
+angel, it was the pure thought, the faith-winged prayer, that he might
+be the instrument in the Eternal's hand, of turning aside death and
+misery from that beloved home, in which even his errors had been met
+with _love_, and conquered by _forgiveness_.
+
+With every effort, and they were such as to bid the perspiration stream
+down the face and arms of those strong men, and almost exhaust Edward,
+for he took an oar in turn, it was full an hour from their leaving the
+shore before they reached the ship. She had ceased firing, for by the
+lights on shore they had discovered the boat's departure, and watched
+her progress by the lantern at her head, as only those can watch who
+feel, one short hour more, and their ship will float no longer!
+
+Collins was spokesman, for Edward, as they grappled the boat alongside,
+had sunk down for the moment powerless by the helm; roused, however,
+effectually by the answer--
+
+"The Siren--bound to Dartmouth--from Feroe--owner Arthur Hamilton,
+passenger--now on board--nine in crew."
+
+"In with you all then--that is Captain Harvey's voice, I'll be sworn;
+the rumor was only too true."
+
+"Ay, old Collins!" returned the captain; "we thought to perish in sight
+of our own homes; now, Mr. Hamilton, not a man will stir till you are
+safe!"
+
+His companion leaped into the boat without reply, and, sinking on one of
+the benches, drew his cloak closely round his face. Peril was indeed
+still around him, but compared with the--even to that Heaven-directed
+heart--terrible struggle of beholding death, rising slowly but surely
+round him in the water-filling ship, almost within sight and sound of
+his home, his beloved ones, the mere _hope_ of life seemed almost
+overpowering. The crew of the hapless Siren quickly deserted her.
+Captain Harvey was the last to descend, and, as he did so, a block of
+iron, loosened from its place, fell cornerwise, and struck sharply on
+Edward's forehead, almost stunning him for the moment, as he watched the
+captain's descent. He felt the blood slowly trickling down his temple
+and cheek; but he was not one to be daunted by pain: he resumed his
+station at the helm in unbroken silence, only speaking when directions
+were absolutely necessary, and then only in a few brief sailor-terms.
+They had scarcely proceeded a third of their way, when the waters boiled
+and foamed as tossed by some strange whirlpool, and it required all
+Edward's address and skill as steersman to prevent the frail boat from
+being drawn into the vortex. The cause was soon displayed, and every
+heart shuddered, for ten minutes later, and help would indeed have been
+in vain. The unfortunate vessel had sunk--been swallowed up in those
+rushing waters; the suction of so large a mass, producing for a brief
+interval the effect of a whirlpool. The silence of awe and of intense
+thankfulness, fell on the heart of every man, and more than all on his,
+who had so far recovered his first emotion as to gaze wonderingly and
+admiringly on the boyish figure at the helm, whose voice was utterly
+unknown, and whose features the fitful light, and the youth's steadfast
+gaze on his rowers, prevented his tracing with any certainty.
+
+The crowds had increased on the shore, watching with intense eagerness
+the return of the boat; but the expectation was too deep for sound,
+silence almost portentous reigned. A huge sea had concealed her for
+several minutes, and Mr. Howard, who during these two long hours had
+remained spell-bound on the beach, groaned aloud in his agony; again she
+was visible, driven on with fearful velocity by the tide, nearer, nearer
+still. He thought he could distinguish the figure of his friend: he was
+sure he could hear the voice of Edward, urging, commanding, directing a
+landing somewhere, in contradiction to the opinion of others. They were
+within a dozen yards of the shore, but still not a sound of gratulation
+was heard. Every eye was fixed, as in the fascination of terror, on a
+wave in the distance, increasing in size and fury as it rapidly
+approached. It neared the boat--it stood impending over the frail thing
+as a mighty avalanche of waters--it burst; the boat was seen no longer,
+and a wild and terrible cry sounded far and near along the beach!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+FOREBODINGS.
+
+
+The whole of the day Mrs. Hamilton had vainly tried to shake off a most
+unwonted gloom. Convinced herself that it was greatly physical, from the
+unusual oppressiveness of the weather relaxing the nerves, which had so
+many months been overstrained, yet her thoughts would cling to Mr.
+Maitland's words, that her husband might be coming home himself; but if
+the accounts of Ellen's danger and Edward's confession had recalled him,
+he ought to have arrived full two or three weeks previous. The gale that
+swept round her--the awful and unnatural darkness--the remarkable
+phenomena, at that season, of lightning--and the long, loud
+thunder-claps[4] which inland could be fearfully distinguished from the
+gale, appalled the whole household; and therefore it was not much wonder
+that the vague idea of her husband's having left Feroe, and exposure to
+such a tempest, should become in that fearful anxiety almost a certainty
+of agony. It was well, perhaps, that her unselfish nature had an object
+to draw her in some slight degree out of herself, for her firmness, her
+trust beyond the accidents of earth, all seemed about to fail her, and
+make her for the time being most wretched. As the storm and closeness
+increased, so did Ellen's feverish restlessness; her nerves, not yet
+fully restored, felt strung almost to torture with every flash, and
+clap, and blast. She tried to laugh at her own folly; for, though often
+terrified, when a little child, at the storms in India, those of England
+had never affected her at all, and she could not understand why she
+should feel this so childishly. But argument is of little moment in such
+cases; and Mrs. Hamilton, satisfying her that she could no more help her
+present sensation than her physical weakness, tried to soothe and amuse
+her, and in so doing partially cheered herself. She did not leave her
+till past midnight; and then desiring Mrs. Langford to sit up with her
+till she was comfortably asleep, retired to her own bed-room. Never
+since her husband's absence had its solitude felt so vast--so heavily
+oppressive; thought after thought of him thronged her mind till she
+fairly gave up the effort to struggle with them. "Will his voice ever
+sound here again, his heart give me the support I need?" rose to her
+lips, as she gazed round her, and the deep stillness, the gloom only
+broken by a small silver lamp, and the fitful light of the fire, seemed
+but a solemn answer. She buried her face in her clasped hands, and the
+clock struck two before that inward conflict permitted her once more to
+lift up heart and brow in meek, trusting faith to Him who still watched
+over her and her beloved ones; and after an earnest, voiceless prayer,
+she drew her little table, with its books of devotion, to the fire, and
+read thoughtfully, prayerfully, for another hour, and then sought her
+couch. But she could not sleep; the wind had again arisen, and fearing
+to lie awake and listen to it would only renew her unusual agitation,
+she rose at four, dressed herself, and throwing on a large shawl,
+softly traversed the passage, and entered her niece's room; finding her,
+as she fully expected, as wakeful and restless as herself, with the
+addition of an intense headache. She had persuaded nurse Langford to go
+to bed, but the pain had come on since then, and made her more restless
+and feverish than before. She could not lie in any posture to get ease,
+till at last, about six o'clock, completely exhausted, she fell asleep,
+sitting almost upright in her aunt's arms, her head leaning against her,
+as she stood by the bedside. Fearing to disturb her, Mrs. Hamilton would
+not move, desiring the morning prayers to be said without her, and Miss
+Harcourt and her daughters not to wait breakfast, as she would have it
+with Ellen when she awoke. That she was stiff and exhausted with three
+hours' standing in one position, she did not heed, perhaps scarcely
+felt, for woman's loveliest attribute, that of a tender and utterly
+unselfish nurse, was hers to perfection. But she did not refuse the cup
+of chocolate Caroline brought her herself, and with affectionate
+earnestness entreated her to take.
+
+[Footnote 4: These storms, as occurring in Devonshire, in both January
+and February, are no creation of the imagination; the author has heard
+them herself, and more than one officer in the Preventive Service has
+mentioned them as occurring during the night-watches, and of awful
+violence.]
+
+"You look so fatigued and so pale, dearest mother, I wish you would let
+me take your place; I would be so quiet, so gentle, Ellen would not even
+know her change of nurses."
+
+"I do not doubt your care, love, but I fear the least movement will
+disturb this poor child, and she has had such a restless night, I want
+her to sleep as long as she can. Your thoughtful care has so refreshed
+me, that I feel quite strong again, so go and finish your breakfast in
+comfort, dearest."
+
+Caroline very unwillingly obeyed, and about a quarter of an hour
+afterward, Mrs. Hamilton was startled by the sound of a carriage
+advancing with unusual velocity to the house. It stopped at the main
+entrance, and she had scarcely time to wonder who could be such very
+early visitors, when a loud scream, in the voice of Emmeline, rung in
+her ears; whether of joy or grief she could not distinguish, but it was
+the voice of her child, and the already tortured nerves of the wife and
+mother could not bear it without a sensation of terror, amounting to
+absolute agony. She laid Ellen's head tenderly on the pillow, watched
+over her, though her limbs so trembled she could scarcely support
+herself, saw with intense relief that the movement had not disturbed her
+quiet sleep, and calling Mrs. Langford from an adjoining room, hastily
+descended the stairs, though how she did so, and entered the
+breakfast-room, she always said she never knew. Many and eager and glad
+voices were speaking at once; the very servants thronged the hall and
+threshold of the room, but all made way for her.
+
+"Arthur!--my husband!" she did find voice to exclaim, but every object
+but his figure reeled before her, and she fainted in his arms.
+
+It was some time before she recovered, for mind and frame had been too
+long overtasked; and Mr. Hamilton, as he clasped her in his arms,
+beseeching her only to speak to him, and gazed on her deathlike
+countenance, felt in a moment that great as his anxiety had been for
+her, he had not imagined one-half she had endured. His voice--his
+kiss--seemed to rouse the scattered senses, even more effectually than
+Miss Harcourt's anxiously proffered remedies; but she could not speak,
+she only looked up in his face, as if to be quite, quite sure he had
+indeed returned; that her vague fancies of danger, even if they had
+foundation, had merged in the most blissful reality, that she was no
+longer _alone_; and leaning her head on his bosom, was only conscious of
+a thankfulness too deep for words; a repose that, since his departure,
+she had not known for a single day. Neither she nor her husband could
+believe that it was only six months since they had been separated. It
+seemed, and to Mrs. Hamilton especially, as if she must have lived
+through years in that time, it had been so fraught with sorrow.
+
+"Not one word, my own dearest! and only these pallid cheeks and heavy
+eyes to greet me. Must I reproach you directly I come home, for, as
+usual, not thinking enough of yourself; forgetting how precious is that
+self to so many, your husband above all?"
+
+"Nay, papa, you shall not scold mamma," said Emmeline, eagerly, as her
+mother tried to smile and speak in answer. "She ought to scold you, for
+not sending us one line to prepare us for your unexpected presence, and
+frightening us all by coming so suddenly upon us, and making mamma
+faint, as I never saw her do before. Indeed I do not like it, mother
+darling!" continued the affectionate girl, kneeling down by her mother,
+and clinging to her, adding, in a suppressed, terrified voice, "It was
+so like death."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton read in a moment that Emmeline's playfulness was only
+assumed to hide strong emotion; that she was trying very hard for
+complete control, but so trembling, that she knelt down, literally
+because she could not stand. It was such a proof of her endeavor to
+profit by her mother's gentle lessons, that even at that moment it not
+only gave her the sweetest gratification, but helped her to rouse
+herself.
+
+"Indeed, I think you are perfectly right, Emmy," she said, quite in her
+usual voice, as she pressed her child a moment to her, and kissed her
+cheek, which was almost as pale as her own. "I will not submit to any
+scolding, when papa himself is answerable for my unusual weakness; but
+as we wanted him so _very_ much, why, we will be lenient with him, and
+only keep him prisoner with us for some time to come. But get him
+breakfast quickly, Caroline, love; such an early visitor must want it.
+When did you arrive, dearest Arthur?" she added, looking earnestly in
+his face, and half wondering at the expression upon it, it seemed to
+speak so many things; "surely not this morning? You were not at sea in
+yesterday's awful storm?"
+
+"I was indeed, my Emmeline; can you bear to hear it, or have you been
+agitated enough already? I have been in danger, great danger, but our
+Father's infinite mercy has preserved me to you all, making the
+instrument of my preservation so young a lad and slight a frame, I know
+not how sufficiently to bless God, or to thank my preserver."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton's hand closed convulsively on her husband's; her eyes
+riveted on his countenance as if she would grasp his whole meaning at
+once, but little did she guess the whole.
+
+"I did not come alone," he added, striving for composure, and even
+playfulness, "though it seems I was such an important personage, as to
+be the only one seen or thought about."
+
+"By-the-by, I did see, or fancied I saw, Edward," rejoined Caroline,
+who, at the news of her father having been in danger, had left the
+breakfast-table, unable to keep away from him, even that short distance,
+but neither she, nor either of the others, connecting her cousin with
+Mr. Hamilton's words, and not quite understanding why he should have so
+interrupted the most interesting subject. "He has gone to see Ellen, I
+suppose, and so we have missed him. Was he your companion, papa? How and
+where did you meet him?"
+
+"Let him answer for himself!" replied Mr. Hamilton, still determinately
+hiding his feelings under a tone and manner of jest, and leaving his
+wife's side for a moment, he drew Edward from the recess of the window,
+where all this time he had been standing quite unobserved, and led him
+forward.
+
+"Good heavens! Edward, what have you been about?" exclaimed Miss
+Harcourt, and her exclamation was echoed by Caroline and Emmeline, while
+Mrs. Hamilton gazed at him in bewildered alarm. He was deadly pale, with
+every appearance of exhaustion, and a most disfiguring patch on his left
+brow, which he had tried in vain to hide with his hair.
+
+"You have been fighting."
+
+"Only with the elements, Miss Harcourt, and they have rather tired me,
+that is all; I shall be well in a day or two. Don't look so terrified,
+dear aunt," he answered, with the same attempt at jest as his uncle, and
+throwing himself lightly on an ottoman by Mrs. Hamilton, he laid his
+head very quietly on her lap.
+
+"Fighting--and with the elements? Arthur, dearest Arthur, for pity's
+sake tell me the whole truth at once; it can not be--"
+
+"And why should it not, my beloved?" (there was no attempt at jest now).
+"He to whom your care has preserved a sister--whom your indulgent love
+has given courage to resolve that error shall be conquered, and he will
+become all we can wish him--whom you took to your heart and home when
+motherless--God has mercifully made the instrument of saving your
+husband from a watery grave, and giving back their father to your
+children!"
+
+"To be associated in your heart with other thoughts than those of
+ingratitude, and cruelty, and sin! Oh, aunt Emmeline, I can not thank
+God enough for permitting me this great mercy," were the only words poor
+Edward could speak, when the first intensity of his aunt's emotion was
+in some degree conquered, and she could look in his young face, though
+her eyes were almost blinded with tears, and putting back the bright
+hair which the rain and spray had so uncurled, as to lay heavy and damp
+upon his pale forehead, she imprinted a long, silent kiss upon it, and
+looking alternately at him and her husband, seemed powerless to realize
+any other thought.
+
+Mr. Hamilton briefly, but most eloquently, narrated the events of the
+previous night, dwelling only sufficiently on his imminent peril, to
+evince the real importance of Edward's extraordinary exertions, not to
+harrow the feelings of his listeners more than need be. That the young
+officer's determined opposition to the almost angrily expressed opinions
+of Captain Harvey and old Collins as to the better landing-place, had
+saved them from the effects of the huge wave, which had burst like a
+water-spout a minute after they had all leaped in safety on shore,
+almost overwhelming the projecting sand to which Collins had wished to
+direct the boat, and so proving at once Edward's far superior nautical
+knowledge, for had they steered there, the frail bark must inevitably
+have been upset, and its crew washed by the receding torrent back to
+sea. Harvey and Collins acknowledged their error at once, and looked
+eagerly for Edward to say so to him, but he had vanished the moment they
+had achieved a safe landing, to Mr. Hamilton's annoyance, for he had not
+the least suspicion who he was, and only longed to express, if he could
+not otherwise evince his gratitude, Collins and Grey refusing the
+smallest credit, declaring that if it had not been for this young
+stranger officer, of whom they knew nothing, not even his name, not a
+man would have stirred; that for any fisherman or mere ordinary sailor
+to have guided the boat to and from the sinking vessel, in such a sea,
+was so impossible, that no one would have attempted it; old Collins
+ending, with the superstition of his class, by a declaration, that his
+disappearance convinced his already more than suspicion, that it was
+some good angel in a boy's likeness; for Arthur Hamilton would never
+have been permitted so to perish: an explanation, Mr. Hamilton added,
+laughingly, that might suit his Emmy, but was rather too fanciful for
+him. However, his young preserver was nowhere to be found, but, to his
+extreme astonishment, and no little relief (for now that he was so near
+home, his anxiety to hear of all, especially Ellen, whom he scarcely
+dared hope to find alive, became insupportable), Mr. Howard suddenly
+stood before him, grasping both his hands, without the power, for a
+minute or two, to speak. Mr. Hamilton overwhelmed him with questions,
+scarcely giving him time to answer one before he asked another. They had
+nearly reached the hotel, when Captain Harvey's bluff voice was heard
+exclaiming--
+
+"Here he is, Mr. Hamilton; he is too exhausted to escape our thanks and
+blessings now. What could the youngster have tried to hide himself for?"
+
+But before Mr. Hamilton could make any rejoinder, save to grasp the
+young man's hands strongly in his own, Mr. Howard said, eagerly--
+
+"Oblige me, Captain Harvey; take that boy into our hotel, it is only
+just round the corner; make him take off his dripping jacket, and give
+him some of your sailor's stuff. He is not quite strong enough for his
+exertions to-night, and should rest at once."
+
+Captain Harvey bore him off, almost carrying him, for exertion and a
+variety of emotions had rendered him faint and powerless.
+
+"Do you know him, Howard? who and what is he?" But Mr. Howard did not,
+perhaps could not reply, but hurried his friend on to the hotel; and
+entered the room, where, having called for lights, and all the
+ingredients of grog-punch, which he vowed the boy should have instead of
+the brandy and water he had called for, they found Edward trying to
+laugh, and protesting against all coddling; he was perfectly well, and
+he would not go to bed, and could not imagine what right Captain Harvey
+had to be a sailor, if he thought so much of a storm, and a blow, and a
+wetting.
+
+"Nor should I, if you were sailor-rigged; but what business have you
+with this overgrown mast of a figure, and a face pale and delicate as a
+woman's?"
+
+And so like his dying mother it was, that Mr. Hamilton stood for a
+moment on the threshold, completely stupefied. We leave our readers to
+imagine the rest; and how Captain Harvey carried the seemingly marvelous
+news that the brave young officer was Mr. Hamilton's own nephew, over
+the town, and in every fisherman's hut, in a miraculously short space of
+time.
+
+We may as well state here at once, to save farther retrospection, that
+Mr. Hamilton, by the active and admirable assistance of Morton, had,
+after a three months' residence at Feroe, perceived that he might return
+to England much sooner than he had at first anticipated; still he did
+not like to mention even the probability of such a thing to his family,
+till perfectly certain himself. Morton never ceased persuading him to
+name a period for his return, knowing the comfort it would be to his
+home; but Mr. Hamilton could not bear the idea of leaving his friend in
+his voluntary banishment so many months sooner than they had reckoned
+on. When, however, the letters came from Oakwood, detailing Edward's
+return, and the discoveries thence proceeding, his anxiety and, let it
+be owned, his extreme displeasure against his nephew, prompted his
+return at once. Morton not only conquered every objection to his
+immediate departure, but tried, and in some measure succeeded, to soften
+his anger, by bringing before him many points in Mr. Howard's letter,
+showing real, good, and true repentance in the offender, which a first
+perusal of a narrative of error had naturally overlooked. The seas,
+however, were so fearfully tempestuous and the winds so adverse, that
+it was impossible either to leave Feroe, or get a letter conveyed to
+Scotland, for a full fortnight after the Siren's last voyage. Nothing
+but the extreme urgency of the case, increased by the fact that the
+detention of the Siren at Wick had given Mr. Hamilton a double packet of
+letters, but the second, though dated ten days later, gave the same
+hopeless account of Ellen, could have made him attempt a voyage home in
+such weather; yet he felt he could not rest, knowing intuitively the
+misery his wife must be enduring, and scarcely able to bear even the
+thought of what seemed most probable, that Ellen would be taken from
+her, and the aggravated trial it would be. The voyage was a terrible
+one, for length and heavy gales. More than once they wished to put into
+port, that Mr. Hamilton might continue his journey by land, but their
+only safety seemed keeping out at sea, the storm threatening to dash
+them on rock or shoal, whenever in sight of land.
+
+By the time they reached the Land's End--they had come westward of
+England, instead of eastward, as they went--the vessel was in such a
+shattered and leaky condition, that Captain Harvey felt and
+acknowledged, she could not weather out another storm. The calm that had
+followed the heavy gales, gave hope to all; even though the constant
+shiftings of the wind, which was now not more than what, in sailor's
+parlance, is called a cat's-paw, prevented their making as much way as
+they desired. At length they were within twenty miles of Dartmouth, and
+not a doubt of their safety disturbed them, until the darkening
+atmosphere, the sullen rise and suppressed roar of the billows, the wind
+sobbing and wailing at first, and then bursting into that awful gale,
+which we have before described, banished every human hope at once. The
+rudder snapped; every half-hour the water gained upon the hold, though
+every man worked the pumps. There was not a shred of canvas, but the
+masts, and yards, and stays bent and snapped like reeds before the
+blast. To guide her was impossible; she was driven on--on--till she
+struck on a reef of rock about a mile, or less, perhaps from Dartmouth.
+Then came their signals of distress, as a last lone hope, for the crew
+of the Siren were all too good seamen to dare believe a boat could
+either be pushed off, or live in such a sea. Their wonder, their hope,
+their intense thankfulness, when it was discovered, may be imagined. The
+rest is known.
+
+"And how did you get this disfiguring blow, my dear Edward?" inquired
+his aunt, whose eyes, it seemed, would turn upon him, as if impossible
+to connect that slight figure with such immense exertions--though some
+time had passed, and a social, happy breakfast, round which all still
+lingered, had enabled them to subdue too painful emotion, and only to be
+conscious of the most deep and grateful joy.
+
+"Pray do not call it disfiguring, aunt; I am quite proud of it. Last
+night I could have dispensed with such a striking mark of affection from
+the poor Siren, though I really hardly felt it, except that the blood
+would trickle in my eye, and almost blind me, when I wanted all my sight
+and senses too. But this morning Mr. Howard has made such a kind fuss
+about it, that I think it must be something grand."
+
+"But what did you hide yourself for, Ned?" demanded Emmeline, all her
+high spirits recalled. Her cousin hesitated and a flush mounted to his
+forehead.
+
+"It was fear, Emmeline; absolute fear!"
+
+"Fear!" she repeated, laughing; "of what? of all the bogies and spirits
+of the winds and waves, whose wrath you dared, by venturing to oppose
+them? Nonsense, Edward! you will never make me believe that."
+
+"Because you do not know me," he answered, with startling earnestness.
+"How can your gentle nature understand the incongruities of mine? or
+loving your father as you do, and as he deserves, comprehend the dread,
+belief in his unpitying sternness to youthful error, which from my
+childhood he held--he holds--my fate, forgiveness or exposure, and how
+could I meet him calmly? Emmeline, Emmeline, if I had been but as
+morally brave as I may be physically, I should have had nothing to
+dread, nothing to hide. As it is, uncle Hamilton, judge, act, decide as
+you would, if I had not been the undeserved means of saving you--it will
+be the best for me;" and, rising hurriedly, he left the room before any
+one could reply.
+
+"But you will forgive him, papa; you will try him again; and I am sure
+he will be morally brave, too," pleaded Emmeline; her sister and Miss
+Harcourt joining in the entreaty and belief, and Mrs. Hamilton looking
+in his face without uttering a word. Mr. Hamilton's answer seemed to
+satisfy all parties.
+
+Ellen meanwhile had awoke, quite refreshed, and all pain gone, been
+dressed and conveyed to her daily quarters, the events of the morning
+entirely unknown to her; for though the joyful news, spreading like
+wildfire through the house, had reached Mrs. Langford's ears, and made
+her very happy, she had quite judgment enough, even without a message to
+the effect from her mistress, to keep it from Ellen till carefully
+prepared.
+
+"What can I say to my little Ellen for deserting her so long?" inquired
+Mrs. Hamilton, playfully, as she entered her room, about twelve o'clock,
+after a long private conversation with her husband.
+
+"I wish you would tell me you had been lying down, dear aunt; it would
+satisfy me better than any other reason."
+
+"Because you think it would do me the most good, dearest. But look at
+me, and tell me if you do not think I must have been trying some equally
+efficacious remedy." Ellen did look, and so radiant was that kind face
+with happiness, that she was startled.
+
+"What _has_ happened, aunt Emmeline? You have heard from my uncle," she
+added, her voice trembling. "What does he say?--will he--"
+
+"He says, you must summon all your smiles to greet him, love; for he
+hopes to be with us very, _very_ shortly, so you will not wonder at my
+joy?"
+
+Ellen tried to sympathize in it; but Mrs. Hamilton soon saw that her
+perhaps near dread of what should be her uncle's judgment on her brother
+and herself, prevented all pleasurable anticipation of his arrival, and
+that the only effectual way of removing it was to let them meet as soon
+as possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+FORGIVENESS.
+
+
+Three days after Mr. Hamilton's arrival, a cheerful party assembled in
+his wife's dressing-room, which, in its elegant appurtenances--signs as
+they were, of a most refined and beautiful taste--certainly deserved a
+higher appellation; but boudoir, Percy had always declared, did not
+harmonize at all with the old English comforts of Oakwood, and he would
+not have a French word to designate his mother's room especially. Ellen
+was on her sofa working; Edward, who she thought had only returned that
+morning, at her side, reading; Caroline and Emmeline, drawing, the one
+with some degree of perseverance, the other with none at all. It seemed
+as if she could not sit still, and her wild sallies, and snatches of old
+songs, repeatedly made Miss Harcourt look up from her book, and Mrs.
+Hamilton from her work, surprised.
+
+"Emmeline, I _can not_ draw," exclaimed Caroline, at length; "you are
+making the table as restless as yourself."
+
+"Why can you not say it was moved by an irresistible sympathy? It is
+most extraordinary that you will still speak plain matter-of-fact, when
+I am doing all I can to make you poetical."
+
+"But what am I to poetize on now, Emmeline?--the table, or yourself?
+because, at present, they are the only subjects under consideration, and
+I really can not see any thing very poetical in either."
+
+"Not even in _me_, Lina?" archly replied Emmeline, bending down so that
+her face should come before her sister, instead of her copy, which was a
+very pretty, small marble figure. "Now, if you were not the most
+determined piece of prose in the world, you would find poetry even in my
+face.
+
+    "For, lo! the artist no more gazed
+      On features still and cold;
+    He stood, bewilder'd and amazed,
+      As living charms unfold.
+
+    "As if touch'd by yon orient ray,
+      The stone to life had warm'd;
+    For round the lip such bright smiles play,
+      As never sculptor form'd.
+
+There, Caroline, that is what you ought to have _felt_. If I can make
+poetry on my own face--"
+
+"Poetry on yourself! Why, Emmeline, I thought you were repeating a verse
+of some old poet, with which I am unacquainted. I really beg your
+pardon. I did not know your favorite Muse had dubbed you follower as
+well as worshiper."
+
+"Nor did I till this moment. She feared for her reputation near such a
+love of prose as you are, and so touched me with inspiration. I am
+exceedingly obliged to her; but even if I failed to make you poetical,
+Caroline, you might have emulated Cowper, and instead of singing the
+'Sofa,' sung the 'Table.' Indeed I think a very pretty poem might be
+made of it. Look at the variety of tasteful and useful things laid on a
+table--and there it stands in the midst of them, immovable, cold,
+insensible just like one on whom we heap favors upon favors, and who
+remains so wrapped in self, as to be utterly indifferent to all. Now,
+Caroline, put that into rhyme, or blank verse, if you prefer it; it is a
+new idea, at least."
+
+"So new," replied her sister, laughing, "that I think I will send it to
+Percy, and request him to turn it into a Greek or Latin ode; it will be
+so much grander than my English version. You have so astonished mamma,
+Emmeline, by your mad mood, that she has actually put down her work."
+
+"I am so glad!" replied Emmeline, springing to her mother's side; "I
+like other people to be as idle as myself."
+
+"But there is a medium in all things, young lady," answered her mother,
+half-gravely, half in Emmeline's own tone; "and I rather think your
+conscience is telling you, that it is not quite right to desert one Muse
+for another, as you are doing now."
+
+"Oh, but my drawing must wait till her Muse inspires me again. Poetry
+does not always come, and her visits are so delightful!"
+
+"Then I am afraid you will think me very harsh, Emmeline; but delightful
+as they are, I must not have them always encouraged. If you encourage
+the idea of only working when the fit of inspiration comes upon you--in
+plain words, only when you feel inclined--you will fritter life away
+without one solid thought or acquirement. You think now, perhaps,
+habituated as you are to employment, that this is impossible; but you
+are just of an age to demand very strict watchfulness over yourself to
+prevent it. Now that you are emerging from the routine of childhood's
+lessons, and too old to be compelled to do that which is right,
+and--rendering your task of control more difficult--more susceptible to
+poetry, and what you term inspiration, than ever, you must try and
+infuse a little of Caroline's steady, matter-of-fact into your poetry,
+instead of almost despising it, as so cold and disagreeable. Now, do not
+look so very sad, and so very serious, love, and jump at the conclusion
+that I am displeased, because I speak seriously. I love your joyousness
+far too dearly to check it, or wish you to do so, especially in your own
+family; but just as you have learned the necessity of, and evinced so
+well and so feelingly, control in emotions of sorrow, my Emmeline, so I
+am quite sure you will trust my experience, and practice control, even
+in the pleasant inspiration of poetry and joy."
+
+Emmeline sat very quiet for several minutes; she was just in that mood
+of extreme hilarity which renders control excessively difficult, and
+causes the least check upon it to be felt as harsh and unkind, and
+almost to bring tears. She was not too perfect to escape from feeling
+all this, even though the person who had caused it was the mother she so
+dearly loved; but she did not give way to it. A few minutes' hard
+struggle, and the momentary temper was so conquered, that, with an even
+more than usually warm kiss, she promised to think quite seriously on
+all her mother said; and, an effort far more difficult, was just as
+joyous as before.
+
+"I have made so many mistakes in my drawing, mamma, I really do not
+think I can go on with it to-day; do let me help you, I will take such
+pains with my work, it shall be almost as neat as yours; and then,
+though my fingers are employed, at least I may go on talking."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton assented, telling her she might talk as much as she
+pleased, with one of those peculiar smiles of approval which ever made
+Emmeline's heart throb, for they always told her, that the thoughts and
+feelings, and secret struggle with temper, which she imagined must be
+known only to herself, her mother by some mysterious power had
+discovered, and rewarded.
+
+"Edward what are you so deep in?--'Fragments of Voyages and Travels'--I
+thought it was something much _deeper_ than that by the deep attention
+you are giving it. You should dip in oceans, not in fragments of water,
+Ned."
+
+"I did not feel inclined for the exertion," he replied, smiling.
+
+"Do you know," she continued, "when I first read that book, which I did
+merely because I had a lurking sort of affection for a handsome cousin
+of mine who was a sailor, I was so charmed with the tricks you all
+played in the cockpit, that I was seized with a violent desire to don a
+middy's dress, and come after you; it would have made such a pretty
+story, too; but I did not think mamma and papa would quite approve of
+it, so I desisted. Should I not make a very handsome boy, Edward?"
+
+"So handsome," he replied, again smiling, "that I fear you would not
+have preserved your incognita half an hour, especially with those
+flowing curls."
+
+"My dear Emmeline, do tell me, what has made you in this mood?" asked
+Ellen; "last week you were so sad, and the last three days you have
+been--"
+
+"Wild enough to frighten you, Ellen; ah, if you did but know the
+reason."
+
+"You had better satisfy her curiosity, Emmy," said Mrs. Hamilton, so
+meaningly, that Emmeline's ready mind instantly understood her. "Tell
+her all that did occur in that awful storm three days ago, as poetically
+and lengthily as you like; no one shall interrupt you, if you will only
+be very careful not to exaggerate or alarm."
+
+Edward gave up his seat to his cousin, and Emmeline launched at once
+into a most animated description of the storm and the shipwreck, and the
+rescue; cleverly contriving so to hide all names, as to elude the least
+suspicion of either the preserved or the preserver having any thing to
+do with herself, Ellen becoming so exceedingly interested, as to lose
+sight of the question which at first had struck her, what this could
+have to do with Emmeline's wild spirits.
+
+"You do not mean to say it was his own father he saved?" she said, as
+her cousin paused a minute to take breath; "your tale is becoming so
+like a romance, Emmy, I hardly know how to believe it."
+
+"I assure you it is quite true; only imagine what my young hero's
+feelings must have been, and those of the family, to whom he gave back a
+husband and a father!"
+
+"I should think them so intense, so sacred, as to be hardly joy at
+first, and scarcely possible to be imagined, even by your vivid fancy,
+Emmy."
+
+"I don't know, Ellen, but I think I _can_ imagine them; you may shake
+your head, and look wise, but I will prove that I can by-and-by. But
+what do you think of my hero?"
+
+"That I should like to know him, and admire him quite as much as you can
+desire--and who told you all this?"
+
+"One of the principal actors in the scene?"
+
+"What, has your _penchant_ for any thing out of the common way reached
+Dartmouth, and old Collins brought you the tale?"
+
+"No," replied Emmeline, laughing; "guess again."
+
+"William Grey?"
+
+"No."
+
+"One of the rescued crew who may know my aunt?"
+
+"Wrong again, Ellen."
+
+"Then I can not guess, Emmeline; so pray tell me."
+
+"You are very silly, Ellen; were not Mr. Howard and Edward both at
+Dartmouth at the time? why did you not guess them? Not that I had it
+from either."
+
+"Edward!" repeated Ellen, "did he know any thing about it?"
+
+"More than any one else dearest," answered Mrs. Hamilton, cautiously,
+but fondly; "put all Emmeline's strange tale together, and connect it
+with my happiness the other morning, and I think your own heart will
+explain the rest."
+
+"More especially with this speaking witness," continued Emmeline
+playfully putting back Edward's hair, that Ellen might see the scar. She
+understood it in a moment, and clasping her arms round her brother's
+neck, as he knelt by her, tried hard to prevent emotion, but could not,
+and burst into tears.
+
+"Tears, my little Ellen; I said I would only be greeted with smiles,"
+exclaimed a rich, deep voice close beside her, and before she had time
+to fear his presence, she felt herself clasped with all a father's
+fondness in her uncle's arms; her head resting on his shoulder, and his
+warm kiss on her cheek.
+
+"Edward!" was the only word she could speak.
+
+"Do not fear for him, my dear Ellen; true repentance and a firm
+resolution to amend are all I ask, and if his future conduct really
+prove them, the errors of his youth shall be forgotten, as if they had
+never been."
+
+"And--and--"
+
+"I know all you would say, my dear child. I did think there could be no
+excuse, no palliation, for your sin; but even if I still wish the
+temptation had been resisted, you have indeed suffered for it, more than
+the harshest judgment could desire; let it be forgotten as entirely and
+as fully as it is forgiven."
+
+In a very few minutes Ellen's composure was so fully restored, and her
+heavy dread so subsided, that the relief seemed to her almost a dream.
+Could it be possible that it was the relative she had pictured as so
+harsh and stern, and pitiless to youthful error, who had drawn a chair
+close by her sofa, and caressingly holding her hand in his, and looking
+so kindly, so earnestly, in her altered face, was trying to amuse her by
+telling her so many entertaining things about Feroe and Mr. Morton, and
+his voyage home, and alluding to her brother's courage, and prudence,
+and skill, in such terms as almost brought the tears again? Mr.
+Hamilton was inexpressibly shocked at the change which mental and bodily
+suffering had wrought in his niece. There is always something peculiarly
+touching, and appealing to the best emotions, in youthful sorrow or
+suffering of any kind; and her trial had been such an aggravated
+one--combining such agonized remorse, for an act, which the harshest
+judgment, knowing all points of the case, could scarcely pronounce as
+other than involuntary, with the most heroic, but perfectly unconscious
+self-sacrifice, and not only terror for her brother's fate, but an
+almost crushing sense of misery for his faults, that the pallid face,
+and frame so delicately fragile, had still deeper claims for sympathy
+and cherishing than even when caused by ordinary illness. The loss of
+her unusually luxuriant hair, except the soft bands which shaded her
+face, visible under the pretty little lace cap, made her look much
+younger than she really was, and so delicately transparent had become
+her complexion, that the blue veins were clearly traceable on her
+forehead, and throat, and hands; the dark, soft lash seemed longer than
+before, as it swept the pale cheek, the brow more penciled, and the eye,
+whether in imagination, from her friends knowing all she had endured, or
+in reality, was so expressive of such deep, quiet feeling, that the
+whole countenance was so altered and so improved, that it seemed as if
+the heavy, sallow child was rapidly changing into one of those sweet,
+lovable, heart-attracting girls, who, without any actual beauty, can
+never be passed unnoticed.
+
+At Ellen's request, Mrs. Hamilton had, as soon as she was strong enough,
+read with her, morning and evening, the devotional exercises which were
+read below to the assembled family. Mrs. Hamilton soon perceived, and
+with no little pain, that Ellen shrunk from the idea of being well
+enough to rejoin them, in actual suffering. Here again was an effect of
+that same vivid imagination, of whose existence, until the late events,
+in one so quiet, seemingly so cold, Mrs. Hamilton had not the least idea
+of. Ellen had been so long accustomed to be silent as to her feelings,
+in fact, carefully to conceal them, that much as she might wish and
+intend to be unreserved, her aunt feared it would cause her some
+difficulty to be so, and she could not hope to succeed in controlling
+imagination, unless she were. That night, however, Ellen's unreserved
+confidence gave her hope. When the devotional exercises, in which she
+had joined with even more than usual earnestness and fervor, were
+concluded, she said, with almost Emmeline's confidence, as she laid her
+hand on her aunt's--
+
+"I am so very, very happy to-night, dear aunt, that I am afraid I do not
+think enough of what is past. I did so dread my uncle's return--so
+tremble at what his sentence would be on Edward and myself, that even
+your kindness would not remove the weight; and now, that I have found it
+all so groundless, and he is so kind--so indulgent, I am so relieved,
+that I fear I must have thought more of his anger than the anger of God.
+My sin remains the same in His sight, though you and uncle Hamilton have
+so fully forgiven it, and--and--I do not think I ought to feel so
+happy."
+
+"Indeed, my dear Ellen, I think you may. Our Heavenly Father is still
+more merciful than man, as Mr. Howard so clearly proved to you, in the
+long conversation you had with him. We know, by His Holy Word, that all
+he asks is sincere repentance for sin, and a firm conviction that in Him
+only we are made sufficiently righteous for our penitence to be
+accepted. I believe, Ellen, that His forgiveness was yours, long before
+I could give you mine, for He could read your heart, and saw the reason
+of your silence, and all the remorse and suffering, which, from the
+appearances, against you, I might not even guess; and that, in His
+compassionating love and pity, He permitted your increased trial;
+ordaining even the failure of the relief to Edward, to convince you,
+that, not even in such a fearful case as yours, might error, however
+involuntary, prosper. I can trace His loving providence even in the fact
+of your finding one more note than you wanted, that discovery might
+thence come, which, without such a seeming chance, was, humanly
+speaking, impossible. He has shown compassion and love for you and
+Edward, in the very sufferings He ordained. So do not check your
+returning happiness, fearing it must be unacceptable to Him. Try to
+trace all things, either of joy or sorrow, to Him. Associate Him with
+your every thought, and believe me, my own Ellen, your very happiness
+will both draw you nearer to Him, and be an acceptable offering in his
+sight."
+
+Ellen listened eagerly, gratefully; she felt as if, with every word Mrs.
+Hamilton said, the film of doubt and vague fancies was dissolving from
+her mind, and, after a short pause, she said--
+
+"Then you do not think, aunt Emmeline, my inability to pray for so long
+a time, was a proof that God had utterly forsaken me? It made me still
+more wretched, for I thought it was a sure sign that I was so
+irredeemably wicked, He had left me to the devices of my own heart, and
+would never love or have mercy on me again. Even after you had quite
+forgiven me, and proved to me my promise was a mistaken one and not
+binding, I still felt the difficulty to pray, and it was so painful."
+
+"Such inability is very often so entirely physical, my dear Ellen, that
+we must not think too much about it. Our simple duty is to persevere,
+however little satisfactory our devotions; and put our firm trust in our
+heavenly Father, that He will heal us, and permit His countenance so to
+shine upon us again, as to derive _comfort_ from our prayers. Your
+inability before your illness was the natural consequence of Mr.
+Howard's severe representations, which he has since assured me, he never
+would have used, if he could have had the least idea of the cause of
+your silence. You, my poor child, were suffering too much, from a
+complete chaos of conflicting feelings and duties, to be able to realize
+this, and I am not at all astonished, that when you most yearned for the
+comfort of prayer and trust, the thought that by your silence you were
+failing in your duty to me and so disobeying God, should utterly have
+prevented it. Since your severe illness the inability has been entirely
+physical. As strength and peace return, you will regain the power, and
+realize all its comfort. Try, and under all feelings trust in and love
+God, and do not be too much elated, when you can think seriously and
+pray joyfully, nor too desponding when both fail you. In our present
+state, _physical_ causes alone, so often occasion these differences of
+feeling in hours of devotion, that if we thought too much about them, we
+should constantly think wrong, and be very miserable. Try and prove your
+desire to love and serve God, in your _daily conduct_ and _secret
+thoughts_, my Ellen, and you will be able to judge of your spiritual
+improvement by _action_ and _feeling_, far more truly and justly than by
+the mood in which you pray."
+
+The earnestness of truth and feeling was always so impressed on Mrs.
+Hamilton's manner, whenever she addressed her youthful charge, that her
+simplest word had weight. Happy indeed is it when youth--that season of
+bewildering doubt and question, and vivid, often mistaken fancies, and
+too impetuous feeling--has the rich blessing of such affectionate
+counsels, such a friend. Why will not woman rise superior to the petty
+employments and feelings too often alone attributed to her, and endeavor
+to fit herself for such a thrice blessed mission; and by sympathy with
+young enjoyments--young hopes--young feelings, so attract young
+affections, that similar counsels, similar experiences, may so help and
+guide, that the restless mind and eager heart quiesce into all the calm,
+deep, beautiful characteristics, which so shine forth in the true
+English wife--the true English mother!
+
+A fortnight after Mr. Hamilton's arrival, Ellen was well enough to go
+down stairs for part of the day, and even to read and write a little.
+She was so very anxious to recommence her studies, which for many months
+had been so painfully neglected, that it was a great trial to her, to
+find her head was not yet strong enough for the necessary application.
+There were many, very many privations and trials, attendant on
+convalescence after so severe an illness, known only to Ellen's own
+heart, and to her aunt's quick sympathy; and she very quickly learned in
+them the meaning of Mrs. Hamilton's words regarding religion in conduct
+and feeling, as well as in prayer. She tried never to murmur, or dwell
+on the wish for pleasures which were denied her, but to think only on
+the many blessings which surrounded her. It was not an easy task so to
+conquer natural feeling, especially as the trial and its conquest was
+often known only to herself; but the earnest wish, indeed, to become
+holy in daily conduct, as well as in daily prayer, never left her mind,
+and so enabled her at length fully to obtain it.
+
+If Mrs. Hamilton had wanted evidence of her husband's public as well as
+domestic worth, she would have had it fully now. His danger and his
+preservation once known, letters of regard and congratulation poured
+upon him, and Montrose Grahame made a journey down to Oakwood expressly
+to welcome back, and express his individual gratitude for his friend's
+safety to his youthful preserver. But Edward so shrunk from praise or
+admiration, that his uncle, rejoicing at the feeling, would not press
+him, as he had first intended, to accompany him to Oxford, where he went
+to see his sons. Percy rated him soundly in a letter for not coming.
+Herbert seemed, as if he could only think of his father's danger, and
+thank God for his safety, and for permitting Edward to be the means. So
+great was the desire of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to re-assemble all their
+happy family once more, before Edward left them, that the young men
+made an exception to their general rule, and promised to spend Easter
+week at home. It was early in March, and anticipated by the home party
+with the greatest delight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE RICH AND THE POOR.
+
+
+"We have had such a delightful excursion, mamma. Ellen, how I do wish
+you could have been with us!" joyously exclaimed Emmeline, as she ran
+into the usual sitting room, one of those lovely afternoons, that the
+first days of March so often bring, promising spring long before she
+really comes. "It is such a picturesque cottage, and Dame Collins, and
+Susan, and a host of little ones, look so nice, and so clean, and so
+pretty, and happy; it does one's heart good to look at them."
+
+"Are you sure you can not find another adjective to apply to them, Emmy?
+You have heaped so many together, that it is a pity you can not find a
+few more."
+
+"But they really do look so comfortable, and are so grateful for all you
+and papa have done for them: Emmeline's description for once, is not too
+flowing," rejoined the quieter Caroline, who had followed her sister
+into the room.
+
+"And were they pleased with your visit?" asked Ellen.
+
+"Oh, delighted! particularly at our making their pretty little parlor
+our dining-room, and remaining so long with them, that they could show
+us all their comforts and conveniences, without any bustle."
+
+"Mrs. Collins is really a sensible woman. Do you not think so, mamma?"
+inquired Caroline.
+
+"Yes, my dear. She has brought up her own large family and her poor
+orphan grandchildren so admirably, in the midst of their extreme
+poverty, and bears such a name for kindness among her still poorer
+neighbors, that I truly respect and admire her. She is quite one of
+those in whom I have often told you some of the very loftiest virtues
+are to be found; and yet to see her, as she trudges about in her homely,
+humble fashion, never dreaming she is doing or has done any thing
+remarkable in her hard-working life, who would suspect it?"
+
+"Only look, Ellen, how beautifully our collection will be increased,"
+continued Emmeline, who just at that moment was only alive to pleasure,
+not to contemplation, even of goodness, in which she much delighted, and
+pouring into her cousin's lap a basket of beautiful shells and other
+marine treasures. "Papa has just given us a new cabinet in time, though
+he only thought of it as a place for his Feroe curiosities. To think of
+his remembering our tastes even there!"
+
+"But where did you get these from?"
+
+"Why, the children were playing with some, which were so perfect, I
+could not help admiring them, and Mrs. Collins was in a bustle of
+pleasure that I liked any thing so trifling, because she could gratify
+me, and she made me take all these, adding, that her good man would be
+sure to look out for some more for us; for when I told her they not only
+pleased me, but my poor invalid cousin, who was Edward's sister, you
+should have seen how her eyes sparkled."
+
+"Oh, you have quite won the dame's heart, Emmy!" said Miss Harcourt.
+"What with talking to her, and to Susan, and playing with every one of
+the children, and making them tell you all their plays and their
+schooling, and then gathering you a nosegay, telling them it should
+adorn your room at home!"
+
+"And so it shall," gayly interrupted Emmeline; "I desired Robert to put
+them in water directly, for they were very pretty, and I like them
+better than the best bouquet from our greenhouse."
+
+"I do not quite agree with you, Emmeline," said Caroline, smiling.
+
+"Not you, Lina, who ever thought you would? by-the-by, I never saw you
+so agreeable and natural in a poor man's cottage in my life. What were
+you saying to Dame Collins? actually holding her hand, and something
+very bright shining in your eye."
+
+"Dear Emmy, do not run on so," whispered Ellen, as she noticed
+Caroline's cheek crimson. Emmeline was at her side in a moment, with an
+arm round her neck.
+
+"Caroline, dear, forgive me. I did not mean to tease you; only it was
+unusual, was it not?"
+
+"I was trying to tell Mrs. Collins all I thought of her husband's share
+in saving our dear father, Emmy. I forgot all of folly and pride then."
+
+"You are very seldom proud now, dearest Lina, and I was the foolish one
+not to have guessed what you were saying, with out tormenting you.
+Mamma, do you know I have such an admirable plan in my head?"
+
+"First tell mamma," interrupted Caroline, "that William Grey has chosen
+to be a partner with Collins in the more extended fishing and boating
+business, which papa has secured them, instead of entering into business
+by himself; this has been settled since you were there, I think."
+
+"Yes, my dear, I did not know it; but Mrs. Collins must like it, for she
+regretted very much that her sons were all scattered in different
+trades, and her little grandson, whose taste pointed to the sea, was not
+old enough to go out with his grandfather."
+
+"But only listen to my plan, mamma, dear! William Grey and Susan Collins
+can not possibly see much of each other, without falling in love; and
+they will make such an industrious, pretty couple, and papa will give
+them a cottage to themselves, and I will go to their wedding!"
+
+"Just such a plan as I should expect from your giddy brain, Emmy. But
+how do you know that Grey has any desire for a wife?"
+
+"Oh, because Edward said he could not help remarking, even in the midst
+of that awful scene, how mournfully he said he would bear a hand, for he
+had neither mother, sister, nor wife to pipe for him; now, if he married
+Susan, he would have a very pretty wife to lament him."
+
+"Poor Susan, I fancy she would rather not become his wife, if it be only
+to mourn for him, Emmy; rather a novel reason for a marriage,
+certainly."
+
+"Oh, but mamma, dear! you know that I don't mean exactly and only that;
+somebody to be interested for, and love him. No one can be happy without
+that."
+
+"Susan was telling me, mamma, how thankful she is to you, for finding
+her and her sister employment, that they might be able to help the
+family," rejoined Caroline. "I was quite pleased with her manner of
+speaking, and she blushed so prettily when Miss Harcourt praised the
+extreme neatness of her work."
+
+"Ah, mamma, if you could but hear all they say of you!" again burst
+forth Emmeline, who it seemed could not be quiet, going from one subject
+to another with the same eager zest; "if you had but heard the old dame
+tell her astonishment and her pride, when she saw you enter their
+former miserable hut, and sitting down on an old sea-chest, invite her
+to tell, and listened to all her troubles, just as if you had been her
+equal, and left such comfort and such hope behind you, as had not been
+theirs for many a long day. She actually cried when she spoke, and so
+did I, because she spoke so of _my_ mother. Oh, mother, darling, how
+proud your children ought to be, to belong to one so beloved, so revered
+by the poor and the rich too, as you are!"
+
+"Flatterer!" playfully answered Mrs. Hamilton, laying her hand
+caressingly on her child's mouth, as she knelt in sport before her. "I
+will not bear such praise, even from you. Believe me, darling, to win
+love and respect is so easy, so delightful, that there is no merit in
+obtaining it. We ought only to be thankful, when granted such a station
+and such influence as will permit extended usefulness and thought for
+others, without wronging our own."
+
+"Yes; but, mamma, many people do a great deal of good, but somehow or
+other they are not beloved."
+
+"Because, perhaps, in their earnest desire to accomplish a great deal of
+good, they may not think quite enough of _little_ things, and of the
+quick sympathy with other persons' feelings, which is the real secret of
+winning love, and without which, sometimes even the greatest benefit is
+not valued as it ought to be. But did you see old Collins himself?"
+
+"He came in just before we left, and was so delighted to see papa
+sitting in his ingle-nook, and only wished Edward had been there too."
+
+"And where is your father?" asked Mrs. Hamilton. "Did he not return with
+you?"
+
+"Yes, but Edward wanted him, and they are in the library. I am quite
+certain there is some conspiracy between them; these long private
+interviews bode no good. I shall scold papa for being so mysterious,"
+said Emmeline.
+
+"I rather think he will return the benefit, by scolding you for being so
+curious, Emmy. But here is Edward, so the interview to-day has not been
+very long."
+
+"Has papa been telling you old Collins' naval news, Ned?" And, without
+waiting for an answer, she continued, "that there is a fine
+seventy-four, the Sea Queen, preparing at Plymouth, to take the place of
+your old ship, and send back Sir Edward Manly and the Prince William.
+Now do not tell me you know this, Edward, and so disappoint me of the
+rare pleasure of telling news."
+
+"I am sorry, Emmy, but I have known it for some weeks."
+
+"And why did you not tell us?"
+
+"Because I did not think it would particularly interest you until I
+could add other intelligence to it." He stopped, and looked alternately
+at Mrs. Hamilton and Ellen, as if asking the former whether he might
+proceed.
+
+"And can you do so now, my dear Edward?" she replied understanding him
+at once. "Ellen is too anxious for your advancement to expect, or wish
+you always to remain with her. Have you your appointment?"
+
+"Yes aunt. My uncle's letter to the admiralty brought an answer at last.
+It came while he was out, and has been tantalizing me on the
+library-table for four hours. But it is all right. As the Prince William
+is returning, and I am so anxious to be still in active service, I am
+permitted, though somewhat against rule, to have a berth in the Sea
+Queen. I am sure it is all uncle Hamilton's representations, and I am so
+thankful, so glad!"
+
+"To leave us all, again, you unfeeling savage!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+trying to laugh off the universal regret at this announcement. Ellen had
+looked earnestly at her brother all the time he spoke, and then turned
+her face away, and a few quiet tears trickled down her cheek. Edward's
+arm was very quickly round her, and he whispered so many fond words and
+earnest assurances, united with his conviction that it would still be a
+whole month, perhaps more, before he should be summoned, as he had leave
+to remain with his family till the Sea Queen was ready to sail, that she
+rallied her spirits, and, after remaining very quiet for an hour, which
+was always her custom when she had had any struggle with herself, for
+the frame felt it--though neither word nor sign betrayed it--she was
+enabled fully to enjoy the grand delight of the evening--Percy's and
+Herbert's arrival.
+
+Easter week was indeed one of family joy and thankfulness not only that
+they were all permitted once more to be together but that the heavy
+clouds of sin and suffering had rolled away from their roof, and
+pleasure of the sweetest and most enduring because most domestic kind,
+reigned triumphant. Percy's astonishment at Edward's growth, and the
+alteration from the handsome, joyous, rosy boy, to the pale, almost
+care-worn looking youth (for as long as Ellen bore such vivid traces of
+all she had endured for his sake, and was, as it were, the constant
+presence of his errors, Edward tried in vain to recover his former
+spirits), was most amusing.
+
+"You are all deceived," he would declare; "one of these days you will
+discover you have been receiving a spurious Edward Fortescue, and that
+he is as much a pretender as his namesake, Charles Edward."
+
+"Then he is no pretender, Percy. He is as truly the son of Colonel
+Fortescue, as _Prince_ Charles was the grandson of James. Now don't
+begin a civil contest directly you come home; you know you and I never
+do agree on historical subjects, and we never shall; you hate Mary the
+great, great, great grandmother of Prince Charles, and I love her, so we
+must be always at war."
+
+"Stuart-mad, as usual, Tiny! but if that really be Edward, I wish he
+would just look a boy again, I don't like the change at all; poor
+fellow!" he added, to himself, "it is not much wonder."
+
+The days passed much too quickly. Emmeline wished a dozen times that the
+days would be twenty-four, instead of twelve hours long. The weather was
+so genial that it added to enjoyment, and allowed Ellen the delight,
+known only to such prisoners to sickness as she had been, of driving out
+for an hour or two at a time, and taking gentle walks on the terrace,
+and in the garden. The young men were to return on the Monday, and of
+the Saturday previous, a little excursion had been planned, to which the
+only drawback was that Ellen was not quite strong enough to accompany
+them: it was to visit Alice Seaton, whom we mentioned in a former
+chapter. Mr. Hamilton had succeeded in finding her brother a lucrative
+employment with a lawyer in one of the neighboring towns, a few miles
+from where she and her aunt now lived, enabling young Seaton to spend
+every Sabbath with them; and Alice now kept a girls' school on her own
+account, and conducted herself so well as never to want scholars. It had
+been a long promise to go and see her, the drive from Oakwood being also
+most beautiful; and as she and her brother were both at home and at
+leisure the last day in Easter, it had been fixed upon for the visit.
+Percy was reveling in the idea of driving his mother and Miss Harcourt
+in a new barouche, and the rest of the party were to go on horse back.
+But a dispute had arisen who should stay with Ellen and Edward insisted
+upon it, it was his right; and, so they thought it was agreed.
+
+"I wish, dear Percy you would prevail on Edward to accompany you,"
+pleaded Ellen, fancying herself alone with him, not seeing Herbert, who
+was reading at a distant table.
+
+"I wish, dear Ellen, you were going with us," he answered, mimicking her
+tone.
+
+"But as I can not, make him go. It always makes him more unhappy when I
+am prevented any pleasure, than it does myself; and I can not bear to
+keep him by me four or five hours, when this lovely day, and the
+exercise of riding, and, above all, your company, Percy, would make him,
+at least for the time, almost his own merry self, again."
+
+"Thanks for the implied compliment, cousin mine," replied Percy, with a
+low bow.
+
+"Reward me for it, and make him go."
+
+"How can I be so ungallant, as to make him leave you alone?"
+
+"Oh, I do not mind it, I assure you! I am well enough to amuse myself
+now; I can not bear you all giving up so many pleasures as you have done
+for me; I am so afraid of getting selfish."
+
+"You selfish, Ellen? I wish you were a little more so; you are the most
+patient, devoted little creature that ever took woman's form. You have
+made me reproach myself enough, I can tell you, and I owe you a grudge
+for doing so."
+
+"Dear Percy, what can you mean? If you knew how hard I find it to be
+patient, sometimes, you would not praise me."
+
+"I mean that the last time I was at home, I was blind and cruel, and
+added to your sufferings by my uncalled-for harshness, and never had an
+opportunity till this moment, to say how grieved I was--when the truth
+was known."
+
+"Pray do not say any thing about it, dear Percy," entreated his cousin,
+the tears starting to her eyes, as he kissed her warmly; "it was only
+just and natural that you should have felt indignant with me, for
+causing aunt Emmeline so much misery, and alloying all the enjoyment of
+your holidays. I am sure you need not reproach yourself; but will you
+make Edward go?"
+
+"If it really will oblige you, Ellen; but I do not half like it." And he
+was going very reluctantly, when he met Herbert.
+
+"You need not go, Percy," he said, smiling; "my ungracious cousin would
+not depute me as her messenger, but I made myself such, and so
+successfully that Edward will go, Ellen."
+
+"Dear Herbert, how can I thank you enough! he will be so much happier
+with you all."
+
+"Not with me," said Herbert, archly, "for I remain in his place."
+
+"You!" repeated Ellen, surprised; "indeed, dear Herbert, it must not be.
+I shall do very well alone."
+
+"Ungracious still, Ellen! what if I have been looking all the morning
+for some excuse to stay at home, without owning to my mother the
+truth--that I do not feel to-day quite equal to riding? If your looks
+were as ungracious as your words, I would run away from you into my own
+room; but as they are rather more gratifying to my self-love, we will
+send them all away, and enjoy our own quiet pleasures and your little
+drive together, Nell."
+
+Whatever Ellen might have said to convince him she could be happy alone,
+the beaming look of pleasure on her countenance, satisfied all parties
+as to the excellence of this arrangement; and happy, indeed, the day
+was. Herbert seemed to understand her unexpressed feelings so fully; and
+that always makes the charm of conversation, whatever its subject. We do
+not require the _expression in words_ of sympathy--it is an
+indescribable something that betrays its existence. Favorite
+authors--and Herbert was almost surprised at Ellen's dawning taste and
+judgment in literature--the delights of nature after a long confinement,
+as if every flower were more sweet, every bit of landscape, or wood, or
+water more beautiful, and the many holy thoughts and pure joys springing
+from such feelings, were all discussed, either cosily in their
+sitting-room, or in their ramble in the garden; and after Ellen's early
+dinner, which Herbert shared with her as lunch, she proposed, what she
+knew he would like, that her drive should be to Greville Manor, and they
+might spend a full hour with their friends, and yet be back in time.
+Herbert assented gladly; and the warm welcome they received, Mrs.
+Greville's kind care of Ellen, and Mary's eager chat with her and
+Herbert, and the number of things they seemed to find to talk about,
+made the hour literally fly; but Herbert, enjoyable as it was, did not
+forget his charge, and drove her back to Oakwood while the sun still
+shone bright and warmly: and when the party returned, which they did
+only just in time to dress for dinner, and in the wildest spirits, the
+balance of pleasure at home and abroad, would certainly have been found
+quite equal.
+
+Ellen still continued quietly to lie down in her own room while the
+family were at dinner, for she was then sufficiently refreshed to join
+them for a few hours in the evening. Percy and Emmeline, at dinner that
+day, kept up such a fire of wit and mirth, that it was somewhat
+difficult for any one else to edge in a word, though Edward and Caroline
+did sometimes contrive to bring a whole battery against themselves. Just
+as the dessert was placed on the table, however, sounds of rural music
+in the distance, advancing nearer and nearer, caused Percy to pause in
+his wild sallies, and spring with Edward to the window, and their
+exclamations soon compelled all the party to follow their example, and
+send for Ellen to see the unexpected sight too. Banners and pennons
+floated in the sunshine, and the greater part of the nautical
+inhabitants of Dartmouth were marshaled in goodly array beside them,
+headed by Captain Harvey and his crew, with old Collins in the midst of
+them; they were all attired in the new clothing which Mr. Hamilton had
+presented to them; and a fine picture Percy declared old Collins's head
+would make, with his weather-beaten, honest-speaking face, the very
+peculiar curls in which his really yellow hair was twisted, and the quid
+of tobacco, from which, even on this grand occasion, he could not
+relieve his mouth and cheek. A band of young men and girls surrounded
+the first banner, which, adorned with large bunches of primroses and
+violets up the staff, bore the words, "Hamilton and benevolence;" and
+among them Emmeline speedily recognized William Grey and Susan Collins,
+walking side by side, she looking down and smiling, and he so earnestly
+talking, that she whispered to her mother with the greatest glee, that
+her plan would take place after all. Then came a band of sturdy
+fishermen, chums and messmates of Collins, and then a band of boys and
+girls, from all Mr. Hamilton's own village schools, decked in their
+holiday attire, and holding in their hands tasteful garlands of all the
+spring flowers they could muster, and bearing two large banners, one
+with the words, "Fortescue forever! All hail to British sailors!" and
+the other a representation of the scene on the beach that eventful
+night, and the sinking vessel in the distance. The workmanship was rude
+indeed, but the effect so strikingly descriptive, that Mrs. Hamilton
+actually shuddered as she gazed, and grasped, almost unconsciously, the
+arm of her nephew as he stood by her, as if the magnitude of the danger,
+both to him and her husband, had never seemed so vivid before.
+
+The windows of the dining-room had been thrown widely open, and as the
+rustic procession came in sight of those to whom their whole hearts
+tendered homage, they halted; the music ceased, and cheer on cheer
+resounded, till the very echoes of the old park were startled out of
+their sleep, and sent the shout back again. Percy was among them in a
+moment, singling out old Collins, whom he had tried repeatedly to see
+since his visit home, but never found him, and grasped and shook both
+his hands with the full vehemence of his character, pouring out the
+first words that chose to come, which better expressed his grateful
+feelings to the old man than the most studied speech. William Grey had
+already received substantial proofs of his gratitude, and so he had then
+only a kind nod, and a joke and look at the pretty, blushing Susan,
+which said a vast deal to both, and seemed as if he quite seconded
+Emmeline's plan. Mingling joyously with all, he had bluff words, after
+their own hearts, for the men, smiles for the maidens, and such wild
+jokes for the children, as lost them all decorum, and made them shout
+aloud in their glee. Herbert seconded him quite as well as his quieter
+nature would allow. Edward had hung back, even when his name was called
+out lustily, as if he could not bear such homage.
+
+"Join them, my boy; their humble pleasure will not be half complete
+without you," whispered Mrs. Hamilton, earnestly, for she guessed his
+thoughts. "Remember only at this moment the large amount of happiness
+you have been permitted to call forth. Do not underrate a deed which all
+must admire, because of some sad thoughts; rather resolve--as you can
+and have resolved--that the alloy shall be burned away, and the true
+metal alone remain, for my sake, to whom you have given such happiness,
+dear Edward."
+
+The cloud dispersed from brow and heart in a moment; and he was in the
+midst of them, glad and buoyant almost as Percy; while the cheer which
+greeted him was almost overpowering to his sister, so much humble, yet
+earnest feeling did it speak.
+
+"You really should have given us timely notice of your intentions, my
+good friend," said Mr. Hamilton, warmly grasping Captain Harvey's hand.
+"At least we might have provided some substantial refreshment after
+your long march, as I fear we have but slender fare to offer you, though
+Ellis and Morris are busy already, I am happy to see."
+
+And urged on by their own delight at this homage both to their master
+and his young preserver, who had become a complete idol among them, a
+long table was speedily laid in the servants' hall, covered with a
+variety of cold meats, and bread and cheese in abundance, and horns of
+cider sparkling brightly beside each trencher. Fruit and cakes eagerly
+sought for by Emmeline, were by her distributed largely to the children,
+who remained variously grouped on the lawn, their glee at the treat
+heightened by the sweet and gentle manner of its bestowal.
+
+Captain Harvey and his mate, Mr. Hamilton entertained himself,
+introducing them to his family, and especially Ellen, who, as the sister
+of Edward, found herself regarded with an interest that surprised her.
+Percy brought in old Collins and Grey, both of whom had expressed such a
+wish to see any one so nearly belonging to the brave young sailor; and
+her manner of receiving and returning their greeting, thanking them for
+the help they had so efficiently given her brother, made them still
+prouder and happier than before. After an hour and a half of thorough
+enjoyment--for their humble homage to worth and goodness had been
+received in the same spirit as it had been tendered--the procession
+marshaled itself in the same order as it had come; and rude as the music
+was, it sounded, as Emmeline declared, really beautiful, becoming
+fainter and fainter in the distance, and quite picturesque the effect of
+the banners and pennons, as they gleamed in and out the woody windings
+of the park, both music and procession softened in the mild, lovely
+twilight of the season.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A HOME SCENE, AND A PARTING.
+
+
+"Caroline! Emmeline! come to the music-room, for pity's sake, and give
+me some delicious harmony," exclaimed Percy, as soon as lights came, and
+the excitement of the last two hours had a little subsided. "Sit
+quiet--unless I have some amusement for my ears--I neither can nor
+will. I will have some music to lull my tired senses, and a waltz to
+excite my wearied frame."
+
+"And rest your limbs," said Edward, dryly.
+
+"Don't you know, master sailor, that when fatigued with one kind of
+exercise, the best rest is to take another? Now I have been standing up,
+playing the agreeable, for two mortal hours, and I mean to have a waltz
+to bring back the stagnant circulation, and to be pleased for the
+fatigue of pleasing. Caroline and Emmeline, away with you both. Ellen,
+love, I will only ask you to come with us, and be pleased, too. Be off,
+Edward, no one shall be my cousin's cavalier but myself; Herbert has had
+her all day. Take my mother, if you like. Father, escort Miss Harcourt.
+That's all right, as it always is, when I have my own way!"
+
+His own way, this time, gave universal satisfaction. The talents of his
+sisters has been so cultivated, as a means of enhancing home-happiness,
+and increasing their own resources, that their musical evenings were
+always perfect enjoyment. Caroline, indeed, improved as she was, still
+retained her love of admiration sufficiently, to find still greater
+enjoyment in playing and singing when there were more to listen to her,
+than merely her own family, but the feeling, in the security and pure
+atmosphere of Oakwood, was kept under control, and she could find real
+pleasure in gratifying her brothers, though not quite to the same extent
+as Emmeline.
+
+Percy after comfortably settling Ellen, threw himself on the most
+luxurious chair that he could find, stretched out his legs, placed his
+head in what he called the best position for listening and enjoying, and
+then called for duets on the harp and piano, single pieces on both, and
+song after song with the most merciless rapidity.
+
+"Your sisters shall neither play nor sing to you any more," his mother,
+at length, laughingly said, "unless you rouse yourself from this
+disgracefully idle fit, and take your flute, and join them."
+
+"Mother, you are lost to every sensation of mercy! after all my
+exertions, where am I to find breath?"
+
+"You have had plenty of time to rest, you lazy fellow; letting your
+sisters fatigue themselves without remorse, and refusing your share,"
+expostulated Edward. "Caroline, Emmeline take my advice, and strike!
+don't play another note."
+
+"You young rebel! teaching my sisters to revolt against the authority of
+such an important person as myself. However, I will be condescending for
+once; Tiny, there's a love, fetch me my flute."
+
+It was so very close to him as he approached the piano, that his sister
+comically took his hand, and placed it on it, and two or three very
+pretty trios were performed, Percy declared with professional _éclat_.
+
+"Now don't go, Percy we want your voice in a song. Emmy, sing that
+pretty one to your harp, that we wish papa so much to hear; Percy and I
+will join when wanted."
+
+"Caroline, I have not the genius to sing at sight."
+
+"Oh, you have often! and the words will inspire you. Come, Herbert, we
+want you, too; Edward's singing voice, has deserted him, or I should
+enlist him also. Emmeline, what are you waiting for?"
+
+"I can not sing it, dear Caroline; do not ask me," answered Emmeline,
+with a confusion and timidity, which, at home, were perfectly
+incomprehensible.
+
+"Why, my little Emmy, I am quite curious to hear this new song; do not
+disappoint me!" said her father encouragingly.
+
+"But after Caroline I can not sing worth hearing," still pleaded
+Emmeline.
+
+"My dear child, I never heard you make such a foolish excuse before;
+your mother and myself never find any difference in the pleasure that
+listening to your music bestows, however one performer may be more
+naturally gifted than the other."
+
+"I declare I must sing it if it be only for the mystery of Tiny's
+refusing," said Percy, laughing. "Come, Bertie--a MS. too--what a trial
+for one's nerves!"
+
+The words, however, seemed sufficiently satisfactory for them readily to
+join in it. Emmeline still hesitated, almost painfully; but then
+gathering courage, she sat down to her harp, and, without any notes
+before her, played a few bars of one of those sweet, thrilling Irish
+melodies so suited to her instrument, and then commenced her song, the
+sweetness of her voice, and clearness of articulation atoning well for
+her deficiency in the power and brilliancy which characterized her
+sister. The words were exceedingly simple, but sung with deep feeling,
+and heart-appealing as they were, from the subject, we hope our readers
+will judge them as leniently as Emmeline's hearers.
+
+
+                EMMELINE'S SONG.
+
+    "Joy! joy! No more shall sorrow cloud
+      The home by Love enshrined:
+    The hearts, in Care's cold fetters bow'd,
+      Now loveliest flowers have twined;
+    And dove-eyed Peace, with brooding wing,
+      Hath made her dwelling here;
+    And Hope and Love sweet incense fling,
+      To welcome and endear.
+
+    "He has return'd!--and starless night
+      No longer o'er us lowers.
+    Joy! joy! The future is all bright
+      With rosy-blossom'd hours.
+    What gladness with our Father fled!
+      What gladness He'll restore!
+    He has return'd, through perils dread,
+      To bless his own once more!
+
+    "Joy' joy! Oh! let our voices raise
+      Their glad and grateful lay,
+    And pour forth thanksgiving and praise
+      That grief hath passed away!
+    That he was snatched from storm and wave,
+      To dry pale Sorrow's tear;
+    Restored! his home from woe to save--
+      Oh! welcome, Father dear!"
+
+Emmeline's voice had at first trembled audibly, but seeming to derive
+courage from her sister and brother's accompaniment, which, from their
+knowledge of music, was so beautifully modulated as to permit her sweet
+voice to be heard above all, and every word clearly distinguished, it
+became firmer and more earnest as she continued, till she forgot every
+thing but the subject of her song. For full a minute there was silence
+as she ceased, but with an irresistible impulse Mr. Hamilton rose from
+his seat, and, as Emmeline left her harp, he clasped her in his arms.
+
+"How can I thank you, my Emmeline, and all my children, for this fond
+greeting?" he exclaimed, with more emotion than he generally permitted
+to be visible. "Where could you find such appropriate words? What!
+tears, my little girl," he added, as, completely overcome by the
+excitement of her song and her father's praise, Emmeline most
+unexpectedly burst into tears. "What business have they to come when you
+have given your parents nothing but pleasure? Drive them away, love;
+what! still no smile? We must appeal to mamma's influence, then, to
+explain and soothe them."
+
+"Where did you get them, Tiny? explain, for I am positively faint from
+curiosity," comically demanded Percy, as Emmeline, breaking from her
+father, sat down on her favorite stool at her mother's feet, and hid her
+face in her lap. Mrs. Hamilton laid her hand caressingly on those soft
+curls, but, though she smiled, she did not speak.
+
+"She will not tell, and you will none of you guess," said Caroline,
+laughing.
+
+"You are in the secret, so out with it," said Edward.
+
+"Not I; I am pledged to silence."
+
+"Mother, dear, tell us for pity," pleaded Herbert.
+
+"I can only guess, for I am not in her confidence, I assure you," she
+replied, in the same playful tone, and raising Emmeline's lowered head,
+she looked a moment in those conscious eyes. "Dictated by my Emmeline's
+affectionate little heart, they were found in this pretty shape, in the
+recesses of her own fanciful brain--is not that it, dearest?"
+
+"There, Emmy, I knew mamma would find it out, however we might be
+silent," said Caroline, triumphantly, as her sister's face was again
+concealed.
+
+"Emmeline turned poet! Angels and ministers of grace defend me! I must
+hide my diminished head!" spouted Percy. "I thought at least I might
+retain my crown as the poet of the family, and to be rivaled by you--a
+light-footed fawn--wild gazelle--airy sprite--my especial Tiny! it is
+unbearable!"
+
+"But we must all thank you, notwithstanding, Emmy," continued Herbert.
+
+"Ah, but I have very little to do with it; the arrangement of the words
+to the air, and the accompaniment, are Caroline's; I could not have done
+that," said Emmeline; her tears changed to her most joyous smiles.
+
+Percy and his father turned directly to Caroline, the former with a Sir
+Charles Grandison's bow, the other with a most affectionate kiss; and
+her mother looked at her with such an expression of gratified pleasure,
+that she could not help acknowledging to herself, such pure enjoyment
+was not to be found in the praise and admiration of strangers.
+
+"Now, Emmeline, you have still a mystery to explain," said Edward. "Why
+did you not own your offspring, instead of, by silence, almost denying
+them?"
+
+"And here I really can not help you," answered Mrs. Hamilton; "I can not
+imagine why my Emmy should conceal a fact that could only give pleasure
+to us all."
+
+"I think I know," said Ellen, timidly; "Emmeline was thinking of all you
+said about controlling an impulse, and not always encouraging that which
+she termed inspiration, and perhaps she thought you did not quite
+approve of her writing, and so wished to conceal it."
+
+"How could you guess so exactly, Ellen?" hastily answered Emmeline,
+forgetting, in her surprise at her cousin's penetration, that she
+betrayed herself.
+
+"Because I should have felt the same," said Ellen, simply.
+
+"Then I must have explained myself very badly, my dear children, or you
+must have both misunderstood me. I did not mean you to neglect such on
+enjoyment as poetry, but only to keep it in its proper sphere, and not
+allow it to take the place of resources, equally intellectual, but which
+have and may still cost you more patience and labor. Poetry is a
+dangerous gift, my dear child; but as long as you bring it to the common
+treasury of Home, and regard it merely as a recreation, only to be
+enjoyed when less attractive duties and studies are completed, you have
+my full permission to cultivate--and try, by the study of our best
+authors, and whatever other help I can obtain for you, to improve
+yourself in it. No talent that is lent us should be thrown aside, my
+Emmeline; our only care must be, not--by loving and pursuing it too
+intensely--to _abuse_ it; but I must not lecture you any longer, or
+Percy's patience will fail; I see he has placed Miss Harcourt already at
+the piano, and Edward and Caroline are ready for their waltz."
+
+"And so I transform one Muse into another," exclaimed Percy, who, in his
+sister's absorbed attention, had neared her unobserved, and catching her
+round the waist, bore her to the upper end of the room, and a minute
+afterward she was enjoying her waltz, with as much childish glee, as if
+neither poetry nor reflection could have any thing to do with her.
+
+"Why is poetry a dangerous gift, dear aunt?" inquired Ellen, who had
+listened earnestly to all Mrs. Hamilton had said.
+
+"Because, my love, it is very apt to excite and encourage an over-excess
+of feeling; gives a habit of seeing things other than they really are,
+and engenders a species of romantic enthusiasm, most dangerous to the
+young, especially of our sex, whose feelings generally require control
+and repression, even when not joined to poetry. To a well-regulated mind
+and temper, the danger is not of the same serious kind as to the
+irregulated, but merely consists in the powerful temptation it too often
+presents to neglect duties and employments of more consequence, for its
+indulgence. There is a species of fascination in the composition of even
+the most inferior poetry, which urges its pursuit, as giving so little
+trouble, compared to the perseverance necessary for music and drawing,
+and such a vast amount of pleasure, that it is difficult to withdraw
+from it. This is still more strongly the case when the young first
+become conscious of the gift, as Emmeline is now. As she gets older, and
+her taste improves, she will not be satisfied with her efforts, unless
+they are very superior to the present, and the trouble she will take in
+correcting and improving, will remove a great deal of the too dangerous
+fascination attending it now; still I am not anxious, while she retains
+her confidence in my affection and experience, and will so control the
+enjoyment, as not to permit its interference with her other more serious
+employments."
+
+Ellen listened eagerly, and they continued conversing on many similar
+topics of interest and improvement, till the prayer bell rang, and
+startled her into the recollection that she had always retired nearly an
+hour before, and so had avoided entering the library, which she still
+quite shrunk from. Percy stopped his dance, which he had converted from
+a waltz into a most inspiring gallopade, the last importation, he
+declared, from Almack's; Miss Harcourt closed the piano; and Herbert
+paused in his conversation with his father. Nothing like gloom ever
+marked the signal for the hour of devotion, but lighter pleasures always
+ceased a few minutes before, that they might better realize the more
+serious thought and service.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had never ceased to regret the disgrace she had inflicted
+on Ellen, in not permitting her to retain her own place with the family,
+at least in the hours of devotion, for it seemed more difficult to
+remove that impression than any of her other trials. Returning her
+niece's startled look with one of the sincerest affection, she said--
+
+"You will remain with us to-night, my dear Ellen, will you not?"
+
+"If you wish it, aunt."
+
+"I do wish it, dearest, most earnestly. It is so long since I have had
+the happiness of seeing all my children round me in this solemn hour,
+and till you join us, I can not feel quite sure that you have indeed
+forgiven an act of severity, which, could I but have suspected the
+truth, I should never have inflicted."
+
+"Forgiven!--you!" repeated Ellen, in utter astonishment, but rising
+instantly. "Aunt Emmeline, dear aunt Emmeline, pray, do not speak so;
+why did you not tell me your wish before? I would have conquered my own
+disinclination to enter the library, weeks ago; indeed, indeed, it only
+seemed associated with my own guilt and misery."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton drew her arm fondly in hers, refusing for her the aid of
+either of the young men, who had all hastened toward her, and led her
+herself to the library, and to her usual place beside Emmeline. Many an
+eager but respectful look of affectionate admiration was directed toward
+her by the assembled household, the greater part of whom had not seen
+her since the night of Edward's confession; and the alteration in her
+appearance, the universal sympathy which her dangerous illness and its
+cause had called forth, even in the humblest and most ignorant--for it
+is the _heart_, not the _mind_, which is required for the comprehension
+of self-devotion--her very youth seeming to increase its magnitude, had
+inspired such a feeling of love, that could she have known it, would
+have prevented that painful sensation of shyness.
+
+Many, many thoughts thronged her mind, as her uncle's impressive voice
+fell on her ear; thoughts which, though they prevented her following the
+words of the prayers, and caused the tears, spite of every effort, to
+stream through her slender fingers, yet turned into thankfulness and
+praise, ere the service ceased, that, fiery as the ordeal had been, she
+could still recognize a hand of love, and bless God, not only for the
+detection of her involuntary sin, but for every pang she had endured.
+
+The next day was Sunday, bringing with it all sorts of quiet, sober
+pleasures of its own, only alloyed by the thought that it was the last
+day of Percy's and Herbert's visit. The following morning they started
+for Oxford, Mr. Hamilton and Edward intending to accompany them part of
+the way, and then to proceed to Ashburton, where the former had
+business, and then make a little tour through Plymouth home. The next
+day was so beautifully fine and genial, that Emmeline declared it would
+do Ellen the greatest possible good to go with her a few miles out of
+the park, to see a waterfall she had lately discovered, and which she
+had been longing for Ellen to see, as Caroline would not admire it as
+much as it deserved. Miss Harcourt accompanied them, and on their
+return, its beauties were described to Mrs. Hamilton in the most
+animating strain; Emmeline declaring the air was more deliciously fresh,
+the trees more green, the sky more brilliantly blue, than they had ever
+been before; and that the very sound of the water, as it dashed down a
+black rock, and threw up spray, which the rays of the sun rendered so
+beautifully iridescent, as to seem like a succession of rainbows, was a
+whole volume of poetry in itself.
+
+"And what extraordinary vision do you think that silly cousin of mine
+chose to fancy she saw coming down the Ashburton road, mamma? Actually
+the apparitions of papa and Edward. She will persist in the fancy. Miss
+Harcourt and I could only see two men on horseback, at too great a
+distance for any identity to be recognized--but it must be their
+wraiths, if it be, for they had no idea of coming home to-day."
+
+"I am sure I was not mistaken, Emmeline," said Ellen (whom her aunt now
+observed looked agitated and flushed); "and they were riding so fast,
+something very pressing must have recalled them."
+
+"And you are frightening yourself at shadows, my dear! but indeed I
+think you must be mistaken, for your uncle told me, he should be
+particularly engaged to-day," said Mrs. Hamilton.
+
+"She is not mistaken, though," exclaimed Caroline, who was standing at
+one of the windows; "for here they both are, true enough, and riding
+quite fast down the avenue. However, the mystery will soon be solved."
+
+Mr. Hamilton and Edward entered almost immediately afterward, the latter
+evidently very much agitated, the former so tranquil and cheerful that
+the momentary anxiety of his wife was calmed directly. He laughed at
+their bewilderment, and said that an important letter had reached him at
+Ashburton, summoning him to Plymouth, and so he thought he would just
+see how all was going on at Oakwood first. This was not at all a
+satisfactory reason from Mr. Hamilton. Edward evidently tried to answer
+Ellen's inquiries quietly, but he could not, and exclaiming, "You tell
+her, my dear uncle! I can not," ran out of the room. Mr. Hamilton
+instantly changed his jesting manner, so far as quietly and
+affectionately to seat his niece beside him, and tell her, cautiously
+and kindly, the real cause of their unexpected return. Orders had been
+sent to the Sea Queen, to sail much sooner than was expected, and
+therefore he had deferred his business, and returned with Edward
+directly.
+
+"It is a trial, my dear Ellen, a very hard one just now, under all
+circumstances; but I am sure you will bear it with fortitude, for
+Edward's sake. The only drawback to his happiness in being again
+permitted to follow his profession, is the thought of the trial, it will
+be to you."
+
+"But when must we part? When must he leave Oakwood?" was all poor Ellen
+could ask; but in such a tone of quiet sorrow, her uncle could not for
+the moment reply.
+
+"The Sea Queen leaves Plymouth, wind permitting, the end of the week,
+but--Edward must be on board to-morrow."
+
+A low cry escaped involuntarily from Ellen's lips, as she buried her
+face on the cushion of the couch where she was sitting, and an
+exclamation of surprise and regret broke from all. Mrs. Hamilton felt it
+almost as much as Ellen, from not only her own unspoken anxiety, as to
+whether indeed his home influence would save him from temptation in
+future, but that she could enter into every thought and feeling which in
+Ellen must so aggravate the actual parting--always a sorrow in itself.
+After a few minutes Ellen raised her head, and, though her cheek was
+perfectly colorless, every tear was checked.
+
+"Tell Edward he need not fear my weakness, dear Emmeline," she said,
+trying hard to speak quite calmly. "Only beg him to come to me, that we
+may spend the little time we have together; I will be as cheerful as
+himself." And, effort as it was, she kept her word; so controlling
+sorrow, to enter into his naturally glad anticipations, that her brother
+felt as if he could not love, nor venerate her enough.
+
+He was obliged to leave Oakwood (accompanied by his uncle) so early the
+next morning, that all his preparations had to be completed by that
+night. Ellis's activity, though she could not endure the idea of his
+going, speedily and satisfactorily settled that matter. Robert Langford,
+who had only regained his natural light-heartedness since Ellen had
+taken her usual place in the family, always declaring his carelessness
+had been the origin of all her misery, was another so active in his
+service, that Edward had only to give a hint of any thing he wanted,
+even if it could only be procured at some distance, and it was instantly
+obtained.
+
+The hours wore on, the evening devotions were concluded, but still the
+family lingered in the library: so many things there seemed to say, for
+Mr. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt would not let the conversation flag, and
+Edward would talk and laugh, as if he were only going from home for a
+few days. Midnight chimed, but still Mrs. Hamilton felt as if she could
+not give the signal for separation: but when one struck, there was a
+general start, and an unanimous declaration it could not be so late.
+
+"I assure you it is," Mrs. Hamilton cheerfully said; "and poor Edward
+will get no sleep, if we do not separate at once. He must certainly send
+you a box of artificial roses, for this unusual dissipation will bear
+all the natural ones away. Ellen, love, I must be cruel enough to resist
+that pleading look; remember, your full strength has not yet returned."
+
+She spoke kindly, but firmly, and there was a general move. Edward
+laughingly promised to send his cousins the very best box of rouge he
+could procure at Plymouth, and wished them good night as gayly as if
+they should meet as usual the next morning. Once only his voice
+faltered--"Ellen, love, good night! My own sister, God in Heaven bless
+you!" were all he said, the last sentence escaping as if involuntarily,
+as if he had merely meant to say good night; and for more than a minute
+the brother and sister were clasped in each other's arms. There were
+tears in Mrs. Hamilton's eyes, and her husband's were most unwontedly
+dim, for words were not needed to reveal to them the trial of that
+moment to those two young hearts. To Ellen's especially, for her lot was
+woman's--to _endure_ until time should prove the reality of Edward's
+resolution, and mark him indeed the noble character his disposition so
+fondly promised. His was active service, the banishment of _thought_ by
+_deed_. Breaking from her brother, and not daring to address either her
+aunt or uncle, lest her control should fail her too soon, Ellen hastened
+from the room.
+
+"Go to her, aunt Emmeline; oh, tell her I will never, never cause her to
+suffer again!" implored Edward, as soon as he could speak, and clasping
+his aunt's hand. "She has been struggling with herself the whole evening
+for my sake, and she will suffer for it to-morrow, unless she give it
+vent, and she will weep less painfully if you speak of comfort."
+
+"She will be better alone a little while, my dear boy; young as she is,
+she knows where to seek and find comfort, and her tears would flow more
+freely, conscious only of the presence and healing of her God. I shall
+not part from you now. Ellis wanted me for some directions about your
+things, and I will come to you in your room afterward."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton knew the human heart well. When she went to Ellen, the
+paroxysm of natural sorrow had had vent, and her sympathy, her earnestly
+expressed conviction that the trial of beholding error and remorse in
+one so beloved would not occur again, could bring comfort. The tears
+indeed might still have flowed the faster, perhaps, at the voice of
+kindness, but there was healing in them; and when her aunt left her to
+go to Edward, she sent him a fond message that she was better, and in a
+few days would be happy, quite happy, for his sake.
+
+It was late before Mrs. Hamilton quitted her nephew. We will not repeat
+all that passed between them, all that that fond watchful relative so
+earnestly, so appealingly said. Not much in actual words of counsel had
+she ever before addressed to him, feeling that that duty was better
+performed by Mr. Howard and his uncle. She had simply tried to influence
+him by the power of love, of forbearance, of sympathy with his remorse,
+and pity for his errors. In the wretchedness, the fearful anxiety,
+Ellen's danger and painful illness had occasioned herself individually,
+she had never spoken, or even let fall a sentence which could reproach
+him as the cause of all; and therefore, now that she did give her
+anxious affection words, they were so spoken, that her nephew never
+forgot them.
+
+"I feel now," he had said, near the conclusion of their interview, "as
+if nothing could tempt me to err again; but oh, aunt Emmeline, so I
+thought when I left home before; and its influences all left me as if
+they had never been. It may be so again and--and--are there not such
+doomed wretches, making all they love best most miserable?"
+
+"Not, indeed, if they will take their home influences with them, my
+beloved boy. They deserted you before because, by the insidious
+sentiments of a most unhappy man, your religion was shaken, and you
+flung aside with scorn and misbelief the _only safety_ for the
+young--God's most Holy Word. The influences of your home are based on
+that alone, my Edward. They appear perhaps to the casual observer as
+only love, indulgence, peace, and the joy springing from innocent and
+happy hearts; but these are mere flowers springing from one immortal
+root. In God's Word alone is our safety, there alone our strength and
+our joy; and that may be yours still, my boy, though far away from us,
+and in a little world with interests and temptations of its own. Take
+this little Bible; it has been my constant companion for eighteen years,
+and to none but to yourself would I part with it. If you fear your
+better feelings failing, read it, be guided by it, if at first only for
+the sake of those you love; I do not fear, but that very soon you will
+do so for its own sake. It bears a name within it which I think will
+ever keep it sacred in your care, as it has been in mine."
+
+Edward opened it eagerly, "Charles Manvers!" he exclaimed; "My own
+sailor-uncle, whose memory you have so taught me to love. It is indeed a
+spell, dear aunt, and you shall never regret a gift so precious. But how
+came it yours?"
+
+"He came to me just before starting for his last trip, entreating me to
+exchange Bibles with him, that in our most serious moments we might
+think of each other. It was such an unusually serious speech for him,
+that it seemed to thrill me with a vague forboding, which was only too
+soon realized. I never saw him again; and that little book indeed
+increased in value."
+
+Her voice faltered, for even yet the memory of her brother was so dear
+to her that she could never speak of him without emotion. Edward
+reiterated his eager assurance that it should be equally valuable to
+him, adding--
+
+"I have often had strange fancies about uncle Charles, aunt, and longed
+for the command of a ship, to scour the coast of Algiers, and learn
+something more about the Leander. Somehow or other, I never can believe
+he was drowned, and yet to think of him as a slave is terrible."
+
+"And not likely, my dear boy; think of the lapse of years. But painful
+as it is, we must separate, Edward: I must not detain you from rest and
+sleep any longer. Only give me one promise--if ever you are led into
+temptation and error again, and it may be--for our strongest resolutions
+sometimes fail us--write to me without the smallest hesitation, openly,
+freely; tell me all, and if you need aid, ask it, and I will give it;
+and, if it be possible, avert your uncle's displeasure. I have no fear
+that, in telling you this, I am weakening your resolution, but only to
+prevent one fault becoming many by concealment--from dread of anger, and
+therein the supposed impossibility of amendment. Remember, my beloved
+boy, you have a claim on me which no error nor fault can remove; as,
+under providence, the preserver of my husband, I can _never_ change the
+anxious love I bear you. You may indeed make me very miserable, but I
+know you will not: you _will_ let me look on your noble deed with all
+the love, the admiration, it deserves. Promise me that, under any
+difficulty or error, small or great, you will write to me as you would
+have done to your own beloved mother, and I shall have no fear
+remaining."
+
+Edward did promise, but his heart was so full he could not restrain
+himself any longer, and as Mrs. Hamilton folded him to her heart, in a
+silent but tearful embrace, he wept on her shoulder like a child.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE BIRTHDAY GIFT.
+
+
+Brightly and placidly, as the course of their own beautiful river, did
+the days now pass to the inmates of Oakwood. Letters came from Edward so
+frequently, so happily, that hope would rest calmly, joyously, even on
+the thought of him. He never let an opportunity pass, writing always to
+Mrs. Hamilton (which he had scarcely ever done before), and inclosing
+his letters to Ellen open in hers. The tone, the frequency, were so
+changed from his last, that his family now wondered they had been so
+blind before in not perceiving that his very seeming liveliness was
+unnatural and overstrained.
+
+With Ellen, too, Mrs. Hamilton's anxious care was bringing in fair
+promise of success--the mistaken influences of her childhood, and their
+increased effect from a morbid imagination, produced from constant
+suffering, appearing, indeed, about to be wholly eradicated. Anxious to
+remove all sad associations connected with the library, Mrs. Hamilton
+having determined herself to superintend Ellen's studies, passed long
+mornings in that ancient room with her, so delightfully, that it became
+associated only with the noble authors whose works, or extracts from
+whom, she read and reveled in, and which filled her mind with such new
+thoughts, such expansive ideas, such calming and earnest truths, that
+she felt becoming to herself a new being. Lively and thoughtless as
+Emmeline she could not now indeed become--alike as their dispositions
+naturally were; but she was more quietly, enduringly happy than she had
+ever remembered her self.
+
+There was only one alloy, one sad thought, that would intrude causing a
+resolution, which none suspected; for, open as she had become, she could
+breathe it to none but Ellis, for she alone could assist her, though it
+required many persuasions and many assurances, that she never could be
+quite happy, unless it was accomplished, which could prevail on her to
+grant it. Ellen knew, felt, more and more each week, that she could not
+rest till she had labored for and obtained, and returned into her aunt's
+hands the full sum she had so involuntarily appropriated. The only means
+she could adopt demanded such a seemingly interminable period of
+self-denial, patience, and perseverance, that at first as Ellis
+represented and magnified all connected with it, she felt as if, indeed,
+she could not nerve herself for the task, much as she desired to perform
+it; but prayer enabled her to face the idea, till it lost its most
+painful aspect, and three months after Edward's departure she commenced
+the undertaking, resolved that neither time nor difficulty should deter
+her from its accomplishment. What her plan was, and whether it
+succeeded, we may not here inform our readers. Should we be permitted to
+resume our History of the Hamilton Family, both will be revealed.
+
+Greatly to Caroline's delight, the following October was fixed for them
+to leave Oakwood, and, after a pleasant tour, to make the long
+anticipated visit to London. There would then be three or four months'
+quiet for her to have the benefit of masters, before she was introduced,
+and Mrs. Hamilton fondly hoped, that the last year's residence at home,
+fraught as it had been with so much of domestic trial, and displaying so
+many hopeful and admirable traits in Caroline's disposition, would have
+lessened the danger of the ordeal of admiration and gayety which she so
+dreaded for her child--whether it had or not, a future page will
+disclose.
+
+To Emmeline this arrangement was a source of extreme regret,
+individually, in which Ellen now quite sympathized. But Emmeline had
+never forgotten her mother's gentle hint, that too great indulgence of
+regret or sorrow becomes selfishness, and she tried very hard to create
+some anticipation of pleasure, even in London. Ellen would not look to
+pleasure, but merely tried to think about--and so, when called upon,
+cheerfully to resign that which was now so intensely enjoyable--her
+studies with her aunt--and so benefit by them as to give Miss Harcourt
+no trouble when she was again under her care; as she knew she and
+Emmeline must be, more than they had been yet, when Caroline's
+introduction, and their residence in London, would take Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton so much from domestic pursuits and pleasures, and, even when at
+home, compel them to be so frequently engrossed with a large circle of
+friends, and all the variety of claims on their attention and time,
+which a season in London includes.
+
+It was again the 7th of June, and Ellen's birthday. Accustomed from the
+time she became an inmate of Oakwood to regard the anniversary of her
+birth in the same serious light as Mrs. Hamilton had taught her
+cousins--as a day of quiet reflection, as well as of thankfulness and
+joy, as one that, closing and recommencing another year of their
+individual lives, taught them that they were becoming more and more
+responsible beings--it was not much wonder that Ellen, the whole of that
+day, should seem somewhat less cheerful than usual. She had indeed had
+many sources of thankfulness and joy during the past year, but a heart
+and mind like hers could not recall its principal event without a return
+of sorrow. Mrs. Hamilton would not notice her now unusual sadness until
+the evening, when perceiving her standing engrossed in thought beside
+one of the widely-opened windows, near which Caroline was watering some
+lovely flowers on the terrace, she gently approached her, and, putting
+her arm round her, said, fondly--
+
+"You have thought quite seriously and quite long enough for to-day, my
+dear Ellen; I must not have any more such very silent meditations. That
+there is something to regret in the retrospect of the last year, I
+acknowledge, but you must not let it poison all the sources of
+thankfulness which it brings likewise."
+
+"It was not of my past conduct, I was thinking at this moment, aunt
+Emmeline--it was--"
+
+"What, love? tell me without reserve."
+
+"That I never, never can return in the smallest degree all I owe to
+you," replied Ellen, with a sudden burst of emotion, most unusual to her
+controlled and gentle character; "I never can do any thing to evince how
+gratefully, how intensely I feel all the kindness, the goodness you have
+shown me from the first moment you took me to your home--an unhappy,
+neglected, ailing child, and this year more, more than ever. My own poor
+mother left me in my dangerous illness, and what have you not done to
+give me back not merely physical, but mental health? Day and night you
+watched beside me, forgetting all the care, the misery, my conduct had
+caused you, only thinking, only seeking, to give me back to health and
+happiness. Oh, aunt Emmeline, your very household can evince gratitude
+and love, in the performance of their respective duties--I can do
+nothing, never can. If I only could."
+
+"Do you remember the fable of the lion and the mouse, my dear Ellen, and
+Miss Edgeworth's still prettier story on the same subject?" replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, more affected than she chose to betray, though she drew her
+niece closer to her, and kissed her fondly. "I hope I shall never be
+caught in a net, nor exposed to such horrors and danger as poor Madame
+de Fleury in the French Revolution; but for all that, and unlikely as it
+seems now, my dear child, you may have many an opportunity to return all
+that you so gratefully feel you owe me. Do not let any such thought
+worry you; but believe me, when I assure you that affection and
+confidence are the only return I require, united, as they are in you,
+with such an earnest desire, and such persevering efforts to become all
+your best friends can wish you."
+
+She was interrupted by the entrance of Emmeline, with a small parcel in
+her hand.
+
+"Mamma, this has just arrived from Exeter for you; with an apologizing
+message from Mr. Bennet, saying, it should have been here last night, as
+he promised, but he could not get the articles from London in time. I am
+so very curious as to what it possibly can be, that I would bring it to
+you myself."
+
+"Any other time I would punish your constant curiosity, Emmeline, by
+refusing to gratify it. I can not do so now, however, for I should
+punish myself as well. I did want it most particularly this morning; but
+I am glad it was not delayed till the day was quite over. Your uncle and
+I did not forget your birthday, my dear Ellen, though it seemed so." And
+opening the parcel as she spoke, a very pretty jewel-case appeared,
+containing the watch, cross, and all the other trinkets Ellen had placed
+in Mrs. Langford's hand, and never had had the courage to inquire for,
+and the few her aunt had kept for her, but so prettily arranged and
+beautifully burnished, that she would scarcely have known them again.
+
+"Did you never feel any curiosity as to the fate of your trinkets, my
+love, that you have never asked about them?"
+
+"I knew they were in better hands than my own," replied Ellen, with a
+quivering lip. "I felt I had no further right to them, after attempting
+to part with them."
+
+"I know there are some very painful associations connected with these
+trinkets, my dear Ellen, and, therefore, I would not return them to your
+own care, till I could add to them a birthday-gift," and, lifting the
+upper tray, she took out a gold chain, and a pair of bracelets of chaste
+and beautiful workmanship--"that the sad memories of the one may be
+forgotten in the pleasant thoughts of the other. I have only one
+condition to make," she added, in an earnest lower tone, as Ellen tried
+to speak her thanks, but could only cling to her aunt's neck and weep.
+"If ever again you are tempted to dispose of them, dearest, promise me
+to bring them to me, for my valuation first."
+
+"You shall be put into fetters at once, Ellen," said Emmeline joyously,
+as her cousin gave the required promise, so eagerly, that it was
+evident, she felt how much security dwelt in it. "Mamma, make her put
+them on; I want to see if she looks as interesting as Zenobia did in her
+golden chains."
+
+"I think you might find a prettier simile, Emmeline," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, smiling, as she granted her request, by throwing the chain
+round Ellen's neck, and fastening the bracelets on her wrists.
+
+"So I can, and so I will," replied the lively girl, altering, without
+the smallest hesitation, the lines to suit her fancy--
+
+    "For thee, _rash girl_, no suppliant sues;
+    For thee may vengeance claim her dues;
+    Who, nurtured underneath our smile,
+    Repaid our cares with treacherous wile.
+
+    Dishonoring thus thy loyal name,
+    Fetters and warders _thou must claim_.
+    The chain of gold was quick unstrung,
+    Its links on that _fair neck were_ flung;
+    Then gently drew the glittering band,
+    And laid the clasp on Ellen's hand."
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Home Influence, by Grace Aguilar
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Home Influence, by Grace Aguilar
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Home Influence
+       A Tale for Mothers and Daughters
+
+Author: Grace Aguilar
+
+Release Date: July 8, 2011 [EBook #36648]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOME INFLUENCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brownfox, Chad Vance, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
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+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<h1>HOME INFLUENCE:</h1>
+
+<h3>A Tale</h3>
+
+<h2>FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS</h2>
+
+<h2>BY GRACE AGUILAR.</h2>
+
+
+<h3>NEW EDITION.</h3>
+
+<h3>NEW YORK:<br />
+HARPER &amp; BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,<br />
+NOS. 329 AND 331 PEARL STREET,<br />
+(FRANKLIN SQUARE.)<br />
+1856.</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>TO MRS. HERBERT TOWNSHEND BOWEN.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">My Dear Friend</span>,</p>
+
+<p>Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this
+unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a
+mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and
+deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be
+tendered. Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to
+illustrate, are so associated with you&mdash;have been so strengthened from
+the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with
+you&mdash;that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have
+offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if
+no story of mine could more completely belong to you. Will you, then,
+pardon the <i>unintentional</i> errors which I fear you, as an earnest
+Protestant, <i>may</i> discern, and accept this little work as a slight
+tribute of the warm affection and sincere esteem with which you have
+been so long regarded by</p>
+
+<p>Your truly attached Friend,</p>
+
+<p>GRACE AGUILAR.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The following story will, the author trusts, sufficiently illustrate its
+title to require but few words in the way of preface. She is only
+anxious to impress two facts on the minds of her readers. The one&mdash;that
+having been brought before the public principally as the author of
+Jewish works, and as an explainer of the Hebrew Faith, some Christian
+mothers might fear that the present Work has the same tendency, and
+hesitate to place it in the hands of their children. She, therefore,
+begs to assure them, that as a simple domestic story, the characters in
+which are all Christians, believing in and practicing that religion, all
+<i>doctrinal</i> points have been most carefully avoided, the author seeking
+only to illustrate the spirit of true piety, and the virtues always
+designated as the Christian virtues thence proceeding. Her sole aim,
+with regard to Religion, has been to incite a train of serious and
+loving thought toward God and man, especially toward those with whom He
+has linked us in the precious ties of parent and child, brother and
+sister, master and pupil.</p>
+
+<p>The second point she is desirous to bring forward is her belief, that
+in childhood and youth the <i>spoken</i> sentiment is one of the safest
+guides to individual character; and that if, therefore, she have written
+more conversation than may appear absolutely necessary for the
+elucidation of "Home Influence," or the interest of the narrative, it is
+from no wish to be diffuse, but merely to illustrate her own belief.
+<span class="smcap">Sentiment</span> is the vehicle of <span class="smcap">THOUGHT</span>, and <span class="smcap">THOUGHT</span> the origin of <span class="smcap">ACTION</span>.
+Children and youth have very seldom the power to evince character by
+action, and scarcely if ever understand the mystery of thought; and
+therefore their unrestrained conversation may often greatly aid parents
+and teachers in acquiring a correct idea of their natural disposition,
+and in giving hints for the mode of education each may demand.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving the beaten track of works written for the young, the author's
+aim has been to assist in the education of the <span class="smcap">HEART</span>, believing that of
+infinitely greater importance than the mere instruction of the <span class="smcap">MIND</span>, for
+the bright awakening of the latter, depends far more on the happy
+influences of the former than is generally supposed.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>moral</i> of the following story the author acknowledges is addressed
+to mothers only, for on them so much of the responsibility of Home
+Influence devolves. On them, more than on any other, depends the
+well-doing and happiness, or the error and grief, not of childhood
+alone, but of the far more dangerous period of youth. A Preface is not
+the place to enter on their mission. The author's only wish is to <i>aid</i>
+by the thoughts, which in some young mothers, anxious and eager to
+perform their office, her story <i>may</i> excite. To daughters also, she
+hopes it may not be found entirely useless, for on them rests so much of
+the happiness of home, in the simple thought of, and attention to those
+little things which so bless and invigorate domestic life. Opportunities
+to evince the more striking virtues woman may never have, but for the
+cultivation and performance of the lesser, they are called upon each
+day.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Clapton</span>, <i>January, 1847</i>.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>MEMOIR OF GRACE AGUILAR.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Grace Aguilar was born at Hackney, June 2d, 1816. She was the eldest
+child and only daughter of Emanuel Aguilar, one of those merchants
+descended from the Jews of Spain, who, almost within the memory of man,
+fled from persecution in that country, and sought and found an asylum in
+England.</p>
+
+<p>The delicate frame and feeble health observable in Grace Aguilar
+throughout her life displayed itself from infancy; from the age of three
+years, she was almost constantly under the care of some physician, and,
+by their advice, annually spending the summer months by the sea, in the
+hope of rousing and strengthening a naturally fragile constitution. This
+want of physical energy was, however, in direct contrast to her mental
+powers, which developed early and readily. She learned to read with
+scarcely any trouble, and, when once that knowledge was gained, her
+answer, when asked what she would like for a present, was, invariably,
+"A book," which was read, re-read, and preserved with a care remarkable
+in so young a child. With the exception of eighteen months passed at
+school, her mother was her sole instructress, and both parents took
+equal delight in directing her studies and facilitating her personal
+inspection of all that was curious and interesting in the various
+counties of England to which they resorted for her health.</p>
+
+<p>From the early age of seven she commenced keeping a journal, which was
+continued with scarce any intermission throughout her life. In 1825 she
+visited Oxford, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester, Ross, and Bath, and
+though at that time but nine years old, her father took her to
+Gloucester and Worcester cathedrals, and also to see a porcelain and pin
+manufactory, &amp;c., the attention and interest she displayed on these
+occasions affording convincing proof that her mind was alive to
+appreciate and enjoy what was thus presented to her observation. Before
+she had completed her twelfth year, she ventured to try her powers in
+composition, and wrote a little drama, called Gustavus Vasa, never
+published, and only here recorded as being the first germ of what was
+afterward to become the ruling passion.</p>
+
+<p>In September, 1828, the family went to reside in Devonshire for the
+health of Mr. Aguilar, and there a strong admiration for the beauties
+and wonders of nature manifested itself: she constantly collected
+shells, stones, sea-weed, mosses, &amp;c., in her daily rambles; and, not
+satisfied with admiring their beauty, sedulously procured whatever
+little catechisms or other books on those subjects she could purchase or
+borrow, eagerly endeavoring, by their study, to increase her knowledge
+of their nature and properties.</p>
+
+<p>When she had attained the age of fourteen, her father commenced a
+regular course of instruction for his child, by reading aloud while she
+was employed in drawing, needle-work, &amp;c. History was selected, that
+being the study which now most interested her, and the first work chosen
+was Josephus.</p>
+
+<p>It was while spending a short time at Tavistock, in 1830, that the
+beauty of the surrounding scenery led her to express her thoughts in
+verse. Several small pieces soon followed her first essay, and she
+became extremely fond of this new exercise and enjoyment of her opening
+powers, yet her mind was so well regulated that she never permitted
+herself to indulge in original composition until her duties and her
+studies were all performed.</p>
+
+<p>Grace Aguilar was extremely fond of music; she had learned the piano
+from infancy, and in 1831 commenced the harp. She sang pleasingly,
+preferring English songs, and invariably selecting them for the beauty
+or sentiment of the words; she was also passionately fond of dancing,
+and her cheerful, lively manners in the society of her young friends
+would scarcely have led any to imagine how deeply she felt and pondered
+upon the serious and solemn subjects which afterward formed the labor of
+her life. She seemed to enjoy all, to enter into all, but a keen
+observer would detect the hold that sacred and holy principle ever
+exercised over her lightest act and gayest hour. A sense of duty was
+apparent in the merest trifle, and her following out of the divine
+command of obedience to parents was only equaled by the unbounded
+affection she felt for them. A wish was once expressed by her mother
+that she should not waltz, and no solicitation could afterward tempt
+her. Her mother also required her to read sermons, and study religion
+and the Bible regularly; this was readily submitted to, first as a task,
+but afterward with much delight; for evidence of which we can not do
+better than quote her own words, in one of her religious works:</p>
+
+<p>"This formed into a habit, and persevered in for a life, would in time,
+and without labor or weariness, give the comfort and the knowledge that
+we seek; each year it would become lighter and more blessed; each year
+we should discover something we knew not before, and, in the valley of
+the shadow of death, feel to our heart's core that the Lord our God is
+Truth."&mdash;<i>Women of Israel</i>, vol. ii., p. 43.</p>
+
+<p>Nor did Grace Aguilar only study religion for her own personal
+observance and profit. She embraced its <i>principles</i> (the principles of
+all creeds) in a widely-extended and truly liberal sense. She carried
+her practice of its holy and benevolent precepts into every minutiæ of
+her daily life, doing all the good her limited means would allow,
+finding time in the midst of her own studies, and most varied and
+continual occupations, to work for and instruct her poor neighbors in
+the country, and, while steadily venerating and adhering to her own
+faith, neither inquiring nor heeding the religious opinions of the needy
+whom she succored or consoled. To be permitted to help and comfort she
+considered a privilege and a pleasure; she left the rest to God; and
+thus, bestowing and receiving blessings and smiles from all who had the
+opportunity of knowing her, her young life flowed on in an almost
+uninterrupted stream of enjoyment, until she had completed her
+nineteenth year.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! the scene was soon to change, and trials awaited that spirit
+which, in the midst of sunshine, had so beautifully striven to prepare
+itself a shelter from the storm. The two brothers of Miss Aguilar, whom
+she tenderly loved, left the paternal roof to be placed far from their
+family at school. Her mother's health necessitated a painful and
+dangerous operation; and from that time, for several years, alternate
+hopes and fears, through long and dreary watchings beside the sick-bed
+of that beloved mother, became the portion of her gifted child. But even
+this depressing and arduous change in the duties of her existence did
+not suspend her literary pursuits and labors. She profited by all the
+intervals she could command, and wrote the tale of the "Martyr," the
+"Spirit of Judaism," and "Israel Defended;" the latter translated from
+the French at the earnest request of a friend, and printed only for
+private circulation. The "Magic Wreath," a little poetical work, and the
+first our authoress ever published, dedicated to the Right Honorable the
+Countess of Munster, also appeared about this time.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1835, Grace Aguilar was attacked with measles, and
+never afterward recovered her previous state of health, suffering at
+intervals with such exhausting feelings of weakness as to become,
+without any visible disease, really alarming.</p>
+
+<p>The medical attendants recommended entire rest of mind and body; she
+visited the sea, and seemed a little revived, but anxieties were
+gathering around her horizon, to which it became evidently impossible
+her ardent and active mind could remain passive or indifferent, and
+which recalled every feeling, every energy of her impressible nature
+into action. Her elder brother, who had long chosen music as his
+profession, was sent to Germany to pursue his studies; the younger
+determined upon entering the sea-service. The excitement of these
+changes, and the parting with both, was highly injurious to their
+affectionate sister; and her delight, a few months after, at welcoming
+the sailor boy returned from his first voyage, with all his tales of
+danger and adventure, and his keen enjoyment of the path of life he had
+chosen, together with her struggles to do her utmost to share his walks
+and companionship, contributed yet more to impair her inadequate
+strength.</p>
+
+<p>The second parting was scarcely over ere her father, who had long shown
+symptoms of failing health, became the victim of consumption. He
+breathed his last in her arms; and the daughter, while sorrowing over
+all she had lost, roused herself once more to the utmost, feeling that
+she was the sole comforter beside her remaining parent. Soon after, when
+her brother again returned finding the death of his father he resolved
+not to make his third voyage as a midshipman, but endeavor to procure
+some employment sufficiently lucrative to prevent his remaining a burden
+upon his widowed mother. Long and anxiously did he pursue this object,
+his sister, whose acquaintance with literary and talented persons had
+greatly increased, using all her energy and influence in his behalf, and
+concentrating all the enthusiastic feelings of her nature in inspiring
+him with patience, comfort, and hope, as often as they failed him under
+his repeated disappointments. At length his application was taken up by
+a powerful friend, for her sake; she had the happiness of succeeding,
+and saw him depart at the very summit of his wishes. Repose, which had
+been so long necessary, seemed now at hand; but her nerves had been too
+long and too repeatedly overstrung, and when this task was done the worn
+and weary spirit could sustain no more, and sank under the labor that
+had been imposed upon it.</p>
+
+<p>Severe illness followed; and though it yielded, after a time, to
+skillful remedies and tender care, her excessive languor and severe
+headaches continued to give her family and friends great uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>During all these demands upon her time, her thoughts, and her health,
+however, the ruling passion neither slumbered nor slept. She completed
+the Jewish Faith, and also prepared Home Influence for the press, though
+very unfit to have taxed her powers so far. Her medical attendant became
+urgent for total change of air and scene, and again strongly interdicted
+<i>all</i> mental exertion; a trip to Frankfort, to visit her elder brother,
+was therefore decided on. In June, 1847, she set out, and bore the
+journey without suffering nearly so much as might have been expected.
+Her hopes were high, her spirits raised; the novelty and interest of her
+first travels on the Continent gave her, for a very transient period, a
+gleam, as it were, of strength. For a week or two she appeared to rally;
+then, again, every exertion became too much for her, every stimulating
+remedy seemed to exhaust her. She was ordered from Frankfort to try the
+baths and mineral waters of Schwalbach, but without success. After a
+stay of six weeks, and persevering with exemplary patience in the
+treatment prescribed, she was one night seized with alarming convulsive
+spasms, so terrible that her family removed her the next morning with
+all speed back to Frankfort, to the house of a family of most kind
+friends, where every attention and care was lavishly bestowed.</p>
+
+<p>In vain. She took to her bed the very day of her arrival, and never rose
+from it again; she became daily weaker, and in three weeks from that
+time her sufferings ceased forever. She was perfectly conscious to
+within less than two hours before her death, and took an affectionate
+leave of her mother and brother. Speech had been a matter of difficulty
+for some time previous, her throat being greatly affected by her malady;
+but she had, in consequence, learned to use her fingers in the manner of
+the deaf and dumb, and almost the last time they moved it was to spell
+upon them, feebly, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."</p>
+
+<p>She was buried in the cemetery of Frankfort, one side of which is set
+apart for the people of her faith. The stone which marks the spot bears
+upon it a butterfly and five stars, emblematic of the soul in heaven,
+and beneath appears the inscription,</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works
+praise her in the gates."&mdash;Prov., ch. xxxi., v. 31.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>And thus, 16th of September, 1847, at the early age of thirty-one, Grace
+Aguilar was laid to rest; the bowl was broken, the silver cord was
+loosed. Her life was short, and checkered with pain and anxiety, but she
+strove hard to make it useful and valuable, by employing diligently and
+faithfully the talents with which she had been endowed. Nor did the
+serious view with which she ever regarded earthly existence induce her
+to neglect or despise any occasion of enjoyment, advantage, or sociality
+which presented itself. Her heart was ever open to receive, her hand to
+give.</p>
+
+<p>Inasmuch as she succeeded to the satisfaction of her fellow-beings, let
+them be grateful; inasmuch as she failed, let those who perceive it deny
+her not the meed of praise for her endeavor to open the path she
+believed would lead mankind to practical virtue and happiness, and
+strive to carry out the pure philanthropic principles by which she was
+actuated, and which she so earnestly endeavored to diffuse.</p>
+
+<p><i>October, 1849.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+<p>
+<a href="#PART_I">PART I.&mdash;THE SISTERS.</a><br /><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.&mdash;A Launch&mdash;A Promise&mdash;A new Relation</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.&mdash;Glimpses into a Child's Heart&mdash;A Death-bed</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.&mdash;Retrospection&mdash;The Lowly sought&mdash;The Haughty foiled</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.&mdash;Retrospective&mdash;Effects of Coquetry&mdash;Obedience and Disobedience</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.&mdash;A Heart and Home in England&mdash;A Heart and Home in India</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.&mdash;Domestic Discord, and its End</a><br /><br />
+<a href="#PART_II">PART II.&mdash;TRAITS OF CHARACTER.</a><br /><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IB">CHAPTER I.&mdash;Youthful Colloquy&mdash;Introducing Character</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IIB">CHAPTER II.&mdash;Three English Homes, and their Inmates</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IIIB">CHAPTER III.&mdash;Home Scene&mdash;Visitors&mdash;Childish Meditations</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IVB">CHAPTER IV.&mdash;Varieties</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VB">CHAPTER V.&mdash;A Young Gentleman in a Passion&mdash;A Walk&mdash;A Scene of Distress</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIB">CHAPTER VI.&mdash;Cecil Grahame's Philosophy&mdash;An Error, and its Consequences&mdash;A
+Mystery and a Confidence</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIIB">CHAPTER VII.&mdash;Mr. Morton's Story&mdash;A Confession&mdash;A young Pleader&mdash;Generosity not
+always Justice</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIIIB">CHAPTER VIII.&mdash;An unpleasant Proposal&mdash;The Mystery Solved&mdash;A Father's Grief from
+a Mother's Weakness&mdash;A Father's Joy from a Mother's Influence</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IXB">CHAPTER IX.&mdash;Temptation and Disobedience&mdash;Fear&mdash;Falsehood and Punishment</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XB">CHAPTER X.&mdash;Pain and Penitence&mdash;Truth Impressed, and Reconciliation&mdash;The
+Family-tree</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIB">CHAPTER XI.&mdash;The Children's Ball</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIIB">CHAPTER XII.&mdash;Effects of Pleasure&mdash;The young Midshipman&mdash;Ill-temper, Origin and
+Consequences</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIIIB">CHAPTER XIII.&mdash;Suspicion&mdash;A Parting, a double Grief&mdash;Innocence proved&mdash;Wrong
+done and Evil confirmed by Doubt</a><br /><br />
+<a href="#PART_III">PART III.&mdash;SIN AND SUFFERING.</a><br /><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IC">CHAPTER I.&mdash;Advance and Retrospect</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IIC">CHAPTER II.&mdash;A Letter, and its Consequences</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IIIC">CHAPTER III.&mdash;A Summons and a Loss</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IVC">CHAPTER IV.&mdash;The broken Desk</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VC">CHAPTER V.&mdash;The Culprit and the Judge</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIC">CHAPTER VI.&mdash;The Sentence, and its Execution</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIIC">CHAPTER VII.&mdash;The Light glimmers</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIIIC">CHAPTER VIII.&mdash;The Struggle</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IXC">CHAPTER IX.&mdash;Illness and Remorse</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XC">CHAPTER X.&mdash;Mistaken Impressions eradicated</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIC">CHAPTER XI.&mdash;The Loss of the Siren</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIIC">CHAPTER XII.&mdash;Forebodings</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIIIC">CHAPTER XIII.&mdash;Forgiveness</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIVC">CHAPTER XIV.&mdash;The Rich and the Poor</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVC">CHAPTER XV.&mdash;A Home Scene, and a Parting</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIC">CHAPTER XVI.&mdash;The Birthday Gift</a><br />
+</p>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>HOME INFLUENCE.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PART_I" id="PART_I"></a>PART I.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SISTERS.</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>A LAUNCH.&mdash;A PROMISE.&mdash;A NEW RELATION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In a very beautiful part of Wales, between the northern boundaries of
+Glamorgan and the southeastern of Carmarthenshire, there stood, some
+twenty or thirty years ago, a small straggling village. Its locality was
+so completely concealed that the appearance of a gentleman's carriage,
+or, in fact, any vehicle superior to a light spring-cart, was of such
+extremely rare occurence as to be dated, in the annals of Llangwillan,
+as a remarkable event, providing the simple villagers with amusing
+wonderment for weeks.</p>
+
+<p>The village was scattered over the side of a steep and rugged hill; and
+on the east, emerging from a thick hedge of yews and larches, peeped
+forth the picturesque old church, whose tin-coated spire, glittering in
+the faintest sunshine, removed all appearance of gloom from the thick
+trees, and seemed to whisper, whatever darkness lingered round, light
+was always shining there. The churchyard, which the yews and larches
+screened, was a complete natural garden, from the lowly cottage flowers,
+planted by loving hands over many a grassy grave, and so hallowed that
+not a child would pluck them, however tempted by their luxuriance and
+beauty. A pretty cottage, whose white walls were covered with jasmine,
+roses, and honeysuckle, marked the humble residence of the village
+minister, who though in worldly rank only a poor curate, from his
+spiritual gifts deserved a much higher grade.</p>
+
+<p>A gurgling stream ran leaping and sparkling over the craggy hill till it
+formed a deep, wide bed for itself along the road leading to the nearest
+town, embanked on one side by a tall leafy hedge, and on the other by
+rich grass and meadow flowers. By the side of this stream groups of
+village children were continually found, sometimes reaching for some
+particular flower or insect, or floating pieces of wood with a twig
+stuck upright within them as tiny fleets; but this amusement had given
+place the last ten days to the greater excitement of watching the
+progress of a miniature frigate, the workmanship of a young lad who had
+only very lately become an inmate of the village. All had been at length
+completed, sails, ropes, and masts, with a degree of neatness and
+beauty, showing not only ingenuity but observation; and one lovely
+summer evening the ceremony of launching took place. For a few minutes
+she tottered and reeled amid the tiny breakers, then suddenly regained
+her equilibrium and dashed gallantly along. A loud shout burst from the
+group, from all save the owner, a beautiful boy of some twelve years,
+who contented himself with raising his slight figure to its full height,
+and looking proudly and triumphantly round him. One glance would suffice
+to satisfy that his rank in life was far superior to that of his
+companions, and that he condescended from circumstances, not from
+choice, to mingle with them. So absorbed was the general attention that
+the very unusual sound of carriage-wheels was unremarked until close
+beside them, and then so astounding was the sight of a private carriage
+and the coachman's very simple question if that road led to the village,
+that all hung back confused. The owner of the little vessel, however,
+answered proudly and briefly in the affirmative. "And can you direct me,
+my good boy," inquired a lady, looking from the window, and smiling
+kindly at the abashed group "to the residence of Mrs. Fortescue, it is
+out of the village, is it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Fortescue!" repeated the boy eagerly and gladly, and his cap was
+off his head in a moment, and the bright sunshine streamed on a face of
+such remarkable beauty, and withal so familiar, that though the lady
+bent eagerly forward to address him, emotion so choked her voice that
+the lad was enabled to reply to her inquiry, and direct the coachman to
+the only inn of the village, and they had driven off before words
+returned.</p>
+
+<p>The boy looked eagerly after them, then desiring one of his companions
+to meet the lady at the inn, and guide her to the cottage, caught up his
+little vessel, and darted off across some fields which led by a shorter
+cut to the same place.</p>
+
+<p>It was a very humble dwelling, so surrounded by hills that their shadow
+always seemed to overhang it: yet within, the happy temper of a poor
+widow and her daughter kept up a perpetual sunshine. Three weeks
+previous to the evening we have mentioned, a lady and two children had
+arrived at Llangwillan, unable to proceed farther from the severe
+indisposition of the former. They were unattended, and the driver only
+knew that their destination was Swansea; he believed they had been
+shipwrecked off Pembroke, and that the poor lady was very ill when she
+commenced her journey, but the curious inquiries of the villagers could
+elicit nothing more. Mr. Myrvin, with characteristic benevolence,
+devoted himself to insuring, as far as he could, the comfort of the
+invalid; had her removed from the inn to Widow Morgan's cottage,
+confident that there she would at least be nursed with tenderness and
+care, and so near him as to permit his constant watchfulness. But a very
+few days too sadly convinced him, not only that her disease was mortal,
+but that his presence and gentle accents irritated instead of soothed.
+Ill-temper and self-will seemed to increase with the weakness, which
+every day rendered her longing to continue her journey more and more
+futile. It was some days before she could even be persuaded to write to
+the relative she was about to seek, so determined was she that she would
+get well; and when the letter was forwarded, and long before an answer
+could have been received (for twenty years ago there were no railroads
+to carry on epistolary communication as now), fretfulness and
+despondency increased physical suffering, by the determined conviction
+that she was abandoned, her children would be left uncared for. In vain
+Mr. Myrvin assured her of the impossibility yet to receive a reply, that
+the direction might not even have been distinct enough, for her memory
+had failed her in dictating it; she knew she was deserted, she might
+have deserved it, but her Edward was innocent, and it was very hard on
+him. As self-will subsided in physical exhaustion, misery increased. A
+restless torturing remembrance seemed to have taken possession of her,
+which all the efforts of the earnest clergyman were utterly ineffectual
+to remove. She would not listen to the peace he proffered, and so
+painfully did his gentle eloquence appear to irritate instead of calm,
+that he desisted, earnestly praying, that her sister might answer the
+letter in person, and by removing anxiety prepare the mind for better
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>One object alone had power to bring something like a smile to that
+altered but still most beautiful countenance, conquer even irritation,
+and still create intervals of pleasure&mdash;it was her son, the same
+beautiful boy we have already noticed, and whose likeness to herself was
+so extraordinary that it would have been almost too feminine a beauty,
+had it not been for the sparkling animated expression of every feature,
+and the manly self-possession which characterized his every movement.
+That he should be his mother's idol was not very surprising, for the
+indiscreet and lavish indulgence which had been his from birth, had not
+yet had power to shake his doating fondness for his mother, or interfere
+with her happiness by the visible display of the faults which her
+weakness had engendered. Caressingly affectionate, open-hearted,
+generous, and ever making her his first object, perhaps even a more
+penetrating mother would have seen nothing to dread but all to love. His
+uncontrolled passion at the slightest cross, his haughty pride and
+indomitable will toward all save her, but increased her affection. And
+when he was with her, which he was very often, considering that a sick
+close room would have been utterly repugnant to him had it not contained
+his mother, Mrs. Fortescue was actually happy. But it was a happiness
+only increasing her intensity of suffering when her son was absent. Hide
+it from herself as she might, the truth would press upon her that she
+was dying, and her darling must be left to the care of relations indeed,
+but utter strangers to him, and unlikely to treat him as she had done.
+She knew that he had, what strict disciplinarians, as she chose to
+regard her sister and her husband, would term and treat as serious
+faults, while she felt them actually virtues; and agony for him in the
+dread of what he might be called upon to endure, would deluge her pillow
+with passionate tears, and shake her slight frame as with convulsion.</p>
+
+<p>The day we have mentioned, Edward had been absent longer than usual, and
+toward evening Mrs. Fortescue awoke from a troubled sleep to brood over
+these thoughts, till they had produced their usual effect in tears and
+sobs, the more painful to witness from the increasing physical
+incapacity to struggle with them.</p>
+
+<p>A little girl, between ten and eleven years old, was seated on a low
+wooden stool, half concealed by the coarse curtain of the bed, employed
+in sewing some bright gilt buttons on a blue jacket. It seemed hard work
+for those small, delicate hands; but she did not look up from her task
+till roused by the too familiar sound of her mother's suffering, and
+then, as she raised her head, and flung back the heavy and somewhat
+disordered ringlets, the impulse seemed to be to spring up and try to
+soothe, but a mournful expression quickly succeeded, and she sat several
+minutes without moving. At length, as Mrs. Fortescue's sobs seemed
+almost to suffocate her, the child gently bent over her, saying, very
+timidly, "Dear mamma, shall I call widow Morgan, or can I get any thing
+for you?" and, without waiting for a reply, save the angry negative to
+the first question, she held a glass of water to her mother's lips and
+bathed her forehead. After a few minutes Mrs. Fortescue revived
+sufficiently to inquire where Edward was.</p>
+
+<p>"He has gone down to the stream to launch his little frigate, mamma, and
+asked me to fasten these buttons on his jacket, to make it look like a
+sailor's meanwhile; I do not think he will be very long now."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Fortescue made no rejoinder, except to utter aloud those thoughts
+which had caused her previous paroxysm, and her little girl, after a
+very evident struggle with her own painful timidity, ventured to say:</p>
+
+<p>"But why should you fear so much for Edward, dear mamma? Every body
+loves him and admires him, so I am sure my aunt and uncle will."</p>
+
+<p>"Your aunt may for my sake, but she will not love or bear with his
+childish faults as I have done; and your uncle is such a harsh, stern
+man, that there is little hope for his forbearance with my poor Edward.
+And he is so frank and bold, he will not know how even to conceal his
+boyish errors, and he will be punished, and his fine spirit broken, and
+who will be there to shield and soothe him!"</p>
+
+<p>"I may be able sometimes, mamma, and indeed, indeed, I will whenever I
+can," replied her child, with affecting earnestness. "I love him so
+very, very much, and I know he is so much better than I am, that it will
+be very easy to help him whenever I can."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you promise me, Ellen, will you really promise me to shield him,
+and save him from harshness whenever it is in your power," exclaimed
+Mrs. Fortescue, so eagerly, that she half raised herself, and pressed
+Ellen to her with an appearance of affection so unusual, and a kiss so
+warm, that that moment never passed from the child's mind, and the
+promise she gave was registered in her own heart, with a solemnity and
+firmness of purpose little imagined by her mother, who when she demanded
+it, conceived neither its actual purport nor extent; she only felt
+relieved that Edward would have some one by him, to love him and enable
+him to conceal his errors, if he should commit any.</p>
+
+<p>Had she studied and known the character of Ellen as she did that of her
+son, that promise would perhaps never have been asked; nor would she so
+incautiously and mistakenly have laid so great a stress upon
+<i>concealment</i>, as the only sure means of guarding from blame. From her
+childhood Mrs. Fortescue had been a creature of passion and impulse, and
+maternity had unhappily not altered one tittle of her character. In what
+manner, or at what cost, Ellen might be enabled to keep that promise,
+never entered her mind. It had never been her wont, even in days of
+health, to examine or reflect, and present weakness permitted only the
+morbid indulgence of one exaggerated thought.</p>
+
+<p>For several minutes she lay quite silent, and Ellen resumed her seat and
+work, her temples throbbing, she knew not why, and a vain longing to
+throw her arms round her mother's neck, and entreat her only for one
+more kiss, one other word of love; and the consciousness that she dared
+not, caused the hot tears to rush into her eyes, and almost blind her,
+but she would not let them fall, for she had learned long ago, that
+while Edward's tears only excited soothing and caresses, hers always
+called forth irritation and reproof.</p>
+
+<p>"Joy, joy! Mother, darling!" exclaimed an eager voice, some minutes
+afterward, and Edward bounded into the room, and throwing himself by his
+mother's side, kissed her pale cheek again and again. "Such joy! My ship
+sailed so beautifully, I quite longed for you to see it, and you will
+one day when you get well and strong again; and I know you will soon
+now, for I am sure aunt Emmeline will very soon come, and then, then,
+you will be so happy, and we shall all be happy again!"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Fortescue pressed him closer and closer to her, returning his
+kisses with such passionate fondness, that tears mingled with them, and
+fell upon his cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't cry, mamma, dear! indeed, indeed, my aunt will soon come. Do you
+know I think I have seen her and spoken to her, too?"</p>
+
+<p>"Seen her, Edward? You mean you have dreamed about her, and so fancy you
+have seen her;" but the eager, anxious look she fixed upon him evinced
+more hope than her words.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, mamma; as we were watching my ship, a carriage passed us, and a
+lady spoke to me, and asked me the way to the cottage where you lived,
+and I am sure it is aunt Emmeline from her smile."</p>
+
+<p>"It can not be," murmured his mother, sadly; "unless&mdash;" and her
+countenance brightened. "Did she speak to you, Edward, as if she knew
+you, recognized you, from your likeness to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, mamma, there was no time, the carriage drove off again so quickly;
+but, hush! I am sure I hear her voice down stairs," and he sprung up
+from the bed and listened eagerly. "Yes, yes, I am right, and she is
+coming up; no, it's only widow Morgan, but I am sure it is my aunt by
+your face," he added, impatiently, as Mrs. Morgan tried by signs to beg
+him to be more cautious, and not to agitate his mother. "Why don't you
+let her come up?" and springing down the whole flight of stairs in two
+bounds, he rushed into the little parlor, caught hold of the lady's
+dress, and exclaimed, "You are my aunt, my own dear aunt; do come up to
+mamma, she has been wanting you so long, so very long, and you will make
+her well, dear aunt, will you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that I may be allowed to do so, dear boy!" was the painfully
+agitated reply, and she hastened up the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>But to Edward's grief and astonishment, so little was he conscious of
+his mother's exhausted state, the sight of his aunt, prepared in some
+measure as she was, seemed to bring increase of suffering instead of
+joy. There was a convulsive effort for speech, a passionate return of
+her sister's embrace, and she fainted. Edward in terror flung himself
+beside her, entreating her not to look so pale, but to wake and speak to
+him. Ellen, with a quickness and decision, which even at that moment
+caused her aunt to look at her with astonishment, applied the usual
+restoratives, evincing no unusual alarm, and a careless observer might
+have said, no feeling; but it was only a momentary thought which Mrs.
+Hamilton could give to Ellen, every feeling was engrossed in the deep
+emotion with which she gazed on the faded form and altered face of that
+still beloved though erring one: who, when she had last beheld her,
+thirteen years previous, was bright, buoyant, lovely as the boy beside
+them. Her voice yet, more than the proffered remedies, seemed to recall
+life, and after a brief interval the choking thought found words.</p>
+
+<p>"My father! my father! Oh, Emmeline I know that he is dead! My
+disobedience, my ingratitude for all his too indulgent love, killed
+him&mdash;I know it did. But did he curse me, Emmeline? did all his love turn
+to wrath, as it ought to have done? did&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest Eleanor," replied Mrs. Hamilton, with earnest tenderness,
+"dismiss such painful thoughts at once; our poor father did feel your
+conduct deeply, but he forgave it, would have received your husband,
+caressed, loved you as before, had you but returned to him; and so loved
+you to the last moment, that your name was the last word upon his lips.
+But this is no subject for such youthful auditors," she continued,
+interrupting herself, as she met Edward's bright eyes fixed wonderingly
+upon her face, and noticed the excessive paleness of Ellen's cheek. "You
+look weary, my love," she said, kindly, drawing her niece to her, and
+affectionately kissing her. "Edward has made his own acquaintance with
+me, why did you not do so too? But go now into the garden for a little
+while, I am sure you want fresh air, and I will take your place as nurse
+mean while. Will you trust me?"</p>
+
+<p>And the kind smile which accompanied her words gave Ellen courage to
+return her kiss, but she left the room without speaking. Edward required
+more persuasion; and the moment he was permitted he returned, seated
+himself on a stool at his aunt's feet, laid his head on her lap, and
+remained for nearly an hour quite silent, watching with her the calm
+slumbers which had followed the agitating conversation between them.
+Mrs. Hamilton was irresistibly attracted toward him, and rather wondered
+that Ellen should stay away so long. She did not know that Edward had
+spent almost the whole of that day in the joyous sports natural to his
+age, and that it had been many weary days and nights since Ellen had
+quitted her mother's room.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>GLIMPSES INTO A CHILD'S HEART.&mdash;A DEATHBED.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On leaving the cottage, Ellen hastily traversed the little garden, and
+entered a narrow lane, leading to Mr. Myrvin's dwelling. Her little
+heart was swelling high within her, and the confinement she had endured,
+the constant control she exercised for fear she should add to her
+mother's irritation, combined with the extreme delicacy of natural
+constitution, had so weakened her, as to render the slightest exertion
+painful. She had been so often reproved as fretful and ill-tempered,
+whenever in tears, that she always checked and concealed them. She had
+been so frequently told that she did not know what affection was, that
+she was so inanimate and cold, that though she did not understand the
+actual meaning of the words, she believed she was different to any one
+else, and was unhappy without knowing why. Compared with her brother,
+she certainly was neither a pretty nor an engaging child. Weakly from
+her birth, her residence in India had increased constitutional delicacy,
+and while to a watchful eye the expression of her countenance denoted
+constant suffering, the heedless and superficial observer would
+condemn it as peevishness, and so unnatural to a young child, that
+nothing but confirmed ill-temper could have produced it. The soft,
+beautifully-formed black eye was too large for her other features, and
+the sallowness of her complexion, the heavy tresses of very dark hair,
+caused her to be remarked as a very plain child, which in reality she
+was not. Accustomed to hear beauty extolled above every thing else,
+beholding it in her mother and brother, and imagining it was Edward's
+great beauty that always made him so beloved and petted, an
+evil-disposed child would have felt nothing but envy and dislike toward
+him. But Ellen felt neither. She loved him devotedly; but that any one
+could love her, now that the only one who ever had&mdash;her idolized
+father&mdash;was dead, she thought impossible.</p>
+
+<p>Why her heart and temples beat so quickly as she left her mother's
+room&mdash;why the promise she had so lately made should so cling to her
+mind, that even her aunt's arrival could not remove it&mdash;why she felt so
+giddy and weak as to render walking painful, the poor child could not
+have told, but, unable at length to go farther, she sat down on a grassy
+bank, and believing herself quite alone, cried bitterly. Several minutes
+passed and she did not look up, till a well-known voice inquired:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Ellen, what is the matter? What has happened to grieve you so
+to-day? won't you tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, indeed, I do not know, dear Arthur; I only feel&mdash;feel&mdash;as if I
+had not so much strength as I had a few days ago&mdash;and, and I could not
+help crying."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not well, Ellen," replied her companion, a fine lad of sixteen,
+and Mr. Myrvin's only son. "You are looking paler than I ever saw you
+before; let me call my father. You know he is always pleased when he
+sees you, and he hoped you would have been to us before to-day; come
+with me to him now."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Arthur, indeed I can not; he will think I have forgotten all he
+said to me the last time I saw him, and, indeed, I have not&mdash;but I&mdash;I do
+not know what is the matter with me to-day."</p>
+
+<p>And, in spite of all her efforts to restrain them, the tears would burst
+forth afresh; and Arthur, finding all his efforts at consolation
+ineffectual, contented himself with putting his arm round her and
+kissing them away. A few minutes afterward his father appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"In tears, my dear Ellen!" he said, kindly; "your mother is not worse, I
+hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know, sir," replied the child, as well as her tears would
+permit; "she has been very ill just now, for her faint was longer than
+usual."</p>
+
+<p>"Did any thing particular occasion it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think it was seeing my aunt. Mamma was very much agitated before and
+afterward."</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Hamilton has arrived then! I am rejoiced to hear it," replied Mr.
+Myrvin, gladly. Then sitting down by Ellen, he took one of her hands in
+his, and said, kindly, "Something has grieved my little girl this
+evening; I will not ask what it is, because you may not like to tell me;
+but you must not imagine evils, Ellen. I know you have done, and are
+doing, the duty of a good, affectionate child, nursing your suffering
+mother, bearing with intervals of impatience, which her invalid state
+occasions, and giving up all your own wishes to sit quietly by her. I
+have not seen you, my child, but I know those who have, and this has
+pleased me, and, what is of much more consequence, it proves you have
+not forgotten all I told you of your Father in Heaven, that even a
+little child can try to love and serve Him."</p>
+
+<p>"But have you not told me those who are good are always happy?" inquired
+Ellen; "then I can not be good, though indeed I try to be so, for I do
+not think I am happy, for I can never laugh and sing and talk as Edward
+does."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not in such strong health as your brother, my dear little girl,
+and you have had many things to make you unhappy, which Edward has not.
+But you must try and remember that even if it please God that sometimes
+you should be more sorrowful than other children, He loves you
+notwithstanding. I am sure you have not forgotten the story of Joseph
+that I told you a few Sundays ago. God so loved him, as to give him the
+power of foretelling future events, and enabling him to do a great deal
+of good, but when he was taken away from his father and sold as a slave
+and cast into prison among cruel strangers, he could not have been very
+happy, Ellen. Yet still, young as he was, little more than a child in
+those days, and thrown among those who did not know right from wrong, he
+remembered all that his father had taught him, and prayed to God, and
+tried to love and obey Him; and God was pleased with him, and gave him
+grace to continue good, and at last so blessed him, as to permit him to
+see his dear father and darling brother again."</p>
+
+<p>"But Joseph was his father's favorite child," was Ellen's sole
+rejoinder; and the tears which were checked in the eagerness with which
+she had listened, seemed again ready to burst forth. "He must have been
+happy when he thought of that."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think so, my dear Ellen," replied Mr. Myrvin, more moved than
+he chose to betray, "for being his father's favorite first excited the
+dislike and envy of his brothers, and caused them to wish to send him
+away. There was no excuse indeed for their conduct; but perhaps if
+Joseph had always remained near his father he might have been spoiled by
+too great indulgence, and never become as good as he afterward was.
+Perhaps in his solitary prison he might even have regretted that his
+father had not treated them all alike, as then the angry feelings of his
+brothers would not have been called forth. So you see, being a favorite
+will not always make us happy, Ellen. It is indeed very delightful to be
+loved and caressed, and if we try to do our duty and love as much as we
+can, even if we are not sure of being loved at first, we may be quite
+certain that we shall be loved and happy at last. Do you understand me,
+my child?"</p>
+
+<p>The question was almost needless, for Ellen's large eyes had never moved
+from his face, and their expression was so full of intelligence and
+meaning, that the whole countenance seemed lighted up. "Then do you
+think mamma will recover?" she eagerly exclaimed; "will she ever love
+me?&mdash;oh, if I thought so, I could never, never be naughty again!"</p>
+
+<p>"She will love you, my dear Ellen," replied Mr. Myrvin, now visibly
+affected, "I can not, I dare not tell you that she will recover to love
+you on earth, but if indeed it be God's will that she should go to Him,
+she will look down on you from Heaven and love you far more than she has
+done yet, for she will know then how much you love her."</p>
+
+<p>"And will she know if I do all she wishes&mdash;if I love and help Edward?"
+asked Ellen, in a low, half-frightened voice; and little did Mr. Myrvin
+imagine how vividly and how indelibly his reply was registered in the
+child's memory.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a question none can answer positively, Ellen, but it is my own
+firm belief, that the beloved ones we have lost are permitted to watch
+over and love us still, and that they see us, and are often near us,
+though we can not see them. But even to help Edward," he continued
+somewhat anxiously, "you must not be tempted&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>He was interrupted by the appearance of a stranger, who addressing him
+courteously, apologized for his intrusion, and noticing the children,
+inquired if both were his.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Myrvin replied that he could only lay claim to one; the little girl
+was Miss Fortescue.</p>
+
+<p>"And my name is Hamilton, so I think I have an uncle's privilege," was
+the reply; and Ellen, to her astonishment, received an affectionate
+embrace from the unknown relative, whom her mother's ill-judged words
+had taught her actually to dread. Mr. Myrvin gladly welcomed him, and,
+in the interest of the conversation which followed, forgot the lesson he
+had been so anxious to impress upon Ellen. Arthur accompanied her to the
+garden gate, and the gentlemen soon afterward entered the cottage
+together.</p>
+
+<p>Days merged into weeks, and still Mrs. Fortescue lingered; but her
+weakness increasing so painfully from alternate fever and exhaustion
+that to remove her was impossible. It was the first time that Mrs.
+Hamilton had ever been separated from her children, and there were many
+disagreeables attendant on nursing a beloved invalid in that confined
+cottage; and with only those little luxuries and comforts that could be
+procured (and even these were obtained with difficulty, for the nearest
+town was twenty miles distant), but not a selfish or repining thought
+entered Mrs. Hamilton's mind. It was filled with thankfulness, not only
+that she was permitted thus to tend a sister, whom neither error, nor
+absence, nor silence could estrange from her heart, but that she was
+spared long enough for her gentle influence and enduring love to have
+some effect in changing her train of thought, calming that fearful
+irritability, and by slow degrees permitting her to look with
+resignation and penitent hope to that hour which no human effort could
+avert. That Mr. Myrvin should seek Mrs. Hamilton's society and delight
+in conversing with her, Mrs. Fortescue considered so perfectly natural,
+that the conversations which took place in her sick room, whenever she
+was strong enough to bear them, excited neither surprise nor impatience.
+Different as she was, willfully as she had always neglected the mild
+counsels and example of her sister, the years of separation and but too
+often excited self-reproach had fully awakened her to Mrs. Hamilton's
+superiority. She had never found any one at all like her&mdash;so good and
+holy, yet so utterly unassuming; and the strong affection, even the deep
+emotion in one usually so controlled, with which her sister had met her,
+naturally increased these feelings.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you and Emmeline will find much to converse about," had been her
+address to Mr. Myrvin, on his first introduction to Mrs. Hamilton. "Talk
+as much as you please, and do not mind me. With Emmeline near me, I can
+restrain irritability which must have frightened you away. I know she is
+right. Oh, would to God I had always been like her!" and the suffering
+betrayed in the last words was a painful contrast with the lightness of
+her previous tone.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Myrvin answered soothingly, and for the first time his words were
+patiently received. From listening listlessly, Mrs. Fortescue, by slow
+degrees, became interested in the conversations between him and Mr. and
+Mrs. Hamilton, and so a change in sentiments was gradually wrought,
+which by any other and harsher method of proceeding would have been
+sought for in vain.</p>
+
+<p>One evening as Mrs. Hamilton sat watching the faded countenance of her
+patient, and recalling those days of youth and buoyancy, when it seemed
+as if neither death nor care could ever have assailed one so bright and
+lovely, Edward, before he sought his favorite stream, threw his arms
+round her neck, and pressed his rosy lips on her cheek, as thus to wish
+her good-by.</p>
+
+<p>"He will repay you for all your care, dearest Emmeline," his mother
+said, with a heavy sigh, as he left the room; "I know he has what you
+and your husband will think faults, but, oh, for my sake, do not treat
+him harshly; his noble spirit will be broken if you do!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest Eleanor, dismiss all such fears. Am I not a mother equally with
+yourself? and do you think when your children become mine I shall show
+any difference between them and my own? You would trust me even in
+former years, surely you will trust me now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, indeed, I do; you were always kind and forbearing with me, when
+I little deserved it. But my poor Edward, it is so hard to part with
+him, and he loves me so fondly!" and a few natural tears stole down her
+cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"And he shall continue to love you dearest Eleanor; and oh, believe me,
+all that you have been to him I will be. I have won the devoted
+affection of all my own darlings, and I do not fear to gain the love of
+yours; and then it will be an easy task to make them happy as my own."</p>
+
+<p>"Edward's love you will very quickly obtain, if it be not yours already;
+but Ellen you will have more trouble with. She is a strange, cold,
+unlovable child."</p>
+
+<p>"Are the dispositions of your children so unlike? I should not have
+fancied Ellen cold; she is timid, but that I thought would wear off when
+she knew me better."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not timidity; I never knew her otherwise than cold and reserved
+from her birth. I never could feel the same toward her as I did toward
+Edward, and therefore there must be something in Ellen to prevent it."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton did not think so, but she answered gently, "Are you quite
+sure, my dear Eleanor, that you have equally studied the characters of
+both your children? because you know there are some cases which require
+more study and carefulness than others."</p>
+
+<p>"I never was fond of studying any thing, Emmeline, as you may remember,"
+replied Mrs. Fortescue, painfully trying to smile, "and therefore I dare
+say I have not studied my children as you have yours. Besides, you know
+I always thought, and still think, the doctrine of mothers forming the
+characters of their children, and all that good people say about the
+importance of early impressions, perfectly ridiculous. The disposition
+for good or bad, loving or unloving, is theirs from the moment of their
+birth, and what human efforts can alter that? Why, the very infancy of
+my children was different; Edward was always laughing, and animated, and
+happy; Ellen fretful and peevish, and so heavy that she never seemed
+even to know when I entered the room, while Edward would spring into my
+arms, and shout and laugh only to see me. Now what conduct on my part
+could have done this? Surely I was justified in feeling differently
+toward such opposite dispositions; and I know I never made more
+difference between them than&mdash;than papa did between us, Emmeline, and I
+have had greater reason to be partial; you were always better than I
+was."</p>
+
+<p>She ceased, from exhaustion, but the flush which had risen to her
+temples, and the trembling hands evinced the agitation always called for
+by the mention of her father, which Mrs. Hamilton, with earnest
+tenderness, endeavored to soothe.</p>
+
+<p>"I must speak, Emmeline," she continued, natural impetuosity for the
+moment regaining ascendency; "how did I repay my fond father's
+partiality? his too great indulgence? Did I not bring down his gray
+hairs with sorrow to the grave? Did I not throw shame and misery upon
+him by my conduct to the ill-fated one he had chosen for my husband? Did
+I not?&mdash;oh, my God, my God! Death may indeed be merciful!&mdash;my Edward
+might do the same by me!" and, shuddering violently, she hid her face on
+her sister's bosom.</p>
+
+<p>It was long before Mrs. Hamilton could calm that fearful agitation, long
+before her whispered words of heavenly hope, and peace, and pardon&mdash;if
+indeed she believed&mdash;could bring comfort; but they did at length, and
+such fearful paroxysms returned at longer and longer intervals, and at
+length ceased, in the deep submission and clinging trust to which she
+was at last permitted to attain. Though Mrs. Hamilton was detained six
+weeks at Llangwillan, her devoted attendance on her sister prevented any
+thing more than occasional observation of the children so soon about to
+be committed to her care. That Edward was most engaging, and riveted her
+affection at once, and that Ellen was unlike any child she had ever
+known or seen, she could not but feel, but she was not one to decide on
+a mere feeling. Her present mournful task prevented all actual
+interference with them, except the endeavor by kindly notice to win
+their confidence and love. His mother's illness and his uncle's
+presence, besides, for the present, his perfect freedom with regard to
+employment, had deprived Edward of all inclination to rebel or exert his
+self-will, and Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton both felt that he certainly had
+fewer faults, than was generally the consequence of unlimited
+indulgence. Whether Ellen's extreme attention to her mother, her silent
+but ever ready help when her aunt required it, proceeded from mere cold
+duty, or really had its origin in affection, Mrs. Hamilton could not
+satisfactorily decide. Her sister had avowed partiality, but that
+neglect and unkindness could have been shown to such an extent by a
+mother as to create the cold exterior she beheld, was so utterly
+incomprehensible, so opposed to every dictate of maternal love, which
+she knew so well, that she actually could not even imagine it. She could
+believe in the possibility of a preference for one child more than
+another, but not in utter neglect and actual dislike. She could imagine
+that Ellen's love for her mother might be less warm than Edward's,
+believing, as she did, that a parent must call for a child's affection,
+not be satisfied with leaving all to Nature; but if it were not love
+that dictated Ellen's conduct, it was strange and almost unnatural, and
+so unpleasing, that so young a child should have such an idea of duty.
+But these were only passing thoughts; cost what trouble it might, Mrs.
+Hamilton determined she would understand her niece as she did her own
+children.</p>
+
+<p>But though to her Ellen was a riddle, to her sister Nature was resuming
+her sway, too late, alas! for all, save the mother's own reproaches. Her
+weakness had become such that days would pass when speech, save a few
+whispered words, was impossible; but she would gaze upon her child, as
+hour after hour she would sit by the bed, resisting all Edward's
+entreaties, and sometimes even her aunt's to go and play, and long to
+fold her to her heart, and confess she had been cruelly unjust, and that
+she did love her now almost as much as Edward, but she was much too weak
+to do more than feel. And Ellen remained unconscious of the change,
+except that now and then, as she would bring her nourishment or bend
+over to bathe her forehead, her mother would, as if involuntarily, kiss
+her cheek and murmur some caressing word. And Ellen longed to cling to
+her neck and say how much she loved her, but she did not dare and she
+would hurry out of the room to conceal her tears, instead of returning
+the caress, thus unhappily confirming the idea of natural coldness.</p>
+
+<p>Even the comfort of sitting by her mother was at length denied her. Mrs.
+Fortescue became so alarmingly and painfully ill, that Mrs. Hamilton
+felt it an unnecessary trial for her children to witness it, especially
+as they could be no comfort to her, for she did not know them. The
+evening of the fourth day she recovered sufficiently to partake of the
+sacrament with her sister and Mr. Hamilton, and then entreat that her
+children might be brought to her. She felt herself, what the physician
+had imparted to her sister, that the recovery of her senses would in all
+human probability be followed in a few hours by death, and her last
+thoughts were on them.</p>
+
+<p>Edward, full of glee at being permitted to see her again, bounded
+joyfully into the room, but the fearful change in that beloved face so
+startled and terrified him, that he uttered a loud cry, and throwing
+himself beside her, sobbed upon her bosom. Mrs. Fortescue was fearfully
+agitated, but she conjured her sister not to take him from her, and her
+heavy eyes wandered painfully round the room in search of Ellen.</p>
+
+<p>"Come to me, Ellen, I have done you injustice, my sweet child," she
+murmured in a voice that Ellen never in her life forgot, and she clung
+to her in silent agony. "I have not done my duty to you, I know&mdash;I feel
+I have not, and it is too late now to atone. I can only pray God to
+bless you, and raise you up a kinder parent than I have been! Bless,
+bless you both." Faintness overpowered her, and she lay for several
+minutes powerless, in Mrs. Hamilton's arms. Edward, in passionate grief,
+refused to stir from the bed; and Ellen, almost unconsciously, sunk on
+her knees by Mr. Myrvin.</p>
+
+<p>"My own sister, bless you&mdash;for all you have been to me&mdash;all you will be
+to my children&mdash;may they repay you better than I have done, Emmeline!
+You are right, there is but one hope, our Saviour, for the sinner&mdash;it is
+mine&mdash;" were the broken sentences that, in a voice which was scarcely
+audible, and uttered at long intervals, escaped Mrs. Fortescue's lips,
+and then her head sunk lower on Mrs. Hamilton's bosom, and there was a
+long, long silence, broken only by Edward's low and half-suffocated
+sobs. And he knew not, guessed not, the grief that was impending. He
+only felt that his mother was worse, not better, as he had believed she
+would and must be, when his aunt arrived. He had never seen death,
+though Ellen had and he had passionately and willfully refused either to
+listen or to believe in his uncle's and Mr. Myrvin's gentle attempts to
+prepare him for his loss. Terrified at the continued silence, at the
+cold heavy feel of his mother's hand, as, when Mr. Myrvin and the widow
+gently removed her from the still-supporting arm of Mrs. Hamilton, it
+fell against his, he started up, and clinging to his aunt, implored her
+to speak to him, to tell him why his mother looked so strange and white,
+her hand felt so cold, and why she would not speak to and kiss him, as
+she always did, when he was grieved.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton raised her head from her husband's shoulder, and
+struggling with her own deep sorrow, she drew her orphan nephew closer
+to her, and said, in a low, earnest voice, "My Edward, did you not hear
+your mother pray God to bless you?"</p>
+
+<p>The child looked at her inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"That good God has taken her to Himself, my love; He has thought it
+better to remove her from us, and take her where she will never know
+pain nor illness more."</p>
+
+<p>"But she is lying there," whispered Edward, in a frightened voice, and
+half hiding his face in his aunt's dress, "she is not taken away. Why
+will she not speak to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"She can not speak, my sweet boy! the soul which enabled her to speak,
+and smile, and live, was God's gift, and it has pleased Him to recall
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"And will she never, never speak to me again? will she never kiss
+me&mdash;never call me her own darling, beautiful Edward again?" he almost
+screamed in passionate grief, as the truth at length forced itself upon
+him. "Mamma, mamma, my own dear, pretty, good mamma, oh! do not go away
+from me&mdash;or let me go with you&mdash;let me die too; no one will love me and
+kiss me as you have done." And even the natural awe and terror of death
+gave way before his grief; he clung to the body of his mother so
+passionately, so convulsively, that it required actual force to remove
+him. And for hours his aunt and sister watched over and tried to soothe
+and comfort him in vain; he would only rouse himself angrily to ask
+Ellen how she could know what he felt; she had never loved their mother
+as he had&mdash;she did not know what he had lost&mdash;she could not feel as he
+did, and then relapse into tears and sobs. Ellen did not attempt reply.
+She thought, if it were such pain to her to lose her mother, who had
+only the last few weeks evinced affection for her, it must indeed be
+still more suffering to him; and though his angry words grieved and hurt
+her (for she knew she did love her mother most fondly, her idea of her
+own extreme inferiority acquitted her unconsciously of all injustice
+toward her, and made her believe that she had loved Edward best only
+because he was so much better than herself), his very grief caused her
+to love and admire him still more, and to believe that she really did
+not feel as much as he did. And yet before they quitted Llangwillan,
+which they did the second day after Mrs. Fortescue's funeral, Edward
+could laugh and talk as usual&mdash;except when any object recalled his
+mother; and poor Ellen felt that though she had fancied she was not
+happy before, she was much more unhappy now. Her fancy naturally vivid,
+and rendered more so from her having been left so much to herself, dwelt
+morbidly on all that had passed in her mother's illness, on every
+caress, every unusual word of affection, and on Mr. Myrvin's assurance
+that she would love her in Heaven; the promise she had made to love and
+help Edward returned to her memory again and again, and each time with
+the increased determination to keep it solemnly. It was not for her
+mother's sake alone, and connected only with her; perhaps, had it not
+been for the careful instructions of her father, whom, as we shall
+presently see, she had cause almost to idolize, Ellen might have become
+indifferent to her mother and envious of Edward. But his repeated
+instructions, under all circumstances to love, cherish, and obey her
+mother had been indelibly engraved, and heightened natural feeling. She
+believed that to keep the promise, which had so evidently pleased her
+mother, would be also obeying her father, and this double incentive gave
+it a weight and consequence, which, could Mrs. Hamilton have known it,
+would have caused her great anxiety, and urged its removal. But Ellen
+had been too long accustomed to hide every thought and feeling to betray
+that which, child as she was, she believed sacred between herself and
+her mother. Mrs. Hamilton watched her in silence, and trusted to time
+and care to do their work; and by enabling her to understand her
+character, permit her to guide it rightly.</p>
+
+<p>The morning of their intended departure was bright and sunny, and before
+even widow Morgan was moving, Ellen had quitted her little bed and was
+in the churchyard by her mother's grave. She sat there thinking so
+intently, that she did not know how time passed, till she was roused by
+her favorite Arthur Myrvin's voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Up so early, Ellen, why, I thought I should have been first, to show
+you I had not forgotten my promise." And he displayed some choice
+flower-roots, which he commenced planting round the grave.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Arthur, how very kind you are; but you look so sad&mdash;what is the
+matter? Does not Mr. Myrvin like you to do this&mdash;pray don't, then."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Ellen, my father said I was right, and that he would take care
+of the flowers also himself. I am only sorry you are going away, and to
+live so differently to what we do&mdash;you will quite forget me."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, indeed I shall not, dear Arthur; I can never forget those who
+have been so kind to me as you and dear Mr. Myrvin. I would much rather
+stay here always with you, than go among strangers again, but I heard my
+aunt say last night, that perhaps Mr. Myrvin would let you come and see
+us sometimes&mdash;and you will like that, will you not?" Arthur did not seem
+quite sure whether he would like it or not; but they continued talking
+till his task was completed, and Arthur, at Ellen's earnest request, for
+she suddenly feared her aunt would be displeased at her having staid out
+so long, returned with her to the cottage; the silent kiss, however,
+which she received, when Arthur explained what had detained them,
+reassured her, and bound her yet closer to the kind relative, whom, if
+timidity had permitted, she would already have so loved.</p>
+
+<p>The novelty of his situation, the rapid and pleasant movement of his
+uncle's carriage, the idea of the new relations he was about to meet,
+and an unconfessed but powerful feeling of his own increased consequence
+in being so nearly connected with wealth and distinction, all had their
+effect upon Edward, and his eye sparkled and his cheek glowed, as if all
+sorrow had entirely passed away; not that he had ceased to think of his
+mother, for the least reference to her would fill his eyes with tears
+and completely check his joy&mdash;but still delight predominated. Ellen felt
+more and more the wish to shrink into her self, for the farther they
+left Llangwillan, the more painfully she missed Mr. Myrvin and his son,
+and the more she shrunk from encountering strangers. Edward she knew
+would speedily find companions to love, and to be loved by, and he would
+think still less of her. Her aunt would soon be surrounded by her own
+children, and then how could she expect to win her love? And Ellen
+looked intently and silently out from the carriage-window&mdash;her uncle
+believed on the many-flowered hedge and other objects of interest by
+which they passed&mdash;his wife imagined to hide a tear that trembled in her
+eyes, but which she had determined should not fall.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>RETROSPECTION.&mdash;THE LOWLY SOUGHT.&mdash;THE HAUGHTY FOILED.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In order clearly to understand the allusions of the previous chapters,
+and the circumstances which had formed the different characters of Mrs.
+Hamilton and Mrs. Fortescue, it will be necessary to take a
+retrospective glance on their early lives. Should it be uninteresting to
+the more youthful of our readers, we will beg them to proceed at once to
+"Traits of Character," but to their elder relatives, we hope the matter
+will prove of sufficient interest to obtain perusal.</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline and Eleanor Manvers were the daughters of Lord Delmont, a
+nobleman whose title and rank were rather burdensome than otherwise,
+from the want of sufficient means to keep them up as inclination and
+position warranted. Lady Delmont, whose energetic yet gentle character
+would have greatly ameliorated the petty vexations of her husband, died
+when Emmeline was only seven, Eleanor five, and Charles, her only boy an
+infant of but three years old. A widow lady, Mrs. Harcourt by name, had
+been selected by Lady Delmont, in her last illness, as instructress and
+guardian of her daughters. Her wishes, always laws to her doating
+husband, were promptly fulfilled, and Mrs. Harcourt, two months after
+her friend's death, assumed the arduous and responsible duties for which
+her high character well fitted her.</p>
+
+<p>With Emmeline, though there were naturally some faults to correct, an
+indolence and weakness to overcome, and apparently no remarkable natural
+aptitude for acquirement, her task was comparatively easy, for her pupil
+had the capabilities, not only of affection but of reverence, to a very
+great extent, and once loving and respecting Mrs. Harcourt, not a
+command was neglected nor a wish unfulfilled. Eleanor, on the contrary,
+though so gifted that teaching might have been a complete labor of
+love&mdash;by self-will, violent passions, and a most determined want of
+veneration, even, of common respect, a resolute opposition from her
+earliest years to the wishes of Mrs. Harcourt, because she was merely a
+governess, so much her inferior in rank, rendered the task of education
+one of the most difficult and painful that can be conceived&mdash;increased
+from the injudicious partiality of Lord Delmont. It was not indeed the
+culpable negligence and dislike which Eleanor afterward displayed toward
+her own, but originating in the fancy that Mrs. Harcourt was unjust, and
+Emmeline was her favorite. Lord Delmont was one of those unfortunately
+weak, irresolute characters, that only behold the surface of things, and
+are therefore utterly incapable of acting either with vigor or judgment.
+When he did venture into the precincts of his daughters' apartments, he
+generally found Eleanor in sobs and tears, and Emmeline quietly pursuing
+her daily duties. That Mrs. Harcourt often entreated his influence with
+her younger pupil, to change her course of conduct, he never remembered
+longer than the time her expostulations lasted. Once or twice indeed he
+did begin to speak seriously, but Eleanor would throw her arms round his
+neck and kiss him, call him every endearing name, and beg him not to
+look so much like grave, cross Mrs. Harcourt, or she should think she
+had indeed no one to love her; and her beautiful eyes would swell with
+tears, and her voice quiver, so that her gratified father would forget
+all his reproof, and give her some indulgence to make up for the
+injustice and harshness she encountered in the school-room. Her power
+once thus experienced, of course, was never resigned. Her father's
+appearance in their study was always the signal for her tears, which she
+knew would confirm all his ideas of Mrs. Harcourt's unjust partiality.</p>
+
+<p>And this idea was strengthened as they grew older, and masters for
+various accomplishments somewhat lightened Mrs. Harcourt's actual
+labors. Emmeline's steady application, and moderate abilities were lost
+sight of in the applause always elicited by her younger sister; whose
+natural gifts alike in music, languages, and drawing had full play,
+directly she was released, even in part, from the hated thralldom of her
+governess.&mdash;Lord Delmont had been accustomed to hear Eleanor's beauty
+extolled, and now the extraordinary versatility and brilliancy of her
+talents became the theme of every tongue. Professors are naturally
+proud of a pupil who does them more than justice, and Miss Eleanor
+Manvers was in consequence held up in very many families, whom Lord
+Delmont only casually knew, and spoken of by very many again to him,
+knowing his weak point, and thus seeking to curry favor. Mrs. Harcourt
+was the only one from whom he never heard Eleanor's praises, and the
+only one, who spoke in praise of Emmeline. It must then be willful
+blindness on her part; and the father felt indignant, but in spite of
+himself had too much real respect for her, individually, to do more than
+redouble his indulgence to Eleanor. Emmeline could not complain of her
+father's neglect, for he was both kind and affectionate to her; but she
+did sometimes wish she could be quite sure that he loved her as much as
+her sister; and her deep affections, unsuspected by her father, rejected
+and laughed at by Eleanor, twined themselves closer and closer round
+Mrs. Harcourt, and her brother Charles, on whom she actually doted, and
+who returned her affection with one quite as fond and warm as a happy,
+laughter-loving, frank-hearted boy had it in his power to bestow; yet
+even his holidays were times of as much suffering as joy to his sister,
+from the violent quarrels which were continually taking place between
+him and Eleanor. Emmeline, happy in herself and Mrs. Harcourt's
+companionship, could endure Eleanor's determined supremacy, and, except
+where her conscience disapproved, yielded to her. But this could not be
+expected from Charles, who, despite his elder sister's gentle
+entreaties, would stand up for what he called her rights, and declare
+that, when he was at home, Miss Eleanor should not lord it over the
+whole family. Eleanor would of course quarrel first with him and then
+appeal to her father, who without hearing the case would give her right,
+and harshly condemn Charles, whose high spirit revolted; and unable to
+bear with his father's weakness of character, as he ought to have done,
+would answer disrespectfully; and words succeeded words till Charles in
+a desperate passion would seek Emmeline's chamber, and his father,
+though he actually deeply loved and was very proud of his son, wished
+that the holidays were over, and Charles safe again at school.</p>
+
+<p>Trifling as domestic disputes may seem in description, they never fail
+in their painful reality to banish all lasting happiness. Emmeline could
+bear that her father should prefer Eleanor to herself, but that he
+should be unjust to her darling Charles, and that Charles should
+increase this evil by dispute and self-will, tried her severely, and
+obliged her often and often to fly to the solitude of her own chamber,
+lest her temper also should fail, and, to defend her brother, she should
+forget her duty to her father. But with her, Mrs. Harcourt's lessons had
+indeed been blessed. The spirit of true, heartfelt piety, which she had
+sought to instill into her youthful charge, even more by the example of
+her daily life than by precepts, had become Emmeline's, young as she
+still was, and enabled her not only to bear up against the constant
+petty annoyances of her home, but the heavy trial sustained in the death
+of Mrs. Harcourt, just as she was looking forward to her entrance into
+the gay world, under her maternal guardianship, and her parting with her
+brother, who, not two months afterward, left her to fulfill his darling
+wish of going to sea.</p>
+
+<p>At eighteen, then, Emmeline Manvers became the mistress of her father's
+establishment, and had to encounter alone, not only the suffering of
+bereavement&mdash;in which, though Lord Delmont sincerely respected Mrs.
+Harcourt, he could not sympathize, and at which, after the first shock
+and momentary remorse for her own conduct to so true a friend, Eleanor,
+if she did not actually rejoice, felt so very greatly relieved as to be
+irritated and angry at Emmeline's quiet sorrow&mdash;but the separation from
+her brother and all the cares and disagreeables of such strict economy
+at home, as would permit the sustaining a proper position in society, so
+that the necessity of economy should not even be suspected. It was this
+regard of appearances which so chafed and pained Emmeline's upright and
+independent spirit. Not that Lord Delmont, even for appearances, would
+go beyond his income; but still there were obliged concealments and
+other petty things which his daughter could not bear. Mrs. Harcourt's
+trial&mdash;a widow, compelled not only to teach for a subsistence, but to
+part with her only child, who had been adopted by a married sister,
+living in Italy&mdash;appeared to Emmeline's ideas of truth and honor
+preferable to appearing richer than they really were. But on this
+subject, even less than on any other, she knew there was no chance of
+sympathy, and so she devoted all the energies of her matured and
+well-regulated mind to correcting the evil as much as it lay in her
+individual power; and in the year which her earnest entreaties prevailed
+on her father to permit her remaining in quiet retirement, before she
+entered the world, Lord Delmont was astonished at the greater comfort
+and increase of dignity which pervaded his establishment. He never had
+chosen Mrs. Harcourt to interfere with his household concerns,
+believing that he conducted them himself, when in reality he was
+completely governed by his housekeeper and steward. Mrs. Harcourt's
+penetration had seen and regretted this, and had endeavored so to guide
+and instruct Emmeline, that when she became old enough to claim her
+right as mistress, the evil should be remedied. Could she have looked
+down on the child of her love, she would indeed have rejoiced at the
+beautiful fruition of her labors. Lord Delmont was not astonished and
+delighted only, a feeling of respect toward his gentle, his truthful
+child entered his heart, such as he had experienced toward none, save
+her mother. Emmeline would indeed have thought all her toils repaid,
+could she have known this, but the very feeling prevented the display of
+that caressing affection he still lavished on Eleanor, and the tears of
+his elder girl often fell thick and fast from the painful longing for
+one similar caress, one evidence on his part, that, though neither so
+beautiful, nor talented, nor engaging as Eleanor, she could yet minister
+to his comfort and increase his happiness.</p>
+
+<p>But Emmeline's strong feeling of religion, while it enabled her to bear
+up against care and the constant and most painful feeling of loneliness,
+rendered the trial of beholding her sister's willful course of error, if
+possible, still more severe. She knew that all her affectionate counsels
+were worse than useless, that though Eleanor could be even caressingly
+affectionate when it served her purpose, would even listen to her at the
+moment of suffering from some too hasty impulse, she had no lasting
+influence. And this became more and more evident as Eleanor became the
+almost constant companion of the Marchioness Lascelles, their only
+female relative. It was the evil influence of this lady which had so
+increased Eleanor's natural repugnance to Mrs. Harcourt's gentle sway,
+that for full two years before the latter's death the flattery of Lady
+Lascelles and Eleanor's passionate entreaties had prevailed on Lord
+Delmont to permit his daughter being more with her than with her sister
+and governess. Lady Lascelles was a woman of the world, utterly
+heartless, highly distinguished, and supremely fashionable. At her house
+all the ton of the beau monde congregated, and scandal, frivolity, and
+<i>esprît</i> were the prevailing topics, diversified with superficial
+opinions of the literature, arts, and politics of the day, and various
+sentimental episodes, which the lady of the house endured for the sake
+of variety. Here Eleanor, even at fourteen, was made a popular idol; her
+extreme beauty, her vivacity, her talents, her sharpness of repartee,
+all were admired, extolled, and encouraged. At seventeen she was
+introduced and initiated into all the mysteries of an ultra-fashionable
+life, and very speedily added to her other accomplishments all the arts
+of a finished and heartless coquette.</p>
+
+<p>With Lady Lascelles for her chaperon, it was not very surprising that
+Emmeline Manvers shrunk in pain and dread from her introduction into
+society; but yet she knew her social duties too well to refuse, and, by
+an affectation of superior sanctity, which of course would have been the
+charge leveled against her, throw a sneer upon those holy feelings and
+spiritual principles which had become part of her very being. She
+entered into society, but the isolation to a heart like hers of the
+coteries of Lady Lascelles and her friends, was indeed most painful, and
+aggravated by the constant dread which the contemplation of Eleanor's
+reckless career could not but occasion.</p>
+
+<p>But Emmeline's trial of loneliness was happily not of very long
+duration. At a ball, which was less exclusive than the assemblages of
+Lady Lascelles, the attention of both sisters was attracted to a young
+nan, by name Arthur Hamilton&mdash;Eleanor, from his distinguished appearance
+and extreme reserve, Emmeline, by the story attached to his name. His
+father had so distinguished himself in the amelioration of the peasantry
+and working classes in various parts of England, in addition to various
+services of a private and confidential nature from the home government
+to the courts abroad, that a viscountcy was offered to his acceptance.
+The message from royalty reached him on his death-bed, and though, from
+the faint and flickering accents with which he replied to the intended
+honor, it seemed as if he declined it, it was attributed to the natural
+feelings of a dying man, seeing the utter nothingness of earthly honors,
+and the title was generously proposed to his son. But Arthur Hamilton
+had not been the pupil and friend of his father in vain. With a calm
+dignity and uncompromising independence, he declared that he had neither
+claim nor heirship to the reward of his father's services; that he
+believed his parent would himself have refused it, preferring the
+honorable distinction of being an untitled English gentleman, to the
+unvalued honor of a newly-created lordship. He respectfully thanked the
+government for the honor they intended, but decisively refused it&mdash;that
+his dearest inheritance was his father's name.</p>
+
+<p>Of course this most extraordinary decision was canvassed again and
+again in the fashionable world, meeting there with very little
+appreciation, because it sprang from much higher feelings than the world
+could comprehend. By many he was imagined very little removed from
+insane&mdash;by others as actuated by some ulterior motive, which would be
+sure to display itself some day&mdash;by all regarded with curiosity&mdash;by some
+few with earnest, quiet, heartfelt admiration: and of this number was
+not only Emmeline Manvers, but her father; who, though weak and
+yielding, was not worldly, and could admire honorable independence, even
+while some of his friends succeeded in persuading him that in this case
+it nearly reached romance.</p>
+
+<p>Arthur Hamilton was a star creating a sensation; it signified little to
+Eleanor Manvers why or wherefore, but she fully resolved to conquer him
+and chain him, as she had already done innumerable others, victim to her
+charms. His very reserve deepened her ardent longing, and the difficulty
+only strengthened her resolution, but she tried in vain; for the first
+time she was completely and entirely foiled, and she disliked him
+accordingly&mdash;a dislike increasing to actual abhorrence&mdash;when the truth
+at length forced itself upon her, that he admired, conversed with,
+evidently sought the society of her sister, whom she chose to charge
+with deceit and underhand dealing, with all the violence of angry
+passion and mortified defeat.</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline bore the storm calmly, for her conscience perfectly acquitted
+her. She was not indeed indifferent to Arthur Hamilton, but she had
+tried hard to prevent the ascendency of affection, for she had heard
+that he still mourned the loss of a beloved one to whom he had been for
+many years engaged. And deep was her thankful joy, and unexpected indeed
+the intensity of her happiness, when six months after their first
+introduction he related to her the heavy trial of his early life, and
+concluded by asking her if she could indeed accept a heart which had so
+loved another, but which was now entirely her own, and happier than he
+had once believed it ever could be. The very frankness of his avowal
+increased the feelings of reverence and regard he had already inspired,
+and to the great delight, and no little pride of Lord Delmont, his elder
+daughter, who had been by Lady Lascelles' coterie so overlooked and
+neglected, who had been by many for years considered a mere foil to the
+beauty and talent of her younger sister, was united before she was
+twenty, to a man who&mdash;however his high principles might have excited
+laughter as high-flown romance, his unbending integrity and dislike of
+the pleasures and amusements, but too often the sole pursuit of the
+wealthy, exposed him to the charge of severity and eccentricity&mdash;was yet
+sought, and his connection deemed a most desirable <i>partie</i> by all and
+every family who had marriageable daughters.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>RETROSPECTIVE.&mdash;EFFECTS OF COQUETRY.&mdash;OBEDIENCE AND DISOBEDIENCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Eleanor's unfounded dislike toward Arthur Hamilton did not decrease when
+he became her brother-in-law; she chose to believe that he had injured
+her by being the only one who had remained proof against all the
+fascinations she had thrown in his way. Even in her childhood, if any
+one chanced to notice Emmeline more than herself, it was considered a
+mortal offense, and the person who had so offended was scarcely spoken
+to again. Therefore that Emmeline should be married before herself, and
+to the man she intended to captivate, but <i>not to love</i>, or wed, was an
+offense visited upon her sister by the withdrawal of her speech for six
+months, and on Mr. Hamilton by an insulting haughtiness of demeanor
+toward him, at which he only smiled; and, to her extreme annoyance, she
+found that even as she had failed to fascinate, she equally failed to
+offend. He <i>would</i> speak to her, <i>would</i> treat her with courtesy, and
+the quiet familiarity of an older relative&mdash;and more, actually
+remonstrate with her conduct whenever he thought it wrong. It was the
+recollection of this time, yet more than actual present feeling, which
+had occasioned the mistaken impressions she had infused into both her
+children, of the extreme severity and harshness of their uncle,
+thoughtlessly indeed, for the present was always all to her, and if she
+did think that they might one day be under his charge, she little
+imagined the unhappiness and mischief which their supposition of his
+unbending sternness might engender.</p>
+
+<p>To Emmeline, the change in her young life was so marvelous, so
+complete&mdash;care, anxiety, loneliness, that sinking of the whole frame and
+heart, from the absence of appreciation and social kindness, had so
+departed, leaving in their stead such an intensity of quiet domestic
+happiness, that it was long before her full heart could believe it
+reality, and rest secure. She had always longed for one to reverence, to
+cling to, and her husband gave her room for both. As his betrothed, even
+before their marriage, she had been introduced to very different society
+to that of the marchioness; she beheld him reverenced, loved, appealed
+to by the wisest and the best men, often older than himself. That this
+man should so love, cherish, and actually reverence her&mdash;no wonder that
+under the magic of such feelings her character matured, displaying such
+engaging and unsuspected qualities, that even her husband often looked
+at her with astonishment, playfully asking her if she could be the same
+calm, almost too quiet, and seemingly too cold Emmeline Manvers whom he
+had first seen. Her very talents, which had seemed worthless, compared
+to her sister's, were called forth by her husband. She found that her
+voice and her touch on either piano or harp, could give him exquisite
+pleasure, and this once discovered, she made such improvement as almost
+to surprise herself. She found the sketches taken from the various
+lovely spots in the vicinity of their noble seat, and in which
+Devonshire abounds, delighted him, and when Eleanor did visit Oakwood,
+she was astounded at the various beautiful drawings, which evinced the
+employment of that leisure which she had declared must be even to the
+quiet Emmeline a horrid bore.</p>
+
+<p>To Lord Delmont the change in his daughter was much more astonishing
+than to her husband. He was very often at Oakwood (particularly when a
+little grandson was added to the happy party), for his home under
+Eleanor's extravagant and heedless management had lost all the comfort
+that Emmeline had bestowed. He had begun, too, to discover that his
+darling, his still favorite Eleanor, was not faultless. Emmeline's
+generous assistance and determination to spare her father all discomfort
+had concealed Eleanor's personal extravagance from him; but after her
+marriage, as Eleanor's fashionable amusements increased, so did the
+quantity and amount of her bills, which, as the young lady did not seem
+inclined to settle them, were sent to her father. Lord Delmont was
+painfully startled, and with his usual want of judgment spoke to Eleanor
+at the very moment that he felt most angry; unaccustomed to reproof from
+him, she retorted with equal passion, and a violent altercation ensued,
+which ended in Eleanor ordering the carriage and driving to Lady
+Lascelles, declaring she could not think of returning home, till her
+father had sufficiently recovered his senses for her to do so in safety.</p>
+
+<p>The interference of Emmeline at length succeeded in restoring peace, but
+Lord Delmont's eyes had been rudely opened, and, as is unhappily too
+often the case with those weak characters where over-indulgence of
+childhood, has occasioned those annoyances of ungoverned youth, he
+became irritable and sometimes even harsh with Eleanor, which conduct
+threw her still more with Lady Lascelles. As to joining society with Mr.
+and Mrs. Hamilton, when they were in London, Eleanor would not hear of
+it. But to her sister's great joy, and some surprise, she accepted an
+invitation to Oakwood a short time after little Percy's birth; and,
+still more surprising, condescended to make herself agreeable. The
+London season had tired her, and she thought she might just as well be
+dull on the banks of the Dart in August and September as in some stupid
+watering-place. Mr. Hamilton, despite her dislike, which she cared not
+to avow, she found could be at least very entertaining; her father was
+more like his former self, her sister far more delightful and lovely
+than she ever thought she could be, and her nephew certainly a pretty
+little plague. Then Mr. Hamilton had a beautiful horse entirely for her
+use, and she rode exceedingly well, and was greatly admired. She was
+seized with an exploring mania, and dragged Emmeline to every old ruin
+and dark wood within ten miles of Oakwood. Altogether the impression she
+left behind her, after a two months' visit, was such as to ease Mrs.
+Hamilton's great anxiety, more especially as it appeared from certain
+private conversations, that her affections were for the first time
+really engaged, and Emmeline had always fondly hoped that when that
+should be the case, Eleanor would become a very different person. Alas!
+penetrative as she was, she had not yet learned her sister's character;
+simply because utter heartlessness in any woman she could not
+comprehend.</p>
+
+<p>Her visit to her father in London, in the winter, removed all their
+rising hopes, and caused such increased and intense anxiety, as so to
+injure her already delicate health that her husband bore her back to
+Oakwood a full month before they had originally intended. Whether or not
+Eleanor loved Lord Fitzclair, it was impossible to determine; but that
+he devotedly, passionately loved her, was only too evident, not only to
+the world, but to herself; and this once confirmed, she left no method
+untried to torment, and so, as she declared, to try if his affections
+were worth having. He was half an Italian, and had inherited all the
+strong, fierce passions of that country, without one atom of
+self-control. Mr. Hamilton knew him well, far better than he knew
+himself, and conjured him to withdraw from the society of one who could
+never make him happy, and whose capricious conduct was so likely to
+render him desperate and miserable: he reasoned, entreated in vain. "She
+only wants to try the strength of my love," was his sole reply; "and
+were she to torment health and life away, it will never change&mdash;she will
+be mine yet."</p>
+
+<p>And to the astonishment of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, two months afterward
+he proposed in form, and actually was accepted, with the sole condition
+that their engagement should be kept secret till it should please
+Eleanor to name the wedding day, which could not be at least for six or
+eight months.</p>
+
+<p>This engagement might have eased anxiety, but the condition increased
+it, especially, as instead of coming to Oakwood, as Emmeline had asked
+and hoped, the latter part of the summer and autumn was to be spent in
+Cheltenham with a very gay party, in which Eleanor was still of course
+the star. Mrs. Hamilton entered the nursery one morning earlier than
+usual, for her infant had not been well the night before, and she had
+already experienced the care as well as the joy of a mother. Her babe
+was better, and as he lay smilingly and happily in her lap, and watched
+the eager movements of his brother, she was only sensible of pleasure.
+The nurse had arranged the chairs in a long line, that Master Percy
+might, with their help, walk the whole length of the large and airy
+room. The feat mightily pleased the little gentleman, who, having
+acquired the venerable age of fifteen months, liked better to feel his
+feet than crawl on the floor, or be carried about on any limbs but his
+own. Every two or three paces he stood nearly alone, and burst into a
+loud merry laugh, which was always echoed by a crow of joy from his
+little brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Take care, Percy, love, don't fall and frighten mamma," said his young
+mother, who was watching him with such pleasure as to send for his
+father to share it. When her son, to prove how well he obeyed her
+commands to take care, stood for a second without any support, and then
+ran quite alone across the room, and with a yet louder laugh hid his
+rosy face in her lap. Mrs. Hamilton fondly kissed the little nestling
+head, and at that moment her husband entered the room. "Dearest
+Arthur," she eagerly exclaimed, "I was actually foolish enough to send
+for you. Herbert seems quite well; I was, it seems, needlessly alarmed,
+and Percy has this moment&mdash;" She stopped in sudden terror, for there was
+an expression on her husband's countenance of such unusual agitation,
+that though he tried to smile when he heard her words, she could not
+conquer her alarm, more than to say, in a caressing voice to her little
+boy&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Will not Percy run to papa, and ask him why he looks so sad?"</p>
+
+<p>The child looked up in her face, and then, as his father held out his
+arms to him, let go his mother's dress, and obeyed her. Mr. Hamilton
+caught him to his heart, held him for above a minute, kissed him fondly,
+and left the nursery without uttering a single word.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me take Master Herbert, ma'am," said the head nurse respectfully,
+for she saw that her mistress's unexpressed alarm had nearly overpowered
+her; and in a few minutes Emmeline was with her husband, whose agitation
+was so excessive, that even his wife's presence, for the moment, had
+scarcely power to calm him.</p>
+
+<p>The tale was soon told. Eleanor's conduct since her engagement had been
+such as to excite the displeasure, not of her father alone, but actually
+of the marchioness; who, though a weak and worldly woman, had yet some
+idea of propriety. As a near relation of Lord Delmont, Eleanor's
+engagement with Lord Fitzclair was of course told to her, and again and
+again she warned her that she was going too far, and might lose her
+lover before she was aware of it; but Eleanor only laughed at her, and
+at last won her over to the belief that it was certainly better to cure
+Fitzclair of his jealous tendency <i>before</i> marriage than afterward. Lord
+Delmont's reproofs she was wont to silence, by invariably making them
+the signal of mortifying and annoying Lord Fitzclair still more than
+usual. Yet still at times she relented, and so strengthened the love she
+had excited, so enhanced her own fascinations, that all the agony he had
+endured and was still, he knew, to endure, by an incomprehensible
+contradiction, riveted her power and hastened his own doom. Weak in all
+things but his love, he could not demand as his actual right the
+publication of their engagement. Eleanor vowed if he did till she
+permitted him, she would have nothing more to say to him. She knew,
+though she did not say it, that once made known, a chain would be
+thrown round her actions, which she did not choose to endure. And
+father, lover, and friend, all feeling she was wrong, and the first and
+last repeatedly telling her so, had yet neither of them the resolution
+to contend with her, and compel the proper course.</p>
+
+<p>A month of their visit to Cheltenham so passed, when Eleanor's attention
+was arrested by a new actor on the scene. She had begun to tire of her
+present satellites, and a young military captain, whose furlough from
+India had just expired, and whose pale face, somewhat melancholy
+expression, and very elegant figure, presented a new subject for
+conquest impossible to be resisted; and it was unhappily, only too
+easily achieved. She made no secret of her admiration, speaking of him
+in such terms to her intended husband as to excite anew every jealous
+feeling. It was easy for Captain Fortescue to discover Fitzclair was his
+rival; but believing himself decidedly the object of Eleanor's
+preference, he increased his attentions, little imagining the storm he
+was exciting, the more fearful from its determined suppression. Lord
+Delmont interfered several times, not only by reproaches to Eleanor, but
+by determined coldness to her new suitor. Finding at length that her
+encouragement actually neared a criminal extent, and after a desperately
+stormy interview, he solemnly declared that if she did not dismiss
+Captain Fortescue at once, he would shame her in the face of the whole
+world, by proclaiming her engagement with the young marquis. Eleanor in
+equal anger, declared that if he threatened, so too could she; and if he
+tormented her any more she would prevent all publication of her
+engagement, by herself snapping it asunder, and pledging her faith to
+Captain Fortescue. This was too much even for Lord Delmont. Declaring if
+she did so, a father's heaviest malediction should fall on her head, he
+hastily left her; and Eleanor very composedly went to prepare for an
+excursion on horseback with Fortescue, Fitzclair and others.</p>
+
+<p>When Lord Delmont's passions were once roused, even his ordinarily
+slender judgment entirely forsook him, and he did that which at another
+time, knowing Fitzclair as he did, he would have shrunk from. He sought
+him, while still exasperated, upbraided him for his weakness in
+permitting Eleanor's unprincipled conduct, and warned him that, if he
+did not adopt some strong measures to prevent it, he would certainly
+lose her entirely.</p>
+
+<p>The young man heard him without reply; but his face grew livid, and he
+clenched his hand till the blood started from the nails, and in this
+mood of concentrated passion joined the riding party. The exercise
+itself is, to some temperaments, unusually exciting, and the determined
+coldness of Eleanor to himself, and the eagerly-received devotion of
+Fortescue, maddened him. He demanded an interview with her on their
+return home, struggled to speak calmly, expostulated, and, finally,
+reproached. Eleanor, already irritated; and, beyond all, that her lover,
+in general so obsequious and humble, should dare to call her to account
+for mere amusement, combined with the recollection of Captain
+Fortescue's flattering vows and willing homage, excited her to an extent
+of which she was herself unconscious, inasmuch as she firmly believed,
+whatever she might say then, a few soft words would speedily obliterate.
+She told him that really his jealous temperament was beyond all
+endurance; that he certainly must intend her to despise and abhor him;
+and that the contrast he presented to Captain Fortescue was such as to
+make her most heartily wish to put an end to their engagement, as she
+felt quite sure it must only end in misery for both; and, without
+waiting for a reply, she haughtily brushed by him, and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Of the extent of Fitzclair's passion Eleanor had not the least idea, and
+this is saying a great deal, for she generally exaggerated her own
+power. She believed she had inflicted pain, but not as much as he
+deserved; and determined that she would torment him yet more at the ball
+that evening. But to her extreme mortification, he did not appear, and
+there was a vague dread on her spirits as she retired for the night,
+which prevented any thing like rest. His absence had excited surprise in
+all, especially Lady Lascelles, who knew that to leave Eleanor entirely
+to the attentions of young Fortescue was so unprecedented as to bode no
+good. But the wildest conjectures were far from reality. The very next
+morning all Cheltenham was thrown into the most painful excitement by
+the incomprehensible and most extraordinary fact of the suicide of Lord
+Fitzclair; by what occasioned, plunged into such mystery that nothing
+but sudden aberration of mind was imagined, a belief justified by the
+very peculiar temperament and manners of the young nobleman during his
+sojourn with them. His will, a valuable present, with a few lines of
+regard to his faithful attendant, and a letter addressed to Arthur
+Hamilton, Esq., were the sole evidences that the awful deed had not been
+committed without some preparation; but as that was often the case with
+madness itself, it excited no remark.</p>
+
+<p>The state of Eleanor's mind when these awful tidings were communicated
+to her, which they were by her father, in his agitation and anger,
+without the least preparation, we leave our readers to imagine.
+Hardened, heartless, willful as she was, she was still a woman, and a
+very young one, and till Captain Fortescue appeared, had loved, as far
+as it was in her nature, Lord Fitzclair. To believe that she had nothing
+to do with his miserable end was an attempt so vain and hollow, that
+even she shrunk from the hopeless struggle to realize it; remorse in all
+its torturing, unmitigated anguish took possession of her, but instead
+of leading her to penitence, and thence the hope of peace, it urged her
+to a course of action from which she imagined there was no withdrawing;
+and which must in time, by removing her from all painful associations,
+lessen her present misery.</p>
+
+<p>For three days and nights she never quitted her own apartment, and then
+joined her usual circles without the smallest evidence of the internal
+agony which was still hers. It was very easy to displace paleness by
+artificial roses, and her gay smiles and joyous sallies were tempered
+only by a judiciously-expressed horror when the late event was discussed
+before her, supposed natural to one who had known him so intimately; but
+the hours of loneliness which followed this conduct in society were
+terrible indeed. By a strange contrariety of feeling, her better nature
+longed for Emmeline, and her artificial, which had, alas! only too
+forcibly become her natural self, felt as if she would leave the kingdom
+rather than encounter the mild, sorrowful glance of those penetrating
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Delmont was himself in a most pitiable condition; even minor evils
+had always been great to him, and the effect of this, the wish to take
+Eleanor away from Captain Fortescue's increased and annoying attentions,
+and yet the dread that doing so would connect her with Fitzclair's
+death, so distracted him as to render him really ill&mdash;information which
+instantly brought Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to Cheltenham.</p>
+
+<p>Some young wives and mothers might have felt it hard that their domestic
+enjoyment should so continually have been disturbed and annoyed from the
+faults of others; but Emmeline had been accustomed to trace every thing
+that created personal suffering to the highest source, and feel that it
+was good for her, or it would not be; a conviction that enabled her to
+bear with and still to love the erring one that was the visible cause of
+pain.</p>
+
+<p>Eleanor was at a gay ball the night of her arrival, and Mrs. Hamilton
+requested she might not be informed of it till the following day. About
+half an hour before her usual hour of rising after such scenes, she
+entered her sister's room. All around her lay the ornaments of the
+previous evening, looking so strange, gaudy, and faded in the darkened
+room, and judged by the calmer feelings of the morning. A sensation of
+intense depression crept over Emmeline as she gazed, increasing as she
+looked on the face of the sleeper, which, divested of its unnatural
+bloom, looked so fearfully wan and haggard. Her beautiful hair lay in
+tangled masses on her damp brow, and as Emmeline gently tried to remove
+it, Eleanor started and awoke.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it already time to get up?" she said languidly, and only half
+unclosing her eyes; "I feel as if I had not slept at all. Am I
+dreaming?" she added, starting up, "or have I slept in one place, and
+awoke in another? Am I at Oakwood?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, dearest Eleanor; will you not welcome me to Malvern House?"</p>
+
+<p>The voice, the look, seemed to thrill through her; her temples were
+throbbing, her heart weighed down, as it always was when she first
+awoke, with an undefinable sense of guilt and pain; she tried to be
+cold, proud, reserved, but it would not do, and she suddenly flung her
+arms round her sister's neck, and burst into agonized tears.</p>
+
+<p>It was a most unexpected greeting, and Mrs. Hamilton argued hopefully
+from it. Alas! the unwonted softening only lasted one brief half hour.
+She left her at Eleanor's entreaty while dressing, and when she
+returned, though the reckless girl told her with a half smile that she
+was ready for her lecture, for she could only have come from Oakwood to
+give her one; and that however severe her words might be, she could not
+alter her tone, that must be kind, in spite of herself. Yet Emmeline
+could not succeed in convincing her how wrongly, how cruelly she had
+acted. Eleanor would persist that she was not in the least to blame, and
+that poor Fitzclair's fearful end was only owing to his own violent
+passions; in fact, that he must have been out of his mind, and that,
+though it was certainly very dreadful, she had perhaps escaped a very
+terrible doom; but speak as she might, Emmeline was not deceived as to
+the agony she was actually enduring. Finding, however, that all her
+gentle efforts were useless, that even the perusal of Fitzclair's brief
+lines to her husband&mdash;which Eleanor insisted on seeing, and in which he
+deplored his madness in not having followed his advice, and flown from
+her presence, and bade him take his forgiveness to her, and say, that
+the means he had adopted would, he trusted, dissolve their engagement to
+her satisfaction&mdash;had no effect, save in causing her to turn so deadly
+pale, that her sister was convinced nothing but an almost supernatural
+effort of pride preserved her from fainting. She desisted; hoping
+against hope that Eleanor would yet repent and become a different being.
+She knew harshness would only harden, and so she tried to prevail on her
+father to treat her as usual, but this Lord Delmont could not do. It is
+strange how often we find those parents who have been over-indulgent to
+childhood, unusually harsh to the faults of youth. Weak characters,
+also, when driven to anger, are always more violent than firmer ones;
+and, certainly, Eleanor's continued haughtiness and coldness, as if she
+were the injured one, did not tend to calm him.</p>
+
+<p>And his angry feelings were unfortunately but too soon aggravated by a
+proposal in form from Captain Fortescue for the hand of Eleanor. Without
+a moment's delay he dispatched a decided and almost insulting refusal to
+the young soldier, and then sought his daughter, and vented on her the
+anger and vexation which overpowered him, upbraiding her not only with
+the death of Fitzclair, but for having dared so to encourage young
+Fortescue as to give him courage for his audacious proposal. To his
+astonishment, he was heard without any attempt at reply; but he would
+have been startled, could he have seen the pallid cheek, compressed lip,
+and clenched hand with which, when he had left her, Eleanor muttered&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Father, if it be sin to leave you, be it on your own head. I would have
+wedded with your consent, had you permitted it; but now my destiny is
+fixed. There is no peace in England: at least let me be spared the agony
+of breaking another loving heart."</p>
+
+<p>Nearly three weeks rolled on, and Eleanor's extraordinary submission,
+and even in some degree withdrawal from society (for which Mrs.
+Hamilton's arrival was a good excuse), caused her father's irritation
+against her almost entirely to subside. That she passed several hours
+each day apart from her sister, excited no surprise. Emmeline was
+thankful even for her change of deportment, but nothing confidential
+ever again passed between them. That reports were floating about,
+connecting the names of Miss Manvers and the late Lord Fitzclair, seemed
+little heeded by Eleanor, though they caused natural vexation to her
+family. About this time an invitation arrived for Eleanor from a lady of
+rank, slightly known to her father, and living ten miles from Cheltenham
+in a beautiful villa, at which she expected a select party of
+fashionables to ruralize for a week or two. There was nothing in the
+note to excite the dread that weighed on Mrs. Hamilton's spirits, as
+Eleanor carelessly threw it to her for her perusal, but she would not
+express it, as Lord Delmont seemed inclined that Eleanor should accept
+it, knowing that the lady was much too exclusive for Captain Fortescue
+to join her guests, and believing that Eleanor's apparent indifference
+to the visit originated from that cause. Telling her he was so gratified
+by her having devoted so many evenings to her sister, he added, she had
+his full consent to go if she liked, as he could better spare her than
+when Emmeline returned to Oakwood. She quietly thanked him, but evinced
+no particular pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>The day before her intended departure, the sisters were sitting
+together, and little Percy, who now ran firmly without any falls, was
+playing about the room. He had already displayed a high spirit and
+passionate temper, with their general accompaniment, self-will, even in
+trifles, that Mrs. Hamilton felt would render her task a trying one; but
+she was as firm as she was gentle, and faced the pain of contradicting
+her darling bravely:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Do not touch that, Percy, love," she said, as her little boy stretched
+out his hand toward a beautiful but fragile toy, that stood with other
+nick-nacks on a low table. The child looked laughingly and archly toward
+her, and withdrew his hand, but did not move from the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, Percy, you have not played with these pretty things for a
+long time;" and she took from her work-box some gayly colored ivory
+balls, which had been his favorite playthings, but just at present they
+had lost their charm, and the young gentleman did not move.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton knelt down by him, and said quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"My Percy will not disobey mamma, will he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Me want that;" he replied, in the pretty coaxing tone of infancy; and
+he twined his little round arms caressingly round her neck.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton felt very much tempted to indulge him, but she resisted
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"But that is not a fit plaything for you, love; besides, it is not mine,
+and we must not touch what is not ours. Come and see if we can not find
+something just as pretty, that you may have."</p>
+
+<p>And after some minutes' merry play in her lap his mother hoped he had
+forgotten it; but the little gentleman was not, he thought, to be so
+governed. The forbidden plaything was quietly grasped, and he seated
+himself on the ground, in silent but triumphant glee.</p>
+
+<p>Surprised at his sudden silence, Mrs. Hamilton looked toward him. It was
+his first act of decided disobedience, and she knew she must not waver.
+Young as he was, he had already learned to know when she was displeased,
+and when she desired him very gravely to give her the toy, he
+passionately threw it down, and burst into a violent fit of crying. His
+nurse took him struggling from the room, and Mrs. Hamilton quietly
+resumed her work; but there was such an expression of pain in her
+countenance, that Eleanor exclaimed,</p>
+
+<p>"Emmeline! I have been watching you for the last half hour, and I can
+not comprehend you. Do explain yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"I will if I can;" and Mrs. Hamilton looked up, and smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Why would you not let that poor little Percy have that toy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because it would have been encouraging his touching or taking every
+thing he sees, whether proper for him or not."</p>
+
+<p>"But he could not understand that."</p>
+
+<p>"Not now, perhaps; but I wish him to know that when I speak, he must
+obey me. It is, I think, a mistaken doctrine, that we ought to give
+children a <i>reason</i> for all we desire them to do. Obedience can then
+never be prompt, as it ought to be. And, in fact, if we wait until they
+are old enough to understand the reasons for a command, the task will be
+much more difficult, from the ascendency which willfulness may already
+have obtained."</p>
+
+<p>"But then why were you so cruel as to send the poor child up-stairs? Was
+it not enough to take the toy from him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite; for him to remember that he must not touch it again."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you really think he will not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can only hope so, Eleanor; but I must not be disheartened if he do.
+He is an infant still, and I can not expect him to learn such a
+difficult lesson as obedience in one, two, or six lessons."</p>
+
+<p>"And will he love you as much as if you had given it to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at the moment, perhaps, but when he is older he will love me more.
+And it is that hope which reconciles me to the pain which refusing to
+indulge him costs me now."</p>
+
+<p>"And voluntarily you will bear the pain which had almost brought tears
+into the eyes of the severe and stoical Mrs. Hamilton!" exclaimed
+Eleanor.</p>
+
+<p>"It was a foolish weakness, my dear Eleanor, for which my husband would
+have chidden me; but there must be pain to a mother if called upon to
+exert authority, when inclination so strongly points to indulgence."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if ever I have any thing to do with children, I certainly shall
+not be half as particular as you are, Emmeline. I really can not imagine
+what harm gratifying myself and Percy could possibly have done."</p>
+
+<p>"If ever you have children, my dear Eleanor, may you have strength of
+mind and self-control sufficient to forget self, and refuse the
+gratification of the present moment for the welfare of future years!"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton spoke impressively, and something, either in her words or
+tone, caused the blood to rush into Eleanor's cheeks, and she hastily
+walked to the window; then, as abruptly returning, she kissed her
+sister, a very rare token of affection, and declaring she was much too
+good for her to understand, quitted the room.</p>
+
+<p>The following day, dressed for her visit, and only waiting for the
+carriage, Eleanor, accompanied by Mrs. Hamilton and her little boys,
+entered the same apartment. Though not in general fond of nursing,
+Eleanor had taken Herbert in her arms, and was playing with him with
+unusual fondness; Percy, who had not seen the tempting plaything since
+his banishment the preceding day, the moment his eye caught it, to the
+astonishment of Eleanor, ran up to his mother, and lisping, "Me no touch
+that&mdash;Percy good boy now," held up his little face lovingly to hers, and
+with a very pardonable feeling of delight, Mrs. Hamilton lifted him up
+and covered him with kisses. The feelings which thrilled through Eleanor
+at that moment she might indeed have found it difficult to explain, but
+she was so conscious of a change of countenance as to hide her face on
+Herbert's head. It might have been obedience and disobedience brought so
+suddenly and strangely in contrast&mdash;and who were the actors? an infant
+and herself. For a minute she recovered, stricken with sudden and
+agonized remorse; but it was too late, she had gone too far, and the
+announcement of the carriage was a relief from that bitter moment of
+painful indecision. Placing her baby nephew in his nurse's arms, she
+said, caressingly, "Will not Percy give Lina some of those kisses as
+well as mamma?" The child threw one little arm round her neck, and the
+other round that of his mother, and then burst into a merry laugh at
+thus seeing himself as it were a link between them. Never had it seemed
+to Eleanor that she had loved and admired her sister as she did at that
+moment; all the neglect, unkindness, she had shown her, all the sarcasm
+and satire, of which, either before or behind her, she had so often made
+her the victim, combined with an intense, but how painfully vain longing
+to have resembled her in the remotest degree, rather than be the
+character which had never before appeared so degraded, so
+hateful&mdash;almost overpowered her&mdash;a convulsive sob escaped her as she
+clasped Emmeline in a close embrace, and almost choked her hurried
+good-by! Lord Delmont and Mr. Hamilton were in the hall, and the former
+was surprised and delighted at the warmth with which his usually
+reckless child returned his kiss and farewell; the carriage drove off
+leaving unusual hope and cheerfulness behind it. Alas! in one short
+fortnight every rising hope was blighted, Emmeline's momentary dread
+fulfilled, and Lord Delmont experiencing, in all its agony,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">To have a thankless child"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>A HEART AND HOME IN ENGLAND.&mdash;A HEART AND HOME IN INDIA.</h3>
+
+
+<p>From the moment Arthur Hamilton returned to Cheltenham with the painful
+intelligence that he had arrived at Leith only in time to witness the
+departure of the beautiful vessel which contained Captain Fortescue and
+the exquisitely lovely bride who had, it seemed, turned the heads of all
+the usually quiet Scotsmen who had seen her, Lord Delmont gradually
+sunk. The agony of losing her forever&mdash;for so he regarded her departure
+for, and residence in India for an indeterminate time&mdash;conquered every
+other feeling. Her conduct had caused emotions of anguish far too deep
+for the relieving sensation of anger. The name of the lady from whose
+house and by whose connivance she had eloped, he was never heard to
+breathe; but, if ever casually mentioned before him, every feature would
+become convulsed, and he would instantly leave the room. Often and often
+he accused his own harshness as the cause of driving her from him, and
+then came, with overwhelming bitterness, the thought that if he lately
+had been harsh, surely the recollection of all the indulgent fondness he
+had shown demanded some gratitude in return. If she had but written, had
+but expressed one wish for his continued love, one regret for his
+present pain! But no letter came, and the contending but all-depressing
+emotions so completely undermined a constitution never very strong, and
+already worn by care, that when another and still heavier trial came, he
+sunk at once beneath it.</p>
+
+<p>Though Eleanor had been his favorite, his feelings of pride and hope had
+greatly centered in his son, whose career, in five years' active service
+on board a man-of-war, had been such as to raise him already to a
+lieutenancy, and excite every gratifying emotion, not only in his
+immediate family, but in a large circle of admiring friends. Mrs.
+Hamilton's love for her brother had naturally increased, strong as it
+always had been, even in childhood&mdash;and the visits which Charles had
+been enabled to make to Oakwood, brief in duration as they were
+compelled to be, had always been fraught with heartfelt, joyous
+happiness, not only to herself but to her husband. The pain and anxiety
+attendant on Eleanor's elopement, and the dread of its effects on Lord
+Delmont, had for two or three months been the sole subject of thought;
+but at length, and, like a fearful flash bringing a new sorrow to light,
+it pressed upon them that it was long after the period that intelligence
+of Charles ought to have been received. Still hoping against hope, not
+only the Delmont family, but all who had friends and relatives on board
+the Leander, imagined that she might have drifted from her course, or
+been engaged on some secret and distant expedition, but that
+intelligence concerning her would and must soon come. Alas! after months
+of agonizing suspense, information was received that several planks and
+masts, bearing evidence of fire as well as water, and some sea-chests,
+bearing names, only too soon recognized as those of some of the
+Leander's crew, had been cast off the coast of Barbary, and there could
+be no more doubt that death or slavery&mdash;that fearful slavery which the
+bombardment of Algiers had so displayed to European eyes&mdash;was the
+portion of all those beloved ones, for whom so many aching hearts and
+eyes had watched and wept in vain. It was a trial so terrible that Mrs.
+Hamilton felt at first as if even submission had departed from her; and
+she could almost have rebelled in spirit against the inscrutable decree,
+that had consigned one so free from vice and evil, so full of happiness
+and worth, to a doom so terrible. Much as she had loved and reverenced
+her husband before, she seemed never to have felt his worth and
+tenderness till then. It was his sympathy, his strength, that recalled
+her to a sense of her duty, and gave her power to endure, by a
+realization once more of that submissiveness to a Father's will, which
+had never before failed her. But time, though it softened the first
+anguish, had no power over the memories of this brother, not even when
+the increasing cares and joys of maternity so fully engrossed her, that
+the present and the future of her children appeared to have banished all
+of her own past.</p>
+
+<p>Lord Delmont did not survive the mournful tidings of the certain wreck
+of the Leander above two months; but his released spirit did not meet
+that of his son. Charles was not dead. He toiled as a slave long years
+in living death, before there was even a partial amelioration of his
+sufferings. But no tidings of him ever came, a young child of three
+years old, a distant branch of the Manvers family, became Lord Delmont.</p>
+
+<p>Years rolled on, and Mrs. Hamilton's lot was so full of tranquil
+happiness, so fraught with the innumerable daily joys of a loving wife
+and devoted mother, that her prayer was ever rising for guidance, and
+gratitude, that prosperity might not unfit her for the dark days of
+trial and adversity, when they should come. That she had cares as well
+as joys could not be otherwise, when so intensely anxious to bring up
+her children with more regard to their spiritual and moral welfare, than
+even the cultivation of their intellect. She was one of those who
+thought still more of the training of the heart than of the mind,
+believing that were the first properly awakened, the latter would need
+little incitement to exertion. Two girls had been the sole addition to
+her family.</p>
+
+<p>One other wish, and one of many years' standing, Mrs. Hamilton had it in
+her power to fulfill. From childhood she had been accustomed to think of
+Lucy Harcourt as one, to whom it might one day be in her power to return
+the heavy debt of gratitude she owed her mother; she had been accustomed
+to correspond with her from very early years; Mrs. Harcourt delighting
+in creating a mutual interest between her pupil and the child from whom
+circumstances had so sadly separated her. When therefore an event of a
+very painful nature to Miss Harcourt's individual feelings compelled
+her&mdash;as the only hope of regaining peace, and strengthening her for the
+arduous duty of instruction, which she knew, as a single woman, was her
+sole source of independent subsistence&mdash;she had no scruple in accepting
+that friendship which Mrs. Hamilton had so warmly proffered. A very few
+days of personal intercourse sufficed for mutual conviction, that
+correspondence had not deceived in the favorable impressions of either.
+Miss Harcourt found, indeed, the friend her aching spirit needed; and
+Mrs. Hamilton, long before the months of repose which she had insisted
+should forestall the commencement of exertion were over, rejoiced in the
+conviction that the daughter of her beloved and regretted friend was
+indeed well-fitted for that position in her family&mdash;her helper in the
+moral and intellectual training of her daughters&mdash;which her vivid fancy
+had often pictured as so filled. They were indeed but infants when Miss
+Harcourt arrived; but Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton found means to overrule the
+honorable scruples which, on the part of Lucy, seemed at first against
+their plan, and in her gradually returning health and peace, Mrs.
+Hamilton not only rejoiced, but felt gratefully thankful that the wish
+of so many years' standing, and which had seemed so little likely to be
+fulfilled, was absolutely accomplished, and she could prove how deeply
+she had loved and mourned her truly maternal friend. It is astonishing
+how often, if an earnest, heartfelt desire for the gratification of some
+good feeling or for the performance of some good deed be steadily and
+unvaryingly held before us, without any regard to its apparent
+impossibility, its accomplishment is at length obtained. It is supposed
+to be only done so in books, but this is a mistaken supposition, arising
+from the simple fact of individuals so often forgetting their own past,
+and failing steadily to pursue one object, regardless of the lapse of
+years. If they looked into themselves more often and more carefully, if
+they sought consistency in desire and pursuit, they would often be
+startled at their connection, and that it is not so useless to <i>wish</i>
+and <i>seek</i>, when both are of such a nature as can be based on and
+strengthened by prayer, as it may seem. Human life presents as many
+startling connections and contingencies as romance&mdash;only, as the
+<i>actors</i> not the <i>observers</i> of this world's busy scene, we can not
+trace them as we do in books.</p>
+
+<p>The thought of Eleanor was the only dark shade in Mrs. Hamilton's life.
+She had written to her often, but communication with India was not then
+what it is now, and her letters might not have reached their
+destination; especially as being in active service, Captain Fortescue
+was himself constantly changing his quarters. Whatever the cause (for
+Eleanor's letters, Mrs. Hamilton thought, might also have miscarried),
+she heard nothing of her till the hurried epistle commenced by her
+sister, and finished by Mr. Myrvin, brought the startling intelligence
+that she was a widow and dying, unable to reach Oakwood, where she had
+hoped at least to have sufficient strength to bring her children, and
+implore for them protection and love and conjuring Mrs. Hamilton to come
+to her without delay. The letter, imperfectly directed, had been days on
+its journey, and it was with the most melancholy forebodings Mr. and
+Mrs. Hamilton had started for Llangwillan.</p>
+
+<p>But though it was not till many years after Edward and Ellen Fortescue
+became inmates of her family that Mrs. Hamilton became acquainted with
+all the particulars of their childhood, it is necessary that our readers
+should be rather more enlightened; otherwise the character of Ellen may
+be to them as unnatural and as incomprehensible as it was to her aunt.</p>
+
+<p>That Eleanor could realize true happiness in a marriage entered into
+only because she could not bear the torture of her own thoughts, and her
+constant dread of the world's contumely, was not likely. At first,
+indeed, it was a very delightful thing to find herself the object not
+only of devotion to her husband (whom, could she entirely have forgotten
+Fitzclair, she might have really loved), but a still more brilliant star
+in India than she had even been in England. Though Captain Fortescue was
+often engaged in marches and countermarches, where Eleanor sometimes,
+though very rarely, accompanied him, still there were intervals of rest
+for him in the larger cities, where his wife ever shone pre-eminent. For
+the first three or four years, the pride he felt in seeing her so
+universally admired, in the greater attention he received for her sake,
+compensated for, or concealed the qualities, which, as a soldier's wife,
+he had fondly believed she would possess. But as his health, always
+delicate, became more and more undermined, and compelled him to
+relinquish society, at least in a great measure, and to look for the
+quiet pleasures of domestic life, he found, and bitter was that first
+awakening, that his wishes, his comfort, were of no importance. She
+could not resign the pleasures of society&mdash;of still being enabled to
+pursue the dangerous amusement of her girlhood (though so guardedly that
+not a rumor against her ever found breath), for the dullness of her
+home. Yet still he loved her; and when Eleanor, with all the fascinating
+playfulness of her former self, would caress and try to persuade him to
+go out with her, and not sit moping at home, and that if he would, she
+would behave just as he liked, and if he did not care to see her
+surrounded, as she knew she was, by red coats, she would dismiss them
+all, and devote herself to him&mdash;but indeed she could not stay at
+home&mdash;he would feel that it would be cruel indeed to chain such a being
+to his side, and sometimes make the exertion (for which he was little
+fitted) to accompany her; at others, with kind words and indulgent love,
+permit her to follow her own wishes, and remain alone. But little did he
+think the real reason that Eleanor could not rest in quiet at home. The
+recollection of Lord Fitzclair was at such times so fearfully vivid,
+that the very agony she had endured when first told of his fearful end
+would return in all its intensity; the thought: Had her father really
+cursed her for her disobedience, and was it that forever hovering round
+her, preventing any thing like lasting happiness. And yet, by a strange
+contradiction, while the idea of her father's curse shook her whole
+frame at times with convulsive sobs, pride, that most fatal ingredient
+of her character, utterly prevented all attempt on her part to
+communicate with her relations. She said, as they had made no effort to
+conciliate, she would not; and yet the longing for Emmeline sometimes
+became actually painful.</p>
+
+<p>Eleanor was never intended for the heartless, reckless being she had
+tried to become. It was a constant and most terrible struggle between
+the good and evil parts of her nature, and though the evil triumphed&mdash;in
+the determination that nothing should change her course of action,
+nothing compel her to acknowledge she had ever been in the wrong, and
+was really not the perfect creature which flattery was ever ready to
+pour into her ear&mdash;the good had yet so much power as to make her
+miserable, by the conviction, that she was not what she might have
+been&mdash;that she never could be happy&mdash;that every pleasure was hollow,
+every amusement vain. Again and again the memories of Emmeline's gentle,
+sustaining, ever active piety would come before her, as if beseeching
+her to seek the only fount of peace; but so terrible was the
+self-reproach, the anguish which the thought called up, that she always
+turned from it with a shudder, resolved that religion was never meant
+for such as herself, and that its restrictions should never enter her
+mind, or its dictates pass her lips.</p>
+
+<p>With the awakening intelligence of her son, however, there seemed one
+pleasure not wholly hollow&mdash;one enjoyment without the shadow of alloy;
+and she grasped it with an avidity and a constancy, that in a character
+generally so wavering and inconsistent was almost incredible. That her
+son was from his earliest infancy the image of herself, might have added
+strength to the feeling; but the intense love, almost idolatry, she felt
+toward him, increasing with his growth, did much toward banishing the
+unpleasant feelings of remorse and home-sickness. She devoted herself to
+her boy, not judiciously indeed, for she was not one to practice
+self-denial in education; and as Edward's disposition was not one to
+cause her annoyance, even from over-indulgence, there was not even the
+check of his ill-temper or rudeness toward herself, to whisper the
+fearful evil she was engendering.</p>
+
+<p>What was the emotion which had so riveted her to her son, it might have
+been difficult to ascertain; it could scarcely have been the mere
+instinct of maternity, for then it would have extended to her daughter;
+but as complete as was her indulgence to Edward, so was her neglect of
+Ellen.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Fortescue (for he had gradually attained that rank) had borne,
+without complaint, neglect of himself; nay, it had not had power in the
+least degree to diminish his love, though it might have awakened him to
+the consciousness that his wife was indeed not perfect. Her devotion to
+Edward, even undertaking the toilsome task of instruction, had delighted
+him; for, at first, having been much from home, he was not conscious of
+the lonely fate of his little girl; but when the truth became evident,
+that she was an object almost of dislike&mdash;that she was left entirely to
+the tender mercies of a hireling, and Eleanor only alluded to her, to
+contrast her peevishness and stupidity with Edward's happiness and
+intellect, all the father was roused within him, and, for the first
+time, he felt and expressed serious displeasure. He acknowledged that
+his son might, indeed, be superior in beauty and talent, but he would
+not allow that Ellen's affections were less warm, or her temper less
+capable of guidance. To him, and to all who had in the least attended to
+childhood, Ellen's face, even from infancy, expressed not ill-temper,
+but suffering. Continually ill, for she inherited her father's
+constitution, the poor little infant was constantly crying or fretful;
+which Eleanor; never having known what illness was, attributed at once
+to a naturally evil temper which annoyed her. The nurse, as ignorant as
+she was obsequious, adopted the same opinion; and, before she was even
+three years old, harshness, both by nurse and mother, had been
+constantly used, to make Ellen as good a child as her brother.</p>
+
+<p>In vain did the colonel, when he became aware of this treatment,
+remonstrate that it was the illness of the poor child&mdash;neither obstinacy
+nor ill-temper: his wife would not understand him, and at length he
+sternly and peremptorily declared, that as she had her will with Edward,
+he would have his with Ellen, and that no chastisement should be
+inflicted. If she did wrong, he was to be told of it, and if necessary
+he would reprove her, but he would allow no other interference. Mrs.
+Fortescue made not the least objection, believing that as her husband
+had thus taken her in charge, she was exonerated from all blame if she
+left her entirely to him.</p>
+
+<p>Only too quickly did the poor child discover that the lovely being whom
+she called mother, and whom she loved so fondly, had no love, no caress
+for her. Repeated punishment, though it had only extended to her fifth
+year, had completely crushed the gentle, tender spirit, that had
+required such judicious nursing; and combined with physical suffering,
+instead of deadening the feelings, as in some dispositions it would
+have done, had rendered them morbidly acute&mdash;an effect which constant
+loneliness naturally deepened. Her father's love and caresses had caused
+her to cling to him so passionately, that every word he said, every
+request he made her, was treasured and thought upon, when he was away
+from her, with a tenacity many would have fancied unnatural in a child.
+He taught her, though his heart often bled as he did so (for what claim
+had her mother upon the feelings he sought to inculcate), to love,
+honor, and obey her mother in all things; that if she did so, she would
+be as happy as Edward in time, and Ellen, though she did not understand
+him, obeyed; but Colonel Fortescue little imagined the evil which was
+accruing from these very natural lessons.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen learned to believe that, as her mother never noticed her, except
+in accounts of anger or irritation, it must be her own fault. She longed
+to be beautiful and buoyant as Edward; and that she was neither, marked
+her in her own young mind as so inferior, it was no wonder her mother
+could not caress or love her. Had Edward presumed on his favoritism, and
+been unkind or neglectful, she might, perhaps, have envied more than she
+loved him; but his disposition was naturally so noble, so open-hearted,
+so generous, that he always treated her with affection, and would share
+with her his playthings and sweets, even while he could not but believe
+her in all things his inferior; and that as such, of course, her wishes
+could never cross with his. Poor child, she scarcely knew what it was to
+wish, except that she might cling to her mother as she did to her
+father, and that she could but be good and beautiful enough to win her
+love! The lesson of concealment of every feeling is but too easily and
+too early learned. Tears do not flow even from childhood, when always
+rudely checked, and angrily reproved. Affection can not display itself
+unless called forth; and so the very outward seeming of children is more
+in a parent's hand than mere superficial observers may believe: and Mrs.
+Fortescue blamed and disliked the cold inanimate exterior which she had
+never tried to warm.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen's extreme difficulty in acquiring knowledge, compared with
+Edward's extraordinary quickness, only confirmed her painful conviction
+of her great inferiority, the impossibility of her ever winning
+love&mdash;and the consequent increased intensity of her affection for her
+father and brother, who loved her notwithstanding. That the child
+herself could not have defined these sensations is true, but that they
+had existence, even before she was nine years old, and that they
+influenced many years of her after-life, causing error and suffering,
+and rendering Mrs. Hamilton's task one of pain and difficulty, before
+these mistaken influences could be eradicated, is equally so. The power
+over early years is so immense, its responsibility so extensive, its
+neglect or abuse may indeed make the earnest thinker tremble; less,
+perhaps, for the actual amount of general evil, for that circumstances
+in after life are sometimes graciously permitted to avert, but for
+individual suffering and individual joy&mdash;and especially is this the case
+in the training of girls. More enduring in their very fragility than
+boys, they may be compared to those precious metals which fire and water
+and pressure have no power to break, but simply to draw out to a thinner
+and thinner thread, dwindling more and more, but to its last
+spider-woven fineness capable of tenuity and vitality. While boys, like
+men, are often crushed at once&mdash;the frame of the one and the spirit of
+the other equally unable to endure.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>DOMESTIC DISCORD AND ITS END.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The displeasure of her husband, his reproaches for her conduct to Ellen,
+by causing some degree of annoyance, increased Mrs. Fortescue's feelings
+of dislike toward the object who had caused it, and this was soon
+afterward heightened by self-reproach.</p>
+
+<p>A malignant fever broke out in the British settlement where Colonel
+Fortescue was stationed; his wife and children were with him, and,
+dreadfully alarmed, Eleanor determined to remove with her children to
+some less unhealthy spot. The colonel willingly consented; but before
+their hasty preparations were concluded Ellen sickened. Alarm for
+Edward, however, so engrossed the mother, that she appeared incapable of
+any other thought. In vain Colonel Fortescue urged that his son would be
+safe with the friends who had promised to take charge of him, and who
+were on the point of leaving the city; that there were none on whom he
+could depend so to tend the little sufferer as not to require a guiding
+head, and she knew how impossible it was for him to be with his child
+as his heart prompted. He urged, entreated, commanded in vain, Mrs.
+Fortescue was inexorable. She declared that the idea of her son being
+away from her at such a time would drive her mad; and as for duty, one
+child demanded her care as much as another; that her husband might not
+care about thus exposing her to infection, but she really thought, for
+Edward's sake, it was her duty to take care of herself. It might be
+nothing to the colonel or Ellen whether she lived or died, but to Edward
+it was a great deal; and so as she must choose between them, she would
+go with him who loved her best, and who would be miserable without her.
+The haughty, angry tone with which she spoke, the unjust taunt, roused
+every indignant feeling, and Colonel Fortescue said more in that moment
+of irritation than he could have believed possible. But it only awakened
+the cold, sustaining pride which Eleanor always called to her aid when
+conscience smote her, and she departed with her son, hardening every
+better feeling, and rousing anger against her husband and child to
+conquer the suffering of self-reproach. But when many miles from the
+city of death, and there were no fears for Edward, anxiety and
+wretchedness so assailed her, that pride itself gave way. To communicate
+with the infected city was difficult, and very infrequent, and again and
+again did she wish that she had remained.</p>
+
+<p>During the continuance of Ellen's illness her father's anguish was
+indeed terrible. Every leisure moment he spent by her side, moistening
+her parched lips, bathing her burning forehead, and listening to the
+plaintive accents of delirium with an acuteness of suffering, that
+injured his own health more than he had the least idea of. The
+attendants were really both kind and skillful, but the colonel fancied,
+when he was not with her, she was neglected, and in still greater
+suffering; and the struggle between his duties and his child was almost
+more than he could bear. He had never been a religious man&mdash;never known
+what it was to pray, except in the public services of his regiment, but
+now prayer, earnest, heartfelt, poured from him, and the thankfulness to
+God, which so overpowered him, when she was pronounced out of danger, as
+to compel him to weep like a child, planted a sense of a Father's
+infinite love and infinite compassion within him, which was his sole
+sustainer the short remainder of his life.</p>
+
+<p>Eleanor's letters, few as they were, had in some degree softened his
+anger toward her; but as he beheld the ravages of disease on his poor
+child's face and form, rendering her still less attractive than she had
+been, and perceived that bodily weakness had extended to her mind, and
+often and often forced tears from her eyes and momentary complainings,
+he trembled lest Eleanor should find still more to dislike and reprove;
+and often his heart bled as Ellen would ask with tears, for her dear
+mamma, adding, plaintively, "Mamma never kisses me or loves me as she
+does Edward; but I like to be near her, and look at her dear beautiful
+face, and wish I was good and pretty enough for her to love me. Why does
+she never come to me?&mdash;and why may I not go to her?"</p>
+
+<p>And what could the colonel reply, except that her mother feared Edward
+would take the infection, and therefore she was obliged to go with him
+to some place of safety? And his child was satisfied, repeating so
+fondly her delight that her dear, dear Edward had been saved from being
+as ill as she was, that her father clasped her closer and closer to his
+heart, feeling the intrinsic beauty of a disposition that, instead of
+repining that she was left alone to suffer, could rejoice that her
+brother had been spared.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Fortescue obtained a few weeks' leave, that he might take his
+child to the sea-side as recommended, ere she joined her mother. And
+alone with him, gradually regaining a moderate degree of strength, Ellen
+was very happy; but such bright intervals were indeed few and far
+between. There was no change in her mother's conduct toward her, when
+reunited. Her heart had, indeed, risen to her lips as she again beheld
+the child so nearly lost; and had she followed impulse, she would have
+clasped her in her arms and wept over her, but that would have seemed
+tacitly to acknowledge that she had been wrong, and had suffered from
+it; and so she refrained, causing suffering to herself, anguish to her
+child, and pain to her husband, all from that fell demon, pride. She
+only chose to remember that it was Ellen who had been the cause of her
+husband's anger&mdash;Ellen, the constant subject of contention between
+them&mdash;Ellen, always causing the pang of self-reproach: and so how was it
+possible that she could love her?</p>
+
+<p>About a year after Ellen's dangerous illness, when she was nearly ten,
+and Edward just eleven, Colonel Fortescue was ordered to take command of
+some troops to be stationed at a fort, whose vicinity to some hostile
+natives rendered it rather a post of danger. The wives and children of
+the officers were permitted to accompany them, if they wished it, and,
+except in the colonel's own family, there had been no hesitation in
+their choice. The colonel was strangely and painfully depressed as with
+some vague dread, and all his affection for his wife had returned with
+such force as to make him shrink in unusual suffering from the idea of
+leaving her; and conquering reluctance, for he felt as if she would not
+accede, he implored her to accompany him, confessing he felt ill and
+unhappy, and shrank from a separation. His wife looked at him with
+astonishment; he had never asked nor thought of such a thing before, she
+said, in their many brief partings, and she really could not understand
+him. The place was decidedly unhealthy, and Edward must not be exposed
+to its malaria; besides which, she had promised him to go to a juvenile
+ball, which was given by an English family of rank, in a fortnight's
+time, and she could not possibly disappoint him; and why her husband
+should wish for her in such a place she could not imagine, but she knew
+she should die of terror before she had been there a week. Not a word
+did the colonel utter in reply, but he felt as if an ice-bolt had struck
+his heart and frozen it at once. He fixed his eyes upon her, with a
+strange, sad, reproaching look, which haunted her till her death, and
+turning from her, sought the room where Ellen was preparing her lessons
+for the joyful hour when he could attend to her. As she sprung toward
+him with a cry of glee, he clasped her to his bosom, without the power
+of uttering a sound, save a groan so deep and hollow, that the child's
+unusual glee was checked, and she clung to him in terror; and when he
+could tell her that he was about to leave her, and for an indefinite
+time, her passionate grief seemed almost to comfort him, by its strong
+evidence of her childish love.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me go with you, papa, dear papa! oh! I will be so good&mdash;I will not
+give you any trouble, indeed, indeed I will not. Pray, pray, take me
+with you, dear, dear papa?" And she looked in his face so beseechingly,
+that the colonel had no strength to resist, and fondly kissing her, he
+promised that if Mrs. Cameron would permit her to join her little
+family, she should go with him: and, to Ellen's intense thankfulness,
+the permission was willingly accorded.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Fortescue had indeed replied, when her husband briefly imparted his
+intention, that he certainly must intend Ellen to be ill again, by
+exposing her to such an unhealthy climate; and that if she were, he
+must not be angry if she refused to go and nurse her, as it would be all
+his weak indulgence, and no fault of hers. The colonel made no answer,
+and irritated beyond measure at his manner, Eleanor parted from her
+husband in coldness and in pride.</p>
+
+<p>The fortnight passed, and Mrs. Fortescue felt as if her own youth were
+indeed renewed, the longings for universal admiration again her own; but
+now it was only for her son, and her triumph was complete; many and
+lovely were the youthful beings called together on that festive night,
+seeming as if England had concentrated her fairest and purest offspring
+in that far distant land; but Edward, and his still lovely mother,
+outshone them all. That she was herself admired as much, if not more,
+than she had ever been in her palmy days of triumph, Eleanor scarcely
+knew; her every feeling was centered in her boy, and consequently the
+supercilious haughtiness which had so often marred her beauty in former
+days was entirely laid aside, and maternal pride and pleasure gratified
+to the utmost, added a new charm to her every movement and every word.
+She heard the universal burst of admiration which greeted her, as to
+oblige Edward she went through a quadrille with him, and never in her
+whole career had she felt so triumphant, so proud, so joyous. During the
+past fortnight she had often been tormented by self-reproach, and her
+husband's look had disagreeably haunted her; but this night not a
+fleeting thought of either the colonel or Ellen entered her mind, and
+her pleasure was complete.</p>
+
+<p>Tired with dancing, and rather oppressed with the heat, Eleanor quitted
+the crowded ball-room, and stood for a few minutes quite alone in a
+solitary part of the verandah, which, covered with lovely flowers, ran
+round the house. The music in the ball-room sounded in the distance as
+if borne by the night breeze in softened harmony over the distant hills.
+The moon was at the full, and lit up nearly the whole garden with the
+refulgence of a milder day. At that moment a cold chill crept over the
+heart and frame of Eleanor, causing her breath to come thick and
+gaspingly. Why, she knew not, for there was nothing visible to cause it,
+save that, in one part of the garden, a cluster of dark shrubs, only
+partly illuminated by the rays of the moon, seemed suddenly to have
+assumed the shape of a funeral bier, covered with a military pall. At
+the same moment the music in the ball-room seemed changed to the low
+wailing plaint and muffled drums, the military homage to some mighty
+dead. And if it were indeed but excited fancy, it had a strange effect,
+for Eleanor fainted on the marble floor.</p>
+
+<p>That same afternoon Colonel Fortescue, with some picked men, had set off
+to discover the track of some marauding natives, who for some days had
+been observed hovering about the neighborhood. Military ardor carried
+him farther than he intended, and it was nearly night, when entering a
+narrow defile, a large body of the enemy burst upon them, and a
+desperate contest ensued. The defile was so hemmed in with rock and
+mountain, that though not very distant from the fort, the noise of the
+engagement had not been distinguished. Captain Cameron was quietly
+sitting with his wife and elder children, awaiting without any
+forebodings the return of the colonel. Though it was late, Ellen's fears
+had been so visible, that Mrs. Cameron could not send her to bed; the
+child seemed so restless and uneasy that the captain had tried to laugh
+her out of her cowardice, as he called it, declaring that her father
+would disown her if she could not be more brave. Hasty footsteps were at
+length heard approaching, and Ellen started from her seat and sprung
+forward, as the door opened; but it was not the colonel, only a
+sergeant, who had accompanied him, and whose face caused Captain Cameron
+to exclaim, in alarm, "How now, Sergeant Allen, returned, and alone;
+what has chanced?"</p>
+
+<p>"The worst those brown devils could have done!" was the energetic reply.
+"We've beaten them, and we will beat them again, the villains! but that
+will not bring <i>him</i> back&mdash;captain&mdash;captain&mdash;the colonel's down!"</p>
+
+<p>The captain started from his chair, but before he could frame another
+word, Ellen had caught hold of the old man's arm, and wildly exclaimed,
+"Do you mean&mdash;do you mean, pray tell me, Sergeant Allen!&mdash;Have the
+natives met papa's troop, and have they fought?&mdash;and&mdash;is he hurt&mdash;is he
+killed?" The man could not answer her&mdash;for her look and tone, he
+afterward declared to his comrades, went through his heart, just for all
+the world like a saber cut; and for the moment neither Captain nor Mrs.
+Cameron could address her. The shock seemed to have banished voice from
+all, save from the poor child principally concerned.</p>
+
+<p>"Stay with me, my dear Ellen!" Mrs. Cameron at length said, advancing to
+her, as she stood still clinging to the sergeant's arm: "the captain
+will go and meet your father, and if he be wounded, we will nurse him
+together, dearest! Stay with me."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, no!" was the agonized reply; "let me go to him, he may die
+before they bring him here, and I shall never feel his kiss or hear him
+bless me again. He told me he should fall in battle&mdash;oh! Mrs. Cameron,
+pray let me go to him?"</p>
+
+<p>And they who knew all which that father was to his poor Ellen, could not
+resist that appeal. The sergeant said the colonel was not dead, but so
+mortally wounded they feared to move him. It was a fearful scene. Death
+in its most horrid form was all around her; her little feet were
+literally deluged in blood, and she frequently stumbled over the dusky
+forms and mangled and severed limbs that lay on the grass, but neither
+sob nor cry escaped her till she beheld her father. His men had removed
+him from the immediate scene of slaughter, and tried to form a rough
+pallet of military cloaks, but the ghastly countenance, which the moon's
+light rendered still more fixed and pallid, the rigidity of his limbs,
+all seemed to denote they had indeed arrived too late, and that terrible
+stillness was broken by the convulsed and passionate sobs of the poor
+child, who, flinging herself beside him, besought him only to open his
+eyes, to look upon her once more, to call her his darling, and kiss her
+once, only once again: and it seemed as if her voice had indeed power to
+recall the fluttering soul. The heavy eyes did unclose, the clenched
+hand relaxed to try and clasp his child, and he murmured feebly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"How came you here, my poor darling Ellen? are friends here?&mdash;is that
+Cameron's voice?" The captain knelt down by him and convulsively pressed
+his hand, but he could not speak.</p>
+
+<p>"God bless you, Cameron! Take my poor child to her mother&mdash;implore
+her&mdash;to&mdash;and it is to-night, this very night&mdash;she and my boy are
+happy&mdash;and I&mdash;and my poor Ellen&mdash;" A fearful convulsion choked his
+voice, but after a little while he tried to speak again&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My poor child, I have prepared you for this; but I know you must grieve
+for me. Take my blessing to your brother, tell him to protect&mdash;love your
+mother, darling! she must love you at last&mdash;a ring&mdash;my left hand&mdash;take
+it to her&mdash;oh! how I have loved her&mdash;God have mercy on her&mdash;on my poor
+children!" He tried to press his lips again on Ellen's cheek and brow,
+but the effort was vain&mdash;and at the very moment Mrs. Fortescue had
+stood transfixed by some unknown terror, her husband ceased to breathe.</p>
+
+<p>It was long before Ellen rallied from that terrible scene. Even when the
+fever which followed subsided, and she had been taken, apparently
+perfectly restored to health, once more to her mother and brother, its
+recollection so haunted her, that her many lonely hours became fraught
+with intense suffering. Her imagination, already only too morbid, dwelt
+again and again upon the minutest particular of that field of horror;
+not only her father, but the objects which, when her whole heart was
+wrapped in him, she seemed not even to have seen. The ghastly heaps of
+dead, the severed limbs, the mangled trunks, the gleaming faces all
+fixed in the distorted expressions with which they died&mdash;the very hollow
+groans and louder cry of pain which, as she passed through the field,
+had fallen on her ear unheeded, returned to the poor child's too early
+awakened fancy so vividly, that often and often it was only a powerful
+though almost unconscious effort that prevented the scream of fear. Her
+father's last words were never forgotten; she would not only continue to
+love her mother because he had desired her to do so, but because <i>he had
+so loved her</i>, and on her first return home this seemed easier than ever
+to accomplish. Mrs. Fortescue, tortured by remorse and grief, had
+somewhat softened toward the child who had received the last breath of
+her husband; and could Ellen have overcome the reserve and fear which so
+many years of estrangement had engendered, and given vent to the warmth
+of her nature, Mrs. Fortescue might have learned to know, and knowing,
+to love her&mdash;but it was then too late.</p>
+
+<p>So torturing were Mrs. Fortescue's feelings when she recalled the last
+request of her husband, and her cruel and haughty refusal; when that
+which had seemed so important, a juvenile ball&mdash;because not to go would
+disappoint Edward&mdash;became associated with his fearful death, and sunk
+into worse than nothing&mdash;she had parted with him in anger, and it proved
+forever;&mdash;that even as England had become odious to her, twelve years
+before, so did India now; and she suddenly resolved to quit it, and
+return to the relatives she had neglected so long, but toward whom she
+now yearned more than ever. She thought and believed such a complete
+change would and must bring peace. Alas! what change will remove the
+torture of remorse?</p>
+
+<p>Though incapable of real love, from her studied heartlessness, it was
+impossible for her to have lived twelve years with one so indulgent and
+fond as Colonel Fortescue, without realizing some degree of affection,
+and his unexpected and awful death roused every previously dormant
+feeling so powerfully, that she was astonished at herself, and in her
+misery believed that the feeling had only come, to add to her
+burden&mdash;for what was the use of loving now? and determined to rouse
+herself, she made every preparation for immediate departure, but she was
+painfully arrested. The selfish mother had fled from the couch of her
+suffering child, and now a variation of the same complaint laid her on a
+bed of pain. It was a desperate struggle between life and death; but she
+rallied, and insisted on taking her passage for England some weeks
+before her medical attendant thought it advisable. The constant struggle
+between the whisperings of good and the dominion of evil, which her
+whole life had been, had unconsciously undermined a constitution
+naturally good; and when to this was added a malignant disease, though
+brief in itself, the seeds of a mortal complaint were planted, which,
+ere the long voyage was concluded, had obtained fatal and irremediable
+ascendency, and occasioned those sufferings and death which in our first
+chapters we described.</p>
+
+<p>To Edward, though the death of his father had caused him much childish
+grief, still more perhaps from sympathy with the deep suffering of his
+mother, than a perfect consciousness of his own heavy loss, the <i>manner</i>
+in which he died was to him a source of actual pride. He had always
+loved the histories of heroes, military and naval, and gloried in the
+idea that his father had been one of them, and died as they did, bravely
+fighting against superior numbers, and in the moment of a glorious
+victory. He had never seen death, and imagined not all the attendant
+horrors of such a one; and how that Ellen could never even hear the word
+without shuddering he could not understand, nor why she should always so
+painfully shrink from the remotest reference to that night, which was
+only associated in his mind with emotions of pleasure. In the tedious
+voyage of nearly six months (for five-and-twenty years ago the voyage
+from India to England was not what it is now), the character of Edward
+shone forth in such noble coloring as almost to excuse his mother's
+idolatry, and win for him the regard of passengers and crew. Captain
+Cameron had impressed on his mind that he now stood in his father's
+place to his mother and sister; and as the idea of protecting is always
+a strong incentive to manliness in a boy, however youthful, Edward well
+redeemed the charge, so devoting himself not only to his mother, but to
+Ellen, that her affection for him redoubled, as did her mistaken idea of
+his vast superiority.</p>
+
+<p>His taste had always pointed to the naval in preference to the military
+profession, and the voyage confirmed it. Before he had been a month on
+board he had become practically an expert sailor&mdash;had learned all the
+technical names of the various parts of a ship, and evinced the most
+eager desire for the acquirement of navigation. Nor did he fail in the
+true sailor spirit, when, almost within sight of England, a tremendous
+storm arose, reducing the vessel almost to a wreck, carrying her far
+from her destined moorings, and compelling her, after ten days' doubt
+whether or not she would reach land in safety, to anchor in Milford
+Haven, there to repair her injuries, ere she could be again seaworthy.</p>
+
+<p>The passengers here left her, and Mrs. Fortescue, whose illness the
+terrors of the storm had most alarmingly increased, was conveyed to
+Pembroke in an almost exhausted state; but once on land she rallied,
+resolved on instantly proceeding to Swansea, then cross to Devonshire,
+and travel direct to Oakwood, where she had no doubt her sister was. But
+her temper was destined to be tried still more. The servant who had
+accompanied her from India, an Englishwoman, tired out with the fretful
+impatience of Mrs. Fortescue during the voyage, and disappointed that
+she did not at once proceed to London, demanded her instant discharge,
+as she could not stay any longer from her friends. The visible illness
+of her mistress might have spared this unfeeling act, but Eleanor had
+never shown feeling or kindness to her inferiors, and therefore,
+perhaps, had no right to expect them. Her suppressed anger and annoyance
+so increased physical suffering, that had it not been for her children
+she must have sunk at once; but for their sakes she struggled with that
+deadly exhaustion, and set off the very next morning, without any
+attendant, for Swansea. They were not above thirty miles from this town
+when, despite her every effort, Mrs. Fortescue became too ill to
+proceed. There was no appearance of a town or village, but the owners of
+a half-way house, pitying the desolate condition of the travelers,
+directed the postboy to the village of Llangwillan; which, though out of
+the direct road and four or five miles distant, was yet the nearest
+place of shelter. And never in her whole life had Mrs. Fortescue
+experienced such a blessed sensation of physical relief, as when the
+benevolent exertions of Mr. Myrvin had installed her in widow Morgan's
+humble dwelling, and by means of soothing medicine and deep repose in
+some degree relieved the torture of a burning brain and aching frame.
+Still she hoped to rally, and obtain strength sufficient to proceed; and
+bitter was the anguish when the hope was compelled to be
+relinquished.&mdash;With all that followed, our readers are already
+acquainted, and we will, therefore, at once seek the acquaintance of
+Mrs. Hamilton's own family, whose "Traits of Character" will, we hope,
+illustrate other and happier home influences than those of indiscreet
+indulgence and culpable neglect.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PART_II" id="PART_II"></a>PART II.</h2>
+
+<h3>TRAITS OF CHARACTER.</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IB" id="CHAPTER_IB"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>YOUTHFUL COLLOQUY&mdash;INTRODUCING CHARACTER</h3>
+
+
+<p>The curtains were drawn close, the large lamp was on the table, and a
+cheerful fire blazing in the grate; for though only September, the room
+was sufficiently large, and the evenings sufficiently chill, for a fire
+to add greatly to its aspect of true English comfort. There were many
+admirable pictures suspended on the walls, and well-filled book-cases,
+desks, and maps, stands of beautiful flowers, and some ingenious toys,
+all seeming to proclaim the apartment as the especial possession of the
+young party who were this evening busily engaged at the large round
+table which occupied the centre of the room. They were only four in
+number, but what with a large desk piled with books and some most
+alarming-sized dictionaries, which occupied the elder of the two lads,
+the embroidery frame of the elder girl, the dissected map before her
+sister, and two or three books scattered round the younger boy, the
+table seemed so well filled that Miss Harcourt had quietly ensconced
+herself in her own private little corner, sufficiently near to take an
+interest, and sometimes join in the conversation of her youthful charge;
+but so apart as to be no restraint upon them, and to enable her to
+pursue her own occupations of either reading, writing, or working
+uninterruptedly. Could poor Mrs. Fortescue have glanced on the happy
+group, she certainly might have told her sister, with some show of
+justice, that there was such an equal distribution of interesting and
+animated expression (which is the great beauty of youth), that she could
+not have known the trial of having such a heavy, dull, unhappy child as
+Ellen. Mrs. Hamilton, indeed, we rather think, would not have considered
+such a trial, except as it proved ill-health and physical pain in the
+little sufferer; and, perhaps her increased care and tenderness (for
+such with her would have been the consequence of the same cause which
+had created her sister's neglect) might have removed both the depression
+of constant but impalpable illness, and the expression of heaviness and
+gloom. Certain it is, that her own Herbert had, with regard to delicate
+health, given her more real and constant anxiety than Eleanor had ever
+allowed herself to experience with Ellen; but there was nothing in the
+boy's peculiarly interesting countenance to denote the physical
+suffering he very often endured. Care and love had so surrounded his
+path with blessings, that he was often heard to declare, that he never
+even wished to be as strong as his brother, or to share his active
+pleasures, he had so many others equally delightful. Whether it was his
+physical temperament, inducing a habitude of reflection and studious
+thought much beyond his years, or whether the unusually gifted mind
+worked on the frame, or the one combined to form the other, it would be
+as impossible to decide with regard to him as with hundreds of others
+like him; but he certainly seemed, not only to his parents, but to their
+whole household, and to every one who casually associated with him, to
+have more in him of heaven than earth; as if indeed he were only lent,
+not given. And often, and often his mother's heart ached with its very
+intensity of love, causing the unspoken dread&mdash;how might she hope to
+retain one so faultless, and yet so full of every human sympathy and
+love! The delicate complexion, beautiful color of his cheeks and lips,
+and large soft, very dark blue eye, with its long black lash, high,
+arched brow, shaded by glossy chestnut hair, were all so lit up with the
+rays of mind, that though his face returned again and again to the fancy
+of those who had only once beheld it, they could scarcely have recalled
+a single feature, feeling only the almost angelic expression of the
+whole.</p>
+
+<p>His brother, as full of mirth and mischief, and as noisy and
+laughter-loving as Herbert was quiet and thoughtful, made his way at
+once, winning regard by storm, and retaining it by his frank and
+generous qualities, which made him a favorite with young and old. Even
+in his hours of study, there was not the least evidence of reflection or
+soberness. As a child he had had much to contend with, in the way of
+passion, pride, and self-will; but his home influence had been such a
+judicious blending of indulgence and firmness on the part of both his
+parents, such a persevering inculcation of a strong sense of duty,
+religious and moral, that at fifteen his difficulties had been all
+nearly overcome; and, except when occasional acts of thoughtlessness and
+hasty impulse lured him into error and its painful consequences, he was
+as happy and as good a lad as even his anxious mother could desire.</p>
+
+<p>The elder of his two sisters resembled him in the bright, dark, flashing
+eye, the straight intellectual brow, the rich dark brown hair and
+well-formed mouth; but the expression was so different at present, that
+it was often difficult to trace the likeness that actually existed.
+Haughtiness, and but too often ill-temper, threw a shade over a
+countenance, which when happy and animated was not only attractive then,
+but gave a fair promise of great beauty in after years. The disposition
+of Caroline Hamilton was in fact naturally so similar to that of her
+aunt, Mrs. Fortescue, that Mrs. Hamilton's task with her was not only
+more difficult and painful in the present than with any of the others,
+but her dread of the future at times so overpowering, that it required
+all her husband's influence to calm her, by returning trust in Him, who
+had promised to answer all who called upon Him, and would bless that
+mother's toils which were based on, and looked up alone, to His
+influence on her child, and guidance for herself.</p>
+
+<p>The blue-eyed, fair-haired, graceful, little Emmeline, not only the
+youngest of the family, but, from her slight figure, delicate, small
+features, and childish manner, appearing even much younger than she was,
+was indeed a source of joy and love to all, seeming as if sorrow, except
+for others, could not approach her. She had indeed much that required a
+carefully guiding hand, in a yielding weakness of disposition, indolent
+habit in learning, an unrestrained fancy, and its general accompaniment,
+over-sensitiveness of feeling, but so easily guided by affection, and
+with a disposition so sweet and gentle, that a word from her mother was
+always enough. Mrs. Hamilton had little fears for her, except, indeed,
+as for the vast capability of individual suffering which such a
+disposition engendered, in those trials which it was scarcely possible
+she might hope to pass through life without. There was only one
+safeguard, one unfailing comfort, for a character like hers, and that
+was a deep ever-present sense of religion, which untiringly, and yet
+more by example than by precept, her parents endeavored to instill.
+Greatly, indeed, would both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been astonished,
+had they been told that the little girl, Ellen Fortescue, who to both
+was such an enigma, and who was seemingly in all things so utterly
+unlike their Emmeline, was in natural disposition <i>exactly the same</i>;
+and that the vast difference in present and future character simply
+arose from the fact, that the early influences of the one were sorrow
+and neglect, and of the other, happiness and love.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder whether mamma and papa will really come home to-night;"
+observed Caroline, after several minutes of unbroken silence, all
+seemingly so engrossed in their own occupations as to have no
+inclination to speak. "And if they do, I wish we could know the exact
+time, I do so hate expecting and being disappointed."</p>
+
+<p>"Then neither wonder nor expect, my sage sister," replied Percy,
+without, however, raising his head or interrupting his writing; "and I
+will give you two capital reasons for my advice. Firstly, wonder is the
+offspring of ignorance, and has two opposite effects on my sex and on
+yours. With us it is closely connected with philosophy, for we are told
+in 'wonder all philosophy begins, in wonder it ends, and adoration fills
+up the interspace;' but with you, poor weak creatures, the only effect
+it produces is increased curiosity, of which you have naturally a more
+than adequate supply. Secondly, if you begin to wonder and expect, and
+speculate as to the ayes and noes of a contingency to-night, you will
+not cease talking till mamma really does appear; and then good-by to my
+theme, for to write while your tongue is running, is impossible. So
+pray, take my advice, on consideration that you have had as good a
+sermon from me as my reverend brother Herbert can ever hope to give."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think mamma and papa will be quite satisfied if he do not give
+us a much better one, even the very first time he attempts it;" rejoined
+Emmeline, with a very arch look at her brother.</p>
+
+<p>"What, you against me, Miss Emmy! and beginning to talk too. You forget
+what an important personage I am, during papa's absence especially; and
+that as such, I am not to be insulted with impunity. So here goes&mdash;as a
+fresh exercise for your patience!" And he mingled all the fixed and
+unfixed parts of her map in most bewildering confusion, regardless of
+her laughing entreaty to let them alone.</p>
+
+<p>"You have tried a very bad way to keep me quiet, Percy," continued
+Caroline; "you must either explain why wonder may not equally have the
+same good effect on us as on you, or retract your words entirely. You
+know you would not have expressed such a contemptuous opinion, if mamma
+had been present."</p>
+
+<p>"My mother is such a very superior person, that when she is present her
+superiority extends over her whole sex, Caroline; even you are safe,
+because, as her child, it is to be hoped that one of these days you may
+be something like her: exactly, I do not expect&mdash;two such woman as my
+mother can not exist."</p>
+
+<p>"As if your opinion were of such importance, Percy," replied Caroline
+haughtily; "it really is very little consequence to me whether you think
+me like mamma or not."</p>
+
+<p>"It is to me, though," rejoined Emmeline, earnestly; "I would rather be
+like mamma than like any body else, and I should like Percy to think I
+was, because then he would love me still more."</p>
+
+<p>"Bravo, my little Em.; spoken almost as well as I could myself, and, as
+a reward, as soon as this most annoying piece of erudition is
+accomplished, I will help you with your map why, you silly little thing,
+you have put Kamschatka as the terra firma of South America; no doubt
+that ice and snow would be very welcome there, but how the Americans
+would stare to see the fur-clad Kamschatkans such near neighbors. That's
+it, go on, puzzle away till I can help you. And you Miss Caroline,
+retain your contempt of my opinion, and may you never repent it."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you told me not to talk, Percy," replied his sister; "and I
+should like to know who is talking the most, you or I? You will not
+finish what you are doing before the bell rings for prayers, if you go
+on in this way."</p>
+
+<p>"That proves how little you know the extent of my powers. I have only to
+make a clean copy of these learned reflections. Why, in the name of all
+the gods, were there such provokingly clever people as Seneca, Cicero,
+Pliny, and a host of others! or, if they must be wise, why did they not
+burn all the written wisdom, instead of leaving it as a means of torture
+in the hands of learned pedagogues, yclept schoolmasters, and as a curse
+on those poor unfortunates whose noddles are not wise enough to contain
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be very sorry if all the ancient authors were thus
+annihilated," observed Herbert, looking up from his book with a bright
+smile. "I should lose a great deal of enjoyment even now, and still more
+by-and-by, when I know more."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, but my dear fellow, your head is not quite so like a sieve as mine.
+Yours receives, contains, digests, and sends forth the matter improved
+by your own ideas; but as for mine, the matter undoubtedly enters, but
+runs out again, and only leaves behind that which is too large and gross
+to pass through. No, no, Bertie, your head and mine are not related even
+in the twentieth degree of consanguinity, however nearly connected their
+masters may be. Hush! not a word; I have only one line more; what a wise
+man that was to be sure, who said 'Otiosum esse quam nihil
+agere'&mdash;better to be idle than doing nothing. Don't shake your head and
+laugh, Emmy. Vale: never did I say good-by so willingly. Hurrah! mamma
+and papa may come home when they like now. Cast your eyes over it
+Herbert; just tell me if it look correct, and then vale books&mdash;vale
+pens&mdash;vale desk for to-night!" He placed his writing on his brother's
+open bunk, threw his dictionary and grammar high in air, and dexterously
+caught them as they fell, piled up his books, closed his desk, and then,
+with a comical sigh of relief, flung himself full length on a sofa.</p>
+
+<p>"Now that you have finished your task, Percy, perhaps you will have the
+kindness to inform us why at this time of the evening you have been
+writing Latin?" inquired Caroline.</p>
+
+<p>"And open my wound afresh! However, it is quite right that Miss Harcourt
+should know that, if I am ill from over-study to-morrow, it is her
+doing."</p>
+
+<p>"Mine!" answered Miss Harcourt, laughing; "pray explain yourself, young
+man, for I am so perfectly innocent as not even to understand you."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not this morning give me a message to Lady Helen Grahame?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did; you passed her house on your way to Mr. Howard's."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, if you had not given me the message, much as I felt
+disinclined to pore over musty books and foolscap paper, from the
+extreme loveliness of the morning, I should have nerved myself to go
+straight on to the Rectory. Lady Helen was not visible, so I tarried,
+believing your message of vital importance, and Annie came to
+me&mdash;by-the-by, what a little woman that child is; Emmeline, you are a
+baby to her. I wonder she condescends to associate with you."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think she is at all fond of me&mdash;Caroline is her friend,"
+replied Emmeline; "but what can Annie have to do with your Latin?"</p>
+
+<p>"A great deal&mdash;for she talked and we walked, and time walked too, and by
+the time I had seen Lady Helen, it was two hours later than I ought to
+have been with Mr. Howard. On I went, feeling not particularly
+comfortable; but though it is clear logic that if Miss Harcourt had not
+sent me to Lady Helen's I should not have been led into temptation, I
+was magnanimous enough not to mention her, but to lay the whole blame of
+my non-appearance, on my own disinclination for any study but that of
+nature. Mr. Howard looked grave and sorrowful&mdash;I wish to heaven he was
+more like any other schoolmaster; that look and tone of his are worse
+than any rod!&mdash;and to redeem my lost time in the morning, I was desired
+to write a Latin theme on a letter of Pliny's this evening. And now that
+I have satisfied all your inquiries, please satisfy mine. Is there any
+chance of mamma's coming home to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Every probability," replied Miss Harcourt. "It only depends on your
+cousin, who is so very delicate, that if she were too fatigued, Mr.
+Hamilton would remain at Exeter to-night, and proceed here early
+to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my little cousin, though I have not the pleasure of knowing you,
+I hope you will be so kind as to let mamma come on to-night, for we have
+been too long without her, and I long to resign to papa his robes of
+office, for they sit mightily like borrowed plumes upon me. Mamma writes
+of Ellen and Edward&mdash;I wonder what they are like! Come, Tiny, paint them
+for me&mdash;your fertile fancy generally fills up the shadow of a name."</p>
+
+<p>"I can not, Percy, for I am afraid my pictures would not be agreeable."</p>
+
+<p>"Not agreeable!" repeated Percy and Miss Harcourt together. "Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline hesitated, then answered ingenuously, "We are so very, very
+happy together, that I do not feel quite sure that I am glad my cousins
+are going to live with us."</p>
+
+<p>"What! are you afraid I shall love Ellen more than you, Emmy?" exclaimed
+her brother, starting up and sitting on her chair; "do not be alarmed,
+Tiny; no cousin shall take your place."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I am not afraid of that, Percy, dear," she replied, looking so
+fondly in his face, that he gave her a hearty kiss. "I can not tell why
+I should feel half sorry that they are coming, but I am quite sure I
+will do all I can to make them happy."</p>
+
+<p>"You could not do otherwise if you were to try, Tiny. Come, Caroline,
+what say you? We have all been thinking about them, so we may as well
+give each other the benefit of our thoughts."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I do not feel inclined to do so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why we must all believe you are ashamed of them," replied Percy
+quickly, "and if you are, I know who has made you so. I would lay any
+wager, the whole time you have been with Lady Helen Grahame, since mamma
+has been away, she has been talking of nothing else&mdash;look, look, she is
+blushing&mdash;I am right."</p>
+
+<p>"And if she did," replied Caroline, very much provoked, "she said
+nothing that I am ashamed of repeating. She knew my aunt before she went
+to India, and I am sure if her children are like her, they will be no
+agreeable additions to our family."</p>
+
+<p>"Bravo, Caroline! you really are an apt pupil; Lady Helen's words and
+manner completely! but you may have one comfort; children are not always
+like their parents, and if they are as unlike Lady Helen's description
+of my poor aunt (which by the way she had no right to give, nor you to
+listen to) as you are at this moment unlike mamma, we shall get on
+capitally, and need have no fears about them."</p>
+
+<p>"Percy you are intolerably disagreeable!"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I speak the sad, sober truth? Caroline, do pray, get rid of
+that dawning ill temper, before mamma comes; it will not be a pleasant
+welcome home."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not ill-tempered, Percy: I suppose I may have my own opinion of
+Ellen and Edward, as well as all of you," replied his sister angrily.</p>
+
+<p>"But do not let it be an unkind one, without knowing them, dear
+Caroline," observed Herbert gently; "it is so very difficult to get rid
+of a prejudice when once it has entered our minds, even when we know and
+feel that it is a wrong one. I am sure if we only thought how sad it is
+that they have neither father nor mother to love them, and are coming
+all among strangers&mdash;born in a strange land too&mdash;we should find quite
+enough to think kindly about, and leave all wonder as to what they will
+be like, till we know them. I dare say we shall often have to bear and
+forbear, but that we have to do with each other, and it will only be one
+brother and sister more."</p>
+
+<p>"Brother and sister! I am sure I shall not think of them so, Herbert,
+however you may. My father might have been a nobleman, and who knows any
+thing of theirs?"</p>
+
+<p>"Caroline, how can you be so ridiculous!" exclaimed Percy, with a most
+provoking fit of laughter. "Their father served and died for his
+king&mdash;as our grandfather did; and had he lived might have been offered a
+title too&mdash;and their mother&mdash;really I think you are very insulting to
+mamma: her sister's children I should imagine quite as high in rank as
+ourselves!"</p>
+
+<p>"And even if they were not&mdash;what would it signify?" rejoined Herbert.
+"Dear Caroline, pray do not talk or think so; it makes me feel so sorry,
+for I know how wrong it is&mdash;we might have been in their place."</p>
+
+<p>"I really can not fancy any thing so utterly impossible," interrupted
+Caroline, "so you may spare the supposition, Herbert."</p>
+
+<p>"It is no use, Bertie; you must bring the antipodes together, before you
+and Caroline will think alike," interposed Percy, perceiving with regret
+the expression of pain on his brother's face, and always ready to guard
+him either from physical or mental suffering, feeling instinctively
+that, from his extraordinary mind and vivid sense of duty, he was liable
+to the latter, from many causes which other natures would pass
+unnoticed.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Harcourt did not join the conversation. It had always been Mrs.
+Hamilton's wish that in their intercourse with each other, her children
+should be as unrestrained as if they had been alone. Had Caroline's
+sentiments received encouragement, she would have interfered; but the
+raillery of Percy and the earnestness of Herbert, she knew were more
+likely to produce an effect than any thing like a rebuke from herself,
+which would only have caused restraint before her in future. It was
+through this perfect unrestraint that Mrs. Hamilton had become so
+thoroughly acquainted with the several characters of her children. That
+Caroline's sentiments caused her often real pain was true, but it was
+far better to know them, and endeavor to correct and remove them, by
+causing education to bear upon the faults they revealed, than to find
+them concealed from her by the constant fear of words of reproof.</p>
+
+<p>To remove Herbert's unusual seriousness, Percy continued, laughingly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Harcourt, what are your thoughts on this momentous subject? It is
+no use asking Herbert's, we all know them without his telling us; but
+you are almost the principally concerned of the present party, for Ellen
+will bring you the trouble of another pupil."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not regret it, Percy; but only shall rejoice if I can in any
+way lessen your mother's increased charge. As for what your cousins will
+be like, I candidly tell you, I have scarcely thought about it. I have
+no doubt we shall find them strange and shy at first; but we must do all
+we can to make them feel they are no strangers."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, then, it only remains for the right honorable me to speak; and
+really Emmy and Herbert and you have told my story, and left me nothing.
+I do not know whether I am pleased or not, but I am very sorry for them;
+and it will be capital if this Master Edward turns out a lad of spirit
+and mischief, and not over-learned or too fond of study&mdash;one, in fact,
+that I can associate with, without feeling such a painful sensation of
+inferiority as I do when in company with my right reverend brother."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Percy, do not call me reverend," said Herbert, appealingly: "I
+feel it almost a mockery now, when I am so very far from being worthy to
+become a clergyman."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a good fellow, Bertie; and I will not tease you, if I can help
+it&mdash;but really I do not mean it for mockery; you know, or ought to know,
+that you are better now than half the clergymen who have taken orders,
+and as much superior to me in goodness as in talent."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I know no such thing, Percy; I am not nearly so strong in health
+as you are, and am therefore, naturally more fond of quiet pleasures:
+and as for talent, if you were as fond of application as of frolic, you
+would leave me far behind."</p>
+
+<p>"Wrong, Bertie, quite wrong! but think of yourself as you please, I know
+what every body thinks of you. Hush! is that the sound of a carriage, or
+only the wind making love to the old oaks?"</p>
+
+<p>"The wind making love, Percy!" repeated Emmeline, laughing; "I neither
+hear that, nor the carriage wheels kissing the ground."</p>
+
+<p>"Well done, Tiny! my poetry is beaten hollow; but there&mdash;there&mdash;I am
+sure it is a carriage!" and Percy bounded from the table so impetuously
+as nearly to upset it, flung back the curtain, and looked eagerly from
+the window.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert closed his book to listen; Emmeline left her nearly-completed
+map, and joined Percy; Caroline evidently tried to resume serenity, but,
+too proud to evince it, industriously pursued her work, breaking the
+thread almost every time that she drew out the needle.</p>
+
+<p>"It is nothing, Percy; how could you disappoint us so?" said Herbert, in
+a tone of regret.</p>
+
+<p>"My good fellow, you must be deaf&mdash;listen! nearer and louder&mdash;and, look
+there, Emmeline, through those trees, don't you see something
+glimmering? that must be the lamp of the carriage."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, Percy, it is a glowworm."</p>
+
+<p>"A glowworm! why, Em., the thought of seeing mamma has blinded you. What
+glowworm ever came so steadily forward? No! there is no mistake now.
+Hurrah, it is the carriage; here Robert, Morris, Ellis, all of you to
+the hall! to the hall! The carriage is coming down the avenue." And with
+noisy impatience, the young gentleman ran into the hall, assembled all
+the servants he had named, and others too, all eager to welcome the
+travelers; flung wide back the massive door, and he and Herbert both
+were on the steps several minutes before the carriage came in sight.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IIB" id="CHAPTER_IIB"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>THREE ENGLISH HOMES, AND THEIR INMATES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>If more than the preceding conversation were needed to reveal the
+confidence and love with which Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were regarded by
+their children, the delight, the unrestrained expressions of affection,
+with which by every one of the young party they were received, would
+have evinced it still more clearly. Herbert was very speedily on his
+favorite seat, a low stool at his mother's feet. Emmeline, for that one
+half hour at least, assumed her still unresigned privilege, as the
+youngest and tiniest, to quietly slip in her lap; Percy was talking to
+his father, making Edward perfectly at home, saying many kind words to
+Ellen, and caressing his mother, all almost at the same moment. Caroline
+was close to her father, with her arm round his neck; and Miss Harcourt
+was kindly disrobing Ellen from her many wraps, and making her lie
+quietly on a sofa near her aunt; who, even in that moment of delightful
+reunion with her own, had yet time and thought, by a few judicious
+words, to remove the undefinable, but painful sensation of loneliness,
+which was creeping over the poor child as she gazed on her bright,
+happy-looking cousins; and thought if to her own mother Edward's beauty
+and happiness had made him so much more beloved than herself, what claim
+could she have on her aunt? Ellen could not have said that such were the
+thoughts that filled her eyes with tears, and made her heart so heavy;
+she only knew that much as she had loved her aunt during the journey,
+her kiss and kind words at that moment made her love her more than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Never had there been a happier meal at Oakwood than the substantial tea
+which was speedily ready for the travelers. So much was there to hear
+and tell: Percy's wild sallies; Caroline's animated replies (she had now
+quite recovered her temper); Herbert's gentle care of Ellen, by whom he
+had stationed himself (even giving up to her his usual seat by his
+mother); Emmeline's half shy, half eager, efforts to talk to her
+cousins; Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's earnest interest, all combined, long
+before the meal was concluded, to make Edward feel perfectly at his
+ease, and very happy, and greatly to remove Ellen's unacknowledged
+dread. The time passed so quickly, that there was a general start when
+the prayer bell sounded, though it was nearly two hours after the usual
+time.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you prepared for to-night, my boy?" Mr. Hamilton asked of Herbert,
+as they rose to adjourn to the library, where, morning and evening, it
+had been the custom of the Hamilton family for many generations, to
+assemble their whole household for family devotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, papa; I was not quite sure whether you would arrive to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will not resume my office till to-morrow, Herbert, that I may
+have the gratification of hearing you officiate," replied his father,
+linking his son's arm in his, and affectionately glancing on the bright
+blush that rose to the boy's cheek.</p>
+
+<p>There was a peculiar sweetness in Herbert Hamilton's voice, even in
+speaking; and as he read the service of the lessons for the evening,
+adding one or two brief explanations when necessary, and more especially
+when reading, or rather praying, the beautiful petitions appropriated
+to family worship, there was an earnest solemnity of tone and manner,
+presenting a strange contrast, yet beautiful, combining with the boyish
+form and youthful face, on which the lamp, suspended over the
+reading-desk shed such a soft and holy light. The occasional prayer
+which was added to the usual evening service, was always chosen by the
+reader; and Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were surprised and affected at the
+earnestness with which their almost angel boy selected and read over one
+peculiarly bearing on the events of that evening; the introduction of
+their orphan relatives, for compassion and blessing on them, and grace
+for increased kindness and forbearance in their intercourse with one
+another&mdash;Miss Harcourt, his brother and sisters, knew well to what he
+alluded, and all but one responded with earnestness and truth. Caroline
+could not enter into Herbert's feelings even at that moment: it was a
+great effort to prevent a feeling of irritation, believing that he
+directly pointed at her, and determining that as neither he nor any one
+else had any right to interfere with her private thoughts, and that they
+could do harm to none while confined to her own breast, she resolved not
+to overcome them, and so could not join with any fervor in the prayer.</p>
+
+<p>To Edward all was strange. While the graces of his body and mind had
+been most sedulously cultivated, he had never been taught even the
+public ordinances of religion, much less its inward spirit. His mother
+had often and often felt a pang of reproach, at thus neglecting that
+which an inward voice would whisper was most essential; but she was wont
+to silence the pang by the determined idea, that she was neither worthy
+nor able to give him such solemn lessons, and that it would come by
+instinct to him in after years. There was time enough for him to think
+of such things. He had been now and then to church, but it was a mere
+form, regarded as a weary duty, from which he escaped whenever he could.
+The present scene, then, completely bewildered him. He had always
+fancied himself superior to any of the boys he had associated with; but
+as he looked at and listened to Herbert, who seemed at most only two
+years older than himself, he became sensible of a very strange and
+disagreeable, but a very decided feeling of inferiority: and then, too,
+it was so incomprehensible the servants all joining them, a class of
+people whom in India he had been taught so to consider his inferiors,
+that even to speak with them was a species of degradation; and he was
+destined to be still more surprised, for before they left the library,
+he heard his aunt and uncle address them all, and say a few kind words,
+and make inquiries after their families to each.</p>
+
+<p>To Ellen that evening service recalled some of Mr. Myrvin's
+instructions, and seemed to help her to realize those new thoughts and
+feelings, which she had learned, for the first time, in Wales. Her
+father had, indeed, the last year of his life tried to give her some
+ideas of religion; but having only so very lately begun to think
+seriously himself, he felt diffident and uncertain of his own powers,
+and so left an impression more of awe toward the subject than of love,
+which to a disposition such as Ellen's was unfortunate.</p>
+
+<p>A very short time sufficed for Percy and Emmeline to introduce their
+cousins to all the delights and mysteries of their dear old home: and
+Oakwood Hall was really a place for imagination to revel in. It was a
+large castelated mansion, fraught with both the associations of the
+past, and the comforts of the present. The injuries which the original
+mansion had received during the civil war of Charles I., had, when the
+family returned at the Restoration, caused much of the old house to be
+pulled down, and replaced with larger rooms, and greater conveniences
+for a modern dwelling-house, retaining, however, quite sufficient of the
+past to throw interest around it.</p>
+
+<p>The wings were still flanked with turrets, which were Percy's and
+Emmeline's delight; and the many stair-cases, leading into all sorts of
+nooks and corners&mdash;and the small and most uncomfortable rooms, because
+some of them happened to be hung with tapestry, and had those small
+narrow windows sunk in deep recesses&mdash;were pronounced by both far more
+enjoyable than the beautiful suite of rooms forming the center of the
+mansion, and the dwelling of the family. These were only saved from
+being disagreeably modern&mdash;Percy would declare&mdash;by their beautiful
+richly-polished oaken panels, and by the recesses which the large
+windows still formed, making almost a room by themselves. The hall, too,
+with its superb sweep of staircase and broad carved oaken balustrade,
+leading to a gallery above, which opened on the several sleeping
+apartments, and thus permitting the full height of the mansion, from
+base to roof, to be visible from the hall. Tho doors visible in the
+gallery opened mostly on dressing-rooms, or private sitting-rooms, which
+led to the large, airy sleeping-rooms, to which the servants had access
+by back stair-cases leading from their hall; and so leaving the oaken
+staircase and gallery entirely to the use of the family, and of many a
+game of noisy play had that gallery been the scene. There had been a
+beautiful little chapel adjoining the mansion, but it was mercilessly
+burned to the ground by the infatuated Puritans, and never restored; the
+venerable old church of the village henceforth serving the family of the
+hall.</p>
+
+<p>Situated on the banks of the Dart, whose serpentine windings gave it the
+appearance of a succession of most lovely lakes, Nature had been so
+lavish of her beauties in the garden and park, especially in the
+magnificent growth of the superb oaks, from which the estate took its
+name, that it was not much wonder Mrs. Hamilton, always an intense lover
+of nature, should have become so attached to her home, as never to feel
+the least inclination to leave it. She did not wish her girls to visit
+London till a few months before Caroline was old enough to be
+introduced, to give them then finishing masters; and to that time she of
+course always looked, as demanding from her part of the year to be spent
+in town. The career of Eleanor, the recollections of the frivolity and
+error into which her own early youth had been thrown, had given her not
+only a distaste, but an actual dread of London for her girls, till such
+principles and associations had been instilled which would enable them
+to pass through the ordeal of successive seasons without any change of
+character or feeling. Her sons, since their tenth year, had more than
+once accompanied their father to the metropolis; but though these visits
+were always sources of enjoyment, especially to Percy, they never failed
+to return with unabated affection to their home, and to declare there
+was no place in England like it.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton, though in neither profession nor business, was far from
+being an idle man. His own estate was sufficiently large, and contained
+a sufficient number of dependents, for whose mortal and immortal welfare
+he was responsible, to give him much employment; and in addition to
+this, the home interests and various aspects of his country were so
+strongly entwined with his very being&mdash;that, though always refusing to
+enter Parliament, he was the prompter and encourager of many a political
+movement, having for its object amelioration of the poor, and
+improvement of the whole social system; closely connected with which, as
+he was, they gave him neither public fame nor private emolument. He
+acted in all things from the same single-hearted integrity and high
+honor which caused him to refuse the title proffered to his father. Her
+husband's connection with many celebrated characters, and her own
+correspondence, and occasional visits from her friends to Oakwood,
+prevented Mrs. Hamilton's interest from too complete concentration in
+her home, as, in her first retirement, many feared. She had, too, some
+friends near her, whose society gave her both pleasure and interest; and
+many acquaintances who would have visited more than she felt any
+inclination for, had she not had the happy power of quietly pursuing her
+own path, and yet conciliating all.</p>
+
+<p>The Rev. William Howard had accepted Mr. Hamilton's eagerly-proffered
+invitation to become his rector, and undertake the education of his
+boys, from very peculiar circumstances. He had been minister of a
+favorite church in one of the southern towns, and master of an
+establishment for youths of high rank, in both which capacities he had
+given universal satisfaction. The reprehensible conduct of some of his
+pupils, carried on at first so secretly as to elude his knowledge, at
+length became so notorious as to demand examination. He had at first
+refused all credence, but when proved, by the confused replies of all,
+and half confession of some, he briefly and emphatically laid before
+them the enormity of their conduct, and declared that, as confidence was
+entirely broken between them, he would resign the honor of their
+education, refusing to admit them any longer as members of his
+establishment. In vain the young men implored him to spare them the
+disgrace of such an expulsion; he was inexorable.</p>
+
+<p>This conduct, in itself so upright, was painted by the smarting
+offenders in such colors, that Mr. Howard gradually but surely found his
+school abandoned, and himself so misrepresented, that a spirit less
+self-possessed and secure in its own integrity must have sunk beneath
+it. But he had some true friends, and none more active and earnest than
+Mr. Hamilton. A very brief residence at Oakwood Rectory removed even the
+recollection of the injustice he had experienced; and he himself, as
+pastor and friend, proved a treasure to high and low. Ten other youths,
+sons of the neighboring gentry, became his pupils, their fathers gladly
+following in Mr. Hamilton's lead.</p>
+
+<p>About a mile and a half across the park was Moorlands, the residence of
+Lady Helen Grahame, whose name had been so often mentioned by the young
+Hamiltons. Her husband Montrose Grahame, had been Arthur Hamilton's
+earliest friend, at home, at college, and in manhood. Lady Helen the
+youngest daughter of a marquis, had been intimate with Emmeline and
+Eleanor Manvers from childhood, and had always admired and wished to
+resemble the former, but always failed, she believed, from being
+constituted so differently; others might have thought from her utter
+want of energy and mental strength. The marriage at first appeared
+likely to be a happy one, but it was too soon proved the contrary.
+Grahame was a man of strict, perhaps severe principles; his wife, though
+she never did any thing morally wrong, scarcely knew the meaning of the
+word. Provoked with himself for his want of discrimination, in imagining
+Lady Helen so different to the being she really was; more than once
+discovering she did not speak the exact truth, or act with the steady
+uprightness he demanded, his manner became almost austere; and, in
+consequence, becoming more and more afraid of him, Lady Helen sunk lower
+and lower in his esteem.</p>
+
+<p>Two girls and a boy were the fruits of this union. Lady Helen had made a
+great many excellent resolutions with regard to their rearing and
+education, which she eagerly confided to Mrs. Hamilton, but when the
+time of trial came, weakness and false indulgence so predominated, that
+Grahame, to counteract these evil influences, adopted a contrary
+extreme, and, by a system of constant reserve and severity, became an
+object of as much terror to his children as he was to his wife. But he
+did not pursue this conduct without pain, and never did he visit Oakwood
+without bitter regret that his home was not the same.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had often tried to alter the aspect of affairs at
+Moorlands; the former, by entreating Grahame to be less severe; the
+latter, by urging Lady Helen to a firmer mode of conduct. But those
+friendly efforts were as yet entirely useless. Grahame became a member
+of Parliament, which took his family to London for five or six months in
+the year&mdash;a particularly agreeable change to Lady Helen, who then
+associated with her sisters, whose families were conducted much on the
+same fashion as her own, but unfortunately only increasing the
+discomfort of Moorlands when they returned to it. And this was the more
+to be regretted, from the fact that both Grahame and his wife were full
+of good intentions, and had the one been more yielding, and the other
+more firm, there might have been no small share of happiness for both.</p>
+
+<p>But heavy as Lady Helen thought her trial in the want of her husband's
+confidence and love, and which she had greatly brought upon herself, it
+was light in comparison with that of Mrs. Greville, another near
+neighbor and valued friend of Mrs. Hamilton. She had loved and married a
+man whose winning manners and appearance, and an ever-varying flow of
+intelligent conversation, had completely concealed, till too late, his
+real character. Left at a very early age his own master, with a capital
+estate and large fortune; educated at a very large public school, at
+which he learned literally nothing but vice, and how effectually to
+conceal it; courted and flattered wherever he went, he became vain,
+overbearing, and extravagant; with no pursuit but that of gambling in
+all its varieties, even hunting and shooting could not be thoroughly
+enjoyed without some large bets depending on the day's sport: his
+thoughts from boyhood were so completely centered in self, that he had
+affection for nothing else. He had indeed fancied he loved Jessie
+Summers, when he had so successfully wooed her; but the illusion was
+speedily dispelled, and repeatedly he cursed his folly for plaguing
+himself with a wife. His first child, too, was a girl and that annoyed
+him still more; and when, the next year, a boy was granted, he certainly
+rejoiced, but it was such rejoicing as to fill his wife's heart with an
+agony of dread; for he swore he would make his boy as jovial a spirit as
+himself, and that her namby-pamby ideas should have nothing to do with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed a difficult and painful task Mrs. Greville had to perform.
+Though her husband would spend weeks and even months at a time away, the
+impressions she so earnestly and prayerfully sought to instill into her
+son's heart were, or appeared to be, completely destroyed by her
+husband's interference the whole time of his sojourn at his home. It was
+his pleasure to thwart her every plan, laugh at her fine notions, make a
+mockery of all that was good, and holy, and self denying; and all in the
+presence of his children; succeeding in making Alfred frequently guilty
+of disrespect and unkindness, but failing entirely with Mary, who,
+though of such a fragile frame and gentle spirit that her father's
+visits almost always caused her a fit of illness, so idolized her
+suffering but never murmuring mother, that she only redoubled her
+attention and respect whenever she saw her more tried than usual. This
+conduct, of course, only made her an object, equally with her mother, of
+her father's sneers and taunts, but she bore it with the true spirit of
+a martyr. Suffering was doing for her what Herbert Hamilton was
+naturally&mdash;making her spiritual and thoughtful far beyond her years, and
+drawing her and Herbert together with such a bond of mutual reverence
+and sympathy, that to talk to him was her greatest consolation, and to
+endeavor to lessen her sorrows one of his dearest pleasures.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred was not naturally an evil-disposed boy, and when his father was
+from home seldom failed either in respect or obedience. Mrs. Greville
+possessed the rather rare combination of extreme submissiveness with a
+natural dignity and firmness, which enabled her to retain the reverence
+and sympathy of her friends and her household, without once stooping to
+receive their pity. It was generally supposed by those who did not know
+her personally, that she was one of those too soft and self-denying
+characters who bring on themselves the evils they deplore; but this in
+Mrs. Greville's case was a very great mistake. It was impossible to
+associate even casually with her, without feeling intuitively that she
+suffered deeply, but the emotion such conviction called was respect
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>As anxious and as earnest a parent as Mrs. Hamilton herself, Mrs.
+Greville failed not to inculcate the good in both her children, and
+still more forcibly, when they became old enough to observe, by example
+than by precept. But with Alfred there must have been an utter
+hopelessness as to the fruit of her anxious labors, had she not
+possessed that clinging, single-hearted trust which taught her that no
+difficulty should deter from a simple duty, and that nothing was too
+hard for Him who&mdash;if He saw that she shrunk not from the charge and
+responsibility which, in permitting her to become a mother, he had
+given, and did all she could to counteract those evil influences, for
+the removal of which she had no power&mdash;would, in His own good time,
+reward, if not on earth&mdash;with Him in Heaven; and so untiringly, as
+unmurmuringly, she struggled on.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IIIB" id="CHAPTER_IIIB"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>HOME SCENE.&mdash;VISITORS.&mdash;CHILDISH MEDITATIONS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The part of the day which to Emmeline Hamilton was the happiest of all,
+was that in which she and Caroline, and now, of course, Ellen, were with
+their mother alone. Not that she particularly liked the very quiet
+employment of plain work, which was then their usual occupation, but
+that she could talk without the least restraint, either about her
+lessons, or her pleasures, or her thoughts, and the stories or histories
+she had been reading, and if she thought wrong no one ever corrected her
+so delightfully so impressively as "mamma." The mornings, from three to
+four hours, according as their age and studies required, were always
+under the control of Miss Harcourt, with such visits from Mrs. Hamilton
+as gave an increased interest to exertion, and such interruption only as
+permitted their practice and lessons in music, which three times a week
+Mrs. Hamilton had as yet herself bestowed. The dressing-bell always rung
+at half-past three, and dinner was at four, to allow the lads return
+from Mr. Howard's, whose daily lessons commenced at nine and concluded
+at three. From half-past one to half-past three, in the very short days,
+was devoted to recreation, walking, or driving, and in the longer, to
+Emmeline's favorite time&mdash;an hour at work with her mother, and the
+remainder to the preparation of lessons and exercises for the next day,
+which in the winter occupied from five to six. From six to seven in the
+same generally gloomy season they read aloud some entertaining book with
+their mother and Miss Harcourt, and seven was the delightful hour of a
+general reunion at tea, and signal for such recreation till nine as they
+felt inclined for; their brothers having been employed for Mr. Howard
+part of the time between dinner and tea, with sufficient earnestness to
+enjoy the rest and recreation afterward, quite as buoyantly and gladly
+as their sisters; and many a merry dance enlivened their winter
+evenings.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer, of course, this daily routine was frequently varied by
+most delightful excursions in the country. Mrs. Hamilton earnestly
+longing to implant a love of Nature and all its fresh, pure associations
+in the minds of her children while yet young, knowing that once
+obtained, the pleasures of the world would be far less likely to obtain
+too powerful dominion. That which the world often terms romance, she
+felt to be a high, pure sense of poetry in the Universe and in Man,
+which she was quite as anxious to instill as many mothers to root out.
+She did not believe that to cultivate the spiritual needed the
+banishment of the matter of fact; but she believed, that to infuse the
+latter with the former would be their best and surest preventive against
+all that was low and mean; their best help in the realization of a
+constant unfailing piety. For the same reason she cultivated a taste for
+the beautiful, not only in her girls, but in her boys&mdash;and beauty, not
+in arts and nature alone, but in character. She did not allude to beauty
+of merely the high and striking kind, but to the lowly virtues,
+struggles, faith, and heroism in the poor&mdash;their forbearance and
+kindness to one another&mdash;marking something to admire, even in the most
+rugged and surly, that at first sight would seem so little worthy of
+notice. It was gradually, and almost unconsciously, to accustom her
+daughters to such a train of thought and sentiment, that she so
+particularly laid aside one part of the day to have them with her alone;
+ostensibly, it was to give part of their day to working for the many
+poor, to whom gifts of ready-made clothing are sometimes much more
+valuable than money; but the <i>education</i> of that one hour she knew
+might, for the right cultivation of the heart, do more than the mere
+<i>teaching</i> of five or six, and that education, much as she loved and
+valued Miss Harcourt, she had from the first resolved should come from
+her alone.</p>
+
+<p>To Emmeline this mode of life was so happy, she could not imagine any
+thing happier. But Caroline often and often envied her great friend
+Annie Grahame, and believed that occasional visits to London would make
+her much happier than remaining all the year round at Oakwood, and only
+with her own family. She knew the expression of such sentiments would
+meet no sympathy at home, and certainly not obtain their gratification,
+so she tried to check them, except when in company with Annie and Lady
+Helen; but her mother knew them, and, from the discontent and
+unhappiness they so often engendered in her child, caused her both pain
+and uneasiness. But she did not waver in her plans, because only in
+Emmeline they seemed to succeed: nor did she, as perhaps some
+over-scrupulous mothers would have done, check Caroline's association
+with Miss Grahame. She knew that those principles must be indeed of
+little worth, which could only actuate in retirement, and when free from
+temptation. That to prevent intimacy with all, except with those of whom
+she exactly approved, would be impossible, if she ever meant her
+daughters to enter the world; and therefore she endeavored so to obtain
+their unrestrained confidence and affection, as to be regarded, both now
+and when they were young women, as their first, best, and truest friend;
+and that end obtained, intimacies with their young companions, however
+varied their character, she felt would do no permanent harm.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear, dear mamma!" exclaimed Emmeline, one morning about a week after
+her parents' return, and dropping her work to speak more eagerly, "you
+can not think how delightful it does seem to have you at home again; I
+missed this hour of the day so very much; I did not know how much I
+loved it when I always had it, but when you were away, every time the
+hour came I missed you, and longed for you so much that&mdash;I am afraid you
+will think me very silly&mdash;I could not help crying."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how Percy must have laughed at you, Emmy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, he did not, mamma; I think he felt half inclined to cry too,
+the first day or two that he came home from Mr. Howard's, and could not
+rush up into your dressing-room, as he always does. He said it was a
+very different thing for you to go from home, than for him to go to
+London, and he did not like it at all; nor Herbert, nor Caroline,
+neither; though they did not say so much about it."</p>
+
+<p>"I did not miss mamma after the first, quite so much as you did,
+Emmeline," replied her sister, ingenuously; "because when Lady Helen
+returned from London, she made me go there so often, and as I know you
+never refuse me that indulgence, mamma, and Miss Harcourt did not
+object, I was glad to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"I have only one objection my dear Caroline, and I think you know what
+that is."</p>
+
+<p>"That whenever I am with Annie I think and wish more about going to
+London, mamma; I am afraid I do; but indeed I try to think that you must
+know what is better for me, and try not to be discontented, though
+sometimes I know I do not succeed," and her eyes filled with tears.</p>
+
+<p>"I am satisfied that you endeavor to trust my experience, my love; I am
+quite aware of all the difficulties you have to encounter in doing so,
+and therefore your most trifling conquest of self is a great source of
+comfort to me. I myself should feel that the pain of increased
+discontent, and so of course increased difficulty in conquering its
+constant accompaniment, ill temper, would more than balance the pleasure
+of Annie's society, and so not indulge in the one so often at the
+expense of the other; but of that you are yourself the best judge, and
+you know in such a case I always permit you to be a free agent. But what
+has become of Mary, Emmeline? I begged Mrs. Greville to let you be as
+much together as possible during my absence; did not her society afford
+you some pleasure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, mamma, a great deal; but unfortunately Mr. Greville was at
+home almost all the time you were away, and poor Mary could not often
+leave her mother, and I don't feel as if it were quite right for me to
+go so often there, when he is at home. I am sure Mrs. Greville and Mary
+must both feel still more uncomfortable when any one is there to see how
+unkind he is, and hear the cruel things he says. Oh, how I do wish I
+could make poor Mary more happy!"</p>
+
+<p>"She would tell you that affection is a great comfort to her, Emmy."</p>
+
+<p>"Yours and Herbert's may be, mamma, because you are both so much better
+and wiser than I am; but I can do so little, so very little."</p>
+
+<p>"You can be and are a great source of interest to her, my dear; and when
+we wish very much to make another person happy, you may be quite sure
+that the most trifling act gives pleasure; but Ellen looks very much as
+if she would like to know who this Mary is, that is so tried&mdash;suppose
+you tell her."</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline eagerly obeyed, painting her friend in such glowing colors,
+that Ellen felt, however tried she might be, a person so good and holy
+must be happy, notwithstanding; besides, to be loved so by Mrs. Hamilton
+and Herbert, discovered to her mind such superior qualities, that she
+almost wondered how Emmeline could speak of her so familiarly, and think
+of her as her own particular friend. But the conversation on her, and
+then on other topics, so interested her, that she was almost as sorry as
+her cousin, when it was interrupted by a visit from Lady Helen Grahame
+and her daughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Returned at length, dearest Emmeline!" was the former's lively
+greeting, and evincing far more warmth of manner than was usual to her.
+"Do you know, the banks of the Dart have seemed so desolate without
+their guardian spirit, that the very flowers have hung their heads, and
+the trees are withered?"</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think the change of season, and not my absence, has been the
+cause of these melancholy facts," replied Mrs. Hamilton, in the same
+tone; "but even London will not change your kind thoughts for me,
+Helen."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I must follow the example of my neighbors, rich and poor, whom you
+may appeal to as to the fact of your absence causing terrible
+lamentation; ask this naughty little girl too, who scarcely ever came to
+see me, because she had so many things to do to please mamma; but
+forgive me," she added, more seriously, as she glanced on the deep
+mourning of her friend, and indeed of all the group; "what a cold,
+heartless being you must believe me to run on in this way, when there
+has been so sad a cause for your absence&mdash;poor Eleanor!"</p>
+
+<p>"I trust we may say happy Eleanor, my dear Helen; mercy has indeed been
+shown to her and to me&mdash;but we will talk of this another time. Annie,"
+she continued, addressing Miss Grahame, who was already deep in
+conversation with Caroline, "I have another little girl to introduce to
+you, whom I hope you will be as friendly with as with Caroline and
+Emmeline."</p>
+
+<p>The young lady turned round at the words, but her sole notice of Ellen,
+who had come timidly forward, was a haughty stare, a fashionable
+courtesy, and a few unintelligible words, which caused Emmeline to feel
+so indignant, that it was with difficulty she kept silence, and made
+Ellen so uncomfortable, that it was with even more than her usual
+shyness, she received Lady Helen's proffered hand.</p>
+
+<p>"And why not introduce her to me too, Emmeline? I knew your mother when
+she was little older than you are, my dear; so I hope you will learn to
+know and to like me as fast as you can."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen might have found courage to reply for there was an interest
+attached to all who had known her mother; but as she raised her eyes to
+speak, she again encountered Annie's rude and disagreeable stare, and
+the words died on her lips. The young party were, however, soon all in
+the garden, for Mrs. Hamilton never made any scruple in dismissing her
+children, when she wished to speak on subjects she did not choose them
+to hear; and she was anxious so to relate Eleanor's illness and change
+of sentiment, as to remove the impressions which her early career had
+left on Lady Helen's memory.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be nearly time for my brothers to be returning; shall we go and
+look for them, Ellen? I dare say Edward will have a great deal to tell
+you," was Emmeline's affectionate address, as Annie and Caroline turned
+in a different direction; and generally judging others by herself, she
+thought that being Edward's first day of regular attendance on Mr.
+Howard, Ellen would like to know all about it as soon as possible, and
+they proceeded accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, how do you like your new cousins, what are they like?" inquired
+Miss Grahame, the moment she had Caroline entirely to herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Edward I think I may like very much; he is so affectionate and so
+good-natured, and as merry and full of fun as Percy. And he is so
+handsome, Annie, I think even you would admire him."</p>
+
+<p>"Then altogether he must be very unlike his sister. I never saw a girl
+so plain, and I am sure she looks as if no fun could exist near her."</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma says we must remember how short a time has elapsed since poor
+aunt's death, and also that Ellen is not strong enough to be very
+lively."</p>
+
+<p>"That does not at all account for her looking cross. I am sure she has
+nothing to be ill-tempered about; there are few girls in her situation
+who would have made one of your family, as she will be. Mamma said it
+would be a very anxious thing for Mrs. Hamilton."</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma did seem to think so," replied Caroline, thoughtfully; "but I
+fancy you are wrong, Annie. Ellen has not yet given any proof of
+ill-temper."</p>
+
+<p>"She has had no time, my dear; but no one can be deceived by such a
+face. My cousin, Lady Adelaide Maldon, told me she could always judge
+people by their faces. But do you like her as well as her brother,
+Caroline?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ask me that question this day month, my dear Annie; I can not answer
+you now, for I really do not know. I certainly do not see any thing
+particularly striking in her yet&mdash;I do not understand her; she is so
+dreadfully shy or timid, and so very inanimate, one can not tell whether
+she is pleased or sorry. To tell you the real truth, I am afraid I shall
+not like her."</p>
+
+<p>"Why afraid?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because mamma would be so sorry were she to know it. I know she wishes
+us to love one another."</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense, Caroline. Mrs. Hamilton can not be so unreasonable as to
+expect you to love every body alike."</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma is never unreasonable," replied Caroline, with spirit; "and I do
+wish, Annie, you would treat Ellen exactly as you do us."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I shall not. What is Colonel Fortescue's daughter to me? Now
+don't be angry, Caroline, you and I are too old friends to quarrel for
+nothing: I shall certainly hate Ellen altogether, if she is to be a
+subject of dispute. Come, look kind again;" and the caress with which
+she concluded restored Caroline's serenity, and other subjects were
+discussed between them.</p>
+
+<p>Annie Grahame was a few months younger than Caroline Hamilton (who was
+nearly thirteen,) but from having been emancipated from the nursery and
+school-room at a very early age, and made her mother's companion and
+confidant in all her home vexations&mdash;very pretty and engaging&mdash;she was
+very much noticed, and her visits to her titled relations in London, by
+causing her to imitate their fashionable manners, terms of speech,
+thoughts on dress, and rank, &amp;c., made her a woman many years before her
+time; and though to Lady Helen's family and to Lady Helen herself this
+made her still more agreeable, from becoming so very companionable; to
+Mrs. Hamilton, and to all, in fact, who loved childhood for childhood's
+sake, it was a source of real regret, as banishing all the freshness and
+artlessness and warmth which ought to have been the characteristics of
+her age. Her father was the only one of her own family who did not
+admire&mdash;and so tried to check&mdash;this assumption of fine ladyism, on the
+part of his daughter; but it was not likely he could succeed, and he
+only estranged from him the affections of his child.</p>
+
+<p>Annie Grahame had a great many fashionable acquaintances in London, but
+she still regarded Caroline Hamilton as her favorite friend. Why, she
+could not exactly tell, except that it was so very, very delightful to
+have some one in the country to whom she could dilate on all the
+pleasures of London, display her new dresses, new music, drawings, work,
+&amp;c. (not however considering it at all necessary to mention that her
+work and drawings were only <i>half</i> her own, and Caroline was much too
+truthful herself to imagine it, and her mother too anxious to retain
+that guileless simplicity to enlighten her, as she was well capable of
+doing). Annie's quick eye discovered that at such times Caroline
+certainly envied her, and she imagined she must be a person of infinite
+consequence to excite such a feeling, and this was such a pleasant
+sensation, that she sought Caroline as much as possible during their
+stay at Moorlands. Of Mrs. Hamilton, indeed, she stood in such
+uncomfortable awe, though that lady never addressed her except in
+kindness, that as she grew older, it actually became dislike; but this
+only increased her intimacy with Caroline, whom she had determined
+should be as unlike her mother as possible; and as this friendship was
+the only one of his daughter's sentiments which gave Mr. Grahame unmixed
+satisfaction, he encouraged it by bringing them together as often as he
+could.</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline and Ellen, meanwhile, had pursued their walk in silence, both
+engrossed with their own thoughts (for that children of eleven years,
+indeed, of any age, do not think, because when asked what they are
+thinking about, their answer is invariably "Nothing," is one of those
+mistaken notions which modern education is, we hope, exploding).
+Emmeline was so indignant with Annie that she felt more sure than ever
+that she did not and could never like her. "She is always talking of
+things mamma says are of such little consequence, and is so proud and
+contemptuous, and I am afraid she does not always tell the exact truth.
+I wonder if it is wrong to feel so toward her; one day when I am quite
+alone with mamma, I will ask her," was the tenor of her meditations.</p>
+
+<p>But Ellen, though Annie's greeting had caused her to shrink still more
+into herself, and so produced pain, was not thinking only of her. The
+whole of that hour's intimate association with Mrs. Hamilton had puzzled
+her; she had doted on her father&mdash;she was sure she loved her aunt almost
+as dearly, but could she ever have given words to that affection as
+Emmeline had done, and as Edward always did? and so, perhaps, after all,
+she did not feel as they did, though the wish was so strong to caress
+her aunt, and sit as close and lovingly by her as Herbert and Emmeline
+and even Edward did, that its very indulgence seemed to give her pain.
+Then Caroline's confession too&mdash;could she ever have had courage to
+confess the indulgence of a feeling which she knew to be wrong&mdash;and all
+her aunt had said both to Caroline and Emmeline so fastened on her mind
+as to make her head ache, and she quite started when a loud shout
+sounded near them.</p>
+
+<p>"It is only Percy," said Emmeline laughing; "I dare say he and Edward
+are running a race or having some sort of fun." And so they were;
+laughing, shouting, panting, they came full speed, darting in and out
+the trees in every variety of mathematical figures their ingenuity could
+frame; but as soon as Percy's restless eye discovered Emmeline, he
+directed his course toward her, exclaiming, "Holla, Edward, stop running
+for to-day: come here, and let us be sober. Why, Tiny, what brings you
+and Ellen out now? It is not your usual time."</p>
+
+<p>"Ellen, Ellen, I have had such a happy day; I like Mr. Howard more than
+ever (he had only seen him twice before.) I am sure I shall get on with
+him, and he will teach me astronomy and navigation too, so I shall not
+be ashamed to go to sea next year; I shall learn so much first."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me walk home with you, dear Edward, and do tell me every thing you
+have done and are going to do," asked Ellen, clinging to his arm, and
+looking in his face with such an expression that there was little trace
+of ill-temper. Emmeline meanwhile had made her brother a party in her
+indignation against Annie's pride, which he termed insolence, vowing he
+would make her feel it. And as they came in sight of her and Caroline,
+he called out to Ellen, who, all her timidity returning, tried to draw
+Edward into another walk.</p>
+
+<p>"Not there, not there, Miss Nelly, you are not going to cut me in that
+fashion. You have talked quite enough to Edward and must now come to me.
+Edward, there's mamma; off with you to tell your tale of delight to
+her." And Edward did not wait a second bidding, leaving Ellen to Percy,
+who threw his arm affectionately round her, and began talking to her so
+amusingly that she could not help laughing, and so devoted did he appear
+to her, that he had only time to greet Miss Grahame, with a very marked
+and polite bow, and passed on. He wished to provoke, and he succeeded,
+for Annie was always particularly pleased when the handsome, spirited
+Percy Hamilton paid her any attention, and that he should be so devoted
+to his little pale, disagreeable-looking cousin, as not even to give her
+a word, annoyed her as much as he desired.</p>
+
+<p>Edward's hasty progress to his aunt was slightly checked at seeing a
+stranger with her, but when he was introduced he made his bow with so
+much of his mother's grace, that, combined with the extraordinary
+likeness, and her feelings already interested in Mrs. Hamilton's account
+of her sister's sufferings and death, Lady Helen could not for the
+moment speak except to exclaim, "Oh, how that look recalls the past! I
+could almost fancy poor Eleanor herself stood before me."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you&mdash;did you know my mother madam?" said Edward, with so much
+eagerness that his cheeks crimsoned and his voice trembled.&mdash;"Were you
+one of mamma's"&mdash;but he could not finish the sentence, and leaning his
+head against his aunt, he burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor child!" said Lady Helen pityingly, as Mrs. Hamilton pressed him
+closer to her, and stooped down to kiss his forehead without speaking;
+and that sudden and unexpected display of feeling contrasted with
+Ellen's painful shyness, stamped at once and indelibly Lady Helen's
+opinion of the two orphans.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IVB" id="CHAPTER_IVB"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>VARIETIES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A few days more brought Mrs. Greville and Mary to welcome their friends,
+and Ellen had again the pain of being introduced to strangers; but this
+time it was only the pain of her own shyness, for could she have
+overcome that feeling, she might have felt even pleasure. As it was, the
+gentle voice and manner with which Mrs. Greville addressed her, and the
+timid yet expressive glance of Mary, told of such sympathy and kindness,
+that she felt attracted toward both, and could quite enter into
+Emmeline's enthusiastic admiration of her friend; not, however,
+believing it possible that she herself could ever be worthy to win
+Mary's regard. Taught from such a very early age to believe herself so
+far inferior to Edward, such characters as Herbert and Mary appeared to
+her so exalted, that it was quite impossible they could ever think of
+her; the constant little acts of unobtrusive kindness that her cousin
+showed her, she attributed to his extreme goodness, not from the most
+trifling merit in herself. She did indeed love him very dearly, the best
+next to her aunt; but so much of reverence mingled with it, that she was
+almost more reserved with him than with the others. But Herbert was
+naturally reserved himself in words, and so he did not think any thing
+about it, except to wish and endeavor to make his little cousin happier
+than she seemed.</p>
+
+<p>When contrasting Mary Greville with Annie Grahame, as she was rather
+fond of doing, Emmeline became so afraid she was disliking the latter
+more than she ought to do, that she never rested till she made an
+opportunity to confess all her feelings to her mother, and beg her to
+tell her if they were very wrong, and if she ought to like her.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not so unconscionable as to expect you to like every one with whom
+you associate, my dear little girl," replied her mother, fondly, for
+there was something in Emmeline's guileless confidence irresistibly
+claiming love. "All we have to do when we find nothing that exactly
+sympathizes with our own feelings, or our own ideas of right and wrong,
+is to try and find out some reason for their being so different; some
+circumstance that may have exposed them to greater temptations and
+trials, for you know I have often told you pleasure and amusements, if
+too much indulged in, are a much greater trial to some than sorrow and
+pain. Now Annie has had a great many more temptations of this kind than
+you or Mary, and we can not expect one so very young entirely to resist
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean, mamma, her going out so much in London?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, love; she is very much noticed, and so perhaps thinks a little
+more of appearance and dress and pleasure than is quite necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"But Lady Helen need not take her out so much, if she did not like. Do
+you think she is quite right to do so?" asked Emmeline, very
+thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"We must never pronounce judgment on other people's actions, my little
+girl. I think it better not to interrupt your present quiet and I hope
+happy life, and therefore I do not take you or Caroline to London; but
+Mr. Grahame is obliged to be there for several months, and Lady Helen
+very naturally would not like to be separated either from him or her
+children. And then she has such a large family, and Annie so many young
+relations, that you see Lady Helen could not keep her children quite as
+free from temptation as I do mine, and we should be more sorry for Annie
+than blame her individually, however we may not like her faults. Do you
+understand me, my dear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, mamma, and I am so glad I took courage to tell you all I felt.
+I am afraid I have encouraged many unkind thoughts about her, and I am
+quite sorry now, for I see she can not help them as much as I thought
+she could. I do not think I could ever make her my friend, but I will
+try very much not to dislike and avoid her."</p>
+
+<p>"And that is all that is required of you, my love. When I tell you that
+our Father in Heaven commands us to love one another, and to avoid all
+unkindness in thought and deed, I do not mean that He desires us to love
+all alike, because He knew it would be neither for our happiness nor
+good that it should be so, but only to prevent the too great influence
+of prejudice and dislike. We might think such feelings can do no harm,
+because only confined to our own minds, but they would be sure gradually
+to lead us to taking pleasure in listening to their dispraise, and
+joining in it, and to seeing and talking only of their faults,
+forgetting that if we had been circumstanced exactly as they are, we
+might have been just the same: and this is the feeling David condemns in
+one of the Psalms we read this morning. Are you tired of listening to
+me, dearest, or shall we read it over again together?"</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline's only answer was to run eagerly for her little Bible, and with
+glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes listen to her mother, as she turned to
+the fifteenth Psalm, and reading it through, particularly pointed out
+the third verse, and so explained it, as easily and happily to satisfy
+her child as to the Divine authority for all that she had said, and to
+stamp them still more forcibly on her memory.</p>
+
+<p>"And now I do not mean to talk to you any more, my darling," she said,
+kissing the little earnest face upturned to hers. "You have heard quite
+enough to think about, and I am sure you will not forget it, so go and
+play; Ellen must be wondering what has become of you." And again full of
+glee, the happy child bounded away, exclaiming, as she did so, "Poor
+Annie, I am glad I am not exposed to such temptations, for I am sure I
+should not be able to resist them either."</p>
+
+<p>But though any one who had seen her the next half hour might have
+fancied that a serious thought or sober task could not approach her,
+neither the conversation nor the Psalm was forgotten; with Herbert's
+explanatory assistance, she not only found the Psalm, but committed it
+to memory; and the second Sunday after her conversation with her mother,
+repeated it so correctly and prettily to her father, as to give her the
+delight of his caressing approbation. Learning correctly by rote was
+always her greatest trial, for her vivid fancy and very versatile powers
+occasioned her actual lessons to be considered such drudgery, as to
+require a great effort on her part to retain them. The sense, indeed, if
+she understood it, she learned quickly enough; but she preferred her own
+language to any one's else, and Mrs. Hamilton had some difficulty in
+making her understand that in time of study she required <i>correctness</i>,
+and not fancy; and that the attention which was necessary to conquer the
+words as well as the sense of the lesson, was much more important and
+valuable, however disagreeable it might seem, than the facility of
+changing the language to something prettier than the original.</p>
+
+<p>When, therefore, as in the present case, she voluntarily undertook, and
+conquered really a difficult task for a little lively girl, her parents
+had no scruple in giving the only reward she cared for&mdash;their
+approbation. It was in the bestowal of praise Mrs. Hamilton was
+compelled to be almost painfully guarded. She found that the least
+expression of unusual approbation caused Caroline to relax in her
+efforts, thinking she had done quite enough, and perniciously increasing
+her already too exalted ideas of herself. While to Emmeline it was the
+most powerful incentive to a continuance in improvement, and determined
+conquest of her faults. There was constantly a dread on the mother's
+heart, that Caroline would one day accuse her of partiality, from the
+different measure of her approbation which she was compelled to bestow;
+and yet painful as it was to persevere under such an impression, the
+future welfare of both was too precious to be risked for the
+gratification of the present.</p>
+
+<p>She was watching with delight Emmeline's unrestrained enjoyment of her
+father's caresses and lively conversation, in which Percy as usual
+joined&mdash;for Tiny, as he chose to call her, was his especial pet and
+plaything&mdash;when she was startled by a low and evidently suppressed sob
+near her; Ellen was bending over a book of Bible-stories which Herbert
+had lent her, and her long ringlets completely concealed her face; Miss
+Harcourt and Caroline both looked up surprised, but a rapid sign from
+Mrs. Hamilton prevented their making any remark. Herbert fixed his eyes
+pityingly on his little cousin as if wishing but not liking to address
+her. Edward was the only one of the party who moved. He was busily
+engaged in examining a large Noah's ark, and speculating as to its
+resemblance to a ship, and its powers of floating, but after a few
+minutes' apparent thought he left it, and sitting down on Ellen's chair,
+put his arm round her, and begged her to find a picture of Noah's ark,
+and see if it were at all like the toy. Cheered by his affection, she
+conquered with a strong effort the choking in her throat, and turned to
+the page, and tried to sympathize in his wonder if it really were like
+the vessel in which Noah was saved, and where he could have put all the
+animals. Mrs. Hamilton joined them, and without taking more notice of
+Ellen's very pale cheeks and heavy eyes, than gently to put back the
+thick tresses that seemed to annoy her by their weight, gave them so
+much interesting information on the subject, and so delighted Edward
+with allowing him to drag down several books from the library to find
+out all they said about it, that two hours slipped away quite
+unconsciously; and Ellen's very painful feeling had been so soothed,
+that she could smile, and join Emmeline in making all the animals walk
+in grand procession to their temporary dwelling.</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Hamilton did not forget the child's involuntary evidence of
+suffering, and vainly tried to imagine what at that moment could have
+caused it. Herbert seemed to think about it, too, for the next day she
+heard him ask Edward&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"If he knew why his sister always looked so sad? if he thought it was
+because she was not yet reconciled to Oakwood?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not that," was Edward's reply: "she has always looked and seemed
+sad, as long as I can remember her. One reason may be, she was always
+ill in India, and papa was often telling me how very much she suffered,
+and how patiently she bore it; and then, too, she knew I was poor
+mamma's favorite, (his voice trembled), and that used to make her very
+unhappy; but I do not know why she is so very sad now, unless she is ill
+again, and that no one can tell, for she never will complain."</p>
+
+<p>"Was your sister such a constant sufferer then?" inquired his aunt.
+"Come here, and tell me all you can about her Edward. I wish I could
+know more about both your lives in India."</p>
+
+<p>Edward, with eager willingness, communicated all he knew, though, from
+his being so constantly with his mother, and Ellen so much left with her
+father and herself, that all was little enough; adding, however, that
+after her very dangerous illness, when she was eight years old, he
+perfectly well remembered hearing some celebrated physician say to his
+father she would probably feel the effects of it all her life.</p>
+
+<p>"It was a very long time before mamma permitted me to see her," added
+Edward, "and when I did, I remember being almost frightened, she was so
+altered, so pale, and thin, and weak; and then she was very ill after
+poor papa's death; but since then she has never complained, and never
+kept her bed; but I know she is often in pain, for when I have touched
+her forehead sometimes, it has burnt my hand like fire."</p>
+
+<p>This childish explanation certainly told Mrs. Hamilton more than she had
+known before; but that Ellen had witnessed the fearful scene of her
+father's death was still concealed. Edward, as he grew older, though he
+did not know why, seemed to shrink from the subject, particularly that
+he had been at a ball the same awful night.</p>
+
+<p>A few days afterward, as Mrs. Hamilton was crossing the large hall on
+her way to the school-room&mdash;for so, spite of Percy's determination that
+it should receive the more learned and refined appellation of studio, it
+was still called&mdash;she overheard Caroline's voice, exclaiming in angry
+impatience&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I shall not, I have enough to do with my own lessons, without
+attending to other people's. It is your idleness, Ellen, not the
+difficulty of your lesson; for I am sure it is easy enough."</p>
+
+<p>"For shame, Caroline!" was Emmeline's indignant reply "She is not idle,
+and I am sure her lesson is not so easy; I wish I could explain it
+properly."</p>
+
+<p>"You know Miss Harcourt herself said she was careless or idle to-day,
+and she must know. I am not going to lose my hour of recreation to help
+those who won't help themselves."</p>
+
+<p>"How can you be so ill-natured, so unkind!" began Emmeline; but Ellen's
+beseeching voice interrupted her&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Do not quarrel with your sister on my account, dearest Emmeline; I dare
+say I am very stupid, but my head does feel confused to-day; pray do not
+mind me, dear Emmy; go with Caroline, aunt Emmeline will not like your
+remaining in."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline had already quitted the room, and in her haste ran against her
+mother, who she instantly perceived had heard all she said. With a deep
+blush, she turned as to re-enter the school-room, but Mrs. Hamilton
+stopped her&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"No," she said, gravely, "if you are only to act kindly for fear of my
+reproof, it will do no good either to yourself or Ellen. I could
+scarcely have believed it possible you should so have spoken, had I not
+heard it. Go and amuse yourself as you intended; I rather think had you
+given up a little of your time to help your cousin, you would have
+experienced more real pleasure than you will now feel all day."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear mamma, will <i>you</i> help Ellen?" asked Emmeline, very timidly, for
+though at Ellen's reiterated entreaty she had left her, she felt it
+almost disrespect to run across the hall while her mother was speaking;
+and the thought suddenly crossed her that, as she was quite sure Ellen
+was not idle though Miss Harcourt thought she was, her mother, by
+assisting her, might save her from increased displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dearest, if necessary; I have heard enough to satisfy me that you
+would if you could; and so I will, for your sake." And Emmeline ran
+away, quite happy, to try all she could to soothe Caroline, whose
+self-reproach had as usual terminated in a fit of ill-temper and anger
+against Ellen, instead of against herself.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton entered the school-room, and stood by Ellen so quietly
+that the child did not perceive her. Her attention was completely
+absorbed in her book; but after a few minutes she suddenly pushed it
+from her, and exclaiming almost passionately:</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>can not</i> learn it, try all I can! and Miss Harcourt will be so very,
+very angry"&mdash;and she gave way, for the first time since her arrival at
+Oakwood, to a violent burst of tears.</p>
+
+<p>"What is this very, <i>very</i> difficult lesson, my little Ellen!" inquired
+her aunt, kindly taking one hand from her face. "Tell me, and we shall
+be able to learn it together, perhaps."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no! it is because I am so very stupid; Miss Harcourt has
+explained it to me twice, and I know, I know, I ought to understand
+it&mdash;but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, never mind it to-day. We can all learn much better some
+days than others, you know; and I dare say to-morrow you will be able to
+conquer it."</p>
+
+<p>"But Miss Harcourt is already displeased, and she will be still more so,
+if I leave it without her permission," replied the sobbing girl,
+longing, but not daring, to throw her arms round her aunt's neck, and
+lean her aching head against her bosom.</p>
+
+<p>"Not if I beg a reprieve," replied her aunt, smiling; "but you must not
+let it make you so very unhappy, Ellen. I am afraid it is not only your
+lesson, but that you are ill, or unhappy about something else. Tell me,
+dearest, what can I do to make you more happy, more at home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nothing, nothing!" replied Ellen, struggling with her tears.
+"Indeed I am happier than I ever thought I could be; I must be very
+ungrateful to make you think I am unhappy, when you are so good and so
+kind. My head ached to-day, and that always makes me feel a wish to cry;
+but indeed I am not unhappy, and never when you kiss me and call me your
+Ellen, whatever I may feel when you are not by;" and, as if frightened
+at her own confession, she hid her face in her aunt's dress.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton lifted her into her lap, and kissed her without speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"You must learn to love me more and more then, my Ellen," she said,
+after a pause, "and when you are feeling ill or in pain, you must not be
+afraid to tell me, or I shall think that you only fancy you love me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, it is not fancy; I never loved any one as I do you&mdash;except
+papa&mdash;my own darling, good papa!" the word was almost choked with sobs.
+"He used to fondle me and praise me, and call me his darling Ellen, as
+uncle Hamilton did Emmeline last Sunday; and when I was ill, so ill they
+said I should die, he never left me, except when his military duties
+called him away; and he used to nurse me, and try to amuse me, that I
+might forget pain and weakness. Oh, I shall never, never forget that
+dreadful night!" and she closed her eyes and shuddered, as the horrid
+scene of blood and death flashed before her.</p>
+
+<p>"What dreadful night my poor child?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, soothingly,
+after doubting whether or not it would be better for Ellen to pursue
+such an evidently painful theme, and no longer requiring an explanation
+of her emotion the previous Sabbath.</p>
+
+<p>"The night poor papa was killed;&mdash;oh, there were so many horrid forms on
+the grass, the natives and poor papa's own men, and they looked so
+ghastly in the moonlight, and the grass was covered with blood and limbs
+and heads that had been shot off; and there were such cries and groans
+of pain&mdash;I see it, I hear it all again so often before I go to sleep,
+and when my head feels as it does to-day, and fancy I hear poor papa's
+last words and feel his kiss as he lay bleeding, bleeding slowly to
+death and his voice was so strange, and his lips so cold!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how came you in such a dreadful scene, my poor Ellen? who could
+have permitted such a little child to be there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I wished it so very much; I knew he would die before they
+could bring him to me, and I did so want to feel his kiss and hear his
+voice once more. Oh, aunt Emmeline! shall I never see him again? I know
+he can not come to me; but shall I, oh, shall I ever be good enough to
+go to him?" And she looked up in her aunt's face with such a countenance
+of beseeching entreaty, that Mrs. Hamilton's eyes filled with tears, and
+it was a full minute before she could speak; but when she did, Ellen
+felt more relieved and comforted, than on the subject of her father's
+death she had ever felt before. From her mother not being able to bear
+the subject even partially alluded to, and from having no one to whom
+she could speak of it, it had taken a still stronger hold of her
+imagination; and whenever she was unusually weak, and her head aching
+and confused, it became still more vivid. The very visible sympathy and
+interest of her aunt, and the gentle words in which she tried to turn
+the child's thoughts from that scene of horror to the happiness of her
+father in Heaven, and an assurance that, if she tried to do her duty,
+and to love and serve God, and trust in His mercy to render her efforts
+acceptable, she would rejoin him, seemed to remove the mass of tangled
+thought within her young mind. Her head, indeed, still ached very
+painfully, and her eyes seemed as if they would close, notwithstanding
+all her efforts to keep them open; but when she awoke from a long quiet
+sleep, on the sofa in Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room, where her aunt had
+laid her, and found that kind friend still watching over her, the little
+heart and temples had ceased to throb so quickly, and she felt better
+and happier.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Maitland, the medical friend of the family, confirmed the opinion
+which Edward had said their physician in India had given of his sister's
+state of health. He did not, he said, consider her liable to serious
+illness, or of a constitution that would not endure; but that he feared
+it would be some years before she knew the blessing of really good
+health, and be constantly subject to that lassitude, severe headache,
+and the depression of the whole system thence proceeding, which must
+prevent the liveliness and quickness of acquirement natural to most
+children. He thought the evil had been very greatly increased by want of
+sufficient care in early years, and the unwholesome climate in which she
+had so long lived, that he wondered her mother had not been advised to
+send her over to England, adding, with a smile, he was quite sure Mrs.
+Hamilton would not have refused the charge, anxious as it might have
+been. And earnestly, not only on account of the child's physical but
+mental health, did Mrs. Hamilton wish that such had been the case, and
+that she had had the care of her niece from earliest infancy; and how
+much more would she have wished this, had she known that Mrs. Fortescue
+had really been advised to do with Ellen as Mr. Maitland had said, but
+that believing it merely an idle fancy, and persisting, too, in her own
+headstrong idea, that it was ill-temper, not illness, which rendered
+Ellen so disagreeable, she would not stoop so to conquer her unfortunate
+pride as to ask such a favor of her relatives, and to whom else could
+she appeal? Colonel Fortescue had none but distant cousins. She did
+satisfy a qualm of conscience by once suggesting to her husband&mdash;as her
+own idea, however, not as that of an experienced physician&mdash;that as he
+fancied Ellen was always ill, she might be better in England; but, as
+she expected, not only his intense love for his little girl rose up
+against the idea of separation, but his pride revolted from sending her
+to claim the pity of relatives who had so completely cast off her
+parents: yet had he been told it was absolutely necessary for her health
+and so greatly for her happiness, he would not have hesitated to
+sacrifice every thought of self. But Eleanor, satisfied that she had
+done her duty, and delighted that in one respect he was quite as proud
+as she was, never again referred to the subject, and the physician who
+had thus advised, from his constant removals, he never chanced to meet.</p>
+
+<p>Great, indeed, was the amount of childish suffering which this selfish
+decision, on the part of her mother, occasioned Ellen. We do not mean
+the pain of constant languor itself, though that in its full amount our
+happy healthful young readers can not have the least idea of: they,
+perhaps, think it almost a pleasant change, the care, and petting, and
+presents so often lavished on a brief decided illness: but that is a
+very different thing to that kind of suffering which only so affects
+them as to be dull and heavy, they do not know why, and to make it such
+a very difficult task to learn the lessons others find so easy; and such
+a pain sometimes to move, that they are thought slow and unwilling, and
+perhaps even idle, when they would gladly run, and help, and work as
+others; and so weak sometimes, that tears start at the first harsh or
+unkind word, and they are thought cross, when they do not in the least
+feel so; and this, not for a few weeks, but, with few exceptions, the
+trial of months and even years.</p>
+
+<p>And this was Ellen's&mdash;which not even the tenderest and most unfailing
+care of her aunt could entirely guard her from. It is a most difficult
+thing for those who are strong and healthy themselves to understand and
+always bear with physical suffering in others. Miss Harcourt, though in
+general free from any thing like prejudice, and ardently desirous to
+follow up her own and Mrs. Hamilton's ideas of right and wrong, could
+not so govern her affections as to feel the same toward Ellen as she did
+toward Edward and the children she had lived with and taught so long.
+Her task with Ellen required more patience and forbearance and care than
+with either of the others, and sometimes she could not help believing
+and acting toward her as if it were willful idleness and carelessness,
+not the languor of disease.</p>
+
+<p>With the recollection and evidence of Herbert, who had been delicate
+from his birth, and who was yet of such a remarkably gifted mind, and so
+bright in aspect, so sweet in temper, that illness seemed to have
+spiritualized instead of deadened every faculty, she could not
+understand, as Mrs. Hamilton did, the force of circumstances in
+producing from nearly the same cause two much different effects, nor how
+it was that complete neglect had engendered more evils than indiscreet
+indulgence; but that it appeared to have done so, was unhappily only too
+evident not only to Miss Harcourt but to Mrs. Hamilton. It seemed almost
+surprising, and certainly a proof of a remarkably good disposition, that
+Edward appeared so free from great faults, and of such a warm, generous,
+frank, and <i>seemingly</i> unselfish nature, so open to conviction and to
+all good impressions, that, except occasional fits of violent passion,
+there really was, as far as his aunt and uncle could perceive, nothing
+to complain of. They did not know that he stood in such awe of Mr.
+Hamilton, from his mother's lessons of his exceeding sternness, that he
+exercised the greatest control over himself; and he was so excessively
+fond of Mr. Howard, and his days glided by in such varied and delightful
+employment, that there was no temptation to do wrong, except certain
+acts of trifling disobedience, of more consequence from the self-will
+they betrayed than the acts themselves, but which might have been
+sources of anxiety to his aunt, and lessened her confidence in him had
+she known them; but she did not, for Ellen not only constantly
+concealed, but she was the sufferer for him, and so brought reproof and
+suspicion on herself, which, could the truth have been known, might have
+been averted. But truth of act as well as word had never been impressed
+on Edward; and, therefore, though he was constitutionally too brave to
+utter a falsehood, too honorable to shield himself at the expense of
+another, if he knew that other suffered, he had been too long taught to
+believe that Ellen was his inferior, and must always give up to him, to
+imagine that he was even acting deceitfully or unmanfully in permitting
+her to conceal his acts of disobedience.</p>
+
+<p>There was so much to love and admire in Edward, that neither Mr. nor
+Mrs. Hamilton imagined the real weakness of his character&mdash;that those
+lovable qualities all sprung from natural impulse, unsustained by any
+thing like principle. The quickness and apparent fervor with which he
+received the religious impressions they and Mr. Howard sought so
+earnestly to instill in the short time that was allowed them before he
+entered the navy, they augured so hopefully from, that not only his
+preceptor and uncle, but his ever anxious aunt, looked forward to his
+career with scarcely a doubt as to its probity and honor.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen caused her infinitely more anxiety. There was a disregard to
+truth, a want of openness and candor, which, though Mrs. Hamilton
+believed the effects of neglect and extreme timidity, both her husband
+and Miss Harcourt feared were natural. Much, indeed, sprung from the
+poor child's mistaken idea of the nature and solemnity of the promise
+she had made her mother, and her constant watchfulness and determination
+to shield Edward. For the disregard to truth, her mother had, indeed,
+alone been answerable. Ellen's naturally very timid character required
+the inculcation of a high, firm principle, to enable her so to conquer
+herself as to speak the truth, even if she suffered from it. It was
+only, indeed, in extreme cases of fear&mdash;and never to her father that she
+had ever spoken falsely; but to Mrs. Hamilton's high principles, which
+by extreme diligence and care she had so successfully imparted to her
+own children, even concealment was often an acted untruth, and of this
+fault and equivocation Ellen was but too often guilty; exciting Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's prejudices yet more against her. The latter,
+with all her faults, never swerved from the rigid truth, and had a
+strong contempt and dislike toward all those who did&mdash;except her friend
+Annie, who, as she always took care to speak the truth to her, she did
+not suspect of being less careful than herself. Emmeline, who had had
+some difficulty in restraining her love of exaggeration, and also in so
+conquering her own timidity and fear as always to speak the truth, only
+pitied Ellen, but did not love her the less.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, it was not till some months had passed that these lights and
+shadows of character in the orphans, and in the opinions they culled
+forth in those around them, could be discovered; but notwithstanding she
+stood almost alone in her opinion, notwithstanding there was very little
+outward evidence that she was correct, Mrs. Hamilton believed there was
+a great deal more in her niece than was discernible. She seemed to
+possess a strength, almost an intensity, of feeling and warmth of
+affection, which, if properly guided, would effectually aid in removing
+the childish errors engendered by neglect; and it was this belief which
+not only enabled her to bear calmly the anxiety and care, and often
+pain, which those faults and their compelled correction occasioned, but
+actually to love her niece, if possible, still more than Edward, and
+very nearly with the same amount of quiet but intense affection which
+she felt for her own children.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VB" id="CHAPTER_VB"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>A YOUNG GENTLEMAN IN A PASSION.&mdash;A WALK.&mdash;A SCENE OF DISTRESS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>One very fine morning in May, Mrs. Hamilton invited Edward to join her
+in a walk, intending also to call at Moorlands and Greville Manor on
+their way. The lads were released for a few days from their attendance
+on Mr. Howard, that gentleman having been summoned on some clerical
+business to Exeter. Percy was to accompany his father on an equestrian
+excursion; Herbert had been commissioned by Emmeline some days before to
+take some books to Mary Greville, and had looked forward himself to
+spending a morning with her. Edward, delighted at being selected as his
+aunt's companion, prepared with haste and glee for his excursion. Robert
+was, however, unfortunately not at hand to give him a clean pair of
+shoes (he had already spoiled two pair that morning by going into the
+stream which ran through the park to sail a newly-rigged frigate), and
+angry at the delay, fearing that his aunt would not wait for him, he
+worked himself into such a violent passion, that when Robert did appear
+he gave vent to more abusive language than he had ever yet ventured to
+use, concluding by hurling both his discarded shoes at the domestic,
+who only escaped a severe blow by starting aside, and permitting them to
+go through the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Robert, leave the room: I desire that you will not again give your
+assistance to Master Fortescue till he knows how to ask it," was Mrs.
+Hamilton's most unexpected interference, and Edward so started at her
+voice and look, that his passion was suddenly calmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Finish your toilet, and when you have found your shoes and put them
+away, you may join me in the breakfast-room, Edward. I only wait your
+pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>And never did Edward leave her presence more gladly. Shame had suddenly
+conquered anger; and though his chest still heaved and his cheeks were
+still flushed, he did not utter another word till nearly a quarter of a
+mile on their walk. Twice he had looked up in his aunt's face as if
+about to speak, but the expression was so very grave, that he felt
+strangely afraid to proceed. At length he exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You are displeased with me, dear aunt; but indeed I could not help
+feeling angry."</p>
+
+<p>"I am still more sorry than displeased, Edward; I had hoped you were
+learning more control, and to know your duty to a domestic better. Your
+uncle&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pray do not tell him!" implored Edward, "and I will ask Robert's
+pardon the moment I go home."</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly shall not complain of you to him, Edward, if my arguments
+can convince you of your error; but if you are only to ask Robert's
+pardon for fear of your uncle, I would rather you should not do so. Tell
+me the truth; if you were quite sure your uncle would know nothing about
+it, would you still ask Robert's pardon?"</p>
+
+<p>Edward unhesitatingly answered "No!"</p>
+
+<p>"And why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I think he ought to ask mine for keeping me waiting as he did,
+and for being insolent first to me."</p>
+
+<p>"He did not keep you waiting above five minutes, and that was my fault
+not his, as I was employing him; and as for insolence, can you tell me
+what he said?" Edward hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not remember the exact words, but I know he called me impatient,
+and if I were, he had no right to tell me so."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor did he. I heard all that passed, and I could not help thinking how
+very far superior was Robert, a poor country youth, to the young
+gentleman who abused him."</p>
+
+<p>The color rose to Edward's temples, but he set his teeth and clenched
+his hand, to prevent any farther display of anger; and his aunt, after
+attentively observing him, continued&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"He said that his young master Percy never required impossibilities, and
+though often impatient never abused him. You heard the word, and feeling
+you had been so, believed he applied it to yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"But in what can he be my superior?" asked Edward, in a low voice, as if
+still afraid his passion would regain ascendency.</p>
+
+<p>"I will answer your question by another, Edward. Suppose any one had
+used abusive terms toward you, and contemptuously desired you to get out
+of their sight, how would you have answered?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would have struck him to the earth," replied Edward, passionately,
+and quite forgetting his wished for control. "Neither equal nor superior
+should dare speak so to me again."</p>
+
+<p>"And what prevented Robert acting in the same manner? Do you think he
+has no feeling?&mdash;that he is incapable of such emotions as pain or
+anger?"</p>
+
+<p>Edward stood for a minute quite still and silent.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not think any thing about it," he said, at length; "but I
+certainly supposed I had a right to say what I pleased to one so far
+beneath me."</p>
+
+<p>"And in what is Robert so far beneath you?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is a servant, and I am a gentleman in birth, rank&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, Edward! did you make yourself a gentleman? Is it any credit to
+you, individually, to be higher in the world, and receive a better
+education than Robert?"</p>
+
+<p>Edward was again silent, and his aunt continued to talk to him so kindly
+yet so earnestly, that at length he exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I feel I have indeed been wrong, dear aunt; but what can I do to prove
+to Robert I am really sorry for having treated him so ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you really sorry, Edward, or do you only say this for fear of your
+uncle's displeasure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I had quite forgotten him," replied Edward, earnestly; "I
+deserve his anger, and would willingly expose myself to it, if it would
+redeem my fault."</p>
+
+<p>"I would rather see you endeavor earnestly to restrain your passions my
+dear boy, than inflict any such pain upon you. It will be a great
+pleasure to me if you can really so conquer yourself as to apologize to
+Robert; and I think the pain of so doing will enable you more easily to
+remember all we have been saying, than if you weakly shrink from it. The
+life you have chosen makes me even more anxious that you should become
+less passionate&mdash;than were you to remain longer with me; I fear you will
+so often suffer seriously from it."</p>
+
+<p>"I very often make resolutions never to be in a passion again," returned
+Edward, sorrowfully; "but whenever any thing provokes me, something
+seems to come in my throat, and I am compelled to give way."</p>
+
+<p>"You will not be able to conquer your fault, my dear Edward, without
+great perseverance; but remember, the more difficult the task, the
+greater the reward; and that you <i>can</i> control anger I have, even during
+our walk, had a proof."</p>
+
+<p>Edward looked up surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not feel very angry when I said Robert was your superior?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Edward, blushing deeply.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you successfully checked your rising passion, for fear of
+offending me. I can not be always near you; but, my dear boy, you must
+endeavor to remember that lesson I have tried to teach you so
+often&mdash;that you are never <i>alone</i>. You can not even think an angry
+thought, much less speak an abusive word and commit the most trifling
+act of passion, without offending God. If you would but ask for His
+help, and recollect that to offend Him is far more terrible than to
+incur the displeasure of either your uncle or myself, I think you would
+find your task much easier, than if you attempted it, trusting in your
+own strength alone, and only for fear of man."</p>
+
+<p>Edward did not make any reply, but his countenance expressed such
+earnest thought and softened feeling, that Mrs. Hamilton determined on
+not interrupting it by calling at Moorlands as she had intended, and so
+turned in the direction of Greville Manor. They walked on for some
+little time in silence, gradually ascending one of those steep and
+narrow but green and flowery lanes peculiar to Devonshire; and on
+reaching the summit of the hill, and pausing a moment by the little gate
+that opened on a rich meadow, through which their path lay, an
+exclamation of "How beautiful!" burst from Edward.</p>
+
+<p>Fields of alternate red and green sloped down to the river's edge, the
+green bearing the glistening color peculiar to May, the red from the
+full rich soil betraying that the plow had but lately been there, and
+both contrasting beautifully with the limpid waters, whose deep azure
+seemed to mock the very heavens. The Dart from that point seemed no
+longer a meandering river: it was so encompassed by thick woods and
+fertile hills that it resembled a lake, to which there was neither
+outlet nor inlet, save from the land. The trees all presented that
+exquisite variety of green peculiar to May, and so lofty was the slope
+on which they grew, that some seemed to touch the very sky, while others
+bent gracefully over the water, which their thick branches nearly
+touched. The hills themselves presented a complete mosaic of red and
+green; the fields divided by high hedges, from which the oak and elm and
+beech and ash would start up, of growth so superb as to have the
+semblance of a cultivated park, not of natural woodland.</p>
+
+<p>Greville Manor, an Elizabethan building, stood on their right,
+surrounded by its ancient woods, which, though lovely still, Mr.
+Greville's excesses had already shorn off some of their finest timber.
+Some parts of the river were in complete shade from the overhanging
+branches, while beyond them would stretch the bright blue of heaven: in
+other parts, a stray sunbeam would dart through an opening in the thick
+branches, and shine like a bright spot in the surrounding darkness; and
+farther on, the cloudless sun so flung down his full refulgence, that
+the moving waters flashed and sparkled like burning gems.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not beautiful, dear aunt? Sometimes I feel as if I were not half
+so passionate in the open air as in the house; can you tell me why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly, Edward," she replied, smiling; "but I am very pleased to
+hear you say so, and to find that you can admire such a lovely scene as
+this. To my feelings, the presence of a loving God is so impressed upon
+his works&mdash;we can so distinctly trace goodness, and love, and power, in
+the gift of such a bountiful world, that I feel still more how wrong it
+is to indulge in vexation, or care, or anxiety, when in the midst of a
+beautiful country, than when at home; and perhaps it is something of the
+same feeling working in you, though you do not know how to define it."</p>
+
+<p>"But <i>you</i> can never do or feel any thing wrong, dear aunt," said
+Edward, looking with surprised inquiry in her face.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, my dear boy, I know that I very often have wrong thoughts and
+feelings; and that only my Father in Heaven's infinite mercy enables me
+to overcome them. It would be very sad, if I were as faulty, and as
+easily led into error, as you and your cousins may be, when I have had
+so many more years to think and try to improve in; but just in the same
+way as you have duties to perform and feelings to overcome, so have I;
+and if I fail in the endeavor to lead you all in the better and happier
+path&mdash;or feel too much anxiety, or shrink from giving myself pain, when
+compelled to correct a fault in either of you, I am just as likely to
+incur the displeasure of our Father in Heaven, as you are when you are
+passionate or angry; and perhaps still more so, for the more capable we
+are of knowing and doing our duty, the more wrong we are when we fail in
+it, even in thought."</p>
+
+<p>There was so much in this reply to surprise Edward, it seemed so to fill
+his mind with new ideas, that he continued his walk in absolute silence.
+That his aunt could ever fail, as she seemed to say she had and did, and
+even still at times found it difficult to do right, was very strange;
+but yet somehow it seemed to comfort him, and to inspire him with a sort
+of courage to emulate her, and conquer his difficulties. He had fancied
+that she could not possibly understand how difficult it was for him
+always to be good; but when he found that she could do so even from her
+own experience, her words appeared endowed with double force, and he
+loved her, and looked up to her more than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes more brought them to the Gothic lodge of the Manor, and
+instead of seeking the front entrance, Mrs. Hamilton led the way to the
+flower-garden, on which Mrs. Greville's usual morning-room opened by a
+glass door.</p>
+
+<p>"Herbert was to tell Mary of our intended visit; I wonder she is not
+watching for me as usual," observed Mrs. Hamilton, somewhat anxiously;
+and her anxiety increased, as on nearing the half open door she saw poor
+Mary, her head leaning against Herbert, deluged in tears. Mrs. Greville
+was not there, though the books, work, and maps upon the table told of
+their morning's employment having been the same as usual. Herbert was
+earnestly endeavoring to speak comfort, but evidently without success;
+and Mary was in general so controlled, that her present grief betrayed
+some very much heavier trial than usual.</p>
+
+<p>"Is your mother ill, my dear Mary? What can have happened to agitate you
+so painfully?" she inquired, as at the first sound of her voice the poor
+girl sprung toward her, and tried to say how very glad she was that she
+had come just then; but the words were inarticulate from sobs; and Mrs.
+Hamilton, desiring Edward to amuse himself in the garden, made her sit
+down by her, and told her not to attempt to check her tears, but to let
+them have free vent a few minutes, and then to try and tell her what had
+occurred. It was a very sad tale for a child to tell, and as Mrs.
+Hamilton's previous knowledge enabled her to gather more from it than
+Mary's broken narrative permitted, we will give it in our own words.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Greville had been at home for a month, a quarter of which time the
+good humor which some unusually successful bets had excited, lasted; but
+no longer. His amusement then consisted, as usual, in trying every
+method to annoy and irritate his wife, and in endeavoring to make his
+son exactly like himself. Young as the boy was&mdash;scarcely twelve&mdash;he took
+him to scenes of riot and feasting, which the society of some boon
+companions, unhappily near neighbors, permitted; and though Alfred's
+cheek became pale, his eye haggard, and his temper uneven, his
+initiation was fraught with such a new species of excitement and
+pleasure, that it rejoiced and encouraged his father in the same measure
+as it agonized his mother, and, for her sake, poor Mary.</p>
+
+<p>That morning Alfred had declared his intention of visiting a large fair,
+which, with some races of but ill repute, from the bad company they
+collected, was to be held at a neighboring town, and told his father to
+prepare for a large demand on his cash, as he meant to try his hand at
+all the varieties of gaming which the scene presented. Mr. Greville
+laughed heartily at what he called the boy's right spirit, and promised
+him all he required; but there was a quivering on her mother's lip, a
+deadly paleness on her cheek, that spoke volumes of suffering to the
+heart of the observant Mary, who sat trembling beside her. Still Mrs.
+Greville did not speak till her husband left the room; but then, as
+Alfred was about to follow him, she caught hold of his hand, and
+implored him, with such a tone and look of agony, only to listen to her,
+for her sake to give up his intended pleasure; that, almost frightened
+by an emotion which in his gentle mother he had scarcely ever seen, and
+suddenly remembering that he had lately been indeed most unkind and
+neglectful to her, he threw his arms round her neck, and promised with
+tears that if it gave her so much pain, he would not go; and so sincere
+was his feeling at the moment that, had there been no tempter near, he
+would, in all probability, have kept his word. But the moment Mr.
+Greville heard from his son his change of intention and its cause, he
+so laughed at his ridiculous folly, so sneered at his want of spirit in
+preferring his mother's whims to his father's pleasures, that, as could
+not fail to be the case, every better feeling fled. This ought to have
+been enough; but it was too good an opportunity to vent his ill-temper
+on his wife, to be neglected. He sought her, where she was
+superintending Mary's lessons, and for nearly an hour poured upon her
+the most fearful abuse and cutting taunts, ending by declaring that all
+the good she had done by her saintly eloquence was to banish her son
+from her presence, whenever he left home, as in future Alfred should be
+his companion; and that he should begin that very day. Mrs. Greville
+neither moved nor spoke in reply; and the expression of her countenance
+was so sternly calm, that poor Mary felt as if she dared not give way to
+the emotion with which her heart was bursting.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Greville left the room, and they heard him peremptorily desire the
+housekeeper to put up some of Master Alfred's clothes. In a perfectly
+composed voice Mrs. Greville desired Mary to proceed with the exercise
+she was writing, and emulating her firmness, she tried to obey.
+Fortunately her task was writing, for to have spoken or read aloud
+would, she felt, have been impossible. So full half an hour passed, and
+then hasty footsteps were heard in the hall, and the joyous voice of
+Alfred exclaiming&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Let me wish mamma and Mary good-by, papa."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not another moment to spare," was the reply. "You have kept me
+long enough, and must be quicker next time; come along, my boy."</p>
+
+<p>The rapid tread of horses' hoofs speedily followed the sullen clang with
+which the hall-door closed, and as rapidly faded away in the distance.
+With an irresistible impulse, Mary raised her eyes to her mother's face;
+a bright red flush had risen to her temples, but her lips were perfectly
+colorless, and her hand tightly pressed her heart; but this only lasted
+a minute, for the next she had fallen quite senseless on the floor. Her
+poor child hung over her almost paralyzed with terror, and so long did
+the faint last, that she was conveyed to her own room, partially
+undressed, and laid on her bed before she at all recovered. A brief
+while she had clasped Mary to her bosom, as if in her was indeed her
+only earthly comfort, and then in a faint voice desired to be left quite
+alone. Mary had flung herself on the neck of the sympathizing Herbert
+Hamilton (who had arrived just in the confusion attendant on Mrs.
+Greville's unusual illness), and wept there in all the uncontrolled
+violence of early sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton remained some time with her afflicted friend, for so truly
+could she sympathize with her, that her society brought with it the only
+solace Mrs. Greville was capable of realizing from human companionship.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not for myself I murmur," were the only words that in that
+painful interview might have even seemed like complaint; "but for my
+poor child. How is her fragile frame and gentle spirit to endure through
+trials such as these; oh, Emmeline, to lose both, and through their
+father!"</p>
+
+<p>And difficult indeed did it seem to realize the cause of such a terrible
+dispensation; but happily for Mrs. Greville, she could still look up in
+love and trust, even when below all of comfort as of joy seemed
+departed; and in a few days she was enabled to resume her usual
+avocations, and, by an assumption of cheerfulness and constant
+employment, to restore some degree of peace and happiness to her child.</p>
+
+<p>Neither Herbert nor Edward seemed inclined to converse on their walk
+home, and Mrs. Hamilton was so engrossed in thought for Mrs. Greville,
+that she did not feel disposed to speak either. Herbert was contrasting
+his father with Mary's, and with such a vivid sense of his own happier
+lot, that he felt almost oppressed with the thought, he was not, he
+never could be, grateful enough; for, what had he done to be so much
+more blessed? And when Mr. Hamilton, who, wondering at their long
+absence, had come out to meet them, put his arm affectionately round
+him, and asked him what could possibly make him look so pale and
+pensive, the boy's excited feelings completely overpowered him. He
+buried his face on his father's shoulder, and burst into tears; and then
+leaving his mother to explain it, for he felt quite sure she could,
+without his telling her, darted away and never stopped till he found
+himself in the sanctuary of his own room; and there he remained, trying
+to calm himself by earnest thought and almost unconscious prayer, till
+the dinner-bell summoned him to rejoin his family, which he did, quiet
+and gentle, but cheerful, as usual.</p>
+
+<p>Edward did not forget the thoughts of the morning, but the struggles so
+to subdue his pride as to apologize to Robert, seemed very much more
+difficult when he was no longer hearing his aunt's earnest words; but he
+<i>did</i> conquer himself, and the fond approving look, with which he was
+rewarded, gave him such a glowing feeling of pleasure, as almost to
+lessen the pain of his humiliation.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIB" id="CHAPTER_VIB"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>CECIL GRAHAME'S PHILOSOPHY.&mdash;AN ERROR AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.&mdash;A MYSTERY
+AND A CONFIDENCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A few days after the events of the last chapter, Mrs. Hamilton,
+accompanied by Percy, called at Moorlands. Cecil Grahame was playing in
+the garden, and Percy remained with him, his good-nature often making
+him a companion, though there was nearly six years' difference in their
+age.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to T&mdash; on Thursday, Percy? There will be such fine
+doings. Races and the county fair, and wild beasts and shows, and every
+thing delightful; of course, you will go?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think it at all likely," replied young Hamilton.</p>
+
+<p>"No!" repeated Cecil, much astonished. "Why, I was only saying the other
+day how much I should like to be as old as you are; it must be so
+delightful to be one's own master."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not consider myself my own master yet, Cecil. Sometimes I wish I
+were; at others, I think I am much better as I am. And, as for this
+fair, Mr. Howard will be back to-morrow, so there is no chance of my
+going."</p>
+
+<p>"Why is there no such thing as the possibility of a holiday, Percy?"
+replied Cecil, with great glee; "or perhaps," he added, laughing, "your
+papa is like mine, and does not allow such freaks; thinks it wrong to go
+to such places, acting against morality, and such out of the way ideas."</p>
+
+<p>"Are these Mr. Grahame's opinions?" inquired Percy, almost sternly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why ye&mdash;yes&mdash;why do you look at me so, Percy? I am sure I said no harm;
+I only repeated what I have heard mamma say continually."</p>
+
+<p>"That is not the very least excuse for your disrespect to your father;
+and if he think thus, I wonder you should talk of going to the races;
+you can not have his permission."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but mamma has promised if I am a good boy till then and she can
+manage it, I shall go; for she can not see any harm in it. And as for
+waiting for papa's permission&mdash;if I did, I should never go any where. He
+is so unkind, that I am always afraid of speaking or even playing, when
+he is in the room."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a silly boy, Cecil," replied young Hamilton; "Believe me, you
+do not know your best friend. I should be very sorry to feel thus toward
+my father."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! but yours and mine are very different sort of people. Your papa
+never punishes you, or refuses you his permission, when you wish
+particularly to do any thing, or go any where."</p>
+
+<p>"If papa thinks my wishes foolish, or liable to lead me into error, he
+does refuse me without scruple, Cecil. And though I am old enough now, I
+hope, so to conduct myself as to avoid actual punishment: when I was as
+young as you are, papa very frequently punished me, both for my violence
+and pride."</p>
+
+<p>"But then he was kind to you afterward. Now I should not so much mind
+papa's severity when I am naughty, if he would only be kind, or take
+some notice of me when I am good. But has Mr. Hamilton told you not to
+go to the races?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly: he has merely said he thinks it a day most unprofitably
+wasted; and that the gambling and excesses, always the attendant of
+races, are not fit scenes for young persons. Were I to take my horse and
+go, he would not, perhaps, be actually displeased, as I am old enough
+now, he says, in some things, to judge for myself; but I should be
+acting against his principles, which, just now, I am not inclined to do,
+for I am sure to suffer from it afterward."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, all I can say, is, that when I am as old as you are, Percy, I
+shall certainly consider myself under no one. I hope I shall be at Eton
+by that time, and then we shall see if Cecil Grahame has not some spirit
+in him. I would not be tied down to Oakwood, and to Mr. Howard's humdrum
+lessons, as you are, Percy, for worlds."</p>
+
+<p>"Take care that Cecil Grahame's spirit does not effervesce so much, as
+to make him, when at Eton, wish himself back at Moorlands," replied
+Percy, laughing heartily at his young companion's grotesque attempts at
+self-consequence, by placing his cap dandily on his head, flourishing
+his cane, and trying to make himself look taller. Cecil took his laugh,
+however, in good part, and they continued in amicable conversation till
+Mrs. Hamilton summoned Percy to attend her home.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers have, perhaps, discovered that Percy, this day was not quite
+as lively as usual. If they have not his mother did; for, strange to
+say, he walked by her side silent and dispirited. His thoughtlessness
+very often led him into error and its disagreeable consequences; and,
+fearing this had again been the case, she playfully inquired the cause
+of his most unusual abstraction. He colored, but evaded the question,
+and successfully roused himself to talk. His mother was not anxious, for
+she had such perfect confidence in him, that she know if he had
+committed error, he would redeem it, and that his own good feelings and
+high principles would prevent its recurrence.</p>
+
+<p>It so happened, however, that young Hamilton, by a series of rather
+imprudent actions, had plunged himself into such a very unusual and
+disagreeable position, as not very well to know how to extricate himself
+from it, without a full confession to his father; which, daringly brave
+as in general he was, he felt almost as if he really had not the courage
+to make. One of Mr. Hamilton's most imperative commands was, that his
+sons should never incur a debt, and, to prevent the temptation, their
+monthly allowance was an ample one, and fully permitted any recreative
+indulgences they might desire.</p>
+
+<p>Now Percy was rather inclined to extravagance, from thoughtlessness and
+a profuse generosity, which had often caused him such annoyance as to
+make him resolve again and again to follow his father's advice, and keep
+some accounts of his expenditure, as a slight check on himself. The
+admiration for beauty in the fine arts, which his mother had so
+sedulously cultivated, had had only one bad effect; and that was that
+his passion for prints and paintings, and illustrated and richly-bound
+volumes, sometimes carried him beyond bounds, and very often occasioned
+regret, that he had not examined the letter-press of such works, as well
+as their engravings and bindings. He had given orders to Mr. Harris, a
+large fancy stationer, librarian, and publisher of T&mdash;, to procure for
+him a set of engravings, whose very interesting subjects and beautiful
+workmanship, Mr. Grahame had so vividly described to him, that young
+Hamilton felt to do without them till his father or he himself should
+visit the metropolis, and so judge of their worth themselves, was quite
+impossible. The order was given without the least regard to price. They
+arrived at the end of the month, and the young gentleman, to his extreme
+astonishment, discovered that his month's allowance had been so
+expended, as not to leave him a half-quarter of the necessary sum. What
+to do he did not very well know. Mr. Harris had had great difficulty in
+procuring the prints, and of course he was bound in honor to take them.
+If he waited till he could pay for them, he must sacrifice the whole of
+one month's allowance, and then how could he keep free from debt till
+the next? As for applying to his father, he shrank from it with actual
+pain. How could he ask his ever kind and indulgent parent to discharge a
+debt incurred by such a thoughtless act of unnecessary extravagance? Mr.
+Harris made very light of it, declaring that, if Mr. Percy did not pay
+him for a twelvemonth, it was of no consequence; he would trust him for
+any sum or any time he liked. But to make no attempt to liquidate his
+debt was as impossible as to speak to his father. No, after a violent
+struggle with his pride, which did not at all like the idea of betraying
+his inability to pay the whole, or of asking a favor of Mr. Harris, he
+agreed to pay his debt by installments, and so in two or three months,
+at the very latest, discharge the whole.</p>
+
+<p>One week afterward he received his month's allowance, and riding over
+directly to the town relieved his conscience of half its load. To have
+only half his usual sum, however, for monthly expenditure caused him so
+many checks and annoyances as to make him hate the very sight of the
+prints whose possession he had so coveted, but he looked forward to the
+next month to be free at least of Mr. Harris. The idea of disobedience
+to his father in incurring a debt at all, causing him more annoyance
+than all the rest.</p>
+
+<p>Again the first day of the month came round, and putting the full sum
+required in his purse, he set off, but on his way encountered such a
+scene of distress, that every thought fled from his mind, except how to
+relieve it. He accompanied the miserable half-famished man to a hut in
+which lay a seemingly dying woman with a new-born babe, and two or three
+small half-starved, half-naked children&mdash;listened to their story, which
+was really one of truth and misfortune, not of whining deceit, poured
+the whole contents of his purse into their laps, and rode off to T&mdash;, to
+find not Mr. Harris but Mr. Maitland, and implore him to see what his
+skill would do for the poor woman. He encountered that gentleman at the
+outskirts of the town, told his story, and was so delighted at Mr.
+Maitland's willing promise to go directly, and also to report the case
+to those who would relieve it, that he never thought of any thing else
+till he found himself directly opposite Mr. Harris's shop, and his
+bounding heart sunk suddenly down, as impelled by a weight of lead. The
+conviction flashed upon him that he had been giving away money which was
+actually not his own; and the deed which had been productive of so much
+internal happiness, now seemed to reproach and condemn him. He rode back
+without even seeking Mr. Harris, for what could he tell him as the
+reason of his non-payment? Certainly not his having given it away.</p>
+
+<p>The first of May, which was his birthday, he had been long engaged to
+spend with some young men and lads who were to have a grand game of
+cricket, a jovial dinner, an adjournment to some evening amusement, and,
+to conclude the day, a gay supper, with glees and songs. Mr. Hamilton
+had rather wished Percy to leave the party after dinner, and had told
+him so, merely, however, as a preference, not a command, but giving him
+permission to use his own discretion. Percy knew there would be several
+expenses attendant on the day, but still he had promised so long to be
+one of the party, which all had declared would be nothing without him,
+and his own inclinations so urged him to join it, that it seemed to him
+utterly impossible to draw back, especially as he could give no excuse
+for doing so. How could he say that he could not afford it? when he was,
+or ought to have been, nearly the richest of the party; and what would
+his father think?</p>
+
+<p>He went. The day was thoroughly delightful, and so exciting, that though
+he had started from home with the intention of leaving them after
+dinner, he could not resist the pleadings of his companions and his own
+wishes, and remained. At supper alone excitement and revelry seemed to
+have gained the upper hand, and Percy, though steady in entirely
+abstaining from all excess, was not quite so guarded as usual. A
+clergyman had lately appeared at T&mdash;, whose appearance, manners, and
+opinions had given more than usual food for gossip, and much
+uncharitableness. His cloth indeed ought to have protected him, but it
+rather increased the satire, sarcasm, and laughter which he excited. He
+was brought forward by the thoughtless youths of Percy's party, quizzed
+unmercifully, made the object of some clever caricatures and satires,
+and though young Hamilton at first kept aloof, he could not resist the
+contagion. He dashed off about half-a-dozen verses of such remarkably
+witty and clever point, that they were received with roars of applause,
+and an unanimous request for distribution; but this he positively
+refused, and put them up with one or two other poems of more innocent
+wit, in which he was fond of indulging, into his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>The day closed, and the next morning brought with it so many regrets,
+and such a confused recollection of the very unusual excitement of the
+previous evening, that he was glad to dismiss the subject from his mind,
+and threw his satire, as he believed, into the fire. In fact, he was so
+absorbed with the disagreeable conviction that he could only pay Mr.
+Harris a third of his remaining debt, trifling as in reality it was,
+that he thought of nothing else. Now Mr. Harris was the editor and
+publisher of rather a clever weekly paper, and Percy happened to be in
+his parlor waiting to speak to him, while he was paying a contribution.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish my head were clever enough to get out of your debt in that
+comfortable way," he said, half laughing, as the gentleman left them
+together.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish all my customers were as desirous of paying their large debts as
+you are your small ones," was Mr. Harris's reply. "But I have heard
+something of your clever verses, Mr. Percy; if you will let me see some,
+I really may be able to oblige you, as you seem so very anxious to have
+nothing more to do with me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In the way of debt, not of purchases, Mr. Harris; and I assure you, I
+am not thinking so much about you, as of my own disobedience. I will
+lend you my papers, only you must give me your word not to publish them
+with my name."</p>
+
+<p>"They will not be worth so much," replied Mr. Harris, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Only let me feel they have helped to discharge my debt, or at least let
+me know how much more is wanted to do so, and I will worship the muses
+henceforth," replied Percy, with almost his natural gayety, for he felt
+he wrote better verses than those Mr. Harris had been so liberally
+paying for; and the idea of feeling free again was so very delightful,
+that, after receiving Mr. Harris's solemn promise not to betray his
+authorship, he galloped home, more happy than he had been for some days.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Harris had said he must have them that evening, and Robert was
+leaving for the town, as his young master entered the house. He hastily
+put up his portfolio, and sent it off. His conscience was so perfectly
+free from keeping any thing that he afterward had cause to regret, that
+he did not think of looking them over, and great was his delight, when a
+few lines arrived from Mr. Harris, speaking in the highest terms of his
+talent, and saying, that the set of verses he had selected, even without
+the attraction of his name, would entirely liquidate his trifling debt.</p>
+
+<p>For the next few days Percy trod on air. He had resolved on waiting till
+the poem appeared, and then, as he really had discharged his debt, take
+courage and confess the whole to his father, for his idea of truth made
+him shrink from any farther concealment. He hoped and believed that his
+father would regard the pain and constant annoyance he had been enduring
+so long, as sufficient penalty for his disobedience, and after a time
+give him back the confidence, which he feared must at his first
+confession be withdrawn.</p>
+
+<p>What, then, was his grief, his vexation, almost his despair, when he
+recognized in the poem selected, the verses he thought and believed he
+had burned the morning after they were written; and which in print, and
+read by his sober self, seemed such a heartless, glaring, cruel insult,
+not only on a fellow-creature, but a minister of God, that he felt
+almost overwhelmed. What could he do? Mr. Harris was not to blame, for
+he had made no reservation as to the contents of his portfolio. His
+name, indeed, was not to them, and only having been read lightly once to
+his companions of that hateful supper&mdash;for so he now felt it&mdash;almost all
+of whom were not perfectly sober, there was a chance of their never
+being recognized as his, and as their subject did not live near any town
+where the paper was likely to circulate, might never meet his eye. But
+all this was poor comfort. The paper was very seldom seen at Oakwood,
+but its contents were often spoken of before his parents, and how could
+he endure a reference to those verses, how bear this accumulation of
+concealment, and, as he felt, deceit, and all sprung from the one
+thoughtless act of ordering an expensive and unnecessary indulgence,
+without sufficient consideration how it was to be paid. To tell his
+father, avow himself the author of such a satire, and on such a subject,
+he could not. Could he tell his mother, and implore her intercession?
+that seemed like a want of confidence in his father&mdash;no&mdash;if he ever
+could gain courage to confess it, it should be to Mr. Hamilton alone;
+but the more he thought, the more, for the first time, his courage
+failed. It was only the day before his visit to Lady Helen's that he
+had discovered this accumulation of misfortune, and therefore it was not
+much wonder he was so dispirited. Two days afterward Herbert, with a
+blushing cheek and very timid voice, asked his father to grant him a
+great favor. He was almost afraid to ask it, he said, but he hoped and
+believed his parent would trust his assurance that it was for nothing
+improper. It was that he might be from home next day unattended for
+several hours. He should go on horseback, but he was so accustomed to
+ride, and his horse was so steady, he hoped he might be allowed to go
+alone. Mr. Hamilton looked very much surprised, as did all present. That
+the quiet, studious Herbert should wish to give up his favorite
+pursuits, so soon too after Mr. Howard's return, and go on what appeared
+such a mysterious excursion, was something so extraordinary, that
+various expressions of surprise broke from his sisters and Edward. Percy
+did look up but made no observation. Mr. Hamilton only paused, however,
+to consult his wife's face and then replied&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You certainly have mystified us, my dear boy; but I freely grant you my
+consent, and if I can read your mother's face aright, hers is not far
+distant. You are now nearly fifteen, and never once from your birth has
+your conduct given me an hour's pain or uneasiness; I have therefore
+quite sufficient confidence in your integrity and steadiness to trust
+you, as you wish, alone. I will not even ask your intentions, for I am
+sure they will not lead you into wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, again and again, my own dear father. I hope I shall never do
+any thing to forfeit your confidence," replied Herbert, so eagerly that
+his cheeks flushed still deeper, and his eyes glistened; then throwing
+himself on the stool at his mother's feet, he said, pleadingly, "Will
+you, too, trust me, dearest mother, and promise me not to be anxious, if
+I do not appear till after our dinner-hour?&mdash;promise me this, or I shall
+have no pleasure in my expedition."</p>
+
+<p>"Most faithfully," replied Mrs. Hamilton, fondly. "I trust my Herbert
+almost as I would his father; I do not say as much for this young man,
+nor for that," she added, playfully laying her hand on Percy's shoulder,
+and laughing at Edward, who was so excessively amused at the sage
+Herbert's turning truant, that he was giving vent to a variety of most
+grotesque antics of surprise. Percy sighed so heavily that his mother
+was startled.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not intend to call such a very heavy sigh, my boy," she said.
+"In an emergency I would trust you quite as implicitly as Herbert; but
+you have often yourself wished you had his steadiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I do, mother; I wish I were more like him in every thing,"
+exclaimed Percy, far more despondingly than usual.</p>
+
+<p>"You will be steady all in time, my boy, I have not the very slightest
+fear; and as I like variety, even in my sons, I would rather retain my
+Percy, with all his boyish errors, than have even another Herbert. So
+pray do not look so sad, or I shall fancy I have given you pain, when I
+only spoke in jest."</p>
+
+<p>Percy threw his arm round her waist, and kissed her two or three times,
+without saying a word, and when he started up and, said, in his usual
+gay tone, that as he was not going to turn truant the next day, he must
+go and finish some work, she saw tears in his eyes. That something was
+wrong, she felt certain, but still she trusted in his candor and
+integrity, and did not express her fears even to her husband.</p>
+
+<p>The morrow came. Percy and Edward went to Mr. Howard's, and Herbert at
+half-past nine mounted his quiet horse, and after affectionately
+embracing his mother, and again promising care and steadiness, departed.
+He had risen at five this morning, and studied till breakfast so
+earnestly that a double portion was prepared for the next day. He had
+said, as he was starting, that, if he might remain out so long, he
+should like to call at Greville Manor on his way back, take tea there,
+and return home in the cool of the evening.</p>
+
+<p>"Your next request, my very modest son, will be, I suppose, to stay out
+all night," replied Mrs. Hamilton; "and that certainly will be refused.
+This is the last to which I shall consent&mdash;off with you, my boy, and
+enjoy yourself."</p>
+
+<p>But Herbert did not expect to enjoy himself half as much as if he had
+gone to Mr. Howard's as usual. He did not like to mention his real
+object, for it appeared as if the chances were so much against its
+attainment, and if it were fulfilled, to speak about it would be equally
+painful, from its having been an act of kindness.</p>
+
+<p>The day passed quietly, and a full hour before prayers, Herbert was seen
+riding through the grounds, and when he entered the usual sitting-room,
+he looked so happy, so animated that, if his parents had felt any
+anxiety&mdash;which they had not&mdash;it would have vanished at once. But though
+they were contented not to ask him any questions, the young party were
+not, and, except by Percy (who seemed intently engaged with a drawing),
+he was attacked on all sides, and, to add to their mirth, Mr. Hamilton
+took the part of the curious, his wife that of her son.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, mamma may well take Herbert's part," exclaimed the little joyous
+Emmeline; "for of course she knows all about it; Herbert would never
+keep it from her."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I do not!" and "Indeed I have not even told mamma!" was the
+reply from both at the same moment, but the denial was useless; and the
+prayer-bell rung, before any satisfaction for the curious could be
+obtained, except that from half-past six Herbert had been very quietly
+at Mrs. Greville's.</p>
+
+<p>That night, as Percy sat in gloomy meditation in his own room, before he
+retired to bed, he felt a hand laid gently on his shoulder, and looking
+up, beheld his brother&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Have you lost all interest in me, Percy?" asked Herbert, with almost
+melancholy reproach. "If you had expressed one word of inquiry as to my
+proceedings, I should have told you all without the slightest reserve.
+You have never before been so little concerned for me, and indeed I do
+not like it."</p>
+
+<p>"I could not ask your confidence, my dear Herbert, when for the last
+three months I have been wanting in openness to you. Indeed, annoyed as
+I am with my own folly, I was as deeply interested as all the rest in
+your expedition, though I guessed its object could be nothing but
+kindness; but how could I ask your secret when I was so reserved with
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then do not let us have secrets from each other any longer, dearest
+Percy," pleaded Herbert, twining his arm round his neck, and looking
+with affectionate confidence in his face. "I do not at all see why my
+secret must comprise more worth and kindness than yours. You talk of
+folly, and I have fancied for some days that you are not quite happy;
+but you often blame yourself so much more than you deserve, that you do
+not frighten me in the least. You said, last night, you wished you were
+more like me; but, indeed, if you were, I should be very sorry. What
+would become of me without your mirth and liveliness, and your strength
+and ever-working care to protect me from any thing like pain, either
+mentally or bodily? I should not like my own self for my brother at
+all."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I myself for mine," replied Percy, so strangely cheered, that he
+almost laughed at Herbert's very novel idea, and after listening with
+earnest interest to his story, took courage and told his own. Herbert in
+this instance, however, could not comfort him as successfully as usual.
+The satire was the terrible thing; every thing else but that, even the
+disobedience of the debt, he thought might be easily remedied by an open
+confession to his father; but that unfortunate oversight in not looking
+over his papers before he sent them to Mr. Harris, the seeming utter
+impossibility to stop their circulation, was to both these
+single-hearted, high-principled lads something almost overwhelming. It
+did not in the least signify to either that Percy might never be known
+as their author. Herbert could not tell him what to do, except that, if
+he could but get sufficient courage to tell their father, even if he
+could not help them, he was sure it would be a great weight off his
+mind, and then he gently reproached him for not coming to him to help
+him discharge his debt; it was surely much better to owe a trifle to his
+brother than to Mr. Harris.</p>
+
+<p>"And, to gratify my extravagance, deprive you of some much purer and
+better pleasure!" replied Percy, indignantly. "No, no, Bertie; never
+expect me to do any such thing; I would rather suffer the penalty of my
+own faults fifty times over! I wish to heaven I were a child again," he
+added with almost comic ruefulness, "and had mamma to come to me every
+night, as she used to do, before I went to sleep. It was so easy then to
+tell her all I had done wrong in the course of the day, and then one
+error never grew into so many: but now&mdash;it must be out before Sunday, I
+suppose&mdash;I never can talk to my father as I do on that day, unless it
+is;&mdash;but go to bed, dear Herbert; I shall have your pale cheeks upon my
+conscience to-morrow, too!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIIB" id="CHAPTER_VIIB"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>MR. MORTON'S STORY.&mdash;A CONFESSION.&mdash;A YOUNG PLEADER.&mdash;GENEROSITY NOT
+ALWAYS JUSTICE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Do you remember, Emmeline, a Mr. Morton, who officiated for Mr. Howard
+at Aveling, five or six weeks ago?" asked Mr. Hamilton of his wife, on
+the Saturday morning after Herbert's mysterious excursion. The family
+had not yet left the breakfast-table.</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly well," was the reply; "poor young man! his appearance and
+painful weakness of voice called for commiseration too deeply not to be
+remembered."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he not deformed?" inquired Miss Harcourt; "there was something
+particularly painful about his manner as he stood in the pulpit."</p>
+
+<p>"He is slightly deformed now; but not five years ago he had a graceful,
+almost elegant figure, though always apparently too delicate for the
+fatiguing mental duties in which he indulged. He was of good family, but
+his parents were suddenly much reduced, and compelled to undergo many
+privations to enable him to go to Oxford. There he allowed himself
+neither relaxation nor pleasure of the most trifling and most harmless
+kind; his only wish seemed to be to repay his parents in some degree the
+heavy debt of gratitude which he felt he owed them. His persevering
+study, great talent, and remarkable conduct, won him some valuable
+friends, one of whom, as soon as he was ordained, presented him with a
+rich living in the North. For nine months he enjoyed the most unalloyed
+happiness. His pretty vicarage presented a happy, comfortable home for
+his parents, and the comforts they now enjoyed, earned by the worth of
+their son, amply repaid them for former privations.&mdash;One cold snowy
+night he was summoned to a poor parishioner, living about ten miles
+distant. The road was rugged, and in some parts dangerous; but he was
+not a man to shrink from his duty for such reasons. He was detained
+eight hours, during which time the snow had fallen incessantly, and it
+was pitchy dark. Still believing he knew his road, he proceeded, and the
+next morning was found lying apparently dead at the foot of a
+precipice, and almost crushed under the mangled and distorted carcass of
+his horse."</p>
+
+<p>An exclamation of horror burst from all the little group, except from
+Percy and Herbert; the face of the former was covered with his hands,
+and his brother seemed so watching and feeling for him, as to be unable
+to join the general sympathy. All, however, were so engrossed with Mr.
+Hamilton's tale, that neither was observed.</p>
+
+<p>"He was so severely injured, that for months his very life was despaired
+of. Symptoms of decline followed, and the inability to resume his
+ministerial duties for years, if ever again, compelled him to resign his
+rich and beautiful living in Yorkshire; and he felt himself once more a
+burden on his parents, with scarcely any hope of supporting them again.
+Nor was this all; his figure, once so slight and supple, had become so
+shrunk and maimed, that at first he seemed actually to loathe the sight
+of his fellows. His voice, once so rich and almost thrilling, became
+wiry, and almost painfully monotonous; and for some months the conflict
+for submission to this inscrutable and most awful trial was so terrible
+that he nearly sunk beneath it. This was, of course, still more physical
+than mental, and gradually subsided, as, after eighteen months'
+residence in Madeira, where he was sent by a benevolent friend, some
+portion of health returned. The same benefactor established his father
+in some humble but most welcome business in London; and earnestly, on
+his return, did his parents persuade him to remain quietly with them,
+and not undertake the ministry again; but this he could not do, and
+gratefully accepted a poor and most miserable parish on the moor, not
+eight miles from here."</p>
+
+<p>"But when did you become acquainted with him, papa?" asked Caroline;
+"you have never mentioned him before."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear; I never saw him till the Sunday he officiated for Mr.
+Howard; but his appearance so deeply interested me, I did not rest till
+I had learned his whole history, which Mr. Howard had already
+discovered. He has been nearly a year in Devonshire, but so kept aloof
+from all but his own poor parishioners, dreading the ridicule and sneers
+of the more worldly and wealthy, that it was mere accident which made
+Mr. Howard acquainted with him. Our good minister's friendship and
+earnest exhortations have so far overcome his too great sensitiveness,
+as sometimes to prevail on him to visit the Vicarage, and I trust in
+time equally to succeed in bringing him here."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is he so afraid of, dear papa?" innocently asked Emmeline.
+"Surely nobody could be so cruel as to ridicule him because he is
+deformed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately, my dear child, there are too many who only enter church
+for the sake of the sermon and the preacher, and to criticise severely
+and uncharitably all that differs from their preconceived ideas; to such
+persons Mr. Morton must be an object of derision. And now I come to the
+real reason of my asking your mother if she remembered him."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you had a reason," answered Mrs. Hamilton, smiling; "your story
+has made me wonder whether you had or not."</p>
+
+<p>"I must tax your memory once more, Emmeline, before my cause is told. Do
+you recollect, for a fortnight after the Sunday we heard him, he
+preached twice a week at Torrington, to oblige a very particular
+friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and that you feared the increased number of the congregation
+proceeded far more from curiosity than kindliness or devotion."</p>
+
+<p>"I did say so, and my fears are confirmed: some affairs brought Morton
+to Torrington for two or three days this week, and yesterday I called on
+him, and had some hours' interesting conversation. He was evidently even
+more than usually depressed and self-shrinking, if I may use the word,
+and at length touched, it seemed, by my sympathy, he drew my attention
+to a poem in Harris's 'Weekly Magazine.'"</p>
+
+<p>"'It is not enough that it has pleased my God to afflict me,' he said,
+'but my fellow-creatures must unkindly make me the subject of attacks
+such as these. There is indeed no name, but to none else but me will it
+apply.' I could not reply, for I really felt too deeply for him. It was
+such a cruel, wanton insult, the very talent of the writer, for the
+verses though few in number were remarkably clever, adding to their
+gall."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder Harris should have published them," observed Miss Harcourt;
+"his paper is not in general of a personal kind."</p>
+
+<p>"It is never sufficiently guarded; and it would require a person of
+higher principles than I fear Harris has, to resist the temptation of
+inserting a satire likely to sell a double or treble number of his
+papers. I spoke to him at once, and bought up every one that remained;
+but though he expressed regret, it was not in a tone that at all
+satisfied me as to his feeling it, and of course, as the paper has been
+published since last Saturday evening, the circulation had nearly
+ceased. If I could but know the author, I think I could make him feel
+the excessive cruelty, if not the actual guilt, of his wanton deed."</p>
+
+<p>"But, dear papa, the person who wrote it might not have known his
+story," interposed Caroline, to Edward's and Ellen's astonishment, that
+she had courage to speak at all; for their uncle's unusual tone and look
+brought back almost more vividly than it had ever done before their
+mother's lessons of his exceeding and terrible sternness.</p>
+
+<p>"That does not excuse the ridicule, my dear child; it only confirms the
+lesson I have so often tried to teach you all, that any thing tending by
+word or deed to hurt the feelings of a fellow-creature, is absolutely
+wrong&mdash;wrong in the thing itself, not according to the greater or less
+amount of pain it may excite."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear husband, the writer may not have been so taught. Satire
+and ridicule are unhappily so popular, that these verses may have been
+penned without any thought of their evil tendency, merely as to the
+<i>éclat</i> they would bring their author. We must not be too severe, for we
+do not know&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Mother! mother! do not&mdash;do not speak so, if you have ever loved me!" at
+length exclaimed poor Percy, so choked with his emotion, that he could
+only throw himself by her side, bury his face in her lap, and sob for a
+few minutes like a child. But he recovered himself with a strong effort,
+before either of his family could conquer their anxiety and alarm, and,
+standing erect, though pale as marble, without in the least degree
+attempting excuse or extenuation, acknowledged the poem as his, and
+poured out his whole story, with the sole exception of how he had
+disposed of the money, with which the second time of receiving his
+allowance he had intended to discharge his debt; and the manner in which
+he told that part of his tale, from the fear that it would seem like an
+excuse or a boast, was certainly more calculated to call for doubt than
+belief. Herbert was about to speak, but an imploring glance from Percy
+checked him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton was silent several minutes after his son had concluded,
+before he could reply. Percy was so evidently distressed&mdash;had suffered
+so much from the consequence of his own errors&mdash;felt so intensely the
+unintentional publication of his poem&mdash;for his father knew his truth far
+too well to doubt his tale, and there was something so intrinsically
+noble in his brave confession, that to condemn him severely he felt as
+if he could not.</p>
+
+<p>"Of willful cruelty toward Mr. Morton, your story has certainly
+exculpated you," he said, as sternly as he could; "but otherwise you
+must be yourself aware that it has given me both grief and pain, and the
+more so, because you evidently shrink from telling me in what manner you
+squandered away that money which would have been sufficient to have
+fully discharged your debt six weeks ago; I must therefore believe there
+is still some deed of folly unrevealed. I condemn you to no
+punishment&mdash;you are old enough now to know right from wrong, and your
+own feelings must condemn or applaud you. Had you been firm, as I had
+hoped you were, example would not so have worked upon you, as to tempt
+even the composition of your satire; as it is, you must reap the
+consequences of your weakness, in the painful consciousness that you
+have deeply wounded one, who it would seem had been already sufficiently
+afflicted, and that confidence must for the time be broken between us.
+Go, sir, the hour of your attendance on Mr. Howard is passed."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton rose with the last words, and somewhat hastily quitted the
+room. Percy only ventured one look at his mother, she seemed so
+grieved&mdash;so sad&mdash;that he could not bear it; and darting out of the room,
+was seen in less than a minute traversing the grounds in the direction
+of the vicarage, at such a rate that Edward, fleet as in general he was,
+could not overtake him. Herbert lingered; he could not bear that any
+part of Percy's story should remain concealed, and so told at once how
+his second allowance had been expended.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton's eyes glistened. Percy's incoherence on that one point
+had given her more anxiety than any thing else, and the relief the truth
+bestowed was inexpressible. Imprudent it was; but there was something so
+lovable in such a disposition, that she could not resist going directly
+to her husband to impart it.</p>
+
+<p>"You always bring me comfort, dearest!" was his fond rejoinder; "anxious
+as that boy's thoughtlessness must make me (for what are his temptations
+now to what they will be?) still I must imbibe your fond belief, that
+with such an open, generous, truthful heart, he can not go far wrong.
+But what <i>are</i> we to do about that unfortunate poem? I can not associate
+with Morton, knowing the truth, and yet permit him to believe I am as
+ignorant of the author as himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me speak to Percy before we decide on anything, my dear Arthur. Is
+Mr. Morton still at Torrington?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; he was to return to Heathmore this morning."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton looked very thoughtful, but she did not make any
+rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p>In the hour of recreation Emmeline, declaring it was much too hot for
+the garden, sought her mother's private sitting-room, with the intention
+of asking where she could find her father. To her great delight, the
+question was arrested on her lips, for he was there. She seated herself
+on his knee, and remained there for some minutes without speaking&mdash;only
+looking up in his face with the most coaxing expression imaginable.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Emmeline, what great favor are you going to ask me?" said Mr.
+Hamilton, smiling; "some weighty boon, I am quite sure."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, papa, and how do you know that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can read it in your eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"My eyes are treacherous tell-tales then, and you shall not see them any
+more," she replied, laughing, and shaking her head till her long bright
+ringlets completely hid her eyes and blushing cheeks. "But have they
+told you the favor I am going to ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied her father, joining in her laugh; "they leave that to your
+tongue."</p>
+
+<p>"I can read more, I think," said Mrs. Hamilton; "I am very much
+mistaken, if I do not know what Emmeline is going to ask."</p>
+
+<p>"Only that&mdash;that&mdash;" still she hesitated, as if afraid to continue, and
+her mother added&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"That papa will not be very angry with Percy; Emmeline, is not that the
+boon you have no courage to ask?"</p>
+
+<p>A still deeper glow mounted to the child's fair cheek, and throwing her
+arms round her father's neck, she said, coaxingly and fondly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma has guessed it, dear papa! you must, indeed, you must forgive
+him&mdash;poor fellow! he is so <i>very</i> sorry, and he has suffered so much
+already&mdash;and he did not throw away his money foolishly, as you thought;
+he gave it to some very poor people&mdash;and you are always pleased when we
+are charitable; pray forget every thing else but that, and treat him as
+you always do, dear papa&mdash;will you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder which is most certain&mdash;that mamma must be a witch, or Emmeline
+a most eloquent little pleader," said Mr. Hamilton, caressingly stroking
+the ringlets she had disordered, "and suppose, after to-day, I do grant
+your request&mdash;what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you will be such a dear, darling, good papa!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+almost suffocating him with kisses, and then starting from his knee, she
+danced about the room in a perfect ecstasy of delight; "and Percy will
+be happy again, and we shall all be so happy. Mamma, dear mamma, I am
+sure you will be glad too."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Emmeline, when you have danced yourself sober again, come back
+to your seat, for as I have listened to and answered you, you must
+listen to and answer me."</p>
+
+<p>In an instant she was on his knee again, quite quiet and attentive.</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, do you think Percy was justified making Mr. Morton
+an object of satire at all, even if it should never have left his own
+portfolio?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, papa, and I am quite sure, if he had not been rather more
+excited&mdash;and&mdash;and heedless than usual&mdash;which was very likely he should
+be, you know, papa, after such a day of nothing but pleasure&mdash;he would
+never have done such a thing: I am sure he did not think of hurting Mr.
+Morton's feelings; he only wanted to prove that he was quite as clever
+as his companions, and that was very natural, you know, when he is so
+clever at such things. But my brother Percy willingly ridicule a
+clergyman! no, no, dear papa, pray do not believe it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well defended, my little girl; but how do you justify his disobeying my
+commands, and incurring a debt?"</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline was silent. "He was very wrong to do that, papa; but I am sure,
+when he ordered the engravings, he did not intend to disobey you, and
+you know he is naturally very&mdash;I mean a little impatient."</p>
+
+<p>"Still on the defensive, Emmeline, even against your better judgment.
+Well, well, I must not make you condemn your brother; does he know what
+an eloquent pleader he has in his sister?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, papa; and pray do not tell him."</p>
+
+<p>"And why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because he might think it was only for my sake you forgave him, and not
+for his own; and I know I should not like that, if I were in his place."</p>
+
+<p>"He shall know nothing more than you desire, my dear little girl,"
+replied her father, drawing her closer to him, with almost involuntary
+tenderness. "And now will you try and remember what I am going to say.
+You wish me only to think of Percy's kind act in giving his money to the
+poor people; but I should have been better pleased in this case, had he
+been more <i>just</i>, and not so generous. I know it is not unfrequently
+said by young persons, when they think they are doing a charitable act,
+and can only do it by postponing the payment of their debts&mdash;'Oh, Mr. So
+and so has plenty of business, he can afford to wait for his money, but
+these poor creatures are starving.' Now this is not generosity or
+charity, but actual injustice, and giving away money which is literally
+not their own. I do not believe Percy thought so, because I have no
+doubt he forgot Mr. Harris, at the time, entirely; but still, as it was
+a mere impulse of kindness, it does not please me quite so much as it
+does you."</p>
+
+<p>"But it was charity, papa, was it not? You have said that whenever we
+are kind and good to the poor, God is pleased with us; and if Percy did
+not intend to wrong Mr. Harris, and only thought about relieving the
+poor family, was it not a good feeling?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was; but it might have been still worthier. Suppose Percy had
+encountered this case of distress when on his way to order his
+engravings, and to enable him to relieve it as he wished, he had given
+up the purchasing them. That he found he could not afford the <i>two</i>, and
+so gave up the one mere <i>individual</i> gratification, to succor some
+unhappy fellow-creatures: would not that have been still worthier? and
+by the conquest of his own inclinations rendered his charity still more
+acceptable to God? Do you quite understand me, Emmy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think I do, dear papa; you mean that, though God is so good, He is
+pleased whenever we are charitable, He is still better pleased when to
+be so gives us a little pain."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well explained, my little girl; so you see in this instance, if
+Percy had been just before he was generous, and then to be generous, had
+denied himself some pleasure, his conduct would not have given us or
+himself any pain, but have been quite as worthy of all the praise you
+could bestow. And now I wonder how mamma could have discovered so
+exactly what favor you had to ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mamma always knows all my feelings and wishes, almost before I know
+them myself, though I never can find out how."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I tell you, Emmeline? Your mother has devoted hours, weeks,
+months, and years to studying the characters of all her children; so to
+know them, that she may not only be able to guide you in the path of
+good, but to share all your little joys and sorrows, to heighten the one
+and guard you from the other. Ought you not to be very grateful to your
+Father in Heaven for giving you such a mother?"</p>
+
+<p>His child made no answer in words, but she slipped from his knee, and
+darting to her mother, clasped her little arms tight round her neck, and
+hid her glowing cheeks and tearful eyes in her bosom. And from that
+hour, as she felt her mother's fond return of that passionate embrace,
+her love became religion, though she knew it not. Her thoughts flew to
+her cousins and many others, who had no mother, and to others whose
+mothers left them to nurses and governesses, and seemed always to keep
+them at a distance. And she felt, How could she thank and love God
+enough? Nor was it the mere feeling of the moment, it became part of her
+being, for the right moment had been seized to impress it.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIIIB" id="CHAPTER_VIIIB"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>AN UNPLEASANT PROPOSAL.&mdash;THE MYSTERY SOLVED.&mdash;A FATHER'S GRIEF FROM A
+MOTHER'S WEAKNESS.&mdash;A FATHER'S JOY FROM A MOTHER'S INFLUENCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Meanwhile the young heir of Oakwood had passed no very pleasant day. His
+thoughts since Mr. Howard's return had been so pre-occupied, that his
+studies had been unusually neglected; so much so, as rather to excite
+the displeasure of his gentle and forbearing preceptor. The emotion of
+the morning had not tended to steady his ideas, and a severe reproof and
+long imposition was the consequence. Not one word did he deign to
+address Herbert and Edward, who, perceiving him leave the Vicarage with
+every mark of irritation, endeavored, during their walk home, to soothe
+him. His step was even more rapid than that in which he had left home,
+and he neither stopped nor spoke till he had reached his father's
+library, which, fortunately for the indulgence of his ire in words, was
+untenanted. He dashed his cap from his brow, flung his books with
+violence on the ground, and burst forth&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Am I not a fool&mdash;an idiot, thus to torment myself, and for one act of
+folly, when hundreds of boys, at my age, are entirely their own masters?
+do what they please&mdash;spend what they please&mdash;neither questioned nor
+reproved&mdash;and that poem&mdash;how many would glory in its authorship, and not
+care a whit whom it might wound. Why am I such a fool, as to reproach
+myself about it, and then be punished, like a school-boy, with an
+imposition to occupy me at home, because I did not choose to learn in
+the hours of study?&mdash;Not choose! I wish Mr. Howard could feel as I have
+done to-day, nay, all this week; and I challenge him to bore his head
+with Greek and Latin! But why am I so cowed as to feel so? Why can not I
+have the same spirit as others&mdash;instead of being such a slave&mdash;such a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Percy!" exclaimed Mrs. Hamilton, who, having sought him the moment she
+heard the hall-door close, had heard nearly the whole of his violent
+speech, and was almost alarmed at the unusual passion it evinced. Her
+voice of astonished expostulation checked his words, but not his
+agitation; he threw himself on a chair, leaning his arms upon the table,
+buried his face upon them, while his whole frame shook. His mother sat
+down by him, and laying her hand on his arm, said gently&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What is it that has so irritated you, my dear Percy? What has made you
+return home in such a very different mood to that in which you left it?
+Tell me, my boy."</p>
+
+<p>Percy tried to keep silence, for he knew if he spoke he should, as he
+expressed it, be a child again, and his pride tried hard for victory.
+Even his father or Herbert at that moment would have chafed him into
+increased anger, but the almost passionate love and reverence which he
+felt for his mother triumphed over his wrath, and told him he was much
+more unhappy than angry; and that he longed for her to comfort him, as
+she always had done in his childish griefs; and so he put his arms round
+her, and laid his head on her shoulder and said, in a half-choked
+voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am very unhappy, mother; I feel as if I had been every thing that was
+bad, and cruel, and foolish, and so it was a relief to be in a passion;
+but I did not mean you to hear it, and cause you more grief than I have
+done already."</p>
+
+<p>"You have been very thoughtless, very foolish, and not quite so firm as
+we could have wished, my own dear boy, but I will not have you accuse
+yourself of any graver faults," replied Mrs. Hamilton, as she lightly
+pushed back the clustering hair from his heated forehead, and the
+gentle touch of her cool hand seemed as restorative as her soothing
+words; and Percy, as he listened to her, as she continued speaking to
+him in the same strain for some little time, felt more relieved than
+five minutes before he thought possible, and more than ever determined
+that he would never act so thoughtlessly; or, if he were tempted to do
+so, never keep it concealed so long again. Mrs. Hamilton's anxious
+desire with him was, always to do justice to his better qualities, at
+the same time that she blamed and convinced him of his faults. It was a
+very delicate thing, and very difficult to succeed in, perhaps
+impossible to minds less peculiarly refined, and hearts less intensely
+anxious than Mrs. Hamilton's; but no difficulty, no failure, had ever
+deterred her&mdash;and in Percy she was already rewarded. He was of that
+high, fine spirit, that any unjust harshness would have actually
+confirmed in error&mdash;any unguarded word bring argument on argument, and
+so, for the mere sake of opposition, cause him to abide in his opinions,
+when the acknowledgment of his being right in some things, produced the
+voluntary confession of his error in others.</p>
+
+<p>"And now about these unfortunate verses, my dear boy; I am not quite
+clear as to their fate, how it happened that you did not destroy them
+directly you returned home."</p>
+
+<p>"I fully intended, and believed I had done so, mother, but the whirl of
+that night seemed to extend to the morning, and I dressed and prepared
+for Mr. Howard in such a hurry (I had overslept myself, too), that
+though I had quite resolved they should not pollute my pocket-book any
+longer, I had no time to look over my papers&mdash;thought I could not be
+mistaken in their outside&mdash;burnt those I really wished to keep, and
+threw those which have caused me all this pain into my portfolio. If I
+had but been firm enough to have followed my father's advice, and left
+my companions before supper!&mdash;or, if I did join them, had not been so
+weak, so mad, as to yield to the temptation, but adhered to my
+principles, notwithstanding they might have been laughed at, I might
+have been spared it all; but I was so excited, so heated, with a more
+than sufficient quantity of wine, that I did not know what I was
+about&mdash;not its extent of wrong, at least."</p>
+
+<p>"And you have suffered enough for an evening's excitement, my poor boy;
+but I am sure you would atone for it, if you could."</p>
+
+<p>"Atone for it, mother! I would give all I possess to cancel that odious
+poem, and blot it from Mr. Morton's memory, as from my own."</p>
+
+<p>"And I think you can do both, Percy."</p>
+
+<p>He looked at her in utter bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p>"Do both, mother!" he repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my boy! it is a painful remedy, but it would be an effectual one.
+Seek Mr. Morton, and tell him yourself your whole story."</p>
+
+<p>Percy crimsoned to the very temples.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not ask me such a thing, mother," he answered very hurriedly; "I can
+not do it."</p>
+
+<p>"You think so at this moment, my dear boy; I am not at all astonished
+that you should, for it will be very humiliating, and very painful; and
+if I could spare you either the humiliation or the pain, yet produce the
+same good effects, I need not tell you how gladly I would; but no one
+can remove the sting of that poem from Mr. Morton's sensitive feelings
+but yourself; and I am quite sure if you will allow yourself a little
+time for quiet thought, you will agree with me."</p>
+
+<p>"But why should I inflict such pain upon myself, granting I deserve it?"
+answered Percy, still much heated; "when, though my poem is the only one
+that has unfortunately met his eye, the others were quite as galling,
+and my companions quite as much to blame&mdash;why should I be the sufferer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, by many errors, you have brought it on yourself. Your
+companions did indeed act very wrongly, but are we quite sure that the
+principles which your father and Mr. Howard have so carefully impressed
+upon you, have been as carefully impressed upon them? and in such a case
+are not you the more responsible? They had evidently no inward check to
+keep them from such an amusement; you had, for you have acknowledged
+that you kept aloof at first, <i>knowing it was wrong</i>, and only yielded
+from want of sufficient firmness. Inflict the pain of an avowal upon
+yourself, my boy, and its memory will help you in future from yielding
+to too great weakness&mdash;and the act prove to us that, though for a moment
+led into great error, you are still as brave and honest as we believe
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Percy did not reply, but his countenance denoted an inward struggle, and
+his mother added&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose, as is very likely, Mr. Morton becomes intimate here, how can
+you, with your open, truthful heart, associate with him, with any
+comfort or confidence even though perfectly satisfied that we would not
+betray you, and that he would never know the truth? You may fancy now
+that you could, but I know my Percy better; but I must not talk to you
+any more, for the dressing-bell rang some minutes ago. Remember, my dear
+boy, that I lay no command on you to seek Mr. Morton; I have only told
+you that which I believe would restore you to happiness and atone for
+your faults, more effectually than any thing else; but you are quite at
+liberty to act as you think proper."</p>
+
+<p>She left the room as she spoke, but Percy remained for some few minutes
+longer in deep thought, and when he prepared for dinner, and joined his
+family, it was still in the same unbroken silence. Mr. Hamilton took no
+notice of him, and two or three times the little affectionate Emmeline
+felt the tears rising to her eyes, for she could not bear to see that
+brother, who was in general the life of the family group, so silent and
+abstracted.</p>
+
+<p>Sliding after him, as he quitted the room after dinner, she took his
+hand, and looked coaxingly in his face, longing, but not daring to tell
+him her father's promise, for fear he should discover her share in the
+transaction.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, dear Emmy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to take a walk, Percy?&mdash;let me go with you."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think I am, love. I may be going to ride."</p>
+
+<p>"To ride!" repeated the little girl; "will it be worth while?"</p>
+
+<p>"You forget, Emmy, it is summer now, I have full four hours before
+prayers; but do not say any thing about my intentions, Emmeline, for I
+do not know them myself yet."</p>
+
+<p>He kissed her forehead and left her, and a few minutes afterward she was
+summoned to join her mother, Caroline, and Ellen, in a walk. They
+sauntered through the grounds in the direction of the northern lodge,
+which opened on the road leading to Dartmoor; when, not a quarter of an
+hour after they had left the house, they were overtaken by Percy, riding
+at what seemed almost a hand gallop, but he had time as he passed his
+mother to gracefully doff his cap, and her fond heart throbbed, as she
+caught the expression of his flushed, but earnest face. He was out of
+sight in another moment, followed by Robert, who was the lads' constant
+attendant.</p>
+
+<p>Before they had concluded their walk, they met Mrs. Greville and Mary,
+and returned with them to the house. Emmeline, who had not seen Mary
+for nearly a fortnight, was in an ecstasy of enjoyment, and Ellen always
+felt it a real pleasure quietly to walk by Mary's side, and answer the
+many questions with which she always contrived to interest her. On
+entering the house, Mr. Hamilton, Herbert, and Edward joined them, and
+Mrs. Hamilton was somewhat surprised at the even more than ordinary
+warmth with which her son was greeted by her friends, and at the flush
+which stained his cheek at Mrs. Greville's first words&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You were not too much fatigued last Thursday, I hope, my dear Herbert?"
+she inquired, and as she looked at him, her eyes glistened in tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not in the least," he replied instantly, and as if he would
+exceedingly like to change the subject; but Mrs. Greville, turning to
+Mrs. Hamilton, continued&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Will you forgive me, Emmeline, if I confess that my visit this evening
+was more to inquire after your son, than even to see you. I was so
+anxious to know that he had suffered no inconvenience from his unusual,
+and I am sure fatiguing, exertion."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I must not be jealous, as you are so candid," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, smiling; "but I feel very much inclined to be so, finding that
+you are more in my son's confidence than I am myself. I know Herbert was
+from home on Thursday, but I was not aware of any particular exertion on
+his part."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not know then where he went?" exclaimed Mary and her mother at
+the same moment; and the former continued, with unusual eagerness, "Did
+you not know that he went to the races, to try and hear something of
+Alfred? and that by hunting about both the fair and the
+race-ground&mdash;scenes which I know he so much dislikes&mdash;he actually found
+him, and amused him so successfully, that he kept him with him all day.
+Papa was so engaged that he had no time to look after Alfred, who, from
+being left entirely to himself, might have sought the worst companions;
+I can not think what charm Herbert used, but Alfred was quite contented
+to be with him; they dined together, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"He brought me what, next to my boy himself, was the greatest
+consolation I could have," interposed Mrs. Greville, her voice so
+faltering, that tears almost escaped,&mdash;"a few lines which, he assures
+me, Alfred thought of writing himself, telling me, he could not bear to
+think he had left home without kissing me, and that, though he was so
+happy with his father, that he could not wish to return home, he still
+loved me and Mary very, very much, and would continue to love us, and
+come and see us, whenever he could. Oh, Emmeline, can you not imagine
+the relief of such a letter, of hearing of him at all? and it was all
+through the kindness, the goodness of your boy!"</p>
+
+<p>When Mrs. Greville and Mary had first begun to speak, Herbert tried to
+retreat; but Edward placing himself against the door, so that to open it
+was impossible, and Caroline and Emmeline, both at once catching hold of
+him, to keep him prisoner, egress was not to be thought of; so, in
+laughing despair, he broke from his sisters, flung himself on his usual
+seat, his mother's stool, and almost hid himself in her dress.</p>
+
+<p>"It must have been a relief, indeed," answered Mr. Hamilton; "and
+rejoiced am I that my quiet Herbert thought of such a plan. Look up,
+Master Shamefaced, and tell us the reason of your most extraordinary
+mystery on this occasion. Why did you so carefully conceal your
+intentions from your mother and myself?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, papa, I feared you might not approve of them; I hardly dared
+think about it myself, for it seemed as if I were doing actually wrong
+in disregarding your principles, for only the <i>chance</i> of effecting
+good. I know, if I had mentioned my wish to find Alfred, or hear
+something about him, you would not have refused my going; but then mamma
+must have known it, and she would have been anxious and uncomfortable,
+if I had not appeared the very moment I had named; would you not?" he
+continued, looking up in her face with that expression of affection,
+which very few, even comparative strangers, had power to remit.</p>
+
+<p>"I should indeed, my dear boy; I fear I should have condemned your
+scheme as a very wild one, and really am glad you thought so much of my
+comfort, as not to tell me more than you did. So I must not even be
+jealous, Jessie, but rather propose a vote of thanks to you and Mary for
+solving the mystery. I do not think Herbert ever excited so much
+curiosity and speculation, in his life, before."</p>
+
+<p>The entrance of Mr. Grahame changed the current of the conversation,
+greatly to Herbert's relief, for he did not at all like being thus
+brought forward. Austere as Grahame was at home, he was always welcomed
+with pleasure by the young Hamiltons, who never could understand why
+Annie and Cecil should so fear him. That something unusual had annoyed
+him, Mr. Hamilton perceived at the first glance; but he took no notice,
+for Grahame seemed to find relief in talking gayly to the young people.</p>
+
+<p>"And where is my friend Percy?" he inquired, as he joined the happy
+group at tea, and Percy was still absent. Mr. Hamilton repeated the
+question in some surprise; but his wife replying that he had gone to
+ride, and might not be back yet, the subject dropped.</p>
+
+<p>After tea, Mrs. Greville and Mary, attended by Herbert and Edward,
+returned to the Manor; and the little girls went to finish some business
+for the next day, and amuse themselves as they liked. Grahame remained
+alone with his friends, who at length drew from him the cause of his
+solicitude. He had that morning discovered, that, notwithstanding his
+positive commands, Cecil had gone to the prohibited places of amusement.
+His wife had prevaricated when he questioned her; at one moment almost
+denying her connivance at the boy's disobedience, at another
+unconsciously acknowledging it, by insisting that there was no harm in
+it; and if Grahame would persist in so interfering with his children's
+amusements, he must expect to be disobeyed. If such were his home, where
+was he to look for truth, honor, and affection? What would be his son's
+after career, if such were the lessons of his childhood? He had punished
+him severely, but there was little hope of its producing any good
+effect, when his wife was yet more to blame than his child. It would
+only alienate the boy's affections still more from him. Yet what could
+he do? Could he let such disobedience and untruthfulness&mdash;for Cecil had
+denied his having been at the races&mdash;pass unnoticed? He had shut himself
+up in his library the remainder of the day; but at length, unable to
+bear his own thoughts, had walked over to Oakwood, feeling sure, if
+peace were to be found, he should find it there.</p>
+
+<p>Their sympathy it was easy for Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to give&mdash;for they
+felt it sincerely&mdash;but to advise was both delicate and difficult. To
+interfere in a household is not the part even of the most intimate
+friends. And when Lady Helen herself encouraged the boy in his
+disobedience, and showed him an example of equivocation, what could be
+said? Grahame could not bear the idea of a public school for a boy
+scarcely eleven, and whose home-influence was so injurious, and Mr.
+Hamilton could not advise it. He tried, therefore, merely to raise the
+depressed spirits of his friend, bringing forward many instances, when
+even the best training failed; and others where the faults of childhood
+were subdued by circumstances, and became fair promising youth. Grahame
+shook his head despondingly.</p>
+
+<p>"You can scarcely be a fit judge of my trial, Hamilton," he said; "you
+have known nothing but the blessing of hand-in-hand companionship, in
+the training of your children, as in every thing else. There must be
+<i>unity</i> between father and mother, or there is little hope of joy in
+their offspring for either; were my wife only in some things like
+yours&mdash;but I see I must not speak so," he added hurriedly, as he met a
+glance of reproach from Mrs. Hamilton, and he turned to address the two
+lads, who at that instant entered from their walk. The bell for prayers
+rung soon afterward, and Grahame rose to say good night.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, stay with us," said Mr. Hamilton, earnestly. "Why should the call
+for devotion be the signal for separation? join us, Grahame. It is not
+the first time by very many that we have prayed together."</p>
+
+<p>Grahame yielded without an instant's hesitation. Still Percy had not
+returned, and his mother became dreadfully anxious. Her husband, at her
+request, waited a quarter of an hour, but reluctantly; for he was more
+particular that every member of his household should assemble at the
+stated hour of prayer, than in any other point relating to his
+establishment. Scarcely, however, had the first word been said, when
+Percy and Robert entered, and the former, with a very rapid, but
+noiseless step, traversed the large room, and kneeled in his accustomed
+place. In vain did Mrs. Hamilton try to keep her thoughts fixed on the
+service. Had he really been to Mr. Morton, and if he had, how had he
+been received? had his fine spirit been soothed or irritated? and a
+thousand other nameless but natural fears thronged her heart. But one
+look on her son as he rose reassured her; his cheek was flushed with
+rapid riding, but his dark eye sparkled, and he looked more bright and
+joyous than he had done for weeks. He advanced without hesitation to Mr.
+Hamilton the moment the domestics had quitted the library and said,
+eagerly, but still respectfully&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Will you, too, forgive me, my dear father? Mr. Morton knows the whole
+truth, and has not only pardoned my cruel folly, but assured me, that I
+have more than atoned for the pain my hateful verses inflicted; that he
+will laugh at them himself and declare he knows their author as a most
+particular friend&mdash;which he hopes you will permit me to become&mdash;whenever
+he has the opportunity; for that such notice of them will be the surest
+way to consign them to oblivion. I have endured so much pain the last
+few weeks that I do not think I shall be so thoughtless and weak in a
+hurry again. Will you try me once more?"</p>
+
+<p>Astonished and touched, far more than he was ever in the habit of
+allowing himself to feel, much less to display, Mr. Hamilton had some
+difficulty in replying; but his words were even more than satisfactory
+to his son's eager heart, for he answered earnestly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, do not give me any praise for my courage, papa; I am quite sure,
+if it had not been for mamma's suggestion, I never could have done it.
+It might have crossed my mind, but I fear pride would not have permitted
+me to listen to it; but when mamma put the case before me as she did, I
+could not prevent my conscience from feeling the truth of all she said,
+and if I had not followed her advice, I should have been more miserable
+still. Dearest mother," he continued, as he turned with even more than
+his usual affection to receive her nightly embrace, "you have made me so
+happy! how can I thank you?"</p>
+
+<p>If she made him happy, he certainly had returned the blessing, for Mrs.
+Hamilton had seldom felt more exquisite pleasure than she did at that
+moment; and her little Emmeline, though she could not quite understand
+all her mother's feelings, felt, in her way, almost as glad.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mrs. Hamilton will not your son's words confirm mine?" said Mr.
+Grahame trying to speak cheerfully, when the young party had retired,
+and he was again alone with his friends. "Can he go far wrong with such
+a friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, he has done me more than justice, and himself not enough. When
+I left him, I had scarcely a hope that my very disagreeable advice would
+be followed; besides, Mr. Grahame," she added, more playfully, "it was
+not from disagreeing with you on a mother's influence that my look
+reproached you, you know well enough what it meant; and I still say,
+that even now, if you would but be less reserved and stern, would but
+see Helen's many better qualities, as clearly as you do her faults, you
+might still win her to your will even with regard to your children."</p>
+
+<p>"Not now, Mrs. Hamilton, it is too late; but you have no idea how your
+look transported me back to years past," he added, evidently resolved to
+change the subject, "when I actually almost feared to approach you. Do
+you remember, Hamilton, when I told you, if Miss Manvers had a fault,
+she was too cold?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not easily forget the incidents of that night," replied Mr.
+Hamilton, with a fond glance toward his wife. "Poor Eleanor, when her
+conduct that evening fell under my lash, I little thought her orphan
+children would be living under my roof, and to me almost like my own."</p>
+
+<p>"And one her very image," observed Grahame. "Does either resemble her in
+mind or disposition?"</p>
+
+<p>"Edward almost as much in mind as in personal beauty," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton; "But not in all points of his disposition. Ellen does not
+resemble her poor mother in any thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Is she like her father?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know him sufficiently to judge, but I fancy not.&mdash;In fact, I
+hardly yet understand Ellen."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed!" answered Grahame, smiling; "is your penetrative genius here at
+fault?"</p>
+
+<p>"I fear it is," she answered, in the same tone; "Ellen is my youngest
+child&mdash;and that which has been my successful help five times, has become
+blunted at the sixth, and refuses to aid me further."</p>
+
+<p>"Grahame, do not heed her," interposed her husband, laughing; "she
+fancies there is something extraordinary about Ellen, which she can not
+comprehend; and I feel certain that imagination has been playing with my
+wife's sober judgment, and that our little niece is a very ordinary
+child, only rather more sad and quiet than is usual at her age, which
+may be easily accounted for by her early trials and constant ill-health.
+So I solve what my wife pronounces a mystery. She has so few fancies,
+however, that I do not quarrel with this, for it has all the charm of
+novelty."</p>
+
+<p>There were more than usual subjects of thought on the minds of all the
+young inmates of Oakwood, before they went to sleep that night. Percy's,
+Herbert's, and Emmeline's were all peculiarly happy and peaceful.
+Caroline's were not so agreeable. Praise lavished on others never gave
+her pleasure: the question would always come, Why did she not receive it
+too? It was very hard that she so seldom received it, and self-love was
+always ready to accuse her parents of some degree of partiality rather
+than herself of unworthiness. But these thoughts only came when she was
+alone; the moment she heard her father's voice, or met her mother's
+smile, they fled from her till they were pertinaciously recalled.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen thought mostly of Herbert. She had been as curious as the rest to
+know where he had been, though she had not said so much about it. But
+that it was for some good, kind deed she had never doubted.</p>
+
+<p>"No wonder Mary loves him so much," she said internally; "but how can I
+ever hope he will love one so often naughty as I am. If Edward be so
+much superior, what must Herbert be? How I wish I were his sister, and
+then he would love me, deserving or not."</p>
+
+<p>That poor Ellen was often thought, as she expressed it, "naughty" was
+true; and it was this mingling of many apparent faults, especially
+disregard to her aunt's commands, and but too often endeavor to conceal
+and equivocate, instead of an open confession, with a sorrow and
+repentance too deep and painful for her years, that so fairly bewildered
+Mrs. Hamilton, and really, as she had told Mr. Grahame, prevented her
+from understanding Ellen. If she could but have known of that
+unfortunate promise, and the strong hold it had taken of the child's
+vivid imagination; that by dwelling on it she had actually made herself
+believe that, by always shielding Edward from blame or punishment, she
+was obeying and making her mother love her from Heaven, and so, still
+more deepening her father's affection for her; and that this idea
+enabled her to bear the suffering of that most painful of all
+punishments, her aunt's displeasure, Mrs. Hamilton would have left no
+means untried to remove such a mistaken impression, and no doubt would
+have succeeded; but she had not the slightest conception of the real
+origin of her niece's incomprehensible contradictions. She had believed
+and hoped the influences of her earlier life would disappear before the
+quiet, wholesome routine of the present, and often and often she found
+herself fearing that it could not be only maternal neglect, but actual
+disposition, at fault. When convinced of the great importance of truth,
+Ellen frequently, instead of attempting to conceal what Edward might
+have heedlessly done, actually took it upon herself, not being able to
+define that in such self-sacrifice she was also forfeiting truth; or, if
+she did believe so, it was also clear, that to tell the real truth to
+her aunt and betray Edward, was breaking her solemn promise to her
+mother; and, either way, she was doing wrong. To describe or define the
+chaos in the poor child's mind, from these contending feelings, would be
+almost as impossible to us as it was to herself. She only knew that she
+was often naughty when she most wished to be good; that her aunt must
+think she did not care for her displeasure; when it made her so very
+unhappy, that she was scarcely ever in disgrace without being ill. That
+she never could feel happy, for even when "good" there always seemed a
+weight hanging over her, and therefore she must be different to, and
+worse than any body else. Little do mere superficial observers know the
+capabilities for joy or suffering in a young child's heart, the
+exquisitely tender germ which is committed to us; the awful
+responsibility which lies in the hands of adults, for the joy or grief,
+good or evil, as the portion of a child! Happily for Ellen, Mrs.
+Hamilton's love was as inexhaustible as her patience, or her niece might
+have been still more unhappy, for few would have so understood and
+practiced the delicate and difficult task of constantly being called
+upon to correct, and yet to love.</p>
+
+<p>Our young readers must not think Edward very cowardly and very
+dishonorable, always to let his sister bear the penalty of his faults.
+He had never been taught, and therefore could not understand, the
+imperative necessity, when guilty of heedlessness or disobedience,
+boldly to step forward, whether others were injured or not, and avow it.
+He did not understand how not to say any thing about it, unless he was
+asked, could be a want of truth.</p>
+
+<p>It was also Mrs. Hamilton's constant custom never to mention to the
+members of her family, who might have been absent at the time, any thing
+of fault or disgrace which had fallen under her own immediate
+jurisdiction, unless their nature absolutely demanded it; and the
+absence of the young offenders from the happy family circle, either at
+meals or hours of recreation, when such an unusual proceeding was
+necessary, in consequence, never excited any remark, but a very general
+feeling of regret. Edward, therefore, scarcely ever heard the actual
+cause of his sister's disgrace, and sometimes did not even know she had
+incurred it. He did, indeed, when she was sometimes absent, feel very
+uncomfortable; but his immovable awe of his really indulgent uncle (an
+impression of his mother's creating, quite as strong as Ellen's idea of
+the sanctity of her promise) caused him to adopt every means of
+removing the uncomfortable consciousness that he was far more to blame
+than Ellen, but the right one, a fearless inquiry as to why she was
+punished, and an open avowal that it was he who had either led her into
+error, or was the real offender. His thoughts on Percy's conduct were
+very different to those of his cousins.</p>
+
+<p>"No!" he exclaimed, almost aloud, in the energy of his feelings, "no! I
+would have suffered any thing, every thing, rather than have done
+this&mdash;seek Mr. Morton, humble myself by avowing the truth to him, and
+ask his pardon for a mere clever joke, that Percy ought to have been
+proud of, instead of regretting! If I did not know him well, I should
+believe him a craven milk-and-water lad, without a particle of the right
+spirit within him. What could have possessed him?&mdash;my uncle's look must
+have frightened him out of his sober senses: to be sure it was very
+terrible; poor mamma was, indeed, right as to his unbending sternness;
+but I think I could have dared even his anger, rather than beg Mr.
+Morton's pardon, when there really was no necessity." And sleep overtook
+him, with the firm conviction resting on his mind, that though in some
+things Percy might be his equal, yet in manliness and spirit, he
+(Edward) was decidedly the superior.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IXB" id="CHAPTER_IXB"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>TEMPTATION AND DISOBEDIENCE.&mdash;FEAR.&mdash;FALSEHOOD AND PUNISHMENT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was the Christmas vacation&mdash;always a happy season in the halls of
+Oakwood. The previous year, the general juvenile party with which Mr.
+and Mrs. Hamilton indulged their children on the first or sixth of
+January, as circumstances permitted, had not taken place on account of
+Mrs. Fortescue's death, and was therefore this year anticipated with
+even more than usual joy. Caroline and Emmeline were never permitted to
+go to indiscriminate parties. Two or three, really confined to children,
+their mother allowed their joining, with Miss Harcourt, in the course of
+the year, but their own ball was always considered the acme of
+enjoyment, especially now that Caroline began to fancy herself very much
+too old for only children's parties. Annie went almost every where with
+Lady Helen, and quite laughed at the idea of joining children; and
+Caroline this year began to wish most intensely that her mother would
+take her out to grown-up parties too, and lost all relish for the
+pleasant parties she had enjoyed. Mrs. Hamilton never obliged her to go
+out with Emmeline and Ellen, if she really did not wish it; but Caroline
+could not get any farther in considering herself a woman.</p>
+
+<p>The week before Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton did not allow to be all
+holiday and amusement. The season was to their feelings of religion one
+of earnest, intense thankfulness, and they wished to make it equally so
+to their children&mdash;a source of joy and hope indeed, but the joy and hope
+of Heaven, not the mere amusements and pleasures of earth. They had
+thought long and tried earnestly to make their children so to love
+serious things, as never to associate them with gloom or sadness&mdash;never
+to fancy that to be truly and spiritually religious demanded a
+relinquishment of the joys and pleasures and innocent happiness of their
+age, and admirably had they succeeded. Christmas week was always
+anticipated with quiet gladness, for they were still more with their
+father and mother; and the few serious readings and lessons they had,
+were from and with them alone; Miss Harcourt's time was then entirely
+her own. As soon as Christmas-day was passed, the young party, with the
+sole exception of two hours' work by themselves, in the morning or some
+part of the day if the mornings were wanted&mdash;(for Mrs. Hamilton never
+permitted <i>all</i> duty to be suspended, believing&mdash;and her children had
+experienced the wisdom of the belief&mdash;that pleasure and recreation were
+infinitely more enjoyable after the performance of some duty, however
+brief and easy, than had they nothing to do but to amuse themselves all
+day)&mdash;were allowed to be just as free, happy, and noisy as they pleased;
+and the exuberance of their innocent happiness would have been envied by
+many, who might have thought the quiet routine of their usual life
+irksome indeed.</p>
+
+<p>Edward Fortescue was looking forward with the greatest delight to
+becoming a midshipman in the course of the following year. He hoped,
+indeed, it would be in a very few months; but his uncle and Mr. Howard
+had only told him to work on as hard as he could, for the summons might
+come for him to join at a very short notice, and it would be very
+dreadful, if the commission should be refused because his guardians did
+not think him forward enough in his various studies to leave them. They
+had looked very mischievous when they had told him this, and Edward had
+enjoyed the joke, and resolved they should not have any such amusement.
+He would go to sea, if he worked night and day for the privilege; and he
+really did so well, that his uncle gave him great praise, which was as
+unexpected and delightful as his anger was terrible.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that on the morning after Christmas-day, Edward and Ellen
+were quite alone in the school room; the former was in one of his most
+impatient moods, for at his own request, his uncle was to examine him in
+a favorite study, and one of the necessary books was wanting. He had
+read it a few evenings previous, but something had crossed him, and in a
+desperate passion he had flung the book from him, and where it fell he
+neither knew nor cared. Caroline and Emmeline had already gone on an
+expedition to some poor people, with their mother; Ellen had asked and
+received permission to put some seeds in her little garden, Percy having
+kindly promised to show her where, and to do some harder work in it for
+her. He was, however, still engaged with his father, and would be, he
+had told her, for perhaps an hour longer, but he would be sure to come
+to her then; and, to employ the interval, she had intended to work hard
+at a purse she was making for him. Edward, however, entirely engrossed
+her, and for nearly half an hour they hunted in every nook and corner of
+the room, at length&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I see it! I see it! Edward," Ellen exclaimed, adding, however, in a
+very desponding tone, "but what shall we do? we can not get it."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" answered Edward, impatiently; "where is it, Ellen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Behind that stand of flowers," she replied, pointing to one that filled
+a corner of the room and which, though it was winter, was filled with
+some beautiful flowering geraniums of all colors, and some few rare
+myrtles in full flower.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" said Edward joyfully; "Oh, that is very easily moved&mdash;I shall
+get it in a minute."</p>
+
+<p>"But you know aunt Emmeline desired us not to touch it," implored Ellen,
+clinging to his arm; "and the flowers are almost all Caroline's. Dear
+Edward&mdash;pray do not move it."</p>
+
+<p>"Stuff and nonsense, Ellen! How is aunt to know any thing about it? and
+what do I care about the flowers being Caroline's; they may be whose
+they like, but they shall not prevent my getting my book."</p>
+
+<p>"But it will be disobeying aunt. Edward&mdash;pray, pray, don't; you know how
+displeased she was with Emmeline last week for a much more trifling
+disobedience than this will be. And if any thing should happen to the
+flowers, Caroline will be so angry."</p>
+
+<p>"And what do I care for Caroline's anger," retorted Edward impatiently;
+"My uncle's indeed is something to care about, and if I don't get my
+book and go to him directly, I shall have it. I don't like to disobey
+aunt, but in this case there is no help for it. I am sure I can reach it
+without doing any harm; besides, I <i>must</i> get my book&mdash;I can not do
+without it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then only wait till aunt comes home, or at least let me ask uncle if we
+may move it, dear Edward; do let me go&mdash;I will not be a minute."</p>
+
+<p>"And so betray my being in a passion the other day, and get me a reproof
+for that, and for my carelessness into the bargain! Nonsense, Ellen; I
+will get it, and, you must help me, for I have not a moment to lose."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Edward! indeed, indeed, I can not touch it," she replied
+imploringly, and shrinking back.</p>
+
+<p>"Say, rather, you wish to get me into disgrace, and perhaps prevented
+from going out this evening, and to-morrow, and Friday too!" exclaimed
+Edward, irritated beyond all forbearance; "and the other day you were so
+very sorry I was going from home so soon&mdash;much you must care about me,
+that you can not do such a trifling thing as this to oblige me! I hate
+deceit."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen made no reply, though the tears started to her eyes; but as usual
+her firmness deserted her. The heavy stand was carefully moved a little
+forward, without injuring any of the plants; the book was obtained, and
+at that moment the voice of Percy was heard exclaiming&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Edward! Edward! what are you about? papa has been expecting you the
+last half-hour; he says if you do not come directly, you will not have
+time to do all you wish&mdash;what can you be about?"</p>
+
+<p>Edward did not wait to hear much more than his name, but darted off,
+leaving his sister to push back the stand. Ellen felt almost sure she
+could not do it by herself; but how was she to act? To ask assistance
+would not only be confessing her own disobedience, but inculpating her
+brother, and really, perhaps, deprive him of the enjoyments he
+anticipated, and so confirm his unkind words. She tried to replace it,
+and thought she had quite succeeded; but as she moved it, one of the
+myrtles fell to the ground, and its beautiful blossom hung on the stalk,
+preserved from being quite broken off only by three or four delicate
+fibers. It was Caroline's favorite plant; one she so cherished and
+tended, that Percy called it her petted child; and poor Ellen stood
+paralyzed; she raised the pot mechanically, and rested the broken head
+of the flower against the still uninjured sprig, and it looked so well
+and natural, that the thought for a moment darted across her mind that
+after all it might not be discovered. Then came all her aunt's lessons
+of the many ways of acting an untruth without words, and, therefore,
+even if it should not be discovered, it was no comfort; but could she,
+dared she, voluntarily confess what must appear a willful disobedience?
+If her aunt had been at home, she might in that first moment have gained
+the necessary courage; but she was not expected back for two or three
+hours, and Ellen sat with her face buried in her hands, only conscious
+of misery, till her cousin's joyous voice called out from the hall&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come along, Nelly, I have kept you long enough; Tiny would never have
+left me quiet so long; but there is no tiring your patience. However, I
+will make up for it now."</p>
+
+<p>And glad to escape from her own thoughts, she hastily collected the
+various seeds, and ran after him. And Percy was so active, so obliging,
+so amusing in his queer ways of working and talking, that she almost
+forgot the impending trial, till she met her aunt and cousins at
+luncheon. Edward had been so intent, so happy at his business with his
+uncle, that he had never cast a thought as to how the stand got back;
+and after lunch he had to go for a row on the river, and after dinner to
+attend a lecture on astronomy, which, that night and the one following,
+was to be given in the town-hall in T&mdash;. His uncle and Percy and Herbert
+were to accompany him, and so, that he should give a thought to any
+thing disagreeable, was not likely.</p>
+
+<p>The day wore on; Ellen's little courage had all gone, and she almost
+unconsciously hoped that nothing would be discovered. Mr. Hamilton and
+the lads departed at six, and Mrs. Hamilton proposed adjourning to her
+daughters' room, to finish an entertaining book that they were reading
+aloud. She had noticed, with her usual penetration, that all day Ellen
+evidently shrunk from her eye, and felt quite sure something was wrong
+again; but she asked no questions, fearing again to tempt equivocation.
+Caroline's passionate exclamation that somebody had broken her beautiful
+flower, drew the attention of all to the stand, and one glance sufficed
+to tell Mrs. Hamilton that it had been moved. Her anxious suspicions at
+once connected this with Ellen's shrinking manner, and she turned to ask
+her if she knew any thing about it. But Ellen had disappeared; and she
+rang the bell, and inquired of the only domestics whose department ever
+led them into the room, if they could explain the accident. But neither
+of them could; all uniting in declaring, that in the morning the myrtle
+was quite perfect.</p>
+
+<p>"Ellen was at home, mamma; she must know something about it. Percy said
+they did not begin gardening till more than an hour after we were gone,"
+exclaimed Caroline, whose temper was sorely tried by this downfall of
+all her cares. "I dare say she did it herself&mdash;spiteful thing!&mdash;and has
+gone to hide herself rather than confess it&mdash;it is just like her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, Caroline, do not condemn till you are quite certain; and do not
+in your anger say what is not true. Ellen has given no evidence as yet
+of being spiteful or mischievous. Emmeline, go and tell your cousin that
+I want her."</p>
+
+<p>The child obeyed. Miss Harcourt had continued working most industriously
+at the table, without uttering a word, though Mrs. Hamilton's
+countenance expressed such unusual perplexity and pain, that it would
+have seemed kinder to have spoken. One look at Ellen convinced her aunt,
+and she actually paused before she spoke, dreading the reply almost as
+much as the child did the question. It was scarcely audible; it might
+have been denial, it certainly was not affirmative, for Miss Harcourt
+instantly exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Ellen, how can you tell such a deliberate falsehood? I would not tell
+your aunt, for I really wished you to have the opportunity of in some
+degree redeeming your disobedience; but I saw you move back the stand,
+and your sinful attempt at concealment by replacing the broken
+flower&mdash;and now you dare deny it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not replace the flower with the intention of concealing it,"
+exclaimed Ellen, bursting into tears; for that one unjust charge seemed
+to give back the power of speech, though the violent reproach and
+invective which burst from Caroline prevented any thing further.</p>
+
+<p>"I must beg you to be silent, Caroline, or to leave the room, till I
+have done speaking to your cousin," said her mother, quietly; "the fate
+of your flower seems to make you forget that I have never yet permitted
+disrespect or any display of temper in my presence."</p>
+
+<p>"But what right had Ellen to touch the stand?"</p>
+
+<p>"None&mdash;she has both disobeyed and again tried to deceive me; faults
+which it is my duty to chastise, but not yours to upbraid. Answer me,
+Ellen, at once and briefly; your fault is known, and, therefore, all
+further equivocation is useless. Did you move that flower-stand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied the child, almost choked with sobs, called forth the more
+from the contrast which her aunt's mildness presented to Miss Harcourt's
+harshness, and Caroline's violent anger, and from the painful longing to
+say that her first disobedience was not entirely her own fault.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you remember that I had expressly forbidden either of you to
+attempt to move it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Ellen again, and an exclamation at the apparent hardihood
+of her conduct escaped from both Miss Harcourt and Caroline.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you persisted, Ellen: this is indeed a strange contradiction to
+your seemingly sincere sorrow for a similar fault a few months back.
+What did you move it for?"</p>
+
+<p>For full a minute Ellen hesitated, thus unhappily confirming the
+suspicion that when she did reply it was another equivocation.</p>
+
+<p>"To get a book which had fallen behind."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know how a book could have fallen behind, unless it had been
+put or thrown there, Ellen; you said, too, that you did not replace the
+broken flower for the purpose of concealment. I hardly know how to
+believe either of these assertions. Why did you leave the room just
+now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because&mdash;because&mdash;I knew you would question me, and&mdash;and&mdash;I felt I
+should not have courage to speak the truth&mdash;and I knew&mdash;you would be
+so&mdash;so displeased." The words were scarcely articulate.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have been better satisfied, Ellen, if your fear of my
+displeasure had prevented the committal of your first fault, not to
+aggravate it so sinfully by both acted and spoken untruths. Painful as
+it is to me in this season of festivity and enjoyment to inflict
+suffering, I should share your sin if I did not adopt some measures to
+endeavor at least to make you remember and so avoid it in future. I have
+told you so very often that it is not me you mostly offend when you
+speak or act falsely but God himself&mdash;who is Truth&mdash;that I fear words
+alone will be of no avail. Go to your own room, Ellen; perhaps solitude
+and thought, when your brother and cousins are so happy and
+unrestrained, may bring you to a sense of your aggravated misconduct
+better than any thing else. You will not leave your apartment, except
+for the hours of devotion and exercise&mdash;which you will take with Ellis,
+not with me&mdash;till I think you have had sufficient time to reflect on all
+I have said to you on this subject."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen quitted the room without answering; but it was several minutes
+before Mrs. Hamilton could sufficiently conquer the very painful
+feelings which her niece's conduct and her own compelled severity
+excited, to enter into her daughters' amusements; but she would not
+punish them for the misconduct of another; and, by her exertions, temper
+to Caroline and cheerfulness to Emmeline (whose tears of sympathy had
+almost kept pace with Ellen's of sorrow), gradually returned, and their
+book became as delightful a recreation as it had been before.</p>
+
+<p>Great was Edward's grief and consternation when he found the effects of
+what was actually in the first instance his fault; but he had not
+sufficient boldness to say so. His aunt had expressly said it was the
+untruth that had occasioned her greatest displeasure, that if the
+disobedience had been confessed at once, she would, in consideration of
+the season, have forgiven it with a very slight rebuke. "Now," he
+thought, "it is only the disobedience in which I am concerned, and if I
+confess it was mostly my fault, it won't help Ellen in the least&mdash;so
+what is the use of my acknowledging it? Of course, if she wishes it, I
+will; but how could she tell such a deliberate story?"</p>
+
+<p>That he was acting one of equal deliberation, and of far more
+culpability, if possible&mdash;for he was permitting her to bear the whole
+weight of his fault&mdash;never struck him; if it did, he did not at all
+understand or believe it. He went to his sister, and offered to confess
+his share in her fault, and when&mdash;as he fully expected&mdash;she begged him
+not, that it could do her no good, and perhaps only get him punished
+too, his conscience was so perfectly satisfied, that he actually took
+upon himself to ask her how she could be so foolish and wrong as, when
+she was asked, not to allow that she had moved it at once&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It would have been all right, then," he said; and added, almost with
+irritation, "and I should not have been teased with the thought of your
+being in disgrace just now, when I wanted so much to enjoy myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not think about me, then, Edward," was his sister's reply; "I know
+the untruth is entirely my own fault, so why should it torment you; if I
+could but always tell and act the truth, and not be so very, very
+frightened&mdash;oh, how I wonder if I ever shall!" and she leaned her head
+on her arms, which rested on the table, so despondingly, so sorrowfully,
+that Edward felt too uncomfortable to remain with her. He was satisfied
+that he could not help her; but the disagreeable thought would come,
+that if he had not tempted her to disobey, she would have had no
+temptation to tell an untruth, and so he sought a variety of active
+amusements to get rid of the feeling. The continuation of the
+entertaining astronomical lecture, too, was so very delightful, and
+Thursday and Friday morning brought so many enjoyments, that he almost
+forgot her, till startled back into self-reproach by finding that she
+was not to accompany them on Friday evening to Mr. Howard's, whose great
+pleasure was to collect young people around him, and whose soirée in the
+Christmas holidays, and whose day in the country at midsummer, were
+anticipated by girls and boys, great and small, with such delight as to
+pervade the whole year round. Caroline never refused to join Mr.
+Howard's parties though they were "juvenile;" and Percy always declared
+they were as unlike any other person's as Mr. Howard was unlike a
+schoolmaster. Ellen had so enjoyed the day in the country, that, timid
+as she was, she had looked forward to Friday with almost as much delight
+as Emmeline.</p>
+
+<p>In vain Emmeline, Edward, Percy, Herbert, and even Mr. Hamilton
+entreated, that she might be permitted to go. Mrs. Hamilton's own kind
+heart pleaded quite as strongly, but she remained firm.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not ask me, my dear children," she said, almost as beseechingly as
+they had implored; "I do assure you it is quite as much, if not more
+pain to me on this occasion to refuse, as it is for you all to be
+refused. If it were the first, second, or even third time that Ellen had
+disregarded truth, I would yield for your sakes; and in the hope that
+the indulgence would produce as good an effect as continued severity;
+but I can not hope this now. The habit, is, I fear, so deeply rooted,
+that nothing but firmness in inflicting pain, whenever it is committed,
+will succeed in eradicating it. God grant I may remove it at last."</p>
+
+<p>The tone and words were so earnest, so sad, that not only did her
+children cease in their intercession, but all felt still more forcibly
+the solemn importance of the virtue, in which Ellen had so failed, from
+the effect of her conduct upon their mother. She was always grieved when
+they had done wrong, but they never remembered seeing her so very sad as
+now. Edward, indeed, could scarcely understand this as his cousins did;
+but as his aunt still only alluded to the untruth, the qualm of
+conscience was again silenced, for he had only caused the disobedience.
+Emmeline asked timidly if she might remain with Ellen, and Edward
+followed her example, thinking himself very magnanimous in so doing; but
+both were refused&mdash;and surely he had done enough!</p>
+
+<p>All went&mdash;Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt, as well as the young
+people; and it was such a happy evening! First, there was the orrery,
+that Mr. Howard had prevailed on the lecturer to display first at his
+house, and Edward was almost wild in his delight; and then there were
+some games and intellectual puzzles, that made them all think, as well
+as enjoy; and then there were some music and singing and dancing, and
+every thing was so quiet and orderly, and yet so full of youthful
+enjoyment, that it was not much wonder there was no longer any room for
+a sorrowful thought, in any of the young party from Oakwood. Mrs.
+Hamilton alone thought of Ellen, and again and again accused herself of
+too great harshness; for, perhaps, after all, it might have no better
+effect than kindness; but what could she do? She almost envied the
+quiet, unruffled unconcern of less anxious guardians; but for her to
+feel indifferent to her responsibility was impossible. Ellen was so
+often unwell that her absence did not occasion so much remark as her
+brother's or either of her cousins' would. "Mamma did not wish her to
+come," was the answer she had desired the children to give to any
+inquiries, and her character for indulgence was so generally known, that
+no one suspected any thing more than indisposition. Annie Grahame's
+dislike to Ellen might have made her more suspicious, but she was not
+there. Cecil and Lilla were, with their father, but Miss Grahame did not
+condescend to attend Mr. Howard's "juvenile" parties; and Caroline,
+though she would not have allowed it, even to herself, was both happier,
+and much more inclined to enjoy herself, with the amusements and society
+offered to her when Annie was not at a party, than when she was.</p>
+
+<p>The next night, to Ellen's disposition, was a greater trial than the
+Friday. She neither expected, nor hardly wished to be allowed to go to
+Mr. Howard's, though, as the affectionate Emmeline had come to wish her
+good night, and with tears in her eyes repeated the regrets that she was
+not to go, she felt the bitter disappointment more than in the morning
+she had thought possible; but Saturday night it had been her aunt's
+custom, from the time she had been at Oakwood, to visit her daughters
+and niece before they went to sleep, and prepare them for the Sabbath's
+rest and enjoyment, by an examination of their conduct during the past
+week, and full forgiveness of any thing that had been wrong. When
+younger, Mrs. Hamilton had attended to this duty every night; but
+wishing to give them a habit of private prayer and self-examination,
+independent of her, she had, after Emmeline was twelve years old, set
+apart the Saturday night, until they were fifteen&mdash;old enough for her to
+relinquish it altogether. It had been such a habit with her own
+children, that they felt it perfectly natural; but with Ellen and
+Edward, from their never having been accustomed to it as young children,
+she had never felt the duty understood by them, or as satisfactorily
+performed by herself as with her own. Still, Ellen looked forward to
+this night as the termination of her banishment; for great indeed was
+the offense whose correction extended over the Sabbath. Ellen could not
+remember one instance since she had been at Oakwood, and when she heard
+the doors of her cousins' rooms successively close, and her aunt's step
+retreating without approaching hers, she did, indeed, believe herself
+irreclaimably wicked, or her kind, good aunt, would, at least, have come
+to her. Mrs. Hamilton had purposely refrained from indulging her own
+inclinations, as well as comforting Ellen, hoping still more to impress
+upon her how greatly she had sinned. The impossibility of her perfectly
+comprehending her niece's character, while the poor child felt it such a
+sacred duty to victimize herself, made her far more severe than she
+would have been, could she have known her real disposition; but how was
+it possible she could believe Ellen's grief as deep and remorseful as it
+seemed, when a short time afterward she would commit the same faults?
+Her task was infinitely more difficult and perplexing than less anxious
+mothers can have the least idea of.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XB" id="CHAPTER_XB"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>PAIN AND PENITENCE.&mdash;TRUTH IMPRESSED, AND RECONCILIATION.&mdash;THE FAMILY
+TREE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>In feverish dreams of her parents, recalling both their deaths, and with
+alternate wakefulness, fraught with those deadly incomprehensible
+terrors which some poor children of strong imagination know so well,
+Ellen's night passed; and the next morning she rose, with that painful
+throbbing in her throat and temples, which always ended with one of
+those intense and exhausting headaches to which which she had been so
+subject, but which her aunt's care and Mr. Maitland's remedies had much
+decreased, both in frequency and violence. She went to church, however
+with the family, as usual.</p>
+
+<p>"Remain out, Edward!" Percy exclaimed, as they neared the house; "the
+old year is taking leave of us in such a glorious mood, that Tiny and I
+are going to ruralize and poetize till dinner&mdash;will you come with
+us?&mdash;and you, Ellen?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen withdrew her arm from her brother's, saying, as she did so&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Go, dear Edward, I am very tired, and would rather not."</p>
+
+<p>"Tired, and with this short walk; and you really do look as if you
+were&mdash;what is the matter, Ellen? you are not well."</p>
+
+<p>His sister did not reply, but shrinking from the look which Mrs.
+Hamilton, who was passing at the moment, fixed earnestly upon her, she
+ran into the house.</p>
+
+<p>Edward again felt uncomfortable; in fact, he had done so, so often since
+the Tuesday morning, that his temper was not half so good as usual. He
+did not choose to acknowledge, even to himself, that the uncomfortable
+feeling was self-reproach, and so he vented it more than once in
+irritation against Ellen, declaring it was so disagreeable she should be
+in disgrace just then.</p>
+
+<p>It was Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's custom always to dine on Sundays at
+half-past one, to allow those of their household who were unable to
+attend divine service in the morning to go in the afternoon. With regard
+to themselves and their children they pursued a plan, which many rigid
+religionists might, perhaps, have condemned, and yet its fruits were
+very promising. Their great wish was to make the Sabbath a day of love,
+divine and domestic; to make their children look to it with joy and
+anticipation throughout the week as a day quite distinct in its
+enjoyment from any other; and for this reason, while their children were
+young, they only went to church in the morning, the afternoons were
+devoted to teaching them to know and to love God in His works as well as
+word, and their evenings to such quiet but happy amusements and
+literature, as would fill their young hearts with increased thankfulness
+for their very happy lot. As they grew older, they were perfectly at
+liberty to do as they pleased with regard to the afternoon church.
+Herbert, whose ardent desire to enter the ministry increased with his
+years, generally spent the greater part of Sunday with Mr. Howard, with
+his parents' glad and full consent. The contemplation of serious things
+was his greatest happiness, but Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton did not expect
+that all their other children were to be like him. They were contented,
+and intensely thankful also, to perceive that diverse as were their
+characters, still the constant sense of God's presence and of His
+infinite love was active and earnest in them all, inciting love and
+reverence for Herbert, even though they could not sympathize with him
+entirely. Another peculiarity of Mr. Hamilton consisted in his
+permitting no <i>Sunday</i> schools at Aveling and his other villages. The
+Saturday afternoons were set apart instead of the Sunday. He wished his
+wife, and daughters when they were old enough, to superintend them, and
+help the children in preparing for the Sunday services and Sunday
+enjoyments; but he particularly disliked the system of overwork on a day
+of rest, which could not fail to be the case, if there were schools to
+attend to twice or three times a day, as well as church.</p>
+
+<p>It being the last day of the old year, Mr. Howard had expressed a wish
+that Percy and Edward as well as Herbert should attend church that
+afternoon, and the lads, without the least reluctance, consented; Mr.
+Hamilton and Miss Harcourt were going too, and Caroline and Emmeline, of
+their own accord, asked permission to accompany them. Ellen's pale,
+suffering face had so haunted her aunt, that she could not think of any
+thing else, and remained for a very much longer time than was usual to
+her character in a state of indecision. The next night was her
+children's ball, and it was too, the first day of the new year&mdash;always
+in her happy circle a festival of joy and thankfulness. Ellen's face
+certainly looked as if she had suffered quite enough to prevent the
+recurrence of her fault, but so it had always done, and yet, before she
+could possibly have forgotten its consequences, she failed again. Mrs.
+Hamilton sat for some time, after her children had left her, in
+meditation, trying to silence the pleadings of affection, and listen
+only to reason, as to whether continued severity or returning kindness
+would be the more effective, and save both Ellen and herself any further
+pain.</p>
+
+<p>To the child herself physical suffering was so increasing as gradually
+to deaden mental, till at last it became so severe, that she felt sick
+and faint. She knew the medicine she was in the habit of taking when
+similarly suffering, and the lotion which her aunt applied to her
+forehead, and which always succeeded in removing the excessive
+throbbing, were both in Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room; but it seemed
+quite impossible that she could get at them, for she did not like to
+leave her room without permission, nor did she feel as if she could walk
+so far, her head throbbing with increased violence with every step she
+took. At length she summoned sufficient courage to ring the bell, and
+beg Fanny to ask Ellis to come to her. The girl, who had been already
+dreadfully concerned that Miss Ellen had eaten no dinner, and on Sunday
+too! gave such an account of her, that the housekeeper hastened to her
+directly, and begged her to let her go for her mistress&mdash;it was so lucky
+she had not gone to church&mdash;but Ellen clung to her, imploring her not.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear, dear Ellis, get me the medicine, and bathe my forehead yourself;
+I shall get well then in an hour or two, without giving my aunt any
+trouble; pray, pray, don't tell her. I scarcely feel the pain when she
+is nursing and soothing me; but I do not deserve that now, and I am
+afraid I never shall."</p>
+
+<p>"But indeed, Miss Ellen, she will be displeased if I do not. Why, only
+the other morning she was quite concerned that I had not told her Jane
+was ill directly, and went herself two or three times every day to see
+she had every thing proper and comfortable."</p>
+
+<p>"But that is quite different, dear Ellis; do get the lotion; I feel as
+if I could not bear this pain much longer without crying; you can tell
+her afterward, if you think you ought."</p>
+
+<p>And seeing that farther argument only increased the poor child's
+sufferings, Ellis promised, and left her. Ellen leaned her forehead
+against the side of her little bed, and held the curtain tightly
+clasped, as if so to prevent the utterance of the hysteric sob that
+would rise in her throat, though she did not know what it was. But the
+wholly unexpected sound of Mrs. Hamilton's voice saying, close by her,
+"I am afraid you have one of your very bad headaches, Ellen," so
+startled her, as to make her raise her head suddenly; and the movement
+caused such agony, that, spite of all her efforts, she could not prevent
+an almost convulsive cry of pain.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child! I had no idea of pain like this; why did you not send
+for me? We have always prevented its becoming so very violent by taking
+it in time, my Ellen."</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Ellen would not let me go for you, madam," rejoined Ellis, who, to
+her mistress's inexpressible relief, was close at hand with the remedies
+she wanted, and she repeated what the child had said.</p>
+
+<p>"Again your old mistake, Ellen. I would so much, so very much rather
+hear you say you were <i>resolved</i> to deserve my love, than that you did
+not merit it. Why should you not deserve it as well as your brother and
+cousins, if you determined with all your heart to try and not do any
+thing to lessen it? Nothing is so likely to prevent your even
+endeavoring to deserve it, as the mistaken fancy that you never shall;
+but you are too unwell to listen to me now; we must try all we can to
+remove this terrible pain, and then see if we can bring back happiness
+too."</p>
+
+<p>And for above an hour did Mrs. Hamilton, with the most patient
+tenderness, apply the usual remedies, cheered by finding that, though
+much more slowly than usual, still by degrees the violence of the pain
+did subside, and the hysterical affection give way to natural and quiet
+tears. Exhaustion produced a deep though not very long sleep, and after
+watching her some few minutes very anxiously, Mrs. Hamilton sat down by
+her bed, and half unconsciously drew toward her Ellen's little Bible,
+which lay open on the table, as if it had been only lately used. Several
+loose papers were between the leaves; her eyes filled with tears as she
+read on one of them a little prayer, touching from the very childishness
+of the language and imperfect writing, beseeching her Father in Heaven
+in His great mercy to forgive her sin, and give her courage to speak the
+truth, to help her not to be so frightened, but to guide her in her
+difficult path. Mrs. Hamilton little guessed how difficult it was, but
+she hoped more from the effects of her present penitence than she had
+done yet. She had copied, too, several verses from the various parts of
+the Old and New Testament which were condemnatory of falsehood, and her
+aunt felt no longer undecided as to her course of action.</p>
+
+<p>"You have employed your solitary hours so well, my dear Ellen," she
+said, as, when the child awoke and looked anxiously toward her&mdash;she
+kissed her cheek with even more than her usual fondness&mdash;"that I
+scarcely require your assurance of repentance or promises of amendment.
+When you have taken some coffee, and think you are well enough to listen
+to me, I will read you an illustration of the fearful sin of falsehood
+from the Old Testament, which I do not think I have yet pointed out to
+you. Ananias and Sapphira, I see you remember."</p>
+
+<p>And when Ellen had taken the delicious cup of coffee, which her aunt had
+ordered should be ready for her directly she awoke, and sat up, though
+her head was still so weak it required the support of a pillow, yet she
+seemed so revived, so almost happy, from the mesmeric effect of that
+warm, fond kiss, that her aunt did not hesitate to continue the lesson
+she was so anxious to impress, while the mind and heart were softened to
+receive it. She turned to the fourth chapter of the second book of
+Kings, and after briefly relating the story of Naaman&mdash;for she did not
+wish to divert Ellen's attention from the one important subject, by
+giving any new ideas&mdash;she read from the 20th verse to the end, and so
+brought the nature of Gehazi's sin and its awful punishment, at the hand
+of God himself (for the prophet was merely an instrument of the Eternal,
+he had no power in himself to call the disease of leprosy on his
+servant) to Ellen's mind, that she never forgot it.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think Elisha knew where he had been, and what he had done,
+before he asked him?" she ventured timidly to inquire, as her aunt
+ceased; "Gehazi had told a falsehood already to Naaman. Do you think God
+punished that or his falsehood to Elisha?"</p>
+
+<p>"Most probably he punished both, my love. Elisha no doubt knew how his
+servant had been employed in his absence, in fact he tells him so"&mdash;and
+she read the 26th verse again&mdash;"but he asked him whence he had come, to
+give him an opportunity for a full confession of his first sin, which
+then, no doubt would, after some slight rebuke, have been pardoned. It
+was a very great fault at first, but the mercy of God was then, as it is
+now, so infinite so forgiving, that, had Elisha's question recalled
+Gehazi to a sense of his great guilt and excited real repentance, his
+punishment would have been averted. But his aggravated and repeated
+falsehood called down on him a chastisement most terrible even to think
+about. Leprosy was not merely a dreadful disease in itself, but it cut
+him off, from all the blessings and joys not only of social life but of
+domestic; because, as God had said it should cleave to his seed as well
+as to himself, he could never find any one who would dare to love him,
+and he must have been compelled to lonely misery all his life."</p>
+
+<p>"It was a very dreadful punishment," repeated Ellen, fearfully.</p>
+
+<p>"It was, dearest; but it was merciful, notwithstanding. If, God had
+passed it by, and permitted Gehazi to continue his sinful course,
+without any check or chastisement that would recall him to a sense of
+better things, and a wish to pursue them, he might have continued
+apparently very happy in this life, to be miserable forever in the next;
+to be banished forever from God and His good angels; and would not that
+have been still more dreadful than the heaviest suffering here? In those
+times God manifested his judgments through His prophets directly. That
+is not the case now, but He has given us His word to tell us, by history
+as well as precept, those things that are pleasing to Him, and those
+which excite His anger; and which, if not corrected while we are in this
+world, will cause our condemnation when our souls appear before Him in
+judgment, and when we can not correct them if we would. Now children,
+and even young people, can not know those things as well as their
+parents and guardians can, and if we neglect to teach them right and
+wrong, God is more angry with us than with them, as He tells Ezekiel."
+She read from the 18th to the 22d verse of the third chapter, and
+explained it, so that Ellen could clearly understand it, and then said.
+"And now, my dear Ellen, can you quite understand and quite feel why I
+have caused you so much pain, and been, as I dare say you have felt, so
+very, very severe?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen's arms were round her neck in a moment, and her head cradled on
+her bosom, as her sole reply, for she felt she could not speak at first,
+without crying again.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I could remember that God sees me wherever I am," she said after
+a short pause, and very sadly. "I am so frightened when I think of any
+body's anger, even Caroline's, that I can not remember any thing else."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you notice the Psalm we read the day before yesterday, my dear
+Ellen, in the morning lesson?"</p>
+
+<p>The child had not; and her aunt turning to the 129th, read the first
+twelve and the two last verses carefully with her, adding&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you learn one verse for me every morning, till you can repeat
+the whole fourteen perfectly, and I think that will help you to remember
+it, my Ellen, and prove to me that you really are anxious to correct
+yourself; and now one word more, and I think I shall have talked to you
+quite enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, indeed I am not tired, dear aunt," replied Ellen, very
+earnestly; "I feel when you are talking to me as if I never could be
+naughty again. Oh! how I wish I never were."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not so unconscionable as to expect you to have no faults, my dear
+child; all I wish you to attend to, is more obedience to my commands. I
+have not said any thing about your disobedience, because your untruth
+was of still more consequence, but that grieved me too, for disobedience
+to me is also disobedience to God, for He has commanded you to obey your
+parents and guardians; as you said you remembered I had told you not to
+move the flower-stand, I can not imagine what could have induced you so
+willfully to disobey me."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen looked up in her face with such earnest, wistful eyes that Mrs.
+Hamilton felt puzzled; but as she did not speak, and laid her head again
+on its resting place, to hide the tears that rose, her aunt merely
+added&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"But as I do not wish to inflict any further pain, I will not say any
+thing more about it; only remember, that though I may be displeased if
+you disobey me again, an instant and full confession will soon gain my
+forgiveness; and that though I will never doubt your word, still, if I
+discover another untruth, it will and must oblige me to adopt still
+severer measures, painful as it will be to myself. Do not tremble so, my
+Ellen, you know you can prevent it; and remember too that whenever you
+fail in truth, you punish me as well as yourself;" and Mrs. Hamilton
+fondly kissed her as she spoke.</p>
+
+<p>Light steps and a ringing laugh at that moment sounded in the passage,
+and Emmeline, though she certainly did ask if she might enter, scarcely
+waited for an answer, before she bounded in, the very personification of
+health and joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma, papa wants to know if we may not have tea to-night, and if we
+may not have Ellen's company too?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is New Year's Eve," pleaded another joyous voice, and Percy's brown
+head just intruded itself through the half-opened door; "and our tree
+will not be half enjoyable unless we are all there."</p>
+
+<p>"I had really forgotten your tree, my dear children, but I am glad papa
+and you all have remembered it. Come in, Percy; Ellen will, I dare say,
+admit you into her room."</p>
+
+<p>"He raced me all round the gallery, mamma, declaring he would give you
+papa's message, or so take away my breath, that even if I outstripped
+him, I should not be able; but I have, you see, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Only because I did not know whether it was quite proper to enter a
+young lady's room. But do come, mamma; Mr. Howard is with us as usual,
+and we are all <i>au desespoir</i> for you and our little Ellen&mdash;she <i>may</i>
+come, I can read it in your eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you well enough, my love? Do you think this poor little head will
+permit you to join us?" asked Mrs. Hamilton, anxiously, for the sudden
+joy that gleamed in Ellen's eyes at the idea of joining the family, told
+what the disappointment would be if she could not.</p>
+
+<p>"It does not hurt me at all if I can rest it, aunt; but I am afraid it
+will not let me walk," she added, sorrowfully, as the attempt to walk
+caused it to throb again.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, Nelly, even if you can not walk; you shall make use of my
+pedestrian powers," replied Percy, joyously; "rest your head on my
+shoulder&mdash;that's it&mdash;I should make a capital nurse I declare; should I
+not, mamma?"</p>
+
+<p>And gayly answering in the affirmative, his mother could scarcely
+prevent a throb of pride, as she looked on his fine manly face, beaming
+with benevolent kindness on his little cousin, whom he had tenderly
+lifted in his arms, and checked his boisterous mirth and rapid stride to
+accommodate her.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not quite so light as Tiny, but she is all air; I expect she
+will evaporate some day: never mind your hair, it does very well."</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, I will smooth it in a moment," exclaimed Emmeline, eagerly; "it
+is Sunday, Percy, she shall look well."</p>
+
+<p>"You had better let me do it, Emmy," said her mother, smiling; "your
+cousin's head can only bear very tender handling to-night. There, that
+will do&mdash;and I am quite ready to attend you."</p>
+
+<p>The lights, the joyous voices, even her uncle's kind greeting, almost
+overpowered poor Ellen; as Percy, still preserving his character of an
+admirable nurse, laid her carefully on a couch in the sitting-room,
+where not only tea was waiting, but the celebrated family tree, which
+Mrs. Hamilton's anxiety and Ellen's sorrow had caused them both to
+forget, was displayed with even more than usual taste and beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton, when young, had been a great deal with his father in
+Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, and brought from the first and latter
+country certain domestic observances which had especially pleased him,
+as so greatly enhancing the enjoyments of home, and helping to a right
+understanding between parents and children, by increasing their mutual
+love and confidence. The family tree, or Christmas Tree, as it was
+called, was one of these, and from their earliest years it had been one
+of the children's greatest delights on New Year's Eve. Of course, as
+they grew older, and their taste improved, the tree itself, its
+suspended presents, and its surrounding decorations increased in beauty,
+and it had never been prettier than it was this year. The whole of the
+preceding afternoon had the young artists labored in preparing it, for
+of course, as the next day was Sunday, it was obliged to be all finished
+by the Saturday night; the servants, eager in all things to enhance the
+happiness of those whose parents made them so happy, did not care what
+trouble they took to help them. They always selected the room in which
+there was a very lofty and very deep oriel window, in the center of
+which recess (which was almost as large as a moderately sized room) they
+placed <i>the</i> tree, which was a very large, gracefully-cut spruce fir; it
+was placed in a tub filled with the same soil as that in which the tree
+grew, so that by watering and care it remained fresh for some time. The
+tub which contained it, was completely hidden by the flowering shrubs
+that were placed round it, rising in an expanding pyramid, by means of
+several flower-stands, till the recess seemed one mass of leaf and
+flower; among which the superb scarlet geranium, that in Devonshire
+grows so luxuriantly all through the winter, shining against its own
+beautiful leaf, the brilliant berries of the holly, with their dark
+glistening branches, the snow-berry and flowering myrtle, shone
+pre-eminent. Small lamps glittered through the flowers, and were
+suspended in sufficient profusion from the pendent branches of the tree
+to half reveal and half hide the various gifts and treasures that were
+there deposited; and altogether the effect, from every part of the room,
+was really striking.</p>
+
+<p>The tree always remained till after their ball, but, the interchange of
+gifts which took place on New Year's Eve, causing so many peculiarly
+happy and home feelings, was confined to the family group; Mr. Howard
+always included. Many weeks before had each individual worked at his own
+secret undertaking. If it could not all be done in private, no questions
+were ever asked, and each helped the other to keep it at least from
+their parents till the eventful night itself. They formed so large a
+party altogether, as little tokens of affection between the brothers and
+sisters were also exchanged, that the tree was quite loaded, and many a
+time had Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton discovered some trait of character or
+some ruling fancy, even in such a simple thing as the manufacture and
+presentation of home gifts. Their own idea of family ties was so strong
+and so holy, that one great aim in the education of their children was
+to make them not only <i>love</i> each other, but have thought and attention
+for individual feelings and wishes, and so heighten feeling by action,
+not depend entirely on natural ties. Mrs. Hamilton had known many young
+persons who were lavish in attentions and even presents to friends, but
+never imagined that their own home circle had the first and strongest
+claim to kindness, whether of word or deed. She knew that affections and
+thought lavished on comparative strangers never radiated on home, but
+that when given to home <i>first</i>, they shed light and kindliness far and
+near.</p>
+
+<p>Their tea was indeed a mirthful one; Ellen had been very fearful of
+meeting Mr. Howard, for she thought he must have been told how naughty
+she had been; but if he had, there was nothing in his manner to say so;
+for he shook hands with her, and even kissed her most kindly, and told
+her, laughingly, that she must be quite well by the next night, or how
+was she to dance? That he thought it would be a good thing if Emmeline
+could give her a little of her dancing mania, as she hardly ever only
+walked, even when she called herself quite sober. Edward, every passing
+thought of self-reproach banished by his sister's return to favor, was
+in the wildest spirits; Percy and Emmeline seemed to have laid a wager
+who could say the wittiest things and laugh the most. Herbert was very
+quiet, but looking as happy as the rest, and quite entering into their
+mirth, and showing all sorts of little gentle attentions to Ellen, who
+had seemed to shrink from his eye, more than from all the others.
+Caroline fully entered into the spirit of the evening, but neither she
+nor Miss Harcourt took the same notice of Ellen as the rest. The person
+who was to act the Wizard's part, and by means of a long wand detach the
+various treasures from the tree, and carry them to the owners whose
+names they bore, was always chosen by lot; and great was the delight of
+the young party, when this night the office fell on Mr. Howard. No one
+seemed more pleased than himself, performing it with such a spirit of
+enjoyment and originality, that a general vote declared him the very
+choicest wizard they had ever had. To enumerate all the contents of that
+marvelous tree would be impossible. Their parents' gifts to each of them
+were not in the tree, but always given afterward; but great was the
+delight, when, after a terrible tussle to detach a large roll of cloth,
+down it came, right on Mr. Howard's head, and almost enveloped him with
+its folds, and proved to be a beautiful cover, which he had long desired
+for a favorite table in his drawing-room at the embroidered border of
+which, not only the three girls, but Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt had
+all worked, as a joint offering of love and respect. This good man was
+so charmed, that he declared he would not use his wand again till he had
+full five minutes to admire it. Then there was a very pretty,
+comfortable pair of slippers, worked by Caroline and Emmeline for their
+father, and a pair of braces worked by Ellen, all accompanied by some
+most ludicrous, but very clever verses from Percy. Edward, who was very
+ingenious, had turned a very pretty stand for his uncle to put his watch
+in at night; and manufactured two little vessels out of cork for his
+aunt, so delicately, and neatly, that she promised him they should stand
+on the mantelpiece of her dressing-room, as long as they would last.
+Caroline had knitted her mother a very pretty bag, and Emmeline and
+Ellen had collected for her a variety of leaves throughout the year, and
+arranged them with great taste, both as to grouping and tinting, in a
+sort of small herbal, with two or three lines of poetry, selected and
+carefully written by each alternately, attached to each page. Mrs.
+Hamilton was excessively pleased, as she was also with a portfolio
+formed by drawings from both her boys, and tastefully made up by Miss
+Harcourt; and with their gifts to their father, a correct and most
+beautifully written out Greek poem, which Mr. Hamilton had several
+months, if not more than a year before, expressed a wish to possess, but
+the volume which contained it was so scarce, and so expensive from the
+quantity of uninteresting matter in which the gem was buried, that he
+had given up all thought of it. Herbert, however, had not, and never
+rested from the time his father spoke, till he had found and copied
+it&mdash;a task of no small difficulty, for the original was in many parts
+almost entirely effaced, and, if Herbert had not been an admirable Greek
+scholar, and a quick imaginator as to what it ought to be, Mr. Howard
+himself had said he could not have succeeded. The writing of the Greek
+character was most beautiful, and Percy, in imitation of the ancient
+missals, had designed and painted an elegant illuminated border round
+it, and a beautiful cover, forming a thin volume, so valuable, their
+father delighted them by saying, that he would not exchange it for
+twenty of the most precious volumes in his library. Such evidences of
+the home influence they had given, in permitting leisure for the
+cultivation of taste and imagination, teaching them the beautiful, and
+opening innumerable resources of enjoyment within themselves, and thence
+allowing them to enhance the pleasures of others, were indeed most
+gratifying to those earnest and affectionate guardians. From their
+earliest years they had been taught, that to give the greatest amount of
+pleasure to their parents, their gifts must be all, or at least have
+something in them, of their own workmanship, and to enable them to do
+this, the lads had been taught in their hours of recreation to use all
+sorts of tools, visiting and knowing something of a variety of
+handicrafts; and the girls to work and draw, and even bring the stores
+of Nature to their aid when needed, as in the present case, with
+Emmeline and Ellen's tasteful gift.</p>
+
+<p>Our young readers must call upon their own imagination as to the other
+treasures of this valuable tree; for, as they would, no doubt, like to
+know what sort of New Year's gifts Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had in store
+for their children (for Miss Harcourt too, for they never omitted her),
+we really must not linger round it any longer. Poor Ellen, indeed, had
+the pain of feeling that her fault and its consequences had prevented
+the completion of her purse for Percy, and a chain for Edward, and her
+cheek burned very painfully, when Mr. Howard, after exhausting the tree,
+exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing from Ellen for Percy and Edward. Young gentlemen, have you been
+receiving any gifts in secret?&mdash;out with them if you have&mdash;it is against
+all law and propriety."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall receive them next week, most potent conjuror, as you ought to
+have known without inquiring," answered Percy, directly; and bending
+over Ellen, by whom he chanced to be standing, he said, kindly, "Never
+mind, Nelly, you will have time to finish them both next week."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not say 'never mind,' my dear boy, though I admire and sympathize in
+your kind care of your cousin's feelings," said his mother, in the same
+low tone, as only to be heard by him and Ellen. (Mr. Howard was very
+quick-sighted, and he took Percy's jest and turned off all farther
+notice of his words.) "Even such a little thing as this in Ellen's case
+is pain, and can only be felt as such; we do not lessen it by denying
+it, my Ellen, do we?"</p>
+
+<p>"I would rather feel it, if it would help me to remember," was Ellen's
+earnest and humble reply; adding, "but I thank you, dear Percy&mdash;you are
+so kind."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit," was his laughing answer. "Why, what in the world is this?"
+he added; "I thought the tree was exhausted."</p>
+
+<p>"So it is, but this was hid at its root," replied Mr. Howard, "and
+though it is directed to Caroline, it is somewhat too heavy for my wand,
+and must reach her in a more natural way."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it is my flower, my own beautiful flower, or one exactly like it,
+at least," exclaimed Caroline, joyfully, as, removing a hollow pyramid
+of green and white paper, a myrtle was discovered of the same rare kind,
+and almost in as beautiful flower as the one whose death had caused such
+increased coldness in her feelings toward Ellen. "How did it come? who
+could have procured it for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ellis sent for it at my request, dear Caroline," answered Ellen. "She
+said they were to be purchased from the gardener at Powderham, and if it
+were possible to send any one so far, she would endeavor to get one for
+me; she told me yesterday she had succeeded, and I thought she gave it
+you, as I begged her, directly; I had no opportunity to tell you before,
+but I was so very, very sorry I had hurt your flower."</p>
+
+<p>"Ellis was very wise to put it among the pretty things of this evening,
+instead of obeying you," said her uncle, kindly; "and I really am glad
+that your great desire to replace it made her think of sending for it,
+for though I meant to have given Caroline another, I had so many things
+on my mind this week that it escaped me; and I know they are so much
+sought for, Wilson has scarcely ever one on hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, papa, you were much too kind to think about it at all," said
+Caroline, very earnestly. "I am afraid, if you knew how very cross and
+unkind the loss of the other made me, you would have withdrawn your idea
+of such indulgence. I am very much obliged to you, Ellen," she continued
+much more cordially than she had yet spoken to her cousin; "I did not
+deserve it even from you, for I worked myself into such an ill-temper,
+as almost to believe you did it purposely, and I had no right to think
+that."</p>
+
+<p>It did indeed bear out its language, that pretty flower, for, with this
+one coldness removed&mdash;though Mrs. Hamilton's trembling heart dared not
+hope it would be lasting&mdash;love now reigned pre-eminent. Every happy
+feeling increased when in the presents from their parents each
+recognized something that had been wished for, though they never
+remembered expressing it. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were always united in
+these New Year's gifts, though tokens of approval or occasional
+indulgences were often given separately. There were a set of most
+beautiful engravings for Percy, which for the last three or four months
+he had been most anxious to possess; but with the recollection of former
+folly very fresh in his memory, he had actually succeeded in driving
+them from his mind, and gave them up as unattainable, till he was
+richer, at least. For Herbert there was a fine edition of the Greek
+tragedians in their original, as beautiful a work of art, in its
+"getting up," as Percy called it, as its letter-press, which to Herbert
+was beyond all price. Edward was almost wild, as his uncle and aunt
+telling him he was fourteen next March, and might not be with them next
+New Year's eve, presented him with a treasure coveted beyond all other,
+a gold watch. (His father's had been given by his mother as a parting
+gift to Captain Cameron.) Mr. Howard declared that it was much too good
+for a sailor, and would be lost his first voyage; he had much better
+hand it over to the Rectory, promising to take every care of it; but
+looking so mischievous, Edward vowed it should not get near his hand.
+For Caroline was a most complete and elegantly fitted-up embroidery-box,
+which quite charmed her, for it was exactly like, if not more tasteful
+and complete, than one Annie Grahame had brought from London, and which
+she had wondered, Caroline could "exist" without. As Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton found that she could not only comfortably "exist," but much as
+she admired and had at first so coveted it, as to have a hard battle
+with discontent, she had never even hinted that it might be useful. As
+they perceived that her mind was so happily engrossed by the idea of the
+pleasure her gifts would bestow, as not to cast a thought upon Annie's
+superior box, they indulged themselves and their child, and were more
+than repaid by the beaming look of delight with which it was received.
+For Emmeline was a parcel almost as large as herself, Percy declared. "A
+drawing-box all to yourself, Tiny! Thank goodness! My chalks and pencils
+have some chance of being let alone; I really ought to thank mamma and
+papa quite as much, if not more, than you, considering that in giving
+you a new possession they have preserved me an old one, which I began to
+suspect would desert me piece by piece. What, more?" he continued,
+laughing at his sister's almost scream of delight, as she undid the
+covering of a book, and found it to be the complete poem of the "Lady of
+the Lake," extracts of which she had read in the reviews, and so reveled
+in them, child as she was, as to commit them all to memory, with scarce
+an effort, only longing to know the whole story.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Nelly, what is your secret? still larger than Tiny's; what can
+it be? Come, guess; I have you in my power, for you are not strong
+enough to race me as Em. would, and so I will be more merciful. What of
+all things would you like the best?&mdash;one, two, three guesses, and then
+I'll relieve you; I want to know if papa and mamma have looked into your
+secret chamber of wishes, as they have done in all of ours."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not be afraid of guessing, Ellen; you are so very quiet, that your
+secret chamber of wishes, as Percy calls it, is more concealed than any
+of the others," said her uncle, smiling; "I am always obliged to refer
+to your aunt."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Nell, speak or I will indict you as unworthy of any thing. What
+did you say? a desk! Hurrah! then, there it is; and what a
+beauty&mdash;rosewood and mother-of-pearl&mdash;just fitted for an elegant young
+lady. How could mamma have found out so exactly? You have used the old
+shabby thing Herbert lent you, as quietly and contentedly as if there
+could not be a better. Do let us examine it!" and he dragged a table to
+her sofa, and displayed to the delighted child all its fittings-up, and
+its conveniences, and the pretty pen-holder and pencil-case, and fancy
+wafers, and sealing-wax, and a little gold seal with her own name, and
+every thing that could possibly be thought of. "And even a secret
+drawer," exclaimed Percy, quite proud of the discovery. "Do look,
+Ellen; why, you can keep all sorts of secrets there, for no one would be
+as clever as I am to find out the spring without being told, and of
+course I should not betray it:" and he laughingly sent away every body
+while he explained to Ellen the spring. For some little while longer did
+the young party examine and re-examine and talk of their own and each
+other's treasures. And then Mr. Hamilton bade them remember, that,
+though it was New Year's Eve, it was Sunday evening, too,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> and that he
+had deferred the hour of evening prayer till ten, that they might have
+time to keep both, and so not lose the sacred music which was always
+part of their Sunday recreation, to put away their things, and adjourn
+to their music-room. And he was obeyed in a very few minutes; for though
+they might have preferred lingering and talking where they were, what
+exertion could be too great for those who so thought of, so cared for
+them?</p>
+
+<p>Returning happiness had had such a beneficial effect, that, though Ellen
+still looked pale enough for her aunt not to feel quite comfortable
+about her, she could walk without any return of pain, and in one or two
+hymns even join her voice with her cousins', though it was weaker than
+usual. However small in appearance the talent for music, still Mrs.
+Hamilton cultivated it, in her boys as well as her girls, simply for the
+sake of giving them home resources and amusements that could be pursued
+together; she thought it such a mistaken notion in education to imagine
+that only perfection was worth attaining in the fine arts, and that, if
+there were not talent enough for that, it was better not attempted. Many
+a home might have envied the feelings with which old and young, to the
+lowest domestics, sought their pillows that night; for Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton, so lavish in their indulgence to their children, never forgot
+that for their domestics and retainers there were also claims on New
+Year's Eve; and the servants' hall, and every cottage which called Mr.
+Hamilton landlord, had vied in happiness with his own.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton had visited Ellen the last thing, to see that she was
+quite comfortable, and that there was no return of pain; and she was
+almost startled, and certainly still more bewildered as to how such a
+depth of feeling could exist with such a real childish liability to
+error, and why it should be so carefully concealed, by the way in which
+Ellen clung to her, as she bent over her to wish her good night, with
+the same unrestrained affection as her own Emmeline did so often, with
+the only difference, that with the latter it seemed always to spring
+from the very exuberance of happiness, which could only be thus
+displayed. With Ellen, this night, it appeared like some deep, quiet
+feeling, almost of devotion, and as if&mdash;though Mrs. Hamilton's sober
+reason tried to persuade her imagination that it was too much meaning to
+attach to a mere embrace&mdash;she would thus tell her how intensely she
+felt, not only the indulgence of that evening, but the true kindness and
+watchful love which had caused the preceding sorrow. She might have
+thought, as no doubt many of our readers will, that Ellen was much too
+young and too childish, to contrast her system of treatment with her
+poor mother's; that she felt her soothing care in her hours of physical
+suffering&mdash;her indulgent love making no distinction between her and her
+cousins&mdash;still the more keenly and gratefully, from the recollection of
+her own mother's constant preference of Edward, and utter neglect of
+her; and that this contrast so deepened the love she bore her aunt, that
+it exceeded in intensity even that borne toward her by her own
+children.&mdash;Adults will think this all very fanciful, and perhaps
+interesting, but wholly improbable. Mrs. Hamilton herself would have
+banished the idea, as too imaginary to be entertained seriously for a
+moment, as any guide for her conduct. Ellen herself could not have
+explained or told herself that so she felt; and yet, notwithstanding,
+all we have written was there, and <i>was</i> the real prompter of that
+almost passionate embrace.</p>
+
+<p>"Bless you, my darling!" was Mrs. Hamilton's fond reply, instead of
+permitting the child to perceive the surprise it excited in herself; and
+Ellen sunk to sleep, almost more happy than ever, in her little life,
+she had felt before.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIB" id="CHAPTER_XIB"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CHILDREN'S BALL.</h3>
+
+
+<p>If the thought of their promised ball were the first that entered the
+minds of the young party at Oakwood, as they opened their eyes on New
+Year's day, it was not very unnatural. Percy gloried in the anticipation
+of being master of the ceremonies, and in conducting the whole affair
+with such inimitable grace and gallantry, that every one should declare
+it was far superior to any party, old or young, of the season, except
+Mr. Howard's; that was beyond him, he said, for he could not put Mr.
+Howard's head on his shoulders. Herbert anticipated the enjoyment of
+Mary Greville's society, talking to and dancing with her undisturbed,
+and to hearing the almost universal remark, what a sweet girl she was.
+Edward did not exactly know what he expected, but he was in such a mood
+of hilarity and mischief, that the servants all declared Master
+Fortescue was "<i>mazed</i>." To Caroline their ball was almost always
+(though unconfessedly) the happiest evening in the year. She knew she
+was handsome&mdash;Annie Grahame had told her how very much she would be
+admired in London, and that if she were not her very dearest friend, she
+should envy her beauty terribly. She often in secret longed painfully
+for admiration and homage; and child as she still was in years, yet at
+her own house, and as Mr. Hamilton's eldest daughter, in addition to her
+real attractions, she always received both in sufficient measure, as to
+satisfy even herself. She delighted in those evenings when it so chanced
+that her brothers had young friends with them, making no hesitation in
+confessing that she very much preferred conversing with boys than with
+girls, there was so much more variety, more spirit; and though her
+mother's heart would actually tremble at the fearful ordeal which an
+introduction to the pleasures of the world would be to such a character,
+still she would not check the open expression of such sentiments by
+reproving them as wrong, and not to be encouraged. She knew that though
+education might do much, very much, it could not make natural characters
+all alike; nor, in fact, did she wish it. She did not grieve and
+complain that, with all her efforts she could not make Caroline give
+her as little trouble and anxiety as Emmeline, nor did she imagine that
+she should see the effect of her earnest prayers and cares all at once,
+or without constant relapses in the cherished object of her care. She
+did all she could to counteract a tendency which, situated as she would
+be when she entered life, must, without some strong, high principle,
+lead to suffering, and, perhaps, to sin&mdash;for what is coquetry? But she
+indulged in no idea of security, never believed that because she had so
+tried, so striven to sow the good seed, it could not fail to bring forth
+good fruit. She knew many trials might be in store for her; for how
+might she hope to pass through life blessed as she was then? It might
+please her Father in Heaven to try her faith and duty through those she
+loved so intensely; but if she failed not in her task, he would bring
+her joy at last.</p>
+
+<p>To Emmeline the idea of dancing was quite enough to be the acme of
+enjoyment. The only drawback was, that in the intervals of rest, there
+was to be a little music, and though her mother had excused her at Mr.
+Howard's, she knew that if anybody expressed a wish to hear her at her
+own house, play she must; and at those times she was half sorry she had
+chosen to learn the harp instead of the piano, as Caroline played so
+well on the latter instrument nobody would care to hear her; but the
+harp was rather a novelty, and no little girl who was coming played it,
+and so she was sadly afraid there was no escape for her, and that was
+very disagreeable, but she would not think about it till the time came;
+the dancing to such music as that which Mr. Hamilton had ordered from
+Plymouth was joy enough.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen though rather afraid of so many strangers, could not resist the
+general contagion of anticipated enjoyment. She did not indeed wake with
+the thought of the ball, but with the determination to learn the verse
+of the Psalm her aunt had pointed out, and go and say it to her in her
+dressing-room before she went down. And as the first verse was very
+short she learned two, and repeated them without missing a word, and so
+as if she quite understood them, that her aunt was very much pleased;
+and then Ellen could think of and join her brother's and cousins'
+delight, even though Mrs. Hamilton was obliged to be what she called
+very cruel, but what Ellen knew was very kind, though it did seem a
+restraint, and keep her very quiet all day, instead of letting her run
+about from room to room, as Emmeline and Edward, and even Percy did, for
+fear of another headache; and so well did quietness succeed, that she
+looked and was unusually well, and so was almost lively by the evening.</p>
+
+<p>Just before dinner, Percy, who had gone to ride, because he said he was
+sure he should get into some scrape if he did not give a natural vent to
+his spirits, galloped back in company with a gentleman, whose presence
+seemed to occasion him still greater excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is my mother? and is my father at home?" he asked impatiently,
+flinging his horse's rein to Robert, desiring him to take every care of
+the gentleman's horse, as he should not let him leave Oakwood that
+night; and rushing across the hall threw open the door of their common
+sitting-room, and exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, give me a vote of thanks and praise for my invincible
+eloquence!&mdash;Here is this anchorite, this monk of the moor, who, when I
+first encountered him, seemed so doughty a denier of my wishes, actually
+conquered&mdash;led a slave to your feet; reward me by throwing all the
+fascinations you possibly can in his way, that he may only dream of his
+cold ride and desolate cottage on Dartmoor to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet, madcap!" replied Mrs. Hamilton, rising with very evident
+pleasure, and coming forward with extended hand; "your noisy welcome
+will not permit mine to be heard. This is indeed, a pleasure, Mr.
+Morton," she added, addressing the young clergyman with that earnest
+kindness, which always goes to the heart, "and one that Mr. Hamilton
+will most highly appreciate&mdash;if, as I trust, the chains my son has
+thrown over you, are not so heavy as to become painful."</p>
+
+<p>"I should rather fear the pain will be in casting them off, Mrs.
+Hamilton, not in the wearing them," replied Mr. Morton, almost sadly;
+"it is the knowledge, that mingling as often in your home circle as Mr.
+Hamilton and my friend Percy desire, would wholly unfit me for the
+endurance of my loneliness, that keeps me so aloof, believe me.
+Inclination would act a very different part, but there was no resisting
+such eloquence and such happiness as his to-day," he continued, more
+gayly.</p>
+
+<p>And Mr. Hamilton and Herbert entering as he spoke, their greeting was
+quite as warm and eager as Percy's and his mother's, and Mr. Morton gave
+himself up, for the evening at least, to enjoyment. His own generous
+nature had been particularly struck by Percy's manly conduct with regard
+to his satire, and different as were their characters, a warm friendship
+from that moment commenced between them. It was impossible to resist
+Percy's warm-heartedness of word and deed; and that he would sometimes
+leave his luxurious home, and stay two or three days with Mr. Morton,
+seeming actually to enjoy the rude cottage and its desolate localities,
+and spread such a spirit of mirth within and around, that it was no
+wonder the afflicted young man looked to his society as almost his
+greatest pleasure, especially as he felt he dared not too often accept
+Mr. Hamilton's continually-proffered invitation. Oakwood was the home
+which had been his <i>beau idéal</i> for long years, but which now seemed
+wholly unattainable. He felt himself doomed to solitude and suffering,
+and the struggle for content and cheerfulness was always more painful
+after he had been with his friends.</p>
+
+<p>When all preparations for the evening were concluded, even the
+respective toilets completed, Percy and Emmeline found it impossible to
+resist trying the spring, as they called it, of the oaken floors (whence
+the carpets had been removed), and amused themselves by waltzing in the
+largest circle they could make. The beautiful suite of rooms were all
+thrown open, and perceiving Caroline standing by the piano in an
+adjoining apartment, Percy called out&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Play us a waltz, Caroline, there's a love; the very liveliest you can
+find. Tiny and I want to try the boards while we can enjoy them to
+perfection, that is, when we are the only persons in the room."</p>
+
+<p>"You must excuse me, Percy," she replied somewhat pettishly. "I should
+think you would have dancing enough in the course of the evening; and
+what will our friends think, if they come and find me playing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Think? why, that you are very obliging, which at present you are not,"
+answered Percy, laughing; "never mind, Emmy; let us try what our united
+lungs will do."</p>
+
+<p>"You may if you like, Percy, but really I am not clever enough to dance
+and sing at the same time&mdash;I should have no breath left," was her as
+joyous rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p>"Come and dance, Caroline, if you will not play;" exclaimed Edward, who
+after decorating his button-hole with a sprig of holly, seemed seized
+with Percy's dancing-mania. "Do give me an opportunity of practicing the
+graces before I am called upon to display them."</p>
+
+<p>"My love of dancing is not so great as to attempt it without music, so
+practice by yourself, Edward," was Caroline's quick reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Without spectators, you mean, Lina," observed her brother, very dryly;
+and as Emmeline begged him not to tease her, he asked&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What has put her in this ill-humor, Emmy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't know exactly; but if you let her alone, she will soon
+recover it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to please you, I will; for you look so pretty to-night, I can not
+resist you."</p>
+
+<p>"Take care, Percy, if you try to turn my head with such speeches, I
+shall go to Edward, and punish you by not waltzing with you," said his
+little sister, shaking her head at him with a comic species of reproach.</p>
+
+<p>"That's right, Emmy; do not take flattery even from a brother," said her
+father, coming forward with a smile; "but will you not tire yourself by
+dancing already?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, papa; I feel as if I could dance all night without stopping."</p>
+
+<p>"Not with me, Emmeline," rejoined Percy, shrugging his shoulders with
+horror at the idea; "I should cry you mercy, before one half the time
+had elapsed."</p>
+
+<p>"But if you are not to be tired, will you not spoil your dress, and
+disorder all these flowing curls," continued Mr. Hamilton, "and surely
+that will be a great misfortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed it will not, papa; Percy has surely too much regard for me, to
+willfully hurt my frock, and if my hair should be so troublesome as to
+get out of order, Fanny will re-arrange it in a few minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"If you wish to cause alarm on that score, my dear father," said Percy,
+with marked emphasis, "You must go to Caroline, not to Emmeline. Thank
+goodness, I have one sister above such petty misfortunes."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you not too hard upon Caroline, Percy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, papa, he is indeed; do not mind what he says," answered Emmeline,
+very eagerly; but Percy said impetuously&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am not, Emmeline. I would lay any wager that some thing has gone
+wrong with her dressing, to-night, and so made her pettish. Her frock is
+not smart enough, or she does not wear the ornaments she wished, or some
+such thing."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline had fortunately quitted the music-room, or this speech would
+not have tended to restore her serenity; but before Mr. Hamilton could
+reply, Edward, who had been to seek Ellen, burst into the room
+exclaiming&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Percy, we may have a proper waltz; aunt Emmeline says we may have
+just one before any one comes, and here she is to play for us, and Ellen
+for my partner," and they enjoyed it in earnest. Mr. Hamilton watched
+them for a few minutes, and then went to seek his elder girl.</p>
+
+<p>She was alone in a little room prepared for refreshments, tastefully
+arranging some beautiful flowers in a bouquet. She looked up as he
+entered, and so smiled that her fond father thought Percy must be wrong,
+for there certainly seemed no trace of ill-temper.</p>
+
+<p>"Why are you not with your brothers and sister in the drawing-room, my
+dear? and why did you just now refuse your brother such a trifling favor
+as playing a waltz?" he asked, but so kindly, that Caroline, though she
+blushed deeply, instantly replied&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Because, papa, my temper was not quite restored; I went into the
+music-room to try mamma's remedy of solitude for a few minutes, but
+Percy spoke to me before I had succeeded. I know I answered him
+pettishly, but indeed, papa," she added, looking up earnestly in his
+face, "indeed he is very provoking sometimes."</p>
+
+<p>"I know he is, my love; he does not always know how to time his jokes,
+or to make sufficient allowance for dispositions not exactly like his
+own; but tell me, what first occasioned temper so to fail that solitude
+was necessary."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline's blush became still deeper, and she turned away her head
+saying, very hesitatingly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"For such a very, <i>very</i> silly reason, papa, that I do not like to tell
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my dear, do not fear that I shall either laugh at or reproach you.
+If you feel yourself how very silly it was, I am not afraid of its
+gaining too great ascendency, even if you fail again."</p>
+
+<p>"It was only&mdash;only&mdash;that I was not quite satisfied with the dress mamma
+desired me to wear to-night, papa; that was all, indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"You wished, perhaps, to wear a smarter one, my love," replied her
+father, kissing her glowing cheek so affectionately, that the pain of
+her confession was instantly soothed; "but, indeed, I think mamma has
+shown a much better taste. It requires more care than you are yet
+perhaps aware of to dress so exactly according to our age and station,
+as to do ourselves justice, and yet excite no unpleasant feelings in
+those of a lower, and no contempt in those of a higher grade. Many of
+our friends who are coming to-night could not afford to dress their
+children as we might ours, and do you not think it would be both
+inhospitable and unkind, by being over-dressed, to excite any unpleasant
+feeling of inferiority in their minds, when actually none exists? for
+difference of fortune alone can never constitute inferiority. I am
+wizard enough to guess that was mamma's reason for your being attired so
+simply and yet so prettily to-night, and equally wizard enough to guess
+your reason for wishing to be smarter&mdash;shall I tell it you?" he added,
+playfully. "Because you fancy Miss Grahame will be attired in such a
+very fashionable London costume, that yours will appear so very plain
+and so childish. I see by that conscious smile, I have guessed
+correctly; but, indeed, I would not exchange my dear ingenuous Caroline,
+even were she attired in the cottager's stuff frock for Annie Grahame,
+did she bring worlds as her dowry. And as you like ornaments, wear
+this," he added, tastefully twining a superb sprig of scarlet geranium
+in the rich dark hair that shaded Caroline's noble brow; "and if mamma
+inquires, tell her your father placed it there, as a token of his
+approbation, for temper conquered and truth unhesitatingly spoken&mdash;spite
+of pain."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline's brilliant eye sparkled with a more delightful sense of
+pleasure than any triumph of dress could have bestowed, and in answer to
+her father's inquiry, for whom she had arranged such a beautiful
+bouquet, she said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It is for mamma, dear papa&mdash;Emmeline is always before me; but I think
+the idea of to-night's enjoyment has so bewildered her, that she has
+forgotten it, so I may just have time to present it before any one
+comes," and she hastened with her father to the drawing-room, where she
+found Mrs. Greville and her two children (for Alfred was at home for a
+few months), in addition to Mr. Morton and their own family group; and
+the young clergyman could not but admire the natural grace with which
+Caroline, after warmly welcoming her guests, presented her flowers to
+her mother. It was a very little thing, but the joys and griefs of home
+are almost all made up of little things, and Mrs. Hamilton was pleased,
+not from the attention alone, but that it proved, trifling as it was,
+that the annoyance and discontent which her command had occasioned in
+her child had left no unkind feeling behind them; and the manner with
+which she received it made Caroline very happy, for she had inwardly
+feared her ill-temper not only deserved, but had excited her mother's
+displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline's look of disappointment and self-reproach at her own unusual
+forgetfulness was so irresistibly comic, that Percy and Edward burst
+into an immoderate fit of laughter, which the former only checked to ask
+Caroline where she had been, and what she had done, to produce such an
+extraordinary change for the better in her appearance in so short a
+time.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you have no right to my secrets, Percy," was her perfectly
+good-humored reply; "I do not think I shall answer you, except by having
+the charity to refer you to papa, who has produced the change."</p>
+
+<p>"By means of this pretty flower then, I imagine," said Mrs. Hamilton;
+"its power I do not pretend to know, but the taste with which it is
+placed might vie with that of the most fashionable artiste of the
+metropolis. Mrs. Greville, do unite with me in congratulating Mr.
+Hamilton on his new accomplishment."</p>
+
+<p>The rapid succession of arrivals prevented any further remark, and very
+speedily the inspiring sound of the beautiful music, which was stationed
+in a sort of ante-chamber between the drawing-room and ball-room,
+removed any thing like stiffness or reserve which the younger guests
+might have at first experienced among themselves. After two or three
+quadrilles, the spirit of enjoyment seemed to reign alone, not only
+among the dancers themselves, but even those who sat out and talked,
+either from preference or because the sets were full. Percy, his
+brother, and cousin, were so active, so universal in their attention and
+politeness, that all had the same measure of enjoyment; there was no
+sitting down four or five times consecutively for any one, and therefore
+neither weariness nor dissatisfaction. Where there is a great desire in
+the givers of a party to make every one as happy as themselves, and
+thoroughly to enjoy it, they seldom fail to succeed. And there was such
+a variety of amusements in the various rooms that were thrown open,
+suitable for all ages&mdash;from the mammas and papas to the youngest child,
+that it was scarcely possible to feel any thing but pleasure. Very many
+sets had been formed and danced before the Grahame family appeared, and
+as Caroline glanced at her friend and even at her little sister, it
+required a very vivid recollection of her father's words to prevent a
+feeling of false shame, while Annie looked at Emmeline and even her
+favorite Caroline for a few minutes with almost contempt.</p>
+
+<p>"People talk so very much of Mrs. Hamilton's taste," she thought, "but
+she can have none in dress, that's certain&mdash;why no one could distinguish
+her daughters from the poorest gentleman's here!&mdash;But no one can mistake
+my rank. Thank goodness, there is not a dress like mine&mdash;how it will be
+envied!"</p>
+
+<p>If looks were evidence of envy, Annie had them to her heart's content,
+but how would she have been mortified, could she have read the secret
+meaning of those looks, the contrast drawn between the manners and
+appearance of Lady Helen's daughters and those of the Honorable Mrs.
+Hamilton. Lady Helen herself, indeed, when she saw Caroline and
+Emmeline, was quite provoked that she had been so weak as to permit, and
+even encourage Annie, to select her own and her sister's costume.</p>
+
+<p>"You are so late," said Mrs. Hamilton, as she came forward to greet
+them, "that I almost gave you up, fearing I don't exactly know what. I
+do hope nothing unpleasant has occasioned it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," was Mr. Grahame's reply, and it was almost bitter; "only Miss
+Grahame was so dreadfully afraid of being unfashionably early, that her
+mother did not choose to come before&mdash;indeed, my patience and my little
+Lilla's was so exhausted, that we thought of leaving Cecil to be their
+beau, and coming alone an hour ago." Lady Helen's look of entreaty at
+Mrs. Hamilton was answered by her saying directly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose Annie was thinking of her London parties, and forgot how
+completely Gothic we are as to hours and every thing else in Devonshire.
+But you must try and forget such superior pleasures to-night, my dear
+girl," she added, jestingly, though the young lady felt it rather
+uncomfortably as earnest, "or I fear you will find but little
+amusement." Alfred Greville at that moment came to claim Annie as his
+partner, and she gladly joined him, for though Mrs. Hamilton had
+"certainly no taste in dress," she never felt quite at her ease in her
+presence. Cecil and Lilla were soon provided with little partners, and
+dancing with much more real delight than their sister.</p>
+
+<p>It was scarcely possible for any one, much less a parent, to look at
+Caroline that night without admiration. She was so animated, so
+graceful, so pleasing, and as such completely the center of attraction
+(and really without any effort on her part) to all the gentlemen, young
+or old in the room. The lads congregated round her, and it was rather a
+difficult task to keep clear of offense, when so very many more
+entreated her to dance than the length of the evening permitted; but she
+managed to talk to all, and yet not to neglect any of her own sex, for
+she always refused to dance, if she fancied her being in a quadrille
+prevented any couple who had not danced so much, and at those times
+contrived to conciliate five or six instead of only one. Emmeline took
+charge of the younger children, often refusing to dance with older boys,
+who would have made her much pleasanter partners, that she might join
+the little quadrille and set them all right.</p>
+
+<p>"I am really glad to see Ellen among us to-night, and seeming truly to
+enjoy herself," said Mrs. Greville, addressing Mrs. Hamilton, who was
+standing rather apart at the moment, watching Caroline with such mingled
+feelings of pride and dread, that she was quite glad when her friend's
+voice disturbed her train of thought. "She looked so ill in church
+yesterday, that I half feared we should not see her. I told her I was
+quite grieved that she was too unwell to be at Mr. Howard's last Friday,
+and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What did she say?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"That it was not illness which prevented her; but she looked so confused
+and pained that I changed the subject directly, and the smile soon came
+back."</p>
+
+<p>"You touched on a very painful theme," replied Mrs. Hamilton, with real
+relief; "Ellen and I were not quite as good friends as we usually are,
+last week, and my poor little girl felt my severity more than I imagined
+or meant. I gave her to your dear Mary's especial care to-night, for she
+is so timid, that left quite to herself, I was afraid it would be more
+pain than pleasure. Mary has taken my hint most admirably, for Ellen
+seems quite happy."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be rather hard, if your little niece's were the only sad face
+in this scene of enjoyment; surely, if ever there were happiness without
+alloy, it is here."</p>
+
+<p>"If you think so Mrs. Greville, you will agree with my friend Morton,
+who has just been half poetizing half philosophizing on this scene,"
+said Mr. Hamilton joining them, with the young clergyman leaning on his
+arm. "He says there is something singularly interesting in watching the
+countenances and movements of children, and in tracing the dawnings of
+respective characters."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not one of those, then, who think childhood a mere negative
+species of existence," rejoined Mrs. Greville.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I do not; there is much more pleasure to me in watching such a
+scene, than a similar one of adults. It is full of that kind of poetry,
+which, from the beauty and freshness of the present, creates a future of
+happiness or sorrow, good or evil, as something in each countenance
+seems dimly to foretell. How many will be the longing thoughts thrown
+back in after years upon to-night!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think then childhood the happiest season of life?"</p>
+
+<p>He answered in the affirmative, but Mr. Hamilton shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I differ from you, my good friend," he said. "Childhood feels its
+griefs as bitterly as those of maturer years. We are apt to think it was
+all joy in the retrospect, perhaps because it has not the anxiety and
+cares of riper years, but sorrow itself is felt as keenly. From reason
+not being perfectly formed, the difficulty to control self-will, to
+acquiesce in the, to them, incomprehensible wishes of parents or
+guardians, the restraint they are often compelled to use, must be all
+trials even to well-regulated children, and to those subject to the
+caprices of weakness, indolence, neglect, indulgence at one time, and
+tyranny at another, feelings disbelieved in, and therefore never studied
+or soothed&mdash;the little heart thrown back upon itself&mdash;Morton, believe
+me, these are trials as full of suffering, and as hard to be endured, as
+those which belong to manhood."</p>
+
+<p>"You may be right," replied Morton; "but do you not think there is an
+elasticity in childhood which flings off sorrow, and can realize
+happiness sooner than older years?"</p>
+
+<p>"Undoubtedly, and most happy it is that they are so constituted, else
+what would become of them if their susceptibilities for either joy or
+sorrow are equally quick. If the former did not balance the latter, how
+would their tender frames and quick affections bear their burden? The
+idea that childhood is in itself the happiest season in life is so far
+mischievous, that it prevents the necessary care and watchfulness, which
+alone can make it so. But we must not philosophize any more, for it has
+made us all grave. I see my wife is addressing Miss Grahame, and I think
+it is for music. Come, Morton, take Mrs. Greville to the music-room, and
+woo melody instead of poetry for the next half hour. Miss Grahame
+promises to be a very fair musician, so you will be charmed."</p>
+
+<p>They adjourned to the music-room, where Percy had already gallantly
+conducted Annie, and several of the guests, young and old, seconded the
+move: Annie Grahame really played remarkably well, so far as execution
+and brilliancy were concerned, and Mrs. Hamilton was delighted at the
+expression of Grahame's face as he listened to his child and the
+applause she excited. "Why will he not try to win his home-affections,"
+she thought, "when he is so formed to enjoy them? and why, why has Helen
+so indolently, so foolishly cast away her happiness?" was the thought
+that followed at the contrast which Lady Helen's face presented to her
+husband's; she knew Annie played well, she had heard it from very
+superior judges, and how could it concern her what the present company
+thought?</p>
+
+<p>A very pretty vocal duet from the two sisters followed, and soon
+afterward Caroline approached the music-stand, near which Percy and Mr.
+Morton were talking, and Percy, with his usual love of provoking,
+exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You surely are not going to play after Miss Grahame, Caroline. If your
+powers deserted you a few hours ago, and prevented the execution of a
+waltz, they would certainly do you a charity in deserting you completely
+now."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline's cheek burned, but she answered, with spirit&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma desired me to oblige my friends, Percy; and she would not do so,
+if she thought I should disgrace myself or her."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not heed your brother, Miss Hamilton," interposed Mr. Morton, taking
+the music from her, and offering her his arm to lead her to the piano.
+"I have had the pleasure of hearing you often, and those who can not
+find an equal, if not superior charm in your playing to Miss Grahame's
+do not deserve to listen."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, you must be flattering, Mr. Morton; think of Annie's advantages."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, my dear Miss Hamilton, yours exceed hers; no master's heart is
+in his pupil's progress, as a mother's in her child's, even should she
+not teach, but merely superintend."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline was seated at the instrument as he spoke, and there was
+something in his few words touching a right chord; for as she began to
+play she certainly thought more of her mother than any one else; and
+determined, if possible, that others should think with Mr. Morton,
+forgetting at the moment that very few, except their own immediate
+circle, knew whose pupil she was, not imagining that the mistress of
+Oakwood and its large possessions could have time or inclination for
+any part of the education of her daughters. Morton was certainly right
+as to the amount of admiration, equaling, if not surpassing, that
+bestowed on Miss Grahame; there was a soul, a depth of expression and
+feeling, in Caroline's far simpler piece, that won its way to the heart
+at once, and if it did not surprise as much, it pleased more, and
+excited an earnest wish to listen to her again.</p>
+
+<p>"Does not your younger daughter play?" inquired a lady, who had been
+much attracted with Emmeline.</p>
+
+<p>"Very little, compared with her sister," replied Mrs. Hamilton; "she is
+not nearly so fond of it, and therefore does not devote so much time to
+its acquirement just yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it right to permit children to follow their own
+inclinations with regard to their education?" asked another rather
+stern-looking lady, with much surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Only with regard to their accomplishments; my Emmeline is as fond of
+drawing as Caroline is of music, and therefore I indulge her by
+permitting her to give more time to the one, than to the other."</p>
+
+<p>"But do you think natural taste can be traced so early? that it can be
+distinguished from idleness or perverseness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I do," replied Mrs. Hamilton, earnestly. "If a child be allowed
+leisure to choose its own pursuits, and not always confined to the
+routine of a school-room, natural taste for some employment in
+preference to another will, I think, always display itself. Not that I
+would depend entirely on that, because I think it right and useful to
+cultivate a taste for all the fine arts, only giving more time to that
+which is the favorite. My niece has shown no decided taste for any
+particular pursuit yet; but I do not neglect the cultivation of
+accomplishments on that account; if, in a few years, a preference
+manifests itself, it will be quite time enough to work hard at that
+particular branch."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that pretty little harp used by either of your daughters?" inquired
+the first speaker. "It looks very much as if it were the especial
+property of my engaging little friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Your guess is correct," replied Mrs. Hamilton, smiling "Emmeline was
+quite sure she should hate music, if she must learn the great ugly
+piano. If she might only have a harp, she would do all she could to
+learn, and she really has."</p>
+
+<p>"And may we not hear her?"</p>
+
+<p>"When the room is not quite so full: she has not half her sister's
+confidence, and so large an audience would frighten away all her little
+powers; but I will promise you a very sweet song instead," she added, as
+Herbert approached, and eagerly whispered some request. "That is, if my
+persuasions can prevail on my young friend; Mrs. Greville, must I ask
+your influence, or will mine be enough?"</p>
+
+<p>"What, with Mary? I rather think, your request in this case will be of
+more weight than mine;" and a few minutes afterward Mrs. Hamilton led
+the blushing, timid girl in triumph to the piano. Her voice, which was
+peculiarly sweet and thrilling, though not strong, trembled audibly as
+she commenced; but Herbert was turning over the leaves of her music, his
+mother was standing close beside her, and after the first few bars her
+enthusiastic spirit forgot the presence of all, save those she loved,
+and the spirit of her song.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton never listened to and looked at her at such moments
+without a trembling foreboding she vainly struggled to overcome. There
+was something in those deep blue, earnest eyes, the hectic color that
+with the least exertion rose to her cheek, the transparency of
+complexion, the warm and elevated spirit, the almost angel temper and
+endurance in her peculiarly tried lot, that scarcely seemed of earth;
+and never was that sad foreboding stronger than at that moment, as she
+looked round the crowd of young and happy faces, and none seemed to
+express the same as Mary's. She could scarcely command her voice and
+smile sufficiently to warmly thank her young favorite as she ceased; but
+Mary was more than satisfied by the fond pressure of her hand.</p>
+
+<p>This little interruption to the actual business of the evening only
+increased the zest and enjoyment, when dancing recommenced. Even the
+call to supper was obeyed with reluctance, and speedily accomplished,
+that they might return the sooner to the ball-room. The hours had worn
+away, it seemed, on gossamer-wings, and as each happy child felt assured
+that the delight could not last much longer, the longing to dance to the
+very last moment seemed to increase. Emmeline's excitable spirit had
+thrown off all alloy, for it was quite impossible any one would think of
+asking her to play now; she had arranged all the remaining couples&mdash;for
+the room had begun very much to thin&mdash;for the favorite haymaker's
+country dance,<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> and accepting Edward as her own partner, and being
+unanimously desired to take the top, led off her young friends with such
+spirit and grace, and so little semblance of fatigue, that it certainly
+appeared as if she would verify her own words, and dance all night.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Grahame had declared it was much too great a romp, and declined
+joining it. Caroline, who would have enjoyed it, more out of politeness
+to her friend than inclination, sat down with her, and a cheerful group
+of some of the older lads, and one or two young ladies, joined them.
+Herbert and Mary finding the quadrille for which they were engaged,
+changed to a dance for which, though they had quite the spirit, they had
+not the physical strength, enjoyed a quiet chat instead, and Ellen
+seated herself by her favorite Mary, declining, from fatigue, Alfred
+Greville's entreaty that she would second Emmeline.</p>
+
+<p>"I declare I could dance myself with that merry group," exclaimed Mr.
+Grahame, after watching them some time, and all his austerity banished
+by the kindly spirit of the evening. "Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Greville, do
+one of you take pity on me, and indulge my fancy."</p>
+
+<p>Both ladies laughingly begged to be excused, offering, however, to
+introduce him to a partner.</p>
+
+<p>"No; it must be one of you or none at all. That little sylph of yours,
+Mrs. Hamilton, seems inclined to dance for you and herself too. What a
+pretty couple she and that handsome cousin of hers make! And there goes
+my little Lilla&mdash;I do hope I may have one really happy child. What,
+tired, Percy&mdash;compelled to give up&mdash;absolutely exhausted?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I am," answered Percy, who had waltzed his partner very cleverly
+out of the line, and, after giving her a seat, threw himself on a large
+ottoman.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, if you do not put a stop to Emmeline's proceedings, her
+strength will entirely fail, and down she and Edward will go, and the
+rest follow, just like a pack of cards. Do, pray, prevent such a
+catastrophe, for I assure you it is not in the least unlikely."</p>
+
+<p>The gravity with which he spoke caused a general laugh; but Mrs.
+Hamilton, feeling by the length of time the fatiguing dance had lasted,
+there was really some truth in his words, desired the musicians to stop;
+causing an exclamation of regret and disappointment from many youthful
+lips, and Emmeline and Edward ran up to her, to entreat that they might
+go on little longer. Mrs. Hamilton, however, refused; and Edward
+yielded directly, but Emmeline was so much excited, that obedience was
+most unusually difficult; and when her mother desired her to sit down
+quietly for ten minutes, and then come to the music-room, as Mrs. Allan
+most particularly wished to hear her play before she left, she answered,
+with more petulance than she was at all aware of&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I can not play a note now&mdash;it will be no use trying."</p>
+
+<p>"Emmeline!" exclaimed her mother, adding, gravely, "I am afraid you have
+danced too much, instead of not enough."</p>
+
+<p>The tone, still more than the words, was enough; poor Emmeline was just
+in that mood when tears are quite as near as smiles; her own petulance
+seemed to reproach her too, and she suddenly burst into tears. Many
+exclamations of sympathy and condolence burst from her mother's
+friends:&mdash;"Poor child!" "She has over-tired herself!" "We cannot expect
+her to play now!"&mdash;but Mrs. Greville saying, with a smile, that her
+little friend's tears were always the very lightest April showers,
+successfully turned the attention of many from her; while Mrs. Hamilton
+taking her hand from her face, merely said, in a low voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Do not make me more ashamed of you, Emmeline. What would papa think if
+he were to see you now?" Her little girl's only answer was to bury her
+face still more closely in her mother's dress, very much as if she would
+like to hide herself entirely; but on Mrs. Allan saying, very kindly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Do not distress yourself, my dear. I would not have asked to hear you
+play, if I had thought you would dislike it so much. I dare say you are
+very tired, and so think you will not succeed."</p>
+
+<p>She raised her head directly, shook back the fair ringlets that had
+fallen over her face, and though the tears were still on her cheeks and
+filling her eyes, she said, with a blending of childish shyness and yet
+courageous truth, impossible to be described&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"No, ma'am, I am not too tired to play&mdash;I did not cry from fatigue,
+but because I was angry with mamma for not letting me dance any
+more, and angry with myself for answering her so pettishly; and
+because&mdash;because&mdash;I thought she was displeased, and that I deserved it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then come and redeem your character," was Mrs. Hamilton's only notice
+of a reply that actually made her heart throb with thankfulness, that
+her lessons of truth were so fully understood and practiced by one
+naturally so gentle and timid as her Emmeline: while Mrs. Allan knew not
+what to answer, from a feeling of involuntary respect. It would have
+been so easy to escape a disagreeable task by tacitly allowing that she
+was too tired to play; and what careful training must it have been to
+have so taught truth.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Allan would not ask you before, because she knew you did not like
+to play while the room was so very full; therefore, ought you not to do
+your very best to oblige her?"</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline looked timidly up in her mother's face to be quite sure that
+her displeasure had subsided, as her words seemed to denote; and quite
+satisfied, her tears were all checked, and taking Mrs. Allan's offered
+hand, she went directly to the music-room.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton lingered to desire Herbert (who had come up to know the
+cause of his sister's sudden tears) to form the last quadrille, and
+reserve a place, if he possibly could, for Emmeline, as they would not
+begin till she had done. Her little girl was playing as she rejoined
+her, and it really was a pretty picture, her fairy figure with her tiny
+harp, and her sweet face seeming to express the real feeling with which
+she played. There was no execution in the simple Highland air, but her
+vivid imagination lent it a meaning, and so, when fairly playing, she
+did not mind it. Mrs. Allan had lost a little girl just at Emmeline's
+age, who had also played the harp, and there was something in her caress
+and thanks, after she had done, that made Emmeline stand quietly at her
+side, without heeding the praises that were lavished round her. Herbert
+at that moment appeared with one of the young Allans.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Emmy, we are only waiting for you; Mr. Allan says you have not
+favored him to-night, and he hopes you will now."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, do," added Mrs. Allan, as her son gayly pleaded his own cause;
+Emmeline only waited to read her mother's consent in her eyes, for she
+thought that she ought not to dance any more; and in another minute the
+joyous music had resounded, and she was dancing and chatting as gayly
+and happily as if there had been no interruption to her joy.</p>
+
+<p>"And you will leave all these delights to imprison yourself in a
+man-of-war?" asked Mr. Grahame, jestingly of Edward while waiting for
+his wife and daughters, who were the last departures (much to Annie's
+horror, for it was so unfashionable to be quite the last), to be cloaked
+and shawled.</p>
+
+<p>"Imprison!" was his very indignant reply, "and on the wide, free,
+glorious ocean! flying on the wings of the wind wherever we please, and
+compelling the flag of every land to acknowledge ours! No, Mr. Grahame;
+you landsmen don't know what liberty is, if you talk of imprisonment in
+a ship! We take our home wherever we go, which you landsmen can not do,
+though you do so poetize on the maternal properties of Old Mother
+Earth."</p>
+
+<p>"Only hear him, Hamilton," exclaimed Grahame, laughing heartily; "any
+one would think he had been a sailor all his little life. You talk
+boldly now, my boy, but you may change your tone when you have once
+tried the cockpit."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think I shall," answered Edward, earnestly; "I know there are
+many hardships, and I dare say I shall find them more disagreeable than
+I can possibly imagine; but I shall get used to them; it is so cowardly
+to care for hardships."</p>
+
+<p>"And is it no grief to give up all the pleasures of land?"</p>
+
+<p>"I exchange them for others more delightful still."</p>
+
+<p>"And the sea is to be your sister, uncle, aunt, and
+cousins&mdash;altogether?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes all," replied Edward, laughing; adding, as he put his arm
+affectionately round Ellen, "my sister has so many kind friends that she
+will be able to spare me till I am old enough to do all a brother
+ought."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a good fellow, Edward, and I see I must not talk of parting, if
+I would preserve this evening's pleasure unalloyed," Grahame said, as he
+laid his hand kindly on Ellen's head, and then turned to obey the
+summons of his wife.</p>
+
+<p>The young party, no doubt, felt that it would be infinitely more
+agreeable to sit up all night, and talk of the only too quickly
+concluded enjoyment, than to retire to their respective pillows; but the
+habits of Oakwood were somewhat too well regulated for such dissipation,
+though, no doubt, their <i>dream-land</i> that night, was peopled with the
+pleasant shadows of reality, and, according to their respective sources
+of enjoyment, brought back their evening's happiness again and again.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIIB" id="CHAPTER_XIIB"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>EFFECTS OF PLEASURE.&mdash;THE YOUNG MIDSHIPMAN.&mdash;ILL-TEMPER, ITS ORIGIN AND
+CONSEQUENCES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The return to the quiet routine of work, and less exciting recreation
+after the Christmas pleasures, was of course a trial to all our young
+friends. Not so much to the boys, as to their sisters; Percy's elastic
+spirits found pleasure in every thing, being somewhat too old to care
+for his studies, or feel them now as a restraint. Herbert only exchanged
+one kind of happiness for another. Edward looked to every month that
+passed, as bringing nearer the attainment of his wishes; and he was so
+fond of Mr. Howard, and so quick at learning, and such a favorite with
+all his schoolfellows, that he did not care at all when the time of work
+came again. Ellen and Emmeline both found it very difficult to like
+their lessons again; especially the latter, who felt as if work and
+regularity were most particularly disagreeable things, and sometimes was
+almost in despair as to her ever enjoying them again; but she tried very
+hard to overcome indolence, and never give way to petulance, and
+succeeded, so as to win her the delight of both her parents'
+approbation. Indulgence always made her feel as if no effort on her part
+was too great to prove how much she felt it; and when any one, old or
+young, experiences this sort of feeling, they need never be afraid but
+that they will succeed in their efforts, painful and hard as they may at
+first seem. It was not so difficult for Ellen as for Emmeline, because
+she was less able to realize such an intensity of pleasure. She seemed
+safer when regularly employed; and besides, to work hard at her
+respective studies, was one of the very few things which she could do to
+prove how much she loved her aunt; and accustomed from such early
+childhood to conquer inclination, and, in fact, never to fancy pleasure
+and indulgence were her due, there was happiness enough for her even in
+their more regular life: but to Caroline the change was actually
+unbearable. While admiration and praise only incited Emmeline to greater
+exertions, they caused Caroline completely to relax in hers, and to
+give, in consequence, as much trouble and annoyance as she had received
+pleasure. The perseverance in her various studies, especially in music,
+the unceasing control over her temper, which <i>before</i> the holidays she
+had so striven for, had now entirely given way. It was much less trouble
+for her to learn than Emmeline, therefore her studies with Miss Harcourt
+were generally well performed; but the admiration she had excited made
+her long for more, and believe herself a person deserving much more
+consideration and respect than she received from her own family. These
+thoughts persisted in, of course, produced and retained ill-temper;
+which, as there was no longer any fear of her being debarred by its
+indulgence from any pleasure, she made no attempt to overcome. The
+praise bestowed on her music, made her fancy herself a much greater
+proficient than she really was, and though her love of music was great,
+her love of praise was greater; and so she not only relaxed in her
+practice, but inwardly murmured at the very little praise she received
+from her mother.</p>
+
+<p>"How can you give mamma so much trouble, Caroline, when you know you can
+do so much better?" Herbert exclaimed, one day, when an attack of
+weakness, to which he was liable, had confined him to a sofa.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton, after giving her usual hour's lesson, in which Caroline
+had chosen to do nothing, had left her in very evident displeasure, and
+even Herbert was roused to most unusual indignation.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the use of practicing day after day?" was her angry reply; "I
+am sure I should play just as well if I practiced less."</p>
+
+<p>"You did not think so a month ago, Caroline."</p>
+
+<p>"No, because then I had something to practice for."</p>
+
+<p>"And have you nothing now?&mdash;Is mamma's approbation nothing?&mdash;Is the
+pleasure you give all of us, by your talent for music, nothing?&mdash;Oh,
+Caroline, why will you throw away so much real gratification, for the
+vain desire of universal admiration?"</p>
+
+<p>"There surely can be no harm, Herbert, in wishing to be universally
+loved and admired."</p>
+
+<p>"There is, when it makes you discontented and unhappy, and blind to the
+love and admiration of your home. What is the praise of strangers worth,
+compared to that of those who love you best?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is not much chance of my receiving either at present," was the
+cold reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Because you will not try for the one most easily and happily obtained;
+and even without thinking of praise, how can you be so ungrateful, as to
+repay all mamma's care and trouble by the indolence, coldness, and
+almost insolence, you have shown to-day? How few mothers of her rank
+would&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You may spare your sermon, Herbert; for at this moment I am not
+disposed either to listen to or profit by it," interrupted Caroline, and
+she left the room in anger. A faint flush rose to the pale cheek of her
+brother, but he quickly conquered the natural irritation, and sought his
+mother, by every fond attention on his part, to remove the pain of
+Caroline's conduct.</p>
+
+<p>This continued for about a fortnight, at the end of which time, Caroline
+suddenly resumed her music with assiduity, and there were no more
+ebullitions of ill-temper. Herbert hoped his expostulations were taking
+effect; Mrs. Hamilton trusted that her child was becoming sensible of
+her past folly, and trying to conquer it, and banish its memory herself:
+both, however, were mistaken. Annie Grahame had imparted to her friend,
+in strict confidence, that her mother intended giving a grand ball about
+the end of February, and meant to entreat Mrs. Hamilton, as a personal
+favor, to let Caroline be present. Caroline little knew the very slight
+foundation Annie had for this assertion. Lady Helen had merely said,
+<i>perhaps</i> she would ask; and this was only said, because she was too
+indolent and weak to say "No" at once. Not that she had any unkind
+feeling toward Caroline, but simply because she was perfectly certain
+Mrs. Hamilton would not consent, and to persuade as earnestly as Annie
+wished was really too much trouble.</p>
+
+<p>Caroline's wishes in this instance triumphed over her better judgment,
+for had she allowed herself to think soberly, she ought to have known
+her mother's principles of action sufficiently, not to entertain the
+slightest hope of going.</p>
+
+<p>The invitations (three weeks' notice) for her parents and brothers came.
+In them she did not expect to be included, but when above a week passed,
+and still not a word was said, disappointment took the place of hope,
+and it was only the still lingering belief that she might go, even at
+the last moment, that prevented the return of ill-temper.</p>
+
+<p>Now Lady Helen really had asked, though she did not persuade; and Mrs.
+Hamilton thanked her, but, as she expected, decidedly refused. "Caroline
+was much too young," she said, "for such a party. Did she know any thing
+about being asked?" Lady Helen said, with truth, that she had not
+mentioned the subject to her, and had desired Annie to be equally
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton quite forgot that Miss Grahame was not famous for
+obedience, and, relying on her friend's assurance, determined on not
+saying any thing to Caroline about it; wishing to spare her the pain
+which she knew her refusal would inflict. As it happened, it would have
+been better if she had spoken. The weather had prevented Caroline from
+seeing Annie, but she was quite sure she would not deceive her; and her
+proud heart rebelled against her mother, not only for refusing Lady
+Helen's request, but for treating her so much like a child, as to hide
+that refusal from her. Under the influence of such thoughts, of course,
+her temper became more and more difficult to control and as a natural
+consequence, anger and irritation against her mother, and self-reproach
+for the indulgence of such feelings increased, till she became actually
+miserable.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that about this time Miss Harcourt left Oakwood for a week
+on a visit to an invalid friend at Dartmouth. Mrs. Hamilton had given
+her full liberty, promising that her pupils should lose nothing by her
+absence. She left on the Saturday, and the Thursday was Lady Helen's
+ball. On the Monday, Mr. Hamilton, detained Edward as he was leaving the
+library, after morning prayers, and told him that he had received a
+letter, which he thought might chance to interest him. Ten minutes
+afterward, Edward rushed into the breakfast-room, in a state of such
+joyous excitement that he could scarcely speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Wish me five, ten, twenty thousand joys!" he exclaimed, springing from
+chair to chair, as if velocity of movement should bring back speech. "In
+one month the Prince William sails, and I am to meet her at Portsmouth,
+and be a sailor, a real sailor; and to-morrow fortnight uncle says we
+are to start for London, and have ten days there to see all the fine
+sights, and then go to Portsmouth, and see all that is to be seen there,
+and then&mdash;and then&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Take care you do not lose your wits before you leave Oakwood,"
+interposed Percy laughing heartily. "I should not at all wonder, before
+you go, that you will be fancying the river Dart the Atlantic, and set
+sail in a basket, touch at all the islets you may pass, imagining them
+various cities, and finally land at Dartmouth, believing it Halifax,
+your destined port&mdash;that will be the end of your sailorship, Edward,
+depend upon it."</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think I should stand a chance of being ducked into my sober
+senses again, Percy, unless wicker be waterproof, which I never heard it
+was."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have, though," eagerly interrupted Emmeline; "the Scots and Picts
+invaded England in wicker boats, and to have held so many men, they must
+have been strong and waterproof too. So you see, Percy's basket is only
+an ancient boat, Edward. You are much better off than you thought you
+were."</p>
+
+<p>"Give me Alfred's wooden walls instead, Emmy; your Picts and Scots were
+very little better than savages&mdash;Alfred is my man; he deserves to be
+called great, if it were only for forming the first English navy. But
+neither my aunt nor Ellen have wished me joy. I think I shall be
+offended."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton could not speak at the first moment, for the joy, the
+animation of her nephew so recalled the day when her own much-loved
+brother, her darling Charles, had rushed into her room, to tell her all
+his glee, for no one ever listened to and shared in his joys and
+troubles as she did. He was then scarcely older than Edward, as full of
+hope and joy and buoyancy&mdash;where was he? Would his fate be that of the
+bright, beautiful boy before her? And as Edward threw his arms round her
+neck, and kissed her again and again, telling her he could not be quite
+sure it was not all a dream, unless she wished him joy too it was the
+utmost effort to prevent the fast gathering tears, and so command her
+voice, that he should not hear her tremble. Poor Ellen looked and felt
+bewildered. She had always tried to realize that Edward, to be a sailor,
+must leave her; and in fact aware that his summons would soon come, her
+aunt and uncle had often alluded to his departure before her, but still
+she had never thought it near; and now the news was so sudden, and
+Edward was so wild with joy she fancied she ought to rejoice too, but
+she could not; and Percy was obliged to ask her merrily, what ailed her,
+and if she could not trust to his being a much more worthy brother than
+such a water-rat, who had no business whatever on land, before she could
+take her place at the breakfast table and try to smile. But her eyes
+would rest on Edward even then, and she felt as if there were something
+across her throat and she could not swallow the nice roll which Herbert,
+had so kindly buttered and cut, and so quietly placed in her plate; and
+when Edward said something very funny, as he was in the habit of doing,
+and made them all laugh, she tried to laugh too, but instead of a laugh
+it was a sob that startled herself, for she was quite sure she did not
+mean to be so foolish: but instead of being reproved, as she was afraid
+she should be, she felt her aunt's arm thrown gently round her, till she
+could hide her face on her shoulder, and cry quite quietly for a few
+minutes, for they went on talking and laughing round the
+breakfast-table, and nobody took any notice of her, which she was quite
+glad of, for she could not bear Edward to think she was unhappy when he
+was so pleased. And after breakfast, though he was in such a desperate
+hurry to tell Mr. Howard the good news, that when he did set off, he
+left even Percy far behind him, he found time to give her a hearty kiss,
+and to tell her that he loved her very much, though he could not help
+being so glad he was going to sea; and that he was quite proud of her,
+because though he knew she was very sorry he was going, she did not cry
+and make a fuss as some selfish people would; and then she really did
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>"It is Monday morning, my dears, and I find Ellis and Morris require my
+attention for a longer time than I expected," Mrs. Hamilton said, as she
+entered the school-room, and found the three girls preparing their
+books, "so I must set you all to work, and see how well you can get on
+without me till eleven, when I will rejoin you. I shall order the
+carriage at half-past twelve, and if all I require is completed, we will
+pay your favorite old ruin a visit, Emmy; the morning is so lovely, that
+I think we may venture to take our sketch-books, and see what other part
+of Berry Pomeroy we can take pencil possession of."</p>
+
+<p>Such an anticipation was quite enough for Emmeline. Her dance about the
+room was only checked by the idea that her lessons would never be ready,
+nor her exercises and sums done, unless she sat quietly down, and so,
+with a great effort, she gave all her attention to her various tasks,
+and mastered them even before her mother returned. Ellen, though she
+tried quite as much, was not so successful. The Prince William would
+sail in miniature on her slate, over all her figures. The recollection
+of the awful storm they had encountered on their voyage to England would
+return so vividly, that the very room seemed to heave. And then&mdash;but she
+could not make out why she should think about that then&mdash;her mother's
+death-bed came before her and her promise, and it seemed harder still to
+part with Edward, from a vague dread that came over her, but still she
+tried to attend to what she had to do, and congratulated herself on its
+completion before her aunt appeared.</p>
+
+<p>Caroline, alone, was determined not to work. Because she had not made
+herself miserable enough already, the most unfounded jealousy entered
+her head from seeing her mother's caressing kindness toward Ellen at
+breakfast; why was not her manner as kind to her! She was quite as
+unhappy, and her mother must see it, but she took no notice of her&mdash;only
+of Ellen. She might be cross sometimes, but she never told stories or
+tried to hide her faults, and it was very hard and unjust that she
+should be treated so like a child, and Ellen made so much of; and so she
+thought and thought, not attempting to do a single thing till she
+actually made herself believe, for the time, that her kind, indulgent
+mother had no love for her; and every thing looked blacker than before.</p>
+
+<p>She made no effort to rouse herself even in Mrs. Hamilton's presence,
+but listened to her remonstrances with such extreme carelessness, almost
+insolence, that her mother felt her patience failing. The self-control,
+however, for which she had successfully striven, enabled her so to
+overcome the irritation, as to retain her own quiet dignity, and simply
+to desire Caroline to give her attention at once to her studies, and
+conquer her ill-temper, or not to think of accompanying them on their
+excursion, as idleness and peevishness were better left to themselves.
+An insolent and haughty reply rose to Caroline's lips; but with an
+effort she remained silent, her flushed forehead alone denoting the
+internal agitation. Emmeline's diligence and the approbation she
+received irritated her still more; but she rejoiced when she heard her
+mother tell Ellen there was not a correct line in her French exercise,
+and her sum, a compound long division, wrong from the very first figure.
+But the pleasure soon gave place to indignant anger, when, instead of
+the reproof which she believed would follow, Mrs. Hamilton said very
+kindly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I should very much like these done correctly, Ellen, before we go out;
+suppose you ensconce yourself in that bay window, there are a table and
+chair all ready for you, and we shall not interrupt you as we should if
+you remain at this table. I know they are both very difficult, to-day
+especially, but the more merit in their accomplishment, you know the
+more pleased I shall be."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen obeyed directly; a little care, and with the assistance of her
+grammar, which her aunt permitted her to refer to, instead of depending
+entirely on her memory that morning, enabled her to succeed with her
+French; but four times was that tormenting sum returned to, till at last
+her tears effaced the figures as fast as they were written. Still,
+patience and resolution in both teacher and pupil conquered, and the
+fifth time there was not a figure wrong; and Mrs. Hamilton, fondly
+putting back the heavy ringlets which in Ellen's absorbed attention had
+fallen over her tearful cheeks, said, playfully&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I tell you a secret, my little Ellen? I was quite as disinclined
+to be firm this morning as you were to be patient; so you see we have
+both gained a grand victory. My conjuring propensities, as Emmy thinks
+them, told me that you had real cause for some little inattention, and,
+therefore that it was very cruel in me to be so determined; but my
+<i>judgment</i> would tell me that my <i>feeling</i> was wrong, and that to
+conquer disinclination and overcome a difficulty, was a much better way
+of lessening even natural sorrow than to give up. I do not expect you to
+think so just now, but I fancy you are not very sorry this disagreeable,
+terribly tiresome sum has not to be done to-morrow, which it must have
+been, had you left it to-day."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen was so glad, that she felt almost happy, and her few other duties
+were done quite briskly, for Mrs. Hamilton had been so kind as to
+countermand the carriage till one, that she and Caroline might have time
+to finish. But Caroline, if she had not tried before, was now still less
+capable of doing so. Every word of kindness addressed to Ellen increased
+the storm raging within, and the difficulty of restraining it in Mrs.
+Hamilton's presence caused it to burst forth with unmitigated violence
+the moment she quitted the apartment, desiring Emmeline and Ellen to
+make haste, and put away their books, but still without taking the least
+notice of her. Invective, reproach, almost abuse, were poured against
+Ellen, who stood actually frightened at the violence she had so very
+innocently excited, and at the fearful and deforming passion which
+inflamed her cousin's every feature. Caroline's anger had miscounted
+time, or she must have known that her mother could not have gone far
+enough, for such unusual tones of excitement to escape her quick
+hearing. Mrs. Hamilton, startled and alarmed, returned directly, and so
+vividly did her child's appearance and words recall her own misguided
+sister in those uncontrolled fits of fury, under which she had so often
+trembled, that present disappointment and dread for the future, took
+possession of her, and for the moment rendered her powerless. Caroline
+was too much engrossed to perceive her at first, and she had, therefore
+time to rally from the momentary weakness.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?" she exclaimed, fixing her eyes on Caroline, with
+that expression of quiet but stern reproof, which when she did use
+it&mdash;and it was very seldom&mdash;had the power of subduing even the wildest
+excitement. "What has Ellen done, that you should abuse her with this
+unjust and cruel and most unfeminine violence? You have indulged your
+ill-temper till you do not know what you say or do, and you are venting
+on another the anger which my displeasure has caused you to feel toward
+me and toward yourself. I desire that you will control it directly, or
+retire to your own room, till you can behave with some degree of
+propriety, and not disturb the comfort and happiness of others in this
+most uncalled-for manner."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not go," answered Caroline, bursting into violent tears, and
+scarcely aware of what she was saying, "I know I dislike Ellen, and I
+have reason to dislike her, for before she came, you were never so often
+displeased with me; you are always kind and indulgent to her, always
+treat her as a reasonable being, not as the child, the infant you think
+me. I know you have lost all love for me, or you must have seen I was
+unhappy, and spoken kindly to me, as you did to Ellen; I have every
+reason to dislike her, stealing your affection from me as she has, and I
+do with all my heart!"</p>
+
+<p>"Go, and prepare for our drive, my dear children," Mrs. Hamilton said,
+as she calmly turned for a moment to Emmeline and Ellen, who both stood
+bewildered, the former from actual terror that her sister should dare so
+to address her mother, and the latter from pain at the violent avowal of
+a dislike which she had intuitively felt, but had always tried to
+disbelieve. "The beauty of the day will be gone if we linger much
+longer, and I do not intend to be disappointed of our promised ramble.
+Do not think any thing of what this unhappy girl is saying; at present
+she scarcely knows herself, and will by-and-by wish it recalled, far
+more intensely than ever we can."</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline longed to throw her arms round her mother, and with tears
+beseech her to forget what Caroline had said; but, though Mrs. Hamilton
+had spoken cheerfully, and in quite her usual tone of voice to them,
+there was something in her countenance, that checked any display of
+softness even in her affectionate child; something that almost awed her,
+and she left the room with Ellen to prepare for the promised excursion,
+which had, however, lost all its anticipated enjoyment from the
+uncontrolled temper of another.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Caroline, I will answer you," said Mrs. Hamilton, as soon as they
+were alone, and again regarding Caroline, who was sobbing violently,
+with that same searching look. "Your charges are such very heavy ones,
+that I really must request you during my absence to arrange and define
+them in some order. I am so perfectly ignorant of having given you any
+foundation for them, that, before I can attempt defense, you must inform
+me exactly and definitely of what you complain. That this morning my
+manner was kinder to Ellen than to you I quite acknowledge. Her
+inattention and depression had a cause, yours had none; for if you were
+unhappy, it was from your own fearful temper, which by encouragement has
+blackened every thing around you. You may employ your time till dinner
+as you choose; but at five o'clock come to me in my dressing-room,
+prepared to define and inform me of every charge you can bring against
+me. You will consider this a command, Caroline, disregard or evasion of
+which will be disobedience."</p>
+
+<p>She left the room, and in a very short time afterward Caroline heard the
+carriage drive off; but for nearly three long hours she never moved from
+her seat, so utterly miserable, as scarcely even to change her position.
+Never in her life before, not in her most angry moments, had she so
+spoken to her mother, and her remorse was almost intolerable. Again and
+again she remembered what Mrs. Hamilton had told her so often, that, if
+she did not strive and pray against the dominion of ill-temper while
+young, it would become more and more uncontrollable, and the older she
+became, the more difficult to subdue, even in a moderate degree; and her
+words were indeed true. It had been many months since temper had gained
+such an ascendency, and its effects were far, far more violent, and its
+power over her more determined, and if, as she grew older, it should be
+still worse, what would become of her? how insufferably wretched? what
+would she not have given to have recalled her words? The jealousy which
+had arisen, now she knew not how, had sunk into air before those few
+calm inquiring sentences from her mother, and in her excessive misery
+every kind deed and word and look, every fond indulgence and
+forbearance, in fact, all the love her mother had so lavished on her
+from her infancy, rushed back upon her, till she actually hated herself,
+and longed the more intensely for the comfort of that soothing
+affection, which, in real pain or childish sorrow, had never been
+refused her.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, why did Annie tell me any thing about that hateful ball?" she
+exclaimed, at length, as the sound of many joyous voices and the
+dressing-bell proclaimed the return of the various members of her family
+only in time to prepare for dinner. "It was all, all from that; I know
+now, only from that one thought&mdash;one wish. Why was I such a fool, as not
+to tell mamma at once that I knew I was to be asked, and wished so much
+to go?&mdash;if she had refused me, it would not have been half the pain I
+have made for myself. And how can I meet papa's eye and Percy's unkind
+jokes with eyes like these?" she added, as on rising to go to her own
+room, she caught sight of her own face in a mirror, and actually started
+at the disfigurement which the violence of her emotion had wrought. "Oh,
+how I wish mamma had not desired me to go to her; that I could but hide
+myself from every body&mdash;or get rid of this horrible black cloud."</p>
+
+<p>From every eye but her mother's she could and did hide herself; for
+saying that her head ached, which was the truth, and she did not wish
+any thing to take, she refused to go down to dinner. Mrs. Hamilton had
+successfully exerted herself during their excursion, and Emmeline and
+Ellen enjoyed themselves so thoroughly as almost to forget the alloy of
+the morning; and even when Caroline's message recalled it, the boys were
+all so merry, that it did not disturb them. Percy always declared that
+Caroline's headache was only another term for temper-ache, and he would
+certainly have sent her some message of mock pity, if his quick eye had
+not discovered or fancied that his mother did not look quite as well as
+usual, and so he contented himself by trying still more to be the life
+of the dinner-table. Mr. Hamilton had seen at a single glance that all
+was not quite right, and Caroline's non-appearance and message explained
+it, to his extreme regret, for he had begun to hope and believe that his
+wife's extreme solicitude, on her account, was beginning to decrease.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton had not much doubt that silence and solitude had so far
+had effect on Caroline as to subdue passion, and bring her to a sense of
+her misconduct; but that had scarcely power to lessen the anxiety and
+the pain which Caroline's words had so wantonly inflicted. Had she
+indeed evinced any thing like undue partiality? the idea alone almost
+brought a smile; fondly, and almost as her own child, as she loved her
+little niece. The very anxiety Caroline occasioned her, deepened her
+affection; the very control she was obliged to exercise in her mode of
+guiding her, strengthened every feeling toward her. She was so enwrapped
+in these painfully engrossing thoughts, in the strict examination of her
+own own heart, that she was not aware the time she had appointed had
+passed by full ten minutes, till she was roused by the handle of her
+door being softly turned, and left again, as if some one had wished to
+enter, but hesitated. The very hesitation gave her hope, for she really
+did not know that the utmost penalty she could have inflicted on
+Caroline, in the moment of natural indignation, would have failed in
+producing such an effect as the simple command to seek her, and define
+her charges against her, when that angry excitement had so calmed, that
+Caroline would have given worlds, if she might but have not referred to
+it again. She knew she dared not disobey, but her daring had left her so
+powerless that she had stood at her mother's door full ten minutes
+before she could command courage sufficient to open it and enter.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton looked at her changed aspect, the bitter humiliation
+expressed in every feature, with such pity, that it required even more
+than her usual exercise of control, to retain the grave, and apparently
+unmoved tone with which she said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You have had a long time in which to reflect on your charges against
+me, Caroline. I hope they are now sufficiently defined for me to
+understand and answer them. You may sit down, for you do not seem very
+capable of standing."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline gladly obeyed, by sitting down on a low ottoman, some little
+distance from her mother, on whose neck she absolutely longed to throw
+herself and beseech forgiveness; but Mrs. Hamilton's tone was not such
+as to give her courage to do so. She remained silent, burying her face
+in her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I am waiting your pleasure, Caroline; I should have thought that you
+had had plenty of time to think during my absence. Of what do you accuse
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, nothing, nothing! mamma, dear mamma, do not speak to me in that
+tone, I can not bear it; indeed, indeed, I am miserable enough already;
+condemn me to any punishment, the severest you can, I know I deserve
+it&mdash;but do not, do not speak so."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Caroline; were I to condemn you to any punishment, it would seem
+more like vengeance for the pain you have inflicted on me by your
+accusation of partiality and injustice, than from the hope of producing
+any good end. You are no longer a child, who must be taught the line of
+duty to a parent. You know it now as well as I can teach it, and if you
+fail, must be answerable only to yourself. I can not help you any
+further, than by requesting you to explain clearly the origin of your
+complaint against me. Its main ground of offense is, I believe, that
+since Ellen has become an inmate of my family I have treated you with
+more harshness and unkindness than I ever did before. Can you look back
+on the last eighteen months and recall one instance in which this has
+been the case? I must have an answer, Caroline; you may now think
+explanation is not necessary, and that you meant nothing when you spoke,
+but that will not satisfy me nor you, when ill-temper regains
+ascendency. You need not refrain from answering for fear of wounding me.
+You can scarcely do that more than you have done already."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline tried to speak, but she could only sob forth, that she could
+not recall one instance, in which her mother had been more displeased
+with her than her conduct merited. Acknowledging, but almost
+inarticulately, that she had sometimes fancied that she had remained
+longer cold with her than with Ellen, after the committal of a
+fault&mdash;and that&mdash;(she stopped).</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, Caroline."</p>
+
+<p>"I could not feel my faults such heavy ones as Ellen's."</p>
+
+<p>"They are of equal, if not greater weight than your cousin's, Caroline.
+You have been, from your earliest infancy, the object of the most tender
+and devoted care to your father and myself. Miss Harcourt has followed
+out our plans; you have never been exposed to any temptation, not even
+that of casual bad example. Ellen, till she became mine, encountered
+neglect, harshness, all that could not fail in such a character to
+engender the faults she has. You can not compare yourself with her, for,
+had you been situated as she was, I fear you would have had still
+heavier failings."</p>
+
+<p>"I should never have told untruths," exclaimed Caroline with returning
+temper.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not, for some persons are so physically constituted that they
+do not know what fear is; and harshness would harden, not terrify and
+crush, as with such dispositions as Ellen's. But Caroline, when temper
+gains dominion over you, as it has done to-day, do you always think and
+utter nothing but the truth?"</p>
+
+<p>Caroline turned from that penetrating look and burst into tears. Few as
+the words were, they seemed to flash light into the very inmost recesses
+of her heart, and tell her that in moments of uncontrolled temper, in
+her brooding fancies, she really did forfeit the truth, on adherence to
+which she so prided herself; and that there was no excuse for her in the
+idea that she did not know what she said or did&mdash;for why had religion
+and reason been so carefully implanted within her, but to enable her to
+subdue the evil temper, ere it acquired such fearful dominion.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you have never thought of this before, Caroline," resumed Mrs.
+Hamilton, and her tone was not quite so cold; "but think of it in
+future, and it may help you to conquer yourself. Remember, words can
+never be recalled, and that, though you may have lost such command over
+yourself, as scarcely to know the exact sense of what you say, yet those
+to whom they are addressed, or those who may have only heard them, must
+believe, and so receive, and perhaps act on false impressions, which no
+after effort will remove. Now to your next charge, that I treat Ellen as
+a reasonable being, and you as a child:&mdash;if you have the least
+foundation for this supposition, speak it without hesitation&mdash;whence has
+it arisen?"</p>
+
+<p>For one minute Caroline hesitated, but then resolved she would atone for
+her fault at least by a full confession. She told all the wishes, the
+hopes Annie's information of Lady Helen's promise had imparted, and the
+pain it was to feel that her mother thought her such a child as not to
+speak to her on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"And if you did think so, Caroline, why did you not from the first
+moment that Annie told you of it, come to me, and tell me how very much
+you wished it? I could not, indeed, have granted your wishes, but your
+confidence would have been met with such indulgence as would at least
+have saved you some degree of pain. Believing, as I did, and as Lady
+Helen assured me I might with safety, that you knew nothing about
+it&mdash;would you have thought it kind or judicious in me, had I said, 'Lady
+Helen has persuaded me to take you to her ball, but I have refused her.'
+I was silent to spare you pain, as, had you permitted yourself calmly to
+think, you would have believed. However, as appearances were, I grant
+that I have not treated you, in this instance, with the consideration
+that your age might perhaps have demanded; and from Annie not obeying
+Lady Helen's desire, that she should not mention the subject to you,
+have failed in sparing you the pain of disappointment, as I had hoped.
+But another time, instead of brooding over that which seems want of
+consideration on my part, come to me at once, and spare yourself and me
+the pain you have caused me to-day. I do not think you can accuse me of
+ever meeting your confidence with so much harshness as to check such
+openness on your part."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline looked hastily up; her mother's tone was almost as fond as
+usual, and, unable to restrain the impulse any longer, she started from
+her low seat, and kneeling down close by her, clung round her,
+passionately exclaiming&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma! mamma! pray, forgive me; I am so very miserable&mdash;I can not bear
+myself&mdash;I do not know when I shall be happy again; for even if you
+forgive me, I know&mdash;I know&mdash;I never can forgive myself."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not wish you to forgive yourself just yet, my dear child," replied
+her mother, not refusing the kiss Caroline's eyes so earnestly besought.
+"Your fault has been such an aggravated one, that I fear it must cause
+you many days of remorse, the most painful kind of suffering which error
+can bring; but do not try to shake it off; I would rather see you endure
+it, and not expect happiness for a few days. You know where to seek the
+only source which can bring peace and comfort, and you must endeavor by
+earnest prayer to strengthen yourself for the conflict you have so often
+to encounter. You have a very difficult task, my poor child, that I
+know; and, therefore, do I so try to provide you with a guard and help."</p>
+
+<p>"If I could but conquer it at first," answered Caroline, whose violent
+excitement had given way to tears of real repentance; "but at first it
+seems almost a pleasure to me to be cross to every body, and answer
+pettishly, and as if it were pleasanter to encourage disagreeable
+thoughts than to read or do any thing that would remove them. And then,
+when I would give any thing to escape from them, it seems every body's
+fault but my own, and I can not."</p>
+
+<p>"If you accustomed yourself constantly to pray against this great fault,
+my dear child, you would find, that its very first approach would so
+startle you, that you would use every energy to subdue it. But I fear,
+it is only when temper has made you miserable, as it has to-day, that
+you are quite aware of its enormity. You do not think the fault great
+enough to demand the watchfulness and care without which it never will
+be subdued."</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid I do not indeed, mamma. I know I do not make it a subject
+of prayer, as you have so often advised me, except when every thing
+looks so black, and I am so miserable; and then, I fear, I ask more to
+be happy again, than for forgiveness of my sin, and for grace and
+strength to overcome it. I never felt this to be the case so strongly as
+to-day, but your coldness seems to have shown me my whole self, and I
+never thought I was so wicked, and so I must be miserable."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton involuntarily drew her child more closely to her. The
+humility, the bitterness of self-reproach, was so unlike Caroline's
+usual haughtiness&mdash;so very much deeper than they had ever been before,
+that she hoped, in spite of her anxiety, and her voice audibly trembled
+as she answered&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"If you really feel this, my Caroline, you will not hesitate to follow
+my advice, and really pray and watch against this unhappy temper, even
+when every thing is so smooth and happy, that you can not imagine why
+you need. Sin always gains ascendency by using pleasure as his covering.
+Do not let a single cross word, or momentary unkind thought, pass
+unnoticed; never cease in your petition for grace and strength, but do
+not be content with only prayer; you must use effort as well, and if
+your thoughts will be black, and you feel as if you could not conquer
+them by yourself, nor banish them even by your favorite employments,
+come to me, confess them without fear or hesitation to me, and let us
+try if we can not conquer them together. Will you promise me to try this
+plan, Caroline?"</p>
+
+<p>Caroline could not reply, for every kind word her mother spoke, seemed
+to heighten self-reproach, and make her still more wretched. Mrs.
+Hamilton felt that there was no refusal in her silence, and continued
+talking to her in that same gentle strain a little while longer, and
+then rose to leave her&mdash;but Caroline looked so sorrowful that she
+hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"No, mamma, I do not deserve that you should stay with me, and so
+deprive Emmeline and Ellen, and the boys of their favorite hour," she
+said, though the tears started again to her eyes, for she felt as if it
+would be an indescribable comfort still to be alone with her mother. "I
+am too unhappy and too ashamed to join them, if I may remain away?" Mrs.
+Hamilton answered in the affirmative. "I have not a thing prepared for
+to-morrow, and&mdash;and I do not&mdash;indeed, I do not mean to give you any more
+trouble with my studies. I hate myself for that, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not attempt to study to-night, my dear Caroline; get up a little
+earlier to-morrow, to be ready for me, if you like; but though it will
+be much more painful to you to remain idle the remainder of this evening
+than to employ yourself, even with the most disagreeable task, I would
+much rather you should do so. Once let temper be quite subdued, and your
+heart receive its necessary government, and I have no fear but that you
+will very quickly make up for lost time; and even if you did not,
+believe me, my dear child, the graces of the mind, precious as in
+general they are considered, and as they are, still are to me actually
+nothing worth, if unaccompanied by a gentle temper and womanly heart. Do
+not shrink from the suffering which it will be to sit alone and think on
+all that has passed to-day; but let your remorse be accompanied by a
+resolution (which you are quite capable of not only forming, but of
+keeping) not to rest till by prayer and effort you have sought God's
+blessing on your difficult task, and so feel strengthened for its
+fulfillment; and also for persevering in it, for you must not hope to
+succeed in subduing yourself all at once. Do this, and I shall be better
+pleased than if to-morrow morning you brought me a treble quantity of
+mental work."</p>
+
+<p>She embraced and left her&mdash;to meditations, from whose bitter, though
+salutary pain, Caroline made no attempt to escape; though, had it not
+been for her mother's advice, she would gladly have flown to her
+studies, and worked with double assiduity, believing that she was, by
+doing so, atoning for her fault, instead of merely shrinking from its
+remembrance. It was a trial to join her family even for prayers; for she
+felt so self-convicted, so humbled, that she fancied every one must
+despise her; and when, after the service, Percy approached, and, with
+mock sympathy, inquired how her headache was, and if she had recovered
+her appetite, and begged her not to be ill at such a critical time, as
+he most particularly wished to go to Lady Helen's ball, and he could not
+be so cruel, if she were not well, her spirit was so broken that the
+large tears rolled down her cheeks, and she turned away without uttering
+a single word.</p>
+
+<p>"If you had taken the trouble to look in your sister's face, Percy, you
+would not have spoken so unkindly," said Mrs. Hamilton, more hastily
+than she was in the habit of interfering; and as Caroline came to her,
+she whispered some few fond words, that enabled her to wish her father
+good-night and leave the room, without any farther display of emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you wish your sister to dislike you, Percy?" she said gently
+detaining him, as he was following Caroline.</p>
+
+<p>"Dislike me, mother? No! how can you think so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because you act as if you wished it; you never see her uncomfortable,
+without trying to make her more so, and is that kind? How can she ever
+look up to and love you, while such is the case?"</p>
+
+<p>"I only mean it for fun, mother. It is such glorious enjoyment to me to
+torment, when I see people cross and miserable for nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"And in the enjoyment of your fun, my dear boy, you forget other
+people's feelings. I must beg you as an especial favor to myself, that
+you will do all you can to soothe rather than irritate Caroline, in the
+short time that intervenes before you go to London. She will have a hard
+struggle with herself, so do not you make her trial more difficult."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you wish it, mother, dear? you know I would refrain from teasing
+even for a whole year, if it would please you, and give me the privilege
+of a kiss whenever I like," he laughingly answered, looking up in her
+face so archly and yet so fondly, that his mother could not help
+smiling; promising she would not sentence him to any thing so terrible
+as not to tease for a whole year, as she was quite sure he would fall
+into his old propensities before a quarter of the time had expired.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIIIB" id="CHAPTER_XIIIB"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>SUSPICION.&mdash;A PARTING, A DOUBLE GRIEF.&mdash;INNOCENCE PROVED.&mdash;WRONG DONE
+AND EVIL CONFIRMED BY DOUBT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lady Helen's ball took place; and Caroline had so conquered herself,
+that she could listen to Percy's flowing account of its delights with
+actual cheerfulness. It was so associated with self-reproach, that she
+could scarcely think of it without pain; but she was so convinced of her
+folly in permitting such a very little thing so to affect her temper as
+to cause all the misery she had endured, that she had resolved to punish
+herself, not only by listening to Percy, but by herself inquiring the
+details. She was a girl of really a strong mind, and once convinced of
+error, once released from the fell dominion of temper, she did not care
+what pain she endured, or what difficulty she encountered, so that she
+could but convince her mother how truly she regretted, and tried to
+atone for past misconduct. It was very easy, as Mrs. Hamilton had told
+her, to regain lost time in her studies, but not quite so easy to check
+the cross word or unkind thought, and to break from the black cloud that
+still at times would envelop her. But she did not give way, constantly
+even making opportunities for self-denial, and doing little kindnesses
+for Ellen, though she was too truthful to profess an affection which as
+yet she could not feel.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the following week Mr. Grahame came over to Oakwood with a
+petition. Annie having taken cold at the party, had been obliged to
+enact the invalid, much against her inclination, and so entreated her
+mother to invite Caroline to spend a few days with her; and to her
+astonishment, her cold, harsh father volunteered to go himself for her.
+Mr. Hamilton at once acceded; his wife hesitated; but she went at once
+to Caroline, who chanced to be reading alone in the school-room, for it
+was the time of recreation, and told her. For a moment her countenance
+was actually radiant with delight, the next it clouded over.</p>
+
+<p>"You would like it very much, but you are afraid I shall not permit you
+to go&mdash;is that the meaning of your change of countenance?" asked her
+mother, half smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid of myself, mamma; for I fear I am always more ill-tempered
+and proud after any such pleasure as going to Moorlands would be."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you rather not go, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can not say quite that, mamma; I should like it very much, if I could
+but be sure of myself afterward."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever feel such a doubt of yourself before, Caroline, when going
+to stay with Annie?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, mamma; I seem to have thought a great deal more the last few days,
+and not to feel half so sure of myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I think there is less danger for you, that is, of course, if you
+are willing to risk the temptation of Lady Helen's too kind
+consideration and lavish praises, which make mine so very tame."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mamma, pray do not say so," interrupted Caroline, very eagerly.
+"Indeed, I would rather hear you speak and see you smile as you do now,
+than listen to all that Lady Helen is so kind as to say. I know I did
+like it very much, and that it did sometimes make me fancy when I came
+home, that you were almost cold. But, indeed, indeed, I hope I am
+learning to know you better."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, too, dearest. But Mr. Grahame is waiting for you; and,
+by-the-by, begged me to ask you for some lines you promised to copy out
+for a print in Lady Helen's album. You may do just as you like about
+going, because you are quite old and wise enough to decide for yourself.
+Ill-temper always brings such suffering with it, that if pleasure must
+recall it, you will be wiser not to go; but if you can resist it&mdash;if you
+think you can return to your quiet daily routine as forbearing and
+gentle and happy as you are now, go, my love, and enjoy yourself as much
+as you can."</p>
+
+<p>"I will try and remember all you said about prayer when we think we are
+most secure, dear mamma," answered Caroline, in a very earnest and
+somewhat lowered voice. "I know, whenever I have been to Moorlands
+before, I have felt so elated, so sure I should never be in an
+ill-temper, so proud from being made so much of, that I fear I have very
+often relaxed even in my daily prayers, and never thought it necessary
+to pray against ill-temper. Do you think if I watch myself, and still
+pray against it, it will save me from being cross and unkind on my
+return?"</p>
+
+<p>"It will undoubtedly help you, my dear child, very considerably, and
+render your trial very much easier, but I can not promise you that it
+will entirely prevent the <i>inclination</i> to feel pettish and unhappy. I
+have no doubt that in time it will prevent even that; but now, you know,
+it is very early days, and you have not yet forgotten the bitter pain of
+last week; still I think you may venture to go, love, and if I do see
+you happy and gentle on your return, it will do much toward convincing
+me you are striving in earnest. Make haste and get ready, and do not
+forget the poem. I will send over your things. Tell Lady Helen I shall
+expect all her family next Monday evening, to join Edward's little
+farewell-party, and you can return with them."</p>
+
+<p>With the most delighted alacrity Caroline hastened to get ready, and in
+her hurry forgot the poem till she re-entered the school-room, which was
+still untenanted.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I do for some writing-paper?" she thought; "the desks are
+all put away, and it will detain me so long to go up again for the
+keys, and the volume is too large to carry&mdash;oh, I will tear out a blank
+page from this book, it will not be very elegant, but I can recopy it at
+Moorlands."</p>
+
+<p>And she hastily tore out a page from an exercise-book which lay open on
+the table; not perceiving that by doing so, a fellow-leaf, which was
+written on, was loosened, and fell to the ground, mingling with some
+torn papers which had been put in a heap to be cleared away. She had
+just finished it, when Fanny came to tell her Mr. Grahame could not wait
+any longer, and asking if all the papers on the ground were to be
+removed, Caroline hastily answered in the affirmative, without looking
+at them, and the girl bore them off in her apron, the written leaf among
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Now it so happened that this written leaf had already occasioned
+trouble. Miss Harcourt had been so displeased with Ellen's careless
+performance of a French exercise that morning, that she had desired her
+to write it again. It was very difficult, and had materially shortened
+the time which she had promised to devote to Edward, who was this week
+released from his attendance on Mr. Howard, to permit him and Ellen to
+be as much together as possible. Hurried by him, she left her book open
+on the table to dry, and, finding it closed on her return, put it away,
+without looking at it. The following day Miss Harcourt, of course,
+requested to see it, and, to Ellen's utter astonishment, her exercise
+was not there; only the faulty and blotted theme, with no sign to
+explain its disappearance. Now we know Miss Harcourt was rather
+prejudiced against Ellen, and, as she had unhappily failed in truth more
+than once (perhaps she was not so unjust and harsh as poor Ellen felt
+her to be), she refused to believe her assurance that she had written
+it. No one had been in the school-room at the time to whom she could
+refer: if Ellen had never disobeyed or deceived, of course her word
+would be sufficient, as her brother's and cousins' would.</p>
+
+<p>"That you have failed again, both in obedience and truth, Ellen, I can
+not for a moment doubt, and it certainly would be my duty to inform your
+aunt directly; but as I know it would cause her real suffering to be
+compelled to punish you just this last week that Edward will be with us
+for some time, I shall say nothing about it to her, nor inflict any
+penalty on you to attract her notice, but it is entirely for her sake I
+forbear. One so hardened in falsehood as you must be, so soon to forget
+her kind indulgence after your fault only a few weeks ago, can deserve
+nothing but harshness and contempt. I shall certainly, after this week,
+warn her not to trust too implicitly in your artful professions of
+repentance."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Ellen felt too bewildered and too miserable even to cry. That she
+had written her exercise, she was as positive as that she had been told
+to do so; but if she had&mdash;what had become of it? Harsh as Miss Harcourt
+seemed, appearances were certainly very much against her. She had not a
+single proof that she had obeyed, and her word was nothing; even
+Emmeline looked at her doubtingly, and as if she could scarcely even
+pity her. It was very little comfort to think her aunt was not to be
+told. Her own impulse was to go to her, and tell her at once; but how
+could she be believed? and Mrs. Hamilton's words&mdash;"If I ever discover
+another untruth, you will compel me to adopt still severer measures,
+pain as it will be to myself," the remembrance of all she had suffered,
+the disappointment it would be to her aunt to think all she had said and
+read to her were forgotten, when in reality she was constantly thinking
+of and trying to act on them, all checked the impulse, and terrified her
+into silence.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Harcourt was not an acute physiognomist; she could only read in
+Ellen's face hardihood and recklessness. We rather think Mrs. Hamilton
+would have read something very different; but she was very much engaged
+with Edward, and if she did think Ellen looked much more out of spirits,
+she attributed it to natural feeling at the rapid approach of the day of
+separation. For her brother's sake, to prove to him she could enter into
+his joy, she tried very hard not to evince the least symptom of
+depression, and never to cry before him at least; though every night,
+that told her another day had gone, and brought before her all sorts of
+vague feelings and fancies of dread, she either cried herself to sleep,
+or laid awake, still more unhappy. The suspicion attached to her seemed
+to double the severity of the trial of parting. Edward was her own;
+Edward must love her, with all her faults; but even her aunt, her kind,
+dear, good aunt, must cease to have any affection for her, if so
+constantly believed guilty of a sin so terrible as falsehood. And she
+seemed to love her brother still more than ever, every day that brought
+the hour of parting nearer&mdash;sometimes as if she <i>could not</i> bear the
+pain of not being able to look at his bright face, and listen to his
+glad laugh and dear voice for three, perhaps six long years. Her aunt's
+gentle kindness seemed to increase her unhappiness, for though she knew
+she was innocent, still she felt, if Miss Harcourt had told Mrs.
+Hamilton, she could not be so caressed and cared for and she was
+receiving that which she was believed to have forfeited. Miss Harcourt's
+face certainly seemed to ask her as distinctly as words, how she could
+be so artful&mdash;so deceitful&mdash;as to permit her aunt to take such notice of
+her; and so she often shrunk away, when she most longed to sit by and
+listen to her.</p>
+
+<p>Edward's spirits never sobered, except now and then, when he thought of
+leaving Mrs. Hamilton, to whom he had given the same love he had
+lavished on his mother, perhaps to a still greater extent, for reverence
+was largely mingled with it. Mr Howard, too, was another whom he grieved
+to leave, and Mrs. Hamilton so trusted in these apparently strong
+affections and his good disposition, as to feel but little anxiety;
+merely sorrow that she was to lose him for a profession of danger. She
+did not know, nor did Mr. Howard, nor Edward himself, that he was one
+who would be guided more by the influence of those with whom he was
+intimately thrown, than by any memory of the absent, or judgment of his
+own.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen's manner on Monday evening annoyed and prejudiced Miss Harcourt
+still more; Mrs. Greville and Mary, Lady Helen and all her family,
+bringing Caroline home with them, Mr. Howard, and some of Edward's
+favorite companions, all assembled at Oakwood, and every one was
+determined to be gay and cheerful, and Edward's voice was the merriest,
+and his laugh the happiest there; and Ellen, though her head ached with
+the effort, and the constant struggle of the preceding week, was quite
+cheerful too, and talked to Mary Greville, and Lilla and Cecil Grahame,
+and even to Mr. Howard, as Miss Harcourt felt she had no right to do;
+and as must prove her to be that which she had always fancied her. Mrs.
+Hamilton, on the contrary, saw that in the very midst of a laugh, or of
+speaking, her niece's eye would rest upon Edward, and the lip quite
+quiver, and her smile become for the moment so strained, that she was
+satisfied Ellen's cheerfulness proceeded from no want of feeling; she
+wondered, indeed, at so much control at such an early age, but she loved
+her for it, notwithstanding. Once only Ellen was nearly conquered. Mary
+had begged her to sing a little Hindoo air, of which she was
+particularly fond, and Edward, hearing the request, said eagerly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Do sing it, dear Ellen; I am quite as fond of it as Mary is, for it
+seems to make me think of India and poor mamma, and it will be such a
+long time before I hear it again."</p>
+
+<p>She had never in her whole life felt so disinclined to sing, so as if it
+were quite impossible&mdash;as if she must cry if she did; but Edward would
+think it so unkind if she refused, for she did not know herself why his
+very words should have increased the difficulty, and what reason could
+she give him? Mary went and asked Mrs. Hamilton to accompany her; and
+Ellen did her very best, but her voice would tremble, and just before
+the end of the second verse it failed entirely; but still she was glad
+she had tried, for on Mrs. Hamilton saying, very kindly, and in a voice
+that only she and Mary could hear, "I was half afraid you would not
+succeed to-night, my dear Ellen, but you were quite right to try," Mary
+seemed to understand at once why it had been so difficult for her to
+oblige her, and to be quite sorry she had pressed it so much, and Edward
+had thanked her, and told her he should sing it in idea very often. She
+tried to be merry again, but she could not succeed as before, and so she
+kept as near her aunt as she could, all the remainder of the evening, as
+if she were only safe there.</p>
+
+<p>Edward, too, had a hard battle with himself, as one by one his favorite
+companions took leave of him with a hearty shake of the hand, and
+eager&mdash;but in some, half-choked wishes for his health and prosperity;
+and when all had gone, and Mr. Howard, who had remained for prayers,
+took him in his arms, and solemnly prayed God to bless him, and save him
+from danger and temptation, and permit him to return to his family,
+improved in all things that would make him an affectionate guardian to
+his orphan sister, and repay all the love and care of his aunt and
+uncle, it was a desperate effort that prevented him from sobbing like a
+child; but he had his midshipman's uniform on for the first time, and he
+was quite resolved he would not disgrace it; therefore he only returned
+Mr. Howard's embrace very warmly, and ran out of the room. But when his
+aunt went into his room an hour afterward, it appeared as if he had put
+off his pride and his uniform together, for, though he was fast asleep,
+his pillow was quite wet with tears.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning was a very sad one, though Percy and his father did all
+they could to make it cheerful (we ought to have said before that Percy
+and Herbert were both going with Mr. Hamilton and Edward). No one liked
+the idea of losing Edward for so long a time. He had made himself a
+favorite with all, even with every one of the servants, who, when the
+carriage was ready at eleven o'clock, thronged into the hall to take a
+last look at him. He was so altered, that he had that morning, actually
+of his own accord, shaken hands with every one of them who had ever done
+any thing for him, especially Ellis and Morris, and Robert, to whom he
+had given a very handsome present, and thanked him for all his
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>He kept up very manfully till he came to his aunt, whose emotion, as she
+held him in a close embrace, was so unusually visible, and for the
+moment he seemed so to love her, that the idea of the sea lost half its
+delight, and he felt as if he could almost have liked to remain with
+her. But Percy's joyous voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Master Edward, I thought you were a sailor, not a school-boy. Off
+with you; you will not give me time or room for one kiss from mamma
+before we go," roused him, and he tried to laugh in the midst of his
+tears, gave Ellen another kiss, and ran into the carriage, where he was
+quickly followed by his uncle and cousins, and in a very few minutes
+Oakwood, dear, happy Oakwood, as his whole heart felt it at that moment,
+was hidden from his sight.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen remained by the window, looking after the carriage, long after it
+was impossible to see or hear it, very pale, and her eyes very heavy,
+but not in tears; and as her aunt went to her, and put her arm round
+her, and began talking to her very cheerfully of all Edward would have
+to write to her about, and how soon they might hear from him, and that
+Ellen should answer him as often and as fully as she liked, and that she
+would not even ask to see her letters to him, or all his to her, as they
+might have many little affectionate things to say to each other, that
+they might not care about any one else seeing, and she would trust them
+both&mdash;Ellen seemed as if one pain was soothed, and if indeed she heard
+often from him, she might bear his departure. But there was still the
+other source of unhappiness, recalled every time she met Miss Harcourt's
+cold suspicious look, which had not changed even then. Still she tried
+to join her cousins, and get her work, for there were no studies that
+morning, and so some little time passed, by Mrs. Hamilton's exertions,
+almost cheerfully; but then Ellen left the room to get something she
+wanted, and, in seeking her own, passed Edward's room, the door of which
+stood half open. She could not resist entering, and every thing spoke of
+him so vividly, and yet seemed so to tell her he had gone, really gone,
+and she was quite alone, that all the pain came back again worse than
+ever, and she laid her head on his pillow, and her long-checked tears
+flowed with almost passionate violence.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Ellen, I have been looking for you every where," said her
+aunt's kind voice, full an hour afterward; "Emmeline went into your room
+and could not find you, and I could not imagine what had become of you.
+It was not wise of you to come here just this morning, love. You have
+been so brave, so unselfish all this week, that I must not let you give
+way now. Try and think only that Edward will be happier as a sailor than
+he would be remaining with you; and though I know you must miss him
+very, very painfully, you will be able to bear it better. Poor Alice
+Seaton, of whom you have heard me speak, has no such comfort; her
+brother could not bear the idea of a sea life, and is scarcely strong
+enough for it; and yet, poor fellow, it is the only opening his uncle
+has for him, and his poor sister had not only that pain to bear&mdash;for you
+can fancy how dreadful it would be, if Edward had left us for a life in
+which he thought he should be miserable&mdash;but is obliged to leave the
+aunt she loves, as much, I think, as you love me, Ellen, and go as a
+teacher in a school, to bear her accumulated sorrow quite alone. Sad as
+your trial is, you have still many things to bless God for, dearest, as
+I am sure you will acknowledge, if, when the pain of the present moment
+has subsided, you think of Alice, and try to put yourself in her place."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not only parting from Edward," answered Ellen, trying to check
+her tears, but clasping her arms still closer round her aunt, as if
+dreading that her own words should send her from her.</p>
+
+<p>"Not only parting from Edward, Ellen, love! what is it then? tell me,"
+replied Mrs. Hamilton, surprised and almost alarmed. But Ellen could not
+go on, much as she wished it, for her momentary courage had deserted
+her, and she could only cry more bitterly than before. "Have you done
+any thing wrong, Ellen? and have you forgotten my promise?" inquired her
+aunt, after waiting several minutes, and speaking very sorrowfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Harcourt thinks I have, aunt; but indeed, indeed, I have not; I
+have not been so very wicked as to tell another falsehood. I know no one
+can believe me, but I would rather you should know it, even if&mdash;if you
+punish me again."</p>
+
+<p>"You must try to be more calm, my dear Ellen, and tell me clearly what
+is causing you so much additional suffering; for I can not quite
+understand you. I certainly shall not punish you, unless <i>quite</i>
+convinced you have failed in truth again, which I do not think you have.
+Tell me exactly what it is, and look at me while you are speaking."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen tried to obey, but her grief had gained such an ascendency, that
+it was very difficult. Mrs. Hamilton looked very thoughtful when she
+ceased, for she really was more perplexed than she allowed Ellen to
+perceive; and the poor child, fancying her silence could only mean
+disbelief and condemnation, remained quiet and trembling by her side.</p>
+
+<p>"I promised you that I would not doubt you, Ellen, and I will not now,
+though appearances are so strong against you," she said, after several
+minutes' thought. "Come with me to the school-room, and show me your
+exercise-book; I may find some clew to explain this mystery."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen thought that was quite impossible; but, inexpressibly comforted by
+her aunt's trust, she went with her directly.</p>
+
+<p>"Ellen has been telling me that you have been very much displeased with
+her, my dear Lucy," Mrs. Hamilton said, directly she entered, addressing
+Miss Harcourt, who was sitting reading with Caroline and Emmeline, "and
+certainly with great apparent justice; but she is so unhappy about it,
+that I can scarcely believe that she has forgotten all which passed
+between us a short time ago, and I am going, therefore, with your
+permission, to try if I can not discover something that may throw a
+light on the subject."</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid that will scarcely be possible," replied Miss Harcourt;
+"however, I am glad she has had the candor to tell you, instead of
+continuing to receive your notice, as she has done the last week." Ellen
+had brought her book while Miss Harcourt was speaking, and Mrs. Hamilton
+attentively examined it.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not begin one like this the same day, Caroline?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, mamma; don't you remember we were obliged to send to Harris for
+them? as the parcel with the stationery did not come from Exeter as soon
+as we expected. And we noticed how much thinner they were, though they
+were the same sized books."</p>
+
+<p>"And did I not hear you say something about their having the same number
+of leaves, and therefore it must have been only the quality of the paper
+which made the difference?"</p>
+
+<p>"What a memory you have, mamma," answered Caroline, smiling. "I did not
+think you were taking the least notice of us, but I do remember saying
+so now, and, indeed, I very often wish the quality had been the same,
+for our writing looks horrid."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you happen to remember the number of leaves they contained, and if
+they were both alike?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know they had both the same number, and I think it was
+two-and-twenty, but I can tell you in a moment." And with her usual
+quickness of movement, Caroline unlocked her desk, drew forth her book,
+and ran over the leaves.</p>
+
+<p>"I am right&mdash;two-and-twenty."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are quite sure they had both the same number?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly certain, mamma."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, by some incomprehensible means, two leaves have disappeared from
+Ellen's&mdash;here are only twenty. Have you ever torn a leaf out, Ellen?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, aunt, indeed I have not."</p>
+
+<p>"When did Miss Harcourt tell you to write this missing exercise?"</p>
+
+<p>"Last Monday week&mdash;I mean yesterday week."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you write it, and what did you do with your book afterward?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wrote it at this table, aunt: I was so sorry I had to do it, when
+Edward depended so much on my going out with him, that I thought it
+would save time not to get my desk; and as soon as it was done, I left
+it open to dry. When I came home it was closed, and I put it away
+without looking at it, and the next morning the exercise was not there."</p>
+
+<p>"Who was in this room after you left it? by-the-by, it was the morning
+you went to Lady Helen's, Caroline; did you notice Ellen's book open, as
+she said? Why, what is the matter, my dear?" she added, observing that
+Caroline looked as if some sudden light had flashed upon her, and then,
+really grieved.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so very, <i>very</i> sorry, mamma; I do believe it has been all my
+haste and carelessness that has caused Ellen all this unhappiness. I was
+in such a hurry to copy the poem for Lady Helen, that I tore a blank
+leaf out of an open book on the table, without thinking whose it was. In
+my haste the book fell to the ground, I picked it up to write on it, but
+never noticed if the fellow-leaf fell out, which it must have done, and
+no doubt Fanny carried it away with some other torn papers, which she
+asked me if she were to destroy. I am more sorry than I can tell you,
+Ellen; pray believe that I did not do it purposely."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure she will, if it be only for the comfort of our knowing the
+truth," said Mrs. Hamilton, truly relieved, not only from the
+explanation, but perceiving Caroline's voluntarily offered kiss was
+willingly and heartily returned by Ellen. It was almost the first she
+had ever seen exchanged between them.</p>
+
+<p>"I must believe you, dear Caroline, for you never say what you do not
+mean," said Ellen, earnestly; "but I do so wish Miss Harcourt could see
+my exercise; she would quite believe me then."</p>
+
+<p>"And we should all be more satisfied," replied Mrs. Hamilton, perceiving
+in a moment that Miss Harcourt still doubted, and ringing the bell, she
+desired the footman to send Fanny to her.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember taking some torn papers from this room the morning you
+went to tell Miss Hamilton that Mr. Grahame was waiting?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madam."</p>
+
+<p>"And were they all torn up in small pieces?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam; there was one like the page out of a book, which made me ask
+Miss Hamilton if they were all to be destroyed. It was such a nice clean
+piece, only being written on one side, that I wrapped up some lace in
+it&mdash;Mrs. Ellis having only half an hour before scolded me for not
+keeping it more carefully."</p>
+
+<p>"Bring me the leaf, my good girl, and Miss Ellen will give you a still
+better piece for the purpose," replied her mistress, quite unable to
+suppress a smile, and Ellen hastily took out a large sheet of writing
+paper, and the moment Fanny returned (she seemed gone an age) gave it to
+her, and seized her own, which she placed in her aunt's hand, without
+being able to speak a single word.</p>
+
+<p>"I think that is the very theme, and certainly Ellen's writing, my dear
+Lucy; we can have no more doubt now," said Mrs. Hamilton, the moment
+Fanny had left the room, delighted with the exchange, and drawing Ellen
+close to her, for the poor child could really scarcely stand.</p>
+
+<p>"I have done you injustice, Ellen, and I beg your pardon," replied Miss
+Harcourt directly, and Mrs. Hamilton would have been better pleased had
+she stopped there, but she could not help adding, "You know I should
+never have doubted you, if you had not so often forfeited truth."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen's first impulse had been to go to her, but her last words caused
+her to bury her face on her aunt's shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"I really think, Ellen, you ought to thank Ellis for giving Fanny a
+scolding, as it has done you such excellent service," resumed Mrs.
+Hamilton, playfully; "and what fee are you going to give me for taking
+upon myself to prove your innocence in open court? I think myself so
+very clever, that I shall tell Percy I am a better lawyer without study,
+than he can hope to be with. You don't seem very capable of doing any
+thing but kissing me now, and so I will not be very exacting. You have
+cried yourself almost ill, and so must bear the penalty. Go and lie down
+in my dressing-room for an hour or two; Emmeline, go with your cousin,
+and see what a kind, affectionate nurse you can be till I come. It is
+never too early to practice such a complete woman's office."</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline, quite proud of the charge, and more grieved than she very well
+knew how to express, till she was quite alone with Ellen, that she, too,
+had suspected and been cold to her the last week, left the room with her
+cousin. Caroline seemed to hesitate for a moment, but she was quite
+certain by her mother's face that she wished to speak with Miss
+Harcourt, and so, without being told, took up her book, and went into
+the library.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, Lucy, I am going to ask you a personal favor," began Mrs.
+Hamilton, the moment they were alone.</p>
+
+<p>"That I will try and not judge Ellen so harshly again," was her instant
+reply; "you have every right to <i>desire</i> it, my dear friend, not to ask
+it as a favor; I <i>was</i> too prejudiced and too hasty; but your own dear
+children are so truthful, so open, that I fear they have quite spoiled
+me for the necessary patience and forbearance with others."</p>
+
+<p>"You have not quite guessed it, Lucy. Appearances were so very strongly
+against that poor child, that I am not at all astonished you should have
+disbelieved her assertion. In the moment of irritation, it is not
+unlikely I should have done so myself; but the favor I am going to ask
+you, is merely that you will try and <i>never show</i> that you doubt her
+word, or refer to her past failures. I am quite convinced that untruth
+is not Ellen's natural disposition, but that it has been caused by the
+same circumstances which have made her such a painfully timid, too
+humble character. If, with all her efforts to conquer herself, she still
+finds her word doubted, and the past brought forward, she never will be
+able to succeed. Examine as strictly and carefully as you please, and as
+I am sure she will desire, if necessary&mdash;as she did to-day&mdash;but oblige
+me, and <i>never doubt her</i>. If she finds we never do, it will raise her
+self-esteem, and give her a still further incentive to adhere as
+strictly to the truth, as she sees we believe she does. I am certain the
+habit of falsehood has often been strengthened by the injudicious and
+cruel references to one or two childish failures. If I am never to be
+believed, what is the use of trying to tell the truth? is the very
+natural question; and the present pain of carefulness being greater than
+the visible amount of evil, the habit is confirmed. Will you oblige me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I will, dearest Mrs. Hamilton; how can you talk so! Have you
+not a right to desire what you think proper, in my guidance of your
+children, instead of so appealing to me as an equal?"</p>
+
+<p>"And are you not? My dear Lucy, have I ever, in act or word, considered
+you otherwise? In the very intrusting my children to your care, do I not
+prove that I must think you so? Have you lived with me all these years,
+and not yet discovered that I have some few notions peculiar perhaps to
+myself, but that one among them is, that we can never consider too much,
+or be too grateful to those invaluable friends who help us in the
+training of our children?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have lived long enough with you to know that there never was, never
+can be, any woman like you, either as wife, mother, mistress, or
+friend!" exclaimed Miss Harcourt, with most unusual fervor.</p>
+
+<p>"You did not know your own mother, dearest Lucy, as how I wish you had,
+or you would not think so. Every firm, truthful, estimable quality I may
+possess, under God's blessing, I owe to her. As a young child, before
+she came to me, and some years afterward, I was more like Ellen than
+either of my own darlings; and that perhaps explains the secret of my
+love for, and forbearance with her."</p>
+
+<p>"Like Ellen!" repeated Miss Harcourt, much surprised; "forgive me, but,
+indeed, I can scarcely believe it."</p>
+
+<p>"It is truth, notwithstanding; my poor father's great preference for
+Eleanor, when we were children, her very superior beauty and quickness,
+threw me back into myself; and I am quite certain if it had not been for
+your excellent mother, who came to live with us when I was only seven,
+my character would have suffered as much from neglect on the one side,
+and too painful humility on my own, as Ellen's has done. I can
+understand her feelings of loneliness, misappreciation, shrinking into
+herself, better even than she does herself."</p>
+
+<p>"But your affection and kindness ought to have altered her character by
+this time."</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly&mdash;eighteen months is not long enough to remove the painful
+impressions and influences of eleven sorrowful years. Besides, I
+scarcely know all these influences; I fear sometimes that she has
+endured more than I am aware of. So you must think charitably of my
+fancy, dearest Lucy," she added, smiling, "and help me to make Ellen as
+much like me as a woman, as I believe she is to me as a child; and to do
+so, try and think a little, a very little, more kindly and hopefully of
+her than you do."</p>
+
+<p>"I really do wish you were not quite so penetrating, dearest Mrs.
+Hamilton; there is no hiding a single feeling or fancy from you,"
+answered Miss Harcourt, slightly confused, but laughing at the same
+time. "What with your memory, and your quick observation, and your
+determined notice of little things, you really are a most dangerous
+person to live with; and if you were not more kind, and indulgent, and
+true than any body else, we should all be frightened to come near you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad I have some saving qualities," replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+laughing also; "it would be rather hard to be isolated because I can
+read other people's thoughts. However, we have entered into a compact,"
+she continued, rather more seriously; "you will never show that you
+doubt Ellen, and in any difficult matter, come at once to me," and Miss
+Harcourt willingly assented.</p>
+
+<p>The day passed much more happily than the morning could have
+anticipated. Emmeline's nursing was so affectionate and successful, that
+Ellen was quite able to join them at dinner, and her aunt had selected
+such a very interesting story to read aloud, in which one character was
+a young sailor, that the hours seemed to fly; and then they had a long
+talk about poor Alice Seaton and her brother, whether it would be
+possible for Mr. Hamilton to place young Seaton in a situation that he
+liked better, and that his health was more fitted for. Ellen said she
+should like to see and know Alice so much, for her trial must be such a
+very hard one, that her aunt promised her she should in the midsummer
+holidays, for Alice should then come and spend a week with them. It
+seemed as if not to be able to wish Edward good-night, and kiss him,
+brought back some of the pain again; but she found that thinking about
+poor Alice, and fancying how miserable she must be, if she loved her
+aunt as dearly as she did Mrs. Hamilton, to be obliged to part from her
+as well as her brother, and live at a school, made her pain seem less
+absorbing; as if to help Alice would do more toward curing it than any
+thing. And though, of course, every day, for a little while, she seemed
+to miss Edward more and more, still her aunt's affection and her own
+efforts, prepared her to see her uncle and cousins return, and listen to
+all they could tell her about him, without any increase of pain.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="PART_III" id="PART_III"></a>PART III.</h2>
+
+<h3>SIN AND SUFFERING.</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IC" id="CHAPTER_IC"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>ADVANCE AND RETROSPECT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our readers must imagine that two years and four months have elapsed
+since our last visit to the inmates of Oakwood. It was the first week in
+March that Edward Fortescue (only wanting ten days for the completion of
+his fourteenth year) quitted a home, which was happier than any he had
+ever known, to enter the world as a sailor; and it is the 7th of June,
+two years later, the day on which Ellen Fortescue completes her
+fifteenth year, that we recommence our narrative.</p>
+
+<p>Over this interval, however, much as we are anxious to proceed, we must
+take a brief glance, clearly to understand the aspect of the Oakwood
+home affairs, which, from the increasing age of the younger members, had
+undergone some slight change. The greatest and most keenly felt was the
+departure of Percy and Herbert for college, the October twelvemonth
+after Edward had gone; the house seemed actually desolate without them.
+Percy's wild jokes and inexhaustible spirits, and Herbert's quiet,
+unobtrusive kindness, much as they had always been truly appreciated by
+their home circle, still scarcely seemed to have been fully felt till
+the young men were gone; and the old house actually seemed enwrapped in
+a silence, which it required very determined effort on the part of all
+who remained in the least degree to dispel.</p>
+
+<p>Our readers who are mothers, and earnest ones, will easily understand
+the anxious tremblings of Mrs. Hamilton's heart, when she parted from
+her boys for the world: for such, to spirits fresh, boyish,
+unsophisticated, as they still were, Oxford could not fail to be. For
+Herbert, indeed, she had neither fear nor doubt: no sneer, no
+temptation, no bad example, would affect him, in whom every passing
+year seemed to increase and deepen those exalted feelings which, in his
+earliest childhood, had "less in them of earth than heaven." His piety
+was so real, his faith so fervent, his affections so concentrated in his
+home and in one other individual, his love and pursuit of study so
+ardent and unceasing, his one aim, to become worthy in heart and mind to
+serve God as his minister, so ever present, that he was effectually
+guarded even from the world. Percy had none of these feelings to the
+same extent, save his ardent love for home and its inmates&mdash;his mother,
+above all. He did, indeed, give every promise that the principles so
+carefully instilled had taken firm root, and would guide his conduct in
+the world; but Mrs. Hamilton was too humble-minded&mdash;too convinced that
+every human effort is imperfect, without the sustaining and vitalizing
+grace of God, to rest in security, as many might have done, that
+<i>because</i> she had so worked, so prayed, she <i>must</i> succeed. She was
+hopeful, indeed, very hopeful&mdash;how could she be otherwise when she
+beheld his deep, though silent, reverence for sacred things&mdash;his
+constant and increasing respect and love for his father&mdash;his devoted
+affection for herself&mdash;his attachment to Herbert, which seemed so
+strangely yet so beautifully to combine almost reverence for his
+superior mind and holier spirit, with the caressing protectiveness of an
+older for a younger&mdash;a stronger for a weaker? There was much in all this
+to banish anxiety altogether, but not from such a heart as Mrs.
+Hamilton's, whose very multiplicity of blessings made her often tremble,
+and led her to the footstool of her God, with a piety as humble, as
+constant, as fervent, as many believe is the fruit of adversity alone.</p>
+
+<p>Caroline had sufficiently improved as greatly to decrease solicitude on
+her account: though there was still a want of sufficient humility, a too
+great proneness to trust implicitly in her own strength, an inclination
+to prejudice, and a love of admiration, which all made Mrs. Hamilton
+fear would expose her to some personal sorrow ere they were entirely
+overcome. To produce eternal good, she might not murmur at temporal
+suffering; but her fond heart, though it could anticipate it calmly for
+herself, so shrunk from it, as touching her child, that the nearer
+approached the period of Caroline's introduction to the gay world, the
+more painfully anxious she became, and the more gladly would she have
+retained her in the retirement of Oakwood, where all her better and
+higher qualities alone had play. But she knew this could not be; and
+she could only <i>trust</i> that her anxiety would be proved as groundless
+with Caroline, as every letter from Oxford proved it to be with Percy,
+and <i>endeavor</i> to avert it by never wavering in her watchful and guiding
+love.</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline, at fifteen, was just the same sportive, happy, innocent child
+as she had been at twelve. Her feelings were, indeed, still deeper, her
+imagination more vivid, her religion more fervid. To her every thing was
+touched with poetry&mdash;it mattered not how dull and commonplace it might
+seem to other people; but Mrs. Hamilton's judicious care had so taught
+that <i>Truth</i> alone was poetry and beauty&mdash;the Ideal only lovable when
+its basis was the Real&mdash;that she was neither romantic nor visionary.
+Keen as her sensibilities were, even over a work of fiction, they
+prompted the <i>deed</i> and <i>act</i> of kindness, not the tear alone. For miles
+round her father's large domain she was known, loved, so felt as a
+guardian spirit, that the very sound of her step seemed to promise joy.
+She actually seemed to live for others&mdash;making their pleasures hers;
+and, withal, so joyous, especially in her own home and at Greville
+Manor, that even anxiety seemed exorcised when she was near. Before
+strangers, indeed, she would be as shy as a young fawn; though even then
+natural kindliness of heart prompted such kindness of word and manner,
+as always to excite the wish to see her again.</p>
+
+<p>Edward, in the two years and a quarter which he had been away, had only
+once occasioned anxiety. Two or three months after he had sailed, he
+wrote home in the highest terms of a certain Gilbert Harding, one of the
+senior midshipmen of his ship, from whom he had received kindness upon
+kindness; and who, being six or seven years older than himself, he
+jestingly wrote to his aunt and uncle, must certainly be the very best
+friend he could have chosen, as he was much too old to lead him into
+mischief. Why he (Harding) had taken such a fancy to him, Edward could
+not tell; but he was so excessively kind, so taught him his duty, and
+smoothed all the difficulties and disagreeables which, he owned, had at
+first seemed overwhelming, that he never could be grateful enough. He
+added, that, though not a general favorite with his immediate messmates,
+he was very highly esteemed by Sir Edward Manly and his other superior
+officers, and that the former had much commended him for his kindness to
+the youngest boy on board, which Edward was. It was very easy to
+perceive that young Fortescue's susceptible affections had all been not
+only attracted, but already riveted by this new friend. All the young
+party at Oakwood rejoiced at it; Mrs. Hamilton would have done so also,
+had she not perceived an anxious expression on her husband's face, which
+alarmed her. He did not, however, make any remark till he had spoken to
+Mr. Howard, and then imparted to his wife alone (not choosing to create
+suspicion in the open hearts of his children) that this Gilbert Harding,
+though very young at the time had been one of the principal actors in
+the affair which had caused Mr. Howard to dismiss his pupils, as we
+related in a former page; that his very youth, for he could scarcely
+have been more than eleven or twelve, and determined hardihood, so
+marked natural depravity, that Mr. Howard had had less hope for him than
+for any of the others. This opinion had been borne out by his after
+conduct at home; but the affair had been successfully hushed up by his
+family; and by immense interest he been permitted to enter the navy,
+where, it was said, his youthful errors had been so redeemed, and his
+courage and conduct altogether had so won him applause, that no farther
+fears were entertained for him. Mr. Howard alone retained his opinion,
+that the disposition was naturally bad, and doubted the <i>internal</i>
+response to the seeming <i>outward good</i>; and he was grieved and anxious
+beyond measure, when he heard that he was not only on board the same
+ship as Edward, but already his favorite companion and most trusted
+friend. His anxiety, of course, extended itself to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton
+to such a degree, that at the first moment they would gladly have
+endeavored to exchange his ship; but this would have seemed very strange
+to Sir Edward Manly, who was one of Mr. Hamilton's most valued friends.
+He had, in fact, actually delayed Edward's becoming a midshipman till
+Sir Edward could take him in his own ship and now to place him elsewhere
+was really impossible; and, after all, though he might be removed from
+Harding's influence, how could his anxious guardians know all with whom
+he might be thrown? They were obliged to content themselves with writing
+earnestly and affectionately to Edward; and, painful as it was, to throw
+a doubt and shade over such youthful confidence and affection, implored
+him not to trust too implicitly in Harding; that his character had not
+always been free from stain; that he (Edward) was still so young and so
+susceptible, he might find that he had imbibed principles, and been
+tempted to wrong almost unconsciously, and suffer from its effects when
+too late to escape. They wrote as affectionately and indulgently as they
+could&mdash;Mr. Howard, as well as his aunt and uncle; but still they felt
+that it certainly did appear cruel to warn a young, warm heart to break
+off the first friendship it had formed; especially as he beheld that
+friend approved of by his captain, and looked up to by the crew. And
+that Edward's reply was somewhat cold, though he did promise caution,
+and assure them he had not so forgotten the influences and principles of
+Oakwood as to allow any one to lead him into error, did not surprise
+them. He never referred to Harding again, except sometimes casually to
+mention his companionship, or some act which had won him approval; and
+they really hoped their letters had had at least the effect of putting
+him on his guard. Sir Edward Manly's own reply to Mr. Hamilton's anxious
+appeal to him, however, succeeded in quieting their fears; he assured
+them he had seen nothing in Harding's conduct, since he had been at sea,
+to render him an unfit companion for any boy: that he had heard of some
+boyish faults, but it was rather hard he was to suffer from them as a
+man; and he assured his friends that he would keep a strict look-out
+after young Fortescue, and the first appearance of a change in a
+character which, young as he was, he could not help loving, should be
+inquired into, and the friendship ended by sending Harding to some other
+ship. So wrote Sir Edward Manly, with the fullest possible intention to
+perform; and Edward's anxious friends were happy, more especially as
+letter after letter brought praises of the young sailor from captain,
+officers, and crew, and his own epistles, though brief, were
+affectionate and satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p>It was happy for Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, and Mr. Howard, too, that they
+were ignorant of the multiplicity of great and little things which could
+not fail to engross the mind of Sir Edward Manly, who was not only
+captain of the Prince William, a gallant seventy-four, but commander of
+the little flotilla which accompanied him, or they could not have rested
+so secure. Happy for them too, during those years of separation, that
+they were not perfectly acquainted with Edward's real weakness of
+character, or of the fearful extent of mischief which the influences of
+his first twelve years had engendered. Had he remained at Oakwood till
+nineteen or twenty, it <i>is</i> probable they would have been insensibly
+conquered, and the impressions of good, which he had appeared so
+readily to receive, really taken root and guided his after life, but
+eighteen months could not do this, as Mrs. Hamilton would have felt, had
+she known <i>all</i> the effect of her sister's ill-judged partiality and
+indulgence; but this, as we have already mentioned, was concealed from
+her by the bright, lovable, winning qualities, which alone were
+uppermost. Our readers, in fact, know more of Edward (if they have at
+all thought of his conduct in so frequently allowing his sister to
+suffer for him) than his aunt, penetrative as she was; and, therefore,
+in the events we shall have occasion to relate, we trust that Mrs.
+Hamilton will not appear an inconsistent character, inasmuch that one in
+general so successfully observant, should fail in penetration when most
+needed.</p>
+
+<p>Edward's life at Oakwood had been so very happy, its pleasures and
+indulgences so innocent, so numerous, that he did not himself know his
+liability to temptation, from the excessive love of pleasure which his
+mother's indiscreet indulgence had originally infused. The control which
+his uncle and Mr. Howard exercised over him had been so very gentle and
+forbearing, that he had scarcely ever felt the inclination to exert
+self-will, and when it so chanced that he had, Ellen had covered his
+fault, or borne its penalty for him. He thought he had guided himself,
+when, in fact, he was guided; but this could no longer be the case when
+one of the little world which thronged a first-rate man-of-war. Outward
+actions were, indeed, under control; but what captain, the most earnest,
+most able in the world, could look into and guide the <i>hearts</i> of all
+those committed to his care? And almost the first action of Edward's
+unbiased will was indignantly to tear into shreds, and scatter to the
+winds and the waves, those affectionate and warning letters, and cling
+the more closely to, rest the more confidingly on Harding, for the wrong
+that he thought he had done him, by allowing his eye even to rest for a
+moment on such base, unfounded aspersions on his name.</p>
+
+<p>When Mrs. Hamilton told Ellen that her letters to her brother, and his
+to her, should never be subjected to any scrutiny but their own, she
+acted on a principle which many parents and guardians would consider as
+high-flown and romantic, and which she herself had most painful reason
+to regret&mdash;the effects, at least, but not the principle itself, for that
+was based on too refined a feeling to waver, even though she suffered
+from it. She could not bear, nor could her husband, the system which
+prevailed in some families of their acquaintance, that their children
+could neither receive nor write letters to each other, or their intimate
+friends, without being shown to their seniors. As for opening and
+reading a letter directed to one of them, before its possessor saw it,
+as they had seen done, it was, in their estimation, as much dishonor and
+as mean, as if such a thing had been done to an adult. Perfect
+confidence in their home they had indeed instilled, and that confidence
+was never withheld. There was a degree of suspicion attached to a demand
+always to see what a child had written or received, from which Mrs.
+Hamilton's pure mind actually shrunk in loathing. In the many months the
+Grahame family passed in London, Annie and Caroline corresponded without
+the least restraint: no doubt many would pronounce Mrs. Hamilton very
+unwise, knowing Annie so well, and trembling for Caroline as she did;
+but, as she told Miss Harcourt, she had some notions peculiar to herself
+(they always had the sanction and sympathy of her husband, however), and
+this was one of them. She was always pleased and interested in all that
+her children read to her, either from their own epistles or those they
+received, and if they wished it, read them herself, but she never asked
+to do so, and the consequence was, that the most perfect confidence was
+given.</p>
+
+<p>When Ellen and Edward parted, they were both so young, that Mr. Hamilton
+had hesitated as to whether his wife was quite justified in the perfect
+trust with which she treated them, and whether it would not be wiser to
+overlook their correspondence; but Mrs. Hamilton so argued that their
+very youth was their safeguard, that they were all in all to each other,
+and as such she wished them to feel they were bound by even a closer and
+a fonder tie than that of brother and sister under other circumstances,
+so won over her husband that he yielded; and from the long extracts that
+Ellen would read of Edward's letters to the family in general, and of
+her own to her aunt, he was quite satisfied as to the wisdom of his
+wife's judgment.</p>
+
+<p>For full a year after Edward's departure, Ellen's conduct and general
+improvement had given her aunt nothing but pleasure; even Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's prejudice was nearly removed, though, at
+times, the fancy would steal over both that she was not exactly what she
+seemed, and that that which was hidden was not exactly that which Mrs.
+Hamilton believed it; and this fancy strengthened by a certain
+indefinable yet <i>felt</i> change in Ellen, commencing about thirteen months
+after she had parted from her brother. Mrs. Hamilton herself, for some
+time strove against belief, but at length she could no longer conceal
+from herself that Ellen <i>was</i> becoming reserved again, and fearful, at
+times almost shrinking, and sad, as in her childhood. The openness, and
+almost light-heartedness, which for one brief year had so characterized
+her, seemed completely but so insensibly to have gone, that Mrs.
+Hamilton could not satisfy herself as to the time of the commencement,
+or reason of the change. Her temper, too, became fitful, and altogether
+her aunt's anxiety and bewilderment as to her real character returned in
+full force. Once, when gently questioned as to why her temper was so
+altered, Ellen confessed with tears, that she knew it was, but she could
+not help it, she believed she was not well; and Mrs. Hamilton called in
+Mr. Maitland, who said that she really was in a highly nervous state,
+and required care and quietness, and the less notice that was taken of
+her momentary irritability or depression the better. Little did the
+worthy man imagine how his young patient blessed him for these words;
+giving a reason for and so allowing the trepidation which paled her
+cheek, parched her lips, and made her hand so tremble, when she received
+a letter from her brother, to pass unnoticed.</p>
+
+<p>But change in manner was not all; almost every second or third month
+Ellen's allowance of pocket-money (which was unusually liberal, as Mrs.
+Hamilton wished to accustom her girls, from an early age, to purchase
+some few articles of dress for themselves, and so learn the value of
+money) most strangely and mysteriously disappeared. Ellen either could
+not or would not give any account of it; and, of course, it not only
+exposed her to her aunt's most serious displeasure, but inexpressibly
+heightened not only Mrs. Hamilton's bewilderment and anxiety, but Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's unspoken prejudice. From the time of Edward's
+departure, Ellen had never been discovered in or suspected of either
+uttering or acting an untruth; but her silence, her apparent determined
+ignorance of, or resolution not to confess the cause of the
+incomprehensible disappearance of her allowance, naturally compelled
+Mrs. Hamilton to revert to the propensity of her childhood, and fear
+that truthfulness was again deserting her. Her displeasure lasting of
+course, the longer from Ellen's want of openness, and the air of what
+almost appeared to her anxious yet still affectionate aunt like sullen
+defiance (in reality, it was almost despair), when spoken to, caused a
+painful degree of estrangement between them, always, however, giving
+place to Mrs. Hamilton's usual caressing manner, the moment Ellen seemed
+really repentant, and her month's expenditure could be properly
+explained.</p>
+
+<p>For six or eight months before the day on which we recommence our
+narrative, there had been, however, nothing to complain of in Ellen,
+except still that unnatural reserve and frequent depression, as if
+dreading something she knew not what, which, as every other part of her
+conduct was satisfactory, Mrs. Hamilton tried to comfort herself was
+physical alone. No reference to the past was ever made: her manner to
+her niece became the same as usual; but she could not feel secure as to
+her character, and, what was most painful, there were times when she was
+compelled to doubt even Ellen's affection for herself, a thing she had
+never had the slightest cause to do even when she was a little inanimate
+child.</p>
+
+<p>But very few changes had taken place in the Greville and Grahame
+families. Mrs. Greville's trial continued in unmitigated, if not
+heightened bitterness: the example, the companionship of his father had
+appeared to have blighted every good seed which she had strenuously
+endeavored to plant in the bosom of her son. At sixteen he was already
+an accomplished man of the world, in its most painful sense: he had his
+own companions, his own haunts; scarcely ever visiting his home, for a
+reason which, could his poor mother have known it, would have given her
+some slight gleam of comfort. He could not associate either with her or
+his sister, without feeling a sort of loathing of himself, a longing to
+be to them as Percy and Herbert Hamilton were at Oakwood; and not having
+the moral courage sufficient to break from the control of his father,
+and the exciting pleasures in which that control initiated him, he
+shrunk more and more from the only spot in which better feelings were so
+awakened within him as to give him pain. To deaden this unacknowledged
+remorse, his manner was rude and unfeeling, so that his very visits,
+though inexpressibly longed for by his mother, brought only increase of
+grief.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Greville seemed herself so inured to suffering, that she bore up
+against it without any visible failing of health; struggling against its
+enervating effects, more, perhaps, than she was aware of herself, for
+the sake of one treasure still granted her&mdash;her own almost angel
+Mary&mdash;who, she knew, without her love and constant cheerfulness, must
+sink beneath such a constant aggravated trial. Yet that very love
+brought increase of anxiety from more than one cause. As yet there was
+no change in their manner of living, but Mrs. Greville knew that, from
+the excesses of her husband and son, there very soon must be. Ruin,
+poverty, all its fearful ills, stood before her in perspective, and how
+could Mary's fragile frame and gentle spirit bear up against them? Again
+and again the question pressed upon her&mdash;Did Herbert Hamilton indeed
+love her child, as every passing year seemed to confirm? and if he did,
+would&mdash;could his parents consent to his union with the child of such a
+father, the sister of such a brother? There were always long messages to
+Mary in Herbert's letters to his mother, which Mrs. Hamilton not only
+delivered herself, but sometimes even put the whole letter into Mary's
+hand, and at last laughingly said, she really thought they had much
+better write to each other, as then she should chance to get a letter
+all to herself, not merely be the medium of a communication between
+them; and Mary, though she did slightly blush, which she was in the
+habit of doing for scarcely any thing, seemed to think it so perfectly
+natural, that she merely said, if Herbert had time to write to her, she
+should like it very much, and would certainly answer him.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Emmeline, what are you about?" was Mrs. Greville's anxious
+appeal, the moment they were alone.</p>
+
+<p>"Giving pleasure to two young folks, of whom I am most excessively
+fond," was Mrs. Hamilton's laughing reply. "Don't look so terrified, my
+dear Jessie. They love each other as boy and girl now, and if the love
+should deepen into that of man and woman, why, all I can say is&mdash;I would
+rather have your Mary for my Herbert than any one else I know."</p>
+
+<p>"She is not only <i>my</i> Mary!" answered the poor mother, with such a
+quivering of the eye and lip, that it checked Mrs. Hamilton's joyousness
+at once.</p>
+
+<p>"She is <i>your</i> Mary, in all that can make such a character as my Herbert
+happy," was her instant reply, with a pressure of Mrs. Greville's hand,
+that said far more than her words. "I am not one of those who like to
+make matches in anticipation, for man's best laid schemes are so often
+overthrown by the most trifling but unforeseen chances, that display a
+much wiser providence than our greatest wisdom, that I should consider
+it almost sinful so to do; but never let a thought of suffering cross
+your mind, dearest Jessie, as to what my husband's and my own answer
+will be, if our Herbert should indeed ever wish to choose your Mary as
+his wife, and, certainly a most important addition, should she wish it
+too. Our best plan now is to let them follow their own inclinations
+regarding correspondence. We can, I am sure, trust them both, for what
+can be a greater proof of my boy's perfect confidence in my sympathy
+with his feelings toward her, than to make me his messenger, as he has
+done, and as he, no doubt, will continue to do, even if he write. I have
+not the smallest doubt, that he will inclose me his letters to her
+unsealed, and I rather think your Mary will send me her replies in the
+same unreserved manner."</p>
+
+<p>And she was right. Nor, we think, did the purity and innocence of those
+letters, so intensely interesting to each other, give place to any other
+style, even when they chanced to discover that Mrs. Hamilton was utterly
+ignorant of their contents, except that which they chose to read or
+impart to her themselves.</p>
+
+<p>But even this assurance on the part of one so loved and trusted as Mrs.
+Hamilton, could not entirely remove Mrs. Greville's vague anticipations
+of evil. Mr. Greville always shunned, and declared he hated the Hamilton
+family; but as he seemed to entertain the same feeling toward herself
+and her poor Mary, she tried to comfort herself by the idea that he
+would never trouble his head about his daughter; or be glad to get her
+out of his way, especially if she married well. Still anxiety for the
+future would press upon her; only calmed by her firm, unchanging faith
+in that gracious, ever-watchful Providence, who, if in spite of her
+heavy troubles she still tried to trust and serve, would order all
+things for the best; and it was this, this faith alone, which so
+supported her, as to permit her to make her child's home and heart
+almost as happy as if her path had all been smooth.</p>
+
+<p>In the Grahame family a change had taken place, in Master Cecil's being
+sent to Eton some time before his father had intended; but so many cases
+of Lady Helen's faulty indolence and ruinous indulgence had come under
+his notice, that he felt to remove the boy from her influence must be
+accomplished at any cost. Cecil was quite delighted, but his mother was
+so indignant, that she overcame her habitual awe of her husband
+sufficiently to vow that she would not live so far from her son, and if
+he must go to school, she must leave Moorlands. Grahame, with equal
+positiveness, declared that he would not give up a home endeared to him
+so long, nor to entirely break off his companionship with his dearest
+friends. A very stormy dialogue of course took place, and ended by both
+parties being more resolved to entertain their own opinion. The
+interposition of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, however, obtained some
+concession on Grahame's part, and he promised that if Lady Helen would
+make Moorlands her home from the middle of July till the end of October,
+November and December should be spent in the vicinity of Eton, and she
+should then have six months for London and its attractions. This
+concession brought back all Lady Helen's smiles, and charmed Annie,
+though it was a source of real regret to Caroline, who could not help
+feeling a little pained at her friend's small concern at this long
+separation from her. But still she loved her; and, as Annie wrote
+frequently, and when she was at Moorlands never tired of her society
+(the eight months of absence giving her so much interesting matter to
+impart), Caroline was not only satisfied, but insensible to the utter
+want of sympathy which Annie manifested in <i>her</i> pursuits, <i>her</i>
+pleasures. Mrs. Hamilton often wished that Caroline had chosen one more
+deserving of her friendship, but she trusted that time and experience
+would teach her Annie's real character, and so did not feel any anxiety
+on that score.</p>
+
+<p>There was only one member in Grahame's family, that Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton hoped might bring joy and comfort to their friend, and that was
+his little Lilla. She was five years younger than Annie, and being much
+less attractive, seemed almost forgotten, and so was spared the
+dangerous ordeal of flattery and indulgence to which Annie had been
+subject; and from being more violent and less agreeable than Cecil, was
+not so frequently spoiled by her mother. They feared the poor child
+would have much to endure from her own temper, Annie's overbearing
+insolence, and Lady Helen's culpable indolence; but Mrs. Hamilton hoped,
+when she resided part of the year in London, as she felt she would very
+soon be called upon to do, to be enabled to rouse Grahame's attention
+toward his youngest child, and prevail on him to relax in his sternness
+toward her; and by taking notice of her continually herself, instill
+such feelings in her as would attract her toward her father, and so
+increase the happiness of both. Every visit of the Grahame family to
+Moorlands, she resolved to study Lilla well, and try all she could to
+make one in reality so estimable, as her husband's friend, happy, in one
+child at least.</p>
+
+<p>It had been Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's intention to go to London the
+January after Caroline was seventeen, and give her the advantage of
+finishing masters, and a partial introduction to the world, by having
+the best society at home, before she launched into all its exciting
+pleasures; to return to Oakwood in July or August, and revisit the
+metropolis the following February or March, for the season, when, as she
+would be eighteen and a half, she should be fully introduced. Caroline,
+of course, anticipated this period with intense delight. She was quite
+satisfied that in her first visit she should study as much as, if not
+more than before; and content and thankful that her mother would allow
+her to enter so far into society, as always to join dinner or evening
+parties at home, and go to some of her most intimate friends, when their
+coteries were very small and friendly; and, another eagerly anticipated
+delight, sometimes go to the opera and the best concerts, and visit all
+the galleries of art.</p>
+
+<p>To poor Emmeline these anticipations gave no pleasure whatever; she
+hated the very thought of leaving Oakwood, firmly convinced that not the
+most highly intellectual, nor the most delightful social enjoyment in
+London, could equal the pure delights of Devonshire and home. Ellen
+seemed too engrossed with her own thoughts to evince a feeling either
+way, much to her aunt's regret, as her constant quietness and seeming
+determined repression of her sentiments, rendered her character still
+more difficult to read.</p>
+
+<p>But a heavy disappointment was preparing for Caroline, in the compelled
+postponement of her bright anticipations; to understand the causes of
+which, we must glance back on an event in the Hamilton family, which had
+occurred some years before its present head was born. In the early part
+of the reign of George the Third, Arthur Hamilton, the grandfather of
+our friend of the same name, had been sent by government to the coast of
+Denmark: his estimable character so won him the regard of the reigning
+sovereign, Christian VII., that, on his departure, the royal wish was
+expressed for his speedy return.&mdash;On his voyage home, he was wrecked off
+the Feroe Islands, and rescued from danger and death by the strenuous
+exertions of the islanders, who entertained him and the crew with the
+utmost hospitality, till their ship was again seaworthy. During his
+involuntary detention, Mr. Hamilton became deeply interested in the
+Feroese, a people living, it seemed, in the midst of desolation, a
+cluster of small rocky islets, divided by some hundred miles of stormy
+sea from their fellows. He made the tour of the islands, and found
+almost all their inhabitants possessing the same characteristics as
+those of Samboe, the island off which he had been wrecked; kind,
+hospitable, honest, temperate, inclined to natural piety, but so
+perfectly indifferent to the various privations and annoyances of their
+lot, as to make no effort toward removing them. Traveling either by land
+or sea was so dangerous and difficult, that in some parishes the
+clergyman could only perform service twice a year,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> or once every one,
+two, or three months. The islands in which the clergyman resided were,
+Mr. Hamilton observed, in a much higher state of civilization and
+morality than Samboe and some others, and an earnest desire took
+possession of him, to do some real service for those who had saved him
+from danger and treated him so hospitably. He very speedily acquired
+their language, which gave him still more influence. He found, also,
+that if their ancient customs and traditions were left undisturbed, they
+were very easily led, and this discovery strengthened his purpose.&mdash;His
+departure was universally regretted; and his promise to return imagined
+too great a privilege to be believed.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as his political duties in England permitted, Mr. Hamilton
+revisited Denmark, and was received with such cordiality as to encourage
+him to make his petition for the improvement of his majesty's poor
+subjects of Samboe. It was granted directly; the little island so far
+made over to him, that he was at liberty to introduce and erect whatever
+he pleased within it; and Mr. Hamilton, all eagerness for the perfection
+of his plans, returned with speed to England; obtained the valuable aid
+of a poor though worthy clergyman, who, with his wife, voluntarily
+offered to make Samboe their home, and assist their benefactor (for such
+Mr. Hamilton had long been), to the very best of their ability. A
+strong-built vessel was easily procured, and a favorable voyage soon
+transported them to Feroe. The delight of the Samboese at beholding
+their former guest again, prepossessed Mr. and Mrs. Wilson in their
+favor, and Mr. Hamilton, before his six months' sojourn with them was
+over, beheld the island in a fair way of religious and moral
+improvement.&mdash;Schools were formed and masters appointed&mdash;houses were
+made more comfortable&mdash;women and young children more cared for, and
+employments found, and sufficiently rewarded to encourage persevering
+labor. Three or four times Mr. Hamilton visited the island again before
+his death, and each time he had more reason to be satisfied with the
+effect of his schemes. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were perfectly happy. Their
+son was united to the pretty and excellent daughter of one of the Danish
+clergymen, and a young family was blooming round them, so that there
+seemed a fair promise of the ministry of Samboe continuing long in
+charge of the same family.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton, on his death-bed, exacted a promise from his son that he
+would not permit the island to fall back into its old habits; but that,
+if required, he would visit it himself. The visit was not required, but
+Percy Hamilton (the father of the present possessor of Oakwood), from
+respect to his father's memory, made a voyage to Samboe on the demise of
+the elder Wilson. He found every thing flourishing and happy; Frederic
+Wilson had been received as their pastor and head, with as much joy as
+their regret for his father would permit; and Mr. Hamilton returned to
+England, satisfied with himself, and inexpressibly touched by the
+veneration still entertained in that distant island for his father. The
+same promise was demanded by him from his son, and Arthur Hamilton had
+visited Feroe directly after the loss of his parent, and before his
+engagement with Miss Manvers. He found it in the same satisfactory
+condition as his predecessors had done, and the letters he regularly
+received confirmed it; but for the last year and a half he had received
+no tidings. Frederic Wilson, he knew, was dead, but his last account had
+told him his eldest son, who had been educated in Denmark, had been
+gladly received by the simple people, and promised fair to be as much
+loved, and do the same good as his father and grandfather. The silence
+then was incomprehensible, and Mr. Hamilton had resolved, if another
+year passed without intelligence, it would be a positive duty to visit
+it himself.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IIC" id="CHAPTER_IIC"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>A LETTER, AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was the seventh of June, and one of those glorious mornings, when
+Nature looks lovelier than ever. The windows of the breakfast-room were
+thrown widely open, and never did the superb trees of Oakwood Park look
+richer or display a greater variety of green. The flower-garden, on part
+of which the breakfast-room opened, was actually dazzling with its
+profusion of brilliant flowers, on which the sun looked down so
+gloriously; a smooth lawn whose green was a perfect emerald, stretched
+down from the parterre, till it was lost in woody openings, which
+disclosed the winding river, that, lying as a lake on one side, appeared
+to sweep round some exquisite scenery on the opposite side, and form
+another lake, about a mile further. It was Emmeline's favorite view, and
+she always declared, that it so varied its aspects of loveliness, she
+was sure it never looked two mornings exactly alike, and so long would
+she stand and admire, that her mother often threatened to send her her
+breakfast in her own room, where the view, though picturesque, would not
+so completely turn her attention from the dull realities of life. There
+were some letters on the table this morning, so she had a longer time to
+drink in poetry than usual.</p>
+
+<p>"Who can offer Ellen a more precious birthday-gift than mine?" exclaimed
+Mrs. Hamilton, playfully holding up a letter, as her niece entered. "I
+wonder if Edward remembered how near his sister was to fifteen, and so
+wrote on the chance of your receiving it on the day itself!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Ellen, what a queer effect pleasure has on you! I always notice
+you turn quite pale whenever Edward's letters are given to you,"
+interposed Emmeline, looking at her cousin, and laughing. "I am sure,
+the very hurry I am in to open Percy's and Herbert's, must give me a
+color, and you are as deliberate as if you did not care about it. I do
+wish you would not be so cold and quiet."</p>
+
+<p>"One giddy brain is quite enough in a house," rejoined her father, in
+the same mirthful tone, and looking up from his letter he called Ellen
+to him, and kissed her. "I forgot the day of the month, my little girl,
+but I am not too late, I hope, to say, God bless you, and wish that
+every year may pass more happily, more usefully, and more prepared for
+eternity than the last!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think you have forgotten it, my dear uncle," replied Ellen,
+gratefully (she had not yet opened her brother's letter); "for my aunt
+says, I am to thank you as well as her for this beautiful birthday
+gift," and she displayed an elegant little gold watch; "indeed, I do not
+know how to thank you for all your kindness!" she added, so earnestly
+that tears came to her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I will say, as I have heard your aunt often say&mdash;by trying to be a
+little more lively, and unreserved, my dear Ellen; that would prove our
+kindness and affection made you happy, better than any thing; but I am
+not going to lecture you on your birthday, and with a letter from Edward
+in your hand," he continued, smiling. "Open it, my dear, I want to know
+its date; I rather think my friend Manly's must be written later."</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing in it for me, Ellen?" asked her aunt. "What a lazy boy he has
+grown!"</p>
+
+<p>"An inclosure for you, Ellen; why, that is as queer as your paleness!"
+said Emmeline.</p>
+
+<p>"Do let your cousin's paleness alone," interposed Mrs. Hamilton, gayly.
+"I really can not perceive she has any less color than usual, and as for
+the inclosure, Edward often has something to add at the last moment, and
+no room to insert it, and so there is nothing remarkable in his using
+another half sheet."</p>
+
+<p>"Emmeline always creates wonders out of shadows," said Caroline, dryly.</p>
+
+<p>"And you never see any thing but dull, coarse, heavy realities," laughed
+her sister in reply. "Come, Ellen, tell us something of this idle
+brother of yours, who promised to write to me every packet, and never
+does."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen read nearly the whole letter aloud, and it was unusually
+entertaining, for the ship had been cruising about the last month and
+Edward described the various scenes and new places he had visited more
+lengthily than usual. He anticipated with great glee an engagement with
+some desperate pirates, whose track they were pursuing.</p>
+
+<p>"Does he mention an engagement?" inquired Mr. Hamilton.</p>
+
+<p>"No, uncle; he concludes quite abruptly, saying they have just piped
+all hands, and he must be off. The direction does not seem his writing."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor is it; Sir Edward sealed, directed, and put it up for him in his
+own to me. They had piped all hands, as he calls it, because the pirate
+ship was in sight, and an engagement did take place."</p>
+
+<p>"And Edward&mdash;oh, uncle, is he hurt? I am sure, he is, by your face,"
+exclaimed Ellen; trembling and all the little circle looked alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then my face is a deceiver," replied Mr. Hamilton, quite cheerfully.
+"He only received a slight flesh wound in his right arm, which prevented
+his using it to complete his letter, and I rather think, he would have
+willingly been hurt still more, to receive such praises as Sir Edward
+lavishes on him. Listen to what he says&mdash;'Not a boy or man on board
+distinguished himself more than your nephew: in fact, I am only
+astonished he escaped as he did, for those pirates are desperate
+fighters, and when we boarded them, Fortescue was in the midst of them,
+fighting like a young lion. Courage and gallantry are such dazzling
+qualities in a young lad, that we think more of them perhaps than we
+ought, but I can not say too much for your nephew; I have not a lad more
+devoted to his duty. I was glad to show him my approbation by giving him
+some days' liberty, when we were off New York; but I have since told
+him, the air of land certainly did not agree with him, for he has looked
+paler and thinner ever since. He is growing very fast; and altogether,
+if I have occasion to send another prize schooner home, I think it not
+improbable I shall nominate him as one of the officers, that he may have
+the benefit of the healthful breezes of Old England, to bring back his
+full strength.' There Ellen, I think that is a still better
+birthday-present than even Edward's own letter. I am as proud of my
+nephew as Sir Edward is."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you think he really will come?" asked Ellen, trying to conquer
+her emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"We will hope it, dearest," replied her aunt, kindly. "But do not think
+too much about it, even if Sir Edward be not able to do as he says. His
+own ship will be coming home in a year or two, and you owned to me
+yourself this morning, it did not seem as long as it really is, since
+our dear sailor left us; so the remaining time will soon pass. Finish
+your breakfast, and go, love, and enjoy his letter again to yourself."</p>
+
+<p>And Ellen gladly obeyed; for it was from no imaginary cause that the
+receipt of Edward's letters so often paled her cheek, and parched her
+lip with terror. She knew that concerning him which none else but
+Harding did; and even when those letters imparted nothing but that which
+she could read to her family, the dread was quite enough to banish any
+thing like the elastic happiness, natural to her age, and called for by
+the kindness of those she loved. His letter this time, however, had not
+a word to call for that sickness of the heart, with which she had
+received it, and she read it again and again; with a thankfulness, too
+intense for words.</p>
+
+<p>"You dropped this, Ellen dear," said the voice of her cousin Emmeline at
+her door, ten minutes after she left the breakfast-room. "It was under
+the table, and I do not think you have read it; it is the inclosure I
+was so amused at."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say it is a letter written for some other opportunity, and
+forgotten to be sent; it is only a few words," replied Ellen as she
+looked at its length, not at its meaning, for the fearful lesson of
+quiet unconcern when the heart is bursting had been too early learned.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will leave you in peace: by-the-by, cousin mine, papa told me to
+tell you, that as the Prince William is soon going to cruise again, your
+answer to Edward must be ready this day week, the latest, and mamma
+says, if you like to write part of it now that all Edward's little
+love-speeches are fresh in your mind, you can do so; it is your
+birthday, and you may spend it as you like. How I shall enjoy making a
+lion of my cousin, when he comes!"&mdash;and away tripped the happy girl,
+singing some wild snatch of an old ballad about sailors.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen shut the door, secured it, and with a lip and cheek colorless as
+her robe, an eye strained and bloodshot, read the following words&mdash;few
+indeed!</p>
+
+<p>"Ellen! I am again in that villain's power, and for a sum so trifling,
+that it maddens me to think I can not discharge it without again
+appealing to you. I had resolved never to play again&mdash;and again some
+demon lured me to those Hells! If I do not pay him by my next receipts
+from home, he will expose me, and what then&mdash;disgrace, expulsion,
+<i>death</i>! for I will not survive it; there are easy means of
+self-destruction to a sailor, and who shall know but that he is
+accidentally drowned? You promised me to save part of every allowance,
+in case I needed it. If you would indeed save me, send me
+five-and-thirty pounds! Ellen! by some means, I <i>must</i> have it; but
+breathe it to my uncle or aunt&mdash;for if <i>she</i> knows it, <i>he</i> will&mdash;and
+you will never see me more!"</p>
+
+<p>For one long hour Ellen never moved. Her brain felt scorched, her limbs
+utterly powerless. Every word seemed to write itself in letters of fire
+on her heart and brain, till she could almost have screamed, from the
+dread agony; and then came the heavy weight, so often felt before, but
+never crushing every thought and energy as now, the seeming utter
+impossibility to comply with that fearfully urged demand. <i>He</i> called it
+a sum so trifling, and <i>she</i> felt a hundred, ay, a thousand pounds were
+not more difficult to obtain. She had saved, indeed, denying herself
+every little indulgence, every personal gratification, spending only
+what she was obliged, and yet compelled to let her aunt believe she had
+properly expended all, that she might have the means of sending him
+money when he demanded it, without exposing herself to doubt and
+displeasure as before; but in the eight months since his last call, she
+had only been enabled to put by fifteen pounds, not half the sum he
+needed. How was she to get the rest? and she had so buoyed herself with
+the fond hope, that even if he did write for help again, she could send
+it to him so easily&mdash;and now&mdash;her mind seemed actually to reel beneath
+the intense agony of these desperate words. She was too young, too
+believing, and too terror-stricken to doubt for a moment the alternative
+he placed before her, with a vividness, a desperation, of which he was
+unconscious himself. Those words spoken, would have been terrible,
+almost awful in one so young&mdash;though a brief interval would have
+sufficiently calmed both the hearer and the speaker, to satisfy that
+they were <i>but words</i>, and that self-destruction is never breathed, if
+really intended: but <i>written</i>, the writer at a distance, imagination at
+liberty, to heighten every terror, every reality; their reader a young
+loving girl, utterly ignorant of the world's ways and temptations, and
+the many errors to which youth is subject, but from which manhood may
+spring up unsullied; and so believing, almost crushed by the belief,
+that her brother, the only one, her own&mdash;respected, beloved, as he was
+said to be&mdash;had yet committed such faults, as would hurl him from his
+present position to the lowest depth of degradation, for what else could
+tempt him, to swear not to survive it? Was it marvel, that poor Ellen
+was only conscious that she must save him?&mdash;Again did her dying mother
+stand before her&mdash;again did her well-remembered voice beseech her to
+save him her darling, beautiful Edward, from disgrace and
+punishment&mdash;reiterate that her word was pledged, and she <i>must</i> do it,
+and if she suffered&mdash;had she not done so from infancy&mdash;and what was her
+happiness to his? Define why it should be of less moment, indeed, she
+could not. It was the fatal influences of her childhood working alone.</p>
+
+<p>How that day passed, Ellen never knew. She had been too long accustomed
+to control, to betray her internal suffering (terror for Edward seemed
+to endow her with additional self command), except by a deadly paleness,
+which even her aunt at length remarked. It was quite evening, and the
+party were all scattered, when Mrs. Hamilton discovered Ellen sitting in
+one of the deep recesses of the windows: her work in her lap, her hands
+clasped tightly together, and her eyes fixed on the beautiful scenery of
+the park, but not seeing a single object.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Ellen, I am going to scold you, so prepare," was her aunt's
+lively address, as she approached and stood by her. "You need not start
+so guiltily and look so very terrified, but confess that you are
+thinking about Edward, and worrying yourself that he is not quite so
+strong as he was, and magnifying his wound, till you fancy it something
+very dreadful, when, I dare say, if the truth were told, he himself is
+quite proud of it; come confess, and I will only give you a very little
+lecture, for your excessive silliness."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen looked up in her face; that kind voice, that affectionate smile,
+that caressing, constantly-forgiving love, would they again all be
+forfeited, again give way to coldness, loss of confidence, heightened
+displeasure? How indeed she was to act, she knew not; she only knew
+there must be concealment, the very anticipation of which, seemed too
+terrible to bear, and she burst into an agony of tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Ellen&mdash;my dear child&mdash;you can not be well, to let either the
+accounts of your brother, or my threatened scolding, so affect you, and
+on your birthday, too! Why, all the old women would say it was such a
+bad omen, that you would be unhappy all the year round. Come, this will
+never do, I must lecture, in earnest, if you do not try to conquer this
+unusual weakness. We have much more to be thankful for, in Sir Edward's
+account of our dear sailor, than to cry about; he might have been
+seriously wounded or maimed, and what would you have felt then? I wonder
+if he will find as much change in you as we shall in him. If you are not
+quite strong and quite well, and quite happy to greet him when he comes,
+I shall consider my care insulted, and punish you accordingly. Still no
+smile. What is the matter, dearest? Are you really not well again?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen made a desperate effort, conquered her tears, and tried to
+converse cheerfully. It was absolute agony to hear Edward's name, but
+she nerved herself to do so, to acknowledge she was thinking of him; and
+that it <i>was</i> very silly to worry about such a slight wound: and when
+Mrs. Hamilton proposed that they should walk over to Greville Manor, and
+tell the good news to Mrs. Greville and Mary, acquiesced with apparent
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, do, mamma: you have not asked me, but I shall go notwithstanding,"
+exclaimed Emmeline, springing through the open window, with her usual
+airy step.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Emmeline, I thought you were going to the village with your
+sister!"</p>
+
+<p>"No; she and Miss Harcourt were talking much too soberly to suit me this
+evening. Then I went to tease papa but he let me do just what I pleased,
+being too engrossed with some disagreeable farmers, to notice me, so in
+despair I came here. Why, Ellen, you look as if this were any day but
+what it is; unless you cry because you are getting old, which I am very
+often inclined to do; only think, I am sixteen next December&mdash;how
+dreadful! I do wish my birthday were in June."</p>
+
+<p>"And what difference would that make?"</p>
+
+<p>"A great deal, mamma; only look how lovely every thing is now; nature is
+quite juvenile, and has dressed herself in so many colors, and seems to
+promise so many more beauties, that, whether we will or no, we must feel
+gay and young; but in December, though it is very delightful in the
+house, it is so drear and withered, without, that if born in such a
+season, one must feel withered too."</p>
+
+<p>"When do you intend to speak in prose, Emmeline?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never, if I can help it mamma; but I must learn the lesson before I go
+to London, I suppose; that horrid London! that is one reason why I
+regret the years going so fast; I know I shall leave all my happiness
+here."</p>
+
+<p>"You will be more ungrateful, than I believe you, if you do," replied
+her mother. "So pray banish such foolish fancies as fast as you can; for
+if you encourage them, I shall certainly suppose that it is only Oakwood
+you love; and that neither your father nor myself, nor any member of
+your family, has any part in your affections, for we shall be with you,
+wherever you are."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear mamma, I spoke at random, forgive me," replied Emmeline, instantly
+self-reproached. "I am indeed the giddy brain papa calls me; but you can
+not tell how I love this dear old home."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I think I can, my dear child, loving it as I do myself; but
+come, we shall have no time for our visit, if we do not go at once."</p>
+
+<p>Days passed, and were each followed by such sleepless feverish nights,
+that Ellen felt it almost a miracle, that she could so seem, so act, as
+to excite no notice. The image of her dying mother never left her, night
+or day, mingled with the horrid scene of her father's death, and Edward
+disgraced, expelled, and seeking death by his own hand. There was only
+one plan that seemed in the least feasible, and that was to send to him,
+or sell herself the watch she had received on her birthday, and if that
+was not enough, some few trinkets, which had been her mother's, and
+which the last six months her aunt had given into her own care. She
+ventured casually to inquire if there were any opportunity of sending a
+parcel to Edward, but the answer was in the negative, and increased her
+difficulty. The only person she dared even to think of so far intrusting
+with her deep distress and anxiety for money, but not its cause, was
+widow Langford, the mother of Robert (the young gentlemen's attendant,
+whom we have had occasion more than once to mention, and the former
+nurse of all Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's children). She occupied a cottage
+on the outskirts of the park, and was not only a favorite with all the
+young party, Ellen included (for she generally came to nurse her in her
+many illnesses), but was regarded with the greatest confidence and
+affection by Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton themselves. They had endeavored to
+return her unwavering fidelity and active service, by taking her only
+child Robert into their family, when only seven; placing him under the
+immediate charge of Morris, the steward, and of course living in the
+same house, of his mother also; and when fifteen, making him personal
+attendant to Percy and Herbert, who were then about ten and eleven years
+old. An older and more experienced domestic had, however, accompanied
+the young men to college, and Robert remained employed in many little
+confidential services for his master at Oakwood.</p>
+
+<p>To widow Langford, Ellen tried to resolve that she would apply, but her
+fearful state of mental agony had not marked the lapse of time, or had
+caused her to forget that her letter must be ready in a week. The party
+were all going a delightful excursion, and to drink tea at Greville
+Manor, so that they would not be home till quite late; but in the
+morning, Ellen, though she had dressed for going out, appeared to have
+every symptom of such a violent headache, that her aunt advised her
+remaining quietly at home, and she assented with eagerness, refusing
+every offer of companionship, saying if the pain went off, she could
+quite amuse herself, and if it continued, quietness and Ellis's nursing
+were the best things for her.</p>
+
+<p>"But give me your letter before we go out, Ellen, I am only waiting for
+it, to close mine to Sir Edward. Why, my dear, have you forgotten I told
+you it must be ready by to-day?" her uncle added, surprised at her
+exclamation that she had not finished it. "It must be done and sent to
+T&mdash;, before four to-day, so I do hope your head will allow you to write,
+for Edward will be woefully disappointed if there be not a line from
+you, especially as, from his ship cruising about, it may be several
+weeks before he can hear again. I must leave my letter with you, to
+inclose Edward's and seal up, and pray see that it goes in time."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen tried to promise that it should, but her tongue actually clove to
+the roof of her mouth; but all the party dispersing at the moment, her
+silence was unnoticed. Mr. Hamilton gave her his letter, and in half an
+hour afterward she was alone. She sat for nearly an hour in her own
+room, with her desk before her, her face buried in her hands, and her
+whole frame shaking as with an ague.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be," she said at length, and unlocking a drawer, took thence a
+small cross, and one or two other trinkets, put them up, and taking off
+her watch, looked at it with such an expression of suffering, that it
+seemed as if she could not go on, carefully folded it up with the other
+trinkets, and murmuring, "If nurse Langford will but take these, and
+lend me the twenty pounds till she can dispose of them, I may save him
+yet&mdash;and if she betray me&mdash;if she tell my aunt afterward, at least only
+I shall suffer; they will not suspect him. But oh&mdash;to lose&mdash;to be
+doubted, hated, which I must be at last. Oh, mother! mother! Why may I
+not tell my aunt? she would not disgrace him." And again she crouched
+down, cowed by that fearful struggle to the very earth. After a few
+minutes, it passed, and deliberately putting on her bonnet and shawl,
+she took up her trinkets, and set off to the widow's cottage, her limbs
+so trembling, that she knew not how she should accomplish even that
+short walk.</p>
+
+<p>The wind was unusually high, although the day was otherwise lovely, and
+she was scarcely able to stand against the strong breeze, especially as
+every breath seemed to increase the pain in her temples; but she
+persisted. The nearest path lay through a thick shrubbery, almost a
+wood, which the family never used, and, in fact, the younger members
+were prohibited from taking, but secrecy and haste were all which at
+that moment entered Ellen's mind. She felt so exhausted by the wind
+blowing the branches and leaves noisily and confusedly around, that on
+reaching a sort of grassy glade, more open than her previous path, she
+sat down a minute on a mossy stone. The wind blew some withered sticks
+and leaves toward her, and, among them, two or three soiled pieces of
+thin paper, stained with damp, one of which she raised mechanically, and
+started up with a wild cry, and seized the others almost unconsciously.
+She pressed her hands over her eyes, and her lips moved in the utterance
+of thanksgiving. "Saved!&mdash;Edward and myself, too!&mdash;some guardian angel
+must have sent them!" if not actually spoken, were so distinctly uttered
+in her heart, that she thought she heard them; and she retraced her
+steps, so swiftly&mdash;so gladly, the very pain and exhaustion were unfelt.
+She wrote for half an hour intently&mdash;eagerly; though that which she
+wrote she knew not herself, and never could recall. She took from the
+secret drawer of her desk (that secret drawer which, when Percy had so
+laughingly showed her the secret of its spring, telling her nobody but
+himself knew it, she little thought she should have occasion so to use),
+some bank notes, of two, three, and five pounds each, making the fifteen
+she had so carefully hoarded, and placed with them the two she had
+found. As she did so, she discovered that two had clung so closely
+together that the sum was five pounds more than she wanted. Still, as
+acting under the influence of some spell, she carelessly put one aside,
+sealed up the packet to Edward, inclosed it in her uncle's to Sir Edward
+Manly, and dispatched it full four hours before the hour Mr. Hamilton
+had named. It was gone; and she sat down to breathe. Some impulse, never
+experienced before, urged her, instead of destroying Edward's desperate
+letter, as she had done similar appeals, to retain it in a blank envelop
+in that same secret drawer. As she tried to rouse herself from a sort
+of stupor which was strangely creeping over her, her eye caught the five
+pound note which she had not had occasion to use, and a thought of such
+overwhelming wretchedness rushed upon her, as effectually, for the
+moment, to disperse that stupor, and prostrate her in an agony of
+supplication before her God.</p>
+
+<p>"What have I done?"&mdash;if her almost maddening thoughts could have found
+words, such they would have been&mdash;"How dared I appropriate that money,
+without one question&mdash;one thought&mdash;as to whom it could belong? Sent me?
+No, no! Who could have sent it? Great God of Mercy! Oh, if Thy wrath
+must fall on a guilty one, pour it on me, but spare, spare my brother! I
+have sinned, but I meant it not&mdash;thought not of it&mdash;knew not what I did!
+Thou knowest, Thou alone canst know, the only thought of that
+moment&mdash;the agony of this. No suffering, no wrath, can be too great for
+me; but, oh! spare him!"</p>
+
+<p>How long that withering agony lasted, Ellen knew not, nor whether her
+tears fell, or lay scorching her eyes and heart. The note lay before her
+like some hideous specter, from which she vainly tried to turn. What
+could she do with it? Take it back to the spot where the others had been
+blown to her? She tried to rise to do so; but, to her own terror, she
+found she was so powerless, that she actually could not walk. With
+desperate calmness she placed it in the little secret drawer, put up the
+remainder of her papers, closed and locked her desk, and laid down upon
+her bed, for she could sit up no longer. Ellis came to her with an
+inquiry after her head, and if she could take her dinner. Ellen asked
+for a cup of coffee, and to be left quite quiet instead, as writing had
+not decreased the pain; and the housekeeper, accustomed to such casual
+attacks, did as she was requested, and came frequently to see her in the
+course of the afternoon and evening; still without perceiving any thing
+unusual, and, therefore, not tormenting her with any expression of
+surprise or anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>Thought after thought congregated in the poor girl's mind, as she thus
+lay; so fraught with agony that the physical suffering, which was far
+more than usual, was unfelt, save in its paralyzing effect on every
+limb. Her impulse was to confess exactly what she had done to her aunt,
+the moment she should see her, and conjure her to sentence her to some
+heavy chastisement, that must deaden her present agony; but this was
+impossible without betraying Edward, and nullifying for him the relief
+she had sent. How could she confess the sin, without the full confession
+of the use to which that money had been applied? Whose were the notes?
+They were stained with damp, as if they must have lain among those
+withered leaves some time; and yet she had heard no inquiry made about
+them, as the loss of so large a sum would surely have demanded. The only
+plan she could think of, as bringing the least hope of returning peace,
+was still to beseech Mrs. Langford to dispose of her watch and trinkets,
+and the very first mention she heard made of the loss to return the full
+sum to the real possessor, if possible, so secretly as for it not to be
+traced to herself. She thought, too, that if she gave her trinkets, one
+by one, not all together, to Mrs. Langford, it would be less suspicious,
+and, perhaps, more easily prevail on her to grant her secrecy and
+assistance; and if she positively refused, unless Ellen revealed the
+reason of her desiring their disposal, and would solemnly promise
+secrecy, she would tell her so much of her intense misery, as might
+perhaps induce her to give her aid. If she did not demand the reason and
+betrayed her, she must endure the doubt and serious displeasure such a
+course of acting on her part would inevitably produce; but two things
+alone stood clear before her: she <i>must</i> replace that money&mdash;she <i>must</i>
+keep Edward's secret. She would have gone that very day to Mrs.
+Langford, but she could not move, and Ellis, at seven o'clock, prevailed
+on her to undress and go to bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Not better, my Ellen? I hoped to-day's perfect quietness would have
+removed your headache, and am quite disappointed," was Mrs. Hamilton's
+affectionate address, as she softly entered her niece's room, on the
+return of the happy party at eleven at night, and placing the lamp so
+that the bed remained in shade she could not see any expression in
+Ellen's face, except that of suffering, which she naturally attributed
+to physical pain. "How hot your hands and face are, love; I wish you had
+not left Edward's letter to write to-day. I am afraid we shall be
+obliged to see Mr. Maitland's face again to-morrow; if he were not as
+kind a friend as he is a skillful doctor, I am sure you would get quite
+tired of him, Ellen. Shall I stay with you? I can not bear leaving you
+in pain and alone!" But Ellen would not hear of it; the pain was not
+more than she was often accustomed to, she said, and, indeed, she did
+not mind being alone&mdash;though the unusual, almost passionate, warmth with
+which she returned Mrs. Hamilton's fond kiss betrayed it was no
+indifference to the affectionate offer which dictated her refusal. It
+was well Mrs. Hamilton, though anxious enough to feel the inclination to
+do so, did not visit her niece again, or the convulsive agony she would
+have witnessed, the choking sobs which burst forth, a few minutes after
+she disappeared from Ellen's sight, would have bewildered and terrified
+her yet more.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IIIC" id="CHAPTER_IIIC"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>A SUMMONS AND A LOSS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Maitland declared Ellen to be ill of a nervous fever which for three
+days confined her to her bed, and left her very weak for some little
+time, and so nervous that the least thing seemed to startle her; but, as
+he said it was no consequence, and she would soon recover, Mrs. Hamilton
+adopted his advice, took no notice of it, and only endeavored to make
+her niece's daily routine as varied in employment, though regular in
+hours and undisturbed in quiet, as she could. Perhaps she would have
+felt more anxious, and discovered something not quite usual in Ellen's
+manner, if her thoughts had not been painfully pre-occupied. About a
+week after their excursion she entered the library earlier than usual,
+and found her husband intently engaged with some dispatches just
+received. She saw he was more than ordinarily disturbed, and hesitated a
+moment whether to address him; but he was seldom so engrossed as to be
+unconscious of the presence of his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"I am really glad you are here at this moment, Emmeline, for I actually
+was weak enough to shrink from seeking you with unpleasant news. Letters
+from Feroe have at length arrived, and my personal presence is so
+imperatively needed, that I am self-reproached at not going before; the
+long silence ought to have convinced me that all was not as it should
+be."</p>
+
+<p>"But what has occurred, Arthur? I had no idea you contemplated the
+necessity of going," replied his wife very quietly, as she sat down
+close by him; but the fiat of separation, the thoughts of a perilous
+voyage, a visit to an almost desolate island, and the impossibility of
+receiving regular letters, so crowded upon her all at once, that it was
+a strong effort to speak at all.</p>
+
+<p>"No, dearest; for what was the use of tormenting you with disagreeable
+anticipations, when there really might have been no foundation for them.
+The last accounts from Samboe, were, as you know, received nearly two
+years ago, telling me that Frederic Wilson was dead, but that his son
+had been received as his successor in the ministry, and as civil
+guardian of the island, with if possible, a still greater degree of
+popularity than his predecessors, from his having been educated in
+Denmark. His parents had lived on straitened means to give him superior
+advantages, which, as it proves, he would have been much better without.
+The vices he has acquired have far outrun the advantages. His example,
+and that of a band of idle, irregular spirits who have joined him, has
+not only scandalized the simple people but disturbed their homesteads,
+brought contention and misery, and in some cases, bloodshed; so that in
+point of social and domestic position, I fear they have sunk lower than
+when my grandfather first sought the island. The mother of this unhappy
+young man has, naturally, perhaps, but weakly, shrunk from informing
+against him; but her brother, the clergyman of Osteroe, has at length
+taken upon himself to do so, clearly stating that nothing but personal
+interference and some months' residence among them will effect a
+reformation; and that the ruin is more to be regretted, as the little
+island has been for more than half a century the admiration not only of
+its immediate neighbors, but of all who have chanced to harbor off its
+coast. He states, too, that if properly directed and not exposed to the
+contagion of large cities, as his brother has been, poor Wilson's
+younger son, now a boy of eleven, may become us worthy and judicious a
+pastor as his father and grandfather, and so keep the office in his
+family, as my grandfather was so desirous of doing. The question is, how
+is this boy to be educated on the island, and whom can I find to take
+the ministry meanwhile."</p>
+
+<p>"And must your own residence there be very long?" inquired Mrs.
+Hamilton, still in that quiet tone, but her lip quivered.</p>
+
+<p>"It depends entirely on whom I can get to accompany me, dearest. I must
+set Mr. Howard and Morton to work to find me some simple-minded,
+single-hearted individual, who will regard this undertaking in the same
+missionary spirit as the elder Wilson did. If I am happy enough to
+succeed in this, I hope a year, or somewhat less, will be the farthest
+limit of our separation."</p>
+
+<p>"A year! a whole long year&mdash;dearest Arthur, must it be so very, very
+long?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who tried to persuade Ellen, a fortnight ago, that a year, even two
+years, would pass so very quickly?" replied Mr. Hamilton trying to
+smile, and folding his arm fondly round his wife, he kissed the cheek
+which had become pale from the effort to restrain her feelings. "It is
+indeed an unexpected and a painful trial, and, as is generally the case
+with our rebellious spirits, I feel as if it would have been better
+borne at any other period than the present. We had so portioned out this
+year, had so anticipated gratifying Caroline by introducing her to the
+so long and so eagerly anticipated pleasures of London next January,
+that I can not bear to think of her disappointment."</p>
+
+<p>"And our boys, too, they say it is so strange to be without their
+father, even in college term; what will it be when they come home for
+the long vacation, to which we have all so looked forward? But this is
+all weakness, my own dear husband; forgive me, I am only rendering your
+duty more difficult," she added, raising her head from his shoulder, and
+smiling cheerfully, even while the tears glistened in her eyes. "I must
+try and practice my own lesson, and believe the term of separation will
+really pass quickly, interminable as it now seems. We have been so
+blessed, so guarded from the bitter pang of even partial separation for
+twenty years, that how dare I murmur now the trial has come? It is God's
+pleasure, dearest Arthur, though it seems like the work of man, and as
+<span class="smcap">His</span> we can endure it."</p>
+
+<p>"Bless you, my beloved! you have indeed put a new spirit in me by those
+words," replied her husband, with a fondness, the more intense from the
+actual veneration that so largely mingled with it. "And bitter
+disappointment as it is to me to be from home when our sons return, it
+is better so, perhaps, for their company will wile away at least nearly
+three months of my absence."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton remained some hours together that morning in
+earnest conversation. All of individual regret was conquered for the
+sake of the other: its expression, at least, not its feeling; but they
+understood each other too well, too fondly, to need words or complaints
+to prove to either how intensely painful was the very thought of
+separation. To elude the performance of a duty which many persons,
+unable to enter into the hope of effecting good, would, no doubt,
+pronounce Quixotic&mdash;for what could the poor inhabitants of Samboe be to
+him?&mdash;never entered either Mr. or Mrs. Hamilton's mind. He was not one
+to neglect his immediate duties for distant ones; but believed and acted
+on the belief, that both could be united. His own large estate, its
+various farms, parishes, and villages, were so admirably ordered, that
+he could leave it without the smallest scruple in the hands of his wife
+and steward. Though interested in, and actually assisting in the
+political movements of his country, he was still, as from his youth he
+had firmly resolved to be, a free, independent Englishman; bound to no
+party, but respected by all; retaining his own principles unshaken as a
+rock, though often and often his integrity had been tried by court
+bribes and dazzling offers. And yet, rare blending with such individual
+feelings, Arthur Hamilton looked with candor and kindness on the conduct
+and principles of others, however they might differ from his own, and
+found excuses for them, which none others could. That he should give up
+all the comforts, the luxuries, the delights of his peculiarly happy
+home, to encounter several months' sojourn in a bleak, half-civilized
+island, only in the hope of restoring and insuring moral and religious
+improvement to a small colony of human beings, whose sole claim upon him
+was, that they were immortal as himself, and that they had done a
+kindness to his grandfather more than half a century back, was likely
+to, and no doubt did, excite the utmost astonishment in very many
+circles; but not a sneer, not a word seeming to whisper good should be
+done at home before sought abroad, could find a moment's resting-place
+near Arthur Hamilton's name.</p>
+
+<p>For half an hour after Mrs. Hamilton quitted her husband she remained
+alone, and when she rejoined her family, though she might have been a
+shade paler than her wont, she was as cheerful in conversation and
+earnest in manner as usual. That evening Mr. Hamilton informed his
+children and Miss Harcourt of his intended departure, and consequent
+compelled change of plan. Emmeline's burst of sorrow was violent and
+uncontrolled. Caroline looked for a minute quite bewildered, and then
+hastening to her father threw one arm round his neck, exclaiming, in a
+voice of the most affectionate sincerity, "Dear papa, what shall we do
+without you for such a long time?"</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child! I thank you for such an affectionate thought; believe
+me, the idea of your wishes being postponed has pained me as much as any
+thing else in this unpleasant duty."</p>
+
+<p>"My wishes postponed, papa&mdash;what do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you quite forgotten our intended plans for next January, my love?
+My absence must alter them."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment an expression of bitter disappointment clouded Caroline's
+open countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, papa, I had forgotten it; I only thought of your going away for
+so many months. It is a great disappointment, I own, and I dare say I
+shall feel it still more when January comes; but I am sure parting from
+you must be a still greater trial to mamma, than any such disappointment
+ought to be to me; and, indeed, I will try and bear it as
+uncomplainingly and cheerfully as she does."</p>
+
+<p>Her father almost involuntarily drew her to his heart, and kissed her
+two or three times, without speaking; and Caroline was very glad he did
+so, for when she looked up again, the tears that would come at the first
+thought of her disappointment were bravely sent back again; and she
+tried to cheer Emmeline, by assuring her she never could be like her
+favorite heroines of romance, if she behaved so very much like a child;
+taking the opportunity when they retired for the night, to say more
+seriously&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Emmeline, do try and be as lively as you always are. I am sure
+poor mamma is suffering very much at the idea of papa's leaving us,
+though she will not let us see that she does, and if you give way so, it
+will make her more uncomfortable still."</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline promised to try; but her disposition, quite as susceptible to
+sorrow as to joy, and not nearly as firm as her sister's, rendered the
+promise very difficult to fulfill. It was her first sorrow; and Mrs.
+Hamilton watched her with some anxiety, half fearful that she had been
+wrong to shield her so carefully from any thing like grief, if, when it
+came, she should prove unequal to its firm and uncomplaining endurance.
+Ellen had been out of the room when Mr. Hamilton had first spoken; and
+engaged in soothing Emmeline; when she re-entered and the news was
+communicated to her, he did not observe any thing particular in mode of
+receiving it. But Mrs. Hamilton was so struck with "the expression of
+her countenance, which, as she tried somewhat incoherently to utter
+regrets, took the place of its usual calm, that she looked at her
+several minutes in bewilderment; but it passed again, so completely,
+that she was angry with herself for fancying any thing uncommon.
+Caroline, however, had remarked it too, and she could not help observing
+to Miss Harcourt, the first time they were alone&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You will say I am always fancying something extraordinary, Miss
+Harcourt; but Ellen certainly did look pleased last night, when mamma
+told her of papa's intended departure."</p>
+
+<p>"The expression must have been something extraordinary for you to remark
+it at all," replied Miss Harcourt; "nobody but Mrs. Hamilton, whose
+penetration is out of the common, can ever read any thing on Ellen's
+face."</p>
+
+<p>"And it was for that very reason I looked again; and mamma noticed it
+too, and was surprised, though she did not say any thing. If she really
+be pleased, she is most ungrateful, and all her profession of feeling
+mamma and papa's constant kindness sheer deceit. I never shall
+understand Ellen, I believe; but I do hope mamma will never discover
+that she is not exactly that which her affection believes her."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray do not talk so, my dear Caroline, or I shall be tempted to confess
+that you are giving words to my own feelings. Her conduct with regard to
+the disappearance of her allowance, the wholly unsatisfactory account of
+its expenditure, even every month, for she seems to me to mention many
+things she has never had, banish every hopeful feeling, and I dread more
+than I can tell you, the very thing you have expressed. But all this is
+very wrong; we have relieved each other by a mutual acknowledgment, and
+now let us never revert, even in thought, if possible, to the subject."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline willingly acquiesced, for it was far from agreeable. Mr.
+Hamilton's preparations, meanwhile, rapidly progressed. He imparted his
+wishes for a companion willing to remain in the island, till young
+Wilson should be prepared for the ministry, both to Mr. Howard and Mr.
+Morton (the latter still remained in his desolate parish, still more
+isolated in feeling from the loss of both his parents, and Percy's
+absence), and both, especially Morton, gave him every hope of obtaining
+the character he wanted. His next inquiry was at Dartmouth for a strong,
+well-built vessel, fitted to encounter the stormy seas between Scotland
+and Feroe, determining to do all in his power to provide some means of
+regular communication between himself and the beloved inmates of his
+home. Wick, in Caithness, was the farthest post town to which letters
+could be addressed. Every ten days or fortnight communications were to
+be sent there, and the Siren, after conveying him to Feroe, was
+regularly to ply between Samboe and Wick, bringing from the latter place
+to Mr. Hamilton the various letters that had accumulated there, should
+unfavorable winds have lengthened the voyage, and forwarding his through
+that post to his home. By this means, he hoped to hear and be heard of
+regularly; an intense relief, if it really could be so accomplished, to
+his wife.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as a ship, a competent captain, mate, and crew were obtained,
+Mr. Hamilton set off for Oxford and London, wishing in the latter place
+to see his friend Grahame, and in the former to pass a few days with his
+sons, who, knowing nothing of his summons, received him with unbounded
+delight. Their regret, when they heard the cause of his visit, was as
+great as their joy had been. Percy, in a desperate fit of impatience,
+wished the little island and all its concerns at the bottom of the sea,
+the best place for such unruly, disagreeable people; and he was only
+sobered when his father put before him that, though it must be a very
+heightened individual disappointment, it was the greatest comfort to
+him, to think that they would both be with their mother and sisters the
+first few months of his absence. Percy instantly altered his tone.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right, my dear father; I was very selfish not to think of
+it. Trust me for making my dearest mother as cheerful and as happy as I
+can. You don't know what a guardian angel the thought of her love has
+been to me in temptation; and as for Bertie, if ever I thought he was
+studying himself ill, and not taking the care of himself he ought, or
+wanted him to take exercise and recreation, when he thought me a great
+bore, the word mother, made him yield at once."</p>
+
+<p>And Herbert's kindling eye and cheek bore testimony to the truth of his
+brother's words. His only feeling and exclamation had been, if he might
+but accompany his father, and save him all the trouble he could;
+allowing, however, its impossibility, when the circumstances of his
+still delicate health and the necessity for uninterrupted study, were
+placed before him.</p>
+
+<p>That visit to Oxford was a proud one for Mr. Hamilton. His sons held
+that place in the estimation of the professors, superiors, and their
+fellow-collegians, which their early influences had promised, and which,
+as the sons of Arthur Hamilton, seemed naturally their own. Percy could
+so combine firmness in principle, unbending rectitude in conduct, with
+such a spirit of fun and enjoyment, as rendered him the prime mover of
+all sports at Oxford, as he had been at Oakwood; and Herbert, though so
+gentle and retiring as (until Percy's spirit was roused to shield him),
+gained him many nick-names and many petty annoyances, silently and
+insensibly won his way, and so bore with the thoughtless, the mirthful,
+and even the faulty, as at length to gain him the privilege of being
+allowed to do just as he liked, and win by his extraordinary talents the
+admiration and love of all the professors with whom he was thrown.</p>
+
+<p>Morton had promised to introduce a person to Mr. Hamilton on his return
+from Oxford, who, if approved of, would be his willing, his eager
+assistant, and gladly remain in the island, attending to all that was
+required in its superintendence, and in the education of young Wilson,
+till he was old enough and properly fitted to take his father's place.
+Great, then, was Mr. Hamilton's disappointment, when Morton entered his
+library according to appointment, but quite alone. Still greater was his
+astonishment, when he found it was Morton himself, thus eagerly desirous
+to become his companion, urging his wishes, his motives, Mr. Howard's
+sanction, with such earnestness, such single-mindedness of purpose, that
+every objection which, for Morton's own sake, Mr. Hamilton so
+strenuously brought forward, was overruled; and after a lengthened
+interview, matters were arranged to the entire satisfaction of both
+parties. The idea of the companionship and aid of such a friend as
+Morton bringing as great a relief to both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, as
+their acquiescence filled the whole heart of the young missionary with
+the most unbounded gratitude and joy. He suggested many little things,
+which, in the agitation of his hasty summons, had escaped his friends,
+and his whole being seemed transformed from despondency and listlessness
+to energy and hope. Engrossed as he was, Mr. Hamilton's usual thought
+for others had not deserted him, and he remarked that one of his
+household, Robert Langford, so often mentioned, appeared to linger in
+the library after morning and evening service, as if anxious to speak to
+him, but failing in courage so to do. He thought, too, that the young
+man seemed quite altered, dispirited, gloomy, almost wretched at times,
+instead of the mirthful, happy being he had been before. Determining to
+give him an opportunity of speaking before his departure, if he wished
+it, Mr. Hamilton summoned him to arrange, write a list, and pack some
+books, which Morton had selected to take with him. For some time Robert
+pursued his work in persevering silence, but at length fixed his eyes on
+his master with such beseeching earnestness, that Mr. Hamilton inquired
+the matter at once. It was some time before the young man could
+sufficiently compose himself to speak with any coherency, but at last
+Mr. Hamilton gathered the following details.</p>
+
+<p>About five weeks previous (the first day of June) he had been
+introduced, as he had very often before been, by his master, with
+certain papers and law articles to convey to Plymouth, and with a pocket
+book containing thirty pounds, in two ten and two five pound notes,
+which he had orders to leave at some poor though respectable families,
+whom Mr. Hamilton was in the habit of occasionally assisting, though
+they were out of his own domains. The morning he was to have started on
+this expedition a cousin, whom he had always regarded as a brother, came
+unexpectedly to see him. He had just arrived at Plymouth from a four
+years' residence with his regiment in Ireland: and Robert's glee was so
+great as to require reiterated commands from the steward to take care of
+the papers, and not stay at his mother's cottage, where he was to take
+his cousin, later than the afternoon. He lingered so long before he set
+off from Oakwood, that he gathered up all the papers as quickly as he
+could, forgot his principal charge, so far at least as not to look to
+the secure fastening of the pocket-book, and hastened with his cousin
+through the brushwood and glade we have before mentioned, to his
+mother's cottage. It was very hot, and the young men, heated and in
+eager conversation, took off their coats, threw them loosely over their
+arms, and proceeded on their walk without them, much too engrossed with
+each other to be aware that, as they carried their coats, it was the
+easiest and most natural thing possible for all the smaller contents of
+their pockets to fall out, and if not missed directly, from the winding
+and rugged wood path, not likely to be found again.</p>
+
+<p>A draught of cider and half an hour's rest at Mrs. Langford's cottage
+sufficiently revived Robert to resume his coat; he satisfied himself
+that his packet of papers was secure, and, as he imagined from the feel
+of another pocket, the pocket-book also.</p>
+
+<p>What, then, was his consternation, when he approached the first house at
+which he was to leave ten pounds of the money, about twenty miles from
+Oakwood to discover that the pocket book was gone! and that which, by
+its feel, he believed to have been it, an old card-case, that his young
+master Percy had laughingly thrown at him one day after failing in his
+endeavor to emblazon it, the sticky materials he had used causing it to
+adhere to whatever it touched, and so preserving it in Robert's pocket,
+when almost all the other things had fallen out. He racked his memory in
+vain as to what could have become of it, convinced that he had not left
+it at Oakwood, as he first sincerely wished that he had. Two or three
+other things had also disappeared, and it suddenly flashed upon him,
+that when carrying his coat over his arm they must have fallen out. He
+cursed his thoughtlessness again and again, and would have retraced his
+steps immediately, but the papers with which he was intrusted had to be
+delivered at Plymouth by a certain hour, and he could not do it. The
+intense heat of the day gave place in the evening to a tremendous storm
+of thunder and lightning, wind and very heavy rain, which last continued
+unabated through the night. He returned home, or rather to his mother's
+cottage, the next day, in a state of mind little removed from
+distraction; searching the path he had traversed with his cousin in
+every direction, but only succeeded in finding some worthless trifles,
+and the pocket-book itself but open and empty; but at a little distance
+from it one five pound note. In an instant he remembered that in his
+hurry he had failed to see to its proper fastening: if he had, all would
+have been right, for the wind and rain would hardly have had power to
+open it, and disperse its contents. Hour after hour he passed in the
+vain search for the remainder; the storm had rendered the path more
+intricate; the ground was slimy, and quantities of dried sticks and
+broken branches and leaves almost covered it. He told his tale to his
+mother in the deepest distress; what was he to do? She advised him to
+tell the steward the whole story, and to request him to keep back the
+sum she was in the habit of receiving quarterly, till the whole amount
+could be repaid. Robert obeyed her, but with most painful reluctance,
+though even then he did not imagine all the misery his carelessness
+would entail upon him. Morris, as was natural, was exceedingly
+displeased, and not only reproved him very severely, but let fall
+suspicions as to the truth of his story: he knew nothing of his cousin,
+he said, and could not say what company he might have been led into. If
+the notes had fallen out of his pocket during his walk, they must be
+found; it was all nonsense that the wind and rain could so have
+scattered and annihilated them, as to remove all trace of them. He would
+not say any thing to his master, because it would only annoy him, and
+the charities he would give himself, not from Mrs. Langford's allowance,
+but from Robert's own wages, which he should certainly stop till the
+whole sum was paid; he should take care how he intrusted such a
+responsible office to him again.</p>
+
+<p>Robert was at first indignant, and violent in his protestations of the
+truth of his story; but as it got wind in the servants' hall as he found
+himself suspected and shunned by almost all, as days merged into weeks,
+and there was no trace of the notes, and Morris and Ellis both united in
+declaring that, as no strangers passed through that part of the park, if
+found they must have been heard of, the young man sunk into a state of
+the most gloomy despondency, longing to tell his kind master the whole
+tale, and yet, naturally enough, shrinking from the dread of his
+suspicion of his honesty, as more terrible than all the rest.</p>
+
+<p>But Mr. Hamilton did not suspect him, and so assured him of his firm
+belief in his truth and innocence, that it was with great difficulty
+poor Robert refrained from throwing himself at his feet to pour forth
+his gratitude. He was so severely punished from his heedlessness, that
+his master would not say much about it, and soon after dismissing him,
+summoned Morris, and talked with him some time on the subject, declaring
+he would as soon suspect his own son of dishonesty as the boy who had
+grown up under his own eye from infancy, and the son of such a mother.
+It was very distressing for Mrs. Langford certainly, the old steward
+allowed, and she looked sad enough; but it was no use, he had tried hard
+enough to prevent his suspicions, but they would come. None but the
+servants and the woodmen and gardeners went that path, and if the notes
+had been dropped there, they must have been found; and it was a very
+hard thing for the other servants, as none knew who might be suspected
+of appropriating them. His master was much too kind in his opinions, but
+he must forgive him if he continued to keep a sharp look out after the
+young man. Morris was very old, and somewhat opinionated; so all that
+his master could succeed in, was to insist that he should only keep back
+half of Robert's wages, till the sum was paid.</p>
+
+<p>"Take away the whole, and if he have been unfortunately led into
+temptation, which I do not believe he has, you expose him to it again,"
+was his judicious command. "It is all right he should return it, even
+though lost only by carelessness; but I will not have him put to such
+straits for want of a little money, as must be the case if you deprive
+him of all his wages; and now, my good Morris, if you can not in
+conscience repeat my firm opinion of this lad's innocence to the
+servants, I must do it myself."</p>
+
+<p>And that very evening after prayers, when the whole household were
+assembled in the library, Mr. Hamilton addressed them simply and
+briefly, mentioning that Robert Langford had himself told his tale to
+him, and that it was his own opinion, and that of their mistress, that
+he did not deserve the suspicions attached to him, and that his
+fellow-servants would all be acting more charitably and religiously if
+they believed his story, until they had had some strong proof to the
+contrary; he could not of course, interfere with private opinion; he
+could only tell them his own and their lady's. He acknowledged it was a
+very unpleasant occurrence, but he begged them all to dismiss the idea
+that suspicion could be attached to either of them; he felt too
+convinced that had any one of his household chanced to find the missing
+notes, they would at once have mentioned it to the steward or
+housekeeper, more especially, since Robert's loss had been known among
+them only a few days after it had occurred. Appropriation, he need not
+tell them, in such a case was theft, and of that sin, he was perfectly
+certain, not one present would be guilty. He allowed that it would be
+much more satisfactory to have the tangible proof of Robert's innocence
+by discovering some trace of them but it was not unlikely the heavy wind
+and rain had destroyed the thin material of the notes or borne them into
+the brambly brushwood, where it was scarcely possible they could be
+found.</p>
+
+<p>If the attention of Mrs. Hamilton, her daughters, and Miss Harcourt had
+not been naturally riveted on Mr. Hamilton's address, and its effect on
+the servants, especially Robert, whose emotion was almost overpowering,
+they must have remarked that Ellen had shrunk into the shade of the
+heavy curtains falling by one of the windows, and had unconsciously
+grasped the oaken back of one of the massive chairs; lips, cheek, and
+brow, white and rigid as sculptured marble. An almost supernatural
+effort alone enabled her to master the crushing agony, sending the blood
+up to her cheeks with such returning violence, that when she wished her
+aunt and uncle good night, she might have been thought more flushed than
+pale; but it passed unnoticed Mrs. Hamilton too much annoyed on Mrs.
+Langford's account, to think at that moment of any thing but how she
+could best set the poor mother's heart at rest. It was very evident that
+though some of the domestics after their master's address came up to
+Robert, shook hands with him and begged his pardon, the greater number
+still sided with Morris, and retained their own less favorable opinion,
+and she could well imagine what Mrs. Langford's sufferings must be. It
+only wanted five days to that fixed for Mr. Hamilton's departure, wind
+permitting; and there were so many things to think of and do for him,
+that his family could have little thought of any thing else; but Mrs.
+Hamilton, assured her husband she would leave no means untried to prove
+Robert's innocence.</p>
+
+<p>For nearly an hour that same night did Ellen, after her attendant had
+left her, sit crouched by the side of her bed as if some bolt had struck
+and withered her as she sat. One word alone sounded and resounded in her
+ears; she had known it, pronounced it to be such to herself numbers of
+times, but it had never mocked and maddened her as when spoken in her
+uncle's voice, and in his deepest, most expressive tone&mdash;"theft!" And
+she was the guilty one&mdash;and she must see the innocent bearing the
+penalty of her crime, suspicion, dislike, avoidance, for she dared not
+breathe the truth. Again came the wild, almost desperate, resolve to
+seek Mrs. Hamilton that very moment, avow herself the criminal, implore
+her to take back every trinket belonging to her, to replace it, and do
+with her what she would. But if she did confess, and so draw attention
+to her, how could she keep her brother's secret? Could she have firmness
+to bear all, rather than betray it? What proof of her inward
+wretchedness and remorse could there be in the mere confession of
+appropriation, when the use to which she had applied that money and all
+concerning it, even to the day it was found, must be withheld, lest it
+should in any way be connected with her letter to her brother. She must
+be silent; and the only prayer which, night and morning, ay, almost
+every hour, rose, from that young heart, was for death, ere it was too
+late for God's forgiveness.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IVC" id="CHAPTER_IVC"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BROKEN DESK</h3>
+
+
+<p>The many secret wishes for an unfavorable wind, that Mr. Hamilton might
+stay at Oakwood still a little longer, were not granted, and he left his
+family the very day he had fixed, the 14th of July, just three weeks
+after his summons, and about ten days before his sons were expected
+home. Without him Oakwood was strange indeed, but with the exception of
+Emmeline, all seemed determined to conquer the sadness and anxiety,
+which the departure of one so beloved, naturally occasioned. Emmeline
+was so unused to any thing like personal sorrow, that she rather seemed
+to luxuriate in its indulgence.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you wish to both disappoint and displease me, my dear Emmeline?" her
+mother said, one day, about a week after her husband had gone, as she
+entered the music-room, expecting to find her daughter at the harp, but
+perceiving her instead, listless and dispirited, on the sofa. "Indeed,
+you will do both, if you give way to this most uncalled-for gloom."</p>
+
+<p>"Uncalled for," replied Emmeline, almost pettishly.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite uncalled for, to the extent in which you are indulging it; and
+even if called for, do you not think you would be acting more correctly,
+if you thought more of others than yourself, and tried to become your
+own cheerful self for their sakes? It is the first time you have ever
+given me cause to suspect you of selfishness; and I am disappointed."</p>
+
+<p>"Selfishness, mamma; and I do hate the thought of it so! Am I selfish?"
+she repeated, her voice faltering, and her eyes filling fast with tears.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope not, my love; but if you do not try to shake off this
+depression, we must believe you to be so. Your father's absence is a
+still greater trial to Caroline than it is to you, for it compels a very
+bitter disappointment, as well as the loss of his society; and yet,
+though she feels both deeply, she has exerted herself more than I ever
+saw her do before, and so proves, more than any words or tears could do,
+how much she loves both him and me."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you think I love you both, less than she does?" replied
+Emmeline, now fairly sobbing.</p>
+
+<p>"No, dearest; but I want you to prove it in the same admirable manner.
+Do you think I do not feel your father's absence, Emmeline? but would
+you like to see me as sad and changed as you are?"</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline looked up in her face, for there was something in the tone that
+appealed to her better feelings at once. Throwing her arms round her,
+she sobbed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dear mamma, do forgive me. I see now I have been very selfish and very
+weak, but I never, never can be as firm and self-controlled as you and
+Caroline are."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not say never, love, or you will never try to be so. I am quite sure
+you would not like to be one of those weak, selfish characters, who lay
+all their faults, and all the mischief their faults produce, on a
+supposed impossibility to become like others. I know your disposition is
+naturally less strong and firm than your sister's, but it is more
+elastic, and still more joyous; and so had you not too weakly encouraged
+your very natural sorrow, you would have been enabled to throw it off,
+and in the comfort such an exertion would have brought to us, fully
+recompensed yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"And if I do try now?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be quite satisfied, dearest; though I fear you will find it
+more difficult than had you tried a few days ago. Confess that I am
+right. Did you not, after the first two or three days, feel that you
+could have been cheerful again, at least at times, but that you fancied
+you had not felt sorry enough, and so increased both sorrow and anxiety
+by determinedly dwelling on them, instead of seeking some pursuit?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear mamma, shall I never be able to hide a feeling from you?" answered
+Emmeline, so astonished, that her tears half dried. "I did not know I
+felt so myself till you put it before me, and now I know that I really
+did. Was it very wrong?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will answer your question by another, love. Did you find such
+pertinacious indulgence of gloom, help you to bring the object of your
+regret and anxiety, and of your own grief before your Heavenly Father?"</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline hesitated, but only for a minute, then answered, with a crimson
+blush&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"No, mamma; I could not pray to God to protect dear papa, or to give me
+His blessing, half as earnestly and believingly as when I was happier;
+the more I indulged in gloomy thoughts, the more difficulty I had to
+turn them to prayer, and the last few days, I fear I have not even
+tried."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, dearest, is it necessary for me to answer your former question? I
+see by that conscious look that it is not. You have always trusted my
+experience and affection, my Emmeline, trust them now, and try my plan.
+Think of your dear father, whom you can not love too well, or whose
+compelled absence really regret too much; but so think of him, as to
+pray continually in spirit to your gracious God, to have him always in
+His holy keeping, either on sea or land, in storm or calm, and so
+prosper his undertaking, as to permit his return to us still sooner than
+we at present expect. The very constant prayer for this, will make you
+rest secure and happy in the belief, that our God is with him wherever
+he is, as He is with us, and so give you cheerfulness and courage to
+attend to your daily duties, and conquer any thing like too selfish
+sorrow. Will you try this, love, even if it be more difficult now, than
+it would have been a few days ago?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will indeed, mamma," and she raised her head from her mother's
+shoulder, and tried to smile. "When you first addressed me to-day, I
+thought you were almost harsh, and so cold&mdash;so you see even there I was
+thinking wrong&mdash;and now I am glad, oh, so glad, you did speak to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I know who will be glad too, if I have prevented his having a Niobe
+for his Tiny, instead of the Euphrosyne, which I believe he sometimes
+calls you. I thought there was one particular duet that Percy is to be
+so charmed with, Emmy. Suppose you try it now." And, her tears all
+checked, her most unusual gloom dispersed, Emmeline obeyed with
+alacrity, and finding, when she had once begun, so many things to get
+perfect for the gratification of her brothers, that nearly three hours
+slipped away quite unconsciously; and when Caroline returned from a
+walk, she was astonished at the change in her sister, and touched by the
+affectionate self-reproach with which Emmeline, looking up in her face,
+exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Caroline, I have been so pettish and so cross to you since papa
+left, that I am sure you must be quite tired of me; but I am going to be
+really a heroine now, and not a shy sentimental one; and bear the pain
+of papa's absence as bravely as you do."</p>
+
+<p>And she did so; though at first it was, as her mother had warned her,
+very difficult to compel the requisite exertion, which for employment
+and cheerfulness, was now needed; but when the <i>will</i> is right, there is
+little fear of failure.</p>
+
+<p>As each day passed, so quickly merging into weeks, that five had now
+slipped away since that fatal letter had been sent to Edward, the
+difficulty to do as she had intended, entreat Mrs. Langford to dispose
+of her trinkets and watch, became to Ellen, either in reality or
+seeming, more and more difficult. Her illness had confined her to her
+room for nearly a week, and when she was allowed to take the air, the
+state of nervous debility to which it had reduced her, of course
+prevented her ever being left alone. The day after Mr. Hamilton's appeal
+to his domestics, she had made a desperate attempt, by asking permission
+to be the bearer of a message from her aunt to the widow; and as the
+girls were often allowed and encouraged to visit their nurse, the
+request was granted without any surprise, though to the very last moment
+she feared one of her cousins or Miss Harcourt would offer to accompany
+her. They were all, however, too occupied with and for Mr. Hamilton, and
+she sought the cottage, and there, with such very evident mental agony,
+besought Mrs. Langford to promise her secrecy and aid, that the widow,
+very much against her conscience, was won over to accede. She was in
+most pressing want of money, she urged, and dared not appeal to her
+aunt. Not daring to say the whole amount which she so urgently required
+at once, she had only brought with her the antique gold cross and two or
+three smaller ornaments, which had been among her mother's trinkets, and
+a gold locket Percy had given her. Mrs. Langford was painfully startled.
+She had no idea her promise comprised acquiescence and assistance in any
+matter so very wrong and mysterious as this; and she tried every
+argument, every persuasion, to prevail on Ellen to confide all her
+difficulties to Mrs. Hamilton, urging that if even she had done wrong,
+it could only call for temporary displeasure, whereas the mischief of
+her present proceeding might never come to an end, and must be
+discovered at last; but Ellen was inexorable, though evidently quite as
+miserable as she was firm, and Mrs. Langford had too high an idea of the
+solemn nature of a pledged word to draw back, or think of betraying her.
+She said that, of course, it might be some weeks before she could
+succeed in disposing of them all; as to offer them all together, or even
+at one place, would be exposing herself to the most unpleasant
+suspicions.</p>
+
+<p>One step was thus gained, but nearly a fortnight had passed, and she
+heard nothing from the widow.</p>
+
+<p>"Will they never come?" exclaimed Emmeline, in mirthful impatience, one
+evening, about four days after her conversation with her mother; "it
+<i>must be</i> past the hour Percy named."</p>
+
+<p>"It still wants half an hour," replied Mrs. Hamilton; adding, "that
+unfortunate drawing, when will it succeed in obtaining your undivided
+attention?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not this evening, mamma; the only drawing I feel inclined
+for, is a sketch of my two brothers, if they would only have the
+kindness to sit by me."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Percy," observed Caroline, dryly; "if you are to be as restless as
+you have been the last hour, Emmeline, he would not be very much
+flattered by his portrait."</p>
+
+<p>"Now that is very spiteful of you, Caroline, and all because I do not
+happen to be so quiet and sober as you are; though I am sure all this
+morning, that mamma thought by your unusually long absence that you were
+having a most persevering practice, you were only collecting all Percy's
+and Herbert's favorite songs and pieces, and playing them over, instead
+of your new music."</p>
+
+<p>"And what if I did, Emmeline?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it only proves that your thoughts are quite as much occupied by
+them as mine are, though you have so disagreeably read, studied, worked,
+just as usual, to make one believe you neither thought nor cared any
+thing about them."</p>
+
+<p>"And so, because Caroline can control even joyous anticipation, she is
+to be thought void of feeling, Emmy. I really can pronounce no such
+judgment; so, though she may have settled to her usual pursuits, and you
+have literally done nothing at all to-day, I will not condemn her as
+loving her brothers less."</p>
+
+<p>"But you will condemn me as an idle, unsteady, hair-brained girl,"
+replied Emmeline, kneeling on the ottoman at her mother's feet, and
+looking archly and fondly in her face. "Then do let me have a
+fellow-sufferer, for I can not stand condemnation alone. Ellen, do put
+away that everlasting sketch, and be idle and unsteady, too!"</p>
+
+<p>"It won't do, Emmy; Ellen has been so perseveringly industrious since
+her illness, that I should rather condemn her for too much application
+than too great idleness. But you really have been stooping too long this
+warm evening, my love," she added, observing, as Ellen, it seemed almost
+involuntarily, looked up at her cousin's words, that her cheeks were
+flushed almost painfully. "Oblige Emmeline this once, and be as idle as
+she is: come and talk to me, I have scarcely heard a word from you
+to-day; you have been more silent than ever, I think, since your uncle
+left us; but I must have no gloom to greet your cousins, Ellen."</p>
+
+<p>There was no rejoinder to these kind and playful words. Ellen did indeed
+put aside her drawing, but instead of taking a seat near her aunt, which
+in former days she would have been only too happy to do, she walked to
+the farthest window, and ensconcing herself in its deep recess, seemed
+determined to hold communion with no one. Miss Harcourt was so indignant
+as scarcely to be able to contain its expression. Caroline looked
+astonished and provoked. Emmeline was much too busy in flying from
+window to window, to think of any thing else but her brothers. Mrs.
+Hamilton was more grieved and hurt than Ellen had scarcely ever made her
+feel. Several times before, in the last month, she had fancied there was
+something unusual in her manner; but the many anxieties and thoughts
+which had engrossed her since her husband's summons and his departure,
+had prevented any thing, till that evening, but momentary surprise.
+Emmeline's exclamation that she was quite sure she heard the trampling
+of horses, and that it must be Percy, by the headlong way he rode,
+prevented any remark, and brought them all to the window; and she was
+right, for in a few minutes a horseman emerged from some distant trees,
+urging his horse to its utmost speed, waving his cap in all sorts of
+mirthful gesticulations over his head, long before he could be quite
+sure that there was any body to see him. Another minute, and he had
+flung the reins to Robert, with a laughing greeting, and springing up
+the long flight of steps in two bounds, was in the sitting-room and in
+the arms of his mother, before either of his family imagined he could
+have had even time to dismount.</p>
+
+<p>"Herbert?" was the first word Mrs. Hamilton's quivering lip could speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Is quite well, my dearest mother, and not five minutes' ride behind me.
+The villagers would flock round us, with such an hurrah, I thought you
+must have heard it here; so I left Bertie to play the agreeable, and
+promised to see them to-morrow, and galloped on here, for you know the
+day we left, I vowed that the firstborn of my mother should have her
+first kiss."</p>
+
+<p>"Still the same, Percy&mdash;not sobered yet, my boy?" said his mother,
+looking at him with a proud smile; for while the tone and manner were
+still the eager, fresh-feeling boy, the face and figure were that of the
+fine-growing, noble-looking man.</p>
+
+<p>"Sobered! why, mother, I never intend to be," he answered, joyously, as
+he alternately embraced his sisters, Miss Harcourt, and Ellen, who,
+fearing to attract notice, had emerged from her hiding-place; "if the
+venerable towers of that most wise and learned town, Oxford, and all the
+grave lectures and long faces of sage professors have failed to tame me,
+there can be no hope for my sobriety; but here comes Herbert, actually
+going it almost as fast as I did. Well done, my boy! Mother, that is all
+your doing; he feels your influence at this distance. Why, all the
+Oxonians would fancy the colleges must be tumbling about their ears, if
+they saw the gentle, studious, steady Herbert Hamilton riding at such a
+rate." He entered almost as his brother spoke; and though less
+boisterous, the intense delight it was to him to look in his mother's
+face again, to be surrounded by all he loved, was as visible as Percy's;
+and deep was the thankfulness of Mrs. Hamilton's ever anxious heart, as
+she saw him looking so well&mdash;so much stronger than in his boyhood. The
+joy of that evening, and of very many succeeding days, was, indeed,
+great; though many to whom the sanctity and bliss of domestic affection
+are unknown, might fancy there was little to call for it; but to the
+inmates of Oakwood it was real happiness to hear Percy's wild laugh and
+his inexhaustible stories, calling forth the same mirth from his
+hearers&mdash;the very sound of his ever-bounding step, and his boisterous
+career from room to room, to visit, he declared, and rouse all the
+bogies and spirits that must have slept while he was away: Herbert's
+quieter but equal interest in all that had been done, studied, read,
+even thought and felt, in his absence: the pride and delight of both in
+the accounts of Edward, Percy insisting that to have such a gallant
+fellow of a brother, ought to make Ellen as lively and happy as
+Emmeline, who was blessed nearly in the same measure&mdash;looking so
+excessively mischievous as he spoke, that, though his sister did not at
+first understand the inference, it was speedily discovered, and called
+for a laughing attack on his outrageous self-conceit. Herbert more
+earnestly regretted to see Ellen looking as sad and pale as when she was
+quite a little girl, and took upon himself gently to reproach her for
+not being, or, at least, trying to make herself more cheerful, when she
+had so many blessings around her, and was so superlatively happy in
+having such a brave and noble-hearted brother. If he did not understand
+her manner as he spoke, both he and the less observant Percy were
+destined to be still more puzzled and grieved as a few weeks passed, and
+they at first fancied and then were quite sure that she was completely
+altered, even in her manner to their mother. Instead of being so gentle,
+so submissive, so quietly happy to deserve the smallest sign of approval
+from Mrs. Hamilton, she now seemed completely to shrink from her, either
+in fear, or that she no longer cared either to please or to obey her. By
+imperceptible, but sure degrees, this painful conviction pressed itself
+on the minds of the whole party, even to the light-hearted, unsuspicious
+Emmeline, to whom it was so utterly incomprehensible, that she declared
+it must be all fancy, and that they were all so happy that their heads
+must be a little turned.</p>
+
+<p>"Even mamma's!" observed Caroline, dryly.</p>
+
+<p>"No; but she is the only sensible person among us, for she has not said
+any thing about it, and, therefore, I dare say does not even see that
+which we are making such a wonder about."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not agree with you, for I rather think she has both seen and felt
+it before either of us, and that because it so grieves and perplexes
+her, she can not speculate or even speak about it as we do. Time will
+explain it, I suppose, but it is very disagreeable."</p>
+
+<p>It was, indeed, no fancy; but little could these young observers or even
+Mrs. Hamilton suspect that which was matter of speculation or grief to
+them, was almost madness in its agony of torture to Ellen; who, as weeks
+passed, and but very trifling returns for her trinkets were made her by
+Mrs. Langford, felt as if her brain must fail before she could indeed
+accomplish her still ardently desired plan, and give back the missing
+sum to Robert, without calling suspicion on herself. She felt to herself
+as changed as she appeared to those that observed her; a black
+impenetrable pall seemed to have enveloped her heart and mind, closing
+up both, even from those affections, those pursuits, so dear to her
+before. She longed for some change from the dense impenetrable fog, even
+if it were some heavy blow&mdash;tangible suffering of the fiercest kind was
+prayed for, rather than the stagnation which caused her to move, act,
+and speak as if under some fatal spell, and look with such terror on the
+relation she had so loved, that even to be banished from her presence
+she imagined would be less agony, than to associate with her, as the
+miserable, guilty being she had become.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton watched and was anxious, but she kept both her
+observations and anxiety to herself, for she would not throw even a
+temporary cloud over the happiness of her children. A fortnight after
+the young men's arrival, letters came most unexpectedly from Mr.
+Hamilton, dated twelve days after he had left, and brought by a Scottish
+trader whom they had encountered near the Shetland Isles, and who had
+faithfully forwarded them from Edinburgh, as he had promised. The voyage
+had been most delightful, and they hoped to reach Feroe in another week.
+He wrote in the highest terms of Morton; the comfort of such
+companionship, and the intrinsic worth of his character, which could
+never be known, until so closely thrown together.</p>
+
+<p>"I may thank our Percy for this excellent friend," he wrote. "He tells
+me his brave and honest avowal of those verses, which had given him so
+much pain, attracted him more toward me and mine, than even my own
+efforts to obtain his friendship. Percy little thought when he so
+conquered himself the help he would give his father&mdash;so little do we
+know to what hidden good, the straightforward, honest performance of a
+duty, however painful, may lead."</p>
+
+<p>"My father should thank you, mother, not me," was Percy's rejoinder,
+with a flushed cheek and eye sparkling with animation, as his mother
+read the passage to him.</p>
+
+<p>"No such thing, Percy; I will not have you give me all the merit of your
+good deeds. I did but try to guide you, my boy; neither the disposition
+to receive, nor the fruit springing from the seeds I planted, is from
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"They are, mother, more than you are in the least aware of!" replied he,
+with even more than his usual impetuosity, for they happened to be quite
+alone; "I thought I knew all your worth before I went to Oxford, but I
+have mingled with the world now; I have been a silent listener and
+observer of such sentiments, such actions, as I know would naturally
+have been mine, and though in themselves perhaps of little moment, saw
+they led to irregularity, laxity of principle and conduct, which now I
+can not feel as other than actual guilt; and what saved me from the
+same? The <i>principle</i> which from my infancy you taught. I have
+questioned, led on in conversation, these young men to speak of their
+boyhood and their homes, and there were none guided, loved as I was;
+none whose parents had so blended firmness with indulgence, as while my
+wild, free spirits were unchecked, prevented the ascendency of evil. <i>I
+could not do</i> as they did. Mother! love you more, perhaps, I can not,
+but every time I join the world, fresh from this home sanctuary, I must
+bless and venerate you more! To walk through this world with any degree
+of security, man <i>must</i> have principle based on the highest source; and
+that principle can only be instilled by the constant example of a mother
+and the association of a home!" Mrs. Hamilton could not answer, but&mdash;a
+very unusual sign of weakness with her&mdash;tears of the most intense
+happiness poured down on the cheek of her son, as in his impetuosity he
+knelt before her, and ended his very unusually grave appeal by the same
+loving caresses he was wont to lavish on her, in his infancy and
+boyhood.</p>
+
+<p>The letters from Mr. Hamilton, of course, greatly increased the general
+hilarity, and the arrival of Mr. Grahame's family about the same time,
+added fresh zest to youthful enjoyment. In the few months she spent at
+Moorlands, Annie actually condescended to be agreeable. Percy, and some
+of Percy's boyish friends, now young men, as himself, were quite
+different to her usual society, and as she very well knew the only way
+to win Percy's even casual notice was to throw off her affectation and
+superciliousness as much as possible, she would do so, and be pleasing
+to an extent that surprised Mrs. Hamilton, who, always inclined to judge
+kindly, hoped more regarding Annie than she had done yet. Little could
+her pure mind conceive that, in addition to the pleasure of flirting
+with Percy, Annie acted in this manner actually to throw her off her
+guard, and so give her a wider field for her machinations when Caroline
+should enter the London world; a time to which, from her thirteenth
+year, she had secretly looked as the opportunity to make Caroline so
+conduct herself, as to cover her mother with shame and misery, and bring
+her fine plans of education to failure and contempt.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Greville and Mary were also constantly at the Hall, or having their
+friends with them; Herbert and Mary advancing in words or feelings not
+much farther than they had ever done as boy and girl, but still feeling
+and acknowledging to their mutual mothers that, next to them, they loved
+each other better than all the world, and enjoyed each other's society
+more than any other pleasure which life could offer. Excursions by land
+or water, sometimes on horseback, sometimes in the carriages, constant
+little family reunions, either at Oakwood, Moorlands, or Greville Manor,
+passed days and evenings most delightfully, to all but Ellen, who did
+not dare stay at home as often as inclination prompted, and whose
+forced gayety, when in society, did but increase the inward torture when
+alone. Mrs. Hamilton had as yet refrained from speaking to her&mdash;still
+trying to believe she must be mistaken, and there really was nothing
+strange about her. One morning, however, about a month after the young
+men had been at home, her attention was unavoidably arrested by hearing
+Percy gayly ask his cousin&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Nelly, Tiny wrote me such a description of your birthday watch, that I
+quite forgot, I have been dying to see it all the time I have been at
+home; show it me now, there's a dear; it can not be much use to you,
+that's certain, for I have never seen you take it from its
+hiding-place."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen answered, almost inarticulately, it was not in her power to show
+it him.</p>
+
+<p>"Not in your power! You must be dreaming, Nell, as I think you are very
+often now. Why, what do you wear that chain, and seal and key for, if
+you have not your watch on too?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where is your watch, Ellen? and why, if you are not wearing it, do you
+make us suppose you are?" interrupted Mrs. Hamilton, startled out of all
+idea that Ellen was changed only in fancy.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen was silent, and to Percy's imagination, so sullenly and insolently
+so, that he became indignant.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you hear my mother speak to you, Ellen? Why don't you answer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I thought my watch was my own to do what I liked with, to wear
+or to put away," was the reply; over neither words nor tone of which,
+had she at that moment any control, for in her agonized terror, she did
+not in the least know what she said.</p>
+
+<p>"How dare you answer so, Ellen? Leave the room, or ask my mother's
+pardon at once," replied Percy, his eyes flashing with such unusual
+anger that it terrified her still more, and under the same kind of spell
+she was turning to obey him, without attempting the apology he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Stay, Ellen; this extraordinary conduct must not go on any longer
+without notice on my part. I have borne with it, I fear, too long
+already. Leave us, my dear Percy; I would rather speak with your cousin
+alone."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear it will be useless, mother; what has come over Ellen I <i>can not</i>
+imagine, but I never saw such an incomprehensible change in my life."</p>
+
+<p>He departed, unconscious that Ellen, who was near the door transfixed at
+her aunt's words, made a rapid movement as to catch hold of his arm, and
+that the words, "Do not go, Percy, for pity's sake!" trembled on her
+pale lips, but they emitted no sound.</p>
+
+<p>What passed in the interview, which lasted more than an hour, no one
+knew; but to the watchful eyes of her affectionate children, there were
+traces of very unusual disturbance on Mrs. Hamilton's expressive
+countenance when she rejoined them; and the dark rim round Ellen's eyes,
+the deadly pallor of her cheeks and lips seemed to denote that it had
+not been deficient in suffering to her; though not one sign of
+penitence, one word of acknowledgment that she was, and had been for
+some weeks in error, by her extraordinary conduct&mdash;not even a softening
+tear could her aunt elicit. She had never before so failed&mdash;never, not
+even when the disappearance of her allowance had caused extreme
+displeasure, had Ellen evinced such an apparently sullen spirit of
+determined hardihood. She would not attempt defense or reply to the
+acted falsehood with which she was charged, of appearing to wear her
+watch when she did not, or to say what she had done with it. Mrs.
+Hamilton spoke to her till she was almost exhausted, for her own
+disappointment was most painful, and she had not a gleam of hope to urge
+her on. Her concluding words were these&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"That you are under the evil influence of some unconfessed and most
+heinous fault, Ellen, I am perfectly convinced; what it is time will
+reveal. I give you one month to decide on your course of action; subdue
+this sullen spirit, confess whatever error you may have been led into,
+and so change your conduct as to be again the child I so loved, spite of
+occasional faults and errors, and I will pardon all that is past. If, at
+the end of a month, I find you persisting in the same course of
+rebellion and defiance, regardless alike of your duty to your God and to
+me, I shall adopt some measures to compel submission. I had hoped to
+bring up all my children under my own eye, and by my own efforts; but if
+I am not permitted so to do, I know my duty too well to shrink from the
+alternative. You will no longer remain under my care; some severer
+guardian and more rigid discipline may bring you to a sense of your
+duty. I advise you to think well on this subject, Ellen; you know me too
+well, I think, to imagine that I speak in mere jest."</p>
+
+<p>She had left the room as she spoke, so, that if Ellen had intended
+reply, there was no time for it. But she could not have spoken. Go from
+Oakwood, and in anger! Yet it was but just; it was better, perhaps, than
+the lingering torture she was then enduring&mdash;better to hide her shame
+and misery among strangers, than remain among the good, the happy&mdash;the
+guilty wretch she was. She sat and thought till feeling itself became
+utterly exhausted, and again the spell, the stupor of indifference,
+crept over her. She would have confessed, but she knew that it could
+never satisfy, as the half confession she would have been compelled to
+make it; and the dread of herself, that she should betray her brother,
+sealed her lips.</p>
+
+<p>Robert's story, and the strange disappearance of the notes, had of
+course been imparted to Percy and Herbert. In fact, the change in the
+young man, from being as light-hearted as his young master himself, to
+gravity and almost gloom&mdash;for the conviction of his master and mistress,
+as to his innocence could not cheer him, while suspicion against him
+still actuated Morris, and many of the other servants&mdash;would have called
+the young men's attention toward him at once. The various paths and
+glades between the Hall and Mrs. Langford's cottage had been so
+searched, that unless the storm had destroyed them or blown the notes
+very far away, it seemed next to impossible, that they could not be
+found. Mr. Hamilton knew the number of each note, had told them to his
+wife, and gave notice at his banker's that though he did not wish them
+stopped, he should like to know, if possible, when they had passed. No
+notice of such a thing had been sent to Oakwood, and it seemed curious
+that, if found and appropriated, they should not yet have been used, for
+ten weeks had now slipped away since their loss, and nearly nine since
+the letters had been sent to Edward and his captain, answers to which
+had not yet been received; but that was nothing remarkable, for Edward
+seldom wrote above once in three or four months.</p>
+
+<p>It was nearing the end of August, when one afternoon Mrs. Hamilton was
+prevented joining her children in a sail up the Dart, though it had been
+a long promise, and Percy was, in consequence, excessively indignant;
+but certain matters relative to the steward's province demanded a
+reference to his mistress, and Morris was compelled to request a longer
+interview than usual. Ellen had chosen to join the aquatic party, a
+decision now so contrary to her usual habits, that Mrs. Hamilton could
+not help fancying it was to prevent the chance of being any time alone
+with her. There had been no change in her manner, except a degree more
+care to control the disrespectful or pettish answer; but nothing to give
+hope that the spirit was changing, and that the hidden error, whatever
+it might be, would be acknowledged and atoned. Mrs. Hamilton was nerving
+her own mind for the performance of the alternative she had placed
+before her niece; passing many a sleepless night in painful meditations.
+If to send her from Oakwood were necessary, would it produce the effect
+she wished? with whom could she place her? and what satisfactory reason
+could she assign for doing so? She knew there would be a hundred tongues
+to cry shame on her for sending her orphan niece from her roof, but that
+was but one scarcely-tasted bitter drop in the many other sources of
+anxiety. But still these were but her nightly sorrows; she might have
+been paler when she rose, but though her children felt quite sure that
+Ellen was grieving her exceedingly, her cheerful sympathy in their
+enjoyments and pursuits never waned for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>Morris left her at six o'clock, all his business so satisfactorily
+accomplished, that the old man was quite happy, declaring to Ellis, he
+had always thought his mistress unlike any one else before; but such a
+clear head for reducing difficult accounts and tangled affairs to order,
+he had never imagined could either be possessed by, or was any business
+of a woman. Not in the least aware of the wondering admiration she had
+excited, Mrs. Hamilton had called Robert and proceeded to the
+school-room to get a pattern of embroidery and a note, which Caroline
+had requested might be sent to Annie Grahame that evening; the note was
+on the table, but the pattern and some silks she had neglected to put up
+till her brothers were ready, and they so hurried her, that her mother
+had promised she would see to it for her. The embroidery box was in a
+paneled closet of the school-room, rather high up, and in taking
+especial care to bring it safely down, Robert loosened a desk from its
+equilibrium, and it fell to the ground with such force as to break into
+several pieces, and scatter all its contents over the floor. It was
+Ellen's! the pretty rosewood desk which had been her gift, that
+memorable New Year's Eve, and was now the repository of her dread
+secret. It was actually in fragments, especially where the ink-stands
+and pens had been, and the spring broken, the secret drawer burst open,
+and all its contents were disclosed. Robert was much too concerned to
+think of any thing but his own extreme carelessness, and his mistress's
+reprimand; and he busied himself in hastily picking up the contents, and
+placing them carefully on the table, preparatory to their arrangement by
+Mrs. Hamilton in a drawer of the table which she was emptying for the
+purpose. She laid them carefully in, and was looking over a book of very
+nicely written French themes, glad there was at least one thing for
+which she might be satisfied with Ellen, when an exclamation&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Why, there is one of them! I am so glad," and as sudden, a stop and
+half-checked groan from Robert startled her. She looked inquiringly at
+him, but he only covered his face with one hand, while the other
+remained quite unconsciously covering the secret drawer out of which the
+contents had not fallen, but were merely disclosed.</p>
+
+<p>"What <i>is</i> the matter, Robert? what have you found to cause such
+contradictory exclamations? Speak, for God's sake!" escaped from Mrs.
+Hamilton's lips, for by that lightning touch of association, memory,
+thought, whatever it may be, which joins events together, and unites
+present with past, so that almost a life seems crowded in a moment, such
+a suspicion flashed upon her as to make her feel sick and giddy, and
+turn so unusually pale, as effectually to rouse Robert, and make him
+spring up to get her a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, madam, indeed it can be nothing&mdash;I must be mistaken&mdash;I am
+acting like a fool this afternoon, doing the most unheard-of mischief,
+and then frightening you and myself at shadows."</p>
+
+<p>"This evasion will not do, Robert; give me the papers at which you were
+so startled."</p>
+
+<p>He hesitated, and Mrs. Hamilton extended her hand to take them herself;
+but her hand and arm so shook, that to hide it from her domestic, she
+let it quietly drop by her side, and repeated her command in a tone that
+brooked no farther delay. He placed the little drawer and its contents
+in her hand, and, without a word, withdrew into the farthest window. For
+full five, it might have been ten minutes, there was silence so deep, a
+pin-fall might have been loudly heard. It was broken by Mrs. Hamilton.</p>
+
+<p>"Robert!"</p>
+
+<p>There was neither change nor tremor in the voice, but the fearful
+expression of forcibly-controlled suffering on her deathlike countenance
+so awed and terrified him, he besought her, almost inarticulately, to
+let him fetch a glass of water&mdash;wine&mdash;something&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It is not at all necessary, my good boy; I am perfectly well. This is,
+I believe, the only note that can be identified as one of those you
+lost; these smaller ones (she pointed to three, of one, two, and four
+pounds each, which Ellen had received at long intervals from Mrs.
+Langford) have nothing to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madam, and that&mdash;that may not&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"We can not doubt it, Robert, I have its number; I need not detain you,
+however, any longer. Take care of these broken fragments, and if they
+can be repaired, see that it is done. Here is Miss Hamilton's note and
+parcel. I believe you are to wait for an answer, at all events inquire.
+I need not ask you to be silent on this discovery, till I have spoken to
+Miss Fortescue, or to trust my promise to make your innocence fully
+known."</p>
+
+<p>"Not by the exposure of Miss Ellen! Oh, madam, this is but one of them,
+the smallest one&mdash;it may have come to her by the merest chance&mdash;see how
+stained it is with damp&mdash;for the sake of mercy, oh, madam, spare her and
+yourself too!" and in the earnestness of his supplication Robert caught
+hold of her dress, hardly knowing himself how he had found courage so to
+speak. His mistress's lips quivered.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a kind thought, Robert, and if justice to you and mercy to the
+guilty can, by any extenuating clause unknown to me now, be united,
+trust me, they shall. Now go."</p>
+
+<p>He obeyed in silence, and still Mrs. Hamilton changed not that outward
+seeming of rigid calm. She continued to put every paper and letter away
+(merely retaining the notes), locked the drawer, took possession of the
+key, and then retired to her own room, where for half an hour she
+remained alone.</p>
+
+<p>It is not ours to lift the vail from that brief interval. We must have
+performed our task badly indeed, if our readers can not so enter into
+the lofty character, the inward strivings and outward conduct of Mrs.
+Hamilton, as not to imagine more satisfactorily to themselves than we
+could write it, the heart-crushing agony of that one half hour; and
+anguish as it was, it did but herald deeper. There was not even partial
+escape for her, as there would have been had her husband been at home.
+Examination of the culprit, whose mysterious conduct was so fatally
+explained, that she did not even dare hope this was the only missing
+note she had appropriated&mdash;compelled confession of the use to which it
+had been applied&mdash;public acknowledgment of Robert's perfect truth and
+innocence, all crowded on her mind like fearful specters of pain and
+misery, from which there could be no escape; and from whom did they
+spring? Ellen! the child of her adoption, of her love, whose character
+she had so tried to mold to good&mdash;whose young life she had so sought to
+make happier than its earliest years&mdash;for whom she had so hoped, so
+prayed&mdash;so trusted&mdash;had borne with anxiety and care; tended in physical
+suffering with such untiring gentleness, such exhaustless love: and now!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VC" id="CHAPTER_VC"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CULPRIT AND THE JUDGE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was nearly seven when the young party returned, delighted as usual
+with their afternoon's amusement; and Percy, shouting loudly for his
+mother, giving vent to an exclamation of impatience at finding she was
+still invisible.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall wish Morris and all his concerns at the bottom of the Dart, if
+he is so to engross my mother when I want her," he said, as he flung
+himself full length on a couch in the music-room, desiring Emmeline to
+make haste and disrobe, as he must have an air on the harp to soothe his
+troubled spirit.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert, to look for a poem, the beauty of which he had been discussing
+with Miss Harcourt during their sail, entered the library, but
+perceiving his mother, would have retreated, thinking her still engaged;
+but she looked up as the door opened, and perceiving him, smiled, and
+asked him if they had had a pleasant afternoon. He looked at her
+earnestly, without making any reply; then approaching her, took one of
+her hands in his, and said, fondly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Forgive me, dearest mother; I ought not, perhaps, to ask, but I am sure
+something is wrong. You are ill&mdash;anxious&mdash;may I not share it? Can I do
+nothing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, my Herbert; bless you for your watchful love&mdash;it is such
+comfort." And the long pressure of the hand which so warmly clasped
+hers, the involuntary tenderness with which these few words were said,
+betrayed how much she needed such comfort at that moment, but she
+rallied instantly. "Do not look so anxious, dear boy, I am not ill&mdash;not
+quite happy, perhaps, but we know where to look for strength to bear
+trial, Herbert. Wait tea for me till eight o'clock; it is probable I may
+be engaged till then;" and, satisfied that she did not wish to be more
+explicit, Herbert took his book, and somewhat sorrowfully left her.</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes more, and the massive door unclosed again, but no step
+advanced, for the intruder remained rooted where the door had closed. It
+was a very large and lofty room, with an arched and Gothic roof, of
+black and fretted oak, the walls and chimney-piece of the same material
+and most elaborate workmanship. A sort of dais, remnant of olden times,
+divided the upper part of the room, by two or three steps, from the
+lower. On this dais was the raised reading-desk of superbly carved oak,
+at which Mr. Hamilton officiated morning and evening, and two library
+tables of more modern workmanship stood on each side, but rather lower
+down. Except the massive oaken chairs and couches, and three or four
+curious tables scattered about, and the well-filled book-cases, forming,
+to the height of five feet, the border, as it were, of the fretted
+wood-work of the walls, and filling up the niches formed by the windows;
+the lower part of the hall, two-thirds of the length, was comparatively
+unoccupied, showing its vast space and superb roof to still greater
+advantage. The magnificently stained windows, one on the dais&mdash;a deep
+oriel&mdash;threw such subdued light into the room, as accorded well with its
+other appointments; but as evening advanced, gave it that sort of soft,
+holy light, which always impresses the spirit with a species of awe.</p>
+
+<p>We do not think it was that feeling alone which so overpowered the
+second intruder, as to arrest her spell-bound on the threshold. Mrs.
+Hamilton was seated at one of the tables on the dais nearest the oriel
+window, the light from which fell full on her, giving her figure, though
+she was seated naturally enough in one of the large, maroon velvet,
+oaken chairs, an unusual effect of dignity and command, and impressing
+the terrified beholder with such a sensation of awe, that had her life
+depended on it, she could not for that one minute have gone forward; and
+even when desired to do so by the words&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I desired your presence, Ellen, because I wished to speak to you; come
+here without any more delay,"&mdash;how she walked the whole length of that
+interminable room, and stood facing her aunt, she never knew.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton for a full minute did not speak, but she fixed that
+searching look, to which we have once before alluded, upon Ellen's face;
+and then said, in a tone which, though very low and calm, expressed as
+much as that earnest look&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Ellen! is it necessary for me to tell you why you are here&mdash;necessary
+to produce the proof that my words are right, and that you <i>have</i> been
+influenced by the fearful effects of some unconfessed and most heinous
+sin? Little did I dream its nature."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Ellen stood as turned to stone, as white and rigid&mdash;the
+next she had sunk down, with a wild, bitter cry at Mrs. Hamilton's feet,
+and buried her face in her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it true&mdash;can it be true&mdash;that you, offspring of my own sister, dear
+to me, cherished by me as my own child&mdash;you have been the guilty one to
+appropriate, and conceal the appropriation of money, which has been a
+source of distress by its loss, and the suspicion thence proceeding, for
+the last seven weeks?&mdash;that you could listen to your uncle's words,
+absolving his whole household as incapable of a deed which was actual
+theft, and yet, by neither word nor sign, betray remorse or
+guilt?&mdash;could behold the innocent suffering, the fearful misery of
+suspicion, loss of character, without the power of clearing himself, and
+stand calmly, heedlessly by&mdash;only proving by your hardened and
+rebellious temper that all was not right within&mdash;Ellen, can this be
+true?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes!" was the reply, but with such a fearful effort, that her slight
+frame shook as with an ague; "thank God, that it is known! I dared not
+bring down the punishment on myself; but I can bear it."</p>
+
+<p>"This is mere mockery, Ellen; how dare I believe even this poor evidence
+of repentance, with the recollection of your past conduct? What were the
+notes you found?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen named them.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are they?&mdash;This is but one, and the smallest."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen's answer was scarcely audible.</p>
+
+<p>"Used them&mdash;and for what?"</p>
+
+<p>There was no answer, neither then, nor when Mrs. Hamilton sternly
+reiterated the question. She then demanded&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"How long have they been in your possession?"</p>
+
+<p>"Five or six weeks;" but the reply was so tremulous, it carried no
+conviction with it.</p>
+
+<p>"Since Robert told his story to your uncle, or before?"</p>
+
+<p>"Before."</p>
+
+<p>"Then your last answer was a falsehood, Ellen; it is full seven weeks
+since my husband addressed the household on the subject. You could not
+have so miscounted time, with such a deed to date by. Where did you find
+them?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen described the spot.</p>
+
+<p>"And what business had you there? You know that neither you nor your
+cousins are ever allowed to go that way to Mrs. Langford's cottage, and
+more especially alone. If you wanted to see her, why did you not go the
+usual way? And when was this?&mdash;you must remember the exact day. Your
+memory is not in general so treacherous."</p>
+
+<p>Again Ellen was silent.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you forgotten it?"</p>
+
+<p>She crouched lower at her aunt's feet, but the answer was audible&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then answer me, Ellen, this moment, and distinctly; for what purpose
+were you seeking Mrs. Langford's cottage by that forbidden path, and
+when?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wanted money, and I went to ask her to take my trinkets&mdash;my watch, if
+it must be&mdash;and dispose of them as I had read of others doing, as
+miserable as I was; and the wind blew the notes to my very hand, and I
+used them. I was mad then&mdash;I have been mad since, I believe; but I would
+have returned the whole amount to Robert, if I could but have parted
+with my trinkets in time."</p>
+
+<p>To describe the tone of utter despair, the recklessness as to the effect
+her words would produce, is impossible. Every word increased Mrs.
+Hamilton's bewilderment and misery. To suppose that Ellen did not feel
+was folly. It was the very depth of wretchedness which was crushing her
+to the earth, but every answered and unanswered question but deepened
+the mystery, and rendered her judge's task more difficult.</p>
+
+<p>"And when was this, Ellen? I will have no more evasion&mdash;tell me the
+exact day."</p>
+
+<p>But she asked in vain. Ellen remained moveless, and silent as the dead.</p>
+
+<p>After several minutes, Mrs. Hamilton removed her hands from her face,
+and compelling her to lift up her head; gazed searchingly on her
+deathlike countenance for some moments in utter silence, and then said,
+in a tone that Ellen never in her life forgot&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You can not imagine, Ellen, that this half-confession will either
+satisfy me, or in the smallest degree redeem your sin. One and one only
+path is open to you; for all that you have said and left unsaid but
+deepens your apparent guilt, and so blackens your conduct, that I can
+scarcely believe I am addressing the child I so loved&mdash;and could still
+so love, if but one real sign be given of remorse and penitence&mdash;one
+hope of returning truth. But that sign, that hope, can only be a full
+confession. Terrible as is the guilt of appropriating so large a sum,
+granted it came by the merest chance into your hand; dark as is the
+additional sin of concealment when an innocent person was
+suffering&mdash;something still darker, more terrible, must lie concealed
+behind it, or you would not, could not, continue thus obdurately silent.
+I can believe that under some heavy pressure of misery, some strong
+excitement, the sum might have been used without thought, and that fear
+might have prevented the confession of any thing so dreadful; but what
+was this heavy necessity for money, this strong excitement? What fearful
+and mysterious difficulties have you been led into to call for either?
+Tell me the truth, Ellen, the whole truth; let me have some hope of
+saving you and myself the misery of publicly declaring you the guilty
+one, and so proving Robert's innocence. Tell me what difficulty, what
+misery so maddened you, as to demand the disposal of your trinkets. If
+there be the least excuse, the smallest possibility of your obtaining in
+time forgiveness, I will grant it. I will not believe you so utterly
+fallen. I will do all I can to remove error, and yet to prevent
+suffering; but to win this, I must have a full confession&mdash;every
+question that I put to you must be clearly and satisfactorily answered,
+and so bring back the only comfort to yourself, and hope to me. Will you
+do this, Ellen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that I could!" was the reply in such bitter anguish, Mrs. Hamilton
+actually shuddered. "But I can not&mdash;must not&mdash;dare not. Aunt Emmeline,
+hate me, condemn me to the severest, sharpest suffering; I wish for it,
+pine for it: you can not loathe me more than I do myself, but do not&mdash;do
+not speak to me in these kind tones&mdash;I can not bear them. It was because
+I knew what a wretch I am, that I have so shunned you, I was not worthy
+to be with you; oh, sentence me at once! I dare not answer as you
+wish."</p>
+
+<p>"Dare not!" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, more and more bewildered, and, to
+conceal the emotion Ellen's wild words and agonized manner had produced,
+adopting greater sternness. "You dare commit a sin, from which the
+lowest of my household would shrink in horror, and yet tell me you dare
+not make the only atonement, give me the only proof of real penitence I
+demand. This is a weak and wicked subterfuge, Ellen, and will not pass
+with me. There can be no reason for this fearful obduracy, not even the
+consciousness of greater guilt, for I promise forgiveness, if it be
+possible, on the sole condition of a full confession. Once more, will
+you speak? Your hardihood will be utterly useless, for you can not hope
+to conquer me; and if you permit me to leave you with your conduct still
+clothed in this impenetrable mystery, you will compel me to adopt
+measures to subdue that defying spirit, which will expose you and myself
+to intense suffering, but which must force submission at last."</p>
+
+<p>"You can not inflict more than I have endured the last seven weeks,"
+murmured Ellen, almost inarticulately. "I have borne that, I can bear
+the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will not answer? You are resolved not to tell me the day on
+which you found that money, the use to which it was applied, the reason
+of your choosing that forbidden path, permitting me to believe you
+guilty of heavier sins than may be the case in reality. Listen to me,
+Ellen; it is more than time this interview should cease, but I will give
+you one chance more. It is now half-past seven,"&mdash;she took the watch
+from her neck, and laid it on the table&mdash;"I will remain here one
+half-hour longer: by that time this sinful temper may have passed away,
+and you will consent to give me the confession I demand. I can not
+believe you so altered in two months as to choose obduracy and misery,
+when pardon, and in time confidence and love, are offered in their
+stead. Get up from that crouching posture, it can be but mock humility,
+and so only aggravates your sin."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen rose slowly and painfully, and seating herself at the table, some
+distance from her aunt, leaned her arms upon it, and buried her face
+within them. Never before, and never after did half an hour appear so
+interminable to either Mrs. Hamilton or Ellen. It was well for the
+firmness of the former, perhaps, that she could not read the heart of
+that young girl, even if the cause of its anguish had been still
+concealed. Again and again did the wild longing, turning her actually
+faint and sick with its agony, come over her to reveal the whole, to ask
+but rest and mercy for herself, pardon and security for Edward; but then
+clear as held before her in letters of fire she read every word of her
+brother's desperate letter, particularly "Breathe it to my uncle or
+aunt, for if she knows it he will, and you will never see me more." Her
+mother, pallid as death, seemed to stand before her, freezing confession
+on her heart and lips, looking at her threateningly, as she had so often
+seen her, as if the very thought were guilt. The rapidly advancing
+twilight, the large and lonely room, all added to that fearful illusion,
+and if Ellen did succeed in praying, it was with desperate fervor, for
+strength not to betray her brother. If ever there were a martyr spirit,
+it was enshrined in that young, frail form.</p>
+
+<p>But how could Mrs. Hamilton imagine this? How could her wildest fancy
+bring Edward&mdash;the brave, happy, eager Edward, of whom captain, officers,
+and crew wrote in such terms of praise and admiration, who had never
+given cause for anxiety, and who was so far distant&mdash;as the uniting link
+to this terrible mystery? Was it not more natural that he should not
+enter the incongruous and painful thoughts floating through her brain,
+save as her last resource, by his influence, to obtain the truth from
+Ellen? The more she thought, the more agonizing her thoughts became;
+what could induce this determined silence, but a conviction of deeper
+guilt, and what could that guilt be? The most terrible suspicions
+crossed her mind; she had heard, though she had scarcely believed in
+them, of entanglements, even where the guardianship had been most rigid.
+Could one so young, seemingly so innocent, have fallen into the power of
+some desperate character, who was working on her thus? How could she be
+sure she intended to take her trinkets to Mrs. Langford? Her choosing
+that forbidden path which was never by any chance trodden by the family
+or their friends, her constant desire lately not to join them in their
+excursions, preferring, and often finding some excuse to remain
+alone&mdash;all came to Mrs. Hamilton's mind, with such an overpowering
+sensation of dread and misery, that the worst guilt Ellen could have
+avowed would scarcely have been worse than anticipation pictured; and
+yet every thought was so vague, every fancy so undefined&mdash;there was
+nothing she could grasp at as a saving hope, or in the remotest degree
+excusing cause; such obdurate silence in one so young, generally so
+yielding, could and must conceal nothing but still more fearful sin.
+The darkness which had gathered round them, save the brightening light
+of the harvest moon, suddenly awakened her to the lapse of time. The
+moonlight fell full on the face of the watch, which was a repeater. It
+wanted but three minutes more, and Mrs. Hamilton watched the progress of
+the hand with such sickening dread, that when it reached the hour, she
+had scarcely strength to strike it, and so give notice&mdash;for words she
+had none&mdash;that the hour of grace had passed. But she conquered the
+powerlessness, and those soft chimes, which, when Ellen first came to
+Oakwood, had been such a constant source of childish wonder and delight,
+now rang in her ears louder, hoarser, more fearfully distinct, than even
+those of the ancient time-piece in the hall, which at the same moment
+rang out the hour of eight.</p>
+
+<p>The sound ceased, and with heightened dignity, but in perfect silence,
+Mrs. Hamilton rose, passed her niece, and had nearly reached the door,
+when she paused, and turned toward Ellen, as if irresolute. Ellen's eyes
+had watched her as in fascination, and the pause endowed her with just
+sufficient power to spring forward, fling herself at her aunt's feet,
+and clasping her knees with all her little remaining strength,
+passionately implore&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Emmeline, aunt Emmeline, speak to me but one word, only one word
+of kindness before you go. I do not ask for mercy, there can be none for
+such a wretch as I am; I will bear without one complaint, one murmur,
+all you may inflict&mdash;you can not be too severe. Nothing can be such
+agony as the utter loss of your affection; I thought, the last two
+months, that I feared you so much that it was all fear, no love, but
+now, now that you know my sin, it has all, all come back to make me
+still more wretched." And before Mrs. Hamilton could prevent, or was in
+the least aware of her intention, Ellen had obtained possession of one
+of her hands, and was covering it with kisses, while her whole frame
+shook with those convulsed, but completely tearless sobs.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you confess, Ellen, if I stay? Will you give me the proof that it
+<i>is</i> such agony to lose my affection, that you <i>do</i> love me as you
+profess, and that it is only one sin which has so changed you? One word,
+and, tardy as it is, I will listen, and, if I can, forgive."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen made no answer, and Mrs. Hamilton's newly-raised hopes vanished;
+she waited full two or three minutes, then gently disengaged her hand
+and dress from Ellen's still convulsive grasp; the door closed, with a
+sullen, seemingly unwilling sound, and Ellen was alone. She remained in
+the same posture, the same spot, till a vague, cold terror so took
+possession of her, that the room seemed filled with ghostly shapes, and
+all the articles of furniture suddenly transformed to things of life!
+and springing up, with the wild, fleet step of fear, she paused not till
+she found herself in her own room, where flinging herself on her bed,
+she buried her face on her pillow, to shut out every object&mdash;oh, how she
+longed to shut out thought!</p>
+
+<p>It was such a different scene, such a fullness of innocent joy, on which
+Mrs. Hamilton entered, that though she thought herself nerved to control
+all visible emotion, the contrast almost overpowered her; knowing, too,
+that the fatal effects of one person's sin must banish that innocent
+enjoyment, and would fall on them all as some fearful, joy-destroying
+blow. The room, one of the least spacious, was cheerfully lighted, the
+urn hissing upon the table, at which Caroline, us usual, was presiding,
+only waiting for her mother's appearance, to satisfy Percy, who was
+loudly declaring he was famished in two senses&mdash;for want of his mother's
+company, and of some restorative for his craving appetite. He was
+lounging on the sofa, playing with Emmeline's flowing ringlets, as she
+sat on a low stool by his side, chatting with him, in as discursive a
+strain as his fancy willed. Herbert and Miss Harcourt were still in
+earnest discussion on their poem, from which Herbert was occasionally
+reading aloud such beautiful passages, and with such richness of
+intonation, and variety of expression, that Caroline, and even Percy and
+Emmeline, would pause involuntarily to listen.</p>
+
+<p>"At length!" exclaimed Percy, springing up, as did Herbert at the same
+moment, to get their mother a chair, and place her comfortably as usual
+in the midst of them. "Mother, I really did begin to think you intended
+to punish my impatience by not joining us at all to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know you were impatient, my dear boy, or perhaps I might have
+done so!" was her quiet, and even smiling reply. "I fear, indeed,
+waiting for me so long after a water-excursion, must have caused you to
+be impatient in another sense."</p>
+
+<p>"What! that we must be all famished? I assure you, we are, and the loss
+of your society sharpened the pangs of hunger I owe Morris a grudge,
+and will certainly serve him out one day, for detaining you so long when
+I wanted you."</p>
+
+<p>"It was not Morris that detained me," answered Mrs. Hamilton, somewhat
+hurriedly. "I had done with him by six o'clock; but come, tell me
+something about your excursion," she added, evidently anxious to elude
+farther remark, and perceiving at once that Miss Harcourt and Herbert
+both looked at her very anxiously. "How did your boat go, and how did
+Caroline's voice and your flute sound on the water, Percy? Herbert, I
+see, has found poetry, as usual, and made Miss Harcourt his companion;
+you must tell me what verses our beautiful river recalled this
+afternoon; and you, Emmy, have you any more sketches to fill up?"</p>
+
+<p>Her children eagerly entered on their day's enjoyment&mdash;Herbert
+conquering his anxiety, to emulate his mother's calmness, but Miss
+Harcourt had been too painfully startled by the unusual expression of
+forcibly-controlled suffering on her friend's face, to do so with any
+success. Nearly an hour, however, passed animatedly as usual; each found
+so much to tell, and Percy was in such wild spirits, that it was utterly
+impossible for there to be any thing like a pause. Tea had always been a
+favorite meal at Oakwood, as bringing all the family together after the
+various business of the day, and it continued to be so. They had
+lingered over it as usual, when Caroline suddenly exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What has become of Ellen? I had quite forgotten her till this moment;
+how neglectful she will think us! Do ring the bell, Percy, that we may
+send and let her know."</p>
+
+<p>"If she has no recollection of meal-time, I really think we need not
+trouble ourselves about her," was Percy's half-jesting, half-earnest
+reply, for Ellen's changed manner to his mother had made him more angry
+with her, and for a longer time together, than he had ever been with any
+body, especially a woman, in his life. He stretched out his hand,
+however, to ring the bell, but Mrs. Hamilton stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>"You need not, Percy; your cousin will not wish to join us," she said;
+and her tone was now so expressive of almost anguish, that every one of
+that happy party startled and looked at her with the most unfeigned
+alarm, and Percy, every thought of jest and joyousness checked, threw
+his arms round her, exclaiming&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mother dearest! what <i>has</i> happened?&mdash;that unhappy girl again! I am
+sure it is. Why do you not cast her off from your heart at once; she
+will bring you nothing but sorrow for all your love."</p>
+
+<p>"Percy, how can you be so harsh?&mdash;how unlike you!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+indignantly, as Mrs. Hamilton's head, for a few minutes of natural
+weakness, sunk on her son's encircling arm. "We have all given mamma
+trouble and pain enough one time or other, and what would have become of
+us if she had cast us off? and Ellen has no mother, too&mdash;for shame!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" answered Percy, almost sternly, for there were times when he
+could quite throw off the boy. "This is no light or common matter, to
+affect my mother thus. Shall we send for Mr. Howard, mother?" he
+continued, fondly; "in my father's absence he is your ablest friend&mdash;we
+can only feel, not counsel."</p>
+
+<p>But there are times when feeling can aid in bringing back control and
+strength, when counsel alone would seem so harsh and cold, we can only
+weep before it; and the fond affection of her children, the unusual
+assumption of protecting manliness in Percy, so touchingly united with
+the deep respect that prevented the least intrusive question as to the
+cause of her distress till she chose to reveal it, gave her power to
+send back the tears that had escaped at first so hot and fast, and
+though still holding his hand, as if its very pressure was support, she
+was enabled calmly to relate the fatal discovery of that evening. Its
+effect was, in truth, as if a thunderbolt had fallen in the midst of
+them. An execration, forcibly checked, but passionate as his nature,
+burst from the lips of Percy, as he clamped his arm close round his
+mother, as thus to protect her from the misery he felt himself. Herbert,
+with a low cry of pain, buried his face in his hands. Caroline, shocked
+and bewildered, but her first thought for her mother, could only look
+at, and feel for her, quite forgetting that her every prejudice against
+Ellen did indeed seem fulfilled. Emmeline at first looked stunned, then
+sinking down at Mrs. Hamilton's feet, hid her face on her lap, and
+sobbed with such uncontrolled violence, that it might have seemed as if
+she herself, not Ellen, were the guilty cause of all this misery. Miss
+Harcourt, like Caroline, could only think and feel for Mrs. Hamilton;
+for she knew so well all the hope, interest, and love which Ellen had
+excited, and what must be the bitter suffering of this fearful
+disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not weep thus, love," Mrs. Hamilton said, addressing Emmeline,
+after nearly a quarter of an hour had passed, and the various emotions
+of each individual had found vent in words well illustrative of their
+respective characters; all but Emmeline who continued to sob so
+painfully, that her mother successfully forgot her own sorrow to comfort
+her. "Ellen is still very young, and though she is giving us all this
+misery and disappointment now, she may become all we can wish her,
+by-and-by. We must not give up all hope, because now all my cares seem
+so blighted. There is some fatal mystery attached to her conduct; for I
+am indeed deceived if she is not very wretched and there is some hope in
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why does she not speak?" rejoined Percy, impetuously; for when he
+found his mother resuming control and firmness, he had given vent to his
+indignation by striding hastily up and down the room. "What but the most
+determined hardihood and wickedness can keep her silent, when you
+promise forgiveness if she will but speak? What mystery can there, or
+ought there, to be about her, when she has such an indulgent friend as
+yourself to bring all her troubles to? Wretched! I hope she is, for she
+deserves to be, if it were only for her base ingratitude."</p>
+
+<p>"Percy! dear Percy! do not speak and judge so very harshly," interposed
+Herbert, with deep feeling; "there does, indeed, seem no excuse for her
+conduct, but if we ever should find that there is some extenuating
+cause, how unhappy we shall be for having judged her still more harshly
+than she deserved."</p>
+
+<p>"It is impossible we can do that," muttered Percy, continuing his angry
+walk. "Nothing but guilt can be the cause of her keeping any thing from
+my mother. Ellen knows, as we all know, that even error when confessed,
+has always been forgiven, sorrow always soothed, and every difficulty
+removed. What can her silence spring from, then, but either defying
+obstinacy or some blacker sin?"</p>
+
+<p>"It does seem like it, unhappily," rejoined Caroline, but very
+sorrowfully, not at all as if she triumphed in her own previous
+penetration; "but she can not persevere in it long. Dear mamma, do not
+look so distressed: it is impossible she can resist you for any length
+of time."</p>
+
+<p>"She has resisted every offer of kindness, my dear child, and it is the
+difficulty as to what course to pursue, to compel submission and
+confession, that so grieves and perplexes me."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me seek Mr. Howard, dearest mother," answered Herbert; "he is so
+good, so kind, even in his severest judgments, that I really think Ellen
+will scarcely be able to persevere in her mistaken silence, if he speak
+to her."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton paused for some moments in thought.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you are right, Herbert. If I must have counsel out of my own
+family, I can not go to a kinder, wiser, or more silent friend. If the
+fearful shame which I must inflict on Ellen to-night of proving Robert's
+innocence before my whole household, by the denouncement of her guilt,
+have no effect in softening her, I will appeal to him."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mamma, must this be&mdash;can you not, will you not spare her this?"
+implored Emmeline, clinging to her mother, in passionate entreaty; "it
+would kill me, I know it would. Do not&mdash;do not expose her to such
+shame."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it is no suffering to my mother to be called upon to do
+this, Emmeline, that you add to it by this weak interference?" replied
+Percy, sternly, before his mother could reply. "Shame! she has shamed us
+all enough. There wants little more to add to it."</p>
+
+<p>But Emmeline's blue eyes never moved from her mother's face, and Miss
+Harcourt, longing to spare Mrs. Hamilton the suffering of such a
+proceeding, tried to persuade her to evade it, but she did not succeed.</p>
+
+<p>"One word of confession&mdash;one evidence that her sin originated in a
+momentary temptation, that it conceals nothing darker&mdash;one real proof of
+penitence, and God knows how gladly I would have spared myself and her;
+but as it is, Lucy, Emmeline, do not make my duty harder."</p>
+
+<p>Few as those words were, the tone that spoke them was enough. No more
+was said, and Mrs. Hamilton tried, but with very little success, to turn
+her children's thoughts to other and pleasanter things. Time seemed to
+lag heavily, and yet when the prayer bell sounded, it fell on every
+heart as some fearful knell which must have been struck too soon.</p>
+
+<p>All were assembled in the library, and in their respective places, all
+but one, and Herbert waited her appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Miss Fortescue that we are only waiting for her to commence
+prayers;" and Fanny, the young ladies' attendant, departed to obey,
+wondering at Miss Ellen's non-appearance, but hearing nothing unusual in
+her mistress's voice. She returned, but still they waited; again the
+door unclosed, and Emmeline bent forward in an attitude of agony and
+shame unable even to look at her cousin, whose place was close beside
+her; but the words she dreaded came not then&mdash;Herbert, at his mother's
+sign, commenced the service, and it proceeded as usual. The fearful
+struggle in Mrs. Hamilton's gentle bosom, who might read, save the
+all-pitying God, whom she so fervently addressed for strength and
+guidance? The voice of her son ceased, and the struggle was over.</p>
+
+<p>"Before we part for the night," she said, when all but one had arisen,
+"it is necessary that the innocent should be so justified before you
+all, that he should no longer be injured by suspicion and avoidance. It
+is nearly two months since your master assured you of his own and of my
+perfect conviction that Robert Langford had told the truth, and that the
+missing notes had been unfortunately lost by him; not appropriated, as I
+fear most of you have believed, and are still inclined to do. The
+complete failure of every search for them has induced a very
+uncomfortable feeling among you all as to the person on whom suspicion
+of finding and appropriating them might fall, none but the household
+frequenting that particular path, and none being able to suppose that
+the storm could have so dispersed as to lose all trace of them. I
+acknowledge it was unlikely, but not so unlikely as that Robert Langford
+should have failed in honesty, or that any of my household should have
+appropriated or concealed them. All mystery is now, however, at an end;
+the missing notes have been traced and found; and that all suspicion and
+discomfort may be removed from among you, it becomes my duty to
+designate the individual who has thus transgressed every duty to God and
+man, not by the sin alone, but by so long permitting the innocent to
+suffer for the guilty, more especially as that individual is one of my
+own family"&mdash;for one moment she paused, whether to gain strength, or to
+give more force to her concluding words, no one could tell&mdash;"<span class="smcap">Ellen
+Fortescue</span>!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIC" id="CHAPTER_VIC"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SENTENCE, AND ITS EXECUTION.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The excitement which reigned in the servants' hall, after they had
+withdrawn, in the most respectful silence, from the library, was
+extreme. Robert, utterly unable to realize relief in this proof of his
+own innocence, could only pace the hall in agony, deploring his mad
+carelessness, which, by exposing to temptation, had caused it all; and
+Morris and Ellis deepened the remorse by perfectly agreeing with him.
+Before they separated, the old steward called them all together; and,
+his voice trembling with agitation, the tears actually running down his
+furrowed cheeks, told them that even as their mistress had done her duty
+to the utmost, ay, more than the utmost by them&mdash;for it must have
+well-nigh broken her heart to do it&mdash;a solemn duty was demanded from
+them to her, and that if either man, woman, or child failed in it, he
+should know that they had neither feeling, honor, nor gratitude in their
+hearts, and deserved and should be scouted by them all; and that duty
+was never to let the event of that night pass their lips, even to each
+other. It was enough that all mystery and suspicion had been taken from
+them, and that time would clear up the remainder; he never would believe
+the grandchild of his mistress's father, one she had so loved and cared
+for, could willfully act as appearances seemed to say; that he was sure,
+one day or other, they would all find there was much more to pity than
+to blame; and till then, if they had the least spark of generous or
+grateful feeling, they would forget the whole affair, and only evince
+their sense of their mistress's conduct, by yet greater respect and
+attention to their respective duties.</p>
+
+<p>The old man's speech was garrulous, and perhaps often faulty in grammar,
+but it came from the heart, and so went to the heart at once, and not
+one held back from the pledge of silence he demanded. There are some who
+imagine that the refinement of feeling which alone could actuate
+Morris's speech, and its warm and immediate response, is only to be
+found among the educated and the rich: how little those who thus suppose
+understand the human heart! Kindness begets kindness; and if superiors
+will but think of, and seek the happiness, temporal and eternal, of
+their inferiors&mdash;will but prove that they are considered us children of
+one common Father&mdash;there needs no equality of rank to create equality of
+happiness, or equality of refined, because <i>true</i> feeling.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, when Mrs. Hamilton had occasion to speak to Morris
+about some farm receipts, which had not been forthcoming the preceding
+day, she recalled him as he was departing; but the words she had to say
+seemed unusually difficult, for her voice audibly faltered, and her face
+was completely shaded by her hand. It was simply to ask that which
+Morris's loving reverence had already done; and when the old man, in
+those earnest accents of heartfelt respect and kindness which never can
+be mistaken, related what had passed, his mistress hastily extended her
+hand to him, saying, in a tone he never forgot&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"God bless you, Morris! I ought to have known your love for your
+master's house would have urged this, without any request from me. I can
+not thank you enough." The kiss he ventured to press upon the delicate
+hand which pressed his rough palm, was not unaccompanied, though he did
+force back the tear, and most respectfully, yet very earnestly, beseech
+his mistress not to take on too much. There must be some cause, some
+mystery; no one belonging to her could so have acted without some very
+fearful temptation, some very powerful reason, and it would all come
+straight one day.</p>
+
+<p>But whatever the future, the present was only suffering; for, to obtain
+a full confession from Ellen, Mrs. Hamilton felt so absolutely incumbent
+on her, that she steadily refused to listen to either pity or affection,
+which could shake her firmness; and the opinion and advice of Mr. Howard
+strengthened the determination. He had a private interview with Ellen,
+but it was attended with so very little success, that he left her far
+more bewildered and grieved than he had sought her; but fully convinced
+it was mere hardihood and obstinacy, which caused her incomprehensible
+and most guilty silence. Not even allowing, as Mrs. Hamilton had, that
+there was any evidence of misery and remorse; perhaps she had been more
+quiet, more resolutely calm, and if it had not been for the strong
+appearances against her, he surely must have seen it was the strength
+and quiet of despair, not the defiance he believed.</p>
+
+<p>"This rebellious spirit must be conquered," he said, on rejoining Mrs.
+Hamilton, who, with her children and Miss Harcourt, had most anxiously
+and yet hopefully awaited the result of his interference. "We should
+actually be sharing her sin, if we permit her to conquer us by obduracy
+and self-will. Solitary confinement and complete idleness may bring her
+to a better temper, and, in fact, should be persisted in, till a full
+confession be made. If that fail, my dear Mrs. Hamilton, your niece
+should be banished from Oakwood. She must not remain here, a continual
+source of anxiety and misery to you, and of successful hardihood to
+herself; but of that there will be time enough to think when you have an
+answer from Mr. Hamilton; his judgment from a distance may be wiser than
+ours on the spot, and irritated as we are by such unaccountable
+obstinacy in one we have always thought almost too yielding."</p>
+
+<p>And it was this incomprehensible change of character, in seeming, that
+still more perplexed Mrs. Hamilton, and so made her believe there must
+be some worse fault, or dangerous entanglement, demanding such resolute
+pertinacity in concealment.</p>
+
+<p>Closely connected with Ellis's private apartments, and having neither
+inlet nor outlet, save through the short passage opening from her
+sitting-room, were two small but not uncomfortable apartments, opening
+one into the other, and looking out on a very pretty but quite
+unfrequented part of the park. They had often been used when any of
+Ellis's children or grandchildren came to see her, and were in
+consequence almost sufficiently habitable, without any further
+preparation, except the turning one into a sitting-room, which Ellis's
+active care speedily accomplished. Her mistress inspected them, at her
+desire, suggested one or two additional comforts, and then held a long
+confidential conversation with her. She had such perfect confidence in
+her (for Ellis had been from a child&mdash;married, and become mother and
+widow, and married her children&mdash;all as an inmate of the Hamilton
+family, and had held the confidential post of housekeeper for sixteen
+years), that she did not hesitate one moment to commit Ellen entirely to
+her care, at least till she could receive an answer about her from her
+husband. She depended on her to watch over her health, to see that she
+took daily exercise with her, in those parts of the park where she was
+not likely to attract notice, as being with her instead of with any
+member of her family, and that she took her regular meals; to be with
+her whenever she took them, and at casual times in the day, not so as
+to remove the impression of solitude and disgrace, but to be enabled to
+watch her closely, and the least symptom of a softening spirit to report
+instantly to her.</p>
+
+<p>"She will, of course, join us in the hours of devotion, though not
+occupying her usual place, for she who has lowered herself, in the sight
+of God and man, beneath the humblest of my domestics, may no longer
+kneel above them," she said in conclusion. "But of my determination on
+that point she is already aware; and she will go with us as usual to
+church; I will have no remark made, further than I can avoid. Be as kind
+to her as you can, Ellis, consistent with your character as a wise and
+watchful guardian. God in mercy grant that her heart may be so softened,
+that you will not fill that painful position long. And now to see her."</p>
+
+<p>But Percy's watchful care had so quietly interposed, that his mother
+found herself in their usual sitting-room, and in the midst of them all,
+before she could seek Ellen; and when, with half reproach, she told him,
+that she had still a most painful duty to accomplish, therefore he ought
+not to have prevented it, he answered impetuously&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, you shall not see Ellen any more alone! she has made you
+miserable enough already, and each time that she sees you, her deceitful
+appearance of remorse and suffering, for they <i>can not</i> be real, or she
+would speak, but add to it; send for her here, and tell her your
+decision before us all."</p>
+
+<p>And Mrs. Hamilton complied, for she felt as if her firmness would be
+less likely to fail, than if Ellen attempted any thing like supplication
+with her alone. But not a word of supplication came. Ellen had answered
+the summons, by quietly accompanying Ellis, who had been sent for her,
+to her aunt's presence, pale, indeed, as marble, but so tearless and
+still, as to seem unmoved. An expression of actual relief stole over her
+features as she heard her sentence, undisturbed even when told that this
+would only be, till Mr. Hamilton's sentence came; as, if she continued
+silent until then, of course whatever severer measures he might dictate
+would be instantly obeyed. But when Mrs. Hamilton proceeded to say that
+she intended writing the whole affair to Edward, that his influence
+might awaken her to a sense of the fearfully aggravated guilt she was
+incurring by her silence, an expression of the most intense agony
+succeeded the previous calm, and sinking down before her, Ellen wildly
+implored&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, aunt Emmeline, in mercy spare him! do not, oh, do not throw such
+shame upon him, he who is so brave, admired, honored! do not, oh, if you
+have any pity left, do not make him hate me, loathe me too, my own only
+brother! he must throw me off. How can he bear such shame upon his name!
+Oh, do with me more than you have said, any thing, every thing, but
+that. Spare him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Spare him yourself," interposed Percy, sternly.&mdash;(He was standing, with
+his arms crossed, by a window; Herbert was leaning at the back of Mrs.
+Hamilton's chair; Caroline and Miss Harcourt trying very steadily to
+work, and Emmeline bending over a drawing, which her tears were utterly
+spoiling).&mdash;"If the knowledge of your sin make him miserable, as it
+must, be yourself the one to save him&mdash;you alone can. Speak&mdash;break this
+determined and most guilty silence, and his influence will not be
+needed, and my mother will be silent to him concerning what has passed,
+now and forever, as we will all. If you so love him, spare him the shame
+you have brought on all of us; if not, it is mere words, as must be the
+love you have professed all these years for my mother."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen turned her face toward him for a single minute, with such an
+expression of unutterable misery, that he turned hastily away, even his
+anger in part subdued, and Mrs. Hamilton could scarcely reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I can not grant your request, Ellen, for to refuse it, appears to me
+the only means of softening you. It may be a full fortnight before I can
+write to Edward, for we must receive letters first. If during that
+interval you choose to give me the only proof of repentance that can
+satisfy me, or bring the least hope of returning happiness to yourself,
+I shall now know how to act. I would indeed spare your brother this
+bitter shame, but if you continue thus obdurate, no entreaties will move
+me. Rise, and go with Ellis. Punishment and misery, repentance and
+pardon, are all before you; you alone can choose. I shall interfere no
+more, till your uncle's sentence comes." And longing to end this painful
+scene, for her mistress's sake, Ellis led Ellen from the room, and
+conducted her to the apartments assigned her. She felt much too angry
+and annoyed at the pain and trouble Ellen, was giving her mistress, to
+evince any thing like kindness toward her at first, but she had not been
+under her care above a week before her feelings underwent a complete
+change.</p>
+
+<p>Suffering as she was enduring, more especially from the conviction,
+that to every one of those she loved (for affection for each one of the
+family had now returned with almost passionate violence) she must be an
+object of hate and loathing, yet that her sin was known, was a relief so
+inexpressibly blessed, she felt strengthened to endure every thing else.
+She knew, and her God knew, the agonized temptation to the momentary
+act, and the cause of her determined silence. She felt there was strange
+comfort in that; though she knew no punishment could be too severe for
+the sin itself, and she prayed constantly to be enabled to bear it, and
+still not to betray her brother; and the consequence of these petitions
+was a calm, gentle, deeply submissive demeanor. Not a murmur ever passed
+her lips, and Ellis scarcely ever saw the signs of tears, which she
+longed for; for the quiet, but fearfully intense suffering, Ellen's very
+evident daily portion, alarmed her for its effect upon her always
+delicate health. As yet, however, there was no outward appearance of its
+failing, it rather bore up, from the cessation of the nervous dread and
+constant terror, which she had endured before; and before Mr. Hamilton's
+letter arrived, a month after the fatal discovery, Ellis had drawn her
+own conclusions, and her manner, instead of being distant and cold, had
+become so excessively kind and feeling, that the poor girl felt some
+heavy change must be impending, she dared not look to the continuance of
+such comfort.</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Hamilton never saw her niece, save when no words could pass
+between them; and she could not judge as Ellis did. She could only feel,
+as each day passed, without bringing the desired proof of sorrow and
+amendment, more and more bewildered, and very wretched. Though, for her
+children's sake, she so conquered the feeling as, after the first week,
+to restore cheerfulness, and promote the various amusements they had all
+so enjoyed. Ellen's disappearance had of course to be accounted for, to
+the intimate friends with whom they so constantly were; but her
+acknowledgment that she had been disappointed in her, and that her
+conduct would not allow her any social or domestic indulgence, at least
+for a time, satisfied the elder members. Annie, for the first time,
+discovered that Caroline was her match in cleverness, merely from her
+excessive truth and simplicity, and that, man&oelig;uvre as she might, she
+could not discover the smallest clew to this sudden mystery. And Mary,
+for the first time, and on this one subject alone, found Herbert and
+Emmeline impenetrably reserved.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Mrs. Langford had been informed by her son, at his mistress's
+desire, of the unanswerable proof of his innocence, she hastened to the
+Hall, and requesting a private interview with Mrs. Hamilton, placed at
+once in her hands all the trinkets and watch, with which she had been at
+different times intrusted; related all that had passed between her and
+Miss Fortescue, the excessive misery she seemed to be enduring; and
+confessed that the few pounds she had given her, as the sums obtained by
+the sale of the trinkets, she had advanced herself, having resolved that
+nothing should induce her to dispose of them; and that of course it was
+the difficulty she had in advancing their right value, which had
+occasioned the length of time that had elapsed since Ellen had first
+sought her.</p>
+
+<p>"Would it not go far to prove she really did wish to return the money?"
+Mrs. Hamilton thought, long after the widow had left her, and the sums
+she had advanced returned with interest. "Was it to return the fatally
+appropriated sum, or because she needed more? Ellen had so positively,
+and with such agony asserted the first, that it was scarcely possible to
+disbelieve her; but what was this fearful difficulty, this pressing
+demand by one so young for so much money? Why, if it were comparatively
+innocent, would she not speak?" The more she thought, the more perplexed
+and anxious she seemed to become. The act itself of endeavoring to
+dispose of the trinkets, especially those that had been given and
+received, as doubly valuable because they had been worn by her mother,
+would have been sufficiently faulty to have occasioned natural
+displeasure, but compared with other known and unknown faults, it sunk
+into almost nothing. Mrs. Hamilton collected them all together, those
+Mrs. Langford had returned, and the few remaining in her niece's drawer,
+and carefully put them away, till circumstances might authorize her
+returning them to Ellen, and determined on saying nothing more on the
+subject either to Ellen or her own family.</p>
+
+<p>One thing Ellis reported to her regarding Ellen, which certainly seemed
+like a consciousness of the wrong she had done Robert, and a wish to
+atone for it. She begged Ellis so earnestly that she might see him, if
+it were only for five minutes, that she could not resist her; and when
+he came, she implored him so touchingly, so pleadingly to forgive her
+long silence himself, and entreat his mother to do so too; assuring him,
+that it was the hope of being able to restore the notes to him, without
+revealing her identity, which had caused the silence, that it was
+scarcely possible to listen to her unmoved. It was no false humility,
+but the deepest, most unfeigned contrition for having been the cause of
+injury.</p>
+
+<p>Ten days after Ellen's imprisonment, the letter arrived from Sir Edward
+Manly, which Mrs. Hamilton had alluded to as necessary to be received,
+before she could write to her nephew, and the news it brought, though
+somewhat alloyed, would at another time have been received with the
+greatest delight. Edward was returning. In three weeks, or a month at
+the utmost, after the receipt of his commander's letter, he might be
+with them all; invalided home for a three or four months' leave. There
+had been another, and rather severe engagement, in which young Fortescue
+had still more distinguished himself; but from his headlong courage had
+been severely, but not at all seriously, hurt. Sir Edward intended
+sending the pirate frigate which they had taken to England, as she was a
+tight-built, well looking craft enough, he wrote, if manned with
+honorable men instead of desperate villians; and had nominated Harding
+and Fortescue to accompany the second lieutenant, as her officers.</p>
+
+<p>The name of Harding produced no disagreeable reminiscences in Mrs.
+Hamilton's mind. It had been so very long since Edward had even
+mentioned him, that she had almost forgotten his early fancy for him.
+Her only thought now was thankfulness that her gallant nephew had been
+preserved, and that he was coming home. It could scarcely be pleasure
+she felt, though all the young party did, for there was such an
+excitement in Edward's courage, and in his having been in two desperate
+engagements, and seen so much, that, with the buoyancy happily natural
+to well-disposed youth, they could only think and talk of his return,
+forgetting the alloy that must cloud it. Percy and Herbert hoped he
+would arrive within the three weeks, as then they should be with him at
+least a week or ten days. If delayed, he would very provokingly just
+arrive as they would be returning to college.</p>
+
+<p>After much painful deliberation, Mrs. Hamilton determined on making
+Herbert her messenger with these unexpected tidings to Ellen; hoping
+more than she expressed that his gentle eloquence in bringing before her
+the misery to which she must condemn her brother if she would persist in
+this silence, and so compel an appeal to him, would have some effect;
+especially as she charged him to impress upon her that even now
+confession should bring pardon, and concealment of all from Edward.
+Herbert gladly undertook the mission, and so feelingly, so earnestly
+discharged it, that poor Ellen felt more heart-broken than she had done
+yet, and almost incapable of retaining her firmness. But she did; for
+danger to Edward seemed more imminent now that he was coming home, to
+the very vicinity of his dreaded uncle, than when he was at a distance.
+She could only feel thankful&mdash;if concealment were indeed so absolutely
+necessary as he had declared it to be&mdash;that Mr. Hamilton was still from
+home, and might continue to be so during Edward's visit. It was
+difficult to repress the sickening shudder, when Herbert chanced to
+mention that Harding was her brother's companion in his voyage home, and
+difficult, not to express more disappointment than the occasion
+warranted, that Edward had not answered her last letter. He must have
+received it, Herbert said, for Sir Edward acknowledged his father's in
+which hers to Edward had been inclosed. He left her after a very long
+interview, deeply grieved at the failure of all his persuasions, all his
+remonstrances, but compelled, he could not satisfactorily explain why,
+either to himself or to his family, to pity far more than to blame.
+Percy declared, as did Caroline and Miss Harcourt, that it must be only
+his own too kind and gentle disposition, which never could blame anybody
+or any thing. Mrs. Hamilton was bitterly disappointed; Mr. Howard
+insisted that such obduracy demanded nothing but the sternest treatment,
+and he only wished Mr. Hamilton's letter could arrive at once. He saw
+Ellen again himself twice in the five weeks, which elapsed between the
+discovery of her sin and the arrival of Mr. Hamilton's answer; but if
+kindness had so failed, it was comparatively easy to resist his
+well-intentioned, but in this case utterly mistaken sternness. He was in
+general so kind even in his judgments, that Mrs. Hamilton thought he
+must have some reason to believe Ellen so thoroughly hardened, and from
+his report of her was enabled to impart her husband's sentence with more
+firmness, than had she listened to her own kind, still loving heart.</p>
+
+<p>It was as she and Mr. Howard had both expected. Ellen was no longer to
+remain at Oakwood, but to be placed under the care of a maiden lady,
+living in Yorkshire, a relation of Mr. Hamilton, and one who had
+occasionally visited Oakwood, and was, therefore, well known to Mrs.
+Hamilton, and to Ellis too, and regarded with such dislike by the
+latter, as to make her actually venture to entreat her mistress not to
+send Miss Ellen to her; she was sure it would break her heart. Now Miss
+Seldon was one of the worthiest women that ever breathed&mdash;honest,
+straightforward, truth-speaking literally to a fault, but as hard as she
+was true. Whether she ever had any feelings or not, Mrs. Hamilton, with
+all her penetration, never could discover; but the good she did was
+immense in practical benevolence, though the quick sympathy, the kindly
+word, the indulgent thought, seemed utterly unknown. She had no pity for
+faults or failings, always declaring forbearance and love were all
+folly; "if a branch were in the slightest degree decayed, cut it off; if
+the blight extend to the root, destroy it," she was fond of saying. As
+for youthful follies or errors, she had no patience with them, for never
+having been, or rather felt young herself, she could not understand the
+age in others. Ellis had not discrimination enough to discern the good
+which lay under this very disagreeable exterior; Mrs. Hamilton had; and
+suffering as she knew a residence with her must be to Ellen, if indeed
+she were really the character she had seemed in childhood&mdash;though the
+last few months had so contradicted it&mdash;she felt her husband had decided
+wisely, spite of the misery which still even the very thought of sending
+her orphan niece so completely from her, was to herself. Mr. Hamilton's
+letter read harshly, but his wife knew his high, almost stern
+principles; he had not seen Ellen's evident anguish; he could only judge
+from the relation which had been sent him, and all which that told was
+indeed against her. Of course he said, if she had confessed, and her
+confession in any degree, pleaded for her, his wife would use her own
+judgment as to the period of her banishment; but he could not imagine
+any cause for her conduct sufficiently excusing, as to demand the
+avoidance of his sentence altogether.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Seldon's last visit to Oakwood was sufficiently well remembered by
+the young Hamiltons (though, it was before their cousins had arrived
+from India), for them all&mdash;even Percy and Caroline, the most indignant
+against Ellen&mdash;to think of their father's sentence with the deepest
+regret, and with almost dread for its effect on Ellen.</p>
+
+<p>"If she did but know her, she must speak," was Emmeline's exclamation.
+"I did not feel quite sure that I was my own happy self, all the time
+she was with us."</p>
+
+<p>"The atmosphere was frozen twenty degrees below zero in all the rooms
+she frequented, though it was otherwise a hot summer," rejoined Percy;
+"and in Yorkshire&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray do not joke, dear Percy; I can not bear to think of Ellen going
+away from us at all, much less to such a guardian, though I know she is
+very good," answered Herbert.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my good fellow, do not attempt to say a word for Nancy Seldon; she
+was the only person in the world I ever heard you acknowledge you
+disliked; so what must she be? Worthy! no doubt, or my father would not
+have trusted Ellen to her, but for any thing else&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Ellen! she little knows to what her obstinacy is condemning her,"
+rejoined Caroline; "I wish she did and then she might spare herself and
+mamma, too; though I fear even confession would not help her much now."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton might and did think with them all, but she could not
+swerve from her duty. She wrote at once to Miss Seldon, not entering
+into particulars, but merely asking if she would consent to take charge
+of a relative, whose conduct demanded more rigid watchfulness and care,
+and an entire cessation of indulgence, than could be the case in the
+family circle at Oakwood. She and her husband had such perfect
+confidence in her, she said, that if she could oblige them by
+undertaking the duty, they knew, without any assurance on her part, that
+she would discharge it faithfully. The yearly sum they offered was
+large, because they wished their young relative to have all the comforts
+and appurtenances of a gentlewoman, and the advantages of the best
+education, the city near which she resided, could afford. Mrs. Hamilton
+had no doubt of the affirmative nature of the reply, for Miss Seldon
+owed the recovery of her fortune and position entirely to the exertions
+of Mr. Hamilton; and she had told him, once for all, that if she could
+but serve or oblige him in any way, great or small, it would make her
+far happier than she had ever been, or was likely to be in her solitary
+life. The letter written and dispatched, Mrs. Hamilton summoned Ellen
+once more to her presence.</p>
+
+<p>The scene was again the library, where she had been writing, and the
+time nearing the short twilight of October. It was three weeks, rather
+more, since Sir Edward Manly's letter had been received, and Edward was,
+therefore, almost daily expected. The feelings with which his unhappy
+sister looked to his return it would be a vain attempt to define. At
+times the intense longing to see him again, caused a wild, almost sick
+feeling of pleasure, that she might, perhaps, so soon do so; then came
+all that had passed, and she pictured his anger, his loathing&mdash;true it
+had been for him, but he had not thought of such a deed. He would, he
+must hate and spurn her, too; and the idea of meeting him became
+absolute agony. Then&mdash;and she shuddered in dread&mdash;would he think that he
+must acknowledge it was for him she had thus acted? and, if so, had she
+not betrayed instead of saving him? Incident after incident in their
+childhood rose before her, to give her hope that he would be silent now
+as then, and not betray himself; but these contending terrors, united
+with the constant though silent suffering of her banishment from all she
+loved, the utter hopelessness as to the end of this trial, had not been
+without their effect on the outward frame. Ellis did not see it, from so
+constantly watching her, and from Ellen never refusing to take the
+exercise she desired her, and not making a single complaint as to the
+pain it was sometimes to walk, and always to swallow her meals; but as
+she stood opposite to her aunt, in the full light of the oriel
+window&mdash;her approach had been so noiseless, Mrs. Hamilton, who was
+bending over some papers, did not see her till she chanced to look
+up&mdash;the attenuation of form and feature was so very visible, that her
+aunt could not prevent herself from starting painfully, and the words
+with which she had intended to address her froze on her lips. It was
+with the utmost difficulty she refrained from folding her to her heart,
+and trying, by every means affection could devise, to soothe or remove
+that anguish, whatever its nature, far too deep and constant for one so
+very young; but how dared she do this, when, by this determined silence,
+Ellen so defied her authority, and seemed so resolved that neither
+severity nor kindness, nor her own sufferings should humble her spirit,
+though they had even affected her frame?</p>
+
+<p>Conquering with a powerful effort the pleadings of affection, Mrs.
+Hamilton calmly entered on the subject for which she had summoned her,
+reading to her a greater part of her uncle's letter, hoping that its
+severity would spare her the pain of any additional remarks. Every word
+seemed to burn itself on Ellen's brain. What she had hoped she knew not,
+for she thought she had never hoped at all, but the words, "No cause can
+be excusing enough to justify the entire setting aside this sentence,"
+seemed by its agony to tell her that the thought <i>had</i> entered her mind,
+if the real cause were by any chance discovered would she be forgiven,
+and in time restored to confidence and love? And now it was over, even
+that hope was gone.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton paused for a reply or an observation, but none came, and
+she continued, impressively&mdash;"I can scarcely hope, Ellen, that as even
+the idea of sparing your only brother shame and misery, on his return
+home, expecting nothing but joy, after nearly three years' separation
+and exposure to danger, has had no effect in softening you, that your
+uncle's sentence will. Once I should have believed that only the thought
+of leaving me, and going to the care of a stranger, would have urged you
+to speak directly. I can believe this no longer; but as I wish you to be
+with Edward, at least part of his stay with us, I shall postpone your
+leaving us, one month from to-day. If, indeed, Edward's influence be
+such that, for his sake, you will make me a full confession and answer
+clearly and distinctly every question I put to you, your residence with
+Miss Seldon shall be limited to three, six, ten, or twelve months,
+according to the nature of the motive of this incomprehensible and,
+apparently most sinful conduct. If you leave us still obdurate, years
+will, in all probability, pass before we can feel sufficiently confident
+in the restored integrity and openness of your character to permit your
+return to us. The pain you are inflicting upon me it is useless to dwell
+upon. As the child of my only and most dearly loved sister, I have loved
+you, hoped for you, with little less intensity of affection than that I
+have borne toward my own; for I felt that, with the sole exception of
+your brother, I was the only being you had on earth united to you by
+ties of blood. How this conduct repays my love and care you must answer
+to yourself; I can only be sensible of bitter disappointment."</p>
+
+<p>Again she stopped, evidently expecting a reply, but Ellen still remained
+silent. The short twilight of autumn had set in so suddenly, that Mrs.
+Hamilton was not aware her niece's cheek had become still paler, and
+that her white lips quivered repeatedly, as if she several times tried
+to speak, but could not. After a silence of some minutes, she said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"If you are determined not to speak, Ellen, you may retire. I have told
+you all I wished to say, except that till you leave us though you will
+still occupy your present rooms, and be still under Ellis's care, you
+are at liberty to employ yourself, and go about the house and grounds as
+usual."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen turned to go, still in that unbroken silence; she had reached the
+low step dividing the upper part from the lower part of the room, and
+whether she did not see it, or from some other cause, the room suddenly
+reeled before her, and she fell heavily forward. To spring toward her,
+raise her tenderly, bear her to the nearest couch, though she so
+trembled herself at finding Ellen quite insensible, as to render the
+task unusually difficult, and to ring hastily for Ellis, was the work of
+a minute, but it was many minutes before their united efforts could
+bring back consciousness.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew it would break her heart, poor lamb!" was Ellis's exclamation,
+in a tone of most unusual excitement; "thank God, thank God! Master
+Edward's coming home, and that she is not to go till he does."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you so much confidence in his influence?" asked her mistress, as,
+unable to resist the impulse, she bent down and repeatedly kissed the
+cold brow and cheek, to which she was so earnestly striving to restore
+warmth, "God in mercy grant you may be right!"</p>
+
+<p>"Right? Dear my lady!" (whenever Ellis was strongly moved, she always so
+addressed her mistress;) "I would stake your confidence in me, which is
+all my life's worth, if Master Edward is not at the bottom of it all,
+and that this poor child is sacrificing herself for some fancied danger
+to him! I saw enough of that work when they were young children, and I
+have noticed enough since she has been under my care."</p>
+
+<p>"Edward!" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, so bewildered, as to stop for the
+moment chafing Ellen's cold hand; "Edward! bearing the high character he
+does; what can he have to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, my lady, but I am sure he has. Young men, ay, some of the
+finest and bravest among us, get into difficulties sometimes, and it
+don't touch their characters as their officers see them, and Master
+Edward was always so terrified at the mere thought of my master knowing
+any of his faults; but&mdash;hush! we must not let her know we suspect any
+thing, poor lamb; it will make her still more miserable. You are better
+now, dear Miss Ellen, are you not?" she added, soothingly, as Ellen
+feebly raised her hand to her forehead, and then slowly unclosed her
+eyes, and beheld her aunt leaning over her, with that same expression of
+anxious affection, which her illness had so often caused in her
+childhood. Sense, or rather memory, had not quite returned, and her
+first words were, with a faint but happy smile&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am better, dear aunt, much better; I dare say I shall soon be well."
+But it was only a momentary forgetfulness; swift as thought came the
+whole of what had so lately passed&mdash;her uncle's letter, her aunt's
+words, and murmuring, in a tone how painfully changed! "I
+forgot&mdash;forgive me," she buried her face in the pillow.</p>
+
+<p>"Ellen, my dear Ellen! why will you persist in making yourself and me so
+miserable, when a few words would make us happier?" exclaimed Mrs.
+Hamilton, almost imploringly, as she bent over her.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not urge her now, dear my lady, she is not well enough; give her
+till Master Edward comes; I am sure she will not resist him," answered
+Ellis, very respectfully, though meaningly, as her look drew her
+mistress's attention to the shudder which convulsed Ellen's slight
+frame, at the mention of her brother.</p>
+
+<p>Pained and bewildered more than ever, Mrs. Hamilton, after waiting till
+the faintness seemed quite gone, and thinking that if the restraint of
+her presence were removed, Ellen might be relieved by tears, left her,
+desiring Ellis to let her know in a short time how she was. The moment
+the door closed, Ellen threw her arms round Ellis's neck, exclaiming
+passionately&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Take me away&mdash;take me away, dear Ellis; I can not bear this room&mdash;it
+seems all full of misery! and I loved it so once, and I shall love it
+again, when I am miles and miles away, and can not see it&mdash;nor any one
+belonging to it. Oh, Ellis, Ellis! I knew you were too kind. I was too
+glad and contented to be with you; it was not punishment enough for my
+sin&mdash;and I must go away&mdash;and I shall never, never see my aunt again&mdash;I
+know I shall not. Oh! if I might but die first! but I am too wicked for
+that; it is only the good that die."</p>
+
+<p>And almost for the first time since her sin had been discovered, she
+gave way to a long and violent fit of weeping, which, though terrible
+while it lasted, as the anguish of the young always is, greatly relieved
+her, and enabled her after that day not to revert in words (the thought
+never left her till a still more fearful anxiety deadened it) to her
+uncle's sentence again.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton sat for a very long time alone after she had left Ellen.
+Ellis's words returned to her again and again so pertinaciously, that
+she could not break from them. Edward! the cause of it all&mdash;could it be
+possible?&mdash;could it be, that he had plunged himself into difficulties,
+and afraid to appeal to his uncle or her, had so worked on Ellen as not
+only to make her send relief, but actually so to keep his secret, as to
+endure every thing rather than betray it? Circumstance after
+circumstance, thought after thought, so congregated upon her, so seemed
+to burst into being, and flash light one from the other, that her mind
+ached beneath their pressure. Ellen's unhappiness the day his last
+letter had been received, her sudden illness&mdash;had it taken place before
+or after Robert had lost the money? She could not satisfy herself, for
+her husband's sudden summons to Feroe, hasty preparations, and
+departure, had rendered all the month confused and unsatisfactory in its
+recollections. So intense was the relief of the idea, that Mrs. Hamilton
+feared to encourage it, lest it should prove a mere fancy, and urge
+softer feelings toward her niece than ought to be. Even the supposition
+made her heart yearn toward her with such a feeling of love, almost of
+veneration, for the determined self-devotion, so essentially woman's
+characteristic, that she resolutely checked its ascendency. All her
+previous fancies, that Ellen was no ordinary child, that early suffering
+and neglect had, while they produced some childish faults, matured and
+deepened the capabilities of endurance and control, from the
+consciousness (or rather existence, for it was not the consciousness to
+the child herself) of strong feeling, returned to her, as if determined
+to confirm Ellis's supposition. The disappearance of her allowance; her
+assertion, that she was seeking Mrs. Langford's cottage, by that shorter
+but forbidden path, to try and get her to dispose of her trinkets, when
+the wind blew the notes to her hand&mdash;all now seemed connected one with
+the other, and confirmed. She could well understand, how in a moment of
+almost madness they might have been used without thought, and the
+after-effect upon so delicate a mind and conscience. Then, in
+contradiction to all this (a mere hypothesis raised on nothing firmer
+than Ellis's supposition), came the constantly favorable accounts of
+Edward; his captain's pride and confidence in him; the seeming
+impossibility that he could get into such difficulties, and what were
+they? The name of Harding rushed on her mind, she knew not why or
+how&mdash;but it made her tremble, by its probable explanation of the whole.
+A coarse or even less refined mind, would have either appealed at once
+to Ellen, as to the truth of this suspicion, or thought herself
+justified in looking over all Edward's letters to his sister, as thus
+to discover the truth; but in Mrs. Hamilton's pure mind the idea never
+even entered, though all her niece's papers and letters were in her
+actual possession. She could only feel to her heart's core with Ellis,
+"Thank God, Master Edward's coming home!" and pray earnestly that he
+might be with them, as they hoped and anticipated, in a few, a very few
+days.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIIC" id="CHAPTER_VIIC"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LIGHT GLIMMERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The earnest wishes and prayers of Mrs. Hamilton and her faithful Ellis
+were disappointed. The latter part of the month of September had been
+exceedingly stormy, and though there was a lull from about the 3d to the
+9th of October, the equinoctial gales then set in with the utmost fury;
+continuing day after day, night after night, till the ear seemed almost
+to tire of the sound, and the mind, anxious for friends at sea, despair
+of their cessation. During the few calm days, the young party at Oakwood
+had scarcely been absent from the windows, or from that part of the park
+leading to the Plymouth road, above an hour at a time. Percy and Herbert
+rode over to Plymouth, but were told the frigate could not be in for a
+full week. The late storms must have detained her, though she was a
+fast-sailing craft. It was a great disappointment to them, for on the
+10th of October college term began, and they were compelled to return to
+Oxford. The cause of their mother's intense desire for Edward's return,
+indeed, they did not know; but they were most impatient to see him, and
+they hoped, they did not exactly know what, with regard to his influence
+with Ellen. However, the day of their departure came, and still he had
+not arrived, and the storms had recommenced. Percy had gone to say
+good-by to Ellis, with whom Ellen chanced at that moment to be. Full of
+spirits and jokes, he determinately looked away from his cousin, took
+both Ellis's hands, and shook them with his usual heartiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by, dear Ellis. I wonder if I shall ever feel myself a man when
+talking to you. How many tricks I have played you in this room, and you
+were always so good-natured, even when one of my seat-crackers set your
+best gown on fire, and quite spoiled it; do you remember it? I do think
+you were nearly angry then, and quite enough to make you; and papa made
+me save up my money to buy you a new dress. I did not play such a
+practical joke in a hurry again."</p>
+
+<p>Ellis laughed and perfectly remembered it, and with another hearty
+good-by he turned away.</p>
+
+<p>"You have forgotten your cousin, Mr. Percy," she said, disregarding
+Ellen's imploring look.</p>
+
+<p>"When she remembers her duty to my mother, I will remember that she is
+my cousin," was his hasty answer, and he hurried from the room as
+Herbert entered. His good-by to Ellis was quite as warm as Percy's, and
+then turning to Ellen, he put his arm round her, kissed her cheek, and
+said, with impressive earnestness&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"God bless you, dear Ellen! I hope you will be happier when we meet
+again, and that it will not be so long before we do, as we fancy now;"
+and, affected almost to tears at the grateful, humble look she raised to
+his, he left her.</p>
+
+<p>Overcome as much by the harshness of the generous, warm-hearted Percy,
+whom she so dearly loved, as by the gentle kindness of Herbert, Ellen
+remained for several minutes with her arms on the table, her face hid
+upon them. She thought she was quite alone, for Ellis had gone about
+some of her business, when she was startled by Percy's voice.</p>
+
+<p>"I am a brute, Ellen, nothing less; forgive me, and say good-by. I can't
+understand it at all, but angry as I am with you, your pale face haunts
+me like a specter, so we must part friends;" and as she looked hastily
+up, he kissed her warmly twice, and ran away without another word.</p>
+
+<p>Days passed heavily, the gales seeming to increase in violence, and
+causing Mrs. Hamilton more terrible anxiety and vague dread than she
+allowed to be visible. The damage among the shipping was fearful, and
+the very supposed vicinity of the frigate to the Channel increased the
+danger. The papers every morning presented long lists of ships wrecked,
+or fatally dismantled, loss of crews or part of them, mails and cargoes
+due but missing: and the vivid recollection of the supposed fate of her
+own brother, the wretchedness of the suspense before the fate of his
+vessel was ascertained, returned to heighten the fears that would gain
+ascendency for her nephew, and for the effect of this terrible suspense
+on Ellen, more especially&mdash;if indeed she had endured all these weeks,
+nay, months, of misery for him.</p>
+
+<p>At first Ellen seemed unconscious that there was any thing remarkable in
+the delay, the thought of her own departure being uppermost; but when
+the thought did press upon her, how it came she knew not&mdash;that of the
+given month the weeks were passing, and Edward had not arrived, and that
+there must be some reason for the long delay&mdash;storm, shipwreck, death,
+all flashed upon her at once, and almost maddened her. The quiet calm of
+endurance gave way. She could not sleep at night from the tremendous
+winds; not even when Ellis had a bed put up in her room, and remained
+with her all night herself; she never complained indeed, but hour after
+hour she would pace her room and the passage leading to Ellis's, till
+compelled to cease from exhaustion; she would try steadily to employ
+herself with some difficult study, and succeed, perhaps, for half an
+hour, but then remain powerless, or recommence her restless walk. Mrs.
+Hamilton made several attempts without any apparent interference on her
+part, to get her to sit occasionally with her and Miss Harcourt, and her
+cousins, but she seemed to shrink from them all. Emmeline, indeed, when
+once aware of the terrible trial she was enduring, would sit with her,
+drawing or working as if nothing had occurred to estrange them, and try
+to cheer her by talking on many topics of interest. Caroline would speak
+to her kindly whenever she saw her. Miss Harcourt alone retained her
+indignation, for no suspicion of the real cause of her silence ever
+entered her mind.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Ellen felt that she dared not indulge in the comfort this change in
+her aunt's and cousins' manner produced. She wanted to wean herself
+quite from them, that the pang of separation might be less severe, but
+she only seemed to succeed in loving them more. One thought, indeed, at
+length took such entire possession of her mind, as to deaden every
+other:&mdash;it was the horrible idea that as she had sinned to save Edward,
+perhaps, from merited disgrace, he would be taken from her; she never
+breathed it, but it haunted her night and day. Mr. Maitland saw her
+continually, but he plainly told Mrs. Hamilton, while the cause of
+anxiety and mental suffering lasted he could do her no good. It was a
+constant alternation of fearful excitement and complete depression,
+exhausting the whole system. Repose and kindness&mdash;alas! the latter
+might be given, but the former, in the present position of affairs, how
+could it be insured?</p>
+
+<p>The month of grace was waning; only two days remained, and Edward had
+not arrived, and how could Mrs. Hamilton obey her husband&mdash;whose every
+letter reiterated his hope that she had not been prevailed on to alter
+his sentence, if Ellen still remained silent&mdash;and send her niece from
+her? She came at length to the determination, that if another week
+passed and still there were no tidings, not to let this fearful
+self-sacrifice, if it really were such, last any longer, but gently,
+cautiously, tenderly as she could, prevail on Ellen to confide all to
+her, and promise, if Edward really had been erring and in difficulties,
+all should be forgiven for her sake, and even his uncle's anger averted.
+Once her determination taken, she felt better enabled to endure an
+anxiety which was injuring her almost as much as Ellen; and she turned
+to Ellis's room, which she had lately very often frequented, for she
+scarcely felt comfortable when Ellen was out of her sight, though she
+had full confidence in Ellis's care.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen was asleep on a sofa, looking so wan, so haggard&mdash;so altered from
+the Ellen of five short months back, that Mrs. Hamilton sat down by her
+side, pondering whether she was doing right to wait even another week,
+before she should try to bring relief by avowing her suspicions&mdash;but
+would it bring relief? and, after all, was it for Edward? or, had she
+been allowing affection and imagination to mislead and soften, when
+sternness might still be needed?</p>
+
+<p>Ellen woke with a start as from some fearful dream, and gazed at Mrs.
+Hamilton for a full minute, as if she did not know her.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Ellen, what is it? You have been sleeping uncomfortably&mdash;surely
+you know me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I was at&mdash;at&mdash;Seldon Grange&mdash;are you sure I am not? Dear aunt
+Emmeline, do tell me I am at Oakwood, I know I am to go, and very soon;
+but I am not there now, am I?" and she put one hand to her forehead, and
+gazed hurriedly and fearfully round her, while, with the other, she held
+tightly Mrs. Hamilton's dress. There was something alarming both in her
+look and tone.</p>
+
+<p>"No, love, you are with me still at Oakwood, and you will not go from me
+till you have been with Edward some little time. You can not think I
+would send you away now, Ellen?"</p>
+
+<p>The soothing tone, her brother's name, seemed to disperse the cloud, and
+bursting into tears, she exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"He will never come&mdash;I know he will never come&mdash;my sin has killed him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your sin, Ellen, what can that have to do with Edward?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because," the words "it was for him" were actually on her
+lips; but they were checked, and, in increasing excitement, she
+continued&mdash;"Nothing, nothing, indeed, with him&mdash;what could it have? But
+if he knows it&mdash;oh, it will so grieve him; perhaps it would be better I
+should go before he comes&mdash;and then, then, he need not know it; if,
+indeed, he ever comes."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think you quite know what you are saying, my dear Ellen; your
+uncomfortable dream has unsettled you. Try and keep quiet for an hour,
+and you will be better. Remember, suffering as this dreadful suspense
+is, your brother is still in a Father's gracious keeping; and that He
+will listen to your prayers for his safety, and if it be His good
+pleasure, still restore him to you."</p>
+
+<p>"My prayers," answered Ellen, fearfully. "Mr. Howard said, there was a
+barrier between Him and me, while I would not confess; I had refused His
+mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you confess before God, Ellen? Can you lay your whole heart open
+before Him, and ask Him in his infinite mercy, and for your Saviour's
+sake, to forgive you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I could, and did do so," answered Ellen, returning Mrs. Hamilton's
+earnestly inquiring look, by raising her large, expressive eyes,
+steadily and fearlessly, to her face; "but Mr. Howard told me it was a
+mockery and sin to suppose God would hear me or forgive me while I
+refused to obey Him, by being silent and obdurate to you. That if I
+wished His forgiveness, I must prove it by telling the whole to you,
+whom His commandments desired me to obey, and&mdash;and&mdash;as I dared not do
+that, I have been afraid to pray." And the shudder with which she laid
+her head again upon the pillow, betrayed the misery of the fear.</p>
+
+<p>"And is it impossible, quite impossible that you can confide the source
+of your grief and difficulty to me, Ellen? Will you not do so, even if I
+promise forgiveness, not merely to you, but to <i>all</i> who may have erred?
+Answer me, my sweet child; your silence is fearfully injuring your mind
+and body. Why do you fancy you dare not tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, because I have promised!" answered Ellen, in a fearful tone
+of returning excitement, and, sitting upright, she clasped her hands
+convulsively together, while her cheek burned with painful brilliancy.
+"Aunt Emmeline&mdash;oh, do not, pray do not speak to me in that kind tone!
+be harsh and cold again, I can bear it better. If you did but know how
+my heart and brain ache&mdash;how they long to tell you and so rest&mdash;but I
+can not&mdash;I dare not&mdash;I have promised."</p>
+
+<p>"And you may not tell me whom you have promised?" replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+every former thought rendered apparently null and vain by these words,
+and painfully disappointing her; but the answer terrified her.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma&mdash;I promised her, and she stands by me so pale, so grieved,
+whenever I think of telling you," answered Ellen, clinging to Mrs.
+Hamilton, but looking with a strained gaze of terror on vacancy. "I
+thought I must have told you, when you said I was to go&mdash;to go to Seldon
+Grange&mdash;but she stood by me and laid her hand on my head, and it was so
+cold, so heavy, I don't remember any thing more till I found you and
+Ellis leaning over me; but I ought not to tell you even this. I know I
+ought not&mdash;for look&mdash;look, aunt Emmeline!&mdash;don't you see
+mamma&mdash;there&mdash;quite close to me; oh, tell her to forgive me&mdash;I will keep
+my promise," and shuddering convulsively, she hid her face in her aunt's
+dress.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton was dreadfully alarmed. Whatever the foundation, and she
+had no doubt that there was some, and that it really had to do with
+Edward and his poor mother's mistaken partiality, Ellen's imagination
+was evidently disordered. To attempt obtaining the truth, while she was
+in this fearful state of excitement, was as impossible as cruel, and she
+tried only to soothe her to composure; speaking of her mother as happy
+and in Heaven and that Ellen had thought of her so much, as was quite
+natural in her sorrow, that she fancied she saw her.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not reality, love; if she could see and speak to you, I am sure
+it would be to tell you to confide all your sorrow to me, if it would
+make you happier."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no&mdash;I should be very wicked if it made me happier; I ought not
+even to wish to tell you. But Mr. Myrvin told me, even when mamma went
+to Heaven, she would still see me, and know if I kept my promise, and
+tried to win her love, by doing what I know she wished, even after she
+was dead; and it was almost a pleasure to do so till now, even if it
+gave me pain and made me unhappy; but now, now, aunt Emmeline, I know
+you must hate me; you never, never can love me again&mdash;and that&mdash;that is
+so hard to bear."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you forgotten, my dear Ellen, the blessed assurance, there is more
+joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety-and-nine
+who have not sinned? and if our Father in Heaven can so feel, so act,
+are His creatures to do less? Do you think, because you have given me
+pain, and trouble and disappointment, and compelled me to use such
+extreme severity, and cause you so much suffering, that it will be quite
+impossible for me to love you again, if I see you do all you can to win
+back that love?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen made no answer; but the alarming excitement had so far subsided,
+as to raise the hope that quietness would subdue it altogether. Mrs.
+Hamilton remained with her till she seemed quite calm, and would not
+have left her then, but he had promised Caroline to drive with her into
+T&mdash;&mdash; that afternoon, to make some purchases; Emmeline and Miss Harcourt
+were spending the day at Greville Manor, and her daughter depending on
+her, she did not like to disappoint her. But the difficulty to think of
+other things, and cheerfully converse on comparatively indifferent
+topics, was greater than she had ever found it. That Ellis's surmise was
+correct, she had no longer the smallest doubt. Ellen was sacrificing
+herself, not merely for the love she bore her brother, but from some
+real or imaginary promise to her poor mother. What its exact nature was,
+she could not indeed satisfy herself, but that it had something to do
+with concealing Edward's faults seemed to flash upon her, she hardly
+knew how. Ellis's words "that she had seen enough of that work when they
+were children," returned to her, and various incongruities in Ellen's
+character and conduct which she had been unable to reconcile at the
+time, all seemed connected with it. But to arrive at the truth was much
+more difficult than ever; still, how could she send Ellen away? and yet,
+if still silent, would mere surmise satisfy her husband? There was but
+one hope, one ray of light&mdash;Edward's own honor, if indeed he were
+permitted to return; and even while driving and talking with Caroline,
+her heart was one fervent prayer that this might be, and the fearful
+struggle of her devoted Ellen cease.</p>
+
+<p>Her aunt's gentle and unexpected kindness had had such a beneficial
+effect on Ellen, that, after her early dinner, about three o'clock, she
+told Ellis she would go in the school-room, and try and read there for
+an hour; she knew all the family were out, and therefore would be quite
+undisturbed. Ellis willingly acquiesced, rejoicing that she should seek
+any change herself, and advised her, as it was such a mild, soft
+afternoon, after the late storms, to take a turn on the terrace, on
+which a glass-door from the school-room opened; it would do her good.
+Ellen meant to take her advice, but as she looked out from a window over
+a well-remembered landscape, so many painful thoughts and recollections
+crowded on her, that she lost all inclination to move. She had not stood
+there for many weeks, and it seemed to her that the view had never
+looked so very lovely. The trees all had the last glories of autumn&mdash;for
+it was early in November&mdash;the grass was of that beautiful humid emerald
+which always follows heavy rain, and though the summer-flowers had all
+gone, the sheltered beds of the garden, lying beneath the terrace,
+presented many very beautiful still. The end of the terrace, a flight of
+stone steps, overlooked the avenue, leading from the principal lodge to
+the main entrance, and where Ellen stood, she could distinguish a few
+yards of the path where it issued from some distant trees. She gazed at
+first, conscious only that she was banished from it all, and that,
+however long her departure might be deferred, she must go at last, for
+her uncle's mandate could not be disobeyed; but gradually her eye became
+fixed as in fascination. A single figure was emerging from the trees,
+and dressed in the uniform of a midshipman&mdash;she was sure it was! but it
+was a figure so tall, so slim, his step so lingering, it could not be
+Edward, most likely some one of his messmates come to tell his fate. He
+was taller even than Percy, but so much slighter, so different to the
+boy from whom she had parted, that, though her heart bounded and sunk
+till faintness seemed to overpower her, she could not convince herself
+it was he. With an almost unconscious effort she ran out, through the
+glass-door, to the steps of the terrace; she could now see him
+distinctly, but not his face, for his cap was low over his forehead; but
+as he approached, he paused, as if doubting whether to go up to the hall
+door, or the well-known terrace, by which he had always rushed into the
+school-room, on his daily return from Mr. Howard's; and as he looked
+hastily up, his cap fell back, and his eyes met Ellen's. A wild but
+checked scream broke from her lips, and all was an impenetrable mist
+till she found herself in her brother's arms, in the room she had
+quitted, his lips repeatedly pressing her cheek and forehead, and his
+voice, which sounded so strange&mdash;it did not seem like Edward's, it was
+so much more deep and manly&mdash;entreating her to speak to him, and tell
+him why she looked so ill; but still her heart so throbbed she could not
+speak. She could only cling close to him and look intently in his face,
+which was so altered from the happy, laughing boy, that had he not been,
+from his extreme paleness and attenuation of feature, still more like
+their mother when she was ill, his sister would scarcely have known him.</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest Ellen, do speak to me; what has been the matter, that you look
+so pale and sad? Are you not glad to see me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Glad! oh, Edward, you can not know how glad; I thought you would never,
+never come, the storms have been so terrible; I have been ill, and your
+sudden appearance startled me, for I had thought of such dreadful
+things, and that was the reason I could not speak at first; but I am
+sure you are as pale as I am, dear, dear Edward; you have been
+wounded&mdash;have you not recovered them yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"My wounds, Ellen! oh, they were slight enough; I wished and tried for
+them to be severer, to have done for me at once, but they would not,
+they only bought me praise, praise which maddened me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Edward," murmured Ellen, in a low, fearful voice, "how did he part
+with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"As he has always treated me, a kind, too kind father! oh, Ellen, Ellen,
+if he did but know the deceiving villain that I am!"</p>
+
+<p>"Would he indeed not forgive, Edward, if he so loves you? not if he knew
+all, the temptation, the&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Temptation, Ellen! what excuse ought there to be in temptation? Why was
+I such a fool, such a madman, to allow myself to be lured into error
+again and again by that villain, after I had discovered his double face,
+and I had been warned against him, too? Why did I so madly disregard Mr.
+Howard's and my uncle's warning letters, trusting my self-will and
+folly, instead of their experience? Brave! I am the veriest coward that
+ever trod the deck, because I could not bear a sneer!"</p>
+
+<p>"And he? are you still within his power?" inquired Ellen, shrinking in
+terror from the expression of her brother's face.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Ellen, no; God forgive me&mdash;I have tried not to rejoice; the death
+was so terrible, so nearly my own, that I stood appalled, and, for the
+first time these two years, knelt down to my God for pardon, mercy to
+repent. The lightning struck him where he stood, struck him beside me,
+leaving the withering smile of derisive mockery, with which he had that
+moment been regarding me, still on his lips. Why, and where had he gone?
+he, who denied God and his holy Word, turned the solemn service into
+mockery, and made me like himself&mdash;and why was I spared? Oh, Ellen, I
+have no words to describe the sensation of that moment!" He stopped, and
+shuddered, then continued, hurriedly, "Changed as I am in appearance, it
+is nothing to the change within. I did not know its extent till now that
+I am here again, and all my happy boyhood comes before me; aunt
+Emmeline's gentle lessons of piety and goodness&mdash;oh, Ellen, Ellen, what
+have been their fruits? For two years I have given myself up to passion,
+unrestrained by one word, one thought of prayer; I dared, sinful madman
+as I was, to make a compact with my own conscience, and vow, that if I
+received the relief I expected from you, and was free from Harding, I
+would reform, would pray for the strength to resist temptation, which I
+had not in myself; and when, when the man that was dispatched by Sir
+Edward from the shore, with the letters for the crew, sunk beneath the
+waves, bearing every dispatch along with him, I cursed him, and the
+Fate, which had ordained his death. Ellen, Ellen! why was I saved, and
+Harding killed!"</p>
+
+<p>"And you never received my letter, Edward? Never knew if I had tried to
+relieve you from Harding's power?" answered Ellen, becoming so deadly
+pale, that Edward forced himself to regain composure; the nature of his
+information causing such a revulsion of feeling in his sister as to
+deaden her to the horror of his words. For what had all this suffering
+been?</p>
+
+<p>"I was sure you had, Ellen, for you always did, and I could trust you as
+I could myself. A sudden squall had upset the boat, and the man was so
+encumbered by a large great-coat, every pocket filled with letters and
+papers, that he sunk at once though every help was offered. I threw
+myself into the sea to save him, and Lieutenant Morley praised my
+courage and benevolence&mdash;little did he know my motive! Besides, Sir
+Edward told me there was an inclosure for me in my uncle's to him, and
+regretted he had not kept it to give it me himself&mdash;would to Heaven he
+had! Till Harding's death I was in his power; and he had so used it,
+that I had vowed, on our arrival in England, to abscond, hide myself
+forever, go I cared not where, nor in what character! But he is dead,
+and I am free: my tale need be told to none, and if I can I will break
+from this fatal spell, and redeem the past; but it seems, as if fiends
+urged me still to the path of evil! Would that I had but courage to tell
+all to Mr. Howard, I should be safer then; but I can not&mdash;can not&mdash;the
+risk is too great. Carriage wheels!" he added, starting up&mdash;"my aunt and
+Caroline; oh, how I rejoiced when they told me at the lodge that my
+uncle was not here!" And in his extreme agitation at the thought of
+meeting his aunt, he forgot his sister, or he might have been startled
+at the effect of his words.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIIIC" id="CHAPTER_VIIIC"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STRUGGLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton had been told at the lodge of her nephew's arrival, and so
+powerful was her emotion, that she leaned back in the carriage, as it
+drove rapidly from the lodge to the Hall, without the power of uttering
+a word. Caroline was surprised, for his return seemed to her only a
+cause of rejoicing; she had no idea of the mingled dread and joy, the
+trembling, lest Edward had indeed deceived them all, and, if he had not,
+the redoubled mystery of Ellen's conduct. While he was absent she could
+think calmly on him as the cause of all, but now that he was returned,
+her heart seemed to turn sick with apprehension, and she had hardly
+strength to inquire where he was, and great was her surprise when she
+found his arrival was still unknown. Caroline's joyful exclamation as
+she ran into the school-room to put away some of her purchases, drew her
+there at once; and for the first five minutes the intense thankfulness
+that he was indeed safe and comparatively well&mdash;that whatever might be
+the secret change, his affection for her, to judge by the warmth, and
+agitation of his embrace, was unchanged, and she had that to work on,
+alone occupied her mind and enabled her to regain her calmness.</p>
+
+<p>"You do indeed look as if you wanted English air and home nursing, my
+dear boy," she said, after some little time had elapsed, and Edward had
+seated himself by her, his hand still clasped in hers; "Sir Edward was
+quite right to invalid you. Emmeline does nothing but talk of your
+wounds as making you a complete hero; I am unromantic enough to wish
+that you had brought me home more color and more flesh, and less glory;
+but, I suppose from being so pale, you are more like your poor mother
+than ever;" and she looked at him so earnestly, that Edward's eyes,
+spite of all his efforts, sunk beneath hers. He answered gayly, however,
+and, in reply to Caroline's numerous queries, entered into an animated
+description of their voyage home and the causes of their detention, in
+their being so often compelled to put into port from the fearful storms
+they had encountered, and time slipped away so fast that the dinner-bell
+rung before any one was prepared.</p>
+
+<p>That Ellen should look paler than even when she had left her in the
+morning, and be still more silent, did not astonish Mrs. Hamilton; the
+agitation of meeting her brother was quite enough to occasion it; and
+she advised her to remain quiet while they were at dinner, that she
+might rejoin them afterward. She looked as if she had been so very
+lately ill, that Edward was not surprised at her having dined already;
+but many little things that occured during the evening&mdash;her excessive
+quietness, the evident restraint between her and Caroline, and, he at
+first fancied, and then was quite certain, between her and his aunt,
+startled and perplexed him. She seemed restrained and shy, too, with
+him, as if in constant terror. Poor child! her aunt had advised
+quietness while alone, and her brother's words rung in her ears, till
+repose seemed farther off than ever. After all she had suffered before,
+and after the sending that fatal letter, it had never reached him: she
+had utterly failed in her attempt to save him. If she had, indeed,
+confided at first in Mrs. Hamilton, measures would have been taken, she
+was sure, to have secured him the necessary relief, for whenever her
+uncle had sent him his allowance it was through Sir Edward, not
+encountering the risk of the loss of the letter. There had been times
+when, in the midst of her sufferings, Ellen could realize a sort of
+comfort in the idea that she had saved Edward and kept his secret; but
+where was this comfort now? All she had endured all she was still to
+endure, was for nothing, worse than nothing; for if Edward knew her sin,
+feeling that it had brought him no good, and given up, as she felt he
+must be, to unrestrained passion, or he could not have given vent to
+such fearful sentiments, she actually trembled for its effect upon him
+and his anger on herself. She had sometimes fancied that, perhaps, his
+errors were not so great as he believed them, that he would confess
+them when he found only his kind, indulgent aunt at home, and so peace
+and hope gradually dawn for both him and her. All her wish, her hope now
+was that Mrs. Hamilton could be prevailed upon not to tell him what she
+had done, for whether it made him think he ought to confess himself its
+cause or not, its effect on him would be so terrible, that she felt any
+additional suffering to herself could be better borne.</p>
+
+<p>With these thoughts, no wonder she was silent, utterly unable to subdue
+them as she wished, and evince natural interest in all that had occurred
+to Edward; and tell him all that had happened to herself during their
+long separation. Caroline, however, was so animated; and when Emmeline
+and Miss Harcourt returned, unable to comprehend what they could
+possibly be sent for, a full hour earlier than usual, the astonishment
+and delight at seeing Edward, prevented any thing like a pause in
+conversation, or unnatural restraint. His cousins found so much to tell
+as well as to listen to, about Percy and Herbert, as well as themselves;
+and Emmeline made Edward tell her such minute particulars of their
+engagements with the pirates, and how he was wounded, and what Sir
+Edward said to him, that Mrs. Hamilton, anxious as she was&mdash;for the
+longer she was with her nephew, the more convinced she was that he could
+not meet her eye, and that his gayety was not natural&mdash;could not help
+being amused in spite of herself.</p>
+
+<p>Engrossed with thought how to arrive at the truth, for which she
+ardently longed, she entered the library, when the prayer-bell rung,
+with her children; quite forgetting, till she had taken the place at the
+reading-desk, which, in the absence of her husband and sons, she always
+occupied herself, that she had intended to desire Ellen to resume her
+usual place by Emmeline, wishing to spare her any additional suffering
+the first night of Edward's return, and to prevent any painful feeling
+on his part. It was an oversight, but it vexed her exceedingly. She
+looked hastily round, in the hope of being in time, but Ellen was
+already in her place, though she had evidently shrunk still more into
+the recess of the lower window, as if longing for its massive curtains
+to hide her, and her face was buried in her hands. Mrs. Hamilton would
+have been still more grieved, if she had seen, as Ellis did, the
+beseeching, humble look, which, as they entered, Ellen had fixed upon
+her, and that her pale lips had quivered with the half-uttered
+supplication, which she failed in courage to fully pronounce. Edward
+appeared too wrapped in his own thoughts to notice it then; and as his
+aunt's gentle but impressive voice fell on his fear, the words, the
+room, the whole scene so recalled the happy, and comparatively innocent
+past, that it was with difficulty he could restrain his feelings, till
+the attitude of kneeling permitted them full vent in tears, actual
+tears, when he had thought he could never weep again. The contrast of
+his past and present self, rendered the one more brightly happy, the
+other more intensely dark than the actual reality. The unchecked faults
+and passions of his early childhood had been the sole cause of his
+present errors; but, while under the gentle control of his aunt and
+uncle, and Mr. Howard, he had not known these faults, and, therefore,
+believed they had all come since. He longed intensely to confide all his
+errors, all his remorse, to Mr. Howard, whom he still so dearly loved;
+but he knew he had not courage to confess, and yet hated himself for his
+cowardice.</p>
+
+<p>Only too well accustomed to control, he banished every trace of tears
+(from all save the eye rendered even more than usually penetrating from
+anxiety), as he arose, and became aware, for the first time, that Ellen
+was not where he was accustomed to see her. He kissed her fondly as she
+hurriedly approached him; but perceiving she left the room with merely a
+faint good-night to the rest of the family, and no embrace, as usual,
+from Mrs. Hamilton, he darted forward, seized his aunt's hand, and
+exclaimed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter with Ellen, aunt Emmeline? Why is she so changed,
+and why is your manner to her so cold and distant? and why did she kneel
+apart, as if unworthy to join us even in prayers? Tell me, for pity's
+sake!"</p>
+
+<p>"Not to-night, my dear Edward. It is a long tale, and a painful one, and
+I rely on <i>you</i> to help me, that Ellen and myself may be again as we
+have been. It is as much pain to me as to her that we are not.
+To-morrow, I promise you, you shall know all. You have had excitement
+enough for to-day, and after your exhausting voyage must need rest. Do
+not fancy this an evasion of your request; I have longed for your return
+to influence Ellen, almost as much as for the happiness of seeing you
+again."</p>
+
+<p>Edward was compelled to be satisfied and retire; but though he did feel
+sufficient physical exhaustion, for the comfort of his room to be
+unusually luxurious, his sleep was restless and disturbed by frightful
+dreams, in which, however varied the position, it always seemed that he
+was in danger, and Ellen sacrificing herself to save him.</p>
+
+<p>On retiring for the night, Mrs. Hamilton discovered a note on her
+dressing-table. She thought she knew the writing, but from tremulousness
+it was so nearly illegible, that it was with great difficulty she
+deciphered the following words:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I am so conscious I ought not to address you, know so well
+that I have no right to ask any favor from you, when I have
+given you so much trouble and pain, that I could not have asked
+it, if you had not been so very, very kind this morning. Oh!
+aunt Emmeline, if indeed you can feel any pity for me, do not,
+pray, do not tell Edward the real reason of my banishment from
+Oakwood; tell him I have been very wicked&mdash;have refused to
+evince any real repentance&mdash;but do not tell him what I have
+done. He is ill, unhappy at having to resign his profession
+even for a few months. Oh! spare him the misery of knowing my
+sin. I know I deserve nothing but severity from you&mdash;I have no
+right to ask this&mdash;but, oh! if you have ever loved me, do not
+refuse it. If you would but grant it, would but say, before I
+go, that in time you will forgive me, it would be such comfort
+to the miserable&mdash;<span class="smcap">Ellen</span>."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton's eyes filled with tears; the word "<i>your</i>" had evidently
+been written originally, but partially erased, and "<i>the</i>" substituted
+in its stead, and she could not read the utter desolation of one so
+young, which that simple incident betrayed, without increase of pain;
+yet to grant her request was impossible. It puzzled her&mdash;for why should
+she so persist in the wish expressed from the beginning, that Edward
+should not know it? unless, indeed&mdash;and her heart bounded with the
+hope&mdash;that she feared it would urge him to confess himself the cause,
+and her sacrifice be useless. She locked up the note, which she would
+not read again, fearing its deep humility, its earnest supplication,
+would turn her from her purpose, and in praying fervently for guidance
+and fitful sleep her night passed.</p>
+
+<p>For some time after breakfast the following morning, Edward and his aunt
+were alone together in the library. It was with the utmost difficulty,
+he suppressed, sufficiently to conceal, the fearful agitation which
+thrilled through every nerve as he listened to the tale he had demanded.
+He could not doubt the use to which that money had been applied. His
+sister's silence alone would have confirmed it; but in that hour of
+madness&mdash;for what else is passion unrestrained by principle or
+feeling?&mdash;he was only conscious of anger, fierce anger against the
+unhappy girl who had borne so much for him. He had utterly forgotten the
+desperate words he had written. He had never received the intended
+relief. Till within a week, a short week of his return, he had been in
+Harding's power, and as Ellen's devotion had saved him nothing, what
+could it weigh against the maddening conviction, that if he had one
+spark of honor remaining, he <i>must</i> confess that he had caused her sin?
+Instead of saving, she had betrayed him; and he left his aunt to seek
+Ellen, so evidently disturbed and heated, and the interview itself had
+been so little satisfactory in softening him, as, she had hoped to win
+him to confession at once, for she had purposely spoken as indulgently
+of error and difficulty as she could, without betraying her strengthened
+suspicions, that if she had known how to do so, she would have forbidden
+his seeing Ellen till he was more calm.</p>
+
+<p>Unhappily, too, it was that part of the day when Ellis was always most
+engaged, and she was not even in her own room, so that there was no
+check on Edward's violence. The control he had exercised while with his
+aunt but increased passion when it was removed. He poured forth the
+bitterest reproaches&mdash;asked how she could dare hope relief so obtained,
+would ever have been allowed to reach him?&mdash;what had she done but
+betrayed him? for how could he be such a dishonored coward as to let her
+leave Oakwood because she would not speak? and why had she not
+spoken?&mdash;why not betrayed him at once, and not decoyed him home to
+disgrace and misery? Passion had so maddened him that he neither knew
+what he said himself, nor heard her imploring entreaties not to betray
+himself and she never would. She clung to his knees as she kneeled
+before him, for she was too powerless to stand, reiterating her
+supplication in a tone that ought to have recalled him to his better
+self, but that better self had been too long silenced, and infuriated at
+her convulsive efforts to detain him, he struck her with sufficient
+force to make her, more by the agony of a blow from him, than the pain
+itself, loose her hold at once, and darted from the room.</p>
+
+<p>The hall door was open, and he rushed through it unseen into the park,
+flying he neither knew where nor cared, but plunging into the wildest
+parts. How he arrived at one particular spot he knew not, for it was one
+which of all others, in that moment of excitement, he would gladly have
+avoided. It was a small glade in the midst of the wood, shelving down to
+the water's edge, where he and Percy, with the assistance of Robert, had
+been permitted to erect a miniature boat-house, and where Edward had
+kept a complete flotilla of tiny vessels. There were the trees, the
+glade, the boat-house still, aye, and the vessels, in such beautiful
+repair and keeping, that it brought back the past so vividly, so
+overpoweringly, from the voiceless proof which it was of the
+affectionate remembrance with which he and his favorite tastes had been
+regarded, even in his absence, that he could not bear it. He flung
+himself full length on the greensward, and as thought after thought came
+back upon him, bringing Ellen before him, self-sacrificing, devoted,
+always interposing between him and anger, as she had done from the first
+hour they had been inmates of Oakwood, the thought of that craven blow,
+those mad reproaches, was insupportable; and he sobbed for nearly an
+hour in that one spot, longing that some chance would but bring Mr.
+Howard to him, that he might relieve that fearful remorse at once; but
+utterly unable to seek him of himself.</p>
+
+<p>Edward's disposition, like his mother's, was naturally much too good for
+the determined pursuit of evil. His errors had actually been much less
+grave, than from Harding's artful representations he imagined them. He
+never indulged in passion without its being followed by the most
+agonized remorse; but from having pertinaciously banished the religion
+which his aunt had so tried to instill, and been taught by Harding to
+scoff at the only safe guide for youth, as for every age, God's holy
+word, he had nothing whereon to lean, either as a comfort in his
+remorse, a hope for amendment, or strength for self-conquest; and
+terrible indeed might have been the consequences of Harding's fatal
+influence, if the influence of a home of love had not been still
+stronger.</p>
+
+<p>Two hours after he had quitted his aunt, he rejoined the family,
+tranquil, but bearing such evident traces of a mental struggle, at least
+so Mrs. Hamilton fancied, for no one else noticed it, that she still
+hoped she did not exactly know what, for she failed in courage to ask
+the issue of his interview with Ellen. She contented herself with
+desiring Emmeline to tell her cousin to bring her work or drawing, and
+join them, and she was so surprised, when Emmeline brought back word
+that Ellen had said she had much rather not, that she sought her
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen's cheeks, in general so pale, were crimson, her eyes in
+consequence unnaturally brilliant, and she looked altogether so unlike
+herself, that her aunt was more anxious than ever; nor did her manner
+when asked why she refused to join them, when Edward had so lately
+returned, tend to decrease the feeling.</p>
+
+<p>"Emmeline did not say <i>you</i> desired it, or I should have known better
+than disobey," was her reply, and it was scarcely disrespectful; the
+tone seemed that of a spirit, crushed and goaded to the utmost, and so
+utterly unable to contend more, though every nerve was quivering with
+pain. Mrs. Hamilton felt bitter pain that Ellen at length did indeed
+shrink from her; that the disregard of her entreaty concerning her
+brother appeared so to have wounded, that it had shaken the affection
+which no other suffering had had power to move.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not <i>desire</i> it, Ellen, though I wish it," she replied, mildly;
+"you are of course at liberty to act as you please, though I should have
+thought it most natural that, not having been with Edward so long, you
+should wish to be with him as much as possible now he is at home."</p>
+
+<p>"He will not wish it; he hates me, spurns me, as I knew he would, if he
+knew my sin! To-day I was to have gone to Seldon Grange; let me go at
+once! then neither he, nor you, nor any one need be tormented with me
+any more, and you will all be happy again; let me go, aunt Emmeline;
+what should I stay for?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you wish it, Ellen, you shall go next week. I did not imagine that
+under any circumstances, you could have expressed a desire to leave me,
+or suppose that it would make me particularly happy to send you away."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should it not? you must hate me, too, or&mdash;or you would not have
+refused the only&mdash;only favor I asked you before I went," answered poor
+Ellen, and the voice, which had been unnaturally clear, was choked for
+the moment with sobs, which she resolutely forced back. Mrs. Hamilton
+could scarcely bear it; taking her ice-cold hands in both hers, she
+said, almost tenderly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You have reason to condemn me as harsh and cruel Ellen; but time will
+perhaps explain the motives of my conduct, as I trust and pray it will
+solve the mystery of yours; you are not well enough to be left long
+alone, and Ellis is so much engaged to-day that I do wish you to be with
+me, independent of your brother's society. If you so much prefer
+remaining here, I will stay with you, though of course, as Edward has
+been away from us so long, I should wish to be with him also."</p>
+
+<p>It was almost the first time Mrs. Hamilton had ever had recourse in the
+management of her family to any thing that was not perfectly
+straightforward; and though her present motives would have hallowed much
+deeper stratagems, her pure mind shrunk from her own words. She wished
+Ellen to be constantly in Edward's presence, that he might not be able
+to evade the impulse of feeling and honor, which the sight of such
+suffering, she thought, must call forth; she could not bear to enforce
+this wish as a command, when she had already been, as she felt&mdash;if
+Ellen's silence were indeed self-devotion, not guilt&mdash;so cruelly and so
+unnecessarily severe. Ellen made neither reply nor resistance, but,
+taking up her work, accompanied her aunt to the usual morning-room, from
+which many a burst of happy laughter, and joyous tones were echoing.
+Caroline and Emmeline were so full of enjoyment at Edward's return, had
+so many things to ask and tell, were so perfectly unsuspicious as to his
+having any concern with his sister's fault, that if they did once or
+twice think him less lively and joyous, than when he left home, they
+attributed it simply, to his not having yet recovered the exhausting
+voyage and his wounds. Miss Harcourt, just as unsuspicious, secretly
+accused Ellen as the cause of his occasional abstraction: her conduct
+was not likely to pass unfelt by one so upright, so honorable, and if he
+had been harsh with her, as from Ellen's fearfully shrinking manner, and
+complete silence when they were together, she fancied, she thought it
+was so deserved, that she had no pity for her whatever.</p>
+
+<p>The day passed briskly and happily enough, in <i>seeming</i> to Mrs. Hamilton
+and Edward, in reality to all the other members of the party&mdash;but one.
+The great subject of regret was Mr. Howard's absence, he might be back
+at the rectory that evening, and Emmeline was sure he would come to see
+Edward directly. As the hours waned, Ellen became sensible of a sharp
+and most unusual pain darting through her temples, and gradually
+extending over her forehead and head, till she could scarcely move her
+eyes. It had come at first so suddenly, and lasting so short a time,
+that she could scarcely define what it was, or why she should have felt
+so suddenly sick and faint; but it increased, till there was no
+difficulty in tracing it, and before prayer-time, had become such
+fearful agony, that, if she had not been inured to pain of all kinds,
+and endowed with extraordinary fortitude and control, she must more than
+once have betrayed it by either giving way to faintness, or screaming
+aloud. She had overheard Mrs. Hamilton desire Robert to request Mr.
+Maitland to come to Oakwood as soon as he could, and not hearing the
+reply that he was not expected home till late at night, expected him
+every moment, and thought he would give her something to relieve it,
+without her complaining.</p>
+
+<p>Edward had asked his cousins for some music, and then to please
+Emmeline, had sketched the order of their engagement with the pirates,
+and no one noticed her, for Mrs. Hamilton's heart was sinking with
+disappointed hope, as the hours passed, and there was no sign to prove
+that her surmise was correct, and if it were, that the truth would be
+obtained.</p>
+
+<p>The prayer-bell rang, and as they rose, Edward's eyes, for the first
+time since she had joined them, sought and fixed themselves on his
+sister's face. The paroxysm of pain had for a few minutes subsided, as
+it had done alternately with violence all day, but it had left her so
+ghastly pale, that he started in actual terror. It might have been
+fancy, but he thought there was the trace of his cowardly blow on her
+pale forehead, raised, and black, and such a feeling of agony and
+remorse rushed over him, that it was with difficulty he restrained
+himself from catching her in his arms, and beseeching her forgiveness
+before them all; but there was no time then, and they proceeded to the
+library. Every step Ellen took appeared to bring back that fearful pain,
+till as she sat down, and then knelt in her place, she was sensible of
+nothing else.</p>
+
+<p>The service was over; and as Mrs. Hamilton rose from the private prayer,
+with which each individual concluded his devotions, her nephew stood
+before her, white as marble, but with an expression of fixed resolution,
+which made her heart bound up with hope, at the very moment it turned
+sick and faint with terror.</p>
+
+<p>Several of the lower domestics had quitted the library before Edward
+regained voice, and his first word, or rather action, was to desire
+those that remained to stay.</p>
+
+<p>"My sister has been disgraced, exposed before you all" he exclaimed, in
+a tone of misery and determination, that so startled Miss Harcourt and
+his cousins, they gazed at him bewildered, "and before you all must be
+her exculpation. It was less for her sin than her silence, and for the
+increased guilt which that appeared to conceal, you tell me, she has
+been so severely treated. Aunt Emmeline, I am the cause of her
+silence&mdash;I was the tempter to her sin&mdash;I have deceived my commander,
+deceived my officers, deceived you all&mdash;and instead of being what you
+believe me, am a gambler and a villain. She has saved me again and again
+from discovery and disgrace, and but for her sin and its consequences
+would have saved me now. But what has sin ever done but to betray and
+render wretched? Take Ellen back to your love and care, aunt Emmeline,
+and tell my uncle, tell Sir Edward the wretch I am!"</p>
+
+<p>For a full minute after these unexpected, startling words there was
+silence, for none could speak, not even Emmeline, whose first thought
+was only joy, that Ellen's silence was not so guilty as it seemed.
+Edward had crossed his arms on the reading-desk, and buried his face
+upon them. The instantaneous change of sentiment which his confession
+excited toward Ellen in those most prejudiced can scarcely be described;
+but Mrs. Hamilton, now that the words she had longed for, prayed for,
+had been spoken, had scarcely strength to move. Address Edward she could
+not, though she felt far more pity toward him than anger; she looked
+toward Ellen, who still remained kneeling, though Ellis stood close by
+her, evidently trying to rouse her, and with a step far more hurried,
+more agitated than her children or household had ever seen, she
+traversed the long room, and stood beside her niece.</p>
+
+<p>"Ellen," she said, as she tried to remove the hands which clasped the
+burning forehead, as if their rooted pressure could alone still that
+agonizing pain, "my own darling, devoted Ellen! look up, and forgive me
+all the misery I have caused you. Speak to me, my child! there is
+nothing to conceal now, all shall be forgiven&mdash;Edward's errors,
+difficulties, all for your sake, and he will not, I know he will not,
+cause you wretchedness again; look up, my poor child; speak to me, tell
+me you forgive me."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen unclasped her hands from her forehead, and looked up in Mrs.
+Hamilton's face. Her lips moved as if to speak, but in a moment an
+expression of agony flitted over her face, a cry broke from her of such
+fearful physical pain, that it thrilled through the hearts of all who
+heard, and consciousness deserted her at the same moment that Mr.
+Maitland and Mr. Howard, entered the room together.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IXC" id="CHAPTER_IXC"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>ILLNESS AND REMORSE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was indeed a fearful night which followed the close of our last
+chapter. Illness, sufficient to occasion anxiety, both in Herbert and
+Ellen, had been often an inmate of Oakwood, but it had merely called for
+care, and all those kindly sympathies, which render indisposition
+sometimes an actual blessing, both to those who suffer and those who
+tend. But illness, appearing to be but the ghastly vehicle of death,
+clothed in such fearful pain that no control, even of reason and strong
+will, can check its agonized expression, till at last, reason itself
+succumbs beneath it, and bears the mind from the tortured frame, this is
+a trial of no ordinary suffering, even when such illness has been
+brought about by what may be termed natural causes. But when it follows,
+nay, springs from mental anguish, when the sad watchers feel that it
+might have been averted, that it is the consequence of mistaken
+treatment, and it comes to the young, to whom such sorrow ought to be a
+thing unknown, was it marvel that Mrs. Hamilton, as she stood by Ellen's
+bed, watching the alternations of deathlike insensibility with paroxysms
+of pain, which nothing could relieve (for it was only the commencement
+of brain fever), felt as if she had indeed never known grief or anxiety
+before. She had looked forward to Edward's confession bringing hope and
+rest to all; that the aching head and strained nerves of her poor Ellen,
+only needed returning love, and the quietness of assured forgiveness for
+herself and Edward, for health and happiness gradually to return; and
+the shock of such sudden and terrible illness, betraying, as it did, an
+extent of previous mental suffering, which she had not conceived as
+possible in one so young, almost unnerved her. But hers was not a
+character to give way; the anguish she experienced might be read in the
+almost stern quiet of her face, in her gentle but firm resistance to
+every persuasion to move from Ellen's bed, not only through that
+dreadful night, but for the week which followed. The idea of death was
+absolute agony; none but her God knew the struggle, day after day, night
+after night, which she endured, to compel her rebellious spirit to
+submission to His will, whatever it might be. She knew earth's dearest,
+most unalloyed happiness could not compare with that of Heaven, if
+indeed it should be His pleasure to recall her; but the thought <i>would
+not</i> bring peace. She had no reason to reproach herself, for she had
+acted only as imperative duty demanded, and it had caused her almost as
+much misery as Ellen. But yet the thought would not leave her, that her
+harshness and cruelty had caused all the suffering she beheld. She did
+not utter those thoughts aloud, she did not dare give words to that deep
+wretchedness, for she felt her only sustaining strength was in her God.
+The only one who would have read her heart, and given sympathy,
+strength, comfort, without a word from her, her husband, was far away,
+and she dared not sink; though there were times when heart and frame
+felt so utterly exhausted, it seemed at if she must.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Howard's presence had been an inexpressible relief. "Go to Edward,
+my dear friend," she had said, as he lingered beside the bed where Ellen
+had been laid, longing to comfort, but feeling at such a moment it was
+impossible; "he wants you more than any one else; win him to confide in
+you, soothe, comfort him; do not let him be out of your sight."</p>
+
+<p>Not understanding her, except that Edward must be naturally grieved at
+his sister's illness, Mr. Howard sought him, and found him still in the
+library, almost in the same spot.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a sad welcome for you, Edward," he said, kindly laying his hand
+on his shoulder, "but do not be too much cut down. Ellen is very young,
+her constitution, Mr. Maitland assures us is good, and she may be spared
+us yet. I came over on purpose to see you, for late as it was when I
+returned from Exeter, and found you had arrived, I would not defer it
+till to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"You thought you came to see the pupil you so loved," answered Edward,
+raising his head, and startling Mr. Howard, both by his tone and
+countenance. "You do not know that I am the cause of my poor sister's
+suffering, that if she dies, I am her murderer. Oh, Mr. Howard," he
+continued, suddenly throwing himself in his arms, and bursting into
+passionate tears, "why did I ever leave you? why did I forgot your
+counsels, your goodness, throw your warning letter to the winds? Hate
+me if you will, but listen to me&mdash;pity me, save me from myself."</p>
+
+<p>Startled as he was, Mr. Howard, well acquainted with the human heart,
+its errors, as well as its better impulses, knew how to answer this
+passionate appeal, so as to invite its full confidence and soothe at the
+same time. Edward poured out his whole tale. It is needless to enter
+upon it here in detail; suffice it, that the artful influence of
+Harding, by gradually undermining the good impressions of the home he
+had left, had prepared his pupil for an unlimited indulgence in
+pleasure, and excitement, at every opportunity which offered. And as the
+Prince William was cruising off the coast of British America, and
+constantly touching at one or other of her ports, where Harding, from
+his seniority and usefulness, and Edward, from his invariable good
+conduct, were often permitted to go ashore, these opportunities,
+especially when they were looked for and used by one practiced in deceit
+and wickedness, were often found. It does not require a long period to
+initiate in gambling. The very compelled restraint, in the intervals of
+its indulgence, but increased its maddening excitement, and once given
+up to its blind pursuit, Harding became more than ever necessary to
+Edward, and of course his power over him increased. But when he tried to
+make him a sharer and conniver in his own low pleasures, to teach him
+vice, cautiously as he thought he had worked, he failed; Edward started
+back appalled, and though unhappily he could not break from him, from
+that hour he misdoubted and shrunk away. But he had given an advantage
+to his fell tutor, the extent of which he knew not himself. Harding was
+too well versed in art to betray disappointment. He knew when to bring
+wine to the billiard-table, so to create such a delirium of excitement,
+that Edward was wholly unconscious of his own actions; and once or twice
+he led him into scenes, and made him sharer of such vicious pleasures,
+that secured him as his slave; for when the excitement was over, the
+agony of remorse, the misery, lest his confiding captain should suspect
+him other than he seemed, made him cling to Harding's promises of
+secrecy, as his only refuge, even while he loathed the man himself. It
+was easy to make such a disposition believe that he had, in some moment
+of excitement, done something which, if known, would expel him the Navy;
+Edward could never recall what, but he believed him, and became
+desperate. Harding told him it was downright folly to think about it so
+seriously. It was only known to him, and he would not betray him. But
+Edward writhed beneath his power; perpetually he called on him for
+pecuniary help, and when he had none, told him he must write home for
+it, or win it at the billiard-table, or he knew the consequences; and
+Edward, though again and again he had resolved he would not touch a ball
+or cue (and the remorse had been such, that he would no doubt have kept
+the resolve, had it not been for dread of betrayal), rather than write
+home, would madly seek the first opportunity, and play, and win perhaps
+enough, all but a few pounds, to satisfy his tormentor, and for these he
+would appeal to his sister, and receive them, as we know; never asking,
+and so never hearing, the heavy price of individual suffering at which
+they were obtained.</p>
+
+<p>The seven or eight months which had elapsed before his last fatal
+appeal, had been occasioned by the ship being out at sea. Sir Edward had
+mentioned to Mr. Hamilton, that Edward's excellent conduct on board had
+given him a longer holiday on shore, when they were off New-York, to
+which place he had been dispatched on business to the President, than
+most of his companions. Edward thought himself safe, for Harding had
+been unusually quiet; but the very day they neared land, he told him he
+must have some cash, sneered at the trifling sum Edward had by him, told
+him if he chose to let him try for it fairly, they should have a chance
+at billiards for it; but if that failed, he must pump his rich relations
+for it, for have it he must. Trusting to his luck, for he had often won,
+even with Harding, he rushed to the table, played, and as might be
+expected, left off, owing his tormentor fifty pounds. Harding's fiendish
+triumph, and his declaration that he must trouble him for a check to
+that amount, signed by the great millionaire, Arthur Hamilton, Esq.,
+goaded him to madness. He drank down a large draught of brandy, and
+deliberately sought another table and another opponent, and won back
+fifteen; but it was the last day of his stay on shore, as his enslaver
+knew, and it was the wretchedness, the misery of this heavy debt to the
+crafty, merciless betrayer of his youthful freshness and innocence, who
+had solemnly sworn if he did not pay it by the next letters from his
+home, he would inform against him, and he knew the consequences, which
+had urged that fearful letter to Ellen, from which all her suffering had
+sprung. Edward was much too young and ignorant of the world's ways to
+know that Harding no more dared execute his threat against him, than he
+could put his own head in the lion's mouth. His remorse was too deep,
+his loathing of his changed self too unfeigned, to believe that his
+errors were not of the heinous, fatal nature which Harding taught him to
+suppose them; and the anguish of a naturally fine, noble, independent
+spirit may be imagined. All his poor mother's lessons of his uncle's
+excessive sternness, and determined pitilessness, toward the faults of
+those less firm and worthy than himself, returned to him, completely
+banishing his own experience of that same uncle's excessive kindness.
+The one feeling had been insensibly instilled in his boyhood, from as
+long as he could remember, till the age of twelve; the other was but the
+experience of eighteen short months. Oh, if parents would but think and
+tremble at the vast importance of the first lessons which reach the
+understanding of the young beings committed to their care! Let them
+impress <span class="smcap">TRUTH</span>, not prejudice, and they are safe. Once fix a false
+impression, and they know not, and it is well, perhaps, they do not, the
+misery that tiny seed may sow.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Howard listened with such earnest, heartfelt sympathy, such deep
+commiseration, that his young penitent told him every error, every
+feeling, without the smallest reserve; and in the long conversation
+which followed, he felt more comforted, more hopeful of himself, than he
+had done for long, long months. He told with such a burst of remorseful
+agony, his cruelty to his devoted sister, that Mr. Howard could scarcely
+hear it unmoved, for on that subject there seemed indeed no comfort; and
+he himself, though he would not add to Edward's misery by confessing it,
+felt more painfully self-reproached for his severity toward her than his
+conduct as a minister had ever excited before.</p>
+
+<p>"Be with me, or rather let me be with you, as much as you can," was
+Edward's mournful appeal, as their long interview closed; "I have no
+dependence on myself&mdash;a weak, miserable coward! longing to forsake the
+path of evil, and having neither power nor energy to do so. I know you
+will tell me, pray&mdash;trust. If I had not prayed, I could not have
+confessed&mdash;but it will not, I know it will not last."</p>
+
+<p>"It will, while enduring this heavy trial of your poor sister's terrible
+illness, and God's infinite mercy may so strengthen you in the furnace
+of affliction, as to last in returning joy! Despair, and you must fall;
+trust, and you will hope and struggle&mdash;despite of pain or occasional
+relapses. Your faults are great, but not so great as Harding
+represented them&mdash;not so heavy but that you can conquer and redeem them,
+and be yet all we have believed you, all that you hoped for in
+yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"And my uncle&mdash;" said Edward, hesitatingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Must be told; but I will answer for him that he will be neither harsh
+nor unjust, nor even severe. I will write to him myself, and trust to
+convince him that your repentance, and resolution are sufficiently
+sincere, to permit you a second trial, without referring to Sir Edward.
+You have done nothing to expel you from your profession; but it depends
+on yourself to become truly worthy of its noble service."</p>
+
+<p>There was much in the sad tale he had heard to give hope, and Mr. Howard
+longed to impart its comfort to Mrs. Hamilton; but he felt she could not
+listen. While day after day passed, and the poor sufferer for another's
+errors lay hovering between life and death, reason so utterly suspended,
+that even when the violent agony of the first seven days and nights had
+subsided into lethargic stupors, alternating with such quiet submission
+and gentle words, that, had it not been for their wandering sense, one
+might have fancied intellect returning; still reason was absent&mdash;and,
+though none said it aloud, the fear would gain dominion, that health
+might return, but not the mind. The first advice had been procured&mdash;what
+was distance, even then, to wealth?&mdash;every remedy resorted to. Her
+luxuriant hair cut close, and ice itself applied to cool that burning,
+throbbing pain; but all had seemed vain, till its cessation, at the end
+of seven days, somewhat renewed Mr. Maitland's hope.</p>
+
+<p>Not one tear had Mrs. Hamilton shed, and so excessive had been her
+fatigue, that Miss Harcourt and her children trembled for her; conjuring
+her, for their sakes, for her husband's, to take repose. Mr. Maitland's
+argument, that when Ellen recovered her senses (which he assured her now
+he had little doubt she would eventually), she would need the soothing
+comfort of her presence still more than she could then, and her strength
+must fail before that&mdash;if she so exhausted it&mdash;carried more weight than
+all the rest; and her daughters had the inexpressible relief of finding
+that when, in compliance with their tearful entreaties, she did lie
+down, she slept, and slept refreshingly, for nature was exhausted. There
+was much of comfort in those days of trial, which Mrs. Hamilton fully
+realized, when Ellen's convalescence permitted her to recall it, though
+at the time it seemed unnoticed. That Caroline's strong mind and good
+heart should urge her to do every thing in her power to save her mother
+trouble, even to entreat Ellis and Morris to show her, and let her
+attend to the weekly duties with them, and accomplish them so earnestly
+and well, that both these faithful domestics were astonished and
+delighted, was not surprising; for hers was a character to display its
+better qualities in such emergencies. But that Emmeline should so
+effectually rouse herself from the overwhelming grief, which had at
+first assailed her at Ellen's fearful sufferings and great danger, as to
+be a comfort alike to her mother and Edward, and assist Caroline
+whenever she could, even trying to be hopeful and cheerful for others'
+sakes, till she actually became so, <i>was</i> so unexpected, from the grief
+she had indulged in when she parted from her father, that it did
+surprise. To be in the room with Ellen had so affected her at first,
+that she became pale, and so evidently terrified, that Mrs. Hamilton
+half desired her not to come, especially as she could do no good; and
+Mrs. Greville and Mary had tried to prevail on her to stay with them,
+but she would not hear of it.</p>
+
+<p>"If I can do no good, can neither help mamma in nursing Ellen, nor do as
+Caroline does, I can, at least, try to comfort poor Edward, and I will
+not leave him. If I am so weak as not to be able to endure anxiety and
+sorrow without showing it, it shall not conquer me. No, no, dear Mary;
+come and see me as often as you like, but I can not leave home till
+mamma and Ellen and we are all happy again!"</p>
+
+<p>And she did devote herself to Edward, and so successfully&mdash;with her
+gentle sympathy with his grief, her tender feeling toward his faults,
+her conviction of her father's forgiveness, her unassuming but
+heart-breathing piety, which, without one word unduly introduced of a
+subject so holy, for she felt herself much too lowly and ignorant to
+approach it&mdash;yet always led up his thoughts to God, and from one so
+young, so humble, and, in general, so joyous, had still greater effect
+in confirming his returning religious hope, than had his teachers been
+only those who were older and wiser than himself. However miserable he
+might be before she came, he looked to her society, her eloquence, as
+comfort and hope; and soon perceiving this, she was encouraged to go on,
+though quite astonished&mdash;for she could not imagine what she had done to
+deserve such commendation&mdash;when Mr. Howard, one day meeting her alone,
+took both her hands in his, and with even unusual fervor bade God bless
+her!&mdash;for young, lowly as she was, she not only comforted the erring,
+but raised and strengthened the penitent's trembling faith and hope.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Edward! harder than all seemed to him his aunt's silence. He knew
+his sister entirely engrossed her&mdash;ill as Ellen was, it could not be
+otherwise; but he passionately longed only for one word from her: that
+she forgave him the misery she was enduring. Not aware that such was his
+feeling, conscious herself that her sole feeling toward him was pity,
+not anger, and looking to herself alone as the cause of her poor child's
+sufferings, she did not think for a moment that he could imagine her
+never referring to his confession originated in displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>Ten or twelve days had so passed, when one afternoon, completely
+exhausted with two nights' watchfulness&mdash;for though nurse Langford and
+Fanny were in constant attendance on Ellen, she could not rest if she
+heard that harrowing cry for her, even though her presence brought no
+comfort&mdash;she went to lie down for a few hours on a couch in her
+dressing-room. Caroline had taken a book, though with not much
+inclination to read, to sit by her, and watch that her sleep should not
+be disturbed. How in those moments of quiet did she long for her father!
+feeling intuitively how much heavier was her mother's trial without his
+loved support. He had been written to by them all since Edward's
+confession. Mrs. Hamilton had done so in Ellen's room, only to beseech
+him to write forgivingly, forbearingly, to the unhappy cause of all. She
+did not dare breathe her feelings, even on paper, to him, convinced that
+if she did so, control must give way, and she was powerless at once; but
+her husband knew her so well that every suppression of individual
+emotion betrayed more forcibly than the most earnest words, all she was
+enduring.</p>
+
+<p>Caroline had kept her affectionate vigil nearly two hours, when Edward's
+voice whispered, "Miss Harcourt wants you, dear Caroline; let me take
+your place, I will be quite as watchful as yourself; only let me stay
+here, you do not know the comfort it will be."</p>
+
+<p>To resist his look of pleading wretchedness was impossible. She left
+him, and Edward drawing a low stool to the foot of the couch, as if not
+daring to occupy his cousin's seat, which was close by the pillow, gazed
+on the mild, gentle features of his aunt, as in their deep repose they
+showed still clearer the traces of anxiety and sorrow, and felt more
+keenly than ever the full amount of misery, which his errors and their
+fatal concealment had created. "Why is it," he thought, "that man can
+not bear the punishment of his faults without causing the innocent, the
+good, to suffer also?" And his heart seemed to answer, "Because by those
+very social ties, the strong impulses of love for one another, which
+would save others from woe, we may be preserved and redeemed from vice
+again, and yet again, when, were man alone the sufferer, vice would be
+stronger than remorse, and never be redeemed."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton woke with that painful start which long watchfulness
+always occasions, and missing Caroline, yet feeling as if she were not
+alone, her eyes speedily fixed themselves in some surprise on the figure
+of her nephew, who, unable to bear the thoughts the sight of her
+exhaustion produced, had bent his head upon the couch. Inexpressibly
+touched, and glad of the opportunity to speak to him alone, she called
+him to her, and there was something in the tone that encouraged him to
+fling himself on his knees by her side, and sob like an infant, saying,
+almost inarticulately&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Can you, will you, ever forgive me, aunt Emmeline? Your silence has
+almost broken my heart, for it seemed to say you never could; and when I
+look at my poor Ellen, and see how I have changed this happy home into
+sorrow and gloom and sin, for it is all my work&mdash;mine, whom you have
+loved, treated, trusted, as a son&mdash;I feel you can not forgive me; I
+ought to go from you; I have no right to pollute your home."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, Edward! do not give utterance or indulgence to any such thoughts.
+My poor unhappy boy! your errors have brought such fearful chastisement
+from the hand of God himself, it is not for me to treat you harshly. May
+His mercy avert yet severer trial! I will not hear your story now; you
+are too agitated to tell it, and I am not at this moment strong enough
+to hear it. I am satisfied that you have confided all to Mr. Howard, and
+will be guided by him. Only tell me how came you first to apply to
+Ellen? Did the thought never strike you, that in sending relief to you,
+she might be exposing herself to inconvenience or displeasure? Was there
+no consideration due to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I never seemed to think of her, except as glad and willing to help me,
+at whatever cost to herself," was his reply. "I feel now the cruel
+selfishness of the belief&mdash;but, oh, aunt Emmeline, it was fostered in me
+from my earliest childhood, grew with my growth, increased with my
+years, received strength and meaning from my poor mother's utter
+neglect of her, and too indulgent thought for me. I never thought so
+till now, now that I know all my poor sister's meek and gentle worth,
+and it makes me still more miserable. I never could think her my equal;
+never could fancy she could have a will or wish apart from mine, and I
+can not trace the commencement of the feeling. Oh! if we had been but
+treated alike! but taught to so love each other, as to think of each
+other's happiness above our own, as you taught my cousins!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know any thing of the promise to which poor Ellen so constantly
+refers?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, after gently soothing his painful
+agitation.</p>
+
+<p>He did not; but acknowledged that from the time they had become inmates
+of Oakwood, Ellen had constantly saved him from punishment by bearing
+the penalty of his faults; recalling numerous incidents, trifling in
+themselves, but which had always perplexed Mrs. Hamilton, as evincing
+such strange contradictions in Ellen's childish character, and none more
+so than the disobedience which we related in our second part, and which
+Edward's avowal of having himself moved the flower-stand, now so clearly
+explained. He said, too, that Mr. Howard had thought it necessary, for
+Ellen's perfect justification, to examine her letters and papers, but
+that all his appeals to her had been destroyed but one&mdash;his last fatal
+inclosure, the exact contents of which he had so utterly forgotten,
+written, as they were, in a moment of madness, that he shuddered himself
+as he read it. He placed the paper in Mrs. Hamilton's hand, conjuring
+her not to recall her forgiveness when she read it; but she must see it,
+it was the only amends he could make his poor Ellen, to exculpate her
+fully. Was it any wonder it had almost driven her wild? or that she
+should have scarcely known the means she adopted to send him the relief,
+which, as he deserved, had never reached him.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton read the letter, and as thought after thought rose to her
+mind, connecting, defining, explaining Ellen's conduct from her
+fifteenth birthday, the day she received it, to the discovery of her
+sin, and her devoted silence afterward, trifling incidents which she had
+forgotten returned to add their weight of evidence, and increase almost
+to agony her self-reproach, for not seeing the whole before, and acting
+differently. She remembered now Ellen's procrastination in writing to
+Edward, the illness which followed, and could well understand her dread
+lest the finding the notes should be traced to that day, and so throw a
+suspicion on her brother, and her consequent firmness in refusing to
+state the day she had found them.</p>
+
+<p>That long interview was one of inexpressible comfort to Edward; but
+though his unfeigned repentance and full confession gave his aunt hope
+for him, it did but increase her individual trial, as she returned to
+Ellen's couch, and listened to wanderings only too painfully explained
+by the tale she had heard.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XC" id="CHAPTER_XC"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>MISTAKEN IMPRESSIONS ERADICATED.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was the seventeenth day of Ellen's illness, and for six-and-thirty
+hours she had slept profoundly, waking only at very long intervals, just
+sufficiently to swallow a few drops of port wine, which Mr. Maitland had
+ordered to be administered if she woke, and sunk to sleep again. It was
+that deep, still, almost fearful repose, for it is so like death, which
+we can scarcely satisfy ourselves is life, except by holding a glass at
+intervals to the lips, to trace if indeed it receive the moisture of the
+breath. And nurse Langford, Mrs. Hamilton, and Edward had, through these
+long hours, watched and scarcely stirred. For they knew that on her
+waking hung hope or misery, return of intellect, or its confirmed
+suspension. Mr. Maitland had particularly wished Edward to be with her
+when she recovered her senses, that his presence might seem as natural
+as either of her cousins; but he warned him that the least display of
+agitation on his part, or reference to the past, in her exhausted state,
+might be fatal to her. It was quite the evening. Widow Langford had
+lighted the lamp, and sat down by the fire, scarcely able to breathe
+freely, from the intensity of her hope that Ellen would recover. And if
+such were her feelings, what were Edward's and Mrs. Hamilton's? The
+former was kneeling on the right of the bed, his eyes alternately fixed
+on his sister, and buried in the coverlid. Mrs. Hamilton was on the
+opposite side, close to Ellen's pillow, the curtain drawn so far back,
+that the least change on the patient's countenance was discernible. Hour
+after hour had so passed, the chimes that told their flight were
+scarcely heard by those anxious watchers. It was about eight o'clock,
+when a slight movement in Ellen made her aunt's heart so throb, as
+almost to deprive her of breath; her eyes unclosed, and a smile, such as
+Mrs. Hamilton had not seen for weeks, nay, months, circled her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear aunt, have I been ill? It seems such a long, long time since I
+have seen you, and my head feels so strange, so light; and this room, it
+is my own, I know, but I feel as if it did not belong to me, somehow. Do
+make my head clear, I can not think at all."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not try to think yet, darling. You have been very, very ill, and to
+endeavor to think might hurt you. Strength will soon return now, I hope,
+and then your head will be quite clear again," returned Mrs. Hamilton,
+quietly and caressingly, though she so trembled with the change from
+sickening dread to certain hope, that she herself scarcely knew how she
+spoke at all.</p>
+
+<p>"But what made me so ill, aunt? I feel as if it were some great pain; I
+can not remember any thing clearly, but yet it seems as if I had been
+very unhappy&mdash;and that&mdash;that you did not love me any more. Did any thing
+make me ill? Was it really so?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I did not love you, my Ellen! Indeed, that was only fancy. You
+were very unhappy, as we were all, for Edward did not come as soon as we
+expected him, and the storms were very dreadful, and we feared his ship
+might have been wrecked, or cast ashore, somewhere very far off, where
+we could not hear of him; and when you saw him, and knew he was safe,
+the anxiety and pain you had undergone, made you ill; you know a little
+thing will do that, dearest."</p>
+
+<p>"But is he really safe, aunt Emmeline? Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Close by you, love. He has been as watchful and anxious a nurse as I
+have been. Poor fellow, you have given him a sad welcome, but you must
+make up for it, by-and-by."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen looked languidly, yet eagerly round, as her aunt spoke, and her
+gaze fixed itself on her brother, who was struggling violently to
+suppress the emotion which, at the sound of her voice, in connected
+words, nearly overpowered him; and still more so, when Ellen said, more
+eagerly than she had yet spoken&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Edward! come and kiss me, and do not look so sad. I shall soon get
+well."</p>
+
+<p>He bent over her, and kissed her repeatedly, trying in vain to say
+something, but he felt so choked, he could not; and Ellen held his hand,
+and looked earnestly, searchingly in his face, as if trying painfully to
+define the vague thoughts and memories which seemed all connected with
+him and with pain, but which would not take a distinct form. Her eye
+wandered from him for a moment to nurse Langford, who had come to the
+foot of the bed, and that seemed another face connected with the blank
+past, and then it fixed itself again on Edward, and her pale face so
+worked with the effort of thought, that Mrs. Hamilton became alarmed.
+She saw, too, that Edward was growing paler and paler, and trembled for
+the continuance of his control. Taking Ellen's hand gently from his, and
+arranging her pillow at the same time, so as to turn her face rather
+from him, she said, playfully&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You have looked at Edward long enough, Ellen, to be quite sure he is
+safe at home. So now I shall be jealous if you give him any more of your
+attention and neglect me; you must take some nourishment, and try to go
+to sleep again, for I must not have you try your strength too much."</p>
+
+<p>"If I could but remember clearly," answered Ellen, sadly; "it is all so
+vague&mdash;so dark&mdash;but I do not think it was only because he did not come,
+that made me so unhappy."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not going to be disobedient, dearest," replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+firmly, though fondly, as she hastily signed to Edward to leave the
+room, which he most thankfully did, never stopping till he reached his
+own, and tried to thank God for His great mercy, but could only sob. "I
+told you not to think, because to do so might retard return of strength,
+and indeed you must try and obey me; you know I am very peremptory
+sometimes." And the fond kiss with which she enforced the command seemed
+to satisfy Ellen, whose natural submissiveness, combined with excessive
+physical weakness, caused her to obey at once, and not attempt to think
+any more. She took the required nourishment with returning appetite, and
+soon afterward fell quietly and happily to sleep again, her aunt's hand
+closely clasped in hers.</p>
+
+<p>From that day, all fear of disordered intellect departed, and,
+gradually, the extreme exhaustion gave way before Mr. Maitland's
+judicious treatment. Strength, indeed, returned so slowly and almost
+imperceptibly, that it was necessary to count improvement by weeks, not
+days. And when, six weeks after her first seizure, she was thought well
+enough to be carried to Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room, and laid on a
+couch there, it was a source of gratitude and rejoicing to all. But Mr.
+Maitland and Mrs. Hamilton soon saw, with intense anxiety, that with
+physical strength, memory and thought had both fully returned, and that
+their consequence was a depression so deep, as effectually to retard her
+perfect recovery. She seemed to shrink from all attention, all kindness,
+as utterly undeserved, even from her cousins. She would look at Edward
+for half an hour together, with an expression of suffering that made the
+heart actually ache. At times she would receive Mrs. Hamilton's
+caressing and judicious tenderness as if it were her only comfort, at
+others, shrink from it, as if she had no right to it.</p>
+
+<p>"This will never do," Mr. Maitland said, about ten days after Ellen's
+removal into her daily quarters, and finding she was losing ground;
+"there is something on her mind, which must be removed, even if to do
+so, you refer to the past. She remembers it all too clearly, I fear, so
+our not alluding to it does no good. You must be the physician in this
+case, my dear Mrs. Hamilton, for I am powerless."</p>
+
+<p>But though she quite agreed with him, how to approach such a very
+painful subject required no little consideration; but, as is very often
+the case, chance does that on which we have expended so much thought.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon Ellen lay so still, so pale, on her couch, that Mrs.
+Hamilton bent over her to listen if she breathed, saying as she did so,
+almost unconsciously&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My poor Ellen, when shall I have the comfort of seeing you well and
+happy again?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen hastily unclosed her eyes, for she was not asleep&mdash;it had been
+only the stupor of painfully-engrossing thought, rendering her
+insensible to all outward things, but her aunt's voice aroused her, and
+it seemed an inexpressible relief to feel they were quite alone. Trying
+to rise, and clasping her hands, she said, in a tone of strong
+excitement&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, aunt Emmeline, how can I be happy&mdash;how can I be well&mdash;when I
+think&mdash;think&mdash;that if it had not been for my sin, and the misery it
+brought on me, Edward might be safe still? no one need have known his
+errors. I tried to save&mdash;and&mdash;and I have only betrayed, and made him
+wretched. All I suffered was for nothing, worse than nothing!"</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God, you have spoken, my dear child! I felt as if I dared not
+introduce the subject; but now that you have yourself, I think I shall
+be able, if indeed you will listen to me patiently, Ellen, to disperse
+the painful mists, that are still pressing so heavily on this poor
+little heart and brain," she said, fondly, though seriously, as she put
+her arm round Ellen, to support her as she sat up. "I do not tell you it
+is not a natural feeling, my love, but it is a wrong one. Had your sin,
+in consideration of its being, as I am now convinced it was, wholly
+involuntary&mdash;for in the fearful state of mind Edward's desperate letter
+occasioned, you could not have known or thought of any thing, but that
+relief seemed sent to your hand&mdash;had it on that account been permitted
+so far to succeed, as to give him the aid he demanded, and never have
+been traced to you, it would have confirmed him in the path of guilt and
+error, and poisoned your happiness forever. When you recall the agony,
+almost madness you felt, while burdened with the consciousness of such
+an act, how could you have borne it, if it had continued through months,
+perhaps years? You shudder; yet this must have been the case, and Edward
+would have persisted in error, if your sin had been permitted to
+succeed. Its detection, and the sufferings thence springing, terrible as
+they have been to you, my poor child, have saved him; and will, I trust,
+only bring securer happiness to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Saved him!" repeated Ellen, half starting up, and scarcely hearing the
+last words&mdash;"saved Edward!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dearest, by leading him to a full confession, and giving him not
+only the inexpressible comfort of such a proceeding, but permitting him
+to see, that great and disappointing as his errors are, they can be
+conquered. They are not of the irremediable, guilt-confirming nature,
+that he was taught to suppose them for Harding's own most guilty ends,
+and so giving him hope and resolution to amend, which a belief that
+amendment is impossible, entirely frustrates. Do not fear for Edward, my
+own love; he will give you as much pride and comfort as he has anxiety
+and grief; and you, under God's mercy, will have been the cause. It is a
+hard lesson to learn, and yet, Ellen, I think one day, when you can look
+back more calmly on the last few months, you will acknowledge with me,
+that great as your sufferings have been, they were sent in love both to
+him and to you."</p>
+
+<p>"If they have saved him&mdash;saved him from a continuance in error, and so
+made him happy!&mdash;Oh, aunt Emmeline, I can think so now, and I will try
+to bear the rest? but why," she added, growing more excited, "oh, why
+have you been so good, so kind? Why did you not continue cold and
+distant? I could bear it better, then."</p>
+
+<p>"Bear what, love? What have you more to bear? Tell me all without
+reserve. Why should I be cold, when you deserve all my love and
+kindness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because&mdash;because, am I not to go to Seldon Grange, as soon as I am
+strong enough? Uncle Hamilton said, there could be no excusing cause
+demanding a complete avoidance of his sentence. I thought it was pain
+enough when you first told me; but now, now every time I think about it,
+it seems as if I could not bear it."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are not called upon to bear it, my dear child. Is it possible
+you could think for a moment that I could send you away from me, when
+you have borne so much, and been treated with far too much severity
+already? Did I not tell you that the term of your banishment depended
+entirely on the motive of your silence, and do you think there was no
+excuse in your motive, my Ellen, mistaken as it was? Is self-devotion to
+be of no more account to me, than it seemed to you? Come, smile,
+dearest; I promise you, in your uncle's name and my own, you shall never
+leave us, unless it be of your own free will and pleasure, a few years
+hence."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen did try to smile, but she was too weak to bear this complete
+removal of a double burden without an emotion that seemed more like pain
+than joy. She laid her head on her aunt's shoulder, and wept without
+restraint. They were the first tears she had shed since her illness, and
+Mrs. Hamilton thanked God for them. She did not attempt to check them,
+but the few words she did speak, told such affectionate sympathy, such
+perfect comprehension of that young heart, that Ellen felt as if a
+mountain of lead were dissolving from her.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, my Ellen, that I have relieved you of a painful dread, will
+you ease my mind of a great anxiety?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, nearly an
+hour afterward, when Ellen seemed so relieved and calmed, that she could
+talk to her without fear. "You look surprised; but it is a subject you
+alone can explain, and till it is solved, I shall never feel that your
+happiness is secure. What is this promise, to which in your illness you
+so constantly referred, and which, I fear, has strengthened you in the
+system of self-sacrifice for Edward's sake, in addition to your love for
+him?"</p>
+
+<p>A deep flush rose to Ellen's transparent cheek and brow, as she
+answered, falteringly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Ought I to tell you, dear aunt? You do not know how often, how very
+often I have longed to ask you, if to keep it made me do wrong&mdash;whether
+I ought to break it? And yet it seemed so sacred, and it gave poor mamma
+such comfort!"</p>
+
+<p>"When did you make it, love? Its import I need not ask you, for you
+betrayed it, when you knew not what you said, and it was confirmed by
+your whole conduct. To shield Edward from blame or punishment, by never
+revealing his faults?"</p>
+
+<p>"Was it wrong?" murmured Ellen, hiding her conscious face.</p>
+
+<p>"Wrong in you! no dearest; for you were too young to know all the pain
+and evil it was likely to bring. Tell me when, and how, it was taken;
+and I think I can prove to you that your poor mother would have recalled
+it, had she had the least idea of the solemn hold it had taken upon
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Thus encouraged, Ellen narrated the scene that had taken place in widow
+Morgan's cottage just before Mrs. Hamilton arrived; and her mother's
+fears for Edward, and dread of Mr. Hamilton, which it was very evident,
+and now more than ever, had extended to both her children. She said that
+Mr. Myrvin's assurance, that her mother could see, and would love her in
+Heaven, directly following the promise, had given it still more weight
+and solemnity. That at first she thought it would be very easy to keep,
+because she loved Edward so dearly; but she had not been long at Oakwood
+before it made her very unhappy, from its constant interference with,
+and prevention of, her obedience and duty to her aunt; that it had often
+caused her violent head aches, only from her vain attempts to satisfy
+herself as to that which she ought to do. When Edward first went to sea,
+and all seemed so right and happy with him, of course she became happier
+than she had ever been before. Then came his difficulties, and her
+conviction that she must save him and keep his secret. That her reason
+and her affection often urged her to confide all to her aunt, certain
+that she would not harshly condemn Edward, but would forgive and help
+him far more effectually than she could; but she dared not, for whenever
+she thought thus, the figure of her mother rose before her, seeming to
+reproach and threaten her for exposing the child she so dearly loved to
+disgrace and ruin; and this was so vivid&mdash;so constant during his last
+appeal, that she thought she must be going mad; that nothing but the
+dread of not being firm enough to keep Edward's secret, had withheld her
+from confessing her sin at once to her aunt, especially when her uncle
+had so solemnly denounced it as theft, and that when it was discovered
+it seemed actual relief, though it brought such severe punishment, for
+she knew no suffering for her could be too severe.</p>
+
+<p>The tale, as Ellen told it, was brief and simple enough, and that there
+was any merit in such a system of self-devotion never seemed to enter
+her mind for a moment; but to Mrs. Hamilton it revealed such an amount
+of suffering and trial, such a quiet, systematic, heroic endurance, that
+she unconsciously drew that young delicate being closer and closer to
+her, as if her love should protect her in future from any such trial;
+and from what had it all sprung?&mdash;the misery of years, at a period when
+life should be so joyous and so free, that care and sorrow flee it as
+purely and too briefly happy to approach? From a few thoughtless words,
+from a thoughtless, partial mother, whose neglect and dislike had
+pronounced that disposition cold, unloving and inanimate whose nature
+was so fervid, so imaginative, that the utmost care should have been
+taken to prevent the entrance of a single thought or feeling too
+precocious, too solemn for her years. It may be urged, and with truth,
+that to an ordinary child the promise might have been forgotten, or
+heedlessly laid aside, without any harm accruing from it, but it was
+from not caring to know the real character of the little being, for
+whose happiness and virtue she was responsible, that the whole mischief
+sprung; and it is this neglect of maternal duty against which we would
+so earnestly warn those who may not have thought about it. It is <i>not
+enough</i> to educate the mind, to provide bodily necessaries, to be
+indulgent in the gift of pleasure and amusement, the <i>heart</i> must be won
+and taught; and to do so with any hope of success, the character must be
+transparent as the day: and what difficulty, what hinderance, can there,
+or ought there to be, in obtaining this important knowledge to a mother,
+from whose breast the babe has received its nourishment, from whose arms
+it has gradually slipped away to feel its own independence, from whose
+lips it has received its first lessons, at whose knee lisped its first
+prayer? How comparatively trifling the care, how easy the task to learn
+the opening disposition and natural character, so as to guide with
+gentleness and love, and create happiness, not for childhood alone,
+though that is much, but for youth and maturity.</p>
+
+<p>All these thoughts passed though Mrs. Hamilton's mind as she listened
+to her niece, and looked at the pale, sweet face lifted up to hers in
+the earnestness of her simple tale, as if unconsciously appealing for
+her protection against the bewildering and contending feelings of her
+own young heart. How she was effectually to remove these impressions of
+years indeed she knew not; her heart seemed to pray for guidance that
+peace might at length be Ellen's portion, even as she heard.</p>
+
+<p>"You could scarcely have acted otherwise than you have always done
+toward Edward, my dear Ellen, under the influence of such a promise,"
+she said; "your extreme youth, naturally enough, could not permit you to
+distinguish, whether it was called for by a mere impulse of feeling in
+your poor mother, or really intended. But tell me, do you think it would
+give me any comfort or happiness if I could see Emmeline act by Percy as
+you have done by Edward? To see her suffer pain and sorrow, and be led
+into error, too, sometimes, to conceal Percy's faults, and prevent their
+removal, when, by the infliction of some trifling pain, it would save
+his exposing himself to greater?"</p>
+
+<p>"But it seems so different with my cousins, aunt; they are all such
+equals. I can not fancy Emmeline in my place. You have always loved them
+all alike."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you not think a mother ought to do to, dearest?"</p>
+
+<p>"But how can she, if they are not all equally deserving? I was so
+different to Edward: he was so handsome and good, and so animated and
+happy; and I was always fretful and ill, and they said so often naughty;
+and he used to fondle poor mamma, and show his love, which I was afraid
+to do, though I did love her so <i>very</i> much (the tears started to her
+eyes), so I could not help feeling he must be much better than I was,
+just as I always feel all my cousins are, and so it was no wonder poor
+mamma loved him so much the best."</p>
+
+<p>"Have I ever made any difference between Edward and you, Ellen?" asked
+Mrs. Hamilton, conquering, with no small effort, the emotion called
+forth by Ellen's simple words.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no!" and she clung to her in almost painful emotion. "But you
+are so good, so kind to every body; you would love me, and be kind to me
+as poor papa was, because nobody else could.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Ellen, what can I do to remove these mistaken impressions? I
+love you, and your father loved you, because you have qualities claiming
+our love quite as powerfully as your brother. You must not imagine
+because you may be less personally and mentally favored, that you are
+<i>inferior</i> to him, either in the sight of your Heavenly Father, or of
+the friends and guardians He has given you. And even if such were the
+case, and you were as undeserving as you so wrongly imagine yourself, my
+duty, as that of your mother, would be just the same. A parent does not
+love and guide her children according to their individual merits, my
+dear Ellen, but according to the fountain of love which, to enable her
+to do her duty, God has so mercifully placed in her heart; and therefore
+those who have the least attractions and the most faults, demand the
+greater cherishing to supply the place of the one, and more careful
+guiding to overcome the other. Do you quite understand me, love."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen's earnest face, on which joy and hope seemed struggling with
+doubt, was sufficient answer.</p>
+
+<p>"All mothers do not think of their solemn responsibility in the same
+light; and many causes&mdash;sad recollections and self-reproaches for her
+early life, and separation in coldness from her father and myself, might
+all have tended to weaken your mother's consciousness of her duty, and
+so, without any fault in yourself, my Ellen, have occasioned her too
+great partiality for Edward. But do you remember her last words?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen did remember them, and acknowledged they had so increased her
+affection for her mother, as to render the promise still more sacred to
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"I feared so, dearest; but it is just the contrary effect which they
+should have had. When she called you to her, and blessed and kissed you
+as fondly as she did Edward, she said she had done you injustice, had
+failed in her duty to you, and it so grieved her, for it was too late to
+atone for it then; she could only pray to God to raise you up a kinder
+parent. I have tried to be that, for her sake, as well as your own; and
+will you not acknowledge, that if she had been spared to love and know
+your affection for her, she could no more have borne to see you suffer
+as you have done for Edward, than I could my Emmeline for Percy? Do you
+not think, when she had learned to feel as I do, which she had already
+begun to do, that she would have recalled that fatal promise, and
+entreated you not to act upon it? What has it ever done but to make you
+to painfully suffer, lead you often into error, and confirm, by
+concealment, Edward's faults?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen's tears were falling fast and freely, but they were hardly tears
+of pain. Her aunt's words seemed to disperse a thick mist from her brain
+and heart, and for the first time, to satisfy her that she might dismiss
+the painful memory of her promise, and dismiss it without blame or
+disobedience to her mother.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton had begun the conversation in trembling, for it seemed so
+difficult to accomplish her object without undue condemnation of her
+sister; but as Ellen, clasping her arms about her neck, tried to thank
+her again and again, for taking such a heavy load from her heart, saying
+that she would still help Edward just the same, and she would try to
+guard him and herself from doing wrong, that her mother should love her
+still, she felt she had succeeded, and silently, but how fervently,
+thanked God.</p>
+
+<p>"But will you tell me one thing, aunt Emmeline? Why, if the promise were
+mistaken, and poor mamma would have wished it recalled, did I always
+seem to see her so distinctly, and fancy she so desired me to save
+Edward from my uncle's displeasure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because you have a very strong imagination, my love, increased by
+dwelling on this subject; and in your last trial your mind was in such a
+fearful and unnatural state of excitement, that your imagination became
+actually diseased. It was not at all surprising; for much older and
+stronger, and wiser persons would have experienced the same, under the
+same pressure of grief, and terror, and remorse. But what can I do to
+cure this morbid imagination, Ellen?" she continued playfully; "sentence
+you, as soon as you get well, to a course of mathematics, six hours each
+day?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid my poor head will be more stupid at figures than ever,"
+replied Ellen, trying to smile, too.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I suppose I must think of something else. Will you follow
+Emmeline's example, and tell me every thing, however foolish or
+unfounded it may seem, that comes into this little head&mdash;whether it
+worries or pleases you? You have nothing, and you will have nothing ever
+again, I trust, to conceal from me, my dear Ellen; and if you will do
+this, you will give me more comfort individually, and more security for
+the furtherance of your happiness, as far as my love can promote it,
+than any other plan."</p>
+
+<p>Her playfulness had given place to renewed earnestness, and Ellen, as if
+in the very thought of such perfect confidence dwelt security and
+peace, so long unknown to her, gave the required assurance so eagerly
+and gratefully, that Mrs. Hamilton was satisfied and happy.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIC" id="CHAPTER_XIC"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE LOSS OF THE SIREN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>From that day, Ellen's recovery, though a sad trial of patience both to
+the young invalid and her affectionate nurses, was surely progressive,
+without any of those painful relapses which had so tried Mr. Maitland's
+skill before. She no longer shrunk from the society of her relations,
+receiving Caroline's and Miss Harcourt's many kind attentions with
+surprise indeed, for she could not imagine what could so have altered
+their feelings toward her, but with that evident gratitude and pleasure,
+which encourages a continuance of kindness. Emmeline was always kind,
+but it was indeed happiness to feel she might talk with and share her
+amusements, as in former days; and that, instead of thinking she ought
+not to receive her aunt's affection, the only thing she asked in return
+was her full confidence. The inexpressible rest to poor Ellen which that
+conversation gave is not to be described. It was so blessed, so
+soothing, that it seemed too unnatural to last, and the secret dread
+that her uncle would not feel toward her and Edward as her aunt did was
+its only alloy. Edward, too, was cheerful, and almost happy when with
+her; and a long conversation with Mr. Howard, which that worthy man
+insisted upon having as soon as she was strong enough, to remove the
+false impressions which his severity had given, and which never ceased
+to grieve and reproach him, caused his almost daily visits to be
+anticipated by her with as much gladness as they had before brought
+dread.</p>
+
+<p>"And now that anxiety for Ellen is at end, I must have you take more
+care of yourself, Mrs. Hamilton. Your husband's last injunctions, were,
+that I should never pass a week without calling once or twice at Oakwood
+to know how all was going on, and what would he say to me if he could
+see you now?"</p>
+
+<p>"He little thought how my strength would be tried, my good friend, and
+so will quite acquit you. I assure you that, physically, I am perfectly
+well"&mdash;(the worthy doctor shook his head most unbelievingly)&mdash;"but even
+with one great anxiety calmed, there remains another, which every week
+increases. It is more than double the usual time of hearing from my
+husband. We have never had any answer to the letters detailing Ellen's
+danger and Edward's return, and the answers have been due a full month."</p>
+
+<p>"But the weather has been so unusually tempestuous, it may have been
+impossible for the Siren to ply to and fro from Feroe to Scotland, as
+Hamilton wished, and no ships are likely to touch at those islands in
+the winter. I really think you need not be anxious on that score; none
+but Arthur Hamilton's head could have contrived your hearing as
+regularly from such an outlandish place as you have done. No news is
+good news, depend upon it. He may be anxious on your account, and
+returning himself."</p>
+
+<p>"God forbid!" answered Mrs. Hamilton, turning very pale; "better the
+anxiety of not hearing from him than the thought of his being at sea in
+this season."</p>
+
+<p>Oakwood had resumed its regular happy aspect, though Ellen was still
+up-stairs. Morris and Ellis had once more the happiness of their beloved
+mistress's superintendence, and proud were they both, as if Caroline had
+been their own child, to show all she had done, and so unostentatiously,
+to save her mother trouble when she had been too anxious to think of any
+thing but Ellen; and the mother's heart swelled with a delicious feeling
+of gratitude to Him who, if in making her so acutely sensible of her
+solemn responsibility had deepened and extended <i>anxiety</i>, had yet in
+the same measure heightened and spiritualized <i>joy</i>. The fruit was
+indeed worth the nurture, though it might have been often washed with
+tears. Intensely anxious as she felt herself, as did also Mr. Howard and
+Mr. Maitland, and, in fact, all Arthur Hamilton's friends, she yet tried
+to sustain the spirits of her children, for the young men had evidently
+grown anxious on the subject too. It was not unlikely that the seas
+round Feroe, always stormy, should prevent any ship leaving the island,
+and the young people eagerly grasped the idea: so painful is it to youth
+to realize a cause for anxiety; but even they, at times, grew
+unconsciously sad and meditating, as the usually joyous season of
+Christmas and New Year passed, and still there was no letter. Ellen and
+Edward both in secret dreaded the arrival of the answer to the latter's
+confession; but still their affection for Mrs. Hamilton was too
+powerful to permit any thought of self interfering with the wish that
+her anxiety might be calmed.</p>
+
+<p>In January the weather changed; the tremendous winds gave place to an
+almost unnatural calm, and to such excessive mildness and closeness of
+atmosphere, that it affected the health of many who were strong, and not
+only made Ellen very languid, but frequently recalled those dreadful
+headaches which were in themselves an illness. Business called Mr.
+Howard to Dartmouth near the end of the month, and he prevailed on
+Edward to accompany him, for whenever his sister was more than usually
+suffering his gloom redoubled. The first few days were so fine that the
+change renovated him; Mr. Howard declared it was the sight of old ocean,
+and Edward did not deny it; for though it was good for the permanence of
+his repentance and resolution to amend, to have the influence of his
+home sufficiently long, his spirit inwardly chafed at his detention, and
+yearned to be at sea again, and giving proof of his determination to
+become indeed a British sailor.</p>
+
+<p>The third day of their visit, the lull and heaviness of the air
+increased so strangely and closely, for January, as to seem almost
+portentous. Edward and Mr. Howard lingered on the beach; the
+well-practiced eye of the former tracing in many little things unseen to
+landsmen, the slow, but sure approach of a fearful storm.</p>
+
+<p>"It is strange for the season, but there is certainly electricity in the
+air," he said, directing Mr. Howard's attention to ridges of
+white-fringed clouds floating under the heavens, whose murky hue was
+becoming denser and denser; and ever and anon, as lashed by some as yet
+silent and invisible blast, the ocean heaved and foamed, and gave sure
+evidence of approaching fury; "there will be, I fear, a terrible storm
+to-night; and look at those birds" (several sea-gulls were skimming
+along the waves almost bathing their white plumage in the blackened
+waters) "strange how they always herald tempest! Emmeline would call
+them spirits of the blast, reveling in the destruction it foretells!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is approaching already," rejoined Mr. Howard, as a long hollow blast
+moaned and shivered round them, followed by the roar of a mountainous
+wave bursting on the beach. "God have mercy on all exposed to its fury!"
+and he gladly turned more inland, while Edward remained watching its
+progress with an almost pleasurable feeling of excitement, only wishing
+he could but be on the sea, to enjoy it as such a storm deserved to be.</p>
+
+<p>As the day drew to a close it increased, and as darkness set in, its
+fury became appalling. Blasts, long and loud as the reverberation of
+artillery, succeeded one another with awful rapidity, tearing up huge
+trees by the roots, and tiles from the roofs. Now and then, at distant
+intervals, blue lightning played through the black heavens, betraying
+that thunder had mingled with the wind, though it was impossible to
+distinguish the one sound from the other; and as the gusts passed
+onward, streaks of white and spots of strange unnatural blue gleamed
+through the gloom for a moment's space, leaving deeper darkness as they
+disappeared. The ocean, lashed to wildest fury, rolled in huge mountains
+of troubled waters, throwing up showers of snowy foam, contrasting
+strangely with the darkness of earth and heaven, and bursting with a
+sound that deadened for the time even the wild roar of the blast. To
+read or even to converse, in their comfortable quarters in the hotel,
+which overlooked the sea, became as impossible to Mr. Howard as to
+Edward. About eleven o'clock, however, the wind suddenly veered and
+lulled, only sending forth now and then a long sobbing wail, as if
+regretful that its work of destruction was even checked; but the sea
+raged with equal fury, presenting a spectacle as magnificent, as awful,
+and giving no appearance of a calm. A sharp report sounded suddenly from
+the sea&mdash;whether it was the first, or that others might have been lost
+in the tumult of the winds and waves, who might answer? Another, and
+another, at such rapid intervals, that the danger was evidently
+imminent, and Edward started to his feet. Again&mdash;and he could bear it no
+longer. Hurriedly exclaiming, "They are signals of distress and close at
+hand! Something must be done; no sailor can sit still, and see sailors
+perish!" he rushed to the beach, closely followed by Mr. Howard, who was
+resolved on preventing any mad attempt. Crowds of fishermen and townsmen
+had congregated on the beach, drawn by that fearful sound, which, by the
+light from the guns seemed scarcely half a mile distant; and yet so
+perilous was the present appearance of the ocean, that to go to their
+assistance seemed impossible. Suddenly, however, Edward's voice
+exclaimed, with the glad and eager tone of perfect confidence, "They can
+be saved!&mdash;a strong boat and two willing rowers, and I will undertake to
+reach the vessel, and bring the crew safe to shore. Who among you," he
+continued turning eagerly to the group of hardy fishermen, "will be my
+assistants in this act of common humanity? who possesses willing hearts
+and able hands, and will lend them?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one who cares for his life!" was the sullen answer from one of those
+he addressed, and the rest stood silent, eyeing, half disdainfully half
+admiringly, the slight figure of the young sailor, revealed as it was,
+in the fitful light of the many torches scattered by the various groups
+along the beach. "It is well for boys to talk, we can not expect old
+heads on young shoulders; but not a boat with my consent leaves the
+harbor to-night; it would be willful murder."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you I will stake my life on the venture," answered Edward, his
+passion rising high. "Am I speaking to sailors, and can they hesitate
+when they hear such sounds? Give me but a boat, and I will go by myself:
+and when you need aid, may you find those to give it! you will scarce
+dare ask it, if that vessel perish before your eyes. Lend me a boat, I
+say, fitted for such a sea, and the lender shall be rewarded handsomely.
+If there be such risk, I ask none to share it; my life is my own, and I
+will peril it."</p>
+
+<p>It would have made a fine scene for a painter, that young, slight form
+and boyish face, surrounded by those weather-beaten men, every
+countenance expressing some different emotion, yet almost all unwilling
+admiration; the torches' glare, so lurid on the pitchy darkness; the
+sheets of foam, rising and falling like showers of dazzling snow; the
+craggy background; and, out at sea, the unfortunate vessel, a perfect
+wreck, struggling still with the fast-rising waters. Mr. Howard saw all,
+but with no thought of the picturesque, his mind was far otherwise
+engaged.</p>
+
+<p>"By Neptune! but your honor shall not go alone! I have neither parent,
+nor sister, nor wife to pipe for me, if I go; so my life must be of less
+moment than yours, and if you can so peril it, why should not I?"
+exclaimed a stalwart young fisherman, advancing, and Edward eagerly
+grasped his rough hand, conjuring him to get his boat at once, there was
+not a moment to lose; but the example was infectious, and an old man
+hastily stepped forward, declaring the youngsters had taught him his
+duty, and he would do it.</p>
+
+<p>"Great God! what do they say?" exclaimed Edward, as his younger
+companion hastened down the beach to bring his boat to the leeward of
+the cliff, to launch it more securely, and a rumor ran through the
+crowds, whence arising it was impossible to discover. "The
+Siren&mdash;Captain Harvey&mdash;my uncle's ship!&mdash;and he must be in her&mdash;she
+would never leave Feroe without him. What foundation is there for this
+rumor? let me know, for God's sake!"</p>
+
+<p>But none could tell more than that a vessel, entering the harbor just
+before the gale, had hailed the Siren, about twenty miles distant, and
+she seemed laboring heavily, and in such a distressed state that a very
+little would finish her. Not a word escaped Edward's lips which grew for
+the moment blanched as marble. Mr. Howard to whom the rumor had brought
+the most intense agony, for not a doubt of its truth would come to
+relieve him, was at his side, grasping his hand, and murmuring,
+hoarsely&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Edward, my poor boy, must your life be periled too?&mdash;both&mdash;both&mdash;this
+is awful!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me but save <i>him</i>, and if I perish it will be in a good cause. Tell
+aunt Emmeline, I know she will comfort my poor Ellen; and that the boy
+she has saved from worse misery than death, did all he could to save her
+husband! and if I fail"&mdash;he stopped, in strong emotion, then
+added&mdash;"give Ellen this, and this," he cut off a lock of his hair with
+his dirk, and placed it and his watch in Mr. Howard's trembling
+hand.&mdash;"And now, my friend, God bless you and reward you, too!" He threw
+himself a moment in Mr. Howard's arms, kissed his cheek, and, darting
+down the beach, leaped into the boat, which was dancing like a nutshell
+on the water. It was several minutes, ere they could succeed in getting
+her off, the waves seeming determined to cast her back; but they were
+fairly launched at length, and then they heeded not that one minute they
+rode high on a mountain wave, seeming as if nothing could save them from
+being dashed in the abyss below; the next were buried in a deep valley,
+surrounded by huge walls of water, threatening to burst and overwhelm
+them. For a boat to live in such a sea at all seemed miraculous; and old
+Collins always declared that unless some angel sat at the helm with
+Edward, no human arm could have taken them in safety. If it were an
+angel, it was the pure thought, the faith-winged prayer, that he might
+be the instrument in the Eternal's hand, of turning aside death and
+misery from that beloved home, in which even his errors had been met
+with <i>love</i>, and conquered by <i>forgiveness</i>.</p>
+
+<p>With every effort, and they were such as to bid the perspiration stream
+down the face and arms of those strong men, and almost exhaust Edward,
+for he took an oar in turn, it was full an hour from their leaving the
+shore before they reached the ship. She had ceased firing, for by the
+lights on shore they had discovered the boat's departure, and watched
+her progress by the lantern at her head, as only those can watch who
+feel, one short hour more, and their ship will float no longer!</p>
+
+<p>Collins was spokesman, for Edward, as they grappled the boat alongside,
+had sunk down for the moment powerless by the helm; roused, however,
+effectually by the answer&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The Siren&mdash;bound to Dartmouth&mdash;from Feroe&mdash;owner Arthur Hamilton,
+passenger&mdash;now on board&mdash;nine in crew."</p>
+
+<p>"In with you all then&mdash;that is Captain Harvey's voice, I'll be sworn;
+the rumor was only too true."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, old Collins!" returned the captain; "we thought to perish in sight
+of our own homes; now, Mr. Hamilton, not a man will stir till you are
+safe!"</p>
+
+<p>His companion leaped into the boat without reply, and, sinking on one of
+the benches, drew his cloak closely round his face. Peril was indeed
+still around him, but compared with the&mdash;even to that Heaven-directed
+heart&mdash;terrible struggle of beholding death, rising slowly but surely
+round him in the water-filling ship, almost within sight and sound of
+his home, his beloved ones, the mere <i>hope</i> of life seemed almost
+overpowering. The crew of the hapless Siren quickly deserted her.
+Captain Harvey was the last to descend, and, as he did so, a block of
+iron, loosened from its place, fell cornerwise, and struck sharply on
+Edward's forehead, almost stunning him for the moment, as he watched the
+captain's descent. He felt the blood slowly trickling down his temple
+and cheek; but he was not one to be daunted by pain: he resumed his
+station at the helm in unbroken silence, only speaking when directions
+were absolutely necessary, and then only in a few brief sailor-terms.
+They had scarcely proceeded a third of their way, when the waters boiled
+and foamed as tossed by some strange whirlpool, and it required all
+Edward's address and skill as steersman to prevent the frail boat from
+being drawn into the vortex. The cause was soon displayed, and every
+heart shuddered, for ten minutes later, and help would indeed have been
+in vain. The unfortunate vessel had sunk&mdash;been swallowed up in those
+rushing waters; the suction of so large a mass, producing for a brief
+interval the effect of a whirlpool. The silence of awe and of intense
+thankfulness, fell on the heart of every man, and more than all on his,
+who had so far recovered his first emotion as to gaze wonderingly and
+admiringly on the boyish figure at the helm, whose voice was utterly
+unknown, and whose features the fitful light, and the youth's steadfast
+gaze on his rowers, prevented his tracing with any certainty.</p>
+
+<p>The crowds had increased on the shore, watching with intense eagerness
+the return of the boat; but the expectation was too deep for sound,
+silence almost portentous reigned. A huge sea had concealed her for
+several minutes, and Mr. Howard, who during these two long hours had
+remained spell-bound on the beach, groaned aloud in his agony; again she
+was visible, driven on with fearful velocity by the tide, nearer, nearer
+still. He thought he could distinguish the figure of his friend: he was
+sure he could hear the voice of Edward, urging, commanding, directing a
+landing somewhere, in contradiction to the opinion of others. They were
+within a dozen yards of the shore, but still not a sound of gratulation
+was heard. Every eye was fixed, as in the fascination of terror, on a
+wave in the distance, increasing in size and fury as it rapidly
+approached. It neared the boat&mdash;it stood impending over the frail thing
+as a mighty avalanche of waters&mdash;it burst; the boat was seen no longer,
+and a wild and terrible cry sounded far and near along the beach!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIIC" id="CHAPTER_XIIC"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>FOREBODINGS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The whole of the day Mrs. Hamilton had vainly tried to shake off a most
+unwonted gloom. Convinced herself that it was greatly physical, from the
+unusual oppressiveness of the weather relaxing the nerves, which had so
+many months been overstrained, yet her thoughts would cling to Mr.
+Maitland's words, that her husband might be coming home himself; but if
+the accounts of Ellen's danger and Edward's confession had recalled him,
+he ought to have arrived full two or three weeks previous. The gale that
+swept round her&mdash;the awful and unnatural darkness&mdash;the remarkable
+phenomena, at that season, of lightning&mdash;and the long, loud
+thunder-claps<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> which inland could be fearfully distinguished from the
+gale, appalled the whole household; and therefore it was not much wonder
+that the vague idea of her husband's having left Feroe, and exposure to
+such a tempest, should become in that fearful anxiety almost a certainty
+of agony. It was well, perhaps, that her unselfish nature had an object
+to draw her in some slight degree out of herself, for her firmness, her
+trust beyond the accidents of earth, all seemed about to fail her, and
+make her for the time being most wretched. As the storm and closeness
+increased, so did Ellen's feverish restlessness; her nerves, not yet
+fully restored, felt strung almost to torture with every flash, and
+clap, and blast. She tried to laugh at her own folly; for, though often
+terrified, when a little child, at the storms in India, those of England
+had never affected her at all, and she could not understand why she
+should feel this so childishly. But argument is of little moment in such
+cases; and Mrs. Hamilton, satisfying her that she could no more help her
+present sensation than her physical weakness, tried to soothe and amuse
+her, and in so doing partially cheered herself. She did not leave her
+till past midnight; and then desiring Mrs. Langford to sit up with her
+till she was comfortably asleep, retired to her own bed-room. Never
+since her husband's absence had its solitude felt so vast&mdash;so heavily
+oppressive; thought after thought of him thronged her mind till she
+fairly gave up the effort to struggle with them. "Will his voice ever
+sound here again, his heart give me the support I need?" rose to her
+lips, as she gazed round her, and the deep stillness, the gloom only
+broken by a small silver lamp, and the fitful light of the fire, seemed
+but a solemn answer. She buried her face in her clasped hands, and the
+clock struck two before that inward conflict permitted her once more to
+lift up heart and brow in meek, trusting faith to Him who still watched
+over her and her beloved ones; and after an earnest, voiceless prayer,
+she drew her little table, with its books of devotion, to the fire, and
+read thoughtfully, prayerfully, for another hour, and then sought her
+couch. But she could not sleep; the wind had again arisen, and fearing
+to lie awake and listen to it would only renew her unusual agitation,
+she rose at four, dressed herself, and throwing on a large shawl,
+softly traversed the passage, and entered her niece's room; finding her,
+as she fully expected, as wakeful and restless as herself, with the
+addition of an intense headache. She had persuaded nurse Langford to go
+to bed, but the pain had come on since then, and made her more restless
+and feverish than before. She could not lie in any posture to get ease,
+till at last, about six o'clock, completely exhausted, she fell asleep,
+sitting almost upright in her aunt's arms, her head leaning against her,
+as she stood by the bedside. Fearing to disturb her, Mrs. Hamilton would
+not move, desiring the morning prayers to be said without her, and Miss
+Harcourt and her daughters not to wait breakfast, as she would have it
+with Ellen when she awoke. That she was stiff and exhausted with three
+hours' standing in one position, she did not heed, perhaps scarcely
+felt, for woman's loveliest attribute, that of a tender and utterly
+unselfish nurse, was hers to perfection. But she did not refuse the cup
+of chocolate Caroline brought her herself, and with affectionate
+earnestness entreated her to take.</p>
+
+<p>"You look so fatigued and so pale, dearest mother, I wish you would let
+me take your place; I would be so quiet, so gentle, Ellen would not even
+know her change of nurses."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your care, love, but I fear the least movement will
+disturb this poor child, and she has had such a restless night, I want
+her to sleep as long as she can. Your thoughtful care has so refreshed
+me, that I feel quite strong again, so go and finish your breakfast in
+comfort, dearest."</p>
+
+<p>Caroline very unwillingly obeyed, and about a quarter of an hour
+afterward, Mrs. Hamilton was startled by the sound of a carriage
+advancing with unusual velocity to the house. It stopped at the main
+entrance, and she had scarcely time to wonder who could be such very
+early visitors, when a loud scream, in the voice of Emmeline, rung in
+her ears; whether of joy or grief she could not distinguish, but it was
+the voice of her child, and the already tortured nerves of the wife and
+mother could not bear it without a sensation of terror, amounting to
+absolute agony. She laid Ellen's head tenderly on the pillow, watched
+over her, though her limbs so trembled she could scarcely support
+herself, saw with intense relief that the movement had not disturbed her
+quiet sleep, and calling Mrs. Langford from an adjoining room, hastily
+descended the stairs, though how she did so, and entered the
+breakfast-room, she always said she never knew. Many and eager and glad
+voices were speaking at once; the very servants thronged the hall and
+threshold of the room, but all made way for her.</p>
+
+<p>"Arthur!&mdash;my husband!" she did find voice to exclaim, but every object
+but his figure reeled before her, and she fainted in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before she recovered, for mind and frame had been too
+long overtasked; and Mr. Hamilton, as he clasped her in his arms,
+beseeching her only to speak to him, and gazed on her deathlike
+countenance, felt in a moment that great as his anxiety had been for
+her, he had not imagined one-half she had endured. His voice&mdash;his
+kiss&mdash;seemed to rouse the scattered senses, even more effectually than
+Miss Harcourt's anxiously proffered remedies; but she could not speak,
+she only looked up in his face, as if to be quite, quite sure he had
+indeed returned; that her vague fancies of danger, even if they had
+foundation, had merged in the most blissful reality, that she was no
+longer <i>alone</i>; and leaning her head on his bosom, was only conscious of
+a thankfulness too deep for words; a repose that, since his departure,
+she had not known for a single day. Neither she nor her husband could
+believe that it was only six months since they had been separated. It
+seemed, and to Mrs. Hamilton especially, as if she must have lived
+through years in that time, it had been so fraught with sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>"Not one word, my own dearest! and only these pallid cheeks and heavy
+eyes to greet me. Must I reproach you directly I come home, for, as
+usual, not thinking enough of yourself; forgetting how precious is that
+self to so many, your husband above all?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, papa, you shall not scold mamma," said Emmeline, eagerly, as her
+mother tried to smile and speak in answer. "She ought to scold you, for
+not sending us one line to prepare us for your unexpected presence, and
+frightening us all by coming so suddenly upon us, and making mamma
+faint, as I never saw her do before. Indeed I do not like it, mother
+darling!" continued the affectionate girl, kneeling down by her mother,
+and clinging to her, adding, in a suppressed, terrified voice, "It was
+so like death."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton read in a moment that Emmeline's playfulness was only
+assumed to hide strong emotion; that she was trying very hard for
+complete control, but so trembling, that she knelt down, literally
+because she could not stand. It was such a proof of her endeavor to
+profit by her mother's gentle lessons, that even at that moment it not
+only gave her the sweetest gratification, but helped her to rouse
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I think you are perfectly right, Emmy," she said, quite in her
+usual voice, as she pressed her child a moment to her, and kissed her
+cheek, which was almost as pale as her own. "I will not submit to any
+scolding, when papa himself is answerable for my unusual weakness; but
+as we wanted him so <i>very</i> much, why, we will be lenient with him, and
+only keep him prisoner with us for some time to come. But get him
+breakfast quickly, Caroline, love; such an early visitor must want it.
+When did you arrive, dearest Arthur?" she added, looking earnestly in
+his face, and half wondering at the expression upon it, it seemed to
+speak so many things; "surely not this morning? You were not at sea in
+yesterday's awful storm?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was indeed, my Emmeline; can you bear to hear it, or have you been
+agitated enough already? I have been in danger, great danger, but our
+Father's infinite mercy has preserved me to you all, making the
+instrument of my preservation so young a lad and slight a frame, I know
+not how sufficiently to bless God, or to thank my preserver."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton's hand closed convulsively on her husband's; her eyes
+riveted on his countenance as if she would grasp his whole meaning at
+once, but little did she guess the whole.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not come alone," he added, striving for composure, and even
+playfulness, "though it seems I was such an important personage, as to
+be the only one seen or thought about."</p>
+
+<p>"By-the-by, I did see, or fancied I saw, Edward," rejoined Caroline,
+who, at the news of her father having been in danger, had left the
+breakfast-table, unable to keep away from him, even that short distance,
+but neither she, nor either of the others, connecting her cousin with
+Mr. Hamilton's words, and not quite understanding why he should have so
+interrupted the most interesting subject. "He has gone to see Ellen, I
+suppose, and so we have missed him. Was he your companion, papa? How and
+where did you meet him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let him answer for himself!" replied Mr. Hamilton, still determinately
+hiding his feelings under a tone and manner of jest, and leaving his
+wife's side for a moment, he drew Edward from the recess of the window,
+where all this time he had been standing quite unobserved, and led him
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens! Edward, what have you been about?" exclaimed Miss
+Harcourt, and her exclamation was echoed by Caroline and Emmeline, while
+Mrs. Hamilton gazed at him in bewildered alarm. He was deadly pale, with
+every appearance of exhaustion, and a most disfiguring patch on his left
+brow, which he had tried in vain to hide with his hair.</p>
+
+<p>"You have been fighting."</p>
+
+<p>"Only with the elements, Miss Harcourt, and they have rather tired me,
+that is all; I shall be well in a day or two. Don't look so terrified,
+dear aunt," he answered, with the same attempt at jest as his uncle, and
+throwing himself lightly on an ottoman by Mrs. Hamilton, he laid his
+head very quietly on her lap.</p>
+
+<p>"Fighting&mdash;and with the elements? Arthur, dearest Arthur, for pity's
+sake tell me the whole truth at once; it can not be&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And why should it not, my beloved?" (there was no attempt at jest now).
+"He to whom your care has preserved a sister&mdash;whom your indulgent love
+has given courage to resolve that error shall be conquered, and he will
+become all we can wish him&mdash;whom you took to your heart and home when
+motherless&mdash;God has mercifully made the instrument of saving your
+husband from a watery grave, and giving back their father to your
+children!"</p>
+
+<p>"To be associated in your heart with other thoughts than those of
+ingratitude, and cruelty, and sin! Oh, aunt Emmeline, I can not thank
+God enough for permitting me this great mercy," were the only words poor
+Edward could speak, when the first intensity of his aunt's emotion was
+in some degree conquered, and she could look in his young face, though
+her eyes were almost blinded with tears, and putting back the bright
+hair which the rain and spray had so uncurled, as to lay heavy and damp
+upon his pale forehead, she imprinted a long, silent kiss upon it, and
+looking alternately at him and her husband, seemed powerless to realize
+any other thought.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton briefly, but most eloquently, narrated the events of the
+previous night, dwelling only sufficiently on his imminent peril, to
+evince the real importance of Edward's extraordinary exertions, not to
+harrow the feelings of his listeners more than need be. That the young
+officer's determined opposition to the almost angrily expressed opinions
+of Captain Harvey and old Collins as to the better landing-place, had
+saved them from the effects of the huge wave, which had burst like a
+water-spout a minute after they had all leaped in safety on shore,
+almost overwhelming the projecting sand to which Collins had wished to
+direct the boat, and so proving at once Edward's far superior nautical
+knowledge, for had they steered there, the frail bark must inevitably
+have been upset, and its crew washed by the receding torrent back to
+sea. Harvey and Collins acknowledged their error at once, and looked
+eagerly for Edward to say so to him, but he had vanished the moment they
+had achieved a safe landing, to Mr. Hamilton's annoyance, for he had not
+the least suspicion who he was, and only longed to express, if he could
+not otherwise evince his gratitude, Collins and Grey refusing the
+smallest credit, declaring that if it had not been for this young
+stranger officer, of whom they knew nothing, not even his name, not a
+man would have stirred; that for any fisherman or mere ordinary sailor
+to have guided the boat to and from the sinking vessel, in such a sea,
+was so impossible, that no one would have attempted it; old Collins
+ending, with the superstition of his class, by a declaration, that his
+disappearance convinced his already more than suspicion, that it was
+some good angel in a boy's likeness; for Arthur Hamilton would never
+have been permitted so to perish: an explanation, Mr. Hamilton added,
+laughingly, that might suit his Emmy, but was rather too fanciful for
+him. However, his young preserver was nowhere to be found, but, to his
+extreme astonishment, and no little relief (for now that he was so near
+home, his anxiety to hear of all, especially Ellen, whom he scarcely
+dared hope to find alive, became insupportable), Mr. Howard suddenly
+stood before him, grasping both his hands, without the power, for a
+minute or two, to speak. Mr. Hamilton overwhelmed him with questions,
+scarcely giving him time to answer one before he asked another. They had
+nearly reached the hotel, when Captain Harvey's bluff voice was heard
+exclaiming&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Here he is, Mr. Hamilton; he is too exhausted to escape our thanks and
+blessings now. What could the youngster have tried to hide himself for?"</p>
+
+<p>But before Mr. Hamilton could make any rejoinder, save to grasp the
+young man's hands strongly in his own, Mr. Howard said, eagerly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oblige me, Captain Harvey; take that boy into our hotel, it is only
+just round the corner; make him take off his dripping jacket, and give
+him some of your sailor's stuff. He is not quite strong enough for his
+exertions to-night, and should rest at once."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Harvey bore him off, almost carrying him, for exertion and a
+variety of emotions had rendered him faint and powerless.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know him, Howard? who and what is he?" But Mr. Howard did not,
+perhaps could not reply, but hurried his friend on to the hotel; and
+entered the room, where, having called for lights, and all the
+ingredients of grog-punch, which he vowed the boy should have instead of
+the brandy and water he had called for, they found Edward trying to
+laugh, and protesting against all coddling; he was perfectly well, and
+he would not go to bed, and could not imagine what right Captain Harvey
+had to be a sailor, if he thought so much of a storm, and a blow, and a
+wetting.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor should I, if you were sailor-rigged; but what business have you
+with this overgrown mast of a figure, and a face pale and delicate as a
+woman's?"</p>
+
+<p>And so like his dying mother it was, that Mr. Hamilton stood for a
+moment on the threshold, completely stupefied. We leave our readers to
+imagine the rest; and how Captain Harvey carried the seemingly marvelous
+news that the brave young officer was Mr. Hamilton's own nephew, over
+the town, and in every fisherman's hut, in a miraculously short space of
+time.</p>
+
+<p>We may as well state here at once, to save farther retrospection, that
+Mr. Hamilton, by the active and admirable assistance of Morton, had,
+after a three months' residence at Feroe, perceived that he might return
+to England much sooner than he had at first anticipated; still he did
+not like to mention even the probability of such a thing to his family,
+till perfectly certain himself. Morton never ceased persuading him to
+name a period for his return, knowing the comfort it would be to his
+home; but Mr. Hamilton could not bear the idea of leaving his friend in
+his voluntary banishment so many months sooner than they had reckoned
+on. When, however, the letters came from Oakwood, detailing Edward's
+return, and the discoveries thence proceeding, his anxiety and, let it
+be owned, his extreme displeasure against his nephew, prompted his
+return at once. Morton not only conquered every objection to his
+immediate departure, but tried, and in some measure succeeded, to soften
+his anger, by bringing before him many points in Mr. Howard's letter,
+showing real, good, and true repentance in the offender, which a first
+perusal of a narrative of error had naturally overlooked. The seas,
+however, were so fearfully tempestuous and the winds so adverse, that
+it was impossible either to leave Feroe, or get a letter conveyed to
+Scotland, for a full fortnight after the Siren's last voyage. Nothing
+but the extreme urgency of the case, increased by the fact that the
+detention of the Siren at Wick had given Mr. Hamilton a double packet of
+letters, but the second, though dated ten days later, gave the same
+hopeless account of Ellen, could have made him attempt a voyage home in
+such weather; yet he felt he could not rest, knowing intuitively the
+misery his wife must be enduring, and scarcely able to bear even the
+thought of what seemed most probable, that Ellen would be taken from
+her, and the aggravated trial it would be. The voyage was a terrible
+one, for length and heavy gales. More than once they wished to put into
+port, that Mr. Hamilton might continue his journey by land, but their
+only safety seemed keeping out at sea, the storm threatening to dash
+them on rock or shoal, whenever in sight of land.</p>
+
+<p>By the time they reached the Land's End&mdash;they had come westward of
+England, instead of eastward, as they went&mdash;the vessel was in such a
+shattered and leaky condition, that Captain Harvey felt and
+acknowledged, she could not weather out another storm. The calm that had
+followed the heavy gales, gave hope to all; even though the constant
+shiftings of the wind, which was now not more than what, in sailor's
+parlance, is called a cat's-paw, prevented their making as much way as
+they desired. At length they were within twenty miles of Dartmouth, and
+not a doubt of their safety disturbed them, until the darkening
+atmosphere, the sullen rise and suppressed roar of the billows, the wind
+sobbing and wailing at first, and then bursting into that awful gale,
+which we have before described, banished every human hope at once. The
+rudder snapped; every half-hour the water gained upon the hold, though
+every man worked the pumps. There was not a shred of canvas, but the
+masts, and yards, and stays bent and snapped like reeds before the
+blast. To guide her was impossible; she was driven on&mdash;on&mdash;till she
+struck on a reef of rock about a mile, or less, perhaps from Dartmouth.
+Then came their signals of distress, as a last lone hope, for the crew
+of the Siren were all too good seamen to dare believe a boat could
+either be pushed off, or live in such a sea. Their wonder, their hope,
+their intense thankfulness, when it was discovered, may be imagined. The
+rest is known.</p>
+
+<p>"And how did you get this disfiguring blow, my dear Edward?" inquired
+his aunt, whose eyes, it seemed, would turn upon him, as if impossible
+to connect that slight figure with such immense exertions&mdash;though some
+time had passed, and a social, happy breakfast, round which all still
+lingered, had enabled them to subdue too painful emotion, and only to be
+conscious of the most deep and grateful joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray do not call it disfiguring, aunt; I am quite proud of it. Last
+night I could have dispensed with such a striking mark of affection from
+the poor Siren, though I really hardly felt it, except that the blood
+would trickle in my eye, and almost blind me, when I wanted all my sight
+and senses too. But this morning Mr. Howard has made such a kind fuss
+about it, that I think it must be something grand."</p>
+
+<p>"But what did you hide yourself for, Ned?" demanded Emmeline, all her
+high spirits recalled. Her cousin hesitated and a flush mounted to his
+forehead.</p>
+
+<p>"It was fear, Emmeline; absolute fear!"</p>
+
+<p>"Fear!" she repeated, laughing; "of what? of all the bogies and spirits
+of the winds and waves, whose wrath you dared, by venturing to oppose
+them? Nonsense, Edward! you will never make me believe that."</p>
+
+<p>"Because you do not know me," he answered, with startling earnestness.
+"How can your gentle nature understand the incongruities of mine? or
+loving your father as you do, and as he deserves, comprehend the dread,
+belief in his unpitying sternness to youthful error, which from my
+childhood he held&mdash;he holds&mdash;my fate, forgiveness or exposure, and how
+could I meet him calmly? Emmeline, Emmeline, if I had been but as
+morally brave as I may be physically, I should have had nothing to
+dread, nothing to hide. As it is, uncle Hamilton, judge, act, decide as
+you would, if I had not been the undeserved means of saving you&mdash;it will
+be the best for me;" and, rising hurriedly, he left the room before any
+one could reply.</p>
+
+<p>"But you will forgive him, papa; you will try him again; and I am sure
+he will be morally brave, too," pleaded Emmeline; her sister and Miss
+Harcourt joining in the entreaty and belief, and Mrs. Hamilton looking
+in his face without uttering a word. Mr. Hamilton's answer seemed to
+satisfy all parties.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen meanwhile had awoke, quite refreshed, and all pain gone, been
+dressed and conveyed to her daily quarters, the events of the morning
+entirely unknown to her; for though the joyful news, spreading like
+wildfire through the house, had reached Mrs. Langford's ears, and made
+her very happy, she had quite judgment enough, even without a message to
+the effect from her mistress, to keep it from Ellen till carefully
+prepared.</p>
+
+<p>"What can I say to my little Ellen for deserting her so long?" inquired
+Mrs. Hamilton, playfully, as she entered her room, about twelve o'clock,
+after a long private conversation with her husband.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you would tell me you had been lying down, dear aunt; it would
+satisfy me better than any other reason."</p>
+
+<p>"Because you think it would do me the most good, dearest. But look at
+me, and tell me if you do not think I must have been trying some equally
+efficacious remedy." Ellen did look, and so radiant was that kind face
+with happiness, that she was startled.</p>
+
+<p>"What <i>has</i> happened, aunt Emmeline? You have heard from my uncle," she
+added, her voice trembling. "What does he say?&mdash;will he&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"He says, you must summon all your smiles to greet him, love; for he
+hopes to be with us very, <i>very</i> shortly, so you will not wonder at my
+joy?"</p>
+
+<p>Ellen tried to sympathize in it; but Mrs. Hamilton soon saw that her
+perhaps near dread of what should be her uncle's judgment on her brother
+and herself, prevented all pleasurable anticipation of his arrival, and
+that the only effectual way of removing it was to let them meet as soon
+as possible.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIIIC" id="CHAPTER_XIIIC"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>FORGIVENESS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Three days after Mr. Hamilton's arrival, a cheerful party assembled in
+his wife's dressing-room, which, in its elegant appurtenances&mdash;signs as
+they were, of a most refined and beautiful taste&mdash;certainly deserved a
+higher appellation; but boudoir, Percy had always declared, did not
+harmonize at all with the old English comforts of Oakwood, and he would
+not have a French word to designate his mother's room especially. Ellen
+was on her sofa working; Edward, who she thought had only returned that
+morning, at her side, reading; Caroline and Emmeline, drawing, the one
+with some degree of perseverance, the other with none at all. It seemed
+as if she could not sit still, and her wild sallies, and snatches of old
+songs, repeatedly made Miss Harcourt look up from her book, and Mrs.
+Hamilton from her work, surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Emmeline, I <i>can not</i> draw," exclaimed Caroline, at length; "you are
+making the table as restless as yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Why can you not say it was moved by an irresistible sympathy? It is
+most extraordinary that you will still speak plain matter-of-fact, when
+I am doing all I can to make you poetical."</p>
+
+<p>"But what am I to poetize on now, Emmeline?&mdash;the table, or yourself?
+because, at present, they are the only subjects under consideration, and
+I really can not see any thing very poetical in either."</p>
+
+<p>"Not even in <i>me</i>, Lina?" archly replied Emmeline, bending down so that
+her face should come before her sister, instead of her copy, which was a
+very pretty, small marble figure. "Now, if you were not the most
+determined piece of prose in the world, you would find poetry even in my
+face.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"For, lo! the artist no more gazed<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">On features still and cold;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He stood, bewilder'd and amazed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">As living charms unfold.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"As if touch'd by yon orient ray,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The stone to life had warm'd;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For round the lip such bright smiles play,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">As never sculptor form'd.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>There, Caroline, that is what you ought to have <i>felt</i>. If I can make
+poetry on my own face&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Poetry on yourself! Why, Emmeline, I thought you were repeating a verse
+of some old poet, with which I am unacquainted. I really beg your
+pardon. I did not know your favorite Muse had dubbed you follower as
+well as worshiper."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor did I till this moment. She feared for her reputation near such a
+love of prose as you are, and so touched me with inspiration. I am
+exceedingly obliged to her; but even if I failed to make you poetical,
+Caroline, you might have emulated Cowper, and instead of singing the
+'Sofa,' sung the 'Table.' Indeed I think a very pretty poem might be
+made of it. Look at the variety of tasteful and useful things laid on a
+table&mdash;and there it stands in the midst of them, immovable, cold,
+insensible just like one on whom we heap favors upon favors, and who
+remains so wrapped in self, as to be utterly indifferent to all. Now,
+Caroline, put that into rhyme, or blank verse, if you prefer it; it is a
+new idea, at least."</p>
+
+<p>"So new," replied her sister, laughing, "that I think I will send it to
+Percy, and request him to turn it into a Greek or Latin ode; it will be
+so much grander than my English version. You have so astonished mamma,
+Emmeline, by your mad mood, that she has actually put down her work."</p>
+
+<p>"I am so glad!" replied Emmeline, springing to her mother's side; "I
+like other people to be as idle as myself."</p>
+
+<p>"But there is a medium in all things, young lady," answered her mother,
+half-gravely, half in Emmeline's own tone; "and I rather think your
+conscience is telling you, that it is not quite right to desert one Muse
+for another, as you are doing now."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but my drawing must wait till her Muse inspires me again. Poetry
+does not always come, and her visits are so delightful!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am afraid you will think me very harsh, Emmeline; but delightful
+as they are, I must not have them always encouraged. If you encourage
+the idea of only working when the fit of inspiration comes upon you&mdash;in
+plain words, only when you feel inclined&mdash;you will fritter life away
+without one solid thought or acquirement. You think now, perhaps,
+habituated as you are to employment, that this is impossible; but you
+are just of an age to demand very strict watchfulness over yourself to
+prevent it. Now that you are emerging from the routine of childhood's
+lessons, and too old to be compelled to do that which is right,
+and&mdash;rendering your task of control more difficult&mdash;more susceptible to
+poetry, and what you term inspiration, than ever, you must try and
+infuse a little of Caroline's steady, matter-of-fact into your poetry,
+instead of almost despising it, as so cold and disagreeable. Now, do not
+look so very sad, and so very serious, love, and jump at the conclusion
+that I am displeased, because I speak seriously. I love your joyousness
+far too dearly to check it, or wish you to do so, especially in your own
+family; but just as you have learned the necessity of, and evinced so
+well and so feelingly, control in emotions of sorrow, my Emmeline, so I
+am quite sure you will trust my experience, and practice control, even
+in the pleasant inspiration of poetry and joy."</p>
+
+<p>Emmeline sat very quiet for several minutes; she was just in that mood
+of extreme hilarity which renders control excessively difficult, and
+causes the least check upon it to be felt as harsh and unkind, and
+almost to bring tears. She was not too perfect to escape from feeling
+all this, even though the person who had caused it was the mother she so
+dearly loved; but she did not give way to it. A few minutes' hard
+struggle, and the momentary temper was so conquered, that, with an even
+more than usually warm kiss, she promised to think quite seriously on
+all her mother said; and, an effort far more difficult, was just as
+joyous as before.</p>
+
+<p>"I have made so many mistakes in my drawing, mamma, I really do not
+think I can go on with it to-day; do let me help you, I will take such
+pains with my work, it shall be almost as neat as yours; and then,
+though my fingers are employed, at least I may go on talking."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton assented, telling her she might talk as much as she
+pleased, with one of those peculiar smiles of approval which ever made
+Emmeline's heart throb, for they always told her, that the thoughts and
+feelings, and secret struggle with temper, which she imagined must be
+known only to herself, her mother by some mysterious power had
+discovered, and rewarded.</p>
+
+<p>"Edward what are you so deep in?&mdash;'Fragments of Voyages and Travels'&mdash;I
+thought it was something much <i>deeper</i> than that by the deep attention
+you are giving it. You should dip in oceans, not in fragments of water,
+Ned."</p>
+
+<p>"I did not feel inclined for the exertion," he replied, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know," she continued, "when I first read that book, which I did
+merely because I had a lurking sort of affection for a handsome cousin
+of mine who was a sailor, I was so charmed with the tricks you all
+played in the cockpit, that I was seized with a violent desire to don a
+middy's dress, and come after you; it would have made such a pretty
+story, too; but I did not think mamma and papa would quite approve of
+it, so I desisted. Should I not make a very handsome boy, Edward?"</p>
+
+<p>"So handsome," he replied, again smiling, "that I fear you would not
+have preserved your incognita half an hour, especially with those
+flowing curls."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Emmeline, do tell me, what has made you in this mood?" asked
+Ellen; "last week you were so sad, and the last three days you have
+been&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Wild enough to frighten you, Ellen; ah, if you did but know the
+reason."</p>
+
+<p>"You had better satisfy her curiosity, Emmy," said Mrs. Hamilton, so
+meaningly, that Emmeline's ready mind instantly understood her. "Tell
+her all that did occur in that awful storm three days ago, as poetically
+and lengthily as you like; no one shall interrupt you, if you will only
+be very careful not to exaggerate or alarm."</p>
+
+<p>Edward gave up his seat to his cousin, and Emmeline launched at once
+into a most animated description of the storm and the shipwreck, and the
+rescue; cleverly contriving so to hide all names, as to elude the least
+suspicion of either the preserved or the preserver having any thing to
+do with herself, Ellen becoming so exceedingly interested, as to lose
+sight of the question which at first had struck her, what this could
+have to do with Emmeline's wild spirits.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not mean to say it was his own father he saved?" she said, as
+her cousin paused a minute to take breath; "your tale is becoming so
+like a romance, Emmy, I hardly know how to believe it."</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you it is quite true; only imagine what my young hero's
+feelings must have been, and those of the family, to whom he gave back a
+husband and a father!"</p>
+
+<p>"I should think them so intense, so sacred, as to be hardly joy at
+first, and scarcely possible to be imagined, even by your vivid fancy,
+Emmy."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, Ellen, but I think I <i>can</i> imagine them; you may shake
+your head, and look wise, but I will prove that I can by-and-by. But
+what do you think of my hero?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I should like to know him, and admire him quite as much as you can
+desire&mdash;and who told you all this?"</p>
+
+<p>"One of the principal actors in the scene?"</p>
+
+<p>"What, has your <i>penchant</i> for any thing out of the common way reached
+Dartmouth, and old Collins brought you the tale?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Emmeline, laughing; "guess again."</p>
+
+<p>"William Grey?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"One of the rescued crew who may know my aunt?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wrong again, Ellen."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I can not guess, Emmeline; so pray tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very silly, Ellen; were not Mr. Howard and Edward both at
+Dartmouth at the time? why did you not guess them? Not that I had it
+from either."</p>
+
+<p>"Edward!" repeated Ellen, "did he know any thing about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"More than any one else dearest," answered Mrs. Hamilton, cautiously,
+but fondly; "put all Emmeline's strange tale together, and connect it
+with my happiness the other morning, and I think your own heart will
+explain the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"More especially with this speaking witness," continued Emmeline
+playfully putting back Edward's hair, that Ellen might see the scar. She
+understood it in a moment, and clasping her arms round her brother's
+neck, as he knelt by her, tried hard to prevent emotion, but could not,
+and burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Tears, my little Ellen; I said I would only be greeted with smiles,"
+exclaimed a rich, deep voice close beside her, and before she had time
+to fear his presence, she felt herself clasped with all a father's
+fondness in her uncle's arms; her head resting on his shoulder, and his
+warm kiss on her cheek.</p>
+
+<p>"Edward!" was the only word she could speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fear for him, my dear Ellen; true repentance and a firm
+resolution to amend are all I ask, and if his future conduct really
+prove them, the errors of his youth shall be forgotten, as if they had
+never been."</p>
+
+<p>"And&mdash;and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know all you would say, my dear child. I did think there could be no
+excuse, no palliation, for your sin; but even if I still wish the
+temptation had been resisted, you have indeed suffered for it, more than
+the harshest judgment could desire; let it be forgotten as entirely and
+as fully as it is forgiven."</p>
+
+<p>In a very few minutes Ellen's composure was so fully restored, and her
+heavy dread so subsided, that the relief seemed to her almost a dream.
+Could it be possible that it was the relative she had pictured as so
+harsh and stern, and pitiless to youthful error, who had drawn a chair
+close by her sofa, and caressingly holding her hand in his, and looking
+so kindly, so earnestly, in her altered face, was trying to amuse her by
+telling her so many entertaining things about Feroe and Mr. Morton, and
+his voyage home, and alluding to her brother's courage, and prudence,
+and skill, in such terms as almost brought the tears again? Mr.
+Hamilton was inexpressibly shocked at the change which mental and bodily
+suffering had wrought in his niece. There is always something peculiarly
+touching, and appealing to the best emotions, in youthful sorrow or
+suffering of any kind; and her trial had been such an aggravated
+one&mdash;combining such agonized remorse, for an act, which the harshest
+judgment, knowing all points of the case, could scarcely pronounce as
+other than involuntary, with the most heroic, but perfectly unconscious
+self-sacrifice, and not only terror for her brother's fate, but an
+almost crushing sense of misery for his faults, that the pallid face,
+and frame so delicately fragile, had still deeper claims for sympathy
+and cherishing than even when caused by ordinary illness. The loss of
+her unusually luxuriant hair, except the soft bands which shaded her
+face, visible under the pretty little lace cap, made her look much
+younger than she really was, and so delicately transparent had become
+her complexion, that the blue veins were clearly traceable on her
+forehead, and throat, and hands; the dark, soft lash seemed longer than
+before, as it swept the pale cheek, the brow more penciled, and the eye,
+whether in imagination, from her friends knowing all she had endured, or
+in reality, was so expressive of such deep, quiet feeling, that the
+whole countenance was so altered and so improved, that it seemed as if
+the heavy, sallow child was rapidly changing into one of those sweet,
+lovable, heart-attracting girls, who, without any actual beauty, can
+never be passed unnoticed.</p>
+
+<p>At Ellen's request, Mrs. Hamilton had, as soon as she was strong enough,
+read with her, morning and evening, the devotional exercises which were
+read below to the assembled family. Mrs. Hamilton soon perceived, and
+with no little pain, that Ellen shrunk from the idea of being well
+enough to rejoin them, in actual suffering. Here again was an effect of
+that same vivid imagination, of whose existence, until the late events,
+in one so quiet, seemingly so cold, Mrs. Hamilton had not the least idea
+of. Ellen had been so long accustomed to be silent as to her feelings,
+in fact, carefully to conceal them, that much as she might wish and
+intend to be unreserved, her aunt feared it would cause her some
+difficulty to be so, and she could not hope to succeed in controlling
+imagination, unless she were. That night, however, Ellen's unreserved
+confidence gave her hope. When the devotional exercises, in which she
+had joined with even more than usual earnestness and fervor, were
+concluded, she said, with almost Emmeline's confidence, as she laid her
+hand on her aunt's&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I am so very, very happy to-night, dear aunt, that I am afraid I do not
+think enough of what is past. I did so dread my uncle's return&mdash;so
+tremble at what his sentence would be on Edward and myself, that even
+your kindness would not remove the weight; and now, that I have found it
+all so groundless, and he is so kind&mdash;so indulgent, I am so relieved,
+that I fear I must have thought more of his anger than the anger of God.
+My sin remains the same in His sight, though you and uncle Hamilton have
+so fully forgiven it, and&mdash;and&mdash;I do not think I ought to feel so
+happy."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, my dear Ellen, I think you may. Our Heavenly Father is still
+more merciful than man, as Mr. Howard so clearly proved to you, in the
+long conversation you had with him. We know, by His Holy Word, that all
+he asks is sincere repentance for sin, and a firm conviction that in Him
+only we are made sufficiently righteous for our penitence to be
+accepted. I believe, Ellen, that His forgiveness was yours, long before
+I could give you mine, for He could read your heart, and saw the reason
+of your silence, and all the remorse and suffering, which, from the
+appearances, against you, I might not even guess; and that, in His
+compassionating love and pity, He permitted your increased trial;
+ordaining even the failure of the relief to Edward, to convince you,
+that, not even in such a fearful case as yours, might error, however
+involuntary, prosper. I can trace His loving providence even in the fact
+of your finding one more note than you wanted, that discovery might
+thence come, which, without such a seeming chance, was, humanly
+speaking, impossible. He has shown compassion and love for you and
+Edward, in the very sufferings He ordained. So do not check your
+returning happiness, fearing it must be unacceptable to Him. Try to
+trace all things, either of joy or sorrow, to Him. Associate Him with
+your every thought, and believe me, my own Ellen, your very happiness
+will both draw you nearer to Him, and be an acceptable offering in his
+sight."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen listened eagerly, gratefully; she felt as if, with every word Mrs.
+Hamilton said, the film of doubt and vague fancies was dissolving from
+her mind, and, after a short pause, she said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Then you do not think, aunt Emmeline, my inability to pray for so long
+a time, was a proof that God had utterly forsaken me? It made me still
+more wretched, for I thought it was a sure sign that I was so
+irredeemably wicked, He had left me to the devices of my own heart, and
+would never love or have mercy on me again. Even after you had quite
+forgiven me, and proved to me my promise was a mistaken one and not
+binding, I still felt the difficulty to pray, and it was so painful."</p>
+
+<p>"Such inability is very often so entirely physical, my dear Ellen, that
+we must not think too much about it. Our simple duty is to persevere,
+however little satisfactory our devotions; and put our firm trust in our
+heavenly Father, that He will heal us, and permit His countenance so to
+shine upon us again, as to derive <i>comfort</i> from our prayers. Your
+inability before your illness was the natural consequence of Mr.
+Howard's severe representations, which he has since assured me, he never
+would have used, if he could have had the least idea of the cause of
+your silence. You, my poor child, were suffering too much, from a
+complete chaos of conflicting feelings and duties, to be able to realize
+this, and I am not at all astonished, that when you most yearned for the
+comfort of prayer and trust, the thought that by your silence you were
+failing in your duty to me and so disobeying God, should utterly have
+prevented it. Since your severe illness the inability has been entirely
+physical. As strength and peace return, you will regain the power, and
+realize all its comfort. Try, and under all feelings trust in and love
+God, and do not be too much elated, when you can think seriously and
+pray joyfully, nor too desponding when both fail you. In our present
+state, <i>physical</i> causes alone, so often occasion these differences of
+feeling in hours of devotion, that if we thought too much about them, we
+should constantly think wrong, and be very miserable. Try and prove your
+desire to love and serve God, in your <i>daily conduct</i> and <i>secret
+thoughts</i>, my Ellen, and you will be able to judge of your spiritual
+improvement by <i>action</i> and <i>feeling</i>, far more truly and justly than by
+the mood in which you pray."</p>
+
+<p>The earnestness of truth and feeling was always so impressed on Mrs.
+Hamilton's manner, whenever she addressed her youthful charge, that her
+simplest word had weight. Happy indeed is it when youth&mdash;that season of
+bewildering doubt and question, and vivid, often mistaken fancies, and
+too impetuous feeling&mdash;has the rich blessing of such affectionate
+counsels, such a friend. Why will not woman rise superior to the petty
+employments and feelings too often alone attributed to her, and endeavor
+to fit herself for such a thrice blessed mission; and by sympathy with
+young enjoyments&mdash;young hopes&mdash;young feelings, so attract young
+affections, that similar counsels, similar experiences, may so help and
+guide, that the restless mind and eager heart quiesce into all the calm,
+deep, beautiful characteristics, which so shine forth in the true
+English wife&mdash;the true English mother!</p>
+
+<p>A fortnight after Mr. Hamilton's arrival, Ellen was well enough to go
+down stairs for part of the day, and even to read and write a little.
+She was so very anxious to recommence her studies, which for many months
+had been so painfully neglected, that it was a great trial to her, to
+find her head was not yet strong enough for the necessary application.
+There were many, very many privations and trials, attendant on
+convalescence after so severe an illness, known only to Ellen's own
+heart, and to her aunt's quick sympathy; and she very quickly learned in
+them the meaning of Mrs. Hamilton's words regarding religion in conduct
+and feeling, as well as in prayer. She tried never to murmur, or dwell
+on the wish for pleasures which were denied her, but to think only on
+the many blessings which surrounded her. It was not an easy task so to
+conquer natural feeling, especially as the trial and its conquest was
+often known only to herself; but the earnest wish, indeed, to become
+holy in daily conduct, as well as in daily prayer, never left her mind,
+and so enabled her at length fully to obtain it.</p>
+
+<p>If Mrs. Hamilton had wanted evidence of her husband's public as well as
+domestic worth, she would have had it fully now. His danger and his
+preservation once known, letters of regard and congratulation poured
+upon him, and Montrose Grahame made a journey down to Oakwood expressly
+to welcome back, and express his individual gratitude for his friend's
+safety to his youthful preserver. But Edward so shrunk from praise or
+admiration, that his uncle, rejoicing at the feeling, would not press
+him, as he had first intended, to accompany him to Oxford, where he went
+to see his sons. Percy rated him soundly in a letter for not coming.
+Herbert seemed, as if he could only think of his father's danger, and
+thank God for his safety, and for permitting Edward to be the means. So
+great was the desire of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to re-assemble all their
+happy family once more, before Edward left them, that the young men
+made an exception to their general rule, and promised to spend Easter
+week at home. It was early in March, and anticipated by the home party
+with the greatest delight.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIVC" id="CHAPTER_XIVC"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE RICH AND THE POOR.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"We have had such a delightful excursion, mamma. Ellen, how I do wish
+you could have been with us!" joyously exclaimed Emmeline, as she ran
+into the usual sitting room, one of those lovely afternoons, that the
+first days of March so often bring, promising spring long before she
+really comes. "It is such a picturesque cottage, and Dame Collins, and
+Susan, and a host of little ones, look so nice, and so clean, and so
+pretty, and happy; it does one's heart good to look at them."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure you can not find another adjective to apply to them, Emmy?
+You have heaped so many together, that it is a pity you can not find a
+few more."</p>
+
+<p>"But they really do look so comfortable, and are so grateful for all you
+and papa have done for them: Emmeline's description for once, is not too
+flowing," rejoined the quieter Caroline, who had followed her sister
+into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"And were they pleased with your visit?" asked Ellen.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, delighted! particularly at our making their pretty little parlor
+our dining-room, and remaining so long with them, that they could show
+us all their comforts and conveniences, without any bustle."</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Collins is really a sensible woman. Do you not think so, mamma?"
+inquired Caroline.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my dear. She has brought up her own large family and her poor
+orphan grandchildren so admirably, in the midst of their extreme
+poverty, and bears such a name for kindness among her still poorer
+neighbors, that I truly respect and admire her. She is quite one of
+those in whom I have often told you some of the very loftiest virtues
+are to be found; and yet to see her, as she trudges about in her homely,
+humble fashion, never dreaming she is doing or has done any thing
+remarkable in her hard-working life, who would suspect it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only look, Ellen, how beautifully our collection will be increased,"
+continued Emmeline, who just at that moment was only alive to pleasure,
+not to contemplation, even of goodness, in which she much delighted, and
+pouring into her cousin's lap a basket of beautiful shells and other
+marine treasures. "Papa has just given us a new cabinet in time, though
+he only thought of it as a place for his Feroe curiosities. To think of
+his remembering our tastes even there!"</p>
+
+<p>"But where did you get these from?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the children were playing with some, which were so perfect, I
+could not help admiring them, and Mrs. Collins was in a bustle of
+pleasure that I liked any thing so trifling, because she could gratify
+me, and she made me take all these, adding, that her good man would be
+sure to look out for some more for us; for when I told her they not only
+pleased me, but my poor invalid cousin, who was Edward's sister, you
+should have seen how her eyes sparkled."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you have quite won the dame's heart, Emmy!" said Miss Harcourt.
+"What with talking to her, and to Susan, and playing with every one of
+the children, and making them tell you all their plays and their
+schooling, and then gathering you a nosegay, telling them it should
+adorn your room at home!"</p>
+
+<p>"And so it shall," gayly interrupted Emmeline; "I desired Robert to put
+them in water directly, for they were very pretty, and I like them
+better than the best bouquet from our greenhouse."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not quite agree with you, Emmeline," said Caroline, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Not you, Lina, who ever thought you would? by-the-by, I never saw you
+so agreeable and natural in a poor man's cottage in my life. What were
+you saying to Dame Collins? actually holding her hand, and something
+very bright shining in your eye."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Emmy, do not run on so," whispered Ellen, as she noticed
+Caroline's cheek crimson. Emmeline was at her side in a moment, with an
+arm round her neck.</p>
+
+<p>"Caroline, dear, forgive me. I did not mean to tease you; only it was
+unusual, was it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was trying to tell Mrs. Collins all I thought of her husband's share
+in saving our dear father, Emmy. I forgot all of folly and pride then."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very seldom proud now, dearest Lina, and I was the foolish one
+not to have guessed what you were saying, with out tormenting you.
+Mamma, do you know I have such an admirable plan in my head?"</p>
+
+<p>"First tell mamma," interrupted Caroline, "that William Grey has chosen
+to be a partner with Collins in the more extended fishing and boating
+business, which papa has secured them, instead of entering into business
+by himself; this has been settled since you were there, I think."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my dear, I did not know it; but Mrs. Collins must like it, for she
+regretted very much that her sons were all scattered in different
+trades, and her little grandson, whose taste pointed to the sea, was not
+old enough to go out with his grandfather."</p>
+
+<p>"But only listen to my plan, mamma, dear! William Grey and Susan Collins
+can not possibly see much of each other, without falling in love; and
+they will make such an industrious, pretty couple, and papa will give
+them a cottage to themselves, and I will go to their wedding!"</p>
+
+<p>"Just such a plan as I should expect from your giddy brain, Emmy. But
+how do you know that Grey has any desire for a wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, because Edward said he could not help remarking, even in the midst
+of that awful scene, how mournfully he said he would bear a hand, for he
+had neither mother, sister, nor wife to pipe for him; now, if he married
+Susan, he would have a very pretty wife to lament him."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Susan, I fancy she would rather not become his wife, if it be only
+to mourn for him, Emmy; rather a novel reason for a marriage,
+certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but mamma, dear! you know that I don't mean exactly and only that;
+somebody to be interested for, and love him. No one can be happy without
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"Susan was telling me, mamma, how thankful she is to you, for finding
+her and her sister employment, that they might be able to help the
+family," rejoined Caroline. "I was quite pleased with her manner of
+speaking, and she blushed so prettily when Miss Harcourt praised the
+extreme neatness of her work."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, mamma, if you could but hear all they say of you!" again burst
+forth Emmeline, who it seemed could not be quiet, going from one subject
+to another with the same eager zest; "if you had but heard the old dame
+tell her astonishment and her pride, when she saw you enter their
+former miserable hut, and sitting down on an old sea-chest, invite her
+to tell, and listened to all her troubles, just as if you had been her
+equal, and left such comfort and such hope behind you, as had not been
+theirs for many a long day. She actually cried when she spoke, and so
+did I, because she spoke so of <i>my</i> mother. Oh, mother, darling, how
+proud your children ought to be, to belong to one so beloved, so revered
+by the poor and the rich too, as you are!"</p>
+
+<p>"Flatterer!" playfully answered Mrs. Hamilton, laying her hand
+caressingly on her child's mouth, as she knelt in sport before her. "I
+will not bear such praise, even from you. Believe me, darling, to win
+love and respect is so easy, so delightful, that there is no merit in
+obtaining it. We ought only to be thankful, when granted such a station
+and such influence as will permit extended usefulness and thought for
+others, without wronging our own."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but, mamma, many people do a great deal of good, but somehow or
+other they are not beloved."</p>
+
+<p>"Because, perhaps, in their earnest desire to accomplish a great deal of
+good, they may not think quite enough of <i>little</i> things, and of the
+quick sympathy with other persons' feelings, which is the real secret of
+winning love, and without which, sometimes even the greatest benefit is
+not valued as it ought to be. But did you see old Collins himself?"</p>
+
+<p>"He came in just before we left, and was so delighted to see papa
+sitting in his ingle-nook, and only wished Edward had been there too."</p>
+
+<p>"And where is your father?" asked Mrs. Hamilton. "Did he not return with
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but Edward wanted him, and they are in the library. I am quite
+certain there is some conspiracy between them; these long private
+interviews bode no good. I shall scold papa for being so mysterious,"
+said Emmeline.</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think he will return the benefit, by scolding you for being so
+curious, Emmy. But here is Edward, so the interview to-day has not been
+very long."</p>
+
+<p>"Has papa been telling you old Collins' naval news, Ned?" And, without
+waiting for an answer, she continued, "that there is a fine
+seventy-four, the Sea Queen, preparing at Plymouth, to take the place of
+your old ship, and send back Sir Edward Manly and the Prince William.
+Now do not tell me you know this, Edward, and so disappoint me of the
+rare pleasure of telling news."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, Emmy, but I have known it for some weeks."</p>
+
+<p>"And why did you not tell us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I did not think it would particularly interest you until I
+could add other intelligence to it." He stopped, and looked alternately
+at Mrs. Hamilton and Ellen, as if asking the former whether he might
+proceed.</p>
+
+<p>"And can you do so now, my dear Edward?" she replied understanding him
+at once. "Ellen is too anxious for your advancement to expect, or wish
+you always to remain with her. Have you your appointment?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes aunt. My uncle's letter to the admiralty brought an answer at last.
+It came while he was out, and has been tantalizing me on the
+library-table for four hours. But it is all right. As the Prince William
+is returning, and I am so anxious to be still in active service, I am
+permitted, though somewhat against rule, to have a berth in the Sea
+Queen. I am sure it is all uncle Hamilton's representations, and I am so
+thankful, so glad!"</p>
+
+<p>"To leave us all, again, you unfeeling savage!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+trying to laugh off the universal regret at this announcement. Ellen had
+looked earnestly at her brother all the time he spoke, and then turned
+her face away, and a few quiet tears trickled down her cheek. Edward's
+arm was very quickly round her, and he whispered so many fond words and
+earnest assurances, united with his conviction that it would still be a
+whole month, perhaps more, before he should be summoned, as he had leave
+to remain with his family till the Sea Queen was ready to sail, that she
+rallied her spirits, and, after remaining very quiet for an hour, which
+was always her custom when she had had any struggle with herself, for
+the frame felt it&mdash;though neither word nor sign betrayed it&mdash;she was
+enabled fully to enjoy the grand delight of the evening&mdash;Percy's and
+Herbert's arrival.</p>
+
+<p>Easter week was indeed one of family joy and thankfulness not only that
+they were all permitted once more to be together but that the heavy
+clouds of sin and suffering had rolled away from their roof, and
+pleasure of the sweetest and most enduring because most domestic kind,
+reigned triumphant. Percy's astonishment at Edward's growth, and the
+alteration from the handsome, joyous, rosy boy, to the pale, almost
+care-worn looking youth (for as long as Ellen bore such vivid traces of
+all she had endured for his sake, and was, as it were, the constant
+presence of his errors, Edward tried in vain to recover his former
+spirits), was most amusing.</p>
+
+<p>"You are all deceived," he would declare; "one of these days you will
+discover you have been receiving a spurious Edward Fortescue, and that
+he is as much a pretender as his namesake, Charles Edward."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he is no pretender, Percy. He is as truly the son of Colonel
+Fortescue, as <i>Prince</i> Charles was the grandson of James. Now don't
+begin a civil contest directly you come home; you know you and I never
+do agree on historical subjects, and we never shall; you hate Mary the
+great, great, great grandmother of Prince Charles, and I love her, so we
+must be always at war."</p>
+
+<p>"Stuart-mad, as usual, Tiny! but if that really be Edward, I wish he
+would just look a boy again, I don't like the change at all; poor
+fellow!" he added, to himself, "it is not much wonder."</p>
+
+<p>The days passed much too quickly. Emmeline wished a dozen times that the
+days would be twenty-four, instead of twelve hours long. The weather was
+so genial that it added to enjoyment, and allowed Ellen the delight,
+known only to such prisoners to sickness as she had been, of driving out
+for an hour or two at a time, and taking gentle walks on the terrace,
+and in the garden. The young men were to return on the Monday, and of
+the Saturday previous, a little excursion had been planned, to which the
+only drawback was that Ellen was not quite strong enough to accompany
+them: it was to visit Alice Seaton, whom we mentioned in a former
+chapter. Mr. Hamilton had succeeded in finding her brother a lucrative
+employment with a lawyer in one of the neighboring towns, a few miles
+from where she and her aunt now lived, enabling young Seaton to spend
+every Sabbath with them; and Alice now kept a girls' school on her own
+account, and conducted herself so well as never to want scholars. It had
+been a long promise to go and see her, the drive from Oakwood being also
+most beautiful; and as she and her brother were both at home and at
+leisure the last day in Easter, it had been fixed upon for the visit.
+Percy was reveling in the idea of driving his mother and Miss Harcourt
+in a new barouche, and the rest of the party were to go on horse back.
+But a dispute had arisen who should stay with Ellen and Edward insisted
+upon it, it was his right; and, so they thought it was agreed.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish, dear Percy you would prevail on Edward to accompany you,"
+pleaded Ellen, fancying herself alone with him, not seeing Herbert, who
+was reading at a distant table.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish, dear Ellen, you were going with us," he answered, mimicking her
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>"But as I can not, make him go. It always makes him more unhappy when I
+am prevented any pleasure, than it does myself; and I can not bear to
+keep him by me four or five hours, when this lovely day, and the
+exercise of riding, and, above all, your company, Percy, would make him,
+at least for the time, almost his own merry self, again."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks for the implied compliment, cousin mine," replied Percy, with a
+low bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Reward me for it, and make him go."</p>
+
+<p>"How can I be so ungallant, as to make him leave you alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I do not mind it, I assure you! I am well enough to amuse myself
+now; I can not bear you all giving up so many pleasures as you have done
+for me; I am so afraid of getting selfish."</p>
+
+<p>"You selfish, Ellen? I wish you were a little more so; you are the most
+patient, devoted little creature that ever took woman's form. You have
+made me reproach myself enough, I can tell you, and I owe you a grudge
+for doing so."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Percy, what can you mean? If you knew how hard I find it to be
+patient, sometimes, you would not praise me."</p>
+
+<p>"I mean that the last time I was at home, I was blind and cruel, and
+added to your sufferings by my uncalled-for harshness, and never had an
+opportunity till this moment, to say how grieved I was&mdash;when the truth
+was known."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray do not say any thing about it, dear Percy," entreated his cousin,
+the tears starting to her eyes, as he kissed her warmly; "it was only
+just and natural that you should have felt indignant with me, for
+causing aunt Emmeline so much misery, and alloying all the enjoyment of
+your holidays. I am sure you need not reproach yourself; but will you
+make Edward go?"</p>
+
+<p>"If it really will oblige you, Ellen; but I do not half like it." And he
+was going very reluctantly, when he met Herbert.</p>
+
+<p>"You need not go, Percy," he said, smiling; "my ungracious cousin would
+not depute me as her messenger, but I made myself such, and so
+successfully that Edward will go, Ellen."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Herbert, how can I thank you enough! he will be so much happier
+with you all."</p>
+
+<p>"Not with me," said Herbert, archly, "for I remain in his place."</p>
+
+<p>"You!" repeated Ellen, surprised; "indeed, dear Herbert, it must not be.
+I shall do very well alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Ungracious still, Ellen! what if I have been looking all the morning
+for some excuse to stay at home, without owning to my mother the
+truth&mdash;that I do not feel to-day quite equal to riding? If your looks
+were as ungracious as your words, I would run away from you into my own
+room; but as they are rather more gratifying to my self-love, we will
+send them all away, and enjoy our own quiet pleasures and your little
+drive together, Nell."</p>
+
+<p>Whatever Ellen might have said to convince him she could be happy alone,
+the beaming look of pleasure on her countenance, satisfied all parties
+as to the excellence of this arrangement; and happy, indeed, the day
+was. Herbert seemed to understand her unexpressed feelings so fully; and
+that always makes the charm of conversation, whatever its subject. We do
+not require the <i>expression in words</i> of sympathy&mdash;it is an
+indescribable something that betrays its existence. Favorite
+authors&mdash;and Herbert was almost surprised at Ellen's dawning taste and
+judgment in literature&mdash;the delights of nature after a long confinement,
+as if every flower were more sweet, every bit of landscape, or wood, or
+water more beautiful, and the many holy thoughts and pure joys springing
+from such feelings, were all discussed, either cosily in their
+sitting-room, or in their ramble in the garden; and after Ellen's early
+dinner, which Herbert shared with her as lunch, she proposed, what she
+knew he would like, that her drive should be to Greville Manor, and they
+might spend a full hour with their friends, and yet be back in time.
+Herbert assented gladly; and the warm welcome they received, Mrs.
+Greville's kind care of Ellen, and Mary's eager chat with her and
+Herbert, and the number of things they seemed to find to talk about,
+made the hour literally fly; but Herbert, enjoyable as it was, did not
+forget his charge, and drove her back to Oakwood while the sun still
+shone bright and warmly: and when the party returned, which they did
+only just in time to dress for dinner, and in the wildest spirits, the
+balance of pleasure at home and abroad, would certainly have been found
+quite equal.</p>
+
+<p>Ellen still continued quietly to lie down in her own room while the
+family were at dinner, for she was then sufficiently refreshed to join
+them for a few hours in the evening. Percy and Emmeline, at dinner that
+day, kept up such a fire of wit and mirth, that it was somewhat
+difficult for any one else to edge in a word, though Edward and Caroline
+did sometimes contrive to bring a whole battery against themselves. Just
+as the dessert was placed on the table, however, sounds of rural music
+in the distance, advancing nearer and nearer, caused Percy to pause in
+his wild sallies, and spring with Edward to the window, and their
+exclamations soon compelled all the party to follow their example, and
+send for Ellen to see the unexpected sight too. Banners and pennons
+floated in the sunshine, and the greater part of the nautical
+inhabitants of Dartmouth were marshaled in goodly array beside them,
+headed by Captain Harvey and his crew, with old Collins in the midst of
+them; they were all attired in the new clothing which Mr. Hamilton had
+presented to them; and a fine picture Percy declared old Collins's head
+would make, with his weather-beaten, honest-speaking face, the very
+peculiar curls in which his really yellow hair was twisted, and the quid
+of tobacco, from which, even on this grand occasion, he could not
+relieve his mouth and cheek. A band of young men and girls surrounded
+the first banner, which, adorned with large bunches of primroses and
+violets up the staff, bore the words, "Hamilton and benevolence;" and
+among them Emmeline speedily recognized William Grey and Susan Collins,
+walking side by side, she looking down and smiling, and he so earnestly
+talking, that she whispered to her mother with the greatest glee, that
+her plan would take place after all. Then came a band of sturdy
+fishermen, chums and messmates of Collins, and then a band of boys and
+girls, from all Mr. Hamilton's own village schools, decked in their
+holiday attire, and holding in their hands tasteful garlands of all the
+spring flowers they could muster, and bearing two large banners, one
+with the words, "Fortescue forever! All hail to British sailors!" and
+the other a representation of the scene on the beach that eventful
+night, and the sinking vessel in the distance. The workmanship was rude
+indeed, but the effect so strikingly descriptive, that Mrs. Hamilton
+actually shuddered as she gazed, and grasped, almost unconsciously, the
+arm of her nephew as he stood by her, as if the magnitude of the danger,
+both to him and her husband, had never seemed so vivid before.</p>
+
+<p>The windows of the dining-room had been thrown widely open, and as the
+rustic procession came in sight of those to whom their whole hearts
+tendered homage, they halted; the music ceased, and cheer on cheer
+resounded, till the very echoes of the old park were startled out of
+their sleep, and sent the shout back again. Percy was among them in a
+moment, singling out old Collins, whom he had tried repeatedly to see
+since his visit home, but never found him, and grasped and shook both
+his hands with the full vehemence of his character, pouring out the
+first words that chose to come, which better expressed his grateful
+feelings to the old man than the most studied speech. William Grey had
+already received substantial proofs of his gratitude, and so he had then
+only a kind nod, and a joke and look at the pretty, blushing Susan,
+which said a vast deal to both, and seemed as if he quite seconded
+Emmeline's plan. Mingling joyously with all, he had bluff words, after
+their own hearts, for the men, smiles for the maidens, and such wild
+jokes for the children, as lost them all decorum, and made them shout
+aloud in their glee. Herbert seconded him quite as well as his quieter
+nature would allow. Edward had hung back, even when his name was called
+out lustily, as if he could not bear such homage.</p>
+
+<p>"Join them, my boy; their humble pleasure will not be half complete
+without you," whispered Mrs. Hamilton, earnestly, for she guessed his
+thoughts. "Remember only at this moment the large amount of happiness
+you have been permitted to call forth. Do not underrate a deed which all
+must admire, because of some sad thoughts; rather resolve&mdash;as you can
+and have resolved&mdash;that the alloy shall be burned away, and the true
+metal alone remain, for my sake, to whom you have given such happiness,
+dear Edward."</p>
+
+<p>The cloud dispersed from brow and heart in a moment; and he was in the
+midst of them, glad and buoyant almost as Percy; while the cheer which
+greeted him was almost overpowering to his sister, so much humble, yet
+earnest feeling did it speak.</p>
+
+<p>"You really should have given us timely notice of your intentions, my
+good friend," said Mr. Hamilton, warmly grasping Captain Harvey's hand.
+"At least we might have provided some substantial refreshment after
+your long march, as I fear we have but slender fare to offer you, though
+Ellis and Morris are busy already, I am happy to see."</p>
+
+<p>And urged on by their own delight at this homage both to their master
+and his young preserver, who had become a complete idol among them, a
+long table was speedily laid in the servants' hall, covered with a
+variety of cold meats, and bread and cheese in abundance, and horns of
+cider sparkling brightly beside each trencher. Fruit and cakes eagerly
+sought for by Emmeline, were by her distributed largely to the children,
+who remained variously grouped on the lawn, their glee at the treat
+heightened by the sweet and gentle manner of its bestowal.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Harvey and his mate, Mr. Hamilton entertained himself,
+introducing them to his family, and especially Ellen, who, as the sister
+of Edward, found herself regarded with an interest that surprised her.
+Percy brought in old Collins and Grey, both of whom had expressed such a
+wish to see any one so nearly belonging to the brave young sailor; and
+her manner of receiving and returning their greeting, thanking them for
+the help they had so efficiently given her brother, made them still
+prouder and happier than before. After an hour and a half of thorough
+enjoyment&mdash;for their humble homage to worth and goodness had been
+received in the same spirit as it had been tendered&mdash;the procession
+marshaled itself in the same order as it had come; and rude as the music
+was, it sounded, as Emmeline declared, really beautiful, becoming
+fainter and fainter in the distance, and quite picturesque the effect of
+the banners and pennons, as they gleamed in and out the woody windings
+of the park, both music and procession softened in the mild, lovely
+twilight of the season.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVC" id="CHAPTER_XVC"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A HOME SCENE, AND A PARTING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Caroline! Emmeline! come to the music-room, for pity's sake, and give
+me some delicious harmony," exclaimed Percy, as soon as lights came, and
+the excitement of the last two hours had a little subsided. "Sit
+quiet&mdash;unless I have some amusement for my ears&mdash;I neither can nor
+will. I will have some music to lull my tired senses, and a waltz to
+excite my wearied frame."</p>
+
+<p>"And rest your limbs," said Edward, dryly.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know, master sailor, that when fatigued with one kind of
+exercise, the best rest is to take another? Now I have been standing up,
+playing the agreeable, for two mortal hours, and I mean to have a waltz
+to bring back the stagnant circulation, and to be pleased for the
+fatigue of pleasing. Caroline and Emmeline, away with you both. Ellen,
+love, I will only ask you to come with us, and be pleased, too. Be off,
+Edward, no one shall be my cousin's cavalier but myself; Herbert has had
+her all day. Take my mother, if you like. Father, escort Miss Harcourt.
+That's all right, as it always is, when I have my own way!"</p>
+
+<p>His own way, this time, gave universal satisfaction. The talents of his
+sisters has been so cultivated, as a means of enhancing home-happiness,
+and increasing their own resources, that their musical evenings were
+always perfect enjoyment. Caroline, indeed, improved as she was, still
+retained her love of admiration sufficiently, to find still greater
+enjoyment in playing and singing when there were more to listen to her,
+than merely her own family, but the feeling, in the security and pure
+atmosphere of Oakwood, was kept under control, and she could find real
+pleasure in gratifying her brothers, though not quite to the same extent
+as Emmeline.</p>
+
+<p>Percy after comfortably settling Ellen, threw himself on the most
+luxurious chair that he could find, stretched out his legs, placed his
+head in what he called the best position for listening and enjoying, and
+then called for duets on the harp and piano, single pieces on both, and
+song after song with the most merciless rapidity.</p>
+
+<p>"Your sisters shall neither play nor sing to you any more," his mother,
+at length, laughingly said, "unless you rouse yourself from this
+disgracefully idle fit, and take your flute, and join them."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, you are lost to every sensation of mercy! after all my
+exertions, where am I to find breath?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have had plenty of time to rest, you lazy fellow; letting your
+sisters fatigue themselves without remorse, and refusing your share,"
+expostulated Edward. "Caroline, Emmeline take my advice, and strike!
+don't play another note."</p>
+
+<p>"You young rebel! teaching my sisters to revolt against the authority of
+such an important person as myself. However, I will be condescending for
+once; Tiny, there's a love, fetch me my flute."</p>
+
+<p>It was so very close to him as he approached the piano, that his sister
+comically took his hand, and placed it on it, and two or three very
+pretty trios were performed, Percy declared with professional <i>éclat</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Now don't go, Percy we want your voice in a song. Emmy, sing that
+pretty one to your harp, that we wish papa so much to hear; Percy and I
+will join when wanted."</p>
+
+<p>"Caroline, I have not the genius to sing at sight."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you have often! and the words will inspire you. Come, Herbert, we
+want you, too; Edward's singing voice, has deserted him, or I should
+enlist him also. Emmeline, what are you waiting for?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can not sing it, dear Caroline; do not ask me," answered Emmeline,
+with a confusion and timidity, which, at home, were perfectly
+incomprehensible.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my little Emmy, I am quite curious to hear this new song; do not
+disappoint me!" said her father encouragingly.</p>
+
+<p>"But after Caroline I can not sing worth hearing," still pleaded
+Emmeline.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child, I never heard you make such a foolish excuse before;
+your mother and myself never find any difference in the pleasure that
+listening to your music bestows, however one performer may be more
+naturally gifted than the other."</p>
+
+<p>"I declare I must sing it if it be only for the mystery of Tiny's
+refusing," said Percy, laughing. "Come, Bertie&mdash;a MS. too&mdash;what a trial
+for one's nerves!"</p>
+
+<p>The words, however, seemed sufficiently satisfactory for them readily to
+join in it. Emmeline still hesitated, almost painfully; but then
+gathering courage, she sat down to her harp, and, without any notes
+before her, played a few bars of one of those sweet, thrilling Irish
+melodies so suited to her instrument, and then commenced her song, the
+sweetness of her voice, and clearness of articulation atoning well for
+her deficiency in the power and brilliancy which characterized her
+sister. The words were exceedingly simple, but sung with deep feeling,
+and heart-appealing as they were, from the subject, we hope our readers
+will judge them as leniently as Emmeline's hearers.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">EMMELINE'S SONG.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Joy! joy! No more shall sorrow cloud<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The home by Love enshrined:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The hearts, in Care's cold fetters bow'd,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Now loveliest flowers have twined;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And dove-eyed Peace, with brooding wing,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Hath made her dwelling here;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And Hope and Love sweet incense fling,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To welcome and endear.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"He has return'd!&mdash;and starless night<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">No longer o'er us lowers.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Joy! joy! The future is all bright<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With rosy-blossom'd hours.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">What gladness with our Father fled!<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">What gladness He'll restore!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He has return'd, through perils dread,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To bless his own once more!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"Joy' joy! Oh! let our voices raise<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Their glad and grateful lay,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And pour forth thanksgiving and praise<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">That grief hath passed away!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">That he was snatched from storm and wave,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To dry pale Sorrow's tear;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Restored! his home from woe to save&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Oh! welcome, Father dear!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Emmeline's voice had at first trembled audibly, but seeming to derive
+courage from her sister and brother's accompaniment, which, from their
+knowledge of music, was so beautifully modulated as to permit her sweet
+voice to be heard above all, and every word clearly distinguished, it
+became firmer and more earnest as she continued, till she forgot every
+thing but the subject of her song. For full a minute there was silence
+as she ceased, but with an irresistible impulse Mr. Hamilton rose from
+his seat, and, as Emmeline left her harp, he clasped her in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"How can I thank you, my Emmeline, and all my children, for this fond
+greeting?" he exclaimed, with more emotion than he generally permitted
+to be visible. "Where could you find such appropriate words? What!
+tears, my little girl," he added, as, completely overcome by the
+excitement of her song and her father's praise, Emmeline most
+unexpectedly burst into tears. "What business have they to come when you
+have given your parents nothing but pleasure? Drive them away, love;
+what! still no smile? We must appeal to mamma's influence, then, to
+explain and soothe them."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you get them, Tiny? explain, for I am positively faint from
+curiosity," comically demanded Percy, as Emmeline, breaking from her
+father, sat down on her favorite stool at her mother's feet, and hid her
+face in her lap. Mrs. Hamilton laid her hand caressingly on those soft
+curls, but, though she smiled, she did not speak.</p>
+
+<p>"She will not tell, and you will none of you guess," said Caroline,
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"You are in the secret, so out with it," said Edward.</p>
+
+<p>"Not I; I am pledged to silence."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, dear, tell us for pity," pleaded Herbert.</p>
+
+<p>"I can only guess, for I am not in her confidence, I assure you," she
+replied, in the same playful tone, and raising Emmeline's lowered head,
+she looked a moment in those conscious eyes. "Dictated by my Emmeline's
+affectionate little heart, they were found in this pretty shape, in the
+recesses of her own fanciful brain&mdash;is not that it, dearest?"</p>
+
+<p>"There, Emmy, I knew mamma would find it out, however we might be
+silent," said Caroline, triumphantly, as her sister's face was again
+concealed.</p>
+
+<p>"Emmeline turned poet! Angels and ministers of grace defend me! I must
+hide my diminished head!" spouted Percy. "I thought at least I might
+retain my crown as the poet of the family, and to be rivaled by you&mdash;a
+light-footed fawn&mdash;wild gazelle&mdash;airy sprite&mdash;my especial Tiny! it is
+unbearable!"</p>
+
+<p>"But we must all thank you, notwithstanding, Emmy," continued Herbert.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but I have very little to do with it; the arrangement of the words
+to the air, and the accompaniment, are Caroline's; I could not have done
+that," said Emmeline; her tears changed to her most joyous smiles.</p>
+
+<p>Percy and his father turned directly to Caroline, the former with a Sir
+Charles Grandison's bow, the other with a most affectionate kiss; and
+her mother looked at her with such an expression of gratified pleasure,
+that she could not help acknowledging to herself, such pure enjoyment
+was not to be found in the praise and admiration of strangers.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Emmeline, you have still a mystery to explain," said Edward. "Why
+did you not own your offspring, instead of, by silence, almost denying
+them?"</p>
+
+<p>"And here I really can not help you," answered Mrs. Hamilton; "I can not
+imagine why my Emmy should conceal a fact that could only give pleasure
+to us all."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I know," said Ellen, timidly; "Emmeline was thinking of all you
+said about controlling an impulse, and not always encouraging that which
+she termed inspiration, and perhaps she thought you did not quite
+approve of her writing, and so wished to conceal it."</p>
+
+<p>"How could you guess so exactly, Ellen?" hastily answered Emmeline,
+forgetting, in her surprise at her cousin's penetration, that she
+betrayed herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I should have felt the same," said Ellen, simply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I must have explained myself very badly, my dear children, or you
+must have both misunderstood me. I did not mean you to neglect such on
+enjoyment as poetry, but only to keep it in its proper sphere, and not
+allow it to take the place of resources, equally intellectual, but which
+have and may still cost you more patience and labor. Poetry is a
+dangerous gift, my dear child; but as long as you bring it to the common
+treasury of Home, and regard it merely as a recreation, only to be
+enjoyed when less attractive duties and studies are completed, you have
+my full permission to cultivate&mdash;and try, by the study of our best
+authors, and whatever other help I can obtain for you, to improve
+yourself in it. No talent that is lent us should be thrown aside, my
+Emmeline; our only care must be, not&mdash;by loving and pursuing it too
+intensely&mdash;to <i>abuse</i> it; but I must not lecture you any longer, or
+Percy's patience will fail; I see he has placed Miss Harcourt already at
+the piano, and Edward and Caroline are ready for their waltz."</p>
+
+<p>"And so I transform one Muse into another," exclaimed Percy, who, in his
+sister's absorbed attention, had neared her unobserved, and catching her
+round the waist, bore her to the upper end of the room, and a minute
+afterward she was enjoying her waltz, with as much childish glee, as if
+neither poetry nor reflection could have any thing to do with her.</p>
+
+<p>"Why is poetry a dangerous gift, dear aunt?" inquired Ellen, who had
+listened earnestly to all Mrs. Hamilton had said.</p>
+
+<p>"Because, my love, it is very apt to excite and encourage an over-excess
+of feeling; gives a habit of seeing things other than they really are,
+and engenders a species of romantic enthusiasm, most dangerous to the
+young, especially of our sex, whose feelings generally require control
+and repression, even when not joined to poetry. To a well-regulated mind
+and temper, the danger is not of the same serious kind as to the
+irregulated, but merely consists in the powerful temptation it too often
+presents to neglect duties and employments of more consequence, for its
+indulgence. There is a species of fascination in the composition of even
+the most inferior poetry, which urges its pursuit, as giving so little
+trouble, compared to the perseverance necessary for music and drawing,
+and such a vast amount of pleasure, that it is difficult to withdraw
+from it. This is still more strongly the case when the young first
+become conscious of the gift, as Emmeline is now. As she gets older, and
+her taste improves, she will not be satisfied with her efforts, unless
+they are very superior to the present, and the trouble she will take in
+correcting and improving, will remove a great deal of the too dangerous
+fascination attending it now; still I am not anxious, while she retains
+her confidence in my affection and experience, and will so control the
+enjoyment, as not to permit its interference with her other more serious
+employments."</p>
+
+<p>Ellen listened eagerly, and they continued conversing on many similar
+topics of interest and improvement, till the prayer bell rang, and
+startled her into the recollection that she had always retired nearly an
+hour before, and so had avoided entering the library, which she still
+quite shrunk from. Percy stopped his dance, which he had converted from
+a waltz into a most inspiring gallopade, the last importation, he
+declared, from Almack's; Miss Harcourt closed the piano; and Herbert
+paused in his conversation with his father. Nothing like gloom ever
+marked the signal for the hour of devotion, but lighter pleasures always
+ceased a few minutes before, that they might better realize the more
+serious thought and service.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton had never ceased to regret the disgrace she had inflicted
+on Ellen, in not permitting her to retain her own place with the family,
+at least in the hours of devotion, for it seemed more difficult to
+remove that impression than any of her other trials. Returning her
+niece's startled look with one of the sincerest affection, she said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You will remain with us to-night, my dear Ellen, will you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you wish it, aunt."</p>
+
+<p>"I do wish it, dearest, most earnestly. It is so long since I have had
+the happiness of seeing all my children round me in this solemn hour,
+and till you join us, I can not feel quite sure that you have indeed
+forgiven an act of severity, which, could I but have suspected the
+truth, I should never have inflicted."</p>
+
+<p>"Forgiven!&mdash;you!" repeated Ellen, in utter astonishment, but rising
+instantly. "Aunt Emmeline, dear aunt Emmeline, pray, do not speak so;
+why did you not tell me your wish before? I would have conquered my own
+disinclination to enter the library, weeks ago; indeed, indeed, it only
+seemed associated with my own guilt and misery."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton drew her arm fondly in hers, refusing for her the aid of
+either of the young men, who had all hastened toward her, and led her
+herself to the library, and to her usual place beside Emmeline. Many an
+eager but respectful look of affectionate admiration was directed toward
+her by the assembled household, the greater part of whom had not seen
+her since the night of Edward's confession; and the alteration in her
+appearance, the universal sympathy which her dangerous illness and its
+cause had called forth, even in the humblest and most ignorant&mdash;for it
+is the <i>heart</i>, not the <i>mind</i>, which is required for the comprehension
+of self-devotion&mdash;her very youth seeming to increase its magnitude, had
+inspired such a feeling of love, that could she have known it, would
+have prevented that painful sensation of shyness.</p>
+
+<p>Many, many thoughts thronged her mind, as her uncle's impressive voice
+fell on her ear; thoughts which, though they prevented her following the
+words of the prayers, and caused the tears, spite of every effort, to
+stream through her slender fingers, yet turned into thankfulness and
+praise, ere the service ceased, that, fiery as the ordeal had been, she
+could still recognize a hand of love, and bless God, not only for the
+detection of her involuntary sin, but for every pang she had endured.</p>
+
+<p>The next day was Sunday, bringing with it all sorts of quiet, sober
+pleasures of its own, only alloyed by the thought that it was the last
+day of Percy's and Herbert's visit. The following morning they started
+for Oxford, Mr. Hamilton and Edward intending to accompany them part of
+the way, and then to proceed to Ashburton, where the former had
+business, and then make a little tour through Plymouth home. The next
+day was so beautifully fine and genial, that Emmeline declared it would
+do Ellen the greatest possible good to go with her a few miles out of
+the park, to see a waterfall she had lately discovered, and which she
+had been longing for Ellen to see, as Caroline would not admire it as
+much as it deserved. Miss Harcourt accompanied them, and on their
+return, its beauties were described to Mrs. Hamilton in the most
+animating strain; Emmeline declaring the air was more deliciously fresh,
+the trees more green, the sky more brilliantly blue, than they had ever
+been before; and that the very sound of the water, as it dashed down a
+black rock, and threw up spray, which the rays of the sun rendered so
+beautifully iridescent, as to seem like a succession of rainbows, was a
+whole volume of poetry in itself.</p>
+
+<p>"And what extraordinary vision do you think that silly cousin of mine
+chose to fancy she saw coming down the Ashburton road, mamma? Actually
+the apparitions of papa and Edward. She will persist in the fancy. Miss
+Harcourt and I could only see two men on horseback, at too great a
+distance for any identity to be recognized&mdash;but it must be their
+wraiths, if it be, for they had no idea of coming home to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I was not mistaken, Emmeline," said Ellen (whom her aunt now
+observed looked agitated and flushed); "and they were riding so fast,
+something very pressing must have recalled them."</p>
+
+<p>"And you are frightening yourself at shadows, my dear! but indeed I
+think you must be mistaken, for your uncle told me, he should be
+particularly engaged to-day," said Mrs. Hamilton.</p>
+
+<p>"She is not mistaken, though," exclaimed Caroline, who was standing at
+one of the windows; "for here they both are, true enough, and riding
+quite fast down the avenue. However, the mystery will soon be solved."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hamilton and Edward entered almost immediately afterward, the latter
+evidently very much agitated, the former so tranquil and cheerful that
+the momentary anxiety of his wife was calmed directly. He laughed at
+their bewilderment, and said that an important letter had reached him at
+Ashburton, summoning him to Plymouth, and so he thought he would just
+see how all was going on at Oakwood first. This was not at all a
+satisfactory reason from Mr. Hamilton. Edward evidently tried to answer
+Ellen's inquiries quietly, but he could not, and exclaiming, "You tell
+her, my dear uncle! I can not," ran out of the room. Mr. Hamilton
+instantly changed his jesting manner, so far as quietly and
+affectionately to seat his niece beside him, and tell her, cautiously
+and kindly, the real cause of their unexpected return. Orders had been
+sent to the Sea Queen, to sail much sooner than was expected, and
+therefore he had deferred his business, and returned with Edward
+directly.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a trial, my dear Ellen, a very hard one just now, under all
+circumstances; but I am sure you will bear it with fortitude, for
+Edward's sake. The only drawback to his happiness in being again
+permitted to follow his profession, is the thought of the trial, it will
+be to you."</p>
+
+<p>"But when must we part? When must he leave Oakwood?" was all poor Ellen
+could ask; but in such a tone of quiet sorrow, her uncle could not for
+the moment reply.</p>
+
+<p>"The Sea Queen leaves Plymouth, wind permitting, the end of the week,
+but&mdash;Edward must be on board to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>A low cry escaped involuntarily from Ellen's lips, as she buried her
+face on the cushion of the couch where she was sitting, and an
+exclamation of surprise and regret broke from all. Mrs. Hamilton felt it
+almost as much as Ellen, from not only her own unspoken anxiety, as to
+whether indeed his home influence would save him from temptation in
+future, but that she could enter into every thought and feeling which in
+Ellen must so aggravate the actual parting&mdash;always a sorrow in itself.
+After a few minutes Ellen raised her head, and, though her cheek was
+perfectly colorless, every tear was checked.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Edward he need not fear my weakness, dear Emmeline," she said,
+trying hard to speak quite calmly. "Only beg him to come to me, that we
+may spend the little time we have together; I will be as cheerful as
+himself." And, effort as it was, she kept her word; so controlling
+sorrow, to enter into his naturally glad anticipations, that her brother
+felt as if he could not love, nor venerate her enough.</p>
+
+<p>He was obliged to leave Oakwood (accompanied by his uncle) so early the
+next morning, that all his preparations had to be completed by that
+night. Ellis's activity, though she could not endure the idea of his
+going, speedily and satisfactorily settled that matter. Robert Langford,
+who had only regained his natural light-heartedness since Ellen had
+taken her usual place in the family, always declaring his carelessness
+had been the origin of all her misery, was another so active in his
+service, that Edward had only to give a hint of any thing he wanted,
+even if it could only be procured at some distance, and it was instantly
+obtained.</p>
+
+<p>The hours wore on, the evening devotions were concluded, but still the
+family lingered in the library: so many things there seemed to say, for
+Mr. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt would not let the conversation flag, and
+Edward would talk and laugh, as if he were only going from home for a
+few days. Midnight chimed, but still Mrs. Hamilton felt as if she could
+not give the signal for separation: but when one struck, there was a
+general start, and an unanimous declaration it could not be so late.</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you it is," Mrs. Hamilton cheerfully said; "and poor Edward
+will get no sleep, if we do not separate at once. He must certainly send
+you a box of artificial roses, for this unusual dissipation will bear
+all the natural ones away. Ellen, love, I must be cruel enough to resist
+that pleading look; remember, your full strength has not yet returned."</p>
+
+<p>She spoke kindly, but firmly, and there was a general move. Edward
+laughingly promised to send his cousins the very best box of rouge he
+could procure at Plymouth, and wished them good night as gayly as if
+they should meet as usual the next morning. Once only his voice
+faltered&mdash;"Ellen, love, good night! My own sister, God in Heaven bless
+you!" were all he said, the last sentence escaping as if involuntarily,
+as if he had merely meant to say good night; and for more than a minute
+the brother and sister were clasped in each other's arms. There were
+tears in Mrs. Hamilton's eyes, and her husband's were most unwontedly
+dim, for words were not needed to reveal to them the trial of that
+moment to those two young hearts. To Ellen's especially, for her lot was
+woman's&mdash;to <i>endure</i> until time should prove the reality of Edward's
+resolution, and mark him indeed the noble character his disposition so
+fondly promised. His was active service, the banishment of <i>thought</i> by
+<i>deed</i>. Breaking from her brother, and not daring to address either her
+aunt or uncle, lest her control should fail her too soon, Ellen hastened
+from the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Go to her, aunt Emmeline; oh, tell her I will never, never cause her to
+suffer again!" implored Edward, as soon as he could speak, and clasping
+his aunt's hand. "She has been struggling with herself the whole evening
+for my sake, and she will suffer for it to-morrow, unless she give it
+vent, and she will weep less painfully if you speak of comfort."</p>
+
+<p>"She will be better alone a little while, my dear boy; young as she is,
+she knows where to seek and find comfort, and her tears would flow more
+freely, conscious only of the presence and healing of her God. I shall
+not part from you now. Ellis wanted me for some directions about your
+things, and I will come to you in your room afterward."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Hamilton knew the human heart well. When she went to Ellen, the
+paroxysm of natural sorrow had had vent, and her sympathy, her earnestly
+expressed conviction that the trial of beholding error and remorse in
+one so beloved would not occur again, could bring comfort. The tears
+indeed might still have flowed the faster, perhaps, at the voice of
+kindness, but there was healing in them; and when her aunt left her to
+go to Edward, she sent him a fond message that she was better, and in a
+few days would be happy, quite happy, for his sake.</p>
+
+<p>It was late before Mrs. Hamilton quitted her nephew. We will not repeat
+all that passed between them, all that that fond watchful relative so
+earnestly, so appealingly said. Not much in actual words of counsel had
+she ever before addressed to him, feeling that that duty was better
+performed by Mr. Howard and his uncle. She had simply tried to influence
+him by the power of love, of forbearance, of sympathy with his remorse,
+and pity for his errors. In the wretchedness, the fearful anxiety,
+Ellen's danger and painful illness had occasioned herself individually,
+she had never spoken, or even let fall a sentence which could reproach
+him as the cause of all; and therefore, now that she did give her
+anxious affection words, they were so spoken, that her nephew never
+forgot them.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel now," he had said, near the conclusion of their interview, "as
+if nothing could tempt me to err again; but oh, aunt Emmeline, so I
+thought when I left home before; and its influences all left me as if
+they had never been. It may be so again and&mdash;and&mdash;are there not such
+doomed wretches, making all they love best most miserable?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not, indeed, if they will take their home influences with them, my
+beloved boy. They deserted you before because, by the insidious
+sentiments of a most unhappy man, your religion was shaken, and you
+flung aside with scorn and misbelief the <i>only safety</i> for the
+young&mdash;God's most Holy Word. The influences of your home are based on
+that alone, my Edward. They appear perhaps to the casual observer as
+only love, indulgence, peace, and the joy springing from innocent and
+happy hearts; but these are mere flowers springing from one immortal
+root. In God's Word alone is our safety, there alone our strength and
+our joy; and that may be yours still, my boy, though far away from us,
+and in a little world with interests and temptations of its own. Take
+this little Bible; it has been my constant companion for eighteen years,
+and to none but to yourself would I part with it. If you fear your
+better feelings failing, read it, be guided by it, if at first only for
+the sake of those you love; I do not fear, but that very soon you will
+do so for its own sake. It bears a name within it which I think will
+ever keep it sacred in your care, as it has been in mine."</p>
+
+<p>Edward opened it eagerly, "Charles Manvers!" he exclaimed; "My own
+sailor-uncle, whose memory you have so taught me to love. It is indeed a
+spell, dear aunt, and you shall never regret a gift so precious. But how
+came it yours?"</p>
+
+<p>"He came to me just before starting for his last trip, entreating me to
+exchange Bibles with him, that in our most serious moments we might
+think of each other. It was such an unusually serious speech for him,
+that it seemed to thrill me with a vague forboding, which was only too
+soon realized. I never saw him again; and that little book indeed
+increased in value."</p>
+
+<p>Her voice faltered, for even yet the memory of her brother was so dear
+to her that she could never speak of him without emotion. Edward
+reiterated his eager assurance that it should be equally valuable to
+him, adding&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I have often had strange fancies about uncle Charles, aunt, and longed
+for the command of a ship, to scour the coast of Algiers, and learn
+something more about the Leander. Somehow or other, I never can believe
+he was drowned, and yet to think of him as a slave is terrible."</p>
+
+<p>"And not likely, my dear boy; think of the lapse of years. But painful
+as it is, we must separate, Edward: I must not detain you from rest and
+sleep any longer. Only give me one promise&mdash;if ever you are led into
+temptation and error again, and it may be&mdash;for our strongest resolutions
+sometimes fail us&mdash;write to me without the smallest hesitation, openly,
+freely; tell me all, and if you need aid, ask it, and I will give it;
+and, if it be possible, avert your uncle's displeasure. I have no fear
+that, in telling you this, I am weakening your resolution, but only to
+prevent one fault becoming many by concealment&mdash;from dread of anger, and
+therein the supposed impossibility of amendment. Remember, my beloved
+boy, you have a claim on me which no error nor fault can remove; as,
+under providence, the preserver of my husband, I can <i>never</i> change the
+anxious love I bear you. You may indeed make me very miserable, but I
+know you will not: you <i>will</i> let me look on your noble deed with all
+the love, the admiration, it deserves. Promise me that, under any
+difficulty or error, small or great, you will write to me as you would
+have done to your own beloved mother, and I shall have no fear
+remaining."</p>
+
+<p>Edward did promise, but his heart was so full he could not restrain
+himself any longer, and as Mrs. Hamilton folded him to her heart, in a
+silent but tearful embrace, he wept on her shoulder like a child.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIC" id="CHAPTER_XVIC"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BIRTHDAY GIFT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Brightly and placidly, as the course of their own beautiful river, did
+the days now pass to the inmates of Oakwood. Letters came from Edward so
+frequently, so happily, that hope would rest calmly, joyously, even on
+the thought of him. He never let an opportunity pass, writing always to
+Mrs. Hamilton (which he had scarcely ever done before), and inclosing
+his letters to Ellen open in hers. The tone, the frequency, were so
+changed from his last, that his family now wondered they had been so
+blind before in not perceiving that his very seeming liveliness was
+unnatural and overstrained.</p>
+
+<p>With Ellen, too, Mrs. Hamilton's anxious care was bringing in fair
+promise of success&mdash;the mistaken influences of her childhood, and their
+increased effect from a morbid imagination, produced from constant
+suffering, appearing, indeed, about to be wholly eradicated. Anxious to
+remove all sad associations connected with the library, Mrs. Hamilton
+having determined herself to superintend Ellen's studies, passed long
+mornings in that ancient room with her, so delightfully, that it became
+associated only with the noble authors whose works, or extracts from
+whom, she read and reveled in, and which filled her mind with such new
+thoughts, such expansive ideas, such calming and earnest truths, that
+she felt becoming to herself a new being. Lively and thoughtless as
+Emmeline she could not now indeed become&mdash;alike as their dispositions
+naturally were; but she was more quietly, enduringly happy than she had
+ever remembered her self.</p>
+
+<p>There was only one alloy, one sad thought, that would intrude causing a
+resolution, which none suspected; for, open as she had become, she could
+breathe it to none but Ellis, for she alone could assist her, though it
+required many persuasions and many assurances, that she never could be
+quite happy, unless it was accomplished, which could prevail on her to
+grant it. Ellen knew, felt, more and more each week, that she could not
+rest till she had labored for and obtained, and returned into her aunt's
+hands the full sum she had so involuntarily appropriated. The only means
+she could adopt demanded such a seemingly interminable period of
+self-denial, patience, and perseverance, that at first as Ellis
+represented and magnified all connected with it, she felt as if, indeed,
+she could not nerve herself for the task, much as she desired to perform
+it; but prayer enabled her to face the idea, till it lost its most
+painful aspect, and three months after Edward's departure she commenced
+the undertaking, resolved that neither time nor difficulty should deter
+her from its accomplishment. What her plan was, and whether it
+succeeded, we may not here inform our readers. Should we be permitted to
+resume our History of the Hamilton Family, both will be revealed.</p>
+
+<p>Greatly to Caroline's delight, the following October was fixed for them
+to leave Oakwood, and, after a pleasant tour, to make the long
+anticipated visit to London. There would then be three or four months'
+quiet for her to have the benefit of masters, before she was introduced,
+and Mrs. Hamilton fondly hoped, that the last year's residence at home,
+fraught as it had been with so much of domestic trial, and displaying so
+many hopeful and admirable traits in Caroline's disposition, would have
+lessened the danger of the ordeal of admiration and gayety which she so
+dreaded for her child&mdash;whether it had or not, a future page will
+disclose.</p>
+
+<p>To Emmeline this arrangement was a source of extreme regret,
+individually, in which Ellen now quite sympathized. But Emmeline had
+never forgotten her mother's gentle hint, that too great indulgence of
+regret or sorrow becomes selfishness, and she tried very hard to create
+some anticipation of pleasure, even in London. Ellen would not look to
+pleasure, but merely tried to think about&mdash;and so, when called upon,
+cheerfully to resign that which was now so intensely enjoyable&mdash;her
+studies with her aunt&mdash;and so benefit by them as to give Miss Harcourt
+no trouble when she was again under her care; as she knew she and
+Emmeline must be, more than they had been yet, when Caroline's
+introduction, and their residence in London, would take Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton so much from domestic pursuits and pleasures, and, even when at
+home, compel them to be so frequently engrossed with a large circle of
+friends, and all the variety of claims on their attention and time,
+which a season in London includes.</p>
+
+<p>It was again the 7th of June, and Ellen's birthday. Accustomed from the
+time she became an inmate of Oakwood to regard the anniversary of her
+birth in the same serious light as Mrs. Hamilton had taught her
+cousins&mdash;as a day of quiet reflection, as well as of thankfulness and
+joy, as one that, closing and recommencing another year of their
+individual lives, taught them that they were becoming more and more
+responsible beings&mdash;it was not much wonder that Ellen, the whole of that
+day, should seem somewhat less cheerful than usual. She had indeed had
+many sources of thankfulness and joy during the past year, but a heart
+and mind like hers could not recall its principal event without a return
+of sorrow. Mrs. Hamilton would not notice her now unusual sadness until
+the evening, when perceiving her standing engrossed in thought beside
+one of the widely-opened windows, near which Caroline was watering some
+lovely flowers on the terrace, she gently approached her, and, putting
+her arm round her, said, fondly&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You have thought quite seriously and quite long enough for to-day, my
+dear Ellen; I must not have any more such very silent meditations. That
+there is something to regret in the retrospect of the last year, I
+acknowledge, but you must not let it poison all the sources of
+thankfulness which it brings likewise."</p>
+
+<p>"It was not of my past conduct, I was thinking at this moment, aunt
+Emmeline&mdash;it was&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What, love? tell me without reserve."</p>
+
+<p>"That I never, never can return in the smallest degree all I owe to
+you," replied Ellen, with a sudden burst of emotion, most unusual to her
+controlled and gentle character; "I never can do any thing to evince how
+gratefully, how intensely I feel all the kindness, the goodness you have
+shown me from the first moment you took me to your home&mdash;an unhappy,
+neglected, ailing child, and this year more, more than ever. My own poor
+mother left me in my dangerous illness, and what have you not done to
+give me back not merely physical, but mental health? Day and night you
+watched beside me, forgetting all the care, the misery, my conduct had
+caused you, only thinking, only seeking, to give me back to health and
+happiness. Oh, aunt Emmeline, your very household can evince gratitude
+and love, in the performance of their respective duties&mdash;I can do
+nothing, never can. If I only could."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember the fable of the lion and the mouse, my dear Ellen, and
+Miss Edgeworth's still prettier story on the same subject?" replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, more affected than she chose to betray, though she drew her
+niece closer to her, and kissed her fondly. "I hope I shall never be
+caught in a net, nor exposed to such horrors and danger as poor Madame
+de Fleury in the French Revolution; but for all that, and unlikely as it
+seems now, my dear child, you may have many an opportunity to return all
+that you so gratefully feel you owe me. Do not let any such thought
+worry you; but believe me, when I assure you that affection and
+confidence are the only return I require, united, as they are in you,
+with such an earnest desire, and such persevering efforts to become all
+your best friends can wish you."</p>
+
+<p>She was interrupted by the entrance of Emmeline, with a small parcel in
+her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma, this has just arrived from Exeter for you; with an apologizing
+message from Mr. Bennet, saying, it should have been here last night, as
+he promised, but he could not get the articles from London in time. I am
+so very curious as to what it possibly can be, that I would bring it to
+you myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Any other time I would punish your constant curiosity, Emmeline, by
+refusing to gratify it. I can not do so now, however, for I should
+punish myself as well. I did want it most particularly this morning; but
+I am glad it was not delayed till the day was quite over. Your uncle and
+I did not forget your birthday, my dear Ellen, though it seemed so." And
+opening the parcel as she spoke, a very pretty jewel-case appeared,
+containing the watch, cross, and all the other trinkets Ellen had placed
+in Mrs. Langford's hand, and never had had the courage to inquire for,
+and the few her aunt had kept for her, but so prettily arranged and
+beautifully burnished, that she would scarcely have known them again.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you never feel any curiosity as to the fate of your trinkets, my
+love, that you have never asked about them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I knew they were in better hands than my own," replied Ellen, with a
+quivering lip. "I felt I had no further right to them, after attempting
+to part with them."</p>
+
+<p>"I know there are some very painful associations connected with these
+trinkets, my dear Ellen, and, therefore, I would not return them to your
+own care, till I could add to them a birthday-gift," and, lifting the
+upper tray, she took out a gold chain, and a pair of bracelets of chaste
+and beautiful workmanship&mdash;"that the sad memories of the one may be
+forgotten in the pleasant thoughts of the other. I have only one
+condition to make," she added, in an earnest lower tone, as Ellen tried
+to speak her thanks, but could only cling to her aunt's neck and weep.
+"If ever again you are tempted to dispose of them, dearest, promise me
+to bring them to me, for my valuation first."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall be put into fetters at once, Ellen," said Emmeline joyously,
+as her cousin gave the required promise, so eagerly, that it was
+evident, she felt how much security dwelt in it. "Mamma, make her put
+them on; I want to see if she looks as interesting as Zenobia did in her
+golden chains."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you might find a prettier simile, Emmeline," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, smiling, as she granted her request, by throwing the chain
+round Ellen's neck, and fastening the bracelets on her wrists.</p>
+
+<p>"So I can, and so I will," replied the lively girl, altering, without
+the smallest hesitation, the lines to suit her fancy&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"For thee, <i>rash girl</i>, no suppliant sues;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">For thee may vengeance claim her dues;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Who, nurtured underneath our smile,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Repaid our cares with treacherous wile.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Dishonoring thus thy loyal name,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Fetters and warders <i>thou must claim</i>.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The chain of gold was quick unstrung,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Its links on that <i>fair neck were</i> flung;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then gently drew the glittering band,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And laid the clasp on Ellen's hand."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+<h3>THE END</h3>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> While passing through the press, the scene of the Family
+Tree has been strongly objected to by a valued Christian Friend, as
+being enacted on the Sunday evening. It was too late then to repair the
+error. The author can only express her sincere regret for a fault
+originating in an insufficient knowledge of the Christian feeling toward
+the Sabbath, and most earnestly trusts the error may be pardoned.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> A country dance, the author believes, peculiar to
+Devonshire, for she has never seen it danced elsewhere.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> For this account of Feroe and the Feroese the author is
+indebted to a "History of the Islands, by a Resident."</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> These storms, as occurring in Devonshire, in both January
+and February, are no creation of the imagination; the author has heard
+them herself, and more than one officer in the Preventive Service has
+mentioned them as occurring during the night-watches, and of awful
+violence.</p></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Home Influence, by Grace Aguilar
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Home Influence, by Grace Aguilar
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Home Influence
+       A Tale for Mothers and Daughters
+
+Author: Grace Aguilar
+
+Release Date: July 8, 2011 [EBook #36648]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HOME INFLUENCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Brownfox, Chad Vance, Mary Meehan and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            HOME INFLUENCE:
+
+                                A Tale
+
+                       FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
+
+                           BY GRACE AGUILAR.
+
+
+    NEW EDITION.
+
+    NEW YORK:
+    HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
+    NOS. 329 AND 331 PEARL STREET,
+    (FRANKLIN SQUARE.)
+    1856.
+
+
+
+
+TO MRS. HERBERT TOWNSHEND BOWEN.
+
+MY DEAR FRIEND,
+
+Independent of the personal feelings which urged the dedication of this
+unpretending volume to you, I know few to whom a story illustrative of a
+mother's solemn responsibilities, intense anxiety to fulfill them, and
+deep sense of the Influence of Home could, with more justice, be
+tendered. Simple as is the actual narrative, the sentiments it seeks to
+illustrate, are so associated with you--have been so strengthened from
+the happy hours of unrestrained intercourse I have enjoyed with
+you--that, though I ought, perhaps, to have waited until I could have
+offered a work of far superior merit to a mind like yours, I felt as if
+no story of mine could more completely belong to you. Will you, then,
+pardon the _unintentional_ errors which I fear you, as an earnest
+Protestant, _may_ discern, and accept this little work as a slight
+tribute of the warm affection and sincere esteem with which you have
+been so long regarded by
+
+Your truly attached Friend,
+
+GRACE AGUILAR.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+The following story will, the author trusts, sufficiently illustrate its
+title to require but few words in the way of preface. She is only
+anxious to impress two facts on the minds of her readers. The one--that
+having been brought before the public principally as the author of
+Jewish works, and as an explainer of the Hebrew Faith, some Christian
+mothers might fear that the present Work has the same tendency, and
+hesitate to place it in the hands of their children. She, therefore,
+begs to assure them, that as a simple domestic story, the characters in
+which are all Christians, believing in and practicing that religion, all
+_doctrinal_ points have been most carefully avoided, the author seeking
+only to illustrate the spirit of true piety, and the virtues always
+designated as the Christian virtues thence proceeding. Her sole aim,
+with regard to Religion, has been to incite a train of serious and
+loving thought toward God and man, especially toward those with whom He
+has linked us in the precious ties of parent and child, brother and
+sister, master and pupil.
+
+The second point she is desirous to bring forward is her belief, that
+in childhood and youth the _spoken_ sentiment is one of the safest
+guides to individual character; and that if, therefore, she have written
+more conversation than may appear absolutely necessary for the
+elucidation of "Home Influence," or the interest of the narrative, it is
+from no wish to be diffuse, but merely to illustrate her own belief.
+SENTIMENT is the vehicle of THOUGHT, and THOUGHT the origin of ACTION.
+Children and youth have very seldom the power to evince character by
+action, and scarcely if ever understand the mystery of thought; and
+therefore their unrestrained conversation may often greatly aid parents
+and teachers in acquiring a correct idea of their natural disposition,
+and in giving hints for the mode of education each may demand.
+
+Leaving the beaten track of works written for the young, the author's
+aim has been to assist in the education of the HEART, believing that of
+infinitely greater importance than the mere instruction of the MIND, for
+the bright awakening of the latter, depends far more on the happy
+influences of the former than is generally supposed.
+
+The _moral_ of the following story the author acknowledges is addressed
+to mothers only, for on them so much of the responsibility of Home
+Influence devolves. On them, more than on any other, depends the
+well-doing and happiness, or the error and grief, not of childhood
+alone, but of the far more dangerous period of youth. A Preface is not
+the place to enter on their mission. The author's only wish is to _aid_
+by the thoughts, which in some young mothers, anxious and eager to
+perform their office, her story _may_ excite. To daughters also, she
+hopes it may not be found entirely useless, for on them rests so much of
+the happiness of home, in the simple thought of, and attention to those
+little things which so bless and invigorate domestic life. Opportunities
+to evince the more striking virtues woman may never have, but for the
+cultivation and performance of the lesser, they are called upon each
+day.
+
+CLAPTON, _January, 1847_.
+
+
+
+
+MEMOIR OF GRACE AGUILAR.
+
+
+Grace Aguilar was born at Hackney, June 2d, 1816. She was the eldest
+child and only daughter of Emanuel Aguilar, one of those merchants
+descended from the Jews of Spain, who, almost within the memory of man,
+fled from persecution in that country, and sought and found an asylum in
+England.
+
+The delicate frame and feeble health observable in Grace Aguilar
+throughout her life displayed itself from infancy; from the age of three
+years, she was almost constantly under the care of some physician, and,
+by their advice, annually spending the summer months by the sea, in the
+hope of rousing and strengthening a naturally fragile constitution. This
+want of physical energy was, however, in direct contrast to her mental
+powers, which developed early and readily. She learned to read with
+scarcely any trouble, and, when once that knowledge was gained, her
+answer, when asked what she would like for a present, was, invariably,
+"A book," which was read, re-read, and preserved with a care remarkable
+in so young a child. With the exception of eighteen months passed at
+school, her mother was her sole instructress, and both parents took
+equal delight in directing her studies and facilitating her personal
+inspection of all that was curious and interesting in the various
+counties of England to which they resorted for her health.
+
+From the early age of seven she commenced keeping a journal, which was
+continued with scarce any intermission throughout her life. In 1825 she
+visited Oxford, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester, Ross, and Bath, and
+though at that time but nine years old, her father took her to
+Gloucester and Worcester cathedrals, and also to see a porcelain and pin
+manufactory, &c., the attention and interest she displayed on these
+occasions affording convincing proof that her mind was alive to
+appreciate and enjoy what was thus presented to her observation. Before
+she had completed her twelfth year, she ventured to try her powers in
+composition, and wrote a little drama, called Gustavus Vasa, never
+published, and only here recorded as being the first germ of what was
+afterward to become the ruling passion.
+
+In September, 1828, the family went to reside in Devonshire for the
+health of Mr. Aguilar, and there a strong admiration for the beauties
+and wonders of nature manifested itself: she constantly collected
+shells, stones, sea-weed, mosses, &c., in her daily rambles; and, not
+satisfied with admiring their beauty, sedulously procured whatever
+little catechisms or other books on those subjects she could purchase or
+borrow, eagerly endeavoring, by their study, to increase her knowledge
+of their nature and properties.
+
+When she had attained the age of fourteen, her father commenced a
+regular course of instruction for his child, by reading aloud while she
+was employed in drawing, needle-work, &c. History was selected, that
+being the study which now most interested her, and the first work chosen
+was Josephus.
+
+It was while spending a short time at Tavistock, in 1830, that the
+beauty of the surrounding scenery led her to express her thoughts in
+verse. Several small pieces soon followed her first essay, and she
+became extremely fond of this new exercise and enjoyment of her opening
+powers, yet her mind was so well regulated that she never permitted
+herself to indulge in original composition until her duties and her
+studies were all performed.
+
+Grace Aguilar was extremely fond of music; she had learned the piano
+from infancy, and in 1831 commenced the harp. She sang pleasingly,
+preferring English songs, and invariably selecting them for the beauty
+or sentiment of the words; she was also passionately fond of dancing,
+and her cheerful, lively manners in the society of her young friends
+would scarcely have led any to imagine how deeply she felt and pondered
+upon the serious and solemn subjects which afterward formed the labor of
+her life. She seemed to enjoy all, to enter into all, but a keen
+observer would detect the hold that sacred and holy principle ever
+exercised over her lightest act and gayest hour. A sense of duty was
+apparent in the merest trifle, and her following out of the divine
+command of obedience to parents was only equaled by the unbounded
+affection she felt for them. A wish was once expressed by her mother
+that she should not waltz, and no solicitation could afterward tempt
+her. Her mother also required her to read sermons, and study religion
+and the Bible regularly; this was readily submitted to, first as a task,
+but afterward with much delight; for evidence of which we can not do
+better than quote her own words, in one of her religious works:
+
+"This formed into a habit, and persevered in for a life, would in time,
+and without labor or weariness, give the comfort and the knowledge that
+we seek; each year it would become lighter and more blessed; each year
+we should discover something we knew not before, and, in the valley of
+the shadow of death, feel to our heart's core that the Lord our God is
+Truth."--_Women of Israel_, vol. ii., p. 43.
+
+Nor did Grace Aguilar only study religion for her own personal
+observance and profit. She embraced its _principles_ (the principles of
+all creeds) in a widely-extended and truly liberal sense. She carried
+her practice of its holy and benevolent precepts into every minutiae of
+her daily life, doing all the good her limited means would allow,
+finding time in the midst of her own studies, and most varied and
+continual occupations, to work for and instruct her poor neighbors in
+the country, and, while steadily venerating and adhering to her own
+faith, neither inquiring nor heeding the religious opinions of the needy
+whom she succored or consoled. To be permitted to help and comfort she
+considered a privilege and a pleasure; she left the rest to God; and
+thus, bestowing and receiving blessings and smiles from all who had the
+opportunity of knowing her, her young life flowed on in an almost
+uninterrupted stream of enjoyment, until she had completed her
+nineteenth year.
+
+Alas! the scene was soon to change, and trials awaited that spirit
+which, in the midst of sunshine, had so beautifully striven to prepare
+itself a shelter from the storm. The two brothers of Miss Aguilar, whom
+she tenderly loved, left the paternal roof to be placed far from their
+family at school. Her mother's health necessitated a painful and
+dangerous operation; and from that time, for several years, alternate
+hopes and fears, through long and dreary watchings beside the sick-bed
+of that beloved mother, became the portion of her gifted child. But even
+this depressing and arduous change in the duties of her existence did
+not suspend her literary pursuits and labors. She profited by all the
+intervals she could command, and wrote the tale of the "Martyr," the
+"Spirit of Judaism," and "Israel Defended;" the latter translated from
+the French at the earnest request of a friend, and printed only for
+private circulation. The "Magic Wreath," a little poetical work, and the
+first our authoress ever published, dedicated to the Right Honorable the
+Countess of Munster, also appeared about this time.
+
+In the spring of 1835, Grace Aguilar was attacked with measles, and
+never afterward recovered her previous state of health, suffering at
+intervals with such exhausting feelings of weakness as to become,
+without any visible disease, really alarming.
+
+The medical attendants recommended entire rest of mind and body; she
+visited the sea, and seemed a little revived, but anxieties were
+gathering around her horizon, to which it became evidently impossible
+her ardent and active mind could remain passive or indifferent, and
+which recalled every feeling, every energy of her impressible nature
+into action. Her elder brother, who had long chosen music as his
+profession, was sent to Germany to pursue his studies; the younger
+determined upon entering the sea-service. The excitement of these
+changes, and the parting with both, was highly injurious to their
+affectionate sister; and her delight, a few months after, at welcoming
+the sailor boy returned from his first voyage, with all his tales of
+danger and adventure, and his keen enjoyment of the path of life he had
+chosen, together with her struggles to do her utmost to share his walks
+and companionship, contributed yet more to impair her inadequate
+strength.
+
+The second parting was scarcely over ere her father, who had long shown
+symptoms of failing health, became the victim of consumption. He
+breathed his last in her arms; and the daughter, while sorrowing over
+all she had lost, roused herself once more to the utmost, feeling that
+she was the sole comforter beside her remaining parent. Soon after, when
+her brother again returned finding the death of his father he resolved
+not to make his third voyage as a midshipman, but endeavor to procure
+some employment sufficiently lucrative to prevent his remaining a burden
+upon his widowed mother. Long and anxiously did he pursue this object,
+his sister, whose acquaintance with literary and talented persons had
+greatly increased, using all her energy and influence in his behalf, and
+concentrating all the enthusiastic feelings of her nature in inspiring
+him with patience, comfort, and hope, as often as they failed him under
+his repeated disappointments. At length his application was taken up by
+a powerful friend, for her sake; she had the happiness of succeeding,
+and saw him depart at the very summit of his wishes. Repose, which had
+been so long necessary, seemed now at hand; but her nerves had been too
+long and too repeatedly overstrung, and when this task was done the worn
+and weary spirit could sustain no more, and sank under the labor that
+had been imposed upon it.
+
+Severe illness followed; and though it yielded, after a time, to
+skillful remedies and tender care, her excessive languor and severe
+headaches continued to give her family and friends great uneasiness.
+
+During all these demands upon her time, her thoughts, and her health,
+however, the ruling passion neither slumbered nor slept. She completed
+the Jewish Faith, and also prepared Home Influence for the press, though
+very unfit to have taxed her powers so far. Her medical attendant became
+urgent for total change of air and scene, and again strongly interdicted
+_all_ mental exertion; a trip to Frankfort, to visit her elder brother,
+was therefore decided on. In June, 1847, she set out, and bore the
+journey without suffering nearly so much as might have been expected.
+Her hopes were high, her spirits raised; the novelty and interest of her
+first travels on the Continent gave her, for a very transient period, a
+gleam, as it were, of strength. For a week or two she appeared to rally;
+then, again, every exertion became too much for her, every stimulating
+remedy seemed to exhaust her. She was ordered from Frankfort to try the
+baths and mineral waters of Schwalbach, but without success. After a
+stay of six weeks, and persevering with exemplary patience in the
+treatment prescribed, she was one night seized with alarming convulsive
+spasms, so terrible that her family removed her the next morning with
+all speed back to Frankfort, to the house of a family of most kind
+friends, where every attention and care was lavishly bestowed.
+
+In vain. She took to her bed the very day of her arrival, and never rose
+from it again; she became daily weaker, and in three weeks from that
+time her sufferings ceased forever. She was perfectly conscious to
+within less than two hours before her death, and took an affectionate
+leave of her mother and brother. Speech had been a matter of difficulty
+for some time previous, her throat being greatly affected by her malady;
+but she had, in consequence, learned to use her fingers in the manner of
+the deaf and dumb, and almost the last time they moved it was to spell
+upon them, feebly, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."
+
+She was buried in the cemetery of Frankfort, one side of which is set
+apart for the people of her faith. The stone which marks the spot bears
+upon it a butterfly and five stars, emblematic of the soul in heaven,
+and beneath appears the inscription,
+
+     "Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works
+     praise her in the gates."--Prov., ch. xxxi., v. 31.
+
+And thus, 16th of September, 1847, at the early age of thirty-one, Grace
+Aguilar was laid to rest; the bowl was broken, the silver cord was
+loosed. Her life was short, and checkered with pain and anxiety, but she
+strove hard to make it useful and valuable, by employing diligently and
+faithfully the talents with which she had been endowed. Nor did the
+serious view with which she ever regarded earthly existence induce her
+to neglect or despise any occasion of enjoyment, advantage, or sociality
+which presented itself. Her heart was ever open to receive, her hand to
+give.
+
+Inasmuch as she succeeded to the satisfaction of her fellow-beings, let
+them be grateful; inasmuch as she failed, let those who perceive it deny
+her not the meed of praise for her endeavor to open the path she
+believed would lead mankind to practical virtue and happiness, and
+strive to carry out the pure philanthropic principles by which she was
+actuated, and which she so earnestly endeavored to diffuse.
+
+_October, 1849._
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PART I.
+
+THE SISTERS.
+
+I.--A Launch--A Promise--A new Relation
+
+II.--Glimpses into a Child's Heart--A Death-bed
+
+III.--Retrospection--The Lowly sought--The Haughty foiled
+
+IV.--Retrospective--Effects of Coquetry--Obedience and Disobedience
+
+V.--A Heart and Home in England--A Heart and Home in India
+
+VI.--Domestic Discord, and its End
+
+
+PART II.
+
+TRAITS OF CHARACTER.
+
+I.--Youthful Colloquy--Introducing Character
+
+II.--Three English Homes, and their Inmates
+
+III.--Home Scene--Visitors--Childish Meditations
+
+IV.--Varieties
+
+V.--A Young Gentleman in a Passion--A Walk--A Scene of Distress
+
+VI.--Cecil Grahame's Philosophy--An Error, and its Consequences--A
+Mystery and a Confidence
+
+VII.--Mr. Morton's Story--A Confession--A young Pleader--Generosity not
+always Justice
+
+VIII.--An unpleasant Proposal--The Mystery Solved--A Father's Grief from
+a Mother's Weakness--A Father's Joy from a Mother's Influence
+
+IX.--Temptation and Disobedience--Fear--Falsehood and Punishment
+
+X.--Pain and Penitence--Truth Impressed, and Reconciliation--The
+Family-tree
+
+XI.--The Children's Ball
+
+XII.--Effects of Pleasure--The young Midshipman--Ill-temper, Origin and
+Consequences
+
+XIII.--Suspicion--A Parting, a double Grief--Innocence proved--Wrong
+done and Evil confirmed by Doubt
+
+
+PART III.
+
+SIN AND SUFFERING.
+
+I.--Advance and Retrospect
+
+II.--A Letter, and its Consequences
+
+III.--A Summons and a Loss
+
+IV.--The broken Desk
+
+V.--The Culprit and the Judge
+
+VI.--The Sentence, and its Execution
+
+VII.--The Light glimmers
+
+VIII.--The Struggle
+
+IX.--Illness and Remorse
+
+X.--Mistaken Impressions eradicated
+
+XI.--The Loss of the Siren
+
+XII.--Forebodings
+
+XIII.--Forgiveness
+
+XIV.--The Rich and the Poor
+
+XV.--A Home Scene, and a Parting
+
+XVI.--The Birthday Gift
+
+
+
+
+HOME INFLUENCE.
+
+
+
+
+PART I.
+
+THE SISTERS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+A LAUNCH.--A PROMISE.--A NEW RELATION.
+
+
+In a very beautiful part of Wales, between the northern boundaries of
+Glamorgan and the southeastern of Carmarthenshire, there stood, some
+twenty or thirty years ago, a small straggling village. Its locality was
+so completely concealed that the appearance of a gentleman's carriage,
+or, in fact, any vehicle superior to a light spring-cart, was of such
+extremely rare occurence as to be dated, in the annals of Llangwillan,
+as a remarkable event, providing the simple villagers with amusing
+wonderment for weeks.
+
+The village was scattered over the side of a steep and rugged hill; and
+on the east, emerging from a thick hedge of yews and larches, peeped
+forth the picturesque old church, whose tin-coated spire, glittering in
+the faintest sunshine, removed all appearance of gloom from the thick
+trees, and seemed to whisper, whatever darkness lingered round, light
+was always shining there. The churchyard, which the yews and larches
+screened, was a complete natural garden, from the lowly cottage flowers,
+planted by loving hands over many a grassy grave, and so hallowed that
+not a child would pluck them, however tempted by their luxuriance and
+beauty. A pretty cottage, whose white walls were covered with jasmine,
+roses, and honeysuckle, marked the humble residence of the village
+minister, who though in worldly rank only a poor curate, from his
+spiritual gifts deserved a much higher grade.
+
+A gurgling stream ran leaping and sparkling over the craggy hill till it
+formed a deep, wide bed for itself along the road leading to the nearest
+town, embanked on one side by a tall leafy hedge, and on the other by
+rich grass and meadow flowers. By the side of this stream groups of
+village children were continually found, sometimes reaching for some
+particular flower or insect, or floating pieces of wood with a twig
+stuck upright within them as tiny fleets; but this amusement had given
+place the last ten days to the greater excitement of watching the
+progress of a miniature frigate, the workmanship of a young lad who had
+only very lately become an inmate of the village. All had been at length
+completed, sails, ropes, and masts, with a degree of neatness and
+beauty, showing not only ingenuity but observation; and one lovely
+summer evening the ceremony of launching took place. For a few minutes
+she tottered and reeled amid the tiny breakers, then suddenly regained
+her equilibrium and dashed gallantly along. A loud shout burst from the
+group, from all save the owner, a beautiful boy of some twelve years,
+who contented himself with raising his slight figure to its full height,
+and looking proudly and triumphantly round him. One glance would suffice
+to satisfy that his rank in life was far superior to that of his
+companions, and that he condescended from circumstances, not from
+choice, to mingle with them. So absorbed was the general attention that
+the very unusual sound of carriage-wheels was unremarked until close
+beside them, and then so astounding was the sight of a private carriage
+and the coachman's very simple question if that road led to the village,
+that all hung back confused. The owner of the little vessel, however,
+answered proudly and briefly in the affirmative. "And can you direct me,
+my good boy," inquired a lady, looking from the window, and smiling
+kindly at the abashed group "to the residence of Mrs. Fortescue, it is
+out of the village, is it not?"
+
+"Mrs. Fortescue!" repeated the boy eagerly and gladly, and his cap was
+off his head in a moment, and the bright sunshine streamed on a face of
+such remarkable beauty, and withal so familiar, that though the lady
+bent eagerly forward to address him, emotion so choked her voice that
+the lad was enabled to reply to her inquiry, and direct the coachman to
+the only inn of the village, and they had driven off before words
+returned.
+
+The boy looked eagerly after them, then desiring one of his companions
+to meet the lady at the inn, and guide her to the cottage, caught up his
+little vessel, and darted off across some fields which led by a shorter
+cut to the same place.
+
+It was a very humble dwelling, so surrounded by hills that their shadow
+always seemed to overhang it: yet within, the happy temper of a poor
+widow and her daughter kept up a perpetual sunshine. Three weeks
+previous to the evening we have mentioned, a lady and two children had
+arrived at Llangwillan, unable to proceed farther from the severe
+indisposition of the former. They were unattended, and the driver only
+knew that their destination was Swansea; he believed they had been
+shipwrecked off Pembroke, and that the poor lady was very ill when she
+commenced her journey, but the curious inquiries of the villagers could
+elicit nothing more. Mr. Myrvin, with characteristic benevolence,
+devoted himself to insuring, as far as he could, the comfort of the
+invalid; had her removed from the inn to Widow Morgan's cottage,
+confident that there she would at least be nursed with tenderness and
+care, and so near him as to permit his constant watchfulness. But a very
+few days too sadly convinced him, not only that her disease was mortal,
+but that his presence and gentle accents irritated instead of soothed.
+Ill-temper and self-will seemed to increase with the weakness, which
+every day rendered her longing to continue her journey more and more
+futile. It was some days before she could even be persuaded to write to
+the relative she was about to seek, so determined was she that she would
+get well; and when the letter was forwarded, and long before an answer
+could have been received (for twenty years ago there were no railroads
+to carry on epistolary communication as now), fretfulness and
+despondency increased physical suffering, by the determined conviction
+that she was abandoned, her children would be left uncared for. In vain
+Mr. Myrvin assured her of the impossibility yet to receive a reply, that
+the direction might not even have been distinct enough, for her memory
+had failed her in dictating it; she knew she was deserted, she might
+have deserved it, but her Edward was innocent, and it was very hard on
+him. As self-will subsided in physical exhaustion, misery increased. A
+restless torturing remembrance seemed to have taken possession of her,
+which all the efforts of the earnest clergyman were utterly ineffectual
+to remove. She would not listen to the peace he proffered, and so
+painfully did his gentle eloquence appear to irritate instead of calm,
+that he desisted, earnestly praying, that her sister might answer the
+letter in person, and by removing anxiety prepare the mind for better
+thoughts.
+
+One object alone had power to bring something like a smile to that
+altered but still most beautiful countenance, conquer even irritation,
+and still create intervals of pleasure--it was her son, the same
+beautiful boy we have already noticed, and whose likeness to herself was
+so extraordinary that it would have been almost too feminine a beauty,
+had it not been for the sparkling animated expression of every feature,
+and the manly self-possession which characterized his every movement.
+That he should be his mother's idol was not very surprising, for the
+indiscreet and lavish indulgence which had been his from birth, had not
+yet had power to shake his doating fondness for his mother, or interfere
+with her happiness by the visible display of the faults which her
+weakness had engendered. Caressingly affectionate, open-hearted,
+generous, and ever making her his first object, perhaps even a more
+penetrating mother would have seen nothing to dread but all to love. His
+uncontrolled passion at the slightest cross, his haughty pride and
+indomitable will toward all save her, but increased her affection. And
+when he was with her, which he was very often, considering that a sick
+close room would have been utterly repugnant to him had it not contained
+his mother, Mrs. Fortescue was actually happy. But it was a happiness
+only increasing her intensity of suffering when her son was absent. Hide
+it from herself as she might, the truth would press upon her that she
+was dying, and her darling must be left to the care of relations indeed,
+but utter strangers to him, and unlikely to treat him as she had done.
+She knew that he had, what strict disciplinarians, as she chose to
+regard her sister and her husband, would term and treat as serious
+faults, while she felt them actually virtues; and agony for him in the
+dread of what he might be called upon to endure, would deluge her pillow
+with passionate tears, and shake her slight frame as with convulsion.
+
+The day we have mentioned, Edward had been absent longer than usual, and
+toward evening Mrs. Fortescue awoke from a troubled sleep to brood over
+these thoughts, till they had produced their usual effect in tears and
+sobs, the more painful to witness from the increasing physical
+incapacity to struggle with them.
+
+A little girl, between ten and eleven years old, was seated on a low
+wooden stool, half concealed by the coarse curtain of the bed, employed
+in sewing some bright gilt buttons on a blue jacket. It seemed hard work
+for those small, delicate hands; but she did not look up from her task
+till roused by the too familiar sound of her mother's suffering, and
+then, as she raised her head, and flung back the heavy and somewhat
+disordered ringlets, the impulse seemed to be to spring up and try to
+soothe, but a mournful expression quickly succeeded, and she sat several
+minutes without moving. At length, as Mrs. Fortescue's sobs seemed
+almost to suffocate her, the child gently bent over her, saying, very
+timidly, "Dear mamma, shall I call widow Morgan, or can I get any thing
+for you?" and, without waiting for a reply, save the angry negative to
+the first question, she held a glass of water to her mother's lips and
+bathed her forehead. After a few minutes Mrs. Fortescue revived
+sufficiently to inquire where Edward was.
+
+"He has gone down to the stream to launch his little frigate, mamma, and
+asked me to fasten these buttons on his jacket, to make it look like a
+sailor's meanwhile; I do not think he will be very long now."
+
+Mrs. Fortescue made no rejoinder, except to utter aloud those thoughts
+which had caused her previous paroxysm, and her little girl, after a
+very evident struggle with her own painful timidity, ventured to say:
+
+"But why should you fear so much for Edward, dear mamma? Every body
+loves him and admires him, so I am sure my aunt and uncle will."
+
+"Your aunt may for my sake, but she will not love or bear with his
+childish faults as I have done; and your uncle is such a harsh, stern
+man, that there is little hope for his forbearance with my poor Edward.
+And he is so frank and bold, he will not know how even to conceal his
+boyish errors, and he will be punished, and his fine spirit broken, and
+who will be there to shield and soothe him!"
+
+"I may be able sometimes, mamma, and indeed, indeed, I will whenever I
+can," replied her child, with affecting earnestness. "I love him so
+very, very much, and I know he is so much better than I am, that it will
+be very easy to help him whenever I can."
+
+"Will you promise me, Ellen, will you really promise me to shield him,
+and save him from harshness whenever it is in your power," exclaimed
+Mrs. Fortescue, so eagerly, that she half raised herself, and pressed
+Ellen to her with an appearance of affection so unusual, and a kiss so
+warm, that that moment never passed from the child's mind, and the
+promise she gave was registered in her own heart, with a solemnity and
+firmness of purpose little imagined by her mother, who when she demanded
+it, conceived neither its actual purport nor extent; she only felt
+relieved that Edward would have some one by him, to love him and enable
+him to conceal his errors, if he should commit any.
+
+Had she studied and known the character of Ellen as she did that of her
+son, that promise would perhaps never have been asked; nor would she so
+incautiously and mistakenly have laid so great a stress upon
+_concealment_, as the only sure means of guarding from blame. From her
+childhood Mrs. Fortescue had been a creature of passion and impulse, and
+maternity had unhappily not altered one tittle of her character. In what
+manner, or at what cost, Ellen might be enabled to keep that promise,
+never entered her mind. It had never been her wont, even in days of
+health, to examine or reflect, and present weakness permitted only the
+morbid indulgence of one exaggerated thought.
+
+For several minutes she lay quite silent, and Ellen resumed her seat and
+work, her temples throbbing, she knew not why, and a vain longing to
+throw her arms round her mother's neck, and entreat her only for one
+more kiss, one other word of love; and the consciousness that she dared
+not, caused the hot tears to rush into her eyes, and almost blind her,
+but she would not let them fall, for she had learned long ago, that
+while Edward's tears only excited soothing and caresses, hers always
+called forth irritation and reproof.
+
+"Joy, joy! Mother, darling!" exclaimed an eager voice, some minutes
+afterward, and Edward bounded into the room, and throwing himself by his
+mother's side, kissed her pale cheek again and again. "Such joy! My ship
+sailed so beautifully, I quite longed for you to see it, and you will
+one day when you get well and strong again; and I know you will soon
+now, for I am sure aunt Emmeline will very soon come, and then, then,
+you will be so happy, and we shall all be happy again!"
+
+Mrs. Fortescue pressed him closer and closer to her, returning his
+kisses with such passionate fondness, that tears mingled with them, and
+fell upon his cheek.
+
+"Don't cry, mamma, dear! indeed, indeed, my aunt will soon come. Do you
+know I think I have seen her and spoken to her, too?"
+
+"Seen her, Edward? You mean you have dreamed about her, and so fancy you
+have seen her;" but the eager, anxious look she fixed upon him evinced
+more hope than her words.
+
+"No, no, mamma; as we were watching my ship, a carriage passed us, and a
+lady spoke to me, and asked me the way to the cottage where you lived,
+and I am sure it is aunt Emmeline from her smile."
+
+"It can not be," murmured his mother, sadly; "unless--" and her
+countenance brightened. "Did she speak to you, Edward, as if she knew
+you, recognized you, from your likeness to me?"
+
+"No, mamma, there was no time, the carriage drove off again so quickly;
+but, hush! I am sure I hear her voice down stairs," and he sprung up
+from the bed and listened eagerly. "Yes, yes, I am right, and she is
+coming up; no, it's only widow Morgan, but I am sure it is my aunt by
+your face," he added, impatiently, as Mrs. Morgan tried by signs to beg
+him to be more cautious, and not to agitate his mother. "Why don't you
+let her come up?" and springing down the whole flight of stairs in two
+bounds, he rushed into the little parlor, caught hold of the lady's
+dress, and exclaimed, "You are my aunt, my own dear aunt; do come up to
+mamma, she has been wanting you so long, so very long, and you will make
+her well, dear aunt, will you not?"
+
+"Oh, that I may be allowed to do so, dear boy!" was the painfully
+agitated reply, and she hastened up the stairs.
+
+But to Edward's grief and astonishment, so little was he conscious of
+his mother's exhausted state, the sight of his aunt, prepared in some
+measure as she was, seemed to bring increase of suffering instead of
+joy. There was a convulsive effort for speech, a passionate return of
+her sister's embrace, and she fainted. Edward in terror flung himself
+beside her, entreating her not to look so pale, but to wake and speak to
+him. Ellen, with a quickness and decision, which even at that moment
+caused her aunt to look at her with astonishment, applied the usual
+restoratives, evincing no unusual alarm, and a careless observer might
+have said, no feeling; but it was only a momentary thought which Mrs.
+Hamilton could give to Ellen, every feeling was engrossed in the deep
+emotion with which she gazed on the faded form and altered face of that
+still beloved though erring one: who, when she had last beheld her,
+thirteen years previous, was bright, buoyant, lovely as the boy beside
+them. Her voice yet, more than the proffered remedies, seemed to recall
+life, and after a brief interval the choking thought found words.
+
+"My father! my father! Oh, Emmeline I know that he is dead! My
+disobedience, my ingratitude for all his too indulgent love, killed
+him--I know it did. But did he curse me, Emmeline? did all his love turn
+to wrath, as it ought to have done? did--"
+
+"Dearest Eleanor," replied Mrs. Hamilton, with earnest tenderness,
+"dismiss such painful thoughts at once; our poor father did feel your
+conduct deeply, but he forgave it, would have received your husband,
+caressed, loved you as before, had you but returned to him; and so loved
+you to the last moment, that your name was the last word upon his lips.
+But this is no subject for such youthful auditors," she continued,
+interrupting herself, as she met Edward's bright eyes fixed wonderingly
+upon her face, and noticed the excessive paleness of Ellen's cheek. "You
+look weary, my love," she said, kindly, drawing her niece to her, and
+affectionately kissing her. "Edward has made his own acquaintance with
+me, why did you not do so too? But go now into the garden for a little
+while, I am sure you want fresh air, and I will take your place as nurse
+mean while. Will you trust me?"
+
+And the kind smile which accompanied her words gave Ellen courage to
+return her kiss, but she left the room without speaking. Edward required
+more persuasion; and the moment he was permitted he returned, seated
+himself on a stool at his aunt's feet, laid his head on her lap, and
+remained for nearly an hour quite silent, watching with her the calm
+slumbers which had followed the agitating conversation between them.
+Mrs. Hamilton was irresistibly attracted toward him, and rather wondered
+that Ellen should stay away so long. She did not know that Edward had
+spent almost the whole of that day in the joyous sports natural to his
+age, and that it had been many weary days and nights since Ellen had
+quitted her mother's room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+GLIMPSES INTO A CHILD'S HEART.--A DEATHBED.
+
+
+On leaving the cottage, Ellen hastily traversed the little garden, and
+entered a narrow lane, leading to Mr. Myrvin's dwelling. Her little
+heart was swelling high within her, and the confinement she had endured,
+the constant control she exercised for fear she should add to her
+mother's irritation, combined with the extreme delicacy of natural
+constitution, had so weakened her, as to render the slightest exertion
+painful. She had been so often reproved as fretful and ill-tempered,
+whenever in tears, that she always checked and concealed them. She had
+been so frequently told that she did not know what affection was, that
+she was so inanimate and cold, that though she did not understand the
+actual meaning of the words, she believed she was different to any one
+else, and was unhappy without knowing why. Compared with her brother,
+she certainly was neither a pretty nor an engaging child. Weakly from
+her birth, her residence in India had increased constitutional delicacy,
+and while to a watchful eye the expression of her countenance denoted
+constant suffering, the heedless and superficial observer would
+condemn it as peevishness, and so unnatural to a young child, that
+nothing but confirmed ill-temper could have produced it. The soft,
+beautifully-formed black eye was too large for her other features, and
+the sallowness of her complexion, the heavy tresses of very dark hair,
+caused her to be remarked as a very plain child, which in reality she
+was not. Accustomed to hear beauty extolled above every thing else,
+beholding it in her mother and brother, and imagining it was Edward's
+great beauty that always made him so beloved and petted, an
+evil-disposed child would have felt nothing but envy and dislike toward
+him. But Ellen felt neither. She loved him devotedly; but that any one
+could love her, now that the only one who ever had--her idolized
+father--was dead, she thought impossible.
+
+Why her heart and temples beat so quickly as she left her mother's
+room--why the promise she had so lately made should so cling to her
+mind, that even her aunt's arrival could not remove it--why she felt so
+giddy and weak as to render walking painful, the poor child could not
+have told, but, unable at length to go farther, she sat down on a grassy
+bank, and believing herself quite alone, cried bitterly. Several minutes
+passed and she did not look up, till a well-known voice inquired:--
+
+"Dear Ellen, what is the matter? What has happened to grieve you so
+to-day? won't you tell me?"
+
+"Indeed, indeed, I do not know, dear Arthur; I only feel--feel--as if I
+had not so much strength as I had a few days ago--and, and I could not
+help crying."
+
+"You are not well, Ellen," replied her companion, a fine lad of sixteen,
+and Mr. Myrvin's only son. "You are looking paler than I ever saw you
+before; let me call my father. You know he is always pleased when he
+sees you, and he hoped you would have been to us before to-day; come
+with me to him now."
+
+"No, Arthur, indeed I can not; he will think I have forgotten all he
+said to me the last time I saw him, and, indeed, I have not--but I--I do
+not know what is the matter with me to-day."
+
+And, in spite of all her efforts to restrain them, the tears would burst
+forth afresh; and Arthur, finding all his efforts at consolation
+ineffectual, contented himself with putting his arm round her and
+kissing them away. A few minutes afterward his father appeared.
+
+"In tears, my dear Ellen!" he said, kindly; "your mother is not worse, I
+hope?"
+
+"I do not know, sir," replied the child, as well as her tears would
+permit; "she has been very ill just now, for her faint was longer than
+usual."
+
+"Did any thing particular occasion it?"
+
+"I think it was seeing my aunt. Mamma was very much agitated before and
+afterward."
+
+"Mrs. Hamilton has arrived then! I am rejoiced to hear it," replied Mr.
+Myrvin, gladly. Then sitting down by Ellen, he took one of her hands in
+his, and said, kindly, "Something has grieved my little girl this
+evening; I will not ask what it is, because you may not like to tell me;
+but you must not imagine evils, Ellen. I know you have done, and are
+doing, the duty of a good, affectionate child, nursing your suffering
+mother, bearing with intervals of impatience, which her invalid state
+occasions, and giving up all your own wishes to sit quietly by her. I
+have not seen you, my child, but I know those who have, and this has
+pleased me, and, what is of much more consequence, it proves you have
+not forgotten all I told you of your Father in Heaven, that even a
+little child can try to love and serve Him."
+
+"But have you not told me those who are good are always happy?" inquired
+Ellen; "then I can not be good, though indeed I try to be so, for I do
+not think I am happy, for I can never laugh and sing and talk as Edward
+does."
+
+"You are not in such strong health as your brother, my dear little girl,
+and you have had many things to make you unhappy, which Edward has not.
+But you must try and remember that even if it please God that sometimes
+you should be more sorrowful than other children, He loves you
+notwithstanding. I am sure you have not forgotten the story of Joseph
+that I told you a few Sundays ago. God so loved him, as to give him the
+power of foretelling future events, and enabling him to do a great deal
+of good, but when he was taken away from his father and sold as a slave
+and cast into prison among cruel strangers, he could not have been very
+happy, Ellen. Yet still, young as he was, little more than a child in
+those days, and thrown among those who did not know right from wrong, he
+remembered all that his father had taught him, and prayed to God, and
+tried to love and obey Him; and God was pleased with him, and gave him
+grace to continue good, and at last so blessed him, as to permit him to
+see his dear father and darling brother again."
+
+"But Joseph was his father's favorite child," was Ellen's sole
+rejoinder; and the tears which were checked in the eagerness with which
+she had listened, seemed again ready to burst forth. "He must have been
+happy when he thought of that."
+
+"I do not think so, my dear Ellen," replied Mr. Myrvin, more moved than
+he chose to betray, "for being his father's favorite first excited the
+dislike and envy of his brothers, and caused them to wish to send him
+away. There was no excuse indeed for their conduct; but perhaps if
+Joseph had always remained near his father he might have been spoiled by
+too great indulgence, and never become as good as he afterward was.
+Perhaps in his solitary prison he might even have regretted that his
+father had not treated them all alike, as then the angry feelings of his
+brothers would not have been called forth. So you see, being a favorite
+will not always make us happy, Ellen. It is indeed very delightful to be
+loved and caressed, and if we try to do our duty and love as much as we
+can, even if we are not sure of being loved at first, we may be quite
+certain that we shall be loved and happy at last. Do you understand me,
+my child?"
+
+The question was almost needless, for Ellen's large eyes had never moved
+from his face, and their expression was so full of intelligence and
+meaning, that the whole countenance seemed lighted up. "Then do you
+think mamma will recover?" she eagerly exclaimed; "will she ever love
+me?--oh, if I thought so, I could never, never be naughty again!"
+
+"She will love you, my dear Ellen," replied Mr. Myrvin, now visibly
+affected, "I can not, I dare not tell you that she will recover to love
+you on earth, but if indeed it be God's will that she should go to Him,
+she will look down on you from Heaven and love you far more than she has
+done yet, for she will know then how much you love her."
+
+"And will she know if I do all she wishes--if I love and help Edward?"
+asked Ellen, in a low, half-frightened voice; and little did Mr. Myrvin
+imagine how vividly and how indelibly his reply was registered in the
+child's memory.
+
+"It is a question none can answer positively, Ellen, but it is my own
+firm belief, that the beloved ones we have lost are permitted to watch
+over and love us still, and that they see us, and are often near us,
+though we can not see them. But even to help Edward," he continued
+somewhat anxiously, "you must not be tempted--"
+
+He was interrupted by the appearance of a stranger, who addressing him
+courteously, apologized for his intrusion, and noticing the children,
+inquired if both were his.
+
+Mr. Myrvin replied that he could only lay claim to one; the little girl
+was Miss Fortescue.
+
+"And my name is Hamilton, so I think I have an uncle's privilege," was
+the reply; and Ellen, to her astonishment, received an affectionate
+embrace from the unknown relative, whom her mother's ill-judged words
+had taught her actually to dread. Mr. Myrvin gladly welcomed him, and,
+in the interest of the conversation which followed, forgot the lesson he
+had been so anxious to impress upon Ellen. Arthur accompanied her to the
+garden gate, and the gentlemen soon afterward entered the cottage
+together.
+
+Days merged into weeks, and still Mrs. Fortescue lingered; but her
+weakness increasing so painfully from alternate fever and exhaustion
+that to remove her was impossible. It was the first time that Mrs.
+Hamilton had ever been separated from her children, and there were many
+disagreeables attendant on nursing a beloved invalid in that confined
+cottage; and with only those little luxuries and comforts that could be
+procured (and even these were obtained with difficulty, for the nearest
+town was twenty miles distant), but not a selfish or repining thought
+entered Mrs. Hamilton's mind. It was filled with thankfulness, not only
+that she was permitted thus to tend a sister, whom neither error, nor
+absence, nor silence could estrange from her heart, but that she was
+spared long enough for her gentle influence and enduring love to have
+some effect in changing her train of thought, calming that fearful
+irritability, and by slow degrees permitting her to look with
+resignation and penitent hope to that hour which no human effort could
+avert. That Mr. Myrvin should seek Mrs. Hamilton's society and delight
+in conversing with her, Mrs. Fortescue considered so perfectly natural,
+that the conversations which took place in her sick room, whenever she
+was strong enough to bear them, excited neither surprise nor impatience.
+Different as she was, willfully as she had always neglected the mild
+counsels and example of her sister, the years of separation and but too
+often excited self-reproach had fully awakened her to Mrs. Hamilton's
+superiority. She had never found any one at all like her--so good and
+holy, yet so utterly unassuming; and the strong affection, even the deep
+emotion in one usually so controlled, with which her sister had met her,
+naturally increased these feelings.
+
+"Ah, you and Emmeline will find much to converse about," had been her
+address to Mr. Myrvin, on his first introduction to Mrs. Hamilton. "Talk
+as much as you please, and do not mind me. With Emmeline near me, I can
+restrain irritability which must have frightened you away. I know she is
+right. Oh, would to God I had always been like her!" and the suffering
+betrayed in the last words was a painful contrast with the lightness of
+her previous tone.
+
+Mr. Myrvin answered soothingly, and for the first time his words were
+patiently received. From listening listlessly, Mrs. Fortescue, by slow
+degrees, became interested in the conversations between him and Mr. and
+Mrs. Hamilton, and so a change in sentiments was gradually wrought,
+which by any other and harsher method of proceeding would have been
+sought for in vain.
+
+One evening as Mrs. Hamilton sat watching the faded countenance of her
+patient, and recalling those days of youth and buoyancy, when it seemed
+as if neither death nor care could ever have assailed one so bright and
+lovely, Edward, before he sought his favorite stream, threw his arms
+round her neck, and pressed his rosy lips on her cheek, as thus to wish
+her good-by.
+
+"He will repay you for all your care, dearest Emmeline," his mother
+said, with a heavy sigh, as he left the room; "I know he has what you
+and your husband will think faults, but, oh, for my sake, do not treat
+him harshly; his noble spirit will be broken if you do!"
+
+"Dearest Eleanor, dismiss all such fears. Am I not a mother equally with
+yourself? and do you think when your children become mine I shall show
+any difference between them and my own? You would trust me even in
+former years, surely you will trust me now?"
+
+"Indeed, indeed, I do; you were always kind and forbearing with me, when
+I little deserved it. But my poor Edward, it is so hard to part with
+him, and he loves me so fondly!" and a few natural tears stole down her
+cheek.
+
+"And he shall continue to love you dearest Eleanor; and oh, believe me,
+all that you have been to him I will be. I have won the devoted
+affection of all my own darlings, and I do not fear to gain the love of
+yours; and then it will be an easy task to make them happy as my own."
+
+"Edward's love you will very quickly obtain, if it be not yours already;
+but Ellen you will have more trouble with. She is a strange, cold,
+unlovable child."
+
+"Are the dispositions of your children so unlike? I should not have
+fancied Ellen cold; she is timid, but that I thought would wear off when
+she knew me better."
+
+"It is not timidity; I never knew her otherwise than cold and reserved
+from her birth. I never could feel the same toward her as I did toward
+Edward, and therefore there must be something in Ellen to prevent it."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton did not think so, but she answered gently, "Are you quite
+sure, my dear Eleanor, that you have equally studied the characters of
+both your children? because you know there are some cases which require
+more study and carefulness than others."
+
+"I never was fond of studying any thing, Emmeline, as you may remember,"
+replied Mrs. Fortescue, painfully trying to smile, "and therefore I dare
+say I have not studied my children as you have yours. Besides, you know
+I always thought, and still think, the doctrine of mothers forming the
+characters of their children, and all that good people say about the
+importance of early impressions, perfectly ridiculous. The disposition
+for good or bad, loving or unloving, is theirs from the moment of their
+birth, and what human efforts can alter that? Why, the very infancy of
+my children was different; Edward was always laughing, and animated, and
+happy; Ellen fretful and peevish, and so heavy that she never seemed
+even to know when I entered the room, while Edward would spring into my
+arms, and shout and laugh only to see me. Now what conduct on my part
+could have done this? Surely I was justified in feeling differently
+toward such opposite dispositions; and I know I never made more
+difference between them than--than papa did between us, Emmeline, and I
+have had greater reason to be partial; you were always better than I
+was."
+
+She ceased, from exhaustion, but the flush which had risen to her
+temples, and the trembling hands evinced the agitation always called for
+by the mention of her father, which Mrs. Hamilton, with earnest
+tenderness, endeavored to soothe.
+
+"I must speak, Emmeline," she continued, natural impetuosity for the
+moment regaining ascendency; "how did I repay my fond father's
+partiality? his too great indulgence? Did I not bring down his gray
+hairs with sorrow to the grave? Did I not throw shame and misery upon
+him by my conduct to the ill-fated one he had chosen for my husband? Did
+I not?--oh, my God, my God! Death may indeed be merciful!--my Edward
+might do the same by me!" and, shuddering violently, she hid her face on
+her sister's bosom.
+
+It was long before Mrs. Hamilton could calm that fearful agitation, long
+before her whispered words of heavenly hope, and peace, and pardon--if
+indeed she believed--could bring comfort; but they did at length, and
+such fearful paroxysms returned at longer and longer intervals, and at
+length ceased, in the deep submission and clinging trust to which she
+was at last permitted to attain. Though Mrs. Hamilton was detained six
+weeks at Llangwillan, her devoted attendance on her sister prevented any
+thing more than occasional observation of the children so soon about to
+be committed to her care. That Edward was most engaging, and riveted her
+affection at once, and that Ellen was unlike any child she had ever
+known or seen, she could not but feel, but she was not one to decide on
+a mere feeling. Her present mournful task prevented all actual
+interference with them, except the endeavor by kindly notice to win
+their confidence and love. His mother's illness and his uncle's
+presence, besides, for the present, his perfect freedom with regard to
+employment, had deprived Edward of all inclination to rebel or exert his
+self-will, and Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton both felt that he certainly had
+fewer faults, than was generally the consequence of unlimited
+indulgence. Whether Ellen's extreme attention to her mother, her silent
+but ever ready help when her aunt required it, proceeded from mere cold
+duty, or really had its origin in affection, Mrs. Hamilton could not
+satisfactorily decide. Her sister had avowed partiality, but that
+neglect and unkindness could have been shown to such an extent by a
+mother as to create the cold exterior she beheld, was so utterly
+incomprehensible, so opposed to every dictate of maternal love, which
+she knew so well, that she actually could not even imagine it. She could
+believe in the possibility of a preference for one child more than
+another, but not in utter neglect and actual dislike. She could imagine
+that Ellen's love for her mother might be less warm than Edward's,
+believing, as she did, that a parent must call for a child's affection,
+not be satisfied with leaving all to Nature; but if it were not love
+that dictated Ellen's conduct, it was strange and almost unnatural, and
+so unpleasing, that so young a child should have such an idea of duty.
+But these were only passing thoughts; cost what trouble it might, Mrs.
+Hamilton determined she would understand her niece as she did her own
+children.
+
+But though to her Ellen was a riddle, to her sister Nature was resuming
+her sway, too late, alas! for all, save the mother's own reproaches. Her
+weakness had become such that days would pass when speech, save a few
+whispered words, was impossible; but she would gaze upon her child, as
+hour after hour she would sit by the bed, resisting all Edward's
+entreaties, and sometimes even her aunt's to go and play, and long to
+fold her to her heart, and confess she had been cruelly unjust, and that
+she did love her now almost as much as Edward, but she was much too weak
+to do more than feel. And Ellen remained unconscious of the change,
+except that now and then, as she would bring her nourishment or bend
+over to bathe her forehead, her mother would, as if involuntarily, kiss
+her cheek and murmur some caressing word. And Ellen longed to cling to
+her neck and say how much she loved her, but she did not dare and she
+would hurry out of the room to conceal her tears, instead of returning
+the caress, thus unhappily confirming the idea of natural coldness.
+
+Even the comfort of sitting by her mother was at length denied her. Mrs.
+Fortescue became so alarmingly and painfully ill, that Mrs. Hamilton
+felt it an unnecessary trial for her children to witness it, especially
+as they could be no comfort to her, for she did not know them. The
+evening of the fourth day she recovered sufficiently to partake of the
+sacrament with her sister and Mr. Hamilton, and then entreat that her
+children might be brought to her. She felt herself, what the physician
+had imparted to her sister, that the recovery of her senses would in all
+human probability be followed in a few hours by death, and her last
+thoughts were on them.
+
+Edward, full of glee at being permitted to see her again, bounded
+joyfully into the room, but the fearful change in that beloved face so
+startled and terrified him, that he uttered a loud cry, and throwing
+himself beside her, sobbed upon her bosom. Mrs. Fortescue was fearfully
+agitated, but she conjured her sister not to take him from her, and her
+heavy eyes wandered painfully round the room in search of Ellen.
+
+"Come to me, Ellen, I have done you injustice, my sweet child," she
+murmured in a voice that Ellen never in her life forgot, and she clung
+to her in silent agony. "I have not done my duty to you, I know--I feel
+I have not, and it is too late now to atone. I can only pray God to
+bless you, and raise you up a kinder parent than I have been! Bless,
+bless you both." Faintness overpowered her, and she lay for several
+minutes powerless, in Mrs. Hamilton's arms. Edward, in passionate grief,
+refused to stir from the bed; and Ellen, almost unconsciously, sunk on
+her knees by Mr. Myrvin.
+
+"My own sister, bless you--for all you have been to me--all you will be
+to my children--may they repay you better than I have done, Emmeline!
+You are right, there is but one hope, our Saviour, for the sinner--it is
+mine--" were the broken sentences that, in a voice which was scarcely
+audible, and uttered at long intervals, escaped Mrs. Fortescue's lips,
+and then her head sunk lower on Mrs. Hamilton's bosom, and there was a
+long, long silence, broken only by Edward's low and half-suffocated
+sobs. And he knew not, guessed not, the grief that was impending. He
+only felt that his mother was worse, not better, as he had believed she
+would and must be, when his aunt arrived. He had never seen death,
+though Ellen had and he had passionately and willfully refused either to
+listen or to believe in his uncle's and Mr. Myrvin's gentle attempts to
+prepare him for his loss. Terrified at the continued silence, at the
+cold heavy feel of his mother's hand, as, when Mr. Myrvin and the widow
+gently removed her from the still-supporting arm of Mrs. Hamilton, it
+fell against his, he started up, and clinging to his aunt, implored her
+to speak to him, to tell him why his mother looked so strange and white,
+her hand felt so cold, and why she would not speak to and kiss him, as
+she always did, when he was grieved.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton raised her head from her husband's shoulder, and
+struggling with her own deep sorrow, she drew her orphan nephew closer
+to her, and said, in a low, earnest voice, "My Edward, did you not hear
+your mother pray God to bless you?"
+
+The child looked at her inquiringly.
+
+"That good God has taken her to Himself, my love; He has thought it
+better to remove her from us, and take her where she will never know
+pain nor illness more."
+
+"But she is lying there," whispered Edward, in a frightened voice, and
+half hiding his face in his aunt's dress, "she is not taken away. Why
+will she not speak to me?"
+
+"She can not speak, my sweet boy! the soul which enabled her to speak,
+and smile, and live, was God's gift, and it has pleased Him to recall
+it."
+
+"And will she never, never speak to me again? will she never kiss
+me--never call me her own darling, beautiful Edward again?" he almost
+screamed in passionate grief, as the truth at length forced itself upon
+him. "Mamma, mamma, my own dear, pretty, good mamma, oh! do not go away
+from me--or let me go with you--let me die too; no one will love me and
+kiss me as you have done." And even the natural awe and terror of death
+gave way before his grief; he clung to the body of his mother so
+passionately, so convulsively, that it required actual force to remove
+him. And for hours his aunt and sister watched over and tried to soothe
+and comfort him in vain; he would only rouse himself angrily to ask
+Ellen how she could know what he felt; she had never loved their mother
+as he had--she did not know what he had lost--she could not feel as he
+did, and then relapse into tears and sobs. Ellen did not attempt reply.
+She thought, if it were such pain to her to lose her mother, who had
+only the last few weeks evinced affection for her, it must indeed be
+still more suffering to him; and though his angry words grieved and hurt
+her (for she knew she did love her mother most fondly, her idea of her
+own extreme inferiority acquitted her unconsciously of all injustice
+toward her, and made her believe that she had loved Edward best only
+because he was so much better than herself), his very grief caused her
+to love and admire him still more, and to believe that she really did
+not feel as much as he did. And yet before they quitted Llangwillan,
+which they did the second day after Mrs. Fortescue's funeral, Edward
+could laugh and talk as usual--except when any object recalled his
+mother; and poor Ellen felt that though she had fancied she was not
+happy before, she was much more unhappy now. Her fancy naturally vivid,
+and rendered more so from her having been left so much to herself, dwelt
+morbidly on all that had passed in her mother's illness, on every
+caress, every unusual word of affection, and on Mr. Myrvin's assurance
+that she would love her in Heaven; the promise she had made to love and
+help Edward returned to her memory again and again, and each time with
+the increased determination to keep it solemnly. It was not for her
+mother's sake alone, and connected only with her; perhaps, had it not
+been for the careful instructions of her father, whom, as we shall
+presently see, she had cause almost to idolize, Ellen might have become
+indifferent to her mother and envious of Edward. But his repeated
+instructions, under all circumstances to love, cherish, and obey her
+mother had been indelibly engraved, and heightened natural feeling. She
+believed that to keep the promise, which had so evidently pleased her
+mother, would be also obeying her father, and this double incentive gave
+it a weight and consequence, which, could Mrs. Hamilton have known it,
+would have caused her great anxiety, and urged its removal. But Ellen
+had been too long accustomed to hide every thought and feeling to betray
+that which, child as she was, she believed sacred between herself and
+her mother. Mrs. Hamilton watched her in silence, and trusted to time
+and care to do their work; and by enabling her to understand her
+character, permit her to guide it rightly.
+
+The morning of their intended departure was bright and sunny, and before
+even widow Morgan was moving, Ellen had quitted her little bed and was
+in the churchyard by her mother's grave. She sat there thinking so
+intently, that she did not know how time passed, till she was roused by
+her favorite Arthur Myrvin's voice.
+
+"Up so early, Ellen, why, I thought I should have been first, to show
+you I had not forgotten my promise." And he displayed some choice
+flower-roots, which he commenced planting round the grave.
+
+"Dear Arthur, how very kind you are; but you look so sad--what is the
+matter? Does not Mr. Myrvin like you to do this--pray don't, then."
+
+"No, no, Ellen, my father said I was right, and that he would take care
+of the flowers also himself. I am only sorry you are going away, and to
+live so differently to what we do--you will quite forget me."
+
+"Indeed, indeed I shall not, dear Arthur; I can never forget those who
+have been so kind to me as you and dear Mr. Myrvin. I would much rather
+stay here always with you, than go among strangers again, but I heard my
+aunt say last night, that perhaps Mr. Myrvin would let you come and see
+us sometimes--and you will like that, will you not?" Arthur did not seem
+quite sure whether he would like it or not; but they continued talking
+till his task was completed, and Arthur, at Ellen's earnest request, for
+she suddenly feared her aunt would be displeased at her having staid out
+so long, returned with her to the cottage; the silent kiss, however,
+which she received, when Arthur explained what had detained them,
+reassured her, and bound her yet closer to the kind relative, whom, if
+timidity had permitted, she would already have so loved.
+
+The novelty of his situation, the rapid and pleasant movement of his
+uncle's carriage, the idea of the new relations he was about to meet,
+and an unconfessed but powerful feeling of his own increased consequence
+in being so nearly connected with wealth and distinction, all had their
+effect upon Edward, and his eye sparkled and his cheek glowed, as if all
+sorrow had entirely passed away; not that he had ceased to think of his
+mother, for the least reference to her would fill his eyes with tears
+and completely check his joy--but still delight predominated. Ellen felt
+more and more the wish to shrink into her self, for the farther they
+left Llangwillan, the more painfully she missed Mr. Myrvin and his son,
+and the more she shrunk from encountering strangers. Edward she knew
+would speedily find companions to love, and to be loved by, and he would
+think still less of her. Her aunt would soon be surrounded by her own
+children, and then how could she expect to win her love? And Ellen
+looked intently and silently out from the carriage-window--her uncle
+believed on the many-flowered hedge and other objects of interest by
+which they passed--his wife imagined to hide a tear that trembled in her
+eyes, but which she had determined should not fall.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+RETROSPECTION.--THE LOWLY SOUGHT.--THE HAUGHTY FOILED.
+
+
+In order clearly to understand the allusions of the previous chapters,
+and the circumstances which had formed the different characters of Mrs.
+Hamilton and Mrs. Fortescue, it will be necessary to take a
+retrospective glance on their early lives. Should it be uninteresting to
+the more youthful of our readers, we will beg them to proceed at once to
+"Traits of Character," but to their elder relatives, we hope the matter
+will prove of sufficient interest to obtain perusal.
+
+Emmeline and Eleanor Manvers were the daughters of Lord Delmont, a
+nobleman whose title and rank were rather burdensome than otherwise,
+from the want of sufficient means to keep them up as inclination and
+position warranted. Lady Delmont, whose energetic yet gentle character
+would have greatly ameliorated the petty vexations of her husband, died
+when Emmeline was only seven, Eleanor five, and Charles, her only boy an
+infant of but three years old. A widow lady, Mrs. Harcourt by name, had
+been selected by Lady Delmont, in her last illness, as instructress and
+guardian of her daughters. Her wishes, always laws to her doating
+husband, were promptly fulfilled, and Mrs. Harcourt, two months after
+her friend's death, assumed the arduous and responsible duties for which
+her high character well fitted her.
+
+With Emmeline, though there were naturally some faults to correct, an
+indolence and weakness to overcome, and apparently no remarkable natural
+aptitude for acquirement, her task was comparatively easy, for her pupil
+had the capabilities, not only of affection but of reverence, to a very
+great extent, and once loving and respecting Mrs. Harcourt, not a
+command was neglected nor a wish unfulfilled. Eleanor, on the contrary,
+though so gifted that teaching might have been a complete labor of
+love--by self-will, violent passions, and a most determined want of
+veneration, even, of common respect, a resolute opposition from her
+earliest years to the wishes of Mrs. Harcourt, because she was merely a
+governess, so much her inferior in rank, rendered the task of education
+one of the most difficult and painful that can be conceived--increased
+from the injudicious partiality of Lord Delmont. It was not indeed the
+culpable negligence and dislike which Eleanor afterward displayed toward
+her own, but originating in the fancy that Mrs. Harcourt was unjust, and
+Emmeline was her favorite. Lord Delmont was one of those unfortunately
+weak, irresolute characters, that only behold the surface of things, and
+are therefore utterly incapable of acting either with vigor or judgment.
+When he did venture into the precincts of his daughters' apartments, he
+generally found Eleanor in sobs and tears, and Emmeline quietly pursuing
+her daily duties. That Mrs. Harcourt often entreated his influence with
+her younger pupil, to change her course of conduct, he never remembered
+longer than the time her expostulations lasted. Once or twice indeed he
+did begin to speak seriously, but Eleanor would throw her arms round his
+neck and kiss him, call him every endearing name, and beg him not to
+look so much like grave, cross Mrs. Harcourt, or she should think she
+had indeed no one to love her; and her beautiful eyes would swell with
+tears, and her voice quiver, so that her gratified father would forget
+all his reproof, and give her some indulgence to make up for the
+injustice and harshness she encountered in the school-room. Her power
+once thus experienced, of course, was never resigned. Her father's
+appearance in their study was always the signal for her tears, which she
+knew would confirm all his ideas of Mrs. Harcourt's unjust partiality.
+
+And this idea was strengthened as they grew older, and masters for
+various accomplishments somewhat lightened Mrs. Harcourt's actual
+labors. Emmeline's steady application, and moderate abilities were lost
+sight of in the applause always elicited by her younger sister; whose
+natural gifts alike in music, languages, and drawing had full play,
+directly she was released, even in part, from the hated thralldom of her
+governess.--Lord Delmont had been accustomed to hear Eleanor's beauty
+extolled, and now the extraordinary versatility and brilliancy of her
+talents became the theme of every tongue. Professors are naturally
+proud of a pupil who does them more than justice, and Miss Eleanor
+Manvers was in consequence held up in very many families, whom Lord
+Delmont only casually knew, and spoken of by very many again to him,
+knowing his weak point, and thus seeking to curry favor. Mrs. Harcourt
+was the only one from whom he never heard Eleanor's praises, and the
+only one, who spoke in praise of Emmeline. It must then be willful
+blindness on her part; and the father felt indignant, but in spite of
+himself had too much real respect for her, individually, to do more than
+redouble his indulgence to Eleanor. Emmeline could not complain of her
+father's neglect, for he was both kind and affectionate to her; but she
+did sometimes wish she could be quite sure that he loved her as much as
+her sister; and her deep affections, unsuspected by her father, rejected
+and laughed at by Eleanor, twined themselves closer and closer round
+Mrs. Harcourt, and her brother Charles, on whom she actually doted, and
+who returned her affection with one quite as fond and warm as a happy,
+laughter-loving, frank-hearted boy had it in his power to bestow; yet
+even his holidays were times of as much suffering as joy to his sister,
+from the violent quarrels which were continually taking place between
+him and Eleanor. Emmeline, happy in herself and Mrs. Harcourt's
+companionship, could endure Eleanor's determined supremacy, and, except
+where her conscience disapproved, yielded to her. But this could not be
+expected from Charles, who, despite his elder sister's gentle
+entreaties, would stand up for what he called her rights, and declare
+that, when he was at home, Miss Eleanor should not lord it over the
+whole family. Eleanor would of course quarrel first with him and then
+appeal to her father, who without hearing the case would give her right,
+and harshly condemn Charles, whose high spirit revolted; and unable to
+bear with his father's weakness of character, as he ought to have done,
+would answer disrespectfully; and words succeeded words till Charles in
+a desperate passion would seek Emmeline's chamber, and his father,
+though he actually deeply loved and was very proud of his son, wished
+that the holidays were over, and Charles safe again at school.
+
+Trifling as domestic disputes may seem in description, they never fail
+in their painful reality to banish all lasting happiness. Emmeline could
+bear that her father should prefer Eleanor to herself, but that he
+should be unjust to her darling Charles, and that Charles should
+increase this evil by dispute and self-will, tried her severely, and
+obliged her often and often to fly to the solitude of her own chamber,
+lest her temper also should fail, and, to defend her brother, she should
+forget her duty to her father. But with her, Mrs. Harcourt's lessons had
+indeed been blessed. The spirit of true, heartfelt piety, which she had
+sought to instill into her youthful charge, even more by the example of
+her daily life than by precepts, had become Emmeline's, young as she
+still was, and enabled her not only to bear up against the constant
+petty annoyances of her home, but the heavy trial sustained in the death
+of Mrs. Harcourt, just as she was looking forward to her entrance into
+the gay world, under her maternal guardianship, and her parting with her
+brother, who, not two months afterward, left her to fulfill his darling
+wish of going to sea.
+
+At eighteen, then, Emmeline Manvers became the mistress of her father's
+establishment, and had to encounter alone, not only the suffering of
+bereavement--in which, though Lord Delmont sincerely respected Mrs.
+Harcourt, he could not sympathize, and at which, after the first shock
+and momentary remorse for her own conduct to so true a friend, Eleanor,
+if she did not actually rejoice, felt so very greatly relieved as to be
+irritated and angry at Emmeline's quiet sorrow--but the separation from
+her brother and all the cares and disagreeables of such strict economy
+at home, as would permit the sustaining a proper position in society, so
+that the necessity of economy should not even be suspected. It was this
+regard of appearances which so chafed and pained Emmeline's upright and
+independent spirit. Not that Lord Delmont, even for appearances, would
+go beyond his income; but still there were obliged concealments and
+other petty things which his daughter could not bear. Mrs. Harcourt's
+trial--a widow, compelled not only to teach for a subsistence, but to
+part with her only child, who had been adopted by a married sister,
+living in Italy--appeared to Emmeline's ideas of truth and honor
+preferable to appearing richer than they really were. But on this
+subject, even less than on any other, she knew there was no chance of
+sympathy, and so she devoted all the energies of her matured and
+well-regulated mind to correcting the evil as much as it lay in her
+individual power; and in the year which her earnest entreaties prevailed
+on her father to permit her remaining in quiet retirement, before she
+entered the world, Lord Delmont was astonished at the greater comfort
+and increase of dignity which pervaded his establishment. He never had
+chosen Mrs. Harcourt to interfere with his household concerns,
+believing that he conducted them himself, when in reality he was
+completely governed by his housekeeper and steward. Mrs. Harcourt's
+penetration had seen and regretted this, and had endeavored so to guide
+and instruct Emmeline, that when she became old enough to claim her
+right as mistress, the evil should be remedied. Could she have looked
+down on the child of her love, she would indeed have rejoiced at the
+beautiful fruition of her labors. Lord Delmont was not astonished and
+delighted only, a feeling of respect toward his gentle, his truthful
+child entered his heart, such as he had experienced toward none, save
+her mother. Emmeline would indeed have thought all her toils repaid,
+could she have known this, but the very feeling prevented the display of
+that caressing affection he still lavished on Eleanor, and the tears of
+his elder girl often fell thick and fast from the painful longing for
+one similar caress, one evidence on his part, that, though neither so
+beautiful, nor talented, nor engaging as Eleanor, she could yet minister
+to his comfort and increase his happiness.
+
+But Emmeline's strong feeling of religion, while it enabled her to bear
+up against care and the constant and most painful feeling of loneliness,
+rendered the trial of beholding her sister's willful course of error, if
+possible, still more severe. She knew that all her affectionate counsels
+were worse than useless, that though Eleanor could be even caressingly
+affectionate when it served her purpose, would even listen to her at the
+moment of suffering from some too hasty impulse, she had no lasting
+influence. And this became more and more evident as Eleanor became the
+almost constant companion of the Marchioness Lascelles, their only
+female relative. It was the evil influence of this lady which had so
+increased Eleanor's natural repugnance to Mrs. Harcourt's gentle sway,
+that for full two years before the latter's death the flattery of Lady
+Lascelles and Eleanor's passionate entreaties had prevailed on Lord
+Delmont to permit his daughter being more with her than with her sister
+and governess. Lady Lascelles was a woman of the world, utterly
+heartless, highly distinguished, and supremely fashionable. At her house
+all the ton of the beau monde congregated, and scandal, frivolity, and
+_esprit_ were the prevailing topics, diversified with superficial
+opinions of the literature, arts, and politics of the day, and various
+sentimental episodes, which the lady of the house endured for the sake
+of variety. Here Eleanor, even at fourteen, was made a popular idol; her
+extreme beauty, her vivacity, her talents, her sharpness of repartee,
+all were admired, extolled, and encouraged. At seventeen she was
+introduced and initiated into all the mysteries of an ultra-fashionable
+life, and very speedily added to her other accomplishments all the arts
+of a finished and heartless coquette.
+
+With Lady Lascelles for her chaperon, it was not very surprising that
+Emmeline Manvers shrunk in pain and dread from her introduction into
+society; but yet she knew her social duties too well to refuse, and, by
+an affectation of superior sanctity, which of course would have been the
+charge leveled against her, throw a sneer upon those holy feelings and
+spiritual principles which had become part of her very being. She
+entered into society, but the isolation to a heart like hers of the
+coteries of Lady Lascelles and her friends, was indeed most painful, and
+aggravated by the constant dread which the contemplation of Eleanor's
+reckless career could not but occasion.
+
+But Emmeline's trial of loneliness was happily not of very long
+duration. At a ball, which was less exclusive than the assemblages of
+Lady Lascelles, the attention of both sisters was attracted to a young
+nan, by name Arthur Hamilton--Eleanor, from his distinguished appearance
+and extreme reserve, Emmeline, by the story attached to his name. His
+father had so distinguished himself in the amelioration of the peasantry
+and working classes in various parts of England, in addition to various
+services of a private and confidential nature from the home government
+to the courts abroad, that a viscountcy was offered to his acceptance.
+The message from royalty reached him on his death-bed, and though, from
+the faint and flickering accents with which he replied to the intended
+honor, it seemed as if he declined it, it was attributed to the natural
+feelings of a dying man, seeing the utter nothingness of earthly honors,
+and the title was generously proposed to his son. But Arthur Hamilton
+had not been the pupil and friend of his father in vain. With a calm
+dignity and uncompromising independence, he declared that he had neither
+claim nor heirship to the reward of his father's services; that he
+believed his parent would himself have refused it, preferring the
+honorable distinction of being an untitled English gentleman, to the
+unvalued honor of a newly-created lordship. He respectfully thanked the
+government for the honor they intended, but decisively refused it--that
+his dearest inheritance was his father's name.
+
+Of course this most extraordinary decision was canvassed again and
+again in the fashionable world, meeting there with very little
+appreciation, because it sprang from much higher feelings than the world
+could comprehend. By many he was imagined very little removed from
+insane--by others as actuated by some ulterior motive, which would be
+sure to display itself some day--by all regarded with curiosity--by some
+few with earnest, quiet, heartfelt admiration: and of this number was
+not only Emmeline Manvers, but her father; who, though weak and
+yielding, was not worldly, and could admire honorable independence, even
+while some of his friends succeeded in persuading him that in this case
+it nearly reached romance.
+
+Arthur Hamilton was a star creating a sensation; it signified little to
+Eleanor Manvers why or wherefore, but she fully resolved to conquer him
+and chain him, as she had already done innumerable others, victim to her
+charms. His very reserve deepened her ardent longing, and the difficulty
+only strengthened her resolution, but she tried in vain; for the first
+time she was completely and entirely foiled, and she disliked him
+accordingly--a dislike increasing to actual abhorrence--when the truth
+at length forced itself upon her, that he admired, conversed with,
+evidently sought the society of her sister, whom she chose to charge
+with deceit and underhand dealing, with all the violence of angry
+passion and mortified defeat.
+
+Emmeline bore the storm calmly, for her conscience perfectly acquitted
+her. She was not indeed indifferent to Arthur Hamilton, but she had
+tried hard to prevent the ascendency of affection, for she had heard
+that he still mourned the loss of a beloved one to whom he had been for
+many years engaged. And deep was her thankful joy, and unexpected indeed
+the intensity of her happiness, when six months after their first
+introduction he related to her the heavy trial of his early life, and
+concluded by asking her if she could indeed accept a heart which had so
+loved another, but which was now entirely her own, and happier than he
+had once believed it ever could be. The very frankness of his avowal
+increased the feelings of reverence and regard he had already inspired,
+and to the great delight, and no little pride of Lord Delmont, his elder
+daughter, who had been by Lady Lascelles' coterie so overlooked and
+neglected, who had been by many for years considered a mere foil to the
+beauty and talent of her younger sister, was united before she was
+twenty, to a man who--however his high principles might have excited
+laughter as high-flown romance, his unbending integrity and dislike of
+the pleasures and amusements, but too often the sole pursuit of the
+wealthy, exposed him to the charge of severity and eccentricity--was yet
+sought, and his connection deemed a most desirable _partie_ by all and
+every family who had marriageable daughters.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+RETROSPECTIVE.--EFFECTS OF COQUETRY.--OBEDIENCE AND DISOBEDIENCE.
+
+
+Eleanor's unfounded dislike toward Arthur Hamilton did not decrease when
+he became her brother-in-law; she chose to believe that he had injured
+her by being the only one who had remained proof against all the
+fascinations she had thrown in his way. Even in her childhood, if any
+one chanced to notice Emmeline more than herself, it was considered a
+mortal offense, and the person who had so offended was scarcely spoken
+to again. Therefore that Emmeline should be married before herself, and
+to the man she intended to captivate, but _not to love_, or wed, was an
+offense visited upon her sister by the withdrawal of her speech for six
+months, and on Mr. Hamilton by an insulting haughtiness of demeanor
+toward him, at which he only smiled; and, to her extreme annoyance, she
+found that even as she had failed to fascinate, she equally failed to
+offend. He _would_ speak to her, _would_ treat her with courtesy, and
+the quiet familiarity of an older relative--and more, actually
+remonstrate with her conduct whenever he thought it wrong. It was the
+recollection of this time, yet more than actual present feeling, which
+had occasioned the mistaken impressions she had infused into both her
+children, of the extreme severity and harshness of their uncle,
+thoughtlessly indeed, for the present was always all to her, and if she
+did think that they might one day be under his charge, she little
+imagined the unhappiness and mischief which their supposition of his
+unbending sternness might engender.
+
+To Emmeline, the change in her young life was so marvelous, so
+complete--care, anxiety, loneliness, that sinking of the whole frame and
+heart, from the absence of appreciation and social kindness, had so
+departed, leaving in their stead such an intensity of quiet domestic
+happiness, that it was long before her full heart could believe it
+reality, and rest secure. She had always longed for one to reverence, to
+cling to, and her husband gave her room for both. As his betrothed, even
+before their marriage, she had been introduced to very different society
+to that of the marchioness; she beheld him reverenced, loved, appealed
+to by the wisest and the best men, often older than himself. That this
+man should so love, cherish, and actually reverence her--no wonder that
+under the magic of such feelings her character matured, displaying such
+engaging and unsuspected qualities, that even her husband often looked
+at her with astonishment, playfully asking her if she could be the same
+calm, almost too quiet, and seemingly too cold Emmeline Manvers whom he
+had first seen. Her very talents, which had seemed worthless, compared
+to her sister's, were called forth by her husband. She found that her
+voice and her touch on either piano or harp, could give him exquisite
+pleasure, and this once discovered, she made such improvement as almost
+to surprise herself. She found the sketches taken from the various
+lovely spots in the vicinity of their noble seat, and in which
+Devonshire abounds, delighted him, and when Eleanor did visit Oakwood,
+she was astounded at the various beautiful drawings, which evinced the
+employment of that leisure which she had declared must be even to the
+quiet Emmeline a horrid bore.
+
+To Lord Delmont the change in his daughter was much more astonishing
+than to her husband. He was very often at Oakwood (particularly when a
+little grandson was added to the happy party), for his home under
+Eleanor's extravagant and heedless management had lost all the comfort
+that Emmeline had bestowed. He had begun, too, to discover that his
+darling, his still favorite Eleanor, was not faultless. Emmeline's
+generous assistance and determination to spare her father all discomfort
+had concealed Eleanor's personal extravagance from him; but after her
+marriage, as Eleanor's fashionable amusements increased, so did the
+quantity and amount of her bills, which, as the young lady did not seem
+inclined to settle them, were sent to her father. Lord Delmont was
+painfully startled, and with his usual want of judgment spoke to Eleanor
+at the very moment that he felt most angry; unaccustomed to reproof from
+him, she retorted with equal passion, and a violent altercation ensued,
+which ended in Eleanor ordering the carriage and driving to Lady
+Lascelles, declaring she could not think of returning home, till her
+father had sufficiently recovered his senses for her to do so in safety.
+
+The interference of Emmeline at length succeeded in restoring peace, but
+Lord Delmont's eyes had been rudely opened, and, as is unhappily too
+often the case with those weak characters where over-indulgence of
+childhood, has occasioned those annoyances of ungoverned youth, he
+became irritable and sometimes even harsh with Eleanor, which conduct
+threw her still more with Lady Lascelles. As to joining society with Mr.
+and Mrs. Hamilton, when they were in London, Eleanor would not hear of
+it. But to her sister's great joy, and some surprise, she accepted an
+invitation to Oakwood a short time after little Percy's birth; and,
+still more surprising, condescended to make herself agreeable. The
+London season had tired her, and she thought she might just as well be
+dull on the banks of the Dart in August and September as in some stupid
+watering-place. Mr. Hamilton, despite her dislike, which she cared not
+to avow, she found could be at least very entertaining; her father was
+more like his former self, her sister far more delightful and lovely
+than she ever thought she could be, and her nephew certainly a pretty
+little plague. Then Mr. Hamilton had a beautiful horse entirely for her
+use, and she rode exceedingly well, and was greatly admired. She was
+seized with an exploring mania, and dragged Emmeline to every old ruin
+and dark wood within ten miles of Oakwood. Altogether the impression she
+left behind her, after a two months' visit, was such as to ease Mrs.
+Hamilton's great anxiety, more especially as it appeared from certain
+private conversations, that her affections were for the first time
+really engaged, and Emmeline had always fondly hoped that when that
+should be the case, Eleanor would become a very different person. Alas!
+penetrative as she was, she had not yet learned her sister's character;
+simply because utter heartlessness in any woman she could not
+comprehend.
+
+Her visit to her father in London, in the winter, removed all their
+rising hopes, and caused such increased and intense anxiety, as so to
+injure her already delicate health that her husband bore her back to
+Oakwood a full month before they had originally intended. Whether or not
+Eleanor loved Lord Fitzclair, it was impossible to determine; but that
+he devotedly, passionately loved her, was only too evident, not only to
+the world, but to herself; and this once confirmed, she left no method
+untried to torment, and so, as she declared, to try if his affections
+were worth having. He was half an Italian, and had inherited all the
+strong, fierce passions of that country, without one atom of
+self-control. Mr. Hamilton knew him well, far better than he knew
+himself, and conjured him to withdraw from the society of one who could
+never make him happy, and whose capricious conduct was so likely to
+render him desperate and miserable: he reasoned, entreated in vain. "She
+only wants to try the strength of my love," was his sole reply; "and
+were she to torment health and life away, it will never change--she will
+be mine yet."
+
+And to the astonishment of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, two months afterward
+he proposed in form, and actually was accepted, with the sole condition
+that their engagement should be kept secret till it should please
+Eleanor to name the wedding day, which could not be at least for six or
+eight months.
+
+This engagement might have eased anxiety, but the condition increased
+it, especially, as instead of coming to Oakwood, as Emmeline had asked
+and hoped, the latter part of the summer and autumn was to be spent in
+Cheltenham with a very gay party, in which Eleanor was still of course
+the star. Mrs. Hamilton entered the nursery one morning earlier than
+usual, for her infant had not been well the night before, and she had
+already experienced the care as well as the joy of a mother. Her babe
+was better, and as he lay smilingly and happily in her lap, and watched
+the eager movements of his brother, she was only sensible of pleasure.
+The nurse had arranged the chairs in a long line, that Master Percy
+might, with their help, walk the whole length of the large and airy
+room. The feat mightily pleased the little gentleman, who, having
+acquired the venerable age of fifteen months, liked better to feel his
+feet than crawl on the floor, or be carried about on any limbs but his
+own. Every two or three paces he stood nearly alone, and burst into a
+loud merry laugh, which was always echoed by a crow of joy from his
+little brother.
+
+"Take care, Percy, love, don't fall and frighten mamma," said his young
+mother, who was watching him with such pleasure as to send for his
+father to share it. When her son, to prove how well he obeyed her
+commands to take care, stood for a second without any support, and then
+ran quite alone across the room, and with a yet louder laugh hid his
+rosy face in her lap. Mrs. Hamilton fondly kissed the little nestling
+head, and at that moment her husband entered the room. "Dearest
+Arthur," she eagerly exclaimed, "I was actually foolish enough to send
+for you. Herbert seems quite well; I was, it seems, needlessly alarmed,
+and Percy has this moment--" She stopped in sudden terror, for there was
+an expression on her husband's countenance of such unusual agitation,
+that though he tried to smile when he heard her words, she could not
+conquer her alarm, more than to say, in a caressing voice to her little
+boy--
+
+"Will not Percy run to papa, and ask him why he looks so sad?"
+
+The child looked up in her face, and then, as his father held out his
+arms to him, let go his mother's dress, and obeyed her. Mr. Hamilton
+caught him to his heart, held him for above a minute, kissed him fondly,
+and left the nursery without uttering a single word.
+
+"Let me take Master Herbert, ma'am," said the head nurse respectfully,
+for she saw that her mistress's unexpressed alarm had nearly overpowered
+her; and in a few minutes Emmeline was with her husband, whose agitation
+was so excessive, that even his wife's presence, for the moment, had
+scarcely power to calm him.
+
+The tale was soon told. Eleanor's conduct since her engagement had been
+such as to excite the displeasure, not of her father alone, but actually
+of the marchioness; who, though a weak and worldly woman, had yet some
+idea of propriety. As a near relation of Lord Delmont, Eleanor's
+engagement with Lord Fitzclair was of course told to her, and again and
+again she warned her that she was going too far, and might lose her
+lover before she was aware of it; but Eleanor only laughed at her, and
+at last won her over to the belief that it was certainly better to cure
+Fitzclair of his jealous tendency _before_ marriage than afterward. Lord
+Delmont's reproofs she was wont to silence, by invariably making them
+the signal of mortifying and annoying Lord Fitzclair still more than
+usual. Yet still at times she relented, and so strengthened the love she
+had excited, so enhanced her own fascinations, that all the agony he had
+endured and was still, he knew, to endure, by an incomprehensible
+contradiction, riveted her power and hastened his own doom. Weak in all
+things but his love, he could not demand as his actual right the
+publication of their engagement. Eleanor vowed if he did till she
+permitted him, she would have nothing more to say to him. She knew,
+though she did not say it, that once made known, a chain would be
+thrown round her actions, which she did not choose to endure. And
+father, lover, and friend, all feeling she was wrong, and the first and
+last repeatedly telling her so, had yet neither of them the resolution
+to contend with her, and compel the proper course.
+
+A month of their visit to Cheltenham so passed, when Eleanor's attention
+was arrested by a new actor on the scene. She had begun to tire of her
+present satellites, and a young military captain, whose furlough from
+India had just expired, and whose pale face, somewhat melancholy
+expression, and very elegant figure, presented a new subject for
+conquest impossible to be resisted; and it was unhappily, only too
+easily achieved. She made no secret of her admiration, speaking of him
+in such terms to her intended husband as to excite anew every jealous
+feeling. It was easy for Captain Fortescue to discover Fitzclair was his
+rival; but believing himself decidedly the object of Eleanor's
+preference, he increased his attentions, little imagining the storm he
+was exciting, the more fearful from its determined suppression. Lord
+Delmont interfered several times, not only by reproaches to Eleanor, but
+by determined coldness to her new suitor. Finding at length that her
+encouragement actually neared a criminal extent, and after a desperately
+stormy interview, he solemnly declared that if she did not dismiss
+Captain Fortescue at once, he would shame her in the face of the whole
+world, by proclaiming her engagement with the young marquis. Eleanor in
+equal anger, declared that if he threatened, so too could she; and if he
+tormented her any more she would prevent all publication of her
+engagement, by herself snapping it asunder, and pledging her faith to
+Captain Fortescue. This was too much even for Lord Delmont. Declaring if
+she did so, a father's heaviest malediction should fall on her head, he
+hastily left her; and Eleanor very composedly went to prepare for an
+excursion on horseback with Fortescue, Fitzclair and others.
+
+When Lord Delmont's passions were once roused, even his ordinarily
+slender judgment entirely forsook him, and he did that which at another
+time, knowing Fitzclair as he did, he would have shrunk from. He sought
+him, while still exasperated, upbraided him for his weakness in
+permitting Eleanor's unprincipled conduct, and warned him that, if he
+did not adopt some strong measures to prevent it, he would certainly
+lose her entirely.
+
+The young man heard him without reply; but his face grew livid, and he
+clenched his hand till the blood started from the nails, and in this
+mood of concentrated passion joined the riding party. The exercise
+itself is, to some temperaments, unusually exciting, and the determined
+coldness of Eleanor to himself, and the eagerly-received devotion of
+Fortescue, maddened him. He demanded an interview with her on their
+return home, struggled to speak calmly, expostulated, and, finally,
+reproached. Eleanor, already irritated; and, beyond all, that her lover,
+in general so obsequious and humble, should dare to call her to account
+for mere amusement, combined with the recollection of Captain
+Fortescue's flattering vows and willing homage, excited her to an extent
+of which she was herself unconscious, inasmuch as she firmly believed,
+whatever she might say then, a few soft words would speedily obliterate.
+She told him that really his jealous temperament was beyond all
+endurance; that he certainly must intend her to despise and abhor him;
+and that the contrast he presented to Captain Fortescue was such as to
+make her most heartily wish to put an end to their engagement, as she
+felt quite sure it must only end in misery for both; and, without
+waiting for a reply, she haughtily brushed by him, and disappeared.
+
+Of the extent of Fitzclair's passion Eleanor had not the least idea, and
+this is saying a great deal, for she generally exaggerated her own
+power. She believed she had inflicted pain, but not as much as he
+deserved; and determined that she would torment him yet more at the ball
+that evening. But to her extreme mortification, he did not appear, and
+there was a vague dread on her spirits as she retired for the night,
+which prevented any thing like rest. His absence had excited surprise in
+all, especially Lady Lascelles, who knew that to leave Eleanor entirely
+to the attentions of young Fortescue was so unprecedented as to bode no
+good. But the wildest conjectures were far from reality. The very next
+morning all Cheltenham was thrown into the most painful excitement by
+the incomprehensible and most extraordinary fact of the suicide of Lord
+Fitzclair; by what occasioned, plunged into such mystery that nothing
+but sudden aberration of mind was imagined, a belief justified by the
+very peculiar temperament and manners of the young nobleman during his
+sojourn with them. His will, a valuable present, with a few lines of
+regard to his faithful attendant, and a letter addressed to Arthur
+Hamilton, Esq., were the sole evidences that the awful deed had not been
+committed without some preparation; but as that was often the case with
+madness itself, it excited no remark.
+
+The state of Eleanor's mind when these awful tidings were communicated
+to her, which they were by her father, in his agitation and anger,
+without the least preparation, we leave our readers to imagine.
+Hardened, heartless, willful as she was, she was still a woman, and a
+very young one, and till Captain Fortescue appeared, had loved, as far
+as it was in her nature, Lord Fitzclair. To believe that she had nothing
+to do with his miserable end was an attempt so vain and hollow, that
+even she shrunk from the hopeless struggle to realize it; remorse in all
+its torturing, unmitigated anguish took possession of her, but instead
+of leading her to penitence, and thence the hope of peace, it urged her
+to a course of action from which she imagined there was no withdrawing;
+and which must in time, by removing her from all painful associations,
+lessen her present misery.
+
+For three days and nights she never quitted her own apartment, and then
+joined her usual circles without the smallest evidence of the internal
+agony which was still hers. It was very easy to displace paleness by
+artificial roses, and her gay smiles and joyous sallies were tempered
+only by a judiciously-expressed horror when the late event was discussed
+before her, supposed natural to one who had known him so intimately; but
+the hours of loneliness which followed this conduct in society were
+terrible indeed. By a strange contrariety of feeling, her better nature
+longed for Emmeline, and her artificial, which had, alas! only too
+forcibly become her natural self, felt as if she would leave the kingdom
+rather than encounter the mild, sorrowful glance of those penetrating
+eyes.
+
+Lord Delmont was himself in a most pitiable condition; even minor evils
+had always been great to him, and the effect of this, the wish to take
+Eleanor away from Captain Fortescue's increased and annoying attentions,
+and yet the dread that doing so would connect her with Fitzclair's
+death, so distracted him as to render him really ill--information which
+instantly brought Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to Cheltenham.
+
+Some young wives and mothers might have felt it hard that their domestic
+enjoyment should so continually have been disturbed and annoyed from the
+faults of others; but Emmeline had been accustomed to trace every thing
+that created personal suffering to the highest source, and feel that it
+was good for her, or it would not be; a conviction that enabled her to
+bear with and still to love the erring one that was the visible cause of
+pain.
+
+Eleanor was at a gay ball the night of her arrival, and Mrs. Hamilton
+requested she might not be informed of it till the following day. About
+half an hour before her usual hour of rising after such scenes, she
+entered her sister's room. All around her lay the ornaments of the
+previous evening, looking so strange, gaudy, and faded in the darkened
+room, and judged by the calmer feelings of the morning. A sensation of
+intense depression crept over Emmeline as she gazed, increasing as she
+looked on the face of the sleeper, which, divested of its unnatural
+bloom, looked so fearfully wan and haggard. Her beautiful hair lay in
+tangled masses on her damp brow, and as Emmeline gently tried to remove
+it, Eleanor started and awoke.
+
+"Is it already time to get up?" she said languidly, and only half
+unclosing her eyes; "I feel as if I had not slept at all. Am I
+dreaming?" she added, starting up, "or have I slept in one place, and
+awoke in another? Am I at Oakwood?"
+
+"No, dearest Eleanor; will you not welcome me to Malvern House?"
+
+The voice, the look, seemed to thrill through her; her temples were
+throbbing, her heart weighed down, as it always was when she first
+awoke, with an undefinable sense of guilt and pain; she tried to be
+cold, proud, reserved, but it would not do, and she suddenly flung her
+arms round her sister's neck, and burst into agonized tears.
+
+It was a most unexpected greeting, and Mrs. Hamilton argued hopefully
+from it. Alas! the unwonted softening only lasted one brief half hour.
+She left her at Eleanor's entreaty while dressing, and when she
+returned, though the reckless girl told her with a half smile that she
+was ready for her lecture, for she could only have come from Oakwood to
+give her one; and that however severe her words might be, she could not
+alter her tone, that must be kind, in spite of herself. Yet Emmeline
+could not succeed in convincing her how wrongly, how cruelly she had
+acted. Eleanor would persist that she was not in the least to blame, and
+that poor Fitzclair's fearful end was only owing to his own violent
+passions; in fact, that he must have been out of his mind, and that,
+though it was certainly very dreadful, she had perhaps escaped a very
+terrible doom; but speak as she might, Emmeline was not deceived as to
+the agony she was actually enduring. Finding, however, that all her
+gentle efforts were useless, that even the perusal of Fitzclair's brief
+lines to her husband--which Eleanor insisted on seeing, and in which he
+deplored his madness in not having followed his advice, and flown from
+her presence, and bade him take his forgiveness to her, and say, that
+the means he had adopted would, he trusted, dissolve their engagement to
+her satisfaction--had no effect, save in causing her to turn so deadly
+pale, that her sister was convinced nothing but an almost supernatural
+effort of pride preserved her from fainting. She desisted; hoping
+against hope that Eleanor would yet repent and become a different being.
+She knew harshness would only harden, and so she tried to prevail on her
+father to treat her as usual, but this Lord Delmont could not do. It is
+strange how often we find those parents who have been over-indulgent to
+childhood, unusually harsh to the faults of youth. Weak characters,
+also, when driven to anger, are always more violent than firmer ones;
+and, certainly, Eleanor's continued haughtiness and coldness, as if she
+were the injured one, did not tend to calm him.
+
+And his angry feelings were unfortunately but too soon aggravated by a
+proposal in form from Captain Fortescue for the hand of Eleanor. Without
+a moment's delay he dispatched a decided and almost insulting refusal to
+the young soldier, and then sought his daughter, and vented on her the
+anger and vexation which overpowered him, upbraiding her not only with
+the death of Fitzclair, but for having dared so to encourage young
+Fortescue as to give him courage for his audacious proposal. To his
+astonishment, he was heard without any attempt at reply; but he would
+have been startled, could he have seen the pallid cheek, compressed lip,
+and clenched hand with which, when he had left her, Eleanor muttered--
+
+"Father, if it be sin to leave you, be it on your own head. I would have
+wedded with your consent, had you permitted it; but now my destiny is
+fixed. There is no peace in England: at least let me be spared the agony
+of breaking another loving heart."
+
+Nearly three weeks rolled on, and Eleanor's extraordinary submission,
+and even in some degree withdrawal from society (for which Mrs.
+Hamilton's arrival was a good excuse), caused her father's irritation
+against her almost entirely to subside. That she passed several hours
+each day apart from her sister, excited no surprise. Emmeline was
+thankful even for her change of deportment, but nothing confidential
+ever again passed between them. That reports were floating about,
+connecting the names of Miss Manvers and the late Lord Fitzclair, seemed
+little heeded by Eleanor, though they caused natural vexation to her
+family. About this time an invitation arrived for Eleanor from a lady of
+rank, slightly known to her father, and living ten miles from Cheltenham
+in a beautiful villa, at which she expected a select party of
+fashionables to ruralize for a week or two. There was nothing in the
+note to excite the dread that weighed on Mrs. Hamilton's spirits, as
+Eleanor carelessly threw it to her for her perusal, but she would not
+express it, as Lord Delmont seemed inclined that Eleanor should accept
+it, knowing that the lady was much too exclusive for Captain Fortescue
+to join her guests, and believing that Eleanor's apparent indifference
+to the visit originated from that cause. Telling her he was so gratified
+by her having devoted so many evenings to her sister, he added, she had
+his full consent to go if she liked, as he could better spare her than
+when Emmeline returned to Oakwood. She quietly thanked him, but evinced
+no particular pleasure.
+
+The day before her intended departure, the sisters were sitting
+together, and little Percy, who now ran firmly without any falls, was
+playing about the room. He had already displayed a high spirit and
+passionate temper, with their general accompaniment, self-will, even in
+trifles, that Mrs. Hamilton felt would render her task a trying one; but
+she was as firm as she was gentle, and faced the pain of contradicting
+her darling bravely:--
+
+"Do not touch that, Percy, love," she said, as her little boy stretched
+out his hand toward a beautiful but fragile toy, that stood with other
+nick-nacks on a low table. The child looked laughingly and archly toward
+her, and withdrew his hand, but did not move from the table.
+
+"Come here, Percy, you have not played with these pretty things for a
+long time;" and she took from her work-box some gayly colored ivory
+balls, which had been his favorite playthings, but just at present they
+had lost their charm, and the young gentleman did not move.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton knelt down by him, and said quietly:
+
+"My Percy will not disobey mamma, will he?"
+
+"Me want that;" he replied, in the pretty coaxing tone of infancy; and
+he twined his little round arms caressingly round her neck.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton felt very much tempted to indulge him, but she resisted
+it.
+
+"But that is not a fit plaything for you, love; besides, it is not mine,
+and we must not touch what is not ours. Come and see if we can not find
+something just as pretty, that you may have."
+
+And after some minutes' merry play in her lap his mother hoped he had
+forgotten it; but the little gentleman was not, he thought, to be so
+governed. The forbidden plaything was quietly grasped, and he seated
+himself on the ground, in silent but triumphant glee.
+
+Surprised at his sudden silence, Mrs. Hamilton looked toward him. It was
+his first act of decided disobedience, and she knew she must not waver.
+Young as he was, he had already learned to know when she was displeased,
+and when she desired him very gravely to give her the toy, he
+passionately threw it down, and burst into a violent fit of crying. His
+nurse took him struggling from the room, and Mrs. Hamilton quietly
+resumed her work; but there was such an expression of pain in her
+countenance, that Eleanor exclaimed,
+
+"Emmeline! I have been watching you for the last half hour, and I can
+not comprehend you. Do explain yourself."
+
+"I will if I can;" and Mrs. Hamilton looked up, and smiled.
+
+"Why would you not let that poor little Percy have that toy?"
+
+"Because it would have been encouraging his touching or taking every
+thing he sees, whether proper for him or not."
+
+"But he could not understand that."
+
+"Not now, perhaps; but I wish him to know that when I speak, he must
+obey me. It is, I think, a mistaken doctrine, that we ought to give
+children a _reason_ for all we desire them to do. Obedience can then
+never be prompt, as it ought to be. And, in fact, if we wait until they
+are old enough to understand the reasons for a command, the task will be
+much more difficult, from the ascendency which willfulness may already
+have obtained."
+
+"But then why were you so cruel as to send the poor child up-stairs? Was
+it not enough to take the toy from him?"
+
+"Not quite; for him to remember that he must not touch it again."
+
+"And do you really think he will not?"
+
+"I can only hope so, Eleanor; but I must not be disheartened if he do.
+He is an infant still, and I can not expect him to learn such a
+difficult lesson as obedience in one, two, or six lessons."
+
+"And will he love you as much as if you had given it to him?"
+
+"Not at the moment, perhaps, but when he is older he will love me more.
+And it is that hope which reconciles me to the pain which refusing to
+indulge him costs me now."
+
+"And voluntarily you will bear the pain which had almost brought tears
+into the eyes of the severe and stoical Mrs. Hamilton!" exclaimed
+Eleanor.
+
+"It was a foolish weakness, my dear Eleanor, for which my husband would
+have chidden me; but there must be pain to a mother if called upon to
+exert authority, when inclination so strongly points to indulgence."
+
+"Well, if ever I have any thing to do with children, I certainly shall
+not be half as particular as you are, Emmeline. I really can not imagine
+what harm gratifying myself and Percy could possibly have done."
+
+"If ever you have children, my dear Eleanor, may you have strength of
+mind and self-control sufficient to forget self, and refuse the
+gratification of the present moment for the welfare of future years!"
+
+Mrs. Hamilton spoke impressively, and something, either in her words or
+tone, caused the blood to rush into Eleanor's cheeks, and she hastily
+walked to the window; then, as abruptly returning, she kissed her
+sister, a very rare token of affection, and declaring she was much too
+good for her to understand, quitted the room.
+
+The following day, dressed for her visit, and only waiting for the
+carriage, Eleanor, accompanied by Mrs. Hamilton and her little boys,
+entered the same apartment. Though not in general fond of nursing,
+Eleanor had taken Herbert in her arms, and was playing with him with
+unusual fondness; Percy, who had not seen the tempting plaything since
+his banishment the preceding day, the moment his eye caught it, to the
+astonishment of Eleanor, ran up to his mother, and lisping, "Me no touch
+that--Percy good boy now," held up his little face lovingly to hers, and
+with a very pardonable feeling of delight, Mrs. Hamilton lifted him up
+and covered him with kisses. The feelings which thrilled through Eleanor
+at that moment she might indeed have found it difficult to explain, but
+she was so conscious of a change of countenance as to hide her face on
+Herbert's head. It might have been obedience and disobedience brought so
+suddenly and strangely in contrast--and who were the actors? an infant
+and herself. For a minute she recovered, stricken with sudden and
+agonized remorse; but it was too late, she had gone too far, and the
+announcement of the carriage was a relief from that bitter moment of
+painful indecision. Placing her baby nephew in his nurse's arms, she
+said, caressingly, "Will not Percy give Lina some of those kisses as
+well as mamma?" The child threw one little arm round her neck, and the
+other round that of his mother, and then burst into a merry laugh at
+thus seeing himself as it were a link between them. Never had it seemed
+to Eleanor that she had loved and admired her sister as she did at that
+moment; all the neglect, unkindness, she had shown her, all the sarcasm
+and satire, of which, either before or behind her, she had so often made
+her the victim, combined with an intense, but how painfully vain longing
+to have resembled her in the remotest degree, rather than be the
+character which had never before appeared so degraded, so
+hateful--almost overpowered her--a convulsive sob escaped her as she
+clasped Emmeline in a close embrace, and almost choked her hurried
+good-by! Lord Delmont and Mr. Hamilton were in the hall, and the former
+was surprised and delighted at the warmth with which his usually
+reckless child returned his kiss and farewell; the carriage drove off
+leaving unusual hope and cheerfulness behind it. Alas! in one short
+fortnight every rising hope was blighted, Emmeline's momentary dread
+fulfilled, and Lord Delmont experiencing, in all its agony,
+
+    "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is,
+    To have a thankless child"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A HEART AND HOME IN ENGLAND.--A HEART AND HOME IN INDIA.
+
+
+From the moment Arthur Hamilton returned to Cheltenham with the painful
+intelligence that he had arrived at Leith only in time to witness the
+departure of the beautiful vessel which contained Captain Fortescue and
+the exquisitely lovely bride who had, it seemed, turned the heads of all
+the usually quiet Scotsmen who had seen her, Lord Delmont gradually
+sunk. The agony of losing her forever--for so he regarded her departure
+for, and residence in India for an indeterminate time--conquered every
+other feeling. Her conduct had caused emotions of anguish far too deep
+for the relieving sensation of anger. The name of the lady from whose
+house and by whose connivance she had eloped, he was never heard to
+breathe; but, if ever casually mentioned before him, every feature would
+become convulsed, and he would instantly leave the room. Often and often
+he accused his own harshness as the cause of driving her from him, and
+then came, with overwhelming bitterness, the thought that if he lately
+had been harsh, surely the recollection of all the indulgent fondness he
+had shown demanded some gratitude in return. If she had but written, had
+but expressed one wish for his continued love, one regret for his
+present pain! But no letter came, and the contending but all-depressing
+emotions so completely undermined a constitution never very strong, and
+already worn by care, that when another and still heavier trial came, he
+sunk at once beneath it.
+
+Though Eleanor had been his favorite, his feelings of pride and hope had
+greatly centered in his son, whose career, in five years' active service
+on board a man-of-war, had been such as to raise him already to a
+lieutenancy, and excite every gratifying emotion, not only in his
+immediate family, but in a large circle of admiring friends. Mrs.
+Hamilton's love for her brother had naturally increased, strong as it
+always had been, even in childhood--and the visits which Charles had
+been enabled to make to Oakwood, brief in duration as they were
+compelled to be, had always been fraught with heartfelt, joyous
+happiness, not only to herself but to her husband. The pain and anxiety
+attendant on Eleanor's elopement, and the dread of its effects on Lord
+Delmont, had for two or three months been the sole subject of thought;
+but at length, and, like a fearful flash bringing a new sorrow to light,
+it pressed upon them that it was long after the period that intelligence
+of Charles ought to have been received. Still hoping against hope, not
+only the Delmont family, but all who had friends and relatives on board
+the Leander, imagined that she might have drifted from her course, or
+been engaged on some secret and distant expedition, but that
+intelligence concerning her would and must soon come. Alas! after months
+of agonizing suspense, information was received that several planks and
+masts, bearing evidence of fire as well as water, and some sea-chests,
+bearing names, only too soon recognized as those of some of the
+Leander's crew, had been cast off the coast of Barbary, and there could
+be no more doubt that death or slavery--that fearful slavery which the
+bombardment of Algiers had so displayed to European eyes--was the
+portion of all those beloved ones, for whom so many aching hearts and
+eyes had watched and wept in vain. It was a trial so terrible that Mrs.
+Hamilton felt at first as if even submission had departed from her; and
+she could almost have rebelled in spirit against the inscrutable decree,
+that had consigned one so free from vice and evil, so full of happiness
+and worth, to a doom so terrible. Much as she had loved and reverenced
+her husband before, she seemed never to have felt his worth and
+tenderness till then. It was his sympathy, his strength, that recalled
+her to a sense of her duty, and gave her power to endure, by a
+realization once more of that submissiveness to a Father's will, which
+had never before failed her. But time, though it softened the first
+anguish, had no power over the memories of this brother, not even when
+the increasing cares and joys of maternity so fully engrossed her, that
+the present and the future of her children appeared to have banished all
+of her own past.
+
+Lord Delmont did not survive the mournful tidings of the certain wreck
+of the Leander above two months; but his released spirit did not meet
+that of his son. Charles was not dead. He toiled as a slave long years
+in living death, before there was even a partial amelioration of his
+sufferings. But no tidings of him ever came, a young child of three
+years old, a distant branch of the Manvers family, became Lord Delmont.
+
+Years rolled on, and Mrs. Hamilton's lot was so full of tranquil
+happiness, so fraught with the innumerable daily joys of a loving wife
+and devoted mother, that her prayer was ever rising for guidance, and
+gratitude, that prosperity might not unfit her for the dark days of
+trial and adversity, when they should come. That she had cares as well
+as joys could not be otherwise, when so intensely anxious to bring up
+her children with more regard to their spiritual and moral welfare, than
+even the cultivation of their intellect. She was one of those who
+thought still more of the training of the heart than of the mind,
+believing that were the first properly awakened, the latter would need
+little incitement to exertion. Two girls had been the sole addition to
+her family.
+
+One other wish, and one of many years' standing, Mrs. Hamilton had it in
+her power to fulfill. From childhood she had been accustomed to think of
+Lucy Harcourt as one, to whom it might one day be in her power to return
+the heavy debt of gratitude she owed her mother; she had been accustomed
+to correspond with her from very early years; Mrs. Harcourt delighting
+in creating a mutual interest between her pupil and the child from whom
+circumstances had so sadly separated her. When therefore an event of a
+very painful nature to Miss Harcourt's individual feelings compelled
+her--as the only hope of regaining peace, and strengthening her for the
+arduous duty of instruction, which she knew, as a single woman, was her
+sole source of independent subsistence--she had no scruple in accepting
+that friendship which Mrs. Hamilton had so warmly proffered. A very few
+days of personal intercourse sufficed for mutual conviction, that
+correspondence had not deceived in the favorable impressions of either.
+Miss Harcourt found, indeed, the friend her aching spirit needed; and
+Mrs. Hamilton, long before the months of repose which she had insisted
+should forestall the commencement of exertion were over, rejoiced in the
+conviction that the daughter of her beloved and regretted friend was
+indeed well-fitted for that position in her family--her helper in the
+moral and intellectual training of her daughters--which her vivid fancy
+had often pictured as so filled. They were indeed but infants when Miss
+Harcourt arrived; but Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton found means to overrule the
+honorable scruples which, on the part of Lucy, seemed at first against
+their plan, and in her gradually returning health and peace, Mrs.
+Hamilton not only rejoiced, but felt gratefully thankful that the wish
+of so many years' standing, and which had seemed so little likely to be
+fulfilled, was absolutely accomplished, and she could prove how deeply
+she had loved and mourned her truly maternal friend. It is astonishing
+how often, if an earnest, heartfelt desire for the gratification of some
+good feeling or for the performance of some good deed be steadily and
+unvaryingly held before us, without any regard to its apparent
+impossibility, its accomplishment is at length obtained. It is supposed
+to be only done so in books, but this is a mistaken supposition, arising
+from the simple fact of individuals so often forgetting their own past,
+and failing steadily to pursue one object, regardless of the lapse of
+years. If they looked into themselves more often and more carefully, if
+they sought consistency in desire and pursuit, they would often be
+startled at their connection, and that it is not so useless to _wish_
+and _seek_, when both are of such a nature as can be based on and
+strengthened by prayer, as it may seem. Human life presents as many
+startling connections and contingencies as romance--only, as the
+_actors_ not the _observers_ of this world's busy scene, we can not
+trace them as we do in books.
+
+The thought of Eleanor was the only dark shade in Mrs. Hamilton's life.
+She had written to her often, but communication with India was not then
+what it is now, and her letters might not have reached their
+destination; especially as being in active service, Captain Fortescue
+was himself constantly changing his quarters. Whatever the cause (for
+Eleanor's letters, Mrs. Hamilton thought, might also have miscarried),
+she heard nothing of her till the hurried epistle commenced by her
+sister, and finished by Mr. Myrvin, brought the startling intelligence
+that she was a widow and dying, unable to reach Oakwood, where she had
+hoped at least to have sufficient strength to bring her children, and
+implore for them protection and love and conjuring Mrs. Hamilton to come
+to her without delay. The letter, imperfectly directed, had been days on
+its journey, and it was with the most melancholy forebodings Mr. and
+Mrs. Hamilton had started for Llangwillan.
+
+But though it was not till many years after Edward and Ellen Fortescue
+became inmates of her family that Mrs. Hamilton became acquainted with
+all the particulars of their childhood, it is necessary that our readers
+should be rather more enlightened; otherwise the character of Ellen may
+be to them as unnatural and as incomprehensible as it was to her aunt.
+
+That Eleanor could realize true happiness in a marriage entered into
+only because she could not bear the torture of her own thoughts, and her
+constant dread of the world's contumely, was not likely. At first,
+indeed, it was a very delightful thing to find herself the object not
+only of devotion to her husband (whom, could she entirely have forgotten
+Fitzclair, she might have really loved), but a still more brilliant star
+in India than she had even been in England. Though Captain Fortescue was
+often engaged in marches and countermarches, where Eleanor sometimes,
+though very rarely, accompanied him, still there were intervals of rest
+for him in the larger cities, where his wife ever shone pre-eminent. For
+the first three or four years, the pride he felt in seeing her so
+universally admired, in the greater attention he received for her sake,
+compensated for, or concealed the qualities, which, as a soldier's wife,
+he had fondly believed she would possess. But as his health, always
+delicate, became more and more undermined, and compelled him to
+relinquish society, at least in a great measure, and to look for the
+quiet pleasures of domestic life, he found, and bitter was that first
+awakening, that his wishes, his comfort, were of no importance. She
+could not resign the pleasures of society--of still being enabled to
+pursue the dangerous amusement of her girlhood (though so guardedly that
+not a rumor against her ever found breath), for the dullness of her
+home. Yet still he loved her; and when Eleanor, with all the fascinating
+playfulness of her former self, would caress and try to persuade him to
+go out with her, and not sit moping at home, and that if he would, she
+would behave just as he liked, and if he did not care to see her
+surrounded, as she knew she was, by red coats, she would dismiss them
+all, and devote herself to him--but indeed she could not stay at
+home--he would feel that it would be cruel indeed to chain such a being
+to his side, and sometimes make the exertion (for which he was little
+fitted) to accompany her; at others, with kind words and indulgent love,
+permit her to follow her own wishes, and remain alone. But little did he
+think the real reason that Eleanor could not rest in quiet at home. The
+recollection of Lord Fitzclair was at such times so fearfully vivid,
+that the very agony she had endured when first told of his fearful end
+would return in all its intensity; the thought: Had her father really
+cursed her for her disobedience, and was it that forever hovering round
+her, preventing any thing like lasting happiness. And yet, by a strange
+contradiction, while the idea of her father's curse shook her whole
+frame at times with convulsive sobs, pride, that most fatal ingredient
+of her character, utterly prevented all attempt on her part to
+communicate with her relations. She said, as they had made no effort to
+conciliate, she would not; and yet the longing for Emmeline sometimes
+became actually painful.
+
+Eleanor was never intended for the heartless, reckless being she had
+tried to become. It was a constant and most terrible struggle between
+the good and evil parts of her nature, and though the evil triumphed--in
+the determination that nothing should change her course of action,
+nothing compel her to acknowledge she had ever been in the wrong, and
+was really not the perfect creature which flattery was ever ready to
+pour into her ear--the good had yet so much power as to make her
+miserable, by the conviction, that she was not what she might have
+been--that she never could be happy--that every pleasure was hollow,
+every amusement vain. Again and again the memories of Emmeline's gentle,
+sustaining, ever active piety would come before her, as if beseeching
+her to seek the only fount of peace; but so terrible was the
+self-reproach, the anguish which the thought called up, that she always
+turned from it with a shudder, resolved that religion was never meant
+for such as herself, and that its restrictions should never enter her
+mind, or its dictates pass her lips.
+
+With the awakening intelligence of her son, however, there seemed one
+pleasure not wholly hollow--one enjoyment without the shadow of alloy;
+and she grasped it with an avidity and a constancy, that in a character
+generally so wavering and inconsistent was almost incredible. That her
+son was from his earliest infancy the image of herself, might have added
+strength to the feeling; but the intense love, almost idolatry, she felt
+toward him, increasing with his growth, did much toward banishing the
+unpleasant feelings of remorse and home-sickness. She devoted herself to
+her boy, not judiciously indeed, for she was not one to practice
+self-denial in education; and as Edward's disposition was not one to
+cause her annoyance, even from over-indulgence, there was not even the
+check of his ill-temper or rudeness toward herself, to whisper the
+fearful evil she was engendering.
+
+What was the emotion which had so riveted her to her son, it might have
+been difficult to ascertain; it could scarcely have been the mere
+instinct of maternity, for then it would have extended to her daughter;
+but as complete as was her indulgence to Edward, so was her neglect of
+Ellen.
+
+Colonel Fortescue (for he had gradually attained that rank) had borne,
+without complaint, neglect of himself; nay, it had not had power in the
+least degree to diminish his love, though it might have awakened him to
+the consciousness that his wife was indeed not perfect. Her devotion to
+Edward, even undertaking the toilsome task of instruction, had delighted
+him; for, at first, having been much from home, he was not conscious of
+the lonely fate of his little girl; but when the truth became evident,
+that she was an object almost of dislike--that she was left entirely to
+the tender mercies of a hireling, and Eleanor only alluded to her, to
+contrast her peevishness and stupidity with Edward's happiness and
+intellect, all the father was roused within him, and, for the first
+time, he felt and expressed serious displeasure. He acknowledged that
+his son might, indeed, be superior in beauty and talent, but he would
+not allow that Ellen's affections were less warm, or her temper less
+capable of guidance. To him, and to all who had in the least attended to
+childhood, Ellen's face, even from infancy, expressed not ill-temper,
+but suffering. Continually ill, for she inherited her father's
+constitution, the poor little infant was constantly crying or fretful;
+which Eleanor; never having known what illness was, attributed at once
+to a naturally evil temper which annoyed her. The nurse, as ignorant as
+she was obsequious, adopted the same opinion; and, before she was even
+three years old, harshness, both by nurse and mother, had been
+constantly used, to make Ellen as good a child as her brother.
+
+In vain did the colonel, when he became aware of this treatment,
+remonstrate that it was the illness of the poor child--neither obstinacy
+nor ill-temper: his wife would not understand him, and at length he
+sternly and peremptorily declared, that as she had her will with Edward,
+he would have his with Ellen, and that no chastisement should be
+inflicted. If she did wrong, he was to be told of it, and if necessary
+he would reprove her, but he would allow no other interference. Mrs.
+Fortescue made not the least objection, believing that as her husband
+had thus taken her in charge, she was exonerated from all blame if she
+left her entirely to him.
+
+Only too quickly did the poor child discover that the lovely being whom
+she called mother, and whom she loved so fondly, had no love, no caress
+for her. Repeated punishment, though it had only extended to her fifth
+year, had completely crushed the gentle, tender spirit, that had
+required such judicious nursing; and combined with physical suffering,
+instead of deadening the feelings, as in some dispositions it would
+have done, had rendered them morbidly acute--an effect which constant
+loneliness naturally deepened. Her father's love and caresses had caused
+her to cling to him so passionately, that every word he said, every
+request he made her, was treasured and thought upon, when he was away
+from her, with a tenacity many would have fancied unnatural in a child.
+He taught her, though his heart often bled as he did so (for what claim
+had her mother upon the feelings he sought to inculcate), to love,
+honor, and obey her mother in all things; that if she did so, she would
+be as happy as Edward in time, and Ellen, though she did not understand
+him, obeyed; but Colonel Fortescue little imagined the evil which was
+accruing from these very natural lessons.
+
+Ellen learned to believe that, as her mother never noticed her, except
+in accounts of anger or irritation, it must be her own fault. She longed
+to be beautiful and buoyant as Edward; and that she was neither, marked
+her in her own young mind as so inferior, it was no wonder her mother
+could not caress or love her. Had Edward presumed on his favoritism, and
+been unkind or neglectful, she might, perhaps, have envied more than she
+loved him; but his disposition was naturally so noble, so open-hearted,
+so generous, that he always treated her with affection, and would share
+with her his playthings and sweets, even while he could not but believe
+her in all things his inferior; and that as such, of course, her wishes
+could never cross with his. Poor child, she scarcely knew what it was to
+wish, except that she might cling to her mother as she did to her
+father, and that she could but be good and beautiful enough to win her
+love! The lesson of concealment of every feeling is but too easily and
+too early learned. Tears do not flow even from childhood, when always
+rudely checked, and angrily reproved. Affection can not display itself
+unless called forth; and so the very outward seeming of children is more
+in a parent's hand than mere superficial observers may believe: and Mrs.
+Fortescue blamed and disliked the cold inanimate exterior which she had
+never tried to warm.
+
+Ellen's extreme difficulty in acquiring knowledge, compared with
+Edward's extraordinary quickness, only confirmed her painful conviction
+of her great inferiority, the impossibility of her ever winning
+love--and the consequent increased intensity of her affection for her
+father and brother, who loved her notwithstanding. That the child
+herself could not have defined these sensations is true, but that they
+had existence, even before she was nine years old, and that they
+influenced many years of her after-life, causing error and suffering,
+and rendering Mrs. Hamilton's task one of pain and difficulty, before
+these mistaken influences could be eradicated, is equally so. The power
+over early years is so immense, its responsibility so extensive, its
+neglect or abuse may indeed make the earnest thinker tremble; less,
+perhaps, for the actual amount of general evil, for that circumstances
+in after life are sometimes graciously permitted to avert, but for
+individual suffering and individual joy--and especially is this the case
+in the training of girls. More enduring in their very fragility than
+boys, they may be compared to those precious metals which fire and water
+and pressure have no power to break, but simply to draw out to a thinner
+and thinner thread, dwindling more and more, but to its last
+spider-woven fineness capable of tenuity and vitality. While boys, like
+men, are often crushed at once--the frame of the one and the spirit of
+the other equally unable to endure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+DOMESTIC DISCORD AND ITS END.
+
+
+The displeasure of her husband, his reproaches for her conduct to Ellen,
+by causing some degree of annoyance, increased Mrs. Fortescue's feelings
+of dislike toward the object who had caused it, and this was soon
+afterward heightened by self-reproach.
+
+A malignant fever broke out in the British settlement where Colonel
+Fortescue was stationed; his wife and children were with him, and,
+dreadfully alarmed, Eleanor determined to remove with her children to
+some less unhealthy spot. The colonel willingly consented; but before
+their hasty preparations were concluded Ellen sickened. Alarm for
+Edward, however, so engrossed the mother, that she appeared incapable of
+any other thought. In vain Colonel Fortescue urged that his son would be
+safe with the friends who had promised to take charge of him, and who
+were on the point of leaving the city; that there were none on whom he
+could depend so to tend the little sufferer as not to require a guiding
+head, and she knew how impossible it was for him to be with his child
+as his heart prompted. He urged, entreated, commanded in vain, Mrs.
+Fortescue was inexorable. She declared that the idea of her son being
+away from her at such a time would drive her mad; and as for duty, one
+child demanded her care as much as another; that her husband might not
+care about thus exposing her to infection, but she really thought, for
+Edward's sake, it was her duty to take care of herself. It might be
+nothing to the colonel or Ellen whether she lived or died, but to Edward
+it was a great deal; and so as she must choose between them, she would
+go with him who loved her best, and who would be miserable without her.
+The haughty, angry tone with which she spoke, the unjust taunt, roused
+every indignant feeling, and Colonel Fortescue said more in that moment
+of irritation than he could have believed possible. But it only awakened
+the cold, sustaining pride which Eleanor always called to her aid when
+conscience smote her, and she departed with her son, hardening every
+better feeling, and rousing anger against her husband and child to
+conquer the suffering of self-reproach. But when many miles from the
+city of death, and there were no fears for Edward, anxiety and
+wretchedness so assailed her, that pride itself gave way. To communicate
+with the infected city was difficult, and very infrequent, and again and
+again did she wish that she had remained.
+
+During the continuance of Ellen's illness her father's anguish was
+indeed terrible. Every leisure moment he spent by her side, moistening
+her parched lips, bathing her burning forehead, and listening to the
+plaintive accents of delirium with an acuteness of suffering, that
+injured his own health more than he had the least idea of. The
+attendants were really both kind and skillful, but the colonel fancied,
+when he was not with her, she was neglected, and in still greater
+suffering; and the struggle between his duties and his child was almost
+more than he could bear. He had never been a religious man--never known
+what it was to pray, except in the public services of his regiment, but
+now prayer, earnest, heartfelt, poured from him, and the thankfulness to
+God, which so overpowered him, when she was pronounced out of danger, as
+to compel him to weep like a child, planted a sense of a Father's
+infinite love and infinite compassion within him, which was his sole
+sustainer the short remainder of his life.
+
+Eleanor's letters, few as they were, had in some degree softened his
+anger toward her; but as he beheld the ravages of disease on his poor
+child's face and form, rendering her still less attractive than she had
+been, and perceived that bodily weakness had extended to her mind, and
+often and often forced tears from her eyes and momentary complainings,
+he trembled lest Eleanor should find still more to dislike and reprove;
+and often his heart bled as Ellen would ask with tears, for her dear
+mamma, adding, plaintively, "Mamma never kisses me or loves me as she
+does Edward; but I like to be near her, and look at her dear beautiful
+face, and wish I was good and pretty enough for her to love me. Why does
+she never come to me?--and why may I not go to her?"
+
+And what could the colonel reply, except that her mother feared Edward
+would take the infection, and therefore she was obliged to go with him
+to some place of safety? And his child was satisfied, repeating so
+fondly her delight that her dear, dear Edward had been saved from being
+as ill as she was, that her father clasped her closer and closer to his
+heart, feeling the intrinsic beauty of a disposition that, instead of
+repining that she was left alone to suffer, could rejoice that her
+brother had been spared.
+
+Colonel Fortescue obtained a few weeks' leave, that he might take his
+child to the sea-side as recommended, ere she joined her mother. And
+alone with him, gradually regaining a moderate degree of strength, Ellen
+was very happy; but such bright intervals were indeed few and far
+between. There was no change in her mother's conduct toward her, when
+reunited. Her heart had, indeed, risen to her lips as she again beheld
+the child so nearly lost; and had she followed impulse, she would have
+clasped her in her arms and wept over her, but that would have seemed
+tacitly to acknowledge that she had been wrong, and had suffered from
+it; and so she refrained, causing suffering to herself, anguish to her
+child, and pain to her husband, all from that fell demon, pride. She
+only chose to remember that it was Ellen who had been the cause of her
+husband's anger--Ellen, the constant subject of contention between
+them--Ellen, always causing the pang of self-reproach: and so how was it
+possible that she could love her?
+
+About a year after Ellen's dangerous illness, when she was nearly ten,
+and Edward just eleven, Colonel Fortescue was ordered to take command of
+some troops to be stationed at a fort, whose vicinity to some hostile
+natives rendered it rather a post of danger. The wives and children of
+the officers were permitted to accompany them, if they wished it, and,
+except in the colonel's own family, there had been no hesitation in
+their choice. The colonel was strangely and painfully depressed as with
+some vague dread, and all his affection for his wife had returned with
+such force as to make him shrink in unusual suffering from the idea of
+leaving her; and conquering reluctance, for he felt as if she would not
+accede, he implored her to accompany him, confessing he felt ill and
+unhappy, and shrank from a separation. His wife looked at him with
+astonishment; he had never asked nor thought of such a thing before, she
+said, in their many brief partings, and she really could not understand
+him. The place was decidedly unhealthy, and Edward must not be exposed
+to its malaria; besides which, she had promised him to go to a juvenile
+ball, which was given by an English family of rank, in a fortnight's
+time, and she could not possibly disappoint him; and why her husband
+should wish for her in such a place she could not imagine, but she knew
+she should die of terror before she had been there a week. Not a word
+did the colonel utter in reply, but he felt as if an ice-bolt had struck
+his heart and frozen it at once. He fixed his eyes upon her, with a
+strange, sad, reproaching look, which haunted her till her death, and
+turning from her, sought the room where Ellen was preparing her lessons
+for the joyful hour when he could attend to her. As she sprung toward
+him with a cry of glee, he clasped her to his bosom, without the power
+of uttering a sound, save a groan so deep and hollow, that the child's
+unusual glee was checked, and she clung to him in terror; and when he
+could tell her that he was about to leave her, and for an indefinite
+time, her passionate grief seemed almost to comfort him, by its strong
+evidence of her childish love.
+
+"Let me go with you, papa, dear papa! oh! I will be so good--I will not
+give you any trouble, indeed, indeed I will not. Pray, pray, take me
+with you, dear, dear papa?" And she looked in his face so beseechingly,
+that the colonel had no strength to resist, and fondly kissing her, he
+promised that if Mrs. Cameron would permit her to join her little
+family, she should go with him: and, to Ellen's intense thankfulness,
+the permission was willingly accorded.
+
+Mrs. Fortescue had indeed replied, when her husband briefly imparted his
+intention, that he certainly must intend Ellen to be ill again, by
+exposing her to such an unhealthy climate; and that if she were, he
+must not be angry if she refused to go and nurse her, as it would be all
+his weak indulgence, and no fault of hers. The colonel made no answer,
+and irritated beyond measure at his manner, Eleanor parted from her
+husband in coldness and in pride.
+
+The fortnight passed, and Mrs. Fortescue felt as if her own youth were
+indeed renewed, the longings for universal admiration again her own; but
+now it was only for her son, and her triumph was complete; many and
+lovely were the youthful beings called together on that festive night,
+seeming as if England had concentrated her fairest and purest offspring
+in that far distant land; but Edward, and his still lovely mother,
+outshone them all. That she was herself admired as much, if not more,
+than she had ever been in her palmy days of triumph, Eleanor scarcely
+knew; her every feeling was centered in her boy, and consequently the
+supercilious haughtiness which had so often marred her beauty in former
+days was entirely laid aside, and maternal pride and pleasure gratified
+to the utmost, added a new charm to her every movement and every word.
+She heard the universal burst of admiration which greeted her, as to
+oblige Edward she went through a quadrille with him, and never in her
+whole career had she felt so triumphant, so proud, so joyous. During the
+past fortnight she had often been tormented by self-reproach, and her
+husband's look had disagreeably haunted her; but this night not a
+fleeting thought of either the colonel or Ellen entered her mind, and
+her pleasure was complete.
+
+Tired with dancing, and rather oppressed with the heat, Eleanor quitted
+the crowded ball-room, and stood for a few minutes quite alone in a
+solitary part of the verandah, which, covered with lovely flowers, ran
+round the house. The music in the ball-room sounded in the distance as
+if borne by the night breeze in softened harmony over the distant hills.
+The moon was at the full, and lit up nearly the whole garden with the
+refulgence of a milder day. At that moment a cold chill crept over the
+heart and frame of Eleanor, causing her breath to come thick and
+gaspingly. Why, she knew not, for there was nothing visible to cause it,
+save that, in one part of the garden, a cluster of dark shrubs, only
+partly illuminated by the rays of the moon, seemed suddenly to have
+assumed the shape of a funeral bier, covered with a military pall. At
+the same moment the music in the ball-room seemed changed to the low
+wailing plaint and muffled drums, the military homage to some mighty
+dead. And if it were indeed but excited fancy, it had a strange effect,
+for Eleanor fainted on the marble floor.
+
+That same afternoon Colonel Fortescue, with some picked men, had set off
+to discover the track of some marauding natives, who for some days had
+been observed hovering about the neighborhood. Military ardor carried
+him farther than he intended, and it was nearly night, when entering a
+narrow defile, a large body of the enemy burst upon them, and a
+desperate contest ensued. The defile was so hemmed in with rock and
+mountain, that though not very distant from the fort, the noise of the
+engagement had not been distinguished. Captain Cameron was quietly
+sitting with his wife and elder children, awaiting without any
+forebodings the return of the colonel. Though it was late, Ellen's fears
+had been so visible, that Mrs. Cameron could not send her to bed; the
+child seemed so restless and uneasy that the captain had tried to laugh
+her out of her cowardice, as he called it, declaring that her father
+would disown her if she could not be more brave. Hasty footsteps were at
+length heard approaching, and Ellen started from her seat and sprung
+forward, as the door opened; but it was not the colonel, only a
+sergeant, who had accompanied him, and whose face caused Captain Cameron
+to exclaim, in alarm, "How now, Sergeant Allen, returned, and alone;
+what has chanced?"
+
+"The worst those brown devils could have done!" was the energetic reply.
+"We've beaten them, and we will beat them again, the villains! but that
+will not bring _him_ back--captain--captain--the colonel's down!"
+
+The captain started from his chair, but before he could frame another
+word, Ellen had caught hold of the old man's arm, and wildly exclaimed,
+"Do you mean--do you mean, pray tell me, Sergeant Allen!--Have the
+natives met papa's troop, and have they fought?--and--is he hurt--is he
+killed?" The man could not answer her--for her look and tone, he
+afterward declared to his comrades, went through his heart, just for all
+the world like a saber cut; and for the moment neither Captain nor Mrs.
+Cameron could address her. The shock seemed to have banished voice from
+all, save from the poor child principally concerned.
+
+"Stay with me, my dear Ellen!" Mrs. Cameron at length said, advancing to
+her, as she stood still clinging to the sergeant's arm: "the captain
+will go and meet your father, and if he be wounded, we will nurse him
+together, dearest! Stay with me."
+
+"No, no, no!" was the agonized reply; "let me go to him, he may die
+before they bring him here, and I shall never feel his kiss or hear him
+bless me again. He told me he should fall in battle--oh! Mrs. Cameron,
+pray let me go to him?"
+
+And they who knew all which that father was to his poor Ellen, could not
+resist that appeal. The sergeant said the colonel was not dead, but so
+mortally wounded they feared to move him. It was a fearful scene. Death
+in its most horrid form was all around her; her little feet were
+literally deluged in blood, and she frequently stumbled over the dusky
+forms and mangled and severed limbs that lay on the grass, but neither
+sob nor cry escaped her till she beheld her father. His men had removed
+him from the immediate scene of slaughter, and tried to form a rough
+pallet of military cloaks, but the ghastly countenance, which the moon's
+light rendered still more fixed and pallid, the rigidity of his limbs,
+all seemed to denote they had indeed arrived too late, and that terrible
+stillness was broken by the convulsed and passionate sobs of the poor
+child, who, flinging herself beside him, besought him only to open his
+eyes, to look upon her once more, to call her his darling, and kiss her
+once, only once again: and it seemed as if her voice had indeed power to
+recall the fluttering soul. The heavy eyes did unclose, the clenched
+hand relaxed to try and clasp his child, and he murmured feebly--
+
+"How came you here, my poor darling Ellen? are friends here?--is that
+Cameron's voice?" The captain knelt down by him and convulsively pressed
+his hand, but he could not speak.
+
+"God bless you, Cameron! Take my poor child to her mother--implore
+her--to--and it is to-night, this very night--she and my boy are
+happy--and I--and my poor Ellen--" A fearful convulsion choked his
+voice, but after a little while he tried to speak again--
+
+"My poor child, I have prepared you for this; but I know you must grieve
+for me. Take my blessing to your brother, tell him to protect--love your
+mother, darling! she must love you at last--a ring--my left hand--take
+it to her--oh! how I have loved her--God have mercy on her--on my poor
+children!" He tried to press his lips again on Ellen's cheek and brow,
+but the effort was vain--and at the very moment Mrs. Fortescue had
+stood transfixed by some unknown terror, her husband ceased to breathe.
+
+It was long before Ellen rallied from that terrible scene. Even when the
+fever which followed subsided, and she had been taken, apparently
+perfectly restored to health, once more to her mother and brother, its
+recollection so haunted her, that her many lonely hours became fraught
+with intense suffering. Her imagination, already only too morbid, dwelt
+again and again upon the minutest particular of that field of horror;
+not only her father, but the objects which, when her whole heart was
+wrapped in him, she seemed not even to have seen. The ghastly heaps of
+dead, the severed limbs, the mangled trunks, the gleaming faces all
+fixed in the distorted expressions with which they died--the very hollow
+groans and louder cry of pain which, as she passed through the field,
+had fallen on her ear unheeded, returned to the poor child's too early
+awakened fancy so vividly, that often and often it was only a powerful
+though almost unconscious effort that prevented the scream of fear. Her
+father's last words were never forgotten; she would not only continue to
+love her mother because he had desired her to do so, but because _he had
+so loved her_, and on her first return home this seemed easier than ever
+to accomplish. Mrs. Fortescue, tortured by remorse and grief, had
+somewhat softened toward the child who had received the last breath of
+her husband; and could Ellen have overcome the reserve and fear which so
+many years of estrangement had engendered, and given vent to the warmth
+of her nature, Mrs. Fortescue might have learned to know, and knowing,
+to love her--but it was then too late.
+
+So torturing were Mrs. Fortescue's feelings when she recalled the last
+request of her husband, and her cruel and haughty refusal; when that
+which had seemed so important, a juvenile ball--because not to go would
+disappoint Edward--became associated with his fearful death, and sunk
+into worse than nothing--she had parted with him in anger, and it proved
+forever;--that even as England had become odious to her, twelve years
+before, so did India now; and she suddenly resolved to quit it, and
+return to the relatives she had neglected so long, but toward whom she
+now yearned more than ever. She thought and believed such a complete
+change would and must bring peace. Alas! what change will remove the
+torture of remorse?
+
+Though incapable of real love, from her studied heartlessness, it was
+impossible for her to have lived twelve years with one so indulgent and
+fond as Colonel Fortescue, without realizing some degree of affection,
+and his unexpected and awful death roused every previously dormant
+feeling so powerfully, that she was astonished at herself, and in her
+misery believed that the feeling had only come, to add to her
+burden--for what was the use of loving now? and determined to rouse
+herself, she made every preparation for immediate departure, but she was
+painfully arrested. The selfish mother had fled from the couch of her
+suffering child, and now a variation of the same complaint laid her on a
+bed of pain. It was a desperate struggle between life and death; but she
+rallied, and insisted on taking her passage for England some weeks
+before her medical attendant thought it advisable. The constant struggle
+between the whisperings of good and the dominion of evil, which her
+whole life had been, had unconsciously undermined a constitution
+naturally good; and when to this was added a malignant disease, though
+brief in itself, the seeds of a mortal complaint were planted, which,
+ere the long voyage was concluded, had obtained fatal and irremediable
+ascendency, and occasioned those sufferings and death which in our first
+chapters we described.
+
+To Edward, though the death of his father had caused him much childish
+grief, still more perhaps from sympathy with the deep suffering of his
+mother, than a perfect consciousness of his own heavy loss, the _manner_
+in which he died was to him a source of actual pride. He had always
+loved the histories of heroes, military and naval, and gloried in the
+idea that his father had been one of them, and died as they did, bravely
+fighting against superior numbers, and in the moment of a glorious
+victory. He had never seen death, and imagined not all the attendant
+horrors of such a one; and how that Ellen could never even hear the word
+without shuddering he could not understand, nor why she should always so
+painfully shrink from the remotest reference to that night, which was
+only associated in his mind with emotions of pleasure. In the tedious
+voyage of nearly six months (for five-and-twenty years ago the voyage
+from India to England was not what it is now), the character of Edward
+shone forth in such noble coloring as almost to excuse his mother's
+idolatry, and win for him the regard of passengers and crew. Captain
+Cameron had impressed on his mind that he now stood in his father's
+place to his mother and sister; and as the idea of protecting is always
+a strong incentive to manliness in a boy, however youthful, Edward well
+redeemed the charge, so devoting himself not only to his mother, but to
+Ellen, that her affection for him redoubled, as did her mistaken idea of
+his vast superiority.
+
+His taste had always pointed to the naval in preference to the military
+profession, and the voyage confirmed it. Before he had been a month on
+board he had become practically an expert sailor--had learned all the
+technical names of the various parts of a ship, and evinced the most
+eager desire for the acquirement of navigation. Nor did he fail in the
+true sailor spirit, when, almost within sight of England, a tremendous
+storm arose, reducing the vessel almost to a wreck, carrying her far
+from her destined moorings, and compelling her, after ten days' doubt
+whether or not she would reach land in safety, to anchor in Milford
+Haven, there to repair her injuries, ere she could be again seaworthy.
+
+The passengers here left her, and Mrs. Fortescue, whose illness the
+terrors of the storm had most alarmingly increased, was conveyed to
+Pembroke in an almost exhausted state; but once on land she rallied,
+resolved on instantly proceeding to Swansea, then cross to Devonshire,
+and travel direct to Oakwood, where she had no doubt her sister was. But
+her temper was destined to be tried still more. The servant who had
+accompanied her from India, an Englishwoman, tired out with the fretful
+impatience of Mrs. Fortescue during the voyage, and disappointed that
+she did not at once proceed to London, demanded her instant discharge,
+as she could not stay any longer from her friends. The visible illness
+of her mistress might have spared this unfeeling act, but Eleanor had
+never shown feeling or kindness to her inferiors, and therefore,
+perhaps, had no right to expect them. Her suppressed anger and annoyance
+so increased physical suffering, that had it not been for her children
+she must have sunk at once; but for their sakes she struggled with that
+deadly exhaustion, and set off the very next morning, without any
+attendant, for Swansea. They were not above thirty miles from this town
+when, despite her every effort, Mrs. Fortescue became too ill to
+proceed. There was no appearance of a town or village, but the owners of
+a half-way house, pitying the desolate condition of the travelers,
+directed the postboy to the village of Llangwillan; which, though out of
+the direct road and four or five miles distant, was yet the nearest
+place of shelter. And never in her whole life had Mrs. Fortescue
+experienced such a blessed sensation of physical relief, as when the
+benevolent exertions of Mr. Myrvin had installed her in widow Morgan's
+humble dwelling, and by means of soothing medicine and deep repose in
+some degree relieved the torture of a burning brain and aching frame.
+Still she hoped to rally, and obtain strength sufficient to proceed; and
+bitter was the anguish when the hope was compelled to be
+relinquished.--With all that followed, our readers are already
+acquainted, and we will, therefore, at once seek the acquaintance of
+Mrs. Hamilton's own family, whose "Traits of Character" will, we hope,
+illustrate other and happier home influences than those of indiscreet
+indulgence and culpable neglect.
+
+
+
+
+PART II.
+
+TRAITS OF CHARACTER.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+YOUTHFUL COLLOQUY--INTRODUCING CHARACTER
+
+
+The curtains were drawn close, the large lamp was on the table, and a
+cheerful fire blazing in the grate; for though only September, the room
+was sufficiently large, and the evenings sufficiently chill, for a fire
+to add greatly to its aspect of true English comfort. There were many
+admirable pictures suspended on the walls, and well-filled book-cases,
+desks, and maps, stands of beautiful flowers, and some ingenious toys,
+all seeming to proclaim the apartment as the especial possession of the
+young party who were this evening busily engaged at the large round
+table which occupied the centre of the room. They were only four in
+number, but what with a large desk piled with books and some most
+alarming-sized dictionaries, which occupied the elder of the two lads,
+the embroidery frame of the elder girl, the dissected map before her
+sister, and two or three books scattered round the younger boy, the
+table seemed so well filled that Miss Harcourt had quietly ensconced
+herself in her own private little corner, sufficiently near to take an
+interest, and sometimes join in the conversation of her youthful charge;
+but so apart as to be no restraint upon them, and to enable her to
+pursue her own occupations of either reading, writing, or working
+uninterruptedly. Could poor Mrs. Fortescue have glanced on the happy
+group, she certainly might have told her sister, with some show of
+justice, that there was such an equal distribution of interesting and
+animated expression (which is the great beauty of youth), that she could
+not have known the trial of having such a heavy, dull, unhappy child as
+Ellen. Mrs. Hamilton, indeed, we rather think, would not have considered
+such a trial, except as it proved ill-health and physical pain in the
+little sufferer; and, perhaps her increased care and tenderness (for
+such with her would have been the consequence of the same cause which
+had created her sister's neglect) might have removed both the depression
+of constant but impalpable illness, and the expression of heaviness and
+gloom. Certain it is, that her own Herbert had, with regard to delicate
+health, given her more real and constant anxiety than Eleanor had ever
+allowed herself to experience with Ellen; but there was nothing in the
+boy's peculiarly interesting countenance to denote the physical
+suffering he very often endured. Care and love had so surrounded his
+path with blessings, that he was often heard to declare, that he never
+even wished to be as strong as his brother, or to share his active
+pleasures, he had so many others equally delightful. Whether it was his
+physical temperament, inducing a habitude of reflection and studious
+thought much beyond his years, or whether the unusually gifted mind
+worked on the frame, or the one combined to form the other, it would be
+as impossible to decide with regard to him as with hundreds of others
+like him; but he certainly seemed, not only to his parents, but to their
+whole household, and to every one who casually associated with him, to
+have more in him of heaven than earth; as if indeed he were only lent,
+not given. And often, and often his mother's heart ached with its very
+intensity of love, causing the unspoken dread--how might she hope to
+retain one so faultless, and yet so full of every human sympathy and
+love! The delicate complexion, beautiful color of his cheeks and lips,
+and large soft, very dark blue eye, with its long black lash, high,
+arched brow, shaded by glossy chestnut hair, were all so lit up with the
+rays of mind, that though his face returned again and again to the fancy
+of those who had only once beheld it, they could scarcely have recalled
+a single feature, feeling only the almost angelic expression of the
+whole.
+
+His brother, as full of mirth and mischief, and as noisy and
+laughter-loving as Herbert was quiet and thoughtful, made his way at
+once, winning regard by storm, and retaining it by his frank and
+generous qualities, which made him a favorite with young and old. Even
+in his hours of study, there was not the least evidence of reflection or
+soberness. As a child he had had much to contend with, in the way of
+passion, pride, and self-will; but his home influence had been such a
+judicious blending of indulgence and firmness on the part of both his
+parents, such a persevering inculcation of a strong sense of duty,
+religious and moral, that at fifteen his difficulties had been all
+nearly overcome; and, except when occasional acts of thoughtlessness and
+hasty impulse lured him into error and its painful consequences, he was
+as happy and as good a lad as even his anxious mother could desire.
+
+The elder of his two sisters resembled him in the bright, dark, flashing
+eye, the straight intellectual brow, the rich dark brown hair and
+well-formed mouth; but the expression was so different at present, that
+it was often difficult to trace the likeness that actually existed.
+Haughtiness, and but too often ill-temper, threw a shade over a
+countenance, which when happy and animated was not only attractive then,
+but gave a fair promise of great beauty in after years. The disposition
+of Caroline Hamilton was in fact naturally so similar to that of her
+aunt, Mrs. Fortescue, that Mrs. Hamilton's task with her was not only
+more difficult and painful in the present than with any of the others,
+but her dread of the future at times so overpowering, that it required
+all her husband's influence to calm her, by returning trust in Him, who
+had promised to answer all who called upon Him, and would bless that
+mother's toils which were based on, and looked up alone, to His
+influence on her child, and guidance for herself.
+
+The blue-eyed, fair-haired, graceful, little Emmeline, not only the
+youngest of the family, but, from her slight figure, delicate, small
+features, and childish manner, appearing even much younger than she was,
+was indeed a source of joy and love to all, seeming as if sorrow, except
+for others, could not approach her. She had indeed much that required a
+carefully guiding hand, in a yielding weakness of disposition, indolent
+habit in learning, an unrestrained fancy, and its general accompaniment,
+over-sensitiveness of feeling, but so easily guided by affection, and
+with a disposition so sweet and gentle, that a word from her mother was
+always enough. Mrs. Hamilton had little fears for her, except, indeed,
+as for the vast capability of individual suffering which such a
+disposition engendered, in those trials which it was scarcely possible
+she might hope to pass through life without. There was only one
+safeguard, one unfailing comfort, for a character like hers, and that
+was a deep ever-present sense of religion, which untiringly, and yet
+more by example than by precept, her parents endeavored to instill.
+Greatly, indeed, would both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have been astonished,
+had they been told that the little girl, Ellen Fortescue, who to both
+was such an enigma, and who was seemingly in all things so utterly
+unlike their Emmeline, was in natural disposition _exactly the same_;
+and that the vast difference in present and future character simply
+arose from the fact, that the early influences of the one were sorrow
+and neglect, and of the other, happiness and love.
+
+"I wonder whether mamma and papa will really come home to-night;"
+observed Caroline, after several minutes of unbroken silence, all
+seemingly so engrossed in their own occupations as to have no
+inclination to speak. "And if they do, I wish we could know the exact
+time, I do so hate expecting and being disappointed."
+
+"Then neither wonder nor expect, my sage sister," replied Percy,
+without, however, raising his head or interrupting his writing; "and I
+will give you two capital reasons for my advice. Firstly, wonder is the
+offspring of ignorance, and has two opposite effects on my sex and on
+yours. With us it is closely connected with philosophy, for we are told
+in 'wonder all philosophy begins, in wonder it ends, and adoration fills
+up the interspace;' but with you, poor weak creatures, the only effect
+it produces is increased curiosity, of which you have naturally a more
+than adequate supply. Secondly, if you begin to wonder and expect, and
+speculate as to the ayes and noes of a contingency to-night, you will
+not cease talking till mamma really does appear; and then good-by to my
+theme, for to write while your tongue is running, is impossible. So
+pray, take my advice, on consideration that you have had as good a
+sermon from me as my reverend brother Herbert can ever hope to give."
+
+"I do not think mamma and papa will be quite satisfied if he do not give
+us a much better one, even the very first time he attempts it;" rejoined
+Emmeline, with a very arch look at her brother.
+
+"What, you against me, Miss Emmy! and beginning to talk too. You forget
+what an important personage I am, during papa's absence especially; and
+that as such, I am not to be insulted with impunity. So here goes--as a
+fresh exercise for your patience!" And he mingled all the fixed and
+unfixed parts of her map in most bewildering confusion, regardless of
+her laughing entreaty to let them alone.
+
+"You have tried a very bad way to keep me quiet, Percy," continued
+Caroline; "you must either explain why wonder may not equally have the
+same good effect on us as on you, or retract your words entirely. You
+know you would not have expressed such a contemptuous opinion, if mamma
+had been present."
+
+"My mother is such a very superior person, that when she is present her
+superiority extends over her whole sex, Caroline; even you are safe,
+because, as her child, it is to be hoped that one of these days you may
+be something like her: exactly, I do not expect--two such woman as my
+mother can not exist."
+
+"As if your opinion were of such importance, Percy," replied Caroline
+haughtily; "it really is very little consequence to me whether you think
+me like mamma or not."
+
+"It is to me, though," rejoined Emmeline, earnestly; "I would rather be
+like mamma than like any body else, and I should like Percy to think I
+was, because then he would love me still more."
+
+"Bravo, my little Em.; spoken almost as well as I could myself, and, as
+a reward, as soon as this most annoying piece of erudition is
+accomplished, I will help you with your map why, you silly little thing,
+you have put Kamschatka as the terra firma of South America; no doubt
+that ice and snow would be very welcome there, but how the Americans
+would stare to see the fur-clad Kamschatkans such near neighbors. That's
+it, go on, puzzle away till I can help you. And you Miss Caroline,
+retain your contempt of my opinion, and may you never repent it."
+
+"I thought you told me not to talk, Percy," replied his sister; "and I
+should like to know who is talking the most, you or I? You will not
+finish what you are doing before the bell rings for prayers, if you go
+on in this way."
+
+"That proves how little you know the extent of my powers. I have only to
+make a clean copy of these learned reflections. Why, in the name of all
+the gods, were there such provokingly clever people as Seneca, Cicero,
+Pliny, and a host of others! or, if they must be wise, why did they not
+burn all the written wisdom, instead of leaving it as a means of torture
+in the hands of learned pedagogues, yclept schoolmasters, and as a curse
+on those poor unfortunates whose noddles are not wise enough to contain
+it."
+
+"I should be very sorry if all the ancient authors were thus
+annihilated," observed Herbert, looking up from his book with a bright
+smile. "I should lose a great deal of enjoyment even now, and still more
+by-and-by, when I know more."
+
+"Ay, but my dear fellow, your head is not quite so like a sieve as mine.
+Yours receives, contains, digests, and sends forth the matter improved
+by your own ideas; but as for mine, the matter undoubtedly enters, but
+runs out again, and only leaves behind that which is too large and gross
+to pass through. No, no, Bertie, your head and mine are not related even
+in the twentieth degree of consanguinity, however nearly connected their
+masters may be. Hush! not a word; I have only one line more; what a wise
+man that was to be sure, who said 'Otiosum esse quam nihil
+agere'--better to be idle than doing nothing. Don't shake your head and
+laugh, Emmy. Vale: never did I say good-by so willingly. Hurrah! mamma
+and papa may come home when they like now. Cast your eyes over it
+Herbert; just tell me if it look correct, and then vale books--vale
+pens--vale desk for to-night!" He placed his writing on his brother's
+open bunk, threw his dictionary and grammar high in air, and dexterously
+caught them as they fell, piled up his books, closed his desk, and then,
+with a comical sigh of relief, flung himself full length on a sofa.
+
+"Now that you have finished your task, Percy, perhaps you will have the
+kindness to inform us why at this time of the evening you have been
+writing Latin?" inquired Caroline.
+
+"And open my wound afresh! However, it is quite right that Miss Harcourt
+should know that, if I am ill from over-study to-morrow, it is her
+doing."
+
+"Mine!" answered Miss Harcourt, laughing; "pray explain yourself, young
+man, for I am so perfectly innocent as not even to understand you."
+
+"Did you not this morning give me a message to Lady Helen Grahame?"
+
+"I did; you passed her house on your way to Mr. Howard's."
+
+"Well, then, if you had not given me the message, much as I felt
+disinclined to pore over musty books and foolscap paper, from the
+extreme loveliness of the morning, I should have nerved myself to go
+straight on to the Rectory. Lady Helen was not visible, so I tarried,
+believing your message of vital importance, and Annie came to
+me--by-the-by, what a little woman that child is; Emmeline, you are a
+baby to her. I wonder she condescends to associate with you."
+
+"I do not think she is at all fond of me--Caroline is her friend,"
+replied Emmeline; "but what can Annie have to do with your Latin?"
+
+"A great deal--for she talked and we walked, and time walked too, and by
+the time I had seen Lady Helen, it was two hours later than I ought to
+have been with Mr. Howard. On I went, feeling not particularly
+comfortable; but though it is clear logic that if Miss Harcourt had not
+sent me to Lady Helen's I should not have been led into temptation, I
+was magnanimous enough not to mention her, but to lay the whole blame of
+my non-appearance, on my own disinclination for any study but that of
+nature. Mr. Howard looked grave and sorrowful--I wish to heaven he was
+more like any other schoolmaster; that look and tone of his are worse
+than any rod!--and to redeem my lost time in the morning, I was desired
+to write a Latin theme on a letter of Pliny's this evening. And now that
+I have satisfied all your inquiries, please satisfy mine. Is there any
+chance of mamma's coming home to-night?"
+
+"Every probability," replied Miss Harcourt. "It only depends on your
+cousin, who is so very delicate, that if she were too fatigued, Mr.
+Hamilton would remain at Exeter to-night, and proceed here early
+to-morrow."
+
+"Well, my little cousin, though I have not the pleasure of knowing you,
+I hope you will be so kind as to let mamma come on to-night, for we have
+been too long without her, and I long to resign to papa his robes of
+office, for they sit mightily like borrowed plumes upon me. Mamma writes
+of Ellen and Edward--I wonder what they are like! Come, Tiny, paint them
+for me--your fertile fancy generally fills up the shadow of a name."
+
+"I can not, Percy, for I am afraid my pictures would not be agreeable."
+
+"Not agreeable!" repeated Percy and Miss Harcourt together. "Why not?"
+
+Emmeline hesitated, then answered ingenuously, "We are so very, very
+happy together, that I do not feel quite sure that I am glad my cousins
+are going to live with us."
+
+"What! are you afraid I shall love Ellen more than you, Emmy?" exclaimed
+her brother, starting up and sitting on her chair; "do not be alarmed,
+Tiny; no cousin shall take your place."
+
+"Indeed I am not afraid of that, Percy, dear," she replied, looking so
+fondly in his face, that he gave her a hearty kiss. "I can not tell why
+I should feel half sorry that they are coming, but I am quite sure I
+will do all I can to make them happy."
+
+"You could not do otherwise if you were to try, Tiny. Come, Caroline,
+what say you? We have all been thinking about them, so we may as well
+give each other the benefit of our thoughts."
+
+"Suppose I do not feel inclined to do so?"
+
+"Why we must all believe you are ashamed of them," replied Percy
+quickly, "and if you are, I know who has made you so. I would lay any
+wager, the whole time you have been with Lady Helen Grahame, since mamma
+has been away, she has been talking of nothing else--look, look, she is
+blushing--I am right."
+
+"And if she did," replied Caroline, very much provoked, "she said
+nothing that I am ashamed of repeating. She knew my aunt before she went
+to India, and I am sure if her children are like her, they will be no
+agreeable additions to our family."
+
+"Bravo, Caroline! you really are an apt pupil; Lady Helen's words and
+manner completely! but you may have one comfort; children are not always
+like their parents, and if they are as unlike Lady Helen's description
+of my poor aunt (which by the way she had no right to give, nor you to
+listen to) as you are at this moment unlike mamma, we shall get on
+capitally, and need have no fears about them."
+
+"Percy you are intolerably disagreeable!"
+
+"Because I speak the sad, sober truth? Caroline, do pray, get rid of
+that dawning ill temper, before mamma comes; it will not be a pleasant
+welcome home."
+
+"I am not ill-tempered, Percy: I suppose I may have my own opinion of
+Ellen and Edward, as well as all of you," replied his sister angrily.
+
+"But do not let it be an unkind one, without knowing them, dear
+Caroline," observed Herbert gently; "it is so very difficult to get rid
+of a prejudice when once it has entered our minds, even when we know and
+feel that it is a wrong one. I am sure if we only thought how sad it is
+that they have neither father nor mother to love them, and are coming
+all among strangers--born in a strange land too--we should find quite
+enough to think kindly about, and leave all wonder as to what they will
+be like, till we know them. I dare say we shall often have to bear and
+forbear, but that we have to do with each other, and it will only be one
+brother and sister more."
+
+"Brother and sister! I am sure I shall not think of them so, Herbert,
+however you may. My father might have been a nobleman, and who knows any
+thing of theirs?"
+
+"Caroline, how can you be so ridiculous!" exclaimed Percy, with a most
+provoking fit of laughter. "Their father served and died for his
+king--as our grandfather did; and had he lived might have been offered a
+title too--and their mother--really I think you are very insulting to
+mamma: her sister's children I should imagine quite as high in rank as
+ourselves!"
+
+"And even if they were not--what would it signify?" rejoined Herbert.
+"Dear Caroline, pray do not talk or think so; it makes me feel so sorry,
+for I know how wrong it is--we might have been in their place."
+
+"I really can not fancy any thing so utterly impossible," interrupted
+Caroline, "so you may spare the supposition, Herbert."
+
+"It is no use, Bertie; you must bring the antipodes together, before you
+and Caroline will think alike," interposed Percy, perceiving with regret
+the expression of pain on his brother's face, and always ready to guard
+him either from physical or mental suffering, feeling instinctively
+that, from his extraordinary mind and vivid sense of duty, he was liable
+to the latter, from many causes which other natures would pass
+unnoticed.
+
+Miss Harcourt did not join the conversation. It had always been Mrs.
+Hamilton's wish that in their intercourse with each other, her children
+should be as unrestrained as if they had been alone. Had Caroline's
+sentiments received encouragement, she would have interfered; but the
+raillery of Percy and the earnestness of Herbert, she knew were more
+likely to produce an effect than any thing like a rebuke from herself,
+which would only have caused restraint before her in future. It was
+through this perfect unrestraint that Mrs. Hamilton had become so
+thoroughly acquainted with the several characters of her children. That
+Caroline's sentiments caused her often real pain was true, but it was
+far better to know them, and endeavor to correct and remove them, by
+causing education to bear upon the faults they revealed, than to find
+them concealed from her by the constant fear of words of reproof.
+
+To remove Herbert's unusual seriousness, Percy continued, laughingly--
+
+"Miss Harcourt, what are your thoughts on this momentous subject? It is
+no use asking Herbert's, we all know them without his telling us; but
+you are almost the principally concerned of the present party, for Ellen
+will bring you the trouble of another pupil."
+
+"I shall not regret it, Percy; but only shall rejoice if I can in any
+way lessen your mother's increased charge. As for what your cousins will
+be like, I candidly tell you, I have scarcely thought about it. I have
+no doubt we shall find them strange and shy at first; but we must do all
+we can to make them feel they are no strangers."
+
+"And now, then, it only remains for the right honorable me to speak; and
+really Emmy and Herbert and you have told my story, and left me nothing.
+I do not know whether I am pleased or not, but I am very sorry for them;
+and it will be capital if this Master Edward turns out a lad of spirit
+and mischief, and not over-learned or too fond of study--one, in fact,
+that I can associate with, without feeling such a painful sensation of
+inferiority as I do when in company with my right reverend brother."
+
+"Dear Percy, do not call me reverend," said Herbert, appealingly: "I
+feel it almost a mockery now, when I am so very far from being worthy to
+become a clergyman."
+
+"You are a good fellow, Bertie; and I will not tease you, if I can help
+it--but really I do not mean it for mockery; you know, or ought to know,
+that you are better now than half the clergymen who have taken orders,
+and as much superior to me in goodness as in talent."
+
+"Indeed I know no such thing, Percy; I am not nearly so strong in health
+as you are, and am therefore, naturally more fond of quiet pleasures:
+and as for talent, if you were as fond of application as of frolic, you
+would leave me far behind."
+
+"Wrong, Bertie, quite wrong! but think of yourself as you please, I know
+what every body thinks of you. Hush! is that the sound of a carriage, or
+only the wind making love to the old oaks?"
+
+"The wind making love, Percy!" repeated Emmeline, laughing; "I neither
+hear that, nor the carriage wheels kissing the ground."
+
+"Well done, Tiny! my poetry is beaten hollow; but there--there--I am
+sure it is a carriage!" and Percy bounded from the table so impetuously
+as nearly to upset it, flung back the curtain, and looked eagerly from
+the window.
+
+Herbert closed his book to listen; Emmeline left her nearly-completed
+map, and joined Percy; Caroline evidently tried to resume serenity, but,
+too proud to evince it, industriously pursued her work, breaking the
+thread almost every time that she drew out the needle.
+
+"It is nothing, Percy; how could you disappoint us so?" said Herbert, in
+a tone of regret.
+
+"My good fellow, you must be deaf--listen! nearer and louder--and, look
+there, Emmeline, through those trees, don't you see something
+glimmering? that must be the lamp of the carriage."
+
+"Nonsense, Percy, it is a glowworm."
+
+"A glowworm! why, Em., the thought of seeing mamma has blinded you. What
+glowworm ever came so steadily forward? No! there is no mistake now.
+Hurrah, it is the carriage; here Robert, Morris, Ellis, all of you to
+the hall! to the hall! The carriage is coming down the avenue." And with
+noisy impatience, the young gentleman ran into the hall, assembled all
+the servants he had named, and others too, all eager to welcome the
+travelers; flung wide back the massive door, and he and Herbert both
+were on the steps several minutes before the carriage came in sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THREE ENGLISH HOMES, AND THEIR INMATES.
+
+
+If more than the preceding conversation were needed to reveal the
+confidence and love with which Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were regarded by
+their children, the delight, the unrestrained expressions of affection,
+with which by every one of the young party they were received, would
+have evinced it still more clearly. Herbert was very speedily on his
+favorite seat, a low stool at his mother's feet. Emmeline, for that one
+half hour at least, assumed her still unresigned privilege, as the
+youngest and tiniest, to quietly slip in her lap; Percy was talking to
+his father, making Edward perfectly at home, saying many kind words to
+Ellen, and caressing his mother, all almost at the same moment. Caroline
+was close to her father, with her arm round his neck; and Miss Harcourt
+was kindly disrobing Ellen from her many wraps, and making her lie
+quietly on a sofa near her aunt; who, even in that moment of delightful
+reunion with her own, had yet time and thought, by a few judicious
+words, to remove the undefinable, but painful sensation of loneliness,
+which was creeping over the poor child as she gazed on her bright,
+happy-looking cousins; and thought if to her own mother Edward's beauty
+and happiness had made him so much more beloved than herself, what claim
+could she have on her aunt? Ellen could not have said that such were the
+thoughts that filled her eyes with tears, and made her heart so heavy;
+she only knew that much as she had loved her aunt during the journey,
+her kiss and kind words at that moment made her love her more than ever.
+
+Never had there been a happier meal at Oakwood than the substantial tea
+which was speedily ready for the travelers. So much was there to hear
+and tell: Percy's wild sallies; Caroline's animated replies (she had now
+quite recovered her temper); Herbert's gentle care of Ellen, by whom he
+had stationed himself (even giving up to her his usual seat by his
+mother); Emmeline's half shy, half eager, efforts to talk to her
+cousins; Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's earnest interest, all combined, long
+before the meal was concluded, to make Edward feel perfectly at his
+ease, and very happy, and greatly to remove Ellen's unacknowledged
+dread. The time passed so quickly, that there was a general start when
+the prayer bell sounded, though it was nearly two hours after the usual
+time.
+
+"Are you prepared for to-night, my boy?" Mr. Hamilton asked of Herbert,
+as they rose to adjourn to the library, where, morning and evening, it
+had been the custom of the Hamilton family for many generations, to
+assemble their whole household for family devotion.
+
+"Yes, papa; I was not quite sure whether you would arrive to-night."
+
+"Then I will not resume my office till to-morrow, Herbert, that I may
+have the gratification of hearing you officiate," replied his father,
+linking his son's arm in his, and affectionately glancing on the bright
+blush that rose to the boy's cheek.
+
+There was a peculiar sweetness in Herbert Hamilton's voice, even in
+speaking; and as he read the service of the lessons for the evening,
+adding one or two brief explanations when necessary, and more especially
+when reading, or rather praying, the beautiful petitions appropriated
+to family worship, there was an earnest solemnity of tone and manner,
+presenting a strange contrast, yet beautiful, combining with the boyish
+form and youthful face, on which the lamp, suspended over the
+reading-desk shed such a soft and holy light. The occasional prayer
+which was added to the usual evening service, was always chosen by the
+reader; and Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were surprised and affected at the
+earnestness with which their almost angel boy selected and read over one
+peculiarly bearing on the events of that evening; the introduction of
+their orphan relatives, for compassion and blessing on them, and grace
+for increased kindness and forbearance in their intercourse with one
+another--Miss Harcourt, his brother and sisters, knew well to what he
+alluded, and all but one responded with earnestness and truth. Caroline
+could not enter into Herbert's feelings even at that moment: it was a
+great effort to prevent a feeling of irritation, believing that he
+directly pointed at her, and determining that as neither he nor any one
+else had any right to interfere with her private thoughts, and that they
+could do harm to none while confined to her own breast, she resolved not
+to overcome them, and so could not join with any fervor in the prayer.
+
+To Edward all was strange. While the graces of his body and mind had
+been most sedulously cultivated, he had never been taught even the
+public ordinances of religion, much less its inward spirit. His mother
+had often and often felt a pang of reproach, at thus neglecting that
+which an inward voice would whisper was most essential; but she was wont
+to silence the pang by the determined idea, that she was neither worthy
+nor able to give him such solemn lessons, and that it would come by
+instinct to him in after years. There was time enough for him to think
+of such things. He had been now and then to church, but it was a mere
+form, regarded as a weary duty, from which he escaped whenever he could.
+The present scene, then, completely bewildered him. He had always
+fancied himself superior to any of the boys he had associated with; but
+as he looked at and listened to Herbert, who seemed at most only two
+years older than himself, he became sensible of a very strange and
+disagreeable, but a very decided feeling of inferiority: and then, too,
+it was so incomprehensible the servants all joining them, a class of
+people whom in India he had been taught so to consider his inferiors,
+that even to speak with them was a species of degradation; and he was
+destined to be still more surprised, for before they left the library,
+he heard his aunt and uncle address them all, and say a few kind words,
+and make inquiries after their families to each.
+
+To Ellen that evening service recalled some of Mr. Myrvin's
+instructions, and seemed to help her to realize those new thoughts and
+feelings, which she had learned, for the first time, in Wales. Her
+father had, indeed, the last year of his life tried to give her some
+ideas of religion; but having only so very lately begun to think
+seriously himself, he felt diffident and uncertain of his own powers,
+and so left an impression more of awe toward the subject than of love,
+which to a disposition such as Ellen's was unfortunate.
+
+A very short time sufficed for Percy and Emmeline to introduce their
+cousins to all the delights and mysteries of their dear old home: and
+Oakwood Hall was really a place for imagination to revel in. It was a
+large castelated mansion, fraught with both the associations of the
+past, and the comforts of the present. The injuries which the original
+mansion had received during the civil war of Charles I., had, when the
+family returned at the Restoration, caused much of the old house to be
+pulled down, and replaced with larger rooms, and greater conveniences
+for a modern dwelling-house, retaining, however, quite sufficient of the
+past to throw interest around it.
+
+The wings were still flanked with turrets, which were Percy's and
+Emmeline's delight; and the many stair-cases, leading into all sorts of
+nooks and corners--and the small and most uncomfortable rooms, because
+some of them happened to be hung with tapestry, and had those small
+narrow windows sunk in deep recesses--were pronounced by both far more
+enjoyable than the beautiful suite of rooms forming the center of the
+mansion, and the dwelling of the family. These were only saved from
+being disagreeably modern--Percy would declare--by their beautiful
+richly-polished oaken panels, and by the recesses which the large
+windows still formed, making almost a room by themselves. The hall, too,
+with its superb sweep of staircase and broad carved oaken balustrade,
+leading to a gallery above, which opened on the several sleeping
+apartments, and thus permitting the full height of the mansion, from
+base to roof, to be visible from the hall. Tho doors visible in the
+gallery opened mostly on dressing-rooms, or private sitting-rooms, which
+led to the large, airy sleeping-rooms, to which the servants had access
+by back stair-cases leading from their hall; and so leaving the oaken
+staircase and gallery entirely to the use of the family, and of many a
+game of noisy play had that gallery been the scene. There had been a
+beautiful little chapel adjoining the mansion, but it was mercilessly
+burned to the ground by the infatuated Puritans, and never restored; the
+venerable old church of the village henceforth serving the family of the
+hall.
+
+Situated on the banks of the Dart, whose serpentine windings gave it the
+appearance of a succession of most lovely lakes, Nature had been so
+lavish of her beauties in the garden and park, especially in the
+magnificent growth of the superb oaks, from which the estate took its
+name, that it was not much wonder Mrs. Hamilton, always an intense lover
+of nature, should have become so attached to her home, as never to feel
+the least inclination to leave it. She did not wish her girls to visit
+London till a few months before Caroline was old enough to be
+introduced, to give them then finishing masters; and to that time she of
+course always looked, as demanding from her part of the year to be spent
+in town. The career of Eleanor, the recollections of the frivolity and
+error into which her own early youth had been thrown, had given her not
+only a distaste, but an actual dread of London for her girls, till such
+principles and associations had been instilled which would enable them
+to pass through the ordeal of successive seasons without any change of
+character or feeling. Her sons, since their tenth year, had more than
+once accompanied their father to the metropolis; but though these visits
+were always sources of enjoyment, especially to Percy, they never failed
+to return with unabated affection to their home, and to declare there
+was no place in England like it.
+
+Mr. Hamilton, though in neither profession nor business, was far from
+being an idle man. His own estate was sufficiently large, and contained
+a sufficient number of dependents, for whose mortal and immortal welfare
+he was responsible, to give him much employment; and in addition to
+this, the home interests and various aspects of his country were so
+strongly entwined with his very being--that, though always refusing to
+enter Parliament, he was the prompter and encourager of many a political
+movement, having for its object amelioration of the poor, and
+improvement of the whole social system; closely connected with which, as
+he was, they gave him neither public fame nor private emolument. He
+acted in all things from the same single-hearted integrity and high
+honor which caused him to refuse the title proffered to his father. Her
+husband's connection with many celebrated characters, and her own
+correspondence, and occasional visits from her friends to Oakwood,
+prevented Mrs. Hamilton's interest from too complete concentration in
+her home, as, in her first retirement, many feared. She had, too, some
+friends near her, whose society gave her both pleasure and interest; and
+many acquaintances who would have visited more than she felt any
+inclination for, had she not had the happy power of quietly pursuing her
+own path, and yet conciliating all.
+
+The Rev. William Howard had accepted Mr. Hamilton's eagerly-proffered
+invitation to become his rector, and undertake the education of his
+boys, from very peculiar circumstances. He had been minister of a
+favorite church in one of the southern towns, and master of an
+establishment for youths of high rank, in both which capacities he had
+given universal satisfaction. The reprehensible conduct of some of his
+pupils, carried on at first so secretly as to elude his knowledge, at
+length became so notorious as to demand examination. He had at first
+refused all credence, but when proved, by the confused replies of all,
+and half confession of some, he briefly and emphatically laid before
+them the enormity of their conduct, and declared that, as confidence was
+entirely broken between them, he would resign the honor of their
+education, refusing to admit them any longer as members of his
+establishment. In vain the young men implored him to spare them the
+disgrace of such an expulsion; he was inexorable.
+
+This conduct, in itself so upright, was painted by the smarting
+offenders in such colors, that Mr. Howard gradually but surely found his
+school abandoned, and himself so misrepresented, that a spirit less
+self-possessed and secure in its own integrity must have sunk beneath
+it. But he had some true friends, and none more active and earnest than
+Mr. Hamilton. A very brief residence at Oakwood Rectory removed even the
+recollection of the injustice he had experienced; and he himself, as
+pastor and friend, proved a treasure to high and low. Ten other youths,
+sons of the neighboring gentry, became his pupils, their fathers gladly
+following in Mr. Hamilton's lead.
+
+About a mile and a half across the park was Moorlands, the residence of
+Lady Helen Grahame, whose name had been so often mentioned by the young
+Hamiltons. Her husband Montrose Grahame, had been Arthur Hamilton's
+earliest friend, at home, at college, and in manhood. Lady Helen the
+youngest daughter of a marquis, had been intimate with Emmeline and
+Eleanor Manvers from childhood, and had always admired and wished to
+resemble the former, but always failed, she believed, from being
+constituted so differently; others might have thought from her utter
+want of energy and mental strength. The marriage at first appeared
+likely to be a happy one, but it was too soon proved the contrary.
+Grahame was a man of strict, perhaps severe principles; his wife, though
+she never did any thing morally wrong, scarcely knew the meaning of the
+word. Provoked with himself for his want of discrimination, in imagining
+Lady Helen so different to the being she really was; more than once
+discovering she did not speak the exact truth, or act with the steady
+uprightness he demanded, his manner became almost austere; and, in
+consequence, becoming more and more afraid of him, Lady Helen sunk lower
+and lower in his esteem.
+
+Two girls and a boy were the fruits of this union. Lady Helen had made a
+great many excellent resolutions with regard to their rearing and
+education, which she eagerly confided to Mrs. Hamilton, but when the
+time of trial came, weakness and false indulgence so predominated, that
+Grahame, to counteract these evil influences, adopted a contrary
+extreme, and, by a system of constant reserve and severity, became an
+object of as much terror to his children as he was to his wife. But he
+did not pursue this conduct without pain, and never did he visit Oakwood
+without bitter regret that his home was not the same.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had often tried to alter the aspect of affairs at
+Moorlands; the former, by entreating Grahame to be less severe; the
+latter, by urging Lady Helen to a firmer mode of conduct. But those
+friendly efforts were as yet entirely useless. Grahame became a member
+of Parliament, which took his family to London for five or six months in
+the year--a particularly agreeable change to Lady Helen, who then
+associated with her sisters, whose families were conducted much on the
+same fashion as her own, but unfortunately only increasing the
+discomfort of Moorlands when they returned to it. And this was the more
+to be regretted, from the fact that both Grahame and his wife were full
+of good intentions, and had the one been more yielding, and the other
+more firm, there might have been no small share of happiness for both.
+
+But heavy as Lady Helen thought her trial in the want of her husband's
+confidence and love, and which she had greatly brought upon herself, it
+was light in comparison with that of Mrs. Greville, another near
+neighbor and valued friend of Mrs. Hamilton. She had loved and married a
+man whose winning manners and appearance, and an ever-varying flow of
+intelligent conversation, had completely concealed, till too late, his
+real character. Left at a very early age his own master, with a capital
+estate and large fortune; educated at a very large public school, at
+which he learned literally nothing but vice, and how effectually to
+conceal it; courted and flattered wherever he went, he became vain,
+overbearing, and extravagant; with no pursuit but that of gambling in
+all its varieties, even hunting and shooting could not be thoroughly
+enjoyed without some large bets depending on the day's sport: his
+thoughts from boyhood were so completely centered in self, that he had
+affection for nothing else. He had indeed fancied he loved Jessie
+Summers, when he had so successfully wooed her; but the illusion was
+speedily dispelled, and repeatedly he cursed his folly for plaguing
+himself with a wife. His first child, too, was a girl and that annoyed
+him still more; and when, the next year, a boy was granted, he certainly
+rejoiced, but it was such rejoicing as to fill his wife's heart with an
+agony of dread; for he swore he would make his boy as jovial a spirit as
+himself, and that her namby-pamby ideas should have nothing to do with
+him.
+
+It was indeed a difficult and painful task Mrs. Greville had to perform.
+Though her husband would spend weeks and even months at a time away, the
+impressions she so earnestly and prayerfully sought to instill into her
+son's heart were, or appeared to be, completely destroyed by her
+husband's interference the whole time of his sojourn at his home. It was
+his pleasure to thwart her every plan, laugh at her fine notions, make a
+mockery of all that was good, and holy, and self denying; and all in the
+presence of his children; succeeding in making Alfred frequently guilty
+of disrespect and unkindness, but failing entirely with Mary, who,
+though of such a fragile frame and gentle spirit that her father's
+visits almost always caused her a fit of illness, so idolized her
+suffering but never murmuring mother, that she only redoubled her
+attention and respect whenever she saw her more tried than usual. This
+conduct, of course, only made her an object, equally with her mother, of
+her father's sneers and taunts, but she bore it with the true spirit of
+a martyr. Suffering was doing for her what Herbert Hamilton was
+naturally--making her spiritual and thoughtful far beyond her years, and
+drawing her and Herbert together with such a bond of mutual reverence
+and sympathy, that to talk to him was her greatest consolation, and to
+endeavor to lessen her sorrows one of his dearest pleasures.
+
+Alfred was not naturally an evil-disposed boy, and when his father was
+from home seldom failed either in respect or obedience. Mrs. Greville
+possessed the rather rare combination of extreme submissiveness with a
+natural dignity and firmness, which enabled her to retain the reverence
+and sympathy of her friends and her household, without once stooping to
+receive their pity. It was generally supposed by those who did not know
+her personally, that she was one of those too soft and self-denying
+characters who bring on themselves the evils they deplore; but this in
+Mrs. Greville's case was a very great mistake. It was impossible to
+associate even casually with her, without feeling intuitively that she
+suffered deeply, but the emotion such conviction called was respect
+alone.
+
+As anxious and as earnest a parent as Mrs. Hamilton herself, Mrs.
+Greville failed not to inculcate the good in both her children, and
+still more forcibly, when they became old enough to observe, by example
+than by precept. But with Alfred there must have been an utter
+hopelessness as to the fruit of her anxious labors, had she not
+possessed that clinging, single-hearted trust which taught her that no
+difficulty should deter from a simple duty, and that nothing was too
+hard for Him who--if He saw that she shrunk not from the charge and
+responsibility which, in permitting her to become a mother, he had
+given, and did all she could to counteract those evil influences, for
+the removal of which she had no power--would, in His own good time,
+reward, if not on earth--with Him in Heaven; and so untiringly, as
+unmurmuringly, she struggled on.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HOME SCENE.--VISITORS.--CHILDISH MEDITATIONS.
+
+
+The part of the day which to Emmeline Hamilton was the happiest of all,
+was that in which she and Caroline, and now, of course, Ellen, were with
+their mother alone. Not that she particularly liked the very quiet
+employment of plain work, which was then their usual occupation, but
+that she could talk without the least restraint, either about her
+lessons, or her pleasures, or her thoughts, and the stories or histories
+she had been reading, and if she thought wrong no one ever corrected her
+so delightfully so impressively as "mamma." The mornings, from three to
+four hours, according as their age and studies required, were always
+under the control of Miss Harcourt, with such visits from Mrs. Hamilton
+as gave an increased interest to exertion, and such interruption only as
+permitted their practice and lessons in music, which three times a week
+Mrs. Hamilton had as yet herself bestowed. The dressing-bell always rung
+at half-past three, and dinner was at four, to allow the lads return
+from Mr. Howard's, whose daily lessons commenced at nine and concluded
+at three. From half-past one to half-past three, in the very short days,
+was devoted to recreation, walking, or driving, and in the longer, to
+Emmeline's favorite time--an hour at work with her mother, and the
+remainder to the preparation of lessons and exercises for the next day,
+which in the winter occupied from five to six. From six to seven in the
+same generally gloomy season they read aloud some entertaining book with
+their mother and Miss Harcourt, and seven was the delightful hour of a
+general reunion at tea, and signal for such recreation till nine as they
+felt inclined for; their brothers having been employed for Mr. Howard
+part of the time between dinner and tea, with sufficient earnestness to
+enjoy the rest and recreation afterward, quite as buoyantly and gladly
+as their sisters; and many a merry dance enlivened their winter
+evenings.
+
+In the summer, of course, this daily routine was frequently varied by
+most delightful excursions in the country. Mrs. Hamilton earnestly
+longing to implant a love of Nature and all its fresh, pure associations
+in the minds of her children while yet young, knowing that once
+obtained, the pleasures of the world would be far less likely to obtain
+too powerful dominion. That which the world often terms romance, she
+felt to be a high, pure sense of poetry in the Universe and in Man,
+which she was quite as anxious to instill as many mothers to root out.
+She did not believe that to cultivate the spiritual needed the
+banishment of the matter of fact; but she believed, that to infuse the
+latter with the former would be their best and surest preventive against
+all that was low and mean; their best help in the realization of a
+constant unfailing piety. For the same reason she cultivated a taste for
+the beautiful, not only in her girls, but in her boys--and beauty, not
+in arts and nature alone, but in character. She did not allude to beauty
+of merely the high and striking kind, but to the lowly virtues,
+struggles, faith, and heroism in the poor--their forbearance and
+kindness to one another--marking something to admire, even in the most
+rugged and surly, that at first sight would seem so little worthy of
+notice. It was gradually, and almost unconsciously, to accustom her
+daughters to such a train of thought and sentiment, that she so
+particularly laid aside one part of the day to have them with her alone;
+ostensibly, it was to give part of their day to working for the many
+poor, to whom gifts of ready-made clothing are sometimes much more
+valuable than money; but the _education_ of that one hour she knew
+might, for the right cultivation of the heart, do more than the mere
+_teaching_ of five or six, and that education, much as she loved and
+valued Miss Harcourt, she had from the first resolved should come from
+her alone.
+
+To Emmeline this mode of life was so happy, she could not imagine any
+thing happier. But Caroline often and often envied her great friend
+Annie Grahame, and believed that occasional visits to London would make
+her much happier than remaining all the year round at Oakwood, and only
+with her own family. She knew the expression of such sentiments would
+meet no sympathy at home, and certainly not obtain their gratification,
+so she tried to check them, except when in company with Annie and Lady
+Helen; but her mother knew them, and, from the discontent and
+unhappiness they so often engendered in her child, caused her both pain
+and uneasiness. But she did not waver in her plans, because only in
+Emmeline they seemed to succeed: nor did she, as perhaps some
+over-scrupulous mothers would have done, check Caroline's association
+with Miss Grahame. She knew that those principles must be indeed of
+little worth, which could only actuate in retirement, and when free from
+temptation. That to prevent intimacy with all, except with those of whom
+she exactly approved, would be impossible, if she ever meant her
+daughters to enter the world; and therefore she endeavored so to obtain
+their unrestrained confidence and affection, as to be regarded, both now
+and when they were young women, as their first, best, and truest friend;
+and that end obtained, intimacies with their young companions, however
+varied their character, she felt would do no permanent harm.
+
+"Dear, dear mamma!" exclaimed Emmeline, one morning about a week after
+her parents' return, and dropping her work to speak more eagerly, "you
+can not think how delightful it does seem to have you at home again; I
+missed this hour of the day so very much; I did not know how much I
+loved it when I always had it, but when you were away, every time the
+hour came I missed you, and longed for you so much that--I am afraid you
+will think me very silly--I could not help crying."
+
+"Why, how Percy must have laughed at you, Emmy!"
+
+"Indeed, he did not, mamma; I think he felt half inclined to cry too,
+the first day or two that he came home from Mr. Howard's, and could not
+rush up into your dressing-room, as he always does. He said it was a
+very different thing for you to go from home, than for him to go to
+London, and he did not like it at all; nor Herbert, nor Caroline,
+neither; though they did not say so much about it."
+
+"I did not miss mamma after the first, quite so much as you did,
+Emmeline," replied her sister, ingenuously; "because when Lady Helen
+returned from London, she made me go there so often, and as I know you
+never refuse me that indulgence, mamma, and Miss Harcourt did not
+object, I was glad to do so."
+
+"I have only one objection my dear Caroline, and I think you know what
+that is."
+
+"That whenever I am with Annie I think and wish more about going to
+London, mamma; I am afraid I do; but indeed I try to think that you must
+know what is better for me, and try not to be discontented, though
+sometimes I know I do not succeed," and her eyes filled with tears.
+
+"I am satisfied that you endeavor to trust my experience, my love; I am
+quite aware of all the difficulties you have to encounter in doing so,
+and therefore your most trifling conquest of self is a great source of
+comfort to me. I myself should feel that the pain of increased
+discontent, and so of course increased difficulty in conquering its
+constant accompaniment, ill temper, would more than balance the pleasure
+of Annie's society, and so not indulge in the one so often at the
+expense of the other; but of that you are yourself the best judge, and
+you know in such a case I always permit you to be a free agent. But what
+has become of Mary, Emmeline? I begged Mrs. Greville to let you be as
+much together as possible during my absence; did not her society afford
+you some pleasure?"
+
+"Oh, yes, mamma, a great deal; but unfortunately Mr. Greville was at
+home almost all the time you were away, and poor Mary could not often
+leave her mother, and I don't feel as if it were quite right for me to
+go so often there, when he is at home. I am sure Mrs. Greville and Mary
+must both feel still more uncomfortable when any one is there to see how
+unkind he is, and hear the cruel things he says. Oh, how I do wish I
+could make poor Mary more happy!"
+
+"She would tell you that affection is a great comfort to her, Emmy."
+
+"Yours and Herbert's may be, mamma, because you are both so much better
+and wiser than I am; but I can do so little, so very little."
+
+"You can be and are a great source of interest to her, my dear; and when
+we wish very much to make another person happy, you may be quite sure
+that the most trifling act gives pleasure; but Ellen looks very much as
+if she would like to know who this Mary is, that is so tried--suppose
+you tell her."
+
+Emmeline eagerly obeyed, painting her friend in such glowing colors,
+that Ellen felt, however tried she might be, a person so good and holy
+must be happy, notwithstanding; besides, to be loved so by Mrs. Hamilton
+and Herbert, discovered to her mind such superior qualities, that she
+almost wondered how Emmeline could speak of her so familiarly, and think
+of her as her own particular friend. But the conversation on her, and
+then on other topics, so interested her, that she was almost as sorry as
+her cousin, when it was interrupted by a visit from Lady Helen Grahame
+and her daughter.
+
+"Returned at length, dearest Emmeline!" was the former's lively
+greeting, and evincing far more warmth of manner than was usual to her.
+"Do you know, the banks of the Dart have seemed so desolate without
+their guardian spirit, that the very flowers have hung their heads, and
+the trees are withered?"
+
+"I rather think the change of season, and not my absence, has been the
+cause of these melancholy facts," replied Mrs. Hamilton, in the same
+tone; "but even London will not change your kind thoughts for me,
+Helen."
+
+"Nay, I must follow the example of my neighbors, rich and poor, whom you
+may appeal to as to the fact of your absence causing terrible
+lamentation; ask this naughty little girl too, who scarcely ever came to
+see me, because she had so many things to do to please mamma; but
+forgive me," she added, more seriously, as she glanced on the deep
+mourning of her friend, and indeed of all the group; "what a cold,
+heartless being you must believe me to run on in this way, when there
+has been so sad a cause for your absence--poor Eleanor!"
+
+"I trust we may say happy Eleanor, my dear Helen; mercy has indeed been
+shown to her and to me--but we will talk of this another time. Annie,"
+she continued, addressing Miss Grahame, who was already deep in
+conversation with Caroline, "I have another little girl to introduce to
+you, whom I hope you will be as friendly with as with Caroline and
+Emmeline."
+
+The young lady turned round at the words, but her sole notice of Ellen,
+who had come timidly forward, was a haughty stare, a fashionable
+courtesy, and a few unintelligible words, which caused Emmeline to feel
+so indignant, that it was with difficulty she kept silence, and made
+Ellen so uncomfortable, that it was with even more than her usual
+shyness, she received Lady Helen's proffered hand.
+
+"And why not introduce her to me too, Emmeline? I knew your mother when
+she was little older than you are, my dear; so I hope you will learn to
+know and to like me as fast as you can."
+
+Ellen might have found courage to reply for there was an interest
+attached to all who had known her mother; but as she raised her eyes to
+speak, she again encountered Annie's rude and disagreeable stare, and
+the words died on her lips. The young party were, however, soon all in
+the garden, for Mrs. Hamilton never made any scruple in dismissing her
+children, when she wished to speak on subjects she did not choose them
+to hear; and she was anxious so to relate Eleanor's illness and change
+of sentiment, as to remove the impressions which her early career had
+left on Lady Helen's memory.
+
+"It must be nearly time for my brothers to be returning; shall we go and
+look for them, Ellen? I dare say Edward will have a great deal to tell
+you," was Emmeline's affectionate address, as Annie and Caroline turned
+in a different direction; and generally judging others by herself, she
+thought that being Edward's first day of regular attendance on Mr.
+Howard, Ellen would like to know all about it as soon as possible, and
+they proceeded accordingly.
+
+"Well, how do you like your new cousins, what are they like?" inquired
+Miss Grahame, the moment she had Caroline entirely to herself.
+
+"Edward I think I may like very much; he is so affectionate and so
+good-natured, and as merry and full of fun as Percy. And he is so
+handsome, Annie, I think even you would admire him."
+
+"Then altogether he must be very unlike his sister. I never saw a girl
+so plain, and I am sure she looks as if no fun could exist near her."
+
+"Mamma says we must remember how short a time has elapsed since poor
+aunt's death, and also that Ellen is not strong enough to be very
+lively."
+
+"That does not at all account for her looking cross. I am sure she has
+nothing to be ill-tempered about; there are few girls in her situation
+who would have made one of your family, as she will be. Mamma said it
+would be a very anxious thing for Mrs. Hamilton."
+
+"Mamma did seem to think so," replied Caroline, thoughtfully; "but I
+fancy you are wrong, Annie. Ellen has not yet given any proof of
+ill-temper."
+
+"She has had no time, my dear; but no one can be deceived by such a
+face. My cousin, Lady Adelaide Maldon, told me she could always judge
+people by their faces. But do you like her as well as her brother,
+Caroline?"
+
+"Ask me that question this day month, my dear Annie; I can not answer
+you now, for I really do not know. I certainly do not see any thing
+particularly striking in her yet--I do not understand her; she is so
+dreadfully shy or timid, and so very inanimate, one can not tell whether
+she is pleased or sorry. To tell you the real truth, I am afraid I shall
+not like her."
+
+"Why afraid?"
+
+"Because mamma would be so sorry were she to know it. I know she wishes
+us to love one another."
+
+"Nonsense, Caroline. Mrs. Hamilton can not be so unreasonable as to
+expect you to love every body alike."
+
+"Mamma is never unreasonable," replied Caroline, with spirit; "and I do
+wish, Annie, you would treat Ellen exactly as you do us."
+
+"Indeed, I shall not. What is Colonel Fortescue's daughter to me? Now
+don't be angry, Caroline, you and I are too old friends to quarrel for
+nothing: I shall certainly hate Ellen altogether, if she is to be a
+subject of dispute. Come, look kind again;" and the caress with which
+she concluded restored Caroline's serenity, and other subjects were
+discussed between them.
+
+Annie Grahame was a few months younger than Caroline Hamilton (who was
+nearly thirteen,) but from having been emancipated from the nursery and
+school-room at a very early age, and made her mother's companion and
+confidant in all her home vexations--very pretty and engaging--she was
+very much noticed, and her visits to her titled relations in London, by
+causing her to imitate their fashionable manners, terms of speech,
+thoughts on dress, and rank, &c., made her a woman many years before her
+time; and though to Lady Helen's family and to Lady Helen herself this
+made her still more agreeable, from becoming so very companionable; to
+Mrs. Hamilton, and to all, in fact, who loved childhood for childhood's
+sake, it was a source of real regret, as banishing all the freshness and
+artlessness and warmth which ought to have been the characteristics of
+her age. Her father was the only one of her own family who did not
+admire--and so tried to check--this assumption of fine ladyism, on the
+part of his daughter; but it was not likely he could succeed, and he
+only estranged from him the affections of his child.
+
+Annie Grahame had a great many fashionable acquaintances in London, but
+she still regarded Caroline Hamilton as her favorite friend. Why, she
+could not exactly tell, except that it was so very, very delightful to
+have some one in the country to whom she could dilate on all the
+pleasures of London, display her new dresses, new music, drawings, work,
+&c. (not however considering it at all necessary to mention that her
+work and drawings were only _half_ her own, and Caroline was much too
+truthful herself to imagine it, and her mother too anxious to retain
+that guileless simplicity to enlighten her, as she was well capable of
+doing). Annie's quick eye discovered that at such times Caroline
+certainly envied her, and she imagined she must be a person of infinite
+consequence to excite such a feeling, and this was such a pleasant
+sensation, that she sought Caroline as much as possible during their
+stay at Moorlands. Of Mrs. Hamilton, indeed, she stood in such
+uncomfortable awe, though that lady never addressed her except in
+kindness, that as she grew older, it actually became dislike; but this
+only increased her intimacy with Caroline, whom she had determined
+should be as unlike her mother as possible; and as this friendship was
+the only one of his daughter's sentiments which gave Mr. Grahame unmixed
+satisfaction, he encouraged it by bringing them together as often as he
+could.
+
+Emmeline and Ellen, meanwhile, had pursued their walk in silence, both
+engrossed with their own thoughts (for that children of eleven years,
+indeed, of any age, do not think, because when asked what they are
+thinking about, their answer is invariably "Nothing," is one of those
+mistaken notions which modern education is, we hope, exploding).
+Emmeline was so indignant with Annie that she felt more sure than ever
+that she did not and could never like her. "She is always talking of
+things mamma says are of such little consequence, and is so proud and
+contemptuous, and I am afraid she does not always tell the exact truth.
+I wonder if it is wrong to feel so toward her; one day when I am quite
+alone with mamma, I will ask her," was the tenor of her meditations.
+
+But Ellen, though Annie's greeting had caused her to shrink still more
+into herself, and so produced pain, was not thinking only of her. The
+whole of that hour's intimate association with Mrs. Hamilton had puzzled
+her; she had doted on her father--she was sure she loved her aunt almost
+as dearly, but could she ever have given words to that affection as
+Emmeline had done, and as Edward always did? and so, perhaps, after all,
+she did not feel as they did, though the wish was so strong to caress
+her aunt, and sit as close and lovingly by her as Herbert and Emmeline
+and even Edward did, that its very indulgence seemed to give her pain.
+Then Caroline's confession too--could she ever have had courage to
+confess the indulgence of a feeling which she knew to be wrong--and all
+her aunt had said both to Caroline and Emmeline so fastened on her mind
+as to make her head ache, and she quite started when a loud shout
+sounded near them.
+
+"It is only Percy," said Emmeline laughing; "I dare say he and Edward
+are running a race or having some sort of fun." And so they were;
+laughing, shouting, panting, they came full speed, darting in and out
+the trees in every variety of mathematical figures their ingenuity could
+frame; but as soon as Percy's restless eye discovered Emmeline, he
+directed his course toward her, exclaiming, "Holla, Edward, stop running
+for to-day: come here, and let us be sober. Why, Tiny, what brings you
+and Ellen out now? It is not your usual time."
+
+"Ellen, Ellen, I have had such a happy day; I like Mr. Howard more than
+ever (he had only seen him twice before.) I am sure I shall get on with
+him, and he will teach me astronomy and navigation too, so I shall not
+be ashamed to go to sea next year; I shall learn so much first."
+
+"Let me walk home with you, dear Edward, and do tell me every thing you
+have done and are going to do," asked Ellen, clinging to his arm, and
+looking in his face with such an expression that there was little trace
+of ill-temper. Emmeline meanwhile had made her brother a party in her
+indignation against Annie's pride, which he termed insolence, vowing he
+would make her feel it. And as they came in sight of her and Caroline,
+he called out to Ellen, who, all her timidity returning, tried to draw
+Edward into another walk.
+
+"Not there, not there, Miss Nelly, you are not going to cut me in that
+fashion. You have talked quite enough to Edward and must now come to me.
+Edward, there's mamma; off with you to tell your tale of delight to
+her." And Edward did not wait a second bidding, leaving Ellen to Percy,
+who threw his arm affectionately round her, and began talking to her so
+amusingly that she could not help laughing, and so devoted did he appear
+to her, that he had only time to greet Miss Grahame, with a very marked
+and polite bow, and passed on. He wished to provoke, and he succeeded,
+for Annie was always particularly pleased when the handsome, spirited
+Percy Hamilton paid her any attention, and that he should be so devoted
+to his little pale, disagreeable-looking cousin, as not even to give her
+a word, annoyed her as much as he desired.
+
+Edward's hasty progress to his aunt was slightly checked at seeing a
+stranger with her, but when he was introduced he made his bow with so
+much of his mother's grace, that, combined with the extraordinary
+likeness, and her feelings already interested in Mrs. Hamilton's account
+of her sister's sufferings and death, Lady Helen could not for the
+moment speak except to exclaim, "Oh, how that look recalls the past! I
+could almost fancy poor Eleanor herself stood before me."
+
+"Did you--did you know my mother madam?" said Edward, with so much
+eagerness that his cheeks crimsoned and his voice trembled.--"Were you
+one of mamma's"--but he could not finish the sentence, and leaning his
+head against his aunt, he burst into tears.
+
+"Poor child!" said Lady Helen pityingly, as Mrs. Hamilton pressed him
+closer to her, and stooped down to kiss his forehead without speaking;
+and that sudden and unexpected display of feeling contrasted with
+Ellen's painful shyness, stamped at once and indelibly Lady Helen's
+opinion of the two orphans.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+VARIETIES.
+
+
+A few days more brought Mrs. Greville and Mary to welcome their friends,
+and Ellen had again the pain of being introduced to strangers; but this
+time it was only the pain of her own shyness, for could she have
+overcome that feeling, she might have felt even pleasure. As it was, the
+gentle voice and manner with which Mrs. Greville addressed her, and the
+timid yet expressive glance of Mary, told of such sympathy and kindness,
+that she felt attracted toward both, and could quite enter into
+Emmeline's enthusiastic admiration of her friend; not, however,
+believing it possible that she herself could ever be worthy to win
+Mary's regard. Taught from such a very early age to believe herself so
+far inferior to Edward, such characters as Herbert and Mary appeared to
+her so exalted, that it was quite impossible they could ever think of
+her; the constant little acts of unobtrusive kindness that her cousin
+showed her, she attributed to his extreme goodness, not from the most
+trifling merit in herself. She did indeed love him very dearly, the best
+next to her aunt; but so much of reverence mingled with it, that she was
+almost more reserved with him than with the others. But Herbert was
+naturally reserved himself in words, and so he did not think any thing
+about it, except to wish and endeavor to make his little cousin happier
+than she seemed.
+
+When contrasting Mary Greville with Annie Grahame, as she was rather
+fond of doing, Emmeline became so afraid she was disliking the latter
+more than she ought to do, that she never rested till she made an
+opportunity to confess all her feelings to her mother, and beg her to
+tell her if they were very wrong, and if she ought to like her.
+
+"I am not so unconscionable as to expect you to like every one with whom
+you associate, my dear little girl," replied her mother, fondly, for
+there was something in Emmeline's guileless confidence irresistibly
+claiming love. "All we have to do when we find nothing that exactly
+sympathizes with our own feelings, or our own ideas of right and wrong,
+is to try and find out some reason for their being so different; some
+circumstance that may have exposed them to greater temptations and
+trials, for you know I have often told you pleasure and amusements, if
+too much indulged in, are a much greater trial to some than sorrow and
+pain. Now Annie has had a great many more temptations of this kind than
+you or Mary, and we can not expect one so very young entirely to resist
+them."
+
+"Do you mean, mamma, her going out so much in London?"
+
+"Yes, love; she is very much noticed, and so perhaps thinks a little
+more of appearance and dress and pleasure than is quite necessary."
+
+"But Lady Helen need not take her out so much, if she did not like. Do
+you think she is quite right to do so?" asked Emmeline, very
+thoughtfully.
+
+"We must never pronounce judgment on other people's actions, my little
+girl. I think it better not to interrupt your present quiet and I hope
+happy life, and therefore I do not take you or Caroline to London; but
+Mr. Grahame is obliged to be there for several months, and Lady Helen
+very naturally would not like to be separated either from him or her
+children. And then she has such a large family, and Annie so many young
+relations, that you see Lady Helen could not keep her children quite as
+free from temptation as I do mine, and we should be more sorry for Annie
+than blame her individually, however we may not like her faults. Do you
+understand me, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, yes, mamma, and I am so glad I took courage to tell you all I felt.
+I am afraid I have encouraged many unkind thoughts about her, and I am
+quite sorry now, for I see she can not help them as much as I thought
+she could. I do not think I could ever make her my friend, but I will
+try very much not to dislike and avoid her."
+
+"And that is all that is required of you, my love. When I tell you that
+our Father in Heaven commands us to love one another, and to avoid all
+unkindness in thought and deed, I do not mean that He desires us to love
+all alike, because He knew it would be neither for our happiness nor
+good that it should be so, but only to prevent the too great influence
+of prejudice and dislike. We might think such feelings can do no harm,
+because only confined to our own minds, but they would be sure gradually
+to lead us to taking pleasure in listening to their dispraise, and
+joining in it, and to seeing and talking only of their faults,
+forgetting that if we had been circumstanced exactly as they are, we
+might have been just the same: and this is the feeling David condemns in
+one of the Psalms we read this morning. Are you tired of listening to
+me, dearest, or shall we read it over again together?"
+
+Emmeline's only answer was to run eagerly for her little Bible, and with
+glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes listen to her mother, as she turned to
+the fifteenth Psalm, and reading it through, particularly pointed out
+the third verse, and so explained it, as easily and happily to satisfy
+her child as to the Divine authority for all that she had said, and to
+stamp them still more forcibly on her memory.
+
+"And now I do not mean to talk to you any more, my darling," she said,
+kissing the little earnest face upturned to hers. "You have heard quite
+enough to think about, and I am sure you will not forget it, so go and
+play; Ellen must be wondering what has become of you." And again full of
+glee, the happy child bounded away, exclaiming, as she did so, "Poor
+Annie, I am glad I am not exposed to such temptations, for I am sure I
+should not be able to resist them either."
+
+But though any one who had seen her the next half hour might have
+fancied that a serious thought or sober task could not approach her,
+neither the conversation nor the Psalm was forgotten; with Herbert's
+explanatory assistance, she not only found the Psalm, but committed it
+to memory; and the second Sunday after her conversation with her mother,
+repeated it so correctly and prettily to her father, as to give her the
+delight of his caressing approbation. Learning correctly by rote was
+always her greatest trial, for her vivid fancy and very versatile powers
+occasioned her actual lessons to be considered such drudgery, as to
+require a great effort on her part to retain them. The sense, indeed, if
+she understood it, she learned quickly enough; but she preferred her own
+language to any one's else, and Mrs. Hamilton had some difficulty in
+making her understand that in time of study she required _correctness_,
+and not fancy; and that the attention which was necessary to conquer the
+words as well as the sense of the lesson, was much more important and
+valuable, however disagreeable it might seem, than the facility of
+changing the language to something prettier than the original.
+
+When, therefore, as in the present case, she voluntarily undertook, and
+conquered really a difficult task for a little lively girl, her parents
+had no scruple in giving the only reward she cared for--their
+approbation. It was in the bestowal of praise Mrs. Hamilton was
+compelled to be almost painfully guarded. She found that the least
+expression of unusual approbation caused Caroline to relax in her
+efforts, thinking she had done quite enough, and perniciously increasing
+her already too exalted ideas of herself. While to Emmeline it was the
+most powerful incentive to a continuance in improvement, and determined
+conquest of her faults. There was constantly a dread on the mother's
+heart, that Caroline would one day accuse her of partiality, from the
+different measure of her approbation which she was compelled to bestow;
+and yet painful as it was to persevere under such an impression, the
+future welfare of both was too precious to be risked for the
+gratification of the present.
+
+She was watching with delight Emmeline's unrestrained enjoyment of her
+father's caresses and lively conversation, in which Percy as usual
+joined--for Tiny, as he chose to call her, was his especial pet and
+plaything--when she was startled by a low and evidently suppressed sob
+near her; Ellen was bending over a book of Bible-stories which Herbert
+had lent her, and her long ringlets completely concealed her face; Miss
+Harcourt and Caroline both looked up surprised, but a rapid sign from
+Mrs. Hamilton prevented their making any remark. Herbert fixed his eyes
+pityingly on his little cousin as if wishing but not liking to address
+her. Edward was the only one of the party who moved. He was busily
+engaged in examining a large Noah's ark, and speculating as to its
+resemblance to a ship, and its powers of floating, but after a few
+minutes' apparent thought he left it, and sitting down on Ellen's chair,
+put his arm round her, and begged her to find a picture of Noah's ark,
+and see if it were at all like the toy. Cheered by his affection, she
+conquered with a strong effort the choking in her throat, and turned to
+the page, and tried to sympathize in his wonder if it really were like
+the vessel in which Noah was saved, and where he could have put all the
+animals. Mrs. Hamilton joined them, and without taking more notice of
+Ellen's very pale cheeks and heavy eyes, than gently to put back the
+thick tresses that seemed to annoy her by their weight, gave them so
+much interesting information on the subject, and so delighted Edward
+with allowing him to drag down several books from the library to find
+out all they said about it, that two hours slipped away quite
+unconsciously; and Ellen's very painful feeling had been so soothed,
+that she could smile, and join Emmeline in making all the animals walk
+in grand procession to their temporary dwelling.
+
+But Mrs. Hamilton did not forget the child's involuntary evidence of
+suffering, and vainly tried to imagine what at that moment could have
+caused it. Herbert seemed to think about it, too, for the next day she
+heard him ask Edward--
+
+"If he knew why his sister always looked so sad? if he thought it was
+because she was not yet reconciled to Oakwood?"
+
+"It is not that," was Edward's reply: "she has always looked and seemed
+sad, as long as I can remember her. One reason may be, she was always
+ill in India, and papa was often telling me how very much she suffered,
+and how patiently she bore it; and then, too, she knew I was poor
+mamma's favorite, (his voice trembled), and that used to make her very
+unhappy; but I do not know why she is so very sad now, unless she is ill
+again, and that no one can tell, for she never will complain."
+
+"Was your sister such a constant sufferer then?" inquired his aunt.
+"Come here, and tell me all you can about her Edward. I wish I could
+know more about both your lives in India."
+
+Edward, with eager willingness, communicated all he knew, though, from
+his being so constantly with his mother, and Ellen so much left with her
+father and herself, that all was little enough; adding, however, that
+after her very dangerous illness, when she was eight years old, he
+perfectly well remembered hearing some celebrated physician say to his
+father she would probably feel the effects of it all her life.
+
+"It was a very long time before mamma permitted me to see her," added
+Edward, "and when I did, I remember being almost frightened, she was so
+altered, so pale, and thin, and weak; and then she was very ill after
+poor papa's death; but since then she has never complained, and never
+kept her bed; but I know she is often in pain, for when I have touched
+her forehead sometimes, it has burnt my hand like fire."
+
+This childish explanation certainly told Mrs. Hamilton more than she had
+known before; but that Ellen had witnessed the fearful scene of her
+father's death was still concealed. Edward, as he grew older, though he
+did not know why, seemed to shrink from the subject, particularly that
+he had been at a ball the same awful night.
+
+A few days afterward, as Mrs. Hamilton was crossing the large hall on
+her way to the school-room--for so, spite of Percy's determination that
+it should receive the more learned and refined appellation of studio, it
+was still called--she overheard Caroline's voice, exclaiming in angry
+impatience--
+
+"Indeed, I shall not, I have enough to do with my own lessons, without
+attending to other people's. It is your idleness, Ellen, not the
+difficulty of your lesson; for I am sure it is easy enough."
+
+"For shame, Caroline!" was Emmeline's indignant reply "She is not idle,
+and I am sure her lesson is not so easy; I wish I could explain it
+properly."
+
+"You know Miss Harcourt herself said she was careless or idle to-day,
+and she must know. I am not going to lose my hour of recreation to help
+those who won't help themselves."
+
+"How can you be so ill-natured, so unkind!" began Emmeline; but Ellen's
+beseeching voice interrupted her--
+
+"Do not quarrel with your sister on my account, dearest Emmeline; I dare
+say I am very stupid, but my head does feel confused to-day; pray do not
+mind me, dear Emmy; go with Caroline, aunt Emmeline will not like your
+remaining in."
+
+Caroline had already quitted the room, and in her haste ran against her
+mother, who she instantly perceived had heard all she said. With a deep
+blush, she turned as to re-enter the school-room, but Mrs. Hamilton
+stopped her--
+
+"No," she said, gravely, "if you are only to act kindly for fear of my
+reproof, it will do no good either to yourself or Ellen. I could
+scarcely have believed it possible you should so have spoken, had I not
+heard it. Go and amuse yourself as you intended; I rather think had you
+given up a little of your time to help your cousin, you would have
+experienced more real pleasure than you will now feel all day."
+
+"Dear mamma, will _you_ help Ellen?" asked Emmeline, very timidly, for
+though at Ellen's reiterated entreaty she had left her, she felt it
+almost disrespect to run across the hall while her mother was speaking;
+and the thought suddenly crossed her that, as she was quite sure Ellen
+was not idle though Miss Harcourt thought she was, her mother, by
+assisting her, might save her from increased displeasure.
+
+"Yes, dearest, if necessary; I have heard enough to satisfy me that you
+would if you could; and so I will, for your sake." And Emmeline ran
+away, quite happy, to try all she could to soothe Caroline, whose
+self-reproach had as usual terminated in a fit of ill-temper and anger
+against Ellen, instead of against herself.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton entered the school-room, and stood by Ellen so quietly
+that the child did not perceive her. Her attention was completely
+absorbed in her book; but after a few minutes she suddenly pushed it
+from her, and exclaiming almost passionately:
+
+"I _can not_ learn it, try all I can! and Miss Harcourt will be so very,
+very angry"--and she gave way, for the first time since her arrival at
+Oakwood, to a violent burst of tears.
+
+"What is this very, _very_ difficult lesson, my little Ellen!" inquired
+her aunt, kindly taking one hand from her face. "Tell me, and we shall
+be able to learn it together, perhaps."
+
+"Oh, no, no! it is because I am so very stupid; Miss Harcourt has
+explained it to me twice, and I know, I know, I ought to understand
+it--but--"
+
+"Well, then, never mind it to-day. We can all learn much better some
+days than others, you know; and I dare say to-morrow you will be able to
+conquer it."
+
+"But Miss Harcourt is already displeased, and she will be still more so,
+if I leave it without her permission," replied the sobbing girl,
+longing, but not daring, to throw her arms round her aunt's neck, and
+lean her aching head against her bosom.
+
+"Not if I beg a reprieve," replied her aunt, smiling; "but you must not
+let it make you so very unhappy, Ellen. I am afraid it is not only your
+lesson, but that you are ill, or unhappy about something else. Tell me,
+dearest, what can I do to make you more happy, more at home?"
+
+"Oh, nothing, nothing!" replied Ellen, struggling with her tears.
+"Indeed I am happier than I ever thought I could be; I must be very
+ungrateful to make you think I am unhappy, when you are so good and so
+kind. My head ached to-day, and that always makes me feel a wish to cry;
+but indeed I am not unhappy, and never when you kiss me and call me your
+Ellen, whatever I may feel when you are not by;" and, as if frightened
+at her own confession, she hid her face in her aunt's dress.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton lifted her into her lap, and kissed her without speaking.
+
+"You must learn to love me more and more then, my Ellen," she said,
+after a pause, "and when you are feeling ill or in pain, you must not be
+afraid to tell me, or I shall think that you only fancy you love me."
+
+"Oh, no, it is not fancy; I never loved any one as I do you--except
+papa--my own darling, good papa!" the word was almost choked with sobs.
+"He used to fondle me and praise me, and call me his darling Ellen, as
+uncle Hamilton did Emmeline last Sunday; and when I was ill, so ill they
+said I should die, he never left me, except when his military duties
+called him away; and he used to nurse me, and try to amuse me, that I
+might forget pain and weakness. Oh, I shall never, never forget that
+dreadful night!" and she closed her eyes and shuddered, as the horrid
+scene of blood and death flashed before her.
+
+"What dreadful night my poor child?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, soothingly,
+after doubting whether or not it would be better for Ellen to pursue
+such an evidently painful theme, and no longer requiring an explanation
+of her emotion the previous Sabbath.
+
+"The night poor papa was killed;--oh, there were so many horrid forms on
+the grass, the natives and poor papa's own men, and they looked so
+ghastly in the moonlight, and the grass was covered with blood and limbs
+and heads that had been shot off; and there were such cries and groans
+of pain--I see it, I hear it all again so often before I go to sleep,
+and when my head feels as it does to-day, and fancy I hear poor papa's
+last words and feel his kiss as he lay bleeding, bleeding slowly to
+death and his voice was so strange, and his lips so cold!"
+
+"But how came you in such a dreadful scene, my poor Ellen? who could
+have permitted such a little child to be there?"
+
+"Because I wished it so very much; I knew he would die before they
+could bring him to me, and I did so want to feel his kiss and hear his
+voice once more. Oh, aunt Emmeline! shall I never see him again? I know
+he can not come to me; but shall I, oh, shall I ever be good enough to
+go to him?" And she looked up in her aunt's face with such a countenance
+of beseeching entreaty, that Mrs. Hamilton's eyes filled with tears, and
+it was a full minute before she could speak; but when she did, Ellen
+felt more relieved and comforted, than on the subject of her father's
+death she had ever felt before. From her mother not being able to bear
+the subject even partially alluded to, and from having no one to whom
+she could speak of it, it had taken a still stronger hold of her
+imagination; and whenever she was unusually weak, and her head aching
+and confused, it became still more vivid. The very visible sympathy and
+interest of her aunt, and the gentle words in which she tried to turn
+the child's thoughts from that scene of horror to the happiness of her
+father in Heaven, and an assurance that, if she tried to do her duty,
+and to love and serve God, and trust in His mercy to render her efforts
+acceptable, she would rejoin him, seemed to remove the mass of tangled
+thought within her young mind. Her head, indeed, still ached very
+painfully, and her eyes seemed as if they would close, notwithstanding
+all her efforts to keep them open; but when she awoke from a long quiet
+sleep, on the sofa in Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room, where her aunt had
+laid her, and found that kind friend still watching over her, the little
+heart and temples had ceased to throb so quickly, and she felt better
+and happier.
+
+Mr. Maitland, the medical friend of the family, confirmed the opinion
+which Edward had said their physician in India had given of his sister's
+state of health. He did not, he said, consider her liable to serious
+illness, or of a constitution that would not endure; but that he feared
+it would be some years before she knew the blessing of really good
+health, and be constantly subject to that lassitude, severe headache,
+and the depression of the whole system thence proceeding, which must
+prevent the liveliness and quickness of acquirement natural to most
+children. He thought the evil had been very greatly increased by want of
+sufficient care in early years, and the unwholesome climate in which she
+had so long lived, that he wondered her mother had not been advised to
+send her over to England, adding, with a smile, he was quite sure Mrs.
+Hamilton would not have refused the charge, anxious as it might have
+been. And earnestly, not only on account of the child's physical but
+mental health, did Mrs. Hamilton wish that such had been the case, and
+that she had had the care of her niece from earliest infancy; and how
+much more would she have wished this, had she known that Mrs. Fortescue
+had really been advised to do with Ellen as Mr. Maitland had said, but
+that believing it merely an idle fancy, and persisting, too, in her own
+headstrong idea, that it was ill-temper, not illness, which rendered
+Ellen so disagreeable, she would not stoop so to conquer her unfortunate
+pride as to ask such a favor of her relatives, and to whom else could
+she appeal? Colonel Fortescue had none but distant cousins. She did
+satisfy a qualm of conscience by once suggesting to her husband--as her
+own idea, however, not as that of an experienced physician--that as he
+fancied Ellen was always ill, she might be better in England; but, as
+she expected, not only his intense love for his little girl rose up
+against the idea of separation, but his pride revolted from sending her
+to claim the pity of relatives who had so completely cast off her
+parents: yet had he been told it was absolutely necessary for her health
+and so greatly for her happiness, he would not have hesitated to
+sacrifice every thought of self. But Eleanor, satisfied that she had
+done her duty, and delighted that in one respect he was quite as proud
+as she was, never again referred to the subject, and the physician who
+had thus advised, from his constant removals, he never chanced to meet.
+
+Great, indeed, was the amount of childish suffering which this selfish
+decision, on the part of her mother, occasioned Ellen. We do not mean
+the pain of constant languor itself, though that in its full amount our
+happy healthful young readers can not have the least idea of: they,
+perhaps, think it almost a pleasant change, the care, and petting, and
+presents so often lavished on a brief decided illness: but that is a
+very different thing to that kind of suffering which only so affects
+them as to be dull and heavy, they do not know why, and to make it such
+a very difficult task to learn the lessons others find so easy; and such
+a pain sometimes to move, that they are thought slow and unwilling, and
+perhaps even idle, when they would gladly run, and help, and work as
+others; and so weak sometimes, that tears start at the first harsh or
+unkind word, and they are thought cross, when they do not in the least
+feel so; and this, not for a few weeks, but, with few exceptions, the
+trial of months and even years.
+
+And this was Ellen's--which not even the tenderest and most unfailing
+care of her aunt could entirely guard her from. It is a most difficult
+thing for those who are strong and healthy themselves to understand and
+always bear with physical suffering in others. Miss Harcourt, though in
+general free from any thing like prejudice, and ardently desirous to
+follow up her own and Mrs. Hamilton's ideas of right and wrong, could
+not so govern her affections as to feel the same toward Ellen as she did
+toward Edward and the children she had lived with and taught so long.
+Her task with Ellen required more patience and forbearance and care than
+with either of the others, and sometimes she could not help believing
+and acting toward her as if it were willful idleness and carelessness,
+not the languor of disease.
+
+With the recollection and evidence of Herbert, who had been delicate
+from his birth, and who was yet of such a remarkably gifted mind, and so
+bright in aspect, so sweet in temper, that illness seemed to have
+spiritualized instead of deadened every faculty, she could not
+understand, as Mrs. Hamilton did, the force of circumstances in
+producing from nearly the same cause two much different effects, nor how
+it was that complete neglect had engendered more evils than indiscreet
+indulgence; but that it appeared to have done so, was unhappily only too
+evident not only to Miss Harcourt but to Mrs. Hamilton. It seemed almost
+surprising, and certainly a proof of a remarkably good disposition, that
+Edward appeared so free from great faults, and of such a warm, generous,
+frank, and _seemingly_ unselfish nature, so open to conviction and to
+all good impressions, that, except occasional fits of violent passion,
+there really was, as far as his aunt and uncle could perceive, nothing
+to complain of. They did not know that he stood in such awe of Mr.
+Hamilton, from his mother's lessons of his exceeding sternness, that he
+exercised the greatest control over himself; and he was so excessively
+fond of Mr. Howard, and his days glided by in such varied and delightful
+employment, that there was no temptation to do wrong, except certain
+acts of trifling disobedience, of more consequence from the self-will
+they betrayed than the acts themselves, but which might have been
+sources of anxiety to his aunt, and lessened her confidence in him had
+she known them; but she did not, for Ellen not only constantly
+concealed, but she was the sufferer for him, and so brought reproof and
+suspicion on herself, which, could the truth have been known, might have
+been averted. But truth of act as well as word had never been impressed
+on Edward; and, therefore, though he was constitutionally too brave to
+utter a falsehood, too honorable to shield himself at the expense of
+another, if he knew that other suffered, he had been too long taught to
+believe that Ellen was his inferior, and must always give up to him, to
+imagine that he was even acting deceitfully or unmanfully in permitting
+her to conceal his acts of disobedience.
+
+There was so much to love and admire in Edward, that neither Mr. nor
+Mrs. Hamilton imagined the real weakness of his character--that those
+lovable qualities all sprung from natural impulse, unsustained by any
+thing like principle. The quickness and apparent fervor with which he
+received the religious impressions they and Mr. Howard sought so
+earnestly to instill in the short time that was allowed them before he
+entered the navy, they augured so hopefully from, that not only his
+preceptor and uncle, but his ever anxious aunt, looked forward to his
+career with scarcely a doubt as to its probity and honor.
+
+Ellen caused her infinitely more anxiety. There was a disregard to
+truth, a want of openness and candor, which, though Mrs. Hamilton
+believed the effects of neglect and extreme timidity, both her husband
+and Miss Harcourt feared were natural. Much, indeed, sprung from the
+poor child's mistaken idea of the nature and solemnity of the promise
+she had made her mother, and her constant watchfulness and determination
+to shield Edward. For the disregard to truth, her mother had, indeed,
+alone been answerable. Ellen's naturally very timid character required
+the inculcation of a high, firm principle, to enable her so to conquer
+herself as to speak the truth, even if she suffered from it. It was
+only, indeed, in extreme cases of fear--and never to her father that she
+had ever spoken falsely; but to Mrs. Hamilton's high principles, which
+by extreme diligence and care she had so successfully imparted to her
+own children, even concealment was often an acted untruth, and of this
+fault and equivocation Ellen was but too often guilty; exciting Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's prejudices yet more against her. The latter,
+with all her faults, never swerved from the rigid truth, and had a
+strong contempt and dislike toward all those who did--except her friend
+Annie, who, as she always took care to speak the truth to her, she did
+not suspect of being less careful than herself. Emmeline, who had had
+some difficulty in restraining her love of exaggeration, and also in so
+conquering her own timidity and fear as always to speak the truth, only
+pitied Ellen, but did not love her the less.
+
+Of course, it was not till some months had passed that these lights and
+shadows of character in the orphans, and in the opinions they culled
+forth in those around them, could be discovered; but notwithstanding she
+stood almost alone in her opinion, notwithstanding there was very little
+outward evidence that she was correct, Mrs. Hamilton believed there was
+a great deal more in her niece than was discernible. She seemed to
+possess a strength, almost an intensity, of feeling and warmth of
+affection, which, if properly guided, would effectually aid in removing
+the childish errors engendered by neglect; and it was this belief which
+not only enabled her to bear calmly the anxiety and care, and often
+pain, which those faults and their compelled correction occasioned, but
+actually to love her niece, if possible, still more than Edward, and
+very nearly with the same amount of quiet but intense affection which
+she felt for her own children.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A YOUNG GENTLEMAN IN A PASSION.--A WALK.--A SCENE OF DISTRESS.
+
+
+One very fine morning in May, Mrs. Hamilton invited Edward to join her
+in a walk, intending also to call at Moorlands and Greville Manor on
+their way. The lads were released for a few days from their attendance
+on Mr. Howard, that gentleman having been summoned on some clerical
+business to Exeter. Percy was to accompany his father on an equestrian
+excursion; Herbert had been commissioned by Emmeline some days before to
+take some books to Mary Greville, and had looked forward himself to
+spending a morning with her. Edward, delighted at being selected as his
+aunt's companion, prepared with haste and glee for his excursion. Robert
+was, however, unfortunately not at hand to give him a clean pair of
+shoes (he had already spoiled two pair that morning by going into the
+stream which ran through the park to sail a newly-rigged frigate), and
+angry at the delay, fearing that his aunt would not wait for him, he
+worked himself into such a violent passion, that when Robert did appear
+he gave vent to more abusive language than he had ever yet ventured to
+use, concluding by hurling both his discarded shoes at the domestic,
+who only escaped a severe blow by starting aside, and permitting them to
+go through the window.
+
+"Robert, leave the room: I desire that you will not again give your
+assistance to Master Fortescue till he knows how to ask it," was Mrs.
+Hamilton's most unexpected interference, and Edward so started at her
+voice and look, that his passion was suddenly calmed.
+
+"Finish your toilet, and when you have found your shoes and put them
+away, you may join me in the breakfast-room, Edward. I only wait your
+pleasure."
+
+And never did Edward leave her presence more gladly. Shame had suddenly
+conquered anger; and though his chest still heaved and his cheeks were
+still flushed, he did not utter another word till nearly a quarter of a
+mile on their walk. Twice he had looked up in his aunt's face as if
+about to speak, but the expression was so very grave, that he felt
+strangely afraid to proceed. At length he exclaimed--
+
+"You are displeased with me, dear aunt; but indeed I could not help
+feeling angry."
+
+"I am still more sorry than displeased, Edward; I had hoped you were
+learning more control, and to know your duty to a domestic better. Your
+uncle--"
+
+"Oh, pray do not tell him!" implored Edward, "and I will ask Robert's
+pardon the moment I go home."
+
+"I certainly shall not complain of you to him, Edward, if my arguments
+can convince you of your error; but if you are only to ask Robert's
+pardon for fear of your uncle, I would rather you should not do so. Tell
+me the truth; if you were quite sure your uncle would know nothing about
+it, would you still ask Robert's pardon?"
+
+Edward unhesitatingly answered "No!"
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"Because I think he ought to ask mine for keeping me waiting as he did,
+and for being insolent first to me."
+
+"He did not keep you waiting above five minutes, and that was my fault
+not his, as I was employing him; and as for insolence, can you tell me
+what he said?" Edward hesitated.
+
+"I do not remember the exact words, but I know he called me impatient,
+and if I were, he had no right to tell me so."
+
+"Nor did he. I heard all that passed, and I could not help thinking how
+very far superior was Robert, a poor country youth, to the young
+gentleman who abused him."
+
+The color rose to Edward's temples, but he set his teeth and clenched
+his hand, to prevent any farther display of anger; and his aunt, after
+attentively observing him, continued--
+
+"He said that his young master Percy never required impossibilities, and
+though often impatient never abused him. You heard the word, and feeling
+you had been so, believed he applied it to yourself."
+
+"But in what can he be my superior?" asked Edward, in a low voice, as if
+still afraid his passion would regain ascendency.
+
+"I will answer your question by another, Edward. Suppose any one had
+used abusive terms toward you, and contemptuously desired you to get out
+of their sight, how would you have answered?"
+
+"I would have struck him to the earth," replied Edward, passionately,
+and quite forgetting his wished for control. "Neither equal nor superior
+should dare speak so to me again."
+
+"And what prevented Robert acting in the same manner? Do you think he
+has no feeling?--that he is incapable of such emotions as pain or
+anger?"
+
+Edward stood for a minute quite still and silent.
+
+"I did not think any thing about it," he said, at length; "but I
+certainly supposed I had a right to say what I pleased to one so far
+beneath me."
+
+"And in what is Robert so far beneath you?"
+
+"He is a servant, and I am a gentleman in birth, rank--"
+
+"Stop, Edward! did you make yourself a gentleman? Is it any credit to
+you, individually, to be higher in the world, and receive a better
+education than Robert?"
+
+Edward was again silent, and his aunt continued to talk to him so kindly
+yet so earnestly, that at length he exclaimed--
+
+"I feel I have indeed been wrong, dear aunt; but what can I do to prove
+to Robert I am really sorry for having treated him so ill?"
+
+"Are you really sorry, Edward, or do you only say this for fear of your
+uncle's displeasure?"
+
+"Indeed, I had quite forgotten him," replied Edward, earnestly; "I
+deserve his anger, and would willingly expose myself to it, if it would
+redeem my fault."
+
+"I would rather see you endeavor earnestly to restrain your passions my
+dear boy, than inflict any such pain upon you. It will be a great
+pleasure to me if you can really so conquer yourself as to apologize to
+Robert; and I think the pain of so doing will enable you more easily to
+remember all we have been saying, than if you weakly shrink from it. The
+life you have chosen makes me even more anxious that you should become
+less passionate--than were you to remain longer with me; I fear you will
+so often suffer seriously from it."
+
+"I very often make resolutions never to be in a passion again," returned
+Edward, sorrowfully; "but whenever any thing provokes me, something
+seems to come in my throat, and I am compelled to give way."
+
+"You will not be able to conquer your fault, my dear Edward, without
+great perseverance; but remember, the more difficult the task, the
+greater the reward; and that you _can_ control anger I have, even during
+our walk, had a proof."
+
+Edward looked up surprised.
+
+"Did you not feel very angry when I said Robert was your superior?"
+
+"Yes," replied Edward, blushing deeply.
+
+"And yet you successfully checked your rising passion, for fear of
+offending me. I can not be always near you; but, my dear boy, you must
+endeavor to remember that lesson I have tried to teach you so
+often--that you are never _alone_. You can not even think an angry
+thought, much less speak an abusive word and commit the most trifling
+act of passion, without offending God. If you would but ask for His
+help, and recollect that to offend Him is far more terrible than to
+incur the displeasure of either your uncle or myself, I think you would
+find your task much easier, than if you attempted it, trusting in your
+own strength alone, and only for fear of man."
+
+Edward did not make any reply, but his countenance expressed such
+earnest thought and softened feeling, that Mrs. Hamilton determined on
+not interrupting it by calling at Moorlands as she had intended, and so
+turned in the direction of Greville Manor. They walked on for some
+little time in silence, gradually ascending one of those steep and
+narrow but green and flowery lanes peculiar to Devonshire; and on
+reaching the summit of the hill, and pausing a moment by the little gate
+that opened on a rich meadow, through which their path lay, an
+exclamation of "How beautiful!" burst from Edward.
+
+Fields of alternate red and green sloped down to the river's edge, the
+green bearing the glistening color peculiar to May, the red from the
+full rich soil betraying that the plow had but lately been there, and
+both contrasting beautifully with the limpid waters, whose deep azure
+seemed to mock the very heavens. The Dart from that point seemed no
+longer a meandering river: it was so encompassed by thick woods and
+fertile hills that it resembled a lake, to which there was neither
+outlet nor inlet, save from the land. The trees all presented that
+exquisite variety of green peculiar to May, and so lofty was the slope
+on which they grew, that some seemed to touch the very sky, while others
+bent gracefully over the water, which their thick branches nearly
+touched. The hills themselves presented a complete mosaic of red and
+green; the fields divided by high hedges, from which the oak and elm and
+beech and ash would start up, of growth so superb as to have the
+semblance of a cultivated park, not of natural woodland.
+
+Greville Manor, an Elizabethan building, stood on their right,
+surrounded by its ancient woods, which, though lovely still, Mr.
+Greville's excesses had already shorn off some of their finest timber.
+Some parts of the river were in complete shade from the overhanging
+branches, while beyond them would stretch the bright blue of heaven: in
+other parts, a stray sunbeam would dart through an opening in the thick
+branches, and shine like a bright spot in the surrounding darkness; and
+farther on, the cloudless sun so flung down his full refulgence, that
+the moving waters flashed and sparkled like burning gems.
+
+"Is it not beautiful, dear aunt? Sometimes I feel as if I were not half
+so passionate in the open air as in the house; can you tell me why?"
+
+"Not exactly, Edward," she replied, smiling; "but I am very pleased to
+hear you say so, and to find that you can admire such a lovely scene as
+this. To my feelings, the presence of a loving God is so impressed upon
+his works--we can so distinctly trace goodness, and love, and power, in
+the gift of such a bountiful world, that I feel still more how wrong it
+is to indulge in vexation, or care, or anxiety, when in the midst of a
+beautiful country, than when at home; and perhaps it is something of the
+same feeling working in you, though you do not know how to define it."
+
+"But _you_ can never do or feel any thing wrong, dear aunt," said
+Edward, looking with surprised inquiry in her face.
+
+"Indeed, my dear boy, I know that I very often have wrong thoughts and
+feelings; and that only my Father in Heaven's infinite mercy enables me
+to overcome them. It would be very sad, if I were as faulty, and as
+easily led into error, as you and your cousins may be, when I have had
+so many more years to think and try to improve in; but just in the same
+way as you have duties to perform and feelings to overcome, so have I;
+and if I fail in the endeavor to lead you all in the better and happier
+path--or feel too much anxiety, or shrink from giving myself pain, when
+compelled to correct a fault in either of you, I am just as likely to
+incur the displeasure of our Father in Heaven, as you are when you are
+passionate or angry; and perhaps still more so, for the more capable we
+are of knowing and doing our duty, the more wrong we are when we fail in
+it, even in thought."
+
+There was so much in this reply to surprise Edward, it seemed so to fill
+his mind with new ideas, that he continued his walk in absolute silence.
+That his aunt could ever fail, as she seemed to say she had and did, and
+even still at times found it difficult to do right, was very strange;
+but yet somehow it seemed to comfort him, and to inspire him with a sort
+of courage to emulate her, and conquer his difficulties. He had fancied
+that she could not possibly understand how difficult it was for him
+always to be good; but when he found that she could do so even from her
+own experience, her words appeared endowed with double force, and he
+loved her, and looked up to her more than ever.
+
+Ten minutes more brought them to the Gothic lodge of the Manor, and
+instead of seeking the front entrance, Mrs. Hamilton led the way to the
+flower-garden, on which Mrs. Greville's usual morning-room opened by a
+glass door.
+
+"Herbert was to tell Mary of our intended visit; I wonder she is not
+watching for me as usual," observed Mrs. Hamilton, somewhat anxiously;
+and her anxiety increased, as on nearing the half open door she saw poor
+Mary, her head leaning against Herbert, deluged in tears. Mrs. Greville
+was not there, though the books, work, and maps upon the table told of
+their morning's employment having been the same as usual. Herbert was
+earnestly endeavoring to speak comfort, but evidently without success;
+and Mary was in general so controlled, that her present grief betrayed
+some very much heavier trial than usual.
+
+"Is your mother ill, my dear Mary? What can have happened to agitate you
+so painfully?" she inquired, as at the first sound of her voice the poor
+girl sprung toward her, and tried to say how very glad she was that she
+had come just then; but the words were inarticulate from sobs; and Mrs.
+Hamilton, desiring Edward to amuse himself in the garden, made her sit
+down by her, and told her not to attempt to check her tears, but to let
+them have free vent a few minutes, and then to try and tell her what had
+occurred. It was a very sad tale for a child to tell, and as Mrs.
+Hamilton's previous knowledge enabled her to gather more from it than
+Mary's broken narrative permitted, we will give it in our own words.
+
+Mr. Greville had been at home for a month, a quarter of which time the
+good humor which some unusually successful bets had excited, lasted; but
+no longer. His amusement then consisted, as usual, in trying every
+method to annoy and irritate his wife, and in endeavoring to make his
+son exactly like himself. Young as the boy was--scarcely twelve--he took
+him to scenes of riot and feasting, which the society of some boon
+companions, unhappily near neighbors, permitted; and though Alfred's
+cheek became pale, his eye haggard, and his temper uneven, his
+initiation was fraught with such a new species of excitement and
+pleasure, that it rejoiced and encouraged his father in the same measure
+as it agonized his mother, and, for her sake, poor Mary.
+
+That morning Alfred had declared his intention of visiting a large fair,
+which, with some races of but ill repute, from the bad company they
+collected, was to be held at a neighboring town, and told his father to
+prepare for a large demand on his cash, as he meant to try his hand at
+all the varieties of gaming which the scene presented. Mr. Greville
+laughed heartily at what he called the boy's right spirit, and promised
+him all he required; but there was a quivering on her mother's lip, a
+deadly paleness on her cheek, that spoke volumes of suffering to the
+heart of the observant Mary, who sat trembling beside her. Still Mrs.
+Greville did not speak till her husband left the room; but then, as
+Alfred was about to follow him, she caught hold of his hand, and
+implored him, with such a tone and look of agony, only to listen to her,
+for her sake to give up his intended pleasure; that, almost frightened
+by an emotion which in his gentle mother he had scarcely ever seen, and
+suddenly remembering that he had lately been indeed most unkind and
+neglectful to her, he threw his arms round her neck, and promised with
+tears that if it gave her so much pain, he would not go; and so sincere
+was his feeling at the moment that, had there been no tempter near, he
+would, in all probability, have kept his word. But the moment Mr.
+Greville heard from his son his change of intention and its cause, he
+so laughed at his ridiculous folly, so sneered at his want of spirit in
+preferring his mother's whims to his father's pleasures, that, as could
+not fail to be the case, every better feeling fled. This ought to have
+been enough; but it was too good an opportunity to vent his ill-temper
+on his wife, to be neglected. He sought her, where she was
+superintending Mary's lessons, and for nearly an hour poured upon her
+the most fearful abuse and cutting taunts, ending by declaring that all
+the good she had done by her saintly eloquence was to banish her son
+from her presence, whenever he left home, as in future Alfred should be
+his companion; and that he should begin that very day. Mrs. Greville
+neither moved nor spoke in reply; and the expression of her countenance
+was so sternly calm, that poor Mary felt as if she dared not give way to
+the emotion with which her heart was bursting.
+
+Mr. Greville left the room, and they heard him peremptorily desire the
+housekeeper to put up some of Master Alfred's clothes. In a perfectly
+composed voice Mrs. Greville desired Mary to proceed with the exercise
+she was writing, and emulating her firmness, she tried to obey.
+Fortunately her task was writing, for to have spoken or read aloud
+would, she felt, have been impossible. So full half an hour passed, and
+then hasty footsteps were heard in the hall, and the joyous voice of
+Alfred exclaiming--
+
+"Let me wish mamma and Mary good-by, papa."
+
+"I have not another moment to spare," was the reply. "You have kept me
+long enough, and must be quicker next time; come along, my boy."
+
+The rapid tread of horses' hoofs speedily followed the sullen clang with
+which the hall-door closed, and as rapidly faded away in the distance.
+With an irresistible impulse, Mary raised her eyes to her mother's face;
+a bright red flush had risen to her temples, but her lips were perfectly
+colorless, and her hand tightly pressed her heart; but this only lasted
+a minute, for the next she had fallen quite senseless on the floor. Her
+poor child hung over her almost paralyzed with terror, and so long did
+the faint last, that she was conveyed to her own room, partially
+undressed, and laid on her bed before she at all recovered. A brief
+while she had clasped Mary to her bosom, as if in her was indeed her
+only earthly comfort, and then in a faint voice desired to be left quite
+alone. Mary had flung herself on the neck of the sympathizing Herbert
+Hamilton (who had arrived just in the confusion attendant on Mrs.
+Greville's unusual illness), and wept there in all the uncontrolled
+violence of early sorrow.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton remained some time with her afflicted friend, for so truly
+could she sympathize with her, that her society brought with it the only
+solace Mrs. Greville was capable of realizing from human companionship.
+
+"It is not for myself I murmur," were the only words that in that
+painful interview might have even seemed like complaint; "but for my
+poor child. How is her fragile frame and gentle spirit to endure through
+trials such as these; oh, Emmeline, to lose both, and through their
+father!"
+
+And difficult indeed did it seem to realize the cause of such a terrible
+dispensation; but happily for Mrs. Greville, she could still look up in
+love and trust, even when below all of comfort as of joy seemed
+departed; and in a few days she was enabled to resume her usual
+avocations, and, by an assumption of cheerfulness and constant
+employment, to restore some degree of peace and happiness to her child.
+
+Neither Herbert nor Edward seemed inclined to converse on their walk
+home, and Mrs. Hamilton was so engrossed in thought for Mrs. Greville,
+that she did not feel disposed to speak either. Herbert was contrasting
+his father with Mary's, and with such a vivid sense of his own happier
+lot, that he felt almost oppressed with the thought, he was not, he
+never could be, grateful enough; for, what had he done to be so much
+more blessed? And when Mr. Hamilton, who, wondering at their long
+absence, had come out to meet them, put his arm affectionately round
+him, and asked him what could possibly make him look so pale and
+pensive, the boy's excited feelings completely overpowered him. He
+buried his face on his father's shoulder, and burst into tears; and then
+leaving his mother to explain it, for he felt quite sure she could,
+without his telling her, darted away and never stopped till he found
+himself in the sanctuary of his own room; and there he remained, trying
+to calm himself by earnest thought and almost unconscious prayer, till
+the dinner-bell summoned him to rejoin his family, which he did, quiet
+and gentle, but cheerful, as usual.
+
+Edward did not forget the thoughts of the morning, but the struggles so
+to subdue his pride as to apologize to Robert, seemed very much more
+difficult when he was no longer hearing his aunt's earnest words; but he
+_did_ conquer himself, and the fond approving look, with which he was
+rewarded, gave him such a glowing feeling of pleasure, as almost to
+lessen the pain of his humiliation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+CECIL GRAHAME'S PHILOSOPHY.--AN ERROR AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.--A MYSTERY
+AND A CONFIDENCE.
+
+
+A few days after the events of the last chapter, Mrs. Hamilton,
+accompanied by Percy, called at Moorlands. Cecil Grahame was playing in
+the garden, and Percy remained with him, his good-nature often making
+him a companion, though there was nearly six years' difference in their
+age.
+
+"Are you going to T-- on Thursday, Percy? There will be such fine
+doings. Races and the county fair, and wild beasts and shows, and every
+thing delightful; of course, you will go?"
+
+"I do not think it at all likely," replied young Hamilton.
+
+"No!" repeated Cecil, much astonished. "Why, I was only saying the other
+day how much I should like to be as old as you are; it must be so
+delightful to be one's own master."
+
+"I do not consider myself my own master yet, Cecil. Sometimes I wish I
+were; at others, I think I am much better as I am. And, as for this
+fair, Mr. Howard will be back to-morrow, so there is no chance of my
+going."
+
+"Why is there no such thing as the possibility of a holiday, Percy?"
+replied Cecil, with great glee; "or perhaps," he added, laughing, "your
+papa is like mine, and does not allow such freaks; thinks it wrong to go
+to such places, acting against morality, and such out of the way ideas."
+
+"Are these Mr. Grahame's opinions?" inquired Percy, almost sternly.
+
+"Why ye--yes--why do you look at me so, Percy? I am sure I said no harm;
+I only repeated what I have heard mamma say continually."
+
+"That is not the very least excuse for your disrespect to your father;
+and if he think thus, I wonder you should talk of going to the races;
+you can not have his permission."
+
+"Oh, but mamma has promised if I am a good boy till then and she can
+manage it, I shall go; for she can not see any harm in it. And as for
+waiting for papa's permission--if I did, I should never go any where. He
+is so unkind, that I am always afraid of speaking or even playing, when
+he is in the room."
+
+"You are a silly boy, Cecil," replied young Hamilton; "Believe me, you
+do not know your best friend. I should be very sorry to feel thus toward
+my father."
+
+"Oh! but yours and mine are very different sort of people. Your papa
+never punishes you, or refuses you his permission, when you wish
+particularly to do any thing, or go any where."
+
+"If papa thinks my wishes foolish, or liable to lead me into error, he
+does refuse me without scruple, Cecil. And though I am old enough now, I
+hope, so to conduct myself as to avoid actual punishment: when I was as
+young as you are, papa very frequently punished me, both for my violence
+and pride."
+
+"But then he was kind to you afterward. Now I should not so much mind
+papa's severity when I am naughty, if he would only be kind, or take
+some notice of me when I am good. But has Mr. Hamilton told you not to
+go to the races?"
+
+"Not exactly: he has merely said he thinks it a day most unprofitably
+wasted; and that the gambling and excesses, always the attendant of
+races, are not fit scenes for young persons. Were I to take my horse and
+go, he would not, perhaps, be actually displeased, as I am old enough
+now, he says, in some things, to judge for myself; but I should be
+acting against his principles, which, just now, I am not inclined to do,
+for I am sure to suffer from it afterward."
+
+"Well, all I can say, is, that when I am as old as you are, Percy, I
+shall certainly consider myself under no one. I hope I shall be at Eton
+by that time, and then we shall see if Cecil Grahame has not some spirit
+in him. I would not be tied down to Oakwood, and to Mr. Howard's humdrum
+lessons, as you are, Percy, for worlds."
+
+"Take care that Cecil Grahame's spirit does not effervesce so much, as
+to make him, when at Eton, wish himself back at Moorlands," replied
+Percy, laughing heartily at his young companion's grotesque attempts at
+self-consequence, by placing his cap dandily on his head, flourishing
+his cane, and trying to make himself look taller. Cecil took his laugh,
+however, in good part, and they continued in amicable conversation till
+Mrs. Hamilton summoned Percy to attend her home.
+
+Our readers have, perhaps, discovered that Percy, this day was not quite
+as lively as usual. If they have not his mother did; for, strange to
+say, he walked by her side silent and dispirited. His thoughtlessness
+very often led him into error and its disagreeable consequences; and,
+fearing this had again been the case, she playfully inquired the cause
+of his most unusual abstraction. He colored, but evaded the question,
+and successfully roused himself to talk. His mother was not anxious, for
+she had such perfect confidence in him, that she know if he had
+committed error, he would redeem it, and that his own good feelings and
+high principles would prevent its recurrence.
+
+It so happened, however, that young Hamilton, by a series of rather
+imprudent actions, had plunged himself into such a very unusual and
+disagreeable position, as not very well to know how to extricate himself
+from it, without a full confession to his father; which, daringly brave
+as in general he was, he felt almost as if he really had not the courage
+to make. One of Mr. Hamilton's most imperative commands was, that his
+sons should never incur a debt, and, to prevent the temptation, their
+monthly allowance was an ample one, and fully permitted any recreative
+indulgences they might desire.
+
+Now Percy was rather inclined to extravagance, from thoughtlessness and
+a profuse generosity, which had often caused him such annoyance as to
+make him resolve again and again to follow his father's advice, and keep
+some accounts of his expenditure, as a slight check on himself. The
+admiration for beauty in the fine arts, which his mother had so
+sedulously cultivated, had had only one bad effect; and that was that
+his passion for prints and paintings, and illustrated and richly-bound
+volumes, sometimes carried him beyond bounds, and very often occasioned
+regret, that he had not examined the letter-press of such works, as well
+as their engravings and bindings. He had given orders to Mr. Harris, a
+large fancy stationer, librarian, and publisher of T--, to procure for
+him a set of engravings, whose very interesting subjects and beautiful
+workmanship, Mr. Grahame had so vividly described to him, that young
+Hamilton felt to do without them till his father or he himself should
+visit the metropolis, and so judge of their worth themselves, was quite
+impossible. The order was given without the least regard to price. They
+arrived at the end of the month, and the young gentleman, to his extreme
+astonishment, discovered that his month's allowance had been so
+expended, as not to leave him a half-quarter of the necessary sum. What
+to do he did not very well know. Mr. Harris had had great difficulty in
+procuring the prints, and of course he was bound in honor to take them.
+If he waited till he could pay for them, he must sacrifice the whole of
+one month's allowance, and then how could he keep free from debt till
+the next? As for applying to his father, he shrank from it with actual
+pain. How could he ask his ever kind and indulgent parent to discharge a
+debt incurred by such a thoughtless act of unnecessary extravagance? Mr.
+Harris made very light of it, declaring that, if Mr. Percy did not pay
+him for a twelvemonth, it was of no consequence; he would trust him for
+any sum or any time he liked. But to make no attempt to liquidate his
+debt was as impossible as to speak to his father. No, after a violent
+struggle with his pride, which did not at all like the idea of betraying
+his inability to pay the whole, or of asking a favor of Mr. Harris, he
+agreed to pay his debt by installments, and so in two or three months,
+at the very latest, discharge the whole.
+
+One week afterward he received his month's allowance, and riding over
+directly to the town relieved his conscience of half its load. To have
+only half his usual sum, however, for monthly expenditure caused him so
+many checks and annoyances as to make him hate the very sight of the
+prints whose possession he had so coveted, but he looked forward to the
+next month to be free at least of Mr. Harris. The idea of disobedience
+to his father in incurring a debt at all, causing him more annoyance
+than all the rest.
+
+Again the first day of the month came round, and putting the full sum
+required in his purse, he set off, but on his way encountered such a
+scene of distress, that every thought fled from his mind, except how to
+relieve it. He accompanied the miserable half-famished man to a hut in
+which lay a seemingly dying woman with a new-born babe, and two or three
+small half-starved, half-naked children--listened to their story, which
+was really one of truth and misfortune, not of whining deceit, poured
+the whole contents of his purse into their laps, and rode off to T--, to
+find not Mr. Harris but Mr. Maitland, and implore him to see what his
+skill would do for the poor woman. He encountered that gentleman at the
+outskirts of the town, told his story, and was so delighted at Mr.
+Maitland's willing promise to go directly, and also to report the case
+to those who would relieve it, that he never thought of any thing else
+till he found himself directly opposite Mr. Harris's shop, and his
+bounding heart sunk suddenly down, as impelled by a weight of lead. The
+conviction flashed upon him that he had been giving away money which was
+actually not his own; and the deed which had been productive of so much
+internal happiness, now seemed to reproach and condemn him. He rode back
+without even seeking Mr. Harris, for what could he tell him as the
+reason of his non-payment? Certainly not his having given it away.
+
+The first of May, which was his birthday, he had been long engaged to
+spend with some young men and lads who were to have a grand game of
+cricket, a jovial dinner, an adjournment to some evening amusement, and,
+to conclude the day, a gay supper, with glees and songs. Mr. Hamilton
+had rather wished Percy to leave the party after dinner, and had told
+him so, merely, however, as a preference, not a command, but giving him
+permission to use his own discretion. Percy knew there would be several
+expenses attendant on the day, but still he had promised so long to be
+one of the party, which all had declared would be nothing without him,
+and his own inclinations so urged him to join it, that it seemed to him
+utterly impossible to draw back, especially as he could give no excuse
+for doing so. How could he say that he could not afford it? when he was,
+or ought to have been, nearly the richest of the party; and what would
+his father think?
+
+He went. The day was thoroughly delightful, and so exciting, that though
+he had started from home with the intention of leaving them after
+dinner, he could not resist the pleadings of his companions and his own
+wishes, and remained. At supper alone excitement and revelry seemed to
+have gained the upper hand, and Percy, though steady in entirely
+abstaining from all excess, was not quite so guarded as usual. A
+clergyman had lately appeared at T--, whose appearance, manners, and
+opinions had given more than usual food for gossip, and much
+uncharitableness. His cloth indeed ought to have protected him, but it
+rather increased the satire, sarcasm, and laughter which he excited. He
+was brought forward by the thoughtless youths of Percy's party, quizzed
+unmercifully, made the object of some clever caricatures and satires,
+and though young Hamilton at first kept aloof, he could not resist the
+contagion. He dashed off about half-a-dozen verses of such remarkably
+witty and clever point, that they were received with roars of applause,
+and an unanimous request for distribution; but this he positively
+refused, and put them up with one or two other poems of more innocent
+wit, in which he was fond of indulging, into his pocket.
+
+The day closed, and the next morning brought with it so many regrets,
+and such a confused recollection of the very unusual excitement of the
+previous evening, that he was glad to dismiss the subject from his mind,
+and threw his satire, as he believed, into the fire. In fact, he was so
+absorbed with the disagreeable conviction that he could only pay Mr.
+Harris a third of his remaining debt, trifling as in reality it was,
+that he thought of nothing else. Now Mr. Harris was the editor and
+publisher of rather a clever weekly paper, and Percy happened to be in
+his parlor waiting to speak to him, while he was paying a contribution.
+
+"I wish my head were clever enough to get out of your debt in that
+comfortable way," he said, half laughing, as the gentleman left them
+together.
+
+"I wish all my customers were as desirous of paying their large debts as
+you are your small ones," was Mr. Harris's reply. "But I have heard
+something of your clever verses, Mr. Percy; if you will let me see some,
+I really may be able to oblige you, as you seem so very anxious to have
+nothing more to do with me--"
+
+"In the way of debt, not of purchases, Mr. Harris; and I assure you, I
+am not thinking so much about you, as of my own disobedience. I will
+lend you my papers, only you must give me your word not to publish them
+with my name."
+
+"They will not be worth so much," replied Mr. Harris, smiling.
+
+"Only let me feel they have helped to discharge my debt, or at least let
+me know how much more is wanted to do so, and I will worship the muses
+henceforth," replied Percy, with almost his natural gayety, for he felt
+he wrote better verses than those Mr. Harris had been so liberally
+paying for; and the idea of feeling free again was so very delightful,
+that, after receiving Mr. Harris's solemn promise not to betray his
+authorship, he galloped home, more happy than he had been for some days.
+
+Mr. Harris had said he must have them that evening, and Robert was
+leaving for the town, as his young master entered the house. He hastily
+put up his portfolio, and sent it off. His conscience was so perfectly
+free from keeping any thing that he afterward had cause to regret, that
+he did not think of looking them over, and great was his delight, when a
+few lines arrived from Mr. Harris, speaking in the highest terms of his
+talent, and saying, that the set of verses he had selected, even without
+the attraction of his name, would entirely liquidate his trifling debt.
+
+For the next few days Percy trod on air. He had resolved on waiting till
+the poem appeared, and then, as he really had discharged his debt, take
+courage and confess the whole to his father, for his idea of truth made
+him shrink from any farther concealment. He hoped and believed that his
+father would regard the pain and constant annoyance he had been enduring
+so long, as sufficient penalty for his disobedience, and after a time
+give him back the confidence, which he feared must at his first
+confession be withdrawn.
+
+What, then, was his grief, his vexation, almost his despair, when he
+recognized in the poem selected, the verses he thought and believed he
+had burned the morning after they were written; and which in print, and
+read by his sober self, seemed such a heartless, glaring, cruel insult,
+not only on a fellow-creature, but a minister of God, that he felt
+almost overwhelmed. What could he do? Mr. Harris was not to blame, for
+he had made no reservation as to the contents of his portfolio. His
+name, indeed, was not to them, and only having been read lightly once to
+his companions of that hateful supper--for so he now felt it--almost all
+of whom were not perfectly sober, there was a chance of their never
+being recognized as his, and as their subject did not live near any town
+where the paper was likely to circulate, might never meet his eye. But
+all this was poor comfort. The paper was very seldom seen at Oakwood,
+but its contents were often spoken of before his parents, and how could
+he endure a reference to those verses, how bear this accumulation of
+concealment, and, as he felt, deceit, and all sprung from the one
+thoughtless act of ordering an expensive and unnecessary indulgence,
+without sufficient consideration how it was to be paid. To tell his
+father, avow himself the author of such a satire, and on such a subject,
+he could not. Could he tell his mother, and implore her intercession?
+that seemed like a want of confidence in his father--no--if he ever
+could gain courage to confess it, it should be to Mr. Hamilton alone;
+but the more he thought, the more, for the first time, his courage
+failed. It was only the day before his visit to Lady Helen's that he
+had discovered this accumulation of misfortune, and therefore it was not
+much wonder he was so dispirited. Two days afterward Herbert, with a
+blushing cheek and very timid voice, asked his father to grant him a
+great favor. He was almost afraid to ask it, he said, but he hoped and
+believed his parent would trust his assurance that it was for nothing
+improper. It was that he might be from home next day unattended for
+several hours. He should go on horseback, but he was so accustomed to
+ride, and his horse was so steady, he hoped he might be allowed to go
+alone. Mr. Hamilton looked very much surprised, as did all present. That
+the quiet, studious Herbert should wish to give up his favorite
+pursuits, so soon too after Mr. Howard's return, and go on what appeared
+such a mysterious excursion, was something so extraordinary, that
+various expressions of surprise broke from his sisters and Edward. Percy
+did look up but made no observation. Mr. Hamilton only paused, however,
+to consult his wife's face and then replied--
+
+"You certainly have mystified us, my dear boy; but I freely grant you my
+consent, and if I can read your mother's face aright, hers is not far
+distant. You are now nearly fifteen, and never once from your birth has
+your conduct given me an hour's pain or uneasiness; I have therefore
+quite sufficient confidence in your integrity and steadiness to trust
+you, as you wish, alone. I will not even ask your intentions, for I am
+sure they will not lead you into wrong."
+
+"Thank you, again and again, my own dear father. I hope I shall never do
+any thing to forfeit your confidence," replied Herbert, so eagerly that
+his cheeks flushed still deeper, and his eyes glistened; then throwing
+himself on the stool at his mother's feet, he said, pleadingly, "Will
+you, too, trust me, dearest mother, and promise me not to be anxious, if
+I do not appear till after our dinner-hour?--promise me this, or I shall
+have no pleasure in my expedition."
+
+"Most faithfully," replied Mrs. Hamilton, fondly. "I trust my Herbert
+almost as I would his father; I do not say as much for this young man,
+nor for that," she added, playfully laying her hand on Percy's shoulder,
+and laughing at Edward, who was so excessively amused at the sage
+Herbert's turning truant, that he was giving vent to a variety of most
+grotesque antics of surprise. Percy sighed so heavily that his mother
+was startled.
+
+"I did not intend to call such a very heavy sigh, my boy," she said.
+"In an emergency I would trust you quite as implicitly as Herbert; but
+you have often yourself wished you had his steadiness."
+
+"Indeed I do, mother; I wish I were more like him in every thing,"
+exclaimed Percy, far more despondingly than usual.
+
+"You will be steady all in time, my boy, I have not the very slightest
+fear; and as I like variety, even in my sons, I would rather retain my
+Percy, with all his boyish errors, than have even another Herbert. So
+pray do not look so sad, or I shall fancy I have given you pain, when I
+only spoke in jest."
+
+Percy threw his arm round her waist, and kissed her two or three times,
+without saying a word, and when he started up and, said, in his usual
+gay tone, that as he was not going to turn truant the next day, he must
+go and finish some work, she saw tears in his eyes. That something was
+wrong, she felt certain, but still she trusted in his candor and
+integrity, and did not express her fears even to her husband.
+
+The morrow came. Percy and Edward went to Mr. Howard's, and Herbert at
+half-past nine mounted his quiet horse, and after affectionately
+embracing his mother, and again promising care and steadiness, departed.
+He had risen at five this morning, and studied till breakfast so
+earnestly that a double portion was prepared for the next day. He had
+said, as he was starting, that, if he might remain out so long, he
+should like to call at Greville Manor on his way back, take tea there,
+and return home in the cool of the evening.
+
+"Your next request, my very modest son, will be, I suppose, to stay out
+all night," replied Mrs. Hamilton; "and that certainly will be refused.
+This is the last to which I shall consent--off with you, my boy, and
+enjoy yourself."
+
+But Herbert did not expect to enjoy himself half as much as if he had
+gone to Mr. Howard's as usual. He did not like to mention his real
+object, for it appeared as if the chances were so much against its
+attainment, and if it were fulfilled, to speak about it would be equally
+painful, from its having been an act of kindness.
+
+The day passed quietly, and a full hour before prayers, Herbert was seen
+riding through the grounds, and when he entered the usual sitting-room,
+he looked so happy, so animated that, if his parents had felt any
+anxiety--which they had not--it would have vanished at once. But though
+they were contented not to ask him any questions, the young party were
+not, and, except by Percy (who seemed intently engaged with a drawing),
+he was attacked on all sides, and, to add to their mirth, Mr. Hamilton
+took the part of the curious, his wife that of her son.
+
+"Ah, mamma may well take Herbert's part," exclaimed the little joyous
+Emmeline; "for of course she knows all about it; Herbert would never
+keep it from her."
+
+"Indeed I do not!" and "Indeed I have not even told mamma!" was the
+reply from both at the same moment, but the denial was useless; and the
+prayer-bell rung, before any satisfaction for the curious could be
+obtained, except that from half-past six Herbert had been very quietly
+at Mrs. Greville's.
+
+That night, as Percy sat in gloomy meditation in his own room, before he
+retired to bed, he felt a hand laid gently on his shoulder, and looking
+up, beheld his brother--
+
+"Have you lost all interest in me, Percy?" asked Herbert, with almost
+melancholy reproach. "If you had expressed one word of inquiry as to my
+proceedings, I should have told you all without the slightest reserve.
+You have never before been so little concerned for me, and indeed I do
+not like it."
+
+"I could not ask your confidence, my dear Herbert, when for the last
+three months I have been wanting in openness to you. Indeed, annoyed as
+I am with my own folly, I was as deeply interested as all the rest in
+your expedition, though I guessed its object could be nothing but
+kindness; but how could I ask your secret when I was so reserved with
+you."
+
+"Then do not let us have secrets from each other any longer, dearest
+Percy," pleaded Herbert, twining his arm round his neck, and looking
+with affectionate confidence in his face. "I do not at all see why my
+secret must comprise more worth and kindness than yours. You talk of
+folly, and I have fancied for some days that you are not quite happy;
+but you often blame yourself so much more than you deserve, that you do
+not frighten me in the least. You said, last night, you wished you were
+more like me; but, indeed, if you were, I should be very sorry. What
+would become of me without your mirth and liveliness, and your strength
+and ever-working care to protect me from any thing like pain, either
+mentally or bodily? I should not like my own self for my brother at
+all."
+
+"Nor I myself for mine," replied Percy, so strangely cheered, that he
+almost laughed at Herbert's very novel idea, and after listening with
+earnest interest to his story, took courage and told his own. Herbert in
+this instance, however, could not comfort him as successfully as usual.
+The satire was the terrible thing; every thing else but that, even the
+disobedience of the debt, he thought might be easily remedied by an open
+confession to his father; but that unfortunate oversight in not looking
+over his papers before he sent them to Mr. Harris, the seeming utter
+impossibility to stop their circulation, was to both these
+single-hearted, high-principled lads something almost overwhelming. It
+did not in the least signify to either that Percy might never be known
+as their author. Herbert could not tell him what to do, except that, if
+he could but get sufficient courage to tell their father, even if he
+could not help them, he was sure it would be a great weight off his
+mind, and then he gently reproached him for not coming to him to help
+him discharge his debt; it was surely much better to owe a trifle to his
+brother than to Mr. Harris.
+
+"And, to gratify my extravagance, deprive you of some much purer and
+better pleasure!" replied Percy, indignantly. "No, no, Bertie; never
+expect me to do any such thing; I would rather suffer the penalty of my
+own faults fifty times over! I wish to heaven I were a child again," he
+added with almost comic ruefulness, "and had mamma to come to me every
+night, as she used to do, before I went to sleep. It was so easy then to
+tell her all I had done wrong in the course of the day, and then one
+error never grew into so many: but now--it must be out before Sunday, I
+suppose--I never can talk to my father as I do on that day, unless it
+is;--but go to bed, dear Herbert; I shall have your pale cheeks upon my
+conscience to-morrow, too!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+MR. MORTON'S STORY.--A CONFESSION.--A YOUNG PLEADER.--GENEROSITY NOT
+ALWAYS JUSTICE.
+
+
+"Do you remember, Emmeline, a Mr. Morton, who officiated for Mr. Howard
+at Aveling, five or six weeks ago?" asked Mr. Hamilton of his wife, on
+the Saturday morning after Herbert's mysterious excursion. The family
+had not yet left the breakfast-table.
+
+"Perfectly well," was the reply; "poor young man! his appearance and
+painful weakness of voice called for commiseration too deeply not to be
+remembered."
+
+"Is he not deformed?" inquired Miss Harcourt; "there was something
+particularly painful about his manner as he stood in the pulpit."
+
+"He is slightly deformed now; but not five years ago he had a graceful,
+almost elegant figure, though always apparently too delicate for the
+fatiguing mental duties in which he indulged. He was of good family, but
+his parents were suddenly much reduced, and compelled to undergo many
+privations to enable him to go to Oxford. There he allowed himself
+neither relaxation nor pleasure of the most trifling and most harmless
+kind; his only wish seemed to be to repay his parents in some degree the
+heavy debt of gratitude which he felt he owed them. His persevering
+study, great talent, and remarkable conduct, won him some valuable
+friends, one of whom, as soon as he was ordained, presented him with a
+rich living in the North. For nine months he enjoyed the most unalloyed
+happiness. His pretty vicarage presented a happy, comfortable home for
+his parents, and the comforts they now enjoyed, earned by the worth of
+their son, amply repaid them for former privations.--One cold snowy
+night he was summoned to a poor parishioner, living about ten miles
+distant. The road was rugged, and in some parts dangerous; but he was
+not a man to shrink from his duty for such reasons. He was detained
+eight hours, during which time the snow had fallen incessantly, and it
+was pitchy dark. Still believing he knew his road, he proceeded, and the
+next morning was found lying apparently dead at the foot of a
+precipice, and almost crushed under the mangled and distorted carcass of
+his horse."
+
+An exclamation of horror burst from all the little group, except from
+Percy and Herbert; the face of the former was covered with his hands,
+and his brother seemed so watching and feeling for him, as to be unable
+to join the general sympathy. All, however, were so engrossed with Mr.
+Hamilton's tale, that neither was observed.
+
+"He was so severely injured, that for months his very life was despaired
+of. Symptoms of decline followed, and the inability to resume his
+ministerial duties for years, if ever again, compelled him to resign his
+rich and beautiful living in Yorkshire; and he felt himself once more a
+burden on his parents, with scarcely any hope of supporting them again.
+Nor was this all; his figure, once so slight and supple, had become so
+shrunk and maimed, that at first he seemed actually to loathe the sight
+of his fellows. His voice, once so rich and almost thrilling, became
+wiry, and almost painfully monotonous; and for some months the conflict
+for submission to this inscrutable and most awful trial was so terrible
+that he nearly sunk beneath it. This was, of course, still more physical
+than mental, and gradually subsided, as, after eighteen months'
+residence in Madeira, where he was sent by a benevolent friend, some
+portion of health returned. The same benefactor established his father
+in some humble but most welcome business in London; and earnestly, on
+his return, did his parents persuade him to remain quietly with them,
+and not undertake the ministry again; but this he could not do, and
+gratefully accepted a poor and most miserable parish on the moor, not
+eight miles from here."
+
+"But when did you become acquainted with him, papa?" asked Caroline;
+"you have never mentioned him before."
+
+"No, my dear; I never saw him till the Sunday he officiated for Mr.
+Howard; but his appearance so deeply interested me, I did not rest till
+I had learned his whole history, which Mr. Howard had already
+discovered. He has been nearly a year in Devonshire, but so kept aloof
+from all but his own poor parishioners, dreading the ridicule and sneers
+of the more worldly and wealthy, that it was mere accident which made
+Mr. Howard acquainted with him. Our good minister's friendship and
+earnest exhortations have so far overcome his too great sensitiveness,
+as sometimes to prevail on him to visit the Vicarage, and I trust in
+time equally to succeed in bringing him here."
+
+"But what is he so afraid of, dear papa?" innocently asked Emmeline.
+"Surely nobody could be so cruel as to ridicule him because he is
+deformed?"
+
+"Unfortunately, my dear child, there are too many who only enter church
+for the sake of the sermon and the preacher, and to criticise severely
+and uncharitably all that differs from their preconceived ideas; to such
+persons Mr. Morton must be an object of derision. And now I come to the
+real reason of my asking your mother if she remembered him."
+
+"Then you had a reason," answered Mrs. Hamilton, smiling; "your story
+has made me wonder whether you had or not."
+
+"I must tax your memory once more, Emmeline, before my cause is told. Do
+you recollect, for a fortnight after the Sunday we heard him, he
+preached twice a week at Torrington, to oblige a very particular
+friend?"
+
+"Yes, and that you feared the increased number of the congregation
+proceeded far more from curiosity than kindliness or devotion."
+
+"I did say so, and my fears are confirmed: some affairs brought Morton
+to Torrington for two or three days this week, and yesterday I called on
+him, and had some hours' interesting conversation. He was evidently even
+more than usually depressed and self-shrinking, if I may use the word,
+and at length touched, it seemed, by my sympathy, he drew my attention
+to a poem in Harris's 'Weekly Magazine.'"
+
+"'It is not enough that it has pleased my God to afflict me,' he said,
+'but my fellow-creatures must unkindly make me the subject of attacks
+such as these. There is indeed no name, but to none else but me will it
+apply.' I could not reply, for I really felt too deeply for him. It was
+such a cruel, wanton insult, the very talent of the writer, for the
+verses though few in number were remarkably clever, adding to their
+gall."
+
+"I wonder Harris should have published them," observed Miss Harcourt;
+"his paper is not in general of a personal kind."
+
+"It is never sufficiently guarded; and it would require a person of
+higher principles than I fear Harris has, to resist the temptation of
+inserting a satire likely to sell a double or treble number of his
+papers. I spoke to him at once, and bought up every one that remained;
+but though he expressed regret, it was not in a tone that at all
+satisfied me as to his feeling it, and of course, as the paper has been
+published since last Saturday evening, the circulation had nearly
+ceased. If I could but know the author, I think I could make him feel
+the excessive cruelty, if not the actual guilt, of his wanton deed."
+
+"But, dear papa, the person who wrote it might not have known his
+story," interposed Caroline, to Edward's and Ellen's astonishment, that
+she had courage to speak at all; for their uncle's unusual tone and look
+brought back almost more vividly than it had ever done before their
+mother's lessons of his exceeding and terrible sternness.
+
+"That does not excuse the ridicule, my dear child; it only confirms the
+lesson I have so often tried to teach you all, that any thing tending by
+word or deed to hurt the feelings of a fellow-creature, is absolutely
+wrong--wrong in the thing itself, not according to the greater or less
+amount of pain it may excite."
+
+"But, my dear husband, the writer may not have been so taught. Satire
+and ridicule are unhappily so popular, that these verses may have been
+penned without any thought of their evil tendency, merely as to the
+_eclat_ they would bring their author. We must not be too severe, for we
+do not know--"
+
+"Mother! mother! do not--do not speak so, if you have ever loved me!" at
+length exclaimed poor Percy, so choked with his emotion, that he could
+only throw himself by her side, bury his face in her lap, and sob for a
+few minutes like a child. But he recovered himself with a strong effort,
+before either of his family could conquer their anxiety and alarm, and,
+standing erect, though pale as marble, without in the least degree
+attempting excuse or extenuation, acknowledged the poem as his, and
+poured out his whole story, with the sole exception of how he had
+disposed of the money, with which the second time of receiving his
+allowance he had intended to discharge his debt; and the manner in which
+he told that part of his tale, from the fear that it would seem like an
+excuse or a boast, was certainly more calculated to call for doubt than
+belief. Herbert was about to speak, but an imploring glance from Percy
+checked him.
+
+Mr. Hamilton was silent several minutes after his son had concluded,
+before he could reply. Percy was so evidently distressed--had suffered
+so much from the consequence of his own errors--felt so intensely the
+unintentional publication of his poem--for his father knew his truth far
+too well to doubt his tale, and there was something so intrinsically
+noble in his brave confession, that to condemn him severely he felt as
+if he could not.
+
+"Of willful cruelty toward Mr. Morton, your story has certainly
+exculpated you," he said, as sternly as he could; "but otherwise you
+must be yourself aware that it has given me both grief and pain, and the
+more so, because you evidently shrink from telling me in what manner you
+squandered away that money which would have been sufficient to have
+fully discharged your debt six weeks ago; I must therefore believe there
+is still some deed of folly unrevealed. I condemn you to no
+punishment--you are old enough now to know right from wrong, and your
+own feelings must condemn or applaud you. Had you been firm, as I had
+hoped you were, example would not so have worked upon you, as to tempt
+even the composition of your satire; as it is, you must reap the
+consequences of your weakness, in the painful consciousness that you
+have deeply wounded one, who it would seem had been already sufficiently
+afflicted, and that confidence must for the time be broken between us.
+Go, sir, the hour of your attendance on Mr. Howard is passed."
+
+Mr. Hamilton rose with the last words, and somewhat hastily quitted the
+room. Percy only ventured one look at his mother, she seemed so
+grieved--so sad--that he could not bear it; and darting out of the room,
+was seen in less than a minute traversing the grounds in the direction
+of the vicarage, at such a rate that Edward, fleet as in general he was,
+could not overtake him. Herbert lingered; he could not bear that any
+part of Percy's story should remain concealed, and so told at once how
+his second allowance had been expended.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton's eyes glistened. Percy's incoherence on that one point
+had given her more anxiety than any thing else, and the relief the truth
+bestowed was inexpressible. Imprudent it was; but there was something so
+lovable in such a disposition, that she could not resist going directly
+to her husband to impart it.
+
+"You always bring me comfort, dearest!" was his fond rejoinder; "anxious
+as that boy's thoughtlessness must make me (for what are his temptations
+now to what they will be?) still I must imbibe your fond belief, that
+with such an open, generous, truthful heart, he can not go far wrong.
+But what _are_ we to do about that unfortunate poem? I can not associate
+with Morton, knowing the truth, and yet permit him to believe I am as
+ignorant of the author as himself."
+
+"Let me speak to Percy before we decide on anything, my dear Arthur. Is
+Mr. Morton still at Torrington?"
+
+"No; he was to return to Heathmore this morning."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton looked very thoughtful, but she did not make any
+rejoinder.
+
+In the hour of recreation Emmeline, declaring it was much too hot for
+the garden, sought her mother's private sitting-room, with the intention
+of asking where she could find her father. To her great delight, the
+question was arrested on her lips, for he was there. She seated herself
+on his knee, and remained there for some minutes without speaking--only
+looking up in his face with the most coaxing expression imaginable.
+
+"Well, Emmeline, what great favor are you going to ask me?" said Mr.
+Hamilton, smiling; "some weighty boon, I am quite sure."
+
+"Indeed, papa, and how do you know that?"
+
+"I can read it in your eyes."
+
+"My eyes are treacherous tell-tales then, and you shall not see them any
+more," she replied, laughing, and shaking her head till her long bright
+ringlets completely hid her eyes and blushing cheeks. "But have they
+told you the favor I am going to ask?"
+
+"No," replied her father, joining in her laugh; "they leave that to your
+tongue."
+
+"I can read more, I think," said Mrs. Hamilton; "I am very much
+mistaken, if I do not know what Emmeline is going to ask."
+
+"Only that--that--" still she hesitated, as if afraid to continue, and
+her mother added--
+
+"That papa will not be very angry with Percy; Emmeline, is not that the
+boon you have no courage to ask?"
+
+A still deeper glow mounted to the child's fair cheek, and throwing her
+arms round her father's neck, she said, coaxingly and fondly--
+
+"Mamma has guessed it, dear papa! you must, indeed, you must forgive
+him--poor fellow! he is so _very_ sorry, and he has suffered so much
+already--and he did not throw away his money foolishly, as you thought;
+he gave it to some very poor people--and you are always pleased when we
+are charitable; pray forget every thing else but that, and treat him as
+you always do, dear papa--will you not?"
+
+"I wonder which is most certain--that mamma must be a witch, or Emmeline
+a most eloquent little pleader," said Mr. Hamilton, caressingly stroking
+the ringlets she had disordered, "and suppose, after to-day, I do grant
+your request--what then?"
+
+"Oh, you will be such a dear, darling, good papa!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+almost suffocating him with kisses, and then starting from his knee, she
+danced about the room in a perfect ecstasy of delight; "and Percy will
+be happy again, and we shall all be so happy. Mamma, dear mamma, I am
+sure you will be glad too."
+
+"And now, Emmeline, when you have danced yourself sober again, come back
+to your seat, for as I have listened to and answered you, you must
+listen to and answer me."
+
+In an instant she was on his knee again, quite quiet and attentive.
+
+"In the first place, do you think Percy was justified making Mr. Morton
+an object of satire at all, even if it should never have left his own
+portfolio?"
+
+"No, papa, and I am quite sure, if he had not been rather more
+excited--and--and heedless than usual--which was very likely he should
+be, you know, papa, after such a day of nothing but pleasure--he would
+never have done such a thing: I am sure he did not think of hurting Mr.
+Morton's feelings; he only wanted to prove that he was quite as clever
+as his companions, and that was very natural, you know, when he is so
+clever at such things. But my brother Percy willingly ridicule a
+clergyman! no, no, dear papa, pray do not believe it."
+
+"Well defended, my little girl; but how do you justify his disobeying my
+commands, and incurring a debt?"
+
+Emmeline was silent. "He was very wrong to do that, papa; but I am sure,
+when he ordered the engravings, he did not intend to disobey you, and
+you know he is naturally very--I mean a little impatient."
+
+"Still on the defensive, Emmeline, even against your better judgment.
+Well, well, I must not make you condemn your brother; does he know what
+an eloquent pleader he has in his sister?"
+
+"No, papa; and pray do not tell him."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"Because he might think it was only for my sake you forgave him, and not
+for his own; and I know I should not like that, if I were in his place."
+
+"He shall know nothing more than you desire, my dear little girl,"
+replied her father, drawing her closer to him, with almost involuntary
+tenderness. "And now will you try and remember what I am going to say.
+You wish me only to think of Percy's kind act in giving his money to the
+poor people; but I should have been better pleased in this case, had he
+been more _just_, and not so generous. I know it is not unfrequently
+said by young persons, when they think they are doing a charitable act,
+and can only do it by postponing the payment of their debts--'Oh, Mr. So
+and so has plenty of business, he can afford to wait for his money, but
+these poor creatures are starving.' Now this is not generosity or
+charity, but actual injustice, and giving away money which is literally
+not their own. I do not believe Percy thought so, because I have no
+doubt he forgot Mr. Harris, at the time, entirely; but still, as it was
+a mere impulse of kindness, it does not please me quite so much as it
+does you."
+
+"But it was charity, papa, was it not? You have said that whenever we
+are kind and good to the poor, God is pleased with us; and if Percy did
+not intend to wrong Mr. Harris, and only thought about relieving the
+poor family, was it not a good feeling?"
+
+"It was; but it might have been still worthier. Suppose Percy had
+encountered this case of distress when on his way to order his
+engravings, and to enable him to relieve it as he wished, he had given
+up the purchasing them. That he found he could not afford the _two_, and
+so gave up the one mere _individual_ gratification, to succor some
+unhappy fellow-creatures: would not that have been still worthier? and
+by the conquest of his own inclinations rendered his charity still more
+acceptable to God? Do you quite understand me, Emmy?"
+
+"I think I do, dear papa; you mean that, though God is so good, He is
+pleased whenever we are charitable, He is still better pleased when to
+be so gives us a little pain."
+
+"Very well explained, my little girl; so you see in this instance, if
+Percy had been just before he was generous, and then to be generous, had
+denied himself some pleasure, his conduct would not have given us or
+himself any pain, but have been quite as worthy of all the praise you
+could bestow. And now I wonder how mamma could have discovered so
+exactly what favor you had to ask?"
+
+"Oh, mamma always knows all my feelings and wishes, almost before I know
+them myself, though I never can find out how."
+
+"Shall I tell you, Emmeline? Your mother has devoted hours, weeks,
+months, and years to studying the characters of all her children; so to
+know them, that she may not only be able to guide you in the path of
+good, but to share all your little joys and sorrows, to heighten the one
+and guard you from the other. Ought you not to be very grateful to your
+Father in Heaven for giving you such a mother?"
+
+His child made no answer in words, but she slipped from his knee, and
+darting to her mother, clasped her little arms tight round her neck, and
+hid her glowing cheeks and tearful eyes in her bosom. And from that
+hour, as she felt her mother's fond return of that passionate embrace,
+her love became religion, though she knew it not. Her thoughts flew to
+her cousins and many others, who had no mother, and to others whose
+mothers left them to nurses and governesses, and seemed always to keep
+them at a distance. And she felt, How could she thank and love God
+enough? Nor was it the mere feeling of the moment, it became part of her
+being, for the right moment had been seized to impress it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+AN UNPLEASANT PROPOSAL.--THE MYSTERY SOLVED.--A FATHER'S GRIEF FROM A
+MOTHER'S WEAKNESS.--A FATHER'S JOY FROM A MOTHER'S INFLUENCE.
+
+
+Meanwhile the young heir of Oakwood had passed no very pleasant day. His
+thoughts since Mr. Howard's return had been so pre-occupied, that his
+studies had been unusually neglected; so much so, as rather to excite
+the displeasure of his gentle and forbearing preceptor. The emotion of
+the morning had not tended to steady his ideas, and a severe reproof and
+long imposition was the consequence. Not one word did he deign to
+address Herbert and Edward, who, perceiving him leave the Vicarage with
+every mark of irritation, endeavored, during their walk home, to soothe
+him. His step was even more rapid than that in which he had left home,
+and he neither stopped nor spoke till he had reached his father's
+library, which, fortunately for the indulgence of his ire in words, was
+untenanted. He dashed his cap from his brow, flung his books with
+violence on the ground, and burst forth--
+
+"Am I not a fool--an idiot, thus to torment myself, and for one act of
+folly, when hundreds of boys, at my age, are entirely their own masters?
+do what they please--spend what they please--neither questioned nor
+reproved--and that poem--how many would glory in its authorship, and not
+care a whit whom it might wound. Why am I such a fool, as to reproach
+myself about it, and then be punished, like a school-boy, with an
+imposition to occupy me at home, because I did not choose to learn in
+the hours of study?--Not choose! I wish Mr. Howard could feel as I have
+done to-day, nay, all this week; and I challenge him to bore his head
+with Greek and Latin! But why am I so cowed as to feel so? Why can not I
+have the same spirit as others--instead of being such a slave--such a--"
+
+"Percy!" exclaimed Mrs. Hamilton, who, having sought him the moment she
+heard the hall-door close, had heard nearly the whole of his violent
+speech, and was almost alarmed at the unusual passion it evinced. Her
+voice of astonished expostulation checked his words, but not his
+agitation; he threw himself on a chair, leaning his arms upon the table,
+buried his face upon them, while his whole frame shook. His mother sat
+down by him, and laying her hand on his arm, said gently--
+
+"What is it that has so irritated you, my dear Percy? What has made you
+return home in such a very different mood to that in which you left it?
+Tell me, my boy."
+
+Percy tried to keep silence, for he knew if he spoke he should, as he
+expressed it, be a child again, and his pride tried hard for victory.
+Even his father or Herbert at that moment would have chafed him into
+increased anger, but the almost passionate love and reverence which he
+felt for his mother triumphed over his wrath, and told him he was much
+more unhappy than angry; and that he longed for her to comfort him, as
+she always had done in his childish griefs; and so he put his arms round
+her, and laid his head on her shoulder and said, in a half-choked
+voice:--
+
+"I am very unhappy, mother; I feel as if I had been every thing that was
+bad, and cruel, and foolish, and so it was a relief to be in a passion;
+but I did not mean you to hear it, and cause you more grief than I have
+done already."
+
+"You have been very thoughtless, very foolish, and not quite so firm as
+we could have wished, my own dear boy, but I will not have you accuse
+yourself of any graver faults," replied Mrs. Hamilton, as she lightly
+pushed back the clustering hair from his heated forehead, and the
+gentle touch of her cool hand seemed as restorative as her soothing
+words; and Percy, as he listened to her, as she continued speaking to
+him in the same strain for some little time, felt more relieved than
+five minutes before he thought possible, and more than ever determined
+that he would never act so thoughtlessly; or, if he were tempted to do
+so, never keep it concealed so long again. Mrs. Hamilton's anxious
+desire with him was, always to do justice to his better qualities, at
+the same time that she blamed and convinced him of his faults. It was a
+very delicate thing, and very difficult to succeed in, perhaps
+impossible to minds less peculiarly refined, and hearts less intensely
+anxious than Mrs. Hamilton's; but no difficulty, no failure, had ever
+deterred her--and in Percy she was already rewarded. He was of that
+high, fine spirit, that any unjust harshness would have actually
+confirmed in error--any unguarded word bring argument on argument, and
+so, for the mere sake of opposition, cause him to abide in his opinions,
+when the acknowledgment of his being right in some things, produced the
+voluntary confession of his error in others.
+
+"And now about these unfortunate verses, my dear boy; I am not quite
+clear as to their fate, how it happened that you did not destroy them
+directly you returned home."
+
+"I fully intended, and believed I had done so, mother, but the whirl of
+that night seemed to extend to the morning, and I dressed and prepared
+for Mr. Howard in such a hurry (I had overslept myself, too), that
+though I had quite resolved they should not pollute my pocket-book any
+longer, I had no time to look over my papers--thought I could not be
+mistaken in their outside--burnt those I really wished to keep, and
+threw those which have caused me all this pain into my portfolio. If I
+had but been firm enough to have followed my father's advice, and left
+my companions before supper!--or, if I did join them, had not been so
+weak, so mad, as to yield to the temptation, but adhered to my
+principles, notwithstanding they might have been laughed at, I might
+have been spared it all; but I was so excited, so heated, with a more
+than sufficient quantity of wine, that I did not know what I was
+about--not its extent of wrong, at least."
+
+"And you have suffered enough for an evening's excitement, my poor boy;
+but I am sure you would atone for it, if you could."
+
+"Atone for it, mother! I would give all I possess to cancel that odious
+poem, and blot it from Mr. Morton's memory, as from my own."
+
+"And I think you can do both, Percy."
+
+He looked at her in utter bewilderment.
+
+"Do both, mother!" he repeated.
+
+"Yes, my boy! it is a painful remedy, but it would be an effectual one.
+Seek Mr. Morton, and tell him yourself your whole story."
+
+Percy crimsoned to the very temples.
+
+"Do not ask me such a thing, mother," he answered very hurriedly; "I can
+not do it."
+
+"You think so at this moment, my dear boy; I am not at all astonished
+that you should, for it will be very humiliating, and very painful; and
+if I could spare you either the humiliation or the pain, yet produce the
+same good effects, I need not tell you how gladly I would; but no one
+can remove the sting of that poem from Mr. Morton's sensitive feelings
+but yourself; and I am quite sure if you will allow yourself a little
+time for quiet thought, you will agree with me."
+
+"But why should I inflict such pain upon myself, granting I deserve it?"
+answered Percy, still much heated; "when, though my poem is the only one
+that has unfortunately met his eye, the others were quite as galling,
+and my companions quite as much to blame--why should I be the sufferer?"
+
+"Because, by many errors, you have brought it on yourself. Your
+companions did indeed act very wrongly, but are we quite sure that the
+principles which your father and Mr. Howard have so carefully impressed
+upon you, have been as carefully impressed upon them? and in such a case
+are not you the more responsible? They had evidently no inward check to
+keep them from such an amusement; you had, for you have acknowledged
+that you kept aloof at first, _knowing it was wrong_, and only yielded
+from want of sufficient firmness. Inflict the pain of an avowal upon
+yourself, my boy, and its memory will help you in future from yielding
+to too great weakness--and the act prove to us that, though for a moment
+led into great error, you are still as brave and honest as we believe
+you."
+
+Percy did not reply, but his countenance denoted an inward struggle, and
+his mother added--
+
+"Suppose, as is very likely, Mr. Morton becomes intimate here, how can
+you, with your open, truthful heart, associate with him, with any
+comfort or confidence even though perfectly satisfied that we would not
+betray you, and that he would never know the truth? You may fancy now
+that you could, but I know my Percy better; but I must not talk to you
+any more, for the dressing-bell rang some minutes ago. Remember, my dear
+boy, that I lay no command on you to seek Mr. Morton; I have only told
+you that which I believe would restore you to happiness and atone for
+your faults, more effectually than any thing else; but you are quite at
+liberty to act as you think proper."
+
+She left the room as she spoke, but Percy remained for some few minutes
+longer in deep thought, and when he prepared for dinner, and joined his
+family, it was still in the same unbroken silence. Mr. Hamilton took no
+notice of him, and two or three times the little affectionate Emmeline
+felt the tears rising to her eyes, for she could not bear to see that
+brother, who was in general the life of the family group, so silent and
+abstracted.
+
+Sliding after him, as he quitted the room after dinner, she took his
+hand, and looked coaxingly in his face, longing, but not daring to tell
+him her father's promise, for fear he should discover her share in the
+transaction.
+
+"Well, dear Emmy?"
+
+"Are you going to take a walk, Percy?--let me go with you."
+
+"I do not think I am, love. I may be going to ride."
+
+"To ride!" repeated the little girl; "will it be worth while?"
+
+"You forget, Emmy, it is summer now, I have full four hours before
+prayers; but do not say any thing about my intentions, Emmeline, for I
+do not know them myself yet."
+
+He kissed her forehead and left her, and a few minutes afterward she was
+summoned to join her mother, Caroline, and Ellen, in a walk. They
+sauntered through the grounds in the direction of the northern lodge,
+which opened on the road leading to Dartmoor; when, not a quarter of an
+hour after they had left the house, they were overtaken by Percy, riding
+at what seemed almost a hand gallop, but he had time as he passed his
+mother to gracefully doff his cap, and her fond heart throbbed, as she
+caught the expression of his flushed, but earnest face. He was out of
+sight in another moment, followed by Robert, who was the lads' constant
+attendant.
+
+Before they had concluded their walk, they met Mrs. Greville and Mary,
+and returned with them to the house. Emmeline, who had not seen Mary
+for nearly a fortnight, was in an ecstasy of enjoyment, and Ellen always
+felt it a real pleasure quietly to walk by Mary's side, and answer the
+many questions with which she always contrived to interest her. On
+entering the house, Mr. Hamilton, Herbert, and Edward joined them, and
+Mrs. Hamilton was somewhat surprised at the even more than ordinary
+warmth with which her son was greeted by her friends, and at the flush
+which stained his cheek at Mrs. Greville's first words--
+
+"You were not too much fatigued last Thursday, I hope, my dear Herbert?"
+she inquired, and as she looked at him, her eyes glistened in tears.
+
+"Oh, not in the least," he replied instantly, and as if he would
+exceedingly like to change the subject; but Mrs. Greville, turning to
+Mrs. Hamilton, continued--
+
+"Will you forgive me, Emmeline, if I confess that my visit this evening
+was more to inquire after your son, than even to see you. I was so
+anxious to know that he had suffered no inconvenience from his unusual,
+and I am sure fatiguing, exertion."
+
+"I suppose I must not be jealous, as you are so candid," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, smiling; "but I feel very much inclined to be so, finding that
+you are more in my son's confidence than I am myself. I know Herbert was
+from home on Thursday, but I was not aware of any particular exertion on
+his part."
+
+"Did you not know then where he went?" exclaimed Mary and her mother at
+the same moment; and the former continued, with unusual eagerness, "Did
+you not know that he went to the races, to try and hear something of
+Alfred? and that by hunting about both the fair and the
+race-ground--scenes which I know he so much dislikes--he actually found
+him, and amused him so successfully, that he kept him with him all day.
+Papa was so engaged that he had no time to look after Alfred, who, from
+being left entirely to himself, might have sought the worst companions;
+I can not think what charm Herbert used, but Alfred was quite contented
+to be with him; they dined together, and--"
+
+"He brought me what, next to my boy himself, was the greatest
+consolation I could have," interposed Mrs. Greville, her voice so
+faltering, that tears almost escaped,--"a few lines which, he assures
+me, Alfred thought of writing himself, telling me, he could not bear to
+think he had left home without kissing me, and that, though he was so
+happy with his father, that he could not wish to return home, he still
+loved me and Mary very, very much, and would continue to love us, and
+come and see us, whenever he could. Oh, Emmeline, can you not imagine
+the relief of such a letter, of hearing of him at all? and it was all
+through the kindness, the goodness of your boy!"
+
+When Mrs. Greville and Mary had first begun to speak, Herbert tried to
+retreat; but Edward placing himself against the door, so that to open it
+was impossible, and Caroline and Emmeline, both at once catching hold of
+him, to keep him prisoner, egress was not to be thought of; so, in
+laughing despair, he broke from his sisters, flung himself on his usual
+seat, his mother's stool, and almost hid himself in her dress.
+
+"It must have been a relief, indeed," answered Mr. Hamilton; "and
+rejoiced am I that my quiet Herbert thought of such a plan. Look up,
+Master Shamefaced, and tell us the reason of your most extraordinary
+mystery on this occasion. Why did you so carefully conceal your
+intentions from your mother and myself?"
+
+"Because, papa, I feared you might not approve of them; I hardly dared
+think about it myself, for it seemed as if I were doing actually wrong
+in disregarding your principles, for only the _chance_ of effecting
+good. I know, if I had mentioned my wish to find Alfred, or hear
+something about him, you would not have refused my going; but then mamma
+must have known it, and she would have been anxious and uncomfortable,
+if I had not appeared the very moment I had named; would you not?" he
+continued, looking up in her face with that expression of affection,
+which very few, even comparative strangers, had power to remit.
+
+"I should indeed, my dear boy; I fear I should have condemned your
+scheme as a very wild one, and really am glad you thought so much of my
+comfort, as not to tell me more than you did. So I must not even be
+jealous, Jessie, but rather propose a vote of thanks to you and Mary for
+solving the mystery. I do not think Herbert ever excited so much
+curiosity and speculation, in his life, before."
+
+The entrance of Mr. Grahame changed the current of the conversation,
+greatly to Herbert's relief, for he did not at all like being thus
+brought forward. Austere as Grahame was at home, he was always welcomed
+with pleasure by the young Hamiltons, who never could understand why
+Annie and Cecil should so fear him. That something unusual had annoyed
+him, Mr. Hamilton perceived at the first glance; but he took no notice,
+for Grahame seemed to find relief in talking gayly to the young people.
+
+"And where is my friend Percy?" he inquired, as he joined the happy
+group at tea, and Percy was still absent. Mr. Hamilton repeated the
+question in some surprise; but his wife replying that he had gone to
+ride, and might not be back yet, the subject dropped.
+
+After tea, Mrs. Greville and Mary, attended by Herbert and Edward,
+returned to the Manor; and the little girls went to finish some business
+for the next day, and amuse themselves as they liked. Grahame remained
+alone with his friends, who at length drew from him the cause of his
+solicitude. He had that morning discovered, that, notwithstanding his
+positive commands, Cecil had gone to the prohibited places of amusement.
+His wife had prevaricated when he questioned her; at one moment almost
+denying her connivance at the boy's disobedience, at another
+unconsciously acknowledging it, by insisting that there was no harm in
+it; and if Grahame would persist in so interfering with his children's
+amusements, he must expect to be disobeyed. If such were his home, where
+was he to look for truth, honor, and affection? What would be his son's
+after career, if such were the lessons of his childhood? He had punished
+him severely, but there was little hope of its producing any good
+effect, when his wife was yet more to blame than his child. It would
+only alienate the boy's affections still more from him. Yet what could
+he do? Could he let such disobedience and untruthfulness--for Cecil had
+denied his having been at the races--pass unnoticed? He had shut himself
+up in his library the remainder of the day; but at length, unable to
+bear his own thoughts, had walked over to Oakwood, feeling sure, if
+peace were to be found, he should find it there.
+
+Their sympathy it was easy for Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to give--for they
+felt it sincerely--but to advise was both delicate and difficult. To
+interfere in a household is not the part even of the most intimate
+friends. And when Lady Helen herself encouraged the boy in his
+disobedience, and showed him an example of equivocation, what could be
+said? Grahame could not bear the idea of a public school for a boy
+scarcely eleven, and whose home-influence was so injurious, and Mr.
+Hamilton could not advise it. He tried, therefore, merely to raise the
+depressed spirits of his friend, bringing forward many instances, when
+even the best training failed; and others where the faults of childhood
+were subdued by circumstances, and became fair promising youth. Grahame
+shook his head despondingly.
+
+"You can scarcely be a fit judge of my trial, Hamilton," he said; "you
+have known nothing but the blessing of hand-in-hand companionship, in
+the training of your children, as in every thing else. There must be
+_unity_ between father and mother, or there is little hope of joy in
+their offspring for either; were my wife only in some things like
+yours--but I see I must not speak so," he added hurriedly, as he met a
+glance of reproach from Mrs. Hamilton, and he turned to address the two
+lads, who at that instant entered from their walk. The bell for prayers
+rung soon afterward, and Grahame rose to say good night.
+
+"Nay, stay with us," said Mr. Hamilton, earnestly. "Why should the call
+for devotion be the signal for separation? join us, Grahame. It is not
+the first time by very many that we have prayed together."
+
+Grahame yielded without an instant's hesitation. Still Percy had not
+returned, and his mother became dreadfully anxious. Her husband, at her
+request, waited a quarter of an hour, but reluctantly; for he was more
+particular that every member of his household should assemble at the
+stated hour of prayer, than in any other point relating to his
+establishment. Scarcely, however, had the first word been said, when
+Percy and Robert entered, and the former, with a very rapid, but
+noiseless step, traversed the large room, and kneeled in his accustomed
+place. In vain did Mrs. Hamilton try to keep her thoughts fixed on the
+service. Had he really been to Mr. Morton, and if he had, how had he
+been received? had his fine spirit been soothed or irritated? and a
+thousand other nameless but natural fears thronged her heart. But one
+look on her son as he rose reassured her; his cheek was flushed with
+rapid riding, but his dark eye sparkled, and he looked more bright and
+joyous than he had done for weeks. He advanced without hesitation to Mr.
+Hamilton the moment the domestics had quitted the library and said,
+eagerly, but still respectfully--
+
+"Will you, too, forgive me, my dear father? Mr. Morton knows the whole
+truth, and has not only pardoned my cruel folly, but assured me, that I
+have more than atoned for the pain my hateful verses inflicted; that he
+will laugh at them himself and declare he knows their author as a most
+particular friend--which he hopes you will permit me to become--whenever
+he has the opportunity; for that such notice of them will be the surest
+way to consign them to oblivion. I have endured so much pain the last
+few weeks that I do not think I shall be so thoughtless and weak in a
+hurry again. Will you try me once more?"
+
+Astonished and touched, far more than he was ever in the habit of
+allowing himself to feel, much less to display, Mr. Hamilton had some
+difficulty in replying; but his words were even more than satisfactory
+to his son's eager heart, for he answered earnestly--
+
+"Pray, do not give me any praise for my courage, papa; I am quite sure,
+if it had not been for mamma's suggestion, I never could have done it.
+It might have crossed my mind, but I fear pride would not have permitted
+me to listen to it; but when mamma put the case before me as she did, I
+could not prevent my conscience from feeling the truth of all she said,
+and if I had not followed her advice, I should have been more miserable
+still. Dearest mother," he continued, as he turned with even more than
+his usual affection to receive her nightly embrace, "you have made me so
+happy! how can I thank you?"
+
+If she made him happy, he certainly had returned the blessing, for Mrs.
+Hamilton had seldom felt more exquisite pleasure than she did at that
+moment; and her little Emmeline, though she could not quite understand
+all her mother's feelings, felt, in her way, almost as glad.
+
+"Well, Mrs. Hamilton will not your son's words confirm mine?" said Mr.
+Grahame trying to speak cheerfully, when the young party had retired,
+and he was again alone with his friends. "Can he go far wrong with such
+a friend?"
+
+"Indeed, he has done me more than justice, and himself not enough. When
+I left him, I had scarcely a hope that my very disagreeable advice would
+be followed; besides, Mr. Grahame," she added, more playfully, "it was
+not from disagreeing with you on a mother's influence that my look
+reproached you, you know well enough what it meant; and I still say,
+that even now, if you would but be less reserved and stern, would but
+see Helen's many better qualities, as clearly as you do her faults, you
+might still win her to your will even with regard to your children."
+
+"Not now, Mrs. Hamilton, it is too late; but you have no idea how your
+look transported me back to years past," he added, evidently resolved to
+change the subject, "when I actually almost feared to approach you. Do
+you remember, Hamilton, when I told you, if Miss Manvers had a fault,
+she was too cold?"
+
+"I shall not easily forget the incidents of that night," replied Mr.
+Hamilton, with a fond glance toward his wife. "Poor Eleanor, when her
+conduct that evening fell under my lash, I little thought her orphan
+children would be living under my roof, and to me almost like my own."
+
+"And one her very image," observed Grahame. "Does either resemble her in
+mind or disposition?"
+
+"Edward almost as much in mind as in personal beauty," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton; "But not in all points of his disposition. Ellen does not
+resemble her poor mother in any thing."
+
+"Is she like her father?"
+
+"I did not know him sufficiently to judge, but I fancy not.--In fact, I
+hardly yet understand Ellen."
+
+"Indeed!" answered Grahame, smiling; "is your penetrative genius here at
+fault?"
+
+"I fear it is," she answered, in the same tone; "Ellen is my youngest
+child--and that which has been my successful help five times, has become
+blunted at the sixth, and refuses to aid me further."
+
+"Grahame, do not heed her," interposed her husband, laughing; "she
+fancies there is something extraordinary about Ellen, which she can not
+comprehend; and I feel certain that imagination has been playing with my
+wife's sober judgment, and that our little niece is a very ordinary
+child, only rather more sad and quiet than is usual at her age, which
+may be easily accounted for by her early trials and constant ill-health.
+So I solve what my wife pronounces a mystery. She has so few fancies,
+however, that I do not quarrel with this, for it has all the charm of
+novelty."
+
+There were more than usual subjects of thought on the minds of all the
+young inmates of Oakwood, before they went to sleep that night. Percy's,
+Herbert's, and Emmeline's were all peculiarly happy and peaceful.
+Caroline's were not so agreeable. Praise lavished on others never gave
+her pleasure: the question would always come, Why did she not receive it
+too? It was very hard that she so seldom received it, and self-love was
+always ready to accuse her parents of some degree of partiality rather
+than herself of unworthiness. But these thoughts only came when she was
+alone; the moment she heard her father's voice, or met her mother's
+smile, they fled from her till they were pertinaciously recalled.
+
+Ellen thought mostly of Herbert. She had been as curious as the rest to
+know where he had been, though she had not said so much about it. But
+that it was for some good, kind deed she had never doubted.
+
+"No wonder Mary loves him so much," she said internally; "but how can I
+ever hope he will love one so often naughty as I am. If Edward be so
+much superior, what must Herbert be? How I wish I were his sister, and
+then he would love me, deserving or not."
+
+That poor Ellen was often thought, as she expressed it, "naughty" was
+true; and it was this mingling of many apparent faults, especially
+disregard to her aunt's commands, and but too often endeavor to conceal
+and equivocate, instead of an open confession, with a sorrow and
+repentance too deep and painful for her years, that so fairly bewildered
+Mrs. Hamilton, and really, as she had told Mr. Grahame, prevented her
+from understanding Ellen. If she could but have known of that
+unfortunate promise, and the strong hold it had taken of the child's
+vivid imagination; that by dwelling on it she had actually made herself
+believe that, by always shielding Edward from blame or punishment, she
+was obeying and making her mother love her from Heaven, and so, still
+more deepening her father's affection for her; and that this idea
+enabled her to bear the suffering of that most painful of all
+punishments, her aunt's displeasure, Mrs. Hamilton would have left no
+means untried to remove such a mistaken impression, and no doubt would
+have succeeded; but she had not the slightest conception of the real
+origin of her niece's incomprehensible contradictions. She had believed
+and hoped the influences of her earlier life would disappear before the
+quiet, wholesome routine of the present, and often and often she found
+herself fearing that it could not be only maternal neglect, but actual
+disposition, at fault. When convinced of the great importance of truth,
+Ellen frequently, instead of attempting to conceal what Edward might
+have heedlessly done, actually took it upon herself, not being able to
+define that in such self-sacrifice she was also forfeiting truth; or, if
+she did believe so, it was also clear, that to tell the real truth to
+her aunt and betray Edward, was breaking her solemn promise to her
+mother; and, either way, she was doing wrong. To describe or define the
+chaos in the poor child's mind, from these contending feelings, would be
+almost as impossible to us as it was to herself. She only knew that she
+was often naughty when she most wished to be good; that her aunt must
+think she did not care for her displeasure; when it made her so very
+unhappy, that she was scarcely ever in disgrace without being ill. That
+she never could feel happy, for even when "good" there always seemed a
+weight hanging over her, and therefore she must be different to, and
+worse than any body else. Little do mere superficial observers know the
+capabilities for joy or suffering in a young child's heart, the
+exquisitely tender germ which is committed to us; the awful
+responsibility which lies in the hands of adults, for the joy or grief,
+good or evil, as the portion of a child! Happily for Ellen, Mrs.
+Hamilton's love was as inexhaustible as her patience, or her niece might
+have been still more unhappy, for few would have so understood and
+practiced the delicate and difficult task of constantly being called
+upon to correct, and yet to love.
+
+Our young readers must not think Edward very cowardly and very
+dishonorable, always to let his sister bear the penalty of his faults.
+He had never been taught, and therefore could not understand, the
+imperative necessity, when guilty of heedlessness or disobedience,
+boldly to step forward, whether others were injured or not, and avow it.
+He did not understand how not to say any thing about it, unless he was
+asked, could be a want of truth.
+
+It was also Mrs. Hamilton's constant custom never to mention to the
+members of her family, who might have been absent at the time, any thing
+of fault or disgrace which had fallen under her own immediate
+jurisdiction, unless their nature absolutely demanded it; and the
+absence of the young offenders from the happy family circle, either at
+meals or hours of recreation, when such an unusual proceeding was
+necessary, in consequence, never excited any remark, but a very general
+feeling of regret. Edward, therefore, scarcely ever heard the actual
+cause of his sister's disgrace, and sometimes did not even know she had
+incurred it. He did, indeed, when she was sometimes absent, feel very
+uncomfortable; but his immovable awe of his really indulgent uncle (an
+impression of his mother's creating, quite as strong as Ellen's idea of
+the sanctity of her promise) caused him to adopt every means of
+removing the uncomfortable consciousness that he was far more to blame
+than Ellen, but the right one, a fearless inquiry as to why she was
+punished, and an open avowal that it was he who had either led her into
+error, or was the real offender. His thoughts on Percy's conduct were
+very different to those of his cousins.
+
+"No!" he exclaimed, almost aloud, in the energy of his feelings, "no! I
+would have suffered any thing, every thing, rather than have done
+this--seek Mr. Morton, humble myself by avowing the truth to him, and
+ask his pardon for a mere clever joke, that Percy ought to have been
+proud of, instead of regretting! If I did not know him well, I should
+believe him a craven milk-and-water lad, without a particle of the right
+spirit within him. What could have possessed him?--my uncle's look must
+have frightened him out of his sober senses: to be sure it was very
+terrible; poor mamma was, indeed, right as to his unbending sternness;
+but I think I could have dared even his anger, rather than beg Mr.
+Morton's pardon, when there really was no necessity." And sleep overtook
+him, with the firm conviction resting on his mind, that though in some
+things Percy might be his equal, yet in manliness and spirit, he
+(Edward) was decidedly the superior.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TEMPTATION AND DISOBEDIENCE.--FEAR.--FALSEHOOD AND PUNISHMENT.
+
+
+It was the Christmas vacation--always a happy season in the halls of
+Oakwood. The previous year, the general juvenile party with which Mr.
+and Mrs. Hamilton indulged their children on the first or sixth of
+January, as circumstances permitted, had not taken place on account of
+Mrs. Fortescue's death, and was therefore this year anticipated with
+even more than usual joy. Caroline and Emmeline were never permitted to
+go to indiscriminate parties. Two or three, really confined to children,
+their mother allowed their joining, with Miss Harcourt, in the course of
+the year, but their own ball was always considered the acme of
+enjoyment, especially now that Caroline began to fancy herself very much
+too old for only children's parties. Annie went almost every where with
+Lady Helen, and quite laughed at the idea of joining children; and
+Caroline this year began to wish most intensely that her mother would
+take her out to grown-up parties too, and lost all relish for the
+pleasant parties she had enjoyed. Mrs. Hamilton never obliged her to go
+out with Emmeline and Ellen, if she really did not wish it; but Caroline
+could not get any farther in considering herself a woman.
+
+The week before Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton did not allow to be all
+holiday and amusement. The season was to their feelings of religion one
+of earnest, intense thankfulness, and they wished to make it equally so
+to their children--a source of joy and hope indeed, but the joy and hope
+of Heaven, not the mere amusements and pleasures of earth. They had
+thought long and tried earnestly to make their children so to love
+serious things, as never to associate them with gloom or sadness--never
+to fancy that to be truly and spiritually religious demanded a
+relinquishment of the joys and pleasures and innocent happiness of their
+age, and admirably had they succeeded. Christmas week was always
+anticipated with quiet gladness, for they were still more with their
+father and mother; and the few serious readings and lessons they had,
+were from and with them alone; Miss Harcourt's time was then entirely
+her own. As soon as Christmas-day was passed, the young party, with the
+sole exception of two hours' work by themselves, in the morning or some
+part of the day if the mornings were wanted--(for Mrs. Hamilton never
+permitted _all_ duty to be suspended, believing--and her children had
+experienced the wisdom of the belief--that pleasure and recreation were
+infinitely more enjoyable after the performance of some duty, however
+brief and easy, than had they nothing to do but to amuse themselves all
+day)--were allowed to be just as free, happy, and noisy as they pleased;
+and the exuberance of their innocent happiness would have been envied by
+many, who might have thought the quiet routine of their usual life
+irksome indeed.
+
+Edward Fortescue was looking forward with the greatest delight to
+becoming a midshipman in the course of the following year. He hoped,
+indeed, it would be in a very few months; but his uncle and Mr. Howard
+had only told him to work on as hard as he could, for the summons might
+come for him to join at a very short notice, and it would be very
+dreadful, if the commission should be refused because his guardians did
+not think him forward enough in his various studies to leave them. They
+had looked very mischievous when they had told him this, and Edward had
+enjoyed the joke, and resolved they should not have any such amusement.
+He would go to sea, if he worked night and day for the privilege; and he
+really did so well, that his uncle gave him great praise, which was as
+unexpected and delightful as his anger was terrible.
+
+It happened that on the morning after Christmas-day, Edward and Ellen
+were quite alone in the school room; the former was in one of his most
+impatient moods, for at his own request, his uncle was to examine him in
+a favorite study, and one of the necessary books was wanting. He had
+read it a few evenings previous, but something had crossed him, and in a
+desperate passion he had flung the book from him, and where it fell he
+neither knew nor cared. Caroline and Emmeline had already gone on an
+expedition to some poor people, with their mother; Ellen had asked and
+received permission to put some seeds in her little garden, Percy having
+kindly promised to show her where, and to do some harder work in it for
+her. He was, however, still engaged with his father, and would be, he
+had told her, for perhaps an hour longer, but he would be sure to come
+to her then; and, to employ the interval, she had intended to work hard
+at a purse she was making for him. Edward, however, entirely engrossed
+her, and for nearly half an hour they hunted in every nook and corner of
+the room, at length--
+
+"I see it! I see it! Edward," Ellen exclaimed, adding, however, in a
+very desponding tone, "but what shall we do? we can not get it."
+
+"Why not?" answered Edward, impatiently; "where is it, Ellen?"
+
+"Behind that stand of flowers," she replied, pointing to one that filled
+a corner of the room and which, though it was winter, was filled with
+some beautiful flowering geraniums of all colors, and some few rare
+myrtles in full flower.
+
+"There!" said Edward joyfully; "Oh, that is very easily moved--I shall
+get it in a minute."
+
+"But you know aunt Emmeline desired us not to touch it," implored Ellen,
+clinging to his arm; "and the flowers are almost all Caroline's. Dear
+Edward--pray do not move it."
+
+"Stuff and nonsense, Ellen! How is aunt to know any thing about it? and
+what do I care about the flowers being Caroline's; they may be whose
+they like, but they shall not prevent my getting my book."
+
+"But it will be disobeying aunt. Edward--pray, pray, don't; you know how
+displeased she was with Emmeline last week for a much more trifling
+disobedience than this will be. And if any thing should happen to the
+flowers, Caroline will be so angry."
+
+"And what do I care for Caroline's anger," retorted Edward impatiently;
+"My uncle's indeed is something to care about, and if I don't get my
+book and go to him directly, I shall have it. I don't like to disobey
+aunt, but in this case there is no help for it. I am sure I can reach it
+without doing any harm; besides, I _must_ get my book--I can not do
+without it."
+
+"Then only wait till aunt comes home, or at least let me ask uncle if we
+may move it, dear Edward; do let me go--I will not be a minute."
+
+"And so betray my being in a passion the other day, and get me a reproof
+for that, and for my carelessness into the bargain! Nonsense, Ellen; I
+will get it, and, you must help me, for I have not a moment to lose."
+
+"No, Edward! indeed, indeed, I can not touch it," she replied
+imploringly, and shrinking back.
+
+"Say, rather, you wish to get me into disgrace, and perhaps prevented
+from going out this evening, and to-morrow, and Friday too!" exclaimed
+Edward, irritated beyond all forbearance; "and the other day you were so
+very sorry I was going from home so soon--much you must care about me,
+that you can not do such a trifling thing as this to oblige me! I hate
+deceit."
+
+Ellen made no reply, though the tears started to her eyes; but as usual
+her firmness deserted her. The heavy stand was carefully moved a little
+forward, without injuring any of the plants; the book was obtained, and
+at that moment the voice of Percy was heard exclaiming--
+
+"Edward! Edward! what are you about? papa has been expecting you the
+last half-hour; he says if you do not come directly, you will not have
+time to do all you wish--what can you be about?"
+
+Edward did not wait to hear much more than his name, but darted off,
+leaving his sister to push back the stand. Ellen felt almost sure she
+could not do it by herself; but how was she to act? To ask assistance
+would not only be confessing her own disobedience, but inculpating her
+brother, and really, perhaps, deprive him of the enjoyments he
+anticipated, and so confirm his unkind words. She tried to replace it,
+and thought she had quite succeeded; but as she moved it, one of the
+myrtles fell to the ground, and its beautiful blossom hung on the stalk,
+preserved from being quite broken off only by three or four delicate
+fibers. It was Caroline's favorite plant; one she so cherished and
+tended, that Percy called it her petted child; and poor Ellen stood
+paralyzed; she raised the pot mechanically, and rested the broken head
+of the flower against the still uninjured sprig, and it looked so well
+and natural, that the thought for a moment darted across her mind that
+after all it might not be discovered. Then came all her aunt's lessons
+of the many ways of acting an untruth without words, and, therefore,
+even if it should not be discovered, it was no comfort; but could she,
+dared she, voluntarily confess what must appear a willful disobedience?
+If her aunt had been at home, she might in that first moment have gained
+the necessary courage; but she was not expected back for two or three
+hours, and Ellen sat with her face buried in her hands, only conscious
+of misery, till her cousin's joyous voice called out from the hall--
+
+"Come along, Nelly, I have kept you long enough; Tiny would never have
+left me quiet so long; but there is no tiring your patience. However, I
+will make up for it now."
+
+And glad to escape from her own thoughts, she hastily collected the
+various seeds, and ran after him. And Percy was so active, so obliging,
+so amusing in his queer ways of working and talking, that she almost
+forgot the impending trial, till she met her aunt and cousins at
+luncheon. Edward had been so intent, so happy at his business with his
+uncle, that he had never cast a thought as to how the stand got back;
+and after lunch he had to go for a row on the river, and after dinner to
+attend a lecture on astronomy, which, that night and the one following,
+was to be given in the town-hall in T--. His uncle and Percy and Herbert
+were to accompany him, and so, that he should give a thought to any
+thing disagreeable, was not likely.
+
+The day wore on; Ellen's little courage had all gone, and she almost
+unconsciously hoped that nothing would be discovered. Mr. Hamilton and
+the lads departed at six, and Mrs. Hamilton proposed adjourning to her
+daughters' room, to finish an entertaining book that they were reading
+aloud. She had noticed, with her usual penetration, that all day Ellen
+evidently shrunk from her eye, and felt quite sure something was wrong
+again; but she asked no questions, fearing again to tempt equivocation.
+Caroline's passionate exclamation that somebody had broken her beautiful
+flower, drew the attention of all to the stand, and one glance sufficed
+to tell Mrs. Hamilton that it had been moved. Her anxious suspicions at
+once connected this with Ellen's shrinking manner, and she turned to ask
+her if she knew any thing about it. But Ellen had disappeared; and she
+rang the bell, and inquired of the only domestics whose department ever
+led them into the room, if they could explain the accident. But neither
+of them could; all uniting in declaring, that in the morning the myrtle
+was quite perfect.
+
+"Ellen was at home, mamma; she must know something about it. Percy said
+they did not begin gardening till more than an hour after we were gone,"
+exclaimed Caroline, whose temper was sorely tried by this downfall of
+all her cares. "I dare say she did it herself--spiteful thing!--and has
+gone to hide herself rather than confess it--it is just like her!"
+
+"Stop, Caroline, do not condemn till you are quite certain; and do not
+in your anger say what is not true. Ellen has given no evidence as yet
+of being spiteful or mischievous. Emmeline, go and tell your cousin that
+I want her."
+
+The child obeyed. Miss Harcourt had continued working most industriously
+at the table, without uttering a word, though Mrs. Hamilton's
+countenance expressed such unusual perplexity and pain, that it would
+have seemed kinder to have spoken. One look at Ellen convinced her aunt,
+and she actually paused before she spoke, dreading the reply almost as
+much as the child did the question. It was scarcely audible; it might
+have been denial, it certainly was not affirmative, for Miss Harcourt
+instantly exclaimed--
+
+"Ellen, how can you tell such a deliberate falsehood? I would not tell
+your aunt, for I really wished you to have the opportunity of in some
+degree redeeming your disobedience; but I saw you move back the stand,
+and your sinful attempt at concealment by replacing the broken
+flower--and now you dare deny it?"
+
+"I did not replace the flower with the intention of concealing it,"
+exclaimed Ellen, bursting into tears; for that one unjust charge seemed
+to give back the power of speech, though the violent reproach and
+invective which burst from Caroline prevented any thing further.
+
+"I must beg you to be silent, Caroline, or to leave the room, till I
+have done speaking to your cousin," said her mother, quietly; "the fate
+of your flower seems to make you forget that I have never yet permitted
+disrespect or any display of temper in my presence."
+
+"But what right had Ellen to touch the stand?"
+
+"None--she has both disobeyed and again tried to deceive me; faults
+which it is my duty to chastise, but not yours to upbraid. Answer me,
+Ellen, at once and briefly; your fault is known, and, therefore, all
+further equivocation is useless. Did you move that flower-stand?"
+
+"Yes," replied the child, almost choked with sobs, called forth the more
+from the contrast which her aunt's mildness presented to Miss Harcourt's
+harshness, and Caroline's violent anger, and from the painful longing to
+say that her first disobedience was not entirely her own fault.
+
+"Did you remember that I had expressly forbidden either of you to
+attempt to move it?"
+
+"Yes," replied Ellen again, and an exclamation at the apparent hardihood
+of her conduct escaped from both Miss Harcourt and Caroline.
+
+"And yet you persisted, Ellen: this is indeed a strange contradiction to
+your seemingly sincere sorrow for a similar fault a few months back.
+What did you move it for?"
+
+For full a minute Ellen hesitated, thus unhappily confirming the
+suspicion that when she did reply it was another equivocation.
+
+"To get a book which had fallen behind."
+
+"I do not know how a book could have fallen behind, unless it had been
+put or thrown there, Ellen; you said, too, that you did not replace the
+broken flower for the purpose of concealment. I hardly know how to
+believe either of these assertions. Why did you leave the room just
+now?"
+
+"Because--because--I knew you would question me, and--and--I felt I
+should not have courage to speak the truth--and I knew--you would be
+so--so displeased." The words were scarcely articulate.
+
+"I should have been better satisfied, Ellen, if your fear of my
+displeasure had prevented the committal of your first fault, not to
+aggravate it so sinfully by both acted and spoken untruths. Painful as
+it is to me in this season of festivity and enjoyment to inflict
+suffering, I should share your sin if I did not adopt some measures to
+endeavor at least to make you remember and so avoid it in future. I have
+told you so very often that it is not me you mostly offend when you
+speak or act falsely but God himself--who is Truth--that I fear words
+alone will be of no avail. Go to your own room, Ellen; perhaps solitude
+and thought, when your brother and cousins are so happy and
+unrestrained, may bring you to a sense of your aggravated misconduct
+better than any thing else. You will not leave your apartment, except
+for the hours of devotion and exercise--which you will take with Ellis,
+not with me--till I think you have had sufficient time to reflect on all
+I have said to you on this subject."
+
+Ellen quitted the room without answering; but it was several minutes
+before Mrs. Hamilton could sufficiently conquer the very painful
+feelings which her niece's conduct and her own compelled severity
+excited, to enter into her daughters' amusements; but she would not
+punish them for the misconduct of another; and, by her exertions, temper
+to Caroline and cheerfulness to Emmeline (whose tears of sympathy had
+almost kept pace with Ellen's of sorrow), gradually returned, and their
+book became as delightful a recreation as it had been before.
+
+Great was Edward's grief and consternation when he found the effects of
+what was actually in the first instance his fault; but he had not
+sufficient boldness to say so. His aunt had expressly said it was the
+untruth that had occasioned her greatest displeasure, that if the
+disobedience had been confessed at once, she would, in consideration of
+the season, have forgiven it with a very slight rebuke. "Now," he
+thought, "it is only the disobedience in which I am concerned, and if I
+confess it was mostly my fault, it won't help Ellen in the least--so
+what is the use of my acknowledging it? Of course, if she wishes it, I
+will; but how could she tell such a deliberate story?"
+
+That he was acting one of equal deliberation, and of far more
+culpability, if possible--for he was permitting her to bear the whole
+weight of his fault--never struck him; if it did, he did not at all
+understand or believe it. He went to his sister, and offered to confess
+his share in her fault, and when--as he fully expected--she begged him
+not, that it could do her no good, and perhaps only get him punished
+too, his conscience was so perfectly satisfied, that he actually took
+upon himself to ask her how she could be so foolish and wrong as, when
+she was asked, not to allow that she had moved it at once--
+
+"It would have been all right, then," he said; and added, almost with
+irritation, "and I should not have been teased with the thought of your
+being in disgrace just now, when I wanted so much to enjoy myself."
+
+"Do not think about me, then, Edward," was his sister's reply; "I know
+the untruth is entirely my own fault, so why should it torment you; if I
+could but always tell and act the truth, and not be so very, very
+frightened--oh, how I wonder if I ever shall!" and she leaned her head
+on her arms, which rested on the table, so despondingly, so sorrowfully,
+that Edward felt too uncomfortable to remain with her. He was satisfied
+that he could not help her; but the disagreeable thought would come,
+that if he had not tempted her to disobey, she would have had no
+temptation to tell an untruth, and so he sought a variety of active
+amusements to get rid of the feeling. The continuation of the
+entertaining astronomical lecture, too, was so very delightful, and
+Thursday and Friday morning brought so many enjoyments, that he almost
+forgot her, till startled back into self-reproach by finding that she
+was not to accompany them on Friday evening to Mr. Howard's, whose great
+pleasure was to collect young people around him, and whose soiree in the
+Christmas holidays, and whose day in the country at midsummer, were
+anticipated by girls and boys, great and small, with such delight as to
+pervade the whole year round. Caroline never refused to join Mr.
+Howard's parties though they were "juvenile;" and Percy always declared
+they were as unlike any other person's as Mr. Howard was unlike a
+schoolmaster. Ellen had so enjoyed the day in the country, that, timid
+as she was, she had looked forward to Friday with almost as much delight
+as Emmeline.
+
+In vain Emmeline, Edward, Percy, Herbert, and even Mr. Hamilton
+entreated, that she might be permitted to go. Mrs. Hamilton's own kind
+heart pleaded quite as strongly, but she remained firm.
+
+"Do not ask me, my dear children," she said, almost as beseechingly as
+they had implored; "I do assure you it is quite as much, if not more
+pain to me on this occasion to refuse, as it is for you all to be
+refused. If it were the first, second, or even third time that Ellen had
+disregarded truth, I would yield for your sakes; and in the hope that
+the indulgence would produce as good an effect as continued severity;
+but I can not hope this now. The habit, is, I fear, so deeply rooted,
+that nothing but firmness in inflicting pain, whenever it is committed,
+will succeed in eradicating it. God grant I may remove it at last."
+
+The tone and words were so earnest, so sad, that not only did her
+children cease in their intercession, but all felt still more forcibly
+the solemn importance of the virtue, in which Ellen had so failed, from
+the effect of her conduct upon their mother. She was always grieved when
+they had done wrong, but they never remembered seeing her so very sad as
+now. Edward, indeed, could scarcely understand this as his cousins did;
+but as his aunt still only alluded to the untruth, the qualm of
+conscience was again silenced, for he had only caused the disobedience.
+Emmeline asked timidly if she might remain with Ellen, and Edward
+followed her example, thinking himself very magnanimous in so doing; but
+both were refused--and surely he had done enough!
+
+All went--Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt, as well as the young
+people; and it was such a happy evening! First, there was the orrery,
+that Mr. Howard had prevailed on the lecturer to display first at his
+house, and Edward was almost wild in his delight; and then there were
+some games and intellectual puzzles, that made them all think, as well
+as enjoy; and then there were some music and singing and dancing, and
+every thing was so quiet and orderly, and yet so full of youthful
+enjoyment, that it was not much wonder there was no longer any room for
+a sorrowful thought, in any of the young party from Oakwood. Mrs.
+Hamilton alone thought of Ellen, and again and again accused herself of
+too great harshness; for, perhaps, after all, it might have no better
+effect than kindness; but what could she do? She almost envied the
+quiet, unruffled unconcern of less anxious guardians; but for her to
+feel indifferent to her responsibility was impossible. Ellen was so
+often unwell that her absence did not occasion so much remark as her
+brother's or either of her cousins' would. "Mamma did not wish her to
+come," was the answer she had desired the children to give to any
+inquiries, and her character for indulgence was so generally known, that
+no one suspected any thing more than indisposition. Annie Grahame's
+dislike to Ellen might have made her more suspicious, but she was not
+there. Cecil and Lilla were, with their father, but Miss Grahame did not
+condescend to attend Mr. Howard's "juvenile" parties; and Caroline,
+though she would not have allowed it, even to herself, was both happier,
+and much more inclined to enjoy herself, with the amusements and society
+offered to her when Annie was not at a party, than when she was.
+
+The next night, to Ellen's disposition, was a greater trial than the
+Friday. She neither expected, nor hardly wished to be allowed to go to
+Mr. Howard's, though, as the affectionate Emmeline had come to wish her
+good night, and with tears in her eyes repeated the regrets that she was
+not to go, she felt the bitter disappointment more than in the morning
+she had thought possible; but Saturday night it had been her aunt's
+custom, from the time she had been at Oakwood, to visit her daughters
+and niece before they went to sleep, and prepare them for the Sabbath's
+rest and enjoyment, by an examination of their conduct during the past
+week, and full forgiveness of any thing that had been wrong. When
+younger, Mrs. Hamilton had attended to this duty every night; but
+wishing to give them a habit of private prayer and self-examination,
+independent of her, she had, after Emmeline was twelve years old, set
+apart the Saturday night, until they were fifteen--old enough for her to
+relinquish it altogether. It had been such a habit with her own
+children, that they felt it perfectly natural; but with Ellen and
+Edward, from their never having been accustomed to it as young children,
+she had never felt the duty understood by them, or as satisfactorily
+performed by herself as with her own. Still, Ellen looked forward to
+this night as the termination of her banishment; for great indeed was
+the offense whose correction extended over the Sabbath. Ellen could not
+remember one instance since she had been at Oakwood, and when she heard
+the doors of her cousins' rooms successively close, and her aunt's step
+retreating without approaching hers, she did, indeed, believe herself
+irreclaimably wicked, or her kind, good aunt, would, at least, have come
+to her. Mrs. Hamilton had purposely refrained from indulging her own
+inclinations, as well as comforting Ellen, hoping still more to impress
+upon her how greatly she had sinned. The impossibility of her perfectly
+comprehending her niece's character, while the poor child felt it such a
+sacred duty to victimize herself, made her far more severe than she
+would have been, could she have known her real disposition; but how was
+it possible she could believe Ellen's grief as deep and remorseful as it
+seemed, when a short time afterward she would commit the same faults?
+Her task was infinitely more difficult and perplexing than less anxious
+mothers can have the least idea of.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+PAIN AND PENITENCE.--TRUTH IMPRESSED, AND RECONCILIATION.--THE FAMILY
+TREE.
+
+
+In feverish dreams of her parents, recalling both their deaths, and with
+alternate wakefulness, fraught with those deadly incomprehensible
+terrors which some poor children of strong imagination know so well,
+Ellen's night passed; and the next morning she rose, with that painful
+throbbing in her throat and temples, which always ended with one of
+those intense and exhausting headaches to which which she had been so
+subject, but which her aunt's care and Mr. Maitland's remedies had much
+decreased, both in frequency and violence. She went to church, however
+with the family, as usual.
+
+"Remain out, Edward!" Percy exclaimed, as they neared the house; "the
+old year is taking leave of us in such a glorious mood, that Tiny and I
+are going to ruralize and poetize till dinner--will you come with
+us?--and you, Ellen?"
+
+Ellen withdrew her arm from her brother's, saying, as she did so--
+
+"Go, dear Edward, I am very tired, and would rather not."
+
+"Tired, and with this short walk; and you really do look as if you
+were--what is the matter, Ellen? you are not well."
+
+His sister did not reply, but shrinking from the look which Mrs.
+Hamilton, who was passing at the moment, fixed earnestly upon her, she
+ran into the house.
+
+Edward again felt uncomfortable; in fact, he had done so, so often since
+the Tuesday morning, that his temper was not half so good as usual. He
+did not choose to acknowledge, even to himself, that the uncomfortable
+feeling was self-reproach, and so he vented it more than once in
+irritation against Ellen, declaring it was so disagreeable she should be
+in disgrace just then.
+
+It was Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's custom always to dine on Sundays at
+half-past one, to allow those of their household who were unable to
+attend divine service in the morning to go in the afternoon. With regard
+to themselves and their children they pursued a plan, which many rigid
+religionists might, perhaps, have condemned, and yet its fruits were
+very promising. Their great wish was to make the Sabbath a day of love,
+divine and domestic; to make their children look to it with joy and
+anticipation throughout the week as a day quite distinct in its
+enjoyment from any other; and for this reason, while their children were
+young, they only went to church in the morning, the afternoons were
+devoted to teaching them to know and to love God in His works as well as
+word, and their evenings to such quiet but happy amusements and
+literature, as would fill their young hearts with increased thankfulness
+for their very happy lot. As they grew older, they were perfectly at
+liberty to do as they pleased with regard to the afternoon church.
+Herbert, whose ardent desire to enter the ministry increased with his
+years, generally spent the greater part of Sunday with Mr. Howard, with
+his parents' glad and full consent. The contemplation of serious things
+was his greatest happiness, but Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton did not expect
+that all their other children were to be like him. They were contented,
+and intensely thankful also, to perceive that diverse as were their
+characters, still the constant sense of God's presence and of His
+infinite love was active and earnest in them all, inciting love and
+reverence for Herbert, even though they could not sympathize with him
+entirely. Another peculiarity of Mr. Hamilton consisted in his
+permitting no _Sunday_ schools at Aveling and his other villages. The
+Saturday afternoons were set apart instead of the Sunday. He wished his
+wife, and daughters when they were old enough, to superintend them, and
+help the children in preparing for the Sunday services and Sunday
+enjoyments; but he particularly disliked the system of overwork on a day
+of rest, which could not fail to be the case, if there were schools to
+attend to twice or three times a day, as well as church.
+
+It being the last day of the old year, Mr. Howard had expressed a wish
+that Percy and Edward as well as Herbert should attend church that
+afternoon, and the lads, without the least reluctance, consented; Mr.
+Hamilton and Miss Harcourt were going too, and Caroline and Emmeline, of
+their own accord, asked permission to accompany them. Ellen's pale,
+suffering face had so haunted her aunt, that she could not think of any
+thing else, and remained for a very much longer time than was usual to
+her character in a state of indecision. The next night was her
+children's ball, and it was too, the first day of the new year--always
+in her happy circle a festival of joy and thankfulness. Ellen's face
+certainly looked as if she had suffered quite enough to prevent the
+recurrence of her fault, but so it had always done, and yet, before she
+could possibly have forgotten its consequences, she failed again. Mrs.
+Hamilton sat for some time, after her children had left her, in
+meditation, trying to silence the pleadings of affection, and listen
+only to reason, as to whether continued severity or returning kindness
+would be the more effective, and save both Ellen and herself any further
+pain.
+
+To the child herself physical suffering was so increasing as gradually
+to deaden mental, till at last it became so severe, that she felt sick
+and faint. She knew the medicine she was in the habit of taking when
+similarly suffering, and the lotion which her aunt applied to her
+forehead, and which always succeeded in removing the excessive
+throbbing, were both in Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room; but it seemed
+quite impossible that she could get at them, for she did not like to
+leave her room without permission, nor did she feel as if she could walk
+so far, her head throbbing with increased violence with every step she
+took. At length she summoned sufficient courage to ring the bell, and
+beg Fanny to ask Ellis to come to her. The girl, who had been already
+dreadfully concerned that Miss Ellen had eaten no dinner, and on Sunday
+too! gave such an account of her, that the housekeeper hastened to her
+directly, and begged her to let her go for her mistress--it was so lucky
+she had not gone to church--but Ellen clung to her, imploring her not.
+
+"Dear, dear Ellis, get me the medicine, and bathe my forehead yourself;
+I shall get well then in an hour or two, without giving my aunt any
+trouble; pray, pray, don't tell her. I scarcely feel the pain when she
+is nursing and soothing me; but I do not deserve that now, and I am
+afraid I never shall."
+
+"But indeed, Miss Ellen, she will be displeased if I do not. Why, only
+the other morning she was quite concerned that I had not told her Jane
+was ill directly, and went herself two or three times every day to see
+she had every thing proper and comfortable."
+
+"But that is quite different, dear Ellis; do get the lotion; I feel as
+if I could not bear this pain much longer without crying; you can tell
+her afterward, if you think you ought."
+
+And seeing that farther argument only increased the poor child's
+sufferings, Ellis promised, and left her. Ellen leaned her forehead
+against the side of her little bed, and held the curtain tightly
+clasped, as if so to prevent the utterance of the hysteric sob that
+would rise in her throat, though she did not know what it was. But the
+wholly unexpected sound of Mrs. Hamilton's voice saying, close by her,
+"I am afraid you have one of your very bad headaches, Ellen," so
+startled her, as to make her raise her head suddenly; and the movement
+caused such agony, that, spite of all her efforts, she could not prevent
+an almost convulsive cry of pain.
+
+"My dear child! I had no idea of pain like this; why did you not send
+for me? We have always prevented its becoming so very violent by taking
+it in time, my Ellen."
+
+"Miss Ellen would not let me go for you, madam," rejoined Ellis, who, to
+her mistress's inexpressible relief, was close at hand with the remedies
+she wanted, and she repeated what the child had said.
+
+"Again your old mistake, Ellen. I would so much, so very much rather
+hear you say you were _resolved_ to deserve my love, than that you did
+not merit it. Why should you not deserve it as well as your brother and
+cousins, if you determined with all your heart to try and not do any
+thing to lessen it? Nothing is so likely to prevent your even
+endeavoring to deserve it, as the mistaken fancy that you never shall;
+but you are too unwell to listen to me now; we must try all we can to
+remove this terrible pain, and then see if we can bring back happiness
+too."
+
+And for above an hour did Mrs. Hamilton, with the most patient
+tenderness, apply the usual remedies, cheered by finding that, though
+much more slowly than usual, still by degrees the violence of the pain
+did subside, and the hysterical affection give way to natural and quiet
+tears. Exhaustion produced a deep though not very long sleep, and after
+watching her some few minutes very anxiously, Mrs. Hamilton sat down by
+her bed, and half unconsciously drew toward her Ellen's little Bible,
+which lay open on the table, as if it had been only lately used. Several
+loose papers were between the leaves; her eyes filled with tears as she
+read on one of them a little prayer, touching from the very childishness
+of the language and imperfect writing, beseeching her Father in Heaven
+in His great mercy to forgive her sin, and give her courage to speak the
+truth, to help her not to be so frightened, but to guide her in her
+difficult path. Mrs. Hamilton little guessed how difficult it was, but
+she hoped more from the effects of her present penitence than she had
+done yet. She had copied, too, several verses from the various parts of
+the Old and New Testament which were condemnatory of falsehood, and her
+aunt felt no longer undecided as to her course of action.
+
+"You have employed your solitary hours so well, my dear Ellen," she
+said, as, when the child awoke and looked anxiously toward her--she
+kissed her cheek with even more than her usual fondness--"that I
+scarcely require your assurance of repentance or promises of amendment.
+When you have taken some coffee, and think you are well enough to listen
+to me, I will read you an illustration of the fearful sin of falsehood
+from the Old Testament, which I do not think I have yet pointed out to
+you. Ananias and Sapphira, I see you remember."
+
+And when Ellen had taken the delicious cup of coffee, which her aunt had
+ordered should be ready for her directly she awoke, and sat up, though
+her head was still so weak it required the support of a pillow, yet she
+seemed so revived, so almost happy, from the mesmeric effect of that
+warm, fond kiss, that her aunt did not hesitate to continue the lesson
+she was so anxious to impress, while the mind and heart were softened to
+receive it. She turned to the fourth chapter of the second book of
+Kings, and after briefly relating the story of Naaman--for she did not
+wish to divert Ellen's attention from the one important subject, by
+giving any new ideas--she read from the 20th verse to the end, and so
+brought the nature of Gehazi's sin and its awful punishment, at the hand
+of God himself (for the prophet was merely an instrument of the Eternal,
+he had no power in himself to call the disease of leprosy on his
+servant) to Ellen's mind, that she never forgot it.
+
+"Do you think Elisha knew where he had been, and what he had done,
+before he asked him?" she ventured timidly to inquire, as her aunt
+ceased; "Gehazi had told a falsehood already to Naaman. Do you think God
+punished that or his falsehood to Elisha?"
+
+"Most probably he punished both, my love. Elisha no doubt knew how his
+servant had been employed in his absence, in fact he tells him so"--and
+she read the 26th verse again--"but he asked him whence he had come, to
+give him an opportunity for a full confession of his first sin, which
+then, no doubt would, after some slight rebuke, have been pardoned. It
+was a very great fault at first, but the mercy of God was then, as it is
+now, so infinite so forgiving, that, had Elisha's question recalled
+Gehazi to a sense of his great guilt and excited real repentance, his
+punishment would have been averted. But his aggravated and repeated
+falsehood called down on him a chastisement most terrible even to think
+about. Leprosy was not merely a dreadful disease in itself, but it cut
+him off, from all the blessings and joys not only of social life but of
+domestic; because, as God had said it should cleave to his seed as well
+as to himself, he could never find any one who would dare to love him,
+and he must have been compelled to lonely misery all his life."
+
+"It was a very dreadful punishment," repeated Ellen, fearfully.
+
+"It was, dearest; but it was merciful, notwithstanding. If, God had
+passed it by, and permitted Gehazi to continue his sinful course,
+without any check or chastisement that would recall him to a sense of
+better things, and a wish to pursue them, he might have continued
+apparently very happy in this life, to be miserable forever in the next;
+to be banished forever from God and His good angels; and would not that
+have been still more dreadful than the heaviest suffering here? In those
+times God manifested his judgments through His prophets directly. That
+is not the case now, but He has given us His word to tell us, by history
+as well as precept, those things that are pleasing to Him, and those
+which excite His anger; and which, if not corrected while we are in this
+world, will cause our condemnation when our souls appear before Him in
+judgment, and when we can not correct them if we would. Now children,
+and even young people, can not know those things as well as their
+parents and guardians can, and if we neglect to teach them right and
+wrong, God is more angry with us than with them, as He tells Ezekiel."
+She read from the 18th to the 22d verse of the third chapter, and
+explained it, so that Ellen could clearly understand it, and then said.
+"And now, my dear Ellen, can you quite understand and quite feel why I
+have caused you so much pain, and been, as I dare say you have felt, so
+very, very severe?"
+
+Ellen's arms were round her neck in a moment, and her head cradled on
+her bosom, as her sole reply, for she felt she could not speak at first,
+without crying again.
+
+"I wish I could remember that God sees me wherever I am," she said after
+a short pause, and very sadly. "I am so frightened when I think of any
+body's anger, even Caroline's, that I can not remember any thing else."
+
+"Did you notice the Psalm we read the day before yesterday, my dear
+Ellen, in the morning lesson?"
+
+The child had not; and her aunt turning to the 129th, read the first
+twelve and the two last verses carefully with her, adding--
+
+"Suppose you learn one verse for me every morning, till you can repeat
+the whole fourteen perfectly, and I think that will help you to remember
+it, my Ellen, and prove to me that you really are anxious to correct
+yourself; and now one word more, and I think I shall have talked to you
+quite enough."
+
+"Indeed, indeed I am not tired, dear aunt," replied Ellen, very
+earnestly; "I feel when you are talking to me as if I never could be
+naughty again. Oh! how I wish I never were."
+
+"I am not so unconscionable as to expect you to have no faults, my dear
+child; all I wish you to attend to, is more obedience to my commands. I
+have not said any thing about your disobedience, because your untruth
+was of still more consequence, but that grieved me too, for disobedience
+to me is also disobedience to God, for He has commanded you to obey your
+parents and guardians; as you said you remembered I had told you not to
+move the flower-stand, I can not imagine what could have induced you so
+willfully to disobey me."
+
+Ellen looked up in her face with such earnest, wistful eyes that Mrs.
+Hamilton felt puzzled; but as she did not speak, and laid her head again
+on its resting place, to hide the tears that rose, her aunt merely
+added--
+
+"But as I do not wish to inflict any further pain, I will not say any
+thing more about it; only remember, that though I may be displeased if
+you disobey me again, an instant and full confession will soon gain my
+forgiveness; and that though I will never doubt your word, still, if I
+discover another untruth, it will and must oblige me to adopt still
+severer measures, painful as it will be to myself. Do not tremble so, my
+Ellen, you know you can prevent it; and remember too that whenever you
+fail in truth, you punish me as well as yourself;" and Mrs. Hamilton
+fondly kissed her as she spoke.
+
+Light steps and a ringing laugh at that moment sounded in the passage,
+and Emmeline, though she certainly did ask if she might enter, scarcely
+waited for an answer, before she bounded in, the very personification of
+health and joy.
+
+"Mamma, papa wants to know if we may not have tea to-night, and if we
+may not have Ellen's company too?"
+
+"It is New Year's Eve," pleaded another joyous voice, and Percy's brown
+head just intruded itself through the half-opened door; "and our tree
+will not be half enjoyable unless we are all there."
+
+"I had really forgotten your tree, my dear children, but I am glad papa
+and you all have remembered it. Come in, Percy; Ellen will, I dare say,
+admit you into her room."
+
+"He raced me all round the gallery, mamma, declaring he would give you
+papa's message, or so take away my breath, that even if I outstripped
+him, I should not be able; but I have, you see, sir."
+
+"Only because I did not know whether it was quite proper to enter a
+young lady's room. But do come, mamma; Mr. Howard is with us as usual,
+and we are all _au desespoir_ for you and our little Ellen--she _may_
+come, I can read it in your eyes."
+
+"Are you well enough, my love? Do you think this poor little head will
+permit you to join us?" asked Mrs. Hamilton, anxiously, for the sudden
+joy that gleamed in Ellen's eyes at the idea of joining the family, told
+what the disappointment would be if she could not.
+
+"It does not hurt me at all if I can rest it, aunt; but I am afraid it
+will not let me walk," she added, sorrowfully, as the attempt to walk
+caused it to throb again.
+
+"Never mind, Nelly, even if you can not walk; you shall make use of my
+pedestrian powers," replied Percy, joyously; "rest your head on my
+shoulder--that's it--I should make a capital nurse I declare; should I
+not, mamma?"
+
+And gayly answering in the affirmative, his mother could scarcely
+prevent a throb of pride, as she looked on his fine manly face, beaming
+with benevolent kindness on his little cousin, whom he had tenderly
+lifted in his arms, and checked his boisterous mirth and rapid stride to
+accommodate her.
+
+"You are not quite so light as Tiny, but she is all air; I expect she
+will evaporate some day: never mind your hair, it does very well."
+
+"Stop, I will smooth it in a moment," exclaimed Emmeline, eagerly; "it
+is Sunday, Percy, she shall look well."
+
+"You had better let me do it, Emmy," said her mother, smiling; "your
+cousin's head can only bear very tender handling to-night. There, that
+will do--and I am quite ready to attend you."
+
+The lights, the joyous voices, even her uncle's kind greeting, almost
+overpowered poor Ellen; as Percy, still preserving his character of an
+admirable nurse, laid her carefully on a couch in the sitting-room,
+where not only tea was waiting, but the celebrated family tree, which
+Mrs. Hamilton's anxiety and Ellen's sorrow had caused them both to
+forget, was displayed with even more than usual taste and beauty.
+
+Mr. Hamilton, when young, had been a great deal with his father in
+Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, and brought from the first and latter
+country certain domestic observances which had especially pleased him,
+as so greatly enhancing the enjoyments of home, and helping to a right
+understanding between parents and children, by increasing their mutual
+love and confidence. The family tree, or Christmas Tree, as it was
+called, was one of these, and from their earliest years it had been one
+of the children's greatest delights on New Year's Eve. Of course, as
+they grew older, and their taste improved, the tree itself, its
+suspended presents, and its surrounding decorations increased in beauty,
+and it had never been prettier than it was this year. The whole of the
+preceding afternoon had the young artists labored in preparing it, for
+of course, as the next day was Sunday, it was obliged to be all finished
+by the Saturday night; the servants, eager in all things to enhance the
+happiness of those whose parents made them so happy, did not care what
+trouble they took to help them. They always selected the room in which
+there was a very lofty and very deep oriel window, in the center of
+which recess (which was almost as large as a moderately sized room) they
+placed _the_ tree, which was a very large, gracefully-cut spruce fir; it
+was placed in a tub filled with the same soil as that in which the tree
+grew, so that by watering and care it remained fresh for some time. The
+tub which contained it, was completely hidden by the flowering shrubs
+that were placed round it, rising in an expanding pyramid, by means of
+several flower-stands, till the recess seemed one mass of leaf and
+flower; among which the superb scarlet geranium, that in Devonshire
+grows so luxuriantly all through the winter, shining against its own
+beautiful leaf, the brilliant berries of the holly, with their dark
+glistening branches, the snow-berry and flowering myrtle, shone
+pre-eminent. Small lamps glittered through the flowers, and were
+suspended in sufficient profusion from the pendent branches of the tree
+to half reveal and half hide the various gifts and treasures that were
+there deposited; and altogether the effect, from every part of the room,
+was really striking.
+
+The tree always remained till after their ball, but, the interchange of
+gifts which took place on New Year's Eve, causing so many peculiarly
+happy and home feelings, was confined to the family group; Mr. Howard
+always included. Many weeks before had each individual worked at his own
+secret undertaking. If it could not all be done in private, no questions
+were ever asked, and each helped the other to keep it at least from
+their parents till the eventful night itself. They formed so large a
+party altogether, as little tokens of affection between the brothers and
+sisters were also exchanged, that the tree was quite loaded, and many a
+time had Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton discovered some trait of character or
+some ruling fancy, even in such a simple thing as the manufacture and
+presentation of home gifts. Their own idea of family ties was so strong
+and so holy, that one great aim in the education of their children was
+to make them not only _love_ each other, but have thought and attention
+for individual feelings and wishes, and so heighten feeling by action,
+not depend entirely on natural ties. Mrs. Hamilton had known many young
+persons who were lavish in attentions and even presents to friends, but
+never imagined that their own home circle had the first and strongest
+claim to kindness, whether of word or deed. She knew that affections and
+thought lavished on comparative strangers never radiated on home, but
+that when given to home _first_, they shed light and kindliness far and
+near.
+
+Their tea was indeed a mirthful one; Ellen had been very fearful of
+meeting Mr. Howard, for she thought he must have been told how naughty
+she had been; but if he had, there was nothing in his manner to say so;
+for he shook hands with her, and even kissed her most kindly, and told
+her, laughingly, that she must be quite well by the next night, or how
+was she to dance? That he thought it would be a good thing if Emmeline
+could give her a little of her dancing mania, as she hardly ever only
+walked, even when she called herself quite sober. Edward, every passing
+thought of self-reproach banished by his sister's return to favor, was
+in the wildest spirits; Percy and Emmeline seemed to have laid a wager
+who could say the wittiest things and laugh the most. Herbert was very
+quiet, but looking as happy as the rest, and quite entering into their
+mirth, and showing all sorts of little gentle attentions to Ellen, who
+had seemed to shrink from his eye, more than from all the others.
+Caroline fully entered into the spirit of the evening, but neither she
+nor Miss Harcourt took the same notice of Ellen as the rest. The person
+who was to act the Wizard's part, and by means of a long wand detach the
+various treasures from the tree, and carry them to the owners whose
+names they bore, was always chosen by lot; and great was the delight of
+the young party, when this night the office fell on Mr. Howard. No one
+seemed more pleased than himself, performing it with such a spirit of
+enjoyment and originality, that a general vote declared him the very
+choicest wizard they had ever had. To enumerate all the contents of that
+marvelous tree would be impossible. Their parents' gifts to each of them
+were not in the tree, but always given afterward; but great was the
+delight, when, after a terrible tussle to detach a large roll of cloth,
+down it came, right on Mr. Howard's head, and almost enveloped him with
+its folds, and proved to be a beautiful cover, which he had long desired
+for a favorite table in his drawing-room at the embroidered border of
+which, not only the three girls, but Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt had
+all worked, as a joint offering of love and respect. This good man was
+so charmed, that he declared he would not use his wand again till he had
+full five minutes to admire it. Then there was a very pretty,
+comfortable pair of slippers, worked by Caroline and Emmeline for their
+father, and a pair of braces worked by Ellen, all accompanied by some
+most ludicrous, but very clever verses from Percy. Edward, who was very
+ingenious, had turned a very pretty stand for his uncle to put his watch
+in at night; and manufactured two little vessels out of cork for his
+aunt, so delicately, and neatly, that she promised him they should stand
+on the mantelpiece of her dressing-room, as long as they would last.
+Caroline had knitted her mother a very pretty bag, and Emmeline and
+Ellen had collected for her a variety of leaves throughout the year, and
+arranged them with great taste, both as to grouping and tinting, in a
+sort of small herbal, with two or three lines of poetry, selected and
+carefully written by each alternately, attached to each page. Mrs.
+Hamilton was excessively pleased, as she was also with a portfolio
+formed by drawings from both her boys, and tastefully made up by Miss
+Harcourt; and with their gifts to their father, a correct and most
+beautifully written out Greek poem, which Mr. Hamilton had several
+months, if not more than a year before, expressed a wish to possess, but
+the volume which contained it was so scarce, and so expensive from the
+quantity of uninteresting matter in which the gem was buried, that he
+had given up all thought of it. Herbert, however, had not, and never
+rested from the time his father spoke, till he had found and copied
+it--a task of no small difficulty, for the original was in many parts
+almost entirely effaced, and, if Herbert had not been an admirable Greek
+scholar, and a quick imaginator as to what it ought to be, Mr. Howard
+himself had said he could not have succeeded. The writing of the Greek
+character was most beautiful, and Percy, in imitation of the ancient
+missals, had designed and painted an elegant illuminated border round
+it, and a beautiful cover, forming a thin volume, so valuable, their
+father delighted them by saying, that he would not exchange it for
+twenty of the most precious volumes in his library. Such evidences of
+the home influence they had given, in permitting leisure for the
+cultivation of taste and imagination, teaching them the beautiful, and
+opening innumerable resources of enjoyment within themselves, and thence
+allowing them to enhance the pleasures of others, were indeed most
+gratifying to those earnest and affectionate guardians. From their
+earliest years they had been taught, that to give the greatest amount of
+pleasure to their parents, their gifts must be all, or at least have
+something in them, of their own workmanship, and to enable them to do
+this, the lads had been taught in their hours of recreation to use all
+sorts of tools, visiting and knowing something of a variety of
+handicrafts; and the girls to work and draw, and even bring the stores
+of Nature to their aid when needed, as in the present case, with
+Emmeline and Ellen's tasteful gift.
+
+Our young readers must call upon their own imagination as to the other
+treasures of this valuable tree; for, as they would, no doubt, like to
+know what sort of New Year's gifts Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton had in store
+for their children (for Miss Harcourt too, for they never omitted her),
+we really must not linger round it any longer. Poor Ellen, indeed, had
+the pain of feeling that her fault and its consequences had prevented
+the completion of her purse for Percy, and a chain for Edward, and her
+cheek burned very painfully, when Mr. Howard, after exhausting the tree,
+exclaimed--
+
+"Nothing from Ellen for Percy and Edward. Young gentlemen, have you been
+receiving any gifts in secret?--out with them if you have--it is against
+all law and propriety."
+
+"We shall receive them next week, most potent conjuror, as you ought to
+have known without inquiring," answered Percy, directly; and bending
+over Ellen, by whom he chanced to be standing, he said, kindly, "Never
+mind, Nelly, you will have time to finish them both next week."
+
+"Do not say 'never mind,' my dear boy, though I admire and sympathize in
+your kind care of your cousin's feelings," said his mother, in the same
+low tone, as only to be heard by him and Ellen. (Mr. Howard was very
+quick-sighted, and he took Percy's jest and turned off all farther
+notice of his words.) "Even such a little thing as this in Ellen's case
+is pain, and can only be felt as such; we do not lessen it by denying
+it, my Ellen, do we?"
+
+"I would rather feel it, if it would help me to remember," was Ellen's
+earnest and humble reply; adding, "but I thank you, dear Percy--you are
+so kind."
+
+"Not a bit," was his laughing answer. "Why, what in the world is this?"
+he added; "I thought the tree was exhausted."
+
+"So it is, but this was hid at its root," replied Mr. Howard, "and
+though it is directed to Caroline, it is somewhat too heavy for my wand,
+and must reach her in a more natural way."
+
+"Why, it is my flower, my own beautiful flower, or one exactly like it,
+at least," exclaimed Caroline, joyfully, as, removing a hollow pyramid
+of green and white paper, a myrtle was discovered of the same rare kind,
+and almost in as beautiful flower as the one whose death had caused such
+increased coldness in her feelings toward Ellen. "How did it come? who
+could have procured it for me?"
+
+"Ellis sent for it at my request, dear Caroline," answered Ellen. "She
+said they were to be purchased from the gardener at Powderham, and if it
+were possible to send any one so far, she would endeavor to get one for
+me; she told me yesterday she had succeeded, and I thought she gave it
+you, as I begged her, directly; I had no opportunity to tell you before,
+but I was so very, very sorry I had hurt your flower."
+
+"Ellis was very wise to put it among the pretty things of this evening,
+instead of obeying you," said her uncle, kindly; "and I really am glad
+that your great desire to replace it made her think of sending for it,
+for though I meant to have given Caroline another, I had so many things
+on my mind this week that it escaped me; and I know they are so much
+sought for, Wilson has scarcely ever one on hand."
+
+"Indeed, papa, you were much too kind to think about it at all," said
+Caroline, very earnestly. "I am afraid, if you knew how very cross and
+unkind the loss of the other made me, you would have withdrawn your idea
+of such indulgence. I am very much obliged to you, Ellen," she continued
+much more cordially than she had yet spoken to her cousin; "I did not
+deserve it even from you, for I worked myself into such an ill-temper,
+as almost to believe you did it purposely, and I had no right to think
+that."
+
+It did indeed bear out its language, that pretty flower, for, with this
+one coldness removed--though Mrs. Hamilton's trembling heart dared not
+hope it would be lasting--love now reigned pre-eminent. Every happy
+feeling increased when in the presents from their parents each
+recognized something that had been wished for, though they never
+remembered expressing it. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were always united in
+these New Year's gifts, though tokens of approval or occasional
+indulgences were often given separately. There were a set of most
+beautiful engravings for Percy, which for the last three or four months
+he had been most anxious to possess; but with the recollection of former
+folly very fresh in his memory, he had actually succeeded in driving
+them from his mind, and gave them up as unattainable, till he was
+richer, at least. For Herbert there was a fine edition of the Greek
+tragedians in their original, as beautiful a work of art, in its
+"getting up," as Percy called it, as its letter-press, which to Herbert
+was beyond all price. Edward was almost wild, as his uncle and aunt
+telling him he was fourteen next March, and might not be with them next
+New Year's eve, presented him with a treasure coveted beyond all other,
+a gold watch. (His father's had been given by his mother as a parting
+gift to Captain Cameron.) Mr. Howard declared that it was much too good
+for a sailor, and would be lost his first voyage; he had much better
+hand it over to the Rectory, promising to take every care of it; but
+looking so mischievous, Edward vowed it should not get near his hand.
+For Caroline was a most complete and elegantly fitted-up embroidery-box,
+which quite charmed her, for it was exactly like, if not more tasteful
+and complete, than one Annie Grahame had brought from London, and which
+she had wondered, Caroline could "exist" without. As Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton found that she could not only comfortably "exist," but much as
+she admired and had at first so coveted it, as to have a hard battle
+with discontent, she had never even hinted that it might be useful. As
+they perceived that her mind was so happily engrossed by the idea of the
+pleasure her gifts would bestow, as not to cast a thought upon Annie's
+superior box, they indulged themselves and their child, and were more
+than repaid by the beaming look of delight with which it was received.
+For Emmeline was a parcel almost as large as herself, Percy declared. "A
+drawing-box all to yourself, Tiny! Thank goodness! My chalks and pencils
+have some chance of being let alone; I really ought to thank mamma and
+papa quite as much, if not more, than you, considering that in giving
+you a new possession they have preserved me an old one, which I began to
+suspect would desert me piece by piece. What, more?" he continued,
+laughing at his sister's almost scream of delight, as she undid the
+covering of a book, and found it to be the complete poem of the "Lady of
+the Lake," extracts of which she had read in the reviews, and so reveled
+in them, child as she was, as to commit them all to memory, with scarce
+an effort, only longing to know the whole story.
+
+"And now, Nelly, what is your secret? still larger than Tiny's; what can
+it be? Come, guess; I have you in my power, for you are not strong
+enough to race me as Em. would, and so I will be more merciful. What of
+all things would you like the best?--one, two, three guesses, and then
+I'll relieve you; I want to know if papa and mamma have looked into your
+secret chamber of wishes, as they have done in all of ours."
+
+"Do not be afraid of guessing, Ellen; you are so very quiet, that your
+secret chamber of wishes, as Percy calls it, is more concealed than any
+of the others," said her uncle, smiling; "I am always obliged to refer
+to your aunt."
+
+"Come, Nell, speak or I will indict you as unworthy of any thing. What
+did you say? a desk! Hurrah! then, there it is; and what a
+beauty--rosewood and mother-of-pearl--just fitted for an elegant young
+lady. How could mamma have found out so exactly? You have used the old
+shabby thing Herbert lent you, as quietly and contentedly as if there
+could not be a better. Do let us examine it!" and he dragged a table to
+her sofa, and displayed to the delighted child all its fittings-up, and
+its conveniences, and the pretty pen-holder and pencil-case, and fancy
+wafers, and sealing-wax, and a little gold seal with her own name, and
+every thing that could possibly be thought of. "And even a secret
+drawer," exclaimed Percy, quite proud of the discovery. "Do look,
+Ellen; why, you can keep all sorts of secrets there, for no one would be
+as clever as I am to find out the spring without being told, and of
+course I should not betray it:" and he laughingly sent away every body
+while he explained to Ellen the spring. For some little while longer did
+the young party examine and re-examine and talk of their own and each
+other's treasures. And then Mr. Hamilton bade them remember, that,
+though it was New Year's Eve, it was Sunday evening, too,[1] and that he
+had deferred the hour of evening prayer till ten, that they might have
+time to keep both, and so not lose the sacred music which was always
+part of their Sunday recreation, to put away their things, and adjourn
+to their music-room. And he was obeyed in a very few minutes; for though
+they might have preferred lingering and talking where they were, what
+exertion could be too great for those who so thought of, so cared for
+them?
+
+[Footnote 1: While passing through the press, the scene of the Family
+Tree has been strongly objected to by a valued Christian Friend, as
+being enacted on the Sunday evening. It was too late then to repair the
+error. The author can only express her sincere regret for a fault
+originating in an insufficient knowledge of the Christian feeling toward
+the Sabbath, and most earnestly trusts the error may be pardoned.]
+
+Returning happiness had had such a beneficial effect, that, though Ellen
+still looked pale enough for her aunt not to feel quite comfortable
+about her, she could walk without any return of pain, and in one or two
+hymns even join her voice with her cousins', though it was weaker than
+usual. However small in appearance the talent for music, still Mrs.
+Hamilton cultivated it, in her boys as well as her girls, simply for the
+sake of giving them home resources and amusements that could be pursued
+together; she thought it such a mistaken notion in education to imagine
+that only perfection was worth attaining in the fine arts, and that, if
+there were not talent enough for that, it was better not attempted. Many
+a home might have envied the feelings with which old and young, to the
+lowest domestics, sought their pillows that night; for Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton, so lavish in their indulgence to their children, never forgot
+that for their domestics and retainers there were also claims on New
+Year's Eve; and the servants' hall, and every cottage which called Mr.
+Hamilton landlord, had vied in happiness with his own.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had visited Ellen the last thing, to see that she was
+quite comfortable, and that there was no return of pain; and she was
+almost startled, and certainly still more bewildered as to how such a
+depth of feeling could exist with such a real childish liability to
+error, and why it should be so carefully concealed, by the way in which
+Ellen clung to her, as she bent over her to wish her good night, with
+the same unrestrained affection as her own Emmeline did so often, with
+the only difference, that with the latter it seemed always to spring
+from the very exuberance of happiness, which could only be thus
+displayed. With Ellen, this night, it appeared like some deep, quiet
+feeling, almost of devotion, and as if--though Mrs. Hamilton's sober
+reason tried to persuade her imagination that it was too much meaning to
+attach to a mere embrace--she would thus tell her how intensely she
+felt, not only the indulgence of that evening, but the true kindness and
+watchful love which had caused the preceding sorrow. She might have
+thought, as no doubt many of our readers will, that Ellen was much too
+young and too childish, to contrast her system of treatment with her
+poor mother's; that she felt her soothing care in her hours of physical
+suffering--her indulgent love making no distinction between her and her
+cousins--still the more keenly and gratefully, from the recollection of
+her own mother's constant preference of Edward, and utter neglect of
+her; and that this contrast so deepened the love she bore her aunt, that
+it exceeded in intensity even that borne toward her by her own
+children.--Adults will think this all very fanciful, and perhaps
+interesting, but wholly improbable. Mrs. Hamilton herself would have
+banished the idea, as too imaginary to be entertained seriously for a
+moment, as any guide for her conduct. Ellen herself could not have
+explained or told herself that so she felt; and yet, notwithstanding,
+all we have written was there, and _was_ the real prompter of that
+almost passionate embrace.
+
+"Bless you, my darling!" was Mrs. Hamilton's fond reply, instead of
+permitting the child to perceive the surprise it excited in herself; and
+Ellen sunk to sleep, almost more happy than ever, in her little life,
+she had felt before.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE CHILDREN'S BALL.
+
+
+If the thought of their promised ball were the first that entered the
+minds of the young party at Oakwood, as they opened their eyes on New
+Year's day, it was not very unnatural. Percy gloried in the anticipation
+of being master of the ceremonies, and in conducting the whole affair
+with such inimitable grace and gallantry, that every one should declare
+it was far superior to any party, old or young, of the season, except
+Mr. Howard's; that was beyond him, he said, for he could not put Mr.
+Howard's head on his shoulders. Herbert anticipated the enjoyment of
+Mary Greville's society, talking to and dancing with her undisturbed,
+and to hearing the almost universal remark, what a sweet girl she was.
+Edward did not exactly know what he expected, but he was in such a mood
+of hilarity and mischief, that the servants all declared Master
+Fortescue was "_mazed_." To Caroline their ball was almost always
+(though unconfessedly) the happiest evening in the year. She knew she
+was handsome--Annie Grahame had told her how very much she would be
+admired in London, and that if she were not her very dearest friend, she
+should envy her beauty terribly. She often in secret longed painfully
+for admiration and homage; and child as she still was in years, yet at
+her own house, and as Mr. Hamilton's eldest daughter, in addition to her
+real attractions, she always received both in sufficient measure, as to
+satisfy even herself. She delighted in those evenings when it so chanced
+that her brothers had young friends with them, making no hesitation in
+confessing that she very much preferred conversing with boys than with
+girls, there was so much more variety, more spirit; and though her
+mother's heart would actually tremble at the fearful ordeal which an
+introduction to the pleasures of the world would be to such a character,
+still she would not check the open expression of such sentiments by
+reproving them as wrong, and not to be encouraged. She knew that though
+education might do much, very much, it could not make natural characters
+all alike; nor, in fact, did she wish it. She did not grieve and
+complain that, with all her efforts she could not make Caroline give
+her as little trouble and anxiety as Emmeline, nor did she imagine that
+she should see the effect of her earnest prayers and cares all at once,
+or without constant relapses in the cherished object of her care. She
+did all she could to counteract a tendency which, situated as she would
+be when she entered life, must, without some strong, high principle,
+lead to suffering, and, perhaps, to sin--for what is coquetry? But she
+indulged in no idea of security, never believed that because she had so
+tried, so striven to sow the good seed, it could not fail to bring forth
+good fruit. She knew many trials might be in store for her; for how
+might she hope to pass through life blessed as she was then? It might
+please her Father in Heaven to try her faith and duty through those she
+loved so intensely; but if she failed not in her task, he would bring
+her joy at last.
+
+To Emmeline the idea of dancing was quite enough to be the acme of
+enjoyment. The only drawback was, that in the intervals of rest, there
+was to be a little music, and though her mother had excused her at Mr.
+Howard's, she knew that if anybody expressed a wish to hear her at her
+own house, play she must; and at those times she was half sorry she had
+chosen to learn the harp instead of the piano, as Caroline played so
+well on the latter instrument nobody would care to hear her; but the
+harp was rather a novelty, and no little girl who was coming played it,
+and so she was sadly afraid there was no escape for her, and that was
+very disagreeable, but she would not think about it till the time came;
+the dancing to such music as that which Mr. Hamilton had ordered from
+Plymouth was joy enough.
+
+Ellen though rather afraid of so many strangers, could not resist the
+general contagion of anticipated enjoyment. She did not indeed wake with
+the thought of the ball, but with the determination to learn the verse
+of the Psalm her aunt had pointed out, and go and say it to her in her
+dressing-room before she went down. And as the first verse was very
+short she learned two, and repeated them without missing a word, and so
+as if she quite understood them, that her aunt was very much pleased;
+and then Ellen could think of and join her brother's and cousins'
+delight, even though Mrs. Hamilton was obliged to be what she called
+very cruel, but what Ellen knew was very kind, though it did seem a
+restraint, and keep her very quiet all day, instead of letting her run
+about from room to room, as Emmeline and Edward, and even Percy did, for
+fear of another headache; and so well did quietness succeed, that she
+looked and was unusually well, and so was almost lively by the evening.
+
+Just before dinner, Percy, who had gone to ride, because he said he was
+sure he should get into some scrape if he did not give a natural vent to
+his spirits, galloped back in company with a gentleman, whose presence
+seemed to occasion him still greater excitement.
+
+"Where is my mother? and is my father at home?" he asked impatiently,
+flinging his horse's rein to Robert, desiring him to take every care of
+the gentleman's horse, as he should not let him leave Oakwood that
+night; and rushing across the hall threw open the door of their common
+sitting-room, and exclaimed--
+
+"Mother, give me a vote of thanks and praise for my invincible
+eloquence!--Here is this anchorite, this monk of the moor, who, when I
+first encountered him, seemed so doughty a denier of my wishes, actually
+conquered--led a slave to your feet; reward me by throwing all the
+fascinations you possibly can in his way, that he may only dream of his
+cold ride and desolate cottage on Dartmoor to-night."
+
+"Be quiet, madcap!" replied Mrs. Hamilton, rising with very evident
+pleasure, and coming forward with extended hand; "your noisy welcome
+will not permit mine to be heard. This is indeed, a pleasure, Mr.
+Morton," she added, addressing the young clergyman with that earnest
+kindness, which always goes to the heart, "and one that Mr. Hamilton
+will most highly appreciate--if, as I trust, the chains my son has
+thrown over you, are not so heavy as to become painful."
+
+"I should rather fear the pain will be in casting them off, Mrs.
+Hamilton, not in the wearing them," replied Mr. Morton, almost sadly;
+"it is the knowledge, that mingling as often in your home circle as Mr.
+Hamilton and my friend Percy desire, would wholly unfit me for the
+endurance of my loneliness, that keeps me so aloof, believe me.
+Inclination would act a very different part, but there was no resisting
+such eloquence and such happiness as his to-day," he continued, more
+gayly.
+
+And Mr. Hamilton and Herbert entering as he spoke, their greeting was
+quite as warm and eager as Percy's and his mother's, and Mr. Morton gave
+himself up, for the evening at least, to enjoyment. His own generous
+nature had been particularly struck by Percy's manly conduct with regard
+to his satire, and different as were their characters, a warm friendship
+from that moment commenced between them. It was impossible to resist
+Percy's warm-heartedness of word and deed; and that he would sometimes
+leave his luxurious home, and stay two or three days with Mr. Morton,
+seeming actually to enjoy the rude cottage and its desolate localities,
+and spread such a spirit of mirth within and around, that it was no
+wonder the afflicted young man looked to his society as almost his
+greatest pleasure, especially as he felt he dared not too often accept
+Mr. Hamilton's continually-proffered invitation. Oakwood was the home
+which had been his _beau ideal_ for long years, but which now seemed
+wholly unattainable. He felt himself doomed to solitude and suffering,
+and the struggle for content and cheerfulness was always more painful
+after he had been with his friends.
+
+When all preparations for the evening were concluded, even the
+respective toilets completed, Percy and Emmeline found it impossible to
+resist trying the spring, as they called it, of the oaken floors (whence
+the carpets had been removed), and amused themselves by waltzing in the
+largest circle they could make. The beautiful suite of rooms were all
+thrown open, and perceiving Caroline standing by the piano in an
+adjoining apartment, Percy called out--
+
+"Play us a waltz, Caroline, there's a love; the very liveliest you can
+find. Tiny and I want to try the boards while we can enjoy them to
+perfection, that is, when we are the only persons in the room."
+
+"You must excuse me, Percy," she replied somewhat pettishly. "I should
+think you would have dancing enough in the course of the evening; and
+what will our friends think, if they come and find me playing?"
+
+"Think? why, that you are very obliging, which at present you are not,"
+answered Percy, laughing; "never mind, Emmy; let us try what our united
+lungs will do."
+
+"You may if you like, Percy, but really I am not clever enough to dance
+and sing at the same time--I should have no breath left," was her as
+joyous rejoinder.
+
+"Come and dance, Caroline, if you will not play;" exclaimed Edward, who
+after decorating his button-hole with a sprig of holly, seemed seized
+with Percy's dancing-mania. "Do give me an opportunity of practicing the
+graces before I am called upon to display them."
+
+"My love of dancing is not so great as to attempt it without music, so
+practice by yourself, Edward," was Caroline's quick reply.
+
+"Without spectators, you mean, Lina," observed her brother, very dryly;
+and as Emmeline begged him not to tease her, he asked--
+
+"What has put her in this ill-humor, Emmy?"
+
+"Oh, I don't know exactly; but if you let her alone, she will soon
+recover it."
+
+"Well, to please you, I will; for you look so pretty to-night, I can not
+resist you."
+
+"Take care, Percy, if you try to turn my head with such speeches, I
+shall go to Edward, and punish you by not waltzing with you," said his
+little sister, shaking her head at him with a comic species of reproach.
+
+"That's right, Emmy; do not take flattery even from a brother," said her
+father, coming forward with a smile; "but will you not tire yourself by
+dancing already?"
+
+"Oh, no, papa; I feel as if I could dance all night without stopping."
+
+"Not with me, Emmeline," rejoined Percy, shrugging his shoulders with
+horror at the idea; "I should cry you mercy, before one half the time
+had elapsed."
+
+"But if you are not to be tired, will you not spoil your dress, and
+disorder all these flowing curls," continued Mr. Hamilton, "and surely
+that will be a great misfortune."
+
+"Indeed it will not, papa; Percy has surely too much regard for me, to
+willfully hurt my frock, and if my hair should be so troublesome as to
+get out of order, Fanny will re-arrange it in a few minutes."
+
+"If you wish to cause alarm on that score, my dear father," said Percy,
+with marked emphasis, "You must go to Caroline, not to Emmeline. Thank
+goodness, I have one sister above such petty misfortunes."
+
+"Are you not too hard upon Caroline, Percy?"
+
+"Yes, papa, he is indeed; do not mind what he says," answered Emmeline,
+very eagerly; but Percy said impetuously--
+
+"I am not, Emmeline. I would lay any wager that some thing has gone
+wrong with her dressing, to-night, and so made her pettish. Her frock is
+not smart enough, or she does not wear the ornaments she wished, or some
+such thing."
+
+Caroline had fortunately quitted the music-room, or this speech would
+not have tended to restore her serenity; but before Mr. Hamilton could
+reply, Edward, who had been to seek Ellen, burst into the room
+exclaiming--
+
+"Now, Percy, we may have a proper waltz; aunt Emmeline says we may have
+just one before any one comes, and here she is to play for us, and Ellen
+for my partner," and they enjoyed it in earnest. Mr. Hamilton watched
+them for a few minutes, and then went to seek his elder girl.
+
+She was alone in a little room prepared for refreshments, tastefully
+arranging some beautiful flowers in a bouquet. She looked up as he
+entered, and so smiled that her fond father thought Percy must be wrong,
+for there certainly seemed no trace of ill-temper.
+
+"Why are you not with your brothers and sister in the drawing-room, my
+dear? and why did you just now refuse your brother such a trifling favor
+as playing a waltz?" he asked, but so kindly, that Caroline, though she
+blushed deeply, instantly replied--
+
+"Because, papa, my temper was not quite restored; I went into the
+music-room to try mamma's remedy of solitude for a few minutes, but
+Percy spoke to me before I had succeeded. I know I answered him
+pettishly, but indeed, papa," she added, looking up earnestly in his
+face, "indeed he is very provoking sometimes."
+
+"I know he is, my love; he does not always know how to time his jokes,
+or to make sufficient allowance for dispositions not exactly like his
+own; but tell me, what first occasioned temper so to fail that solitude
+was necessary."
+
+Caroline's blush became still deeper, and she turned away her head
+saying, very hesitatingly--
+
+"For such a very, _very_ silly reason, papa, that I do not like to tell
+you."
+
+"Nay, my dear, do not fear that I shall either laugh at or reproach you.
+If you feel yourself how very silly it was, I am not afraid of its
+gaining too great ascendency, even if you fail again."
+
+"It was only--only--that I was not quite satisfied with the dress mamma
+desired me to wear to-night, papa; that was all, indeed."
+
+"You wished, perhaps, to wear a smarter one, my love," replied her
+father, kissing her glowing cheek so affectionately, that the pain of
+her confession was instantly soothed; "but, indeed, I think mamma has
+shown a much better taste. It requires more care than you are yet
+perhaps aware of to dress so exactly according to our age and station,
+as to do ourselves justice, and yet excite no unpleasant feelings in
+those of a lower, and no contempt in those of a higher grade. Many of
+our friends who are coming to-night could not afford to dress their
+children as we might ours, and do you not think it would be both
+inhospitable and unkind, by being over-dressed, to excite any unpleasant
+feeling of inferiority in their minds, when actually none exists? for
+difference of fortune alone can never constitute inferiority. I am
+wizard enough to guess that was mamma's reason for your being attired so
+simply and yet so prettily to-night, and equally wizard enough to guess
+your reason for wishing to be smarter--shall I tell it you?" he added,
+playfully. "Because you fancy Miss Grahame will be attired in such a
+very fashionable London costume, that yours will appear so very plain
+and so childish. I see by that conscious smile, I have guessed
+correctly; but, indeed, I would not exchange my dear ingenuous Caroline,
+even were she attired in the cottager's stuff frock for Annie Grahame,
+did she bring worlds as her dowry. And as you like ornaments, wear
+this," he added, tastefully twining a superb sprig of scarlet geranium
+in the rich dark hair that shaded Caroline's noble brow; "and if mamma
+inquires, tell her your father placed it there, as a token of his
+approbation, for temper conquered and truth unhesitatingly spoken--spite
+of pain."
+
+Caroline's brilliant eye sparkled with a more delightful sense of
+pleasure than any triumph of dress could have bestowed, and in answer to
+her father's inquiry, for whom she had arranged such a beautiful
+bouquet, she said--
+
+"It is for mamma, dear papa--Emmeline is always before me; but I think
+the idea of to-night's enjoyment has so bewildered her, that she has
+forgotten it, so I may just have time to present it before any one
+comes," and she hastened with her father to the drawing-room, where she
+found Mrs. Greville and her two children (for Alfred was at home for a
+few months), in addition to Mr. Morton and their own family group; and
+the young clergyman could not but admire the natural grace with which
+Caroline, after warmly welcoming her guests, presented her flowers to
+her mother. It was a very little thing, but the joys and griefs of home
+are almost all made up of little things, and Mrs. Hamilton was pleased,
+not from the attention alone, but that it proved, trifling as it was,
+that the annoyance and discontent which her command had occasioned in
+her child had left no unkind feeling behind them; and the manner with
+which she received it made Caroline very happy, for she had inwardly
+feared her ill-temper not only deserved, but had excited her mother's
+displeasure.
+
+Emmeline's look of disappointment and self-reproach at her own unusual
+forgetfulness was so irresistibly comic, that Percy and Edward burst
+into an immoderate fit of laughter, which the former only checked to ask
+Caroline where she had been, and what she had done, to produce such an
+extraordinary change for the better in her appearance in so short a
+time.
+
+"Oh, you have no right to my secrets, Percy," was her perfectly
+good-humored reply; "I do not think I shall answer you, except by having
+the charity to refer you to papa, who has produced the change."
+
+"By means of this pretty flower then, I imagine," said Mrs. Hamilton;
+"its power I do not pretend to know, but the taste with which it is
+placed might vie with that of the most fashionable artiste of the
+metropolis. Mrs. Greville, do unite with me in congratulating Mr.
+Hamilton on his new accomplishment."
+
+The rapid succession of arrivals prevented any further remark, and very
+speedily the inspiring sound of the beautiful music, which was stationed
+in a sort of ante-chamber between the drawing-room and ball-room,
+removed any thing like stiffness or reserve which the younger guests
+might have at first experienced among themselves. After two or three
+quadrilles, the spirit of enjoyment seemed to reign alone, not only
+among the dancers themselves, but even those who sat out and talked,
+either from preference or because the sets were full. Percy, his
+brother, and cousin, were so active, so universal in their attention and
+politeness, that all had the same measure of enjoyment; there was no
+sitting down four or five times consecutively for any one, and therefore
+neither weariness nor dissatisfaction. Where there is a great desire in
+the givers of a party to make every one as happy as themselves, and
+thoroughly to enjoy it, they seldom fail to succeed. And there was such
+a variety of amusements in the various rooms that were thrown open,
+suitable for all ages--from the mammas and papas to the youngest child,
+that it was scarcely possible to feel any thing but pleasure. Very many
+sets had been formed and danced before the Grahame family appeared, and
+as Caroline glanced at her friend and even at her little sister, it
+required a very vivid recollection of her father's words to prevent a
+feeling of false shame, while Annie looked at Emmeline and even her
+favorite Caroline for a few minutes with almost contempt.
+
+"People talk so very much of Mrs. Hamilton's taste," she thought, "but
+she can have none in dress, that's certain--why no one could distinguish
+her daughters from the poorest gentleman's here!--But no one can mistake
+my rank. Thank goodness, there is not a dress like mine--how it will be
+envied!"
+
+If looks were evidence of envy, Annie had them to her heart's content,
+but how would she have been mortified, could she have read the secret
+meaning of those looks, the contrast drawn between the manners and
+appearance of Lady Helen's daughters and those of the Honorable Mrs.
+Hamilton. Lady Helen herself, indeed, when she saw Caroline and
+Emmeline, was quite provoked that she had been so weak as to permit, and
+even encourage Annie, to select her own and her sister's costume.
+
+"You are so late," said Mrs. Hamilton, as she came forward to greet
+them, "that I almost gave you up, fearing I don't exactly know what. I
+do hope nothing unpleasant has occasioned it."
+
+"Oh, no," was Mr. Grahame's reply, and it was almost bitter; "only Miss
+Grahame was so dreadfully afraid of being unfashionably early, that her
+mother did not choose to come before--indeed, my patience and my little
+Lilla's was so exhausted, that we thought of leaving Cecil to be their
+beau, and coming alone an hour ago." Lady Helen's look of entreaty at
+Mrs. Hamilton was answered by her saying directly--
+
+"I suppose Annie was thinking of her London parties, and forgot how
+completely Gothic we are as to hours and every thing else in Devonshire.
+But you must try and forget such superior pleasures to-night, my dear
+girl," she added, jestingly, though the young lady felt it rather
+uncomfortably as earnest, "or I fear you will find but little
+amusement." Alfred Greville at that moment came to claim Annie as his
+partner, and she gladly joined him, for though Mrs. Hamilton had
+"certainly no taste in dress," she never felt quite at her ease in her
+presence. Cecil and Lilla were soon provided with little partners, and
+dancing with much more real delight than their sister.
+
+It was scarcely possible for any one, much less a parent, to look at
+Caroline that night without admiration. She was so animated, so
+graceful, so pleasing, and as such completely the center of attraction
+(and really without any effort on her part) to all the gentlemen, young
+or old in the room. The lads congregated round her, and it was rather a
+difficult task to keep clear of offense, when so very many more
+entreated her to dance than the length of the evening permitted; but she
+managed to talk to all, and yet not to neglect any of her own sex, for
+she always refused to dance, if she fancied her being in a quadrille
+prevented any couple who had not danced so much, and at those times
+contrived to conciliate five or six instead of only one. Emmeline took
+charge of the younger children, often refusing to dance with older boys,
+who would have made her much pleasanter partners, that she might join
+the little quadrille and set them all right.
+
+"I am really glad to see Ellen among us to-night, and seeming truly to
+enjoy herself," said Mrs. Greville, addressing Mrs. Hamilton, who was
+standing rather apart at the moment, watching Caroline with such mingled
+feelings of pride and dread, that she was quite glad when her friend's
+voice disturbed her train of thought. "She looked so ill in church
+yesterday, that I half feared we should not see her. I told her I was
+quite grieved that she was too unwell to be at Mr. Howard's last Friday,
+and--"
+
+"What did she say?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, anxiously.
+
+"That it was not illness which prevented her; but she looked so confused
+and pained that I changed the subject directly, and the smile soon came
+back."
+
+"You touched on a very painful theme," replied Mrs. Hamilton, with real
+relief; "Ellen and I were not quite as good friends as we usually are,
+last week, and my poor little girl felt my severity more than I imagined
+or meant. I gave her to your dear Mary's especial care to-night, for she
+is so timid, that left quite to herself, I was afraid it would be more
+pain than pleasure. Mary has taken my hint most admirably, for Ellen
+seems quite happy."
+
+"It would be rather hard, if your little niece's were the only sad face
+in this scene of enjoyment; surely, if ever there were happiness without
+alloy, it is here."
+
+"If you think so Mrs. Greville, you will agree with my friend Morton,
+who has just been half poetizing half philosophizing on this scene,"
+said Mr. Hamilton joining them, with the young clergyman leaning on his
+arm. "He says there is something singularly interesting in watching the
+countenances and movements of children, and in tracing the dawnings of
+respective characters."
+
+"You are not one of those, then, who think childhood a mere negative
+species of existence," rejoined Mrs. Greville.
+
+"Indeed I do not; there is much more pleasure to me in watching such a
+scene, than a similar one of adults. It is full of that kind of poetry,
+which, from the beauty and freshness of the present, creates a future of
+happiness or sorrow, good or evil, as something in each countenance
+seems dimly to foretell. How many will be the longing thoughts thrown
+back in after years upon to-night!"
+
+"Do you think then childhood the happiest season of life?"
+
+He answered in the affirmative, but Mr. Hamilton shook his head.
+
+"I differ from you, my good friend," he said. "Childhood feels its
+griefs as bitterly as those of maturer years. We are apt to think it was
+all joy in the retrospect, perhaps because it has not the anxiety and
+cares of riper years, but sorrow itself is felt as keenly. From reason
+not being perfectly formed, the difficulty to control self-will, to
+acquiesce in the, to them, incomprehensible wishes of parents or
+guardians, the restraint they are often compelled to use, must be all
+trials even to well-regulated children, and to those subject to the
+caprices of weakness, indolence, neglect, indulgence at one time, and
+tyranny at another, feelings disbelieved in, and therefore never studied
+or soothed--the little heart thrown back upon itself--Morton, believe
+me, these are trials as full of suffering, and as hard to be endured, as
+those which belong to manhood."
+
+"You may be right," replied Morton; "but do you not think there is an
+elasticity in childhood which flings off sorrow, and can realize
+happiness sooner than older years?"
+
+"Undoubtedly, and most happy it is that they are so constituted, else
+what would become of them if their susceptibilities for either joy or
+sorrow are equally quick. If the former did not balance the latter, how
+would their tender frames and quick affections bear their burden? The
+idea that childhood is in itself the happiest season in life is so far
+mischievous, that it prevents the necessary care and watchfulness, which
+alone can make it so. But we must not philosophize any more, for it has
+made us all grave. I see my wife is addressing Miss Grahame, and I think
+it is for music. Come, Morton, take Mrs. Greville to the music-room, and
+woo melody instead of poetry for the next half hour. Miss Grahame
+promises to be a very fair musician, so you will be charmed."
+
+They adjourned to the music-room, where Percy had already gallantly
+conducted Annie, and several of the guests, young and old, seconded the
+move: Annie Grahame really played remarkably well, so far as execution
+and brilliancy were concerned, and Mrs. Hamilton was delighted at the
+expression of Grahame's face as he listened to his child and the
+applause she excited. "Why will he not try to win his home-affections,"
+she thought, "when he is so formed to enjoy them? and why, why has Helen
+so indolently, so foolishly cast away her happiness?" was the thought
+that followed at the contrast which Lady Helen's face presented to her
+husband's; she knew Annie played well, she had heard it from very
+superior judges, and how could it concern her what the present company
+thought?
+
+A very pretty vocal duet from the two sisters followed, and soon
+afterward Caroline approached the music-stand, near which Percy and Mr.
+Morton were talking, and Percy, with his usual love of provoking,
+exclaimed--
+
+"You surely are not going to play after Miss Grahame, Caroline. If your
+powers deserted you a few hours ago, and prevented the execution of a
+waltz, they would certainly do you a charity in deserting you completely
+now."
+
+Caroline's cheek burned, but she answered, with spirit--
+
+"Mamma desired me to oblige my friends, Percy; and she would not do so,
+if she thought I should disgrace myself or her."
+
+"Do not heed your brother, Miss Hamilton," interposed Mr. Morton, taking
+the music from her, and offering her his arm to lead her to the piano.
+"I have had the pleasure of hearing you often, and those who can not
+find an equal, if not superior charm in your playing to Miss Grahame's
+do not deserve to listen."
+
+"Nay, you must be flattering, Mr. Morton; think of Annie's advantages."
+
+"Indeed, my dear Miss Hamilton, yours exceed hers; no master's heart is
+in his pupil's progress, as a mother's in her child's, even should she
+not teach, but merely superintend."
+
+Caroline was seated at the instrument as he spoke, and there was
+something in his few words touching a right chord; for as she began to
+play she certainly thought more of her mother than any one else; and
+determined, if possible, that others should think with Mr. Morton,
+forgetting at the moment that very few, except their own immediate
+circle, knew whose pupil she was, not imagining that the mistress of
+Oakwood and its large possessions could have time or inclination for
+any part of the education of her daughters. Morton was certainly right
+as to the amount of admiration, equaling, if not surpassing, that
+bestowed on Miss Grahame; there was a soul, a depth of expression and
+feeling, in Caroline's far simpler piece, that won its way to the heart
+at once, and if it did not surprise as much, it pleased more, and
+excited an earnest wish to listen to her again.
+
+"Does not your younger daughter play?" inquired a lady, who had been
+much attracted with Emmeline.
+
+"Very little, compared with her sister," replied Mrs. Hamilton; "she is
+not nearly so fond of it, and therefore does not devote so much time to
+its acquirement just yet."
+
+"Do you think it right to permit children to follow their own
+inclinations with regard to their education?" asked another rather
+stern-looking lady, with much surprise.
+
+"Only with regard to their accomplishments; my Emmeline is as fond of
+drawing as Caroline is of music, and therefore I indulge her by
+permitting her to give more time to the one, than to the other."
+
+"But do you think natural taste can be traced so early? that it can be
+distinguished from idleness or perverseness?"
+
+"Indeed, I do," replied Mrs. Hamilton, earnestly. "If a child be allowed
+leisure to choose its own pursuits, and not always confined to the
+routine of a school-room, natural taste for some employment in
+preference to another will, I think, always display itself. Not that I
+would depend entirely on that, because I think it right and useful to
+cultivate a taste for all the fine arts, only giving more time to that
+which is the favorite. My niece has shown no decided taste for any
+particular pursuit yet; but I do not neglect the cultivation of
+accomplishments on that account; if, in a few years, a preference
+manifests itself, it will be quite time enough to work hard at that
+particular branch."
+
+"Is that pretty little harp used by either of your daughters?" inquired
+the first speaker. "It looks very much as if it were the especial
+property of my engaging little friend."
+
+"Your guess is correct," replied Mrs. Hamilton, smiling "Emmeline was
+quite sure she should hate music, if she must learn the great ugly
+piano. If she might only have a harp, she would do all she could to
+learn, and she really has."
+
+"And may we not hear her?"
+
+"When the room is not quite so full: she has not half her sister's
+confidence, and so large an audience would frighten away all her little
+powers; but I will promise you a very sweet song instead," she added, as
+Herbert approached, and eagerly whispered some request. "That is, if my
+persuasions can prevail on my young friend; Mrs. Greville, must I ask
+your influence, or will mine be enough?"
+
+"What, with Mary? I rather think, your request in this case will be of
+more weight than mine;" and a few minutes afterward Mrs. Hamilton led
+the blushing, timid girl in triumph to the piano. Her voice, which was
+peculiarly sweet and thrilling, though not strong, trembled audibly as
+she commenced; but Herbert was turning over the leaves of her music, his
+mother was standing close beside her, and after the first few bars her
+enthusiastic spirit forgot the presence of all, save those she loved,
+and the spirit of her song.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton never listened to and looked at her at such moments
+without a trembling foreboding she vainly struggled to overcome. There
+was something in those deep blue, earnest eyes, the hectic color that
+with the least exertion rose to her cheek, the transparency of
+complexion, the warm and elevated spirit, the almost angel temper and
+endurance in her peculiarly tried lot, that scarcely seemed of earth;
+and never was that sad foreboding stronger than at that moment, as she
+looked round the crowd of young and happy faces, and none seemed to
+express the same as Mary's. She could scarcely command her voice and
+smile sufficiently to warmly thank her young favorite as she ceased; but
+Mary was more than satisfied by the fond pressure of her hand.
+
+This little interruption to the actual business of the evening only
+increased the zest and enjoyment, when dancing recommenced. Even the
+call to supper was obeyed with reluctance, and speedily accomplished,
+that they might return the sooner to the ball-room. The hours had worn
+away, it seemed, on gossamer-wings, and as each happy child felt assured
+that the delight could not last much longer, the longing to dance to the
+very last moment seemed to increase. Emmeline's excitable spirit had
+thrown off all alloy, for it was quite impossible any one would think of
+asking her to play now; she had arranged all the remaining couples--for
+the room had begun very much to thin--for the favorite haymaker's
+country dance,[2] and accepting Edward as her own partner, and being
+unanimously desired to take the top, led off her young friends with such
+spirit and grace, and so little semblance of fatigue, that it certainly
+appeared as if she would verify her own words, and dance all night.
+
+[Footnote 2: A country dance, the author believes, peculiar to
+Devonshire, for she has never seen it danced elsewhere.]
+
+Miss Grahame had declared it was much too great a romp, and declined
+joining it. Caroline, who would have enjoyed it, more out of politeness
+to her friend than inclination, sat down with her, and a cheerful group
+of some of the older lads, and one or two young ladies, joined them.
+Herbert and Mary finding the quadrille for which they were engaged,
+changed to a dance for which, though they had quite the spirit, they had
+not the physical strength, enjoyed a quiet chat instead, and Ellen
+seated herself by her favorite Mary, declining, from fatigue, Alfred
+Greville's entreaty that she would second Emmeline.
+
+"I declare I could dance myself with that merry group," exclaimed Mr.
+Grahame, after watching them some time, and all his austerity banished
+by the kindly spirit of the evening. "Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Greville, do
+one of you take pity on me, and indulge my fancy."
+
+Both ladies laughingly begged to be excused, offering, however, to
+introduce him to a partner.
+
+"No; it must be one of you or none at all. That little sylph of yours,
+Mrs. Hamilton, seems inclined to dance for you and herself too. What a
+pretty couple she and that handsome cousin of hers make! And there goes
+my little Lilla--I do hope I may have one really happy child. What,
+tired, Percy--compelled to give up--absolutely exhausted?"
+
+"Indeed I am," answered Percy, who had waltzed his partner very cleverly
+out of the line, and, after giving her a seat, threw himself on a large
+ottoman.
+
+"Mother, if you do not put a stop to Emmeline's proceedings, her
+strength will entirely fail, and down she and Edward will go, and the
+rest follow, just like a pack of cards. Do, pray, prevent such a
+catastrophe, for I assure you it is not in the least unlikely."
+
+The gravity with which he spoke caused a general laugh; but Mrs.
+Hamilton, feeling by the length of time the fatiguing dance had lasted,
+there was really some truth in his words, desired the musicians to stop;
+causing an exclamation of regret and disappointment from many youthful
+lips, and Emmeline and Edward ran up to her, to entreat that they might
+go on little longer. Mrs. Hamilton, however, refused; and Edward
+yielded directly, but Emmeline was so much excited, that obedience was
+most unusually difficult; and when her mother desired her to sit down
+quietly for ten minutes, and then come to the music-room, as Mrs. Allan
+most particularly wished to hear her play before she left, she answered,
+with more petulance than she was at all aware of--
+
+"I am sure I can not play a note now--it will be no use trying."
+
+"Emmeline!" exclaimed her mother, adding, gravely, "I am afraid you have
+danced too much, instead of not enough."
+
+The tone, still more than the words, was enough; poor Emmeline was just
+in that mood when tears are quite as near as smiles; her own petulance
+seemed to reproach her too, and she suddenly burst into tears. Many
+exclamations of sympathy and condolence burst from her mother's
+friends:--"Poor child!" "She has over-tired herself!" "We cannot expect
+her to play now!"--but Mrs. Greville saying, with a smile, that her
+little friend's tears were always the very lightest April showers,
+successfully turned the attention of many from her; while Mrs. Hamilton
+taking her hand from her face, merely said, in a low voice--
+
+"Do not make me more ashamed of you, Emmeline. What would papa think if
+he were to see you now?" Her little girl's only answer was to bury her
+face still more closely in her mother's dress, very much as if she would
+like to hide herself entirely; but on Mrs. Allan saying, very kindly--
+
+"Do not distress yourself, my dear. I would not have asked to hear you
+play, if I had thought you would dislike it so much. I dare say you are
+very tired, and so think you will not succeed."
+
+She raised her head directly, shook back the fair ringlets that had
+fallen over her face, and though the tears were still on her cheeks and
+filling her eyes, she said, with a blending of childish shyness and yet
+courageous truth, impossible to be described--
+
+"No, ma'am, I am not too tired to play--I did not cry from fatigue,
+but because I was angry with mamma for not letting me dance any
+more, and angry with myself for answering her so pettishly; and
+because--because--I thought she was displeased, and that I deserved it."
+
+"Then come and redeem your character," was Mrs. Hamilton's only notice
+of a reply that actually made her heart throb with thankfulness, that
+her lessons of truth were so fully understood and practiced by one
+naturally so gentle and timid as her Emmeline: while Mrs. Allan knew not
+what to answer, from a feeling of involuntary respect. It would have
+been so easy to escape a disagreeable task by tacitly allowing that she
+was too tired to play; and what careful training must it have been to
+have so taught truth.
+
+"Mrs. Allan would not ask you before, because she knew you did not like
+to play while the room was so very full; therefore, ought you not to do
+your very best to oblige her?"
+
+Emmeline looked timidly up in her mother's face to be quite sure that
+her displeasure had subsided, as her words seemed to denote; and quite
+satisfied, her tears were all checked, and taking Mrs. Allan's offered
+hand, she went directly to the music-room.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton lingered to desire Herbert (who had come up to know the
+cause of his sister's sudden tears) to form the last quadrille, and
+reserve a place, if he possibly could, for Emmeline, as they would not
+begin till she had done. Her little girl was playing as she rejoined
+her, and it really was a pretty picture, her fairy figure with her tiny
+harp, and her sweet face seeming to express the real feeling with which
+she played. There was no execution in the simple Highland air, but her
+vivid imagination lent it a meaning, and so, when fairly playing, she
+did not mind it. Mrs. Allan had lost a little girl just at Emmeline's
+age, who had also played the harp, and there was something in her caress
+and thanks, after she had done, that made Emmeline stand quietly at her
+side, without heeding the praises that were lavished round her. Herbert
+at that moment appeared with one of the young Allans.
+
+"Come, Emmy, we are only waiting for you; Mr. Allan says you have not
+favored him to-night, and he hopes you will now."
+
+"Pray, do," added Mrs. Allan, as her son gayly pleaded his own cause;
+Emmeline only waited to read her mother's consent in her eyes, for she
+thought that she ought not to dance any more; and in another minute the
+joyous music had resounded, and she was dancing and chatting as gayly
+and happily as if there had been no interruption to her joy.
+
+"And you will leave all these delights to imprison yourself in a
+man-of-war?" asked Mr. Grahame, jestingly of Edward while waiting for
+his wife and daughters, who were the last departures (much to Annie's
+horror, for it was so unfashionable to be quite the last), to be cloaked
+and shawled.
+
+"Imprison!" was his very indignant reply, "and on the wide, free,
+glorious ocean! flying on the wings of the wind wherever we please, and
+compelling the flag of every land to acknowledge ours! No, Mr. Grahame;
+you landsmen don't know what liberty is, if you talk of imprisonment in
+a ship! We take our home wherever we go, which you landsmen can not do,
+though you do so poetize on the maternal properties of Old Mother
+Earth."
+
+"Only hear him, Hamilton," exclaimed Grahame, laughing heartily; "any
+one would think he had been a sailor all his little life. You talk
+boldly now, my boy, but you may change your tone when you have once
+tried the cockpit."
+
+"I do not think I shall," answered Edward, earnestly; "I know there are
+many hardships, and I dare say I shall find them more disagreeable than
+I can possibly imagine; but I shall get used to them; it is so cowardly
+to care for hardships."
+
+"And is it no grief to give up all the pleasures of land?"
+
+"I exchange them for others more delightful still."
+
+"And the sea is to be your sister, uncle, aunt, and
+cousins--altogether?"
+
+"Yes all," replied Edward, laughing; adding, as he put his arm
+affectionately round Ellen, "my sister has so many kind friends that she
+will be able to spare me till I am old enough to do all a brother
+ought."
+
+"You are a good fellow, Edward, and I see I must not talk of parting, if
+I would preserve this evening's pleasure unalloyed," Grahame said, as he
+laid his hand kindly on Ellen's head, and then turned to obey the
+summons of his wife.
+
+The young party, no doubt, felt that it would be infinitely more
+agreeable to sit up all night, and talk of the only too quickly
+concluded enjoyment, than to retire to their respective pillows; but the
+habits of Oakwood were somewhat too well regulated for such dissipation,
+though, no doubt, their _dream-land_ that night, was peopled with the
+pleasant shadows of reality, and, according to their respective sources
+of enjoyment, brought back their evening's happiness again and again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+EFFECTS OF PLEASURE.--THE YOUNG MIDSHIPMAN.--ILL-TEMPER, ITS ORIGIN AND
+CONSEQUENCES.
+
+
+The return to the quiet routine of work, and less exciting recreation
+after the Christmas pleasures, was of course a trial to all our young
+friends. Not so much to the boys, as to their sisters; Percy's elastic
+spirits found pleasure in every thing, being somewhat too old to care
+for his studies, or feel them now as a restraint. Herbert only exchanged
+one kind of happiness for another. Edward looked to every month that
+passed, as bringing nearer the attainment of his wishes; and he was so
+fond of Mr. Howard, and so quick at learning, and such a favorite with
+all his schoolfellows, that he did not care at all when the time of work
+came again. Ellen and Emmeline both found it very difficult to like
+their lessons again; especially the latter, who felt as if work and
+regularity were most particularly disagreeable things, and sometimes was
+almost in despair as to her ever enjoying them again; but she tried very
+hard to overcome indolence, and never give way to petulance, and
+succeeded, so as to win her the delight of both her parents'
+approbation. Indulgence always made her feel as if no effort on her part
+was too great to prove how much she felt it; and when any one, old or
+young, experiences this sort of feeling, they need never be afraid but
+that they will succeed in their efforts, painful and hard as they may at
+first seem. It was not so difficult for Ellen as for Emmeline, because
+she was less able to realize such an intensity of pleasure. She seemed
+safer when regularly employed; and besides, to work hard at her
+respective studies, was one of the very few things which she could do to
+prove how much she loved her aunt; and accustomed from such early
+childhood to conquer inclination, and, in fact, never to fancy pleasure
+and indulgence were her due, there was happiness enough for her even in
+their more regular life: but to Caroline the change was actually
+unbearable. While admiration and praise only incited Emmeline to greater
+exertions, they caused Caroline completely to relax in hers, and to
+give, in consequence, as much trouble and annoyance as she had received
+pleasure. The perseverance in her various studies, especially in music,
+the unceasing control over her temper, which _before_ the holidays she
+had so striven for, had now entirely given way. It was much less trouble
+for her to learn than Emmeline, therefore her studies with Miss Harcourt
+were generally well performed; but the admiration she had excited made
+her long for more, and believe herself a person deserving much more
+consideration and respect than she received from her own family. These
+thoughts persisted in, of course, produced and retained ill-temper;
+which, as there was no longer any fear of her being debarred by its
+indulgence from any pleasure, she made no attempt to overcome. The
+praise bestowed on her music, made her fancy herself a much greater
+proficient than she really was, and though her love of music was great,
+her love of praise was greater; and so she not only relaxed in her
+practice, but inwardly murmured at the very little praise she received
+from her mother.
+
+"How can you give mamma so much trouble, Caroline, when you know you can
+do so much better?" Herbert exclaimed, one day, when an attack of
+weakness, to which he was liable, had confined him to a sofa.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton, after giving her usual hour's lesson, in which Caroline
+had chosen to do nothing, had left her in very evident displeasure, and
+even Herbert was roused to most unusual indignation.
+
+"What is the use of practicing day after day?" was her angry reply; "I
+am sure I should play just as well if I practiced less."
+
+"You did not think so a month ago, Caroline."
+
+"No, because then I had something to practice for."
+
+"And have you nothing now?--Is mamma's approbation nothing?--Is the
+pleasure you give all of us, by your talent for music, nothing?--Oh,
+Caroline, why will you throw away so much real gratification, for the
+vain desire of universal admiration?"
+
+"There surely can be no harm, Herbert, in wishing to be universally
+loved and admired."
+
+"There is, when it makes you discontented and unhappy, and blind to the
+love and admiration of your home. What is the praise of strangers worth,
+compared to that of those who love you best?"
+
+"There is not much chance of my receiving either at present," was the
+cold reply.
+
+"Because you will not try for the one most easily and happily obtained;
+and even without thinking of praise, how can you be so ungrateful, as to
+repay all mamma's care and trouble by the indolence, coldness, and
+almost insolence, you have shown to-day? How few mothers of her rank
+would--"
+
+"You may spare your sermon, Herbert; for at this moment I am not
+disposed either to listen to or profit by it," interrupted Caroline, and
+she left the room in anger. A faint flush rose to the pale cheek of her
+brother, but he quickly conquered the natural irritation, and sought his
+mother, by every fond attention on his part, to remove the pain of
+Caroline's conduct.
+
+This continued for about a fortnight, at the end of which time, Caroline
+suddenly resumed her music with assiduity, and there were no more
+ebullitions of ill-temper. Herbert hoped his expostulations were taking
+effect; Mrs. Hamilton trusted that her child was becoming sensible of
+her past folly, and trying to conquer it, and banish its memory herself:
+both, however, were mistaken. Annie Grahame had imparted to her friend,
+in strict confidence, that her mother intended giving a grand ball about
+the end of February, and meant to entreat Mrs. Hamilton, as a personal
+favor, to let Caroline be present. Caroline little knew the very slight
+foundation Annie had for this assertion. Lady Helen had merely said,
+_perhaps_ she would ask; and this was only said, because she was too
+indolent and weak to say "No" at once. Not that she had any unkind
+feeling toward Caroline, but simply because she was perfectly certain
+Mrs. Hamilton would not consent, and to persuade as earnestly as Annie
+wished was really too much trouble.
+
+Caroline's wishes in this instance triumphed over her better judgment,
+for had she allowed herself to think soberly, she ought to have known
+her mother's principles of action sufficiently, not to entertain the
+slightest hope of going.
+
+The invitations (three weeks' notice) for her parents and brothers came.
+In them she did not expect to be included, but when above a week passed,
+and still not a word was said, disappointment took the place of hope,
+and it was only the still lingering belief that she might go, even at
+the last moment, that prevented the return of ill-temper.
+
+Now Lady Helen really had asked, though she did not persuade; and Mrs.
+Hamilton thanked her, but, as she expected, decidedly refused. "Caroline
+was much too young," she said, "for such a party. Did she know any thing
+about being asked?" Lady Helen said, with truth, that she had not
+mentioned the subject to her, and had desired Annie to be equally
+silent.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton quite forgot that Miss Grahame was not famous for
+obedience, and, relying on her friend's assurance, determined on not
+saying any thing to Caroline about it; wishing to spare her the pain
+which she knew her refusal would inflict. As it happened, it would have
+been better if she had spoken. The weather had prevented Caroline from
+seeing Annie, but she was quite sure she would not deceive her; and her
+proud heart rebelled against her mother, not only for refusing Lady
+Helen's request, but for treating her so much like a child, as to hide
+that refusal from her. Under the influence of such thoughts, of course,
+her temper became more and more difficult to control and as a natural
+consequence, anger and irritation against her mother, and self-reproach
+for the indulgence of such feelings increased, till she became actually
+miserable.
+
+It happened that about this time Miss Harcourt left Oakwood for a week
+on a visit to an invalid friend at Dartmouth. Mrs. Hamilton had given
+her full liberty, promising that her pupils should lose nothing by her
+absence. She left on the Saturday, and the Thursday was Lady Helen's
+ball. On the Monday, Mr. Hamilton, detained Edward as he was leaving the
+library, after morning prayers, and told him that he had received a
+letter, which he thought might chance to interest him. Ten minutes
+afterward, Edward rushed into the breakfast-room, in a state of such
+joyous excitement that he could scarcely speak.
+
+"Wish me five, ten, twenty thousand joys!" he exclaimed, springing from
+chair to chair, as if velocity of movement should bring back speech. "In
+one month the Prince William sails, and I am to meet her at Portsmouth,
+and be a sailor, a real sailor; and to-morrow fortnight uncle says we
+are to start for London, and have ten days there to see all the fine
+sights, and then go to Portsmouth, and see all that is to be seen there,
+and then--and then--"
+
+"Take care you do not lose your wits before you leave Oakwood,"
+interposed Percy laughing heartily. "I should not at all wonder, before
+you go, that you will be fancying the river Dart the Atlantic, and set
+sail in a basket, touch at all the islets you may pass, imagining them
+various cities, and finally land at Dartmouth, believing it Halifax,
+your destined port--that will be the end of your sailorship, Edward,
+depend upon it."
+
+"I rather think I should stand a chance of being ducked into my sober
+senses again, Percy, unless wicker be waterproof, which I never heard it
+was."
+
+"But I have, though," eagerly interrupted Emmeline; "the Scots and Picts
+invaded England in wicker boats, and to have held so many men, they must
+have been strong and waterproof too. So you see, Percy's basket is only
+an ancient boat, Edward. You are much better off than you thought you
+were."
+
+"Give me Alfred's wooden walls instead, Emmy; your Picts and Scots were
+very little better than savages--Alfred is my man; he deserves to be
+called great, if it were only for forming the first English navy. But
+neither my aunt nor Ellen have wished me joy. I think I shall be
+offended."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton could not speak at the first moment, for the joy, the
+animation of her nephew so recalled the day when her own much-loved
+brother, her darling Charles, had rushed into her room, to tell her all
+his glee, for no one ever listened to and shared in his joys and
+troubles as she did. He was then scarcely older than Edward, as full of
+hope and joy and buoyancy--where was he? Would his fate be that of the
+bright, beautiful boy before her? And as Edward threw his arms round her
+neck, and kissed her again and again, telling her he could not be quite
+sure it was not all a dream, unless she wished him joy too it was the
+utmost effort to prevent the fast gathering tears, and so command her
+voice, that he should not hear her tremble. Poor Ellen looked and felt
+bewildered. She had always tried to realize that Edward, to be a sailor,
+must leave her; and in fact aware that his summons would soon come, her
+aunt and uncle had often alluded to his departure before her, but still
+she had never thought it near; and now the news was so sudden, and
+Edward was so wild with joy she fancied she ought to rejoice too, but
+she could not; and Percy was obliged to ask her merrily, what ailed her,
+and if she could not trust to his being a much more worthy brother than
+such a water-rat, who had no business whatever on land, before she could
+take her place at the breakfast table and try to smile. But her eyes
+would rest on Edward even then, and she felt as if there were something
+across her throat and she could not swallow the nice roll which Herbert,
+had so kindly buttered and cut, and so quietly placed in her plate; and
+when Edward said something very funny, as he was in the habit of doing,
+and made them all laugh, she tried to laugh too, but instead of a laugh
+it was a sob that startled herself, for she was quite sure she did not
+mean to be so foolish: but instead of being reproved, as she was afraid
+she should be, she felt her aunt's arm thrown gently round her, till she
+could hide her face on her shoulder, and cry quite quietly for a few
+minutes, for they went on talking and laughing round the
+breakfast-table, and nobody took any notice of her, which she was quite
+glad of, for she could not bear Edward to think she was unhappy when he
+was so pleased. And after breakfast, though he was in such a desperate
+hurry to tell Mr. Howard the good news, that when he did set off, he
+left even Percy far behind him, he found time to give her a hearty kiss,
+and to tell her that he loved her very much, though he could not help
+being so glad he was going to sea; and that he was quite proud of her,
+because though he knew she was very sorry he was going, she did not cry
+and make a fuss as some selfish people would; and then she really did
+smile.
+
+"It is Monday morning, my dears, and I find Ellis and Morris require my
+attention for a longer time than I expected," Mrs. Hamilton said, as she
+entered the school-room, and found the three girls preparing their
+books, "so I must set you all to work, and see how well you can get on
+without me till eleven, when I will rejoin you. I shall order the
+carriage at half-past twelve, and if all I require is completed, we will
+pay your favorite old ruin a visit, Emmy; the morning is so lovely, that
+I think we may venture to take our sketch-books, and see what other part
+of Berry Pomeroy we can take pencil possession of."
+
+Such an anticipation was quite enough for Emmeline. Her dance about the
+room was only checked by the idea that her lessons would never be ready,
+nor her exercises and sums done, unless she sat quietly down, and so,
+with a great effort, she gave all her attention to her various tasks,
+and mastered them even before her mother returned. Ellen, though she
+tried quite as much, was not so successful. The Prince William would
+sail in miniature on her slate, over all her figures. The recollection
+of the awful storm they had encountered on their voyage to England would
+return so vividly, that the very room seemed to heave. And then--but she
+could not make out why she should think about that then--her mother's
+death-bed came before her and her promise, and it seemed harder still to
+part with Edward, from a vague dread that came over her, but still she
+tried to attend to what she had to do, and congratulated herself on its
+completion before her aunt appeared.
+
+Caroline, alone, was determined not to work. Because she had not made
+herself miserable enough already, the most unfounded jealousy entered
+her head from seeing her mother's caressing kindness toward Ellen at
+breakfast; why was not her manner as kind to her! She was quite as
+unhappy, and her mother must see it, but she took no notice of her--only
+of Ellen. She might be cross sometimes, but she never told stories or
+tried to hide her faults, and it was very hard and unjust that she
+should be treated so like a child, and Ellen made so much of; and so she
+thought and thought, not attempting to do a single thing till she
+actually made herself believe, for the time, that her kind, indulgent
+mother had no love for her; and every thing looked blacker than before.
+
+She made no effort to rouse herself even in Mrs. Hamilton's presence,
+but listened to her remonstrances with such extreme carelessness, almost
+insolence, that her mother felt her patience failing. The self-control,
+however, for which she had successfully striven, enabled her so to
+overcome the irritation, as to retain her own quiet dignity, and simply
+to desire Caroline to give her attention at once to her studies, and
+conquer her ill-temper, or not to think of accompanying them on their
+excursion, as idleness and peevishness were better left to themselves.
+An insolent and haughty reply rose to Caroline's lips; but with an
+effort she remained silent, her flushed forehead alone denoting the
+internal agitation. Emmeline's diligence and the approbation she
+received irritated her still more; but she rejoiced when she heard her
+mother tell Ellen there was not a correct line in her French exercise,
+and her sum, a compound long division, wrong from the very first figure.
+But the pleasure soon gave place to indignant anger, when, instead of
+the reproof which she believed would follow, Mrs. Hamilton said very
+kindly--
+
+"I should very much like these done correctly, Ellen, before we go out;
+suppose you ensconce yourself in that bay window, there are a table and
+chair all ready for you, and we shall not interrupt you as we should if
+you remain at this table. I know they are both very difficult, to-day
+especially, but the more merit in their accomplishment, you know the
+more pleased I shall be."
+
+Ellen obeyed directly; a little care, and with the assistance of her
+grammar, which her aunt permitted her to refer to, instead of depending
+entirely on her memory that morning, enabled her to succeed with her
+French; but four times was that tormenting sum returned to, till at last
+her tears effaced the figures as fast as they were written. Still,
+patience and resolution in both teacher and pupil conquered, and the
+fifth time there was not a figure wrong; and Mrs. Hamilton, fondly
+putting back the heavy ringlets which in Ellen's absorbed attention had
+fallen over her tearful cheeks, said, playfully--
+
+"Shall I tell you a secret, my little Ellen? I was quite as disinclined
+to be firm this morning as you were to be patient; so you see we have
+both gained a grand victory. My conjuring propensities, as Emmy thinks
+them, told me that you had real cause for some little inattention, and,
+therefore that it was very cruel in me to be so determined; but my
+_judgment_ would tell me that my _feeling_ was wrong, and that to
+conquer disinclination and overcome a difficulty, was a much better way
+of lessening even natural sorrow than to give up. I do not expect you to
+think so just now, but I fancy you are not very sorry this disagreeable,
+terribly tiresome sum has not to be done to-morrow, which it must have
+been, had you left it to-day."
+
+Ellen was so glad, that she felt almost happy, and her few other duties
+were done quite briskly, for Mrs. Hamilton had been so kind as to
+countermand the carriage till one, that she and Caroline might have time
+to finish. But Caroline, if she had not tried before, was now still less
+capable of doing so. Every word of kindness addressed to Ellen increased
+the storm raging within, and the difficulty of restraining it in Mrs.
+Hamilton's presence caused it to burst forth with unmitigated violence
+the moment she quitted the apartment, desiring Emmeline and Ellen to
+make haste, and put away their books, but still without taking the least
+notice of her. Invective, reproach, almost abuse, were poured against
+Ellen, who stood actually frightened at the violence she had so very
+innocently excited, and at the fearful and deforming passion which
+inflamed her cousin's every feature. Caroline's anger had miscounted
+time, or she must have known that her mother could not have gone far
+enough, for such unusual tones of excitement to escape her quick
+hearing. Mrs. Hamilton, startled and alarmed, returned directly, and so
+vividly did her child's appearance and words recall her own misguided
+sister in those uncontrolled fits of fury, under which she had so often
+trembled, that present disappointment and dread for the future, took
+possession of her, and for the moment rendered her powerless. Caroline
+was too much engrossed to perceive her at first, and she had, therefore
+time to rally from the momentary weakness.
+
+"What does this mean?" she exclaimed, fixing her eyes on Caroline, with
+that expression of quiet but stern reproof, which when she did use
+it--and it was very seldom--had the power of subduing even the wildest
+excitement. "What has Ellen done, that you should abuse her with this
+unjust and cruel and most unfeminine violence? You have indulged your
+ill-temper till you do not know what you say or do, and you are venting
+on another the anger which my displeasure has caused you to feel toward
+me and toward yourself. I desire that you will control it directly, or
+retire to your own room, till you can behave with some degree of
+propriety, and not disturb the comfort and happiness of others in this
+most uncalled-for manner."
+
+"I will not go," answered Caroline, bursting into violent tears, and
+scarcely aware of what she was saying, "I know I dislike Ellen, and I
+have reason to dislike her, for before she came, you were never so often
+displeased with me; you are always kind and indulgent to her, always
+treat her as a reasonable being, not as the child, the infant you think
+me. I know you have lost all love for me, or you must have seen I was
+unhappy, and spoken kindly to me, as you did to Ellen; I have every
+reason to dislike her, stealing your affection from me as she has, and I
+do with all my heart!"
+
+"Go, and prepare for our drive, my dear children," Mrs. Hamilton said,
+as she calmly turned for a moment to Emmeline and Ellen, who both stood
+bewildered, the former from actual terror that her sister should dare so
+to address her mother, and the latter from pain at the violent avowal of
+a dislike which she had intuitively felt, but had always tried to
+disbelieve. "The beauty of the day will be gone if we linger much
+longer, and I do not intend to be disappointed of our promised ramble.
+Do not think any thing of what this unhappy girl is saying; at present
+she scarcely knows herself, and will by-and-by wish it recalled, far
+more intensely than ever we can."
+
+Emmeline longed to throw her arms round her mother, and with tears
+beseech her to forget what Caroline had said; but, though Mrs. Hamilton
+had spoken cheerfully, and in quite her usual tone of voice to them,
+there was something in her countenance, that checked any display of
+softness even in her affectionate child; something that almost awed her,
+and she left the room with Ellen to prepare for the promised excursion,
+which had, however, lost all its anticipated enjoyment from the
+uncontrolled temper of another.
+
+"Now, Caroline, I will answer you," said Mrs. Hamilton, as soon as they
+were alone, and again regarding Caroline, who was sobbing violently,
+with that same searching look. "Your charges are such very heavy ones,
+that I really must request you during my absence to arrange and define
+them in some order. I am so perfectly ignorant of having given you any
+foundation for them, that, before I can attempt defense, you must inform
+me exactly and definitely of what you complain. That this morning my
+manner was kinder to Ellen than to you I quite acknowledge. Her
+inattention and depression had a cause, yours had none; for if you were
+unhappy, it was from your own fearful temper, which by encouragement has
+blackened every thing around you. You may employ your time till dinner
+as you choose; but at five o'clock come to me in my dressing-room,
+prepared to define and inform me of every charge you can bring against
+me. You will consider this a command, Caroline, disregard or evasion of
+which will be disobedience."
+
+She left the room, and in a very short time afterward Caroline heard the
+carriage drive off; but for nearly three long hours she never moved from
+her seat, so utterly miserable, as scarcely even to change her position.
+Never in her life before, not in her most angry moments, had she so
+spoken to her mother, and her remorse was almost intolerable. Again and
+again she remembered what Mrs. Hamilton had told her so often, that, if
+she did not strive and pray against the dominion of ill-temper while
+young, it would become more and more uncontrollable, and the older she
+became, the more difficult to subdue, even in a moderate degree; and her
+words were indeed true. It had been many months since temper had gained
+such an ascendency, and its effects were far, far more violent, and its
+power over her more determined, and if, as she grew older, it should be
+still worse, what would become of her? how insufferably wretched? what
+would she not have given to have recalled her words? The jealousy which
+had arisen, now she knew not how, had sunk into air before those few
+calm inquiring sentences from her mother, and in her excessive misery
+every kind deed and word and look, every fond indulgence and
+forbearance, in fact, all the love her mother had so lavished on her
+from her infancy, rushed back upon her, till she actually hated herself,
+and longed the more intensely for the comfort of that soothing
+affection, which, in real pain or childish sorrow, had never been
+refused her.
+
+"Why, why did Annie tell me any thing about that hateful ball?" she
+exclaimed, at length, as the sound of many joyous voices and the
+dressing-bell proclaimed the return of the various members of her family
+only in time to prepare for dinner. "It was all, all from that; I know
+now, only from that one thought--one wish. Why was I such a fool, as not
+to tell mamma at once that I knew I was to be asked, and wished so much
+to go?--if she had refused me, it would not have been half the pain I
+have made for myself. And how can I meet papa's eye and Percy's unkind
+jokes with eyes like these?" she added, as on rising to go to her own
+room, she caught sight of her own face in a mirror, and actually started
+at the disfigurement which the violence of her emotion had wrought. "Oh,
+how I wish mamma had not desired me to go to her; that I could but hide
+myself from every body--or get rid of this horrible black cloud."
+
+From every eye but her mother's she could and did hide herself; for
+saying that her head ached, which was the truth, and she did not wish
+any thing to take, she refused to go down to dinner. Mrs. Hamilton had
+successfully exerted herself during their excursion, and Emmeline and
+Ellen enjoyed themselves so thoroughly as almost to forget the alloy of
+the morning; and even when Caroline's message recalled it, the boys were
+all so merry, that it did not disturb them. Percy always declared that
+Caroline's headache was only another term for temper-ache, and he would
+certainly have sent her some message of mock pity, if his quick eye had
+not discovered or fancied that his mother did not look quite as well as
+usual, and so he contented himself by trying still more to be the life
+of the dinner-table. Mr. Hamilton had seen at a single glance that all
+was not quite right, and Caroline's non-appearance and message explained
+it, to his extreme regret, for he had begun to hope and believe that his
+wife's extreme solicitude, on her account, was beginning to decrease.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had not much doubt that silence and solitude had so far
+had effect on Caroline as to subdue passion, and bring her to a sense of
+her misconduct; but that had scarcely power to lessen the anxiety and
+the pain which Caroline's words had so wantonly inflicted. Had she
+indeed evinced any thing like undue partiality? the idea alone almost
+brought a smile; fondly, and almost as her own child, as she loved her
+little niece. The very anxiety Caroline occasioned her, deepened her
+affection; the very control she was obliged to exercise in her mode of
+guiding her, strengthened every feeling toward her. She was so enwrapped
+in these painfully engrossing thoughts, in the strict examination of her
+own own heart, that she was not aware the time she had appointed had
+passed by full ten minutes, till she was roused by the handle of her
+door being softly turned, and left again, as if some one had wished to
+enter, but hesitated. The very hesitation gave her hope, for she really
+did not know that the utmost penalty she could have inflicted on
+Caroline, in the moment of natural indignation, would have failed in
+producing such an effect as the simple command to seek her, and define
+her charges against her, when that angry excitement had so calmed, that
+Caroline would have given worlds, if she might but have not referred to
+it again. She knew she dared not disobey, but her daring had left her so
+powerless that she had stood at her mother's door full ten minutes
+before she could command courage sufficient to open it and enter.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton looked at her changed aspect, the bitter humiliation
+expressed in every feature, with such pity, that it required even more
+than her usual exercise of control, to retain the grave, and apparently
+unmoved tone with which she said--
+
+"You have had a long time in which to reflect on your charges against
+me, Caroline. I hope they are now sufficiently defined for me to
+understand and answer them. You may sit down, for you do not seem very
+capable of standing."
+
+Caroline gladly obeyed, by sitting down on a low ottoman, some little
+distance from her mother, on whose neck she absolutely longed to throw
+herself and beseech forgiveness; but Mrs. Hamilton's tone was not such
+as to give her courage to do so. She remained silent, burying her face
+in her hands.
+
+"I am waiting your pleasure, Caroline; I should have thought that you
+had had plenty of time to think during my absence. Of what do you accuse
+me?"
+
+"Oh, nothing, nothing! mamma, dear mamma, do not speak to me in that
+tone, I can not bear it; indeed, indeed, I am miserable enough already;
+condemn me to any punishment, the severest you can, I know I deserve
+it--but do not, do not speak so."
+
+"No, Caroline; were I to condemn you to any punishment, it would seem
+more like vengeance for the pain you have inflicted on me by your
+accusation of partiality and injustice, than from the hope of producing
+any good end. You are no longer a child, who must be taught the line of
+duty to a parent. You know it now as well as I can teach it, and if you
+fail, must be answerable only to yourself. I can not help you any
+further, than by requesting you to explain clearly the origin of your
+complaint against me. Its main ground of offense is, I believe, that
+since Ellen has become an inmate of my family I have treated you with
+more harshness and unkindness than I ever did before. Can you look back
+on the last eighteen months and recall one instance in which this has
+been the case? I must have an answer, Caroline; you may now think
+explanation is not necessary, and that you meant nothing when you spoke,
+but that will not satisfy me nor you, when ill-temper regains
+ascendency. You need not refrain from answering for fear of wounding me.
+You can scarcely do that more than you have done already."
+
+Caroline tried to speak, but she could only sob forth, that she could
+not recall one instance, in which her mother had been more displeased
+with her than her conduct merited. Acknowledging, but almost
+inarticulately, that she had sometimes fancied that she had remained
+longer cold with her than with Ellen, after the committal of a
+fault--and that--(she stopped).
+
+"Go on, Caroline."
+
+"I could not feel my faults such heavy ones as Ellen's."
+
+"They are of equal, if not greater weight than your cousin's, Caroline.
+You have been, from your earliest infancy, the object of the most tender
+and devoted care to your father and myself. Miss Harcourt has followed
+out our plans; you have never been exposed to any temptation, not even
+that of casual bad example. Ellen, till she became mine, encountered
+neglect, harshness, all that could not fail in such a character to
+engender the faults she has. You can not compare yourself with her, for,
+had you been situated as she was, I fear you would have had still
+heavier failings."
+
+"I should never have told untruths," exclaimed Caroline with returning
+temper.
+
+"Perhaps not, for some persons are so physically constituted that they
+do not know what fear is; and harshness would harden, not terrify and
+crush, as with such dispositions as Ellen's. But Caroline, when temper
+gains dominion over you, as it has done to-day, do you always think and
+utter nothing but the truth?"
+
+Caroline turned from that penetrating look and burst into tears. Few as
+the words were, they seemed to flash light into the very inmost recesses
+of her heart, and tell her that in moments of uncontrolled temper, in
+her brooding fancies, she really did forfeit the truth, on adherence to
+which she so prided herself; and that there was no excuse for her in the
+idea that she did not know what she said or did--for why had religion
+and reason been so carefully implanted within her, but to enable her to
+subdue the evil temper, ere it acquired such fearful dominion.
+
+"Perhaps you have never thought of this before, Caroline," resumed Mrs.
+Hamilton, and her tone was not quite so cold; "but think of it in
+future, and it may help you to conquer yourself. Remember, words can
+never be recalled, and that, though you may have lost such command over
+yourself, as scarcely to know the exact sense of what you say, yet those
+to whom they are addressed, or those who may have only heard them, must
+believe, and so receive, and perhaps act on false impressions, which no
+after effort will remove. Now to your next charge, that I treat Ellen as
+a reasonable being, and you as a child:--if you have the least
+foundation for this supposition, speak it without hesitation--whence has
+it arisen?"
+
+For one minute Caroline hesitated, but then resolved she would atone for
+her fault at least by a full confession. She told all the wishes, the
+hopes Annie's information of Lady Helen's promise had imparted, and the
+pain it was to feel that her mother thought her such a child as not to
+speak to her on the subject.
+
+"And if you did think so, Caroline, why did you not from the first
+moment that Annie told you of it, come to me, and tell me how very much
+you wished it? I could not, indeed, have granted your wishes, but your
+confidence would have been met with such indulgence as would at least
+have saved you some degree of pain. Believing, as I did, and as Lady
+Helen assured me I might with safety, that you knew nothing about
+it--would you have thought it kind or judicious in me, had I said, 'Lady
+Helen has persuaded me to take you to her ball, but I have refused her.'
+I was silent to spare you pain, as, had you permitted yourself calmly to
+think, you would have believed. However, as appearances were, I grant
+that I have not treated you, in this instance, with the consideration
+that your age might perhaps have demanded; and from Annie not obeying
+Lady Helen's desire, that she should not mention the subject to you,
+have failed in sparing you the pain of disappointment, as I had hoped.
+But another time, instead of brooding over that which seems want of
+consideration on my part, come to me at once, and spare yourself and me
+the pain you have caused me to-day. I do not think you can accuse me of
+ever meeting your confidence with so much harshness as to check such
+openness on your part."
+
+Caroline looked hastily up; her mother's tone was almost as fond as
+usual, and, unable to restrain the impulse any longer, she started from
+her low seat, and kneeling down close by her, clung round her,
+passionately exclaiming--
+
+"Mamma! mamma! pray, forgive me; I am so very miserable--I can not bear
+myself--I do not know when I shall be happy again; for even if you
+forgive me, I know--I know--I never can forgive myself."
+
+"I do not wish you to forgive yourself just yet, my dear child," replied
+her mother, not refusing the kiss Caroline's eyes so earnestly besought.
+"Your fault has been such an aggravated one, that I fear it must cause
+you many days of remorse, the most painful kind of suffering which error
+can bring; but do not try to shake it off; I would rather see you endure
+it, and not expect happiness for a few days. You know where to seek the
+only source which can bring peace and comfort, and you must endeavor by
+earnest prayer to strengthen yourself for the conflict you have so often
+to encounter. You have a very difficult task, my poor child, that I
+know; and, therefore, do I so try to provide you with a guard and help."
+
+"If I could but conquer it at first," answered Caroline, whose violent
+excitement had given way to tears of real repentance; "but at first it
+seems almost a pleasure to me to be cross to every body, and answer
+pettishly, and as if it were pleasanter to encourage disagreeable
+thoughts than to read or do any thing that would remove them. And then,
+when I would give any thing to escape from them, it seems every body's
+fault but my own, and I can not."
+
+"If you accustomed yourself constantly to pray against this great fault,
+my dear child, you would find, that its very first approach would so
+startle you, that you would use every energy to subdue it. But I fear,
+it is only when temper has made you miserable, as it has to-day, that
+you are quite aware of its enormity. You do not think the fault great
+enough to demand the watchfulness and care without which it never will
+be subdued."
+
+"I am afraid I do not indeed, mamma. I know I do not make it a subject
+of prayer, as you have so often advised me, except when every thing
+looks so black, and I am so miserable; and then, I fear, I ask more to
+be happy again, than for forgiveness of my sin, and for grace and
+strength to overcome it. I never felt this to be the case so strongly as
+to-day, but your coldness seems to have shown me my whole self, and I
+never thought I was so wicked, and so I must be miserable."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton involuntarily drew her child more closely to her. The
+humility, the bitterness of self-reproach, was so unlike Caroline's
+usual haughtiness--so very much deeper than they had ever been before,
+that she hoped, in spite of her anxiety, and her voice audibly trembled
+as she answered--
+
+"If you really feel this, my Caroline, you will not hesitate to follow
+my advice, and really pray and watch against this unhappy temper, even
+when every thing is so smooth and happy, that you can not imagine why
+you need. Sin always gains ascendency by using pleasure as his covering.
+Do not let a single cross word, or momentary unkind thought, pass
+unnoticed; never cease in your petition for grace and strength, but do
+not be content with only prayer; you must use effort as well, and if
+your thoughts will be black, and you feel as if you could not conquer
+them by yourself, nor banish them even by your favorite employments,
+come to me, confess them without fear or hesitation to me, and let us
+try if we can not conquer them together. Will you promise me to try this
+plan, Caroline?"
+
+Caroline could not reply, for every kind word her mother spoke, seemed
+to heighten self-reproach, and make her still more wretched. Mrs.
+Hamilton felt that there was no refusal in her silence, and continued
+talking to her in that same gentle strain a little while longer, and
+then rose to leave her--but Caroline looked so sorrowful that she
+hesitated.
+
+"No, mamma, I do not deserve that you should stay with me, and so
+deprive Emmeline and Ellen, and the boys of their favorite hour," she
+said, though the tears started again to her eyes, for she felt as if it
+would be an indescribable comfort still to be alone with her mother. "I
+am too unhappy and too ashamed to join them, if I may remain away?" Mrs.
+Hamilton answered in the affirmative. "I have not a thing prepared for
+to-morrow, and--and I do not--indeed, I do not mean to give you any more
+trouble with my studies. I hate myself for that, too."
+
+"Do not attempt to study to-night, my dear Caroline; get up a little
+earlier to-morrow, to be ready for me, if you like; but though it will
+be much more painful to you to remain idle the remainder of this evening
+than to employ yourself, even with the most disagreeable task, I would
+much rather you should do so. Once let temper be quite subdued, and your
+heart receive its necessary government, and I have no fear but that you
+will very quickly make up for lost time; and even if you did not,
+believe me, my dear child, the graces of the mind, precious as in
+general they are considered, and as they are, still are to me actually
+nothing worth, if unaccompanied by a gentle temper and womanly heart. Do
+not shrink from the suffering which it will be to sit alone and think on
+all that has passed to-day; but let your remorse be accompanied by a
+resolution (which you are quite capable of not only forming, but of
+keeping) not to rest till by prayer and effort you have sought God's
+blessing on your difficult task, and so feel strengthened for its
+fulfillment; and also for persevering in it, for you must not hope to
+succeed in subduing yourself all at once. Do this, and I shall be better
+pleased than if to-morrow morning you brought me a treble quantity of
+mental work."
+
+She embraced and left her--to meditations, from whose bitter, though
+salutary pain, Caroline made no attempt to escape; though, had it not
+been for her mother's advice, she would gladly have flown to her
+studies, and worked with double assiduity, believing that she was, by
+doing so, atoning for her fault, instead of merely shrinking from its
+remembrance. It was a trial to join her family even for prayers; for she
+felt so self-convicted, so humbled, that she fancied every one must
+despise her; and when, after the service, Percy approached, and, with
+mock sympathy, inquired how her headache was, and if she had recovered
+her appetite, and begged her not to be ill at such a critical time, as
+he most particularly wished to go to Lady Helen's ball, and he could not
+be so cruel, if she were not well, her spirit was so broken that the
+large tears rolled down her cheeks, and she turned away without uttering
+a single word.
+
+"If you had taken the trouble to look in your sister's face, Percy, you
+would not have spoken so unkindly," said Mrs. Hamilton, more hastily
+than she was in the habit of interfering; and as Caroline came to her,
+she whispered some few fond words, that enabled her to wish her father
+good-night and leave the room, without any farther display of emotion.
+
+"Do you wish your sister to dislike you, Percy?" she said gently
+detaining him, as he was following Caroline.
+
+"Dislike me, mother? No! how can you think so?"
+
+"Because you act as if you wished it; you never see her uncomfortable,
+without trying to make her more so, and is that kind? How can she ever
+look up to and love you, while such is the case?"
+
+"I only mean it for fun, mother. It is such glorious enjoyment to me to
+torment, when I see people cross and miserable for nothing."
+
+"And in the enjoyment of your fun, my dear boy, you forget other
+people's feelings. I must beg you as an especial favor to myself, that
+you will do all you can to soothe rather than irritate Caroline, in the
+short time that intervenes before you go to London. She will have a hard
+struggle with herself, so do not you make her trial more difficult."
+
+"Do you wish it, mother, dear? you know I would refrain from teasing
+even for a whole year, if it would please you, and give me the privilege
+of a kiss whenever I like," he laughingly answered, looking up in her
+face so archly and yet so fondly, that his mother could not help
+smiling; promising she would not sentence him to any thing so terrible
+as not to tease for a whole year, as she was quite sure he would fall
+into his old propensities before a quarter of the time had expired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+SUSPICION.--A PARTING, A DOUBLE GRIEF.--INNOCENCE PROVED.--WRONG DONE
+AND EVIL CONFIRMED BY DOUBT.
+
+
+Lady Helen's ball took place; and Caroline had so conquered herself,
+that she could listen to Percy's flowing account of its delights with
+actual cheerfulness. It was so associated with self-reproach, that she
+could scarcely think of it without pain; but she was so convinced of her
+folly in permitting such a very little thing so to affect her temper as
+to cause all the misery she had endured, that she had resolved to punish
+herself, not only by listening to Percy, but by herself inquiring the
+details. She was a girl of really a strong mind, and once convinced of
+error, once released from the fell dominion of temper, she did not care
+what pain she endured, or what difficulty she encountered, so that she
+could but convince her mother how truly she regretted, and tried to
+atone for past misconduct. It was very easy, as Mrs. Hamilton had told
+her, to regain lost time in her studies, but not quite so easy to check
+the cross word or unkind thought, and to break from the black cloud that
+still at times would envelop her. But she did not give way, constantly
+even making opportunities for self-denial, and doing little kindnesses
+for Ellen, though she was too truthful to profess an affection which as
+yet she could not feel.
+
+Early in the following week Mr. Grahame came over to Oakwood with a
+petition. Annie having taken cold at the party, had been obliged to
+enact the invalid, much against her inclination, and so entreated her
+mother to invite Caroline to spend a few days with her; and to her
+astonishment, her cold, harsh father volunteered to go himself for her.
+Mr. Hamilton at once acceded; his wife hesitated; but she went at once
+to Caroline, who chanced to be reading alone in the school-room, for it
+was the time of recreation, and told her. For a moment her countenance
+was actually radiant with delight, the next it clouded over.
+
+"You would like it very much, but you are afraid I shall not permit you
+to go--is that the meaning of your change of countenance?" asked her
+mother, half smiling.
+
+"I am afraid of myself, mamma; for I fear I am always more ill-tempered
+and proud after any such pleasure as going to Moorlands would be."
+
+"Would you rather not go, then?"
+
+"I can not say quite that, mamma; I should like it very much, if I could
+but be sure of myself afterward."
+
+"Did you ever feel such a doubt of yourself before, Caroline, when going
+to stay with Annie?"
+
+"No, mamma; I seem to have thought a great deal more the last few days,
+and not to feel half so sure of myself."
+
+"Then I think there is less danger for you, that is, of course, if you
+are willing to risk the temptation of Lady Helen's too kind
+consideration and lavish praises, which make mine so very tame."
+
+"Oh, mamma, pray do not say so," interrupted Caroline, very eagerly.
+"Indeed, I would rather hear you speak and see you smile as you do now,
+than listen to all that Lady Helen is so kind as to say. I know I did
+like it very much, and that it did sometimes make me fancy when I came
+home, that you were almost cold. But, indeed, indeed, I hope I am
+learning to know you better."
+
+"I hope so, too, dearest. But Mr. Grahame is waiting for you; and,
+by-the-by, begged me to ask you for some lines you promised to copy out
+for a print in Lady Helen's album. You may do just as you like about
+going, because you are quite old and wise enough to decide for yourself.
+Ill-temper always brings such suffering with it, that if pleasure must
+recall it, you will be wiser not to go; but if you can resist it--if you
+think you can return to your quiet daily routine as forbearing and
+gentle and happy as you are now, go, my love, and enjoy yourself as much
+as you can."
+
+"I will try and remember all you said about prayer when we think we are
+most secure, dear mamma," answered Caroline, in a very earnest and
+somewhat lowered voice. "I know, whenever I have been to Moorlands
+before, I have felt so elated, so sure I should never be in an
+ill-temper, so proud from being made so much of, that I fear I have very
+often relaxed even in my daily prayers, and never thought it necessary
+to pray against ill-temper. Do you think if I watch myself, and still
+pray against it, it will save me from being cross and unkind on my
+return?"
+
+"It will undoubtedly help you, my dear child, very considerably, and
+render your trial very much easier, but I can not promise you that it
+will entirely prevent the _inclination_ to feel pettish and unhappy. I
+have no doubt that in time it will prevent even that; but now, you know,
+it is very early days, and you have not yet forgotten the bitter pain of
+last week; still I think you may venture to go, love, and if I do see
+you happy and gentle on your return, it will do much toward convincing
+me you are striving in earnest. Make haste and get ready, and do not
+forget the poem. I will send over your things. Tell Lady Helen I shall
+expect all her family next Monday evening, to join Edward's little
+farewell-party, and you can return with them."
+
+With the most delighted alacrity Caroline hastened to get ready, and in
+her hurry forgot the poem till she re-entered the school-room, which was
+still untenanted.
+
+"What shall I do for some writing-paper?" she thought; "the desks are
+all put away, and it will detain me so long to go up again for the
+keys, and the volume is too large to carry--oh, I will tear out a blank
+page from this book, it will not be very elegant, but I can recopy it at
+Moorlands."
+
+And she hastily tore out a page from an exercise-book which lay open on
+the table; not perceiving that by doing so, a fellow-leaf, which was
+written on, was loosened, and fell to the ground, mingling with some
+torn papers which had been put in a heap to be cleared away. She had
+just finished it, when Fanny came to tell her Mr. Grahame could not wait
+any longer, and asking if all the papers on the ground were to be
+removed, Caroline hastily answered in the affirmative, without looking
+at them, and the girl bore them off in her apron, the written leaf among
+them.
+
+Now it so happened that this written leaf had already occasioned
+trouble. Miss Harcourt had been so displeased with Ellen's careless
+performance of a French exercise that morning, that she had desired her
+to write it again. It was very difficult, and had materially shortened
+the time which she had promised to devote to Edward, who was this week
+released from his attendance on Mr. Howard, to permit him and Ellen to
+be as much together as possible. Hurried by him, she left her book open
+on the table to dry, and, finding it closed on her return, put it away,
+without looking at it. The following day Miss Harcourt, of course,
+requested to see it, and, to Ellen's utter astonishment, her exercise
+was not there; only the faulty and blotted theme, with no sign to
+explain its disappearance. Now we know Miss Harcourt was rather
+prejudiced against Ellen, and, as she had unhappily failed in truth more
+than once (perhaps she was not so unjust and harsh as poor Ellen felt
+her to be), she refused to believe her assurance that she had written
+it. No one had been in the school-room at the time to whom she could
+refer: if Ellen had never disobeyed or deceived, of course her word
+would be sufficient, as her brother's and cousins' would.
+
+"That you have failed again, both in obedience and truth, Ellen, I can
+not for a moment doubt, and it certainly would be my duty to inform your
+aunt directly; but as I know it would cause her real suffering to be
+compelled to punish you just this last week that Edward will be with us
+for some time, I shall say nothing about it to her, nor inflict any
+penalty on you to attract her notice, but it is entirely for her sake I
+forbear. One so hardened in falsehood as you must be, so soon to forget
+her kind indulgence after your fault only a few weeks ago, can deserve
+nothing but harshness and contempt. I shall certainly, after this week,
+warn her not to trust too implicitly in your artful professions of
+repentance."
+
+Poor Ellen felt too bewildered and too miserable even to cry. That she
+had written her exercise, she was as positive as that she had been told
+to do so; but if she had--what had become of it? Harsh as Miss Harcourt
+seemed, appearances were certainly very much against her. She had not a
+single proof that she had obeyed, and her word was nothing; even
+Emmeline looked at her doubtingly, and as if she could scarcely even
+pity her. It was very little comfort to think her aunt was not to be
+told. Her own impulse was to go to her, and tell her at once; but how
+could she be believed? and Mrs. Hamilton's words--"If I ever discover
+another untruth, you will compel me to adopt still severer measures,
+pain as it will be to myself," the remembrance of all she had suffered,
+the disappointment it would be to her aunt to think all she had said and
+read to her were forgotten, when in reality she was constantly thinking
+of and trying to act on them, all checked the impulse, and terrified her
+into silence.
+
+Miss Harcourt was not an acute physiognomist; she could only read in
+Ellen's face hardihood and recklessness. We rather think Mrs. Hamilton
+would have read something very different; but she was very much engaged
+with Edward, and if she did think Ellen looked much more out of spirits,
+she attributed it to natural feeling at the rapid approach of the day of
+separation. For her brother's sake, to prove to him she could enter into
+his joy, she tried very hard not to evince the least symptom of
+depression, and never to cry before him at least; though every night,
+that told her another day had gone, and brought before her all sorts of
+vague feelings and fancies of dread, she either cried herself to sleep,
+or laid awake, still more unhappy. The suspicion attached to her seemed
+to double the severity of the trial of parting. Edward was her own;
+Edward must love her, with all her faults; but even her aunt, her kind,
+dear, good aunt, must cease to have any affection for her, if so
+constantly believed guilty of a sin so terrible as falsehood. And she
+seemed to love her brother still more than ever, every day that brought
+the hour of parting nearer--sometimes as if she _could not_ bear the
+pain of not being able to look at his bright face, and listen to his
+glad laugh and dear voice for three, perhaps six long years. Her aunt's
+gentle kindness seemed to increase her unhappiness, for though she knew
+she was innocent, still she felt, if Miss Harcourt had told Mrs.
+Hamilton, she could not be so caressed and cared for and she was
+receiving that which she was believed to have forfeited. Miss Harcourt's
+face certainly seemed to ask her as distinctly as words, how she could
+be so artful--so deceitful--as to permit her aunt to take such notice of
+her; and so she often shrunk away, when she most longed to sit by and
+listen to her.
+
+Edward's spirits never sobered, except now and then, when he thought of
+leaving Mrs. Hamilton, to whom he had given the same love he had
+lavished on his mother, perhaps to a still greater extent, for reverence
+was largely mingled with it. Mr Howard, too, was another whom he grieved
+to leave, and Mrs. Hamilton so trusted in these apparently strong
+affections and his good disposition, as to feel but little anxiety;
+merely sorrow that she was to lose him for a profession of danger. She
+did not know, nor did Mr. Howard, nor Edward himself, that he was one
+who would be guided more by the influence of those with whom he was
+intimately thrown, than by any memory of the absent, or judgment of his
+own.
+
+Ellen's manner on Monday evening annoyed and prejudiced Miss Harcourt
+still more; Mrs. Greville and Mary, Lady Helen and all her family,
+bringing Caroline home with them, Mr. Howard, and some of Edward's
+favorite companions, all assembled at Oakwood, and every one was
+determined to be gay and cheerful, and Edward's voice was the merriest,
+and his laugh the happiest there; and Ellen, though her head ached with
+the effort, and the constant struggle of the preceding week, was quite
+cheerful too, and talked to Mary Greville, and Lilla and Cecil Grahame,
+and even to Mr. Howard, as Miss Harcourt felt she had no right to do;
+and as must prove her to be that which she had always fancied her. Mrs.
+Hamilton, on the contrary, saw that in the very midst of a laugh, or of
+speaking, her niece's eye would rest upon Edward, and the lip quite
+quiver, and her smile become for the moment so strained, that she was
+satisfied Ellen's cheerfulness proceeded from no want of feeling; she
+wondered, indeed, at so much control at such an early age, but she loved
+her for it, notwithstanding. Once only Ellen was nearly conquered. Mary
+had begged her to sing a little Hindoo air, of which she was
+particularly fond, and Edward, hearing the request, said eagerly--
+
+"Do sing it, dear Ellen; I am quite as fond of it as Mary is, for it
+seems to make me think of India and poor mamma, and it will be such a
+long time before I hear it again."
+
+She had never in her whole life felt so disinclined to sing, so as if it
+were quite impossible--as if she must cry if she did; but Edward would
+think it so unkind if she refused, for she did not know herself why his
+very words should have increased the difficulty, and what reason could
+she give him? Mary went and asked Mrs. Hamilton to accompany her; and
+Ellen did her very best, but her voice would tremble, and just before
+the end of the second verse it failed entirely; but still she was glad
+she had tried, for on Mrs. Hamilton saying, very kindly, and in a voice
+that only she and Mary could hear, "I was half afraid you would not
+succeed to-night, my dear Ellen, but you were quite right to try," Mary
+seemed to understand at once why it had been so difficult for her to
+oblige her, and to be quite sorry she had pressed it so much, and Edward
+had thanked her, and told her he should sing it in idea very often. She
+tried to be merry again, but she could not succeed as before, and so she
+kept as near her aunt as she could, all the remainder of the evening, as
+if she were only safe there.
+
+Edward, too, had a hard battle with himself, as one by one his favorite
+companions took leave of him with a hearty shake of the hand, and
+eager--but in some, half-choked wishes for his health and prosperity;
+and when all had gone, and Mr. Howard, who had remained for prayers,
+took him in his arms, and solemnly prayed God to bless him, and save him
+from danger and temptation, and permit him to return to his family,
+improved in all things that would make him an affectionate guardian to
+his orphan sister, and repay all the love and care of his aunt and
+uncle, it was a desperate effort that prevented him from sobbing like a
+child; but he had his midshipman's uniform on for the first time, and he
+was quite resolved he would not disgrace it; therefore he only returned
+Mr. Howard's embrace very warmly, and ran out of the room. But when his
+aunt went into his room an hour afterward, it appeared as if he had put
+off his pride and his uniform together, for, though he was fast asleep,
+his pillow was quite wet with tears.
+
+The next morning was a very sad one, though Percy and his father did all
+they could to make it cheerful (we ought to have said before that Percy
+and Herbert were both going with Mr. Hamilton and Edward). No one liked
+the idea of losing Edward for so long a time. He had made himself a
+favorite with all, even with every one of the servants, who, when the
+carriage was ready at eleven o'clock, thronged into the hall to take a
+last look at him. He was so altered, that he had that morning, actually
+of his own accord, shaken hands with every one of them who had ever done
+any thing for him, especially Ellis and Morris, and Robert, to whom he
+had given a very handsome present, and thanked him for all his
+attention.
+
+He kept up very manfully till he came to his aunt, whose emotion, as she
+held him in a close embrace, was so unusually visible, and for the
+moment he seemed so to love her, that the idea of the sea lost half its
+delight, and he felt as if he could almost have liked to remain with
+her. But Percy's joyous voice--
+
+"Come, Master Edward, I thought you were a sailor, not a school-boy. Off
+with you; you will not give me time or room for one kiss from mamma
+before we go," roused him, and he tried to laugh in the midst of his
+tears, gave Ellen another kiss, and ran into the carriage, where he was
+quickly followed by his uncle and cousins, and in a very few minutes
+Oakwood, dear, happy Oakwood, as his whole heart felt it at that moment,
+was hidden from his sight.
+
+Ellen remained by the window, looking after the carriage, long after it
+was impossible to see or hear it, very pale, and her eyes very heavy,
+but not in tears; and as her aunt went to her, and put her arm round
+her, and began talking to her very cheerfully of all Edward would have
+to write to her about, and how soon they might hear from him, and that
+Ellen should answer him as often and as fully as she liked, and that she
+would not even ask to see her letters to him, or all his to her, as they
+might have many little affectionate things to say to each other, that
+they might not care about any one else seeing, and she would trust them
+both--Ellen seemed as if one pain was soothed, and if indeed she heard
+often from him, she might bear his departure. But there was still the
+other source of unhappiness, recalled every time she met Miss Harcourt's
+cold suspicious look, which had not changed even then. Still she tried
+to join her cousins, and get her work, for there were no studies that
+morning, and so some little time passed, by Mrs. Hamilton's exertions,
+almost cheerfully; but then Ellen left the room to get something she
+wanted, and, in seeking her own, passed Edward's room, the door of which
+stood half open. She could not resist entering, and every thing spoke of
+him so vividly, and yet seemed so to tell her he had gone, really gone,
+and she was quite alone, that all the pain came back again worse than
+ever, and she laid her head on his pillow, and her long-checked tears
+flowed with almost passionate violence.
+
+"My dear Ellen, I have been looking for you every where," said her
+aunt's kind voice, full an hour afterward; "Emmeline went into your room
+and could not find you, and I could not imagine what had become of you.
+It was not wise of you to come here just this morning, love. You have
+been so brave, so unselfish all this week, that I must not let you give
+way now. Try and think only that Edward will be happier as a sailor than
+he would be remaining with you; and though I know you must miss him
+very, very painfully, you will be able to bear it better. Poor Alice
+Seaton, of whom you have heard me speak, has no such comfort; her
+brother could not bear the idea of a sea life, and is scarcely strong
+enough for it; and yet, poor fellow, it is the only opening his uncle
+has for him, and his poor sister had not only that pain to bear--for you
+can fancy how dreadful it would be, if Edward had left us for a life in
+which he thought he should be miserable--but is obliged to leave the
+aunt she loves, as much, I think, as you love me, Ellen, and go as a
+teacher in a school, to bear her accumulated sorrow quite alone. Sad as
+your trial is, you have still many things to bless God for, dearest, as
+I am sure you will acknowledge, if, when the pain of the present moment
+has subsided, you think of Alice, and try to put yourself in her place."
+
+"It is not only parting from Edward," answered Ellen, trying to check
+her tears, but clasping her arms still closer round her aunt, as if
+dreading that her own words should send her from her.
+
+"Not only parting from Edward, Ellen, love! what is it then? tell me,"
+replied Mrs. Hamilton, surprised and almost alarmed. But Ellen could not
+go on, much as she wished it, for her momentary courage had deserted
+her, and she could only cry more bitterly than before. "Have you done
+any thing wrong, Ellen? and have you forgotten my promise?" inquired her
+aunt, after waiting several minutes, and speaking very sorrowfully.
+
+"Miss Harcourt thinks I have, aunt; but indeed, indeed, I have not; I
+have not been so very wicked as to tell another falsehood. I know no one
+can believe me, but I would rather you should know it, even if--if you
+punish me again."
+
+"You must try to be more calm, my dear Ellen, and tell me clearly what
+is causing you so much additional suffering; for I can not quite
+understand you. I certainly shall not punish you, unless _quite_
+convinced you have failed in truth again, which I do not think you have.
+Tell me exactly what it is, and look at me while you are speaking."
+
+Ellen tried to obey, but her grief had gained such an ascendency, that
+it was very difficult. Mrs. Hamilton looked very thoughtful when she
+ceased, for she really was more perplexed than she allowed Ellen to
+perceive; and the poor child, fancying her silence could only mean
+disbelief and condemnation, remained quiet and trembling by her side.
+
+"I promised you that I would not doubt you, Ellen, and I will not now,
+though appearances are so strong against you," she said, after several
+minutes' thought. "Come with me to the school-room, and show me your
+exercise-book; I may find some clew to explain this mystery."
+
+Ellen thought that was quite impossible; but, inexpressibly comforted by
+her aunt's trust, she went with her directly.
+
+"Ellen has been telling me that you have been very much displeased with
+her, my dear Lucy," Mrs. Hamilton said, directly she entered, addressing
+Miss Harcourt, who was sitting reading with Caroline and Emmeline, "and
+certainly with great apparent justice; but she is so unhappy about it,
+that I can scarcely believe that she has forgotten all which passed
+between us a short time ago, and I am going, therefore, with your
+permission, to try if I can not discover something that may throw a
+light on the subject."
+
+"I am afraid that will scarcely be possible," replied Miss Harcourt;
+"however, I am glad she has had the candor to tell you, instead of
+continuing to receive your notice, as she has done the last week." Ellen
+had brought her book while Miss Harcourt was speaking, and Mrs. Hamilton
+attentively examined it.
+
+"Did you not begin one like this the same day, Caroline?"
+
+"Yes, mamma; don't you remember we were obliged to send to Harris for
+them? as the parcel with the stationery did not come from Exeter as soon
+as we expected. And we noticed how much thinner they were, though they
+were the same sized books."
+
+"And did I not hear you say something about their having the same number
+of leaves, and therefore it must have been only the quality of the paper
+which made the difference?"
+
+"What a memory you have, mamma," answered Caroline, smiling. "I did not
+think you were taking the least notice of us, but I do remember saying
+so now, and, indeed, I very often wish the quality had been the same,
+for our writing looks horrid."
+
+"Do you happen to remember the number of leaves they contained, and if
+they were both alike?"
+
+"I know they had both the same number, and I think it was
+two-and-twenty, but I can tell you in a moment." And with her usual
+quickness of movement, Caroline unlocked her desk, drew forth her book,
+and ran over the leaves.
+
+"I am right--two-and-twenty."
+
+"And you are quite sure they had both the same number?"
+
+"Perfectly certain, mamma."
+
+"Then, by some incomprehensible means, two leaves have disappeared from
+Ellen's--here are only twenty. Have you ever torn a leaf out, Ellen?"
+
+"No, aunt, indeed I have not."
+
+"When did Miss Harcourt tell you to write this missing exercise?"
+
+"Last Monday week--I mean yesterday week."
+
+"Where did you write it, and what did you do with your book afterward?"
+
+"I wrote it at this table, aunt: I was so sorry I had to do it, when
+Edward depended so much on my going out with him, that I thought it
+would save time not to get my desk; and as soon as it was done, I left
+it open to dry. When I came home it was closed, and I put it away
+without looking at it, and the next morning the exercise was not there."
+
+"Who was in this room after you left it? by-the-by, it was the morning
+you went to Lady Helen's, Caroline; did you notice Ellen's book open, as
+she said? Why, what is the matter, my dear?" she added, observing that
+Caroline looked as if some sudden light had flashed upon her, and then,
+really grieved.
+
+"I am so very, _very_ sorry, mamma; I do believe it has been all my
+haste and carelessness that has caused Ellen all this unhappiness. I was
+in such a hurry to copy the poem for Lady Helen, that I tore a blank
+leaf out of an open book on the table, without thinking whose it was. In
+my haste the book fell to the ground, I picked it up to write on it, but
+never noticed if the fellow-leaf fell out, which it must have done, and
+no doubt Fanny carried it away with some other torn papers, which she
+asked me if she were to destroy. I am more sorry than I can tell you,
+Ellen; pray believe that I did not do it purposely."
+
+"I am sure she will, if it be only for the comfort of our knowing the
+truth," said Mrs. Hamilton, truly relieved, not only from the
+explanation, but perceiving Caroline's voluntarily offered kiss was
+willingly and heartily returned by Ellen. It was almost the first she
+had ever seen exchanged between them.
+
+"I must believe you, dear Caroline, for you never say what you do not
+mean," said Ellen, earnestly; "but I do so wish Miss Harcourt could see
+my exercise; she would quite believe me then."
+
+"And we should all be more satisfied," replied Mrs. Hamilton, perceiving
+in a moment that Miss Harcourt still doubted, and ringing the bell, she
+desired the footman to send Fanny to her.
+
+"Do you remember taking some torn papers from this room the morning you
+went to tell Miss Hamilton that Mr. Grahame was waiting?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, madam."
+
+"And were they all torn up in small pieces?"
+
+"No, madam; there was one like the page out of a book, which made me ask
+Miss Hamilton if they were all to be destroyed. It was such a nice clean
+piece, only being written on one side, that I wrapped up some lace in
+it--Mrs. Ellis having only half an hour before scolded me for not
+keeping it more carefully."
+
+"Bring me the leaf, my good girl, and Miss Ellen will give you a still
+better piece for the purpose," replied her mistress, quite unable to
+suppress a smile, and Ellen hastily took out a large sheet of writing
+paper, and the moment Fanny returned (she seemed gone an age) gave it to
+her, and seized her own, which she placed in her aunt's hand, without
+being able to speak a single word.
+
+"I think that is the very theme, and certainly Ellen's writing, my dear
+Lucy; we can have no more doubt now," said Mrs. Hamilton, the moment
+Fanny had left the room, delighted with the exchange, and drawing Ellen
+close to her, for the poor child could really scarcely stand.
+
+"I have done you injustice, Ellen, and I beg your pardon," replied Miss
+Harcourt directly, and Mrs. Hamilton would have been better pleased had
+she stopped there, but she could not help adding, "You know I should
+never have doubted you, if you had not so often forfeited truth."
+
+Ellen's first impulse had been to go to her, but her last words caused
+her to bury her face on her aunt's shoulder.
+
+"I really think, Ellen, you ought to thank Ellis for giving Fanny a
+scolding, as it has done you such excellent service," resumed Mrs.
+Hamilton, playfully; "and what fee are you going to give me for taking
+upon myself to prove your innocence in open court? I think myself so
+very clever, that I shall tell Percy I am a better lawyer without study,
+than he can hope to be with. You don't seem very capable of doing any
+thing but kissing me now, and so I will not be very exacting. You have
+cried yourself almost ill, and so must bear the penalty. Go and lie down
+in my dressing-room for an hour or two; Emmeline, go with your cousin,
+and see what a kind, affectionate nurse you can be till I come. It is
+never too early to practice such a complete woman's office."
+
+Emmeline, quite proud of the charge, and more grieved than she very well
+knew how to express, till she was quite alone with Ellen, that she, too,
+had suspected and been cold to her the last week, left the room with her
+cousin. Caroline seemed to hesitate for a moment, but she was quite
+certain by her mother's face that she wished to speak with Miss
+Harcourt, and so, without being told, took up her book, and went into
+the library.
+
+"And now, Lucy, I am going to ask you a personal favor," began Mrs.
+Hamilton, the moment they were alone.
+
+"That I will try and not judge Ellen so harshly again," was her instant
+reply; "you have every right to _desire_ it, my dear friend, not to ask
+it as a favor; I _was_ too prejudiced and too hasty; but your own dear
+children are so truthful, so open, that I fear they have quite spoiled
+me for the necessary patience and forbearance with others."
+
+"You have not quite guessed it, Lucy. Appearances were so very strongly
+against that poor child, that I am not at all astonished you should have
+disbelieved her assertion. In the moment of irritation, it is not
+unlikely I should have done so myself; but the favor I am going to ask
+you, is merely that you will try and _never show_ that you doubt her
+word, or refer to her past failures. I am quite convinced that untruth
+is not Ellen's natural disposition, but that it has been caused by the
+same circumstances which have made her such a painfully timid, too
+humble character. If, with all her efforts to conquer herself, she still
+finds her word doubted, and the past brought forward, she never will be
+able to succeed. Examine as strictly and carefully as you please, and as
+I am sure she will desire, if necessary--as she did to-day--but oblige
+me, and _never doubt her_. If she finds we never do, it will raise her
+self-esteem, and give her a still further incentive to adhere as
+strictly to the truth, as she sees we believe she does. I am certain the
+habit of falsehood has often been strengthened by the injudicious and
+cruel references to one or two childish failures. If I am never to be
+believed, what is the use of trying to tell the truth? is the very
+natural question; and the present pain of carefulness being greater than
+the visible amount of evil, the habit is confirmed. Will you oblige me?"
+
+"Of course I will, dearest Mrs. Hamilton; how can you talk so! Have you
+not a right to desire what you think proper, in my guidance of your
+children, instead of so appealing to me as an equal?"
+
+"And are you not? My dear Lucy, have I ever, in act or word, considered
+you otherwise? In the very intrusting my children to your care, do I not
+prove that I must think you so? Have you lived with me all these years,
+and not yet discovered that I have some few notions peculiar perhaps to
+myself, but that one among them is, that we can never consider too much,
+or be too grateful to those invaluable friends who help us in the
+training of our children?"
+
+"I have lived long enough with you to know that there never was, never
+can be, any woman like you, either as wife, mother, mistress, or
+friend!" exclaimed Miss Harcourt, with most unusual fervor.
+
+"You did not know your own mother, dearest Lucy, as how I wish you had,
+or you would not think so. Every firm, truthful, estimable quality I may
+possess, under God's blessing, I owe to her. As a young child, before
+she came to me, and some years afterward, I was more like Ellen than
+either of my own darlings; and that perhaps explains the secret of my
+love for, and forbearance with her."
+
+"Like Ellen!" repeated Miss Harcourt, much surprised; "forgive me, but,
+indeed, I can scarcely believe it."
+
+"It is truth, notwithstanding; my poor father's great preference for
+Eleanor, when we were children, her very superior beauty and quickness,
+threw me back into myself; and I am quite certain if it had not been for
+your excellent mother, who came to live with us when I was only seven,
+my character would have suffered as much from neglect on the one side,
+and too painful humility on my own, as Ellen's has done. I can
+understand her feelings of loneliness, misappreciation, shrinking into
+herself, better even than she does herself."
+
+"But your affection and kindness ought to have altered her character by
+this time."
+
+"Hardly--eighteen months is not long enough to remove the painful
+impressions and influences of eleven sorrowful years. Besides, I
+scarcely know all these influences; I fear sometimes that she has
+endured more than I am aware of. So you must think charitably of my
+fancy, dearest Lucy," she added, smiling, "and help me to make Ellen as
+much like me as a woman, as I believe she is to me as a child; and to do
+so, try and think a little, a very little, more kindly and hopefully of
+her than you do."
+
+"I really do wish you were not quite so penetrating, dearest Mrs.
+Hamilton; there is no hiding a single feeling or fancy from you,"
+answered Miss Harcourt, slightly confused, but laughing at the same
+time. "What with your memory, and your quick observation, and your
+determined notice of little things, you really are a most dangerous
+person to live with; and if you were not more kind, and indulgent, and
+true than any body else, we should all be frightened to come near you."
+
+"I am glad I have some saving qualities," replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+laughing also; "it would be rather hard to be isolated because I can
+read other people's thoughts. However, we have entered into a compact,"
+she continued, rather more seriously; "you will never show that you
+doubt Ellen, and in any difficult matter, come at once to me," and Miss
+Harcourt willingly assented.
+
+The day passed much more happily than the morning could have
+anticipated. Emmeline's nursing was so affectionate and successful, that
+Ellen was quite able to join them at dinner, and her aunt had selected
+such a very interesting story to read aloud, in which one character was
+a young sailor, that the hours seemed to fly; and then they had a long
+talk about poor Alice Seaton and her brother, whether it would be
+possible for Mr. Hamilton to place young Seaton in a situation that he
+liked better, and that his health was more fitted for. Ellen said she
+should like to see and know Alice so much, for her trial must be such a
+very hard one, that her aunt promised her she should in the midsummer
+holidays, for Alice should then come and spend a week with them. It
+seemed as if not to be able to wish Edward good-night, and kiss him,
+brought back some of the pain again; but she found that thinking about
+poor Alice, and fancying how miserable she must be, if she loved her
+aunt as dearly as she did Mrs. Hamilton, to be obliged to part from her
+as well as her brother, and live at a school, made her pain seem less
+absorbing; as if to help Alice would do more toward curing it than any
+thing. And though, of course, every day, for a little while, she seemed
+to miss Edward more and more, still her aunt's affection and her own
+efforts, prepared her to see her uncle and cousins return, and listen to
+all they could tell her about him, without any increase of pain.
+
+
+
+
+PART III.
+
+SIN AND SUFFERING.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+ADVANCE AND RETROSPECT.
+
+
+Our readers must imagine that two years and four months have elapsed
+since our last visit to the inmates of Oakwood. It was the first week in
+March that Edward Fortescue (only wanting ten days for the completion of
+his fourteenth year) quitted a home, which was happier than any he had
+ever known, to enter the world as a sailor; and it is the 7th of June,
+two years later, the day on which Ellen Fortescue completes her
+fifteenth year, that we recommence our narrative.
+
+Over this interval, however, much as we are anxious to proceed, we must
+take a brief glance, clearly to understand the aspect of the Oakwood
+home affairs, which, from the increasing age of the younger members, had
+undergone some slight change. The greatest and most keenly felt was the
+departure of Percy and Herbert for college, the October twelvemonth
+after Edward had gone; the house seemed actually desolate without them.
+Percy's wild jokes and inexhaustible spirits, and Herbert's quiet,
+unobtrusive kindness, much as they had always been truly appreciated by
+their home circle, still scarcely seemed to have been fully felt till
+the young men were gone; and the old house actually seemed enwrapped in
+a silence, which it required very determined effort on the part of all
+who remained in the least degree to dispel.
+
+Our readers who are mothers, and earnest ones, will easily understand
+the anxious tremblings of Mrs. Hamilton's heart, when she parted from
+her boys for the world: for such, to spirits fresh, boyish,
+unsophisticated, as they still were, Oxford could not fail to be. For
+Herbert, indeed, she had neither fear nor doubt: no sneer, no
+temptation, no bad example, would affect him, in whom every passing
+year seemed to increase and deepen those exalted feelings which, in his
+earliest childhood, had "less in them of earth than heaven." His piety
+was so real, his faith so fervent, his affections so concentrated in his
+home and in one other individual, his love and pursuit of study so
+ardent and unceasing, his one aim, to become worthy in heart and mind to
+serve God as his minister, so ever present, that he was effectually
+guarded even from the world. Percy had none of these feelings to the
+same extent, save his ardent love for home and its inmates--his mother,
+above all. He did, indeed, give every promise that the principles so
+carefully instilled had taken firm root, and would guide his conduct in
+the world; but Mrs. Hamilton was too humble-minded--too convinced that
+every human effort is imperfect, without the sustaining and vitalizing
+grace of God, to rest in security, as many might have done, that
+_because_ she had so worked, so prayed, she _must_ succeed. She was
+hopeful, indeed, very hopeful--how could she be otherwise when she
+beheld his deep, though silent, reverence for sacred things--his
+constant and increasing respect and love for his father--his devoted
+affection for herself--his attachment to Herbert, which seemed so
+strangely yet so beautifully to combine almost reverence for his
+superior mind and holier spirit, with the caressing protectiveness of an
+older for a younger--a stronger for a weaker? There was much in all this
+to banish anxiety altogether, but not from such a heart as Mrs.
+Hamilton's, whose very multiplicity of blessings made her often tremble,
+and led her to the footstool of her God, with a piety as humble, as
+constant, as fervent, as many believe is the fruit of adversity alone.
+
+Caroline had sufficiently improved as greatly to decrease solicitude on
+her account: though there was still a want of sufficient humility, a too
+great proneness to trust implicitly in her own strength, an inclination
+to prejudice, and a love of admiration, which all made Mrs. Hamilton
+fear would expose her to some personal sorrow ere they were entirely
+overcome. To produce eternal good, she might not murmur at temporal
+suffering; but her fond heart, though it could anticipate it calmly for
+herself, so shrunk from it, as touching her child, that the nearer
+approached the period of Caroline's introduction to the gay world, the
+more painfully anxious she became, and the more gladly would she have
+retained her in the retirement of Oakwood, where all her better and
+higher qualities alone had play. But she knew this could not be; and
+she could only _trust_ that her anxiety would be proved as groundless
+with Caroline, as every letter from Oxford proved it to be with Percy,
+and _endeavor_ to avert it by never wavering in her watchful and guiding
+love.
+
+Emmeline, at fifteen, was just the same sportive, happy, innocent child
+as she had been at twelve. Her feelings were, indeed, still deeper, her
+imagination more vivid, her religion more fervid. To her every thing was
+touched with poetry--it mattered not how dull and commonplace it might
+seem to other people; but Mrs. Hamilton's judicious care had so taught
+that _Truth_ alone was poetry and beauty--the Ideal only lovable when
+its basis was the Real--that she was neither romantic nor visionary.
+Keen as her sensibilities were, even over a work of fiction, they
+prompted the _deed_ and _act_ of kindness, not the tear alone. For miles
+round her father's large domain she was known, loved, so felt as a
+guardian spirit, that the very sound of her step seemed to promise joy.
+She actually seemed to live for others--making their pleasures hers;
+and, withal, so joyous, especially in her own home and at Greville
+Manor, that even anxiety seemed exorcised when she was near. Before
+strangers, indeed, she would be as shy as a young fawn; though even then
+natural kindliness of heart prompted such kindness of word and manner,
+as always to excite the wish to see her again.
+
+Edward, in the two years and a quarter which he had been away, had only
+once occasioned anxiety. Two or three months after he had sailed, he
+wrote home in the highest terms of a certain Gilbert Harding, one of the
+senior midshipmen of his ship, from whom he had received kindness upon
+kindness; and who, being six or seven years older than himself, he
+jestingly wrote to his aunt and uncle, must certainly be the very best
+friend he could have chosen, as he was much too old to lead him into
+mischief. Why he (Harding) had taken such a fancy to him, Edward could
+not tell; but he was so excessively kind, so taught him his duty, and
+smoothed all the difficulties and disagreeables which, he owned, had at
+first seemed overwhelming, that he never could be grateful enough. He
+added, that, though not a general favorite with his immediate messmates,
+he was very highly esteemed by Sir Edward Manly and his other superior
+officers, and that the former had much commended him for his kindness to
+the youngest boy on board, which Edward was. It was very easy to
+perceive that young Fortescue's susceptible affections had all been not
+only attracted, but already riveted by this new friend. All the young
+party at Oakwood rejoiced at it; Mrs. Hamilton would have done so also,
+had she not perceived an anxious expression on her husband's face, which
+alarmed her. He did not, however, make any remark till he had spoken to
+Mr. Howard, and then imparted to his wife alone (not choosing to create
+suspicion in the open hearts of his children) that this Gilbert Harding,
+though very young at the time had been one of the principal actors in
+the affair which had caused Mr. Howard to dismiss his pupils, as we
+related in a former page; that his very youth, for he could scarcely
+have been more than eleven or twelve, and determined hardihood, so
+marked natural depravity, that Mr. Howard had had less hope for him than
+for any of the others. This opinion had been borne out by his after
+conduct at home; but the affair had been successfully hushed up by his
+family; and by immense interest he been permitted to enter the navy,
+where, it was said, his youthful errors had been so redeemed, and his
+courage and conduct altogether had so won him applause, that no farther
+fears were entertained for him. Mr. Howard alone retained his opinion,
+that the disposition was naturally bad, and doubted the _internal_
+response to the seeming _outward good_; and he was grieved and anxious
+beyond measure, when he heard that he was not only on board the same
+ship as Edward, but already his favorite companion and most trusted
+friend. His anxiety, of course, extended itself to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton
+to such a degree, that at the first moment they would gladly have
+endeavored to exchange his ship; but this would have seemed very strange
+to Sir Edward Manly, who was one of Mr. Hamilton's most valued friends.
+He had, in fact, actually delayed Edward's becoming a midshipman till
+Sir Edward could take him in his own ship and now to place him elsewhere
+was really impossible; and, after all, though he might be removed from
+Harding's influence, how could his anxious guardians know all with whom
+he might be thrown? They were obliged to content themselves with writing
+earnestly and affectionately to Edward; and, painful as it was, to throw
+a doubt and shade over such youthful confidence and affection, implored
+him not to trust too implicitly in Harding; that his character had not
+always been free from stain; that he (Edward) was still so young and so
+susceptible, he might find that he had imbibed principles, and been
+tempted to wrong almost unconsciously, and suffer from its effects when
+too late to escape. They wrote as affectionately and indulgently as they
+could--Mr. Howard, as well as his aunt and uncle; but still they felt
+that it certainly did appear cruel to warn a young, warm heart to break
+off the first friendship it had formed; especially as he beheld that
+friend approved of by his captain, and looked up to by the crew. And
+that Edward's reply was somewhat cold, though he did promise caution,
+and assure them he had not so forgotten the influences and principles of
+Oakwood as to allow any one to lead him into error, did not surprise
+them. He never referred to Harding again, except sometimes casually to
+mention his companionship, or some act which had won him approval; and
+they really hoped their letters had had at least the effect of putting
+him on his guard. Sir Edward Manly's own reply to Mr. Hamilton's anxious
+appeal to him, however, succeeded in quieting their fears; he assured
+them he had seen nothing in Harding's conduct, since he had been at sea,
+to render him an unfit companion for any boy: that he had heard of some
+boyish faults, but it was rather hard he was to suffer from them as a
+man; and he assured his friends that he would keep a strict look-out
+after young Fortescue, and the first appearance of a change in a
+character which, young as he was, he could not help loving, should be
+inquired into, and the friendship ended by sending Harding to some other
+ship. So wrote Sir Edward Manly, with the fullest possible intention to
+perform; and Edward's anxious friends were happy, more especially as
+letter after letter brought praises of the young sailor from captain,
+officers, and crew, and his own epistles, though brief, were
+affectionate and satisfactory.
+
+It was happy for Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, and Mr. Howard, too, that they
+were ignorant of the multiplicity of great and little things which could
+not fail to engross the mind of Sir Edward Manly, who was not only
+captain of the Prince William, a gallant seventy-four, but commander of
+the little flotilla which accompanied him, or they could not have rested
+so secure. Happy for them too, during those years of separation, that
+they were not perfectly acquainted with Edward's real weakness of
+character, or of the fearful extent of mischief which the influences of
+his first twelve years had engendered. Had he remained at Oakwood till
+nineteen or twenty, it _is_ probable they would have been insensibly
+conquered, and the impressions of good, which he had appeared so
+readily to receive, really taken root and guided his after life, but
+eighteen months could not do this, as Mrs. Hamilton would have felt, had
+she known _all_ the effect of her sister's ill-judged partiality and
+indulgence; but this, as we have already mentioned, was concealed from
+her by the bright, lovable, winning qualities, which alone were
+uppermost. Our readers, in fact, know more of Edward (if they have at
+all thought of his conduct in so frequently allowing his sister to
+suffer for him) than his aunt, penetrative as she was; and, therefore,
+in the events we shall have occasion to relate, we trust that Mrs.
+Hamilton will not appear an inconsistent character, inasmuch that one in
+general so successfully observant, should fail in penetration when most
+needed.
+
+Edward's life at Oakwood had been so very happy, its pleasures and
+indulgences so innocent, so numerous, that he did not himself know his
+liability to temptation, from the excessive love of pleasure which his
+mother's indiscreet indulgence had originally infused. The control which
+his uncle and Mr. Howard exercised over him had been so very gentle and
+forbearing, that he had scarcely ever felt the inclination to exert
+self-will, and when it so chanced that he had, Ellen had covered his
+fault, or borne its penalty for him. He thought he had guided himself,
+when, in fact, he was guided; but this could no longer be the case when
+one of the little world which thronged a first-rate man-of-war. Outward
+actions were, indeed, under control; but what captain, the most earnest,
+most able in the world, could look into and guide the _hearts_ of all
+those committed to his care? And almost the first action of Edward's
+unbiased will was indignantly to tear into shreds, and scatter to the
+winds and the waves, those affectionate and warning letters, and cling
+the more closely to, rest the more confidingly on Harding, for the wrong
+that he thought he had done him, by allowing his eye even to rest for a
+moment on such base, unfounded aspersions on his name.
+
+When Mrs. Hamilton told Ellen that her letters to her brother, and his
+to her, should never be subjected to any scrutiny but their own, she
+acted on a principle which many parents and guardians would consider as
+high-flown and romantic, and which she herself had most painful reason
+to regret--the effects, at least, but not the principle itself, for that
+was based on too refined a feeling to waver, even though she suffered
+from it. She could not bear, nor could her husband, the system which
+prevailed in some families of their acquaintance, that their children
+could neither receive nor write letters to each other, or their intimate
+friends, without being shown to their seniors. As for opening and
+reading a letter directed to one of them, before its possessor saw it,
+as they had seen done, it was, in their estimation, as much dishonor and
+as mean, as if such a thing had been done to an adult. Perfect
+confidence in their home they had indeed instilled, and that confidence
+was never withheld. There was a degree of suspicion attached to a demand
+always to see what a child had written or received, from which Mrs.
+Hamilton's pure mind actually shrunk in loathing. In the many months the
+Grahame family passed in London, Annie and Caroline corresponded without
+the least restraint: no doubt many would pronounce Mrs. Hamilton very
+unwise, knowing Annie so well, and trembling for Caroline as she did;
+but, as she told Miss Harcourt, she had some notions peculiar to herself
+(they always had the sanction and sympathy of her husband, however), and
+this was one of them. She was always pleased and interested in all that
+her children read to her, either from their own epistles or those they
+received, and if they wished it, read them herself, but she never asked
+to do so, and the consequence was, that the most perfect confidence was
+given.
+
+When Ellen and Edward parted, they were both so young, that Mr. Hamilton
+had hesitated as to whether his wife was quite justified in the perfect
+trust with which she treated them, and whether it would not be wiser to
+overlook their correspondence; but Mrs. Hamilton so argued that their
+very youth was their safeguard, that they were all in all to each other,
+and as such she wished them to feel they were bound by even a closer and
+a fonder tie than that of brother and sister under other circumstances,
+so won over her husband that he yielded; and from the long extracts that
+Ellen would read of Edward's letters to the family in general, and of
+her own to her aunt, he was quite satisfied as to the wisdom of his
+wife's judgment.
+
+For full a year after Edward's departure, Ellen's conduct and general
+improvement had given her aunt nothing but pleasure; even Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's prejudice was nearly removed, though, at
+times, the fancy would steal over both that she was not exactly what she
+seemed, and that that which was hidden was not exactly that which Mrs.
+Hamilton believed it; and this fancy strengthened by a certain
+indefinable yet _felt_ change in Ellen, commencing about thirteen months
+after she had parted from her brother. Mrs. Hamilton herself, for some
+time strove against belief, but at length she could no longer conceal
+from herself that Ellen _was_ becoming reserved again, and fearful, at
+times almost shrinking, and sad, as in her childhood. The openness, and
+almost light-heartedness, which for one brief year had so characterized
+her, seemed completely but so insensibly to have gone, that Mrs.
+Hamilton could not satisfy herself as to the time of the commencement,
+or reason of the change. Her temper, too, became fitful, and altogether
+her aunt's anxiety and bewilderment as to her real character returned in
+full force. Once, when gently questioned as to why her temper was so
+altered, Ellen confessed with tears, that she knew it was, but she could
+not help it, she believed she was not well; and Mrs. Hamilton called in
+Mr. Maitland, who said that she really was in a highly nervous state,
+and required care and quietness, and the less notice that was taken of
+her momentary irritability or depression the better. Little did the
+worthy man imagine how his young patient blessed him for these words;
+giving a reason for and so allowing the trepidation which paled her
+cheek, parched her lips, and made her hand so tremble, when she received
+a letter from her brother, to pass unnoticed.
+
+But change in manner was not all; almost every second or third month
+Ellen's allowance of pocket-money (which was unusually liberal, as Mrs.
+Hamilton wished to accustom her girls, from an early age, to purchase
+some few articles of dress for themselves, and so learn the value of
+money) most strangely and mysteriously disappeared. Ellen either could
+not or would not give any account of it; and, of course, it not only
+exposed her to her aunt's most serious displeasure, but inexpressibly
+heightened not only Mrs. Hamilton's bewilderment and anxiety, but Miss
+Harcourt's and Caroline's unspoken prejudice. From the time of Edward's
+departure, Ellen had never been discovered in or suspected of either
+uttering or acting an untruth; but her silence, her apparent determined
+ignorance of, or resolution not to confess the cause of the
+incomprehensible disappearance of her allowance, naturally compelled
+Mrs. Hamilton to revert to the propensity of her childhood, and fear
+that truthfulness was again deserting her. Her displeasure lasting of
+course, the longer from Ellen's want of openness, and the air of what
+almost appeared to her anxious yet still affectionate aunt like sullen
+defiance (in reality, it was almost despair), when spoken to, caused a
+painful degree of estrangement between them, always, however, giving
+place to Mrs. Hamilton's usual caressing manner, the moment Ellen seemed
+really repentant, and her month's expenditure could be properly
+explained.
+
+For six or eight months before the day on which we recommence our
+narrative, there had been, however, nothing to complain of in Ellen,
+except still that unnatural reserve and frequent depression, as if
+dreading something she knew not what, which, as every other part of her
+conduct was satisfactory, Mrs. Hamilton tried to comfort herself was
+physical alone. No reference to the past was ever made: her manner to
+her niece became the same as usual; but she could not feel secure as to
+her character, and, what was most painful, there were times when she was
+compelled to doubt even Ellen's affection for herself, a thing she had
+never had the slightest cause to do even when she was a little inanimate
+child.
+
+But very few changes had taken place in the Greville and Grahame
+families. Mrs. Greville's trial continued in unmitigated, if not
+heightened bitterness: the example, the companionship of his father had
+appeared to have blighted every good seed which she had strenuously
+endeavored to plant in the bosom of her son. At sixteen he was already
+an accomplished man of the world, in its most painful sense: he had his
+own companions, his own haunts; scarcely ever visiting his home, for a
+reason which, could his poor mother have known it, would have given her
+some slight gleam of comfort. He could not associate either with her or
+his sister, without feeling a sort of loathing of himself, a longing to
+be to them as Percy and Herbert Hamilton were at Oakwood; and not having
+the moral courage sufficient to break from the control of his father,
+and the exciting pleasures in which that control initiated him, he
+shrunk more and more from the only spot in which better feelings were so
+awakened within him as to give him pain. To deaden this unacknowledged
+remorse, his manner was rude and unfeeling, so that his very visits,
+though inexpressibly longed for by his mother, brought only increase of
+grief.
+
+Mrs. Greville seemed herself so inured to suffering, that she bore up
+against it without any visible failing of health; struggling against its
+enervating effects, more, perhaps, than she was aware of herself, for
+the sake of one treasure still granted her--her own almost angel
+Mary--who, she knew, without her love and constant cheerfulness, must
+sink beneath such a constant aggravated trial. Yet that very love
+brought increase of anxiety from more than one cause. As yet there was
+no change in their manner of living, but Mrs. Greville knew that, from
+the excesses of her husband and son, there very soon must be. Ruin,
+poverty, all its fearful ills, stood before her in perspective, and how
+could Mary's fragile frame and gentle spirit bear up against them? Again
+and again the question pressed upon her--Did Herbert Hamilton indeed
+love her child, as every passing year seemed to confirm? and if he did,
+would--could his parents consent to his union with the child of such a
+father, the sister of such a brother? There were always long messages to
+Mary in Herbert's letters to his mother, which Mrs. Hamilton not only
+delivered herself, but sometimes even put the whole letter into Mary's
+hand, and at last laughingly said, she really thought they had much
+better write to each other, as then she should chance to get a letter
+all to herself, not merely be the medium of a communication between
+them; and Mary, though she did slightly blush, which she was in the
+habit of doing for scarcely any thing, seemed to think it so perfectly
+natural, that she merely said, if Herbert had time to write to her, she
+should like it very much, and would certainly answer him.
+
+"My dear Emmeline, what are you about?" was Mrs. Greville's anxious
+appeal, the moment they were alone.
+
+"Giving pleasure to two young folks, of whom I am most excessively
+fond," was Mrs. Hamilton's laughing reply. "Don't look so terrified, my
+dear Jessie. They love each other as boy and girl now, and if the love
+should deepen into that of man and woman, why, all I can say is--I would
+rather have your Mary for my Herbert than any one else I know."
+
+"She is not only _my_ Mary!" answered the poor mother, with such a
+quivering of the eye and lip, that it checked Mrs. Hamilton's joyousness
+at once.
+
+"She is _your_ Mary, in all that can make such a character as my Herbert
+happy," was her instant reply, with a pressure of Mrs. Greville's hand,
+that said far more than her words. "I am not one of those who like to
+make matches in anticipation, for man's best laid schemes are so often
+overthrown by the most trifling but unforeseen chances, that display a
+much wiser providence than our greatest wisdom, that I should consider
+it almost sinful so to do; but never let a thought of suffering cross
+your mind, dearest Jessie, as to what my husband's and my own answer
+will be, if our Herbert should indeed ever wish to choose your Mary as
+his wife, and, certainly a most important addition, should she wish it
+too. Our best plan now is to let them follow their own inclinations
+regarding correspondence. We can, I am sure, trust them both, for what
+can be a greater proof of my boy's perfect confidence in my sympathy
+with his feelings toward her, than to make me his messenger, as he has
+done, and as he, no doubt, will continue to do, even if he write. I have
+not the smallest doubt, that he will inclose me his letters to her
+unsealed, and I rather think your Mary will send me her replies in the
+same unreserved manner."
+
+And she was right. Nor, we think, did the purity and innocence of those
+letters, so intensely interesting to each other, give place to any other
+style, even when they chanced to discover that Mrs. Hamilton was utterly
+ignorant of their contents, except that which they chose to read or
+impart to her themselves.
+
+But even this assurance on the part of one so loved and trusted as Mrs.
+Hamilton, could not entirely remove Mrs. Greville's vague anticipations
+of evil. Mr. Greville always shunned, and declared he hated the Hamilton
+family; but as he seemed to entertain the same feeling toward herself
+and her poor Mary, she tried to comfort herself by the idea that he
+would never trouble his head about his daughter; or be glad to get her
+out of his way, especially if she married well. Still anxiety for the
+future would press upon her; only calmed by her firm, unchanging faith
+in that gracious, ever-watchful Providence, who, if in spite of her
+heavy troubles she still tried to trust and serve, would order all
+things for the best; and it was this, this faith alone, which so
+supported her, as to permit her to make her child's home and heart
+almost as happy as if her path had all been smooth.
+
+In the Grahame family a change had taken place, in Master Cecil's being
+sent to Eton some time before his father had intended; but so many cases
+of Lady Helen's faulty indolence and ruinous indulgence had come under
+his notice, that he felt to remove the boy from her influence must be
+accomplished at any cost. Cecil was quite delighted, but his mother was
+so indignant, that she overcame her habitual awe of her husband
+sufficiently to vow that she would not live so far from her son, and if
+he must go to school, she must leave Moorlands. Grahame, with equal
+positiveness, declared that he would not give up a home endeared to him
+so long, nor to entirely break off his companionship with his dearest
+friends. A very stormy dialogue of course took place, and ended by both
+parties being more resolved to entertain their own opinion. The
+interposition of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, however, obtained some
+concession on Grahame's part, and he promised that if Lady Helen would
+make Moorlands her home from the middle of July till the end of October,
+November and December should be spent in the vicinity of Eton, and she
+should then have six months for London and its attractions. This
+concession brought back all Lady Helen's smiles, and charmed Annie,
+though it was a source of real regret to Caroline, who could not help
+feeling a little pained at her friend's small concern at this long
+separation from her. But still she loved her; and, as Annie wrote
+frequently, and when she was at Moorlands never tired of her society
+(the eight months of absence giving her so much interesting matter to
+impart), Caroline was not only satisfied, but insensible to the utter
+want of sympathy which Annie manifested in _her_ pursuits, _her_
+pleasures. Mrs. Hamilton often wished that Caroline had chosen one more
+deserving of her friendship, but she trusted that time and experience
+would teach her Annie's real character, and so did not feel any anxiety
+on that score.
+
+There was only one member in Grahame's family, that Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton hoped might bring joy and comfort to their friend, and that was
+his little Lilla. She was five years younger than Annie, and being much
+less attractive, seemed almost forgotten, and so was spared the
+dangerous ordeal of flattery and indulgence to which Annie had been
+subject; and from being more violent and less agreeable than Cecil, was
+not so frequently spoiled by her mother. They feared the poor child
+would have much to endure from her own temper, Annie's overbearing
+insolence, and Lady Helen's culpable indolence; but Mrs. Hamilton hoped,
+when she resided part of the year in London, as she felt she would very
+soon be called upon to do, to be enabled to rouse Grahame's attention
+toward his youngest child, and prevail on him to relax in his sternness
+toward her; and by taking notice of her continually herself, instill
+such feelings in her as would attract her toward her father, and so
+increase the happiness of both. Every visit of the Grahame family to
+Moorlands, she resolved to study Lilla well, and try all she could to
+make one in reality so estimable, as her husband's friend, happy, in one
+child at least.
+
+It had been Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's intention to go to London the
+January after Caroline was seventeen, and give her the advantage of
+finishing masters, and a partial introduction to the world, by having
+the best society at home, before she launched into all its exciting
+pleasures; to return to Oakwood in July or August, and revisit the
+metropolis the following February or March, for the season, when, as she
+would be eighteen and a half, she should be fully introduced. Caroline,
+of course, anticipated this period with intense delight. She was quite
+satisfied that in her first visit she should study as much as, if not
+more than before; and content and thankful that her mother would allow
+her to enter so far into society, as always to join dinner or evening
+parties at home, and go to some of her most intimate friends, when their
+coteries were very small and friendly; and, another eagerly anticipated
+delight, sometimes go to the opera and the best concerts, and visit all
+the galleries of art.
+
+To poor Emmeline these anticipations gave no pleasure whatever; she
+hated the very thought of leaving Oakwood, firmly convinced that not the
+most highly intellectual, nor the most delightful social enjoyment in
+London, could equal the pure delights of Devonshire and home. Ellen
+seemed too engrossed with her own thoughts to evince a feeling either
+way, much to her aunt's regret, as her constant quietness and seeming
+determined repression of her sentiments, rendered her character still
+more difficult to read.
+
+But a heavy disappointment was preparing for Caroline, in the compelled
+postponement of her bright anticipations; to understand the causes of
+which, we must glance back on an event in the Hamilton family, which had
+occurred some years before its present head was born. In the early part
+of the reign of George the Third, Arthur Hamilton, the grandfather of
+our friend of the same name, had been sent by government to the coast of
+Denmark: his estimable character so won him the regard of the reigning
+sovereign, Christian VII., that, on his departure, the royal wish was
+expressed for his speedy return.--On his voyage home, he was wrecked off
+the Feroe Islands, and rescued from danger and death by the strenuous
+exertions of the islanders, who entertained him and the crew with the
+utmost hospitality, till their ship was again seaworthy. During his
+involuntary detention, Mr. Hamilton became deeply interested in the
+Feroese, a people living, it seemed, in the midst of desolation, a
+cluster of small rocky islets, divided by some hundred miles of stormy
+sea from their fellows. He made the tour of the islands, and found
+almost all their inhabitants possessing the same characteristics as
+those of Samboe, the island off which he had been wrecked; kind,
+hospitable, honest, temperate, inclined to natural piety, but so
+perfectly indifferent to the various privations and annoyances of their
+lot, as to make no effort toward removing them. Traveling either by land
+or sea was so dangerous and difficult, that in some parishes the
+clergyman could only perform service twice a year,[3] or once every one,
+two, or three months. The islands in which the clergyman resided were,
+Mr. Hamilton observed, in a much higher state of civilization and
+morality than Samboe and some others, and an earnest desire took
+possession of him, to do some real service for those who had saved him
+from danger and treated him so hospitably. He very speedily acquired
+their language, which gave him still more influence. He found, also,
+that if their ancient customs and traditions were left undisturbed, they
+were very easily led, and this discovery strengthened his purpose.--His
+departure was universally regretted; and his promise to return imagined
+too great a privilege to be believed.
+
+[Footnote 3: For this account of Feroe and the Feroese the author is
+indebted to a "History of the Islands, by a Resident."]
+
+As soon as his political duties in England permitted, Mr. Hamilton
+revisited Denmark, and was received with such cordiality as to encourage
+him to make his petition for the improvement of his majesty's poor
+subjects of Samboe. It was granted directly; the little island so far
+made over to him, that he was at liberty to introduce and erect whatever
+he pleased within it; and Mr. Hamilton, all eagerness for the perfection
+of his plans, returned with speed to England; obtained the valuable aid
+of a poor though worthy clergyman, who, with his wife, voluntarily
+offered to make Samboe their home, and assist their benefactor (for such
+Mr. Hamilton had long been), to the very best of their ability. A
+strong-built vessel was easily procured, and a favorable voyage soon
+transported them to Feroe. The delight of the Samboese at beholding
+their former guest again, prepossessed Mr. and Mrs. Wilson in their
+favor, and Mr. Hamilton, before his six months' sojourn with them was
+over, beheld the island in a fair way of religious and moral
+improvement.--Schools were formed and masters appointed--houses were
+made more comfortable--women and young children more cared for, and
+employments found, and sufficiently rewarded to encourage persevering
+labor. Three or four times Mr. Hamilton visited the island again before
+his death, and each time he had more reason to be satisfied with the
+effect of his schemes. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were perfectly happy. Their
+son was united to the pretty and excellent daughter of one of the Danish
+clergymen, and a young family was blooming round them, so that there
+seemed a fair promise of the ministry of Samboe continuing long in
+charge of the same family.
+
+Mr. Hamilton, on his death-bed, exacted a promise from his son that he
+would not permit the island to fall back into its old habits; but that,
+if required, he would visit it himself. The visit was not required, but
+Percy Hamilton (the father of the present possessor of Oakwood), from
+respect to his father's memory, made a voyage to Samboe on the demise of
+the elder Wilson. He found every thing flourishing and happy; Frederic
+Wilson had been received as their pastor and head, with as much joy as
+their regret for his father would permit; and Mr. Hamilton returned to
+England, satisfied with himself, and inexpressibly touched by the
+veneration still entertained in that distant island for his father. The
+same promise was demanded by him from his son, and Arthur Hamilton had
+visited Feroe directly after the loss of his parent, and before his
+engagement with Miss Manvers. He found it in the same satisfactory
+condition as his predecessors had done, and the letters he regularly
+received confirmed it; but for the last year and a half he had received
+no tidings. Frederic Wilson, he knew, was dead, but his last account had
+told him his eldest son, who had been educated in Denmark, had been
+gladly received by the simple people, and promised fair to be as much
+loved, and do the same good as his father and grandfather. The silence
+then was incomprehensible, and Mr. Hamilton had resolved, if another
+year passed without intelligence, it would be a positive duty to visit
+it himself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A LETTER, AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
+
+
+It was the seventh of June, and one of those glorious mornings, when
+Nature looks lovelier than ever. The windows of the breakfast-room were
+thrown widely open, and never did the superb trees of Oakwood Park look
+richer or display a greater variety of green. The flower-garden, on part
+of which the breakfast-room opened, was actually dazzling with its
+profusion of brilliant flowers, on which the sun looked down so
+gloriously; a smooth lawn whose green was a perfect emerald, stretched
+down from the parterre, till it was lost in woody openings, which
+disclosed the winding river, that, lying as a lake on one side, appeared
+to sweep round some exquisite scenery on the opposite side, and form
+another lake, about a mile further. It was Emmeline's favorite view, and
+she always declared, that it so varied its aspects of loveliness, she
+was sure it never looked two mornings exactly alike, and so long would
+she stand and admire, that her mother often threatened to send her her
+breakfast in her own room, where the view, though picturesque, would not
+so completely turn her attention from the dull realities of life. There
+were some letters on the table this morning, so she had a longer time to
+drink in poetry than usual.
+
+"Who can offer Ellen a more precious birthday-gift than mine?" exclaimed
+Mrs. Hamilton, playfully holding up a letter, as her niece entered. "I
+wonder if Edward remembered how near his sister was to fifteen, and so
+wrote on the chance of your receiving it on the day itself!"
+
+"Why, Ellen, what a queer effect pleasure has on you! I always notice
+you turn quite pale whenever Edward's letters are given to you,"
+interposed Emmeline, looking at her cousin, and laughing. "I am sure,
+the very hurry I am in to open Percy's and Herbert's, must give me a
+color, and you are as deliberate as if you did not care about it. I do
+wish you would not be so cold and quiet."
+
+"One giddy brain is quite enough in a house," rejoined her father, in
+the same mirthful tone, and looking up from his letter he called Ellen
+to him, and kissed her. "I forgot the day of the month, my little girl,
+but I am not too late, I hope, to say, God bless you, and wish that
+every year may pass more happily, more usefully, and more prepared for
+eternity than the last!"
+
+"I do not think you have forgotten it, my dear uncle," replied Ellen,
+gratefully (she had not yet opened her brother's letter); "for my aunt
+says, I am to thank you as well as her for this beautiful birthday
+gift," and she displayed an elegant little gold watch; "indeed, I do not
+know how to thank you for all your kindness!" she added, so earnestly
+that tears came to her eyes.
+
+"I will say, as I have heard your aunt often say--by trying to be a
+little more lively, and unreserved, my dear Ellen; that would prove our
+kindness and affection made you happy, better than any thing; but I am
+not going to lecture you on your birthday, and with a letter from Edward
+in your hand," he continued, smiling. "Open it, my dear, I want to know
+its date; I rather think my friend Manly's must be written later."
+
+"Nothing in it for me, Ellen?" asked her aunt. "What a lazy boy he has
+grown!"
+
+"An inclosure for you, Ellen; why, that is as queer as your paleness!"
+said Emmeline.
+
+"Do let your cousin's paleness alone," interposed Mrs. Hamilton, gayly.
+"I really can not perceive she has any less color than usual, and as for
+the inclosure, Edward often has something to add at the last moment, and
+no room to insert it, and so there is nothing remarkable in his using
+another half sheet."
+
+"Emmeline always creates wonders out of shadows," said Caroline, dryly.
+
+"And you never see any thing but dull, coarse, heavy realities," laughed
+her sister in reply. "Come, Ellen, tell us something of this idle
+brother of yours, who promised to write to me every packet, and never
+does."
+
+Ellen read nearly the whole letter aloud, and it was unusually
+entertaining, for the ship had been cruising about the last month and
+Edward described the various scenes and new places he had visited more
+lengthily than usual. He anticipated with great glee an engagement with
+some desperate pirates, whose track they were pursuing.
+
+"Does he mention an engagement?" inquired Mr. Hamilton.
+
+"No, uncle; he concludes quite abruptly, saying they have just piped
+all hands, and he must be off. The direction does not seem his writing."
+
+"Nor is it; Sir Edward sealed, directed, and put it up for him in his
+own to me. They had piped all hands, as he calls it, because the pirate
+ship was in sight, and an engagement did take place."
+
+"And Edward--oh, uncle, is he hurt? I am sure, he is, by your face,"
+exclaimed Ellen; trembling and all the little circle looked alarmed.
+
+"Then my face is a deceiver," replied Mr. Hamilton, quite cheerfully.
+"He only received a slight flesh wound in his right arm, which prevented
+his using it to complete his letter, and I rather think, he would have
+willingly been hurt still more, to receive such praises as Sir Edward
+lavishes on him. Listen to what he says--'Not a boy or man on board
+distinguished himself more than your nephew: in fact, I am only
+astonished he escaped as he did, for those pirates are desperate
+fighters, and when we boarded them, Fortescue was in the midst of them,
+fighting like a young lion. Courage and gallantry are such dazzling
+qualities in a young lad, that we think more of them perhaps than we
+ought, but I can not say too much for your nephew; I have not a lad more
+devoted to his duty. I was glad to show him my approbation by giving him
+some days' liberty, when we were off New York; but I have since told
+him, the air of land certainly did not agree with him, for he has looked
+paler and thinner ever since. He is growing very fast; and altogether,
+if I have occasion to send another prize schooner home, I think it not
+improbable I shall nominate him as one of the officers, that he may have
+the benefit of the healthful breezes of Old England, to bring back his
+full strength.' There Ellen, I think that is a still better
+birthday-present than even Edward's own letter. I am as proud of my
+nephew as Sir Edward is."
+
+"And do you think he really will come?" asked Ellen, trying to conquer
+her emotion.
+
+"We will hope it, dearest," replied her aunt, kindly. "But do not think
+too much about it, even if Sir Edward be not able to do as he says. His
+own ship will be coming home in a year or two, and you owned to me
+yourself this morning, it did not seem as long as it really is, since
+our dear sailor left us; so the remaining time will soon pass. Finish
+your breakfast, and go, love, and enjoy his letter again to yourself."
+
+And Ellen gladly obeyed; for it was from no imaginary cause that the
+receipt of Edward's letters so often paled her cheek, and parched her
+lip with terror. She knew that concerning him which none else but
+Harding did; and even when those letters imparted nothing but that which
+she could read to her family, the dread was quite enough to banish any
+thing like the elastic happiness, natural to her age, and called for by
+the kindness of those she loved. His letter this time, however, had not
+a word to call for that sickness of the heart, with which she had
+received it, and she read it again and again; with a thankfulness, too
+intense for words.
+
+"You dropped this, Ellen dear," said the voice of her cousin Emmeline at
+her door, ten minutes after she left the breakfast-room. "It was under
+the table, and I do not think you have read it; it is the inclosure I
+was so amused at."
+
+"I dare say it is a letter written for some other opportunity, and
+forgotten to be sent; it is only a few words," replied Ellen as she
+looked at its length, not at its meaning, for the fearful lesson of
+quiet unconcern when the heart is bursting had been too early learned.
+
+"Then I will leave you in peace: by-the-by, cousin mine, papa told me to
+tell you, that as the Prince William is soon going to cruise again, your
+answer to Edward must be ready this day week, the latest, and mamma
+says, if you like to write part of it now that all Edward's little
+love-speeches are fresh in your mind, you can do so; it is your
+birthday, and you may spend it as you like. How I shall enjoy making a
+lion of my cousin, when he comes!"--and away tripped the happy girl,
+singing some wild snatch of an old ballad about sailors.
+
+Ellen shut the door, secured it, and with a lip and cheek colorless as
+her robe, an eye strained and bloodshot, read the following words--few
+indeed!
+
+"Ellen! I am again in that villain's power, and for a sum so trifling,
+that it maddens me to think I can not discharge it without again
+appealing to you. I had resolved never to play again--and again some
+demon lured me to those Hells! If I do not pay him by my next receipts
+from home, he will expose me, and what then--disgrace, expulsion,
+_death_! for I will not survive it; there are easy means of
+self-destruction to a sailor, and who shall know but that he is
+accidentally drowned? You promised me to save part of every allowance,
+in case I needed it. If you would indeed save me, send me
+five-and-thirty pounds! Ellen! by some means, I _must_ have it; but
+breathe it to my uncle or aunt--for if _she_ knows it, _he_ will--and
+you will never see me more!"
+
+For one long hour Ellen never moved. Her brain felt scorched, her limbs
+utterly powerless. Every word seemed to write itself in letters of fire
+on her heart and brain, till she could almost have screamed, from the
+dread agony; and then came the heavy weight, so often felt before, but
+never crushing every thought and energy as now, the seeming utter
+impossibility to comply with that fearfully urged demand. _He_ called it
+a sum so trifling, and _she_ felt a hundred, ay, a thousand pounds were
+not more difficult to obtain. She had saved, indeed, denying herself
+every little indulgence, every personal gratification, spending only
+what she was obliged, and yet compelled to let her aunt believe she had
+properly expended all, that she might have the means of sending him
+money when he demanded it, without exposing herself to doubt and
+displeasure as before; but in the eight months since his last call, she
+had only been enabled to put by fifteen pounds, not half the sum he
+needed. How was she to get the rest? and she had so buoyed herself with
+the fond hope, that even if he did write for help again, she could send
+it to him so easily--and now--her mind seemed actually to reel beneath
+the intense agony of these desperate words. She was too young, too
+believing, and too terror-stricken to doubt for a moment the alternative
+he placed before her, with a vividness, a desperation, of which he was
+unconscious himself. Those words spoken, would have been terrible,
+almost awful in one so young--though a brief interval would have
+sufficiently calmed both the hearer and the speaker, to satisfy that
+they were _but words_, and that self-destruction is never breathed, if
+really intended: but _written_, the writer at a distance, imagination at
+liberty, to heighten every terror, every reality; their reader a young
+loving girl, utterly ignorant of the world's ways and temptations, and
+the many errors to which youth is subject, but from which manhood may
+spring up unsullied; and so believing, almost crushed by the belief,
+that her brother, the only one, her own--respected, beloved, as he was
+said to be--had yet committed such faults, as would hurl him from his
+present position to the lowest depth of degradation, for what else could
+tempt him, to swear not to survive it? Was it marvel, that poor Ellen
+was only conscious that she must save him?--Again did her dying mother
+stand before her--again did her well-remembered voice beseech her to
+save him her darling, beautiful Edward, from disgrace and
+punishment--reiterate that her word was pledged, and she _must_ do it,
+and if she suffered--had she not done so from infancy--and what was her
+happiness to his? Define why it should be of less moment, indeed, she
+could not. It was the fatal influences of her childhood working alone.
+
+How that day passed, Ellen never knew. She had been too long accustomed
+to control, to betray her internal suffering (terror for Edward seemed
+to endow her with additional self command), except by a deadly paleness,
+which even her aunt at length remarked. It was quite evening, and the
+party were all scattered, when Mrs. Hamilton discovered Ellen sitting in
+one of the deep recesses of the windows: her work in her lap, her hands
+clasped tightly together, and her eyes fixed on the beautiful scenery of
+the park, but not seeing a single object.
+
+"My dear Ellen, I am going to scold you, so prepare," was her aunt's
+lively address, as she approached and stood by her. "You need not start
+so guiltily and look so very terrified, but confess that you are
+thinking about Edward, and worrying yourself that he is not quite so
+strong as he was, and magnifying his wound, till you fancy it something
+very dreadful, when, I dare say, if the truth were told, he himself is
+quite proud of it; come confess, and I will only give you a very little
+lecture, for your excessive silliness."
+
+Ellen looked up in her face; that kind voice, that affectionate smile,
+that caressing, constantly-forgiving love, would they again all be
+forfeited, again give way to coldness, loss of confidence, heightened
+displeasure? How indeed she was to act, she knew not; she only knew
+there must be concealment, the very anticipation of which, seemed too
+terrible to bear, and she burst into an agony of tears.
+
+"Why, Ellen--my dear child--you can not be well, to let either the
+accounts of your brother, or my threatened scolding, so affect you, and
+on your birthday, too! Why, all the old women would say it was such a
+bad omen, that you would be unhappy all the year round. Come, this will
+never do, I must lecture, in earnest, if you do not try to conquer this
+unusual weakness. We have much more to be thankful for, in Sir Edward's
+account of our dear sailor, than to cry about; he might have been
+seriously wounded or maimed, and what would you have felt then? I wonder
+if he will find as much change in you as we shall in him. If you are not
+quite strong and quite well, and quite happy to greet him when he comes,
+I shall consider my care insulted, and punish you accordingly. Still no
+smile. What is the matter, dearest? Are you really not well again?"
+
+Ellen made a desperate effort, conquered her tears, and tried to
+converse cheerfully. It was absolute agony to hear Edward's name, but
+she nerved herself to do so, to acknowledge she was thinking of him; and
+that it _was_ very silly to worry about such a slight wound: and when
+Mrs. Hamilton proposed that they should walk over to Greville Manor, and
+tell the good news to Mrs. Greville and Mary, acquiesced with apparent
+pleasure.
+
+"Ah, do, mamma: you have not asked me, but I shall go notwithstanding,"
+exclaimed Emmeline, springing through the open window, with her usual
+airy step.
+
+"Why, Emmeline, I thought you were going to the village with your
+sister!"
+
+"No; she and Miss Harcourt were talking much too soberly to suit me this
+evening. Then I went to tease papa but he let me do just what I pleased,
+being too engrossed with some disagreeable farmers, to notice me, so in
+despair I came here. Why, Ellen, you look as if this were any day but
+what it is; unless you cry because you are getting old, which I am very
+often inclined to do; only think, I am sixteen next December--how
+dreadful! I do wish my birthday were in June."
+
+"And what difference would that make?"
+
+"A great deal, mamma; only look how lovely every thing is now; nature is
+quite juvenile, and has dressed herself in so many colors, and seems to
+promise so many more beauties, that, whether we will or no, we must feel
+gay and young; but in December, though it is very delightful in the
+house, it is so drear and withered, without, that if born in such a
+season, one must feel withered too."
+
+"When do you intend to speak in prose, Emmeline?"
+
+"Never, if I can help it mamma; but I must learn the lesson before I go
+to London, I suppose; that horrid London! that is one reason why I
+regret the years going so fast; I know I shall leave all my happiness
+here."
+
+"You will be more ungrateful, than I believe you, if you do," replied
+her mother. "So pray banish such foolish fancies as fast as you can; for
+if you encourage them, I shall certainly suppose that it is only Oakwood
+you love; and that neither your father nor myself, nor any member of
+your family, has any part in your affections, for we shall be with you,
+wherever you are."
+
+"Dear mamma, I spoke at random, forgive me," replied Emmeline, instantly
+self-reproached. "I am indeed the giddy brain papa calls me; but you can
+not tell how I love this dear old home."
+
+"Indeed I think I can, my dear child, loving it as I do myself; but
+come, we shall have no time for our visit, if we do not go at once."
+
+Days passed, and were each followed by such sleepless feverish nights,
+that Ellen felt it almost a miracle, that she could so seem, so act, as
+to excite no notice. The image of her dying mother never left her, night
+or day, mingled with the horrid scene of her father's death, and Edward
+disgraced, expelled, and seeking death by his own hand. There was only
+one plan that seemed in the least feasible, and that was to send to him,
+or sell herself the watch she had received on her birthday, and if that
+was not enough, some few trinkets, which had been her mother's, and
+which the last six months her aunt had given into her own care. She
+ventured casually to inquire if there were any opportunity of sending a
+parcel to Edward, but the answer was in the negative, and increased her
+difficulty. The only person she dared even to think of so far intrusting
+with her deep distress and anxiety for money, but not its cause, was
+widow Langford, the mother of Robert (the young gentlemen's attendant,
+whom we have had occasion more than once to mention, and the former
+nurse of all Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton's children). She occupied a cottage
+on the outskirts of the park, and was not only a favorite with all the
+young party, Ellen included (for she generally came to nurse her in her
+many illnesses), but was regarded with the greatest confidence and
+affection by Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton themselves. They had endeavored to
+return her unwavering fidelity and active service, by taking her only
+child Robert into their family, when only seven; placing him under the
+immediate charge of Morris, the steward, and of course living in the
+same house, of his mother also; and when fifteen, making him personal
+attendant to Percy and Herbert, who were then about ten and eleven years
+old. An older and more experienced domestic had, however, accompanied
+the young men to college, and Robert remained employed in many little
+confidential services for his master at Oakwood.
+
+To widow Langford, Ellen tried to resolve that she would apply, but her
+fearful state of mental agony had not marked the lapse of time, or had
+caused her to forget that her letter must be ready in a week. The party
+were all going a delightful excursion, and to drink tea at Greville
+Manor, so that they would not be home till quite late; but in the
+morning, Ellen, though she had dressed for going out, appeared to have
+every symptom of such a violent headache, that her aunt advised her
+remaining quietly at home, and she assented with eagerness, refusing
+every offer of companionship, saying if the pain went off, she could
+quite amuse herself, and if it continued, quietness and Ellis's nursing
+were the best things for her.
+
+"But give me your letter before we go out, Ellen, I am only waiting for
+it, to close mine to Sir Edward. Why, my dear, have you forgotten I told
+you it must be ready by to-day?" her uncle added, surprised at her
+exclamation that she had not finished it. "It must be done and sent to
+T--, before four to-day, so I do hope your head will allow you to write,
+for Edward will be woefully disappointed if there be not a line from
+you, especially as, from his ship cruising about, it may be several
+weeks before he can hear again. I must leave my letter with you, to
+inclose Edward's and seal up, and pray see that it goes in time."
+
+Ellen tried to promise that it should, but her tongue actually clove to
+the roof of her mouth; but all the party dispersing at the moment, her
+silence was unnoticed. Mr. Hamilton gave her his letter, and in half an
+hour afterward she was alone. She sat for nearly an hour in her own
+room, with her desk before her, her face buried in her hands, and her
+whole frame shaking as with an ague.
+
+"It must be," she said at length, and unlocking a drawer, took thence a
+small cross, and one or two other trinkets, put them up, and taking off
+her watch, looked at it with such an expression of suffering, that it
+seemed as if she could not go on, carefully folded it up with the other
+trinkets, and murmuring, "If nurse Langford will but take these, and
+lend me the twenty pounds till she can dispose of them, I may save him
+yet--and if she betray me--if she tell my aunt afterward, at least only
+I shall suffer; they will not suspect him. But oh--to lose--to be
+doubted, hated, which I must be at last. Oh, mother! mother! Why may I
+not tell my aunt? she would not disgrace him." And again she crouched
+down, cowed by that fearful struggle to the very earth. After a few
+minutes, it passed, and deliberately putting on her bonnet and shawl,
+she took up her trinkets, and set off to the widow's cottage, her limbs
+so trembling, that she knew not how she should accomplish even that
+short walk.
+
+The wind was unusually high, although the day was otherwise lovely, and
+she was scarcely able to stand against the strong breeze, especially as
+every breath seemed to increase the pain in her temples; but she
+persisted. The nearest path lay through a thick shrubbery, almost a
+wood, which the family never used, and, in fact, the younger members
+were prohibited from taking, but secrecy and haste were all which at
+that moment entered Ellen's mind. She felt so exhausted by the wind
+blowing the branches and leaves noisily and confusedly around, that on
+reaching a sort of grassy glade, more open than her previous path, she
+sat down a minute on a mossy stone. The wind blew some withered sticks
+and leaves toward her, and, among them, two or three soiled pieces of
+thin paper, stained with damp, one of which she raised mechanically, and
+started up with a wild cry, and seized the others almost unconsciously.
+She pressed her hands over her eyes, and her lips moved in the utterance
+of thanksgiving. "Saved!--Edward and myself, too!--some guardian angel
+must have sent them!" if not actually spoken, were so distinctly uttered
+in her heart, that she thought she heard them; and she retraced her
+steps, so swiftly--so gladly, the very pain and exhaustion were unfelt.
+She wrote for half an hour intently--eagerly; though that which she
+wrote she knew not herself, and never could recall. She took from the
+secret drawer of her desk (that secret drawer which, when Percy had so
+laughingly showed her the secret of its spring, telling her nobody but
+himself knew it, she little thought she should have occasion so to use),
+some bank notes, of two, three, and five pounds each, making the fifteen
+she had so carefully hoarded, and placed with them the two she had
+found. As she did so, she discovered that two had clung so closely
+together that the sum was five pounds more than she wanted. Still, as
+acting under the influence of some spell, she carelessly put one aside,
+sealed up the packet to Edward, inclosed it in her uncle's to Sir Edward
+Manly, and dispatched it full four hours before the hour Mr. Hamilton
+had named. It was gone; and she sat down to breathe. Some impulse, never
+experienced before, urged her, instead of destroying Edward's desperate
+letter, as she had done similar appeals, to retain it in a blank envelop
+in that same secret drawer. As she tried to rouse herself from a sort
+of stupor which was strangely creeping over her, her eye caught the five
+pound note which she had not had occasion to use, and a thought of such
+overwhelming wretchedness rushed upon her, as effectually, for the
+moment, to disperse that stupor, and prostrate her in an agony of
+supplication before her God.
+
+"What have I done?"--if her almost maddening thoughts could have found
+words, such they would have been--"How dared I appropriate that money,
+without one question--one thought--as to whom it could belong? Sent me?
+No, no! Who could have sent it? Great God of Mercy! Oh, if Thy wrath
+must fall on a guilty one, pour it on me, but spare, spare my brother! I
+have sinned, but I meant it not--thought not of it--knew not what I did!
+Thou knowest, Thou alone canst know, the only thought of that
+moment--the agony of this. No suffering, no wrath, can be too great for
+me; but, oh! spare him!"
+
+How long that withering agony lasted, Ellen knew not, nor whether her
+tears fell, or lay scorching her eyes and heart. The note lay before her
+like some hideous specter, from which she vainly tried to turn. What
+could she do with it? Take it back to the spot where the others had been
+blown to her? She tried to rise to do so; but, to her own terror, she
+found she was so powerless, that she actually could not walk. With
+desperate calmness she placed it in the little secret drawer, put up the
+remainder of her papers, closed and locked her desk, and laid down upon
+her bed, for she could sit up no longer. Ellis came to her with an
+inquiry after her head, and if she could take her dinner. Ellen asked
+for a cup of coffee, and to be left quite quiet instead, as writing had
+not decreased the pain; and the housekeeper, accustomed to such casual
+attacks, did as she was requested, and came frequently to see her in the
+course of the afternoon and evening; still without perceiving any thing
+unusual, and, therefore, not tormenting her with any expression of
+surprise or anxiety.
+
+Thought after thought congregated in the poor girl's mind, as she thus
+lay; so fraught with agony that the physical suffering, which was far
+more than usual, was unfelt, save in its paralyzing effect on every
+limb. Her impulse was to confess exactly what she had done to her aunt,
+the moment she should see her, and conjure her to sentence her to some
+heavy chastisement, that must deaden her present agony; but this was
+impossible without betraying Edward, and nullifying for him the relief
+she had sent. How could she confess the sin, without the full confession
+of the use to which that money had been applied? Whose were the notes?
+They were stained with damp, as if they must have lain among those
+withered leaves some time; and yet she had heard no inquiry made about
+them, as the loss of so large a sum would surely have demanded. The only
+plan she could think of, as bringing the least hope of returning peace,
+was still to beseech Mrs. Langford to dispose of her watch and trinkets,
+and the very first mention she heard made of the loss to return the full
+sum to the real possessor, if possible, so secretly as for it not to be
+traced to herself. She thought, too, that if she gave her trinkets, one
+by one, not all together, to Mrs. Langford, it would be less suspicious,
+and, perhaps, more easily prevail on her to grant her secrecy and
+assistance; and if she positively refused, unless Ellen revealed the
+reason of her desiring their disposal, and would solemnly promise
+secrecy, she would tell her so much of her intense misery, as might
+perhaps induce her to give her aid. If she did not demand the reason and
+betrayed her, she must endure the doubt and serious displeasure such a
+course of acting on her part would inevitably produce; but two things
+alone stood clear before her: she _must_ replace that money--she _must_
+keep Edward's secret. She would have gone that very day to Mrs.
+Langford, but she could not move, and Ellis, at seven o'clock, prevailed
+on her to undress and go to bed.
+
+"Not better, my Ellen? I hoped to-day's perfect quietness would have
+removed your headache, and am quite disappointed," was Mrs. Hamilton's
+affectionate address, as she softly entered her niece's room, on the
+return of the happy party at eleven at night, and placing the lamp so
+that the bed remained in shade she could not see any expression in
+Ellen's face, except that of suffering, which she naturally attributed
+to physical pain. "How hot your hands and face are, love; I wish you had
+not left Edward's letter to write to-day. I am afraid we shall be
+obliged to see Mr. Maitland's face again to-morrow; if he were not as
+kind a friend as he is a skillful doctor, I am sure you would get quite
+tired of him, Ellen. Shall I stay with you? I can not bear leaving you
+in pain and alone!" But Ellen would not hear of it; the pain was not
+more than she was often accustomed to, she said, and, indeed, she did
+not mind being alone--though the unusual, almost passionate, warmth with
+which she returned Mrs. Hamilton's fond kiss betrayed it was no
+indifference to the affectionate offer which dictated her refusal. It
+was well Mrs. Hamilton, though anxious enough to feel the inclination to
+do so, did not visit her niece again, or the convulsive agony she would
+have witnessed, the choking sobs which burst forth, a few minutes after
+she disappeared from Ellen's sight, would have bewildered and terrified
+her yet more.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A SUMMONS AND A LOSS.
+
+
+Mr. Maitland declared Ellen to be ill of a nervous fever which for three
+days confined her to her bed, and left her very weak for some little
+time, and so nervous that the least thing seemed to startle her; but, as
+he said it was no consequence, and she would soon recover, Mrs. Hamilton
+adopted his advice, took no notice of it, and only endeavored to make
+her niece's daily routine as varied in employment, though regular in
+hours and undisturbed in quiet, as she could. Perhaps she would have
+felt more anxious, and discovered something not quite usual in Ellen's
+manner, if her thoughts had not been painfully pre-occupied. About a
+week after their excursion she entered the library earlier than usual,
+and found her husband intently engaged with some dispatches just
+received. She saw he was more than ordinarily disturbed, and hesitated a
+moment whether to address him; but he was seldom so engrossed as to be
+unconscious of the presence of his wife.
+
+"I am really glad you are here at this moment, Emmeline, for I actually
+was weak enough to shrink from seeking you with unpleasant news. Letters
+from Feroe have at length arrived, and my personal presence is so
+imperatively needed, that I am self-reproached at not going before; the
+long silence ought to have convinced me that all was not as it should
+be."
+
+"But what has occurred, Arthur? I had no idea you contemplated the
+necessity of going," replied his wife very quietly, as she sat down
+close by him; but the fiat of separation, the thoughts of a perilous
+voyage, a visit to an almost desolate island, and the impossibility of
+receiving regular letters, so crowded upon her all at once, that it was
+a strong effort to speak at all.
+
+"No, dearest; for what was the use of tormenting you with disagreeable
+anticipations, when there really might have been no foundation for them.
+The last accounts from Samboe, were, as you know, received nearly two
+years ago, telling me that Frederic Wilson was dead, but that his son
+had been received as his successor in the ministry, and as civil
+guardian of the island, with if possible, a still greater degree of
+popularity than his predecessors, from his having been educated in
+Denmark. His parents had lived on straitened means to give him superior
+advantages, which, as it proves, he would have been much better without.
+The vices he has acquired have far outrun the advantages. His example,
+and that of a band of idle, irregular spirits who have joined him, has
+not only scandalized the simple people but disturbed their homesteads,
+brought contention and misery, and in some cases, bloodshed; so that in
+point of social and domestic position, I fear they have sunk lower than
+when my grandfather first sought the island. The mother of this unhappy
+young man has, naturally, perhaps, but weakly, shrunk from informing
+against him; but her brother, the clergyman of Osteroe, has at length
+taken upon himself to do so, clearly stating that nothing but personal
+interference and some months' residence among them will effect a
+reformation; and that the ruin is more to be regretted, as the little
+island has been for more than half a century the admiration not only of
+its immediate neighbors, but of all who have chanced to harbor off its
+coast. He states, too, that if properly directed and not exposed to the
+contagion of large cities, as his brother has been, poor Wilson's
+younger son, now a boy of eleven, may become us worthy and judicious a
+pastor as his father and grandfather, and so keep the office in his
+family, as my grandfather was so desirous of doing. The question is, how
+is this boy to be educated on the island, and whom can I find to take
+the ministry meanwhile."
+
+"And must your own residence there be very long?" inquired Mrs.
+Hamilton, still in that quiet tone, but her lip quivered.
+
+"It depends entirely on whom I can get to accompany me, dearest. I must
+set Mr. Howard and Morton to work to find me some simple-minded,
+single-hearted individual, who will regard this undertaking in the same
+missionary spirit as the elder Wilson did. If I am happy enough to
+succeed in this, I hope a year, or somewhat less, will be the farthest
+limit of our separation."
+
+"A year! a whole long year--dearest Arthur, must it be so very, very
+long?"
+
+"Who tried to persuade Ellen, a fortnight ago, that a year, even two
+years, would pass so very quickly?" replied Mr. Hamilton trying to
+smile, and folding his arm fondly round his wife, he kissed the cheek
+which had become pale from the effort to restrain her feelings. "It is
+indeed an unexpected and a painful trial, and, as is generally the case
+with our rebellious spirits, I feel as if it would have been better
+borne at any other period than the present. We had so portioned out this
+year, had so anticipated gratifying Caroline by introducing her to the
+so long and so eagerly anticipated pleasures of London next January,
+that I can not bear to think of her disappointment."
+
+"And our boys, too, they say it is so strange to be without their
+father, even in college term; what will it be when they come home for
+the long vacation, to which we have all so looked forward? But this is
+all weakness, my own dear husband; forgive me, I am only rendering your
+duty more difficult," she added, raising her head from his shoulder, and
+smiling cheerfully, even while the tears glistened in her eyes. "I must
+try and practice my own lesson, and believe the term of separation will
+really pass quickly, interminable as it now seems. We have been so
+blessed, so guarded from the bitter pang of even partial separation for
+twenty years, that how dare I murmur now the trial has come? It is God's
+pleasure, dearest Arthur, though it seems like the work of man, and as
+HIS we can endure it."
+
+"Bless you, my beloved! you have indeed put a new spirit in me by those
+words," replied her husband, with a fondness, the more intense from the
+actual veneration that so largely mingled with it. "And bitter
+disappointment as it is to me to be from home when our sons return, it
+is better so, perhaps, for their company will wile away at least nearly
+three months of my absence."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton remained some hours together that morning in
+earnest conversation. All of individual regret was conquered for the
+sake of the other: its expression, at least, not its feeling; but they
+understood each other too well, too fondly, to need words or complaints
+to prove to either how intensely painful was the very thought of
+separation. To elude the performance of a duty which many persons,
+unable to enter into the hope of effecting good, would, no doubt,
+pronounce Quixotic--for what could the poor inhabitants of Samboe be to
+him?--never entered either Mr. or Mrs. Hamilton's mind. He was not one
+to neglect his immediate duties for distant ones; but believed and acted
+on the belief, that both could be united. His own large estate, its
+various farms, parishes, and villages, were so admirably ordered, that
+he could leave it without the smallest scruple in the hands of his wife
+and steward. Though interested in, and actually assisting in the
+political movements of his country, he was still, as from his youth he
+had firmly resolved to be, a free, independent Englishman; bound to no
+party, but respected by all; retaining his own principles unshaken as a
+rock, though often and often his integrity had been tried by court
+bribes and dazzling offers. And yet, rare blending with such individual
+feelings, Arthur Hamilton looked with candor and kindness on the conduct
+and principles of others, however they might differ from his own, and
+found excuses for them, which none others could. That he should give up
+all the comforts, the luxuries, the delights of his peculiarly happy
+home, to encounter several months' sojourn in a bleak, half-civilized
+island, only in the hope of restoring and insuring moral and religious
+improvement to a small colony of human beings, whose sole claim upon him
+was, that they were immortal as himself, and that they had done a
+kindness to his grandfather more than half a century back, was likely
+to, and no doubt did, excite the utmost astonishment in very many
+circles; but not a sneer, not a word seeming to whisper good should be
+done at home before sought abroad, could find a moment's resting-place
+near Arthur Hamilton's name.
+
+For half an hour after Mrs. Hamilton quitted her husband she remained
+alone, and when she rejoined her family, though she might have been a
+shade paler than her wont, she was as cheerful in conversation and
+earnest in manner as usual. That evening Mr. Hamilton informed his
+children and Miss Harcourt of his intended departure, and consequent
+compelled change of plan. Emmeline's burst of sorrow was violent and
+uncontrolled. Caroline looked for a minute quite bewildered, and then
+hastening to her father threw one arm round his neck, exclaiming, in a
+voice of the most affectionate sincerity, "Dear papa, what shall we do
+without you for such a long time?"
+
+"My dear child! I thank you for such an affectionate thought; believe
+me, the idea of your wishes being postponed has pained me as much as any
+thing else in this unpleasant duty."
+
+"My wishes postponed, papa--what do you mean?"
+
+"Have you quite forgotten our intended plans for next January, my love?
+My absence must alter them."
+
+For a moment an expression of bitter disappointment clouded Caroline's
+open countenance.
+
+"Indeed, papa, I had forgotten it; I only thought of your going away for
+so many months. It is a great disappointment, I own, and I dare say I
+shall feel it still more when January comes; but I am sure parting from
+you must be a still greater trial to mamma, than any such disappointment
+ought to be to me; and, indeed, I will try and bear it as
+uncomplainingly and cheerfully as she does."
+
+Her father almost involuntarily drew her to his heart, and kissed her
+two or three times, without speaking; and Caroline was very glad he did
+so, for when she looked up again, the tears that would come at the first
+thought of her disappointment were bravely sent back again; and she
+tried to cheer Emmeline, by assuring her she never could be like her
+favorite heroines of romance, if she behaved so very much like a child;
+taking the opportunity when they retired for the night, to say more
+seriously--
+
+"Dear Emmeline, do try and be as lively as you always are. I am sure
+poor mamma is suffering very much at the idea of papa's leaving us,
+though she will not let us see that she does, and if you give way so, it
+will make her more uncomfortable still."
+
+Emmeline promised to try; but her disposition, quite as susceptible to
+sorrow as to joy, and not nearly as firm as her sister's, rendered the
+promise very difficult to fulfill. It was her first sorrow; and Mrs.
+Hamilton watched her with some anxiety, half fearful that she had been
+wrong to shield her so carefully from any thing like grief, if, when it
+came, she should prove unequal to its firm and uncomplaining endurance.
+Ellen had been out of the room when Mr. Hamilton had first spoken; and
+engaged in soothing Emmeline; when she re-entered and the news was
+communicated to her, he did not observe any thing particular in mode of
+receiving it. But Mrs. Hamilton was so struck with "the expression of
+her countenance, which, as she tried somewhat incoherently to utter
+regrets, took the place of its usual calm, that she looked at her
+several minutes in bewilderment; but it passed again, so completely,
+that she was angry with herself for fancying any thing uncommon.
+Caroline, however, had remarked it too, and she could not help observing
+to Miss Harcourt, the first time they were alone--
+
+"You will say I am always fancying something extraordinary, Miss
+Harcourt; but Ellen certainly did look pleased last night, when mamma
+told her of papa's intended departure."
+
+"The expression must have been something extraordinary for you to remark
+it at all," replied Miss Harcourt; "nobody but Mrs. Hamilton, whose
+penetration is out of the common, can ever read any thing on Ellen's
+face."
+
+"And it was for that very reason I looked again; and mamma noticed it
+too, and was surprised, though she did not say any thing. If she really
+be pleased, she is most ungrateful, and all her profession of feeling
+mamma and papa's constant kindness sheer deceit. I never shall
+understand Ellen, I believe; but I do hope mamma will never discover
+that she is not exactly that which her affection believes her."
+
+"Pray do not talk so, my dear Caroline, or I shall be tempted to confess
+that you are giving words to my own feelings. Her conduct with regard to
+the disappearance of her allowance, the wholly unsatisfactory account of
+its expenditure, even every month, for she seems to me to mention many
+things she has never had, banish every hopeful feeling, and I dread more
+than I can tell you, the very thing you have expressed. But all this is
+very wrong; we have relieved each other by a mutual acknowledgment, and
+now let us never revert, even in thought, if possible, to the subject."
+
+Caroline willingly acquiesced, for it was far from agreeable. Mr.
+Hamilton's preparations, meanwhile, rapidly progressed. He imparted his
+wishes for a companion willing to remain in the island, till young
+Wilson should be prepared for the ministry, both to Mr. Howard and Mr.
+Morton (the latter still remained in his desolate parish, still more
+isolated in feeling from the loss of both his parents, and Percy's
+absence), and both, especially Morton, gave him every hope of obtaining
+the character he wanted. His next inquiry was at Dartmouth for a strong,
+well-built vessel, fitted to encounter the stormy seas between Scotland
+and Feroe, determining to do all in his power to provide some means of
+regular communication between himself and the beloved inmates of his
+home. Wick, in Caithness, was the farthest post town to which letters
+could be addressed. Every ten days or fortnight communications were to
+be sent there, and the Siren, after conveying him to Feroe, was
+regularly to ply between Samboe and Wick, bringing from the latter place
+to Mr. Hamilton the various letters that had accumulated there, should
+unfavorable winds have lengthened the voyage, and forwarding his through
+that post to his home. By this means, he hoped to hear and be heard of
+regularly; an intense relief, if it really could be so accomplished, to
+his wife.
+
+As soon as a ship, a competent captain, mate, and crew were obtained,
+Mr. Hamilton set off for Oxford and London, wishing in the latter place
+to see his friend Grahame, and in the former to pass a few days with his
+sons, who, knowing nothing of his summons, received him with unbounded
+delight. Their regret, when they heard the cause of his visit, was as
+great as their joy had been. Percy, in a desperate fit of impatience,
+wished the little island and all its concerns at the bottom of the sea,
+the best place for such unruly, disagreeable people; and he was only
+sobered when his father put before him that, though it must be a very
+heightened individual disappointment, it was the greatest comfort to
+him, to think that they would both be with their mother and sisters the
+first few months of his absence. Percy instantly altered his tone.
+
+"You are quite right, my dear father; I was very selfish not to think of
+it. Trust me for making my dearest mother as cheerful and as happy as I
+can. You don't know what a guardian angel the thought of her love has
+been to me in temptation; and as for Bertie, if ever I thought he was
+studying himself ill, and not taking the care of himself he ought, or
+wanted him to take exercise and recreation, when he thought me a great
+bore, the word mother, made him yield at once."
+
+And Herbert's kindling eye and cheek bore testimony to the truth of his
+brother's words. His only feeling and exclamation had been, if he might
+but accompany his father, and save him all the trouble he could;
+allowing, however, its impossibility, when the circumstances of his
+still delicate health and the necessity for uninterrupted study, were
+placed before him.
+
+That visit to Oxford was a proud one for Mr. Hamilton. His sons held
+that place in the estimation of the professors, superiors, and their
+fellow-collegians, which their early influences had promised, and which,
+as the sons of Arthur Hamilton, seemed naturally their own. Percy could
+so combine firmness in principle, unbending rectitude in conduct, with
+such a spirit of fun and enjoyment, as rendered him the prime mover of
+all sports at Oxford, as he had been at Oakwood; and Herbert, though so
+gentle and retiring as (until Percy's spirit was roused to shield him),
+gained him many nick-names and many petty annoyances, silently and
+insensibly won his way, and so bore with the thoughtless, the mirthful,
+and even the faulty, as at length to gain him the privilege of being
+allowed to do just as he liked, and win by his extraordinary talents the
+admiration and love of all the professors with whom he was thrown.
+
+Morton had promised to introduce a person to Mr. Hamilton on his return
+from Oxford, who, if approved of, would be his willing, his eager
+assistant, and gladly remain in the island, attending to all that was
+required in its superintendence, and in the education of young Wilson,
+till he was old enough and properly fitted to take his father's place.
+Great, then, was Mr. Hamilton's disappointment, when Morton entered his
+library according to appointment, but quite alone. Still greater was his
+astonishment, when he found it was Morton himself, thus eagerly desirous
+to become his companion, urging his wishes, his motives, Mr. Howard's
+sanction, with such earnestness, such single-mindedness of purpose, that
+every objection which, for Morton's own sake, Mr. Hamilton so
+strenuously brought forward, was overruled; and after a lengthened
+interview, matters were arranged to the entire satisfaction of both
+parties. The idea of the companionship and aid of such a friend as
+Morton bringing as great a relief to both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, as
+their acquiescence filled the whole heart of the young missionary with
+the most unbounded gratitude and joy. He suggested many little things,
+which, in the agitation of his hasty summons, had escaped his friends,
+and his whole being seemed transformed from despondency and listlessness
+to energy and hope. Engrossed as he was, Mr. Hamilton's usual thought
+for others had not deserted him, and he remarked that one of his
+household, Robert Langford, so often mentioned, appeared to linger in
+the library after morning and evening service, as if anxious to speak to
+him, but failing in courage so to do. He thought, too, that the young
+man seemed quite altered, dispirited, gloomy, almost wretched at times,
+instead of the mirthful, happy being he had been before. Determining to
+give him an opportunity of speaking before his departure, if he wished
+it, Mr. Hamilton summoned him to arrange, write a list, and pack some
+books, which Morton had selected to take with him. For some time Robert
+pursued his work in persevering silence, but at length fixed his eyes on
+his master with such beseeching earnestness, that Mr. Hamilton inquired
+the matter at once. It was some time before the young man could
+sufficiently compose himself to speak with any coherency, but at last
+Mr. Hamilton gathered the following details.
+
+About five weeks previous (the first day of June) he had been
+introduced, as he had very often before been, by his master, with
+certain papers and law articles to convey to Plymouth, and with a pocket
+book containing thirty pounds, in two ten and two five pound notes,
+which he had orders to leave at some poor though respectable families,
+whom Mr. Hamilton was in the habit of occasionally assisting, though
+they were out of his own domains. The morning he was to have started on
+this expedition a cousin, whom he had always regarded as a brother, came
+unexpectedly to see him. He had just arrived at Plymouth from a four
+years' residence with his regiment in Ireland: and Robert's glee was so
+great as to require reiterated commands from the steward to take care of
+the papers, and not stay at his mother's cottage, where he was to take
+his cousin, later than the afternoon. He lingered so long before he set
+off from Oakwood, that he gathered up all the papers as quickly as he
+could, forgot his principal charge, so far at least as not to look to
+the secure fastening of the pocket-book, and hastened with his cousin
+through the brushwood and glade we have before mentioned, to his
+mother's cottage. It was very hot, and the young men, heated and in
+eager conversation, took off their coats, threw them loosely over their
+arms, and proceeded on their walk without them, much too engrossed with
+each other to be aware that, as they carried their coats, it was the
+easiest and most natural thing possible for all the smaller contents of
+their pockets to fall out, and if not missed directly, from the winding
+and rugged wood path, not likely to be found again.
+
+A draught of cider and half an hour's rest at Mrs. Langford's cottage
+sufficiently revived Robert to resume his coat; he satisfied himself
+that his packet of papers was secure, and, as he imagined from the feel
+of another pocket, the pocket-book also.
+
+What, then, was his consternation, when he approached the first house at
+which he was to leave ten pounds of the money, about twenty miles from
+Oakwood to discover that the pocket book was gone! and that which, by
+its feel, he believed to have been it, an old card-case, that his young
+master Percy had laughingly thrown at him one day after failing in his
+endeavor to emblazon it, the sticky materials he had used causing it to
+adhere to whatever it touched, and so preserving it in Robert's pocket,
+when almost all the other things had fallen out. He racked his memory in
+vain as to what could have become of it, convinced that he had not left
+it at Oakwood, as he first sincerely wished that he had. Two or three
+other things had also disappeared, and it suddenly flashed upon him,
+that when carrying his coat over his arm they must have fallen out. He
+cursed his thoughtlessness again and again, and would have retraced his
+steps immediately, but the papers with which he was intrusted had to be
+delivered at Plymouth by a certain hour, and he could not do it. The
+intense heat of the day gave place in the evening to a tremendous storm
+of thunder and lightning, wind and very heavy rain, which last continued
+unabated through the night. He returned home, or rather to his mother's
+cottage, the next day, in a state of mind little removed from
+distraction; searching the path he had traversed with his cousin in
+every direction, but only succeeded in finding some worthless trifles,
+and the pocket-book itself but open and empty; but at a little distance
+from it one five pound note. In an instant he remembered that in his
+hurry he had failed to see to its proper fastening: if he had, all would
+have been right, for the wind and rain would hardly have had power to
+open it, and disperse its contents. Hour after hour he passed in the
+vain search for the remainder; the storm had rendered the path more
+intricate; the ground was slimy, and quantities of dried sticks and
+broken branches and leaves almost covered it. He told his tale to his
+mother in the deepest distress; what was he to do? She advised him to
+tell the steward the whole story, and to request him to keep back the
+sum she was in the habit of receiving quarterly, till the whole amount
+could be repaid. Robert obeyed her, but with most painful reluctance,
+though even then he did not imagine all the misery his carelessness
+would entail upon him. Morris, as was natural, was exceedingly
+displeased, and not only reproved him very severely, but let fall
+suspicions as to the truth of his story: he knew nothing of his cousin,
+he said, and could not say what company he might have been led into. If
+the notes had fallen out of his pocket during his walk, they must be
+found; it was all nonsense that the wind and rain could so have
+scattered and annihilated them, as to remove all trace of them. He would
+not say any thing to his master, because it would only annoy him, and
+the charities he would give himself, not from Mrs. Langford's allowance,
+but from Robert's own wages, which he should certainly stop till the
+whole sum was paid; he should take care how he intrusted such a
+responsible office to him again.
+
+Robert was at first indignant, and violent in his protestations of the
+truth of his story; but as it got wind in the servants' hall as he found
+himself suspected and shunned by almost all, as days merged into weeks,
+and there was no trace of the notes, and Morris and Ellis both united in
+declaring that, as no strangers passed through that part of the park, if
+found they must have been heard of, the young man sunk into a state of
+the most gloomy despondency, longing to tell his kind master the whole
+tale, and yet, naturally enough, shrinking from the dread of his
+suspicion of his honesty, as more terrible than all the rest.
+
+But Mr. Hamilton did not suspect him, and so assured him of his firm
+belief in his truth and innocence, that it was with great difficulty
+poor Robert refrained from throwing himself at his feet to pour forth
+his gratitude. He was so severely punished from his heedlessness, that
+his master would not say much about it, and soon after dismissing him,
+summoned Morris, and talked with him some time on the subject, declaring
+he would as soon suspect his own son of dishonesty as the boy who had
+grown up under his own eye from infancy, and the son of such a mother.
+It was very distressing for Mrs. Langford certainly, the old steward
+allowed, and she looked sad enough; but it was no use, he had tried hard
+enough to prevent his suspicions, but they would come. None but the
+servants and the woodmen and gardeners went that path, and if the notes
+had been dropped there, they must have been found; and it was a very
+hard thing for the other servants, as none knew who might be suspected
+of appropriating them. His master was much too kind in his opinions, but
+he must forgive him if he continued to keep a sharp look out after the
+young man. Morris was very old, and somewhat opinionated; so all that
+his master could succeed in, was to insist that he should only keep back
+half of Robert's wages, till the sum was paid.
+
+"Take away the whole, and if he have been unfortunately led into
+temptation, which I do not believe he has, you expose him to it again,"
+was his judicious command. "It is all right he should return it, even
+though lost only by carelessness; but I will not have him put to such
+straits for want of a little money, as must be the case if you deprive
+him of all his wages; and now, my good Morris, if you can not in
+conscience repeat my firm opinion of this lad's innocence to the
+servants, I must do it myself."
+
+And that very evening after prayers, when the whole household were
+assembled in the library, Mr. Hamilton addressed them simply and
+briefly, mentioning that Robert Langford had himself told his tale to
+him, and that it was his own opinion, and that of their mistress, that
+he did not deserve the suspicions attached to him, and that his
+fellow-servants would all be acting more charitably and religiously if
+they believed his story, until they had had some strong proof to the
+contrary; he could not of course, interfere with private opinion; he
+could only tell them his own and their lady's. He acknowledged it was a
+very unpleasant occurrence, but he begged them all to dismiss the idea
+that suspicion could be attached to either of them; he felt too
+convinced that had any one of his household chanced to find the missing
+notes, they would at once have mentioned it to the steward or
+housekeeper, more especially, since Robert's loss had been known among
+them only a few days after it had occurred. Appropriation, he need not
+tell them, in such a case was theft, and of that sin, he was perfectly
+certain, not one present would be guilty. He allowed that it would be
+much more satisfactory to have the tangible proof of Robert's innocence
+by discovering some trace of them but it was not unlikely the heavy wind
+and rain had destroyed the thin material of the notes or borne them into
+the brambly brushwood, where it was scarcely possible they could be
+found.
+
+If the attention of Mrs. Hamilton, her daughters, and Miss Harcourt had
+not been naturally riveted on Mr. Hamilton's address, and its effect on
+the servants, especially Robert, whose emotion was almost overpowering,
+they must have remarked that Ellen had shrunk into the shade of the
+heavy curtains falling by one of the windows, and had unconsciously
+grasped the oaken back of one of the massive chairs; lips, cheek, and
+brow, white and rigid as sculptured marble. An almost supernatural
+effort alone enabled her to master the crushing agony, sending the blood
+up to her cheeks with such returning violence, that when she wished her
+aunt and uncle good night, she might have been thought more flushed than
+pale; but it passed unnoticed Mrs. Hamilton too much annoyed on Mrs.
+Langford's account, to think at that moment of any thing but how she
+could best set the poor mother's heart at rest. It was very evident that
+though some of the domestics after their master's address came up to
+Robert, shook hands with him and begged his pardon, the greater number
+still sided with Morris, and retained their own less favorable opinion,
+and she could well imagine what Mrs. Langford's sufferings must be. It
+only wanted five days to that fixed for Mr. Hamilton's departure, wind
+permitting; and there were so many things to think of and do for him,
+that his family could have little thought of any thing else; but Mrs.
+Hamilton, assured her husband she would leave no means untried to prove
+Robert's innocence.
+
+For nearly an hour that same night did Ellen, after her attendant had
+left her, sit crouched by the side of her bed as if some bolt had struck
+and withered her as she sat. One word alone sounded and resounded in her
+ears; she had known it, pronounced it to be such to herself numbers of
+times, but it had never mocked and maddened her as when spoken in her
+uncle's voice, and in his deepest, most expressive tone--"theft!" And
+she was the guilty one--and she must see the innocent bearing the
+penalty of her crime, suspicion, dislike, avoidance, for she dared not
+breathe the truth. Again came the wild, almost desperate, resolve to
+seek Mrs. Hamilton that very moment, avow herself the criminal, implore
+her to take back every trinket belonging to her, to replace it, and do
+with her what she would. But if she did confess, and so draw attention
+to her, how could she keep her brother's secret? Could she have firmness
+to bear all, rather than betray it? What proof of her inward
+wretchedness and remorse could there be in the mere confession of
+appropriation, when the use to which she had applied that money and all
+concerning it, even to the day it was found, must be withheld, lest it
+should in any way be connected with her letter to her brother. She must
+be silent; and the only prayer which, night and morning, ay, almost
+every hour, rose, from that young heart, was for death, ere it was too
+late for God's forgiveness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE BROKEN DESK
+
+
+The many secret wishes for an unfavorable wind, that Mr. Hamilton might
+stay at Oakwood still a little longer, were not granted, and he left his
+family the very day he had fixed, the 14th of July, just three weeks
+after his summons, and about ten days before his sons were expected
+home. Without him Oakwood was strange indeed, but with the exception of
+Emmeline, all seemed determined to conquer the sadness and anxiety,
+which the departure of one so beloved, naturally occasioned. Emmeline
+was so unused to any thing like personal sorrow, that she rather seemed
+to luxuriate in its indulgence.
+
+"Do you wish to both disappoint and displease me, my dear Emmeline?" her
+mother said, one day, about a week after her husband had gone, as she
+entered the music-room, expecting to find her daughter at the harp, but
+perceiving her instead, listless and dispirited, on the sofa. "Indeed,
+you will do both, if you give way to this most uncalled-for gloom."
+
+"Uncalled for," replied Emmeline, almost pettishly.
+
+"Quite uncalled for, to the extent in which you are indulging it; and
+even if called for, do you not think you would be acting more correctly,
+if you thought more of others than yourself, and tried to become your
+own cheerful self for their sakes? It is the first time you have ever
+given me cause to suspect you of selfishness; and I am disappointed."
+
+"Selfishness, mamma; and I do hate the thought of it so! Am I selfish?"
+she repeated, her voice faltering, and her eyes filling fast with tears.
+
+"I hope not, my love; but if you do not try to shake off this
+depression, we must believe you to be so. Your father's absence is a
+still greater trial to Caroline than it is to you, for it compels a very
+bitter disappointment, as well as the loss of his society; and yet,
+though she feels both deeply, she has exerted herself more than I ever
+saw her do before, and so proves, more than any words or tears could do,
+how much she loves both him and me."
+
+"And do you think I love you both, less than she does?" replied
+Emmeline, now fairly sobbing.
+
+"No, dearest; but I want you to prove it in the same admirable manner.
+Do you think I do not feel your father's absence, Emmeline? but would
+you like to see me as sad and changed as you are?"
+
+Emmeline looked up in her face, for there was something in the tone that
+appealed to her better feelings at once. Throwing her arms round her,
+she sobbed--
+
+"Dear mamma, do forgive me. I see now I have been very selfish and very
+weak, but I never, never can be as firm and self-controlled as you and
+Caroline are."
+
+"Do not say never, love, or you will never try to be so. I am quite sure
+you would not like to be one of those weak, selfish characters, who lay
+all their faults, and all the mischief their faults produce, on a
+supposed impossibility to become like others. I know your disposition is
+naturally less strong and firm than your sister's, but it is more
+elastic, and still more joyous; and so had you not too weakly encouraged
+your very natural sorrow, you would have been enabled to throw it off,
+and in the comfort such an exertion would have brought to us, fully
+recompensed yourself."
+
+"And if I do try now?"
+
+"I shall be quite satisfied, dearest; though I fear you will find it
+more difficult than had you tried a few days ago. Confess that I am
+right. Did you not, after the first two or three days, feel that you
+could have been cheerful again, at least at times, but that you fancied
+you had not felt sorry enough, and so increased both sorrow and anxiety
+by determinedly dwelling on them, instead of seeking some pursuit?"
+
+"Dear mamma, shall I never be able to hide a feeling from you?" answered
+Emmeline, so astonished, that her tears half dried. "I did not know I
+felt so myself till you put it before me, and now I know that I really
+did. Was it very wrong?"
+
+"I will answer your question by another, love. Did you find such
+pertinacious indulgence of gloom, help you to bring the object of your
+regret and anxiety, and of your own grief before your Heavenly Father?"
+
+Emmeline hesitated, but only for a minute, then answered, with a crimson
+blush--
+
+"No, mamma; I could not pray to God to protect dear papa, or to give me
+His blessing, half as earnestly and believingly as when I was happier;
+the more I indulged in gloomy thoughts, the more difficulty I had to
+turn them to prayer, and the last few days, I fear I have not even
+tried."
+
+"Then, dearest, is it necessary for me to answer your former question? I
+see by that conscious look that it is not. You have always trusted my
+experience and affection, my Emmeline, trust them now, and try my plan.
+Think of your dear father, whom you can not love too well, or whose
+compelled absence really regret too much; but so think of him, as to
+pray continually in spirit to your gracious God, to have him always in
+His holy keeping, either on sea or land, in storm or calm, and so
+prosper his undertaking, as to permit his return to us still sooner than
+we at present expect. The very constant prayer for this, will make you
+rest secure and happy in the belief, that our God is with him wherever
+he is, as He is with us, and so give you cheerfulness and courage to
+attend to your daily duties, and conquer any thing like too selfish
+sorrow. Will you try this, love, even if it be more difficult now, than
+it would have been a few days ago?"
+
+"I will indeed, mamma," and she raised her head from her mother's
+shoulder, and tried to smile. "When you first addressed me to-day, I
+thought you were almost harsh, and so cold--so you see even there I was
+thinking wrong--and now I am glad, oh, so glad, you did speak to me!"
+
+"And I know who will be glad too, if I have prevented his having a Niobe
+for his Tiny, instead of the Euphrosyne, which I believe he sometimes
+calls you. I thought there was one particular duet that Percy is to be
+so charmed with, Emmy. Suppose you try it now." And, her tears all
+checked, her most unusual gloom dispersed, Emmeline obeyed with
+alacrity, and finding, when she had once begun, so many things to get
+perfect for the gratification of her brothers, that nearly three hours
+slipped away quite unconsciously; and when Caroline returned from a
+walk, she was astonished at the change in her sister, and touched by the
+affectionate self-reproach with which Emmeline, looking up in her face,
+exclaimed--
+
+"Dear Caroline, I have been so pettish and so cross to you since papa
+left, that I am sure you must be quite tired of me; but I am going to be
+really a heroine now, and not a shy sentimental one; and bear the pain
+of papa's absence as bravely as you do."
+
+And she did so; though at first it was, as her mother had warned her,
+very difficult to compel the requisite exertion, which for employment
+and cheerfulness, was now needed; but when the _will_ is right, there is
+little fear of failure.
+
+As each day passed, so quickly merging into weeks, that five had now
+slipped away since that fatal letter had been sent to Edward, the
+difficulty to do as she had intended, entreat Mrs. Langford to dispose
+of her trinkets and watch, became to Ellen, either in reality or
+seeming, more and more difficult. Her illness had confined her to her
+room for nearly a week, and when she was allowed to take the air, the
+state of nervous debility to which it had reduced her, of course
+prevented her ever being left alone. The day after Mr. Hamilton's appeal
+to his domestics, she had made a desperate attempt, by asking permission
+to be the bearer of a message from her aunt to the widow; and as the
+girls were often allowed and encouraged to visit their nurse, the
+request was granted without any surprise, though to the very last moment
+she feared one of her cousins or Miss Harcourt would offer to accompany
+her. They were all, however, too occupied with and for Mr. Hamilton, and
+she sought the cottage, and there, with such very evident mental agony,
+besought Mrs. Langford to promise her secrecy and aid, that the widow,
+very much against her conscience, was won over to accede. She was in
+most pressing want of money, she urged, and dared not appeal to her
+aunt. Not daring to say the whole amount which she so urgently required
+at once, she had only brought with her the antique gold cross and two or
+three smaller ornaments, which had been among her mother's trinkets, and
+a gold locket Percy had given her. Mrs. Langford was painfully startled.
+She had no idea her promise comprised acquiescence and assistance in any
+matter so very wrong and mysterious as this; and she tried every
+argument, every persuasion, to prevail on Ellen to confide all her
+difficulties to Mrs. Hamilton, urging that if even she had done wrong,
+it could only call for temporary displeasure, whereas the mischief of
+her present proceeding might never come to an end, and must be
+discovered at last; but Ellen was inexorable, though evidently quite as
+miserable as she was firm, and Mrs. Langford had too high an idea of the
+solemn nature of a pledged word to draw back, or think of betraying her.
+She said that, of course, it might be some weeks before she could
+succeed in disposing of them all; as to offer them all together, or even
+at one place, would be exposing herself to the most unpleasant
+suspicions.
+
+One step was thus gained, but nearly a fortnight had passed, and she
+heard nothing from the widow.
+
+"Will they never come?" exclaimed Emmeline, in mirthful impatience, one
+evening, about four days after her conversation with her mother; "it
+_must be_ past the hour Percy named."
+
+"It still wants half an hour," replied Mrs. Hamilton; adding, "that
+unfortunate drawing, when will it succeed in obtaining your undivided
+attention?"
+
+"Certainly not this evening, mamma; the only drawing I feel inclined
+for, is a sketch of my two brothers, if they would only have the
+kindness to sit by me."
+
+"Poor Percy," observed Caroline, dryly; "if you are to be as restless as
+you have been the last hour, Emmeline, he would not be very much
+flattered by his portrait."
+
+"Now that is very spiteful of you, Caroline, and all because I do not
+happen to be so quiet and sober as you are; though I am sure all this
+morning, that mamma thought by your unusually long absence that you were
+having a most persevering practice, you were only collecting all Percy's
+and Herbert's favorite songs and pieces, and playing them over, instead
+of your new music."
+
+"And what if I did, Emmeline?"
+
+"Why, it only proves that your thoughts are quite as much occupied by
+them as mine are, though you have so disagreeably read, studied, worked,
+just as usual, to make one believe you neither thought nor cared any
+thing about them."
+
+"And so, because Caroline can control even joyous anticipation, she is
+to be thought void of feeling, Emmy. I really can pronounce no such
+judgment; so, though she may have settled to her usual pursuits, and you
+have literally done nothing at all to-day, I will not condemn her as
+loving her brothers less."
+
+"But you will condemn me as an idle, unsteady, hair-brained girl,"
+replied Emmeline, kneeling on the ottoman at her mother's feet, and
+looking archly and fondly in her face. "Then do let me have a
+fellow-sufferer, for I can not stand condemnation alone. Ellen, do put
+away that everlasting sketch, and be idle and unsteady, too!"
+
+"It won't do, Emmy; Ellen has been so perseveringly industrious since
+her illness, that I should rather condemn her for too much application
+than too great idleness. But you really have been stooping too long this
+warm evening, my love," she added, observing, as Ellen, it seemed almost
+involuntarily, looked up at her cousin's words, that her cheeks were
+flushed almost painfully. "Oblige Emmeline this once, and be as idle as
+she is: come and talk to me, I have scarcely heard a word from you
+to-day; you have been more silent than ever, I think, since your uncle
+left us; but I must have no gloom to greet your cousins, Ellen."
+
+There was no rejoinder to these kind and playful words. Ellen did indeed
+put aside her drawing, but instead of taking a seat near her aunt, which
+in former days she would have been only too happy to do, she walked to
+the farthest window, and ensconcing herself in its deep recess, seemed
+determined to hold communion with no one. Miss Harcourt was so indignant
+as scarcely to be able to contain its expression. Caroline looked
+astonished and provoked. Emmeline was much too busy in flying from
+window to window, to think of any thing else but her brothers. Mrs.
+Hamilton was more grieved and hurt than Ellen had scarcely ever made her
+feel. Several times before, in the last month, she had fancied there was
+something unusual in her manner; but the many anxieties and thoughts
+which had engrossed her since her husband's summons and his departure,
+had prevented any thing, till that evening, but momentary surprise.
+Emmeline's exclamation that she was quite sure she heard the trampling
+of horses, and that it must be Percy, by the headlong way he rode,
+prevented any remark, and brought them all to the window; and she was
+right, for in a few minutes a horseman emerged from some distant trees,
+urging his horse to its utmost speed, waving his cap in all sorts of
+mirthful gesticulations over his head, long before he could be quite
+sure that there was any body to see him. Another minute, and he had
+flung the reins to Robert, with a laughing greeting, and springing up
+the long flight of steps in two bounds, was in the sitting-room and in
+the arms of his mother, before either of his family imagined he could
+have had even time to dismount.
+
+"Herbert?" was the first word Mrs. Hamilton's quivering lip could speak.
+
+"Is quite well, my dearest mother, and not five minutes' ride behind me.
+The villagers would flock round us, with such an hurrah, I thought you
+must have heard it here; so I left Bertie to play the agreeable, and
+promised to see them to-morrow, and galloped on here, for you know the
+day we left, I vowed that the firstborn of my mother should have her
+first kiss."
+
+"Still the same, Percy--not sobered yet, my boy?" said his mother,
+looking at him with a proud smile; for while the tone and manner were
+still the eager, fresh-feeling boy, the face and figure were that of the
+fine-growing, noble-looking man.
+
+"Sobered! why, mother, I never intend to be," he answered, joyously, as
+he alternately embraced his sisters, Miss Harcourt, and Ellen, who,
+fearing to attract notice, had emerged from her hiding-place; "if the
+venerable towers of that most wise and learned town, Oxford, and all the
+grave lectures and long faces of sage professors have failed to tame me,
+there can be no hope for my sobriety; but here comes Herbert, actually
+going it almost as fast as I did. Well done, my boy! Mother, that is all
+your doing; he feels your influence at this distance. Why, all the
+Oxonians would fancy the colleges must be tumbling about their ears, if
+they saw the gentle, studious, steady Herbert Hamilton riding at such a
+rate." He entered almost as his brother spoke; and though less
+boisterous, the intense delight it was to him to look in his mother's
+face again, to be surrounded by all he loved, was as visible as Percy's;
+and deep was the thankfulness of Mrs. Hamilton's ever anxious heart, as
+she saw him looking so well--so much stronger than in his boyhood. The
+joy of that evening, and of very many succeeding days, was, indeed,
+great; though many to whom the sanctity and bliss of domestic affection
+are unknown, might fancy there was little to call for it; but to the
+inmates of Oakwood it was real happiness to hear Percy's wild laugh and
+his inexhaustible stories, calling forth the same mirth from his
+hearers--the very sound of his ever-bounding step, and his boisterous
+career from room to room, to visit, he declared, and rouse all the
+bogies and spirits that must have slept while he was away: Herbert's
+quieter but equal interest in all that had been done, studied, read,
+even thought and felt, in his absence: the pride and delight of both in
+the accounts of Edward, Percy insisting that to have such a gallant
+fellow of a brother, ought to make Ellen as lively and happy as
+Emmeline, who was blessed nearly in the same measure--looking so
+excessively mischievous as he spoke, that, though his sister did not at
+first understand the inference, it was speedily discovered, and called
+for a laughing attack on his outrageous self-conceit. Herbert more
+earnestly regretted to see Ellen looking as sad and pale as when she was
+quite a little girl, and took upon himself gently to reproach her for
+not being, or, at least, trying to make herself more cheerful, when she
+had so many blessings around her, and was so superlatively happy in
+having such a brave and noble-hearted brother. If he did not understand
+her manner as he spoke, both he and the less observant Percy were
+destined to be still more puzzled and grieved as a few weeks passed, and
+they at first fancied and then were quite sure that she was completely
+altered, even in her manner to their mother. Instead of being so gentle,
+so submissive, so quietly happy to deserve the smallest sign of approval
+from Mrs. Hamilton, she now seemed completely to shrink from her, either
+in fear, or that she no longer cared either to please or to obey her. By
+imperceptible, but sure degrees, this painful conviction pressed itself
+on the minds of the whole party, even to the light-hearted, unsuspicious
+Emmeline, to whom it was so utterly incomprehensible, that she declared
+it must be all fancy, and that they were all so happy that their heads
+must be a little turned.
+
+"Even mamma's!" observed Caroline, dryly.
+
+"No; but she is the only sensible person among us, for she has not said
+any thing about it, and, therefore, I dare say does not even see that
+which we are making such a wonder about."
+
+"I do not agree with you, for I rather think she has both seen and felt
+it before either of us, and that because it so grieves and perplexes
+her, she can not speculate or even speak about it as we do. Time will
+explain it, I suppose, but it is very disagreeable."
+
+It was, indeed, no fancy; but little could these young observers or even
+Mrs. Hamilton suspect that which was matter of speculation or grief to
+them, was almost madness in its agony of torture to Ellen; who, as weeks
+passed, and but very trifling returns for her trinkets were made her by
+Mrs. Langford, felt as if her brain must fail before she could indeed
+accomplish her still ardently desired plan, and give back the missing
+sum to Robert, without calling suspicion on herself. She felt to herself
+as changed as she appeared to those that observed her; a black
+impenetrable pall seemed to have enveloped her heart and mind, closing
+up both, even from those affections, those pursuits, so dear to her
+before. She longed for some change from the dense impenetrable fog, even
+if it were some heavy blow--tangible suffering of the fiercest kind was
+prayed for, rather than the stagnation which caused her to move, act,
+and speak as if under some fatal spell, and look with such terror on the
+relation she had so loved, that even to be banished from her presence
+she imagined would be less agony, than to associate with her, as the
+miserable, guilty being she had become.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton watched and was anxious, but she kept both her
+observations and anxiety to herself, for she would not throw even a
+temporary cloud over the happiness of her children. A fortnight after
+the young men's arrival, letters came most unexpectedly from Mr.
+Hamilton, dated twelve days after he had left, and brought by a Scottish
+trader whom they had encountered near the Shetland Isles, and who had
+faithfully forwarded them from Edinburgh, as he had promised. The voyage
+had been most delightful, and they hoped to reach Feroe in another week.
+He wrote in the highest terms of Morton; the comfort of such
+companionship, and the intrinsic worth of his character, which could
+never be known, until so closely thrown together.
+
+"I may thank our Percy for this excellent friend," he wrote. "He tells
+me his brave and honest avowal of those verses, which had given him so
+much pain, attracted him more toward me and mine, than even my own
+efforts to obtain his friendship. Percy little thought when he so
+conquered himself the help he would give his father--so little do we
+know to what hidden good, the straightforward, honest performance of a
+duty, however painful, may lead."
+
+"My father should thank you, mother, not me," was Percy's rejoinder,
+with a flushed cheek and eye sparkling with animation, as his mother
+read the passage to him.
+
+"No such thing, Percy; I will not have you give me all the merit of your
+good deeds. I did but try to guide you, my boy; neither the disposition
+to receive, nor the fruit springing from the seeds I planted, is from
+me."
+
+"They are, mother, more than you are in the least aware of!" replied he,
+with even more than his usual impetuosity, for they happened to be quite
+alone; "I thought I knew all your worth before I went to Oxford, but I
+have mingled with the world now; I have been a silent listener and
+observer of such sentiments, such actions, as I know would naturally
+have been mine, and though in themselves perhaps of little moment, saw
+they led to irregularity, laxity of principle and conduct, which now I
+can not feel as other than actual guilt; and what saved me from the
+same? The _principle_ which from my infancy you taught. I have
+questioned, led on in conversation, these young men to speak of their
+boyhood and their homes, and there were none guided, loved as I was;
+none whose parents had so blended firmness with indulgence, as while my
+wild, free spirits were unchecked, prevented the ascendency of evil. _I
+could not do_ as they did. Mother! love you more, perhaps, I can not,
+but every time I join the world, fresh from this home sanctuary, I must
+bless and venerate you more! To walk through this world with any degree
+of security, man _must_ have principle based on the highest source; and
+that principle can only be instilled by the constant example of a mother
+and the association of a home!" Mrs. Hamilton could not answer, but--a
+very unusual sign of weakness with her--tears of the most intense
+happiness poured down on the cheek of her son, as in his impetuosity he
+knelt before her, and ended his very unusually grave appeal by the same
+loving caresses he was wont to lavish on her, in his infancy and
+boyhood.
+
+The letters from Mr. Hamilton, of course, greatly increased the general
+hilarity, and the arrival of Mr. Grahame's family about the same time,
+added fresh zest to youthful enjoyment. In the few months she spent at
+Moorlands, Annie actually condescended to be agreeable. Percy, and some
+of Percy's boyish friends, now young men, as himself, were quite
+different to her usual society, and as she very well knew the only way
+to win Percy's even casual notice was to throw off her affectation and
+superciliousness as much as possible, she would do so, and be pleasing
+to an extent that surprised Mrs. Hamilton, who, always inclined to judge
+kindly, hoped more regarding Annie than she had done yet. Little could
+her pure mind conceive that, in addition to the pleasure of flirting
+with Percy, Annie acted in this manner actually to throw her off her
+guard, and so give her a wider field for her machinations when Caroline
+should enter the London world; a time to which, from her thirteenth
+year, she had secretly looked as the opportunity to make Caroline so
+conduct herself, as to cover her mother with shame and misery, and bring
+her fine plans of education to failure and contempt.
+
+Mrs. Greville and Mary were also constantly at the Hall, or having their
+friends with them; Herbert and Mary advancing in words or feelings not
+much farther than they had ever done as boy and girl, but still feeling
+and acknowledging to their mutual mothers that, next to them, they loved
+each other better than all the world, and enjoyed each other's society
+more than any other pleasure which life could offer. Excursions by land
+or water, sometimes on horseback, sometimes in the carriages, constant
+little family reunions, either at Oakwood, Moorlands, or Greville Manor,
+passed days and evenings most delightfully, to all but Ellen, who did
+not dare stay at home as often as inclination prompted, and whose
+forced gayety, when in society, did but increase the inward torture when
+alone. Mrs. Hamilton had as yet refrained from speaking to her--still
+trying to believe she must be mistaken, and there really was nothing
+strange about her. One morning, however, about a month after the young
+men had been at home, her attention was unavoidably arrested by hearing
+Percy gayly ask his cousin--
+
+"Nelly, Tiny wrote me such a description of your birthday watch, that I
+quite forgot, I have been dying to see it all the time I have been at
+home; show it me now, there's a dear; it can not be much use to you,
+that's certain, for I have never seen you take it from its
+hiding-place."
+
+Ellen answered, almost inarticulately, it was not in her power to show
+it him.
+
+"Not in your power! You must be dreaming, Nell, as I think you are very
+often now. Why, what do you wear that chain, and seal and key for, if
+you have not your watch on too?"
+
+"Where is your watch, Ellen? and why, if you are not wearing it, do you
+make us suppose you are?" interrupted Mrs. Hamilton, startled out of all
+idea that Ellen was changed only in fancy.
+
+Ellen was silent, and to Percy's imagination, so sullenly and insolently
+so, that he became indignant.
+
+"Did you hear my mother speak to you, Ellen? Why don't you answer?"
+
+"Because I thought my watch was my own to do what I liked with, to wear
+or to put away," was the reply; over neither words nor tone of which,
+had she at that moment any control, for in her agonized terror, she did
+not in the least know what she said.
+
+"How dare you answer so, Ellen? Leave the room, or ask my mother's
+pardon at once," replied Percy, his eyes flashing with such unusual
+anger that it terrified her still more, and under the same kind of spell
+she was turning to obey him, without attempting the apology he demanded.
+
+"Stay, Ellen; this extraordinary conduct must not go on any longer
+without notice on my part. I have borne with it, I fear, too long
+already. Leave us, my dear Percy; I would rather speak with your cousin
+alone."
+
+"I fear it will be useless, mother; what has come over Ellen I _can not_
+imagine, but I never saw such an incomprehensible change in my life."
+
+He departed, unconscious that Ellen, who was near the door transfixed at
+her aunt's words, made a rapid movement as to catch hold of his arm, and
+that the words, "Do not go, Percy, for pity's sake!" trembled on her
+pale lips, but they emitted no sound.
+
+What passed in the interview, which lasted more than an hour, no one
+knew; but to the watchful eyes of her affectionate children, there were
+traces of very unusual disturbance on Mrs. Hamilton's expressive
+countenance when she rejoined them; and the dark rim round Ellen's eyes,
+the deadly pallor of her cheeks and lips seemed to denote that it had
+not been deficient in suffering to her; though not one sign of
+penitence, one word of acknowledgment that she was, and had been for
+some weeks in error, by her extraordinary conduct--not even a softening
+tear could her aunt elicit. She had never before so failed--never, not
+even when the disappearance of her allowance had caused extreme
+displeasure, had Ellen evinced such an apparently sullen spirit of
+determined hardihood. She would not attempt defense or reply to the
+acted falsehood with which she was charged, of appearing to wear her
+watch when she did not, or to say what she had done with it. Mrs.
+Hamilton spoke to her till she was almost exhausted, for her own
+disappointment was most painful, and she had not a gleam of hope to urge
+her on. Her concluding words were these--
+
+"That you are under the evil influence of some unconfessed and most
+heinous fault, Ellen, I am perfectly convinced; what it is time will
+reveal. I give you one month to decide on your course of action; subdue
+this sullen spirit, confess whatever error you may have been led into,
+and so change your conduct as to be again the child I so loved, spite of
+occasional faults and errors, and I will pardon all that is past. If, at
+the end of a month, I find you persisting in the same course of
+rebellion and defiance, regardless alike of your duty to your God and to
+me, I shall adopt some measures to compel submission. I had hoped to
+bring up all my children under my own eye, and by my own efforts; but if
+I am not permitted so to do, I know my duty too well to shrink from the
+alternative. You will no longer remain under my care; some severer
+guardian and more rigid discipline may bring you to a sense of your
+duty. I advise you to think well on this subject, Ellen; you know me too
+well, I think, to imagine that I speak in mere jest."
+
+She had left the room as she spoke, so, that if Ellen had intended
+reply, there was no time for it. But she could not have spoken. Go from
+Oakwood, and in anger! Yet it was but just; it was better, perhaps, than
+the lingering torture she was then enduring--better to hide her shame
+and misery among strangers, than remain among the good, the happy--the
+guilty wretch she was. She sat and thought till feeling itself became
+utterly exhausted, and again the spell, the stupor of indifference,
+crept over her. She would have confessed, but she knew that it could
+never satisfy, as the half confession she would have been compelled to
+make it; and the dread of herself, that she should betray her brother,
+sealed her lips.
+
+Robert's story, and the strange disappearance of the notes, had of
+course been imparted to Percy and Herbert. In fact, the change in the
+young man, from being as light-hearted as his young master himself, to
+gravity and almost gloom--for the conviction of his master and mistress,
+as to his innocence could not cheer him, while suspicion against him
+still actuated Morris, and many of the other servants--would have called
+the young men's attention toward him at once. The various paths and
+glades between the Hall and Mrs. Langford's cottage had been so
+searched, that unless the storm had destroyed them or blown the notes
+very far away, it seemed next to impossible, that they could not be
+found. Mr. Hamilton knew the number of each note, had told them to his
+wife, and gave notice at his banker's that though he did not wish them
+stopped, he should like to know, if possible, when they had passed. No
+notice of such a thing had been sent to Oakwood, and it seemed curious
+that, if found and appropriated, they should not yet have been used, for
+ten weeks had now slipped away since their loss, and nearly nine since
+the letters had been sent to Edward and his captain, answers to which
+had not yet been received; but that was nothing remarkable, for Edward
+seldom wrote above once in three or four months.
+
+It was nearing the end of August, when one afternoon Mrs. Hamilton was
+prevented joining her children in a sail up the Dart, though it had been
+a long promise, and Percy was, in consequence, excessively indignant;
+but certain matters relative to the steward's province demanded a
+reference to his mistress, and Morris was compelled to request a longer
+interview than usual. Ellen had chosen to join the aquatic party, a
+decision now so contrary to her usual habits, that Mrs. Hamilton could
+not help fancying it was to prevent the chance of being any time alone
+with her. There had been no change in her manner, except a degree more
+care to control the disrespectful or pettish answer; but nothing to give
+hope that the spirit was changing, and that the hidden error, whatever
+it might be, would be acknowledged and atoned. Mrs. Hamilton was nerving
+her own mind for the performance of the alternative she had placed
+before her niece; passing many a sleepless night in painful meditations.
+If to send her from Oakwood were necessary, would it produce the effect
+she wished? with whom could she place her? and what satisfactory reason
+could she assign for doing so? She knew there would be a hundred tongues
+to cry shame on her for sending her orphan niece from her roof, but that
+was but one scarcely-tasted bitter drop in the many other sources of
+anxiety. But still these were but her nightly sorrows; she might have
+been paler when she rose, but though her children felt quite sure that
+Ellen was grieving her exceedingly, her cheerful sympathy in their
+enjoyments and pursuits never waned for a moment.
+
+Morris left her at six o'clock, all his business so satisfactorily
+accomplished, that the old man was quite happy, declaring to Ellis, he
+had always thought his mistress unlike any one else before; but such a
+clear head for reducing difficult accounts and tangled affairs to order,
+he had never imagined could either be possessed by, or was any business
+of a woman. Not in the least aware of the wondering admiration she had
+excited, Mrs. Hamilton had called Robert and proceeded to the
+school-room to get a pattern of embroidery and a note, which Caroline
+had requested might be sent to Annie Grahame that evening; the note was
+on the table, but the pattern and some silks she had neglected to put up
+till her brothers were ready, and they so hurried her, that her mother
+had promised she would see to it for her. The embroidery box was in a
+paneled closet of the school-room, rather high up, and in taking
+especial care to bring it safely down, Robert loosened a desk from its
+equilibrium, and it fell to the ground with such force as to break into
+several pieces, and scatter all its contents over the floor. It was
+Ellen's! the pretty rosewood desk which had been her gift, that
+memorable New Year's Eve, and was now the repository of her dread
+secret. It was actually in fragments, especially where the ink-stands
+and pens had been, and the spring broken, the secret drawer burst open,
+and all its contents were disclosed. Robert was much too concerned to
+think of any thing but his own extreme carelessness, and his mistress's
+reprimand; and he busied himself in hastily picking up the contents, and
+placing them carefully on the table, preparatory to their arrangement by
+Mrs. Hamilton in a drawer of the table which she was emptying for the
+purpose. She laid them carefully in, and was looking over a book of very
+nicely written French themes, glad there was at least one thing for
+which she might be satisfied with Ellen, when an exclamation--
+
+"Why, there is one of them! I am so glad," and as sudden, a stop and
+half-checked groan from Robert startled her. She looked inquiringly at
+him, but he only covered his face with one hand, while the other
+remained quite unconsciously covering the secret drawer out of which the
+contents had not fallen, but were merely disclosed.
+
+"What _is_ the matter, Robert? what have you found to cause such
+contradictory exclamations? Speak, for God's sake!" escaped from Mrs.
+Hamilton's lips, for by that lightning touch of association, memory,
+thought, whatever it may be, which joins events together, and unites
+present with past, so that almost a life seems crowded in a moment, such
+a suspicion flashed upon her as to make her feel sick and giddy, and
+turn so unusually pale, as effectually to rouse Robert, and make him
+spring up to get her a chair.
+
+"Nothing, madam, indeed it can be nothing--I must be mistaken--I am
+acting like a fool this afternoon, doing the most unheard-of mischief,
+and then frightening you and myself at shadows."
+
+"This evasion will not do, Robert; give me the papers at which you were
+so startled."
+
+He hesitated, and Mrs. Hamilton extended her hand to take them herself;
+but her hand and arm so shook, that to hide it from her domestic, she
+let it quietly drop by her side, and repeated her command in a tone that
+brooked no farther delay. He placed the little drawer and its contents
+in her hand, and, without a word, withdrew into the farthest window. For
+full five, it might have been ten minutes, there was silence so deep, a
+pin-fall might have been loudly heard. It was broken by Mrs. Hamilton.
+
+"Robert!"
+
+There was neither change nor tremor in the voice, but the fearful
+expression of forcibly-controlled suffering on her deathlike countenance
+so awed and terrified him, he besought her, almost inarticulately, to
+let him fetch a glass of water--wine--something--
+
+"It is not at all necessary, my good boy; I am perfectly well. This is,
+I believe, the only note that can be identified as one of those you
+lost; these smaller ones (she pointed to three, of one, two, and four
+pounds each, which Ellen had received at long intervals from Mrs.
+Langford) have nothing to do with it?"
+
+"No, madam, and that--that may not--"
+
+"We can not doubt it, Robert, I have its number; I need not detain you,
+however, any longer. Take care of these broken fragments, and if they
+can be repaired, see that it is done. Here is Miss Hamilton's note and
+parcel. I believe you are to wait for an answer, at all events inquire.
+I need not ask you to be silent on this discovery, till I have spoken to
+Miss Fortescue, or to trust my promise to make your innocence fully
+known."
+
+"Not by the exposure of Miss Ellen! Oh, madam, this is but one of them,
+the smallest one--it may have come to her by the merest chance--see how
+stained it is with damp--for the sake of mercy, oh, madam, spare her and
+yourself too!" and in the earnestness of his supplication Robert caught
+hold of her dress, hardly knowing himself how he had found courage so to
+speak. His mistress's lips quivered.
+
+"It is a kind thought, Robert, and if justice to you and mercy to the
+guilty can, by any extenuating clause unknown to me now, be united,
+trust me, they shall. Now go."
+
+He obeyed in silence, and still Mrs. Hamilton changed not that outward
+seeming of rigid calm. She continued to put every paper and letter away
+(merely retaining the notes), locked the drawer, took possession of the
+key, and then retired to her own room, where for half an hour she
+remained alone.
+
+It is not ours to lift the vail from that brief interval. We must have
+performed our task badly indeed, if our readers can not so enter into
+the lofty character, the inward strivings and outward conduct of Mrs.
+Hamilton, as not to imagine more satisfactorily to themselves than we
+could write it, the heart-crushing agony of that one half hour; and
+anguish as it was, it did but herald deeper. There was not even partial
+escape for her, as there would have been had her husband been at home.
+Examination of the culprit, whose mysterious conduct was so fatally
+explained, that she did not even dare hope this was the only missing
+note she had appropriated--compelled confession of the use to which it
+had been applied--public acknowledgment of Robert's perfect truth and
+innocence, all crowded on her mind like fearful specters of pain and
+misery, from which there could be no escape; and from whom did they
+spring? Ellen! the child of her adoption, of her love, whose character
+she had so tried to mold to good--whose young life she had so sought to
+make happier than its earliest years--for whom she had so hoped, so
+prayed--so trusted--had borne with anxiety and care; tended in physical
+suffering with such untiring gentleness, such exhaustless love: and now!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CULPRIT AND THE JUDGE.
+
+
+It was nearly seven when the young party returned, delighted as usual
+with their afternoon's amusement; and Percy, shouting loudly for his
+mother, giving vent to an exclamation of impatience at finding she was
+still invisible.
+
+"I shall wish Morris and all his concerns at the bottom of the Dart, if
+he is so to engross my mother when I want her," he said, as he flung
+himself full length on a couch in the music-room, desiring Emmeline to
+make haste and disrobe, as he must have an air on the harp to soothe his
+troubled spirit.
+
+Herbert, to look for a poem, the beauty of which he had been discussing
+with Miss Harcourt during their sail, entered the library, but
+perceiving his mother, would have retreated, thinking her still engaged;
+but she looked up as the door opened, and perceiving him, smiled, and
+asked him if they had had a pleasant afternoon. He looked at her
+earnestly, without making any reply; then approaching her, took one of
+her hands in his, and said, fondly--
+
+"Forgive me, dearest mother; I ought not, perhaps, to ask, but I am sure
+something is wrong. You are ill--anxious--may I not share it? Can I do
+nothing?"
+
+"Nothing, my Herbert; bless you for your watchful love--it is such
+comfort." And the long pressure of the hand which so warmly clasped
+hers, the involuntary tenderness with which these few words were said,
+betrayed how much she needed such comfort at that moment, but she
+rallied instantly. "Do not look so anxious, dear boy, I am not ill--not
+quite happy, perhaps, but we know where to look for strength to bear
+trial, Herbert. Wait tea for me till eight o'clock; it is probable I may
+be engaged till then;" and, satisfied that she did not wish to be more
+explicit, Herbert took his book, and somewhat sorrowfully left her.
+
+Ten minutes more, and the massive door unclosed again, but no step
+advanced, for the intruder remained rooted where the door had closed. It
+was a very large and lofty room, with an arched and Gothic roof, of
+black and fretted oak, the walls and chimney-piece of the same material
+and most elaborate workmanship. A sort of dais, remnant of olden times,
+divided the upper part of the room, by two or three steps, from the
+lower. On this dais was the raised reading-desk of superbly carved oak,
+at which Mr. Hamilton officiated morning and evening, and two library
+tables of more modern workmanship stood on each side, but rather lower
+down. Except the massive oaken chairs and couches, and three or four
+curious tables scattered about, and the well-filled book-cases, forming,
+to the height of five feet, the border, as it were, of the fretted
+wood-work of the walls, and filling up the niches formed by the windows;
+the lower part of the hall, two-thirds of the length, was comparatively
+unoccupied, showing its vast space and superb roof to still greater
+advantage. The magnificently stained windows, one on the dais--a deep
+oriel--threw such subdued light into the room, as accorded well with its
+other appointments; but as evening advanced, gave it that sort of soft,
+holy light, which always impresses the spirit with a species of awe.
+
+We do not think it was that feeling alone which so overpowered the
+second intruder, as to arrest her spell-bound on the threshold. Mrs.
+Hamilton was seated at one of the tables on the dais nearest the oriel
+window, the light from which fell full on her, giving her figure, though
+she was seated naturally enough in one of the large, maroon velvet,
+oaken chairs, an unusual effect of dignity and command, and impressing
+the terrified beholder with such a sensation of awe, that had her life
+depended on it, she could not for that one minute have gone forward; and
+even when desired to do so by the words--
+
+"I desired your presence, Ellen, because I wished to speak to you; come
+here without any more delay,"--how she walked the whole length of that
+interminable room, and stood facing her aunt, she never knew.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton for a full minute did not speak, but she fixed that
+searching look, to which we have once before alluded, upon Ellen's face;
+and then said, in a tone which, though very low and calm, expressed as
+much as that earnest look--
+
+"Ellen! is it necessary for me to tell you why you are here--necessary
+to produce the proof that my words are right, and that you _have_ been
+influenced by the fearful effects of some unconfessed and most heinous
+sin? Little did I dream its nature."
+
+For a moment Ellen stood as turned to stone, as white and rigid--the
+next she had sunk down, with a wild, bitter cry at Mrs. Hamilton's feet,
+and buried her face in her hands.
+
+"Is it true--can it be true--that you, offspring of my own sister, dear
+to me, cherished by me as my own child--you have been the guilty one to
+appropriate, and conceal the appropriation of money, which has been a
+source of distress by its loss, and the suspicion thence proceeding, for
+the last seven weeks?--that you could listen to your uncle's words,
+absolving his whole household as incapable of a deed which was actual
+theft, and yet, by neither word nor sign, betray remorse or
+guilt?--could behold the innocent suffering, the fearful misery of
+suspicion, loss of character, without the power of clearing himself, and
+stand calmly, heedlessly by--only proving by your hardened and
+rebellious temper that all was not right within--Ellen, can this be
+true?"
+
+"Yes!" was the reply, but with such a fearful effort, that her slight
+frame shook as with an ague; "thank God, that it is known! I dared not
+bring down the punishment on myself; but I can bear it."
+
+"This is mere mockery, Ellen; how dare I believe even this poor evidence
+of repentance, with the recollection of your past conduct? What were the
+notes you found?"
+
+Ellen named them.
+
+"Where are they?--This is but one, and the smallest."
+
+Ellen's answer was scarcely audible.
+
+"Used them--and for what?"
+
+There was no answer, neither then, nor when Mrs. Hamilton sternly
+reiterated the question. She then demanded--
+
+"How long have they been in your possession?"
+
+"Five or six weeks;" but the reply was so tremulous, it carried no
+conviction with it.
+
+"Since Robert told his story to your uncle, or before?"
+
+"Before."
+
+"Then your last answer was a falsehood, Ellen; it is full seven weeks
+since my husband addressed the household on the subject. You could not
+have so miscounted time, with such a deed to date by. Where did you find
+them?"
+
+Ellen described the spot.
+
+"And what business had you there? You know that neither you nor your
+cousins are ever allowed to go that way to Mrs. Langford's cottage, and
+more especially alone. If you wanted to see her, why did you not go the
+usual way? And when was this?--you must remember the exact day. Your
+memory is not in general so treacherous."
+
+Again Ellen was silent.
+
+"Have you forgotten it?"
+
+She crouched lower at her aunt's feet, but the answer was audible--
+
+"No."
+
+"Then answer me, Ellen, this moment, and distinctly; for what purpose
+were you seeking Mrs. Langford's cottage by that forbidden path, and
+when?"
+
+"I wanted money, and I went to ask her to take my trinkets--my watch, if
+it must be--and dispose of them as I had read of others doing, as
+miserable as I was; and the wind blew the notes to my very hand, and I
+used them. I was mad then--I have been mad since, I believe; but I would
+have returned the whole amount to Robert, if I could but have parted
+with my trinkets in time."
+
+To describe the tone of utter despair, the recklessness as to the effect
+her words would produce, is impossible. Every word increased Mrs.
+Hamilton's bewilderment and misery. To suppose that Ellen did not feel
+was folly. It was the very depth of wretchedness which was crushing her
+to the earth, but every answered and unanswered question but deepened
+the mystery, and rendered her judge's task more difficult.
+
+"And when was this, Ellen? I will have no more evasion--tell me the
+exact day."
+
+But she asked in vain. Ellen remained moveless, and silent as the dead.
+
+After several minutes, Mrs. Hamilton removed her hands from her face,
+and compelling her to lift up her head; gazed searchingly on her
+deathlike countenance for some moments in utter silence, and then said,
+in a tone that Ellen never in her life forgot--
+
+"You can not imagine, Ellen, that this half-confession will either
+satisfy me, or in the smallest degree redeem your sin. One and one only
+path is open to you; for all that you have said and left unsaid but
+deepens your apparent guilt, and so blackens your conduct, that I can
+scarcely believe I am addressing the child I so loved--and could still
+so love, if but one real sign be given of remorse and penitence--one
+hope of returning truth. But that sign, that hope, can only be a full
+confession. Terrible as is the guilt of appropriating so large a sum,
+granted it came by the merest chance into your hand; dark as is the
+additional sin of concealment when an innocent person was
+suffering--something still darker, more terrible, must lie concealed
+behind it, or you would not, could not, continue thus obdurately silent.
+I can believe that under some heavy pressure of misery, some strong
+excitement, the sum might have been used without thought, and that fear
+might have prevented the confession of any thing so dreadful; but what
+was this heavy necessity for money, this strong excitement? What fearful
+and mysterious difficulties have you been led into to call for either?
+Tell me the truth, Ellen, the whole truth; let me have some hope of
+saving you and myself the misery of publicly declaring you the guilty
+one, and so proving Robert's innocence. Tell me what difficulty, what
+misery so maddened you, as to demand the disposal of your trinkets. If
+there be the least excuse, the smallest possibility of your obtaining in
+time forgiveness, I will grant it. I will not believe you so utterly
+fallen. I will do all I can to remove error, and yet to prevent
+suffering; but to win this, I must have a full confession--every
+question that I put to you must be clearly and satisfactorily answered,
+and so bring back the only comfort to yourself, and hope to me. Will you
+do this, Ellen?"
+
+"Oh, that I could!" was the reply in such bitter anguish, Mrs. Hamilton
+actually shuddered. "But I can not--must not--dare not. Aunt Emmeline,
+hate me, condemn me to the severest, sharpest suffering; I wish for it,
+pine for it: you can not loathe me more than I do myself, but do not--do
+not speak to me in these kind tones--I can not bear them. It was because
+I knew what a wretch I am, that I have so shunned you, I was not worthy
+to be with you; oh, sentence me at once! I dare not answer as you
+wish."
+
+"Dare not!" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, more and more bewildered, and, to
+conceal the emotion Ellen's wild words and agonized manner had produced,
+adopting greater sternness. "You dare commit a sin, from which the
+lowest of my household would shrink in horror, and yet tell me you dare
+not make the only atonement, give me the only proof of real penitence I
+demand. This is a weak and wicked subterfuge, Ellen, and will not pass
+with me. There can be no reason for this fearful obduracy, not even the
+consciousness of greater guilt, for I promise forgiveness, if it be
+possible, on the sole condition of a full confession. Once more, will
+you speak? Your hardihood will be utterly useless, for you can not hope
+to conquer me; and if you permit me to leave you with your conduct still
+clothed in this impenetrable mystery, you will compel me to adopt
+measures to subdue that defying spirit, which will expose you and myself
+to intense suffering, but which must force submission at last."
+
+"You can not inflict more than I have endured the last seven weeks,"
+murmured Ellen, almost inarticulately. "I have borne that, I can bear
+the rest."
+
+"Then you will not answer? You are resolved not to tell me the day on
+which you found that money, the use to which it was applied, the reason
+of your choosing that forbidden path, permitting me to believe you
+guilty of heavier sins than may be the case in reality. Listen to me,
+Ellen; it is more than time this interview should cease, but I will give
+you one chance more. It is now half-past seven,"--she took the watch
+from her neck, and laid it on the table--"I will remain here one
+half-hour longer: by that time this sinful temper may have passed away,
+and you will consent to give me the confession I demand. I can not
+believe you so altered in two months as to choose obduracy and misery,
+when pardon, and in time confidence and love, are offered in their
+stead. Get up from that crouching posture, it can be but mock humility,
+and so only aggravates your sin."
+
+Ellen rose slowly and painfully, and seating herself at the table, some
+distance from her aunt, leaned her arms upon it, and buried her face
+within them. Never before, and never after did half an hour appear so
+interminable to either Mrs. Hamilton or Ellen. It was well for the
+firmness of the former, perhaps, that she could not read the heart of
+that young girl, even if the cause of its anguish had been still
+concealed. Again and again did the wild longing, turning her actually
+faint and sick with its agony, come over her to reveal the whole, to ask
+but rest and mercy for herself, pardon and security for Edward; but then
+clear as held before her in letters of fire she read every word of her
+brother's desperate letter, particularly "Breathe it to my uncle or
+aunt, for if she knows it he will, and you will never see me more." Her
+mother, pallid as death, seemed to stand before her, freezing confession
+on her heart and lips, looking at her threateningly, as she had so often
+seen her, as if the very thought were guilt. The rapidly advancing
+twilight, the large and lonely room, all added to that fearful illusion,
+and if Ellen did succeed in praying, it was with desperate fervor, for
+strength not to betray her brother. If ever there were a martyr spirit,
+it was enshrined in that young, frail form.
+
+But how could Mrs. Hamilton imagine this? How could her wildest fancy
+bring Edward--the brave, happy, eager Edward, of whom captain, officers,
+and crew wrote in such terms of praise and admiration, who had never
+given cause for anxiety, and who was so far distant--as the uniting link
+to this terrible mystery? Was it not more natural that he should not
+enter the incongruous and painful thoughts floating through her brain,
+save as her last resource, by his influence, to obtain the truth from
+Ellen? The more she thought, the more agonizing her thoughts became;
+what could induce this determined silence, but a conviction of deeper
+guilt, and what could that guilt be? The most terrible suspicions
+crossed her mind; she had heard, though she had scarcely believed in
+them, of entanglements, even where the guardianship had been most rigid.
+Could one so young, seemingly so innocent, have fallen into the power of
+some desperate character, who was working on her thus? How could she be
+sure she intended to take her trinkets to Mrs. Langford? Her choosing
+that forbidden path which was never by any chance trodden by the family
+or their friends, her constant desire lately not to join them in their
+excursions, preferring, and often finding some excuse to remain
+alone--all came to Mrs. Hamilton's mind, with such an overpowering
+sensation of dread and misery, that the worst guilt Ellen could have
+avowed would scarcely have been worse than anticipation pictured; and
+yet every thought was so vague, every fancy so undefined--there was
+nothing she could grasp at as a saving hope, or in the remotest degree
+excusing cause; such obdurate silence in one so young, generally so
+yielding, could and must conceal nothing but still more fearful sin.
+The darkness which had gathered round them, save the brightening light
+of the harvest moon, suddenly awakened her to the lapse of time. The
+moonlight fell full on the face of the watch, which was a repeater. It
+wanted but three minutes more, and Mrs. Hamilton watched the progress of
+the hand with such sickening dread, that when it reached the hour, she
+had scarcely strength to strike it, and so give notice--for words she
+had none--that the hour of grace had passed. But she conquered the
+powerlessness, and those soft chimes, which, when Ellen first came to
+Oakwood, had been such a constant source of childish wonder and delight,
+now rang in her ears louder, hoarser, more fearfully distinct, than even
+those of the ancient time-piece in the hall, which at the same moment
+rang out the hour of eight.
+
+The sound ceased, and with heightened dignity, but in perfect silence,
+Mrs. Hamilton rose, passed her niece, and had nearly reached the door,
+when she paused, and turned toward Ellen, as if irresolute. Ellen's eyes
+had watched her as in fascination, and the pause endowed her with just
+sufficient power to spring forward, fling herself at her aunt's feet,
+and clasping her knees with all her little remaining strength,
+passionately implore--
+
+"Aunt Emmeline, aunt Emmeline, speak to me but one word, only one word
+of kindness before you go. I do not ask for mercy, there can be none for
+such a wretch as I am; I will bear without one complaint, one murmur,
+all you may inflict--you can not be too severe. Nothing can be such
+agony as the utter loss of your affection; I thought, the last two
+months, that I feared you so much that it was all fear, no love, but
+now, now that you know my sin, it has all, all come back to make me
+still more wretched." And before Mrs. Hamilton could prevent, or was in
+the least aware of her intention, Ellen had obtained possession of one
+of her hands, and was covering it with kisses, while her whole frame
+shook with those convulsed, but completely tearless sobs.
+
+"Will you confess, Ellen, if I stay? Will you give me the proof that it
+_is_ such agony to lose my affection, that you _do_ love me as you
+profess, and that it is only one sin which has so changed you? One word,
+and, tardy as it is, I will listen, and, if I can, forgive."
+
+Ellen made no answer, and Mrs. Hamilton's newly-raised hopes vanished;
+she waited full two or three minutes, then gently disengaged her hand
+and dress from Ellen's still convulsive grasp; the door closed, with a
+sullen, seemingly unwilling sound, and Ellen was alone. She remained in
+the same posture, the same spot, till a vague, cold terror so took
+possession of her, that the room seemed filled with ghostly shapes, and
+all the articles of furniture suddenly transformed to things of life!
+and springing up, with the wild, fleet step of fear, she paused not till
+she found herself in her own room, where flinging herself on her bed,
+she buried her face on her pillow, to shut out every object--oh, how she
+longed to shut out thought!
+
+It was such a different scene, such a fullness of innocent joy, on which
+Mrs. Hamilton entered, that though she thought herself nerved to control
+all visible emotion, the contrast almost overpowered her; knowing, too,
+that the fatal effects of one person's sin must banish that innocent
+enjoyment, and would fall on them all as some fearful, joy-destroying
+blow. The room, one of the least spacious, was cheerfully lighted, the
+urn hissing upon the table, at which Caroline, us usual, was presiding,
+only waiting for her mother's appearance, to satisfy Percy, who was
+loudly declaring he was famished in two senses--for want of his mother's
+company, and of some restorative for his craving appetite. He was
+lounging on the sofa, playing with Emmeline's flowing ringlets, as she
+sat on a low stool by his side, chatting with him, in as discursive a
+strain as his fancy willed. Herbert and Miss Harcourt were still in
+earnest discussion on their poem, from which Herbert was occasionally
+reading aloud such beautiful passages, and with such richness of
+intonation, and variety of expression, that Caroline, and even Percy and
+Emmeline, would pause involuntarily to listen.
+
+"At length!" exclaimed Percy, springing up, as did Herbert at the same
+moment, to get their mother a chair, and place her comfortably as usual
+in the midst of them. "Mother, I really did begin to think you intended
+to punish my impatience by not joining us at all to-night."
+
+"I did not know you were impatient, my dear boy, or perhaps I might have
+done so!" was her quiet, and even smiling reply. "I fear, indeed,
+waiting for me so long after a water-excursion, must have caused you to
+be impatient in another sense."
+
+"What! that we must be all famished? I assure you, we are, and the loss
+of your society sharpened the pangs of hunger I owe Morris a grudge,
+and will certainly serve him out one day, for detaining you so long when
+I wanted you."
+
+"It was not Morris that detained me," answered Mrs. Hamilton, somewhat
+hurriedly. "I had done with him by six o'clock; but come, tell me
+something about your excursion," she added, evidently anxious to elude
+farther remark, and perceiving at once that Miss Harcourt and Herbert
+both looked at her very anxiously. "How did your boat go, and how did
+Caroline's voice and your flute sound on the water, Percy? Herbert, I
+see, has found poetry, as usual, and made Miss Harcourt his companion;
+you must tell me what verses our beautiful river recalled this
+afternoon; and you, Emmy, have you any more sketches to fill up?"
+
+Her children eagerly entered on their day's enjoyment--Herbert
+conquering his anxiety, to emulate his mother's calmness, but Miss
+Harcourt had been too painfully startled by the unusual expression of
+forcibly-controlled suffering on her friend's face, to do so with any
+success. Nearly an hour, however, passed animatedly as usual; each found
+so much to tell, and Percy was in such wild spirits, that it was utterly
+impossible for there to be any thing like a pause. Tea had always been a
+favorite meal at Oakwood, as bringing all the family together after the
+various business of the day, and it continued to be so. They had
+lingered over it as usual, when Caroline suddenly exclaimed--
+
+"What has become of Ellen? I had quite forgotten her till this moment;
+how neglectful she will think us! Do ring the bell, Percy, that we may
+send and let her know."
+
+"If she has no recollection of meal-time, I really think we need not
+trouble ourselves about her," was Percy's half-jesting, half-earnest
+reply, for Ellen's changed manner to his mother had made him more angry
+with her, and for a longer time together, than he had ever been with any
+body, especially a woman, in his life. He stretched out his hand,
+however, to ring the bell, but Mrs. Hamilton stopped him.
+
+"You need not, Percy; your cousin will not wish to join us," she said;
+and her tone was now so expressive of almost anguish, that every one of
+that happy party startled and looked at her with the most unfeigned
+alarm, and Percy, every thought of jest and joyousness checked, threw
+his arms round her, exclaiming--
+
+"Mother dearest! what _has_ happened?--that unhappy girl again! I am
+sure it is. Why do you not cast her off from your heart at once; she
+will bring you nothing but sorrow for all your love."
+
+"Percy, how can you be so harsh?--how unlike you!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+indignantly, as Mrs. Hamilton's head, for a few minutes of natural
+weakness, sunk on her son's encircling arm. "We have all given mamma
+trouble and pain enough one time or other, and what would have become of
+us if she had cast us off? and Ellen has no mother, too--for shame!"
+
+"Hush!" answered Percy, almost sternly, for there were times when he
+could quite throw off the boy. "This is no light or common matter, to
+affect my mother thus. Shall we send for Mr. Howard, mother?" he
+continued, fondly; "in my father's absence he is your ablest friend--we
+can only feel, not counsel."
+
+But there are times when feeling can aid in bringing back control and
+strength, when counsel alone would seem so harsh and cold, we can only
+weep before it; and the fond affection of her children, the unusual
+assumption of protecting manliness in Percy, so touchingly united with
+the deep respect that prevented the least intrusive question as to the
+cause of her distress till she chose to reveal it, gave her power to
+send back the tears that had escaped at first so hot and fast, and
+though still holding his hand, as if its very pressure was support, she
+was enabled calmly to relate the fatal discovery of that evening. Its
+effect was, in truth, as if a thunderbolt had fallen in the midst of
+them. An execration, forcibly checked, but passionate as his nature,
+burst from the lips of Percy, as he clamped his arm close round his
+mother, as thus to protect her from the misery he felt himself. Herbert,
+with a low cry of pain, buried his face in his hands. Caroline, shocked
+and bewildered, but her first thought for her mother, could only look
+at, and feel for her, quite forgetting that her every prejudice against
+Ellen did indeed seem fulfilled. Emmeline at first looked stunned, then
+sinking down at Mrs. Hamilton's feet, hid her face on her lap, and
+sobbed with such uncontrolled violence, that it might have seemed as if
+she herself, not Ellen, were the guilty cause of all this misery. Miss
+Harcourt, like Caroline, could only think and feel for Mrs. Hamilton;
+for she knew so well all the hope, interest, and love which Ellen had
+excited, and what must be the bitter suffering of this fearful
+disappointment.
+
+"Do not weep thus, love," Mrs. Hamilton said, addressing Emmeline,
+after nearly a quarter of an hour had passed, and the various emotions
+of each individual had found vent in words well illustrative of their
+respective characters; all but Emmeline who continued to sob so
+painfully, that her mother successfully forgot her own sorrow to comfort
+her. "Ellen is still very young, and though she is giving us all this
+misery and disappointment now, she may become all we can wish her,
+by-and-by. We must not give up all hope, because now all my cares seem
+so blighted. There is some fatal mystery attached to her conduct; for I
+am indeed deceived if she is not very wretched and there is some hope in
+that."
+
+"Then why does she not speak?" rejoined Percy, impetuously; for when he
+found his mother resuming control and firmness, he had given vent to his
+indignation by striding hastily up and down the room. "What but the most
+determined hardihood and wickedness can keep her silent, when you
+promise forgiveness if she will but speak? What mystery can there, or
+ought there, to be about her, when she has such an indulgent friend as
+yourself to bring all her troubles to? Wretched! I hope she is, for she
+deserves to be, if it were only for her base ingratitude."
+
+"Percy! dear Percy! do not speak and judge so very harshly," interposed
+Herbert, with deep feeling; "there does, indeed, seem no excuse for her
+conduct, but if we ever should find that there is some extenuating
+cause, how unhappy we shall be for having judged her still more harshly
+than she deserved."
+
+"It is impossible we can do that," muttered Percy, continuing his angry
+walk. "Nothing but guilt can be the cause of her keeping any thing from
+my mother. Ellen knows, as we all know, that even error when confessed,
+has always been forgiven, sorrow always soothed, and every difficulty
+removed. What can her silence spring from, then, but either defying
+obstinacy or some blacker sin?"
+
+"It does seem like it, unhappily," rejoined Caroline, but very
+sorrowfully, not at all as if she triumphed in her own previous
+penetration; "but she can not persevere in it long. Dear mamma, do not
+look so distressed: it is impossible she can resist you for any length
+of time."
+
+"She has resisted every offer of kindness, my dear child, and it is the
+difficulty as to what course to pursue, to compel submission and
+confession, that so grieves and perplexes me."
+
+"Let me seek Mr. Howard, dearest mother," answered Herbert; "he is so
+good, so kind, even in his severest judgments, that I really think Ellen
+will scarcely be able to persevere in her mistaken silence, if he speak
+to her."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton paused for some moments in thought.
+
+"I believe you are right, Herbert. If I must have counsel out of my own
+family, I can not go to a kinder, wiser, or more silent friend. If the
+fearful shame which I must inflict on Ellen to-night of proving Robert's
+innocence before my whole household, by the denouncement of her guilt,
+have no effect in softening her, I will appeal to him."
+
+"Oh, mamma, must this be--can you not, will you not spare her this?"
+implored Emmeline, clinging to her mother, in passionate entreaty; "it
+would kill me, I know it would. Do not--do not expose her to such
+shame."
+
+"Do you think it is no suffering to my mother to be called upon to do
+this, Emmeline, that you add to it by this weak interference?" replied
+Percy, sternly, before his mother could reply. "Shame! she has shamed us
+all enough. There wants little more to add to it."
+
+But Emmeline's blue eyes never moved from her mother's face, and Miss
+Harcourt, longing to spare Mrs. Hamilton the suffering of such a
+proceeding, tried to persuade her to evade it, but she did not succeed.
+
+"One word of confession--one evidence that her sin originated in a
+momentary temptation, that it conceals nothing darker--one real proof of
+penitence, and God knows how gladly I would have spared myself and her;
+but as it is, Lucy, Emmeline, do not make my duty harder."
+
+Few as those words were, the tone that spoke them was enough. No more
+was said, and Mrs. Hamilton tried, but with very little success, to turn
+her children's thoughts to other and pleasanter things. Time seemed to
+lag heavily, and yet when the prayer bell sounded, it fell on every
+heart as some fearful knell which must have been struck too soon.
+
+All were assembled in the library, and in their respective places, all
+but one, and Herbert waited her appearance.
+
+"Tell Miss Fortescue that we are only waiting for her to commence
+prayers;" and Fanny, the young ladies' attendant, departed to obey,
+wondering at Miss Ellen's non-appearance, but hearing nothing unusual in
+her mistress's voice. She returned, but still they waited; again the
+door unclosed, and Emmeline bent forward in an attitude of agony and
+shame unable even to look at her cousin, whose place was close beside
+her; but the words she dreaded came not then--Herbert, at his mother's
+sign, commenced the service, and it proceeded as usual. The fearful
+struggle in Mrs. Hamilton's gentle bosom, who might read, save the
+all-pitying God, whom she so fervently addressed for strength and
+guidance? The voice of her son ceased, and the struggle was over.
+
+"Before we part for the night," she said, when all but one had arisen,
+"it is necessary that the innocent should be so justified before you
+all, that he should no longer be injured by suspicion and avoidance. It
+is nearly two months since your master assured you of his own and of my
+perfect conviction that Robert Langford had told the truth, and that the
+missing notes had been unfortunately lost by him; not appropriated, as I
+fear most of you have believed, and are still inclined to do. The
+complete failure of every search for them has induced a very
+uncomfortable feeling among you all as to the person on whom suspicion
+of finding and appropriating them might fall, none but the household
+frequenting that particular path, and none being able to suppose that
+the storm could have so dispersed as to lose all trace of them. I
+acknowledge it was unlikely, but not so unlikely as that Robert Langford
+should have failed in honesty, or that any of my household should have
+appropriated or concealed them. All mystery is now, however, at an end;
+the missing notes have been traced and found; and that all suspicion and
+discomfort may be removed from among you, it becomes my duty to
+designate the individual who has thus transgressed every duty to God and
+man, not by the sin alone, but by so long permitting the innocent to
+suffer for the guilty, more especially as that individual is one of my
+own family"--for one moment she paused, whether to gain strength, or to
+give more force to her concluding words, no one could tell--"ELLEN
+FORTESCUE!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE SENTENCE, AND ITS EXECUTION.
+
+
+The excitement which reigned in the servants' hall, after they had
+withdrawn, in the most respectful silence, from the library, was
+extreme. Robert, utterly unable to realize relief in this proof of his
+own innocence, could only pace the hall in agony, deploring his mad
+carelessness, which, by exposing to temptation, had caused it all; and
+Morris and Ellis deepened the remorse by perfectly agreeing with him.
+Before they separated, the old steward called them all together; and,
+his voice trembling with agitation, the tears actually running down his
+furrowed cheeks, told them that even as their mistress had done her duty
+to the utmost, ay, more than the utmost by them--for it must have
+well-nigh broken her heart to do it--a solemn duty was demanded from
+them to her, and that if either man, woman, or child failed in it, he
+should know that they had neither feeling, honor, nor gratitude in their
+hearts, and deserved and should be scouted by them all; and that duty
+was never to let the event of that night pass their lips, even to each
+other. It was enough that all mystery and suspicion had been taken from
+them, and that time would clear up the remainder; he never would believe
+the grandchild of his mistress's father, one she had so loved and cared
+for, could willfully act as appearances seemed to say; that he was sure,
+one day or other, they would all find there was much more to pity than
+to blame; and till then, if they had the least spark of generous or
+grateful feeling, they would forget the whole affair, and only evince
+their sense of their mistress's conduct, by yet greater respect and
+attention to their respective duties.
+
+The old man's speech was garrulous, and perhaps often faulty in grammar,
+but it came from the heart, and so went to the heart at once, and not
+one held back from the pledge of silence he demanded. There are some who
+imagine that the refinement of feeling which alone could actuate
+Morris's speech, and its warm and immediate response, is only to be
+found among the educated and the rich: how little those who thus suppose
+understand the human heart! Kindness begets kindness; and if superiors
+will but think of, and seek the happiness, temporal and eternal, of
+their inferiors--will but prove that they are considered us children of
+one common Father--there needs no equality of rank to create equality of
+happiness, or equality of refined, because _true_ feeling.
+
+The next morning, when Mrs. Hamilton had occasion to speak to Morris
+about some farm receipts, which had not been forthcoming the preceding
+day, she recalled him as he was departing; but the words she had to say
+seemed unusually difficult, for her voice audibly faltered, and her face
+was completely shaded by her hand. It was simply to ask that which
+Morris's loving reverence had already done; and when the old man, in
+those earnest accents of heartfelt respect and kindness which never can
+be mistaken, related what had passed, his mistress hastily extended her
+hand to him, saying, in a tone he never forgot--
+
+"God bless you, Morris! I ought to have known your love for your
+master's house would have urged this, without any request from me. I can
+not thank you enough." The kiss he ventured to press upon the delicate
+hand which pressed his rough palm, was not unaccompanied, though he did
+force back the tear, and most respectfully, yet very earnestly, beseech
+his mistress not to take on too much. There must be some cause, some
+mystery; no one belonging to her could so have acted without some very
+fearful temptation, some very powerful reason, and it would all come
+straight one day.
+
+But whatever the future, the present was only suffering; for, to obtain
+a full confession from Ellen, Mrs. Hamilton felt so absolutely incumbent
+on her, that she steadily refused to listen to either pity or affection,
+which could shake her firmness; and the opinion and advice of Mr. Howard
+strengthened the determination. He had a private interview with Ellen,
+but it was attended with so very little success, that he left her far
+more bewildered and grieved than he had sought her; but fully convinced
+it was mere hardihood and obstinacy, which caused her incomprehensible
+and most guilty silence. Not even allowing, as Mrs. Hamilton had, that
+there was any evidence of misery and remorse; perhaps she had been more
+quiet, more resolutely calm, and if it had not been for the strong
+appearances against her, he surely must have seen it was the strength
+and quiet of despair, not the defiance he believed.
+
+"This rebellious spirit must be conquered," he said, on rejoining Mrs.
+Hamilton, who, with her children and Miss Harcourt, had most anxiously
+and yet hopefully awaited the result of his interference. "We should
+actually be sharing her sin, if we permit her to conquer us by obduracy
+and self-will. Solitary confinement and complete idleness may bring her
+to a better temper, and, in fact, should be persisted in, till a full
+confession be made. If that fail, my dear Mrs. Hamilton, your niece
+should be banished from Oakwood. She must not remain here, a continual
+source of anxiety and misery to you, and of successful hardihood to
+herself; but of that there will be time enough to think when you have an
+answer from Mr. Hamilton; his judgment from a distance may be wiser than
+ours on the spot, and irritated as we are by such unaccountable
+obstinacy in one we have always thought almost too yielding."
+
+And it was this incomprehensible change of character, in seeming, that
+still more perplexed Mrs. Hamilton, and so made her believe there must
+be some worse fault, or dangerous entanglement, demanding such resolute
+pertinacity in concealment.
+
+Closely connected with Ellis's private apartments, and having neither
+inlet nor outlet, save through the short passage opening from her
+sitting-room, were two small but not uncomfortable apartments, opening
+one into the other, and looking out on a very pretty but quite
+unfrequented part of the park. They had often been used when any of
+Ellis's children or grandchildren came to see her, and were in
+consequence almost sufficiently habitable, without any further
+preparation, except the turning one into a sitting-room, which Ellis's
+active care speedily accomplished. Her mistress inspected them, at her
+desire, suggested one or two additional comforts, and then held a long
+confidential conversation with her. She had such perfect confidence in
+her (for Ellis had been from a child--married, and become mother and
+widow, and married her children--all as an inmate of the Hamilton
+family, and had held the confidential post of housekeeper for sixteen
+years), that she did not hesitate one moment to commit Ellen entirely to
+her care, at least till she could receive an answer about her from her
+husband. She depended on her to watch over her health, to see that she
+took daily exercise with her, in those parts of the park where she was
+not likely to attract notice, as being with her instead of with any
+member of her family, and that she took her regular meals; to be with
+her whenever she took them, and at casual times in the day, not so as
+to remove the impression of solitude and disgrace, but to be enabled to
+watch her closely, and the least symptom of a softening spirit to report
+instantly to her.
+
+"She will, of course, join us in the hours of devotion, though not
+occupying her usual place, for she who has lowered herself, in the sight
+of God and man, beneath the humblest of my domestics, may no longer
+kneel above them," she said in conclusion. "But of my determination on
+that point she is already aware; and she will go with us as usual to
+church; I will have no remark made, further than I can avoid. Be as kind
+to her as you can, Ellis, consistent with your character as a wise and
+watchful guardian. God in mercy grant that her heart may be so softened,
+that you will not fill that painful position long. And now to see her."
+
+But Percy's watchful care had so quietly interposed, that his mother
+found herself in their usual sitting-room, and in the midst of them all,
+before she could seek Ellen; and when, with half reproach, she told him,
+that she had still a most painful duty to accomplish, therefore he ought
+not to have prevented it, he answered impetuously--
+
+"Mother, you shall not see Ellen any more alone! she has made you
+miserable enough already, and each time that she sees you, her deceitful
+appearance of remorse and suffering, for they _can not_ be real, or she
+would speak, but add to it; send for her here, and tell her your
+decision before us all."
+
+And Mrs. Hamilton complied, for she felt as if her firmness would be
+less likely to fail, than if Ellen attempted any thing like supplication
+with her alone. But not a word of supplication came. Ellen had answered
+the summons, by quietly accompanying Ellis, who had been sent for her,
+to her aunt's presence, pale, indeed, as marble, but so tearless and
+still, as to seem unmoved. An expression of actual relief stole over her
+features as she heard her sentence, undisturbed even when told that this
+would only be, till Mr. Hamilton's sentence came; as, if she continued
+silent until then, of course whatever severer measures he might dictate
+would be instantly obeyed. But when Mrs. Hamilton proceeded to say that
+she intended writing the whole affair to Edward, that his influence
+might awaken her to a sense of the fearfully aggravated guilt she was
+incurring by her silence, an expression of the most intense agony
+succeeded the previous calm, and sinking down before her, Ellen wildly
+implored--
+
+"Oh, aunt Emmeline, in mercy spare him! do not, oh, do not throw such
+shame upon him, he who is so brave, admired, honored! do not, oh, if you
+have any pity left, do not make him hate me, loathe me too, my own only
+brother! he must throw me off. How can he bear such shame upon his name!
+Oh, do with me more than you have said, any thing, every thing, but
+that. Spare him!"
+
+"Spare him yourself," interposed Percy, sternly.--(He was standing, with
+his arms crossed, by a window; Herbert was leaning at the back of Mrs.
+Hamilton's chair; Caroline and Miss Harcourt trying very steadily to
+work, and Emmeline bending over a drawing, which her tears were utterly
+spoiling).--"If the knowledge of your sin make him miserable, as it
+must, be yourself the one to save him--you alone can. Speak--break this
+determined and most guilty silence, and his influence will not be
+needed, and my mother will be silent to him concerning what has passed,
+now and forever, as we will all. If you so love him, spare him the shame
+you have brought on all of us; if not, it is mere words, as must be the
+love you have professed all these years for my mother."
+
+Ellen turned her face toward him for a single minute, with such an
+expression of unutterable misery, that he turned hastily away, even his
+anger in part subdued, and Mrs. Hamilton could scarcely reply.
+
+"I can not grant your request, Ellen, for to refuse it, appears to me
+the only means of softening you. It may be a full fortnight before I can
+write to Edward, for we must receive letters first. If during that
+interval you choose to give me the only proof of repentance that can
+satisfy me, or bring the least hope of returning happiness to yourself,
+I shall now know how to act. I would indeed spare your brother this
+bitter shame, but if you continue thus obdurate, no entreaties will move
+me. Rise, and go with Ellis. Punishment and misery, repentance and
+pardon, are all before you; you alone can choose. I shall interfere no
+more, till your uncle's sentence comes." And longing to end this painful
+scene, for her mistress's sake, Ellis led Ellen from the room, and
+conducted her to the apartments assigned her. She felt much too angry
+and annoyed at the pain and trouble Ellen, was giving her mistress, to
+evince any thing like kindness toward her at first, but she had not been
+under her care above a week before her feelings underwent a complete
+change.
+
+Suffering as she was enduring, more especially from the conviction,
+that to every one of those she loved (for affection for each one of the
+family had now returned with almost passionate violence) she must be an
+object of hate and loathing, yet that her sin was known, was a relief so
+inexpressibly blessed, she felt strengthened to endure every thing else.
+She knew, and her God knew, the agonized temptation to the momentary
+act, and the cause of her determined silence. She felt there was strange
+comfort in that; though she knew no punishment could be too severe for
+the sin itself, and she prayed constantly to be enabled to bear it, and
+still not to betray her brother; and the consequence of these petitions
+was a calm, gentle, deeply submissive demeanor. Not a murmur ever passed
+her lips, and Ellis scarcely ever saw the signs of tears, which she
+longed for; for the quiet, but fearfully intense suffering, Ellen's very
+evident daily portion, alarmed her for its effect upon her always
+delicate health. As yet, however, there was no outward appearance of its
+failing, it rather bore up, from the cessation of the nervous dread and
+constant terror, which she had endured before; and before Mr. Hamilton's
+letter arrived, a month after the fatal discovery, Ellis had drawn her
+own conclusions, and her manner, instead of being distant and cold, had
+become so excessively kind and feeling, that the poor girl felt some
+heavy change must be impending, she dared not look to the continuance of
+such comfort.
+
+But Mrs. Hamilton never saw her niece, save when no words could pass
+between them; and she could not judge as Ellis did. She could only feel,
+as each day passed, without bringing the desired proof of sorrow and
+amendment, more and more bewildered, and very wretched. Though, for her
+children's sake, she so conquered the feeling as, after the first week,
+to restore cheerfulness, and promote the various amusements they had all
+so enjoyed. Ellen's disappearance had of course to be accounted for, to
+the intimate friends with whom they so constantly were; but her
+acknowledgment that she had been disappointed in her, and that her
+conduct would not allow her any social or domestic indulgence, at least
+for a time, satisfied the elder members. Annie, for the first time,
+discovered that Caroline was her match in cleverness, merely from her
+excessive truth and simplicity, and that, manoeuvre as she might, she
+could not discover the smallest clew to this sudden mystery. And Mary,
+for the first time, and on this one subject alone, found Herbert and
+Emmeline impenetrably reserved.
+
+As soon as Mrs. Langford had been informed by her son, at his mistress's
+desire, of the unanswerable proof of his innocence, she hastened to the
+Hall, and requesting a private interview with Mrs. Hamilton, placed at
+once in her hands all the trinkets and watch, with which she had been at
+different times intrusted; related all that had passed between her and
+Miss Fortescue, the excessive misery she seemed to be enduring; and
+confessed that the few pounds she had given her, as the sums obtained by
+the sale of the trinkets, she had advanced herself, having resolved that
+nothing should induce her to dispose of them; and that of course it was
+the difficulty she had in advancing their right value, which had
+occasioned the length of time that had elapsed since Ellen had first
+sought her.
+
+"Would it not go far to prove she really did wish to return the money?"
+Mrs. Hamilton thought, long after the widow had left her, and the sums
+she had advanced returned with interest. "Was it to return the fatally
+appropriated sum, or because she needed more? Ellen had so positively,
+and with such agony asserted the first, that it was scarcely possible to
+disbelieve her; but what was this fearful difficulty, this pressing
+demand by one so young for so much money? Why, if it were comparatively
+innocent, would she not speak?" The more she thought, the more perplexed
+and anxious she seemed to become. The act itself of endeavoring to
+dispose of the trinkets, especially those that had been given and
+received, as doubly valuable because they had been worn by her mother,
+would have been sufficiently faulty to have occasioned natural
+displeasure, but compared with other known and unknown faults, it sunk
+into almost nothing. Mrs. Hamilton collected them all together, those
+Mrs. Langford had returned, and the few remaining in her niece's drawer,
+and carefully put them away, till circumstances might authorize her
+returning them to Ellen, and determined on saying nothing more on the
+subject either to Ellen or her own family.
+
+One thing Ellis reported to her regarding Ellen, which certainly seemed
+like a consciousness of the wrong she had done Robert, and a wish to
+atone for it. She begged Ellis so earnestly that she might see him, if
+it were only for five minutes, that she could not resist her; and when
+he came, she implored him so touchingly, so pleadingly to forgive her
+long silence himself, and entreat his mother to do so too; assuring him,
+that it was the hope of being able to restore the notes to him, without
+revealing her identity, which had caused the silence, that it was
+scarcely possible to listen to her unmoved. It was no false humility,
+but the deepest, most unfeigned contrition for having been the cause of
+injury.
+
+Ten days after Ellen's imprisonment, the letter arrived from Sir Edward
+Manly, which Mrs. Hamilton had alluded to as necessary to be received,
+before she could write to her nephew, and the news it brought, though
+somewhat alloyed, would at another time have been received with the
+greatest delight. Edward was returning. In three weeks, or a month at
+the utmost, after the receipt of his commander's letter, he might be
+with them all; invalided home for a three or four months' leave. There
+had been another, and rather severe engagement, in which young Fortescue
+had still more distinguished himself; but from his headlong courage had
+been severely, but not at all seriously, hurt. Sir Edward intended
+sending the pirate frigate which they had taken to England, as she was a
+tight-built, well looking craft enough, he wrote, if manned with
+honorable men instead of desperate villians; and had nominated Harding
+and Fortescue to accompany the second lieutenant, as her officers.
+
+The name of Harding produced no disagreeable reminiscences in Mrs.
+Hamilton's mind. It had been so very long since Edward had even
+mentioned him, that she had almost forgotten his early fancy for him.
+Her only thought now was thankfulness that her gallant nephew had been
+preserved, and that he was coming home. It could scarcely be pleasure
+she felt, though all the young party did, for there was such an
+excitement in Edward's courage, and in his having been in two desperate
+engagements, and seen so much, that, with the buoyancy happily natural
+to well-disposed youth, they could only think and talk of his return,
+forgetting the alloy that must cloud it. Percy and Herbert hoped he
+would arrive within the three weeks, as then they should be with him at
+least a week or ten days. If delayed, he would very provokingly just
+arrive as they would be returning to college.
+
+After much painful deliberation, Mrs. Hamilton determined on making
+Herbert her messenger with these unexpected tidings to Ellen; hoping
+more than she expressed that his gentle eloquence in bringing before her
+the misery to which she must condemn her brother if she would persist in
+this silence, and so compel an appeal to him, would have some effect;
+especially as she charged him to impress upon her that even now
+confession should bring pardon, and concealment of all from Edward.
+Herbert gladly undertook the mission, and so feelingly, so earnestly
+discharged it, that poor Ellen felt more heart-broken than she had done
+yet, and almost incapable of retaining her firmness. But she did; for
+danger to Edward seemed more imminent now that he was coming home, to
+the very vicinity of his dreaded uncle, than when he was at a distance.
+She could only feel thankful--if concealment were indeed so absolutely
+necessary as he had declared it to be--that Mr. Hamilton was still from
+home, and might continue to be so during Edward's visit. It was
+difficult to repress the sickening shudder, when Herbert chanced to
+mention that Harding was her brother's companion in his voyage home, and
+difficult, not to express more disappointment than the occasion
+warranted, that Edward had not answered her last letter. He must have
+received it, Herbert said, for Sir Edward acknowledged his father's in
+which hers to Edward had been inclosed. He left her after a very long
+interview, deeply grieved at the failure of all his persuasions, all his
+remonstrances, but compelled, he could not satisfactorily explain why,
+either to himself or to his family, to pity far more than to blame.
+Percy declared, as did Caroline and Miss Harcourt, that it must be only
+his own too kind and gentle disposition, which never could blame anybody
+or any thing. Mrs. Hamilton was bitterly disappointed; Mr. Howard
+insisted that such obduracy demanded nothing but the sternest treatment,
+and he only wished Mr. Hamilton's letter could arrive at once. He saw
+Ellen again himself twice in the five weeks, which elapsed between the
+discovery of her sin and the arrival of Mr. Hamilton's answer; but if
+kindness had so failed, it was comparatively easy to resist his
+well-intentioned, but in this case utterly mistaken sternness. He was in
+general so kind even in his judgments, that Mrs. Hamilton thought he
+must have some reason to believe Ellen so thoroughly hardened, and from
+his report of her was enabled to impart her husband's sentence with more
+firmness, than had she listened to her own kind, still loving heart.
+
+It was as she and Mr. Howard had both expected. Ellen was no longer to
+remain at Oakwood, but to be placed under the care of a maiden lady,
+living in Yorkshire, a relation of Mr. Hamilton, and one who had
+occasionally visited Oakwood, and was, therefore, well known to Mrs.
+Hamilton, and to Ellis too, and regarded with such dislike by the
+latter, as to make her actually venture to entreat her mistress not to
+send Miss Ellen to her; she was sure it would break her heart. Now Miss
+Seldon was one of the worthiest women that ever breathed--honest,
+straightforward, truth-speaking literally to a fault, but as hard as she
+was true. Whether she ever had any feelings or not, Mrs. Hamilton, with
+all her penetration, never could discover; but the good she did was
+immense in practical benevolence, though the quick sympathy, the kindly
+word, the indulgent thought, seemed utterly unknown. She had no pity for
+faults or failings, always declaring forbearance and love were all
+folly; "if a branch were in the slightest degree decayed, cut it off; if
+the blight extend to the root, destroy it," she was fond of saying. As
+for youthful follies or errors, she had no patience with them, for never
+having been, or rather felt young herself, she could not understand the
+age in others. Ellis had not discrimination enough to discern the good
+which lay under this very disagreeable exterior; Mrs. Hamilton had; and
+suffering as she knew a residence with her must be to Ellen, if indeed
+she were really the character she had seemed in childhood--though the
+last few months had so contradicted it--she felt her husband had decided
+wisely, spite of the misery which still even the very thought of sending
+her orphan niece so completely from her, was to herself. Mr. Hamilton's
+letter read harshly, but his wife knew his high, almost stern
+principles; he had not seen Ellen's evident anguish; he could only judge
+from the relation which had been sent him, and all which that told was
+indeed against her. Of course he said, if she had confessed, and her
+confession in any degree, pleaded for her, his wife would use her own
+judgment as to the period of her banishment; but he could not imagine
+any cause for her conduct sufficiently excusing, as to demand the
+avoidance of his sentence altogether.
+
+Miss Seldon's last visit to Oakwood was sufficiently well remembered by
+the young Hamiltons (though, it was before their cousins had arrived
+from India), for them all--even Percy and Caroline, the most indignant
+against Ellen--to think of their father's sentence with the deepest
+regret, and with almost dread for its effect on Ellen.
+
+"If she did but know her, she must speak," was Emmeline's exclamation.
+"I did not feel quite sure that I was my own happy self, all the time
+she was with us."
+
+"The atmosphere was frozen twenty degrees below zero in all the rooms
+she frequented, though it was otherwise a hot summer," rejoined Percy;
+"and in Yorkshire--"
+
+"Pray do not joke, dear Percy; I can not bear to think of Ellen going
+away from us at all, much less to such a guardian, though I know she is
+very good," answered Herbert.
+
+"Now, my good fellow, do not attempt to say a word for Nancy Seldon; she
+was the only person in the world I ever heard you acknowledge you
+disliked; so what must she be? Worthy! no doubt, or my father would not
+have trusted Ellen to her, but for any thing else--"
+
+"Poor Ellen! she little knows to what her obstinacy is condemning her,"
+rejoined Caroline; "I wish she did and then she might spare herself and
+mamma, too; though I fear even confession would not help her much now."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton might and did think with them all, but she could not
+swerve from her duty. She wrote at once to Miss Seldon, not entering
+into particulars, but merely asking if she would consent to take charge
+of a relative, whose conduct demanded more rigid watchfulness and care,
+and an entire cessation of indulgence, than could be the case in the
+family circle at Oakwood. She and her husband had such perfect
+confidence in her, she said, that if she could oblige them by
+undertaking the duty, they knew, without any assurance on her part, that
+she would discharge it faithfully. The yearly sum they offered was
+large, because they wished their young relative to have all the comforts
+and appurtenances of a gentlewoman, and the advantages of the best
+education, the city near which she resided, could afford. Mrs. Hamilton
+had no doubt of the affirmative nature of the reply, for Miss Seldon
+owed the recovery of her fortune and position entirely to the exertions
+of Mr. Hamilton; and she had told him, once for all, that if she could
+but serve or oblige him in any way, great or small, it would make her
+far happier than she had ever been, or was likely to be in her solitary
+life. The letter written and dispatched, Mrs. Hamilton summoned Ellen
+once more to her presence.
+
+The scene was again the library, where she had been writing, and the
+time nearing the short twilight of October. It was three weeks, rather
+more, since Sir Edward Manly's letter had been received, and Edward was,
+therefore, almost daily expected. The feelings with which his unhappy
+sister looked to his return it would be a vain attempt to define. At
+times the intense longing to see him again, caused a wild, almost sick
+feeling of pleasure, that she might, perhaps, so soon do so; then came
+all that had passed, and she pictured his anger, his loathing--true it
+had been for him, but he had not thought of such a deed. He would, he
+must hate and spurn her, too; and the idea of meeting him became
+absolute agony. Then--and she shuddered in dread--would he think that he
+must acknowledge it was for him she had thus acted? and, if so, had she
+not betrayed instead of saving him? Incident after incident in their
+childhood rose before her, to give her hope that he would be silent now
+as then, and not betray himself; but these contending terrors, united
+with the constant though silent suffering of her banishment from all she
+loved, the utter hopelessness as to the end of this trial, had not been
+without their effect on the outward frame. Ellis did not see it, from so
+constantly watching her, and from Ellen never refusing to take the
+exercise she desired her, and not making a single complaint as to the
+pain it was sometimes to walk, and always to swallow her meals; but as
+she stood opposite to her aunt, in the full light of the oriel
+window--her approach had been so noiseless, Mrs. Hamilton, who was
+bending over some papers, did not see her till she chanced to look
+up--the attenuation of form and feature was so very visible, that her
+aunt could not prevent herself from starting painfully, and the words
+with which she had intended to address her froze on her lips. It was
+with the utmost difficulty she refrained from folding her to her heart,
+and trying, by every means affection could devise, to soothe or remove
+that anguish, whatever its nature, far too deep and constant for one so
+very young; but how dared she do this, when, by this determined silence,
+Ellen so defied her authority, and seemed so resolved that neither
+severity nor kindness, nor her own sufferings should humble her spirit,
+though they had even affected her frame?
+
+Conquering with a powerful effort the pleadings of affection, Mrs.
+Hamilton calmly entered on the subject for which she had summoned her,
+reading to her a greater part of her uncle's letter, hoping that its
+severity would spare her the pain of any additional remarks. Every word
+seemed to burn itself on Ellen's brain. What she had hoped she knew not,
+for she thought she had never hoped at all, but the words, "No cause can
+be excusing enough to justify the entire setting aside this sentence,"
+seemed by its agony to tell her that the thought _had_ entered her mind,
+if the real cause were by any chance discovered would she be forgiven,
+and in time restored to confidence and love? And now it was over, even
+that hope was gone.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton paused for a reply or an observation, but none came, and
+she continued, impressively--"I can scarcely hope, Ellen, that as even
+the idea of sparing your only brother shame and misery, on his return
+home, expecting nothing but joy, after nearly three years' separation
+and exposure to danger, has had no effect in softening you, that your
+uncle's sentence will. Once I should have believed that only the thought
+of leaving me, and going to the care of a stranger, would have urged you
+to speak directly. I can believe this no longer; but as I wish you to be
+with Edward, at least part of his stay with us, I shall postpone your
+leaving us, one month from to-day. If, indeed, Edward's influence be
+such that, for his sake, you will make me a full confession and answer
+clearly and distinctly every question I put to you, your residence with
+Miss Seldon shall be limited to three, six, ten, or twelve months,
+according to the nature of the motive of this incomprehensible and,
+apparently most sinful conduct. If you leave us still obdurate, years
+will, in all probability, pass before we can feel sufficiently confident
+in the restored integrity and openness of your character to permit your
+return to us. The pain you are inflicting upon me it is useless to dwell
+upon. As the child of my only and most dearly loved sister, I have loved
+you, hoped for you, with little less intensity of affection than that I
+have borne toward my own; for I felt that, with the sole exception of
+your brother, I was the only being you had on earth united to you by
+ties of blood. How this conduct repays my love and care you must answer
+to yourself; I can only be sensible of bitter disappointment."
+
+Again she stopped, evidently expecting a reply, but Ellen still remained
+silent. The short twilight of autumn had set in so suddenly, that Mrs.
+Hamilton was not aware her niece's cheek had become still paler, and
+that her white lips quivered repeatedly, as if she several times tried
+to speak, but could not. After a silence of some minutes, she said--
+
+"If you are determined not to speak, Ellen, you may retire. I have told
+you all I wished to say, except that till you leave us though you will
+still occupy your present rooms, and be still under Ellis's care, you
+are at liberty to employ yourself, and go about the house and grounds as
+usual."
+
+Ellen turned to go, still in that unbroken silence; she had reached the
+low step dividing the upper part from the lower part of the room, and
+whether she did not see it, or from some other cause, the room suddenly
+reeled before her, and she fell heavily forward. To spring toward her,
+raise her tenderly, bear her to the nearest couch, though she so
+trembled herself at finding Ellen quite insensible, as to render the
+task unusually difficult, and to ring hastily for Ellis, was the work of
+a minute, but it was many minutes before their united efforts could
+bring back consciousness.
+
+"I knew it would break her heart, poor lamb!" was Ellis's exclamation,
+in a tone of most unusual excitement; "thank God, thank God! Master
+Edward's coming home, and that she is not to go till he does."
+
+"Have you so much confidence in his influence?" asked her mistress, as,
+unable to resist the impulse, she bent down and repeatedly kissed the
+cold brow and cheek, to which she was so earnestly striving to restore
+warmth, "God in mercy grant you may be right!"
+
+"Right? Dear my lady!" (whenever Ellis was strongly moved, she always so
+addressed her mistress;) "I would stake your confidence in me, which is
+all my life's worth, if Master Edward is not at the bottom of it all,
+and that this poor child is sacrificing herself for some fancied danger
+to him! I saw enough of that work when they were young children, and I
+have noticed enough since she has been under my care."
+
+"Edward!" repeated Mrs. Hamilton, so bewildered, as to stop for the
+moment chafing Ellen's cold hand; "Edward! bearing the high character he
+does; what can he have to do with it?"
+
+"I don't know, my lady, but I am sure he has. Young men, ay, some of the
+finest and bravest among us, get into difficulties sometimes, and it
+don't touch their characters as their officers see them, and Master
+Edward was always so terrified at the mere thought of my master knowing
+any of his faults; but--hush! we must not let her know we suspect any
+thing, poor lamb; it will make her still more miserable. You are better
+now, dear Miss Ellen, are you not?" she added, soothingly, as Ellen
+feebly raised her hand to her forehead, and then slowly unclosed her
+eyes, and beheld her aunt leaning over her, with that same expression of
+anxious affection, which her illness had so often caused in her
+childhood. Sense, or rather memory, had not quite returned, and her
+first words were, with a faint but happy smile--
+
+"I am better, dear aunt, much better; I dare say I shall soon be well."
+But it was only a momentary forgetfulness; swift as thought came the
+whole of what had so lately passed--her uncle's letter, her aunt's
+words, and murmuring, in a tone how painfully changed! "I
+forgot--forgive me," she buried her face in the pillow.
+
+"Ellen, my dear Ellen! why will you persist in making yourself and me so
+miserable, when a few words would make us happier?" exclaimed Mrs.
+Hamilton, almost imploringly, as she bent over her.
+
+"Do not urge her now, dear my lady, she is not well enough; give her
+till Master Edward comes; I am sure she will not resist him," answered
+Ellis, very respectfully, though meaningly, as her look drew her
+mistress's attention to the shudder which convulsed Ellen's slight
+frame, at the mention of her brother.
+
+Pained and bewildered more than ever, Mrs. Hamilton, after waiting till
+the faintness seemed quite gone, and thinking that if the restraint of
+her presence were removed, Ellen might be relieved by tears, left her,
+desiring Ellis to let her know in a short time how she was. The moment
+the door closed, Ellen threw her arms round Ellis's neck, exclaiming
+passionately--
+
+"Take me away--take me away, dear Ellis; I can not bear this room--it
+seems all full of misery! and I loved it so once, and I shall love it
+again, when I am miles and miles away, and can not see it--nor any one
+belonging to it. Oh, Ellis, Ellis! I knew you were too kind. I was too
+glad and contented to be with you; it was not punishment enough for my
+sin--and I must go away--and I shall never, never see my aunt again--I
+know I shall not. Oh! if I might but die first! but I am too wicked for
+that; it is only the good that die."
+
+And almost for the first time since her sin had been discovered, she
+gave way to a long and violent fit of weeping, which, though terrible
+while it lasted, as the anguish of the young always is, greatly relieved
+her, and enabled her after that day not to revert in words (the thought
+never left her till a still more fearful anxiety deadened it) to her
+uncle's sentence again.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton sat for a very long time alone after she had left Ellen.
+Ellis's words returned to her again and again so pertinaciously, that
+she could not break from them. Edward! the cause of it all--could it be
+possible?--could it be, that he had plunged himself into difficulties,
+and afraid to appeal to his uncle or her, had so worked on Ellen as not
+only to make her send relief, but actually so to keep his secret, as to
+endure every thing rather than betray it? Circumstance after
+circumstance, thought after thought, so congregated upon her, so seemed
+to burst into being, and flash light one from the other, that her mind
+ached beneath their pressure. Ellen's unhappiness the day his last
+letter had been received, her sudden illness--had it taken place before
+or after Robert had lost the money? She could not satisfy herself, for
+her husband's sudden summons to Feroe, hasty preparations, and
+departure, had rendered all the month confused and unsatisfactory in its
+recollections. So intense was the relief of the idea, that Mrs. Hamilton
+feared to encourage it, lest it should prove a mere fancy, and urge
+softer feelings toward her niece than ought to be. Even the supposition
+made her heart yearn toward her with such a feeling of love, almost of
+veneration, for the determined self-devotion, so essentially woman's
+characteristic, that she resolutely checked its ascendency. All her
+previous fancies, that Ellen was no ordinary child, that early suffering
+and neglect had, while they produced some childish faults, matured and
+deepened the capabilities of endurance and control, from the
+consciousness (or rather existence, for it was not the consciousness to
+the child herself) of strong feeling, returned to her, as if determined
+to confirm Ellis's supposition. The disappearance of her allowance; her
+assertion, that she was seeking Mrs. Langford's cottage, by that shorter
+but forbidden path, to try and get her to dispose of her trinkets, when
+the wind blew the notes to her hand--all now seemed connected one with
+the other, and confirmed. She could well understand, how in a moment of
+almost madness they might have been used without thought, and the
+after-effect upon so delicate a mind and conscience. Then, in
+contradiction to all this (a mere hypothesis raised on nothing firmer
+than Ellis's supposition), came the constantly favorable accounts of
+Edward; his captain's pride and confidence in him; the seeming
+impossibility that he could get into such difficulties, and what were
+they? The name of Harding rushed on her mind, she knew not why or
+how--but it made her tremble, by its probable explanation of the whole.
+A coarse or even less refined mind, would have either appealed at once
+to Ellen, as to the truth of this suspicion, or thought herself
+justified in looking over all Edward's letters to his sister, as thus
+to discover the truth; but in Mrs. Hamilton's pure mind the idea never
+even entered, though all her niece's papers and letters were in her
+actual possession. She could only feel to her heart's core with Ellis,
+"Thank God, Master Edward's coming home!" and pray earnestly that he
+might be with them, as they hoped and anticipated, in a few, a very few
+days.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE LIGHT GLIMMERS.
+
+
+The earnest wishes and prayers of Mrs. Hamilton and her faithful Ellis
+were disappointed. The latter part of the month of September had been
+exceedingly stormy, and though there was a lull from about the 3d to the
+9th of October, the equinoctial gales then set in with the utmost fury;
+continuing day after day, night after night, till the ear seemed almost
+to tire of the sound, and the mind, anxious for friends at sea, despair
+of their cessation. During the few calm days, the young party at Oakwood
+had scarcely been absent from the windows, or from that part of the park
+leading to the Plymouth road, above an hour at a time. Percy and Herbert
+rode over to Plymouth, but were told the frigate could not be in for a
+full week. The late storms must have detained her, though she was a
+fast-sailing craft. It was a great disappointment to them, for on the
+10th of October college term began, and they were compelled to return to
+Oxford. The cause of their mother's intense desire for Edward's return,
+indeed, they did not know; but they were most impatient to see him, and
+they hoped, they did not exactly know what, with regard to his influence
+with Ellen. However, the day of their departure came, and still he had
+not arrived, and the storms had recommenced. Percy had gone to say
+good-by to Ellis, with whom Ellen chanced at that moment to be. Full of
+spirits and jokes, he determinately looked away from his cousin, took
+both Ellis's hands, and shook them with his usual heartiness.
+
+"Good-by, dear Ellis. I wonder if I shall ever feel myself a man when
+talking to you. How many tricks I have played you in this room, and you
+were always so good-natured, even when one of my seat-crackers set your
+best gown on fire, and quite spoiled it; do you remember it? I do think
+you were nearly angry then, and quite enough to make you; and papa made
+me save up my money to buy you a new dress. I did not play such a
+practical joke in a hurry again."
+
+Ellis laughed and perfectly remembered it, and with another hearty
+good-by he turned away.
+
+"You have forgotten your cousin, Mr. Percy," she said, disregarding
+Ellen's imploring look.
+
+"When she remembers her duty to my mother, I will remember that she is
+my cousin," was his hasty answer, and he hurried from the room as
+Herbert entered. His good-by to Ellis was quite as warm as Percy's, and
+then turning to Ellen, he put his arm round her, kissed her cheek, and
+said, with impressive earnestness--
+
+"God bless you, dear Ellen! I hope you will be happier when we meet
+again, and that it will not be so long before we do, as we fancy now;"
+and, affected almost to tears at the grateful, humble look she raised to
+his, he left her.
+
+Overcome as much by the harshness of the generous, warm-hearted Percy,
+whom she so dearly loved, as by the gentle kindness of Herbert, Ellen
+remained for several minutes with her arms on the table, her face hid
+upon them. She thought she was quite alone, for Ellis had gone about
+some of her business, when she was startled by Percy's voice.
+
+"I am a brute, Ellen, nothing less; forgive me, and say good-by. I can't
+understand it at all, but angry as I am with you, your pale face haunts
+me like a specter, so we must part friends;" and as she looked hastily
+up, he kissed her warmly twice, and ran away without another word.
+
+Days passed heavily, the gales seeming to increase in violence, and
+causing Mrs. Hamilton more terrible anxiety and vague dread than she
+allowed to be visible. The damage among the shipping was fearful, and
+the very supposed vicinity of the frigate to the Channel increased the
+danger. The papers every morning presented long lists of ships wrecked,
+or fatally dismantled, loss of crews or part of them, mails and cargoes
+due but missing: and the vivid recollection of the supposed fate of her
+own brother, the wretchedness of the suspense before the fate of his
+vessel was ascertained, returned to heighten the fears that would gain
+ascendency for her nephew, and for the effect of this terrible suspense
+on Ellen, more especially--if indeed she had endured all these weeks,
+nay, months, of misery for him.
+
+At first Ellen seemed unconscious that there was any thing remarkable in
+the delay, the thought of her own departure being uppermost; but when
+the thought did press upon her, how it came she knew not--that of the
+given month the weeks were passing, and Edward had not arrived, and that
+there must be some reason for the long delay--storm, shipwreck, death,
+all flashed upon her at once, and almost maddened her. The quiet calm of
+endurance gave way. She could not sleep at night from the tremendous
+winds; not even when Ellis had a bed put up in her room, and remained
+with her all night herself; she never complained indeed, but hour after
+hour she would pace her room and the passage leading to Ellis's, till
+compelled to cease from exhaustion; she would try steadily to employ
+herself with some difficult study, and succeed, perhaps, for half an
+hour, but then remain powerless, or recommence her restless walk. Mrs.
+Hamilton made several attempts without any apparent interference on her
+part, to get her to sit occasionally with her and Miss Harcourt, and her
+cousins, but she seemed to shrink from them all. Emmeline, indeed, when
+once aware of the terrible trial she was enduring, would sit with her,
+drawing or working as if nothing had occurred to estrange them, and try
+to cheer her by talking on many topics of interest. Caroline would speak
+to her kindly whenever she saw her. Miss Harcourt alone retained her
+indignation, for no suspicion of the real cause of her silence ever
+entered her mind.
+
+Poor Ellen felt that she dared not indulge in the comfort this change in
+her aunt's and cousins' manner produced. She wanted to wean herself
+quite from them, that the pang of separation might be less severe, but
+she only seemed to succeed in loving them more. One thought, indeed, at
+length took such entire possession of her mind, as to deaden every
+other:--it was the horrible idea that as she had sinned to save Edward,
+perhaps, from merited disgrace, he would be taken from her; she never
+breathed it, but it haunted her night and day. Mr. Maitland saw her
+continually, but he plainly told Mrs. Hamilton, while the cause of
+anxiety and mental suffering lasted he could do her no good. It was a
+constant alternation of fearful excitement and complete depression,
+exhausting the whole system. Repose and kindness--alas! the latter
+might be given, but the former, in the present position of affairs, how
+could it be insured?
+
+The month of grace was waning; only two days remained, and Edward had
+not arrived, and how could Mrs. Hamilton obey her husband--whose every
+letter reiterated his hope that she had not been prevailed on to alter
+his sentence, if Ellen still remained silent--and send her niece from
+her? She came at length to the determination, that if another week
+passed and still there were no tidings, not to let this fearful
+self-sacrifice, if it really were such, last any longer, but gently,
+cautiously, tenderly as she could, prevail on Ellen to confide all to
+her, and promise, if Edward really had been erring and in difficulties,
+all should be forgiven for her sake, and even his uncle's anger averted.
+Once her determination taken, she felt better enabled to endure an
+anxiety which was injuring her almost as much as Ellen; and she turned
+to Ellis's room, which she had lately very often frequented, for she
+scarcely felt comfortable when Ellen was out of her sight, though she
+had full confidence in Ellis's care.
+
+Ellen was asleep on a sofa, looking so wan, so haggard--so altered from
+the Ellen of five short months back, that Mrs. Hamilton sat down by her
+side, pondering whether she was doing right to wait even another week,
+before she should try to bring relief by avowing her suspicions--but
+would it bring relief? and, after all, was it for Edward? or, had she
+been allowing affection and imagination to mislead and soften, when
+sternness might still be needed?
+
+Ellen woke with a start as from some fearful dream, and gazed at Mrs.
+Hamilton for a full minute, as if she did not know her.
+
+"My dear Ellen, what is it? You have been sleeping uncomfortably--surely
+you know me?"
+
+"I thought I was at--at--Seldon Grange--are you sure I am not? Dear aunt
+Emmeline, do tell me I am at Oakwood, I know I am to go, and very soon;
+but I am not there now, am I?" and she put one hand to her forehead, and
+gazed hurriedly and fearfully round her, while, with the other, she held
+tightly Mrs. Hamilton's dress. There was something alarming both in her
+look and tone.
+
+"No, love, you are with me still at Oakwood, and you will not go from me
+till you have been with Edward some little time. You can not think I
+would send you away now, Ellen?"
+
+The soothing tone, her brother's name, seemed to disperse the cloud, and
+bursting into tears, she exclaimed--
+
+"He will never come--I know he will never come--my sin has killed him!"
+
+"Your sin, Ellen, what can that have to do with Edward?"
+
+"Because," the words "it was for him" were actually on her
+lips; but they were checked, and, in increasing excitement, she
+continued--"Nothing, nothing, indeed, with him--what could it have? But
+if he knows it--oh, it will so grieve him; perhaps it would be better I
+should go before he comes--and then, then, he need not know it; if,
+indeed, he ever comes."
+
+"I do not think you quite know what you are saying, my dear Ellen; your
+uncomfortable dream has unsettled you. Try and keep quiet for an hour,
+and you will be better. Remember, suffering as this dreadful suspense
+is, your brother is still in a Father's gracious keeping; and that He
+will listen to your prayers for his safety, and if it be His good
+pleasure, still restore him to you."
+
+"My prayers," answered Ellen, fearfully. "Mr. Howard said, there was a
+barrier between Him and me, while I would not confess; I had refused His
+mercy."
+
+"Can you confess before God, Ellen? Can you lay your whole heart open
+before Him, and ask Him in his infinite mercy, and for your Saviour's
+sake, to forgive you?"
+
+"I could, and did do so," answered Ellen, returning Mrs. Hamilton's
+earnestly inquiring look, by raising her large, expressive eyes,
+steadily and fearlessly, to her face; "but Mr. Howard told me it was a
+mockery and sin to suppose God would hear me or forgive me while I
+refused to obey Him, by being silent and obdurate to you. That if I
+wished His forgiveness, I must prove it by telling the whole to you,
+whom His commandments desired me to obey, and--and--as I dared not do
+that, I have been afraid to pray." And the shudder with which she laid
+her head again upon the pillow, betrayed the misery of the fear.
+
+"And is it impossible, quite impossible that you can confide the source
+of your grief and difficulty to me, Ellen? Will you not do so, even if I
+promise forgiveness, not merely to you, but to _all_ who may have erred?
+Answer me, my sweet child; your silence is fearfully injuring your mind
+and body. Why do you fancy you dare not tell me?"
+
+"Because, because I have promised!" answered Ellen, in a fearful tone
+of returning excitement, and, sitting upright, she clasped her hands
+convulsively together, while her cheek burned with painful brilliancy.
+"Aunt Emmeline--oh, do not, pray do not speak to me in that kind tone!
+be harsh and cold again, I can bear it better. If you did but know how
+my heart and brain ache--how they long to tell you and so rest--but I
+can not--I dare not--I have promised."
+
+"And you may not tell me whom you have promised?" replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+every former thought rendered apparently null and vain by these words,
+and painfully disappointing her; but the answer terrified her.
+
+"Mamma--I promised her, and she stands by me so pale, so grieved,
+whenever I think of telling you," answered Ellen, clinging to Mrs.
+Hamilton, but looking with a strained gaze of terror on vacancy. "I
+thought I must have told you, when you said I was to go--to go to Seldon
+Grange--but she stood by me and laid her hand on my head, and it was so
+cold, so heavy, I don't remember any thing more till I found you and
+Ellis leaning over me; but I ought not to tell you even this. I know I
+ought not--for look--look, aunt Emmeline!--don't you see
+mamma--there--quite close to me; oh, tell her to forgive me--I will keep
+my promise," and shuddering convulsively, she hid her face in her aunt's
+dress.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton was dreadfully alarmed. Whatever the foundation, and she
+had no doubt that there was some, and that it really had to do with
+Edward and his poor mother's mistaken partiality, Ellen's imagination
+was evidently disordered. To attempt obtaining the truth, while she was
+in this fearful state of excitement, was as impossible as cruel, and she
+tried only to soothe her to composure; speaking of her mother as happy
+and in Heaven and that Ellen had thought of her so much, as was quite
+natural in her sorrow, that she fancied she saw her.
+
+"It is not reality, love; if she could see and speak to you, I am sure
+it would be to tell you to confide all your sorrow to me, if it would
+make you happier."
+
+"Oh, no, no--I should be very wicked if it made me happier; I ought not
+even to wish to tell you. But Mr. Myrvin told me, even when mamma went
+to Heaven, she would still see me, and know if I kept my promise, and
+tried to win her love, by doing what I know she wished, even after she
+was dead; and it was almost a pleasure to do so till now, even if it
+gave me pain and made me unhappy; but now, now, aunt Emmeline, I know
+you must hate me; you never, never can love me again--and that--that is
+so hard to bear."
+
+"Have you forgotten, my dear Ellen, the blessed assurance, there is more
+joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety-and-nine
+who have not sinned? and if our Father in Heaven can so feel, so act,
+are His creatures to do less? Do you think, because you have given me
+pain, and trouble and disappointment, and compelled me to use such
+extreme severity, and cause you so much suffering, that it will be quite
+impossible for me to love you again, if I see you do all you can to win
+back that love?"
+
+Ellen made no answer; but the alarming excitement had so far subsided,
+as to raise the hope that quietness would subdue it altogether. Mrs.
+Hamilton remained with her till she seemed quite calm, and would not
+have left her then, but he had promised Caroline to drive with her into
+T---- that afternoon, to make some purchases; Emmeline and Miss Harcourt
+were spending the day at Greville Manor, and her daughter depending on
+her, she did not like to disappoint her. But the difficulty to think of
+other things, and cheerfully converse on comparatively indifferent
+topics, was greater than she had ever found it. That Ellis's surmise was
+correct, she had no longer the smallest doubt. Ellen was sacrificing
+herself, not merely for the love she bore her brother, but from some
+real or imaginary promise to her poor mother. What its exact nature was,
+she could not indeed satisfy herself, but that it had something to do
+with concealing Edward's faults seemed to flash upon her, she hardly
+knew how. Ellis's words "that she had seen enough of that work when they
+were children," returned to her, and various incongruities in Ellen's
+character and conduct which she had been unable to reconcile at the
+time, all seemed connected with it. But to arrive at the truth was much
+more difficult than ever; still, how could she send Ellen away? and yet,
+if still silent, would mere surmise satisfy her husband? There was but
+one hope, one ray of light--Edward's own honor, if indeed he were
+permitted to return; and even while driving and talking with Caroline,
+her heart was one fervent prayer that this might be, and the fearful
+struggle of her devoted Ellen cease.
+
+Her aunt's gentle and unexpected kindness had had such a beneficial
+effect on Ellen, that, after her early dinner, about three o'clock, she
+told Ellis she would go in the school-room, and try and read there for
+an hour; she knew all the family were out, and therefore would be quite
+undisturbed. Ellis willingly acquiesced, rejoicing that she should seek
+any change herself, and advised her, as it was such a mild, soft
+afternoon, after the late storms, to take a turn on the terrace, on
+which a glass-door from the school-room opened; it would do her good.
+Ellen meant to take her advice, but as she looked out from a window over
+a well-remembered landscape, so many painful thoughts and recollections
+crowded on her, that she lost all inclination to move. She had not stood
+there for many weeks, and it seemed to her that the view had never
+looked so very lovely. The trees all had the last glories of autumn--for
+it was early in November--the grass was of that beautiful humid emerald
+which always follows heavy rain, and though the summer-flowers had all
+gone, the sheltered beds of the garden, lying beneath the terrace,
+presented many very beautiful still. The end of the terrace, a flight of
+stone steps, overlooked the avenue, leading from the principal lodge to
+the main entrance, and where Ellen stood, she could distinguish a few
+yards of the path where it issued from some distant trees. She gazed at
+first, conscious only that she was banished from it all, and that,
+however long her departure might be deferred, she must go at last, for
+her uncle's mandate could not be disobeyed; but gradually her eye became
+fixed as in fascination. A single figure was emerging from the trees,
+and dressed in the uniform of a midshipman--she was sure it was! but it
+was a figure so tall, so slim, his step so lingering, it could not be
+Edward, most likely some one of his messmates come to tell his fate. He
+was taller even than Percy, but so much slighter, so different to the
+boy from whom she had parted, that, though her heart bounded and sunk
+till faintness seemed to overpower her, she could not convince herself
+it was he. With an almost unconscious effort she ran out, through the
+glass-door, to the steps of the terrace; she could now see him
+distinctly, but not his face, for his cap was low over his forehead; but
+as he approached, he paused, as if doubting whether to go up to the hall
+door, or the well-known terrace, by which he had always rushed into the
+school-room, on his daily return from Mr. Howard's; and as he looked
+hastily up, his cap fell back, and his eyes met Ellen's. A wild but
+checked scream broke from her lips, and all was an impenetrable mist
+till she found herself in her brother's arms, in the room she had
+quitted, his lips repeatedly pressing her cheek and forehead, and his
+voice, which sounded so strange--it did not seem like Edward's, it was
+so much more deep and manly--entreating her to speak to him, and tell
+him why she looked so ill; but still her heart so throbbed she could not
+speak. She could only cling close to him and look intently in his face,
+which was so altered from the happy, laughing boy, that had he not been,
+from his extreme paleness and attenuation of feature, still more like
+their mother when she was ill, his sister would scarcely have known him.
+
+"Dearest Ellen, do speak to me; what has been the matter, that you look
+so pale and sad? Are you not glad to see me?"
+
+"Glad! oh, Edward, you can not know how glad; I thought you would never,
+never come, the storms have been so terrible; I have been ill, and your
+sudden appearance startled me, for I had thought of such dreadful
+things, and that was the reason I could not speak at first; but I am
+sure you are as pale as I am, dear, dear Edward; you have been
+wounded--have you not recovered them yet?"
+
+"My wounds, Ellen! oh, they were slight enough; I wished and tried for
+them to be severer, to have done for me at once, but they would not,
+they only bought me praise, praise which maddened me!"
+
+"Sir Edward," murmured Ellen, in a low, fearful voice, "how did he part
+with you?"
+
+"As he has always treated me, a kind, too kind father! oh, Ellen, Ellen,
+if he did but know the deceiving villain that I am!"
+
+"Would he indeed not forgive, Edward, if he so loves you? not if he knew
+all, the temptation, the--"
+
+"Temptation, Ellen! what excuse ought there to be in temptation? Why was
+I such a fool, such a madman, to allow myself to be lured into error
+again and again by that villain, after I had discovered his double face,
+and I had been warned against him, too? Why did I so madly disregard Mr.
+Howard's and my uncle's warning letters, trusting my self-will and
+folly, instead of their experience? Brave! I am the veriest coward that
+ever trod the deck, because I could not bear a sneer!"
+
+"And he? are you still within his power?" inquired Ellen, shrinking in
+terror from the expression of her brother's face.
+
+"No, Ellen, no; God forgive me--I have tried not to rejoice; the death
+was so terrible, so nearly my own, that I stood appalled, and, for the
+first time these two years, knelt down to my God for pardon, mercy to
+repent. The lightning struck him where he stood, struck him beside me,
+leaving the withering smile of derisive mockery, with which he had that
+moment been regarding me, still on his lips. Why, and where had he gone?
+he, who denied God and his holy Word, turned the solemn service into
+mockery, and made me like himself--and why was I spared? Oh, Ellen, I
+have no words to describe the sensation of that moment!" He stopped, and
+shuddered, then continued, hurriedly, "Changed as I am in appearance, it
+is nothing to the change within. I did not know its extent till now that
+I am here again, and all my happy boyhood comes before me; aunt
+Emmeline's gentle lessons of piety and goodness--oh, Ellen, Ellen, what
+have been their fruits? For two years I have given myself up to passion,
+unrestrained by one word, one thought of prayer; I dared, sinful madman
+as I was, to make a compact with my own conscience, and vow, that if I
+received the relief I expected from you, and was free from Harding, I
+would reform, would pray for the strength to resist temptation, which I
+had not in myself; and when, when the man that was dispatched by Sir
+Edward from the shore, with the letters for the crew, sunk beneath the
+waves, bearing every dispatch along with him, I cursed him, and the
+Fate, which had ordained his death. Ellen, Ellen! why was I saved, and
+Harding killed!"
+
+"And you never received my letter, Edward? Never knew if I had tried to
+relieve you from Harding's power?" answered Ellen, becoming so deadly
+pale, that Edward forced himself to regain composure; the nature of his
+information causing such a revulsion of feeling in his sister as to
+deaden her to the horror of his words. For what had all this suffering
+been?
+
+"I was sure you had, Ellen, for you always did, and I could trust you as
+I could myself. A sudden squall had upset the boat, and the man was so
+encumbered by a large great-coat, every pocket filled with letters and
+papers, that he sunk at once though every help was offered. I threw
+myself into the sea to save him, and Lieutenant Morley praised my
+courage and benevolence--little did he know my motive! Besides, Sir
+Edward told me there was an inclosure for me in my uncle's to him, and
+regretted he had not kept it to give it me himself--would to Heaven he
+had! Till Harding's death I was in his power; and he had so used it,
+that I had vowed, on our arrival in England, to abscond, hide myself
+forever, go I cared not where, nor in what character! But he is dead,
+and I am free: my tale need be told to none, and if I can I will break
+from this fatal spell, and redeem the past; but it seems, as if fiends
+urged me still to the path of evil! Would that I had but courage to tell
+all to Mr. Howard, I should be safer then; but I can not--can not--the
+risk is too great. Carriage wheels!" he added, starting up--"my aunt and
+Caroline; oh, how I rejoiced when they told me at the lodge that my
+uncle was not here!" And in his extreme agitation at the thought of
+meeting his aunt, he forgot his sister, or he might have been startled
+at the effect of his words.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE STRUGGLE.
+
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had been told at the lodge of her nephew's arrival, and so
+powerful was her emotion, that she leaned back in the carriage, as it
+drove rapidly from the lodge to the Hall, without the power of uttering
+a word. Caroline was surprised, for his return seemed to her only a
+cause of rejoicing; she had no idea of the mingled dread and joy, the
+trembling, lest Edward had indeed deceived them all, and, if he had not,
+the redoubled mystery of Ellen's conduct. While he was absent she could
+think calmly on him as the cause of all, but now that he was returned,
+her heart seemed to turn sick with apprehension, and she had hardly
+strength to inquire where he was, and great was her surprise when she
+found his arrival was still unknown. Caroline's joyful exclamation as
+she ran into the school-room to put away some of her purchases, drew her
+there at once; and for the first five minutes the intense thankfulness
+that he was indeed safe and comparatively well--that whatever might be
+the secret change, his affection for her, to judge by the warmth, and
+agitation of his embrace, was unchanged, and she had that to work on,
+alone occupied her mind and enabled her to regain her calmness.
+
+"You do indeed look as if you wanted English air and home nursing, my
+dear boy," she said, after some little time had elapsed, and Edward had
+seated himself by her, his hand still clasped in hers; "Sir Edward was
+quite right to invalid you. Emmeline does nothing but talk of your
+wounds as making you a complete hero; I am unromantic enough to wish
+that you had brought me home more color and more flesh, and less glory;
+but, I suppose from being so pale, you are more like your poor mother
+than ever;" and she looked at him so earnestly, that Edward's eyes,
+spite of all his efforts, sunk beneath hers. He answered gayly, however,
+and, in reply to Caroline's numerous queries, entered into an animated
+description of their voyage home and the causes of their detention, in
+their being so often compelled to put into port from the fearful storms
+they had encountered, and time slipped away so fast that the dinner-bell
+rung before any one was prepared.
+
+That Ellen should look paler than even when she had left her in the
+morning, and be still more silent, did not astonish Mrs. Hamilton; the
+agitation of meeting her brother was quite enough to occasion it; and
+she advised her to remain quiet while they were at dinner, that she
+might rejoin them afterward. She looked as if she had been so very
+lately ill, that Edward was not surprised at her having dined already;
+but many little things that occured during the evening--her excessive
+quietness, the evident restraint between her and Caroline, and, he at
+first fancied, and then was quite certain, between her and his aunt,
+startled and perplexed him. She seemed restrained and shy, too, with
+him, as if in constant terror. Poor child! her aunt had advised
+quietness while alone, and her brother's words rung in her ears, till
+repose seemed farther off than ever. After all she had suffered before,
+and after the sending that fatal letter, it had never reached him: she
+had utterly failed in her attempt to save him. If she had, indeed,
+confided at first in Mrs. Hamilton, measures would have been taken, she
+was sure, to have secured him the necessary relief, for whenever her
+uncle had sent him his allowance it was through Sir Edward, not
+encountering the risk of the loss of the letter. There had been times
+when, in the midst of her sufferings, Ellen could realize a sort of
+comfort in the idea that she had saved Edward and kept his secret; but
+where was this comfort now? All she had endured all she was still to
+endure, was for nothing, worse than nothing; for if Edward knew her sin,
+feeling that it had brought him no good, and given up, as she felt he
+must be, to unrestrained passion, or he could not have given vent to
+such fearful sentiments, she actually trembled for its effect upon him
+and his anger on herself. She had sometimes fancied that, perhaps, his
+errors were not so great as he believed them, that he would confess
+them when he found only his kind, indulgent aunt at home, and so peace
+and hope gradually dawn for both him and her. All her wish, her hope now
+was that Mrs. Hamilton could be prevailed upon not to tell him what she
+had done, for whether it made him think he ought to confess himself its
+cause or not, its effect on him would be so terrible, that she felt any
+additional suffering to herself could be better borne.
+
+With these thoughts, no wonder she was silent, utterly unable to subdue
+them as she wished, and evince natural interest in all that had occurred
+to Edward; and tell him all that had happened to herself during their
+long separation. Caroline, however, was so animated; and when Emmeline
+and Miss Harcourt returned, unable to comprehend what they could
+possibly be sent for, a full hour earlier than usual, the astonishment
+and delight at seeing Edward, prevented any thing like a pause in
+conversation, or unnatural restraint. His cousins found so much to tell
+as well as to listen to, about Percy and Herbert, as well as themselves;
+and Emmeline made Edward tell her such minute particulars of their
+engagements with the pirates, and how he was wounded, and what Sir
+Edward said to him, that Mrs. Hamilton, anxious as she was--for the
+longer she was with her nephew, the more convinced she was that he could
+not meet her eye, and that his gayety was not natural--could not help
+being amused in spite of herself.
+
+Engrossed with thought how to arrive at the truth, for which she
+ardently longed, she entered the library, when the prayer-bell rung,
+with her children; quite forgetting, till she had taken the place at the
+reading-desk, which, in the absence of her husband and sons, she always
+occupied herself, that she had intended to desire Ellen to resume her
+usual place by Emmeline, wishing to spare her any additional suffering
+the first night of Edward's return, and to prevent any painful feeling
+on his part. It was an oversight, but it vexed her exceedingly. She
+looked hastily round, in the hope of being in time, but Ellen was
+already in her place, though she had evidently shrunk still more into
+the recess of the lower window, as if longing for its massive curtains
+to hide her, and her face was buried in her hands. Mrs. Hamilton would
+have been still more grieved, if she had seen, as Ellis did, the
+beseeching, humble look, which, as they entered, Ellen had fixed upon
+her, and that her pale lips had quivered with the half-uttered
+supplication, which she failed in courage to fully pronounce. Edward
+appeared too wrapped in his own thoughts to notice it then; and as his
+aunt's gentle but impressive voice fell on his fear, the words, the
+room, the whole scene so recalled the happy, and comparatively innocent
+past, that it was with difficulty he could restrain his feelings, till
+the attitude of kneeling permitted them full vent in tears, actual
+tears, when he had thought he could never weep again. The contrast of
+his past and present self, rendered the one more brightly happy, the
+other more intensely dark than the actual reality. The unchecked faults
+and passions of his early childhood had been the sole cause of his
+present errors; but, while under the gentle control of his aunt and
+uncle, and Mr. Howard, he had not known these faults, and, therefore,
+believed they had all come since. He longed intensely to confide all his
+errors, all his remorse, to Mr. Howard, whom he still so dearly loved;
+but he knew he had not courage to confess, and yet hated himself for his
+cowardice.
+
+Only too well accustomed to control, he banished every trace of tears
+(from all save the eye rendered even more than usually penetrating from
+anxiety), as he arose, and became aware, for the first time, that Ellen
+was not where he was accustomed to see her. He kissed her fondly as she
+hurriedly approached him; but perceiving she left the room with merely a
+faint good-night to the rest of the family, and no embrace, as usual,
+from Mrs. Hamilton, he darted forward, seized his aunt's hand, and
+exclaimed--
+
+"What is the matter with Ellen, aunt Emmeline? Why is she so changed,
+and why is your manner to her so cold and distant? and why did she kneel
+apart, as if unworthy to join us even in prayers? Tell me, for pity's
+sake!"
+
+"Not to-night, my dear Edward. It is a long tale, and a painful one, and
+I rely on _you_ to help me, that Ellen and myself may be again as we
+have been. It is as much pain to me as to her that we are not.
+To-morrow, I promise you, you shall know all. You have had excitement
+enough for to-day, and after your exhausting voyage must need rest. Do
+not fancy this an evasion of your request; I have longed for your return
+to influence Ellen, almost as much as for the happiness of seeing you
+again."
+
+Edward was compelled to be satisfied and retire; but though he did feel
+sufficient physical exhaustion, for the comfort of his room to be
+unusually luxurious, his sleep was restless and disturbed by frightful
+dreams, in which, however varied the position, it always seemed that he
+was in danger, and Ellen sacrificing herself to save him.
+
+On retiring for the night, Mrs. Hamilton discovered a note on her
+dressing-table. She thought she knew the writing, but from tremulousness
+it was so nearly illegible, that it was with great difficulty she
+deciphered the following words:
+
+     "I am so conscious I ought not to address you, know so well
+     that I have no right to ask any favor from you, when I have
+     given you so much trouble and pain, that I could not have asked
+     it, if you had not been so very, very kind this morning. Oh!
+     aunt Emmeline, if indeed you can feel any pity for me, do not,
+     pray, do not tell Edward the real reason of my banishment from
+     Oakwood; tell him I have been very wicked--have refused to
+     evince any real repentance--but do not tell him what I have
+     done. He is ill, unhappy at having to resign his profession
+     even for a few months. Oh! spare him the misery of knowing my
+     sin. I know I deserve nothing but severity from you--I have no
+     right to ask this--but, oh! if you have ever loved me, do not
+     refuse it. If you would but grant it, would but say, before I
+     go, that in time you will forgive me, it would be such comfort
+     to the miserable--ELLEN."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton's eyes filled with tears; the word "_your_" had evidently
+been written originally, but partially erased, and "_the_" substituted
+in its stead, and she could not read the utter desolation of one so
+young, which that simple incident betrayed, without increase of pain;
+yet to grant her request was impossible. It puzzled her--for why should
+she so persist in the wish expressed from the beginning, that Edward
+should not know it? unless, indeed--and her heart bounded with the
+hope--that she feared it would urge him to confess himself the cause,
+and her sacrifice be useless. She locked up the note, which she would
+not read again, fearing its deep humility, its earnest supplication,
+would turn her from her purpose, and in praying fervently for guidance
+and fitful sleep her night passed.
+
+For some time after breakfast the following morning, Edward and his aunt
+were alone together in the library. It was with the utmost difficulty,
+he suppressed, sufficiently to conceal, the fearful agitation which
+thrilled through every nerve as he listened to the tale he had demanded.
+He could not doubt the use to which that money had been applied. His
+sister's silence alone would have confirmed it; but in that hour of
+madness--for what else is passion unrestrained by principle or
+feeling?--he was only conscious of anger, fierce anger against the
+unhappy girl who had borne so much for him. He had utterly forgotten the
+desperate words he had written. He had never received the intended
+relief. Till within a week, a short week of his return, he had been in
+Harding's power, and as Ellen's devotion had saved him nothing, what
+could it weigh against the maddening conviction, that if he had one
+spark of honor remaining, he _must_ confess that he had caused her sin?
+Instead of saving, she had betrayed him; and he left his aunt to seek
+Ellen, so evidently disturbed and heated, and the interview itself had
+been so little satisfactory in softening him, as, she had hoped to win
+him to confession at once, for she had purposely spoken as indulgently
+of error and difficulty as she could, without betraying her strengthened
+suspicions, that if she had known how to do so, she would have forbidden
+his seeing Ellen till he was more calm.
+
+Unhappily, too, it was that part of the day when Ellis was always most
+engaged, and she was not even in her own room, so that there was no
+check on Edward's violence. The control he had exercised while with his
+aunt but increased passion when it was removed. He poured forth the
+bitterest reproaches--asked how she could dare hope relief so obtained,
+would ever have been allowed to reach him?--what had she done but
+betrayed him? for how could he be such a dishonored coward as to let her
+leave Oakwood because she would not speak? and why had she not
+spoken?--why not betrayed him at once, and not decoyed him home to
+disgrace and misery? Passion had so maddened him that he neither knew
+what he said himself, nor heard her imploring entreaties not to betray
+himself and she never would. She clung to his knees as she kneeled
+before him, for she was too powerless to stand, reiterating her
+supplication in a tone that ought to have recalled him to his better
+self, but that better self had been too long silenced, and infuriated at
+her convulsive efforts to detain him, he struck her with sufficient
+force to make her, more by the agony of a blow from him, than the pain
+itself, loose her hold at once, and darted from the room.
+
+The hall door was open, and he rushed through it unseen into the park,
+flying he neither knew where nor cared, but plunging into the wildest
+parts. How he arrived at one particular spot he knew not, for it was one
+which of all others, in that moment of excitement, he would gladly have
+avoided. It was a small glade in the midst of the wood, shelving down to
+the water's edge, where he and Percy, with the assistance of Robert, had
+been permitted to erect a miniature boat-house, and where Edward had
+kept a complete flotilla of tiny vessels. There were the trees, the
+glade, the boat-house still, aye, and the vessels, in such beautiful
+repair and keeping, that it brought back the past so vividly, so
+overpoweringly, from the voiceless proof which it was of the
+affectionate remembrance with which he and his favorite tastes had been
+regarded, even in his absence, that he could not bear it. He flung
+himself full length on the greensward, and as thought after thought came
+back upon him, bringing Ellen before him, self-sacrificing, devoted,
+always interposing between him and anger, as she had done from the first
+hour they had been inmates of Oakwood, the thought of that craven blow,
+those mad reproaches, was insupportable; and he sobbed for nearly an
+hour in that one spot, longing that some chance would but bring Mr.
+Howard to him, that he might relieve that fearful remorse at once; but
+utterly unable to seek him of himself.
+
+Edward's disposition, like his mother's, was naturally much too good for
+the determined pursuit of evil. His errors had actually been much less
+grave, than from Harding's artful representations he imagined them. He
+never indulged in passion without its being followed by the most
+agonized remorse; but from having pertinaciously banished the religion
+which his aunt had so tried to instill, and been taught by Harding to
+scoff at the only safe guide for youth, as for every age, God's holy
+word, he had nothing whereon to lean, either as a comfort in his
+remorse, a hope for amendment, or strength for self-conquest; and
+terrible indeed might have been the consequences of Harding's fatal
+influence, if the influence of a home of love had not been still
+stronger.
+
+Two hours after he had quitted his aunt, he rejoined the family,
+tranquil, but bearing such evident traces of a mental struggle, at least
+so Mrs. Hamilton fancied, for no one else noticed it, that she still
+hoped she did not exactly know what, for she failed in courage to ask
+the issue of his interview with Ellen. She contented herself with
+desiring Emmeline to tell her cousin to bring her work or drawing, and
+join them, and she was so surprised, when Emmeline brought back word
+that Ellen had said she had much rather not, that she sought her
+herself.
+
+Ellen's cheeks, in general so pale, were crimson, her eyes in
+consequence unnaturally brilliant, and she looked altogether so unlike
+herself, that her aunt was more anxious than ever; nor did her manner
+when asked why she refused to join them, when Edward had so lately
+returned, tend to decrease the feeling.
+
+"Emmeline did not say _you_ desired it, or I should have known better
+than disobey," was her reply, and it was scarcely disrespectful; the
+tone seemed that of a spirit, crushed and goaded to the utmost, and so
+utterly unable to contend more, though every nerve was quivering with
+pain. Mrs. Hamilton felt bitter pain that Ellen at length did indeed
+shrink from her; that the disregard of her entreaty concerning her
+brother appeared so to have wounded, that it had shaken the affection
+which no other suffering had had power to move.
+
+"I do not _desire_ it, Ellen, though I wish it," she replied, mildly;
+"you are of course at liberty to act as you please, though I should have
+thought it most natural that, not having been with Edward so long, you
+should wish to be with him as much as possible now he is at home."
+
+"He will not wish it; he hates me, spurns me, as I knew he would, if he
+knew my sin! To-day I was to have gone to Seldon Grange; let me go at
+once! then neither he, nor you, nor any one need be tormented with me
+any more, and you will all be happy again; let me go, aunt Emmeline;
+what should I stay for?"
+
+"If you wish it, Ellen, you shall go next week. I did not imagine that
+under any circumstances, you could have expressed a desire to leave me,
+or suppose that it would make me particularly happy to send you away."
+
+"Why should it not? you must hate me, too, or--or you would not have
+refused the only--only favor I asked you before I went," answered poor
+Ellen, and the voice, which had been unnaturally clear, was choked for
+the moment with sobs, which she resolutely forced back. Mrs. Hamilton
+could scarcely bear it; taking her ice-cold hands in both hers, she
+said, almost tenderly--
+
+"You have reason to condemn me as harsh and cruel Ellen; but time will
+perhaps explain the motives of my conduct, as I trust and pray it will
+solve the mystery of yours; you are not well enough to be left long
+alone, and Ellis is so much engaged to-day that I do wish you to be with
+me, independent of your brother's society. If you so much prefer
+remaining here, I will stay with you, though of course, as Edward has
+been away from us so long, I should wish to be with him also."
+
+It was almost the first time Mrs. Hamilton had ever had recourse in the
+management of her family to any thing that was not perfectly
+straightforward; and though her present motives would have hallowed much
+deeper stratagems, her pure mind shrunk from her own words. She wished
+Ellen to be constantly in Edward's presence, that he might not be able
+to evade the impulse of feeling and honor, which the sight of such
+suffering, she thought, must call forth; she could not bear to enforce
+this wish as a command, when she had already been, as she felt--if
+Ellen's silence were indeed self-devotion, not guilt--so cruelly and so
+unnecessarily severe. Ellen made neither reply nor resistance, but,
+taking up her work, accompanied her aunt to the usual morning-room, from
+which many a burst of happy laughter, and joyous tones were echoing.
+Caroline and Emmeline were so full of enjoyment at Edward's return, had
+so many things to ask and tell, were so perfectly unsuspicious as to his
+having any concern with his sister's fault, that if they did once or
+twice think him less lively and joyous, than when he left home, they
+attributed it simply, to his not having yet recovered the exhausting
+voyage and his wounds. Miss Harcourt, just as unsuspicious, secretly
+accused Ellen as the cause of his occasional abstraction: her conduct
+was not likely to pass unfelt by one so upright, so honorable, and if he
+had been harsh with her, as from Ellen's fearfully shrinking manner, and
+complete silence when they were together, she fancied, she thought it
+was so deserved, that she had no pity for her whatever.
+
+The day passed briskly and happily enough, in _seeming_ to Mrs. Hamilton
+and Edward, in reality to all the other members of the party--but one.
+The great subject of regret was Mr. Howard's absence, he might be back
+at the rectory that evening, and Emmeline was sure he would come to see
+Edward directly. As the hours waned, Ellen became sensible of a sharp
+and most unusual pain darting through her temples, and gradually
+extending over her forehead and head, till she could scarcely move her
+eyes. It had come at first so suddenly, and lasting so short a time,
+that she could scarcely define what it was, or why she should have felt
+so suddenly sick and faint; but it increased, till there was no
+difficulty in tracing it, and before prayer-time, had become such
+fearful agony, that, if she had not been inured to pain of all kinds,
+and endowed with extraordinary fortitude and control, she must more than
+once have betrayed it by either giving way to faintness, or screaming
+aloud. She had overheard Mrs. Hamilton desire Robert to request Mr.
+Maitland to come to Oakwood as soon as he could, and not hearing the
+reply that he was not expected home till late at night, expected him
+every moment, and thought he would give her something to relieve it,
+without her complaining.
+
+Edward had asked his cousins for some music, and then to please
+Emmeline, had sketched the order of their engagement with the pirates,
+and no one noticed her, for Mrs. Hamilton's heart was sinking with
+disappointed hope, as the hours passed, and there was no sign to prove
+that her surmise was correct, and if it were, that the truth would be
+obtained.
+
+The prayer-bell rang, and as they rose, Edward's eyes, for the first
+time since she had joined them, sought and fixed themselves on his
+sister's face. The paroxysm of pain had for a few minutes subsided, as
+it had done alternately with violence all day, but it had left her so
+ghastly pale, that he started in actual terror. It might have been
+fancy, but he thought there was the trace of his cowardly blow on her
+pale forehead, raised, and black, and such a feeling of agony and
+remorse rushed over him, that it was with difficulty he restrained
+himself from catching her in his arms, and beseeching her forgiveness
+before them all; but there was no time then, and they proceeded to the
+library. Every step Ellen took appeared to bring back that fearful pain,
+till as she sat down, and then knelt in her place, she was sensible of
+nothing else.
+
+The service was over; and as Mrs. Hamilton rose from the private prayer,
+with which each individual concluded his devotions, her nephew stood
+before her, white as marble, but with an expression of fixed resolution,
+which made her heart bound up with hope, at the very moment it turned
+sick and faint with terror.
+
+Several of the lower domestics had quitted the library before Edward
+regained voice, and his first word, or rather action, was to desire
+those that remained to stay.
+
+"My sister has been disgraced, exposed before you all" he exclaimed, in
+a tone of misery and determination, that so startled Miss Harcourt and
+his cousins, they gazed at him bewildered, "and before you all must be
+her exculpation. It was less for her sin than her silence, and for the
+increased guilt which that appeared to conceal, you tell me, she has
+been so severely treated. Aunt Emmeline, I am the cause of her
+silence--I was the tempter to her sin--I have deceived my commander,
+deceived my officers, deceived you all--and instead of being what you
+believe me, am a gambler and a villain. She has saved me again and again
+from discovery and disgrace, and but for her sin and its consequences
+would have saved me now. But what has sin ever done but to betray and
+render wretched? Take Ellen back to your love and care, aunt Emmeline,
+and tell my uncle, tell Sir Edward the wretch I am!"
+
+For a full minute after these unexpected, startling words there was
+silence, for none could speak, not even Emmeline, whose first thought
+was only joy, that Ellen's silence was not so guilty as it seemed.
+Edward had crossed his arms on the reading-desk, and buried his face
+upon them. The instantaneous change of sentiment which his confession
+excited toward Ellen in those most prejudiced can scarcely be described;
+but Mrs. Hamilton, now that the words she had longed for, prayed for,
+had been spoken, had scarcely strength to move. Address Edward she could
+not, though she felt far more pity toward him than anger; she looked
+toward Ellen, who still remained kneeling, though Ellis stood close by
+her, evidently trying to rouse her, and with a step far more hurried,
+more agitated than her children or household had ever seen, she
+traversed the long room, and stood beside her niece.
+
+"Ellen," she said, as she tried to remove the hands which clasped the
+burning forehead, as if their rooted pressure could alone still that
+agonizing pain, "my own darling, devoted Ellen! look up, and forgive me
+all the misery I have caused you. Speak to me, my child! there is
+nothing to conceal now, all shall be forgiven--Edward's errors,
+difficulties, all for your sake, and he will not, I know he will not,
+cause you wretchedness again; look up, my poor child; speak to me, tell
+me you forgive me."
+
+Ellen unclasped her hands from her forehead, and looked up in Mrs.
+Hamilton's face. Her lips moved as if to speak, but in a moment an
+expression of agony flitted over her face, a cry broke from her of such
+fearful physical pain, that it thrilled through the hearts of all who
+heard, and consciousness deserted her at the same moment that Mr.
+Maitland and Mr. Howard, entered the room together.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ILLNESS AND REMORSE.
+
+
+It was indeed a fearful night which followed the close of our last
+chapter. Illness, sufficient to occasion anxiety, both in Herbert and
+Ellen, had been often an inmate of Oakwood, but it had merely called for
+care, and all those kindly sympathies, which render indisposition
+sometimes an actual blessing, both to those who suffer and those who
+tend. But illness, appearing to be but the ghastly vehicle of death,
+clothed in such fearful pain that no control, even of reason and strong
+will, can check its agonized expression, till at last, reason itself
+succumbs beneath it, and bears the mind from the tortured frame, this is
+a trial of no ordinary suffering, even when such illness has been
+brought about by what may be termed natural causes. But when it follows,
+nay, springs from mental anguish, when the sad watchers feel that it
+might have been averted, that it is the consequence of mistaken
+treatment, and it comes to the young, to whom such sorrow ought to be a
+thing unknown, was it marvel that Mrs. Hamilton, as she stood by Ellen's
+bed, watching the alternations of deathlike insensibility with paroxysms
+of pain, which nothing could relieve (for it was only the commencement
+of brain fever), felt as if she had indeed never known grief or anxiety
+before. She had looked forward to Edward's confession bringing hope and
+rest to all; that the aching head and strained nerves of her poor Ellen,
+only needed returning love, and the quietness of assured forgiveness for
+herself and Edward, for health and happiness gradually to return; and
+the shock of such sudden and terrible illness, betraying, as it did, an
+extent of previous mental suffering, which she had not conceived as
+possible in one so young, almost unnerved her. But hers was not a
+character to give way; the anguish she experienced might be read in the
+almost stern quiet of her face, in her gentle but firm resistance to
+every persuasion to move from Ellen's bed, not only through that
+dreadful night, but for the week which followed. The idea of death was
+absolute agony; none but her God knew the struggle, day after day, night
+after night, which she endured, to compel her rebellious spirit to
+submission to His will, whatever it might be. She knew earth's dearest,
+most unalloyed happiness could not compare with that of Heaven, if
+indeed it should be His pleasure to recall her; but the thought _would
+not_ bring peace. She had no reason to reproach herself, for she had
+acted only as imperative duty demanded, and it had caused her almost as
+much misery as Ellen. But yet the thought would not leave her, that her
+harshness and cruelty had caused all the suffering she beheld. She did
+not utter those thoughts aloud, she did not dare give words to that deep
+wretchedness, for she felt her only sustaining strength was in her God.
+The only one who would have read her heart, and given sympathy,
+strength, comfort, without a word from her, her husband, was far away,
+and she dared not sink; though there were times when heart and frame
+felt so utterly exhausted, it seemed at if she must.
+
+Mr. Howard's presence had been an inexpressible relief. "Go to Edward,
+my dear friend," she had said, as he lingered beside the bed where Ellen
+had been laid, longing to comfort, but feeling at such a moment it was
+impossible; "he wants you more than any one else; win him to confide in
+you, soothe, comfort him; do not let him be out of your sight."
+
+Not understanding her, except that Edward must be naturally grieved at
+his sister's illness, Mr. Howard sought him, and found him still in the
+library, almost in the same spot.
+
+"This is a sad welcome for you, Edward," he said, kindly laying his hand
+on his shoulder, "but do not be too much cut down. Ellen is very young,
+her constitution, Mr. Maitland assures us is good, and she may be spared
+us yet. I came over on purpose to see you, for late as it was when I
+returned from Exeter, and found you had arrived, I would not defer it
+till to-morrow."
+
+"You thought you came to see the pupil you so loved," answered Edward,
+raising his head, and startling Mr. Howard, both by his tone and
+countenance. "You do not know that I am the cause of my poor sister's
+suffering, that if she dies, I am her murderer. Oh, Mr. Howard," he
+continued, suddenly throwing himself in his arms, and bursting into
+passionate tears, "why did I ever leave you? why did I forgot your
+counsels, your goodness, throw your warning letter to the winds? Hate
+me if you will, but listen to me--pity me, save me from myself."
+
+Startled as he was, Mr. Howard, well acquainted with the human heart,
+its errors, as well as its better impulses, knew how to answer this
+passionate appeal, so as to invite its full confidence and soothe at the
+same time. Edward poured out his whole tale. It is needless to enter
+upon it here in detail; suffice it, that the artful influence of
+Harding, by gradually undermining the good impressions of the home he
+had left, had prepared his pupil for an unlimited indulgence in
+pleasure, and excitement, at every opportunity which offered. And as the
+Prince William was cruising off the coast of British America, and
+constantly touching at one or other of her ports, where Harding, from
+his seniority and usefulness, and Edward, from his invariable good
+conduct, were often permitted to go ashore, these opportunities,
+especially when they were looked for and used by one practiced in deceit
+and wickedness, were often found. It does not require a long period to
+initiate in gambling. The very compelled restraint, in the intervals of
+its indulgence, but increased its maddening excitement, and once given
+up to its blind pursuit, Harding became more than ever necessary to
+Edward, and of course his power over him increased. But when he tried to
+make him a sharer and conniver in his own low pleasures, to teach him
+vice, cautiously as he thought he had worked, he failed; Edward started
+back appalled, and though unhappily he could not break from him, from
+that hour he misdoubted and shrunk away. But he had given an advantage
+to his fell tutor, the extent of which he knew not himself. Harding was
+too well versed in art to betray disappointment. He knew when to bring
+wine to the billiard-table, so to create such a delirium of excitement,
+that Edward was wholly unconscious of his own actions; and once or twice
+he led him into scenes, and made him sharer of such vicious pleasures,
+that secured him as his slave; for when the excitement was over, the
+agony of remorse, the misery, lest his confiding captain should suspect
+him other than he seemed, made him cling to Harding's promises of
+secrecy, as his only refuge, even while he loathed the man himself. It
+was easy to make such a disposition believe that he had, in some moment
+of excitement, done something which, if known, would expel him the Navy;
+Edward could never recall what, but he believed him, and became
+desperate. Harding told him it was downright folly to think about it so
+seriously. It was only known to him, and he would not betray him. But
+Edward writhed beneath his power; perpetually he called on him for
+pecuniary help, and when he had none, told him he must write home for
+it, or win it at the billiard-table, or he knew the consequences; and
+Edward, though again and again he had resolved he would not touch a ball
+or cue (and the remorse had been such, that he would no doubt have kept
+the resolve, had it not been for dread of betrayal), rather than write
+home, would madly seek the first opportunity, and play, and win perhaps
+enough, all but a few pounds, to satisfy his tormentor, and for these he
+would appeal to his sister, and receive them, as we know; never asking,
+and so never hearing, the heavy price of individual suffering at which
+they were obtained.
+
+The seven or eight months which had elapsed before his last fatal
+appeal, had been occasioned by the ship being out at sea. Sir Edward had
+mentioned to Mr. Hamilton, that Edward's excellent conduct on board had
+given him a longer holiday on shore, when they were off New-York, to
+which place he had been dispatched on business to the President, than
+most of his companions. Edward thought himself safe, for Harding had
+been unusually quiet; but the very day they neared land, he told him he
+must have some cash, sneered at the trifling sum Edward had by him, told
+him if he chose to let him try for it fairly, they should have a chance
+at billiards for it; but if that failed, he must pump his rich relations
+for it, for have it he must. Trusting to his luck, for he had often won,
+even with Harding, he rushed to the table, played, and as might be
+expected, left off, owing his tormentor fifty pounds. Harding's fiendish
+triumph, and his declaration that he must trouble him for a check to
+that amount, signed by the great millionaire, Arthur Hamilton, Esq.,
+goaded him to madness. He drank down a large draught of brandy, and
+deliberately sought another table and another opponent, and won back
+fifteen; but it was the last day of his stay on shore, as his enslaver
+knew, and it was the wretchedness, the misery of this heavy debt to the
+crafty, merciless betrayer of his youthful freshness and innocence, who
+had solemnly sworn if he did not pay it by the next letters from his
+home, he would inform against him, and he knew the consequences, which
+had urged that fearful letter to Ellen, from which all her suffering had
+sprung. Edward was much too young and ignorant of the world's ways to
+know that Harding no more dared execute his threat against him, than he
+could put his own head in the lion's mouth. His remorse was too deep,
+his loathing of his changed self too unfeigned, to believe that his
+errors were not of the heinous, fatal nature which Harding taught him to
+suppose them; and the anguish of a naturally fine, noble, independent
+spirit may be imagined. All his poor mother's lessons of his uncle's
+excessive sternness, and determined pitilessness, toward the faults of
+those less firm and worthy than himself, returned to him, completely
+banishing his own experience of that same uncle's excessive kindness.
+The one feeling had been insensibly instilled in his boyhood, from as
+long as he could remember, till the age of twelve; the other was but the
+experience of eighteen short months. Oh, if parents would but think and
+tremble at the vast importance of the first lessons which reach the
+understanding of the young beings committed to their care! Let them
+impress TRUTH, not prejudice, and they are safe. Once fix a false
+impression, and they know not, and it is well, perhaps, they do not, the
+misery that tiny seed may sow.
+
+Mr. Howard listened with such earnest, heartfelt sympathy, such deep
+commiseration, that his young penitent told him every error, every
+feeling, without the smallest reserve; and in the long conversation
+which followed, he felt more comforted, more hopeful of himself, than he
+had done for long, long months. He told with such a burst of remorseful
+agony, his cruelty to his devoted sister, that Mr. Howard could scarcely
+hear it unmoved, for on that subject there seemed indeed no comfort; and
+he himself, though he would not add to Edward's misery by confessing it,
+felt more painfully self-reproached for his severity toward her than his
+conduct as a minister had ever excited before.
+
+"Be with me, or rather let me be with you, as much as you can," was
+Edward's mournful appeal, as their long interview closed; "I have no
+dependence on myself--a weak, miserable coward! longing to forsake the
+path of evil, and having neither power nor energy to do so. I know you
+will tell me, pray--trust. If I had not prayed, I could not have
+confessed--but it will not, I know it will not last."
+
+"It will, while enduring this heavy trial of your poor sister's terrible
+illness, and God's infinite mercy may so strengthen you in the furnace
+of affliction, as to last in returning joy! Despair, and you must fall;
+trust, and you will hope and struggle--despite of pain or occasional
+relapses. Your faults are great, but not so great as Harding
+represented them--not so heavy but that you can conquer and redeem them,
+and be yet all we have believed you, all that you hoped for in
+yourself."
+
+"And my uncle--" said Edward, hesitatingly.
+
+"Must be told; but I will answer for him that he will be neither harsh
+nor unjust, nor even severe. I will write to him myself, and trust to
+convince him that your repentance, and resolution are sufficiently
+sincere, to permit you a second trial, without referring to Sir Edward.
+You have done nothing to expel you from your profession; but it depends
+on yourself to become truly worthy of its noble service."
+
+There was much in the sad tale he had heard to give hope, and Mr. Howard
+longed to impart its comfort to Mrs. Hamilton; but he felt she could not
+listen. While day after day passed, and the poor sufferer for another's
+errors lay hovering between life and death, reason so utterly suspended,
+that even when the violent agony of the first seven days and nights had
+subsided into lethargic stupors, alternating with such quiet submission
+and gentle words, that, had it not been for their wandering sense, one
+might have fancied intellect returning; still reason was absent--and,
+though none said it aloud, the fear would gain dominion, that health
+might return, but not the mind. The first advice had been procured--what
+was distance, even then, to wealth?--every remedy resorted to. Her
+luxuriant hair cut close, and ice itself applied to cool that burning,
+throbbing pain; but all had seemed vain, till its cessation, at the end
+of seven days, somewhat renewed Mr. Maitland's hope.
+
+Not one tear had Mrs. Hamilton shed, and so excessive had been her
+fatigue, that Miss Harcourt and her children trembled for her; conjuring
+her, for their sakes, for her husband's, to take repose. Mr. Maitland's
+argument, that when Ellen recovered her senses (which he assured her now
+he had little doubt she would eventually), she would need the soothing
+comfort of her presence still more than she could then, and her strength
+must fail before that--if she so exhausted it--carried more weight than
+all the rest; and her daughters had the inexpressible relief of finding
+that when, in compliance with their tearful entreaties, she did lie
+down, she slept, and slept refreshingly, for nature was exhausted. There
+was much of comfort in those days of trial, which Mrs. Hamilton fully
+realized, when Ellen's convalescence permitted her to recall it, though
+at the time it seemed unnoticed. That Caroline's strong mind and good
+heart should urge her to do every thing in her power to save her mother
+trouble, even to entreat Ellis and Morris to show her, and let her
+attend to the weekly duties with them, and accomplish them so earnestly
+and well, that both these faithful domestics were astonished and
+delighted, was not surprising; for hers was a character to display its
+better qualities in such emergencies. But that Emmeline should so
+effectually rouse herself from the overwhelming grief, which had at
+first assailed her at Ellen's fearful sufferings and great danger, as to
+be a comfort alike to her mother and Edward, and assist Caroline
+whenever she could, even trying to be hopeful and cheerful for others'
+sakes, till she actually became so, _was_ so unexpected, from the grief
+she had indulged in when she parted from her father, that it did
+surprise. To be in the room with Ellen had so affected her at first,
+that she became pale, and so evidently terrified, that Mrs. Hamilton
+half desired her not to come, especially as she could do no good; and
+Mrs. Greville and Mary had tried to prevail on her to stay with them,
+but she would not hear of it.
+
+"If I can do no good, can neither help mamma in nursing Ellen, nor do as
+Caroline does, I can, at least, try to comfort poor Edward, and I will
+not leave him. If I am so weak as not to be able to endure anxiety and
+sorrow without showing it, it shall not conquer me. No, no, dear Mary;
+come and see me as often as you like, but I can not leave home till
+mamma and Ellen and we are all happy again!"
+
+And she did devote herself to Edward, and so successfully--with her
+gentle sympathy with his grief, her tender feeling toward his faults,
+her conviction of her father's forgiveness, her unassuming but
+heart-breathing piety, which, without one word unduly introduced of a
+subject so holy, for she felt herself much too lowly and ignorant to
+approach it--yet always led up his thoughts to God, and from one so
+young, so humble, and, in general, so joyous, had still greater effect
+in confirming his returning religious hope, than had his teachers been
+only those who were older and wiser than himself. However miserable he
+might be before she came, he looked to her society, her eloquence, as
+comfort and hope; and soon perceiving this, she was encouraged to go on,
+though quite astonished--for she could not imagine what she had done to
+deserve such commendation--when Mr. Howard, one day meeting her alone,
+took both her hands in his, and with even unusual fervor bade God bless
+her!--for young, lowly as she was, she not only comforted the erring,
+but raised and strengthened the penitent's trembling faith and hope.
+
+Poor Edward! harder than all seemed to him his aunt's silence. He knew
+his sister entirely engrossed her--ill as Ellen was, it could not be
+otherwise; but he passionately longed only for one word from her: that
+she forgave him the misery she was enduring. Not aware that such was his
+feeling, conscious herself that her sole feeling toward him was pity,
+not anger, and looking to herself alone as the cause of her poor child's
+sufferings, she did not think for a moment that he could imagine her
+never referring to his confession originated in displeasure.
+
+Ten or twelve days had so passed, when one afternoon, completely
+exhausted with two nights' watchfulness--for though nurse Langford and
+Fanny were in constant attendance on Ellen, she could not rest if she
+heard that harrowing cry for her, even though her presence brought no
+comfort--she went to lie down for a few hours on a couch in her
+dressing-room. Caroline had taken a book, though with not much
+inclination to read, to sit by her, and watch that her sleep should not
+be disturbed. How in those moments of quiet did she long for her father!
+feeling intuitively how much heavier was her mother's trial without his
+loved support. He had been written to by them all since Edward's
+confession. Mrs. Hamilton had done so in Ellen's room, only to beseech
+him to write forgivingly, forbearingly, to the unhappy cause of all. She
+did not dare breathe her feelings, even on paper, to him, convinced that
+if she did so, control must give way, and she was powerless at once; but
+her husband knew her so well that every suppression of individual
+emotion betrayed more forcibly than the most earnest words, all she was
+enduring.
+
+Caroline had kept her affectionate vigil nearly two hours, when Edward's
+voice whispered, "Miss Harcourt wants you, dear Caroline; let me take
+your place, I will be quite as watchful as yourself; only let me stay
+here, you do not know the comfort it will be."
+
+To resist his look of pleading wretchedness was impossible. She left
+him, and Edward drawing a low stool to the foot of the couch, as if not
+daring to occupy his cousin's seat, which was close by the pillow, gazed
+on the mild, gentle features of his aunt, as in their deep repose they
+showed still clearer the traces of anxiety and sorrow, and felt more
+keenly than ever the full amount of misery, which his errors and their
+fatal concealment had created. "Why is it," he thought, "that man can
+not bear the punishment of his faults without causing the innocent, the
+good, to suffer also?" And his heart seemed to answer, "Because by those
+very social ties, the strong impulses of love for one another, which
+would save others from woe, we may be preserved and redeemed from vice
+again, and yet again, when, were man alone the sufferer, vice would be
+stronger than remorse, and never be redeemed."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton woke with that painful start which long watchfulness
+always occasions, and missing Caroline, yet feeling as if she were not
+alone, her eyes speedily fixed themselves in some surprise on the figure
+of her nephew, who, unable to bear the thoughts the sight of her
+exhaustion produced, had bent his head upon the couch. Inexpressibly
+touched, and glad of the opportunity to speak to him alone, she called
+him to her, and there was something in the tone that encouraged him to
+fling himself on his knees by her side, and sob like an infant, saying,
+almost inarticulately--
+
+"Can you, will you, ever forgive me, aunt Emmeline? Your silence has
+almost broken my heart, for it seemed to say you never could; and when I
+look at my poor Ellen, and see how I have changed this happy home into
+sorrow and gloom and sin, for it is all my work--mine, whom you have
+loved, treated, trusted, as a son--I feel you can not forgive me; I
+ought to go from you; I have no right to pollute your home."
+
+"Hush, Edward! do not give utterance or indulgence to any such thoughts.
+My poor unhappy boy! your errors have brought such fearful chastisement
+from the hand of God himself, it is not for me to treat you harshly. May
+His mercy avert yet severer trial! I will not hear your story now; you
+are too agitated to tell it, and I am not at this moment strong enough
+to hear it. I am satisfied that you have confided all to Mr. Howard, and
+will be guided by him. Only tell me how came you first to apply to
+Ellen? Did the thought never strike you, that in sending relief to you,
+she might be exposing herself to inconvenience or displeasure? Was there
+no consideration due to her?"
+
+"I never seemed to think of her, except as glad and willing to help me,
+at whatever cost to herself," was his reply. "I feel now the cruel
+selfishness of the belief--but, oh, aunt Emmeline, it was fostered in me
+from my earliest childhood, grew with my growth, increased with my
+years, received strength and meaning from my poor mother's utter
+neglect of her, and too indulgent thought for me. I never thought so
+till now, now that I know all my poor sister's meek and gentle worth,
+and it makes me still more miserable. I never could think her my equal;
+never could fancy she could have a will or wish apart from mine, and I
+can not trace the commencement of the feeling. Oh! if we had been but
+treated alike! but taught to so love each other, as to think of each
+other's happiness above our own, as you taught my cousins!"
+
+"Do you know any thing of the promise to which poor Ellen so constantly
+refers?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, after gently soothing his painful
+agitation.
+
+He did not; but acknowledged that from the time they had become inmates
+of Oakwood, Ellen had constantly saved him from punishment by bearing
+the penalty of his faults; recalling numerous incidents, trifling in
+themselves, but which had always perplexed Mrs. Hamilton, as evincing
+such strange contradictions in Ellen's childish character, and none more
+so than the disobedience which we related in our second part, and which
+Edward's avowal of having himself moved the flower-stand, now so clearly
+explained. He said, too, that Mr. Howard had thought it necessary, for
+Ellen's perfect justification, to examine her letters and papers, but
+that all his appeals to her had been destroyed but one--his last fatal
+inclosure, the exact contents of which he had so utterly forgotten,
+written, as they were, in a moment of madness, that he shuddered himself
+as he read it. He placed the paper in Mrs. Hamilton's hand, conjuring
+her not to recall her forgiveness when she read it; but she must see it,
+it was the only amends he could make his poor Ellen, to exculpate her
+fully. Was it any wonder it had almost driven her wild? or that she
+should have scarcely known the means she adopted to send him the relief,
+which, as he deserved, had never reached him.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton read the letter, and as thought after thought rose to her
+mind, connecting, defining, explaining Ellen's conduct from her
+fifteenth birthday, the day she received it, to the discovery of her
+sin, and her devoted silence afterward, trifling incidents which she had
+forgotten returned to add their weight of evidence, and increase almost
+to agony her self-reproach, for not seeing the whole before, and acting
+differently. She remembered now Ellen's procrastination in writing to
+Edward, the illness which followed, and could well understand her dread
+lest the finding the notes should be traced to that day, and so throw a
+suspicion on her brother, and her consequent firmness in refusing to
+state the day she had found them.
+
+That long interview was one of inexpressible comfort to Edward; but
+though his unfeigned repentance and full confession gave his aunt hope
+for him, it did but increase her individual trial, as she returned to
+Ellen's couch, and listened to wanderings only too painfully explained
+by the tale she had heard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MISTAKEN IMPRESSIONS ERADICATED.
+
+
+It was the seventeenth day of Ellen's illness, and for six-and-thirty
+hours she had slept profoundly, waking only at very long intervals, just
+sufficiently to swallow a few drops of port wine, which Mr. Maitland had
+ordered to be administered if she woke, and sunk to sleep again. It was
+that deep, still, almost fearful repose, for it is so like death, which
+we can scarcely satisfy ourselves is life, except by holding a glass at
+intervals to the lips, to trace if indeed it receive the moisture of the
+breath. And nurse Langford, Mrs. Hamilton, and Edward had, through these
+long hours, watched and scarcely stirred. For they knew that on her
+waking hung hope or misery, return of intellect, or its confirmed
+suspension. Mr. Maitland had particularly wished Edward to be with her
+when she recovered her senses, that his presence might seem as natural
+as either of her cousins; but he warned him that the least display of
+agitation on his part, or reference to the past, in her exhausted state,
+might be fatal to her. It was quite the evening. Widow Langford had
+lighted the lamp, and sat down by the fire, scarcely able to breathe
+freely, from the intensity of her hope that Ellen would recover. And if
+such were her feelings, what were Edward's and Mrs. Hamilton's? The
+former was kneeling on the right of the bed, his eyes alternately fixed
+on his sister, and buried in the coverlid. Mrs. Hamilton was on the
+opposite side, close to Ellen's pillow, the curtain drawn so far back,
+that the least change on the patient's countenance was discernible. Hour
+after hour had so passed, the chimes that told their flight were
+scarcely heard by those anxious watchers. It was about eight o'clock,
+when a slight movement in Ellen made her aunt's heart so throb, as
+almost to deprive her of breath; her eyes unclosed, and a smile, such as
+Mrs. Hamilton had not seen for weeks, nay, months, circled her lips.
+
+"Dear aunt, have I been ill? It seems such a long, long time since I
+have seen you, and my head feels so strange, so light; and this room, it
+is my own, I know, but I feel as if it did not belong to me, somehow. Do
+make my head clear, I can not think at all."
+
+"Do not try to think yet, darling. You have been very, very ill, and to
+endeavor to think might hurt you. Strength will soon return now, I hope,
+and then your head will be quite clear again," returned Mrs. Hamilton,
+quietly and caressingly, though she so trembled with the change from
+sickening dread to certain hope, that she herself scarcely knew how she
+spoke at all.
+
+"But what made me so ill, aunt? I feel as if it were some great pain; I
+can not remember any thing clearly, but yet it seems as if I had been
+very unhappy--and that--that you did not love me any more. Did any thing
+make me ill? Was it really so?"
+
+"That I did not love you, my Ellen! Indeed, that was only fancy. You
+were very unhappy, as we were all, for Edward did not come as soon as we
+expected him, and the storms were very dreadful, and we feared his ship
+might have been wrecked, or cast ashore, somewhere very far off, where
+we could not hear of him; and when you saw him, and knew he was safe,
+the anxiety and pain you had undergone, made you ill; you know a little
+thing will do that, dearest."
+
+"But is he really safe, aunt Emmeline? Where is he?"
+
+"Close by you, love. He has been as watchful and anxious a nurse as I
+have been. Poor fellow, you have given him a sad welcome, but you must
+make up for it, by-and-by."
+
+Ellen looked languidly, yet eagerly round, as her aunt spoke, and her
+gaze fixed itself on her brother, who was struggling violently to
+suppress the emotion which, at the sound of her voice, in connected
+words, nearly overpowered him; and still more so, when Ellen said, more
+eagerly than she had yet spoken--
+
+"Dear Edward! come and kiss me, and do not look so sad. I shall soon get
+well."
+
+He bent over her, and kissed her repeatedly, trying in vain to say
+something, but he felt so choked, he could not; and Ellen held his hand,
+and looked earnestly, searchingly in his face, as if trying painfully to
+define the vague thoughts and memories which seemed all connected with
+him and with pain, but which would not take a distinct form. Her eye
+wandered from him for a moment to nurse Langford, who had come to the
+foot of the bed, and that seemed another face connected with the blank
+past, and then it fixed itself again on Edward, and her pale face so
+worked with the effort of thought, that Mrs. Hamilton became alarmed.
+She saw, too, that Edward was growing paler and paler, and trembled for
+the continuance of his control. Taking Ellen's hand gently from his, and
+arranging her pillow at the same time, so as to turn her face rather
+from him, she said, playfully--
+
+"You have looked at Edward long enough, Ellen, to be quite sure he is
+safe at home. So now I shall be jealous if you give him any more of your
+attention and neglect me; you must take some nourishment, and try to go
+to sleep again, for I must not have you try your strength too much."
+
+"If I could but remember clearly," answered Ellen, sadly; "it is all so
+vague--so dark--but I do not think it was only because he did not come,
+that made me so unhappy."
+
+"You are not going to be disobedient, dearest," replied Mrs. Hamilton,
+firmly, though fondly, as she hastily signed to Edward to leave the
+room, which he most thankfully did, never stopping till he reached his
+own, and tried to thank God for His great mercy, but could only sob. "I
+told you not to think, because to do so might retard return of strength,
+and indeed you must try and obey me; you know I am very peremptory
+sometimes." And the fond kiss with which she enforced the command seemed
+to satisfy Ellen, whose natural submissiveness, combined with excessive
+physical weakness, caused her to obey at once, and not attempt to think
+any more. She took the required nourishment with returning appetite, and
+soon afterward fell quietly and happily to sleep again, her aunt's hand
+closely clasped in hers.
+
+From that day, all fear of disordered intellect departed, and,
+gradually, the extreme exhaustion gave way before Mr. Maitland's
+judicious treatment. Strength, indeed, returned so slowly and almost
+imperceptibly, that it was necessary to count improvement by weeks, not
+days. And when, six weeks after her first seizure, she was thought well
+enough to be carried to Mrs. Hamilton's dressing-room, and laid on a
+couch there, it was a source of gratitude and rejoicing to all. But Mr.
+Maitland and Mrs. Hamilton soon saw, with intense anxiety, that with
+physical strength, memory and thought had both fully returned, and that
+their consequence was a depression so deep, as effectually to retard her
+perfect recovery. She seemed to shrink from all attention, all kindness,
+as utterly undeserved, even from her cousins. She would look at Edward
+for half an hour together, with an expression of suffering that made the
+heart actually ache. At times she would receive Mrs. Hamilton's
+caressing and judicious tenderness as if it were her only comfort, at
+others, shrink from it, as if she had no right to it.
+
+"This will never do," Mr. Maitland said, about ten days after Ellen's
+removal into her daily quarters, and finding she was losing ground;
+"there is something on her mind, which must be removed, even if to do
+so, you refer to the past. She remembers it all too clearly, I fear, so
+our not alluding to it does no good. You must be the physician in this
+case, my dear Mrs. Hamilton, for I am powerless."
+
+But though she quite agreed with him, how to approach such a very
+painful subject required no little consideration; but, as is very often
+the case, chance does that on which we have expended so much thought.
+
+One afternoon Ellen lay so still, so pale, on her couch, that Mrs.
+Hamilton bent over her to listen if she breathed, saying as she did so,
+almost unconsciously--
+
+"My poor Ellen, when shall I have the comfort of seeing you well and
+happy again?"
+
+Ellen hastily unclosed her eyes, for she was not asleep--it had been
+only the stupor of painfully-engrossing thought, rendering her
+insensible to all outward things, but her aunt's voice aroused her, and
+it seemed an inexpressible relief to feel they were quite alone. Trying
+to rise, and clasping her hands, she said, in a tone of strong
+excitement--
+
+"Oh, aunt Emmeline, how can I be happy--how can I be well--when I
+think--think--that if it had not been for my sin, and the misery it
+brought on me, Edward might be safe still? no one need have known his
+errors. I tried to save--and--and I have only betrayed, and made him
+wretched. All I suffered was for nothing, worse than nothing!"
+
+"Thank God, you have spoken, my dear child! I felt as if I dared not
+introduce the subject; but now that you have yourself, I think I shall
+be able, if indeed you will listen to me patiently, Ellen, to disperse
+the painful mists, that are still pressing so heavily on this poor
+little heart and brain," she said, fondly, though seriously, as she put
+her arm round Ellen, to support her as she sat up. "I do not tell you it
+is not a natural feeling, my love, but it is a wrong one. Had your sin,
+in consideration of its being, as I am now convinced it was, wholly
+involuntary--for in the fearful state of mind Edward's desperate letter
+occasioned, you could not have known or thought of any thing, but that
+relief seemed sent to your hand--had it on that account been permitted
+so far to succeed, as to give him the aid he demanded, and never have
+been traced to you, it would have confirmed him in the path of guilt and
+error, and poisoned your happiness forever. When you recall the agony,
+almost madness you felt, while burdened with the consciousness of such
+an act, how could you have borne it, if it had continued through months,
+perhaps years? You shudder; yet this must have been the case, and Edward
+would have persisted in error, if your sin had been permitted to
+succeed. Its detection, and the sufferings thence springing, terrible as
+they have been to you, my poor child, have saved him; and will, I trust,
+only bring securer happiness to you."
+
+"Saved him!" repeated Ellen, half starting up, and scarcely hearing the
+last words--"saved Edward!"
+
+"Yes, dearest, by leading him to a full confession, and giving him not
+only the inexpressible comfort of such a proceeding, but permitting him
+to see, that great and disappointing as his errors are, they can be
+conquered. They are not of the irremediable, guilt-confirming nature,
+that he was taught to suppose them for Harding's own most guilty ends,
+and so giving him hope and resolution to amend, which a belief that
+amendment is impossible, entirely frustrates. Do not fear for Edward, my
+own love; he will give you as much pride and comfort as he has anxiety
+and grief; and you, under God's mercy, will have been the cause. It is a
+hard lesson to learn, and yet, Ellen, I think one day, when you can look
+back more calmly on the last few months, you will acknowledge with me,
+that great as your sufferings have been, they were sent in love both to
+him and to you."
+
+"If they have saved him--saved him from a continuance in error, and so
+made him happy!--Oh, aunt Emmeline, I can think so now, and I will try
+to bear the rest? but why," she added, growing more excited, "oh, why
+have you been so good, so kind? Why did you not continue cold and
+distant? I could bear it better, then."
+
+"Bear what, love? What have you more to bear? Tell me all without
+reserve. Why should I be cold, when you deserve all my love and
+kindness?"
+
+"Because--because, am I not to go to Seldon Grange, as soon as I am
+strong enough? Uncle Hamilton said, there could be no excusing cause
+demanding a complete avoidance of his sentence. I thought it was pain
+enough when you first told me; but now, now every time I think about it,
+it seems as if I could not bear it."
+
+"And you are not called upon to bear it, my dear child. Is it possible
+you could think for a moment that I could send you away from me, when
+you have borne so much, and been treated with far too much severity
+already? Did I not tell you that the term of your banishment depended
+entirely on the motive of your silence, and do you think there was no
+excuse in your motive, my Ellen, mistaken as it was? Is self-devotion to
+be of no more account to me, than it seemed to you? Come, smile,
+dearest; I promise you, in your uncle's name and my own, you shall never
+leave us, unless it be of your own free will and pleasure, a few years
+hence."
+
+Ellen did try to smile, but she was too weak to bear this complete
+removal of a double burden without an emotion that seemed more like pain
+than joy. She laid her head on her aunt's shoulder, and wept without
+restraint. They were the first tears she had shed since her illness, and
+Mrs. Hamilton thanked God for them. She did not attempt to check them,
+but the few words she did speak, told such affectionate sympathy, such
+perfect comprehension of that young heart, that Ellen felt as if a
+mountain of lead were dissolving from her.
+
+"And now, my Ellen, that I have relieved you of a painful dread, will
+you ease my mind of a great anxiety?" inquired Mrs. Hamilton, nearly an
+hour afterward, when Ellen seemed so relieved and calmed, that she could
+talk to her without fear. "You look surprised; but it is a subject you
+alone can explain, and till it is solved, I shall never feel that your
+happiness is secure. What is this promise, to which in your illness you
+so constantly referred, and which, I fear, has strengthened you in the
+system of self-sacrifice for Edward's sake, in addition to your love for
+him?"
+
+A deep flush rose to Ellen's transparent cheek and brow, as she
+answered, falteringly--
+
+"Ought I to tell you, dear aunt? You do not know how often, how very
+often I have longed to ask you, if to keep it made me do wrong--whether
+I ought to break it? And yet it seemed so sacred, and it gave poor mamma
+such comfort!"
+
+"When did you make it, love? Its import I need not ask you, for you
+betrayed it, when you knew not what you said, and it was confirmed by
+your whole conduct. To shield Edward from blame or punishment, by never
+revealing his faults?"
+
+"Was it wrong?" murmured Ellen, hiding her conscious face.
+
+"Wrong in you! no dearest; for you were too young to know all the pain
+and evil it was likely to bring. Tell me when, and how, it was taken;
+and I think I can prove to you that your poor mother would have recalled
+it, had she had the least idea of the solemn hold it had taken upon
+you."
+
+Thus encouraged, Ellen narrated the scene that had taken place in widow
+Morgan's cottage just before Mrs. Hamilton arrived; and her mother's
+fears for Edward, and dread of Mr. Hamilton, which it was very evident,
+and now more than ever, had extended to both her children. She said that
+Mr. Myrvin's assurance, that her mother could see, and would love her in
+Heaven, directly following the promise, had given it still more weight
+and solemnity. That at first she thought it would be very easy to keep,
+because she loved Edward so dearly; but she had not been long at Oakwood
+before it made her very unhappy, from its constant interference with,
+and prevention of, her obedience and duty to her aunt; that it had often
+caused her violent head aches, only from her vain attempts to satisfy
+herself as to that which she ought to do. When Edward first went to sea,
+and all seemed so right and happy with him, of course she became happier
+than she had ever been before. Then came his difficulties, and her
+conviction that she must save him and keep his secret. That her reason
+and her affection often urged her to confide all to her aunt, certain
+that she would not harshly condemn Edward, but would forgive and help
+him far more effectually than she could; but she dared not, for whenever
+she thought thus, the figure of her mother rose before her, seeming to
+reproach and threaten her for exposing the child she so dearly loved to
+disgrace and ruin; and this was so vivid--so constant during his last
+appeal, that she thought she must be going mad; that nothing but the
+dread of not being firm enough to keep Edward's secret, had withheld her
+from confessing her sin at once to her aunt, especially when her uncle
+had so solemnly denounced it as theft, and that when it was discovered
+it seemed actual relief, though it brought such severe punishment, for
+she knew no suffering for her could be too severe.
+
+The tale, as Ellen told it, was brief and simple enough, and that there
+was any merit in such a system of self-devotion never seemed to enter
+her mind for a moment; but to Mrs. Hamilton it revealed such an amount
+of suffering and trial, such a quiet, systematic, heroic endurance, that
+she unconsciously drew that young delicate being closer and closer to
+her, as if her love should protect her in future from any such trial;
+and from what had it all sprung?--the misery of years, at a period when
+life should be so joyous and so free, that care and sorrow flee it as
+purely and too briefly happy to approach? From a few thoughtless words,
+from a thoughtless, partial mother, whose neglect and dislike had
+pronounced that disposition cold, unloving and inanimate whose nature
+was so fervid, so imaginative, that the utmost care should have been
+taken to prevent the entrance of a single thought or feeling too
+precocious, too solemn for her years. It may be urged, and with truth,
+that to an ordinary child the promise might have been forgotten, or
+heedlessly laid aside, without any harm accruing from it, but it was
+from not caring to know the real character of the little being, for
+whose happiness and virtue she was responsible, that the whole mischief
+sprung; and it is this neglect of maternal duty against which we would
+so earnestly warn those who may not have thought about it. It is _not
+enough_ to educate the mind, to provide bodily necessaries, to be
+indulgent in the gift of pleasure and amusement, the _heart_ must be won
+and taught; and to do so with any hope of success, the character must be
+transparent as the day: and what difficulty, what hinderance, can there,
+or ought there to be, in obtaining this important knowledge to a mother,
+from whose breast the babe has received its nourishment, from whose arms
+it has gradually slipped away to feel its own independence, from whose
+lips it has received its first lessons, at whose knee lisped its first
+prayer? How comparatively trifling the care, how easy the task to learn
+the opening disposition and natural character, so as to guide with
+gentleness and love, and create happiness, not for childhood alone,
+though that is much, but for youth and maturity.
+
+All these thoughts passed though Mrs. Hamilton's mind as she listened
+to her niece, and looked at the pale, sweet face lifted up to hers in
+the earnestness of her simple tale, as if unconsciously appealing for
+her protection against the bewildering and contending feelings of her
+own young heart. How she was effectually to remove these impressions of
+years indeed she knew not; her heart seemed to pray for guidance that
+peace might at length be Ellen's portion, even as she heard.
+
+"You could scarcely have acted otherwise than you have always done
+toward Edward, my dear Ellen, under the influence of such a promise,"
+she said; "your extreme youth, naturally enough, could not permit you to
+distinguish, whether it was called for by a mere impulse of feeling in
+your poor mother, or really intended. But tell me, do you think it would
+give me any comfort or happiness if I could see Emmeline act by Percy as
+you have done by Edward? To see her suffer pain and sorrow, and be led
+into error, too, sometimes, to conceal Percy's faults, and prevent their
+removal, when, by the infliction of some trifling pain, it would save
+his exposing himself to greater?"
+
+"But it seems so different with my cousins, aunt; they are all such
+equals. I can not fancy Emmeline in my place. You have always loved them
+all alike."
+
+"And do you not think a mother ought to do to, dearest?"
+
+"But how can she, if they are not all equally deserving? I was so
+different to Edward: he was so handsome and good, and so animated and
+happy; and I was always fretful and ill, and they said so often naughty;
+and he used to fondle poor mamma, and show his love, which I was afraid
+to do, though I did love her so _very_ much (the tears started to her
+eyes), so I could not help feeling he must be much better than I was,
+just as I always feel all my cousins are, and so it was no wonder poor
+mamma loved him so much the best."
+
+"Have I ever made any difference between Edward and you, Ellen?" asked
+Mrs. Hamilton, conquering, with no small effort, the emotion called
+forth by Ellen's simple words.
+
+"Oh, no, no!" and she clung to her in almost painful emotion. "But you
+are so good, so kind to every body; you would love me, and be kind to me
+as poor papa was, because nobody else could.
+
+"My dear Ellen, what can I do to remove these mistaken impressions? I
+love you, and your father loved you, because you have qualities claiming
+our love quite as powerfully as your brother. You must not imagine
+because you may be less personally and mentally favored, that you are
+_inferior_ to him, either in the sight of your Heavenly Father, or of
+the friends and guardians He has given you. And even if such were the
+case, and you were as undeserving as you so wrongly imagine yourself, my
+duty, as that of your mother, would be just the same. A parent does not
+love and guide her children according to their individual merits, my
+dear Ellen, but according to the fountain of love which, to enable her
+to do her duty, God has so mercifully placed in her heart; and therefore
+those who have the least attractions and the most faults, demand the
+greater cherishing to supply the place of the one, and more careful
+guiding to overcome the other. Do you quite understand me, love."
+
+Ellen's earnest face, on which joy and hope seemed struggling with
+doubt, was sufficient answer.
+
+"All mothers do not think of their solemn responsibility in the same
+light; and many causes--sad recollections and self-reproaches for her
+early life, and separation in coldness from her father and myself, might
+all have tended to weaken your mother's consciousness of her duty, and
+so, without any fault in yourself, my Ellen, have occasioned her too
+great partiality for Edward. But do you remember her last words?"
+
+Ellen did remember them, and acknowledged they had so increased her
+affection for her mother, as to render the promise still more sacred to
+her.
+
+"I feared so, dearest; but it is just the contrary effect which they
+should have had. When she called you to her, and blessed and kissed you
+as fondly as she did Edward, she said she had done you injustice, had
+failed in her duty to you, and it so grieved her, for it was too late to
+atone for it then; she could only pray to God to raise you up a kinder
+parent. I have tried to be that, for her sake, as well as your own; and
+will you not acknowledge, that if she had been spared to love and know
+your affection for her, she could no more have borne to see you suffer
+as you have done for Edward, than I could my Emmeline for Percy? Do you
+not think, when she had learned to feel as I do, which she had already
+begun to do, that she would have recalled that fatal promise, and
+entreated you not to act upon it? What has it ever done but to make you
+to painfully suffer, lead you often into error, and confirm, by
+concealment, Edward's faults?"
+
+Ellen's tears were falling fast and freely, but they were hardly tears
+of pain. Her aunt's words seemed to disperse a thick mist from her brain
+and heart, and for the first time, to satisfy her that she might dismiss
+the painful memory of her promise, and dismiss it without blame or
+disobedience to her mother.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had begun the conversation in trembling, for it seemed so
+difficult to accomplish her object without undue condemnation of her
+sister; but as Ellen, clasping her arms about her neck, tried to thank
+her again and again, for taking such a heavy load from her heart, saying
+that she would still help Edward just the same, and she would try to
+guard him and herself from doing wrong, that her mother should love her
+still, she felt she had succeeded, and silently, but how fervently,
+thanked God.
+
+"But will you tell me one thing, aunt Emmeline? Why, if the promise were
+mistaken, and poor mamma would have wished it recalled, did I always
+seem to see her so distinctly, and fancy she so desired me to save
+Edward from my uncle's displeasure?"
+
+"Because you have a very strong imagination, my love, increased by
+dwelling on this subject; and in your last trial your mind was in such a
+fearful and unnatural state of excitement, that your imagination became
+actually diseased. It was not at all surprising; for much older and
+stronger, and wiser persons would have experienced the same, under the
+same pressure of grief, and terror, and remorse. But what can I do to
+cure this morbid imagination, Ellen?" she continued playfully; "sentence
+you, as soon as you get well, to a course of mathematics, six hours each
+day?"
+
+"I am afraid my poor head will be more stupid at figures than ever,"
+replied Ellen, trying to smile, too.
+
+"Then I suppose I must think of something else. Will you follow
+Emmeline's example, and tell me every thing, however foolish or
+unfounded it may seem, that comes into this little head--whether it
+worries or pleases you? You have nothing, and you will have nothing ever
+again, I trust, to conceal from me, my dear Ellen; and if you will do
+this, you will give me more comfort individually, and more security for
+the furtherance of your happiness, as far as my love can promote it,
+than any other plan."
+
+Her playfulness had given place to renewed earnestness, and Ellen, as if
+in the very thought of such perfect confidence dwelt security and
+peace, so long unknown to her, gave the required assurance so eagerly
+and gratefully, that Mrs. Hamilton was satisfied and happy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE LOSS OF THE SIREN.
+
+
+From that day, Ellen's recovery, though a sad trial of patience both to
+the young invalid and her affectionate nurses, was surely progressive,
+without any of those painful relapses which had so tried Mr. Maitland's
+skill before. She no longer shrunk from the society of her relations,
+receiving Caroline's and Miss Harcourt's many kind attentions with
+surprise indeed, for she could not imagine what could so have altered
+their feelings toward her, but with that evident gratitude and pleasure,
+which encourages a continuance of kindness. Emmeline was always kind,
+but it was indeed happiness to feel she might talk with and share her
+amusements, as in former days; and that, instead of thinking she ought
+not to receive her aunt's affection, the only thing she asked in return
+was her full confidence. The inexpressible rest to poor Ellen which that
+conversation gave is not to be described. It was so blessed, so
+soothing, that it seemed too unnatural to last, and the secret dread
+that her uncle would not feel toward her and Edward as her aunt did was
+its only alloy. Edward, too, was cheerful, and almost happy when with
+her; and a long conversation with Mr. Howard, which that worthy man
+insisted upon having as soon as she was strong enough, to remove the
+false impressions which his severity had given, and which never ceased
+to grieve and reproach him, caused his almost daily visits to be
+anticipated by her with as much gladness as they had before brought
+dread.
+
+"And now that anxiety for Ellen is at end, I must have you take more
+care of yourself, Mrs. Hamilton. Your husband's last injunctions, were,
+that I should never pass a week without calling once or twice at Oakwood
+to know how all was going on, and what would he say to me if he could
+see you now?"
+
+"He little thought how my strength would be tried, my good friend, and
+so will quite acquit you. I assure you that, physically, I am perfectly
+well"--(the worthy doctor shook his head most unbelievingly)--"but even
+with one great anxiety calmed, there remains another, which every week
+increases. It is more than double the usual time of hearing from my
+husband. We have never had any answer to the letters detailing Ellen's
+danger and Edward's return, and the answers have been due a full month."
+
+"But the weather has been so unusually tempestuous, it may have been
+impossible for the Siren to ply to and fro from Feroe to Scotland, as
+Hamilton wished, and no ships are likely to touch at those islands in
+the winter. I really think you need not be anxious on that score; none
+but Arthur Hamilton's head could have contrived your hearing as
+regularly from such an outlandish place as you have done. No news is
+good news, depend upon it. He may be anxious on your account, and
+returning himself."
+
+"God forbid!" answered Mrs. Hamilton, turning very pale; "better the
+anxiety of not hearing from him than the thought of his being at sea in
+this season."
+
+Oakwood had resumed its regular happy aspect, though Ellen was still
+up-stairs. Morris and Ellis had once more the happiness of their beloved
+mistress's superintendence, and proud were they both, as if Caroline had
+been their own child, to show all she had done, and so unostentatiously,
+to save her mother trouble when she had been too anxious to think of any
+thing but Ellen; and the mother's heart swelled with a delicious feeling
+of gratitude to Him who, if in making her so acutely sensible of her
+solemn responsibility had deepened and extended _anxiety_, had yet in
+the same measure heightened and spiritualized _joy_. The fruit was
+indeed worth the nurture, though it might have been often washed with
+tears. Intensely anxious as she felt herself, as did also Mr. Howard and
+Mr. Maitland, and, in fact, all Arthur Hamilton's friends, she yet tried
+to sustain the spirits of her children, for the young men had evidently
+grown anxious on the subject too. It was not unlikely that the seas
+round Feroe, always stormy, should prevent any ship leaving the island,
+and the young people eagerly grasped the idea: so painful is it to youth
+to realize a cause for anxiety; but even they, at times, grew
+unconsciously sad and meditating, as the usually joyous season of
+Christmas and New Year passed, and still there was no letter. Ellen and
+Edward both in secret dreaded the arrival of the answer to the latter's
+confession; but still their affection for Mrs. Hamilton was too
+powerful to permit any thought of self interfering with the wish that
+her anxiety might be calmed.
+
+In January the weather changed; the tremendous winds gave place to an
+almost unnatural calm, and to such excessive mildness and closeness of
+atmosphere, that it affected the health of many who were strong, and not
+only made Ellen very languid, but frequently recalled those dreadful
+headaches which were in themselves an illness. Business called Mr.
+Howard to Dartmouth near the end of the month, and he prevailed on
+Edward to accompany him, for whenever his sister was more than usually
+suffering his gloom redoubled. The first few days were so fine that the
+change renovated him; Mr. Howard declared it was the sight of old ocean,
+and Edward did not deny it; for though it was good for the permanence of
+his repentance and resolution to amend, to have the influence of his
+home sufficiently long, his spirit inwardly chafed at his detention, and
+yearned to be at sea again, and giving proof of his determination to
+become indeed a British sailor.
+
+The third day of their visit, the lull and heaviness of the air
+increased so strangely and closely, for January, as to seem almost
+portentous. Edward and Mr. Howard lingered on the beach; the
+well-practiced eye of the former tracing in many little things unseen to
+landsmen, the slow, but sure approach of a fearful storm.
+
+"It is strange for the season, but there is certainly electricity in the
+air," he said, directing Mr. Howard's attention to ridges of
+white-fringed clouds floating under the heavens, whose murky hue was
+becoming denser and denser; and ever and anon, as lashed by some as yet
+silent and invisible blast, the ocean heaved and foamed, and gave sure
+evidence of approaching fury; "there will be, I fear, a terrible storm
+to-night; and look at those birds" (several sea-gulls were skimming
+along the waves almost bathing their white plumage in the blackened
+waters) "strange how they always herald tempest! Emmeline would call
+them spirits of the blast, reveling in the destruction it foretells!"
+
+"It is approaching already," rejoined Mr. Howard, as a long hollow blast
+moaned and shivered round them, followed by the roar of a mountainous
+wave bursting on the beach. "God have mercy on all exposed to its fury!"
+and he gladly turned more inland, while Edward remained watching its
+progress with an almost pleasurable feeling of excitement, only wishing
+he could but be on the sea, to enjoy it as such a storm deserved to be.
+
+As the day drew to a close it increased, and as darkness set in, its
+fury became appalling. Blasts, long and loud as the reverberation of
+artillery, succeeded one another with awful rapidity, tearing up huge
+trees by the roots, and tiles from the roofs. Now and then, at distant
+intervals, blue lightning played through the black heavens, betraying
+that thunder had mingled with the wind, though it was impossible to
+distinguish the one sound from the other; and as the gusts passed
+onward, streaks of white and spots of strange unnatural blue gleamed
+through the gloom for a moment's space, leaving deeper darkness as they
+disappeared. The ocean, lashed to wildest fury, rolled in huge mountains
+of troubled waters, throwing up showers of snowy foam, contrasting
+strangely with the darkness of earth and heaven, and bursting with a
+sound that deadened for the time even the wild roar of the blast. To
+read or even to converse, in their comfortable quarters in the hotel,
+which overlooked the sea, became as impossible to Mr. Howard as to
+Edward. About eleven o'clock, however, the wind suddenly veered and
+lulled, only sending forth now and then a long sobbing wail, as if
+regretful that its work of destruction was even checked; but the sea
+raged with equal fury, presenting a spectacle as magnificent, as awful,
+and giving no appearance of a calm. A sharp report sounded suddenly from
+the sea--whether it was the first, or that others might have been lost
+in the tumult of the winds and waves, who might answer? Another, and
+another, at such rapid intervals, that the danger was evidently
+imminent, and Edward started to his feet. Again--and he could bear it no
+longer. Hurriedly exclaiming, "They are signals of distress and close at
+hand! Something must be done; no sailor can sit still, and see sailors
+perish!" he rushed to the beach, closely followed by Mr. Howard, who was
+resolved on preventing any mad attempt. Crowds of fishermen and townsmen
+had congregated on the beach, drawn by that fearful sound, which, by the
+light from the guns seemed scarcely half a mile distant; and yet so
+perilous was the present appearance of the ocean, that to go to their
+assistance seemed impossible. Suddenly, however, Edward's voice
+exclaimed, with the glad and eager tone of perfect confidence, "They can
+be saved!--a strong boat and two willing rowers, and I will undertake to
+reach the vessel, and bring the crew safe to shore. Who among you," he
+continued turning eagerly to the group of hardy fishermen, "will be my
+assistants in this act of common humanity? who possesses willing hearts
+and able hands, and will lend them?"
+
+"No one who cares for his life!" was the sullen answer from one of those
+he addressed, and the rest stood silent, eyeing, half disdainfully half
+admiringly, the slight figure of the young sailor, revealed as it was,
+in the fitful light of the many torches scattered by the various groups
+along the beach. "It is well for boys to talk, we can not expect old
+heads on young shoulders; but not a boat with my consent leaves the
+harbor to-night; it would be willful murder."
+
+"I tell you I will stake my life on the venture," answered Edward, his
+passion rising high. "Am I speaking to sailors, and can they hesitate
+when they hear such sounds? Give me but a boat, and I will go by myself:
+and when you need aid, may you find those to give it! you will scarce
+dare ask it, if that vessel perish before your eyes. Lend me a boat, I
+say, fitted for such a sea, and the lender shall be rewarded handsomely.
+If there be such risk, I ask none to share it; my life is my own, and I
+will peril it."
+
+It would have made a fine scene for a painter, that young, slight form
+and boyish face, surrounded by those weather-beaten men, every
+countenance expressing some different emotion, yet almost all unwilling
+admiration; the torches' glare, so lurid on the pitchy darkness; the
+sheets of foam, rising and falling like showers of dazzling snow; the
+craggy background; and, out at sea, the unfortunate vessel, a perfect
+wreck, struggling still with the fast-rising waters. Mr. Howard saw all,
+but with no thought of the picturesque, his mind was far otherwise
+engaged.
+
+"By Neptune! but your honor shall not go alone! I have neither parent,
+nor sister, nor wife to pipe for me, if I go; so my life must be of less
+moment than yours, and if you can so peril it, why should not I?"
+exclaimed a stalwart young fisherman, advancing, and Edward eagerly
+grasped his rough hand, conjuring him to get his boat at once, there was
+not a moment to lose; but the example was infectious, and an old man
+hastily stepped forward, declaring the youngsters had taught him his
+duty, and he would do it.
+
+"Great God! what do they say?" exclaimed Edward, as his younger
+companion hastened down the beach to bring his boat to the leeward of
+the cliff, to launch it more securely, and a rumor ran through the
+crowds, whence arising it was impossible to discover. "The
+Siren--Captain Harvey--my uncle's ship!--and he must be in her--she
+would never leave Feroe without him. What foundation is there for this
+rumor? let me know, for God's sake!"
+
+But none could tell more than that a vessel, entering the harbor just
+before the gale, had hailed the Siren, about twenty miles distant, and
+she seemed laboring heavily, and in such a distressed state that a very
+little would finish her. Not a word escaped Edward's lips which grew for
+the moment blanched as marble. Mr. Howard to whom the rumor had brought
+the most intense agony, for not a doubt of its truth would come to
+relieve him, was at his side, grasping his hand, and murmuring,
+hoarsely--
+
+"Edward, my poor boy, must your life be periled too?--both--both--this
+is awful!"
+
+"Let me but save _him_, and if I perish it will be in a good cause. Tell
+aunt Emmeline, I know she will comfort my poor Ellen; and that the boy
+she has saved from worse misery than death, did all he could to save her
+husband! and if I fail"--he stopped, in strong emotion, then
+added--"give Ellen this, and this," he cut off a lock of his hair with
+his dirk, and placed it and his watch in Mr. Howard's trembling
+hand.--"And now, my friend, God bless you and reward you, too!" He threw
+himself a moment in Mr. Howard's arms, kissed his cheek, and, darting
+down the beach, leaped into the boat, which was dancing like a nutshell
+on the water. It was several minutes, ere they could succeed in getting
+her off, the waves seeming determined to cast her back; but they were
+fairly launched at length, and then they heeded not that one minute they
+rode high on a mountain wave, seeming as if nothing could save them from
+being dashed in the abyss below; the next were buried in a deep valley,
+surrounded by huge walls of water, threatening to burst and overwhelm
+them. For a boat to live in such a sea at all seemed miraculous; and old
+Collins always declared that unless some angel sat at the helm with
+Edward, no human arm could have taken them in safety. If it were an
+angel, it was the pure thought, the faith-winged prayer, that he might
+be the instrument in the Eternal's hand, of turning aside death and
+misery from that beloved home, in which even his errors had been met
+with _love_, and conquered by _forgiveness_.
+
+With every effort, and they were such as to bid the perspiration stream
+down the face and arms of those strong men, and almost exhaust Edward,
+for he took an oar in turn, it was full an hour from their leaving the
+shore before they reached the ship. She had ceased firing, for by the
+lights on shore they had discovered the boat's departure, and watched
+her progress by the lantern at her head, as only those can watch who
+feel, one short hour more, and their ship will float no longer!
+
+Collins was spokesman, for Edward, as they grappled the boat alongside,
+had sunk down for the moment powerless by the helm; roused, however,
+effectually by the answer--
+
+"The Siren--bound to Dartmouth--from Feroe--owner Arthur Hamilton,
+passenger--now on board--nine in crew."
+
+"In with you all then--that is Captain Harvey's voice, I'll be sworn;
+the rumor was only too true."
+
+"Ay, old Collins!" returned the captain; "we thought to perish in sight
+of our own homes; now, Mr. Hamilton, not a man will stir till you are
+safe!"
+
+His companion leaped into the boat without reply, and, sinking on one of
+the benches, drew his cloak closely round his face. Peril was indeed
+still around him, but compared with the--even to that Heaven-directed
+heart--terrible struggle of beholding death, rising slowly but surely
+round him in the water-filling ship, almost within sight and sound of
+his home, his beloved ones, the mere _hope_ of life seemed almost
+overpowering. The crew of the hapless Siren quickly deserted her.
+Captain Harvey was the last to descend, and, as he did so, a block of
+iron, loosened from its place, fell cornerwise, and struck sharply on
+Edward's forehead, almost stunning him for the moment, as he watched the
+captain's descent. He felt the blood slowly trickling down his temple
+and cheek; but he was not one to be daunted by pain: he resumed his
+station at the helm in unbroken silence, only speaking when directions
+were absolutely necessary, and then only in a few brief sailor-terms.
+They had scarcely proceeded a third of their way, when the waters boiled
+and foamed as tossed by some strange whirlpool, and it required all
+Edward's address and skill as steersman to prevent the frail boat from
+being drawn into the vortex. The cause was soon displayed, and every
+heart shuddered, for ten minutes later, and help would indeed have been
+in vain. The unfortunate vessel had sunk--been swallowed up in those
+rushing waters; the suction of so large a mass, producing for a brief
+interval the effect of a whirlpool. The silence of awe and of intense
+thankfulness, fell on the heart of every man, and more than all on his,
+who had so far recovered his first emotion as to gaze wonderingly and
+admiringly on the boyish figure at the helm, whose voice was utterly
+unknown, and whose features the fitful light, and the youth's steadfast
+gaze on his rowers, prevented his tracing with any certainty.
+
+The crowds had increased on the shore, watching with intense eagerness
+the return of the boat; but the expectation was too deep for sound,
+silence almost portentous reigned. A huge sea had concealed her for
+several minutes, and Mr. Howard, who during these two long hours had
+remained spell-bound on the beach, groaned aloud in his agony; again she
+was visible, driven on with fearful velocity by the tide, nearer, nearer
+still. He thought he could distinguish the figure of his friend: he was
+sure he could hear the voice of Edward, urging, commanding, directing a
+landing somewhere, in contradiction to the opinion of others. They were
+within a dozen yards of the shore, but still not a sound of gratulation
+was heard. Every eye was fixed, as in the fascination of terror, on a
+wave in the distance, increasing in size and fury as it rapidly
+approached. It neared the boat--it stood impending over the frail thing
+as a mighty avalanche of waters--it burst; the boat was seen no longer,
+and a wild and terrible cry sounded far and near along the beach!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+FOREBODINGS.
+
+
+The whole of the day Mrs. Hamilton had vainly tried to shake off a most
+unwonted gloom. Convinced herself that it was greatly physical, from the
+unusual oppressiveness of the weather relaxing the nerves, which had so
+many months been overstrained, yet her thoughts would cling to Mr.
+Maitland's words, that her husband might be coming home himself; but if
+the accounts of Ellen's danger and Edward's confession had recalled him,
+he ought to have arrived full two or three weeks previous. The gale that
+swept round her--the awful and unnatural darkness--the remarkable
+phenomena, at that season, of lightning--and the long, loud
+thunder-claps[4] which inland could be fearfully distinguished from the
+gale, appalled the whole household; and therefore it was not much wonder
+that the vague idea of her husband's having left Feroe, and exposure to
+such a tempest, should become in that fearful anxiety almost a certainty
+of agony. It was well, perhaps, that her unselfish nature had an object
+to draw her in some slight degree out of herself, for her firmness, her
+trust beyond the accidents of earth, all seemed about to fail her, and
+make her for the time being most wretched. As the storm and closeness
+increased, so did Ellen's feverish restlessness; her nerves, not yet
+fully restored, felt strung almost to torture with every flash, and
+clap, and blast. She tried to laugh at her own folly; for, though often
+terrified, when a little child, at the storms in India, those of England
+had never affected her at all, and she could not understand why she
+should feel this so childishly. But argument is of little moment in such
+cases; and Mrs. Hamilton, satisfying her that she could no more help her
+present sensation than her physical weakness, tried to soothe and amuse
+her, and in so doing partially cheered herself. She did not leave her
+till past midnight; and then desiring Mrs. Langford to sit up with her
+till she was comfortably asleep, retired to her own bed-room. Never
+since her husband's absence had its solitude felt so vast--so heavily
+oppressive; thought after thought of him thronged her mind till she
+fairly gave up the effort to struggle with them. "Will his voice ever
+sound here again, his heart give me the support I need?" rose to her
+lips, as she gazed round her, and the deep stillness, the gloom only
+broken by a small silver lamp, and the fitful light of the fire, seemed
+but a solemn answer. She buried her face in her clasped hands, and the
+clock struck two before that inward conflict permitted her once more to
+lift up heart and brow in meek, trusting faith to Him who still watched
+over her and her beloved ones; and after an earnest, voiceless prayer,
+she drew her little table, with its books of devotion, to the fire, and
+read thoughtfully, prayerfully, for another hour, and then sought her
+couch. But she could not sleep; the wind had again arisen, and fearing
+to lie awake and listen to it would only renew her unusual agitation,
+she rose at four, dressed herself, and throwing on a large shawl,
+softly traversed the passage, and entered her niece's room; finding her,
+as she fully expected, as wakeful and restless as herself, with the
+addition of an intense headache. She had persuaded nurse Langford to go
+to bed, but the pain had come on since then, and made her more restless
+and feverish than before. She could not lie in any posture to get ease,
+till at last, about six o'clock, completely exhausted, she fell asleep,
+sitting almost upright in her aunt's arms, her head leaning against her,
+as she stood by the bedside. Fearing to disturb her, Mrs. Hamilton would
+not move, desiring the morning prayers to be said without her, and Miss
+Harcourt and her daughters not to wait breakfast, as she would have it
+with Ellen when she awoke. That she was stiff and exhausted with three
+hours' standing in one position, she did not heed, perhaps scarcely
+felt, for woman's loveliest attribute, that of a tender and utterly
+unselfish nurse, was hers to perfection. But she did not refuse the cup
+of chocolate Caroline brought her herself, and with affectionate
+earnestness entreated her to take.
+
+[Footnote 4: These storms, as occurring in Devonshire, in both January
+and February, are no creation of the imagination; the author has heard
+them herself, and more than one officer in the Preventive Service has
+mentioned them as occurring during the night-watches, and of awful
+violence.]
+
+"You look so fatigued and so pale, dearest mother, I wish you would let
+me take your place; I would be so quiet, so gentle, Ellen would not even
+know her change of nurses."
+
+"I do not doubt your care, love, but I fear the least movement will
+disturb this poor child, and she has had such a restless night, I want
+her to sleep as long as she can. Your thoughtful care has so refreshed
+me, that I feel quite strong again, so go and finish your breakfast in
+comfort, dearest."
+
+Caroline very unwillingly obeyed, and about a quarter of an hour
+afterward, Mrs. Hamilton was startled by the sound of a carriage
+advancing with unusual velocity to the house. It stopped at the main
+entrance, and she had scarcely time to wonder who could be such very
+early visitors, when a loud scream, in the voice of Emmeline, rung in
+her ears; whether of joy or grief she could not distinguish, but it was
+the voice of her child, and the already tortured nerves of the wife and
+mother could not bear it without a sensation of terror, amounting to
+absolute agony. She laid Ellen's head tenderly on the pillow, watched
+over her, though her limbs so trembled she could scarcely support
+herself, saw with intense relief that the movement had not disturbed her
+quiet sleep, and calling Mrs. Langford from an adjoining room, hastily
+descended the stairs, though how she did so, and entered the
+breakfast-room, she always said she never knew. Many and eager and glad
+voices were speaking at once; the very servants thronged the hall and
+threshold of the room, but all made way for her.
+
+"Arthur!--my husband!" she did find voice to exclaim, but every object
+but his figure reeled before her, and she fainted in his arms.
+
+It was some time before she recovered, for mind and frame had been too
+long overtasked; and Mr. Hamilton, as he clasped her in his arms,
+beseeching her only to speak to him, and gazed on her deathlike
+countenance, felt in a moment that great as his anxiety had been for
+her, he had not imagined one-half she had endured. His voice--his
+kiss--seemed to rouse the scattered senses, even more effectually than
+Miss Harcourt's anxiously proffered remedies; but she could not speak,
+she only looked up in his face, as if to be quite, quite sure he had
+indeed returned; that her vague fancies of danger, even if they had
+foundation, had merged in the most blissful reality, that she was no
+longer _alone_; and leaning her head on his bosom, was only conscious of
+a thankfulness too deep for words; a repose that, since his departure,
+she had not known for a single day. Neither she nor her husband could
+believe that it was only six months since they had been separated. It
+seemed, and to Mrs. Hamilton especially, as if she must have lived
+through years in that time, it had been so fraught with sorrow.
+
+"Not one word, my own dearest! and only these pallid cheeks and heavy
+eyes to greet me. Must I reproach you directly I come home, for, as
+usual, not thinking enough of yourself; forgetting how precious is that
+self to so many, your husband above all?"
+
+"Nay, papa, you shall not scold mamma," said Emmeline, eagerly, as her
+mother tried to smile and speak in answer. "She ought to scold you, for
+not sending us one line to prepare us for your unexpected presence, and
+frightening us all by coming so suddenly upon us, and making mamma
+faint, as I never saw her do before. Indeed I do not like it, mother
+darling!" continued the affectionate girl, kneeling down by her mother,
+and clinging to her, adding, in a suppressed, terrified voice, "It was
+so like death."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton read in a moment that Emmeline's playfulness was only
+assumed to hide strong emotion; that she was trying very hard for
+complete control, but so trembling, that she knelt down, literally
+because she could not stand. It was such a proof of her endeavor to
+profit by her mother's gentle lessons, that even at that moment it not
+only gave her the sweetest gratification, but helped her to rouse
+herself.
+
+"Indeed, I think you are perfectly right, Emmy," she said, quite in her
+usual voice, as she pressed her child a moment to her, and kissed her
+cheek, which was almost as pale as her own. "I will not submit to any
+scolding, when papa himself is answerable for my unusual weakness; but
+as we wanted him so _very_ much, why, we will be lenient with him, and
+only keep him prisoner with us for some time to come. But get him
+breakfast quickly, Caroline, love; such an early visitor must want it.
+When did you arrive, dearest Arthur?" she added, looking earnestly in
+his face, and half wondering at the expression upon it, it seemed to
+speak so many things; "surely not this morning? You were not at sea in
+yesterday's awful storm?"
+
+"I was indeed, my Emmeline; can you bear to hear it, or have you been
+agitated enough already? I have been in danger, great danger, but our
+Father's infinite mercy has preserved me to you all, making the
+instrument of my preservation so young a lad and slight a frame, I know
+not how sufficiently to bless God, or to thank my preserver."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton's hand closed convulsively on her husband's; her eyes
+riveted on his countenance as if she would grasp his whole meaning at
+once, but little did she guess the whole.
+
+"I did not come alone," he added, striving for composure, and even
+playfulness, "though it seems I was such an important personage, as to
+be the only one seen or thought about."
+
+"By-the-by, I did see, or fancied I saw, Edward," rejoined Caroline,
+who, at the news of her father having been in danger, had left the
+breakfast-table, unable to keep away from him, even that short distance,
+but neither she, nor either of the others, connecting her cousin with
+Mr. Hamilton's words, and not quite understanding why he should have so
+interrupted the most interesting subject. "He has gone to see Ellen, I
+suppose, and so we have missed him. Was he your companion, papa? How and
+where did you meet him?"
+
+"Let him answer for himself!" replied Mr. Hamilton, still determinately
+hiding his feelings under a tone and manner of jest, and leaving his
+wife's side for a moment, he drew Edward from the recess of the window,
+where all this time he had been standing quite unobserved, and led him
+forward.
+
+"Good heavens! Edward, what have you been about?" exclaimed Miss
+Harcourt, and her exclamation was echoed by Caroline and Emmeline, while
+Mrs. Hamilton gazed at him in bewildered alarm. He was deadly pale, with
+every appearance of exhaustion, and a most disfiguring patch on his left
+brow, which he had tried in vain to hide with his hair.
+
+"You have been fighting."
+
+"Only with the elements, Miss Harcourt, and they have rather tired me,
+that is all; I shall be well in a day or two. Don't look so terrified,
+dear aunt," he answered, with the same attempt at jest as his uncle, and
+throwing himself lightly on an ottoman by Mrs. Hamilton, he laid his
+head very quietly on her lap.
+
+"Fighting--and with the elements? Arthur, dearest Arthur, for pity's
+sake tell me the whole truth at once; it can not be--"
+
+"And why should it not, my beloved?" (there was no attempt at jest now).
+"He to whom your care has preserved a sister--whom your indulgent love
+has given courage to resolve that error shall be conquered, and he will
+become all we can wish him--whom you took to your heart and home when
+motherless--God has mercifully made the instrument of saving your
+husband from a watery grave, and giving back their father to your
+children!"
+
+"To be associated in your heart with other thoughts than those of
+ingratitude, and cruelty, and sin! Oh, aunt Emmeline, I can not thank
+God enough for permitting me this great mercy," were the only words poor
+Edward could speak, when the first intensity of his aunt's emotion was
+in some degree conquered, and she could look in his young face, though
+her eyes were almost blinded with tears, and putting back the bright
+hair which the rain and spray had so uncurled, as to lay heavy and damp
+upon his pale forehead, she imprinted a long, silent kiss upon it, and
+looking alternately at him and her husband, seemed powerless to realize
+any other thought.
+
+Mr. Hamilton briefly, but most eloquently, narrated the events of the
+previous night, dwelling only sufficiently on his imminent peril, to
+evince the real importance of Edward's extraordinary exertions, not to
+harrow the feelings of his listeners more than need be. That the young
+officer's determined opposition to the almost angrily expressed opinions
+of Captain Harvey and old Collins as to the better landing-place, had
+saved them from the effects of the huge wave, which had burst like a
+water-spout a minute after they had all leaped in safety on shore,
+almost overwhelming the projecting sand to which Collins had wished to
+direct the boat, and so proving at once Edward's far superior nautical
+knowledge, for had they steered there, the frail bark must inevitably
+have been upset, and its crew washed by the receding torrent back to
+sea. Harvey and Collins acknowledged their error at once, and looked
+eagerly for Edward to say so to him, but he had vanished the moment they
+had achieved a safe landing, to Mr. Hamilton's annoyance, for he had not
+the least suspicion who he was, and only longed to express, if he could
+not otherwise evince his gratitude, Collins and Grey refusing the
+smallest credit, declaring that if it had not been for this young
+stranger officer, of whom they knew nothing, not even his name, not a
+man would have stirred; that for any fisherman or mere ordinary sailor
+to have guided the boat to and from the sinking vessel, in such a sea,
+was so impossible, that no one would have attempted it; old Collins
+ending, with the superstition of his class, by a declaration, that his
+disappearance convinced his already more than suspicion, that it was
+some good angel in a boy's likeness; for Arthur Hamilton would never
+have been permitted so to perish: an explanation, Mr. Hamilton added,
+laughingly, that might suit his Emmy, but was rather too fanciful for
+him. However, his young preserver was nowhere to be found, but, to his
+extreme astonishment, and no little relief (for now that he was so near
+home, his anxiety to hear of all, especially Ellen, whom he scarcely
+dared hope to find alive, became insupportable), Mr. Howard suddenly
+stood before him, grasping both his hands, without the power, for a
+minute or two, to speak. Mr. Hamilton overwhelmed him with questions,
+scarcely giving him time to answer one before he asked another. They had
+nearly reached the hotel, when Captain Harvey's bluff voice was heard
+exclaiming--
+
+"Here he is, Mr. Hamilton; he is too exhausted to escape our thanks and
+blessings now. What could the youngster have tried to hide himself for?"
+
+But before Mr. Hamilton could make any rejoinder, save to grasp the
+young man's hands strongly in his own, Mr. Howard said, eagerly--
+
+"Oblige me, Captain Harvey; take that boy into our hotel, it is only
+just round the corner; make him take off his dripping jacket, and give
+him some of your sailor's stuff. He is not quite strong enough for his
+exertions to-night, and should rest at once."
+
+Captain Harvey bore him off, almost carrying him, for exertion and a
+variety of emotions had rendered him faint and powerless.
+
+"Do you know him, Howard? who and what is he?" But Mr. Howard did not,
+perhaps could not reply, but hurried his friend on to the hotel; and
+entered the room, where, having called for lights, and all the
+ingredients of grog-punch, which he vowed the boy should have instead of
+the brandy and water he had called for, they found Edward trying to
+laugh, and protesting against all coddling; he was perfectly well, and
+he would not go to bed, and could not imagine what right Captain Harvey
+had to be a sailor, if he thought so much of a storm, and a blow, and a
+wetting.
+
+"Nor should I, if you were sailor-rigged; but what business have you
+with this overgrown mast of a figure, and a face pale and delicate as a
+woman's?"
+
+And so like his dying mother it was, that Mr. Hamilton stood for a
+moment on the threshold, completely stupefied. We leave our readers to
+imagine the rest; and how Captain Harvey carried the seemingly marvelous
+news that the brave young officer was Mr. Hamilton's own nephew, over
+the town, and in every fisherman's hut, in a miraculously short space of
+time.
+
+We may as well state here at once, to save farther retrospection, that
+Mr. Hamilton, by the active and admirable assistance of Morton, had,
+after a three months' residence at Feroe, perceived that he might return
+to England much sooner than he had at first anticipated; still he did
+not like to mention even the probability of such a thing to his family,
+till perfectly certain himself. Morton never ceased persuading him to
+name a period for his return, knowing the comfort it would be to his
+home; but Mr. Hamilton could not bear the idea of leaving his friend in
+his voluntary banishment so many months sooner than they had reckoned
+on. When, however, the letters came from Oakwood, detailing Edward's
+return, and the discoveries thence proceeding, his anxiety and, let it
+be owned, his extreme displeasure against his nephew, prompted his
+return at once. Morton not only conquered every objection to his
+immediate departure, but tried, and in some measure succeeded, to soften
+his anger, by bringing before him many points in Mr. Howard's letter,
+showing real, good, and true repentance in the offender, which a first
+perusal of a narrative of error had naturally overlooked. The seas,
+however, were so fearfully tempestuous and the winds so adverse, that
+it was impossible either to leave Feroe, or get a letter conveyed to
+Scotland, for a full fortnight after the Siren's last voyage. Nothing
+but the extreme urgency of the case, increased by the fact that the
+detention of the Siren at Wick had given Mr. Hamilton a double packet of
+letters, but the second, though dated ten days later, gave the same
+hopeless account of Ellen, could have made him attempt a voyage home in
+such weather; yet he felt he could not rest, knowing intuitively the
+misery his wife must be enduring, and scarcely able to bear even the
+thought of what seemed most probable, that Ellen would be taken from
+her, and the aggravated trial it would be. The voyage was a terrible
+one, for length and heavy gales. More than once they wished to put into
+port, that Mr. Hamilton might continue his journey by land, but their
+only safety seemed keeping out at sea, the storm threatening to dash
+them on rock or shoal, whenever in sight of land.
+
+By the time they reached the Land's End--they had come westward of
+England, instead of eastward, as they went--the vessel was in such a
+shattered and leaky condition, that Captain Harvey felt and
+acknowledged, she could not weather out another storm. The calm that had
+followed the heavy gales, gave hope to all; even though the constant
+shiftings of the wind, which was now not more than what, in sailor's
+parlance, is called a cat's-paw, prevented their making as much way as
+they desired. At length they were within twenty miles of Dartmouth, and
+not a doubt of their safety disturbed them, until the darkening
+atmosphere, the sullen rise and suppressed roar of the billows, the wind
+sobbing and wailing at first, and then bursting into that awful gale,
+which we have before described, banished every human hope at once. The
+rudder snapped; every half-hour the water gained upon the hold, though
+every man worked the pumps. There was not a shred of canvas, but the
+masts, and yards, and stays bent and snapped like reeds before the
+blast. To guide her was impossible; she was driven on--on--till she
+struck on a reef of rock about a mile, or less, perhaps from Dartmouth.
+Then came their signals of distress, as a last lone hope, for the crew
+of the Siren were all too good seamen to dare believe a boat could
+either be pushed off, or live in such a sea. Their wonder, their hope,
+their intense thankfulness, when it was discovered, may be imagined. The
+rest is known.
+
+"And how did you get this disfiguring blow, my dear Edward?" inquired
+his aunt, whose eyes, it seemed, would turn upon him, as if impossible
+to connect that slight figure with such immense exertions--though some
+time had passed, and a social, happy breakfast, round which all still
+lingered, had enabled them to subdue too painful emotion, and only to be
+conscious of the most deep and grateful joy.
+
+"Pray do not call it disfiguring, aunt; I am quite proud of it. Last
+night I could have dispensed with such a striking mark of affection from
+the poor Siren, though I really hardly felt it, except that the blood
+would trickle in my eye, and almost blind me, when I wanted all my sight
+and senses too. But this morning Mr. Howard has made such a kind fuss
+about it, that I think it must be something grand."
+
+"But what did you hide yourself for, Ned?" demanded Emmeline, all her
+high spirits recalled. Her cousin hesitated and a flush mounted to his
+forehead.
+
+"It was fear, Emmeline; absolute fear!"
+
+"Fear!" she repeated, laughing; "of what? of all the bogies and spirits
+of the winds and waves, whose wrath you dared, by venturing to oppose
+them? Nonsense, Edward! you will never make me believe that."
+
+"Because you do not know me," he answered, with startling earnestness.
+"How can your gentle nature understand the incongruities of mine? or
+loving your father as you do, and as he deserves, comprehend the dread,
+belief in his unpitying sternness to youthful error, which from my
+childhood he held--he holds--my fate, forgiveness or exposure, and how
+could I meet him calmly? Emmeline, Emmeline, if I had been but as
+morally brave as I may be physically, I should have had nothing to
+dread, nothing to hide. As it is, uncle Hamilton, judge, act, decide as
+you would, if I had not been the undeserved means of saving you--it will
+be the best for me;" and, rising hurriedly, he left the room before any
+one could reply.
+
+"But you will forgive him, papa; you will try him again; and I am sure
+he will be morally brave, too," pleaded Emmeline; her sister and Miss
+Harcourt joining in the entreaty and belief, and Mrs. Hamilton looking
+in his face without uttering a word. Mr. Hamilton's answer seemed to
+satisfy all parties.
+
+Ellen meanwhile had awoke, quite refreshed, and all pain gone, been
+dressed and conveyed to her daily quarters, the events of the morning
+entirely unknown to her; for though the joyful news, spreading like
+wildfire through the house, had reached Mrs. Langford's ears, and made
+her very happy, she had quite judgment enough, even without a message to
+the effect from her mistress, to keep it from Ellen till carefully
+prepared.
+
+"What can I say to my little Ellen for deserting her so long?" inquired
+Mrs. Hamilton, playfully, as she entered her room, about twelve o'clock,
+after a long private conversation with her husband.
+
+"I wish you would tell me you had been lying down, dear aunt; it would
+satisfy me better than any other reason."
+
+"Because you think it would do me the most good, dearest. But look at
+me, and tell me if you do not think I must have been trying some equally
+efficacious remedy." Ellen did look, and so radiant was that kind face
+with happiness, that she was startled.
+
+"What _has_ happened, aunt Emmeline? You have heard from my uncle," she
+added, her voice trembling. "What does he say?--will he--"
+
+"He says, you must summon all your smiles to greet him, love; for he
+hopes to be with us very, _very_ shortly, so you will not wonder at my
+joy?"
+
+Ellen tried to sympathize in it; but Mrs. Hamilton soon saw that her
+perhaps near dread of what should be her uncle's judgment on her brother
+and herself, prevented all pleasurable anticipation of his arrival, and
+that the only effectual way of removing it was to let them meet as soon
+as possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+FORGIVENESS.
+
+
+Three days after Mr. Hamilton's arrival, a cheerful party assembled in
+his wife's dressing-room, which, in its elegant appurtenances--signs as
+they were, of a most refined and beautiful taste--certainly deserved a
+higher appellation; but boudoir, Percy had always declared, did not
+harmonize at all with the old English comforts of Oakwood, and he would
+not have a French word to designate his mother's room especially. Ellen
+was on her sofa working; Edward, who she thought had only returned that
+morning, at her side, reading; Caroline and Emmeline, drawing, the one
+with some degree of perseverance, the other with none at all. It seemed
+as if she could not sit still, and her wild sallies, and snatches of old
+songs, repeatedly made Miss Harcourt look up from her book, and Mrs.
+Hamilton from her work, surprised.
+
+"Emmeline, I _can not_ draw," exclaimed Caroline, at length; "you are
+making the table as restless as yourself."
+
+"Why can you not say it was moved by an irresistible sympathy? It is
+most extraordinary that you will still speak plain matter-of-fact, when
+I am doing all I can to make you poetical."
+
+"But what am I to poetize on now, Emmeline?--the table, or yourself?
+because, at present, they are the only subjects under consideration, and
+I really can not see any thing very poetical in either."
+
+"Not even in _me_, Lina?" archly replied Emmeline, bending down so that
+her face should come before her sister, instead of her copy, which was a
+very pretty, small marble figure. "Now, if you were not the most
+determined piece of prose in the world, you would find poetry even in my
+face.
+
+    "For, lo! the artist no more gazed
+      On features still and cold;
+    He stood, bewilder'd and amazed,
+      As living charms unfold.
+
+    "As if touch'd by yon orient ray,
+      The stone to life had warm'd;
+    For round the lip such bright smiles play,
+      As never sculptor form'd.
+
+There, Caroline, that is what you ought to have _felt_. If I can make
+poetry on my own face--"
+
+"Poetry on yourself! Why, Emmeline, I thought you were repeating a verse
+of some old poet, with which I am unacquainted. I really beg your
+pardon. I did not know your favorite Muse had dubbed you follower as
+well as worshiper."
+
+"Nor did I till this moment. She feared for her reputation near such a
+love of prose as you are, and so touched me with inspiration. I am
+exceedingly obliged to her; but even if I failed to make you poetical,
+Caroline, you might have emulated Cowper, and instead of singing the
+'Sofa,' sung the 'Table.' Indeed I think a very pretty poem might be
+made of it. Look at the variety of tasteful and useful things laid on a
+table--and there it stands in the midst of them, immovable, cold,
+insensible just like one on whom we heap favors upon favors, and who
+remains so wrapped in self, as to be utterly indifferent to all. Now,
+Caroline, put that into rhyme, or blank verse, if you prefer it; it is a
+new idea, at least."
+
+"So new," replied her sister, laughing, "that I think I will send it to
+Percy, and request him to turn it into a Greek or Latin ode; it will be
+so much grander than my English version. You have so astonished mamma,
+Emmeline, by your mad mood, that she has actually put down her work."
+
+"I am so glad!" replied Emmeline, springing to her mother's side; "I
+like other people to be as idle as myself."
+
+"But there is a medium in all things, young lady," answered her mother,
+half-gravely, half in Emmeline's own tone; "and I rather think your
+conscience is telling you, that it is not quite right to desert one Muse
+for another, as you are doing now."
+
+"Oh, but my drawing must wait till her Muse inspires me again. Poetry
+does not always come, and her visits are so delightful!"
+
+"Then I am afraid you will think me very harsh, Emmeline; but delightful
+as they are, I must not have them always encouraged. If you encourage
+the idea of only working when the fit of inspiration comes upon you--in
+plain words, only when you feel inclined--you will fritter life away
+without one solid thought or acquirement. You think now, perhaps,
+habituated as you are to employment, that this is impossible; but you
+are just of an age to demand very strict watchfulness over yourself to
+prevent it. Now that you are emerging from the routine of childhood's
+lessons, and too old to be compelled to do that which is right,
+and--rendering your task of control more difficult--more susceptible to
+poetry, and what you term inspiration, than ever, you must try and
+infuse a little of Caroline's steady, matter-of-fact into your poetry,
+instead of almost despising it, as so cold and disagreeable. Now, do not
+look so very sad, and so very serious, love, and jump at the conclusion
+that I am displeased, because I speak seriously. I love your joyousness
+far too dearly to check it, or wish you to do so, especially in your own
+family; but just as you have learned the necessity of, and evinced so
+well and so feelingly, control in emotions of sorrow, my Emmeline, so I
+am quite sure you will trust my experience, and practice control, even
+in the pleasant inspiration of poetry and joy."
+
+Emmeline sat very quiet for several minutes; she was just in that mood
+of extreme hilarity which renders control excessively difficult, and
+causes the least check upon it to be felt as harsh and unkind, and
+almost to bring tears. She was not too perfect to escape from feeling
+all this, even though the person who had caused it was the mother she so
+dearly loved; but she did not give way to it. A few minutes' hard
+struggle, and the momentary temper was so conquered, that, with an even
+more than usually warm kiss, she promised to think quite seriously on
+all her mother said; and, an effort far more difficult, was just as
+joyous as before.
+
+"I have made so many mistakes in my drawing, mamma, I really do not
+think I can go on with it to-day; do let me help you, I will take such
+pains with my work, it shall be almost as neat as yours; and then,
+though my fingers are employed, at least I may go on talking."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton assented, telling her she might talk as much as she
+pleased, with one of those peculiar smiles of approval which ever made
+Emmeline's heart throb, for they always told her, that the thoughts and
+feelings, and secret struggle with temper, which she imagined must be
+known only to herself, her mother by some mysterious power had
+discovered, and rewarded.
+
+"Edward what are you so deep in?--'Fragments of Voyages and Travels'--I
+thought it was something much _deeper_ than that by the deep attention
+you are giving it. You should dip in oceans, not in fragments of water,
+Ned."
+
+"I did not feel inclined for the exertion," he replied, smiling.
+
+"Do you know," she continued, "when I first read that book, which I did
+merely because I had a lurking sort of affection for a handsome cousin
+of mine who was a sailor, I was so charmed with the tricks you all
+played in the cockpit, that I was seized with a violent desire to don a
+middy's dress, and come after you; it would have made such a pretty
+story, too; but I did not think mamma and papa would quite approve of
+it, so I desisted. Should I not make a very handsome boy, Edward?"
+
+"So handsome," he replied, again smiling, "that I fear you would not
+have preserved your incognita half an hour, especially with those
+flowing curls."
+
+"My dear Emmeline, do tell me, what has made you in this mood?" asked
+Ellen; "last week you were so sad, and the last three days you have
+been--"
+
+"Wild enough to frighten you, Ellen; ah, if you did but know the
+reason."
+
+"You had better satisfy her curiosity, Emmy," said Mrs. Hamilton, so
+meaningly, that Emmeline's ready mind instantly understood her. "Tell
+her all that did occur in that awful storm three days ago, as poetically
+and lengthily as you like; no one shall interrupt you, if you will only
+be very careful not to exaggerate or alarm."
+
+Edward gave up his seat to his cousin, and Emmeline launched at once
+into a most animated description of the storm and the shipwreck, and the
+rescue; cleverly contriving so to hide all names, as to elude the least
+suspicion of either the preserved or the preserver having any thing to
+do with herself, Ellen becoming so exceedingly interested, as to lose
+sight of the question which at first had struck her, what this could
+have to do with Emmeline's wild spirits.
+
+"You do not mean to say it was his own father he saved?" she said, as
+her cousin paused a minute to take breath; "your tale is becoming so
+like a romance, Emmy, I hardly know how to believe it."
+
+"I assure you it is quite true; only imagine what my young hero's
+feelings must have been, and those of the family, to whom he gave back a
+husband and a father!"
+
+"I should think them so intense, so sacred, as to be hardly joy at
+first, and scarcely possible to be imagined, even by your vivid fancy,
+Emmy."
+
+"I don't know, Ellen, but I think I _can_ imagine them; you may shake
+your head, and look wise, but I will prove that I can by-and-by. But
+what do you think of my hero?"
+
+"That I should like to know him, and admire him quite as much as you can
+desire--and who told you all this?"
+
+"One of the principal actors in the scene?"
+
+"What, has your _penchant_ for any thing out of the common way reached
+Dartmouth, and old Collins brought you the tale?"
+
+"No," replied Emmeline, laughing; "guess again."
+
+"William Grey?"
+
+"No."
+
+"One of the rescued crew who may know my aunt?"
+
+"Wrong again, Ellen."
+
+"Then I can not guess, Emmeline; so pray tell me."
+
+"You are very silly, Ellen; were not Mr. Howard and Edward both at
+Dartmouth at the time? why did you not guess them? Not that I had it
+from either."
+
+"Edward!" repeated Ellen, "did he know any thing about it?"
+
+"More than any one else dearest," answered Mrs. Hamilton, cautiously,
+but fondly; "put all Emmeline's strange tale together, and connect it
+with my happiness the other morning, and I think your own heart will
+explain the rest."
+
+"More especially with this speaking witness," continued Emmeline
+playfully putting back Edward's hair, that Ellen might see the scar. She
+understood it in a moment, and clasping her arms round her brother's
+neck, as he knelt by her, tried hard to prevent emotion, but could not,
+and burst into tears.
+
+"Tears, my little Ellen; I said I would only be greeted with smiles,"
+exclaimed a rich, deep voice close beside her, and before she had time
+to fear his presence, she felt herself clasped with all a father's
+fondness in her uncle's arms; her head resting on his shoulder, and his
+warm kiss on her cheek.
+
+"Edward!" was the only word she could speak.
+
+"Do not fear for him, my dear Ellen; true repentance and a firm
+resolution to amend are all I ask, and if his future conduct really
+prove them, the errors of his youth shall be forgotten, as if they had
+never been."
+
+"And--and--"
+
+"I know all you would say, my dear child. I did think there could be no
+excuse, no palliation, for your sin; but even if I still wish the
+temptation had been resisted, you have indeed suffered for it, more than
+the harshest judgment could desire; let it be forgotten as entirely and
+as fully as it is forgiven."
+
+In a very few minutes Ellen's composure was so fully restored, and her
+heavy dread so subsided, that the relief seemed to her almost a dream.
+Could it be possible that it was the relative she had pictured as so
+harsh and stern, and pitiless to youthful error, who had drawn a chair
+close by her sofa, and caressingly holding her hand in his, and looking
+so kindly, so earnestly, in her altered face, was trying to amuse her by
+telling her so many entertaining things about Feroe and Mr. Morton, and
+his voyage home, and alluding to her brother's courage, and prudence,
+and skill, in such terms as almost brought the tears again? Mr.
+Hamilton was inexpressibly shocked at the change which mental and bodily
+suffering had wrought in his niece. There is always something peculiarly
+touching, and appealing to the best emotions, in youthful sorrow or
+suffering of any kind; and her trial had been such an aggravated
+one--combining such agonized remorse, for an act, which the harshest
+judgment, knowing all points of the case, could scarcely pronounce as
+other than involuntary, with the most heroic, but perfectly unconscious
+self-sacrifice, and not only terror for her brother's fate, but an
+almost crushing sense of misery for his faults, that the pallid face,
+and frame so delicately fragile, had still deeper claims for sympathy
+and cherishing than even when caused by ordinary illness. The loss of
+her unusually luxuriant hair, except the soft bands which shaded her
+face, visible under the pretty little lace cap, made her look much
+younger than she really was, and so delicately transparent had become
+her complexion, that the blue veins were clearly traceable on her
+forehead, and throat, and hands; the dark, soft lash seemed longer than
+before, as it swept the pale cheek, the brow more penciled, and the eye,
+whether in imagination, from her friends knowing all she had endured, or
+in reality, was so expressive of such deep, quiet feeling, that the
+whole countenance was so altered and so improved, that it seemed as if
+the heavy, sallow child was rapidly changing into one of those sweet,
+lovable, heart-attracting girls, who, without any actual beauty, can
+never be passed unnoticed.
+
+At Ellen's request, Mrs. Hamilton had, as soon as she was strong enough,
+read with her, morning and evening, the devotional exercises which were
+read below to the assembled family. Mrs. Hamilton soon perceived, and
+with no little pain, that Ellen shrunk from the idea of being well
+enough to rejoin them, in actual suffering. Here again was an effect of
+that same vivid imagination, of whose existence, until the late events,
+in one so quiet, seemingly so cold, Mrs. Hamilton had not the least idea
+of. Ellen had been so long accustomed to be silent as to her feelings,
+in fact, carefully to conceal them, that much as she might wish and
+intend to be unreserved, her aunt feared it would cause her some
+difficulty to be so, and she could not hope to succeed in controlling
+imagination, unless she were. That night, however, Ellen's unreserved
+confidence gave her hope. When the devotional exercises, in which she
+had joined with even more than usual earnestness and fervor, were
+concluded, she said, with almost Emmeline's confidence, as she laid her
+hand on her aunt's--
+
+"I am so very, very happy to-night, dear aunt, that I am afraid I do not
+think enough of what is past. I did so dread my uncle's return--so
+tremble at what his sentence would be on Edward and myself, that even
+your kindness would not remove the weight; and now, that I have found it
+all so groundless, and he is so kind--so indulgent, I am so relieved,
+that I fear I must have thought more of his anger than the anger of God.
+My sin remains the same in His sight, though you and uncle Hamilton have
+so fully forgiven it, and--and--I do not think I ought to feel so
+happy."
+
+"Indeed, my dear Ellen, I think you may. Our Heavenly Father is still
+more merciful than man, as Mr. Howard so clearly proved to you, in the
+long conversation you had with him. We know, by His Holy Word, that all
+he asks is sincere repentance for sin, and a firm conviction that in Him
+only we are made sufficiently righteous for our penitence to be
+accepted. I believe, Ellen, that His forgiveness was yours, long before
+I could give you mine, for He could read your heart, and saw the reason
+of your silence, and all the remorse and suffering, which, from the
+appearances, against you, I might not even guess; and that, in His
+compassionating love and pity, He permitted your increased trial;
+ordaining even the failure of the relief to Edward, to convince you,
+that, not even in such a fearful case as yours, might error, however
+involuntary, prosper. I can trace His loving providence even in the fact
+of your finding one more note than you wanted, that discovery might
+thence come, which, without such a seeming chance, was, humanly
+speaking, impossible. He has shown compassion and love for you and
+Edward, in the very sufferings He ordained. So do not check your
+returning happiness, fearing it must be unacceptable to Him. Try to
+trace all things, either of joy or sorrow, to Him. Associate Him with
+your every thought, and believe me, my own Ellen, your very happiness
+will both draw you nearer to Him, and be an acceptable offering in his
+sight."
+
+Ellen listened eagerly, gratefully; she felt as if, with every word Mrs.
+Hamilton said, the film of doubt and vague fancies was dissolving from
+her mind, and, after a short pause, she said--
+
+"Then you do not think, aunt Emmeline, my inability to pray for so long
+a time, was a proof that God had utterly forsaken me? It made me still
+more wretched, for I thought it was a sure sign that I was so
+irredeemably wicked, He had left me to the devices of my own heart, and
+would never love or have mercy on me again. Even after you had quite
+forgiven me, and proved to me my promise was a mistaken one and not
+binding, I still felt the difficulty to pray, and it was so painful."
+
+"Such inability is very often so entirely physical, my dear Ellen, that
+we must not think too much about it. Our simple duty is to persevere,
+however little satisfactory our devotions; and put our firm trust in our
+heavenly Father, that He will heal us, and permit His countenance so to
+shine upon us again, as to derive _comfort_ from our prayers. Your
+inability before your illness was the natural consequence of Mr.
+Howard's severe representations, which he has since assured me, he never
+would have used, if he could have had the least idea of the cause of
+your silence. You, my poor child, were suffering too much, from a
+complete chaos of conflicting feelings and duties, to be able to realize
+this, and I am not at all astonished, that when you most yearned for the
+comfort of prayer and trust, the thought that by your silence you were
+failing in your duty to me and so disobeying God, should utterly have
+prevented it. Since your severe illness the inability has been entirely
+physical. As strength and peace return, you will regain the power, and
+realize all its comfort. Try, and under all feelings trust in and love
+God, and do not be too much elated, when you can think seriously and
+pray joyfully, nor too desponding when both fail you. In our present
+state, _physical_ causes alone, so often occasion these differences of
+feeling in hours of devotion, that if we thought too much about them, we
+should constantly think wrong, and be very miserable. Try and prove your
+desire to love and serve God, in your _daily conduct_ and _secret
+thoughts_, my Ellen, and you will be able to judge of your spiritual
+improvement by _action_ and _feeling_, far more truly and justly than by
+the mood in which you pray."
+
+The earnestness of truth and feeling was always so impressed on Mrs.
+Hamilton's manner, whenever she addressed her youthful charge, that her
+simplest word had weight. Happy indeed is it when youth--that season of
+bewildering doubt and question, and vivid, often mistaken fancies, and
+too impetuous feeling--has the rich blessing of such affectionate
+counsels, such a friend. Why will not woman rise superior to the petty
+employments and feelings too often alone attributed to her, and endeavor
+to fit herself for such a thrice blessed mission; and by sympathy with
+young enjoyments--young hopes--young feelings, so attract young
+affections, that similar counsels, similar experiences, may so help and
+guide, that the restless mind and eager heart quiesce into all the calm,
+deep, beautiful characteristics, which so shine forth in the true
+English wife--the true English mother!
+
+A fortnight after Mr. Hamilton's arrival, Ellen was well enough to go
+down stairs for part of the day, and even to read and write a little.
+She was so very anxious to recommence her studies, which for many months
+had been so painfully neglected, that it was a great trial to her, to
+find her head was not yet strong enough for the necessary application.
+There were many, very many privations and trials, attendant on
+convalescence after so severe an illness, known only to Ellen's own
+heart, and to her aunt's quick sympathy; and she very quickly learned in
+them the meaning of Mrs. Hamilton's words regarding religion in conduct
+and feeling, as well as in prayer. She tried never to murmur, or dwell
+on the wish for pleasures which were denied her, but to think only on
+the many blessings which surrounded her. It was not an easy task so to
+conquer natural feeling, especially as the trial and its conquest was
+often known only to herself; but the earnest wish, indeed, to become
+holy in daily conduct, as well as in daily prayer, never left her mind,
+and so enabled her at length fully to obtain it.
+
+If Mrs. Hamilton had wanted evidence of her husband's public as well as
+domestic worth, she would have had it fully now. His danger and his
+preservation once known, letters of regard and congratulation poured
+upon him, and Montrose Grahame made a journey down to Oakwood expressly
+to welcome back, and express his individual gratitude for his friend's
+safety to his youthful preserver. But Edward so shrunk from praise or
+admiration, that his uncle, rejoicing at the feeling, would not press
+him, as he had first intended, to accompany him to Oxford, where he went
+to see his sons. Percy rated him soundly in a letter for not coming.
+Herbert seemed, as if he could only think of his father's danger, and
+thank God for his safety, and for permitting Edward to be the means. So
+great was the desire of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton to re-assemble all their
+happy family once more, before Edward left them, that the young men
+made an exception to their general rule, and promised to spend Easter
+week at home. It was early in March, and anticipated by the home party
+with the greatest delight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE RICH AND THE POOR.
+
+
+"We have had such a delightful excursion, mamma. Ellen, how I do wish
+you could have been with us!" joyously exclaimed Emmeline, as she ran
+into the usual sitting room, one of those lovely afternoons, that the
+first days of March so often bring, promising spring long before she
+really comes. "It is such a picturesque cottage, and Dame Collins, and
+Susan, and a host of little ones, look so nice, and so clean, and so
+pretty, and happy; it does one's heart good to look at them."
+
+"Are you sure you can not find another adjective to apply to them, Emmy?
+You have heaped so many together, that it is a pity you can not find a
+few more."
+
+"But they really do look so comfortable, and are so grateful for all you
+and papa have done for them: Emmeline's description for once, is not too
+flowing," rejoined the quieter Caroline, who had followed her sister
+into the room.
+
+"And were they pleased with your visit?" asked Ellen.
+
+"Oh, delighted! particularly at our making their pretty little parlor
+our dining-room, and remaining so long with them, that they could show
+us all their comforts and conveniences, without any bustle."
+
+"Mrs. Collins is really a sensible woman. Do you not think so, mamma?"
+inquired Caroline.
+
+"Yes, my dear. She has brought up her own large family and her poor
+orphan grandchildren so admirably, in the midst of their extreme
+poverty, and bears such a name for kindness among her still poorer
+neighbors, that I truly respect and admire her. She is quite one of
+those in whom I have often told you some of the very loftiest virtues
+are to be found; and yet to see her, as she trudges about in her homely,
+humble fashion, never dreaming she is doing or has done any thing
+remarkable in her hard-working life, who would suspect it?"
+
+"Only look, Ellen, how beautifully our collection will be increased,"
+continued Emmeline, who just at that moment was only alive to pleasure,
+not to contemplation, even of goodness, in which she much delighted, and
+pouring into her cousin's lap a basket of beautiful shells and other
+marine treasures. "Papa has just given us a new cabinet in time, though
+he only thought of it as a place for his Feroe curiosities. To think of
+his remembering our tastes even there!"
+
+"But where did you get these from?"
+
+"Why, the children were playing with some, which were so perfect, I
+could not help admiring them, and Mrs. Collins was in a bustle of
+pleasure that I liked any thing so trifling, because she could gratify
+me, and she made me take all these, adding, that her good man would be
+sure to look out for some more for us; for when I told her they not only
+pleased me, but my poor invalid cousin, who was Edward's sister, you
+should have seen how her eyes sparkled."
+
+"Oh, you have quite won the dame's heart, Emmy!" said Miss Harcourt.
+"What with talking to her, and to Susan, and playing with every one of
+the children, and making them tell you all their plays and their
+schooling, and then gathering you a nosegay, telling them it should
+adorn your room at home!"
+
+"And so it shall," gayly interrupted Emmeline; "I desired Robert to put
+them in water directly, for they were very pretty, and I like them
+better than the best bouquet from our greenhouse."
+
+"I do not quite agree with you, Emmeline," said Caroline, smiling.
+
+"Not you, Lina, who ever thought you would? by-the-by, I never saw you
+so agreeable and natural in a poor man's cottage in my life. What were
+you saying to Dame Collins? actually holding her hand, and something
+very bright shining in your eye."
+
+"Dear Emmy, do not run on so," whispered Ellen, as she noticed
+Caroline's cheek crimson. Emmeline was at her side in a moment, with an
+arm round her neck.
+
+"Caroline, dear, forgive me. I did not mean to tease you; only it was
+unusual, was it not?"
+
+"I was trying to tell Mrs. Collins all I thought of her husband's share
+in saving our dear father, Emmy. I forgot all of folly and pride then."
+
+"You are very seldom proud now, dearest Lina, and I was the foolish one
+not to have guessed what you were saying, with out tormenting you.
+Mamma, do you know I have such an admirable plan in my head?"
+
+"First tell mamma," interrupted Caroline, "that William Grey has chosen
+to be a partner with Collins in the more extended fishing and boating
+business, which papa has secured them, instead of entering into business
+by himself; this has been settled since you were there, I think."
+
+"Yes, my dear, I did not know it; but Mrs. Collins must like it, for she
+regretted very much that her sons were all scattered in different
+trades, and her little grandson, whose taste pointed to the sea, was not
+old enough to go out with his grandfather."
+
+"But only listen to my plan, mamma, dear! William Grey and Susan Collins
+can not possibly see much of each other, without falling in love; and
+they will make such an industrious, pretty couple, and papa will give
+them a cottage to themselves, and I will go to their wedding!"
+
+"Just such a plan as I should expect from your giddy brain, Emmy. But
+how do you know that Grey has any desire for a wife?"
+
+"Oh, because Edward said he could not help remarking, even in the midst
+of that awful scene, how mournfully he said he would bear a hand, for he
+had neither mother, sister, nor wife to pipe for him; now, if he married
+Susan, he would have a very pretty wife to lament him."
+
+"Poor Susan, I fancy she would rather not become his wife, if it be only
+to mourn for him, Emmy; rather a novel reason for a marriage,
+certainly."
+
+"Oh, but mamma, dear! you know that I don't mean exactly and only that;
+somebody to be interested for, and love him. No one can be happy without
+that."
+
+"Susan was telling me, mamma, how thankful she is to you, for finding
+her and her sister employment, that they might be able to help the
+family," rejoined Caroline. "I was quite pleased with her manner of
+speaking, and she blushed so prettily when Miss Harcourt praised the
+extreme neatness of her work."
+
+"Ah, mamma, if you could but hear all they say of you!" again burst
+forth Emmeline, who it seemed could not be quiet, going from one subject
+to another with the same eager zest; "if you had but heard the old dame
+tell her astonishment and her pride, when she saw you enter their
+former miserable hut, and sitting down on an old sea-chest, invite her
+to tell, and listened to all her troubles, just as if you had been her
+equal, and left such comfort and such hope behind you, as had not been
+theirs for many a long day. She actually cried when she spoke, and so
+did I, because she spoke so of _my_ mother. Oh, mother, darling, how
+proud your children ought to be, to belong to one so beloved, so revered
+by the poor and the rich too, as you are!"
+
+"Flatterer!" playfully answered Mrs. Hamilton, laying her hand
+caressingly on her child's mouth, as she knelt in sport before her. "I
+will not bear such praise, even from you. Believe me, darling, to win
+love and respect is so easy, so delightful, that there is no merit in
+obtaining it. We ought only to be thankful, when granted such a station
+and such influence as will permit extended usefulness and thought for
+others, without wronging our own."
+
+"Yes; but, mamma, many people do a great deal of good, but somehow or
+other they are not beloved."
+
+"Because, perhaps, in their earnest desire to accomplish a great deal of
+good, they may not think quite enough of _little_ things, and of the
+quick sympathy with other persons' feelings, which is the real secret of
+winning love, and without which, sometimes even the greatest benefit is
+not valued as it ought to be. But did you see old Collins himself?"
+
+"He came in just before we left, and was so delighted to see papa
+sitting in his ingle-nook, and only wished Edward had been there too."
+
+"And where is your father?" asked Mrs. Hamilton. "Did he not return with
+you?"
+
+"Yes, but Edward wanted him, and they are in the library. I am quite
+certain there is some conspiracy between them; these long private
+interviews bode no good. I shall scold papa for being so mysterious,"
+said Emmeline.
+
+"I rather think he will return the benefit, by scolding you for being so
+curious, Emmy. But here is Edward, so the interview to-day has not been
+very long."
+
+"Has papa been telling you old Collins' naval news, Ned?" And, without
+waiting for an answer, she continued, "that there is a fine
+seventy-four, the Sea Queen, preparing at Plymouth, to take the place of
+your old ship, and send back Sir Edward Manly and the Prince William.
+Now do not tell me you know this, Edward, and so disappoint me of the
+rare pleasure of telling news."
+
+"I am sorry, Emmy, but I have known it for some weeks."
+
+"And why did you not tell us?"
+
+"Because I did not think it would particularly interest you until I
+could add other intelligence to it." He stopped, and looked alternately
+at Mrs. Hamilton and Ellen, as if asking the former whether he might
+proceed.
+
+"And can you do so now, my dear Edward?" she replied understanding him
+at once. "Ellen is too anxious for your advancement to expect, or wish
+you always to remain with her. Have you your appointment?"
+
+"Yes aunt. My uncle's letter to the admiralty brought an answer at last.
+It came while he was out, and has been tantalizing me on the
+library-table for four hours. But it is all right. As the Prince William
+is returning, and I am so anxious to be still in active service, I am
+permitted, though somewhat against rule, to have a berth in the Sea
+Queen. I am sure it is all uncle Hamilton's representations, and I am so
+thankful, so glad!"
+
+"To leave us all, again, you unfeeling savage!" exclaimed Emmeline,
+trying to laugh off the universal regret at this announcement. Ellen had
+looked earnestly at her brother all the time he spoke, and then turned
+her face away, and a few quiet tears trickled down her cheek. Edward's
+arm was very quickly round her, and he whispered so many fond words and
+earnest assurances, united with his conviction that it would still be a
+whole month, perhaps more, before he should be summoned, as he had leave
+to remain with his family till the Sea Queen was ready to sail, that she
+rallied her spirits, and, after remaining very quiet for an hour, which
+was always her custom when she had had any struggle with herself, for
+the frame felt it--though neither word nor sign betrayed it--she was
+enabled fully to enjoy the grand delight of the evening--Percy's and
+Herbert's arrival.
+
+Easter week was indeed one of family joy and thankfulness not only that
+they were all permitted once more to be together but that the heavy
+clouds of sin and suffering had rolled away from their roof, and
+pleasure of the sweetest and most enduring because most domestic kind,
+reigned triumphant. Percy's astonishment at Edward's growth, and the
+alteration from the handsome, joyous, rosy boy, to the pale, almost
+care-worn looking youth (for as long as Ellen bore such vivid traces of
+all she had endured for his sake, and was, as it were, the constant
+presence of his errors, Edward tried in vain to recover his former
+spirits), was most amusing.
+
+"You are all deceived," he would declare; "one of these days you will
+discover you have been receiving a spurious Edward Fortescue, and that
+he is as much a pretender as his namesake, Charles Edward."
+
+"Then he is no pretender, Percy. He is as truly the son of Colonel
+Fortescue, as _Prince_ Charles was the grandson of James. Now don't
+begin a civil contest directly you come home; you know you and I never
+do agree on historical subjects, and we never shall; you hate Mary the
+great, great, great grandmother of Prince Charles, and I love her, so we
+must be always at war."
+
+"Stuart-mad, as usual, Tiny! but if that really be Edward, I wish he
+would just look a boy again, I don't like the change at all; poor
+fellow!" he added, to himself, "it is not much wonder."
+
+The days passed much too quickly. Emmeline wished a dozen times that the
+days would be twenty-four, instead of twelve hours long. The weather was
+so genial that it added to enjoyment, and allowed Ellen the delight,
+known only to such prisoners to sickness as she had been, of driving out
+for an hour or two at a time, and taking gentle walks on the terrace,
+and in the garden. The young men were to return on the Monday, and of
+the Saturday previous, a little excursion had been planned, to which the
+only drawback was that Ellen was not quite strong enough to accompany
+them: it was to visit Alice Seaton, whom we mentioned in a former
+chapter. Mr. Hamilton had succeeded in finding her brother a lucrative
+employment with a lawyer in one of the neighboring towns, a few miles
+from where she and her aunt now lived, enabling young Seaton to spend
+every Sabbath with them; and Alice now kept a girls' school on her own
+account, and conducted herself so well as never to want scholars. It had
+been a long promise to go and see her, the drive from Oakwood being also
+most beautiful; and as she and her brother were both at home and at
+leisure the last day in Easter, it had been fixed upon for the visit.
+Percy was reveling in the idea of driving his mother and Miss Harcourt
+in a new barouche, and the rest of the party were to go on horse back.
+But a dispute had arisen who should stay with Ellen and Edward insisted
+upon it, it was his right; and, so they thought it was agreed.
+
+"I wish, dear Percy you would prevail on Edward to accompany you,"
+pleaded Ellen, fancying herself alone with him, not seeing Herbert, who
+was reading at a distant table.
+
+"I wish, dear Ellen, you were going with us," he answered, mimicking her
+tone.
+
+"But as I can not, make him go. It always makes him more unhappy when I
+am prevented any pleasure, than it does myself; and I can not bear to
+keep him by me four or five hours, when this lovely day, and the
+exercise of riding, and, above all, your company, Percy, would make him,
+at least for the time, almost his own merry self, again."
+
+"Thanks for the implied compliment, cousin mine," replied Percy, with a
+low bow.
+
+"Reward me for it, and make him go."
+
+"How can I be so ungallant, as to make him leave you alone?"
+
+"Oh, I do not mind it, I assure you! I am well enough to amuse myself
+now; I can not bear you all giving up so many pleasures as you have done
+for me; I am so afraid of getting selfish."
+
+"You selfish, Ellen? I wish you were a little more so; you are the most
+patient, devoted little creature that ever took woman's form. You have
+made me reproach myself enough, I can tell you, and I owe you a grudge
+for doing so."
+
+"Dear Percy, what can you mean? If you knew how hard I find it to be
+patient, sometimes, you would not praise me."
+
+"I mean that the last time I was at home, I was blind and cruel, and
+added to your sufferings by my uncalled-for harshness, and never had an
+opportunity till this moment, to say how grieved I was--when the truth
+was known."
+
+"Pray do not say any thing about it, dear Percy," entreated his cousin,
+the tears starting to her eyes, as he kissed her warmly; "it was only
+just and natural that you should have felt indignant with me, for
+causing aunt Emmeline so much misery, and alloying all the enjoyment of
+your holidays. I am sure you need not reproach yourself; but will you
+make Edward go?"
+
+"If it really will oblige you, Ellen; but I do not half like it." And he
+was going very reluctantly, when he met Herbert.
+
+"You need not go, Percy," he said, smiling; "my ungracious cousin would
+not depute me as her messenger, but I made myself such, and so
+successfully that Edward will go, Ellen."
+
+"Dear Herbert, how can I thank you enough! he will be so much happier
+with you all."
+
+"Not with me," said Herbert, archly, "for I remain in his place."
+
+"You!" repeated Ellen, surprised; "indeed, dear Herbert, it must not be.
+I shall do very well alone."
+
+"Ungracious still, Ellen! what if I have been looking all the morning
+for some excuse to stay at home, without owning to my mother the
+truth--that I do not feel to-day quite equal to riding? If your looks
+were as ungracious as your words, I would run away from you into my own
+room; but as they are rather more gratifying to my self-love, we will
+send them all away, and enjoy our own quiet pleasures and your little
+drive together, Nell."
+
+Whatever Ellen might have said to convince him she could be happy alone,
+the beaming look of pleasure on her countenance, satisfied all parties
+as to the excellence of this arrangement; and happy, indeed, the day
+was. Herbert seemed to understand her unexpressed feelings so fully; and
+that always makes the charm of conversation, whatever its subject. We do
+not require the _expression in words_ of sympathy--it is an
+indescribable something that betrays its existence. Favorite
+authors--and Herbert was almost surprised at Ellen's dawning taste and
+judgment in literature--the delights of nature after a long confinement,
+as if every flower were more sweet, every bit of landscape, or wood, or
+water more beautiful, and the many holy thoughts and pure joys springing
+from such feelings, were all discussed, either cosily in their
+sitting-room, or in their ramble in the garden; and after Ellen's early
+dinner, which Herbert shared with her as lunch, she proposed, what she
+knew he would like, that her drive should be to Greville Manor, and they
+might spend a full hour with their friends, and yet be back in time.
+Herbert assented gladly; and the warm welcome they received, Mrs.
+Greville's kind care of Ellen, and Mary's eager chat with her and
+Herbert, and the number of things they seemed to find to talk about,
+made the hour literally fly; but Herbert, enjoyable as it was, did not
+forget his charge, and drove her back to Oakwood while the sun still
+shone bright and warmly: and when the party returned, which they did
+only just in time to dress for dinner, and in the wildest spirits, the
+balance of pleasure at home and abroad, would certainly have been found
+quite equal.
+
+Ellen still continued quietly to lie down in her own room while the
+family were at dinner, for she was then sufficiently refreshed to join
+them for a few hours in the evening. Percy and Emmeline, at dinner that
+day, kept up such a fire of wit and mirth, that it was somewhat
+difficult for any one else to edge in a word, though Edward and Caroline
+did sometimes contrive to bring a whole battery against themselves. Just
+as the dessert was placed on the table, however, sounds of rural music
+in the distance, advancing nearer and nearer, caused Percy to pause in
+his wild sallies, and spring with Edward to the window, and their
+exclamations soon compelled all the party to follow their example, and
+send for Ellen to see the unexpected sight too. Banners and pennons
+floated in the sunshine, and the greater part of the nautical
+inhabitants of Dartmouth were marshaled in goodly array beside them,
+headed by Captain Harvey and his crew, with old Collins in the midst of
+them; they were all attired in the new clothing which Mr. Hamilton had
+presented to them; and a fine picture Percy declared old Collins's head
+would make, with his weather-beaten, honest-speaking face, the very
+peculiar curls in which his really yellow hair was twisted, and the quid
+of tobacco, from which, even on this grand occasion, he could not
+relieve his mouth and cheek. A band of young men and girls surrounded
+the first banner, which, adorned with large bunches of primroses and
+violets up the staff, bore the words, "Hamilton and benevolence;" and
+among them Emmeline speedily recognized William Grey and Susan Collins,
+walking side by side, she looking down and smiling, and he so earnestly
+talking, that she whispered to her mother with the greatest glee, that
+her plan would take place after all. Then came a band of sturdy
+fishermen, chums and messmates of Collins, and then a band of boys and
+girls, from all Mr. Hamilton's own village schools, decked in their
+holiday attire, and holding in their hands tasteful garlands of all the
+spring flowers they could muster, and bearing two large banners, one
+with the words, "Fortescue forever! All hail to British sailors!" and
+the other a representation of the scene on the beach that eventful
+night, and the sinking vessel in the distance. The workmanship was rude
+indeed, but the effect so strikingly descriptive, that Mrs. Hamilton
+actually shuddered as she gazed, and grasped, almost unconsciously, the
+arm of her nephew as he stood by her, as if the magnitude of the danger,
+both to him and her husband, had never seemed so vivid before.
+
+The windows of the dining-room had been thrown widely open, and as the
+rustic procession came in sight of those to whom their whole hearts
+tendered homage, they halted; the music ceased, and cheer on cheer
+resounded, till the very echoes of the old park were startled out of
+their sleep, and sent the shout back again. Percy was among them in a
+moment, singling out old Collins, whom he had tried repeatedly to see
+since his visit home, but never found him, and grasped and shook both
+his hands with the full vehemence of his character, pouring out the
+first words that chose to come, which better expressed his grateful
+feelings to the old man than the most studied speech. William Grey had
+already received substantial proofs of his gratitude, and so he had then
+only a kind nod, and a joke and look at the pretty, blushing Susan,
+which said a vast deal to both, and seemed as if he quite seconded
+Emmeline's plan. Mingling joyously with all, he had bluff words, after
+their own hearts, for the men, smiles for the maidens, and such wild
+jokes for the children, as lost them all decorum, and made them shout
+aloud in their glee. Herbert seconded him quite as well as his quieter
+nature would allow. Edward had hung back, even when his name was called
+out lustily, as if he could not bear such homage.
+
+"Join them, my boy; their humble pleasure will not be half complete
+without you," whispered Mrs. Hamilton, earnestly, for she guessed his
+thoughts. "Remember only at this moment the large amount of happiness
+you have been permitted to call forth. Do not underrate a deed which all
+must admire, because of some sad thoughts; rather resolve--as you can
+and have resolved--that the alloy shall be burned away, and the true
+metal alone remain, for my sake, to whom you have given such happiness,
+dear Edward."
+
+The cloud dispersed from brow and heart in a moment; and he was in the
+midst of them, glad and buoyant almost as Percy; while the cheer which
+greeted him was almost overpowering to his sister, so much humble, yet
+earnest feeling did it speak.
+
+"You really should have given us timely notice of your intentions, my
+good friend," said Mr. Hamilton, warmly grasping Captain Harvey's hand.
+"At least we might have provided some substantial refreshment after
+your long march, as I fear we have but slender fare to offer you, though
+Ellis and Morris are busy already, I am happy to see."
+
+And urged on by their own delight at this homage both to their master
+and his young preserver, who had become a complete idol among them, a
+long table was speedily laid in the servants' hall, covered with a
+variety of cold meats, and bread and cheese in abundance, and horns of
+cider sparkling brightly beside each trencher. Fruit and cakes eagerly
+sought for by Emmeline, were by her distributed largely to the children,
+who remained variously grouped on the lawn, their glee at the treat
+heightened by the sweet and gentle manner of its bestowal.
+
+Captain Harvey and his mate, Mr. Hamilton entertained himself,
+introducing them to his family, and especially Ellen, who, as the sister
+of Edward, found herself regarded with an interest that surprised her.
+Percy brought in old Collins and Grey, both of whom had expressed such a
+wish to see any one so nearly belonging to the brave young sailor; and
+her manner of receiving and returning their greeting, thanking them for
+the help they had so efficiently given her brother, made them still
+prouder and happier than before. After an hour and a half of thorough
+enjoyment--for their humble homage to worth and goodness had been
+received in the same spirit as it had been tendered--the procession
+marshaled itself in the same order as it had come; and rude as the music
+was, it sounded, as Emmeline declared, really beautiful, becoming
+fainter and fainter in the distance, and quite picturesque the effect of
+the banners and pennons, as they gleamed in and out the woody windings
+of the park, both music and procession softened in the mild, lovely
+twilight of the season.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+A HOME SCENE, AND A PARTING.
+
+
+"Caroline! Emmeline! come to the music-room, for pity's sake, and give
+me some delicious harmony," exclaimed Percy, as soon as lights came, and
+the excitement of the last two hours had a little subsided. "Sit
+quiet--unless I have some amusement for my ears--I neither can nor
+will. I will have some music to lull my tired senses, and a waltz to
+excite my wearied frame."
+
+"And rest your limbs," said Edward, dryly.
+
+"Don't you know, master sailor, that when fatigued with one kind of
+exercise, the best rest is to take another? Now I have been standing up,
+playing the agreeable, for two mortal hours, and I mean to have a waltz
+to bring back the stagnant circulation, and to be pleased for the
+fatigue of pleasing. Caroline and Emmeline, away with you both. Ellen,
+love, I will only ask you to come with us, and be pleased, too. Be off,
+Edward, no one shall be my cousin's cavalier but myself; Herbert has had
+her all day. Take my mother, if you like. Father, escort Miss Harcourt.
+That's all right, as it always is, when I have my own way!"
+
+His own way, this time, gave universal satisfaction. The talents of his
+sisters has been so cultivated, as a means of enhancing home-happiness,
+and increasing their own resources, that their musical evenings were
+always perfect enjoyment. Caroline, indeed, improved as she was, still
+retained her love of admiration sufficiently, to find still greater
+enjoyment in playing and singing when there were more to listen to her,
+than merely her own family, but the feeling, in the security and pure
+atmosphere of Oakwood, was kept under control, and she could find real
+pleasure in gratifying her brothers, though not quite to the same extent
+as Emmeline.
+
+Percy after comfortably settling Ellen, threw himself on the most
+luxurious chair that he could find, stretched out his legs, placed his
+head in what he called the best position for listening and enjoying, and
+then called for duets on the harp and piano, single pieces on both, and
+song after song with the most merciless rapidity.
+
+"Your sisters shall neither play nor sing to you any more," his mother,
+at length, laughingly said, "unless you rouse yourself from this
+disgracefully idle fit, and take your flute, and join them."
+
+"Mother, you are lost to every sensation of mercy! after all my
+exertions, where am I to find breath?"
+
+"You have had plenty of time to rest, you lazy fellow; letting your
+sisters fatigue themselves without remorse, and refusing your share,"
+expostulated Edward. "Caroline, Emmeline take my advice, and strike!
+don't play another note."
+
+"You young rebel! teaching my sisters to revolt against the authority of
+such an important person as myself. However, I will be condescending for
+once; Tiny, there's a love, fetch me my flute."
+
+It was so very close to him as he approached the piano, that his sister
+comically took his hand, and placed it on it, and two or three very
+pretty trios were performed, Percy declared with professional _eclat_.
+
+"Now don't go, Percy we want your voice in a song. Emmy, sing that
+pretty one to your harp, that we wish papa so much to hear; Percy and I
+will join when wanted."
+
+"Caroline, I have not the genius to sing at sight."
+
+"Oh, you have often! and the words will inspire you. Come, Herbert, we
+want you, too; Edward's singing voice, has deserted him, or I should
+enlist him also. Emmeline, what are you waiting for?"
+
+"I can not sing it, dear Caroline; do not ask me," answered Emmeline,
+with a confusion and timidity, which, at home, were perfectly
+incomprehensible.
+
+"Why, my little Emmy, I am quite curious to hear this new song; do not
+disappoint me!" said her father encouragingly.
+
+"But after Caroline I can not sing worth hearing," still pleaded
+Emmeline.
+
+"My dear child, I never heard you make such a foolish excuse before;
+your mother and myself never find any difference in the pleasure that
+listening to your music bestows, however one performer may be more
+naturally gifted than the other."
+
+"I declare I must sing it if it be only for the mystery of Tiny's
+refusing," said Percy, laughing. "Come, Bertie--a MS. too--what a trial
+for one's nerves!"
+
+The words, however, seemed sufficiently satisfactory for them readily to
+join in it. Emmeline still hesitated, almost painfully; but then
+gathering courage, she sat down to her harp, and, without any notes
+before her, played a few bars of one of those sweet, thrilling Irish
+melodies so suited to her instrument, and then commenced her song, the
+sweetness of her voice, and clearness of articulation atoning well for
+her deficiency in the power and brilliancy which characterized her
+sister. The words were exceedingly simple, but sung with deep feeling,
+and heart-appealing as they were, from the subject, we hope our readers
+will judge them as leniently as Emmeline's hearers.
+
+
+                EMMELINE'S SONG.
+
+    "Joy! joy! No more shall sorrow cloud
+      The home by Love enshrined:
+    The hearts, in Care's cold fetters bow'd,
+      Now loveliest flowers have twined;
+    And dove-eyed Peace, with brooding wing,
+      Hath made her dwelling here;
+    And Hope and Love sweet incense fling,
+      To welcome and endear.
+
+    "He has return'd!--and starless night
+      No longer o'er us lowers.
+    Joy! joy! The future is all bright
+      With rosy-blossom'd hours.
+    What gladness with our Father fled!
+      What gladness He'll restore!
+    He has return'd, through perils dread,
+      To bless his own once more!
+
+    "Joy' joy! Oh! let our voices raise
+      Their glad and grateful lay,
+    And pour forth thanksgiving and praise
+      That grief hath passed away!
+    That he was snatched from storm and wave,
+      To dry pale Sorrow's tear;
+    Restored! his home from woe to save--
+      Oh! welcome, Father dear!"
+
+Emmeline's voice had at first trembled audibly, but seeming to derive
+courage from her sister and brother's accompaniment, which, from their
+knowledge of music, was so beautifully modulated as to permit her sweet
+voice to be heard above all, and every word clearly distinguished, it
+became firmer and more earnest as she continued, till she forgot every
+thing but the subject of her song. For full a minute there was silence
+as she ceased, but with an irresistible impulse Mr. Hamilton rose from
+his seat, and, as Emmeline left her harp, he clasped her in his arms.
+
+"How can I thank you, my Emmeline, and all my children, for this fond
+greeting?" he exclaimed, with more emotion than he generally permitted
+to be visible. "Where could you find such appropriate words? What!
+tears, my little girl," he added, as, completely overcome by the
+excitement of her song and her father's praise, Emmeline most
+unexpectedly burst into tears. "What business have they to come when you
+have given your parents nothing but pleasure? Drive them away, love;
+what! still no smile? We must appeal to mamma's influence, then, to
+explain and soothe them."
+
+"Where did you get them, Tiny? explain, for I am positively faint from
+curiosity," comically demanded Percy, as Emmeline, breaking from her
+father, sat down on her favorite stool at her mother's feet, and hid her
+face in her lap. Mrs. Hamilton laid her hand caressingly on those soft
+curls, but, though she smiled, she did not speak.
+
+"She will not tell, and you will none of you guess," said Caroline,
+laughing.
+
+"You are in the secret, so out with it," said Edward.
+
+"Not I; I am pledged to silence."
+
+"Mother, dear, tell us for pity," pleaded Herbert.
+
+"I can only guess, for I am not in her confidence, I assure you," she
+replied, in the same playful tone, and raising Emmeline's lowered head,
+she looked a moment in those conscious eyes. "Dictated by my Emmeline's
+affectionate little heart, they were found in this pretty shape, in the
+recesses of her own fanciful brain--is not that it, dearest?"
+
+"There, Emmy, I knew mamma would find it out, however we might be
+silent," said Caroline, triumphantly, as her sister's face was again
+concealed.
+
+"Emmeline turned poet! Angels and ministers of grace defend me! I must
+hide my diminished head!" spouted Percy. "I thought at least I might
+retain my crown as the poet of the family, and to be rivaled by you--a
+light-footed fawn--wild gazelle--airy sprite--my especial Tiny! it is
+unbearable!"
+
+"But we must all thank you, notwithstanding, Emmy," continued Herbert.
+
+"Ah, but I have very little to do with it; the arrangement of the words
+to the air, and the accompaniment, are Caroline's; I could not have done
+that," said Emmeline; her tears changed to her most joyous smiles.
+
+Percy and his father turned directly to Caroline, the former with a Sir
+Charles Grandison's bow, the other with a most affectionate kiss; and
+her mother looked at her with such an expression of gratified pleasure,
+that she could not help acknowledging to herself, such pure enjoyment
+was not to be found in the praise and admiration of strangers.
+
+"Now, Emmeline, you have still a mystery to explain," said Edward. "Why
+did you not own your offspring, instead of, by silence, almost denying
+them?"
+
+"And here I really can not help you," answered Mrs. Hamilton; "I can not
+imagine why my Emmy should conceal a fact that could only give pleasure
+to us all."
+
+"I think I know," said Ellen, timidly; "Emmeline was thinking of all you
+said about controlling an impulse, and not always encouraging that which
+she termed inspiration, and perhaps she thought you did not quite
+approve of her writing, and so wished to conceal it."
+
+"How could you guess so exactly, Ellen?" hastily answered Emmeline,
+forgetting, in her surprise at her cousin's penetration, that she
+betrayed herself.
+
+"Because I should have felt the same," said Ellen, simply.
+
+"Then I must have explained myself very badly, my dear children, or you
+must have both misunderstood me. I did not mean you to neglect such on
+enjoyment as poetry, but only to keep it in its proper sphere, and not
+allow it to take the place of resources, equally intellectual, but which
+have and may still cost you more patience and labor. Poetry is a
+dangerous gift, my dear child; but as long as you bring it to the common
+treasury of Home, and regard it merely as a recreation, only to be
+enjoyed when less attractive duties and studies are completed, you have
+my full permission to cultivate--and try, by the study of our best
+authors, and whatever other help I can obtain for you, to improve
+yourself in it. No talent that is lent us should be thrown aside, my
+Emmeline; our only care must be, not--by loving and pursuing it too
+intensely--to _abuse_ it; but I must not lecture you any longer, or
+Percy's patience will fail; I see he has placed Miss Harcourt already at
+the piano, and Edward and Caroline are ready for their waltz."
+
+"And so I transform one Muse into another," exclaimed Percy, who, in his
+sister's absorbed attention, had neared her unobserved, and catching her
+round the waist, bore her to the upper end of the room, and a minute
+afterward she was enjoying her waltz, with as much childish glee, as if
+neither poetry nor reflection could have any thing to do with her.
+
+"Why is poetry a dangerous gift, dear aunt?" inquired Ellen, who had
+listened earnestly to all Mrs. Hamilton had said.
+
+"Because, my love, it is very apt to excite and encourage an over-excess
+of feeling; gives a habit of seeing things other than they really are,
+and engenders a species of romantic enthusiasm, most dangerous to the
+young, especially of our sex, whose feelings generally require control
+and repression, even when not joined to poetry. To a well-regulated mind
+and temper, the danger is not of the same serious kind as to the
+irregulated, but merely consists in the powerful temptation it too often
+presents to neglect duties and employments of more consequence, for its
+indulgence. There is a species of fascination in the composition of even
+the most inferior poetry, which urges its pursuit, as giving so little
+trouble, compared to the perseverance necessary for music and drawing,
+and such a vast amount of pleasure, that it is difficult to withdraw
+from it. This is still more strongly the case when the young first
+become conscious of the gift, as Emmeline is now. As she gets older, and
+her taste improves, she will not be satisfied with her efforts, unless
+they are very superior to the present, and the trouble she will take in
+correcting and improving, will remove a great deal of the too dangerous
+fascination attending it now; still I am not anxious, while she retains
+her confidence in my affection and experience, and will so control the
+enjoyment, as not to permit its interference with her other more serious
+employments."
+
+Ellen listened eagerly, and they continued conversing on many similar
+topics of interest and improvement, till the prayer bell rang, and
+startled her into the recollection that she had always retired nearly an
+hour before, and so had avoided entering the library, which she still
+quite shrunk from. Percy stopped his dance, which he had converted from
+a waltz into a most inspiring gallopade, the last importation, he
+declared, from Almack's; Miss Harcourt closed the piano; and Herbert
+paused in his conversation with his father. Nothing like gloom ever
+marked the signal for the hour of devotion, but lighter pleasures always
+ceased a few minutes before, that they might better realize the more
+serious thought and service.
+
+Mrs. Hamilton had never ceased to regret the disgrace she had inflicted
+on Ellen, in not permitting her to retain her own place with the family,
+at least in the hours of devotion, for it seemed more difficult to
+remove that impression than any of her other trials. Returning her
+niece's startled look with one of the sincerest affection, she said--
+
+"You will remain with us to-night, my dear Ellen, will you not?"
+
+"If you wish it, aunt."
+
+"I do wish it, dearest, most earnestly. It is so long since I have had
+the happiness of seeing all my children round me in this solemn hour,
+and till you join us, I can not feel quite sure that you have indeed
+forgiven an act of severity, which, could I but have suspected the
+truth, I should never have inflicted."
+
+"Forgiven!--you!" repeated Ellen, in utter astonishment, but rising
+instantly. "Aunt Emmeline, dear aunt Emmeline, pray, do not speak so;
+why did you not tell me your wish before? I would have conquered my own
+disinclination to enter the library, weeks ago; indeed, indeed, it only
+seemed associated with my own guilt and misery."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton drew her arm fondly in hers, refusing for her the aid of
+either of the young men, who had all hastened toward her, and led her
+herself to the library, and to her usual place beside Emmeline. Many an
+eager but respectful look of affectionate admiration was directed toward
+her by the assembled household, the greater part of whom had not seen
+her since the night of Edward's confession; and the alteration in her
+appearance, the universal sympathy which her dangerous illness and its
+cause had called forth, even in the humblest and most ignorant--for it
+is the _heart_, not the _mind_, which is required for the comprehension
+of self-devotion--her very youth seeming to increase its magnitude, had
+inspired such a feeling of love, that could she have known it, would
+have prevented that painful sensation of shyness.
+
+Many, many thoughts thronged her mind, as her uncle's impressive voice
+fell on her ear; thoughts which, though they prevented her following the
+words of the prayers, and caused the tears, spite of every effort, to
+stream through her slender fingers, yet turned into thankfulness and
+praise, ere the service ceased, that, fiery as the ordeal had been, she
+could still recognize a hand of love, and bless God, not only for the
+detection of her involuntary sin, but for every pang she had endured.
+
+The next day was Sunday, bringing with it all sorts of quiet, sober
+pleasures of its own, only alloyed by the thought that it was the last
+day of Percy's and Herbert's visit. The following morning they started
+for Oxford, Mr. Hamilton and Edward intending to accompany them part of
+the way, and then to proceed to Ashburton, where the former had
+business, and then make a little tour through Plymouth home. The next
+day was so beautifully fine and genial, that Emmeline declared it would
+do Ellen the greatest possible good to go with her a few miles out of
+the park, to see a waterfall she had lately discovered, and which she
+had been longing for Ellen to see, as Caroline would not admire it as
+much as it deserved. Miss Harcourt accompanied them, and on their
+return, its beauties were described to Mrs. Hamilton in the most
+animating strain; Emmeline declaring the air was more deliciously fresh,
+the trees more green, the sky more brilliantly blue, than they had ever
+been before; and that the very sound of the water, as it dashed down a
+black rock, and threw up spray, which the rays of the sun rendered so
+beautifully iridescent, as to seem like a succession of rainbows, was a
+whole volume of poetry in itself.
+
+"And what extraordinary vision do you think that silly cousin of mine
+chose to fancy she saw coming down the Ashburton road, mamma? Actually
+the apparitions of papa and Edward. She will persist in the fancy. Miss
+Harcourt and I could only see two men on horseback, at too great a
+distance for any identity to be recognized--but it must be their
+wraiths, if it be, for they had no idea of coming home to-day."
+
+"I am sure I was not mistaken, Emmeline," said Ellen (whom her aunt now
+observed looked agitated and flushed); "and they were riding so fast,
+something very pressing must have recalled them."
+
+"And you are frightening yourself at shadows, my dear! but indeed I
+think you must be mistaken, for your uncle told me, he should be
+particularly engaged to-day," said Mrs. Hamilton.
+
+"She is not mistaken, though," exclaimed Caroline, who was standing at
+one of the windows; "for here they both are, true enough, and riding
+quite fast down the avenue. However, the mystery will soon be solved."
+
+Mr. Hamilton and Edward entered almost immediately afterward, the latter
+evidently very much agitated, the former so tranquil and cheerful that
+the momentary anxiety of his wife was calmed directly. He laughed at
+their bewilderment, and said that an important letter had reached him at
+Ashburton, summoning him to Plymouth, and so he thought he would just
+see how all was going on at Oakwood first. This was not at all a
+satisfactory reason from Mr. Hamilton. Edward evidently tried to answer
+Ellen's inquiries quietly, but he could not, and exclaiming, "You tell
+her, my dear uncle! I can not," ran out of the room. Mr. Hamilton
+instantly changed his jesting manner, so far as quietly and
+affectionately to seat his niece beside him, and tell her, cautiously
+and kindly, the real cause of their unexpected return. Orders had been
+sent to the Sea Queen, to sail much sooner than was expected, and
+therefore he had deferred his business, and returned with Edward
+directly.
+
+"It is a trial, my dear Ellen, a very hard one just now, under all
+circumstances; but I am sure you will bear it with fortitude, for
+Edward's sake. The only drawback to his happiness in being again
+permitted to follow his profession, is the thought of the trial, it will
+be to you."
+
+"But when must we part? When must he leave Oakwood?" was all poor Ellen
+could ask; but in such a tone of quiet sorrow, her uncle could not for
+the moment reply.
+
+"The Sea Queen leaves Plymouth, wind permitting, the end of the week,
+but--Edward must be on board to-morrow."
+
+A low cry escaped involuntarily from Ellen's lips, as she buried her
+face on the cushion of the couch where she was sitting, and an
+exclamation of surprise and regret broke from all. Mrs. Hamilton felt it
+almost as much as Ellen, from not only her own unspoken anxiety, as to
+whether indeed his home influence would save him from temptation in
+future, but that she could enter into every thought and feeling which in
+Ellen must so aggravate the actual parting--always a sorrow in itself.
+After a few minutes Ellen raised her head, and, though her cheek was
+perfectly colorless, every tear was checked.
+
+"Tell Edward he need not fear my weakness, dear Emmeline," she said,
+trying hard to speak quite calmly. "Only beg him to come to me, that we
+may spend the little time we have together; I will be as cheerful as
+himself." And, effort as it was, she kept her word; so controlling
+sorrow, to enter into his naturally glad anticipations, that her brother
+felt as if he could not love, nor venerate her enough.
+
+He was obliged to leave Oakwood (accompanied by his uncle) so early the
+next morning, that all his preparations had to be completed by that
+night. Ellis's activity, though she could not endure the idea of his
+going, speedily and satisfactorily settled that matter. Robert Langford,
+who had only regained his natural light-heartedness since Ellen had
+taken her usual place in the family, always declaring his carelessness
+had been the origin of all her misery, was another so active in his
+service, that Edward had only to give a hint of any thing he wanted,
+even if it could only be procured at some distance, and it was instantly
+obtained.
+
+The hours wore on, the evening devotions were concluded, but still the
+family lingered in the library: so many things there seemed to say, for
+Mr. Hamilton and Miss Harcourt would not let the conversation flag, and
+Edward would talk and laugh, as if he were only going from home for a
+few days. Midnight chimed, but still Mrs. Hamilton felt as if she could
+not give the signal for separation: but when one struck, there was a
+general start, and an unanimous declaration it could not be so late.
+
+"I assure you it is," Mrs. Hamilton cheerfully said; "and poor Edward
+will get no sleep, if we do not separate at once. He must certainly send
+you a box of artificial roses, for this unusual dissipation will bear
+all the natural ones away. Ellen, love, I must be cruel enough to resist
+that pleading look; remember, your full strength has not yet returned."
+
+She spoke kindly, but firmly, and there was a general move. Edward
+laughingly promised to send his cousins the very best box of rouge he
+could procure at Plymouth, and wished them good night as gayly as if
+they should meet as usual the next morning. Once only his voice
+faltered--"Ellen, love, good night! My own sister, God in Heaven bless
+you!" were all he said, the last sentence escaping as if involuntarily,
+as if he had merely meant to say good night; and for more than a minute
+the brother and sister were clasped in each other's arms. There were
+tears in Mrs. Hamilton's eyes, and her husband's were most unwontedly
+dim, for words were not needed to reveal to them the trial of that
+moment to those two young hearts. To Ellen's especially, for her lot was
+woman's--to _endure_ until time should prove the reality of Edward's
+resolution, and mark him indeed the noble character his disposition so
+fondly promised. His was active service, the banishment of _thought_ by
+_deed_. Breaking from her brother, and not daring to address either her
+aunt or uncle, lest her control should fail her too soon, Ellen hastened
+from the room.
+
+"Go to her, aunt Emmeline; oh, tell her I will never, never cause her to
+suffer again!" implored Edward, as soon as he could speak, and clasping
+his aunt's hand. "She has been struggling with herself the whole evening
+for my sake, and she will suffer for it to-morrow, unless she give it
+vent, and she will weep less painfully if you speak of comfort."
+
+"She will be better alone a little while, my dear boy; young as she is,
+she knows where to seek and find comfort, and her tears would flow more
+freely, conscious only of the presence and healing of her God. I shall
+not part from you now. Ellis wanted me for some directions about your
+things, and I will come to you in your room afterward."
+
+Mrs. Hamilton knew the human heart well. When she went to Ellen, the
+paroxysm of natural sorrow had had vent, and her sympathy, her earnestly
+expressed conviction that the trial of beholding error and remorse in
+one so beloved would not occur again, could bring comfort. The tears
+indeed might still have flowed the faster, perhaps, at the voice of
+kindness, but there was healing in them; and when her aunt left her to
+go to Edward, she sent him a fond message that she was better, and in a
+few days would be happy, quite happy, for his sake.
+
+It was late before Mrs. Hamilton quitted her nephew. We will not repeat
+all that passed between them, all that that fond watchful relative so
+earnestly, so appealingly said. Not much in actual words of counsel had
+she ever before addressed to him, feeling that that duty was better
+performed by Mr. Howard and his uncle. She had simply tried to influence
+him by the power of love, of forbearance, of sympathy with his remorse,
+and pity for his errors. In the wretchedness, the fearful anxiety,
+Ellen's danger and painful illness had occasioned herself individually,
+she had never spoken, or even let fall a sentence which could reproach
+him as the cause of all; and therefore, now that she did give her
+anxious affection words, they were so spoken, that her nephew never
+forgot them.
+
+"I feel now," he had said, near the conclusion of their interview, "as
+if nothing could tempt me to err again; but oh, aunt Emmeline, so I
+thought when I left home before; and its influences all left me as if
+they had never been. It may be so again and--and--are there not such
+doomed wretches, making all they love best most miserable?"
+
+"Not, indeed, if they will take their home influences with them, my
+beloved boy. They deserted you before because, by the insidious
+sentiments of a most unhappy man, your religion was shaken, and you
+flung aside with scorn and misbelief the _only safety_ for the
+young--God's most Holy Word. The influences of your home are based on
+that alone, my Edward. They appear perhaps to the casual observer as
+only love, indulgence, peace, and the joy springing from innocent and
+happy hearts; but these are mere flowers springing from one immortal
+root. In God's Word alone is our safety, there alone our strength and
+our joy; and that may be yours still, my boy, though far away from us,
+and in a little world with interests and temptations of its own. Take
+this little Bible; it has been my constant companion for eighteen years,
+and to none but to yourself would I part with it. If you fear your
+better feelings failing, read it, be guided by it, if at first only for
+the sake of those you love; I do not fear, but that very soon you will
+do so for its own sake. It bears a name within it which I think will
+ever keep it sacred in your care, as it has been in mine."
+
+Edward opened it eagerly, "Charles Manvers!" he exclaimed; "My own
+sailor-uncle, whose memory you have so taught me to love. It is indeed a
+spell, dear aunt, and you shall never regret a gift so precious. But how
+came it yours?"
+
+"He came to me just before starting for his last trip, entreating me to
+exchange Bibles with him, that in our most serious moments we might
+think of each other. It was such an unusually serious speech for him,
+that it seemed to thrill me with a vague forboding, which was only too
+soon realized. I never saw him again; and that little book indeed
+increased in value."
+
+Her voice faltered, for even yet the memory of her brother was so dear
+to her that she could never speak of him without emotion. Edward
+reiterated his eager assurance that it should be equally valuable to
+him, adding--
+
+"I have often had strange fancies about uncle Charles, aunt, and longed
+for the command of a ship, to scour the coast of Algiers, and learn
+something more about the Leander. Somehow or other, I never can believe
+he was drowned, and yet to think of him as a slave is terrible."
+
+"And not likely, my dear boy; think of the lapse of years. But painful
+as it is, we must separate, Edward: I must not detain you from rest and
+sleep any longer. Only give me one promise--if ever you are led into
+temptation and error again, and it may be--for our strongest resolutions
+sometimes fail us--write to me without the smallest hesitation, openly,
+freely; tell me all, and if you need aid, ask it, and I will give it;
+and, if it be possible, avert your uncle's displeasure. I have no fear
+that, in telling you this, I am weakening your resolution, but only to
+prevent one fault becoming many by concealment--from dread of anger, and
+therein the supposed impossibility of amendment. Remember, my beloved
+boy, you have a claim on me which no error nor fault can remove; as,
+under providence, the preserver of my husband, I can _never_ change the
+anxious love I bear you. You may indeed make me very miserable, but I
+know you will not: you _will_ let me look on your noble deed with all
+the love, the admiration, it deserves. Promise me that, under any
+difficulty or error, small or great, you will write to me as you would
+have done to your own beloved mother, and I shall have no fear
+remaining."
+
+Edward did promise, but his heart was so full he could not restrain
+himself any longer, and as Mrs. Hamilton folded him to her heart, in a
+silent but tearful embrace, he wept on her shoulder like a child.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE BIRTHDAY GIFT.
+
+
+Brightly and placidly, as the course of their own beautiful river, did
+the days now pass to the inmates of Oakwood. Letters came from Edward so
+frequently, so happily, that hope would rest calmly, joyously, even on
+the thought of him. He never let an opportunity pass, writing always to
+Mrs. Hamilton (which he had scarcely ever done before), and inclosing
+his letters to Ellen open in hers. The tone, the frequency, were so
+changed from his last, that his family now wondered they had been so
+blind before in not perceiving that his very seeming liveliness was
+unnatural and overstrained.
+
+With Ellen, too, Mrs. Hamilton's anxious care was bringing in fair
+promise of success--the mistaken influences of her childhood, and their
+increased effect from a morbid imagination, produced from constant
+suffering, appearing, indeed, about to be wholly eradicated. Anxious to
+remove all sad associations connected with the library, Mrs. Hamilton
+having determined herself to superintend Ellen's studies, passed long
+mornings in that ancient room with her, so delightfully, that it became
+associated only with the noble authors whose works, or extracts from
+whom, she read and reveled in, and which filled her mind with such new
+thoughts, such expansive ideas, such calming and earnest truths, that
+she felt becoming to herself a new being. Lively and thoughtless as
+Emmeline she could not now indeed become--alike as their dispositions
+naturally were; but she was more quietly, enduringly happy than she had
+ever remembered her self.
+
+There was only one alloy, one sad thought, that would intrude causing a
+resolution, which none suspected; for, open as she had become, she could
+breathe it to none but Ellis, for she alone could assist her, though it
+required many persuasions and many assurances, that she never could be
+quite happy, unless it was accomplished, which could prevail on her to
+grant it. Ellen knew, felt, more and more each week, that she could not
+rest till she had labored for and obtained, and returned into her aunt's
+hands the full sum she had so involuntarily appropriated. The only means
+she could adopt demanded such a seemingly interminable period of
+self-denial, patience, and perseverance, that at first as Ellis
+represented and magnified all connected with it, she felt as if, indeed,
+she could not nerve herself for the task, much as she desired to perform
+it; but prayer enabled her to face the idea, till it lost its most
+painful aspect, and three months after Edward's departure she commenced
+the undertaking, resolved that neither time nor difficulty should deter
+her from its accomplishment. What her plan was, and whether it
+succeeded, we may not here inform our readers. Should we be permitted to
+resume our History of the Hamilton Family, both will be revealed.
+
+Greatly to Caroline's delight, the following October was fixed for them
+to leave Oakwood, and, after a pleasant tour, to make the long
+anticipated visit to London. There would then be three or four months'
+quiet for her to have the benefit of masters, before she was introduced,
+and Mrs. Hamilton fondly hoped, that the last year's residence at home,
+fraught as it had been with so much of domestic trial, and displaying so
+many hopeful and admirable traits in Caroline's disposition, would have
+lessened the danger of the ordeal of admiration and gayety which she so
+dreaded for her child--whether it had or not, a future page will
+disclose.
+
+To Emmeline this arrangement was a source of extreme regret,
+individually, in which Ellen now quite sympathized. But Emmeline had
+never forgotten her mother's gentle hint, that too great indulgence of
+regret or sorrow becomes selfishness, and she tried very hard to create
+some anticipation of pleasure, even in London. Ellen would not look to
+pleasure, but merely tried to think about--and so, when called upon,
+cheerfully to resign that which was now so intensely enjoyable--her
+studies with her aunt--and so benefit by them as to give Miss Harcourt
+no trouble when she was again under her care; as she knew she and
+Emmeline must be, more than they had been yet, when Caroline's
+introduction, and their residence in London, would take Mr. and Mrs.
+Hamilton so much from domestic pursuits and pleasures, and, even when at
+home, compel them to be so frequently engrossed with a large circle of
+friends, and all the variety of claims on their attention and time,
+which a season in London includes.
+
+It was again the 7th of June, and Ellen's birthday. Accustomed from the
+time she became an inmate of Oakwood to regard the anniversary of her
+birth in the same serious light as Mrs. Hamilton had taught her
+cousins--as a day of quiet reflection, as well as of thankfulness and
+joy, as one that, closing and recommencing another year of their
+individual lives, taught them that they were becoming more and more
+responsible beings--it was not much wonder that Ellen, the whole of that
+day, should seem somewhat less cheerful than usual. She had indeed had
+many sources of thankfulness and joy during the past year, but a heart
+and mind like hers could not recall its principal event without a return
+of sorrow. Mrs. Hamilton would not notice her now unusual sadness until
+the evening, when perceiving her standing engrossed in thought beside
+one of the widely-opened windows, near which Caroline was watering some
+lovely flowers on the terrace, she gently approached her, and, putting
+her arm round her, said, fondly--
+
+"You have thought quite seriously and quite long enough for to-day, my
+dear Ellen; I must not have any more such very silent meditations. That
+there is something to regret in the retrospect of the last year, I
+acknowledge, but you must not let it poison all the sources of
+thankfulness which it brings likewise."
+
+"It was not of my past conduct, I was thinking at this moment, aunt
+Emmeline--it was--"
+
+"What, love? tell me without reserve."
+
+"That I never, never can return in the smallest degree all I owe to
+you," replied Ellen, with a sudden burst of emotion, most unusual to her
+controlled and gentle character; "I never can do any thing to evince how
+gratefully, how intensely I feel all the kindness, the goodness you have
+shown me from the first moment you took me to your home--an unhappy,
+neglected, ailing child, and this year more, more than ever. My own poor
+mother left me in my dangerous illness, and what have you not done to
+give me back not merely physical, but mental health? Day and night you
+watched beside me, forgetting all the care, the misery, my conduct had
+caused you, only thinking, only seeking, to give me back to health and
+happiness. Oh, aunt Emmeline, your very household can evince gratitude
+and love, in the performance of their respective duties--I can do
+nothing, never can. If I only could."
+
+"Do you remember the fable of the lion and the mouse, my dear Ellen, and
+Miss Edgeworth's still prettier story on the same subject?" replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, more affected than she chose to betray, though she drew her
+niece closer to her, and kissed her fondly. "I hope I shall never be
+caught in a net, nor exposed to such horrors and danger as poor Madame
+de Fleury in the French Revolution; but for all that, and unlikely as it
+seems now, my dear child, you may have many an opportunity to return all
+that you so gratefully feel you owe me. Do not let any such thought
+worry you; but believe me, when I assure you that affection and
+confidence are the only return I require, united, as they are in you,
+with such an earnest desire, and such persevering efforts to become all
+your best friends can wish you."
+
+She was interrupted by the entrance of Emmeline, with a small parcel in
+her hand.
+
+"Mamma, this has just arrived from Exeter for you; with an apologizing
+message from Mr. Bennet, saying, it should have been here last night, as
+he promised, but he could not get the articles from London in time. I am
+so very curious as to what it possibly can be, that I would bring it to
+you myself."
+
+"Any other time I would punish your constant curiosity, Emmeline, by
+refusing to gratify it. I can not do so now, however, for I should
+punish myself as well. I did want it most particularly this morning; but
+I am glad it was not delayed till the day was quite over. Your uncle and
+I did not forget your birthday, my dear Ellen, though it seemed so." And
+opening the parcel as she spoke, a very pretty jewel-case appeared,
+containing the watch, cross, and all the other trinkets Ellen had placed
+in Mrs. Langford's hand, and never had had the courage to inquire for,
+and the few her aunt had kept for her, but so prettily arranged and
+beautifully burnished, that she would scarcely have known them again.
+
+"Did you never feel any curiosity as to the fate of your trinkets, my
+love, that you have never asked about them?"
+
+"I knew they were in better hands than my own," replied Ellen, with a
+quivering lip. "I felt I had no further right to them, after attempting
+to part with them."
+
+"I know there are some very painful associations connected with these
+trinkets, my dear Ellen, and, therefore, I would not return them to your
+own care, till I could add to them a birthday-gift," and, lifting the
+upper tray, she took out a gold chain, and a pair of bracelets of chaste
+and beautiful workmanship--"that the sad memories of the one may be
+forgotten in the pleasant thoughts of the other. I have only one
+condition to make," she added, in an earnest lower tone, as Ellen tried
+to speak her thanks, but could only cling to her aunt's neck and weep.
+"If ever again you are tempted to dispose of them, dearest, promise me
+to bring them to me, for my valuation first."
+
+"You shall be put into fetters at once, Ellen," said Emmeline joyously,
+as her cousin gave the required promise, so eagerly, that it was
+evident, she felt how much security dwelt in it. "Mamma, make her put
+them on; I want to see if she looks as interesting as Zenobia did in her
+golden chains."
+
+"I think you might find a prettier simile, Emmeline," replied Mrs.
+Hamilton, smiling, as she granted her request, by throwing the chain
+round Ellen's neck, and fastening the bracelets on her wrists.
+
+"So I can, and so I will," replied the lively girl, altering, without
+the smallest hesitation, the lines to suit her fancy--
+
+    "For thee, _rash girl_, no suppliant sues;
+    For thee may vengeance claim her dues;
+    Who, nurtured underneath our smile,
+    Repaid our cares with treacherous wile.
+
+    Dishonoring thus thy loyal name,
+    Fetters and warders _thou must claim_.
+    The chain of gold was quick unstrung,
+    Its links on that _fair neck were_ flung;
+    Then gently drew the glittering band,
+    And laid the clasp on Ellen's hand."
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Home Influence, by Grace Aguilar
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