A HEART-SONG OF TO-DAY(DISTURBED BY FIRE FROM THE 'UNRULY MEMBER')

A NOVEL. 

BYMRS. ANNIE G. SAVIGNY. 

CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER I. A PRETTY WOMAN LAYS A PLOT, AND HIRES A GARDENER

CHAPTER II. A RARE SOCIETY BOUQUET

CHAPTER III. THE FATES SPIN WITH THREADS OF BLACK

CHAPTER IV. OF MADAME

CHAPTER V. MADAME SHUFFLES THE CARDS

CHAPTER VI. LOVE AND LOVE-MAKING

CHAPTER VII. ORESTES AND PYLADES

CHAPTER VIII. MADAME AND HER GARDENER

CHAPTER IX. VAURA IN A MEDLEY

CHAPTER X. VELVET PAWS CONCEAL CLAWS

CHAPTER XI. ON THE WING

CHAPTER XII. SOARING!--THENCE TO THINGS OF EARTH

CHAPTER XIII. ADAM

CHAPTER XIV. OF LIONEL TREVALYON

CHAPTER XV. HEART-STIRS

CHAPTER XVI. LIFTING THE VAIL

CHAPTER XVII. CHIC AUJOURD'HUI

CHAPTER XVIII. THEATRE FRANCAIS

CHAPTER XIX. FOR A FAIR WOMAN FACE

CHAPTER XX. QUICKENED HEART-BEATS

CHAPTER XXI. LA BELLE VERNON

CHAPTER XXII. THE BLIND GOD TAKES SURE AIM

CHAPTER XXIII. THE WEB OF DIFFICULTY

CHAPTER XXIV. SLAIN BY A WOMAN

CHAPTER XXV. IN THE SUNBEAMS

CHAPTER XXVI. A MOUNTAIN IDYL, OR AN ALPINE ROMANCE

CHAPTER XXVII. GRUNDY'S LASH CAUSES HEART-ACHE

CHAPTER XXVIII. HEART-STIRS TO DIVINE MUSIC

CHAPTER XXIX. THE UNRULY MEMBER IS HEARD

CHAPTER XXX. WOMAN AGAINST WOMAN

CHAPTER XXXI. SOCIETY'S VOTARIES SMILE THOUGH THEY DIE

CHAPTER XXXII. TREVALYON GONE, VAURA KILLS TIME

CHAPTER XXXIII. WARM WORDS BRIDGE CRUEL DISTANCE

CHAPTER XXXIV. BRIC-A-BRAC

CHAPTER XXXV. HEART TO HEART

CHAPTER XXXVI. KNAVES ARE TRUMPS

CHAPTER XXXVII. WEE WHITE MOUSE WINS A POINT

CHAPTER XXXVIII. MADAME IN A FELINE MOOD

CHAPTER XXXIX. TREVALYON THROWS DOWN THE GLOVE

CHAPTER XL. BLACK DELROSE USES EMPHATIC LANGUAGE

CHAPTER XLI. AN EXPOSE, SOCIETY ON TIP-TOE

CHAPTER XLII. "ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE. "

CHAPTER XLIII. WEE DETECTIVE PLAYS A WINNING CARD

CHAPTER XLIV. DUAL SOLITUDE

CHAPTER XLV. BLACK DELROSE AS A MARKSMAN

CHAPTER XLVI. DISCORD ENDS; HEART'S-EASE AT LAST

 * * * * *

A HEART-SONG OF TO-DAY

(DISTURBED BY FIRE FROM THE UNRULY MEMBER. )

CHAPTER I. 

A PRETTY WOMAN LAYS A PLOT, AND HIRES A GARDENER. 

"By Jove! I have missed her; you are a very Circe, Mrs. Tompkins. "

The speaker, one of the handsomest men I have ever seen, started tohis feet as a beautiful Italian mantel clock rang in silver chimes thehour of midnight. 

"Sit down again my dear Captain, I have not told you all, and am awilful woman and must have my way. I know whom you have missed, " shesaid truly, for Sir Tilton Everly has informed her, out-come her womanwit to prevent the meeting. "Is she anything to you?"

"No, and yes, as all women beautiful or fascinating are, I love youall. "

"You have large capacities, Captain Trevalyon, but I must make youlove one woman and only one, or I cannot sleep content, " and the blackamorous eyes rest on his face. 

"Ye gods! a confession, " thought Trevalyon. "Awkward for me as I wantHaughton to have the innings; she is good fun and doesn't bore one, but I've missed Vaura again, fool I was to come. "

"You don't seem curious" continued Mrs. Tompkins, rolling a smalltable on which was the _debris_ of a _petit_ champagne supper, frombetween them. 

"Curious! a prerogative of your sex, fair madame, though any of yoursecrets would be _chic_ enough to tempt a man to encroach, " heanswered gaily, drawing a chair near his own. 

"Especially when 'tis of a woman who lives for him alone, " and thehandsome wealthy widow sank into the chair opposite him. 

"Yes, for an hour, for a day, and 'tis pleasant so you see I know yougay butterflys, " he said, lazily placing a foot-stool under the prettyfeet of his companion. 

"Not so, " she said slowly, and with a new tenderness in her tones. "Not so; but first I brought you here to tell you your friend ColonelHaughton made me an offer of marriage this moaning. What say you;would you regret my fetters and wish me free? It shall be as you say. "

Only that Mrs. Tompkins' attention was wholly given to her companion, she would have noticed the heavy curtains opposite her and separatingher boudoir from a small morning-room pushed aside, and a pair ofwrathful blazing eyes watching her every movement; had either beennear enough, they would have heard a muttered oath at her last words. 

"As I wish! 'tis well I am his friend, _chere_ madame, for there arenot many men would bid you to the altar with another, but I say takehim, there is not a better fellow in the kingdom, and here is mybenediction, " and he laughingly lifted her hand to his lips. 

"And is that all you care for me? Heavens! what different stuff we aremade of, you can bid me to another, while I could _kill_. Nay, don'tstart. Yes, could kill a woman you might love. And the speaker lookedher words, while there was almost a sob in her voice as her bosomheaved convulsively. 

"My dear Mrs. Tompkins, you honor me too much; believe me, 'tis but apassing fancy on your part. "

"Passing fancy, never! Listen; you say you love no woman in especial, wed me; love begets love; I am the wooer I know, but you are ashandsome as a god, and I have been always one to speak as I feel; yea, and get what I want most days, " she added, leaning forward and smilinginto his mesmeric eyes. "Come to me, " and her heart was in her words. "Come, you are poor in wealth, men say I have millions in gold, tryand love me and--"

"And--and what next--Kate--by gad, a pretty speech, allow me tocongratulate you. How do, Trevalyon; at your old game of slaughteringhearts?" The speaker had come from behind the curtains and was theowner of the wrathful eyes; a heavily built man of medium weight, abold man with a handsome black beard, though the top of his head wasbald. "You were always a good shot, Trevalyon, when the target was aheart, " he repeated savagely. 

"'Twas you, who bagged the delicate game, if I remember you aright, Delrose, " said Trevalyon, with the utmost _sang-froid_ as he leanedbackwards and with his right hand fondled his long tawny moustache. 

"George Delrose, what makes you here? You are Lucifer himself, Ibelieve, " said Mrs. Tompkins wrathfully, pushing his hand from hershoulder and starting to her feet. 

"I gave strict orders to Peter to admit no one to my presence. I shalldischarge Him, and at once. "

"Take it easy, Kate, _I_ have _promoted_ him to _my_ service. "

"From gold lo brass is no promotion; he knows not the value ofmetals. "

"Jove! how like they are, the same bold handsome style, reckless tothe last degree, " thought Trevalyon. 

"They are both a passport to society! all a man wants to-day! so, mypretty Kate don't look so severe, I have one, you have the other, "said Delrose audaciously, and attempting to take her hand. 

"No, I won't take your hand, go away this moment, " and a decided footwent down, "leave Captain Trevalyon and myself to conclude ourinterview. "

"You forget the proprieties, Kate, and though I like not the fruit, I'll play gooseberry, " and seating himself he coolly poured out aglass of champagne. 

"Shall I make my adieux, Mrs. Tompkins; it grows late?" saidTrevalyon, about to rise from his chair. 

"No, stay awhile, " said his hostess softly, for she thought Delrosemight go and she might so act on the feelings of Trevalyon by themagnets love and gold as to win. In the meantime he thought as hestroked his moustachs lazily, "a dashingly handsome woman, pity shehas let that dare-devil Delrose get some hold over her. "

Major Delrose drank like a thirsty man, then folding his arms glareddefiantly at Kate who returned his gaze while trembling with wrath, her eyes flashing. 

"George Delrose, you are a coward to force yourself into a woman'spresence. Go this moment! I command you, or I shall summon thehousehold. Are you going?"

"No, by the Horse Guards! _I am not_!" and the flush of anger deepenedon his cheek. "I tell you, Kate, I am not a man to be made a footballof; don't, if you have a remnant of pity in your heart, drive me madby talk of marriage with another. "

"And why not, pray?" inquired Mrs. Tompkins, recklessly, the nextinstant regretting her foolhardiness, and before the eyes of the men, one of whom she had a passion for; the other who had a passion forherself, that she had outlived; and now with quick resolve and latentmeaning, knowing the intruder's love for coins, continued: "Even didthe Sultan of Turkey fancy me to adorn his harem, when I pined forfreedom, he would not despise the American eagle done in gold as anexchange for my liberty. "

"Cold, glittering metal _versus_ warm, loving heart of woman, and suchan one as you, never!" he answered, following her cue and looking herin the eyes. 

"I care not, he cannot afford to offend me, " thought Mrs. Tompkins, and so only showing a velvet paw, making a step towards him, her richcrimson robes of velvet trailing after her, now offered her hand. "Here is my hand, George, bid me good-night, and like a good fellow goat once, and I forgive you. "

"Dismiss Trevalyon first, I am an older friend than he, " he answeredsulkily. 

"I shall not; this is my boudoir, and, thank fate, I am my ownmistress. "

"Then, by the stars, I stir not one inch!"

Both reckless, both determined, how would it end? and so Trevaylonthought, as he said, coolly:

"What is the use of acting like this, Delrose? You certainly made your_entree_ later than I, if you are making a point of that; but asoldier is usually more yielding to woman's wish. "

"Not often, Trevalyon, when her wish is the will of a rival, " heanswered hotly. 

"The fancy of a woman _a present_, " thought Trevalyon. "But I must endthis, for he won't. I am in no mood for trifling, I have again missedseeing Vaura. Mrs. Tompkins is charming in a _tete-a-tete_, but withthe _entree_ of a soldier on the war-path, " and stepping towards hishostess he said gallantly: "So fair a foe, dear Mrs. Tompkins, surrounded by soldiers, is unfair; I beat a retreat. May I carry acomforting message to the gentleman who called upon you this morning?"and the blue mesmeric eyes rested on her face as he bent his handsomeSaxon head for her reply. 

Her dark eyes met his in a pleading way, but she read no weaknessthere, and thought as she gave him her hand:

"A man with an unsatisfied longing for another woman is difficult tosubdue, but if George had not intruded himself, I should not have lethim go till I had brought him to my feet, but I shall be revenged onhim, and win my love yet, " and her hand lingered in his, while shesaid:

"You may, he is your friend; you will be much with us. "

"Thank you, for the two-fold kindness. Now gladly shall I be yourMercury. Good-night, " and lifting her hand to his lips, he was gone. 

"Then you really mean to wed Colonel Haughton?" enquired Delrose inunsteady tone. 

"Come and sit beside me, Kate; you sat beside that other man. Gad! Ifeel like shooting the follow. "

"Mere bravado; gentlemen only meet their equals. "

"Don't take that tone with me Kate, or by heaven he shall suffer. "

"Good-night Major Delrose, " she said mockingly. "I leave yourpresence, _sans ceremonie_ as you entered mine. "

And with the gas-light lighting up red-robes, jewels, coal-blacktresses and a smile all cruel, she was about to leave him. 

"Stay, Kate, I command you. How will it be when I set the London worldon their ear, over your parentage, daughter of a nobody, your goldfrom the Cosmopolitan Laundry. "

Kate winced. 

"It would be then a Haughton's turn to leave _sans ceremonie_; make upfriends, Kate, " and his face softened, and going over he led her, though unwillingly, to a seat beside his own. 

"What a bore a persistent lover with a long memory is, " thought Kate. "But I cannot afford to quarrel with him. "

"You are not serious, Kate. You will never sever the tie that bindsus?"

And bold man, though he was, his voice trembled as leaning forward hestrove to read the inmost thoughts of the woman who has played withhis affections at will. 

"You said you loved me once, Kate, but I fear your heart had no partin the matter, my devotion amused you, my bold wooing was a novelty, the soldier in me was a change after the King of Laundry?"

"How dare you name the source of my wealth and to me!" she saidhaughtily. 

"Because, my dear, I know your weak point; and even though I angeryou, anything to turn your thoughts to myself; you must admit, Kate, that it is hard lines for me; marry me, dear, and I am your slave, mylove for you will never change; it is as fierce and passionate asever. "

And leaning forward his hands on her knees, he strove in vain toimprison hers. 

"While mine has changed, " she said coldly; "love would indeed be atyrant, could we not roam at will. "

And a vision of mesmeric eyes with a smile, sweet as a woman's came toher. At her words Delrose buried his face in her hands and groanedheavily, as though his heart would break. Then looking up into herface, he said in thick tones. 

"Have you no pity for me?"

"None, you have crossed my path, you have clouded my sky. "

Had she pity for him, fool that he was to ask. Has the owner ofthe favourite at Goodwood pity for the jockey who swoons in adeath-sickness, causing the next to come in a head's length? Has theeagle pity for the young mother's wail for her babe as he carried italoft to feed the young? No, she told herself she had spoiled him, allowing him the _entree_ to her presence for the past seven or eightyears at will. She cared for him too for his bold, fierce, passionatenature, that is--in a way, if only he would not insist on monopoly, but she would be willing to barter one clasp of the hand, one lookfrom the eyes of gay, genial, handsome, fascinating Captain Trevalyonfor the total banishment of her bold wooer. 

"I have crossed your path, clouded your sky, and is this all thecomfort you give me for years of devotion?" he said slowly, and in abroken voice. "Crossed your path because my love lives, while yoursfor me is dead; crossed your path, clouded your sky, because I amconstant and wish to have you for my wife; wish to keep you in myarms. Lincoln Tompkins never knew; our world never knew; crossed yourpath? By the stars, Kate, I will not give you up!" And there is asudden fierceness in his tones, while his breath comes hard and fast. "Crossed your path? 'tis Trevalyon who has again crossed mine. Gad!how I hate him. " And he set his teeth. "To think, too, that with yourhigh spirit, you should plead to him for his love. "

"George Delrose, dare to repeat one word of a conversation you playedthe sneak to listen to, and you shall come to grief. "

And she started to her feet, receding several paces from him in rageand mortification. 

"Kate, dear, forgive me, " and he is beside her; and strong man that heis, he holds her by force in his arms until she is still. 

"It is my love for you that maddens me. My queen, my beauty, come backto me. Give your thoughts to me--you must, you shall. "

"What shall I do with him?" she thought. "I love the other man, but ifI cannot win him, I shall gratify my ambition by marrying HaughtonHall, and in petting my idol gratify myself; and so to pet my old loveuntil it's all over. "

And now puss begins to purr. 

"There, George dear, I give in; you leave no room for other fettersthan your arms. Let me go. "

"Yes, my beauty, in a minute. You have been so cold to me of late, Iam famished. You will only marry me, Kate, only me. Say yes, dear;Haughton would never suit you. But I cannot speak calmly of him or ofany other man in connection with yourself. "

And he grew again fearfully excited. 

"As for that fellow, Trevalyon, the club gossips have it that foryears he has had a hidden wife, and, depend upon it, it's true, thesecurled darlings generally do that sort of trick. "

"Stop; I may turn this to my future advantage, " thought Kate, quickly;"let me go, George, and you may sit beside me. There, that is better. I wonder if this story is true; I remember you told it me at New Yorkas false; but I dare say at that time, not being jealous of him, youwere, after the manner of men, letting him down easily. Yes, we shalltake it for granted it is true. He is handsome enough to have got intosome matrimonial scrape ere now. "

"I am regaining my old influence over her, " thought simple Simon. 

"Listen, George, a minute longer; you have seen this Miss Vernon, Vaura Vernon, niece to Colonel Haughton. Describe her. "

"Hang it, Kate! Leave the Haughton connection alone, " he said, jealously. "Talk about ourselves. "

"I am just starving for a kind word. "

"Which you won't get till I please. What makes you here? Just think ofthat, and then say would any other woman be as kind. Now run over theVernon charms, if any. "

"When she will, she will, " he said sulkily. "I have only seen her inthe 'row' and that once, she was ahead of me so I did not see herface, but she sat her horse well and her figure is perfect. Ioverheard Wingfield at the 'Russell' club rooms, telling Chaucer ofthe Guards (who is wild to meet her) that there is nothing to comparewith her in the kingdom, that she is a perfect goddess. Now are yousatisfied. 

"Yes, yes; let me think a minute. "

"Just the woman to attract; I must get her out of my path and separateher from my haughty handsome idol, my king, my love, " she thoughtslowly, her black eyes wearing an intent look, her large lips tightlycompressed. Her companion did not break upon her reverie, he satquiet, studying her profile as he had often done before; there was acertain witchery in the hour, the lateness, the stillness, the roseatelights above them, then what we have all felt, the sweet bliss ofsitting in enforced quiet beside a loved one; our brain is quiet, ourhands idle; we dread to break the spell, we then as at no other timeliterally live in the present. 

Delrose scarcely moved a muscle; from shoulder to elbow the red velvetof her gown mingled with his black coat sleeve. For some time she hadseemed to be drifting away from him, and their present _tete-a-tete_, though compulsory on her part, was to him paradise. During the seasonwhen the London world knew no monarch, save the king of revels. Shehad laughed at his prayers for a quiet half hour, tossing him instead, as she did to her parrot, now a few careless words, now a sugar plum. At present the season is waning, and a great dread has takenpossession of him, lest she should slip away from him altogether, forDame Rumour has given the widow of the American millionaire inmarriage to more than one. The demon of unrest hath gat hold on himand every night ere going to one or other of the many distractionsopen to him, he paces the square opposite her windows to see who isadmitted. More than once Col. Haughton and the man he most fears, Trevalyon, have alighted from the handsome dog-cart of the latter;to-night as we know, he, with the madness of jealousy upon him, onseeing his hated rival enter at eleven p. M. , bribes a servant to admithim one hour later. Eve had not confided in him that Trevalyon hadcome only on a written invitation from herself couched in such termsas he could not refuse. And the woman beside him thought silently, seemingly oblivious of his presence. "I fear I have no chance withhim; he is pre-occupied with her; a man always is until he tires ofone. I must marry the Colonel. Household gods are permitted inChristendom; he is my god and shall be then as now my idol. "

And with a little laugh and a sigh she turned her face quickly, brushing his beard (he was so near), and had laid his hand on hers asshe sighed. 

"My queen, " he whispered eagerly, "of whom have you been thinking allthis time? Say of me, and not of him. "

"You men all go in for monopoly, George dear, but who is the obnoxious'he' this time?"

"Trevalyon, of course; did I not hear you--"

"Stop! or we shall quarrel; if you must know, my thoughts were of you;and I thought you were not such a bad fellow after all as Trevalyon;it would be a terrible thing, George dear, did he inveigle MissVernon, for whom he seems inclined, into a marriage with him. "

"What the deuce need you care? She is nothing to you. Ah! I begin tosee, " he continued thoughtfully; "you would not regret had he a tasteof the Tantalus punishment. "

"I have some conscience left, " she said merrily, "which is paying youan indirect compliment, and if you wish to please me you will revivethis old scandal, so as to prevent this naughty fellow posing asbigamist; and now promise me and tell me good-night. "

"And you forgive me everything and restore me to favour, my queen, while I swear he shall never marry Miss Vernon nor any other woman hecovets. "

"Yes, you may come to me for your reward, if you effectually preventMiss Vernon posing as his wife. I shall be sweeter than honey in thehoney-comb to you then. But till then, pleasant dreams. "

"Before I leave, you must tell me when I may see you alone, for thisbanishment is killing me. "

"Killing you! indeed; all gammon; never saw a man look as though heenjoyed his beef and beer better; no, go do my bidding, and in youreffort to keep out Mormonism you will punish your foe and I shallreward you. "

"But when, Kate, when; you don't tell me; may I come to-morrow?"persisted her lover, eagerly. 

"No, I am steeped to the lips in engagements. "

"But I _must_, Kate; a soldier is accustomed to daily pay. "

"Don't be persistent, George, or you shall be off duty forever. "

"You know you have your foot on my neck, dear, and you takeadvantage. "

"Most men would not object to its shape or weight, " she said saucilydrawing her robe, exposing a very pretty foot encased in cream hose, and a black satin boot fitting as perfectly as any Madame Vestris everwore. 

"I am conquered, my queen, " he said softly; "only let me come, and inyour own time. "

"Well put, and now be off; I'll write you, as the letter writer says, at my earliest convenience. "

"Good-night; may it come soon. "

"Remember your mission. "

"I shall revive it with a vengeance. "

And bending down something very like a lovers' parting took place. Passing into the hall he stepped noiselessly out into the night; theclosing of the door roused the sleeping footman, who, as he locked thedoor and saw his mistress pass from her boudoir to her sleepingapartments, thought sleepily as he put out the lights--

"Peter won't get the sack for letten' him in after all; my lady issweet on him, I'm thinking, and I'm not in for Pete's place. "

CHAPTER II. 

A RARE SOCIETY BOUQUET. 

Come now and unroll with me one corner of the still, the silent past, and I shall read you a few pictures in the old time life at HaughtonHall, County Surrey, England. 

This one, a twelvth night scene of 1854, will interest us: Scene isone of the drawing-rooms at the fine old stately mansion of greystone, Elizabethan in its grandeur of tower and pinnacle, its spots ofdecay lovingly draped by the hand of Dame Nature, ivy constant andclinging as though its robes of green loved the old grey stone. Thesouth wing, built by a Haughton two hundred years ago (for his Spanishbride noble as beautiful, an Espartero by birth) alone is lighted. Weshall glance through this window. Ah! a priest of the Anglican Church;before him stands a girl beautiful as an angel; beside her a handsomeman, dark and bronzed; on the third finger of her left hand he slipsthe ring of gold which binds them as closely as its unbroken circle. Asweet woman lying on a lounge with the seal of death on her browbefore whom they kneel and receive her blessing. The actors are EthelHaughton, Captain Vernon, --th Light Cavalry, and the poor invalid whoonly lived to give her daughter in marriage. On the 27th March, sameyear, the British Lion and Russian Bear met in combat; our troops wentout and among them Captain Vernon, when, sad to relate, his name wasone of the first of our brave soldiers on the death-roll atPetropaulovski; we met with a repulse and he fell. His sweet youngbride did not long survive him, dying of a bitter loneliness calledheartache, leaving a lovely infant, the child Vaura. 

TABLEAUX VIVANTS. 

No. 2. 

Fourteen years later, bringing us by the hand of time into 1868. Samescene--Haughton Hall, morning--and ah! What a dream of beauty, achild, woman now. In the sweet, somewhat sad pleading of herexpression, one catches a glimpse of the tender, loving woman of lateryears, and so her companion, to whose arm she clings, sees her, judging from the half wondering, wholly loving sympathy in his eyes. Her movements are rapid, graceful and lithe as a young gazelle; shehas evidently expected a loved guest who has disappointed her. For nowher eyes are suffused with tears; she looses his arm and clasps herhands appealingly as she points to an open letter on a table. A vacantchair, slippers, and a _petit_ dinner untasted. He consults his watch, strokes caressingly the bright brown hair reaching to her knees, andfluffy as the coat of a water spaniel. Now taking her hand in adieu, bends his noble head, and with a smile sweet as a woman's, would kissher, but she is no child this morning and he draws back with a lookhalf wonder in his eyes. The sweet girl too, after turning her flowerface upwards, droops the large luminous brown eyes and with a prettyblush takes instead his right hand between her own and presses herrose-mouth to it in a farewell greeting. 

The actors are Vaura Vernon (the infant of last scene) who has beenexpecting her loved uncle, Colonel Haughton, who is at Baden-Badenheld in the fascinations of its gaming tables. The handsome man towhose arm she clung is Lieut. Trevalyon of the --th Middlesex Lancers;but lately returned from the East, where, at Delhi, &c. , his manydaring acts of bravery are still in the public mouth. By invitation heis at Haughton, but his friend cannot tear himself from Germany--it ishis ruin; and he yields to the importunities of his bewitching littlefriend to go and bring him home from this evil. 

TABLEAUX VIVANTS. 

No. 3. 

Trevalyon gone; Vaura, weeping bitterly, is discovered by a handsomeyouth who, bounding in at the open window, throwing himself at herfeet with many caresses, bids her be consoled, points to thedilapidated hangings, seems to contrast her surroundings with his ownwealth, displaying his diamond jewels, his watch, his well-filledpurse. She seems to be half frightened at his words; when gazing up ata portrait of her uncle, showing him a little worn and sad, a suddenresolve seems to seize her; she evidently consents to his wish, forhis face glows and he embraces her, while drying her tears. She nowleaves the room, returns in out-door costume; he, laughing andexcited, braids her lovely hair; her sweet face is a trifle pale; ajewelled comb holds together the heavy braids. She now pets two orthree dogs, feeds her birds from her hand, climbs on to a table, kisses the portrait of her uncle, the tears starting afresh, picks afew blossoms from her favourite flowers, and they make their exit. 

TABLEAUX VIVANTS. 

No. 4. 

_A few days later--Same scene_. 

Enter a lady, purely the Gaul in face and gesture, excited thoughdecided in manner; with her two Frenchmen, the one a priest, the othera man of law. Following, and looking grief-stricken to the lastdegree, comes the youth of last scene. Vaura follows pale and sad, heruncle's arm around her; priest takes a ring from Vaura's finger; witha sharp instrument cuts it in twain. Lawyer takes a paper, reads, holds it in view of all, then tears into smallest fragments. Youthgrows fearfully excited, tries to snatch it. Lady says a few words tohim, her teeth set; he yields in despair. They all then kiss the Book, evidently making oath. 

The past is again veiled, and we love the actors too well to endeavourto solve what they have apparently sworn shall not be revealed. Thefollowing eight years of Vaura's life have been spent chiefly atParis, at the Seminaire of Madame Rocheforte, bringing us to 1877, theintangible present, a mere cobweb dividing as it does our past, as itsilently recedes from our winged future. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE FATES SPIN WITH THREADS OF BLACK. 

We now return to Captain Trevalyon, as he leaves the residence of Mrs. Tompkins, No. ---- Eaton Square. He quickly seats himself in hisdogcart, still standing at the door. When grasping the reins from hisservant drives rapidly to Park Lane and the town house of his friend, the Lady Esmondet, who loves him well, as all women do who have hisfriendship; and with whom, now that he has left the army, he spends(during the season) much of his time. But now his thoroughbreds, Kingand Prance, have sped so quickly through Belgravia that theirdestination is reached. 

"Just as I feared, Fate is against me, " he thought, glancing at thehouse; "nothing has delayed them, they are off, I have again missedher. "

Aloud he says to his servant: "Sims, go to the door and enquire ifLady Esmondet has really gone; if so, has she left any message forme. "

"Yes, sir. "

Returning, he hands a letter to his master, saying:

"Her ladyship left this with the housekeeper for you, sir, and Grimessays, sir, they waited 'til the last minute for you, sir. "

Not delaying to peruse the written words of his friend, he drove withall speed to the Great Northern Station, only to learn that the trainhad left on time at midnight, when, turning his horses' heads oncemore, and for his hotel, he has soon reached the "Langham. " On gaininghis own apartments his great dog Mars gives a whine of satisfaction atthe return of his master, who, throwing himself wearily into afavourite chair, while the smoke from his cigar curls upwards, takesfrom his pocket the delicate epistle with the perfume of violets uponit, and which reads as follows:

"Lionel, _mon cher ami_, I feel it in my heart to scold you. How isit you are not with us? The Claxtons will hear of no further delay. So while they get into travelling gear, must have a one-sidedleave-taking with you, as we must needs leave Park Lane without ahand-clasp. Vaura, always lovely, is more bewitching than evertonight, as she talked earnestly to Travers Guy Cyril, you willremember him. She looked not unlike Guido's Beatrice; (I don't meanthe daubs one sees, but Guido's own), the same soul-full eyes, Grecian nose, and lovely full curved lips. Guy, always melancholy, Vaura, always sympathetic, the reflection of his sad eyes lent tohers a deep tenderness; that he loves her hopelessly, poor fellow, is only too evident, he bid us adieu for a New York trip, thence, heseemed to think, no one cared. And so, lives are parted; one isinclined to quarrel with Fate at times; she bids you to the "Towers"and elsewhere; Vaura and self to the Scotch Lakes, afterwards togay Brighton. I would you were with us, _cher_ Lionel, but yourlong-deferred visit to your place is an absolute necessity, so, muchas one regrets the moves of the 'miscreator circumstance, ' one mustsubmit. And now for a note from Dame Grundy, with our gay friend, Mrs. Eustace Wingfield, as mouthpiece. 'Posey Wyesdale openly affirms thatwhen she again plumes herself in colours you will play Benedict;moreover, that 'tis for her sake you are a bachelor. ' Mrs. W. Laughingly commented thereon, saying, 'If astonishment couldresuscitate a corpse, the Duke would be an unbidden guest. ' Poordarling, I shall miss his kindly face in our Scottish tour. I shouldlike to see you range yourself, _cher ami_, but your hands are toofull of tricks to play a losing game. Apropos to your wish to see meagain at God's altar, again to link my fate, my life, with another. _Listen, for I know you will not betray me. _ In my youth I loved, inmy prime I love the same man; my dead husband comes in between; mylove does not know he has my heart; nor did he when a girl. I, at thecommand of stern parents; said him nay; he of whom I speak is thekind, unselfish, warm-hearted, trusting Eric, Colonel Haughton. Iwrite this as I cannot speak of it, and so that you will understand myresolve to remain single; also, Vaura tells me that on her arrivalfrom Paris on this afternoon, her uncle informed her that he has madean offer of marriage to the wealthy Mrs. Tompkins. Vaura is full ofregrets, as from what our friends say, his choice is extremely_outre_. For myself I shall try and be content. And now adieu to thesubject, the pain at my heart will be more keen, my smile (for a time)forced, that is all. 'Tis well that our life teaches us to wear amask. Adieu, the bustle of departure in the hall bids me hasten. Trusting you will find your tenants more satisfied (for 'tis theircomfort we must think of to-day), and I really believe under Simpsonthey will not grumble. Farewell. Vaura has just appeared at the doorto bid me come. I asked her if she had any message for you, 'Tellhim, ' she said laughingly, ' to think of me sometimes if he has time, and then perhaps he himself will travel by the same road his thoughthas gone before, for I should dearly love to see him again, ' Formyself, do not forget me, for I feel particularly lonely to-night;Eric lost, and you not here. Ah, well, the cards have been against me, that is all; join us somewhere when you can; _au revoir_. "

"ALICE ESMONDET, "Park Lane, 15th June, 1877. 

"CAPT. TREVALYON, "The Langham, London City. "

"Jove! how sorry I am" he exclaimed thoughtfully as he finishedreading, then puffing his cigar, now vigorously then allowing it todie out, he thought silently. "Detained on this afternoon by Simpson, my new steward. Then my club dinner having guests I could not go toPark lane, afterwards the crush at the Delamere's when I missed themin the crowd, then the preremptory summons to Eaton Square when Iwent, thinking it would be to Haughton's interest. Yes, the Fates aredecidedly against me, and that gay little message from Vaura Vernon. Ishall conquer destiny and meet them somewhere next autumn. And AliceEsmondet! confessing a tender passion for Haughton. She would havebeen just the woman for him. How dull of him not to see it; but for asoldier and a society man he knows less of the women than any man ofmy acquaintance. Now for a man who has, I may say, forsworn matrimony, I take pride in my knowledge of the sex, the sweetest bit of humanitywe have. I wonder what manner of remembrance Vaura has of me, ifmerely as an old-time friend of her uncle and herself. I have not seenher, I may say, since, as a young officer, I went to the Hall as to myhome, a returned 'hero of Delhi, ' in newspaper parlance. She was theloveliest little child--woman at that time, I had ever seen. Jove! howfast one's thoughts travel backward eight years. I remember HaughtonHall was heavily mortgaged and my friend at Baden-Baden getting deeperin debt; the life of a country squire palled upon him, when at hisfather's death he returned at his mother's wish as heir; pity he wasobliged to leave the army. The outcome is this marriage for gold toredeem the place from the Jews, lost for distraction's, sake. However, a-something occurred on my yielding to dear little Vaura's wish to goand induce him to return, and he has been a saved man ever since, giving up the dice from the time of his hurried return in consequenceof a telegram he received before I reached him; I don't know what themotive power was, as he did not confide and, as a matter of course, Idid not force his confidence. The Hall is still in debt but he managesto keep the Jews quiet and to make a decent living out of a fewtenants. The lovely Vaura has her mother's portion. 'Tis an ill windthat blows nobody good, and his becoming a slave of the ring will befor my good as the old place will again be open and Vaura Vernon, thewoman now, will again grace it by her presence, and until she marries, lend a new brightness, a new distraction to my life. Jove! now I cometo think of it she will surely marry next season, and I shall not haveher long; with her face, form, colouring, eyes and the sweet syrenvoice that the men are raving of, some one of them will make her sayhim yea; then the spice of originality about her is refreshing, alsohaving had so much of the companionship of Lady Esmondet, she is awoman of common-sense and of the world, no mere conventional doll. HadHaughton not been blind and have married my friend what a paradise theHall would have been to me? Until Vaura married I must always rememberthat contingency. 'Tis absurd of dear Lady Esmondet wishing me torange myself, she knows my resolve not to wed is as earnest as thoughI was in the garb of a monk. I feel bothered and unsettled; how I wishI had been at Park Lane to-night; a trip to the Highlands would havebeen the very tonic I require. Sir Andrew Clarke could not prescribebetter, but it is too late now, its a horrible bore to go up toNorthumberland and the 'Towers' alone, though when one has had as muchtrouble with one's tenants as I, one must victimise oneself, Isuppose. 'Tis a grand old place, picturing as it does the feudaltimes, if only it were not so desolate. I wonder what Lady Esmondet orVaura would think of it, how lovely she would look standing in theTower windows with the fresh air blowing her beautiful hair and hergown close about her; but I forget it is late, and I am dreaming, herhair will be confined in some womanly fashion and she is not for me, no, Mars, you and I are lonely wanderers, " and the dog is patted, thelights are out while the weary man throws himself on his couch to passa restless night with heavy sleep at sunrise. 

CHAPTER IV. 

OF MADAME. 

At eleven o'clock the following day Mrs. Tompkins leisurely sips hercocoa as she breaks her fast in the pretty morning room at No. ----Eaton Square, her step-daughter, an American born and bred, is hercompanion, a tiny young woman all pale tints, colourless face, sharpfeatures, sharp little eyes always watery, always with a red rim aboutthem giving the paleness of their blue a pink shade. When off guardthe mouth is resolute, the eyes wearing a stealthy cunning look; themask on, 'tis an old-child face with a wondering expression ofinnocence about it. The grasshopper in the Park yonder might claimkinship and Darwin there find the missing link in the wee figureclothed in its robe of grass green, all waist and elbows. She had nolove for her step-mother whom she had been taught by hirelings toconsider her natural enemy and with whom she could only cope withsubtle craftiness. 

Mrs. Tompkins' maid now enters with a note upon a salver; on readingit her mistress simply writing the word "come" on the reverse side ofone of her cards, seals with her monograph, addressing the envelope to"Colonel Haughton" she smiles as she thinks "I shall soon seal with mycrest. "

"Take this to the servant, Masoff, and give my strict orders to Peterto admit only Colonel Haughton or Capt. Trevalyon until afterluncheon. "

"Yes, madam. "

"And, Mason, bid Sarah be in readiness to attend Miss Tompkins, whowill drive to Bayswater in half an hour for the day. John will havethe close carriage at the door. "

"Yes, madam. "

Here is the heart wish of Blanche fulfilled, but she does not show it, saying:

"Why must I go to that stupid place, step-momma? Such a mean crowd. "

"Because I wish it; at all events, you pretend such affection for yourold school-teachers when with them, that to cover your aversion tovisit them it is my duty to insist on your going there when a drivewould benefit you. Should their nephew, Sir Tilton Everly, be withthem, tell him (as I want him to-morrow) he may as well return withyou. "

Blanche made a _moue_, saying poutingly, while feeling that a_billet-doux_ was safe in her pocket:

"I was due at the Tottenham's this morning: Cis was coming shopping;"which was a romance of the moment. 

"Tell John to drive around to Gloucester Square, and you can take herwith you. "

"No, I shall not. What do you want Sir Tilton for? Might beVanderbilt, the fuss you make over him. "

"I know you dislike him; mere envy, Blanche, for his devotion tomyself, which is absurd, " with a satisfied glance at the mirroropposite. "Men being born hunters will hunt you for the golden dollar;me, for myself. So as you have breakfasted, away; try and be civil toSir Tilton, and bring him back to dinner with you at eight o'clock;ta-ta. "

As Miss Tompkins paced the corridors to her own apartments shemuttered:

"I'll be even with you some day, Mrs. T. ; didn't see you fool my popanine years for nothing, and take all his kisses and more than twomillions of money from me, when you didn't care a cent for him; 'twasthe black-bearded major, not popa's lean jaws then; now, it's Capt. Trevalyon, who is as handsome as the Prince of Wales, and too awfullynice for anything. Never mind, you'll be sold as bad as one ofBarnum's. I handle my million when I come of age, which will be NewYear's day, 1878; then you'll see if all the men love you, and thinkme a fright just because I havn't your big black eyes and catlikeways. "

Two footmen in dark green livery, with yellow facings, having removedthe _debris_ of breakfast, Madame, alone, consults her mirror, whichreflects her rose-pink gown (the reds in all shades being her colour), which fits her _embonpoint_ figure like a glove; slightly over themedium height, black browed, determined, daring and impulsive; a womanwho will have her way where her appetites are concerned; easy-goingwhen steering her own way with her own crew down life's current, whilewith a coldly cruel smile her oar crushes the life-blood from anyobstacle in her course. She touches a bell, her maid appears. 

"Mason, what do you think; am I paler than usual?"

"No, ma'am, you are looking very well. "

"So my mirror tells me; nevertheless, as I am to say yes to a secondhusband this morning, " and the large white teeth show as she smiles, "I think a slight blush would be becoming. "

"Perhaps so, ma'am, but I like your white skin, it shows off yourblack hair and eyes real well, better than all the English colour; andso you are going to marry again, ma'am; well, I thought the gentlemenwouldn't leave you alone long, ma'am. "

And the confidential maid applies with skill a slight touch of rougeto the cheek, which only has colour when the somewhat fierce tempercauses the blood to mount. 

"There, that will do; don't prate of what I have told you. "

"I have kept your secrets for ten years, ma'am. "

"You have, and may you keep them as many more, and here is a golddollar for the term;" and her mistress tossed her carelessly two fivesin the precious metal. "See that I am not disturbed, and only admit asI have given orders. "

Alone she moves towards the hangings, through the opening in whichMajor Delrose had stealthily watched the night before, and throughwhich she passes, giving him as she does only a passing thought. 'Tisa pretty room, this boudoir of Madame, with its gaily-paintedhangings, its windows in stained glass, letting in the sweet Junebreath from the park. Too great a display of wealth, perhaps, but inthe taste of the best New York artists, who revel in the gorgeous, andwho have had full play for their talents at No. ---- Eaton Square. Theblack-brow'd mistress picks up a novel (Mrs. Southworth's last); when, throwing herself onto a lounge, her well-shaped feet encased in herfavourite black satin boots stretched out, she endeavours to get thethread of the tale; but thought is too busy, the book falls to thefloor as her reverie grows deeper. 

"No, he will not come; my idol, my king. I saw it in his eyes; he ispre-occupied with Miss Vernon, and I hate her;" and a cruel look comesto the mouth and eyes. "But stay, perhaps he does love me, but isunselfish enough to let his friend win; if I was even half sure ofthis I should make short work of stately Col. Houghton; but no, a manwould not love me by halves, " and for an instant her thoughts flew toMajor Delrose. "Let me see now what is my plot or game; with George, my ambition would not be gratified, for he has no estate; nor could Iever bask in the presence of the man I adore; by marrying the ColonelI gain both ends. Then his niece, Miss Vernon, is in my path; she ishaughty; I shall so act upon this trait by showing her my dislike toher presence as to rid myself forever of it; let her beware! vitrioland Mason would do their work; yes, I must keep friendly with Delrose;her haughty spirit will aid me here; this 'hidden wife' story onceafloat, and a royal princess would as soon sign a contract with aprophet of Utah. I fear the fierce, passionate temper of George; butmy woman's wit will be brought to play to keep him quiet; Trevalyonwill necessarily have a surer footing at Haughton than he, as in thiscase I shall see; in an underhand way the Colonel has his wish, andthe pith of all my musings is that if George will not aid me inreviving the Fanny Clarmont, hidden wife scandal, _I shall do itwithout him_. One thing in my favour is, that as he swears againstmatrimony, people will say the secret reason is out of--Why! Elevenforty-five; my future spouse should soon appear; how my heart wouldbeat, and every pulse throb and burn, if it were my king; now, I am ascool as the czar of Wall Street. My sleeves fit well; this make suitsme, " and she pushed to the wrist her bracelets of the golden dollar. "And my boots also; I do take as much pride in my foot as the men doin their moustache. What am I gaining in return for myself and mygold? A great place and name, and also revenge on my father, whom Imay meet, and who kept me from position, not allowing me to know evenhis whole name--Vivian only, this and nothing more; he, a Britishofficer, in a mad impulse (I am like him) marries my mother, nobody'sdaughter, and a ballet dancer, during a run he made to New York cityjust thirty-five years ago; my sire repents in sackcloth and ashes, dragging us with him; sells out; living by his wits anyhow andanywhere, chiefly at gaming places abroad. At a German suburb once hehad left us, my late husband came to our cottage to enquire his road;as he was an American, my mother nearly swallow'd him whole; I did, onseeing his diamonds and knowing of his wealth; Lincoln Tompkins, beautiful! cognomen, and a 'cosmopolitan laundry' millionaire; myproud father nearly offered to kill me on his return, but in spite ofthe haughty Vivian we were married; and at his death he left me a richwoman. A year or so ago I came here to gratify ambition; and so, yes Ithink I may be satisfied; my capital is over two millions in gold, besides good speculations, quick wit, tact enough for my purpose--blood, I was going to say--and American confidence, pet name, cheek. Yes, I shall be able to hold my own with the best of 'em. Had Imarried George, he would have been savagely jealous of other men; hadit been my idol, he would have been my ruler; as it is, self shallrule. "

Peter here announces Colonel Haughton. Madame arises, apologising forher recumbent position, but not before her future husband has had timeto admire her foot, ankle and shapely arms, for, though her love isnot for him, he is a man and she an inbred coquette, and as a man headmires her; he has loved but once the fair-haired Alice Esmondet, whochilled his heart by her refusal, he tells himself she is always socalm and freezing she could never love and so he goes to his fate whomeets him all smiles and out-stretched hands saying--

"You are finding out my little weaknesses too soon, Colonel, you willnot now have the courage to repeat your words of yesterday. "

"If all women looked as charming, indulging their nap over a novel weshould never scold. " And her hand in his he led her back to the sofa. "My friend Trevalyon as well as your own card bid me 'come'; it isthen, as I wish, dear, your consent to honor me with this hand?"

"Yes, if you do not tell of how nearly you won a pair of gloves. "

"Instead; I shall tell of winning this fair hand on your waking, whenwe wed as now. " And his dark moustache is on her lips; "your kissesare all mine, is it not so, my wife?"

"Can you doubt it? you have conquered. "

"You will think me impatient, dear, but I want you to take my name atonce. "

"At once! and still, have your own way, my lord. I, like yourself, have only myself to please. "

"At last, I shall feel settled, Kate; the dear old place will againring with happy voices, old friends will be there, " and he whisperedlow and tenderly, "In time, I trust, an heir will prattle at ourknees, how happy would my dear mother be could she see our unionconsummated, my life arranged for. "----

"This Lady Esmondet, Colonel, is she a very old friend?"

"Very; and I am one of those men who must lean on some woman; I fearat times I have tried her patience severely. "

"What kind of woman is she?"

"Well, I can scarcely describe her; how do you mean, dear. In personalappearance? no, for you have seen her?"

"Yes, we have met; I mean in other ways, saint or sinner?"

"Neither; a happy medium, quite the woman of the world though;exclusive in her choice of friends, but true as steel when she doescare for one, gentle, kind and sympathetic. "

"How is it she has not repeated the experiment matrimonial?"

"Well, I do not know; with me she invariably changed the subject, andI did not press it, for I fancied she loved her husband so well shehad no heart left for another. "

"'Tis all very well to love a husband, Colonel, but to be faithful tohis corpse is unnatural, while men with beating hearts are aboveground. "

"True, and now about our own plans, how soon may I claim you, dearest, say this day week?"

It was just her wish, she would be nearer Trevalyon, while Delrosewould be effectually shut out unless he consented to a friendlyalliance, when he could aid her in forever separating the man sheloved from the fascinating Miss Vernon. 

"Is not a week from to-day too awfully soon, Colonel?"

"Not a day, dear; everyone is leaving town, we can take our triptogether. "

"When he will, he will; you may have your way, but I have a will too, my lord, which you will find out some day" she said with a heartylaugh, "for the present it is that we, during the week, say to-morrow, take a run down to Surrey and your place. I can then see what changesI shall make, and everything can be in readiness for us by November. "

"Delightful! how I wish Lady Esmondet and my niece, Vaura Vernon, werehere to come with us. "

In spite of herself a cloud came to Kate's brow, and she saidcarelessly--

"Oh, I don't know, this trip is just as well taken by ourselves. "

"Anything you please, dear; they are far away at all events, " but hesighed as he spoke. 

"Your niece should marry, Colonel, my step-daughter shall; it is agreat bore to have young ladies to settle in life. "

"Vaura will have London at her feet next season; heiresses all go, sowill Miss Tompkins, and for her own sake, I do not doubt. "

"Now that you have given me the idea of making up a party to run downto Surrey, I rather like it. There are the little strawberry blondes, Mrs. Meltonbury with her sister, Mrs. Marchmont, my step-daughter, SirPeter Tedril (who goes down to "Richmondglen, " to-morrow at allevents), your friend Captain Trevalyon, and mine Sir Tilton Everly; wewould be as gay as crickets. How do you like us?"

"A pleasant party; but, as I should like to make sure, if possible, ofTrevalyon, I fear I must leave you at once for the club, as afterluncheon he drives out to Richmond with some friends to dinner. "

"Yes, yes, make sure of him; there, that will do, you men are allalike in your taste for affectionate good-byes. "

And in a last caress, her heart beats as it has not done to-day, forher idol may be with her to-morrow. 

"You have not told me, my wife, what train it would be most agreeablefor you to take. "

"Oh! any that will suit Captain Trevalyon" she said, hurriedly, "Imean you and he, I leave it to you, only be quick, else you may misshim. "

"If I were a jealous man, your eagerness, " he said merrily--

"But you are not, and you know, I only do it for your sake, you aresuch friends. "

"Thank you, dear, and he is so fond of the Hall, And as you have notseen him lately you can wish him _bon voyage_ as he leaves sooner thanwe do, but I forget, you must have seen him last night to give himyour welcome message for myself. "

"Yes, at the Delamer's for one minute; I hoped to see you there, foryour doleful face haunted me since morning, so I just had time to bidhim say to you 'come, ' which we know was a romance. "

"What a kind little wife I am winning; Trevalyon deserves that Ishould deny myself by leaving you too soon, for the content he broughtme in your message, especially as he is feeling cut up about havingmissed seeing Lady Esmondet and my niece yesterday afternoon andevening. "

"Just so, we must pet him and make sure of him; dine with me to-nightat eight, the rest of the party will be here, you can then state yourarrangements; ta, ta. "

Seeing from the window the tall, soldier-like figure safe down thesteps and making rapid strides through the square, she throws herselfon to a lounging chair, with both her hands pressed to her side, sayswhisperingly--

"These heart throbs are all for you, my idol; oh, that he will be intime. How stupidly tame he is, but you will be the elixir of life tome; I shall be a Haughton of Haughton, and you shall be there, and Ishall keep you out of matrimony, and my life will be all bliss. "

"Luncheon is served, ma'am. "

CHAPTER V. 

MADAME SHUFFLES THE CARDS. 

The following morning the weather perfect, with not a cloud in thesky, the party, after her own heart and all accepting, while dining atEaton square, the previous night, in a robe _a la derniere mode_, Mrs. Tompkins is content and in her gayest spirits; two large hamperscontaining choice wines and dishes to tempt the palate of an epicurehad been sent down by earliest train in case the cellar and larder atHaughton should fail. 

"For Heaven, save me from a hungry man, " she had said in the ear ofthe strawberry blondes; "I don't want to see him before breakfast;after dinner, I love them. "

At the station were Colonel Haughton with Captain Trevalyon, theformer less calm than usual with just a pleasant touch of excitementand eagerness about him in the having won the wealthy Mrs. Tompkinsfor wife; he must wed gold, and so with his aristocratic name, belongings and air _distingue_ as bait, the angler had caught thebiggest catch of the season. Captain Trevalyon's handsome face is litup with pleasure, his mesmeric blue eyes now smiling, would draw theheart from a sphinx; for the friends have been congratulating eachother over the coming opening of Haughton Hall, over the intensepleasure of again being under the same roof daily with Lady Esmondetand Vaura, with their charming knowledge of human nature, causing agreat charity and pleasant cynicism with no malice in it of the shamsand pet weaknesses of society. 

"Take my word for it, Trevalyon, there is nothing to equal Vaura inthe kingdom. I wish you had been at Park Lane the night before last. "

"Don't name it, Haughton, I have been quarrelling with fate eversince; promise me that the next time you see an opening to my joiningthem you will let me know. "

"That you are in earnest your face tells me; though ten years myjunior, you loved my darling as a child as much as I, and I promise. But eyes right, old fellow, here comes the carriage and the green andgold livery of my bride-elect; attention is the word. "

"And plenty of it, " laughed his friend, as they stepped to the side ofthe carriage and shook hands with the four ladies as they alighted. 

Madame could not have chosen better foils for her own voluptuousstyle than the three women, all angles--looking as she always did, as though she had been visiting Vulcan, and feeding on the red-hotcoals beneath his hammer, while quenching her thirst from a cantharusgiven her by the hand of Bacchus himself. "The strawberry blondes" (asMrs. Tompkins made their hearts glad by naming them) are decidedlyred-haired (in common parlance), and robed in sky-blue suits and hats, all smiles, frizzes, bustles, elbows and pin-backs. Blanche Tompkins, poor little thing, looks cold and pinched in her steel-grey satin suitand hat, with silver jewellery, the red rim around her eyes morepronounced than ever. As they drive into the station yard she peersintently about, and a wee smile just comes to her face as her hand istaken by Capt. Trevalyon. 

"I need not ask you how you are, dear Mrs. Tompkins, your looks tellme, " said Col. Haughton. 

"No, I am not one of the ill-kine, Colonel, " laughed his bride-elect. 

"Nor yet one of the lean-kine, " said Trevalyon gaily. 

As the other ladies gathered about, a small London swell, who had comeforward with a beaming face, saying:

"Here we are again, " and whom Mrs. Tompkins presented to Col. Haughtonand Capt Trevalyon as "Sir Tilton Everly. "

"Excuse me, sir; the carriages are filling up, sir. "

"My man is right; we had better secure seats; allow me, " said Col. Haughton, giving his arm to Mrs. Tompkins. 

The others were at the steps waiting for her to take her place, but aquick glance had let her see that one of the six seats is occupied;and determined to have the man she loves beside her, she says quickly:

"Never mind precedence, 'tis only a picnic; every one of you secureseats; I shall wait here with the Colonel for Sir Peter Tedril. "

"Oh, yes, like a dear thing; we shall die without Sir Peter, " criedMrs. Meltonbury. 

"Oh, yes, we must have dear Sir Peter, " echoed her twin. 

"Oh, yes, we must all have dear Sir Peter until there is a lady Peter;good time, you all remember him, though, " exclaimed Mrs. Tompkins. 

Here Tims comes forward, saying:

"Sir Peter Tedril's servant is yonder, sir, with a message for Mrs. Tompkins, sir; may I bring him, sir?"

"Certainly, and at once. "

The man approaches, touching his hat, saying:

"My master bid me meet you here, madam; a telegram arrived last night, ma'am, calling him by the early train to Richmondglen; but master willmeet you at the Colonel's place, ma'am, and return with your party toLondon, ma'am. "

"Very well; and here is a gold bit to drink to the health of yourgirl. "

"You are very good, ma'am. "

And with a grin of satisfaction, he drank English beer to Americanliberality. 

On stepping to the door of the carriage, Capt. Trevalyon offered hisseat to his friend. 

"Not so; we cannot spare you, " cried Mrs. Tompkins. "I should have allthese ladies as cross as bears, Sir Peter _non est_ and you away; no, the Colonel is gallant enough to leave you to us; he will have so muchof _some one_ a week from yesterday. "

"No help for it, I suppose, " said the victim, ruefully eyeing Everlyseated comfortably between the strawberries, the stranger havingvacated his seat for another coach. Everly was blind and deaf to theColonel's wish, taking his cue from his neighbour's, who had said inan undertone:

"Don't stir, we are afraid of him, and you are so agreeable and nice. "

And the guard locked the door, saying respectfully:

"No help for it, sir, I'll find you a seat. "

CHAPTER VI. 

LOVE AND LOVE-MAKING. 

"This just too lovely; you are not going to weep over the exit of theColonel?" said Mrs. Tompkins rapturously. 

And the sleeve of her jersey brushed Trevalyon's arm as she whisperedabove, glancing sideways. 

"Enforced exit, you mean; with so seductive a neighbour one cannot butpity the absent. "

But Mrs. Marchmont must be given an occupation, as she is immediatelyher opposite neighbour; Trevalyon will then not feel it incumbent onhim to notice her, and will then be hers as though in a _tete-a-tete_;and so with the imperiousness that newly-acquired wealth lends to somenatures, she says:

"Here, Fairy, is Agnes Fleming's latest; as I warn you I shallmonopolize Capt. Trevalyon until we reach the Hall of 'Haughton, ' whensome one else will go in for monopoly of me. "

"Yes, you poor dear thing, he will;" and she tittered; "but when thecat is away mousey can play; consider me asleep over my novel. "

The absurdity of her remark struck Trevalyon so forcibly that he couldnot restrain a laugh. 

"I don't believe you pity me one bit, " said Mrs. Tompkins in a lowtone, looking into his eyes reproachfully. 

"Not one bit. "

"Even after what I have told you?"

"Even after that, " he answered, in lowest of tones; for they are insuch close contact she can see what he would say as his lips frame thewords. 

"You are the only man who has been cruel to me. "

"How so?"

"Oh, because, " and the eyelids droop, for the lashes are long andblack, though she would fain, look forever into the blue eyes aboveher. "Oh, because it is simply a woman's reason; give me your own. "

"You are cruel, because to whom much is given, of him is muchrequired. "

"You flatter me; but let us look on the reverse side; I am a lonelyman, I may say without kith or kin; I am almost sworn against weddedties, but I love you all, have given much and require much. "

And the easy _sang-froid_ habitual to him gave place to a sadness ofexpression, a tired look, that ere now had made women weep. Mrs. Tompkins, impulsive to a degree, would fain have ordered everyone fromthe coach, taken his head to her breast, and bid him rest; a tremor isin her voice as she asks:

"Why will you not marry?" And for one moment she is willing to cut herheart out so he is happy; the next, ready to tear the heart from anywoman who could make him so. 

He sees by her tones the effect he is producing; he must again don hismask, and not excite her pity by reference to the sadness of his innerlife, caused by his dead father's griefs; he had been foolish, but hehad wished her in an indirect way to know that as no woman held hiswhole heart neither could she; and so, almost in his old easy tones, he says:

"Why not marry? I prefer you to frame some pretty imaginings to boreyou on our pleasure jaunt with my own; and here we are at our EnglishFrascati, Richmond the enchanting. Have you ever sunned yourself inItaly, fair madame?"

"No, nor should I care to; the Italian is too lazy, too dreamy forme. "

"Then you cannot enter into the spirit of Thompson's 'Castle ofIndolence?'"

"There is no spirit in it; no, I had rather sell peanuts at a Broadwaycorner, roast chestnuts on a Parisian boulevard, or flowers in RegentStreet, than wade through one stanza of his sleepy poems. "

Trevalyon laughed, saying:

"How full of active life and vim you are; now, I, at times, couldwrite of dreamy idleness _con amore_. Do you never weary of ourincessant hunt after some new sensation?"

"Never! 'tis the very main-spring of my existence, 'tis what I livefor. "

"How will you manage to kill time at 'Haughton' Hall out of theseason?"

"You will be there, " and the black eyes meet his unflinchingly. "Andif not I am a great wanderer. "

"Some distraction shall dull my senses till you come. "

"But, you poor little fire-eater, supposing your liking for me to bereal, " and no ear but hers heard his whispered words "with myknowledge of Haughton's noble nature, I should curse myself did Icause him one jealous pang. "

She pressed close to him as she breathed tenderly--

"Trust me my idol he shall never dream of my idolatry. "

And the passionate face is transfigured in a tenderness new to it, forher passion has grown doubly strong in this drive from London, and shehugs to herself the thought that her love will beget his, all shamefor its avowal is foreign to her breast, reckless and impulsive, herwish is her will. 

"Your heart is as loving and untamed as Eve's, you must not tempt meto forget that he is my friend. "

"I _must_. " And the jewelled fingers (for her gloves are off) cling tohis as he assists her to alight, for Richmond passed they are at thevillage of 'Haughton, ' and the guard has called--

"Ladies and gentlemen for the Hall please alight. "

A covered carriage and dog-cart are down in answer to the telegram ofColonel Haughton who has already alighted and meets his guests as theyemerge from the carriage. 

"Here we are again, " says small Sir Tilton Everly, "Such a jollydrive, I am glad you invited me, Colonel Haughton; never was pastRichmond proper before. "

"No?" said the Colonel carelessly, and, stepping quickly to Mrs. Tompkins, says, "It has been dreary banishment to me; allow me. "

"You look like a man who has missed his dinner; or, as John Bull, outwitted by brother Jonathan, " said his bride elect with a latentmeaning as laughing heartily she takes his arm to the carriage. 

"Or had a John Bright man step in before him at the election. "

"Confound his impudence, " thought Colonel Haughton, saying, "I am not, a Mark Tapley. "

"Any man with a spice of gallantry" said Trevalyon coming to hisfriend's aid, "would feel as if Siberian banishment had been hisportion, had he been separated from so fair a group of ladies. "

Are the men doing anything to 'Rose Cottage' Trimmer, " enquired hismaster of a shrewd looking man in brown and buff livery. 

"Yes, sir, it's in good order now. "

"This lady is my new tenant, anything you can do Trimmer to meet herrequirements will oblige me. "

"Yes, sir. "

"Thank you Colonel Haughton, you are very kind, " said Mrs. Marchmont. 

"Don't mention it, anything I can do will give me pleasure. "

"It is a sweet spot; my darling child, Miranda, is a naturalist andwill collect many insects. "

"From the Hall?" said Blanche with her innocent air. 

"No, no, dear, from the grounds. "

"Drive on, Trimmer, I shall take the dog-cart. "

"Yes, sir. "

"What a sweet spot and how quaint the shops look, " said Mrs. Marchmontas they were rapidly driven through the village. 

"Not quaint, but vacant" laughed Mrs. Tompkins, "the whole thing has avacant air about it, the inhabitant looks as though he was bornyesterday and wondering what day it was; I'd rather see a yankeewhittling a stick with his saucy independent air; hat on the back ofhis head so he can see what is going on, than any one of 'em. "

"I could buy out the whole lot myself, " said Blanche jeeringly, withher small head turning as if on a pivot. 

"What a delightful feeling, " said Mrs. Meltonbury, admiringly, "Yesit's just too lovely. If my poppa was here he'd throw no end of dimesand pea-nuts among 'em; always had pea-nuts in his pockets; how theystare, it's just too funny for anything. "

"How wealthy he must have been, I just adore money!" said theMeltonbury. 

"I believe you, " answered Blanche laconically. 

"Pity you have that husband out in Ontario, Melty, " said Mrs. Tompkins, "or I should soon find you another millionaire, you ought toget a divorce, plea; he is Canadian Government _attache_ not your_attache_. "

"What a dear thing you are; it would be too sweet. "

"Which, the millionaire or the divorce, " at which there was a peal oflaughter. 

"I am afraid sister referred to the man, " sighed Mrs. Marchmont, "buthow sad for poor dear Meltonbury. "

"He'd survive it, " said Blanche sententiously. 

"As I live there is Lord Rivers and a man worth stopping for. Halt, coachman, " cried Mrs. Tompkins eagerly. 

And they stopped in front of the D'Israeli Arms where a group ofgentlemen were watering their horses. 

"Ah! how do Mrs. Tompkins, " said Lord Rivers lazily wheeling hishandsome bay and lifting his hat to the group. 

"Whither bound?"

"For 'Haughton' Hall, you are coming I hope, now don't say no for Ishall not listen if you do. "

"Too bad, but I am due at Epsom, a little trotting race is on, and ifnot the lord of Haughton, whom I met up the road, did not give me aninvitation. "

"But I do, " said Madame with emphasis. 

"He is a lucky fellow, " he said slowly and taking in the situation. 

"So I think, " she said laughing, and remembering she had Trevalyon forto-day continued hastily, "we open the Hall for no end of revels atChristmas, I must have you then. "

"I shall slumber and dream of you until that time, " and with a longside glance from his sleepy eyes the Epicurean peer put spurs to hishorse to overtake his friends. 

"Drive on, coachman. "

"What deep eyes Lord Rivers has; he quite looks one through. What apity such a sweet man should have such an ugly, disagreeable wife, Inever thought she would be even a possible choice for any man, " saidthe Marchmont. 

"Better for us, it makes him sigh for the impossible, " said Mrs. Tompkins. 

"And 'tis such a sweet mission for a woman, that of consoler, " sighedthe Marchmont. 

"To a man, " said Blanche with her innocent air. 

"Of course to a man; a woman would suspect a latent pity for which shewould reward you with her claws, " said Mrs. Tompkins. 

"Sweet consoler, I shall send to Pittsburg for a cast-iron heart andbuy out some druggist's court plaster, " said Blanche. "You shallconsole a husband next season, I am determined in this. "

"Indeed! who have you got me ticketed for?" and the pink eyes turnedtowards her step-mother. 

"Little Sir Tilton would be just her height, dear Mrs. Tompkins, " andMrs. Meltonbury clasped her hands in ecstasy. 

"Mrs. Tompkins will tell you how I love him, " said Blanchedisapprovingly. 

"Yes Melty, Blanche cannot endure him and besides he is my littlebeau, " said Madame with an air of proprietorship. 

But the Hall of the Haughtons is reached, and the carriage rollsthrough the wide open gates. At the pretty lodge door stands thekeeper and his wife, he pulls off his cap while she curtsies low, their future mistress tosses them a gold bit at which more curtsy andbow. What a magnificent avenue through the great park, the oak and elmmingling their branches and interlacing their arms overhead, throughwhich a glimpse of blue heavens with golden gleams of sunlight areseen. A turn in the road and the grand entrance is before them, oneither side of which are flower beds in full bloom. A conservatory isall around the octagon south wing, now bereft of its floral beautiesexcepting its orchards and ferns. It is really a fine old place, largeand massive, in grey stone and with the grandeur of other days aboutit; the arms and motto show well in the sculptor's work over theentrance; the words "Always the same" and "Loyal unto death, " standingout brave and firm, as the Haughtons have for generations unnumbered. On the steps stand the master of Haughton, beside him his friend ofyears, Trevalyon, behind them their acquaintance, small Sir TiltonEverly. In the background, on either side of the Hall, are thehousehold, only a few for their master has an uncomfortably smallincome, but they love him and will not leave him for filthy lucre'ssake. But they are glad of the news that their master will marry andthat a good time is coming for them. 

"Thrice welcome to Haughton Hall, my dear guest, " said Col. Haughton, taking the hand of his bride-elect and leading her up the steps; "yourfuture mistress, and if you are as faithful to us both as you havebeen to myself you will do well. "

"Thank you kindly, master, " said the old butler. 

"We will, we will, sir, " was echoed from all sides. 

After a substantial luncheon, at which they were very merry, Sir PeterTedril joining them at table, there was a scattering of forces, Col. Haughton giving his arm to his future wife in introducing her to herfuture home. 

"You say I am to make all things new if I please, Colonel. "

"Even to remodelling myself, my dear Kate. "

"Wise man, for I am accustomed to get my way, most days, " she added, with a side glance at Trevalyon. 

And in her inspection she admired or ridiculed, laughed at orcondemned, old time-worn tapestry and furniture mouldings anddecorations, as ruthlessly as though mere cobwebs. It was finallydecided that their tour would be at once, and to New York and Paris, from whence renovators and decorators should be imported; two or threeapartments ^only were to be held sacred; old things were to pass away, all was to become new. The future mistress threw a good deal of viminto her walk and talk, doing all in a business-like manner, determined that Haughton Hall should be unequalled for luxuriouscomfort. Moreover, doing her duty in allowing her future husband tomonopolize her for two or three hours; so earning her reward inTrevalyon in the drive by rail home to the city. The demeanour ofHaughton in these hours pleased her; he was not lover-like, butproperly admiring and tractable. Once before his mother's portrait hewas very much affected, regretting she could not see his happiness, while she inwardly congratulated herself that the stately dame onlylived on canvas. 

"And now, I suppose, we have 'done' (excuse the slang) the spacious, and I must say, the very complete home of your fathers, Colonel; and Imay close my notebook, " she said, with a satisfied but somewhatrelieved air. 

"Excepting the north tower, which you would please me very much bymaking the ascent of; it is selfish, but I shall have you a littlewhile longer to myself, especially as I agree with you that I had beststay here until tomorrow evening to set some of my people to work. "

"Two heads are better than one, Colonel, " and her pulses throb;another _tete-a-tete_ with her idol made easy. 

"Yes, dear, I should have been obliged to run down within the week hadI not remained. "

"True, and now for the tower; which is the door?"

"Up a dozen steps; I shall have to leave you while I go back for theopen sesame. "

"In here? 'tis dark; but never mind, run away. "

"It is my armoury, and should be locked; but the negligence of theservants gives you a resting place, it is so near the tower; thislarge leather chair you will find comfortable. "

"Thank you, that will do; lift over that box with the dynamite; lookabout it for my feet. "

"Beautiful feet! and my wife's, " he whispered low. 

"Ta, ta. I have plenty to occupy my eyes. "

"Yes, I take quite a pride in my armour, from our own and foreignlands; with the _sabre de mon pere_, Indian idols, Highland targets, and many relics of my happiest days. ". 

"There, there, that will be very comfortable; by-by. "

His footsteps have scarce died away when she is conscious of not beingalone, and though in the dim light, her nerves are strong and do notgive way; still she slowly arises humming an air, and as if to have anearer view of an Indian curiosity. Scarcely has she done so than sheis clasped in the strong arms of a man who has come from behind her, and pillows her face closely to his breast to prevent a scream, and soshe shall not recognize him. She dreaded the return of Col. Haughton, now that events are shaping themselves fairly well; her immediate fearis lest any escapade should cause him to return with her to London, which would perforce prevent her immediate escort by the man sheloves. So she allowed a tremor to pass through her, thinking to excitepity--which she did, for he slightly loosened his tight hold. 

"Let me go and I shall not scream; you may have my money or jewels, "she said in gasps. 

"I only want you, my beauty, " said a voice she knew well--the voice ofGeorge Delrose. And her face is rudely kissed again and again. 

"I hope you are satisfied; I shall not ask you how you came here, foras I have before had occasion to remark, you are Lucifer himself, " shesaid in cutting accents. 

"Kate, don't, or you will kill me; I must know your moves or I shallgo mad. "

And the strong man groans for his weakness, pressing his forehead withboth hands. 

"Tedril met me at the 'Russel Club' after dining with you last night;he then told me he was coming here at your invitation. Seeing howdreadfully cut up I was he changed his plans, and to give me a chanceof a word with you ran down on first train to his place; we then rodeover; he managed an _entree_ to the Hall and secured me a retreathere, loitering about the park himself until luncheon. He tells me youare to marry Haughton; I reeled at his words, and would have fallen;but 'courage, ' I told myself, 'she is not so cruel'; tell me, mybeauty, that they lie; you could never love such an iceberg. "

"You know me well enough for that, George. "

"Had it been that other to whom I heard you--"

"Overheard, you mean; but one word of that, and I scream out. "

"I repeat, " and his voice grew fierce in its intense rage; "had itbeen even said you were to wed him, I would have shot him; the otheryou would be wretched with, so I am safe there. "

"I confess to the being curious; did you hear the whispered nothingsof the Colonel as he left me?"

"No, I was behind the coats-of-mail at the end of the room; but Ishould not have been jealous; a man _must_ make love to you; it isyours for _me_ I dread will change; your words to Trevalyon are burnedto my memory; _but he shall never have you, I have sworn it_. "

And in spite of herself she trembled, not for herself, but for the manshe loved; but recovering herself quickly, and wishing to quiet himbefore the Colonel returned, said:

"How could I possibly marry a man with a hidden wife?"

Delrose, taking her face in his hands, tried in vain to read herheart; sighing heavily, he said:

"Oh, Kate, could you love me faithfully, devotedly, as I do you, whata life ours would be; but you are a slave to fancy, a creature ofimpulse, and I am now a mere barrier in your path, to be kicked asideat will; yet knowing this, I love you as ever, with the same old madpassion; and should you desert me, Heaven help me;" and the ring oftruth and despair in his tones would have touched the heart ofanother. 

But Kate, accustomed to eat greedily of life's sugar-plums, onlystamped her foot impatiently at his persistence, saying:

"You are just a great big monopolist, George, and don't want our worldto look at me, even through a glass case; the idea of you beingjealous of a man whom we both agreed to sit on if he play bigamist;you forget our partizanship. "

"See how quickly a kind word from you calms me my queen, but its toobad, beauty, I must hide again. I hear him returning. "

"I shall go and meet him so he shall not lock you in. "

"You were not long, Colonel, but I am quite rested and now for thetower stairs key, which way?"

"This way, but I need not have left you; Trimmer tells me the door isunlocked and our guests in advance of us. 

"Oh, how lovely, it will save time looking them up; 'tis four-forty-five now, and at seven the up train is due. "

In twenty minutes the ascent is made and madame stepped among herfriends, her short navy blue satin skirt being just the thing to getabout in easily; 'twas a handsome robe too with its heavy fringe andjets with bonnet to match, black silk jersey, heavy gold jewellery andjaunty satchel with monagram in gold slung over her round shoulder. She looked well and carried her head high and had her under jaw andmouth been less square and heavy she would have been handsome. 

"What a band of idlers you look, " she said "after my hard pilgrimage. "

"Refreshingly _dolce far niente_, I should say, " said Trevalyonlazily. 

"How do you like the view, ladies?" enquired the Colonel, which gaveSir Peter Tedril his opportunity. 

"Have you seen him?" he said in an undertone, "I have. "

"Thank Heaven, it's over! you look so calm I feared it had to come. "

"I don't wear my heart on my sleeve. "

"The Colonel did not see him, " he again asked. 

"No, I did and alone in the armory. "

"Where I left him, poor fellow. "

"That will do; the others may hear. "

"Allow me to adjust the telescope for you, Tedril, " said Trevalyon. "Iknow it well, now, Mrs. Tompkins, you have a fine view taking in asyou see a ravishing bit of Richmond a very embodiment of rest, atleast where you are gazing, with the music which you are to imagine ofthe Thames at its feet. "

"Enough;" she said, "I am no poet, and with me a little of that sortof thing goes a long way; turn it on something practical, if it willrange so far. "

"Shall it be London, Guildford, or _chic_ little Epsom, fair Madame?"

"Give me London. "

"Our gilded Babylon, _versus_ ethereal skies, with lights and shadowsthat would send an artist wild, " said Trevalyon, gaily readjusting thetelescope. 

"Why, Trevalyon, such sentiments from you, " exclaimed the Colonel, while the others gathered around. 

"'Tis a practical age, I like his view, " said Everly. 

"Do you, well take it; my eyes pain me, " cried Madame. 

"I wish I could take the pain too, " he answered gallantly. 

"You have taken both, sweet child; we had better all be off, everybody. Time flies. "

"He does; it tires one to think of him, "' said Trevalyon, consultinghis watch. 

"'Tis _so_ sweet up here, " sighed the Marchmont. "I am feasting myeyes on Rose Cottage. "

"'Tis near dinner time, Mrs. Marchmont, " said Blanche. 

"When you will sigh, fish of sea, fowl of air _versus_ Rose Cottage, "said Tedril. 

"Though following Sir Peter's lead from the depths to the heights, 'tis only to feed the inner-man, therefore as we grow prosaic we hadbest descend to the level of Rose Cottage, " said Trevalyon. 

For he felt that he was losing himself in memories of the past, herehe had sat many hours with Vaura and his friend, now everything wouldbe so changed; he knew it was foolish, but since he had seen a coloredminiature of her in her uncle's possession in all the beauty ofwomanhood, he craved for her living presence, and he felt that thefirst step as he now made it down the old stairs brought him nearerthe consummation of his wish. He was glad his arrangements to leaveLondon at sunrise were complete; he wished the up trip was over; hedid not pine for another _tete-a-tete_ with Madame; she was capitalcompany, but she belonged to his friend; he only hoped he would beable to hold her that was all. On their descent, after a few minutesadjournment to the dining-room where delicious tea with walnuts insweet butter and salt and scraped Stilton cheese in rich French pastrywere duly relished, besides cold ham, chicken with sparkling hock andMalmsey. And now again, merrier than birds, away to the station; thistime Mrs. Tompkins and the Meltonbury take the dog-cart with ColonelHaughton. They outstrip the carriage; but now all alight. 

"Gentlemen and ladies for the carriages, please take seats at once, "sang the guard. 

"How are you off for room, guard, " enquired the Colonel. 

"Seats in this one for two, sir. "

"Sir Tilton, might I trouble you to take charge of my step-daughter; Iknow it will be a bore, " she added in an undertone, "but I shallreward you my dear little poppet. "

"Seats for five more, guard, " shouted Tedril, for the engine wasalmost off. 

"This way, sir. "

The strawberries with hasty good-byes are on board with Tedril. 

"Dine with me to-morrow evening, Colonel. By, by, " said Mrs. Tompkinspleasantly, for he was so easy and she would have Trevalyon up. 

But the latter, lifting his hat, said:

"It is not _au revoir_ with me, dear Mrs. Tompkins, but _bon voyage_;and, " he said, lowering his voice, "imagine the rice and slippers, forI heartily wish you every happiness. "

"What nonsense, " with a frown and little stamp of foot. "Wish me yourwishes up; you are coming, " and her eyes showed both anger anddisappointment. 

"Carriages, carriages;" shouted the guard, and with a pardon Madamealmost locked the door on the skirts of Mrs. Tompkins as the Colonelwas saying hurriedly:

"I persuaded him to wait for the midnight and keep me company. "

CHAPTER VII. 

ORESTES AND PYLADES. 

"And how glad I am you did, dear old friend, " said Trevalyon warmly, as they took the dog-cart for home, talking by the way long andearnestly as they drove slowly and absently. After dinner theystretched their limbs on rugs on the lawn under the peaceful June sky;they had not been here many minutes when their mutual friend therector, Mr. Douglas, strolled across the park to smoke his pipe withthem. 

"You see it did not take me long to hear of your advent, " he saidtaking the easiest of attitudes on a garden seat. 

"And I need not say I am glad of it, Douglas; I am only sorry you didnot come over and dine with us; had Trevalyon not been with me Ishould have found you out ere this. "

Leaving Haughton and Douglas to talk of old times and the new, Trevalyon lay perfectly still, alternately dreaming and smoking, nowthere is a lull, and he says:

"Neither of you have the remotest idea of how I enjoy this rest; Ihave been a good deal bothered lately and have had an unsettledfeeling, " here he noticed the rector give him a searching look, "andthis is paradise; in fact I doubt if we earn Elysian Fields bycomparison; we shall find the restful peace more enchanting we onlylong for (I suppose as long as one is mortal one longs for asomething), a few charming women, then we would have a realm forEpicurus himself. Evening, and pure, soft tints everywhere, the longshadows blending to disappear in the dark, like the last waves ofunrest, the young moon languidly rising to lighten loving faces ofthose in this haven of peace, the fragrance of yonder blossoms as theysip the dew, the graceful forms from the sculptor's hand standing intheir whiteness amid the green grass, and the soft sighing leafletsstirred by the air above them, seeming to breathe to them theirevening song of love. Haughton dear fellow, you have a magnificentplace here, and God grant, " he added with fervor, "you may be full ofcontent and happiness. "

"God grant it, " said his friend earnestly. 

"Amen, " said the rector: "then the gossips are right, you are about tocome to God's altar, to join yourself in matrimony with a wealthyAmerican. "

"I am; do you think I am right; tell me as an old and trusty friend, 'he said gravely. 

"Every man should marry, you should know whom to choose, being acosmopolitan as you are; the Hall should be occupied; you are a goodand faithful steward, giving to the poor with no niggard hand, and outof your present small income; yes, you should decidedly marry and youshould as decidedly have an heir, " he added smiling. 

"As you think it wise, I wish I had put on the shackles before, especially as a home for my darling Vaura is my strongest motive, andnow she will marry and I might have had her with me all these years;as for an heir I bother myself very little about it; in my earlymanhood I loved, and had I been loved in return, " he said bitterly;"heirs would now, I expect, have been numerous, and now it is all herfault, " he said weakly, "if my venture does not bring me happiness. "

"Never mind the past, my dear fellow, we have done with it, " said therector kindly, "be true to the wife you are taking; 'Loyal unto death'(your own motto), or dishonour, which, God save us all from, we havenothing to do with; the man who is loyal to his wife has a right toexpect equal devotion on her part. "

"Your own wedded life has been very happy, " said Trevalyon earnestly. 

"It has; heaven grant you both the same! Trevalyon, you will pardon anold friend (and a friend of your father's also); you have said youhave been a 'good deal bothered lately, ' is it anything you canconfide in me--it lightens care to share it?"

"I thank you, Douglas; you are very kind. I have a visit to my placeon the _tapis_, and when this is the case my heart is full of sadmemories; my tenants, too, under my late steward's _regime_, have beenextremely disaffected; so I take the Great Northern at sunrise onto-morrow for Northumberland. I have been feeling very much latelythe burden of my lonely life, the outcome as it is, of my dearfather's blighted hopes; grief-stricken; desertion. "

"Pardon me, you are under some promise of celibacy to your father, Ibelieve. "

"I am. "

"It was no oath?"

"No, I was glad by a promise to relieve his poor troubled mind, and myknowledge of women made it easy. "

"Grant me still another question. I am not, I need scarcely say, actuated by mere idle curiosity?"

"Any question you like, Douglas. "

"Have you never met a woman who has caused you to regret yourpromise. "

"Never!"

But a new and strange feeling stirred his heart-strings, that perhaps, had he met the child Vaura, now the woman, he could not answer so. There was a pause on his answering Douglas, with the singleword--"Never. "

"It is due to you, that I should give a reason for my questions. Myson, Roland, writes me, that the story of your elopement with FannyClarmont, has been revived, and with a good deal of vim and sensationas to her being your hidden wife thrown in. "

"Indeed, " said Trevalyon, carelessly, "what a dearth of scandal theremust be in Dame Rumour's budget, that she must needs revive one of adozen years ago. "

"Ah, " thought the rector, "what a pity it is true. " But not soHaughton, who, starting to a sitting posture, said excitedly:

"You take it too coolly, Trevalyon, stamp it out at once, and forever! you know, you never married her. "

"Dame Rumour says I did, " he answered with the utmost _sang-froid_. 

"Nonsense; saddle it on the right man, my dear fellow; mark me, 'tis_his_ doing; whatever may be his present reason, he is now, as, then, thoroughly unprincipled, and always your foe. "

"Tis true, Haughton; but the weather is too warm for a brawl, " hesaid, lazily. 

"Eleven! o'clock, " exclaimed the rector, "I must bid you bothgood-night; Haughton, you have my best wishes; we shall be more gladthan I can say to have you among us again, and the other dear ones, Lady Esmondet and our sweet Vaura; good-bye, Trevalyon, I am full ofregrets, that in giving you Dame Rumour's words, I have lent anunpleasant tone to your thoughts. 

"You have nothing to regret, Douglas, I am too well accustomed to DameRumour's pleasantries; she only serves poor Fanny Clarmont up in anew dress; as 'hidden wife, ' she has never been presented before. Good-bye; I wish I could remain at the dear old place all night, thenwe would both stroll across the park with you. "

"That would have been pleasant; hoping soon to meet again; good-night, and fare you both well. "

The rector gone, the dog-cart is again in requisition; at the station, Haughton says heartily--

"Good-bye, dear old friend; I am sorry you will not be with me to thelast, but I shall look forward to your spending a couple of monthswith me in the autumn, ere going up for the season; good-night, I feelall the better since our talk. "

"Good-bye, Eric, good-bye; my heart is to full for many words. Godbless you! Farewell. "

And with a long, firm pressure of the hand and look from the eyes, thefriends, with the friendship of Orestes and Pylades, part. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

MADAME AND HER GARDENER. 

One word of Mrs. Tompkins, on the up trip to the city, a few hoursprevious, as she cares for her little plot digging with smiles assunbeams; frowns as showers. On the guard locking the door, she wasastonished to find, besides the strawberries and Sir Peter, her headgardener, who smiled as he stroked his beard in satisfaction; he lovedthis woman (so like himself) with the strongest passion his heart hadever known, and here she was coming in to him, making his heart throbwith joy, while she, more in love with his rival than ever, by thisday's social contact, still, in pique at his falling into Haughton'splan to remain, and so (though he knew she loved him) letting herreturn in other company, gave her a certain relish for this man's boldlove-making, and whom she could also use in nourishing her plot tokeep Trevalyon free. So now, while instructing Delrose in the mannerof the plot, she let him love her with his eyes, while with smiles andcaressing words, she bound him in stronger chains than ever. 

"When may I come, my beauty?" he whispered feverishly, at the door ofNo. ---- Eaton square. 

"Now, " she said impulsively, she would so perfect her plot; "and you, my dear little strawberry blondes, with Sir Peter and little Tilton, to whom I owe a sugar-plum, for taking care of Blanche, " who yawningsaid--

"I just hate an English rail-car, locked up like Oscar Wilde's bluechina, with only Sir Tilton to talk to. "

Major Delrose was in a fool's Paradise, all night, and swore to leaveno stone unturned in effectually preventing the marriage of his rivalwith Miss Vernon, Madame him such was the wish of Trevalyon's heart. Tedril favoured Delrose's suit in every possible way; Haughton Hallwas four times the size of Richmondglen. Sir Peter represented hisdivision of the county only on sufferance; and, he knew it right well, should Haughton marry money, he would be persuaded to stand forSurrey, he had refused, heretofore, on the plea of absenteeism andlack of gold; and so he, Tedril, greatly preferred that Delrose shouldwin; but his fierce passions would not brook his, Tedril's, couplingany man's name with hers; but after this run to Surrey, he knew shewould wed Haughton, while, as now, throwing dust in his friends eyes. And so it was in four days, the announcement of the marriage of 'KateVivian Tompkins, relict of the late Lincoln Tompkins, Esq. , of NewYork, U. S. , to Eric, Col. Haughton, of Haughton Hall, Surrey, England, ' appeared in the _Court Journal and Times_, at which MajorDelrose raved and swore, said some queer things, which went the roundof the clubs, for the usual nine days, then for the time, it wasforgotten in, the newer scandal of Captain Trevalyon, one of society'spets, having a "hidden wife. "

"Well, the darling is handsome enough to have half-a-dozen, " said gayMrs. Eustace Wingfield. 

"I am ready to bet a box of gloves (twelve buttons) that a dozen womenhave as good as asked him, " laughed another butterfly. 

"Forestalling the advanced method in Lytton's 'New Utopia, '" said Mrs. Claxton. 

"There would be an absence of the usual mother-in-law difficulty, "lisped a young Government _attache_, meekly, who had recently marriedthe only child of her mother. 

"Or, if so, she would pose _not_ as Mark Twain's, but as M. Thiers, "said Wingfield, jestingly. 

"I don't believe a word of it, " said Posey Wyesdale, weepingprofusely; "it is invented by some person who is jealous of hisoverwhelming love for me; but I'll let them see I shall marry him allthe same. "

"Give me your attention, young ladies, " said Madame de Lancy, privately, and with a business-like air, to her eight daughters, whowere out. "It is commonly reported that Capt. Trevalyon has a 'hiddenwife;' but as it may be a complete falsehood, I wish you all--all, remember--for we do not know his style, and one of you will doubtlesssuit him; I repeat, I wish you all, to be tenderly sympathetic andconsoling in your manner towards him; it is unfortunate that theseason is just about over; but much may be done in one meeting, and Ishall tell your father to invite him to dinner to-morrow; I shall haveno one else to distract his attention from yourselves. "

And in her own mind she decided that Mrs. Trevalyon should have atleast four of her sisters on her hands to settle in life. 

CHAPTER IX. 

VAURA IN A MEDLEY. 

The mighty god, Society, having descended from his London throne, andwith a despotic wave of the hand bid his slaves forth to some resortwhere fashion reigned; as a matter of course, you and I, _mon ami_, must go with the stream if we would not be ostracised altogether; weshould dearly love to take a lazy summer jaunt with some of them; ourdear Lionel Trevalyon, in his lonely pilgrimage to the North Countree, would be glad of companionship; I wish it had been his pleasant fateto make his exodus with his old friends, the Lady Esmondet and VauraVernon; but it was not to be. And so, through the moves of the"miscreator circumstance, " we are all separated until now, when I ammore than glad to tell you that Lady Esmondet, with Miss Vernon, havearrived this day, 2nd Nov. , '77, at Dover, having come up from gayBrighton, and are hourly expecting Col. And Mrs. Haughton, who hadleft by the White Star Line for New York immediately on theirmarriage; thence, on sending home the most artistic of American frescoworkers and decorators, they spent a month amid the gay revellers atLong Branch and Saratoga; back again to the old shores and Paris, choosing from this great storehouse of the beautiful, gems in art, both to please the senses and delight the cultured and refined. Withthe face of Trevalyon seldom absent from her thoughts, Mrs. Haughtonunconsciously chose much that would have been his own choice also. Apage, in the hotel livery, tapping at the door of the sitting-room, _en suite_ with the sleeping apartments engaged by Lady Esmondet, coming forward, hands a telegram. 

"This has just arrived, your ladyship; any answer, your ladyship?"

"No; it merely states they have left by one of the new lines. "

"We are looking for one to come in very shortly, your ladyship. "

"That is convenient; it will allow of their dressing and dining withcomfort; and, boy, see that their rooms are warm and lighted. "

"Will it please your ladyship to dine here, or at the _table d'hote_?"

"Here the room is large, warm, and will answer our purpose very well. "

"Yes, your ladyship. "

"How delightful, Vaura dear, that we shall not be detained, but canleave on to-morrow. "

"Yes, godmother darling, the fates have golden threads on theirdistaff for you and I to-day. "

"I trust your uncle will not deny me, " said Lady Esmondet, a littleabsently; "if so, I shall feel doubly lonely just now. "

"He has married a wife; therefore cannot refuse to lend me to youuntil we both go to Haughton Hall hand in hand; do not think for onemoment that I shall allow you to go alone to Italy. "

"You belong to your uncle as well as to me, dear. "

"Yes, " she said, slowly; "how much I wish, " and she was beside hergodmother caressing the smooth bands of fair hair; "how I wish you andhe had had enough of love between you to blend your lives in one. "

"Do not even think of what now is an impossibility, dear, " sheanswered hurriedly and evasively, while a faint flush came to hercheek as she pressed her hand to her side. 

"Ah, poor darling, " thought Vaura, "she cared for him;" and with alatent sympathy she said tenderly: "How oft in one's journey throughlife one closes one's eyes to the shimmer of sunbeams on the grand, majestic ocean, or the calm and peaceful lake; only opening them tothe glare of the gas-light, the song of the night bird. "

"How often, indeed, " said her godmother, sadly; "but by the prancingof steeds in the court yard, " she continued, smiling bravely, "onemust conclude the steamer has arrived. "

"'Tis well one can don society's mask at will, " said Vaura. 

"Yes, dear, and 'tis quite unnecessary to bare one's heart to themillion, " she answered, with her usual composure. "You are lookingcharming, dear; that seal-brown velvet fits you exquisitely. "

"Worth says I am curves, not angles, " said Vaura, gaily; "he says hewould prefer to fit a grasshopper, _a la mode_, than many women whopine for his scissors. "

"You should always bare your arm to the elbow; the shape is perfect, and your old gold jewelry blends both with the warm brown of your gownand the roses and lace at your throat. I wonder a little what Mrs. Haughton, how strange it sounds, but one grows accustomed to, anything, I wonder what your uncle's wife will think of you. "

"It matters not, " replied Vaura, her beautiful head erect. "I know sheis no fit mate for a Haughton and an innate feeling causes me to wishmost fervently that she, with the golden dollar bequeathed to her, hadnever set foot on proud Albion's shores. "

"They are in the corridor, dear; make the best of her for your dearuncle's sake, " said her god-mother, breathlessly. 

"Do not fear for me, dear godmother, especially as poor misguideduncle has wed so that I forsooth, shall find in Haughton Hall afitting home, and yet, I, above all, should not speak in such tone, our race are capable of a noble self abnegation, even I at fourteen, but I dream aloud, dear godmother, forgive me. "

"Surely, dear, with me alone, you may think audibly. "

In a few minutes during which Vaura's eyes idly rest on the last beamsof the western sun as they kiss the soft bands of hair and bring outthe mauve tints in the rich satin robe of her now silent companion, when the door is opened wide, by a page admitting Col. And Mrs. Haughton, with Miss Tompkins, followed by Sir Tilton Everly. 

"My dear friend and darling Vaura, how glad, glad I am to see youboth; you give the place quite a home look; Mrs. Haughton, LadyEsmondet and my niece Vaura, and here is my wife's step-daughter, MissTompkins, a devotee of the American Eagle, and Sir Tilton Everly. "

"I should say so, " said Blanche, "our Eagle would make short work ofthe furs of your Lion and not lose a feather. "

"He would first be obliged to turn dentist and claw-remover, MissTompkins, " said Vaura merrily. 

"Miss Vernon, " said Mrs. Haughton stiffly, "allow me even thus earlyin our acquaintance to make a request of you which is that you ignorethe odious sirname of my step-daughter, simply calling her Blanche. "

"Certainly, Mrs. Haughton, though it is out of order, if yourstep-daughter also wishes it. "

"Oh yes, it don't make five cents difference, Miss Vernon; popa had togive up Annabella Elizabeth my real name; Mrs. T. Didn't take to it, she only took Tompkins because it was set in diamonds. "

This was said with the most child-like expression on the wee whiteface, but one could detect venom in the tone of voice. For answerthere was a frown and an impatient stamp of foot as her step-mothersays coldly. 

"Lady Esmondet will excuse us, Blanche, while we change our travellingdresses. "

"Certainly. "

Sir Tilton flew to open the door; the Colonel seeing them to theirappartments, and their maids in attendance, returned to the lovingrest of his home birds. 

"Well, uncle dear, how do you feel after your run to and fro?" saidVaura, affectionately, and going behind his chair, drew his headbackwards, kissing his face in welcome. 

"Passing well, dear; here, take this chair beside me, and let me lookat you; the Scotch lakes and sea-bathing have agreed with you, andwith Lady Alice also, " he added kindly. 

"Eric, what did you think of New York, " enquired Lady Esmondet, todivert his attention from her personally. 

"Oh, it is just a large handsome city, with cosmopolitan cut in itsvery corner store, representing much wealth in its many finebuildings; there is a good deal of taste displayed in its buryinggrounds, and parks, and nearly all has a look of rapid growth aboutit, so different to our London. "

"As our old slow-growing Oak in comparison with their Pines, " saidVaura; "and what of the people generally?"

"Just what we know them to be, dear, full of energy and active life;sleeping never, I do believe, or if so, with eyes open. "

"So full of mercury that it tires one even to think of them, " saidVaura lazily. 

"A great people though, Miss Vernon; strongly imbued with the spiritof the age, Progress, " said Sir Tilton, who, from his corner, hadnever withdrawn his gaze from Vaura's face since the exit of the otherladies. 

"True; but what a spirit of unrest is Progress, always flying, onlyresting on the wing to scatter to the winds a something new, to takethe place of the old, " said Vaura, thoughtfully. 

"But, Vaura, dear, " said Lady Esmondet, "it is astonishing howcomfortably we _en masse_ keep pace with your flying spirit, eager topick up its novelties. "

"True, ladies, and elbow each other in the race, " said Sir Tilton. 

"I know I am old-fashioned, " remarked the Colonel, a little sadly;"but our life of to-day does not come up to my ideal, as when asoldier on furlough I used to return to my dear old home; there, ifanywhere on this lower sphere, peace and happiness reigned. "

"You may well say so, Eric, with your noble father, sainted mother, and Vaura's mother, my dear friend, your sweet sister, Ethel, asinmates;" and in that instant their eyes met, full of sympathy. And beit what it may, an electric spark, the true speech of heart to heart, or what; the knowledge came to him for the first time of what he hadlost, and a nervous tremor ran through him such as he had never feltat Delhi or Inkerman under shell or rifle fire. And the woman who hadbeen too proud to show her love unasked, did not know whether she wasglad or sorry that he had at last tasted of the tree of knowledge. 

Mason here threw open the door for her mistress and Miss Tompkins, whoenter, both having made elaborate toilets, the former in a gown ofrose pink brocade, the latter wearing sky-blue silk, each lavish intheir display of jewels. 

"Dressed before you, after all, Miss Vernon, " cried Mrs. Haughton, with latent malice. Even small Sir Tilton raised his eyebrows; for onemoment Vaura was non-plussed; "underbred poor uncle, " was her thoughtas she said quietly: "I have dined in salons at Brighton in this gown, Mrs. Haughton; I have listened to Patti robed as you see me. "

"How mean of step-momma, " thought Blanche. 

"Never saw anyone to compare with her, " thought the little baronet. 

"Is it possible, Miss Vernon? You must excuse me, but I really thoughtit your travelling dress. "

Waiters were now busy with the dining table at the end of the room, partially separated by folding doors; tempting _entrees_, steamingdishes, with delicious dainties, are now arranged. 

"Surely, we dine at the _table d'hote_, " said Mrs. Haughton, hastily;"you should have seen to it, Colonel; you know I prefer it. "

"Pardon, Kate; I was unaware of this arrangement, dear. "

"I am the culprit, Mrs. Haughton, " said Lady Esmondet. "I thought weshould all be warmer here; the air is chilly this evening. "

"Oh, certainly, as you wish it; only when I take the trouble to dressfor the _table d'hote_, I like to be seen, " she answered, stiffly;"but we go to the theatre afterwards; and now, Sir Tilton, your arm. "And clearing her brow, she seats herself at table, her husbandopposite, with his friend on his right. 

"You have no hotels at London to compare with ours of New York city, Lady Esmondet, " she said. 

"You have, Mrs. Haughton, I believe, the verdict of the majority ofthe travelling public with you; though I have found the Langham, andothers among our leading hotels, most comfortable. "

"The difference between our system and theirs, " said the Colonel, "isthat ours savor of the British home, in the being chary of whom weadmit, and a trifle pompous; while the French and Americans, as apeople, are better adapted to make hotel life a pleasant success. "

"Because you are too awfully too, and we are free and easy; that'swhat's the matter, " said Blanche. 

"Also, " said Vaura, "the hotel and American are both of to-day. "

"You havn't given us the newest London scandal, Sir Tilton, " said Mrs. Haughton, thinking of her plot. 

"Political or social?" he asked, somewhat guardedly. 

"Social, of course; I don't care a fig for the country. "

"Well, to lead off with, the pretty Miss Fitz-Clayton, who was to havemarried Lord Menton, instead fell in love with her pater's tallestfootman; and on her fortune they have been cooing all summer at theCap de Juan; next, " he hurriedly said, "Capt. Trevalyon's hidden wifeis on; last, two separations and a new beauty. "

There was a moment's pause, each thinking of Trevalyon, when Vaurasaid carelessly, to cover her quickened heart-beats:

"Here he comes, with his mouth full of news. "

"This story about Trevalyon is a lie direct, Everly, " said theColonel, hastily. 

"Dare say, Haughton. "

"The prettiest bit of your news, Sir Tilton, is Cap de Juan, " saidVaura, apparently absorbed in the delicacies on her plate; butthinking, "can it be true of the ideal knight of my childhood. "

"Poor Lionel, how disgusted he will be, " said Lady Esmondet, wearily. 

"Still, men do do such things; why not he?" said Mrs. Haughton, daringly; "and after all, as none of us are going to marry him, weneed not care. "

"One feels for one's friends when maligned, that is all, " said Vaura, carelessly. 

"Well, supposing it be false, " continued Mrs. Haughton, with morbidcuriosity, watching the beautiful, expressive face of herrival--"which I don't believe, how could he clear himself?"

"I cannot say, Mrs. Haughton; it would be easier to name an antidotefor the sting of the snake than for the tongue of Dame Rumour. "

"All I can say is, I believe it, " said Mrs. Haughton, aggressively;"he is handsome enough to have induced more than one woman to make aclandestine marriage with him. "

"I regret to hear you say so, Kate, " said her husband, gravely. 

"Mrs. Haughton is to be excused, Eric; she does not know Lionel as wedo. "

"The animal man is the same everywhere, " continued Madame, recklessly. 

"The serious trouble I see in it for Capt. Trevalyon, " said LadyEsmondet, "is, that did he contemplate matrimony, this scandal afloatwould be a barrier to his union. "

"If he were not so careless, he could stamp it out at once, " said theColonel, impatiently. But he is careless, and Mrs. Haughton exults asshe remembers it, and at the success of her plot; for does not LadyEsmondet admit it would be a bar to his union; she feels a morbidpleasure in noting critically the varied charms of her rival, as aninnate feeling tells her Miss Vernon might become; and she thinks:"For you he scorned my love; pride, though you die, will keep youapart; he will come to me yet. "

CHAPTER X. 

VELVET PAWS CONCEAL CLAWS. 

"Eric, I have a favour to ask of you, " said his friend; "I am going toRome for a few weeks, and want Vaura with me. "

"I had rather you had made any other request of me, Alice; when, andwhy do you go?"

"On to-morrow, after I have had an interview with Huntingdon, mylawyer (you will know him), who comes from London by appointment; andby the advice of my physician, who declares I require change. "

"Change, change, that is always their cry, " he answered, regretfully;"take my advice, Alice, " he continued, eagerly; "come to Haughtoninstead. "

"Rome first, Eric, thank you; home and Haughton afterwards; a fewweeks will soon pass, as you say, " she continued, taking his arm fromthe table. "I wonder what amount of change we can digest; we getnothing else; never at home; what, with the season at London, wateringplaces, or abroad, home only at Christmas, and some of us don't evendo that; but you will lend Vaura to me?"

"Yes, " and her arm is pressed gently as he finds her a seat; "thoughit is hard. What do you say, Vaura; but your face tells me you likethis change also. "

"I regret this catching only a glimpse of you, dear uncle; but we, butterflies, are here to-day, gone to-morrow. I love Haughton, andlong for Rome; poor humanity, how unrestful; yet with all our change, the most _ennuyee_ of mortals. "

"You will, I suppose, take Miss Vernon up with you for the season, Lady Esmondet?" asked Mrs. Haughton, eager to know if her wish to ridherself of Vaura companionship would be gratified. 

"Yes, if her uncle will give her to me; for myself, I have set myheart on having her with me at Park Lane. "

"I am glad of that, and the Colonel must agree, for I have not myplans matured; if we are at No. 2 Eaton Square, my house will be fullas a box of sardines. You are sure to come for the season, I suppose?"

"Oh, yes! habit, habit; I could not miss my--every thing (I was goingto say) that London gives; the crush at the balls, seated comfortablywith some pleasant people about me, chatting of the newestflirtations, if those (among the unmarried) of last season ended inmatrimony; if so, what then? a pleasant yokedom or no? What divorce orseparation is on the _tapis_; bits of club gossip, &c. "

"With some racy scraps, political, which you would take to as for yourdinner _entrees_, " cried Vaura gaily. 

"True, Vaura, and any new passage at arms between our good QueenVictoria's prophet, Earl Beaconsfield and that earnest defender of theLiberal faith, Gladstone; and, this winter, if I mistake not, we shallhave stirring times, we are getting ourselves into a tight place;England will have to keep one eye on the East, the other on herArmoury. "

"I wish the war party were stronger, " said Colonel Haughton, earnestly, "we shall have no soldiers among the rising generation, ifBright's policy be carried out continuously. "

"War is too horrid for anything; one has no one to flirt with, " criedMrs. Haughton. 

"You forget our older men and boys, Mrs. Haughton, " said Vaura, gaily, "who, when not given a chance for the cold steel of the battle field, are ever ready to bare the breast for the warm dart of Cupid. 

"Wouldn't give five cents for 'em, " cried Mrs. Haughton, "I want thesoldiers; so if this man Bright pleases me in this matter, though Icare not a dime for politics, I am with him. "

"Hear! hear!" exclaimed Everly. "I was beginning to think I was alonein the field, and, though a Bright man from the crown of my head tothe sole of my foot, I was commencing to feel rather flat, in fact, anything but bright. What is the use of civilization? if we are to goon butchering our neighbours, or allowing them to make targets of usfor every imaginary cause. Why be civilized in some matters, and inothers remain savages? If a man strike me I shall knock him down, ifhe strike someone else even, in whom I am interested, he must fighthis own battles, and let me look after my own interests. So, withEngland; I don't want to see the sons of the soil turned out to fightlike dogs, when there is no occasion for it, by so doing, allowing thecommercial and agricultural interests of the country go to ruin, andsaddle us with an enormous debt. No! a thousand times no. "

"You grow eloquent, Sir Tilton, " said Vaura "and were you only withus, I should congratulate you on your power of speech. As it is, I canonly lament that so much earnestness is lost to us; do, Sir Tilton, goin an unbiased mood to the House next session, give close attention tothe arguments of Beaconsfield on this question, and then, I have nodoubt, a man of your sense will come out in the right colours nextelection, and you will laugh at the time you did not want to see thedear Czar, or Sultan, blister their hands, or soil mother earth, whileour brave fellows gave it them in the Balkans, or at Constantinople. "

"No, no, I believe, I am a Whig; I know I am a Liberal, and it is theright side for our day. "

"Now I think, " continued Vaura, "one should be a stronger Tory thanever to-day; what with Fenianism, Socialism, Nihilism, if we would seea monarchy left standing, our peers with a voice, we must, even thoughinwardly acknowledging the other opinions to suit the progressivespirit, we must stand firm; we are not yet advanced, or you, or not Ishould say, Sir Tilton, to give us anything as perfect to take theplace of our British Parliament. "

"You have taken your first step towards us, Miss Vernon. Icongratulate you on being a Liberal-Conservative, " exclaimed SirTilton, gleefully. 

"Ah! I should not have named my flying spirit, " said Vaura, laughingly. 

"No, that's where you were weak, dear, " said her uncle, "you forgotyour party. "

"The carriage is waiting, sir, " said the Colonel's man. 

"Very well, Tims; tell the maids to bring wraps for their mistresses. "

"The warmth of the fire is inviting, " said Lady Esmondet, for theyhave been sipping their coffee by a bright fire. 

"Which means you think the opposing element outside the reverse, godmother mine. "

"Yes, Vaura, what do you say to keeping me company. "

"With pleasure; I dare say we have seen whatever is on. "

"Twelfth night, " said Blanche; "I guess I'll stay too; Sir Tilton; agame at euchre. "

"With pleasure, Miss Tompkins, though the game is new to me, " he said, seating himself where he could have a good view of Vaura. 

"Kate, dear, do you care to go?" enquired her husband. 

"No; the play is not to my taste; Shakespeare is heavy. "

"Heresy, heresy!" exclaimed Vaura; "surely, Mrs. Haughton, you don'tcondemn, 'As you like it, ' 'Much ado about nothing, ' and the bill forto-night--and with brilliant Neilson! for their heaviness--I doubt ifRosalind, Beatrice, or Viola would agree with you, unless it be Viola, who may have found the Duke; so, thank Fate, our lovers are more quickwitted. "

"I should have jilted him, at once and for ever!" cried Mrs. Haughton. 

"One would think the keen eye of love could have penetrated herdisguise, " said Mrs. Haughton. 

"Especially in pleading the love of an imaginary sister, " said Vaura;"our men would have suggested making love to the lips that were by. "

"All I have to say is, " said Mrs. Haughton, suppressing a yawn, "thatthe way the Duke went a wooing would never have suited me; I like aman with a spice of boldness in his love-making; a sort of stand anddeliver fellow. "

"Who would not take no, " said the Colonel. 

"Yes, not like the poor victimised Quakeress we hear of; a man lookedher way for seven years, then said grace before he took the firstkiss. "

"What an abstainer, " laughed her husband; "as for the lazy Duke, heshould have stormed the castle and ran off with Viola. "

"After which, I should have wished him a good night's rest; as I doall and each of you, " said Lady Esmondet, rising, and moving towardsthe door. 

"Not a bad idea, " echoed the Colonel, "as we leave for Surrey in themorning, that is, if you can manage the early, Kate?"

"Yes, though rising early is a relic of serfdom, still it is betterthan vegetating here all day. "

"Thank you;" turning wistfully to Vaura, he continues--

"I am really sorry you are not going with us, dear; but, promise me, Alice, that you will both be with us for the ball and Christmasfestivities?"

"It's a long look till Christmas, Eric; but, should the 'miscreatorcircumstance' not prevent; consider us with you; and, now good-night, you, and all; and a restful sleep. "

"Good night, everyone, " said Vaura, "pleasant dreams; my own dearuncle, good night, " and with a soft, white hand on each cheek, herbeautiful face is turned upwards for his kiss. 

"Blanche, you little gambler, away with you, " said her step-mother. 

"Good night, Sir Tilton, think it over: and what merriment you willmiss, and of how I shall miss you, if you don't come down with us. "

"Don't think it possible just yet, but first day I can; with thanks, yours, good night. "

And now the small baronet alone, and not yet inclined for rest, throwshimself back in an easy chair, his hands in his pockets, and shouldersin his ears, thinks himself into such a deep thought that the clockstriking two causes him to start. 

"So late, " he murmured, mechanically winding his watch. "What areverie I have been in! three-quarters of an hour since they left me!Ah, Tilton, this wandering will never do, one cannot have everything, and the other one is true, and makes sure of me. What a ripe, rareloveliness; tut, tut, keep your eyes from her, my boy. "

And he, too, has gone to the quiet of his chamber and leaves the roomto silence and gloom, save for the fitful gleam of an expiring coal inthe grate. 

CHAPTER XI. 

ON THE WING. 

The god of slumber did not long hold sway over the senses of ourfriends, but even so, time, the relentless, striding ever along, didnot leave them any spare minutes. Breakfasting at nine, with theexception of Lady Esmondet, and Mrs. Haughton, who partook of theirfirst meal in their own apartments, the one being rather delicate, theother accustomed to indulge the body; all were more or less eagerlyactive; poor Lady Esmondet in sympathy with her old love, each nowthinking by change, to divert the mind from the might have been; Mrs. Haughton loved the prospect of her throne at the Hall, and of dailywooing the love of her idol to be domesticated there. Blanche, the weewhite mouse, longed for the greater freedom to be alone, or to playdetective over others, that a large estate would give her. 

Everly just now had so many conflicting emotions he scarcely knewwhich was uppermost. As for Vaura, she looked forward with intensepleasure to a lengthened sojourn in the immortal city; knowing life atHaughton under the present _regime_ would be distasteful to her. 

"The gentleman from London, my lady, " said Somers, entering andpresenting the card of Mr. Huntingdon. 

"Very well; he is, I suppose, in our sitting room?"

"Yes, my lady. "

"Now, Vaura, _ma chere_, take flight to Poppingay's, and bring yourmaid, who can carry my parcels. You will find what I require at hisshop. I am so glad to know you are with me for some time, dear. "

"_Au revoir!_ I shall be fleet as a deer. "

Now Lady Esmondet, turning her steps in the direction of the Haughtonapartments, entering, said:

"I have come to wish you _bon voyage_; my lawyer is here; I know therewill be a general exodus of you all soon, while I am closeted withhim--he is a little bit of a tyrant and cross as a bear, ifinterrupted. "

"A man would be a bear if he could be cross to you, Alice, " said Col. Haughton, noting, regretfully, how delicate she looked. 

"So that he does not give me a bear's hug, I shall survive it. "

"It would be very pleasant this raw morning. Farewell, Lady Esmondet, a gay trip to you, " said Mrs. Haughton. 

"Good-bye, Alice, " and her hand is held tightly; "take care ofyourself; I know you will of Vaura. Remember Christmas at Haughton. "

"Farewell, Eric; I shall not forget, " and the blue eyes met hiskindly. 

"Awful fuss you make over that woman, Colonel. "

"She is a very old friend, Kate. "

"Yes, I know, and as cold and polished as your grand-mother'sdiamonds. If she does respond to your warm invite, she will freeze usall, so we shall have to use all the timber to thaw out. "

"You do not know her yet, dear. "

Vaura only returned in time to say a few hurried words of parting. Thecarriage in which Mrs. Haughton and Blanche are seated is waiting heruncle at the door, watch in hand. 

"Only a minute, and we are off, " he cried, on seeing Vaura and hermaid appear. "God bless you, darling; good-bye, good-bye, " he said, kissing her affectionately; "do not fall in love with any Italian, Iwant you to marry at home. "

"Not even Garibaldi, " said Vaura archly, though a tear glistened. "Just fancy my home, a lone isle of the sea. Good-bye, dear uncle;take good care of him, Mrs. Haughton. Good-bye, Blanche; there is amine of pleasure in store for you at Haughton; _bon voyage_ all. "

"She is lovely enough to win even Garibaldi from thoughts of Italy, past and present, " said her uncle, lovingly. 

"Colonel, I wish you would press Sir Tilton to come with us, " said hiswife; "I have grown so accustomed to him, I could do without Masoneasier. "

It was rather of a bore to the Colonel, this running in couples; whenhe married a wife, he did not marry this acquaintance of hers; butjust now he feels that he himself deserves the lash as the fair faceof the lost Alice arises before him, and knowing that the Hall wouldnot now be open for guests only for his wife's gold. So the answerthe son and inheritor of the estate makes to the daughter of theballet-dancer is, "Certainly, dear; anyone that will give you pleasure;" and turning toSir Tilton, who is driving to the station with them, says: "You hadbetter run down with us, Everly, if you have nothing else in view. "

"Thank you, Colonel; have pressing business at London;" to quiet hisduns, which he did not deem necessary to communicate; "but can andwill be with you a month from now. "

"You are very disagreeable, Sir Tilton, and not worth a cent. "

"You are right, " thought the small baronet. 

"I want you to teach my pug tricks, " continued Blanche poutingly. 

"Come soon, dear baronet, " said Mrs. Haughton; "by-by; remember me. "

"Could a man do otherwise? Pleasant trip; goodbye. "

And the iron horse is off, leaving the man about town who plays hiscards with a winning hand, alone on the platform. 

"I shall hasten back to the hotel, they may not yet have left;"meaning by 'they, ' Lady Esmondet and Vaura. "It will look quitenatural to see them, and say the others are safely away. " Hurryingalong, he reached the hotel to hear they had left "ten minutespreviously; just leaving twenty minutes till she sails, sir, " said theporter. 

Hailing a passing cab, Everly offered double fare if in time. Fortunefavoured him in allowing him to be in time to assist another gentleman(whom he thought to be on tantalizing intimate terms) in looking afterthe comfort of the travellers. 

"Delighted I'm in time to be of any service, Miss Vernon, " he said, heartily; "afraid you are going to have rain. 

"I am protected, Sir Tilton, " she said, smilingly, and holding up herarm in water-proof ulster. 

"Many women, when they don the armour of protection, so ill become it, that we are fain to see them unprotected; but you are born to wearanything, and look so well we don't want any new fashion. "

"Always allowing, Sir Tilton, for the natural changeableness of man, which would assert itself in spite of a momentary wish. "

"You could hold us at will, " he said, picking up a rose that hadfallen from her bouquet; "may I?" and it is carefully put on his coat. 

"Trust me, Sir Tilton, " she said, gaily; "I have made your sex (lovingit, as I do) a study. Charles Reade was right; you are 'born to huntsomething;' it certainly is not the old, which is past, but the new;yes, say what you will, an innate love of variety--even to our gown, "she added, merrily, "is an inherent part of your nature. "

"Vaura, come, or you will be left on the dock in the enforcedguardianship of Sir Tilton Everly, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"Adieu, Sir Tilton, " said Vaura; "breathe a prayer to Neptune that ourwardrobe is complete without day or night caps. "

"_Bon voyage_; shall be at Haughton Hall to welcome you;" and, liftinghis hat, he was again left to his own devices, while Vaura, taking thearm of Mr. Roland Douglas, went aboard the boat. 

"Who is your handy little man. Vaura?" asked he. 

"Sir Tilton Everly. "

"Of where?"

"Of everywhere, my dear boy. "

"Might be going there now, judging from the way he is tearing up thestreet. "

"Perhaps he is on a mad tear after Mrs. Haughton. "

"It's all very well, Vaura, to try, now the dear little fellow isaway, to shunt him off on to Mrs. Haughton, he's not on a mad tearafter them; you mow 'em down, tares and wheat, together. "

"I feel quite agricultural, " said Vaura, laughing, as they joined LadyEsmondet, who was talking to a Government _attache_, from London. "Mr. Douglas calls me a mowing machine. "

Here, Mr. Bertram came forward to shake hands with Vaura. 

"I was beginning to think you would not cross to-day, Vaura, " saidLady Esmondet. "Sir Tilton seemed unable to tear himself away. "

"It's getting too much for my feelings, Vaura, " said Douglas, inserio-comic tones; "tares again. "

"What's the joke?" asked Bertram; "the fellow had a green and yellowmelancholy look about him, I noticed. "

"Again! pile on the agony, tares and wheat are green and yellow. "

"Tares and wheat, " remarked Bertram. "If that's your text, Douglas, Ishall tear myself away, and pace the deck alone, if Lady Esmondet, orMiss Vernon, won't take pity on me; I don't care for sermons, nor tobe classed with the tares. Who is the mannikin, Douglas, " continuedBertram. 

"What's his name, and where's his hame; she dinna choose to tell, "said Douglas. 

"You are a greater tease than ever, Roland; I did tell you, but on theway you lost it; but now again give ear--"

"Not only mine ear, " he interrupted, "but my whole being, fairest ofSurrey enslavers. "

"Well, Roland, the irrepressible, from the lips of the women who lovehim, the mannikin is, dear or _cara mia_ before Tilton Everly to hismen friends, and Sir Tilton Everly to society; art satisfied?"

"By no means, " he said slyly. 

"He is only a gay little sunflower, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"Sunning himself in woman's smiles, and perhaps, who knows, laying upsomewhere out at interest, the smiles he gives in return, but, Roland_mon cher_, Vaura is not his banker (she has always a hand full oftrumps and they are hearts). "

"Yes, there are many bankrupts on your hands, Vaura. I'm beginning tothink you've no heart, that's why the mowing business is done, " saidRoland, half jestingly. 

"Happy thought, my dearest boy; at my birth, Cupid, being short ofhearts, sent word by Mercury that Vaura Vernon would have to gowithout, until such time in her life as she was able to win the heartsof some half dozen men; as it would take so many to make a good-sizedwomanly organ called a heart. Mercury further said I must send so manymen away heartless, I would suddenly find myself in possession, ofthat lovable piece of palpitation; I would then find that piece offeminine sighs too much for me, and would immediately exchange it fora manly one; so you, see, Roland, I cannot have worked enough yet withthe agricultural implement; it's hard lines, you cruel boy, and youonly jest about, the mower, " this she said in mock earnest tones; andcontinued laughingly, "but then, I shall love only one; now, it isawfully pleasant to love you all. "

"From all I hear at home and abroad the mower has been in sure hands, "remarked Bertram smilingly. 

"Dame Rumour hath many ears to fill, " replied Vaura. 

"By the way, Vaura, did Sir Tilton Everly say the Haughtons took the10. 30?" asked Lady Esmondet. 

"Yes, Dover has been deserted for Surrey; and the untiring little, baronet follows in a month, and confided to me that he would be at myuncle's to welcome us. "

"The plot thickens, " laughed Roland. 

"But Roland Douglas, " said Lady Esmondet, "he should be there; hebelongs, in some sort of way, to the wife of the Lord of the Manor, ina 'do-as-I-bid-you' kind of way; in their relations towards eachother, one sees the advertisement for a person to 'make himselfgenerally useful, ' clearly defined; fashionable women of to-day affectsuch relations with men, and I suppose it is all right, as fashion hasmade it orthodox. '"

"We find it a too pleasant fashion to object to it, " answered Bertram;"still rumour has it that Mrs. Haughton has been a great flirt, and ifI were in Haughton's shoes, I should turn the cold shoulder to thisEverly, or any other man; should they stay much at the Hall, time may, with the ponderous hospitalities of the county, hang heavy to one whohas lived at New York pace, and just for pastime, she may flirt. "

"I should think no woman married to Col. Haughton could, or would, think to kill time with any other man, " said Vaura, warmly, a slightcurl on her perfect lips. 

"Bravo, Vaura, " said her godmother; "a woman is of very slight valueif, when she marry a man worth going to the altar with, she, after afew moons wane, looks about like Moore's 'Lesbia, ' for some one tokeep _ennui_ at bay. "

"Hear, hear, " said Bertram; "but to-day we have so many marriages ofconvenience that the society of some affinity is sought fordistraction's sake. "

"It's awfully nice to have an affinity for some one else's wife; but, by Jove, " said Douglas, "if I were married, and caught a fellowhanging about my wife, I'd just want to handle one of Vulcan'sheaviest, and tap him on the head. "

"Spoken like a Briton on his preserves, " laughed Vaura. 

"How these fellows without an income manage to keep to the front ismore than I can tell, " said Douglas; "now, this Everly, though hedoesn't exactly wax fat and shine, he isn't one of the lean kineeither. "

"I bet my life, " said Bertram, "he is angling in his aunt's flowergarden for a gold-fish. "

"A boarding school would be a good field, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"Just the spot, " cried Douglas; "and the gilded fair who would pay hisdebts would win all the school prices from the gushing aunts. "

"I read, " said Bertram, "the other day, a good story in the _ScottishAmerican_, entitled 'Endless Gold. ' A fellow, Brown hadn't a _sou_, but always declared he would win an heiress; his friends laughed athim; but one evening, on a great cotton lord, Sir Calico Twill, makinga speech, he put in 'hear, hear' at the right time. The old man, pleased, invited him home to supper; there he met his heiress, fell inlove (to make a long story short), proposed, and was referred topapa. "

"'What is your fortune?'" enquired the pater. 

"'Well, I don't exactly know, ' said Brown; being uncertain whether itwas a three-penny or four-penny bit under his tobacco jar. 'But, giveme your daughter, and I promise she shall have endless gold. '

"'Come, don't exaggerate, Brown, '" said the tickled Twill. 

"'Scarcely in my case, ' said Brown; 'as be we ever so extravagant, weshould never be able to set through it. '"

"'Are you telling me truth?'

"'Truth; I swear it. '

"'Then take her, my boy, and her eight thousand a year; how pleased Iam she has been saved from fortune-hunters. '

"They were married; Brown made the money fly; bills came in. Scene:Sir Calico in a rage. 

"'Where is the endless gold you promised?'

"'Here, ' said Brown, coolly, taking his wife's hand and showing herwedding-ring; 'and what just fits one of my Wife's taper fingers I amquite sure we could never get through. '"

"'There is one thing in our favour, papa, ' said his daughter; 'no onecan say I have married a fool. '"

"Not bad, " laughed Douglas. 

"Henceforth, " said Vaura, merrily, "I shall, in imagination, see smallEverly and his kind labelled 'Endless Gold. '"

"That little Tompkins will be in the market again this coming season, "said Bertram; "I wonder who the successful angler will be. "

"Unhappy heiresses, " said Douglas, mockingly; "Cupid's darts are notfor thee. "

"Thank heaven, " said Vaura; "the man who takes my hand for the walkthrough life will not take it for the gold he will find in its palm. "

"The knowledge that the soft hand in his was his own, " said Bertram, "would so fill him with ecstacy, with one look at the face, that theprecious metal would be only in his thoughts as a setting for thepearl he had won. "

"Bravo, Bertram, " said Douglas. 

"_Merci_, Monsieur, " said Vaura, smiling; "you flatter my poor charms;but we cannot deceive ourselves; this is, as Mark Twain says, the'gilded age, ' and in going to the altar one of the two must have theyellow sovereign. "

"Yes, Vaura, you are right; one or other, it matters not, must have afull hand, " said her godmother. 

CHAPTER XII. 

SOARING!--THENCE TO THINGS OF EARTH. 

"By the way, Roland, _cher garcon_ have your people yet returned toSurrey?" enquired Vaura. 

"The first detachment, consisting of the governor, with mother, nowdelight the flock with their presence; and the paters, pipe, flock andsermons again occupy his attention. The damsel Isabel is still atParis, whither yours truly is journeying to carry the child home toour parents. "

"I suppose Robert is still at Oxford?" said Lady Esmondet. 

"No, at Rome; by the way, you and Vaura will see him; he is incumbentof St. Augustine's. "

"How strange it will be to see my old playmate (sad, wound up inhimself kind of boy he was) doing clergyman's duty, " said Vaura. 

"You should have heard, " said Douglas, eagerly, "the pitched battleshe and I fought at vacation over the vexed question of High and LowChurch. I just went for him; and anyone overhearing would have thoughtme an itinerant pedlar of theology--in the vulgar tongue, streetpreacher--scorning all form as Papal; one would have thought meencased in Gladstonian armour of Disestablishment, to have heard myharangue. Poor Bob; in vain he expatiated on the glories of theancient fathers; in vain he took all the saints out for an airing; invain he talked of the ritual coming to us from the Jews of old; invain he asserted that Ritualism had brought life and vigour into aslumbering church; in vain he talked of the old fox-hunting clergy; invain he talked of what a glorious thing for our church to give in alittle, and Rome to give in less; of how union would be strength, andof the brave front we would show to all Christendom; of all we coulddo in stamping out infidelity and rationalism; in fact, he wassanguine of taking in everybody; all dissenters were to join us _enmasse_. Upon my word, Bob was eloquent; I assure you, he was soenthusiastic, that in my mind's eye I saw the whole human family--black, white, and copper-coloured, London belles and factory girls, swells and sweeps--all with one voice singing the most pronounced ofHigh Church hymns, a cross in every hand, and all clothed, not byWorth or a London tailor, but in the garb of monk and nun. Hisearnestness so carried me away that I did not awake to myself andthings of earth until I felt the pins sticking into my flesh under mymonkish robe. I then thought it time to don the armour of the LowChurchman, and come to the rescue of the human family, engaged, clothed and ornamented as above. So, to slaughter the vision, I fellto by telling him he belonged to the Anglo-Catholics; was as one withthe Greek Catholics, and any liberal Catholics in the Latin Church whodid not accept extreme Roman Catholic views. "

"And what answer did you receive from Father Douglas?" enquiredBertram; "did he acknowledge the truth of your charge?"

"Yes, by Jove, he did; he acknowledged that the union of the Anglicanwith the Roman communion was the dearest wish of his heart; that hewould strain every nerve in the struggle to bring about itsfulfilment; that though, no doubt, infidelity was making rapidstrides, still churchmen generally united in thinking that beforelong, and for the common good, petty differences would be sunk in thegrand magnitude of the act of the union of the churches, wheninfidelity would be drowned in the waves of truth. "

"And a grand, majestic scheme, " said Vaura; "but we are tooeasy-going in our religious paces to carry it out; to be sure, we allgo to church to-day; but why? Because, forsooth, it is respectable andfashionable. But, I believe that where the ceremonial is conducted inthe most imposing manner--and the worship of the King of Kings couldnot be conducted with too much splendour--that there, we gaybutterflies of to-day, are compelled to think of whose presence we arein, are awed into the thought of whose honour all this is done in. Yes, one there has other thoughts than one's neighbour's _toutensemble_. "

"There is something in what you and Robert say, Vaura, " said hergodmother; "but, to tell the truth, I bother myself very little as toour church differences. Disestablishment, by Hon. Gladstone, is a realunrest to me. "

"Oh, I don't know; let it stand or fall by its own merit, " saidDouglas. 

"Yes, I go with Gladstone, " cried Bertram; "that 'stand and deliver'tithe business has given the church a bad odour in the nostrils ofdissenters. "

"Still, I fear, should we sever Church and State, " said Vaura, "thatother old institutions will topple over. Events seem every day to beeducating us up to preparing us for greater changes thandisestablishment. 'Tis, indeed, 'a parting of the ways. ' The ChurchEstablished seemed a strong wall or fortress supporting other (somewould say) old fancies. I must confess in this, our very pleasant ageof novelties, I like to know there is something old still in its nicheof time. "

"Yes, I see; I must now sing a requiem over the departing forms ofMiss Vernon and Father Douglas, as they pass into the arms of PopePius at Rome, " said Roland, jestingly. 

"Not over me, my dear boy; I am too comfortable where I am. I expectyou, Mr. Bertram, are this moment wondering that a woman of to-day caninterest herself in anything so old as the Church; but methinks eventhe butterfly (that we are named after) is in a quieter mood when thesun is behind a cloud, and he cannot see the beauteous flowers; we, too, have our dreamy quiet. "

"Yes, yes; you, at all events, are not a soulless woman, " saidBertram, earnestly. 

"There are many of us, Mr. Bertram, " said Lady Esmondet, "who actuallynever think of anything old unless it be our old relations. "

"And then, only, if they are on the top rung, " laughed Douglas. 

"You people are for once forgetting our old china, " said Vaura, gaily;"our love's all blue. "

"The governor told me to ask you, Bertram, " said Douglas, "how you geton with Royalton at Saint Dydimus?"

"We don't get on at all; he has no more inclination for the church, than I have; I pity these younger sons just ran into some fat livingas a _dernier ressort_. "

"He is just the fellow, " said Douglas "to hail as a godsenddisestablishment, when he will be compelled to graze in more palatablepastures. "

"Oh, when Church and State are severed, primogeniture will follow;then he will get a slice of the estate of the pater, " said Vaura. 

"And for the younger sons a more comfortable dinner than of herbs, "said Bertram. 

"Then you think the 'stalled ox' brings one more content in our age ofcomforts, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"Undoubtedly. "

"And I am at one with you, " continued Lady Esmondet, "for it means afull hand, a full purse, without which one might as well be extinct;for one could not pay Society's tolls; yes, the yellow sovereign isall powerful; one may do as one pleases if one fills Grundy's mouthwith sugar-plums; she will then shut her eyes and see with ours, forhave we not paid our tribute-money? Yes, gold is the passport tosociety; a chimney sweep, with pots of gold, would find a glad welcomewhere the beggared son of a belted earl would be driven forth. But, after all, 'tis an amusing age, and one must adapt oneself to one'stime. I own there are some unpleasantnesses, as when one meets, asMrs. Ross-Hatton did, a maid-servant from her mother's household; onewould grow used to these mongrels in time, I suppose, as this is theage of progress. "

"If no secret, where was the field of action for mistress and maid, godmother mine?"

"No secret whatever, dear; they met at the Lord Elton's, ProspectHall; you know they are considered exclusive, and, as usual, therewere some of the best set there. At one of their dinners a Sir Richardand Lady Jones were invited; my friend did not see their _entree_, being seated in a deep recess with Lord Elton, admiring some rare gemsin _bric-a-brac_. She was so intently engaged that, merely glancingupwards as her host stepped forward in welcoming them, to heramazement a coarse, underbred woman stepping towards her, offered herhand, saying: 'I am Lady Jones; I have met you somewhere before. ' Myfriend, giving her a calm British stare, without noticing the hand, said haughtily: 'Yes, I have seen you as one of my mother's household;as under-cook, or something in that way. '"

"By Jove, what a send-off, " laughed Douglas. 

"I expect at the moment she devoutly wished she had never climbed to ahigher rung; but for the _denouement_, godmother. "

"Lady Jones beat a retreat immediately, Sir Richard following. Lord Elton, after a word of apology to my friend, told her he wasaware they were _nouveaux riches_ when invited; but that Jones, anewly-fledged M. P. , had also much influence, and he wished to make useof him; so had persuaded Lady Elton to send them cards. 'It does notsignify, my dear Lord Elton, ' my friend replied; 'I have before nowmet the most _outre_ people with comparative indifference; if thewoman had been silent she would, with her vulgar pretensions, be withyou now; too bad for you that I have been in the way, dear old friend;I have hopes I shall outgrow this class prejudice, though somewhatfaint ones. '"

"'You will, dear Mrs. Ross-Hatton, should you keep pace with our age, 'Lord Elton replied. 

"Your friend showed a good deal of courage, " said Bertram, "to giveso direct a cut. I forget who she was, I was abroad at the time ofRoss-Hatton's marriage. "

"She was a Sutherland; Fido Sutherland, a beauty and a belle, andproud as Lucifer, " answered Lady Esmondet. 

"And brave as a lion, " said Vaura; "for 'tis the fashion to fall down, as the Israelites did in days of yore, and worship the golden calf. "

"I fear we are not going to have a passage altogether free fromstorm, " remarked Bertram; "see to the west, that black cloud rollingtowards us. "

"I think we shall have passed its line of travel ere it catches up tous, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"By the way, Bertram, did you hear that Capt. Liddo, of theGrenadiers, made this trip in six hours in a small canoe. What do youthink of that?" asked Douglas. 

"Good enough; though I'd rather make the run in the usual time in ourpresent company. When did Liddo do it?"

"On last Derby day. "

"So, so. How long a stay do you make at Paris, Lady Esmondet?"

"I have not decided. "

"Ah, that is too bad; I enjoy anticipation, and should like to dwellon the thought of many pleasant hours with you and Miss Vernon. "

"We shall be able to manage many hours together at all events, for wecan patronize the same hotel, " replied Lady Esmondet. 

"It is that I know such pleasant arrangement to be impossible that Ispeak, some friends having taken a French flat for me. "

"Ah, I do regret this is the case, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"At all events, Bertram, we can enter the gates together hand-in-hand, four-in-hand; so cheer up, old fellow, " cried Douglas. 

"Roland, _mon cher_, " said Vaura, "you must bring Isabel from MadameRochefort's to our hotel, even for a few days, ere your return toSurrey. "

"Exactly my plan, fair demoiselle. "

"That is" she continued, merrily, "if you promise to be submissive, and not become a monopolist; for when you, Isabel, and myself aretogether, I feel as if I had lost myself; I don't know to whom Ibelong; you want me, Isabel wants me, until I don't know where I am. "

"Belong to me, Vaura dear, " he said, earnestly, and only heard by her, "and all will be well;" aloud he said: "Submissive! yea, as a lamb; bythe beard of the Prophet I swear it. "

"It would not be such a long look to swear by your own; you have avery handsome one. "

"_Merci_, dear Lady Esmondet; I shall take greater pride than ever init, now it has developed a new use. "

"Or, being a true believer, you might have used Aaron's, " said Vaura;"only that then would the Prophet have no rest, even in the tomb. "

"One requires rest there, " said her godmother; "for the demon ofunrest hath got us in this lower sphere. "

"And it's quite right that it should be so, godmother mine; and inkeeping with our ceaseless song of 'I'd be a butterfly. '"

"You are a clever actress, Miss Vernon, " said Bertram; "but I aminclined to think there is a latent depth of character, a womanlinessin you that our gay butterflies of fashion lack. "

"You flatter me, Mr. Bertram. "

"Not so, Miss Vernon; in our day there is much to make even a womanthink; you are a thinking woman, still one has but to look at youreyes to know that in spite of your graver moods you have a keen zestfor what is pleasant in--"

"In this 'Vale of Tears, '" put in Douglas. 

Vaura's bright expressive eyes smiled, as looking upwards, she said, feelingly:

"Yes, even though 'much salt water here doth go to waste, ' one must--some think, not I--support the weeping human who named our pleasantworld a 'Vale of Tears. ' No, 'tis better to let one's thoughts dwellon the song of the nightingale than the voice of the night-bat; Wefear too much, and hope too little; 'tis best to dwell in the sunlightwhile we may. "

"Yes, 'tis better to laugh than be crying, " said Lady Esmondet; "andthough one must go through life with one's eyes open, one need notfollow the example of Matthew Arnold's 'Sick King in Bokhara, ' andkeep them only open to the saddening sights of sin, sorrow, anddespair, that the world we know, somewhere, has so much of; one canonly do what one can for those in distress; give one's mite, and giveit with a kindly smile, in our world of so much to do. "

"So many worlds so much to do, so little done such things to be, " halfsang Vaura; "but here we are at the French port, and so soon. "

"One does not often find this a short trip, " said Lady Esmondet; "buttime has flown, all because of congenial companionship. "

"Yes, he has gone too quickly for once, " said Bertram; "everyone forhis own pleasure; so, as I have a through ticket, I trust none of youwish to linger. "

"By no means, with fair Paris our goal, " cried Vaura. 

"Why, surely, Bertram, you heard the solemn compact entered into onour arrival at Paris hand-in-hand, and the bearded oath I swore to beas amenable to the wishes of _la belle_ Vernon as though I were a Jackon wires; and, I appeal to all, could I promise more?"

"Yes, " laughed Vaura; "you could promise to be quiet for five minutes, and endeavour to bear a slight semblance to a stolid, deliberate, dignified, wrapt-up-in-himself Briton. "

"Alas! and alas for a transformation scene, " sighed Douglas. 

"Vaura, dear, " said Lady Esmondet, "I forgot to tell you I received anote from Felicite, saying they have not as yet left for Normandy, andthat we shall find them at their house in the Avenue del'Imperatrice. "

"Ah! that will be pleasant; I love the de Hautervilles root andbranch; and wondered a little at their meditating a trip, with theball for Eau Clair on the _tapis_. "

CHAPTER XIII. 

ADAM. 

Our friends being safely in the rail coach _en route_ for the city ofcities, a word of Roland Douglas; he is eldest son of the Rector ofHaughton (whose acquaintance we made in earlier days on the lawn atHaughton, in chat with Col. Haughton and Trevalyon); his father is aScotchman, who had accepted an English living at the request of hisEnglish wife. Roland, heir to a fine property from a Scotch uncle, had, since leaving Cambridge, been left to his own devices, they allfrequently spending their holidays at his place, Atholdale, Dunkeld;but his home was with them, he telling them "he was too gregarious afellow to live alone, " that if the ghosts at Atholdale would beagreeable and change their hours of liveliness from midnight tomidday, "he might manage to live there. " And the rectory was glad tohave the life of its circle in its midst. 

The three Douglas children, with Vaura Vernon, had been playmates, andthe days spent at Haughton Hall were among their most pleasantreminiscences. Bright, merry Roland, with courtly Guy Travers, werefavourites of Vaura, each vieing with the other to win her favour, fighting her battles with biped and quadruped, both boys coming tolove her with the whole strength of manhood, only to eat their heartsout alone, as others, now in her womanhood, were doing, while Vaurawould tell herself, not without a heart-ache, that, "it grieved her tosay them nay, but she cared for them only in the dance, only in thesunshine; that in the quieter walks of life, she would long for aspirit more in kinship with her quieter, her higher nature. "

Vaura had spent so much of her life with her uncle and godmother, thatthe men they loved to have about them had probably spoilt her tastefor the very young men of to-day. Both she and her godmother, had manyfriendships among men, believing the interchange of thought to bemutually improving. Indeed, in most cases they trusted theirfaithfulness, their sincerity, more than that of their own sex. And, alas! with good reason, men having a larger share of that greatest ofgifts, charity! their knowledge of human nature making them rarelycensorious, their education giving them larger, broader views; howmany women, alas, are essentially censorious, uncharitable andnarrow-minded. Yes, nature has been lavish in gifts to Adam, asopposed to Eve. 

Roland Douglas had not as yet told his love to Vaura, a great dreadmastering him lest he had not won her love, for her merry banter andkind sisterly manner led him to fear her heart, that he coveted beyondall that earth could give, was not for him, but he told himself hemust speak, and that soon, for longer suspense was more than he couldendure; he hoped that her sympathetic nature might tell in his favour, and that in pitying his great loneliness, she would come to him. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

OF LIONEL TREVALYON. 

Meanwhile our friends are rapidly nearing Paris, and, even as wespeak, their train is at the depot. 

"Ah, here we are, and our pleasant journeying _pour le present_ athing of the past, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"How long a stay do you make here?" asked Bertram, giving her his armto a _carrosse_. 

"The Fates only know; _la belle_ Paris offers so many attractions, that I have decided not to make up my mind in the matter, for I alwaysam seduced into staying a much longer time than I had previouslyintended; there is always so much to amuse one. "

"And such a legion of people to see, " said Vaura; "there is no placelike Paris for enchaining one, and causing one to love one's chains. "

"Look, quick, " cried Lady Esmondet, hurriedly, "some one; is thatCaptain Trevalyon over there, evidently looking for some one, or is ithis spirit?"

"It is he in the flesh; and looking anything but _spirituel_, " saidVaura as she thought, "Yes, she would know him anywhere; her knight;so different to any other man she meets. "

Yes, Vaura, so we all think when our king comes; beware, guard yourheart, if you would not yield to this fascinating man who slays atwill. 

"Stay, foolish heart, " thought on Vaura, "you are even now feelingless interest in Roland, who would die for you; fill thy whole beingwith a careless gaiety, and leave no room for a softer feeling tomaster thee; remember the 'hidden wife, ' and even should she notexist, remember hearts are his game. "

"Ah, the dear fellow sees us, and is pushing his way towards us, " saidLady Esmondet. 

"The _dear_ fellow, " said Douglas. "that's the way all you ladiesspeak of Trevalyon, lucky fellow. "

"And he, from what I hear, takes their homage as his right, " saidBertram. 

"Oh! yes, as coolly as possible, " said Vaura, gayly; "he's a bit ofphilosopher, you know; I remember I used to wonder if he had feelingslike common mortals, and if all his loves were platonic; I vow I havea great notion to become a disciple of Plato myself; 'twould save onea world of heart-ache. "

"Treason, treason, " laughed Douglas; "better be a follower ofEpicurus. "

"What nonsense you people do talk, " said Bertram, in mock reproof, "and neither of you mean a word of what you say. I now prophesy; thatout of revenge, Cupid will wound your large heart, Miss Vernon, andyou will give up to some thrice fortunate man; as for you, Douglas Iprophesy many a bumping heart-ache. "

"And how long, oh prophet, do you give us of freedom; how long beforeour chains are forged?" enquired Vaura, jestingly. 

"Ere the chill of winter is felt in our land, " Bertram answered inmock earnestness. 

"And the cry of the farmer is heard, as he sees the black frost on thespring wheat, " laughed Douglas. 

"Delighted to see you, Lady Esmondet, " said Trevalyon, taking off hishat and shaking hands; "and you also, Miss Vernon, it is more thanages since I have had any more than a glimpse at you. Allow me towelcome you all to fair Paris; Colonel Haughton assigned me the verypleasant role of attendant cavalier during your stay here, as alsobody guard to your royal highnesses on your journey to the Immortalcity, whither I too am bound; why, Douglas, you here, and wherefore? Ithought you had not yet deserted your winged loves at Atholdale; anygood shooting this season?"

"Yes, pretty fair, " answered Douglas, disappointed at the way thingswere turning out, and wishing Trevalyon at South Africa, or any where, so he was not by Vaura's side. He knew Trevalyon to be a man ofcultivated intellect, with a fascination of manner all women succumbedto, with fully ten years more experience of life than his own, andwith a nice knowledge of all types of women. He knew him to be thedread of all mothers with marriageable daughters, both for themselvesas disturbing their calm resignation as to what husband Fate had giventhem, as also the sad havoc he made among their brood; of how theyplumed their feathers at his coming and drooped them at his going, causing many an eligible suitor to retire from the field. Societywondered that Trevalyon did not range himself, seeing so manybeautiful women his conquests. He shrugged his shoulders when chaffedby his men friends as to his flirtations and cruelty, and would say:

"A slave of the ring is not a _role_ I have any wish to play; at allevents none of the pretty women I have flirted with so far have hadthe power to hold me as her own. And until I meet a woman who can holdme, and keep me from a wish to rove, I shall keep my freedom. "

Then he would laugh and say: "After all, _mon ami_, I am not as cruel, cold, or flirting as yourself. Your motto after as well as beforemarriage is: _Si l'amour a des ailes n'est-ce pas pour voltiger_. Better to act on that principle prior to (as you say I do), than aftermarriage, as I know you all do; better not put the shackles on untilone meets a woman who will cause one not to feel them. As to yourcharge of heartlessness against me, trust me; you say I know them;under the amiable exterior of some of the most gentle-voiced andloveliest, there throbs a cruel heartlessness. 

"After all there is a good deal of the feline in woman, witness themany marriages, ninety-nine out of every hundred are made by ourfashionable women, for money or position? Yes, they like the warmcorner, it matters not who gives it; and the man who loves them, andwhom they love--in a way, may eat his heart out alone; for no, theywill not listen to his pleadings, he has no gold. And they marry a manto whom they are perfectly indifferent, not so to his belongings, these they love with all the love of their feline hearts. No, I am notcruel, I only amuse myself as you do, and in the way each likes best. "

He acknowledges there must be women who are heroines, and perhaps hemay yet meet them, but as yet, he "only knows in God's world theremust be women men might worship. "

"_Sans doute_, " he says: "When petticoat does remain tender and true, it is hard upon her that her lord should prove false and fickle, giventhe warm corner our fair 'sisters, cousins, and our aunts, ' arecontent to purr; they shine in society, and have gained what is thevery end and aim of their existence, a wealthy marriage. "

It is no wonder that poor Douglas, knowing the manner of man Trevalyonwas, dreaded his companionship for Vaura; what if she should charm, asshe certainly could if she would, the game would all be up for him;and even should Vaura, knowing his reputation as a successful maleflirt, be on her guard. If Trevalyon determined to win her, the manyfascinations of manner he was master of, he having made woman a study, would cause her, he feared, to succumb at the last. He felt unmanned, and decided to leave them and go at once for Isabel, and proceed backto England. For of one thing he felt sure, and that was that Trevalyonwould be attracted by Vaura, if it were only for her originality, thefreshness of her thoughts, her gay droll cynicism with no malice init, merely showing she went through life with open eyes; her sunnytemperament and gay conversation, to say nothing of her dear loveableself, and as he turned to look at her, her laughing grey eyes lookinglike stars, and a smile on her perfect lips, as she chatted gayly, heinwardly moaned at what he might never call his own. 

"Come, Roland, " Vaura cried, "there's room for thee, most grave andreverend _seigneur_; for you do look as grave as an owl this moment. Is thy favourite pipe missing, or hast lost thy pet brand of thatpanacea for thy every ill, tobacco?"

"No, I am not bereft of my old friend, my meerschaum pipe; but, beingonly a mere sham, " he added with a forced laugh, "I don't expect it todevelop qualities that will console me at parting with you and LadyEsmondet, whose remembrance of me, I hope, will prove more than asham. "

"A pretty speech, Roland, " said Vaura, stepping from the carriage tospeak to him; "but I protest against this parting. "

"You forget, Vaura, what my mission, at least my avowed mission, was, "he said, in an undertone, "incoming to Paris; I shall now go forIsabel. And away, you have a man with you now who never thinks orcares for the hunger and thirst of the men near him; he drinks the cupof sweets to the dregs himself. Good-bye; think of me sometimes, foryou must know you are always in my thoughts. "

And stepping forward with Vaura, he placed her in the carriage, andwishing all good-bye and much enjoyment, saying to Vaura and LadyEsmondet: "Don't fail to make the Hall blithe and gay at Christmas byyour presence;" lifted his hat and was gone. Trevalyon was not slow tosee this little by-play, and his mental conclusion was:

"Another fellow gone, stricken by a fair woman face, well I don'twonder, by Jove; for the beautiful little girl has developed into alovelier woman, a man need not be ashamed to be the conquest of a facefigure, and I've heard men say, mind, like Vaura Vernon possesses;heaven be praised for the retreat of the Douglas, though had theDouglas been wise he'd have kept the field, or tried to, but now I, while guarding my heart, shall talk to her; it will be a pleasant wayto kill time, and her vivacity, merry banter, chit-chat, or grave togay, or who knows, tender humours, will be a pleasant study in Romefor the next month or two. "

"Well, here we are snug at last, " said Lady Esmondet, as they rolledalong to their hotel in a comfortable carriage; "and I am not sorry, for _je suis tres fatiguee_. But I am really sorry Roland has gone;you will have to exert yourself, Lionel, if you don't want us to misshim, for we shall be altogether at your tender mercy. "

"It is such seductive happiness the knowing you are leaning upon me, that I, Trevalyon, warn you both I shall do all I can to cause you notto regret the Douglas. "

"You forget, _ma chere_ godmother, " said Vaura, "that we also have Mr. Bertram; he is a man of weight, " she added laughingly, "and can surelyshare the weighty matter of our amusement with Captain Trevalyon. "

Mr. Bertram has his weighty agency on his mind, you know; he is one ofthe agents sent by government to attend to our interests at the comingexposition, and as the Prince of Wales, heaven bless him, haspersonally interested himself to make the huge show one great success, they will all vie with each other in their different departments;indeed, I expect Mr. Bertram will only now have time to fly inoccasionally to have a look at us. How about your lazy club life, Mr. Bertram?"

"Yes, Bertram, your luxurious go-as-you-please existence is at London;you _a_ Paris, " said Trevalyon gayly. 

"I fully expect my gossips at the club won't know me on my return; Ishall be a skeleton frame, rack and bones, and my aldermanic rotunditywill be in the streets and audience chambers of Paris. "

"A man of your size, Bertram, won't regret a few pounds of fleshweighed in the balance as against the success of our exhibits, " saidTrevalyon. 

"Not while I remember, " answered Bertram, "Gladstone's remarks in the_Fortnightly Review_, his almost prediction (unless we bestirourselves): That England's daughter, the Great United States ofAmerica, may yet in the near future wrest from us our position inmanufacturing of Head servant to the household of the world. Many ofwe British want a rough reminder like that. "

"Yes, " said Vaura, "some of our manufacturers forget that youngernations are wide-awake and eager to pass us by at a hand-galop, whilewe go dozing through time with our night-caps on. "

"We are England, that's enough, and we cannot realize that the worldmoves. We plume ourselves upon the time when we handed from our dockseverything to poor indolent Europe, or only for the ignorantcolonies, " said Lady Esmondet, ironically. 

"_N'importe, chere_ Lady Esmondet, " answered Trevalyon, merrily. "Ourmanufacturers will wake with a start in 1878, and forego both night-caps; they won't have time to brew the one or don the other insurprise at exhibits from the poor colonies and the ingeniousAmericans. "

"I have no doubt our manufacturers with myself will not be off withour old loves, while we can keep them; my comforts are safe, for Iseduced one of the cooks from the club to come here with me; so nightor day caps are to the fore, " said Bertram. 

"I thought, " replied Trevalyon, "for a man of your taste, you had amost contentedly jolly look; no wonder, when we know the way to thealdermanic heart is through the aldermanic stomach. "

"Capt. Trevalyon, " laughingly said Vaura, "besides the _recherche_little dinner Mr. Bertram has bid us to, I want you to cater to--another sense and let us see the immense Hotel Continental!"

"Consider the Continental on the programme, my dear Miss Vernon; Mr. Bertram's _chef de cuisine_ will cater to the inner man, " answeredTrevalyon. 

"Women sometimes eat, " said Vaura, demurely. 

"How gay the streets look, " remarked Lady Esmondet, "it is always a_fete_ day _a_ Paris. "

"A month or two ago the bands in the parks filled the air with music, "said Vaura; "now it is filled with the murmur of many voices, see thelittle chesnut-seller doing his part. "

"Here we are, _Hotel Liberte le Soleil_, " said Trevalyon, as thecarriage stopped. 

"And here we part, " said Bertram, "not, in the language of the poet, 'to meet no more, ' but to meet on to-morrow eve at my appartments, andI shall inform my cook that three of England's epicures honour me, andto get up something better than frogs' legs. "

"We shall expect ambrosia, " laughed Lady Esmondet. 

"_Tres bien_, I shall not forget, " said Bertram, as he made hisadieux. 

"Au revoir, Bertram, " cried Trevalyon. "And for your life don't forgeta dish of turtle's liver from Voisin's. 

"We have teased him enough at all events, " said Lady Esmondet; "but asfor turtle's liver, I am rather chary of it as yet. But do my eyesdeceive me, or is it petticoat government here?"

"Yes, feminine rule is the order of the day, " replied Trevalyon. 

"How important we look in possession of office, desk and stool; I wasnot aware we had mounted so high anywhere outside the United States, "said Lady Esmondet. 

Here a man in neat livery stepped forward to show them to their suiteof apartments, which Trevalyon, at the written request of his friend, had secured, who now seeing his companions _en route_ for their rooms, bent his steps in the direction of the office to complete thenecessary business arrangements. 

CHAPTER XV. 

HEART-STIRS. 

As our friends followed the servant, a child's cry proceeded from oneof the salons as they passed; the page had a comedy face, and Vaurathinking his reply might amuse, asked:

"Do the babies take care of each other?"

With a farcical expression, the man answered unlocking the doors:

"_Oui_, Mademoiselle. "

"Women crow everywhere, for men are no where, and babies anywhere. "The maids seeing to bath and toilette, their mistresses met in thecomfortable _salon_ which was entered on either side from eachsleeping chamber and small boudoir; soon in pleasant converse, orpauses of quiet, as friends who know and love each other can indulgein; Lady Esmondet and Vaura passed the time until the _entree_ ofTrevalyon to escort them to the _salle a manger_ and _table d'hote_;as he sees them he thinks, "how charming they look refreshed andre-robed, each wearing gown and neck-gear, artistic in draping andcolour. How is it that some women have (Vaura always had it), someinnate gift in robing, causing one's eyes to rest on them and nottire, again both possess a subtle charm of manner; Vaura has as veil avoice that woos one as she speaks. Haughton shall have my warmestthanks for giving me such companionship; dear old fellow, he did notforget my request. " And stepping to Vaura, he hands her a bouquet ofsweet tea-roses, saying:

"You see, Miss Vernon, your Knight of the Lion Heart, as in days ofyore you dubbed me, has not forgotten the button-hole bouquets youused to make as child hostess; it is not aesthetic, as from yourfingers; this is only from the basket of one of the people. "

"_Merci_; as your unfashionably retentive memory bring me so much ofsweetness, then am I happy in your being unfashionable. " And as shefastened a few to her corsage, placing the remainder in a vase, shecontinued: "See, god-mother dear, my sweet tea-roses with theirperfumed voice will remind us of our usual excursion on to-morrow. "

"And may I know what this usual excursion is?" asked Trevalyon, as heseated himself between his companions at table. 

"Surely, yes, " said Vaura; "one we almost invariably make on comingabroad, should we be located at an hotel for many days, where theydon't as a rule, cater to one's olfactory nerves, we journey to someof the conservatories and rob them of many odorous blossoms, tobrighten our temporary home; this time we carry a large order forHaughton Hall, so large indeed, that I should not wonder; did thevendors take us for market gardeners; robbing sweet sunny Paris tobrighten and perfume our London fog. "

"Or perhaps, " said Lady Esmondet, "as there is so much discussion isCanadian newspapers over Free Trade _versus_ Protection; the greatunread may mix us so up that we buy before duty is laid. "

"Take my word for it, Lady Alice, did the Frenchman look upon you asdespoilers, in the long run, he would not even try to resist makingyour purse as trash for to-day. "

"Were I a flower vendor, " said Vaura, "I should be a follower ofBastiat, and gather my roses while I may, by selling cheap as I couldand buying cheap. "

"Are you feeling better, Lady Alice, though to my eyes you are lookingmuch as when last I saw you; Haughton tells me you are going to Italyfor change, " he said kindly. 

"Yes, I don't feel quite myself, Lionel; and Italy will be sun-warm, what I require, my physician tells me; but the air on the water hasgiven me such an apetite, I feel better already. "

"The very scene we are in is enough to cure one; so bright, so gay, _chic_ in every way, " said Vaura. 

"Yes, 'tis brimful of animation, " said Trevalyon; and the _salle amanger_ is preferable to privacy; when one travels, 'tis more of achange to live its life, the continuous noise, bustle and excitementtake one out of oneself. "

"Which is a panacea for all one's ills, " said Vaura. 

"You have not yet told us your experience in the office; was themajor-domo very peremptory?" asked Lady Esmondet. 

"No; on the whole she bore her high seat meekly enough. "

"Now to me, " said Vaura, "it is more preferable to, as women did indays of yore, buckle on the armour for some brave Knight, see thathelmet and breast-plate are secure, and send him forth into theworld's turmoil; yes, I am content to live my woman life. "

"Because you know your power and feel it sweet, is why you arecontent, " he said in low tones, letting his mesmeric eyes rest on herbeautiful face. 

"But is it true, Lionel, " said Lady Esmondet, (as they left the table, followed by many eyes), "is it true that at Bordeaux, Lyons, Marseilles, &c. , women fill manly offices?"

"True, 'tis true, and I must tell you a funny incident bearing on thisquestion. My friend, Ross Halton, was over at New York immediatelyafter their recent monster elections; a friend of his was defeated;his agent telling him there was foul play somewhere, for numerousvotes promised him were eventually polled for the other side; passingthe house of a party man, out of curiosity he went in to ascertain ifhe had been true to his colours; on asking him, the man lookingsheepish, hanging his head, said: 'The wife's democrat, sir, ' while aquick determined, little woman stepped forward, saying: 'he, ' pointingto her husband, 'sees you or your agent once a year, when you come tobuy his vote; he lives with me!'"

"Whither are we drifting?" said Lady Esmondet, sinking into a chair. 

"Whither are we drifting, " echoed Vaura, with animation, "as sure asFate, into the 'Gy' and 'An' of Bulwer's New Utopia; but talking ofwoman's rights, reminds me of the rights of man. Did you say dearuncle gave you your charter to meet us so opportunely, and locate usso pleasantly. ". 

"I did, _ma belle_; but you scarcely heard, as at the time you werelistening to the adieux of the Douglas. "

"Ah, yes, poor Roland, " and Trevalyon saw that a little sigh wasgiven, but there is no sadness in the dark eyes turned again to him, as she says, "and poor uncle; I wonder what the county people willthink of Madame. "

"She can make herself popular if she will; she at all events has thewherewithal to buy their vote, " said Lady Esmondet, as she buriedherself in _London Truth_. 

"Yes, that's true, I suppose she will take, " said Vaura, musingly. 

"You don't know how delightful I find the being again with you, MissVernon, " said Trevalyon, earnestly. "Such a lapse of time since theold life at Haughton. "

"Yes, I remember well, " and the rose deepened in her soft cheek, "sowell the last time I saw you there. "

"Do you; I am glad you do not forget what I never shall, " and heleaned forward, looking at her almost gravely. 

Vaura too, in her long look backward, had a tremulous softness in herexpression, with a far-away look in the eyes, vividly recalling thelovely child-woman to his memory. Rousing herself, she says: "LadyEsmondet, _ma chere_, you should bury yourself in your couch insteadof _Truth_, it grows late; and I am to take care of you. "

"In a few moments, dear, I am on something that interests me, " shesaid, without raising her eyes from the paper. 

"And I, " said Trevalyon, "am forgetting a friend in my apartments;lonely and alone in a strange place. "

"Your friend, " said Vaura, with a swift thought to the hidden wife, "must think you the extreme of fashionable to receive at the witchinghour of midnight. "

"My friend does not care whether I be fashionable, but worships me, and would be with me morning, noon and night. "

"You speak as if you believe, " she said, veiling her eyes, and idlypicking off the leaves of the roses. 

"Yes, past doubting; not being a Christian, I am the only god myfriend worships. "

"Women have spoiled you, Capt. Trevalyon; you boast of our idolatry. "For the first time he partly reads her latent thought; and saying, hurriedly, "Stay here five minutes, " rising quickly, left the boudoir. 

"What has he gone away so hastily for?" enquired Lady Esmondet, turning from the newspaper. "Lionel, dear fellow, is usually so easyin his gait. "

"To see some one who worships at his shrine; said he would return infive minutes;" she answered, carelessly. 

"Oh! he did not say who?"

"No, it might have been awkward. "

"Why? what do you mean, _ma chere_?"

"It might relate to the hidden wife story. "

"Nonsense, Vaura; mark my words, he has no more a hidden wife than youhave a hidden husband. "

"Yes, yes, I know, and should not be hasty, for _errare est humanum_, "she said quickly, brushing something very like a tear from her brighteyes. 

"I am so glad, dear, " said Lady Esmondet, apparently not noticing heremotion, "that your uncle hit upon this plan of Lionel being ourtravelling companion, there is so much adaptability in him, he givesone quite a restful feeling. "

"Own at once, " she answered, recovering herself, "that 'tis pleasantto have a man about one, and that we have not drawn a blank in ourpresent squire _des dames_. "

"Just my thought, dear; but he is coming, or it may be they, forLionel is talking to some one. "

"The deity and his votary; now do you forgive my faith and credulity, Miss Vernon, " he said, sauntering in with a noble dog at his heels. 

"Splendid fellow, " cried Vaura, impulsively, drawing his head to herknee, laying her cheek against it; looking up at his master she said:"Forgive me, I misunderstood you; remembering you only as my old-timeKnight of the Lion Heart, I feared the world of women had spoiledyou. "

"You know how to heal when you wound, " he answered gently. 

"Is he not a Leonberg?" said Lady Esmondet, as the dog went to herside to be caressed. 

"Yes, and they are the best dogs in existence; dear old Mars, it wouldbe strange indeed were I not attached to him, he never tires; in allmy wanderings is always faithful. "

"And 'man is the god of the dog, ' which a moment ago I did notremember; you will not have to remind us of the old adage, 'love me, love my dog, ' for we shall love the dear old fellow for his own sake, "said Vaura. 

"Yes, indeed, Lionel, " said Lady Esmondet; "you need have no fear ofbanishment on his account. "

"Thank you, " he said, receiving and giving to both a warm hand-clasp. "Depend upon it, if Mars has any battles to fight for you, he will notput to shame his name; and now we leave you to woo the god ofslumber. "

CHAPTER XVI. 

LIFTING THE VAIL. 

The following morn the sun arose and smiled his greeting on gayParis--methinks Old Sol weeps, when clouds come between his beams andthe gayest of cities. Lady Esmondet and Vaura enjoyed their drivethrough the beautiful boulevards out into the suburbs, and to one ofthe largest public conservatories; the gardens were a scene ofenchanting loveliness, laid out in the perfection of artistic taste;the friends roamed whither their will led, revelling in the perfumedair and beauty of colouring. 

"Here, " said Vaura, "one could be content to sing, 'I'd be abutterfly, ' all day long. "

"Yes, but only, _ma chere_, for a summer day. "

"I am afraid you are right, godmother mine, and that when winter withthe gay season came on the boards of life, I should prove faithlessand sing, Oh, for the sights and the sounds of the season for me!"

"But we cannot linger longer, Vaura; we must go to the office andleave our order. "

Having left an order that astonished the clerk, they took a reluctantleave of this lovely floral nest. They ordered the man drive towardsthe city in the immediate vicinity, of which Vaura alighted at a neatcottage to visit a blind _protegee_, one Marie Perrault, daughter of aone-time actor of no mean repute, who had taught elocution at theSeminaire where Miss Vernon had finished her education. MonsieurPerrault had assisted Vaura in the getting up of theatricals, shehaving developed such excellent histrionic powers. Perrault secretlyhoped she would yet make her _debut_ from the boards of his favouriteLyceum Theatre Francais. 

Marie was overjoyed at the pleasant surprise of a visit from herbenefactress, whose face, lovely as it was, and lit up with the joy ofliving, gay chit-chat, and sweet-scented blossoms she carried seemedto brighten, as with sunbeams, her darkened life. Vaura stayed longenough to leave her gifts of fruit, flowers, and kind words for M. Perrault; and left for the Seminaire of Madame Rocheforte, there shelunched, and learned that Isabel Douglas had left for England, immediately on the arrival of Roland. 

"Isabel is a sweet girl, and her brother a noble fellow, " said Madame, earnestly; "and I conclude from what she tells me that her brotherloves you with one great love. I feel for you like a mother, Vaura, soyou will understand my speaking, and I hope love will creep into yourheart for him. "

"I trust you are mistaken, Madame, for it would grieve me very much, more indeed than I can express to cause him pain. "

"I hope you will change, _ma chere_; woman is fickle; and when hepleads, as I am sure he can, you will not look on his handsome faceunmoved. "

"He has made a conquest of you, _chere madame_, " said Vaura, gravelykissing her on both cheeks in adieu. 

"_Oui, ma chere_, but, --for you. "

"_N'importe_, madame; remember 'that men have died and worms haveeaten them, but not for love. '"

"You know better, Vaura. "

And as she walked in the direction of her hotel (attended by one ofthe school servants) she told herself that there was not always truthin the words, witness dear Guy and others; poor Roland too; she hopedhe would not take it to heart. On entering the hotel her maid met herwith a message from Lady Esmondet bidding her dress at once for Mr. Bertram's dinner. Vaura, telling Saunders to be expeditious--she wouldwear her biscuit colored satin, old lace, coral ornaments--is soonrobed; her fluffy hair, almost bronze in its brightness and soluxuriant giving her maid no trouble, is as an old time saint hath it, 'a glory to her, ' while the warm tints of her rich beauty is set offby the colour of her gown. 

"You are a treasure, Saunders, " said her mistress; "I find you havedressed me so quickly I shall have time for a little reading; go tellLady Esmondet I now await her pleasure to leave. "

"You are so easy to dress, miss; you see, Mademoiselle, your eyes andcomplexion don't want doing up; now when I was maid to the MissesVerlingham--"

"Spare me the mysteries of the _toilette_, Saunders, and do mybidding; mysteries indeed, " thought she, half-laughing, "what wouldthe poor men say could they see the war-paint putting on for theirslaughter, " and picking up one of W. H. Mallock's novels she sank intoa cosy corner. In half an hour Saunders returned, saying that LadyEsmondet with Capt. Trevalyon were waiting in the _salon_. Envelopedin a carriage wrap of white wool, with the dainty hood of satin of hergown covered with old lace, she joins her companions, with a "may I. "Capt. Trevalyon loosens the fleecy wrap and fastens with a diamond pinsome damask-roses and yellow pansies to her corsage. As they rollspeedily along, Lady Esmondet calls on Vaura to give an account ofherself in the hours of her absence. 

"I was beginning to think, dear, that M. Perrault was renewing hisentreaties that you should take to the boards of the TheatreFrancais. "

"I did not meet him, else doubtless he would, " she answered. 

On Lady Esmondet's remark, she thought (in the flickering light) acloud came to Trevalyon's brow, and now that a converse sweet, brokenand changeful was taking place between Vaura and he; Lady Esmondetgave herself up to thoughts of the past engendered by the cloud on thebrow of her friend, usually so calmly careless, and she thought henaturally would dread one so lovely and gifted living the life oftheatres, if it were only that in his interest in her, she would driftaway from them; and home life in the fascinations of an actressexistence. And a divorce suit of some thirty years ago, which as avery young girl of fourteen, she remembered--all now came again to hermemory, --in which the principal actors were Lionel's father, HughTrevalyon and his beautiful wife Nora. Both were passionate lovers ofthe drama; the Trevalyons frequently wintered at Paris, where theymade the acquaintance of one of the principal actors of the day. Hewas a handsome man with a charm of manner none could resist, and asfate would have it, living at the same hotel, he so ingratiatedhimself into favour with both, who in their admiration of his talentsalmost deified him, that he was the recipient of an invitation in hisidle days to the Towers; while there, an overwhelming passion for hisbeautiful hostess completely mastered him. She, always fascinated byhis seductive manner, when he pleaded, gave way, feeling that she hadmet her master; accustomed to worship his talents, she simply felt shewas his if he willed; finally at the close of a night of revelry, balland theatricals at the Towers she gave up, consenting, nay willing, toelope at his wish, with only a passing thought to her little boy andonce loved husband; she was his; he was her god, and she never dreamedof the man she had taken for better or for worse; her husband sued forand obtained a divorce, the actor marrying his love at once, but sheonly lived for two short years passing in her beauty and frailty fromthe judgment of society to the judgment of high heaven. "Poor fool, "said many a fair dame with a contemptuous shrug of shoulders, "why wasshe so verdant as to elope? with a husband as adoring she might easilyhave kept her place in society and her actor too. " And so when theymet they passed her by, she not having the wisdom of the world. AndLady Esmondet from the corner of the carriage thought on; of howLionel's father on his wife's desertion of him had gone to the dogs, rushing into all kinds of mad dissipation up to the time of his wife'sdeath, when he became a confirmed misanthrope, living in absoluteseclusion until his own death some two years agone; while going todestruction for distraction's sake, poor man, he had reduced hisincome to about L8, 000 per annum. Before his death he had imbuedLionel with a distrust of women, endeavouring to extract an oath ofcelibacy from the son whom he loved, and who loved him. "Never trustone of the frail sex with your name and honor, my son, " he would nevertire of saying. Lionel did not make an oath as his father prayed, butsaid wearily, "Never fear, father, I shall trust none of the gaybutterflies further than I can see the brightness of their wings; muchless give them, any one of them, the chance to sully our escutcheonwith another blot, " and continuing he would woo his poor father toquiet by saying, "No, I know them too well; our motto is theirs, theyare "always the same, always. _Toedet tandem, eadem fecisse_, " andagain he would woo him to quiet by "No, do not grieve for me, father, I shall not wed unless an angel descends for my benefit; but did she, she would be then a fallen angel, " and the poor, broken-hearted mandied in his son's arms, contented in his wish. But even now, Lionelfeels that as the child Vaura had a charm for him, so the fair womanopposite him has, and that if he but yields to it, it may master him;for his race are "always the same, always" in one thing which is, alove lasting as time for one woman; though having many _affaires decoeur_; they feel one _grande passion_, one wedded love, nevermarrying a second time. And the _carrosse_ rolls along, and Lionelwith an irresistible craving, even if he comes to grief, which hetells himself there is no fear of, feels the pulse, as it were, ofVaura's heart, to see if the world has left unspoiled the tender, sympathetic, true and loving nature of the child he knew so well. "Youare right, Capt. Trevalyon, sympathy, true, soul-felt, and earnest, never dies; it is the _root_ of wedded happiness; alas, how many livesare wrecked through the absence of it, " she says sadly, but he feels, and not without a heartache, that she is oblivious almost of hispresence; her lovely face in its frame-work of lace is turned fromhim, as she thinks, "and yet, pity is divine! yet; knowing this, whathave I shown poor Guy. " The erratic life poor Lionel led, and whichhad been almost compulsory, the weary cynicism which was the outcomeof the life enforced upon him, by his mother's frailty and hisfather's lasting grief thereat, often palled upon his real nature. Butas he never expected to meet a woman who could hold him, he frequentlygave himself, epicurean-like, to the pleasure of the hour. 

After leaving the army, and when the glittering wings of butterfliesand their surroundings wearied him, he would leave the gay cities, andtravel much in foreign lands, in cold bleak northern latitudes, orsunny climes, studying human nature, and giving some thought to itsmany phases, with the different creeds men hold at times on seeing theself sacrificing lives of the sisters of charity, on witnessing nobledeeds which should be written in characters of gold, but which theydid in the most humble self abnegation. When he looked upon these andknew them to be the outcome of the Roman Catholic Church he wouldthink surely the Church that gives birth to such lives must be theChurch for the saving of men. But then some glaring inconsistency ofthose within her pale would recur to his memory, and he would turnwith a sigh from some pictured Christ, or the peaceful beauty of themadonna. Well might Lionel exclaim, "In this age of seeming, what istruth! for what grade of society has not its shams! in what church arethere not hypocrites as saints! in what government is there notimperfection! in what political campaign is there not a bribe given!in what age were there so many Churches. " In what age was religion sofashionable! Yes, to-day, it is not charity which covers the multitudeof sins, it is the cloak of religion, and yet 'tis not the fault ofcreeds, 'tis _errare est humanum_. Ah me! we gay nineteenth centurybutterflies are a favoured generation; we are so respectable you know;we give the Church her innings, and that ancient firm of Bacchus andComus have their innings also. Such thoughts as the above often cameto Lionel, in his lonely wanderings far away from the gay cities, alife which he adorned with such gay abandon when one of them. 

And now lady Esmondet awakes to the present with a start (as thecarriage stops, ) and from her silent thoughts on the past, as she hadgathered it from Eric Haughton and from Lionel himself. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

CHIC AUJOURD'HUI. 

Captain Trevalyon assisted his friends to alight in front of ahandsome house in a fashionable avenue. 

"Can this be the right address, " said Lady Esmondet. "It is a privateresidence _et regardez_, by the gas-light in the entrance one can seethe arms of a noble house cut in the stone. "

"Yes, " answered Trevalyon, "we are all right; a patrician mansionknocked down by the hammer, now simply _numero troisieme_, Avenue del'Imperatrice, and if Bertram is as comfortable inside as he isfashionable outside then we may expect turtle's livers _a laFrancaise_, the choicest of wines in this hot-bed of grapes, this landof vineyards, dishes that would tickle the palate of a Lucullus, thecosiest of after dinner chairs, French coffee, which means a gooddeal, the brightest of fires, and faces, sweet notes of song, " with aglance at Vaura, "and the most delicate of cigarettes, so delicate asnot to entail the punishment of banishment from two ladies fair. "

"What a luxurious picture you draw, Captain Trevalyon, " said Vauragayly, "and what an epicure! you dwell with such pleasure upon eachdish, your livers, your--"

"_Pardonnez_, " answered Trevalyon, laughing; "not mine, the turtle's"and continuing with mock gravity, "I never expect mine to be dressedat Voisin's. "

"Horrible! a too warm anticipation of torment, " cried Vaura. 

"Torment!" said their host, stepping forward as a servant announcedthem, and tortures are obsolete words in gay Paris and even in thereign of terror, such a fair vision would surely have escaped. "Ahundred thousand welcomes, " he continued, shaking hands with all, "andI feel sure no bachelor under the McMahon _regime_ is so highlyfavoured as Edward F. Bertram to-night. "

"Listen, " cried Vaura, "Mr. Bertram will put to shame the gay gallantsof Paris, in the making of pretty speeches; I believe the air of thisroom is conducive to that sort of thing; I feel inclined to saysomething complimentary on the beauty and comfort of our host'ssurroundings myself. 

"Relieve my curiosity, Mr. Bertram, and tell me where you are?" saidLady Esmondet, as she leaned back and placed her feet on the softestof fender stools; "we came to dine with a bachelor in something ofbachelor, live-by-myself style, and we find ourselves in a noblemansion. "

"Yes, Bertram, " said Trevalyon; "I was aware of the capacity of aLondon alderman, in catering to the comfort of his pampered body; but, I repeat Lady Esmondet's question of where are you. "

"And I answer, " said the voice of gay Mrs. Eustace Wingfield, as sheentered, "in one of the most fashionable of French flats on Avenue del'Imperatrice, the fourth flat of said number Eustace and I arefortunate denizens of, and I can assure you, the inmates are suchpleasant people that, yours truly, with Eustace, are oftener to befound in these sunny quarters than at Eaton Square, London. "

"You are happy, " said Vaura, "never out of the sunshine. "

"Yes, I like it, " said Mrs. Wingfield; "I can't live in the shade, andMr. Bertram has me to adore for giving him the sun-light of thisdwelling. I saw by the papers he was to make his exodus from London, so I telegraphed him to come here, and bring on a box of French novelswe had forgotten. "

"One does sometimes forget the most important part of one's luggage, "said Vaura. 

"But, " said Trevalyon, "I'll wager Bertram did not forget your mentalfood. "

"Not he, with his aldermanic taste for spicy dishes, " said Vaura. 

"No, the temptation would be too much for him, with the _piece deresistance_, an uninteresting husband, side dish, paragon lover, _entree_, neglected wife with flavourings thrown in, scandals, duels, etc. , " said Trevalyon. 

"How well he knows the condiments, " remarked their host in sly tones, and rubbing his hands softly; "but talking of condiments, reminds oneof dinner, and that Everly should be here. "

"I hear a footstep on the hill which doesn't grow fainter, fainterstill, " said Mrs. Wingfield. 

"Here we are again, " said Sir Tilton Everly, entering, and shakinghands with all, continued: "I hope, Bertram, I havn't kept your dinnerwaiting. "

"No, no, my dear fellow, my dinner waits for no man. "

"You see our gallant host makes an exception in our favour, SirTilton, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"He considers the length of our toilette, " said Mrs. Wingfield. 

"And train, " laughed Vaura, as Trevalyon caught his foot in hertrailing skirts, in crossing behind to offer his arm. 

"Go where one will, " said Trevalyon, covered by the hum of voices;"one is sure to fall in with Everly. "

"Yes, uncle Eric says he reminds him of the clown at a circus, withhis cherry cry of 'here I am again. '"

"He seemed to me to be a sort of pet monkey of Mrs. Haughton; I hopehe will not deem it necessary to transfer his little attentions toyou, or I shall feel inclined to tell him that I am your knight _pourle present_, and show him my colours, in shape of telegram from youruncle (if I may not wear yours), " he added in persuasive tones. 

"You can still be my knight errant, " and her soulful eyes turn to hisface, "he, one of my retainers. "

"No divided honours for me, _ma belle_. "

Here their chit-chat is interrupted by the subject of their converse, addressing Miss Vernon, across the table. 

"Just come from Haughton Hall, Miss Vernon?"

"Yes. "

"All well I hope? more especially my uncle. "

"Never saw him looking better; I just ran down for twenty-four hours. "

"How is the place looking? I don't mean the exterior, the park andgrounds are always beautiful (and thank heaven cannot change), but theinterior. "

"Gorgeous! never saw anything to equal it. "

"The festivities were brilliant, I presume?"

"Should say so; the county were tongue-tied in admiration; couldn'tfind words. "

"You had no time for the birds, Everly, I suppose, " said Trevalyon. 

"Yes, a couple of hours of it; and what with the ball, dinner, fireworks, hurrahs, &c. , and killing of birds--"

"And young women, " cried Mrs. Wingfield. 

"But in the time, " laughed small Everly, "we really made some finerunning on the feathered tribe. "

"Ostrich feathered?" said Vaura. 

"Nay, let him alone for that; else would Mrs. Haughton have made somerunning or gone for him? excuse the slang, " said Mrs. Wingfield, mischievously. 

"Many of us would be sportsmen in the case of a rival, " said Vaura. 

"The divided skirt would come to the front with pistols and coffee fortwo, " cried Bertram. 

"Yes, I should give her all the mud my tongue could throw, " said gayMrs. Wingfield. 

"There will be sport in Hall as field, when the hounds meet, if I'mnot mistaken, " said the newsy little baronet. 

"Why, how so? Sir Tilton, " exclaimed Vaura. 

"Well, you see, Miss Vernon, there was a lively discussion at luncheonone day as to the next meet; when Mrs. Haughton announced herintention of following the hounds, the Colonel objected on the groundof non-experience. "

"No, " said Lady Esmondet; "Rotten Row is her experience, and 'tisscarcely a hunting field. "

"Unless for the praise of men, " said Vaura. 

"Or a husband, " cried Mrs. Wingfield. 

"But about the field, Sir Tilton; do you think Mrs. Haughton will takeit?" asked Vaura. 

"I am sure she will, for I overheard her the same day make a bet ofL500 that she'd ride grey Jessie with the hounds next meet. "

"So, so!" exclaimed Bertram, "the lady means it. "

"And who might the favoured participator in her bet be, Everly?"enquired Trevalyon carelessly. 

"With Major Delrose, late of the --th Middlesex Lancers. "

"With Delrose!" exclaimed Trevalyon, now fully aroused; "is Delrose atHaughton?" and as he spoke he gave a swift glance at Lady Esmondet, who thought silently, "Delrose, the man who was mixed up in some waywith Lionel in the Fanny Clarmont scandal; there will be mischief. "

"No, left same train as I did, very unwillingly though; extracted apromise from Mrs. Haughton, that if time hangs heavy, he may return;amusing fellow, though the Colonel doesn't seem to take to him. "

"Not the same stamp of man, " said Bertram. 

"But Haughton is right about the field, Everly, " said Trevalyon; "onerequires other experience than the Row. "

"Better not curb her, though, " answered Everly sagely. 

"She thinks it as easy to run down the hare as the men; but the harewants other bait than gold, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"So do we, " said Bertram, decidedly. 

"Yes, I do not think by any means that men, as a rule, are sordid. "

"Before I met Eustace, " said Mrs. Wingfield, "I made up my mind onlyto marry a horsey man, to make sure of one common interest, whichthere is often an absence of. "

"Mrs. Wingfield! Mrs. Wingfield!" cried Bertram. 

"Mr. Bertram! Mr. Bertram! were you a benedict, you would say myforethought was sweetly touching. "

"And here have I, a lonely bachelor, " he continued; "been regrettingthe non-existence of my Madame Bertram, though none could grace thehead of my table better than the lady now seated there. "

"_Merci_, " said Lady Esmondet, "you are such a host in yourself thatyou leave us nothing to regret in the absence of Mrs. Bertram. "

"Why, " said Trevalyon sadly, in a low tone to Vaura; "why, will wecontinually make a jest over those poor creatures unequally yokedtogether. "

"Very frequently, I think, " she said softly, "to hide a deeperfeeling; though it hurts us painfully to do so. "

"I vow I'd rather be a jolly old bachelor like Mr. Bertram, withplenty of money, than husband to the Queen of Sheba, were she notdefunct, " exclaimed Mrs. Wingfield. 

"What a boon to men and society is a woman without marriageabledaughters, " laughed Vaura. 

"Yes, " said Everly; "she can air her private opinions on the marriagequestion. "

"With the right one, what a restful paradise it would be, " saidTrevalyon to Vaura's ear alone. And there was such a weariness in histone, that she gave him one swift sympathetic glance; for in spite ofherself her heartstrings were stirred, but she must not give way, sosays lightly, as following Lady Esmondet's signal, they leave thetable, the gentlemen refusing to linger:

"To say 'marriage' under _any_ circumstances to be 'bliss, ' is rankheresy to your well-known views; but I understand your present impulseis engendered by seeing our dear friend playing hostess. "

"Not so altogether; you also are near, " and her arm is involuntarilypressed to his side. 

"Well, ladies fair and gallants gay, " said Mr. Bertram, as he found acomfortable lounging chair for Lady Esmondet, "we have just time for acup of coffee and a cigarette, ere we roll away in a _carrosse_ to theTheatre Francais. "

"To the theatre!" exclaimed Trevalyon; "I was not aware this was onthe _tapis_ for this evening. "

"Yes, " said Lady Esmondet, "Mr. Bertram and I arranged it; M. OctaveFeuillet's play, the "Sphynx, " is on. I begin to think it was selfishon my part, you all look so comfortable; perhaps we had better abandonit. "

"Put it to the vote, " cried Mrs. Wingfield. 

"And no bribery, " echoed Vaura. 

"I fear if it is put to the vote, " said Lady Esmondet, "mine will bebought, by the beseeching look of Capt. Trevalyon, for a stay athome. "

"See what it is to have an expressive face, Trevalyon, " said Everly;"it has gained you one vote, in spite of the rule Miss Vernon made ofno bribery. "

"I thank you for your sympathy, Lady Esmondet; but I fear yours wouldbe the only vote recorded in my favor, so the 'Sphynx' must needs makeus her own. "

"As she did many an unhappy mortal in days of yore, in her Thebanhome. I wonder if they looked as resigned in their martyrdom as poorCapt. Trevalyon does, " said Vaura. 

"I used to think Oedipus finished her, " said Trevalyon. 

"Only for his day, " said Vaura; "'twas too long a look till OctaveFeuillet; he should have asked Lynceus to give a glance. "

"The Cyclops might have lent him an eye, " said Bertram. 

"Are you always as indifferent to the stars of the stage Captain?"enquired Mrs. Wingfield, as she gently puffed away her delicatecigarette. "What Eustace would do without his distractions in thatway, heaven only knows. "

"He will outgrow it; most men have stage fever, as most babies havemeasles, " he answered evasively. 

"And now for our mantles and away, " said Lady Esmondet, rising. 

"And may the mantle of resignation fall on the shoulders of poor Capt. Trevalyon, " said Vaura, taking his offered arm, and as the handleaning on his arm pressed closely, she said in low tones, "you had myunregistered vote. "

"_Merci_, " he said, pressing her hand. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

THEATRE FRANCAIS. 

They found the theatre crowded from pit to dome. And the advent of ourlittle party, as they took possession of their box, caused no littlesensation even in that galaxy of beauty and fashion. 

"By the lilies of France, " said a Parisian, putting up his glass;"though not the three graces, one of them is there. "

"Yes, by the memory of Bonaparte, she is worth a long look, " said hiscompanion, gazing at Vaura. 

And two of the occupants of Mr. Bertram's box were indulging much thesame thought. Lionel's handsome face wore a warmer look thanordinarily, as he chatted to Vaura, leaning on the back of her chair. 

"She has the vivacity of the French woman, with a beauty all her own, "he thought. "Her voice holds me, and my love of the beautiful issatisfied, as I look on her sweet mouth and warm eyes; but, pshaw, sheis a flirt, and I am almost in her toils! what is coming over me?" andhe gave a start as he almost spoke the last thought aloud. 

"Why, what is the matter Capt, Trevalyon?" asked Vaura; "you startedjust now as though you had seen a ghost of the departed; a moment agoyou seemed to be enjoying the play, but now you look melancholy; goover to Mrs. Wingfield. You see, _cher ami_, you do not credit to mypowers of pleasing; so avaunt. But, " she added, "you may come backsome other time. "

"You deserve better company than I, just now, _ma belle_, and Everlyis aching to be with you. " And rising, he took the chair Everlyvacated, near Mrs. Wingfield. 

"What have you done to Trevalyon? Miss Vernon, " said Everly, as heseated himself beside her. "In five minutes his expression changedfrom unclouded happiness to the blackness of despair; queer fellow towear such a look beside you. "

"What a flattering tongue is yours, Sir Tilton; but I shall not beastonished at any outpourings of that sort from you; considering youhave come from Haughton Hall, and the practice you have had in softnothings while there. "

"Had _you_ been there I should have been inspired to say somethingoriginal. "

"It would be a treat, for compliments do grow so hackneyed; Isometimes agree with the poet, " she added gaily, "'that there isnothing original in us, excepting original sin. '"

"Your uncle wished for your presence often. "

"I take it quiet as a compliment, and his bride so new. "

"And many others wished to sun themselves in your presence. "

"I am glad they remember me, and if Old Sol will give England plentyof his gleams, and we have a mild winter to suit Lady Esmondet, weshall be at Haughton Hall for the Christmas festivities. "

"If the clerk of the weather be a decent fellow, who will take abribe, Tilton's the boy to stuff him, and my reward will be a waltz atthe ball, and do please let me make sure of it now. " Taking out histablets, "just write your name and the date here; oh, thanksabundantly, and I'm sure, the weather fellow will be all square. "

"And now I incur the jealousy of woman; cruel man to bring upon mesuch punishment, but I forgive you as you know nothing of womanlysweetness to woman, so here is my name for number four waltz. But_regardez_, we have missed a point, every eye is turned to the stage, Mlle. Croizette looks for the moment as though transformed into one ofthe Furies. So fierce her looks, such terrors from her eyes. "

"Poor thing, so she does, " said Sir Tilton laughing. 

"But really Sir Tilton, I wish we could guess what its about. Anotherriddle from the Sphynx, you must be a second Oedipus and guess for me;or go over and ask some of the others, they look as though they havebeen feeding ravenously of the tree of knowledge. "

"Draw your chair a little this way, Vaura, _ma chere_, " said LadyEsmondet, who came over as Sir Tilton arose. "We shall all form onelittle group then, and it will be more pleasant. "

Here Sir Tilton coming up, decidedly objected to the move, wishing tomonopolise Vaura. 

"You are cruel, Lady Esmondet; ask Miss Vernon, if I have not beenmore amusing than the Sphynx. You know, " he said audaciously, "weactually did not see the little by-play between the rivals Mlle. Croizette and Sara Bernhardt, which is a proof we were not doing badlyin the way of entertaining each other. "

"Fie! Sir Tilton, " said Vaura merrily, "acknowledge the complimentpaid you, though our gay friends have had the Sphynx, they also havehad time to long for our society, " and as she drew near a few paces, Everly had time to say softly:

"One thing to be thankful for, we did not miss them. "

"Small men make large boasts, " thought Vaura amusedly. 

"Miss Vernon, " said Bertram, "you missed the best thing of theevening, or I suppose so by the fact of Everly having come over withhis finger in his mouth to ask what the house came down for. "

"You will relieve my woman curiosity, " she answered smiling, "ofcourse Sir Tilton will not own to the being curious, save on myaccount. "

"No man could refuse a request of yours, else you deserve a punishmentfor, " he added in a low tone, "making game of small hearts. "

"Vaura dear, you have missed such a passage-at-arms, between CroszetteAnd Bernhardt, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"Oh, such fun, " exclaimed Mrs. Wingfield, "in the middle of a tellingspeech by Mlle. Croizette, the wicked little Bernhardt, came coolly upand asked her 'where she lived?' or something of that sort; Croizette, livid with rage, forgot her part--something we never saw her dobefore, but answered Sara in words that told, for though triumphantshe trembled. "

"Her sister Fury trembled and retired, " said Trevalyon, "strangefreaks rivalry leads its victims into--"

"I could almost imagine, " said Vaura, "you all to be mistaken for theCroizette has immense influence at the Conservatory, where they bothstudied, and is a complete child of the stage, but if your ears haveplayed you no tricks, if I mistake not, Sara has had her fun. "

"Not a doubt of it, " said Bertram. 

"Oh, that is too real, " said Lady Esmondet, turning pale and lookingfrom the stage, referring to the death-scene by poison of the wickedheroine of the play. 

"Yes, her struggles are so natural as to be anything but pleasant towitness, " said Vaura. 

"If it were good form for a woman to retire for a stimulant, " saidMrs. Wingfield, "then would I make my exit, for I feel quite overcomeat the sight. "

"What inestimable privileges lordly man enjoys, " said Vaura. 

"What a talented little _morceau_ is Sara, " said Trevalyon. 

"She is smaller since la Croizette looked to kill, " said LadyEsmondet. 

"The fire from the eyes of Croizette was too much for her; she hasgone to hide within herself, " said Vaura. 

"No wonder she doesn't show even through a glass, " said the littlebaronet. 

"Else, " continued Vaura, "the _role_ of 'Forgiving Virtue' is too muchfor her; she _shrinks_ from it. "

"She might be more expansive in the other _role_, " laughed Bertram. 

"She is a handful of the essence of talent, " said Trevalyon, "andalways good form whether the form of a Venus or no. "

"True, " said Lady Esmondet, though she cannot quote in a personalsense of the "heavy cloak of the body still as weighed against acultivated intellect, roundness of form is a mere bagatelle. "

"I humbly appeal to you all, " said Bertram in seriocomic tone, "is myrotundity a mere bagatelle?"

"Lady Esmondet says so, and it must be true, " said Trevalyonlaughingly. 

"Of course it is; anyone to look at you would say the same, " saidEverly. 

"My advice, Bertram, " said Trevalyon, "is, on your return to England, to retire to the cool shades of oblivion and try the 'Bantam' system:that is if Owen Cunliffe does not send you there, for having while inParis been attentive to the fair sex instead of to the interests ofour Isle. "

"Don't follow any such advice, Mr. Bertram!" exclaimed Mrs. Wingfield. 

"Your fat makes you so jolly. "

"Fat! did you call me fat, Mrs. Wingfield? If the play was notopportunely over I should be obliged to tear myself away from yourfascinating presence, in grief, at such an epithet hurled at mydevoted head, I--I mean body. I may well exclaim, 'save me from myfriends' when these are the unctuous compliments they pay me, " thevictim exclaimed with averted face and uplifted hands. 

On our friends rising to leave the theatre, Sir Tilton, making sure ofescorting Vaura to the carriage, was in the act of putting her cloakover her shoulders, when Lionel offered his arm; Vaura taking itturned her head smiling her sweetest, with a word of thanks to smallEverly, who returned it with a look of half-comical disappointment, and with one long step was at Mrs. Wingfield's side, saying:

"Never mind your cloak, Mrs. Wingfield; cool and easy does it; take myarm, Mr. Bertram will probably come up at an opportune moment and robeyou, this is the latest and most successful manner of escorting a ladyto her carriage. "

"There is many a slip 'twixt cup and lip, " said Mrs. Wingfield, laughingly; "you had your innings the early part of the evening, it isonly fair her _preux chevalier_ should have his revenge. "

"Yes, I've been bowled out this time, but Don Juan isn't going to haveany more innings if Tilton knows anything. "

"What courage the atom has, " thought Mrs. Wingfield, but she said, "Don Juan, indeed, 'Satan reproving sin, ' what about a certain Mrs. H. , that you sigh to the inconstant moon for. But we are nearing theothers and the carriage; so a truce to confidentials. Adieu. "

On the ladies entering the carrosse, the gentlemen bidding adieu _pourle present_, saying they would walk, Sir Tilton stepping back a paceenquired of Vaura "If he should have the pleasure of seeing her onthat night week at the de Hauteville ball?"

"Yes, we are due there, and make an exception of their ball, we aresuch friends, but go to no more crushes presided over by Terpsichorewhile _a Paris_. _Au revoir_. "

CHAPTER XIX. 

FOR A FAIR WOMAN FACE. 

"What an irrepressible fellow Everly is, " thought Trevalyon, as hesauntered along the avenue towards his hotel; having heard hisquestion to Vaura (as to the ball), "he manages to get a card foreverything. I should not regret his departure for anywhere; our little_coterie_ was perfect without him. Vaura is extremely lovely andfascinating, she, of course, is the magnet that draws him; what apresumptuous little poppet he is, a mere fortune-hunter, hanger-on ofsociety to dare turn his eyes in her direction. But am I not takingtoo deep an interest in this sweet Vaura Vernon. I must guard myheart; she is a flirt, I must beware. Another tender billet from Mrs. Haughton, and full of this hidden-wife falsehood; I have beencareless, never even having told Haughton the truth of the matter. Every seven years, it seems to me, there is a rehash of by-gonevillifications; one must only grin and bear it, but I do feel itterribly just now, not because it is what it always was, 'a liedirect, ' but because of my close companionship with my dear friend andbewitching Vaura. "

Let us now follow small Everly, and read some of his thoughts; withrapid steps he is soon at his destination, where, seating himself in ahuge easy chair which almost hides his small body, draws a table tohis side, on which are placed his pipe, glass of punch, with someletters. 

"Gad, a missive from Aunt Martha, " he exclaimed. "Whether it be sugaror vinegar it will keep until I do the others. "

One was from his lawyer telling him the Jews were after him; with amuttered exclamation of "they must wait, " he threw it aside. Theothers were from acquaintances--mere chit-chat; "and now for the oldgirls, " he thought, which on opening a bank draft for L50 dropped out. "Gad! almost a holocaust, " he said, picking it from the dying embersin the grate. "And now for the letter. "

"MY DEAR NEPHEW, --Enclosed you will find a draft for fifty pounds; itis extremely inconvenient to remit you even such a small sum, but Ipromised your mother on her death-bed to give you all the assistancein our power, as also did your sister Amy; and so please heaven weshall, as we are quite aware that the trifle you inherit from yourfather is extremely small for the maintenance of an English baronet. Moreover, considering it an honour to the house of Morton that anEverly should have linked himself thereto, we have decided to let youhave Johnston's rent for the future, and regularly. But, dear nephew, remember you cannot afford to make a mere love-match; you must marryan heiress. Your setter Hecate has had pups, which we shall nursetenderly for you, as they represent money. But the school bell ringsme away, and, dear nephew, from you I go with my pupils into themysteries of pounds, shillings and pence. You will laugh and say youand they are always associated in my mind; and it is so, for, you areboth things of worth. When you marry some rich young lady (you knowwhom I tell you you can win), I shall pay a master to take thearithmetic class. Make your old aunts glad with the news of a wealthymarriage being arranged for you. Acknowledge draft. 

"With much love, from your affectionate Aunt, "MARTHA MORTON. 

"Sir Tilton Everly, "Paris, Hotel European, 2nd Nov. , 1887. "

"It will please the aunts if I write instanter, so here goes. "

"DEAR AUNT MARTHA, --Draft received, came in handy, can assure you. Youare a jolly pair of relations for a fellow to have; never wanted theneedful more. I know I shall have to marry money; I expect I guesscorrectly as to the girl you mean, but tallow candles are out offashion. I know the gilding is thick, and debts are a bother. But younever fear for Tilton, he may yet win a glorious beauty and greatexpectations from a titled relation. Eureka! I can tell you; aunts youhave no idea what a fuss society makes over me. Glad Hecate has donesomething for a living, or rather for mine. Goodnight or morning, forit is one a. M. 

"Your devoted Nephew, "TILTON EVERLY. 

"Miss Morton's Seminary, "Bayswater, Suburbs, London Eng. Nov. , 5th, 1877. "

"Yes, 'pon my life, the old girls are right, I must have the sovereignfor my name; pity I was born with a taste for the beautiful; my fatherwas wanting in forethought on my account, or he would never have wedpenniless Rose Morton; here am I over head and ears in love with apeerless beauty, with not much or not enough of the needful to keep usboth in style; there is not a doubt though that she will inherit fromthat stately godmother of hers. Never say die, Tilton, my boy; shesmiled on you to-night, go in and win; why, the very thought of hersends the blood dancing through my veins; splendid figure, perfect asa Venus. She knows naught of my relations to that young schemer, andif my love by a stern fate says nay, she is too much accustomed toconquests to boast; and the other who is ready to marry me any daywill, never know anything to erect her spine about; a week fromtonight the de Hauteville ball, I shall there know the best or worst;if I fail it won't be because of aught wanting in myself, but becauseI cannot win over the Lady of Esmondet; then, if so, I shall hide mygroans under an M. P. , and the gold of my lemon-face, to whom I shallnot exactly play count to her, Miss Kilmansegg, for I could not actsuch a villain's part; but I must have some hobby to ride, to make upfor the sacrifice of self; and now to bed and sleep or dream. "

CHAPTER XX. 

QUICKENED HEART-BEATS. 

On the morning of the de Hauteville ball, Trevalyon broke his fastsomewhat earlier than usual, purposing to indulge in a long ride. Inpassing the salon of Lady Esmondet and Vaura, the door of which hadbeen pushed open by his dog Mars half an hour previously. Trevalyonmade a momentary pause, he could not see Lady Esmondet through theopening, only our sweet Vaura, who listening to her godmother, idlyate of some fresh fruit, while the other fair hand caressed Mars. Shelooked a very child of the morning, so charmingly bright, in a paleblue quilted satin dressing gown, with low turned down collar; notwishing to interrupt her godmother who read aloud an English lettershe spoke to Trevalyon silently, standing in the opening door-way, only with the eyes and her own syren smile; the temptation to lingerwas too much for him, and he was about to enter when turning, as heheard a step coming quickly along the corridor from the visitors grandelevator, saw Sir Tilton coming towards him carrying a huge bouquet. And knowing for whom it was intended, preferring not to be a witnessto the presentation with a "_Bonjour_, Everly, " and "How do, Trevalyon;" they went their different ways, the one into the light ofwoman's eyes, the other into the lights of the streets of Paris. 

Sir Tilton, with a laughing "Any admittance to a devoted subject, " anda gay _entrez_ from Vaura was in the boudoir. 

"I thought I heard Captain Trevalyon's voice; was he not with you?"enquired Lady Esmondet as she shook hands with Everly. 

"Yes, Lady Esmondet, he was outside and lingered a moment, but wasable to resist the temptation to enter to which I had to succumb, "with an admiring glance at Vaura. 

After half an hour spent in gay chit-chat, Lady Esmondet, consultingher watch, reminded Vaura of their purposed drive; and with a promiseasked by Sir Tilton, and given by Vaura, that she would wear one ofhis flowers on that evening, they parted. 

In a short time Lady Esmondet and Vaura were seen driving along thefashionable parks and streets of Paris, and no carriage attracted moreattention than the one in which they were seated. They met manyfriends and acquaintances among whom were Mr. And Mrs. EustaceWingfield. 

"One does not often see them together, " said Lady Esmondet. "Still, Iam sure, they suit each other better than most married people. "

"What a queer world it is, " remarked Vaura; "even _ma chere_ godmotheris rather cynical as regards the happiness of most married lives. Whatis the reason of it all? Is it that man who, as Charles Reade says, is'born to hunt something, ' is no longer happy when the chase is over. And woman, what of her? Is it that 'tis only the excitement of thehunt we care for, that our heart has no part in the matter. "

"You know the world, Vaura, and you know you are right--still you willmarry, and be happy; for your heart will go with your hand, and youknow your power to make the man you will love happy. "

"Sympathy, soul-felt and earnest, is more than love which sometimeschanges, or passion and fancy which always evaporate, " answered Vaura, seriously; "but, " she added, "who, among the butterflies of to-day, cares for all this: A. Marries B. , because he can give her a title; B. Marries A. , because she brings him money--it's all a debit and creditsystem. "

"Yes, Vaura, dear, Tennyson says truly, 'we men are a little breed. '"

But a warmer light deepens in Vaura's eyes as a vision of a handsomeface, wearing at times a weary look, flashes across her memory, andshe thinks some men are worth loving, and are not of the "littlebreed. "

"What a bold-looking woman; I wonder who she is, " said Lady Esmondet. "She's passed us several times; that was an aristocratic man besideher, and quite a youth. She wears her rouge too extravagantly. "

"She has yet to come to the knowledge that she's anybody, " answeredVaura, contemptously; "looks to me like greed and vice, and man is notthe worse animal of the two. "

"Thanks, Miss Vernon, " said the voice of Trevalyon, riding up besidethe carriages as he lifted his hat. 

"Thanks, though it is rather a doubtful compliment, for I am all atsea as to what animal you are so kind as to give us the preferenceto. "

"I don't know that I shall tell you, Captain Trevalyon, for you menmake it your boast, that we only are curious. "

Here the same smart turn-out, with its pair of beautiful bays comeagain towards them, and to the surprise of Lady Esmondet and Vaura, the woman smiled and nodded to Trevalyon. Vaura turning quicklytowards him, saw that he took no notice of the recognition and thathis face wore a stern look. 

Everly driving with a friend, passed them at the moment, saw the nodand smile and of how they were received. "That little smile from NinonTournette, puts a spoke into your wheel, my fine fellow, " he thought;"no matter though your face did look as though hewn out of stone. "Aloud he said, "Miss Vernon will see he is donning the garb of modestyin her honour. "

"So Vernon is Mademoiselle's name, " said his friend de Vesey; "I sawher at the theatre the other night, and by the lilies of France, sheis lovely enough to make a man play the saint for one look from hereyes. "

There was a second or two of rather an awkward pause which LadyEsmondet broke by saying--

"The bays are lovely, but I'd rather keep the woman at bay, Lionel; orperhaps she thought you an acquaintance. "

"Yes and no, _chere_ Lady Esmondet; a dozen years or so ago, I wasgoing through my stage fever, which most men take to in a natural sortof way, though I scorn to make it any excuse for my folly; for you, dear Lady Esmondet, " he added with a weary sigh, "are aware I, aboveall men, should have given way to no such weakness, it was not that itbore any fascination for me, on the contrary, I was as one who neverlays his opera glass aside; but, Old Time was leaning on his staffjust then and everything went slow; so to make things more lively, Iwas persuaded by some men to go in with them into a new scheme, viz. , lease a theatre; the woman who has just past then, a handsome youngwoman, was one of the actresses; I sold out at the close of oneseason, since, going very occasionally I have seen this woman, _la_Tournette, act a few times. She has severed her connection or ratherthe management did with her some six or seven years ago. I knownothing of her life now; she is _outree_ in style and presuming to bowto me, especially in your company. "

"Her bow was a feeler to find out where she is, in society, or out, "said Lady Esmondet; "and, " she continued, "we are to blame; we showher every day that the mighty god society accepts gold. "

CHAPTER XXI. 

LA BELLE VERNON. 

The suite of apartments at the de Hauteville mansion in which thefamily received, were a scene of almost unrivalled splendour. Thehost, Monsieur Henri Eau Clair de Hauteville, as he stood besideMadame, receiving and welcoming their guests, being a very small andvery pale, quiet-mannered man, was almost lost beside the large, handsome woman and merely bowed like a Chinese Mandarin, looking likea tired school-boy, who wanted to be in bed and tucked in comfortably. 

"Poor little man, how refreshing the summons to supper will be, " saidLady Esmondet, as they waited in the crush to go forward to the smile, bow, and contact of finger tips. 

"See how Madame stands it all, " remarked Lionel. "It's astonishingwhat vim gentle women can throw into fatiguing social demonstrations. "

"The fragile creature knows society is large-eyed, " said Vaura. 

On our friends turning to leave the reception room, Eau Clair, theeldest son of the house, for whom, he having attained his majority, this entertainment was given in honour of, came towards them towelcome his mother's old friend, and to tell Miss Vernon of how gladhe was at her return to Paris. (He had met Trevalyon before). 

"I must congratulate you, my dear boy, " said Lady Esmondet, "as wellupon your coming of age as upon the brilliancy of the ball. "

"_Je vous remercie_, Lady Esmondet; _mais_, " he added, "I have justcome from your Cambridge University, and shall speak in your tongue, which I like well. "

Here some old friends came up, and several gay dancing men, Everlyamongst them, and Vaura's programme was soon full. She tried to securea few dances for rest, by this means to give a few minutes to chatwith Lionel, but no one would allow it. 

"Don't be cruel, " said one. 

"Your flower-face must go to the ball-room, " said another. 

"Take pity on us; we don't carry a bouquet, " said a third. 

"So we will that you are near, " said another. 

At last she was carried off by Eau Clair. 

"How beautiful your ball-room is, Monsieur Eau Clair, " said Vaura. "What multitudes of flowers; how many green-houses have you laid bare?There will not be one rose-bud in all Paris for the Marshal McMahon's_fete_, but that will not grieve you, a Bonapartist. "

"Of this I am sure, Mlle. Vernon, if I have left him any roses theyare not the sweetest, for well I know the beauteous butterfly ofto-day loves their sweet odour. "

Dance succeeded dance, and all went merry as a marriage bell, todivine music by two of the most perfect bands in Paris; and now Everlyclaims his innings, and is happy. 

"Have mercy on me, Sir Tilton, " laughed Vaura, "and forgive me thisdance (besides, we have another together), and you don't know howsweetly amiable I shall be, if you'll find me a seat beside LadyEsmondet. "

"Consider yourself seated, and your martyred subject not far off, fairMademoiselle. "

They found Lady Esmondet with Mrs. Wingfield and Trevalyon in an idealrefreshment room. 

"Glad you've found us, _ma chere_, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"I need not ask how you are enjoying the ball, " remarked Trevalyon, "your eyes tell me. "

"And they say true; how could it be otherwise Sir Knight? with musicthat thrills one, and a light foot treading a measure to the sweetnotes, " answered Vaura. "Is not this a charming room, Miss Vernon?invisible music, birds and flowers; the Parisian is born for this kindof thing. "

"It is just a poem, Capt. Trevalyon. "

"And Bob Fudge in the flesh, brings us back to reality, " said Mrs. Wingfield; and following the direction of her eyes, they saw a veryyoung man devouring with admiring glances, the delicacies around him. 

"I am quite sure, " laughed Vaura, "he will go through the bill of farejust as Moore's Bob, of one _pate_ of larks, just to tune up thethroat; one's small limbs of chickens, done _en papillote_, one'serudite cutlets dressed all ways but plain, &c. Oh, dear, he fatiguesone, " she added gaily; "yes, an ice, Sir Tilton. "

"Depend upon it, " said Trevalyon laughing, "Dick will receive a letterfrom Bob, that, 'there's nothing like feeding. '"

Here Eau Clair joined them, having missed Vaura from the ball-room. 

"Have you seen the Claytons this evening, Vaura?" enquired LadyEsmondet. 

"Yes, god-mother mine, and dancing with vigour and a sublimeindifference to time that was amusing. "

"They exchanged partners with another Quakerish looking couple, andhave been in the heat of the fight, ever since, " said gay Mrs. Wingfield. 

"'Merrily danced the Quaker's wife, merrily danced the Quaker, '" sangVaura. 

Here a Spanish noble came up, and with a courtly bow, reminded Vaurathat this was his waltz, and in animated chit-chat, they left theroom. 

"A handsome couple, " said Mrs. Wingfield; "and I noticed the Spaniardhas had two dances with _la belle_. " News, not too utterly delightfulto Trevalyon and Sir Tilton. 

"The Marquis admires Miss Vernon, so mother says; and no man can findhim at fault, " said Eau Clair, rising, and leaving the little group. 

"Would you, ladies, like to go to the ball-room?" asked Lionel, anxious to be near Vaura. 

"Thank you, yes, " answered Lady Esmondet, divining his motive. 

"And will you take pity on me, and a risk on my waltzing powers?"asked Sir Tilton of Mrs. Wingfield. 

"I would not risk anything so important as a waltz, Sir Tilton; but asI have already tested your capabilities as a dancer away I go on yourprotecting arms. "

"Or into them, " laughed her partner, as entering the ball-room theywent careering at full speed down the small spaces. 

"Beg pardon, Lord Lisleville, " cried Sir Tilton, as he dashed againstan ancient beau with a long rent-roll, who with his _fiancee_, apretty little French girl, who had been trying to put him out of stepin order to dance with her young Lochinvar. Sir Tilton, knowing thecircumstances, pitied the little Parisienne who had been dolefullydoing her duty all the evening; so determined to come to her aid, hence the collision, which throwing the noble lord almost on his back, sent his wig flying several yards off which the dancers swept withtheir trains. The gay _petite_ was wicked enough to put herhandkerchief, not to her eyes, but to her mouth, to veil her smiles asshe gave herself up to her young lover who had been eating his heartout all the evening. Lord Lisleville, with inward curses on Everly andhis own temerity in attempting to dance on a waxed floor, with hisgouty leg and bought curls, was a droll figure, as with hishandkerchief tied over his head and his face a whirlpool of wrath, hewas knocked hither and thither by the dancers in the vain attempt torecover his gay tresses. 

Vaura and her partner laughed heartily over the amusing scene. 

"How innocent Sir Tilton looked, and one could see it wasintentional, " laughed Vaura; "no more dinners at the ancestral home ofLord Lisleville; no more shooting for the culprit, " she continued. 

"How happy the betrothed looks now, " said Del Castello, "Cupid's bowis powerful. "

"I know myself, " said Vaura, "of several cases where young girls havebeen persuaded to marry old men from the fact being pointed out tothem of the happy marriage of M. Thiers. Madame Dosme, poor littleEmily's mother, was the woman born for him, only she, unfortunately, was encumbered with a husband. "

"It was a most singular household, " said Del Castello. "Thiers, thoughundoubtedly a superior man, had no claims to divinity or to beenshrined on the Dosme altar with three adoring women everworshipping, while there are many men, could they gain one woman, would be to her alone as constant as the sun. Pardon, Mlle. , but I amSpanish and cannot be cold with you. I ever think of Venus and mybreast is bare for Cupid's dart. "

"The boy is blind, " said Vaura, archly. 

"I feel him an unerring marksman, though, " he said passionately. 

Here Sir Tilton, with Mrs. Wingfield, passed them, when Vaura calledout gaily:

"Don't you tremble, Sir Tilton, when you think of the wrath of thewigless Adonis?"

"Like an aspen leaf, fair _belle_, but never mind, I've given him awigging. "

They are now beside Lady Esmondet, and the strains of music changingfrom the waltz, "That means our waltz is over, Marquis Del Castello, and I haveenjoyed it thoroughly, thanks to your perfect step. "

"Your own fairy step had much to do with making our waltz one I shallnever forget; may I call tomorrow?"

"You may. "

Trevalyon coming up at the moment, and seeing Vaura in all herlovliness, for lovely she was in cream white satin, sleeves merely aband, neck low, a circlet of gold of delicate workmanship round thethroat, fastened in front with a diamond large as a hazel nut, bandsof gold in same design, on perfect arms midway between shoulder andelbow; and the poor fellow hungered to have her all to himself foreven a few minutes, so with forced gaiety he said:

"Now, Mademoiselle, I, as your guardian, must insist on your taking alittle rest and under my protection, for, should I allow you to takeit with any other, the gay gallant would have the queen of the nightback amidst the revelry. 

"But what am I to do, Lady Esmondet--Captain Trevalyon, " she said witha sweet sense of willingness about her; "I belong to M. De Vesey forthe next dance?"

"Go and rest, " said Lady Esmondet; "and if your partner cannot findyou it will be his loss. "

Lionel had roamed about a good deal during the evening thinking muchof a letter he had received that morning from Colonel Haughton, and ofthe love he was battling against in his own breast, for Vaura. In hiswalks to and fro he had come across a small conservatory on the otherside of the house, far from the busy throng, and entered as well fromthe grounds as from a boudoir of Madame's; thither he led Vaura, notunwillingly, a sweet sense of being taken care of, a nameless feelingof passive languor, a sense of completeness pervaded her whole being, as Lionel, putting her hand through his arm and for a moment holdingit there in a protecting sort of way, led her through long corridorsuntil they reached the luxurious boudoir of their hostess, where, seating Vaura in a lounging chair, the perfection of comfort, andplacing a soft foot-stool for her dainty slippered feet, he quietlyseated himself near her. 

He longed to take her to his heart, and tell her of his great love forher, which had grown so strong as to completely master him, he couldscarcely refrain from crushing her in his arms and telling her shemust be his; he had suffered much this evening in seeing her, even inthe dance, in the arms of other men; ever since he had left LadyEsmondet's side, an hour ago, he had done nothing but pace throughlonely corridors thinking of the letter from Eric Haughton, which ranthus:

"Trevalyon, _cher ami_, --

"Must go to the point at once, as what I hear has troubled me. Mrs. Haughton tells me there is _no_ doubt _you are married_ to _FannyClarmont_, and as Delrose is frequently here and lounging about withher, I suppose _he has told her_; I know he was mixed up in theaffair; I'm sorry for you if it's true, old fellow. She also says, butit's a _woman's mistake I am sure_, that you are half engaged toBlanche; _be careful_ that you don't make Vaura love you; you werealways a sort of hero with her; she is too lovely and lovable to have_her life spoiled_; take care of my two loved women in your charge. 

"Yours as ever, "ERIC HAUGHTON. 

"Captain Trevalyon, "Hotel Liberte le Soleil, Paris. "

"And now I have passed the Rubicon, " he thought, "and know pastdoubting that she has the love of my life, and that life without her, will be worse than death, " this he thought, seated near this fairwoman; near, and far, for he must not speak to her with this cloudupon his name; he knew it was false and only spread for revenge, butwould not society pity Vaura; pity and he writhed with inward pain, atthe thought that his wife would be pitied for having gone to God'saltar with a man, whom Dame Rumour said, had a hidden wife; one momenthe thought he would fly to England and make Delrose tell the truth atthe point of the sword, but he knew his man, and that threats wouldnot avail; again, if he left Vaura now, there were many men about her, one of whom she might choose, and the thought was maddening. If hecould only get them into Italy, they would be quieter there. He mustmature his plans, see how it was best to cope with his enemies; wouldhe write Haughton the facts? no, he must try and find out FannyClarmont's address, and get her to write such a letter as he couldpublish, exonerating him from all act or part in her elopement; buthow to do it, unless he could work on Delrose, but the man never hadany feelings, save for himself; he must see. And as he looked onVaura, as she sat, her head thrown back among the cushions, lipsslightly parted, and looking at him from dreamy eyes half closed; apain came to his heart as he thought, if he could not get Fanny'sconfession, Vaura would never rest in his arms, for she would not goto him with the truth unproven. And still he thought she shall loveme, for, look what she has done for me, she has done what no womanheretofore has been able to do, she has inflamed me with a passionatelove for her as untamable as the lion; she belongs to me. And as hethought this he rose, but almost staggered with conflicting emotions, as he stood close to her. 

"Vaura, my darling, are you rested?" he said, his voice anything butsteady. 

"Yes, " she answered dreamily; "but why did you break the spell? it isso seductive here, I half thought you a magician and this a scene ofenchantment. "

"I broke the spell, darling, because I could bear no longer the----"

Here footsteps were heard, both on the gravel walk outside the smallconservatory and in the corridor by which they had entered theboudoir. And though the occupants did not see Del Castello, he sawthem at the same time as Everly with De Vesey (a gay Paris beau towhom Vaura had been engaged for this dance, now over) crossed thethreshold. De Vesey, on seeing the situation, and not caring to be _detrop_, was for retreating, but Everly was in no mood for this, nowthat his dance and his only one for the night was on the _tapis_. He, like any other man, would have feared to leave the woman he loved witha man so fascinating as Trevalyon. Vaura, in the second or two oftheir hesitation, had time to recover outward composure. Lionel foldedhis arms, moved a pace or two backwards, and stood like a statue; themuscles of his face throbbed, but in the dim rose-tinted light Everlyand De Vesey coming from the glare of the lustres and torches of theball-room did not see clearly. 

"_Pardonnez_, Mademoiselle, but Sir Tilton Everly would continue hissearch until our belle of the evening was found, " said De Vesey, apologetically. 

"Not so loud, Monsieur De Vesey, " Vaura answered in a whisper. "Thisis the temple of the god of Silence, and Captain Trevalyon and I havebeen worshipping at his shrine. I perceive you are both, " she added, moving on tiptoe towards them, "feeling the influence of the place, and you don't look as though you care to pour incense. So let us backto Comus and revelry. _Au revoir_, Capt. Trevalyon. "

Vaura managed while speaking to detach from her corsage some violetsand a crushed rose, which, when Everly and De Vesey were notobserving, she dropped at Trevalyon's feet; and turning her head asshe took Sir Tilton's arm, gave him her own syren smile from eyes andlips--and Lionel was alone. Del Castello who had been a witness tothis scene from the outside of the conservatory now entered, andcoming forward stood facing Lionel. 

One would look far before meeting two as handsome men as these tworivals for the love of one woman. Capt. Trevalyon, with some ofthe best Saxon blood in his veins, of _distingue_ bearing, tall, broad-shouldered, blue-eyed, blonde, tawney mustache, short sidewhiskers, face somewhat bronzed by exposure on the battle field and intravel: a man, a manly man every inch of him, a man whom woman adoredand man leaned on, unless when his foes and rivals. 

Del Castello truly the nobleman, tall, dark, and handsome. 

The Spaniard was the first to speak. 

"Pardon my intrusion, Monsieur, but I cannot rest until I know thetruth; I have seen Mademoiselle Vernon several times walking anddriving at places of public amusement, but never have been fortunateenough to obtain an introduction to her until to-night, though I havemade repeated efforts so to do. Her beauty and grace had made a deepimpression upon me, which now that I have had the great joy ofconversing and dancing with her has ripened into love so strong as notto be subdued, and which, excuse me, Monsieur, for saying, I believeonly a Spaniard or perhaps an Italian could feel. You English are socold; Mademoiselle is not, but reminds me of the women of my ownlove-warm, sun-lit land. It was my intention to have called uponMademoiselle Vernon at her hotel on to-morrow ere the sun had set, toask her if she would be the light of my life by doing me the greathonour of accepting my name, hand and fortune. I had been roamingthrough the grounds meditating upon her many charms, and of how best Icould make my offer so as not to agitate her by its seemingprematureness, when I was very much troubled on coming to theconservatory (meaning to enter) to see you, a powerful rival, in theblissful retirement of this boudoir with the woman I have, perhapsunfortunately, conceived, such passionate love for. I was as ifchained to the spot and, when you were alone, determined to enter andask you if my worst fears are true. Are you a successful suitor forthe hand of Mademoiselle Vernon? Are you, Monsieur, anything to her?"

This had been, to say the least of it, a very trying night forLionel--and it seemed his troubles were not yet over. He knew theMarquis Del Castello to be a _parti_ the bluest blood in his own landwould be more than satisfied with. He was the possessor of a noble andprincely estate, and this man, with all these advantages, was a suitorfor the hand of the woman he loved with an overwhelming passion. Andthe Spaniard had said she could not be loved as he loved her. Ah, well! what does man know of man? Only this, what he chooses more than"language, " as Talleyrand says, "was given us to conceal ourthoughts;" for we smile when the heart is breaking; we weep to concealthe joy we are feeling; and Lionel listened and suffered. He had neverbeen a man to make his moan into the ear of men and women, for thesympathy of society is curiosity! and man listens and forgets, andwoman listens and talks; she cannot help it, poor thing. Can the snakedo other than charm--then sting?

And Vaura had conquered and enslaved him, but was still unsubdued--sohe thought, --and though peerless among her sex, she is only a woman. And how will it be if I allow this man to pour his love tale into herear with all the impassioned eloquence his countrymen possess. "Oh, darling!" and he groaned inwardly, "I cannot put you to the test; I_cannot_ speak yet;" and he must not. All this poor Lionel thought, aswith folded arms he listened to the Spaniard, and to his concludingwords of "Are you anything to Mademoiselle Vernon?" he merely bowed. The temptation to dismiss this smooth-tongued Southerner, with thewarmth of the south in his words, with the looks of an Adonis, ereVaura should listen to his pleadings, was too much for him. Ah, well, though we love him much, this Lionel Trevalyon, he is only mortal. "After I have made her love me, I shall tell her of this man'sproposal of marriage, " he said to his aggrieved conscience. After allis there not an instinctive leaning in the hearts of most of ustowards the Roman Catholic doctrine of penance? Immediately on ourconscience becoming seared as with a red-hot iron through some act itssensitiveness shrinks from, we, feeling this inward shrinking away asif from our lower nature invariably bring out the whip and lash ourpoor weak flesh by way of atonement. And so Lionel thought now as hebowed to Del Castello's question of "are you anything to her?" andthought while doing what hurt his conscience--"I shall tell herafter. "

"Then my worst fears are realized, " said Del Castello to Lionel's bow. "But, Monsieur, you cannot expect me with my heart's great lonelinessfresh upon me to congratulate you on being before me in your wooing. _Adieu_, I shall leave Paris at sunrise, and it will be a sorrowfulgratification to me to know that the incomparable Mlle. Vernon will, from your lips, learn why I fly. " And saying this, the Marquis leftLionel to the solitude of Madame's boudoir. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

THE BLIND GOD TAKES SURE AIM. 

After leaving Trevalyon, Vaura, with her attendant cavaliers, benttheir steps in the direction of the ball-room, the sweet sounds ofdistant music sounding louder and yet louder as they moved. 

"Woe be to that incarnation of selfishness in yonder boudoir, "exclaimed Everly; "if he be the means of my losing this dance with thefair Queen of the Revels, " looking admiringly at Vaura's full androunded neck, throat and arms. 

"You won't call it petty larceny, Everly, when you pour maledictionson his head. 'Pon my heart it's too bad of him to carry off the mostprecious freight of the ballroom; thereby causing two forlornindividuals, whom he has defrauded of their rights, to wonder aboutlike disembodied spirits with distended eyes, and white of visage. Ican assure you, Mlle. Vernon, Everly, in our search for your fairperson, peered into passages where the darkness might be felt, it wasin this way. Passing one of the _salons_ I saw a group of ladies andgentlemen, and thinking you might be one of the number, and the musicjust striking up for my dance with you, _la belle de la nuit_, Ientered the _salon_, gazing eagerly amongst them, coming away, as youknow, disappointed. Sir Tilton in this way distanced me. I took nothought of the whereabouts of such an insignificant atom as he, continued De Vesey, laughing; but, continuing my search for you, camesuddenly upon a queer bit of architecture, a many-sided sort oflanding wherefrom there were three staircases and three landings;which was I to choose? I was meditating, when from the wall closebeside me proceeded a most plaintive wail, rather, on my honour, likean infantine donkey. I listened going close to the wall, when Idiscovered the mellifluous accents proceeded from the throat of themissing giant, Sir Tilton. I put my ear to the wall and told the poorboy to speak in accents loud; he confessed that seeing a spring in thewall he touched it--it opened, he entered where he was mantled inEgyptian darkness, and could not make his exit. I was his deliverer. When he emerged, he looked like a ghost, and in feeble accents told meof why he had gone into solitude, which, as I see my partner seatedlike patience on a monument waiting for me, I shall leave him to bethe hero of his own tale; and as I hear, fair Mlle. , that you aregoing to desert Paris and turn your face south, I must needs say _bonvoyage_, though my heart aches at our loss;" and lifting her hand tohis lips, the gay Parisien left them to claim his partner. 

"At last, " said Everly, with fervor, and almost unconsciously his facefull of an agitation he could not conceal. 

Vaura's practised eye told her what was coming, and fain to escape it, said gayly:

"Yes, at last, Sir Tilton to relieve my curiosity by explaining M. DeVesey's words. "

Here a lively air from a French clock attracted her attention. 

"Listen, Sir Tilton, two o'clock. "

"Yes, fair queen of the revels, 'tis time I told you another story, myheart is aching for your sympathy, " he said brokenly. 

"You have my sympathy, Sir Tilton; nay, we must not linger, " sheadded, on his turning into the dreamy light of an ideal littleflirting room. 

"I pray you to do so, Miss Vernon. I have something I _must_ say toyou, " he said feverishly. 

"Wait until time says _now_, Sir Tilton, for with the warning notes wehave just heard in my ears, I should not be a good listener. "

"You are tired of me, and want to give your sweetness to some otherman, " he said despairingly, yet fiercely. 

"_Carita! Carita!_ Sir Tilton, " and pitying him she said, knowingjust how he was feeling; "see there is one couple you have made happyto-night, " as the little prospective bride of Lord Lisleville with herlover passed, with smiles to Sir Tilton. 

"Fools' paradise, she belongs to Lord Lisleville; that wouldn'tsatisfy me. "

"You are a spoiled boy, you want too much. "

"I want you, my enchantress. "

"But you can't have me, Sir Tilton, I belong to the heir of the housefor the last dance, " she said, wilfully misconstruing his meaning, sogaining time, lost to him. 

"You are cruel, you gave up my dance for Trevalyon; you won't give upDe Hauteville's for me. "

"Eau Clair made me promise faithfully, " and with pretty persuasivenesshad her way to the ball-room. "Drop all sentiment, Sir Tilton, I likeyou best, your own gay care for naught self; see, " she added, kindlyas they neared the music and revellers, "see the gay butterflies areas _chic_ (even if their wings have lost some of their bloom); thescent of the rose as sweet as at the first dance; be your own gayrollicking self once more. "

"I cannot! for my star of the night I love you; don't start, it is nonew story to you that a man's heart lies crushed at your feet. Sinceit was my fate to meet you, your face is ever before me. I followedyou here, running away from Haughton Hall. I have dreaded Trevalyon asa rival, as well as others, but he in especial. Oh! my heart's light, say you are not going to give your loveliness up to a man they say hasa hid--well, well, no more of him, only don't shrink from me, I shan'tname him; but my heart only beats for you, heaven. " And Vaura feelshis whole frame tremble as he says feverishly: "pity me, and make herlove me; and now what have you to say to me, you can make my life whatyou will; for heaven's sake give me hope. "

"Poor fellow, your words grieve me more than I can say; I had no ideaof anything of the sort; you have my warmest friendship. 

"Don't; don't speak of friendship!" he said excitedly, when it is you, you with your warm heart-beats, your love I want; great heavens, whydid you ever cross my path?"

"I shall regret the doing so, if it has caused you pain, Sir Tilton, but in time you will forget me. "

"You are cruel; and speak as a surgeon to a physically sick man. "

"My words are meant kindly, Sir Tilton, though they seem as the lanceto the sick man. "

"Men say women are cruel, so they are; do you know, for your beauty Ihave played the traitor to another; but heaven help me, " and poorlittle Sir Tilton groaned; "I could not marry her while I was free toask you to be my wife, and now I am just good for nothing, and nevershall be; God help me!"

Vaura's heart was full of pity for this gay boyish little Sir Tilton, and looking into his face pityingly, said:

"Poor fellow, go back to your bethrothed and be happy in time withher; she, nor none other shall know you ever had a roving fancy forme, and this is a butterfly age and our wings were given us to fly; so_n'importe_, you need only send your bride to me if she ever scolds, and I shall tell her she has the gayest, kindest little baronet in allBritain. "

And so Vaura chatted to give the poor little man time to catch up tohis heart-beats. 

Here Lionel passed them on his return from the boudoir of Madame, where he had been since Vaura was taken from him, and Del Castello hadleft him; he heard part of Vaura's remark, and seeing Sir Tilton'sdowncast attitude, took in the situation at a glance; and as he passedwith a grave smile to Vaura and a pressure of his hand on the crushedrose and violets at his breast, he mentally observed:--

"Another life given her to do as she wills with, another heart crushedas she has crushed the life from this rose; ah, well, the saints hathit that they are the weaker vessel, but they are stronger than weafter all. Look at me, year after year I have boasted of my strength, and now I am as wax in her hands; I, who thought to bask in herloveliness for an idle hour, only as I might bask in the loveliness oncanvas, the creation of some heaven born painter; I, who thought tocoolly criticise her acquaintance with this actor who has tried to winher beauty and talents to the stage, ere I asked her to be my wife--ere I put away the prejudices of a lifetime against wedded life. Prejudices! that were the outcome of my mother's sin, my father'sblighted life; I know I always loved her as a girl-woman, for she wasalways womanly. Now I adore her with the love of a life; with a lovethat has never been frittered away, for I have never loved thesoulless creatures whom I have amused myself with. " And hastening hissteps he was soon by Lady Esmondet's side. 

"What a wanderer you have been, " said his friend, welcoming herfavourite and pleased to see (as she surmised) some of Vaura's violetsin his coat. 

"Where is Vaura? truant that she is, you were the one to take heraway, and I hoped you would bring her back. "

She noticed he wore the exhausted look of a man having gone throughsome very powerful emotional feeling, whether of joy or sorrow shecould not tell. His eyes turned ever wistfully towards the grandentrance to the ball-room, and he wore her flowers, so she could onlyhope there had been no trouble between them. She felt half in lovewith him herself, as most women did who came under the influence ofhis rare fascination of manner "his eyes possess some mesmeric power, "they said, "to draw their hearts at will. " Have we not all felt thewonderful power of such eyes, at least, once in our lives, eyes thatonce having felt as it were, we always feel; eyes that charm us andbid us look and not forget. 

"He is learning to love her, " thought Lady Esmondet, as she saw thathis eyes turned ever towards the door; "and it will be the happiestday of my life (none too happy), " she thought with a sigh, "if I seethese two lives blend in one; Vaura is _difficile_, so is he, but shecannot resist him, and their lives would be full of completeness. Theywould be the happiest couple in London; why did he start as throughfear, when Everly mentioned Delrose as a visitor at the Hall; I knowthere was a scandal some twelve years ago, when they were both mixedup with Fanny Clarmont. I do hope there is nothing in it to cause himreal uneasiness. Vaura will make a great sensation this coming season;she has made some conquests to-night, that cream-white satin with herdiamonds and these old fashioned gold bands, suit her to perfection. She enjoys wielding the sceptre and she does it with such seemingunconsciousness, and absence of vanity that is very charming, neverboasting of her conquests even to me. " But where can she be all thistime, I wonder, and with whom? so breaking in upon Lionel's reverie, she repeated her question of, "Where and with whom is Vaura? she hasmissed two or three dances. "

"Everly was the happy man not two minutes ago, " he said. 

"That bird of passage; 'tis a wonder she wastes her sweetness uponhim. "

"Poor Everly! I am very much inclined to think his heart will be heavyafter to-night, " said Lionel, thinking of his downcast look as hepassed. 

"'Tis his own fault; little men are so aspiring, --always on tip-toe, "answered Lady Esmondet. 

"Yes, I suppose he has himself to blame, the bat cannot gaze at thesun, unless to his own detriment. "

"One thinks of an angel and lo! she appears, " exclaimed Eau Clair, coming up, "and there's no doubt as to whose colours Everly wears, butby the lilies of France had he detained La Belle Vernon from herrightful sovereignty of the ball-room five minutes longer, I shouldhave hunted the Everlie-in-wait-robber, and have taken from him ourbelle. But see how _enerve_, embarrassed, the robber looks, theenchantress has been exercising her fatal spells. "

Here Vaura with Sir Tilton, looking pale and haggard, approached allthree, guessed his whispered question to Vaura, of "Can you give me nohope?" and saw Vaura shake her head as her lips framed the word "no. "Then there was one long pressure of the hand, a look from Everly, asof one looking on the face of the dead, and he was gone. Alone, or towed without love, and for gold! Ah, me! this life of ours teems withbitterness, but on to the merry-makers we do not care to followEverly. We grow cynical perhaps as to the good there is in life, butwe get used to it in time; to this something we have lost as we getused in time, to the unloved partner by our side. Such is life. 

Vaura was looking very sweet and lovely, as with a tender pity shetook leave of her conquest, Sir Tilton; her face had a soft paleness, and her lips looked a deeper red than usual from the contrast; therewas a languor in her movements, and she felt she would like to rest inthe easy chair, beside Lady Esmondet, with Lionel near; and dreamwaking dreams after all the excitement of the night. But there werethe conventionalities, her dance with Eau Clair, and then, home, soshe said:

"Well, dear god-mother, here at last; are you dying of _ennui_? I feelvery wicked, and it has been selfish of me to remain so long, but thisis the last, I shall soon be with you. "

And taking Eau Clair's arm she was again moving to the enchantingmusic of the waltz, which tends more to bewitch the souls of men thanthe music of any other dance, its gentle swaying motion, its softbewilderingly seductive strains of music, are something to have feltthe pleasurable sensation of. As they were moving the length of theroom, Vaura noticed Lady Esmondet leave it, as also that herfootsteps' were slow and languid as though she was weary; so saying:

"I really must tear myself away, Monsieur Eau Clair, Lady Esmondet hasleft the room, and I am sure she is fatigued. You will laugh at me forsuddenly remembering my dear chaperon at such an opportune moment whenour dance is a thing of the past. There seems to be a general exodus, so, " she added gaily, "if we follow them, even two such importantpersonages as we are will not be noticed in our absence. "

"We shall go with the stream and all will be well. "

"But whither do they lead? What is on the _tapis_?"

"They go to take part in an old family custom that tonight must bedone. "

"And if when done 'twere well, 'twere well 'twere done quickly, "answered Vaura. 

And they followed the stream and Vaura could not but see that EauClair and herself received a good deal of attention as they moved, many eyes following them. They soon reached a suite of elegantlyfurnished _salons_ gay with flowers, gems of art from the deft fingersof the sculptor, master-pieces from the artistic brush of some of thegreatest painters living and dead, decorated the walls or stood intheir respective niches, foreign and domestic birds of rare beauty andthroats full of song, with the exquisite scent of flowers about them, the brilliant scene, the soft laughter of the incoming guests soundingso similar to some of their own notes, causing the feathered songstersto burst forth into melody, adding another charm. Vaura and Eau Clairwere among the last to enter, and they walked up to the end of theroom the _cynosure_ of all eyes; as they neared a chair placed aloneat the head of the room, Vaura saw Lady Esmondet with a gay coterie offriends with Lionel in the group. Vaura turned her head as she passedwith a smile, and the lines to Venus from Pitt's Virgil flashed acrossLionel's memory:

 "And turning round her neck she showed That with celestial charms divinely glowed. "

Vaura was accustomed to admiration, so this which looked so much likea march of triumph did not disturb her self-possession; she laughedand chatted with her companion all the length of the _salons_. 

"These servants of yours, Monsieur Eau Clair, remind one as they passin and out so noiselessly among your guests laden with the champagnesand ices they carry so deftly of the automata in the new Utopia theyare perfect; but what is not perfect in the de Hauteville mansion. "

"Take this chair which I hope will be the perfection of comfort forthe belle of our ball. "

"Give me a Frenchman for a gallantry, " said Vaura gaily, and seatingherself comfortably. To her surprise Eau Clair, standing beside her, said as follows:

"_Charmantes Demoiselles, Mesdames et Messieurs_: It has been a timehonoured custom in our family for generations, that on the heir to theestate attaining his majority, on his throwing off the careless garbof _garcon_, and donning the somewhat grave habiliments, " taking upthe corner of his dress-coat with a smile, "of the man. It has beenthe custom, I say, at the revels given in his honor, that he shouldelect as the belle the fairest of the fair--a custom that has mywarmest approval; _a dieu ne plaise_ that any one of my descendantsshould be ungallant enough to discontinue it; indeed rather than ourfore-fathers should father such an one, " he said in gay tones, "Iprefer that I, Eau Clair, should be the last of our name. I admit thatmy predecessors may have at times found the pleasant task of choosingsomewhat _difficile_. But for me, _Dieu merci_, Mlle. Vernon's adventin Paris has left me no choice. And without paying any point-blankcompliments to her charms, I now present to her as is usual on thisoccasion, this bagatelle, at the same time expressing the hope thatloving our city as she does, she will soon return to us, come with allher beauty and grace, and sojourn among us, leaving her own northernclime, " and kneeling on one knee, Eau Clair handed a small box of rareJapanese workmanship to Vaura. He then drew a small, elegant stand toher side and gently taking the box from her hand, laid it on thetable, touched a spring when the lid flew open, disclosing to view abouquet holder and fan, both works of art. The handle of the fan wasof gold inlaid with precious stones, the fan of feathers of brillianthues. The bouquet holder was of elegant design in gold, studded withdiamonds and on one side the words "To la belle Vernon, 1877" inlaidin diamonds of larger size, the whole one glitter of brightness. Asmall bouquet of delicate odeur was here handed by a servant on asalver to his young master, and Eau Clair saying, "Let me be the firstto fill the holder with fragrance, " put the flowers into the goldenreceptacle. 

Vaura rising and taking Eau Clair by the hand made a step or twoforward now loosing his hand said:

"_Cher ami Monsieur Eau Clair, Mesdames et Messieurs_, I feel that amere conventional _je vous remercie_ would be too cold and lifelessand in every way distasteful to me, on this occasion, and though Ihave never made a speech heretofore, and this being literally mymaiden speech, please forgive me what pleases you not. Though, fairdemoiselles, I have been chosen the belle, I feel as I gaze upon thegalaxy of beauty around me that I, " she added in gay tones, "have nooccasion to blush at my own loveliness, for I feel that the gods havebeen so lavish in their gifts of everything that is lovely that theyhave surely become bankrupt and have kept no charms for me, andthat Monsieur Eau Clair must have looked at my poor graces throughrose-coloured spectacles when he called me _la belle_ and made me therecipient of gifts fit for a queen. I little thought, _cher ami_, " shecontinued, turning slightly towards Eau Clair, "when saying to you afew moments ago that this had been an ideal evening, that two suchideal gifts were in store for myself. I need scarcely tell you thatthey will be always among my most valued treasures, recalling as theywill such pleasant reminiscences to my mind of one of the mostdelightful evenings I have ever spent. And a word to you, fairdemoiselles" turning towards the assemblage of guests with a smile, "never turn your bright eyes from your own land for your lovers andhusbands, for your men carry the belt from the universe! Yes, from theworld for gallantry, and some of the kindest and best husbands I havemet are from among the so-called' fickle' Frenchmen. Thanks for yourkind wish, Monsieur Eau Clair, that I shall soon return to fair, bright Paris. I do love your city and your land so much that he towhom I may yet give my heart and life will I know, if he love me, comeoften to your dear shores and Paris. Ere many more suns have risen Iturn my face southwards to that old art world, sunny Italy, which Ilove well. But there one sometimes has a feeling of sadness inthinking of what she was, especially her Rome, which one does notexperience here. I am at one with your great Victor Hugo when he says, 'It is in Paris that the beating of Europe's heart is felt. Paris isthe city of cities. Paris is the city of men. There has been anAthens, there has been a Rome, there is a Paris. '"

Here Vaura seated herself. While speaking in her clear tones with adepth of feeling in her manner and varying expression efface, herbeauty was felt by all. There was now a brighter hue than usual in hercheeks, and her dark eyes shone like stars with the excitement of themoment. The immediate family of de Hauteville now came forwardoffering their congratulations, and many of the guests did her thesame honor. 

"Will _la belle_ permit one of her most humble admirers to offer hiscongratulations and offering?" said the voice of Lionel beside her, and with a warm pressure of the hand, he slipped into the holderbeside the bouquet three small sprays, one of white pink, one ofPeruvian Heliotrope, and a small bit of black thorn. Vaura, an ardentlover of flowers was also mistress of their language, so she readsilently commencing at the white pink. "'I love you, ' 'fair andfascinating, ' but there is a 'difficulty. '" "Where and what is thedifficulty, I wonder, " she thought, and turning her large bright eyesto his face with a smile in them and on her lips, was how she answeredhim. 

"I must congratulate you on your maiden speech, Mlle. Vernon, " saidthe small host in his small voice. "When you can make such anexcellent impromptu one, I feel sure we men in our efforts would beput to shame, were we to listen to a studied one from _la belle_, " andthe little man retired behind madame's drapery. 

"_Merci_, monsieur, my poor little speech did not show you half mygratitude for such undeserved honors. "

The guests having drank the health of the heir and _la belle de lanuit_, began to disperse and soon after warm farewells to the familyand heartfelt wishes that they should soon meet again, our friendswere in their carriage and rapidly driving to their hotel. 

Lionel was very quiet, saying little, but ever and anon with a carefulhand drawing Lady Esmondet or Vaura's wraps around them, not that thenight, or rather morning, was cold but Vaura had danced so often andthere had been so much of excitement in the night for her, and besidesit was delightful to him to have her at last near him where he couldfeel her presence and know that the others were all away; to feel thatwhen his hand touched her cheek, neck, or arm in his loving care inkeeping her from the night air, that she did not shrink from histouch, but rather leaned to it. And he was happy, and so was she, buthe did not know it, he only knew he was near her. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE WEB OF DIFFICULTY. 

The morning after the de Hauteville ball Lady Esmondet and Vaura metat the breakfast-table, at noon, Lady Esmondet not looking paler thanusual. Vaura was pale for she had slept none, her eyes looking largerand her dainty and flexible lips a deep red. She was quite like herown sweet self though, in spite of fatigue, and her soft cardinal silkmorning robe, loose at the throat, and turned down collar of whitemuslin and lace. In her belt the pink, heliotrope, and black-thornsprays; and Lionel was content with the picture as he opened the doorand came forward. Vaura was pouring out a cup of coffee for LadyEsmondet, her shapely hands, so soft and white, coming from the cuffsof muslin and lace (she never could be seduced into wearing the odiousstiff linen collar and cuff's some women's souls delight in). 

Lionel thought: "Shall I ever call her wife, and when I come in have aright to take these two dear hands in mine and press them to my heartas I bend down to kiss her sweet mouth. " He said, "_Bonjour_, ladiesfair. I have come to see how you are feeling after the revels of thepast night. "

"And to refresh your own poor tired self with a cup of coffee, "answered Vaura, handing him one. 

"You see, Lionel, " said Lady Esmondet, "we are waiting upon ourselves, the maids are doing the necessary packing, as we have not altered ourplans to leave Paris at sundown; I hope we are not hurrying you away?"

"Not at all; did you leave me, I should follow by next express; therewould be nothing to hold me here, if you were gone. "

"Nothing, " said Vaura softly; "and Paris so full of beautiful, brilliant women. "

"Not now, " he answered, looking into her eyes with a grave look. 

Vaura gave one little sigh as she let her eyes stay on his. And thisman felt that he must feel this woman in his arms or his heart wouldbreak. 

There was a tap, tap, at the door and Somers entered, bringing hermistress, letters; there were several from friends, with one fromColonel Haughton to his niece and one from Mrs. Haughton to Capt. Trevalyon, which ran thus:

"MY HEART'S IDOL, --

"The Colonel has written by this mail to Miss Vernon, stating his wishthat she and Lady Esmondet come _without fail_ to the Christmasfestivities. I am not partial to either of them (this is under therose) they are too high strung for me; but, my king, I must have you;you don't know how jolly I can make life for my pets; Blanche won'tlook at Sir Peter Tedril and I know it is you she wants, you may haveher and her million, you will be near me then; the Colonel, poorsedate old fellow, would not like it, but that don't signify, becausehe wishes (now that your secret marriage to Fanny Clarmont has becomepublic talk) that there were a thousand miles between your handsomeperson and Miss Vernon; I wish you had some of the love for me thatthe black-bearded Major has; I cannot keep him away, but he _shall_ ifyou will only come, my king; my king, if you were only with me Ishould thaw your proud heart in spite of yourself, my haughty, handsome god; come _at once_ on receipt of this; _how_ can you staywith _two icebergs_, when _burning lava_, like my heart, is achingwith its long waiting for you. 

"In love, yours, "KATE. 

"P. S. --Persuade the icebergs not to come here; tell them Italy wasmade for them. "

On writing and mailing above, Madame was content, as she sat in herown boudoir with feet on a high stool stretched out. That will bringhim; my plot is spreading; ha! ha! ha! I planted it well; nothing likegetting scandal well rooted; he has been careless, and society doesn'tforgive that; had he only paid tolls, married somebody's daughter, given dinners and balls; society would have snapped her fingers atthis story, and though Delrose had said to her 'but he never wed herKate, at least he said so, but I daresay he lied. ' But she used thescandal, as we have seen, employing the useful firm of Mesdames Grundy& Rumour; giving them also whispers of how poor little Blanche washalf engaged to him--if she could bring him to her feet she would lovehim; if not, she would make her revenge tell. He should not wed VauraVernon, if a woman's tongue sharp as a two-edged sword could cut theirlives apart. She would be content to repeat the little act of barterthat the young man did for Marguerite with Mephistopheles, forLionel's love. She had learned and practised society's creed, and paidits tolls; surely now she was free to have her pets, and love themtoo; whether it were a poodle dog or a man, whether it were a trip toher pet club at London of the cane and cigarette, or a drive toRichmond. 

And Lionel thought, as he again glanced over his letter:

"What a bore it is that I did not years ago clear myself; delays aredangerous; this woman has already planted a doubt in Haughton's mind;and heavens, if she succeed in doing it here, my life will be aslonely as was my poor father's, " and unconsciously, he gave a deepsigh. 

Vaura looked up quickly from a letter from Isabel Douglas; and LadyEsmondet said:

"No bad news, I hope, Lionel. "

"No, and yes, dear Lady Esmondet; my opponents hold some good cards, and the play is against me that is all. But Miss Vernon has somethingpleasant to tell us from her home batch. "

"Lady Esmondet had seen that the letter for Lionel was from HaughtonHall, and guessed his opponent is that woman, and the cards areagainst him, poor fellow. " And Vaura said:

"Isabel Douglas says firstly that she is going to wed the curate, Rev. Frederick Southby; secondly, they are as gay as butterflies atHaughton Hall; that Madame, newly installed, though she be, leads thefashion to the old gentry, who were, when she was not, both in the cutof her garments, and in the novelties in the manner of herentertainments. She gives me Roland's opinion. Mrs. Haughton is one ofsociety's sky-rockets, a high flyer, determined to make her worldstare; bold in her daring ascent; but by her glittering coloursleading their gaze from the steady quiet shine of the heavenly bodies;though she says 'all the country people cannot claim to be heaven-born. '"

"But I think Roland's a good criticism, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"She goes on to say, " continued Vaura, "the Hall is restored to itsancient magnificence, the ball and dinners on their return were grandor rather gorgeous, for gorgeous is Mrs. Haughton's style. Am oftenthere--we are to dance some new dances at Christmas, and there is animportation at the Hall from London, of, as Roland says, 'a pocketedition of the light fantastic toe;' really, Vaura, my feet aresomething to fold up and put away; I am so much ashamed of the fleshand bone nature has given them, when I look at his they are too small;but he could easily carry himself in his own violin case. What are youdoing with Sir Tilton Everly? At luncheon, yesterday, at the Hall, someone said they had heard from a friend at Paris that the wee monhad been seen in same box with you at the theatre. Mrs. Haughtonlooked as black as night at the news, as he was wanted for to-night torepresent Cupid to her Venus in the tableaux; don't weave your spellsround the truant, Vaura, dear, else you will gain the dislike of MissTompkins and her mother; he belongs to them, one would think they hadbought him in the city, as they did their pug dogs. The other day Iheard Mrs. Haughton say to Miss Tompkins. "If Everly did not come upto time for to-night, after his tight dress and wings, bow, &c. , andmy flesh-coloured, spun silk dress, all O. K. From London I'll play hima trick at Christmas; I'll write him we are too full, and can't puthim up. ""

"Will you? you ain't going to play all the tricks, ' said MissTompkins, as Mrs. Haughton left the room, they did not see me, I wasburied in a great big chair reading a note from Fred. But I mustclose, dear; write me a long letter, and so give pleasure to

"Yours lovingly, "ISABEL DOUGLAS. 

"MISS VERNON, "Hotel Liberte le Soleil, Paris. "

"How changed the dear old place must be, " said Lady Esmondet, as Vauraceased reading, "I would that the place could have been restored bysome other means, but if your uncle is content, I, needn't moan. "

"Whatever else may be said, one thing is sure: that Lincoln Tompkin'sgold could not have been put to better use, " said Lionel. 

Here Somers knocked and informed her mistress the carriage waited. 

"Bring me my wraps here, Somers. And then continue the packing, andwhen callers come, Miss Vernon and myself are not at home until dinnerhour. "

"Yes, your ladyship. "

"Anything important on the _tapis_ for to-day?" asked Trevalyon. 

"Yes, " answered Vaura, consulting her tablets, "Worth's studio comesfirst on the list; he sends word he has something aesthetic, thence topurchase music, "Les Folies" Galop, by Ketterer; duet from "IlTrovatore, " "_Vivra Contende il Guibilo_, " "_Mira di Acarbe_, " etc. , you must sing with me when we fold our wings for a while in sometemporary home at Rome, Capt. Trevalyon. "

"I shall, it will give me very great pleasure. "

"Thank you; oh! yes, I must not forget to look into MonsieurPerrault's cottage, and leave a parcel for Marie. " So saying, Vauraentered the adjoining-room to robe for the carriage. 

"And what will you do with yourself, Lionel, until we meet at dinner?"

"I shall devote the hours to trying to find out the present home ofFanny Clarmont, for" said Lionel, coming beside his friend, "I _must_clear myself; my enemies are on the war-path. Haughton's last lettershows by its tone, they have influenced him; Delrose never liked me, and--"

Vaura entering ended the confidences. 

"This letter, " said Vaura, "my maid tells me, was given to yourservant, Capt. Trevalyon, by a man in livery, to be handed to me; itis in an unknown hand, I have not one minute to spare it now, will youkindly pocket it, and on our journey you and it will be near me and Ican read it at will. Thanks, but you look very weary, " as she put theletter into his hand, she laid her other hand for a moment on his, andlooking kindly into his face, "for Lady Esmondet and my sake, go andrest until our return. "

"I cannot, dear Miss Vernon; do you remember, " he said in a low tone, with his hands on the flowers in her belt, "the silent language theseflowers speak?"

"I do. "

"Well, I now go out alone to try and unweave the web of difficulty. "

Vaura returned the close pressure of his hands, and the look in hiseyes, and he was gone, while she, turning to her god-mother, saidquietly, "we had better go, dear. "

They also left the boudoir. 

Lionel, without loss of time, walked quickly to the lodgings he knewhad been occupied by Fanny Clarmont some years before; but on reachingthem, the landlady informed him that five years previously, MadameRose (as she was known), had left her comfortable quarters, remittances not being so frequent, and had taken cheaper rooms, _numero cinq, Rue St. Basile_; thither Captain Trevalyon journeyed, only to find that Madame Rose had again shifted her quarters; aftersome difficulty, the address she had left in case Major Delrose shouldeither call or send a cheque, was found; it directed him to miserablelodgings in one of the poorest streets of Paris; on his enquiring forMadame Rose, a woman told him she was gone; she had been very illand he could gain further information from Father Lefroy, and shedirected a little urchin to go and show the gentleman the priest'shouse; Trevalyon putting a sovereign into her hand, thanked her andfollowed the boy. They soon reached their destination, a small, white, many-gabled old-fashioned windowed house, with bright flowers in boxesattached to the window-sill. Father Lefroy was full of hospitality andwelcomed Captain Trevalyon, telling him he was ready to tell him ofMadame Rose and her movements for the past three years. "Three yearsago, the woman with whom you spoke, Monsieur, and who directed you tome, sent for me, saying, 'Madame Rose is very ill and she and herlittle boy have no money for food. ' I went at once, and found herwords true; the child was crying for bread, and I could see it waswant that had brought illness to the poor mother. I had food broughtand stimulants to give her temporary strength, then conveyed her andher little son to our convent of St. John, where she was nursed by thegood sisters; while there she became a member of our holy faith. Youare a friend of hers, Monsieur?"

"Yes. "

"Well, she told me her history, and of how nine years ago, this MajorDelrose, with whom she eloped--"

Lionel's heart leaped; "Here is proof, " he thought. 

"Deserted her, she then left her comfortable lodgings, went to othersand gained a scanty support for herself and boy by giving singinglessons. She has given her boy to us to be educated for the holypriesthood; she herself has taken the veil and is now Sister Magdalenin a London convent, not cloistered, but is one of the sisters ofmercy; and now, Monsieur, before I give you her address, tell metruthfully why you want it, your reason will be safe with me. "

Trevalyon told him faithfully, and the priest's answer was to, writeon a slip of paper as follows:

"To the Mother Superior of the Convent of St. Mary, " London, England. 

"Grant Captain Trevalyon an interview with sister Magdalen (MadameRose), and assist him in every way in your power to gain his end, which is good. "

"LEFROY, "Priest of St. John's Chapel, Paris. "

Here a tap at the door called the priest; returning he said:

"Captain, Trevalyon, I must bid you adieu, my time belongs to thechurch, and I trust you will find that the church will aid you inmaking the truth tell. "

"I thank you, Father Lefroy; accept this gold for God's poor. "

"_Merci_, adieu. "

"Adieu. "

Lionel returned to his hotel with a lighter heart, though as yet hedid not quite see how to cope with his enemies, how to make the truth, as the priest had said, tell. He must think it out. The three friendsmet at the _table d'hote_ in travelling costume, all in good spirits, each anticipating pleasure from the month's sojourn in Italy. LadyEsmondet was in hopes her health would be materially benefitted, andwas going, as we know, also for distraction's sake; Col. Haughton, asa benedict, was a new situation she had yet to grow accustomed to. Aman who is in a woman's life for many years as he, chief friend, chiefadviser, to go out from one suddenly into another life with anotherwoman, gives one a terrible feeling of lonliness; hard, very hard tobear. 

Vaura just now had a sweet sense of completeness in being near andleaning on, as it were, Lionel every day, though a latent feeling toldher with warning voice that she should not give way. This very morn, an English gipsy in the pay of Mrs. Haughton, having gained admittanceto the hotel and to herself; a fierce looking woman richly dressed inthe garb of the Bohemian, her face very much muffled, having caughtcold she said, crossing the channel, had told her "man with a wifewill sue for your hand. Beware of him leddy, for danger and death Iread in your hand. " Not that she paid much, if any, heed to the merewords of a gipsy, only this, that the hidden wife story would recur toher memory; but her dear old-time knight was drawing her nearer tohimself every day, and because of the mental suffering he wasundergoing on account of this very story; and it could not beotherwise with her intensely sympathetic nature, together with herpity for his past griefs; and so she gave herself up to the deliciouscompleteness of her present, hourly deferring to him, leaning on himmore and more. "It pleases him, poor fellow, but it will be a terribleawakening for me if this story be true; but I must ease his presentpain even though I suffer; it is a necessity of my being" she toldherself; so giving up to the hour, she, epicurean-like, let thepresent suffice. 

Before leaving the hotel for the depot, putting a sovereign into thehand of a porter, she desired him to see that the beauteous flowers intheir apartments were conveyed to M. Perrault's cottage. On arrivingat the depot, which the electric light made bright as the whitestmoonlight, they saw many friends come to say farewell. 

"Such an important exodus from our city cannot take place without manya heartfelt _bon voyage_, " said Eau Clair de Hauteville, gallantly. 

"And while our heart weeps at our loss, we anticipate with joy yourspeedy return" said another, holding Vaura's hand in a tight pressure. 

"_Au plaisir, tout a vous_, " said another brokenly in a whisper. 

"My table will be lonely, " cried Bertram, "until grace, beauty and witdine again with my emaciated self. "

"You fill one end of your table, Bertram, " said Trevalyon, "and yourcook the other; to be sure, you have the sides, but wings are not badwhen tender, and I have no pity for you with a Wingfield near. "

"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Mrs. Wingfield and Bertram, the former saying:

"Though I am always ready, Captain, to be side-bone-wing or Wingfieldto Mr. Bertram's soup, turbot, or mutton, Eustace is never very near, as now, but he is absent here because I told him he must show with meat a crush in an hour's time, and as he mortally hates slow crushing, he is truant and I shall have to appear alone. "

"What a tyrant the mighty god _Society_ is, " cried Bertram, "ignores aman's tastes; expects him to flatten himself at a crush immediatelyafter a good dinner. "

"Try and be ours again at Christmas, " de Vesey was saying to Vaura. 

"Without fail" said another "our city is glorious at the birth-day ofthe Christ. "

"And _la belle_ Vernon should not fail to lend us her beauty at thattime, " said Eau Clair, thinking as did the others that her rareloveliness in the white light was as of an angel. 

"She goes with the golden summer, " said a southerner. 

"The beauteous birds go south in your company, Mile. Vernon, may theysing sweet songs for you as they wing their flight, " echoed a poet. 

"I love the birds as I do your sunny climes, and as we journey, shouldI hear their sweet notes, shall remember your words, " she said softly, her syren voice full of music, as with a last hand-clasp and wave ofhandkerchief the guard shut the door and the fire horse dashed on hisway and from gay Paris. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

SLAIN BY A WOMAN. 

Our travellers having a carriage to themselves made each other ascomfortable as it is possible for human nature of to-day to be, accustomed to the cushion, footstool, and lounge of life. 

"Farewell, once more, charming Paris, " said Lady Esmondet, "was thereno England with its loved associations and many friends, then would Ilive my life in thee. "

"So should I, " said Vaura "the French are a dear, delightful people, really living in the flying moments, their gay cheerfulness acting onone as a stimulant; the veriest trifles are said by them in a pleasingmanner all their own; yes we have much to envy the versatile Gaulfor. "

"I fear, " said Lionel looking tenderly into her face, "I fear you willfeel, in our life together once more, a little dull, as if a cloud hadcrossed the sunbeams, after your recent gaiety, triumphs, conquests, and what not. "

"You do not know my nature" she said, her large dark eyes looking athim reproachfully, "'tis like coming home. Even the gay songstersmethinks love to know their nests await them; one's life spent in thecold glitter of triumphs and conquests would be most unsatisfying, unless one knew of one heart, one's home to rest at even; one othernature akin to ones own to share one's inner higher life, that to theworld is closed. "

"Yes, natures akin, what bliss, " said her godmother, dreamily partlytaking up the refrain of Vaura's words; partly going with thoughtwhich had quickly sped the "injurious distance" to Eric and the womanhe has married. 

"Just my conviction, " said Trevalyon with feeling, "natures akin; mentalk of moulding some woman after marriage to their views of life;women talk of leaning on their husbands, I do not mean physically, forthis is womanly, and I love a womanly woman, but mentally, what adrag; now I do not refer to education, for each could in that casegive to the other, the information acquired from books beingdifferent; but to have constantly to instruct one's wife into one'stastes, habits, opinions in natures akin; each is perfect in theother; each goes out in the fulness of sympathy, heart to heart. "

"What! a rest!" said Lady Esmondet, with a sigh. 

A grave yet tender look met in the mesmeric eyes of Lionel and thesoulful eyes of Vaura, as she said softly:

"Yes, only in natures akin can there be that fulness of sympathy whichmakes marriage one's earthly heaven;" and now that same far-away lookcomes to her eyes, as she thinks "poor fellow, poor, poor Guy;" andyet, 'tis only pity. 

There was a lull in the conversation for a few moments, each busy withthought, when Lady Esmondet said, following her reverie, "Tell us, Vaura, something more of Haughton news; does Isabel mentionany of the novelties introduced?"

"Yes, godmother mine, and prepare yourselves at dinner, for Hebe, whowaits, will be an equal. "

"Never!" said her companions in same breath. 

"'Tis true, 'tis pity, and pity 'tis 'tis true;' at some signal orgiven time, Isabel says the servants are dismissed when some of theladies wait, bearing the cup, or, etc. "

"I must say I should object, 'however bright, however young' my Hebe, "said Trevalyon; "her train would surely become entangled, and I defyJupiter to be sweetly calm with iced champagne spilled down his neckor on to his knee. "

"I should say not, " said Lady Esmondet; "a most preposterous noveltyto introduce. "

"Isabel says everything at table; takes the usual routine when thereis a state dinner. "

"I should hope so. "

"When alone (that is with merely the home guests), she says theyfrequently wear some fancy costume at dinner. "

"What! changes; but I suppose I am old-fashioned, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"And so am I, for I should feel as ill at ease, as the familyportraits, could one invest them with speech and hear theirlamentations, " said Trevalyon. 

"Yes, you both forget this is the age of novelties; I am inclined tothink could Solomon of old go to and fro some evening even through ourBritish Isles, he would draw a pen through his time-honoured proverbof 'There is nothing new under the sun. '"

"Haughton tells me we shall scarcely know the old place; I confessshould like to see it much, as it was full of loved associations. "

"Parts of the Hall did really require the tools of the workman; but Ihope my dear mother's rooms have been left undisturbed to any greatextent. It is well for us who have not gone to the extreme in ourcraze for the novelties that those who have cannot plant their ladderto the sky and retint in aesthetic, or according to Oscar Wilde, colours. "

"More letters, Lionel; your friends have not forgotten to rememberyou. "

"No, nor my foes, for by every mail comes something anonymous, tellingme kindly of my blackened reputation; but I should not trouble eitherof you so much above and beyond the petty scandal making and lovingherd; but it is very wearying and wearing to me; I sometimes think Ishould leave you on account of it, and grapple with this difficulty atonce and forever;" the moisture was in Vaura's eyes as he looked ather wearily with a long drawn sigh. 

"You must not play into their hands, poor fellow, by seeming to noticetheir game, " said Lady Esmondet, musingly, "until you see your own wayclear to face them, by telling them and proving it a 'lie direct. '"

"Yes, dear Lady Esmondet, you are right; I shall not. "

"And depend upon it, " she continued, "unless in very exceptionalcases, there is a woman at the bottom of every particle of scandal. "

"What do you say to this charge, Miss Vernon?"

"In the words of one who has written much my sentiments I shall tellyou. 'In days of yore, when the world was young and men were as braveand women fairer than they are to-day, when men to men were asfaithful as Orestes to Pylades and women as sisters; when men andwomen had a simple faith which knew no fainting fits and believed aschildren in the fairy wand of the fairies, in the power over men'sdestinies of the gods and goddesses; in those days it came to passthat Juno, who was jealous of her husband, Jupiter, and quarrelledwith him over his many escapades, one day said unto him: Behavethyself and I shall throw the apple of discord and scandal to earth, and it shall come to pass that amongst the mortals my sex, not yours(for to woman, not man, have we given the undying gift of curiosity), shall catch it as it falls, and it shall come to pass that as many asshall eat of it shall hunger and thirst for scandal, and finding noneshall form themselves into _clubs_, and meet, not in the Temple ofTruth, where Minos, son of Jupiter, sits as supreme judge, and wherefalsehood and calumny can never approach; but where she who has eatenmost greedily of the apple shall throw most mud at all outside sisterswho have not eaten, which the listeners with itching ears shall catchup, and repeat on the wings of the wind, and Boreas, Auster, Eurus, and Zephyrus shall carry the refrain over all the land, and so we, with the other immortals, watching the strife among mortals, shalllearn to live happily together. ' 'And what then, fair Juno? you forgetit will surely come to pass that the women who eat shall transmit totheir offspring an undying thirst for scandal and power of inventiontherein. ' 'Amen, O all-wise Jupiter; but it shall come to pass alsothat she shall only transmit this taste to her own sex; so, _n'importe_, here goes, ' and with a gay '_bon voyage_, ' she threw theapple to earth and us; you see, Captain Trevalyon; but thank the fatesthere are some of us who have not eaten. "

"And you stand out so bright in the loveliness of true women that oneforgets that your sex do bespatter themselves with the mud they throw. What a pity it is; how many lives are severed by it, " said Lionel, wearily; "but to something sweeter than my worries. Here is the letteryou left in my charge, Miss Vernon, and a few lines to myself from mycousin, telling me she and Uncle Vincent have arrived at London andthe Langham. "

"Indeed!" said Lady Esmondet; "quite a change for your cousin. "

"Quite so; Judith has lived her life, I may say, at New York. "

"Has Sir Vincent's health improved?"

"I regret not materially; though he says, so Judith tells me, that healready feels, the benefit of the change, " he said, somewhat absently, for he is watching Vaura's changing expression as she reads. Her headis bent toward the letter, the fluffy brown hair in its natural wavemeeting the brow; the lovely lips soft and full with a slight quiverin them; the small bonnet is off; the luxuriant hair in a knot behindfastened by pins of gold; her cloak, which he--himself had unfastenedand removed, leaves her figure in its perfection of _contour_, robedin its gown of navy blue velvet, a sculptor's study; her heartbeatsare quicker and her cheeks wear a deeper rose as she reads thefarewell words of the Marquis Del Castello. 

"Peerless Mlle. Vernon, allow me, one of your most devoted admirers, the sad consolation of a last word of farewell. I have silently adoredyou for several months, and your own heart will tell you that now, suddenly coming to the knowledge that another life is to be made happyin yours, I cannot yet bear to look upon your loveliness as belongingto another. But I want to ask you to accept (from one who would giveyou all) the shelter of my villa Iberia for yourself and companions, during your stay at Rome; you will find it pleasantly situated, and atsuch time in the future that I may visit it, there will be amelancholy pleasure to me in the thought that the fairest of Saxonlilies, the most beauteous of English roses, with the warmth of theSouth in her nature, with the poetry of my own land in her heart, hasbeen among my flowers, paintings, and my books. I feel sure, dearestMlle. Vernon, that your heart will not deny me this small favour, andmay your life be peaceful as an angel's, and joyous as a butterfly ina garden of roses. --Another captive. 

"Yours, "FERDINAND DEL CASTELLO. "Paris, November, 1877. "

Vaura was more than slightly agitated on reading the farewell words ofher Spanish admirer. It was so unexpected, and she, so sympathetic, feeling for him in his heart-ache, also feeling that had there been noLionel Trevalyon this Spaniard might have won her heart; and glancingup she saw that the _Saturday Review_ was laid aside, and the tiredblue eyes on her face--when is it otherwise now?--and giving onelittle sigh as she smiled, the sigh being for Del Castello, gone outin his loneliness, and the smile for him. But poor Lionel did not knowher heart. Man cannot fathom the depths of woman's nature. They bothmay stand on the brink of a deep clear river, as he looks with herinto its transparent mirror he only sees the reflection of herloveliness, for her heart is deep as the bed of the river; but whenshe sees his face reflected, his heart is laid bare. And so VauraVernon, being only a woman, knew Lionel had come to love her, for hiseyes followed her every movement. The strong man was slain and she wascontent while he craved for more, he would fain be sure, by feelingher in his arms, and his lips on hers; and so he sighed, for had nother uncle forbidden him on his honour to speak? And she smiled, forshe knew before long she would be held to his heart. 

She thought it best to tell her companions at once, in part, the driftof Del Castello's words; so saying, "Neither of you can guess whom thewritten words I have just perused are from, so I shall tell you. Theycome from the Marquis Del Castello. "

The rose deepened in her cheek on meeting Lionel's eye, for shethought, "I wonder if the Marquis suspected the truth?" And a sharppain came to Trevalyon's heart in his dread of what her answer wouldbe. 

"In his billet, " continued Vaura, "he very kindly offers us the villaIberia during our stay at Rome; of course in the most gallant andpoetic manner of speech, as befits one of his race. During our firstdance at the de Hauteville ball he told me it was his intention to goat once to his Italian villa, but it seems he has changed his mind, for in his letter he speaks of going there at some future time. Andso, what think you, god-mother mine; do you feel inclined to be aguest of the absent lord and master?"

"It is for you to decide, _ma chere_. "

"Be it so; I feel inclined to please him in this matter; but perhapsour kind escort has made other arrangements, " turning to Trevalyon. 

"No, _ma belle_; I had intended sending a telegram from Lyons to theproprietor of my favourite hotel (securing apartments), knowing him tobe a very decent fellow; but now, perforce, " he added with an intentlook, trying to read her, "my would-be landlord must go to the wall, while the doors of the villa obey the open sesame of yourself and itsmaster. "

"While we make our _entree_, " said Vaura. 

"And now as to our route, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"I should say, " said Trevalyon, "through the Mount Cenis pass, toTurin, thence, by easy rail stages down to Rome, so that you will notbe too fatigued; we should spend a day in the virgin-white, thespotless cathedral at Milan. Florence would be another rest, all amongits flowers and time-honoured works of art; also resting a few days atthe foot of the mountains, where we could enjoy walks and drives upthe magnificent mountain slopes, and through ravines too wondrous intheir beauty to be ever blotted from one's memory. "

"Oh, yes; your route would be delightful, " said Vaura eagerly; "by allmeans, god-mother dear, let us linger by the way. "

"Yes, we can afford a few days to the pure loftiness of the mountains;the life of to-day is so practical, if full of shams that a day withnature is as a tonic to one's higher, inner, self. "

"Just as I have felt, dear Lady Esmondet, when the social atmosphereat London has become too narrow for me; you both know, how at times, what has been sufficient for one, suddenly develops the bars, as itwere, of a cage, which one must burst to breathe freely. How manymonths have I spent in these woods upon the mountains, with only mygood dog, leaving my man domiciled at some pension below; the terrificgrandeur of the peaks resting against the blue heavens, the majesticcrags, restful valleys with verdure clad, or awfully steep precipices, all speaking to me of a higher power, were company enough. Thebeautiful lake of Bourget, has charmed me so that I must stay mysteps, and did; gazing long into its mirrored surface. Then from itscalm, the mighty torrents, wildly dashing and foaming, held me, whenmy mood was so; the many views from Chambery, too, woo one to linger. There was one old ruin, which, if we come upon, I think you wouldgreatly admire; it was on the ascent, down near Genoa, and where wecould rest. Some Brothers of Saint Gregory, I think, is their order;such a quaint little chapel they have, which you should sketch, _mabelle_. "

"I shall; and many other artist bits, I have ever longed to be soplaced as to be able to do so. "

"Lionel, have you ever tasted the Alpine trout? To me they areexcellent. "

"Yes, frequently, and always with an appetite. Their home is in a lake8, 290 feet above the sea level. "

"No wonder Roland Douglas has spoken so highly of them, " said Vauragaily; "their relations of the sea are quite under-bred. Whatstupendous pieces of work the mountain passes are, " she continued; "Iwonder, could Hannibal see them, what he would think of dynamite_versus_ vinegar, to blast rocks with. "

"Or poor, untiring Napoleon and his weary soldiers, " said LadyEsmondet. 

"What men there were in the bygone, " said Lionel with twice ourstrength, twice our endurance; we are weary; though making the runcushion at back, stimulant in hand. "

"We want backbone; our spinal column has given way, by reason of ourfore-fathers' energy, " said Vaura, laughingly. 

"We certainly could manage an extra backbone very well, " said hergod-mother; "ah! what strength I had, when I journeyed South inseventy-five, I remember we went by rail from Bale to Milan, _via_ theSt. Gotthard road; words are lifeless in describing the scenery alongthis route, being grandly, magnificent; one winds in and out among themountains; at times in gazing out the coach windows, one's breath is aprayer, one trembles so at the terrific peaks soaring up and up so farabove one. "

CHAPTER XXV. 

IN THE SUNBEAMS. 

Our friends having reached Lyons, where they had business, and wouldrest for the night, we shall leave them and meet them again on themountains. Suffice it to say they enjoyed the varied grandeur, beautyand magnificence of the scenes through which they passed, as naturesalive to the beauties of natural scenery alone can; the weather wascharming, the coach not uncomfortable, and three happier in eachother, or handsomer faces, had never before looked out upon the manycharms of landscape. The snow-topped mountains, the small white fleecyclouds chasing each other across the blue sky, and looking as thoughgathered from the snow-flakes on their peaks. The varied tints of thetrees, looking from a distance like a huge bouquet in the hand of DameNature; again, a mountain stream dashing headlong down, down, gathering strength as it rolls until lost in some sudden curve or wildprojection. A gleaming crag with belts of pine now burst upon theview, in its rich dark dress, while here we have the delicate tints ofthe valley. Let us kneel here as we gaze on the giants of the forest, as they spread their huge arms and rear their proud heads to the sky, and thank heaven that in some favoured spots the timber is not theprey of the ruthless destroyer, man. What new country in God's worldbut has been shorn of its beauty to gratify man's unsatiable love ofclearing; and the ignorant clod is not the only despoiler, for peerand peasant rival the great Liberal Leader in wielding the axe, theone to pay his debts, the other because he is only a clod; and MotherEarth is made barren, and her heart dry and hard, and she cannot givenourishment to the seedlings committed to her care. 

For a few days of pure mountain air and scenery, we again meet LadyEsmondet and her companions, lingering at a small town east of Genoa;on the last day of their stay, they have taken a conveyance and, Simsas driver, in descending by another road they came suddenly upon oneof those mediaeval castles, or rather its ruins, the greater parthaving fallen to decay. 

"Eureka, " exclaimed Lionel; "the quaint spot I have wished to seeagain; and which you should sketch, Miss Vernon. "

The Brothers of Saint Gregory had, with tool and hammer, made the mostof the ruins remaining; and here some twenty lived, sheltering theweary traveller. Our friends were almost close to the ruin ereobserving it, it being hidden partly by a magnificent belt of pine, partly by a freak of nature, in shape of huge upheavals of rock, thrown up as it were from the earth's bowels, and in the clefts ofwhich rocks, beautiful moss, hardy trailing plants, and ferns grewluxuriantly. Here the Brothers had built a tiny chapel, one side andpart of roof being formed of these rocks, the other side, remainder ofroof, and western entrance, were of stone and marble. The eastern endof beautiful specimens of Italian marble, the altar of pure white, itsmany coloured background throwing it out in all its purity; seats ofrude stone; the floor strewn with sweet scented leaves and twigs, sending up when crushed by one's foot, a sweet odour as of incense. Onour travellers nearing, a magnificent voice full of melody, fell uponthe air. 

"What a grand singer!" exclaimed Vaura, as they with one consent, deserted the carriage. 

It was a Christmas anthem, "_Regina coeli loetare, alleluia, quia quemmeruisti portare, alleluia, etc. _"

"'Tis a beautiful spot, and a great and rich voice, " said LadyEsmondet; "I wonder if petticoats are admitted. "

"Even if not, " said Vaura, "we can sit on the rocks or grassy seatsand fill our ears with music, which, after we descend, will lift us tothe heights once more. "

In following a narrow, irregular path, which led to the iron gate ofthe garden, Lady Esmondet, becoming separated from her companions, Vaura climbed to a rock; just a foot-hold, to endeavour to ascertainher whereabouts; Lionel overtook her, as becoming dizzy, she wouldhave fallen. 

"Spring into my arms; there, that is it; do not fear, " he saidbreathlessly. 

"I was foolish to attempt it when you were not near, " she said softly, as he loosened his hold on the level path. 

"How glad I was to be in time, and you cannot know how my heart leapedwhen you had to come, to me and I held you in my arms, even for amoment, " he says brokenly. 

They come now to a few yards of narrow path, a steep precipice at oneside. With a whispered "may I?" his arm is around her in guiding hersteps; no word is spoken and we all know the silent ecstasy of suchmoments. A turn in the path and they come upon Lady Esmondet, seatedon a rocky seat (she having taken a safer way) and listening to thesweet voice still singing. 

"I wonder if they will admit us, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"I can try, " answered Lionel, and moving down the few natural steps tothe iron gate of the garden, rang the bell. 

The gate was opened by a priest, an elderly man, severe of aspect, butcourteous in manner, and a man of letters from his intellectual castof countenance. In very good English, he said:

"In the name of Saint Gregory, I welcome you; whether you come forfood for the soul or body, our prayers are yours, and our poor fareawaits you. "

"Thank you, sir priest, " said Lady Esmondet; "we shall just admireyour chapel and garden and go on our way. "

"We were attracted from the direct path by a magnificent voice withinyour walls, " said Vaura. 

"Yes, Brother Thomas is greatly gifted; well for him that his greatpowers are given to good, rather than to evil. The sacred festival ofthe birth of the Christ is so near, and our brother sings at Paris thejoyful songs of his nativity. This being a Saint's day, some of theyounger brothers of our order have begged our sweet singer of thechurches to pour forth the notes of his melody, that they also, mayfeel as the Parisiens, the wonderful power and charm of his song. "

"Such melody stirs one's very soul!" said Vaura earnestly, her largeeyes full of moisture as the music thrills her. 

"What a lull there seems!" said Lady Esmondet, "now that his voice isstill. "

"Yes!" said Vaura, "as if nature herself had been listening. "

Lady Esmondet now introduced to Father Ignatius herself andcompanions, and as they followed the winding path from the chapel tothe ruins, whither to the habitable wing they are bending their stepsto partake of some slight refreshment, they come suddenly upon theowner of the throat, full of song, who is now kneeling beside a largeurn, in which are some live coals, upon which he has just laid someelegantly bound volumes; he is pale and emaciated, but with theremains of wonderful beauty; with folded hands and eyes closed turnedheavenward, on hearing footsteps he looks and would have started tohis feet and flown, but by a visible effort restrained himself. Onobserving his agitation, Trevalyon suggested the turning into anotherpath, but the stern priest objected. 

"Yes! pray do, " said Lady Esmondet, "there is a lovely shrub I shouldlike a nearer view of. "

"Be it so; I perceive, Monsieur, I mean, " checking herself, "BrotherThomas is not yet free from the pride that lacks humility, that youbeing of the world he has left forever, have still power to stir hisfeelings, he was ashamed of his garb, but must steel his heart againstsuch emotion. "

"Poor fellow, " said Vaura, in pitying tones, "he looks ill, and isperhaps weak and nervous, his habiliments look stiff and new, notseeming a part of him as yours, he has perhaps but lately joined yourbrotherhood, and all is strange as yet. "

"You are right, Mlle. Vernon, his garb is as new as it is new for himto lift up his voice in the church, and while you partake of our poorfare, I shall pass away the time in telling you something of him. "

They now enter the noble vaulted stone entrance with its ancientworkmanship and massive proportions, seeming in its substantial buildto defy the destroying hand of time. The spacious hall has beenconverted by the brothers into a refectory; the priest bidding them tothe table on which were dried fruits from the northern, with freshfrom the southern climes, English walnuts and biscuits, with a bottleof old French wine. Before his guests partook of the food, the priestkneeling, made the sign of the cross, asked a blessing, then seatinghimself a little apart, spoke as follows:

CHAPTER XXVI. 

A MOUNTAIN IDYL, OR AN ALPINE ROMANCE. 

"About eight months ago at last Easter-tide, and while the ladies ofSainte Marie were attending mass in their little chapel, situatedabout a quarter of a mile east from the road by which you descend toItalia, a traveller was carried into their midst more dead than alive, in a faint, having been struck down by the fell hand of diseasesuddenly, and while making his way over the mountains; the hirelingwho drove the conveyance had carried him in, well knowing the conventand hospital to be a harbour of rest for the sick and weary, havingdeposited his living freight upon one of the rude benches of thechapel, bringing also his luggage, left him in God and our Lady'shands. The mother superior at the close of mass, hastily summoned thestrong-armed portress, who with the assistance of the officiatingpriest, carried him to the adjoining hospital. You all doubtlessobserved traces of unusual beauty in Brother Thomas, but in theemaciated form you have seen, can form no conception of hiscomeliness, ere wasted by slow lingering fever; yes! he was handsome, wondrously so. In critical cases of illness, the mother is wont tocall me to aid, I having studied the science of healing in the greatschools of Europe and England, ere taking the vows of our order; inthe character of physician I saw much of Monsieur--I mean BrotherThomas. As a penance for evil, wrought by him upon mankind, he haspermitted me to tell his story, but as he is dead to his own formerworld, and as a punishment, to no more speak his name. Suffice it tosay he is a man of culture, a man of letters. You have heard hisvoice, and he was born among the great. Alas! when one sees to whatbase ends education is applied plied, one is inclined to regret theearly days. At one time in the strangers illness, he was so nearlypassing through the valley of the Shadow of Death, as to make itincumbent upon me to open his luggage in order to ascertain his nameand address, whereby to communicate with his friends; in an iron box Iwas horror-struck to find volume after volume, his own work, whichrivalled Voltaire in its teachings. I trembled to think of suchgodless productions within the walls of a holy convent and of theawful responsibility resting upon myself; should I allow suchinstruments of evil to exist? did it not seem providential, my beingplaced in such a position as to be able in a few minutes, by the aidof fire, to destroy the labour of years, and so give to the churchanother victory over Satan?

"I saw him from time to time, and as it proved to be a low wastingfever, he was with the sisters four long months. Among the nuns whoattend the sick, is a beautiful young English girl, of patrician faceand mien. And now a word of her; eighteen years ago, it was a _fete_day at Rome, and among the seductions offered to the senses of man, was that of the stage; one of your most gifted of English stars heldmen chained in fetters wrought by her beauty and talent, night afternight, in their boxes at the theatre, while the priests of the Lordwept at the altar, because of the deserted sanctuary; but it wascarnival time, and men, at that season, forget the God who gave thempower to enjoy. In one of the churches, at midnight, a lady closelyveiled, entered, carrying a bundle, and going up to the altar, withoutreverence and in haste, deposited her burden at the foot of the cross. The officiating priest directed one of the sextons to follow her inhaste, but the lady was too quick for him. A carriage was in waiting, which a gentleman with hat over brow, and muffled about throat, speedily drove off, almost before the lady was seated; they were soonlost in the maddening crowd, for humanity held high revel; the jesterwas abroad, and theatre, with amusement and music hall, poured forththeir devotees, though the ball, both in palace and street, would bekept rolling all night. The emissaries of the church learned that yourstar of the London stage left Rome closely veiled, and attended by astranger, a gentleman, at midnight. Enough said; only this, that herbusiness manager and waiting woman had been sent on to Venice, thenext scene of triumph, the morning of the same day. The child, alovely girl infant, wore robes of wealth, rich muslin and lace, andwas lolled in a carriage rug of the skin of the seal, five hundredpounds, in English gold, was pushed loosely into the bosom of herdress, and three lines of writing were found there also, which read asfollows: 'Communicate, in case of infant's death, with ----' givingname of banking house at London; 'until that time we have instructionsto pay L200 yearly, for her benefit, _if not_ annoyed by efforts toascertain her parentage. ' That child is the young Saxon nun, now atthe convent of Ste. Marie; a convent has been ever her home, and sheloves its life, early showing a strong inclination for the study ofmedicine, for the past five years she has been an apt pupil of mine;with great beauty, cleverness, and persuasive manner, she, at thesick-bed, has gained already many souls within the true pale. And now, to continue of the illness of Monsieur, now Brother Thomas, as I havealready made you aware, a low fever caused him to remain at theconvent for the space of four months. Sister Fidele, a French nun, shared the fatigue and duty of ministering to the sick man's wants, with the young Saxon sister, whose life I have told you of. She iswith us Sister Faith; a name given to her by his Holiness, Pope Pius, her child-like belief and peaceful beauty of expression, suggestingit. 

"But to proceed, Sister Fidele, seeing her patient was ever restlessand unsatisfied during the absence of Sister Faith, informed theMother Abbess, saving: 'He is a heretic, mother, and if you permitSister Faith to be more with him her prayers, zeal and gentle piousconverse may impress his godless soul. '

"Thus it was that Sister Faith spent all her time not devoted tonecessary rest at the bedside of Monsieur. But, alas for the weaknessof man, instead of the piety of her teachings impressing his soul, orthe sacredness of her office shielding her from such passions, hergreat beauty had kindled in his heart the flame of a moral love. I asher father confessor learned of the unlawful words spoken to her; myindignation and sorrow were great. But when she assured me that to herhe was only a soul to be saved, that her life was only happy in doinggood for the beloved Church, that no earthly love could ever enter hersoul; moreover, that she firmly believed the stranger was beginning tofeel the beauties of our holy faith I abandoned my resolve to bringhim hither, and instead left him in her hands. At first he tried everyfascination of which he was master to make her love him and fly withhim. I need not tell you without avail. Then her gentle piety seemedto have touched his heart. He permitted her to send for me. I obeyedthe summons joyfully, for I well knew what a triumph over Satan hisconversion would be, and his own wish or consent to see me made mehopeful. We conversed by the hour on knotty theological questions, hetalking well and seeming at times half persuaded to be a Christian, but as if too proud to humble himself. The blessed saints madeintercession for him, for our prayers were heard; and I had the greattriumph of baptising and administering to him the blessed sacrament ofthe Holy Eucharist. After he had received he begged of me a privateinterview, and then implored of me to give him Sister Faith to wife. He said her great faith and gentle converse had made him think, 'Ifthese things be, how great is my condemnation. ' It was she who hadtaught him to say or think it possible he might ever say: 'Whereas Iwas blind I now see. ' He said he had great wealth, and if she was histhey would give much gold to the Church. 

"But I could not grant his wish. Six months before his advent amongstus our sweet-faced sister had taken, the black veil; had she been inher novitiate I might by personal application to his Holiness havegranted his prayer. He bowed his head in grief. I told him of theunchanging vow of celibacy of priest and nun, and of the immovablenessof the Church; I feared he would have a relapse and removed himhither, where he has since taken our vows, and is now a brother. Youhave heard his wondrous power of song, and, as I told you, goes soonto Paris. He grieves yet to the very heart that Sister Faith cannot behis, but his penances are severe, and I am in hopes the saints willstrengthen him to subdue the flesh altogether to the spirit; 'tis sonew to him to sing the songs of the Church that he practices atwhatever hour allowed him; but has been anxious to destroy his infidelwritings that I have given him an hour to-day and tonight at midnightfor the work. 

"Such, noble guests, is a page in our new brother's life, " concludedthe priest. 

"And a most interesting page, reverend father, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"What a checkered life his has been, " said Lionel thoughtfully, asthey wended their way from the quiet seclusion of the monastery out tothe carriage which was to convey them once more to the busy life ofthe world. 

"Yes, none more so, " said the priest; "how kind is Providence to leadthis wayward soul at last, and in its great pride to the cross, andthrough the piety of a young maiden. "

Here the heavy, iron gate of the garden is reached and they bid thehospitable, though austere, monk adieu. 

"Could we see the beautiful Sister Faith?" enquired Vaura; "if we inour descent into Italy, call at the convent of Ste. Marie, I feel sointerested in her, she deserves perfect happiness; do you thinkreverend Father, that she is so?"

"Your own lovely face, Mademoiselle, looks as if it had never beenclouded by sorrow. The face of Sister Faith is unclouded as your own, and we know that the trials of the world can never reach her, theprotecting arms of the church enfold her; I am full of regrets thatyou cannot see her, she is now praying devotedly to the saints thatBrother Thomas may be given strength to banish her image altogetherfrom his heart, as well as attending two cases of fever among theinmates. "

"Are you not afraid, in her great self-abnegation, that her own healthwill give way?" inquired Lady Esmondet. 

"No, she is gifted with wonderful health and strength, one quiet hourin the cell restores the vigour lost in days and nights of fatigue;and now adieu, and may the blessing of St. Gregory go with you, and Ithank you in the name of Christ's poor, for the gold you have given. "

"Adieu, adieu, farewell!". 

And our friends are again _en route_. 

"Depend upon it, " said Lionel, "in ages to come, the good Sister Faithwill be Ste. Faith of the Alpine mountains. "

"Poor young creature, I cannot but think, " said Vaura, her eyessuffused with tears, "that she would be happier in the bright world, loved and loving, than in the cloister. "

"What a gifted couple they would have been, " observed Lady Esmondet. 

"Brother Thomas has lived and knows what life is, and I cannot helpthinking the cloister, will not bring him peace, " said Lionel. 

"What a power in the church the nuns are, " said Vaura; "not in hergrand ceremonial, not in her unity, not in her much gold dwelleth hergreatest and most powerful arm, but in her gentle sisterhood. "

"True, " said Lionel; "though I cannot but think, that the church wouldhave gained more had they united the Saxon nun with the now BrotherThomas; what a power their united lives, and with much gold; hisinfluence will not tell immurred in a cell. "

"I am sure we shall not soon forget the story of poor Brother Thomasand Sister Faith, " remarked Vaura. 

"There was a time, " said Lionel, "when I used to wonder that so manyfellows gave up this life of ours and buried themselves in a monastry, but as I listened to the priest I felt that if a man is feeling thatthe love of the one woman he craves can never be his, that, as anescape from the speculative eye of Mrs. Grundy, a cell might lookinviting. "

"So you give Mrs. Grundy credit for a speculative eye, Lionel, " saidLady Esmondet, amusingly. 

"What else is she but a speculator? she is ever busy, always alive andspeculating with some unfortunate beings, name or fame, " said Lionelbitterly. 

"I am glad we have run away from her; she cannot be with us on themountains, so rest easy for to-day, Lionel, " answered Lady Esmondet. 

"No, " said Vaura, earnestly; "the Alpine heights are too pure and toolofty for her, she loves the heated gaslit _salon_, with the music ofmany voices; but we are all the better for an outing with Dame Nature, I do love her so, with her sunlit air, her breezy fan, her robes ofgreen, while her children, the brook and field, sing and laugh, theyare so merry and so rich; yes, I love her so, I should just like totake her in my arms; see the birds in the trees as we pass, she rocksthem to sleep, for as she breathes she sways the branches to and fro, and so gives a tuneful accompanyment to their song ere they rest. "

And so in gay chit-chat or more serious converse, the descent intofair Italia is made. The grand passion of Trevalyon's life becomingmore earnest, and completely mastering him for this sweet woman; thecompanion of his journey; for not only her grace and rich beauty madehim her captive, but her tender womanliness, underlying her vivacity, charmed him, and his eyes were seldom off her face as she sat oppositehim; he was never tired of watching the ever-warying expression of hercountenance; and poor Lionel, subdued at last, felt he must clearhimself to Eric Haughton, and have her ever beside him. 

Her grey eyes were luminous as stars with a warmer light as theysometimes rested on his; there was a wild rose bloom on her cheekspainted by nature, with the invigorating air of the mountains. Sometimes, with a gay _abandon_, she tossed aside head-gear and cloak, and with Lionel, descended from the carriage to cull some rare moss orlate flower, or make the ascent of a higher spot to view some lovelierscene; just now she is looking more than usually lovely. In thisprelude to real love-making, as was now taking place daily betweenLionel and Vaura; what a magical softening of expression there is, what a sweetness of languor in the eyes, a tremulous sighing from thewaiting heart; and yet, she is blissfully happy, for she knows thatshe is loved by a man whom she will love, aye, does, with all thesympathy and passion of her nature. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

GRUNDY'S LASH CAUSES HEART-ACHE. 

On the evening of the sixth day, our friends leisurely arrived in thecity of the Caesars; on coming in at the depot, Trevalyon, hiring alandau, they, with Sims and the maids following, proceeded to thevilla Iberia. They learned that the noble owner had been there threedays previously, and had then given his own servants a holiday, hiringEnglish in their stead, thinking the comfort of his guests would bebetter attended to by this arrangement. 

"The Marquis must have come here immediately after the ball, " saidLady Esmondet, "I heartily wish he were here to welcome us. "

Her companions were silent, both busy with thought; Trevalyon's werenot altogether pleasant, his proud spirit recoiling from self at thepart he had played in the boudoir of Madame de Hauteville. 

"Had I not, " he told himself, "had I not bowed to Del Castello'squestion of 'are you anything to her?' he would have been here to dohis wooing; we, at an hotel, and yet, it was only human, but, bah! howmean; but was I to give up any place I may have in her heart, andyield her to the influence of his southern tongue, merely because I amheld in honour not to speak, and am just now a foot-ball for DameRumour. God help me, darling, I couldn't; you might, in _pique_ at mysilence, have given way to his warm words; you belong to me; I haveonly you, and should I lose you, one of two courses would be mine;either to make an endless beast of myself for distraction's sake, orbecome misanthrope, like my poor father. " So thinking, he unfastenedthe cloak of the woman whose beauty and sweet womanliness, had madehim captive. 

In the hall, the butler saying:

"Dinner will await your ladyship's pleasure in half an hour; ourmaster, his noble lordship, commanded cook to have it ready everyevening, on arrival of nine o'clock express, so your ladyships and theEnglish gentleman would find comfort. "

"Your master is very thoughtful, " said Lady Esmondet. 

One of the household now ushered them to their respective apartments. 

"What an air of complete comfort pervades the whole place, said Vaura. 

"Yes, " said Lady Esmondet, "I am rather _difficile_ in such matters, but I must confess, the place is charming in its warmth and luxury. "

Here they parted to dress, Lady Esmondet being conducted to aluxurious room on the ground floor, opening on to a verandah; therewas a suspicion of chilliness in the air, so a bright fire burned inthe open fire-place; fresh flowers bloomed in old Roman jars, whilethe walls were gay in the brightness of a few choice paintings. 

"Yes, one could pass a winter very comfortably here, " mused theoccupant, as Somers fastened her robe of pearl-gray satin, "and thatwe are so well placed is all the outcome of the beauty of face andform of one woman. "

Miss Vernon was led by a maid up a few steps, covered in the softestof velvet pile, so deep and rich as to cause one not to feel thepressure of the sole of one's foot, and now into two rooms built outin a projection, and the villa Iberia, being located on a knoll, commanding one of the finest views of the Eternal City, the occupantof these rooms feasted his eyes on a scene unrivalled in Italy. Herealso, a cheerful fire glowed in the fire-place; the long, narrowwindows were hung in a pale, blue tinted satin, the walls painted inchoice studies by deft Italian fingers; the opening between the roomswas hung in unison with the windows, and on the satin, clusters of therose in every hue were embroidered; easy chairs, lounge, satin bedcoverlid, and soft carpet, were of the same soft tint, with the warmthof the rose thereon. The air was fragrant, for the hyacinth, rose, andmany a gay foreign sister, vied with each other in perfumed welcome tothe flower face bending over them, and drinking in their sweets. 

"And he has done all this for me, " she mused, giving herself up toSaunders to have her hair dressed. "How glad I am, " she thoughtlooking dreamily at her reflection in the mirror, for a very passibleloveliness, "but Lionel was always my ideal cavalier, he loves menow, " and she smiled softly, "and has brought into existence in myheart a passionate love he little dreams of, poor fellow; I havehitherto played with men's hearts, so they say, but not intentionally;Heaven knows I merely enjoyed their free submission, their love, as mynatural food; I always enjoyed dainties, and men's hearts were as suchto me; I could never endure the bread and butter of life, but I wrongmyself or I am of little worth; one is apt to have luxuriousinclinations, at an hour and in a scene like this, " she thought as shetoyed with one of the gold perfume bottles, in the form of a Cupid, standing on the breast of a sleeping man, and aiming for his heart. "Iknow I have drunk in the pleasure their looks of love and warmth ofwords have given me, not thinking perhaps enough of to what end itmight lead, but if I dream here any longer, I shall experience muchthe same sensation as sleeping Richard at Bosworth Field, while myghosts of the departed, rise up before me, and while I think pityinglyof poor Cyril and many more, let me also remember the deserved cut Igave Sir Edward Hatherton, when he laid his insignificant title, hissupreme vanity and egotism, with his mean heart at my feet, whileboasting of his broad acres, making too sure he had but to ask, and beaccepted with thanks. Yes, though I have hurt some brave manly hearts, I have given a check to the vanity of that man that will send him intothe corner to think that there are some women, even in this age ofbarter, who, though they love acres of the dear warm mother earth, they will not give their loveliness and powers of loving for the broadacres of which he is lord. "

And so fair Vaura pondered, as Saunders with deft fingers performedher easy task of robing her mistress, and now she has finished, andboth maid and our sweet Mlle. Vernon are satisfied with the result. And well they may, for her cardinal satin robe fits her full bust andfigure like a glove, her eyes are full of dark and tender depths, herlips red as the rose, while the rose bloom of the mountain air has notfaded from her cheeks, and neck and arms being bare gleam in theirwhiteness. 

Trevalyon met her at the foot of the steps to lead her to thedining-room whither Lady Esmondet has already gone; they immediatelyseat themselves ami do justice to the tempting little dinner awaitingthem. 

The room is handsome and furnished with a mixture of English comfortand solidness with French brightness the furniture being of carvedoak, while the carpet and hangings are of a gay Paris pattern, thetable bright with silver and decorated with flowers, its dinnerservice of old Sevres china, each piece of beautiful delicate design, while the dishes would have tempted an anchorite from his cave. Overthe mantel-piece of purest white marble was a painting, evidently thework of a master, representing Bacchus riding in a chariot, and on hishead among his curls vine leaves, in his hand a cup. The wholepainting had a warmth of color and gay dashing style, with a life-likelook about it very pleasing. 

"One almost expects to see the merry god lift the cup to his lip, "said Vaura; "he looks so life-like. "

"It is a remarkably well executed thing, " said Trevalyon. 

"The whole villa, " echoed Lady Esmondet, "has a cheerful brightnesspervading it that would dispel the chronic grumbling of a Diogenes oran Englishman. "

"Even Gladstone, " cried Vaura, gaily, "would here forget thatBeaconsfield wants a 'war supply. '"

"And I, Trevalyon, shall so lose myself in the intoxicating sweetnessof the hour as to forget that on my return to England I have to enterthe arena of the strife of tongues, and combat Dame Rumour in facing a'difficulty. '" At the last word be looked meaningly at Vaura, and withquickened heart-beats she remembered his flowers, and knew what wouldcome when the 'difficulty' was faced and removed. 

"The absent Marquis likes well the form of the god of wine, " said LadyEsmondet, directing her companion's gaze towards a group of statuaryon a small inlaid stand, and reflected in a pier glass, representingAnacreon smilingly advancing, carrying in his arms the infants Bacchusand Cupid. 

"'Tis a pretty group, extremely _chic_, " said Vaura. 

"What think you, Vaura, of the painting behind you?" inquired LadyEsmondet. 

On turning slightly she saw the pictured face of the owner of thevilla, the eyes of her admirer seemed so steadfast in their gaze thata faint blush suffused her cheek as she said:

"A true likeness of a true friend, for we are most comfortably placedby his kindness; indeed I think when the day comes to leave the villawe would fain remain. "

"It is a handsome face, " said Trevalyon. 

"It is, " said Vaura, as she played with the dainties on her plate andsipped her glass of sparkling Moselle. 

"On leaving here it will be for either the crush of the London seasonor Haughton Hall under the new _regime_, " said Lady Esmondet, "and Iknow just how I shall feel: as a man who, coming home after a day withthe hounds, is enjoying a pipe in slippered feet when reminded bymadame of the state dinner he has forgotten. "

"Either London or the dear old place will be an awakening, " saidVaura, as they wend their way to the _salons_. 

"Yes. " said Trevalyon, "for nowhere could one better enjoy the _dolcefar niente_ of Italian languor than here. Del Castello, I fancy, liveshis life. "

"_Dum vivimus vivamus_, " said Vaura. 

The salons are a suite of three; taken separately, of mediumdimensions; but when the heavy hangings are drawn aside which dividethe apartments they form one long handsome room, extending the entirelength of the villa, at one end of which is a conservatory where bloomflowers of great beauty, the tiny structure being in miniature form ofthe villa; it was entered from the _salon_ by sliding doors of stainedglass; a smiling statue of Flora was placed near the entrance andseemed to welcome one's approach. 

"It is a bower of beauty, " said Vaura. The moonlight streaming in fromthe heaven-illumined gardens outside, bringing into life the scarletblossoms of the camelia and the satin of her gown, and lending to herbeauty a transparent softness, her eyes seeming darker and with atender light, as she says, looking out upon the garden:

"It is a living idyl in the white moon light; did I gaze long enough, strange fancies would come to me, the statuary would be livingmarbles, while the leaves of the palm-tree and olive would sing to meof their story as given by the dead poets. "

"We must revel in the beauties of the gardens, when to-morrow comes, Vaura: I am going to be very early tonight, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"It must have been a great disappointment to Del Castello, " saidTrevalyon, inwardly applying the lash, "to winter elsewhere. "

"_N'importe_, " said Lady Esmondet, seeing the sadness of expression, "we, have so much of the London fog; he, has his villa and the southalways. "

"But he could have been here with all his elegant _recherche_surroundings, only for me, " and as he silently thought the lash wentdown. 

In the villa, many things beautiful and rare occupied their attention;in the small library were some deep German and English books onphilosophy, with Tennyson in every style of dress; also Byron, withnovels of all tone and colour; as Vaura moved about among thetreasures of the absent Marquis, Trevalyon, watching her intently, tortured himself by imagining that she handled everything lovingly, read snatches from his books tenderly. 

"What a couple they would have been, " he thought, as Vaura's syrenvoice read aloud some marked passages from the poets; "even if I canclear myself of this hateful scandal, I have only the gloomy 'towers'to offer her, while he has his sunny palaces in the lands or climesshe loves so well. "

And Lady Esmondet seeing his intent gaze following Vaura, andobserving his quiet thought, "He is unhappy, and dreads lest she come to love the handsomeSpaniard, while daily amongst his treasures, with his silent picturedface watching her from the walls; I wonder how it is; has she refusedhim, and accepted the villa as slight atonement, or is this thebeginning of the end, and that she will give herself to him; alas fordear Lionel if so. "

"How selfish I am, " said Vaura, impulsively closing the book fromwhich she had read aloud a few marked passages in the sadly sweet"Prisoner of Chillon. " "You both look weary, how is it I did notnotice it before? come away god-mother mine; uncle Eric would say I amnot redeeming my promise to take care of you; goodnight, CaptainTrevalyon, " giving him her hand, the soft touch of which seemed as anew revelation to him, reinvigorating him as it were, but only in thecontact, for alone he is again a prey to gloomy forebodings whichcrowd upon him, so as to seem to stifle him; loosening his collar andtie, and throwing himself on the bed, he tells himself, "What am I, incomparison to him? his unclouded life, at least as far as human eyecan tell, with the looks of an Adonis, his immense wealth, hissouthern blood, eloquent tongue, and life in climes kissed by the sun. I fear he will woe her again; and is it in woman to come to me; eventhough I give the love of my life in preference to all that the Fatesgive in him; alas! my knowledge of them tells me no; yes, I know shehas smiled tenderly on me, bat is not this because of her oldremembrance of me--as part of her by-gone life in her loved home; yesI fear it is, or because she is playing with my heart as she has withothers; heavens, how unmanned I am, Father, " and his hands are claspedreverently, "pity me, steep my soul in forgetfulness, and let meremember naught, save that Thou ruleth all, " when, as if in answer tohis imploring cry, slumber, fitful it is true and broken by dreamscame to him; when now fully awake again in slippered feet, and withhis pipe, he noiselessly steps out into the night, pacing the verandahto and fro, or leaning against one of its columns, thinks on of thepast and present, when in the dim future, the vast unknown, he feelsthe necessity of calm; else this scandal will so overwhelm him in thewaves of unrest, as to cause his life to be a wreck, and Vaura to beindeed, and in truth, lost to him forever more. In the determinedquiet of a man controling self, he now again, this time undressing, takes to his bed and gains an hour's sleep ere it is time to rise fora new day. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

HEART-STIRS TO DIVINE MUSIC. 

At break of day, springing from bed, and after a cold plunge bath, feeling more like himself, he went out into the half slumbering city;but the sunbeams give their roseate kiss and mists roll up the greatmountain slopes, and the lazy Italian rubs his black eyes not seeingthe beauties in nature that surround him--they are part of his life--but only wondering how easiest he can pass the day, while Trevalyonbending his steps to a favourite restaurant, after a pretty fairbreakfast, for the fresh air of the morning has given him an appetite, hiring a horse, goes for a long ride, and turning his horse's head forthe country, determines by getting away with nature to find that oldself that he has lost, or by thinking out his plan to how best use theinformation received from Father Lefroy, recover his customarytranquility of mind, for just now he is torn by doubts and fears; heshould be in England, but dreads to leave Vaura, lest the Marquishearing of his departure would endeavour personally to press his suit. And so putting spurs to his horse he is nearer the pure loftymountains on whose breast he hopes to find peace. 

While at the villa, the woman he loves, after a somewhat sleeplessnight in which she is haunted by the faces of her Spanish admirer andthe hero of her early girlhood, descends from her room to find LadyEsmondet not yet up, though it is luncheon hour, and Trevalyon awayfor the day. The afternoon is occupied until it is time to dress fordinner by visitors. With dinner comes Lady Esmondet, Trevalyon nothaving returned it is a _tete-a-tete_ affair; afterwards in thesalons, the conversation drifts from fair Italia, the after-luncheonvisitors, and the London _Times_ to Lionel. 

"Poor fellow, one can easily see how unsettled and worried he is attimes over this wretched scandal, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"I should treat the whole matter with perfect contempt, " Vauraanswered haughtily. 

"In this instance it won't answer. "

"Why not? if he is sure it is false. "

"Vaura! Vaura, you know it is false. "

"The fact is, god-mother, I know nothing about it, nor do I care to, unless he tells me himself; my life, that is my woman life as youknow, has been spent _a_ Paris, and so my ears have not been areceptacle for London scandal. "

"Dear Lionel has been too independent. "

"Yes, god-mother, that's just it; it's his character; had he had atown house, a French cook, and given half a dozen big dinners duringthe season, he might indulge in secret marriage if his fancy ran thatway, and society would smile at him through rose-coloured spectacles. "

"Too true, Vaura, _ma chere_; Madame Grundy is an odd mixture ofinconsistencies; should a vulgar _parvenu_ pay society's tolls inshape of boastful charities, balls and dinners, he is one of the petsof the season, and is allowed any latitude as to his littleweaknesses. Had Lionel made atonement by marriage, all would have beenforgiven; but he has dared to please himself, and so they at the firstchance pelt their idol. "

"Their idol, yes, " said Vaura, musingly; "could this falsehood be theinvention of some disappointed woman who has taken for her motto thewords of Honorius, that 'there is a sweeter strain than that ofgrief-revenge, that drowns it. '"

As she ceased speaking, the voice of Trevalyon is heard quieting Mars, who is leaping wildly in welcome. And now he is with them; and as withsmiles and warm hand-clasps he is welcomed, he feels that this ishome. Vaura, who has been colouring some photographs, lets her handsfall idly to her lap, as she listens to the manly voice which, comingin and joining its music with their own, she feels makes their lifecomplete. 

"Yes, I have dined, thank you, and do feel more like myself than Ihave done since the weight of this scandal has been upon me; but Ishall not worry myself or you with naming it. I turned my horse's headeast, and always find a day with Nature so exalts and uplifts my wholebeing that life, again is filled with the calm, clear star of hope, and that my burden of care falls to the dust under my horse's feet; myspirit is again buoyant; I again live. And what have you both, mycharming home angels, been about? you look yet as if a sun-warm bathwould be your best medicine, Lady Alice. "

"You are right, Lionel; you have had the sunbeams to-day; I must baskin them on to-morrow (D. V. ) I feel fatigued even yet, though lazyenough to have kept my room until dinner hour. "

"You have explored the gardens, I suppose, _ma belle_. "

"No, that is a pleasure to come; I, too, was lazy today. "

"I am selfish enough to be almost glad, as we can roam there to-morrowtogether, " and there is a lingering emphasis on the last word as hisblue eyes in a long gaze rest on her face. 

"Come, Lionel, you and Vaura give me some music; draw the screenbetween my eyes and the firelight; I shall lie on this lounge andlisten. "

"Is not this an ideal music-room?" said Vaura, "opening as it doesinto the conservatory; and see Euterpe, standing in her niche, withflute and cornet at her feet, violin and guitar on either side, andthe perfection of pianos, with this sweet-stringed harp;" and, sinkinginto the low chair beside it, she drew her fingers over the strings. 

"I perceive, " said Lionel, handling the flute, "your friend is a makerof sweet sounds. "

"Awake the echo. "

"To hear is to obey, _ma belle_. "

Whereupon Lionel, looking down at the face upturned to him as her headlay on the cushioned chair-back, or droops as she draws her fingersacross the harp-strings; and with the fever of love hot within him hesang in his sweet tenor the songs of Italia with the passion of aliving love breathing in their every note and word. 

Thus song after song was softly sung, Vaura sometimes blending hervoice with his, and he was so near, and it was an intoxicating hour;and Trevalyon, bound in honour not to speak his love, forgot that oneof our poets, Sterne I think, says that "talking of love is makingit, " and sings on, as he drinks in fresh draughts from the warmth ofher eyes, and her face is pale with emotion, her lips, that "thread ofscarlet, " and her neck, gleams in its whiteness as her bosom heaveswith her quickened heart-beats, as she feels his meaning in his warmwords; and fearing for herself, she is so sympathetic, and knows it isonly because of the "difficulty, " that he has not spoken, starts toher feet, laying her hand gently on his arm, says softly:

"You must be tired. "

"Tired! no; this hour has been so perfect, my heart yearns for manysuch. "

"See, my god-mother has deserted us unnoticed; ah! what a spell isthere in music. "

"The magnetism of your dear presence; ah, Circe! Circe what spells youweave, " and there is a tender light in his eyes. She lets him look so, for a second, when she says gently, giving him her hand in good-night;"it would not do to leave you all the power of witchery, " and she letshim put her hand through his arm and lead her to the foot of herstairs, where, with a silent hand-clasp they part for the night. 

Dismissing her maid, whom she found asleep on the rug before the fire:

"I dare say you are tired, Saunders; you may retire; give me mydressing gown; there, that will do, I shall comb out my hair. "

And, arrayed in dainty dressing gown, of white embroidered flannel, the combing of the bright tresses is a lengthy affair, for thought isbusy; "Yes, this intense sympathy, this earnest tenderness, thislanguor and sweet sense of a new joy in living, all mean that I lovehim; and, as 'tis so, I am not at one with the poet when he says, ''tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all;'lost! lost! what a world of loneliness it would be to me, what a worldof loneliness in the very word; my love, your mesmeric eyes seem to beon me now; I wonder, " and a smile comes to the dark eyes and the sweetmouth, "I wonder what you would think of me in this robe; but whatnonsense I am dreaming, " and the _robe de nuit_ is on; the short, fluffy hair pushed up a little from the eyes, which close as the softcheek presses the pillow, and Somnus, the sleepy god, claims his dues. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE UNRULY MEMBER IS HEARD. 

The following morn is bright and glorious, the mountains, ah! thegrandeur of them, their peaks in changing hues as the sun's breathgrows warmer, cut the azure of the heavens, and rest there; oneinvoluntarily feels on a morning like this one cannot love natureintensely enough; and now, Old Sol, giving his brightest beams to theItalian, who loves him, shines into every corner of the Eternal City, from the King in his palace, and the Pope in the palace of theVatican, to the peasant stretched on his door-step; for the good kingVictor Emmanuel is sick, and the bright beams shining through hiswindow, cheer him; and he thinks of his people who are poor and ill, and also welcomes the sunbeams for their sake. And his gentleHoliness, Pius IX, in walking past the great painting of theTransfiguration, thinks "how glorious it looks in the sun's rays, " andhe too was glad. And the lazy peasant lying in the sun, stretchedhimself and was glad, for surely many noble ladies and gentlemen wouldbe abroad in the sweet warm air, and he would beg many _soldi_ and buymacaroni. 

Vaura, usually an early riser, but not having slept until dawn, wasonly awakened an hour ago by a sunbeam opening her eyelids, so that itwas luncheon hour ere she made her appearance in the aesthetic littlemorning-room, whither Lady Esmondet had ordered it to be brought; onentering kissed her god-mother, and giving her hand to Lionel, hereyes drooping under his long gaze, "You look quite yourself, god-mother mine, after your nights rest, "she said. 

"Yes, I am feeling very well to-day; but your roses are of a paletint, how is that?"

"Whose roses could bloom with undimmed lustre surrounded by flowers ofsuch brilliant colouring?" she answered, evasively, indicating by agesture the floral beauties filling the vases and jars, not wishing toown before Lionel her sweet sleeplessness of the night. 

Captain Trevalyon's man now brought letters from the post-office. 

"Ah, " said Vaura, taking her share, "one from Haughton Hall in thehandwriting of madame, and to me. "

On opening it a very well-executed photograph of the Hall fell to thefloor, which Lionel picked up, while Vaura read aloud as follows:

"DEAR MISS VERNON, --

"I enclose you a photo of the Hall as I have made it. It was a perfectbarracks when I saw it first; see what money can do. The Americaneagle is a great bird, eh? You must marry money. I shall have agentleman here at Christmas with lots of land and a title. The Duchessof Hatherton would sound well. "

"A _bete noire_ of yours, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"Yes, " said Vaura, carelessly, with a shrug of shoulders, going onwith the letter. 

"I must also settle Blanche this coming season. You observed, Isuppose, how, much flesh she had; well, she loses weight every month;secret pining I expect for that naughty"--and Vaura stopped short asshe saw the name, a curl of contempt coming to her lip as she readsilently--"Trevalyon. She thought by his attentions that he loved her, poor thing; but the Colonel and myself would or could never hear ofsuch a match, as he has a snug little wife hid away somewhere. I haveMajor Delrose a good deal with me. Your uncle doesn't care for him, neither would you; but the Colonel, dear man, is considerate, anddon't expect everyone to be cut after his cloth; and as you will neverbe able to come north in the cold weather you won't meet him. Give mylove to the willowy Marchmonts. We are the gayest of butterflies. 

"Your frolicsome, "KATE HAUGHTON, "Haughton Hall, Surrey, England. 

"MISS VERNON, "The villa Iberia, "Rome, Italy. "November, 1877. "

To Delrose at Haughton madame, after mailing above, had said:

"I have settled Miss Vernon at all events; she will not show up atChristmas. I know she hates the Duke of Hatherton so I told her he iscoming, and I don't know as yet whether he is. It takes a woman tooutwit a woman. "

"I cannot see, " Delrose had answered, "why you don't want her, Kate. "

"Because you are blind, you goose; if she came Trevalyon might, andyou don't want him; and I don't want her, and so I please you, youungrateful man. "

To Trevalyon by same mail came:

"My own idol, come to me and Delrose shall go; I have written MissVernon that he is here, because I _don't want_ her freezing ladyship. Everyone says you are so naughty in having a hidden wife; they willcut you I am sure; but I _love you all the more for your naughtiness_;only come to yours evermore. --KATE HAUGHTON. "

Trevalyon, giving a weary sigh on reading above, tearing it in two, tossed it into the fire; now opening one from his cousin Judith, heread as follows:

"DEAR COUSIN, --Father is not at all well; the trip across, as Ifeared, has been too much for him; the suburbs of New York, our home, suited him better than foggy London; however, dear father was obligedto come on business, as he has informed you when last able to write. He wishes me to enclose to you a scrap from the 'society' columns of_one_ of _our_ New York newspapers. 'We give a tid-bit of scandal(from a London paper), in brief, as the hero is a nephew of our SirVincent Trevalyon, of ----. Capt. Trevalyon (of the Towers, Northumberland), a gay society man, fascinating and handsome, is aboutto bring from her seclusion, his hidden wife; some years ago he hadeloped with a friend's spouse, friend now has shuffled off mortalcoil; outcome, my Lady Trevalyon, who will be the sensation of thecoming season. ' Father says to tell him on you honour, what truththere is in above--and I am, "Yours very sincerely, "Judith Trevalyon, "The Langham, London, Nov. 77. 

"Capt. Trevalyon, "The Villa Iberia, "Rome, Italy. "

On reading above, Trevalyon, with sudden impulse, and craving forsympathy, handed it to his old friend. 

"Too bad, too bad, Lionel; how grieved I am for you. "

At the same time, Vaura, who had turned again to her lines fromMadame, on reading over, said as she discussed her luncheon. 

"This bit of duck will be a palatable _morceau_ as compared with myletter from Haughton; Madame does not write to please, she merelypleases to write. "

Seeing Trevalyon very grave and silent, she said with kindly intent, and to change the current of his thought. "I suppose, god-mother, youhave sketched out your plans for the day long before I joined you. "

"No, we could come to no decision, so have left it for you toarrange. "

"_Tres bien_ if so, from the glimpse I have through the window, Isuggest that our first trip be to the gardens. "

"Happy thought; Lionel, will you ring the bell like a good fellow?"

Somers answering, her mistress said:

"Bring me suitable wraps for the garden, please, and tell Saunders todo likewise for Miss Vernon. "

The maids now appear with out-door robings; Lady Esmondet is madecomfortable, when Lionel goes to Vaura's assistance; 'tis a prettyred-riding-hood and cloak attached, and contrasts charmingly with hersoft gray cashmere gown, her short brown hair and sweet face look wellcoming from the warm red setting of the hood. 

"Never mind it; it was never meant to fasten, " she says, seeing hisgrave eyes on her face, instead of the fastening; he does not speakbut only thinks, "My enemies will not let me call her mine;" she issure he can see the colour come and go in her face as her heart beatsirregularly, and says gently, putting up her soft hands, "never mindit;" for answer he allows the hook and eye to fasten holding her handsfor a moment in his. They then followed their friend through theFrench window down the few stone steps to the gardens. There were manyflowers in bloom and the green of the orange and lemon trees was asrich as when the year was young. The villa of white marble was builton a gentle rising knoll, prettily wooded, at the foot of whichrunning through a glade was a tiny streamlet clear as crystal, whichwith its ripple and the singing of the birds lent music to the air. Onthe highest garden site was built a tower from whence an extensiveview of the city is gained, with its spires and palaces, together withthe violet sea, and the ever changing majestic mountains. The lowerpart of the tower is an arbour covered with roses and vines. Theorchard was on the high plateau on which the villa stood, laying inpart at the back and side of the mansion; the lawn and flower gardenwere separated from the orchard by a smiling wood nymph and grim satyrwho each held an end of a chain of silver. 

"The laughing nymph looks as if bent on making the grim satyr give wayto mirth, " said Vaura. 

"It is a pretty idea, " said Lady Esmondet, "the having one's orchardso laid out as to be an ornament to one's grounds, instead of as wedo, merely as a place to grow fruit. "

"Yes, I think so, " said Lionel, "and at my place the lawn is strewn byacorn, apple and the pear. "

"The apple blossom is beautiful, " said Vaura; "but whom have we here, "catching sight of a statue through the trees. 

"None other, " said Lionel, "than the powerful Populonia who protectsthe fruit from storms. "

"And placed high enough!" said Vaura "to see the storm a brewing, withus it would be a great dog _versus_ a small boy. "

They now descend terraced steps arched by trellised roses and come toa fountain fed by a spring down in the deep cool dell. 

"Shall we drink from the brook by the way?" half sang Vaura, andstooping, picked up from a small projection a silver goblet, fillingshe handed to Lady Esmondet; there was another which, taking herself, said, "and now for my toast, 'May the absent Marquis, who has an eyefor the beautiful in Nature and Art be always surrounded by both. '"

"Amen, " responded Trevalyon, "which is the best I can do, seeing DelCastello did not remember me in providing two goblets only. "

"Dual solitude, " said Vaura in low tones, her god-mother having goneon. 

"The very mention of it makes my heart throb, " he whispered. 

"What delightful gardens, " said Lady Esmondet returning "beside thisfountain, under the shade of olive trees, it must be delightfully coolthe hottest of summer days, and a favourite spot, if one may judgefrom the number of seats about. "

"'Tis another Eden, " said Vaura, "from the mountains yonder to thegreen shade of myrtles, olives, and orange trees, lit up by the pinkand red blossoms at their feet. "

"You will revel here in the early morning, _ma belle_, if you have thetaste of your childhood. "

"You remember me, then?" and the dark eyes look up from under the redhood. 

"I have never forgotten, " he says, quietly. 

"Don't you think, Vaura, dear?" said Lady Esmondet, "we had betterreturn to the villa and decide what we shall do with the rest of theday. "

"Yes, I suppose so, dear; though one would fain linger here longer. "

As they retrace their steps, Trevalyon, decided for them, that the airbeing delightfully warm and balmy, a drive up and down the Corso, would be pleasant. The fresh air and new scene dispelled all Vaura'slanguor, and heightened the spirits of her companions. 

"The Corso is even gayer than usual, " observed Lady Esmondet. 

"And with its best bib and tucker on, if I am any judge of _latoilette_, " said Lionel. 

"To receive three _distingues_ travellers, " laughed Vaura; "I wonderwho society will jot us down as in her huge note book. "

"As the Briton abroad, " said Lady Esmondet, "to revel in the sunbeams, which our gold cannot buy from our leaden skies. "

A carriage now passed, in which were seated two ladies, evidentlyEnglish, who bowed and smiled to Lady Esmondet and Trevalyon. 

"Who are your friends?" enquired Vaura; "I have seen them somewhere, but forget when and where. "

"They are the Duchess of Wyesdale and her daughter, the Lady EvelineNorthingdon, " answered Trevalyon, as Lady Esmondet bowed to otheracquaintances. 

"The little Duchess, who is insane enough to think Lionel in love withher, " thought his friend, remembering gay Mrs. Wingfield's gossip, andthat her name had been coupled with Trevalyon's; it was only that shewas a foolish little woman, and let society see that she had apenchant for Captain Trevalyon. At that time the Duke was alive tobear the title and represent the estate in Wiltshire, the Scottishmoors and shooting box, with the town house in London; very useful inthat way, so his Duchess told herself, and in truth, only in thatcharacter, did the fair, frivolous Lady Wyesdale appreciate hereasygoing fox-hunting spouse. 

"You can run the season very well without me, " he would say, "while Ido a little shooting; you are just cut out for London, while theconventionalities bore me. "

And so it came to pass, that at their London house, Irene, theDuchess, (or, as she was commonly called, Posey, from her maiden nameof Poseby, and from her habit of posing on all occasions), reigned inher own way. In the autumn of '76, the Duke had been called to hislong home; he had been knocking down birds on the Scottish moors. Coming home late one night to dinner in high spirits, and exultantover his full bag, he found a telegram from his friend, Gerald Elton, a keen sportsman, asking him to "telegraph him _immediately_ atEdinburgh, if he was at the 'Bird cage;' if so, he would join him atonce. " "Bless my life, " said poor Wyesdale to a friend with him;"Elton is the very man we want, no end of a shot, and rare fun; but Imust send my telegram off at once, or I'll lose him; but how am I tocome at pen and ink in the 'cage' is more than I know; oh, yes, Iremember when I came down last, Posey would have me take pen and ink(and a great bore it was) in order to telegraph her of my return;don't know why women are such a bundle of nerves, they oughtn't to benervous at the return of a husband; but where did I put it, hang me ifI know; if I find it the boy can ride over with it, if not I must gomyself; oh! I remember, it's in the other room on a shelf with collarsand cuffs; birds are not particular, so I never wear 'em;" without alight he went in, feeling along the shelves with his hand, unluckilyfor him overturning the inkstand, knocking the penhandle against thewall, and the rusty pen full of ink, into the palm of his right hand, where it broke; he and his friend extracted most of it, puttingsticking plaster over the wound. He would not trust a verbal messageto his sleepy keeper, now full of beer; so soon on horseback and away. 

Elton arrived in due course, to find his friend with his arm in asling, swollen and painful. 

"You'd better have a surgeon, old fellow, or you'll not fill anotherbag this October. "

Not until his arm had turned black would he consent; then the surgeonwas called, he looked grave, saying that a great part of the pen hadnot been extracted; that ink, pen, and rust had done their work, andto save his life the arm must be amputated. This the poor fellowrefused to do, saying he would rather die than sever his good righthand from his body. --If he could not hold a gun, nor ride Titan withthe hounds he would go. He would be sorry to leave Evy, but Poseycould do very well without him, and breathing a prayer for his soul, Harold, Duke of Wyesdale, was gone. 

And now after her year of fashionable mourning, his widow is plumingherself in colours, and Dame Rumour hath it that the somewhat fair, slightly faded dowager Duchess having buried her dead, will not saynay to another wooer. She was, as usual, posing in a corner of hercarriage, and priding herself on her slight, girlish figure; wore nowraps; looking blue and chilly, for when one was driving the air wasjust fresh enough for something warmer than a gown of pale blue silk. 

"Why will women go about looking as if Jack Frost had just given thema chilly embrace?" said Lionel, his gaze dwelling admiringly onVaura's warm beauty, arrayed in short, tight-fitting black velvetjacket, small white plush bonnet, scarlet feathers and scarlet andwhite strings tied at one side of her pretty chin. 

"The azure heavens framing fair angels; quite a sufficient robing, andappropriate; oh! grumbler, " laughed Vaura. 

"She is no amazon, and should wear other than silken armour, _mabelle_. "

"Cupid's darts can easier penetrate, " said Vaura, gaily. 

"Not through a chilled heart, as compared with a warm one, " heanswers, quietly. 

"Can one be cold in Italia. I do believe Old Sol pauses over us in hischariot, and smiles love-warm smiles upon us all, " she continued. 

"What a shame to see such pretty beasts in harness, Lionel, as thoseattached to our landau, " observed Lady Esmondet. 

"Yes, they are a fine pair and well matched. "

"The one with a mane a trifle the longest, " said Vaura, "reminds me ofOriole that I used to ride when a girl at Haughton. "

"Yes, " said Trevalyon, "I was just going to ask you if you noticed it. What merry rides those were! what would I not give to (with my dearlybought experience of life) commence over again from those days. "

"I remember feeling quite the woman in the scamper across country withyou and dear uncle in my long habit; neither of you knew how I hatedto don my short frock on my return. "

"You were always a charming little hostess; and a few yards more in adraper's shop, instead of about your ankles detracted nothing fromyour charms. "

"I did the best I could in taking time by the forelock, to be able toput in a word or two with your lordship and Uncle Eric; I read oldperiodicals and new, ancient history with modern philosophy andscience notes. "

"And they have you now, Vaura dear, " said her godmother. "A womanlywoman, every inch of you. "

"You are partial, dear; yet I did in those days long for an Ovid and ametamorphosis. "

"Do you remember the day I extricated you and Isabel in the Tower?"

"Yes, " she said, a warmer rose coming to her cheek, "but my knightpromised to blot that page from his memory. 

"And so he endeavoured; but to no purpose. "

"My brave knight was also an unmerciful tyrant. "

"In the fines he levied, " he said, leaning towards her; "they were thesweetest he ever had. "

A soft light came to Vaura's face, as leaning into her corner she gaveherself up to thoughts of the bygone. And she smiled now her woman'ssmile in the eyes that were on her face. And yet sighed as she thoughtof the jealousy of her boyish lovers of bygone days, for RolandDouglas and Guy had rebuked her for so often in the tales she wove fortheir amusement, having Lion Heart as the favoured knight. 

"My girlish days at Haughton Hall were very, very happy, " she said, quietly. 

"And yet you would not go back to them and leave the dear present, "said Lionel, looking into her eyes with his mesmeric look, and holdingher hand tight as he assisted her from the carriage after LadyEsmondet, at the door of the villa. 

"How know you, my brave lion-heart; you belong to those days, but I amcontent. "

CHAPTER XXX. 

WOMAN AGAINST WOMAN. 

They had been luxuriating for about four weeks in the art treasurescollected in the Eternal City. Their eyes feasted on so much ofloveliness in gazing upon living marbles and speaking forms on canvasthat Vaura was often moved to a feeling akin to pain as she thought:

"Oh, the pity of it; the pity of it, that the gods among men, living, breathing men, who created these soul-stiring things should bethemselves dead!"

On returning from a long ride one morning Vaura and Lionel found a gayparty of callers chatting with Lady Esmondet; amongst them was Vaura'sold friend, Robert Douglas. The Duchess of Wyesdale was also there;come with the avowed purpose of calling upon Lady Esmondet and makingthe acquaintance of Miss Vernon, but in reality to see CaptainTrevalyon, whom she had watched for in vain, having expected him tocall since the day they had met on the Corso. But "he cometh not, " shesaid, was still the burden of her song, so she determined to "beardthe lion in his den, " though she would be obliged by so doing tobecome acquainted with Miss Vernon, and she was one of those womenwho, invariably envious of a more beautiful sister, keep them at arms'length. She could not but own to herself how beautiful Vaura was. Themen raved of her, and she, the faded little dowager duchess, dislikedher accordingly. She had already outstayed the bounds of politeness, but being determined to gain her point said, languidly, to herhostess:

"I really must trespass upon your kindness a little longer, dear LadyEsmondet, I wish so much to meet Miss Vernon. "

So that, as it was late when Vaura and Lionel returned, it came topass that Saunders met her mistress at the hall door with a requestfrom Lady Esmondet that she would come immediately to the morning-roomwithout waiting to change her habit. So Vaura entered, gay, radiant, and with a fresh bloom upon her cheek, engendered partly by gentlecaresses of the invigorating air, partly by the warmth in the looksand words of the handsome man by her side. 

She made her way in answer to a look from her god-mother at once toher side, where the introduction took place. 

"Her complexion is very well got up, " thought the _petite_ fadedDuchess, as she bowed carelessly, and who had used tints and washesever since her sixteenth year. "I wonder whose wash she wears, " andwith a conventional word or two she turned with _empressement_ toLionel, greeting him warmly, as Vaura crossed the room to where herold playmate sat, giving only a passing word to acquaintances. 

Lady Esmondet thought, as she glanced at the Duchess of Wyesdale, roused almost to animation in her reception of Captain Trevalyon, "Lionel is the magnet that has drawn her here; she has not forgottenher old penchant for him. "

On seeing his hostess disengaged a young Frenchman, wearing the redribbon of the Legion of Honour, won by a brave act in the Franco-German war, stepped to her side; he held in his hand a volume he hadbeen admiring, --views of the lovely lake scenery of the British Isles. 

They were soon discanting warmly upon their respective beauties, andbecame so interested that Lady Esmondet scarcely noticed that she wasbidding adieu to the fashionable butterflies who had been killing timein her presence for the last hour or two. At last they are all gonewith the exception of the Duchess, who has risen to make her exit, andRobert Douglas, who is remaining to luncheon. The Duchess is justsaying to Lionel:

"Oh, you are _sure_ to be here, and you won't refuse _me_, I _know_;I'd rather be Juliet to your Romeo in my tableaux than--. But, oh, dear, the others have heard us, and I did so hope it would have been alittle secret between _us_, you know. "

And Lady Wyesdale affected a childish look of terror as she turned toher hostess, saying:

"You won't think us very dreadful, Lady Esmondet?"

"Oh, dear, no; there's nothing dreadful in a pictured love scene. "

But in reality she felt annoyed that this silly woman should pretendto an understanding between Captain Trevalyon and herself. 

"And you won't tell Miss Vernon, " she continued, beseechingly, "I wanther to be surprised. "

Vaura and Rev. Robert had joined the group as Captain Trevalyon wassaying, laughingly, "I cannot promise you, Lady Wyesdale, I am in Lady Esmondet's hands;if, as I expect the 12th of January sees her at Haughton Hall, Icannot possibly be with you, unless my photo in the garb you wish willsuit. "

"Of course he will say so before them, " thought the Duchess, aloud, she says tapping him on the arm with her cardcase, "Come to my box atthe Theatre to-night, I want to consult you about something, sincedear Harold died, " and a corner of her handkerchief went to her eyes, "I often feel so alone. "

"Thanks, I shall wait upon you as early as possible; to-night I go tothe Quirinal. "

"So sorry, " and making her adieux she added "I cannot have you. "

"Yes, Emmanuel is Victor to-night, " said Vaura gaily. 

The butler announced luncheon, and Priest Robert gave his arm to MissVernon, saying:

"And that is a woman! how are we of the clergy ever going to waken athrob of life into the soul of such!"

"Were you in the pulpit at this moment, Robert, I am inclined to thinkyou would discourse as St. Paul on idle-wandering-about-from-house-to-house-women; he was severe on my sisterhood, "

"They were not your sisterhood, you have no part with such. "

"There would be a double lecture from St. Paul, " said Lionel as hetook the end of the table, "could he enter the Russell Club, RegentStreet some day what a Babel of tongues, what tid-bits of gossip wouldelectrify him. "

"Yes, " said Robert Douglas, "a men and women's club would scarcelyagree with his views of what our human nature should live for. "

"I hear it is extremely difficult for a pretty woman to become amember of Eve's she is as a rule black-balled; so a fair face does notalways win, " said Lionel. 

"I think it would be extremely stupid to belong to an exclusivelywomen's club; so much of gossip would kill me, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"I don't know, " said Vaura, "whether either of you gentlemen are awareof how by a clever _ruse_ our gay friend Mrs. Eustace Wingfield, notwithstanding her good looks, became a member of Eve's. She told mygodmother and I of it soon after the occurrence. "

"I have never heard of it, " said Robert Douglas. 

"Pray tell us, " said Lionel. 

"'Tis a long story, " said Vaura, "in fact a three-volume one, but youshall only have a page or two. Between the President of Eve's the Hon. Miss Silverthorne and Mrs. Eustace Wingfield, there is an old feuddating from their school days. "

While at school Mrs. Eustace, then May Raynor, was the veryincarnation of fun and mischief, Silverthorne being extremely plainand severe in style. The Wingfield estate bordered on the schoolproperty. Eustace, prospective heir to his uncle, often ran down fromLondon, much to the dismay of the lady principal, for he was no end ofa flirt. May Raynor's pretty face attracted him from the first, butSilverthorne had a soft spot in her heart for him. Jealous of May shereported her to the principal; for revenge Wingfield cast languishingglances at Silverthorne in church. She never having had a loveractually informed the principal that, when he came to her to sue forher hand, she, as her guardian, was to say him yea. On May beingmarried and out of the school-room, to her adored, she, Silverthorne, vowed revenge, if ever in her power, so that, when two seasons ago, Mr. Wingfield bet May a box, during _la_ Bernhardt _saison_, againstan embroidered dressing gown that she would be black-balled at Eve's, on Mrs. Clayton proposing her, the president, looking black, declared, on its being put to the vote on the following afternoon, she shouldhave her two black balls, Mrs. Clayton informed May. "Now, what shall, be my card, " exclaimed May, "for my bet shall be won. I have it, " andstaining her face yellow with green glasses and unbecoming attire, sheattended a woman's right meeting at which her enemy was chairman. Seated immediately in front of the platform, Miss Silverthorne gloatedover her changed looks. She was made a member. Her enemy saying toMrs. Clayton, "How hideous she has become; how he will hate her!"

"What a green-eyed monster is jealousy, " said Reverend Robert. 

"But our gay friend won her bet and a stare at the Bernhardt, in spiteof everything, " laughed Trevalyon. 

"But I fancy gay Mrs. Wingfield would not often be found at 'Eves;'such an army of plain women would be too many for her, " said reverendDouglas. 

"Oh! no, " said Vaura, taking his arm back to the sunlit morning-room, "she only goes occasionally to throw a white ball for a pretty woman. "

"I have sometimes come across her with Wingfield at the 'Abermarle';she likes a little bass mixed with the treble of her life, " saidTrevalyon. 

"She is right, " said Vaura, "one would grow weary of continuallypiping to the same key. "

"Isabel tells me they are very gay at Haughton, " said Reverend Robert. 

"Incessant revelry seems to be a necessity in the life of Madame, "said Lady Esmondet. 

"Tastes differ, god-mother dear, the wild game of life that suits herpalate would suit ours as badly, as (what she would consider) our tamegame would suit her, " saying which she joined Lionel, a little apartat a table strewn with music which he wished her to select from. 

"Do you believe in presentiments _cara mia_?"

"Yes; but I am wondrously content and don't want eyen to think ofpresentiments. "

"I don't either, _ma chere_, " he said, a little sadly, leaning hiselbows on the table, his head for a moment upon them, "but I have onenow that the Fates are putting black threads on their distaff for me. "

"Don't look so sorrowful or you will affect me. "

"Did you and I live in Pagan times, _ma belle_, I should be tempted tooffer incense at their shrine, so pleasing, that their black threadswould give place to gold and silver. "

"Your incense would be flattery; they are but women, what would theymore, " she said smilingly. 

"There are women, and woman, " he said absently, the grave look stillin the eyes resting on her face. 

"There is something more than usual troubling you; share it with me, do, and then you know you will only have half to bear, " and for onemoment her soft hand is on his arm, her eyes full of sympathy on hisface. 

"It is only a presentiment, _ma belle_, " and his hand is laid on hers. 

But now there is a tap at the door, and his servant says:

"Telegram from England, sir. "

"My presentiment, " he says, in same low tone. 

"Face it bravely, it is not, I trust, bad news. "

"It is, " he says gravely, "for I must leave you. "

Vaura turned pale, and Lady Esmondet said:

"No bad news I hope, Lionel?"

"Yes, dear friend, it is from Judith, and states that "Uncle Vincentis no better and wishes to see me, " but she does not say at once, orif there be any danger. "

"I am sorry, Sir Vincent is no better, but every cloud has its silverlining; you may not really be obliged to go; he may rally, " she saidkindly. 

"Yes, that is true, I shall telegraph my cousin to know if I must goat once; if not, you will be leaving Italy so soon we may yet journeytogether. "

"I hope so, " continued Lady Esmondet. 

"But 'tis hard for her, " said Vaura, "a stranger in a strange land;can I do anything for her, write some of our friends to call upon her, anything, only tell me, the Claytons, are kind, " and she is beside himin a moment. 

"You are very thoughtful, but Judith is extremely self-reliant. "

"Do not give way to depression, Trevalyon, " said Reverend Douglas;"our paths cannot all be those of pleasantness. "

"Don't go, Robert, I want you to dine with us at seven; only theMarchmonts. "

"Thank you, Lady Esmondet, I shall be with you, but for the present, _au revoir_ as I have even-song. "

"I am grieved at this, " said Lionel sadly, "for something tells me Ishall have to go; I have known very little of Uncle Vincent; you areaware, dear Lady Alice, that he and my poor father were not friendly;my cousin is independent; and as I said before self-reliant to thelast degree. "

"It will not be so hard for her in that case, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"I am selfish enough to regret we have anyone to dinner, if I amobliged to leave you on to-morrow. "

"I was just thinking so, " said Lady Esmondet, "our evenings togetherhave been perfect, but alas for changes; and Vaura, dear, the landauis at the door, you know we arranged for a drive. "

"Yes, I remember, but let it wait. "

"We may not have another opportunity, Lionel, for private converse;you will write; and Vaura and I shall (D. V. ) be at London on the 4thor 5th; and shall meet you again at Haughton Hall. "

"Yes, I shall meet you there, " he answered thoughtfully; "my plans arenot yet matured, but I want you to be _certain_ to telegraph me ofyour return; I shall meet you at London. "

"Fate is cruel to send you away, and at Christmas, but I am forgettingyour poor uncle, " said Vaura kindly. 

"I shall telegraph of our return without fail, Lionel; and now aboutyours to your cousin, had you not best run away and attend to it, weshall only take a short drive, and be here as soon as you. "

"Come with us, " said Vaura, "it will save time. "

"So it will, and to kill the time I feel that is left to me with you, would be a Sacrilege. "

"What route do you take, Lionel?" enquired his friend. 

"You are aware I have a commission for Clayton, at Florence, so mustfirst go thither, thence to Bologna, then to Turin, Paris, Calais, Dover and London. "

"Shall I ring for Somers, godmother dear, to bring your cloak andbonnet, while I go and don my wraps?"

"Thank you, yes. "

Trevalyon, now going quickly to do his friend's side, said:

"I have but a moment, but I want you to know that this mischief isbrewing for me at the Hall, and it has rapidly fermented; 'society, 'tasting of its bubbles. "

"I was sure of it, Lionel, and it is the brew of that woman and MajorDelrose. "

"Yes; and their aim is so to damage my reputation that I cannot gainthe woman, and the only one I have ever longed for as my own lovedwife. "

"Heaven grant that there machiavelian manoevres may end in failure. "

Here the sweet face and small white plush bonnet, scarlet strings andfeathers appear at the door, so a truce to confidentials. 

"I shall be so lonely if Fate takes me out of your life even for ashort time, " and Vaura's hand is tightly clasped as he assists herinto the landau. 

"We shall be lonely also. "

"I hope so. "

"I must say our lives have been very complete at the villa, " said LadyEsmondet; "our cup of content has been full. "

"To the brim;" and his eyes turn at last from Vaura's face as he says, "you had better drop me here, at the telegraph office while you turninto the Corso, " and stepping from the landau, lifting his hat he wasgone. 

"I wonder, " said Vaura, "should poor Sir Vincent die, if MissTrevalyon will return to New York. "

"I am sure of it; Lionel tells me his cousin dislikes English life asmuch as she likes that of her ain countree. "

Vaura fell into a reverie; after some moments, waking to herself, said:

"I did not show you the interesting epistle I received from Mrs. Haughton, in which she says, 'society' hath it that Capt. Trevalyonrejoices in a 'hidden wife. '"

"A pure invention got up to hurt him. "

"But why?" she asked with assumed carelessness. 

"Because he is not at a certain woman's feet, she has joined herselfwith black Delrose, his enemy of years, is my surmise, and I think the_denouement_ will prove me correct. "

"Poor dear uncle; his life is not an idyl. "

"His mistake, Vaura, _ma chere_, is a weight of care to me, that I tryin vain to shake off;" and something very like a tear glistened as shespoke. 

The friends were unusually silent in the drive home. Arrived therethey separated to dress for dinner; Vaura threw herself on her loungeto rest and think. "Poor, uncle Eric, what a woman he has put on theshackles of matrimony for; and now her attempt to injure our friend;poor Lion, my heart is full of pity for you and you do not know it, because you cannot speak until the "difficulty" is overcome; ah! me, what a world of lies it is, for that this 'hidden wife, ' is a myth, and an inspiration from Lucifer to Madame, I am quite sure of. Butalas! should their be one grain of truth in the bushel of lies, andthat he cannot prove to 'society's' satisfaction that 'twas only agrain of youthful folly, that his manhood in its nobility had nothingto do with it. If he cannot do this, then he will never ask me to beanything more to him than what I shall always be, his friend; poordarling, what with his father's grief at his misguided mother'sfrailty, he has drank deep of the waters of bitterness; the unrulymember set in motion by scandal, envy, hatred, or malice as motivepower, is more to be dreaded as agent of evil, than dynamite in anyform. But I must ring for Saunders and dress for dinner. "

CHAPTER XXXI. 

SOCIETY'S VOTARIES SMILE THOUGH THEY DIE. 

"Here are some roses, Mademoiselle; the Captain cut them before hewent out and bid me keep them fresh for you. "

"Very well, Saunders, I shall wear them this evening; that is, theyellow ones; put the others in a vase, or give them to me, I shall, while you get out my ruby velvet; I am pale; it is high waist and nosleeves; take out my gold ornaments and bracelets--the plain goldbands; an old lace collar, with roses, shall be my neck-gear; hand memy vinagrette; I have a slight headache; and please comb my hairgently, it will be pleasant, yes; that will do. "

"Your hair is a fortune to you Mademoiselle, so long and thick. "

"Yes, it is, but I like it best because of its fluffiness; it is notrouble; weatherproof and waterproof. 

"So it is, Mademoiselle. "

"Now for my gown. "

"It fits beautiful, Mademoiselle. "

"Yes, I am quite satisfied with it. "

And well she may be, for the robe might have grown on the perfectform, every curve and roundness of figure being followed by the closeclinging velvet; and the arms, bare to the shoulder, fit models for asculptor, shone fair as the flesh of a child-blonde against the richruby of the velvet, The perfumed bath had refreshed her, and though atrifle pale, from heart emotion as to Lionel's probable leave-taking;her lips always wore a "pretty redness, " her eyes had a tender look, while the fluffy bronze hair had its own beauty as it shaded the brow. 

"You are looking charming, _ma chere_, " said Lady Esmondet, whom Vauramet in the hall. 

"Thank you, dear, your eyes are partial, I fear. "

"No, no, not as you imply. "

As they entered the drawing-room, Robert Douglas came from acomfortable corner where he had been studying a small work of Thomas aKempis, which he quietly returned to his pocket saying smiling:

"You see I am here to welcome you; I made myself at home and came hereimmediately at the close of even-song. "

"We feel complimented that you prefer our society to those veryecclesiastical looking quarters of yours, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"And where the ancient fathers look from the walls in wonderment atthe priest of to-day, as he pores over printed records of their bygonelives. "

"Why, Vaura, how did you know that the pictured fathers grace thewalls of my humble retreat?"

"From Isabel. "

"Ah, I wondered, for my study is never entered by a strange foot, itis my rest. "

"Is not your rest a misnomer, Robert? for from all I hear, youliterally rest nowhere, " inquired Lady Esmondet. 

"In my opinion, Lady Esmondet, a priest of the church should neverrest, but always have his armour on, for there is 'so little done, somuch to do. ' Thank God we are waking up at last; look at the priest ofto-day (I say it in all humility) as compared with the priest of fiftyyears ago. "

"True, true, " answered Lady Esmondet, "but, don't you think that thezealous Low Church clergy are doing as much for the human race as youare?"

"Undoubtedly, for the human race; but not for the church, for theirpeople often lapse into dissent. "

"I don't believe in extremes; I respect the man who is thorough, " saidVaura, seeing that Capt. Trevalyon had entered and seated himselfbeside her god-mother, evidently wishing to talk with her, and so, tohelp him, taking up the thread of the argument herself. 

"But Vaura, " said the priest, "don't you think that in the Ritualist, you have the man who is thorough?"

"Not exactly, he is extreme; the man who is thorough has no uncertainsound; he neither culls from Rome her vestments, nor from Dissent herhymns; both Rome and Dissent are thorough, why shouldn't he. But atruce to argument, a gentleman's trap stops the way, " she saidsmiling, "is even now at the steps; his back is this way, so I cannotname him; he talks to his servant, in bottle green livery, who has adecidedly Hibernian countenance. "

"Oh, " said Capt. Trevalyon, starting to his feet, "Lady Esmondet, itmust be an Irishman, an acquaintance of mine, Sir Dennis O'Gormon, whowanted very much to make the acquaintance of the ladies of the villaIberia. I had forgotten all about my asking him for to-day. "

"It makes no difference, Lionel, 'tis little wonder you forgot such asmall matter in the many more important you have had. "

Here a servant announced Sir Denis O'Gormon. 

"Ah, O'Gormon, glad to see you. Lady Esmondet, permit me to present toyou Sir Dennis O'Gormon. Miss Vernon allow me to introduce Sir Dennis;Douglas, I believe you and O'Gormon have met before. "

Lady Esmondet and Miss Vernon shook hands with and welcomed theirguest, Lady Esmondet saying graciously, "Any friend of CaptainTrevalyon is always welcome. "

"Thank you, Lady Esmondet, but by my faith, Trevalyon's a luckyfellow, and one whom I have always envied but never more so than now, "he continued laughingly, "when with all my fascinations I am onlywelcomed by two charming women for his sake. "

Mrs. Marchmont and Miss Marchmont were now announced. The two ladiesfloated in the most approved style towards their hostess, who rose towelcome them. They were ethereal in every respect, clad in a thinmaterial of pale green, neck bare and elbow sleeves, and looking morelike sisters than mother and daughter. Sandy of complexion, blue eyedsharp of feature; the mother having the advantage in flesh, thedaughter being all the angles joined in one. 

"I hate a thin woman, " was the whispered criticism of Sir Dennis toTrevalyon, with a suppressed emphasis on the word "hate. "

Trevalyon smiled, giving a side glance at Vaura's rounded form, as shebent gracefully with extended hand in welcome. 

"Faith, you may well look in that direction, " remarked the Irishman, detecting him. "She's fair enough to seduce a look from His Holinesshimself. "

Here Lady Esmondet introduced Sir Dennis O'Gormon to the Marchmonts;Trevalyon and Douglas having met them before. 

The butler now announced dinner, when Lady Esmondet taking the arm ofSir Dennis assigned Mrs. Marchmont to Trevalyon, when Douglas handedin Vaura and Miss Marchmont. 

Lady Esmondet found Sir Dennis a pleasant neighbour, who devotedhimself equally to Vaura on his left and to his hostess at the head ofthe table. As usual the table was decorated with the rarest offlowers, which sent forth their delicate perfume from a large stand, the design of which was an imitation of the famed terraced gardens ofSemiramis: the shrubs and trees represented in miniature by the mostdelicate ferns and mosses; the whole a triumph of nature and art. Choice flowers stood in a tiny bed of moss in front of each person. Many delicate desert dishes were not only tempting to the palate, butpleasing to the eye, while the wines in the cellar of the noble DonFerdinand were well known and appreciated. 

"Del Castello has a snug place here, Lady Esmondet, " observed SirDennis. 

"Extremely so, Sir Dennis. We are much more comfortably placed by thekindness of the Marquis than we should have been at an hotel. "

"He is a fine generous soul, always remembering that he is not theonly member of the human race, " said Sir Dennis (who had met him). 

"It is a charming little winter home, " said Vaura. "I shall regret toleave it. "

"You won't, I hope, leave for some time yet?"

"Yes; much as we love it, " she answered; smiling, "we go north erespring has thawed the sceptre out of the frozen hand of winter. "

"I am sorry to hear that. But you don't surely go as soon as my friendTrevalyon?"

Vaura hesitated a moment, not wishing to be a messenger of death at adinner table, when Trevalyon came to her aid, cutting Mrs. Marchmontshort in a dissertation on the merits of shaded wool versus plain, bysaying, "Pardon me, Miss Vernon. I may be obliged, O'Gormon, to leave forEngland sooner than I expected; if so, it will be alone. "

"One of the penalties of bachelorhood, Trevalyon; by my faith, 'tis alonely loneliness. "

"I thought most of you glory in the freedom of winging your flightwhen you please, without having to say, by your leave, " said Vaura, gaily. 

"Not always, " said Trevalyon, quietly. 

"What do you say, Lady Esmondet. Don't you think a fellow is happierand less lonely when he cuts bachelor life?"

"Depends on the cards in his hands, and how he plays them, SirDennis, " answered his host, laconically. 

"True, Lady Esmondet, and if the cards are his, the game is won, thedifficulty over, " said Trevalyon, with a glance at Vaura, "and blisssecured. "

"Faith, you're right, Trevalyon. "

Here Miss Marchmont's shrill voice was distinctly heard above thegeneral hum, in animated discussion, saying, "Oh, I'm sure he comes from the East. "

The Rev. Douglas was evidently much amused and disputing the point;Miss Marchmont continued, "The dear creature has such a beautiful colour--so bronzed. "

"I'll lay any wager 'the dear creature' means a soldier, " saidTrevalyon to Vaura. 

Vaura smilingly assented. 

"A soldier, " exclaimed Mrs. Marchmont in horror; "oh no, Capt. Trevalyon, nothing so naughty; it's Miranda's last pet. "

"But we women are given to petting the red-coats, Mrs. Marchmont, "said Vaura with a laugh in her voice. 

"They're too wild for dear Miranda, " said Marchmont mater; "the petyou mean is the last sweet insect you have collected; is it not, mydear child?" she said, anxious for the fair fame of the owner of thefine exhibit in elbow and collar bone. 

"Yes, mamma, you are right, but I am so sorry Mr. Douglas is not atone with me; I feel convinced the dear potato bug comes from the east;he is of brilliant colouring and luxurious habit. "

Rev. Robert Douglas laughingly shook his head, and Sir Dennis said:

"Miss Marchmont, you cannot imagine the wager Capt. Trevalyon waslaying when you talked about the 'bronzed beauty;' he wanted some oneto take him up at ten to one you meant a dashing cavalry man, or a'go-as-he-please' infantry. "

"Order! order! O'Gormon, " interrupted Trevalyon, laughing. 

"Oh! I'm shocked, Capt. Trevalyon, " cried Miss Marchmont seriously, "that my dear potato bug, with all his innocent ways, its care of itseggs, --. "

Here a general laugh went round the table, except from Marchmont_mere_, who tried in vain to catch the fair Miranda's eye, whocontinued bravely, "should be taken for anything so wild as a soldier, who doesn't do anything so useful. But I must convert you, Mr. Douglas, " she continued, returning to the siege; "it would be such asweet study for a clergyman; I shall lend you Cassels' NaturalHistory, and you must promise to read it for my sake, " she saidgushingly. 

Meanwhile, Trevalyon tried in vain to catch the drift of conversationbetween Vaura and her neighbour, but no, Mrs. Marchmont, thoughinwardly afraid of this squire of dames; and of his intellect, determined to appear at ease, and so talked on the one engrossing ideaof her life; the last conundrum in fancy work, the last fashionableincongruity in the blending of colours. And poor, victimized Lionellonged to breathe in Vaura's refreshing breadth of thought; on histormentor pausing to recover breath, it was not as balm to a wound tohear Sir Dennis say pleadingly:

"The gardens of the Collona palace are looking lovely in their tintsof emerald; it will transport me to my loved isle, Miss Vernon, ifyou'll walk with me there some day; though our damsels are not fair asthe companion I desire, and her rich beauty would add grace to thespot. "

"Come, come, Sir Dennis, no flattery, I am jealous for the beauty ofthose gardens, and do not want to hear, even in jest, my poor lookswould add to their charm, " she answered gaily, and evading hisquestion. 

Here Lady Esmondet, feeling for Lionel's torture, catching Mrs. Marchmont's eye, rose from the table, leaving the gentlemen to discussthe merits of bottles of no plebeian length of neck. 

"How sweetly English the fire in the grate looks, " observed Mrs. Marchmont. 

"Yes, it does; but while at home we really require it to keep awaycold, here it is more to remind us of the warm sun gone to rest, " saidLady Esmondet. 

"There's no doubt the dear Spaniard, the Marquis Del Castello, has aneye for luxurious comfort, " said Vaura, as she sank into the corner ofa _tete-a-tete_ sofa and fell into a reverie of Lionel's probableleave-taking. 

While Mrs. Marchmont seated herself in an Elizabethan chair, Mirandaplacing herself on a footstool by her side and laying her head withits thin sandy curls on her knee. 

"What a child you are still, Miranda, " said her mother, sentimentally, as she fondled the high cheek-bone. 

"You are quite companions, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"We are bosom friends; more than sisters since the departure of mydear husband. "

"Mr. Marchmont has been dead some time, I believe. "

"Yes, some twelve years; but, dear Lady Esmondet, Miranda will tellyou that I always speak of dear Charles as departed, gone before; moreas if he had gone out to buy me some new fancy work, you know; theword 'dead' upsets my nerves so, " and the sandy head drooped and ahand was laid on the forehead. 

"Yes; dear mamma has such refined feelings. "

"Yes, " said her hostess, absently, for she heard a messenger arrive, atap at the door of the dining-room, and knew the message was for thetemporary master of the house, an answer to his telegram, and wishedthe Marchmonts back to their own quarters, so that the complete littletrio were alone; but she is forgetting Madame Grundy, so says:

"I believe you intend wintering in Italy. "

"Yes, we have rented Rose Cottage to a friend of Mrs. Haughton's, aMajor Delrose, late of the --th Lancers. "

"Oh, it's _your_ cottage he has rented, " said Lady Esmondet, awakingto interest. 

"Yes; Major Delrose took an awful fancy to it, and Mrs. Haughton, dearthing, took a good deal of trouble in making our arrangements; neitherMiranda or myself are strong. "

"Strong! What an odious word to apply to us. It smells of milk andmilk-maids; we would be uninteresting without our pet ailments. "

"Excuse me, my child, I know a zephyr could waft us away. "

"Pull-backs would be rather in the way of the onward movement of thezephyr, don't you think?" inquired Vaura, ironically, and glancing atthe figure of the speaker, who with her daughter wore, at theinstigation of Mrs. Haughton (who laughed with her men friends at theobjects they were), skin-tight chamois under-clothing, and with onlyone narrow underskirt beneath the dress, express the figure so thatnothing is left to imagination. 

"Ah! Miss Vernon, don't be severe; Mrs. Haughton, dear thing, says youhave no pet sins, but if you will only wear tights, I shall send in myown name for them, " she said coaxingly. 

"_Merci_! madame, " said Vaura lightly, "but Worth has not yet told memy pleasure in life would be enhanced by the encasing of my body intights, so I shall content myself with myself, as you see me. "

"I'm so sorry you won't. "

"Yes; but I believe I interrupted you; you were saying something aboutMrs. Haughton having kindly smoothed away difficulties in the way ofyour wintering in Italy;" this she said roused to interest for heruncle's sake, "and this Major Delrose, how was he mixed up with Mrs. Haughton?"

"Oh! yes, Miss Vernon, the dear tights put everything else out of myhead; well, as I was saying, Major Delrose longed to be near the Hall, and as the Colonel does not take to him, you see he is a littleattentive to Mrs. Haughton, and the dear thing likes him, dear Charleswas just like the Colonel, if men have handsome wives they don't likemen to admire them; so Mrs. Haughton, dear thing, hit upon this plan, and they both arranged it with us one day they were in, and we werenot strong, I mean we were delicate, so we remain as long as the Majorwants Rose cottage, then we go to London to my sister, Mrs. Meltonbury, for the season. "

"Ah! I understand, quite a friendly arrangement, " answered Vaura, atrifle sarcastically. Here a diversion was caused by the entrance ofthe gentlemen. 

The fair Miranda raised her sandy head from her mother's knee andlooked languishingly at the priest, who smiled as he took a seatbeside her. 

"I am so glad we have you in Rome during our stay, " observed Mrs. Marchmont, gushingly, "you will be such company for Miranda while I amembroidering; the sweet child was saying she should so much like to goto you for confession. "

"Confessing! who is confessing?" said Sir Dennis, as he entered, "faith for once I would not say no to playing priest where there is alovely penitent to shrive, " and he glanced at Vaura and was making forthe sofa beside her, but Lionel with one long step gained their mutualgoal, saying:

"Priest Douglas will not allow you to entrench upon his preserves, O'Gorman. "

"Faith! you wouldn't either, " said the Irishman with a side glance atthe sofa. 

"But tell me, " continued Trevalyon, "confess, reverent Father, dostthou at confession bestow the gentle kiss of reconciliation?"

"You should not disclose the secrets of the confessional, Robert, "said Lady Esmondet, coming to his aid. 

"No! trust me, " answered Robert, and Miss Marchmont hung her head andblushed. 

"It would be a pleasant little _denouement_ when the penitent was apretty woman, " said Trevalyon laughingly. 

"_A propos_ of the confessional, did any of you ever come under thetorture of that modern Inquisition, the 'Confession Book?'" saidVaura. 

"Yes, yes, " cried the gentlemen simultaneously. 

"Oh! don't denounce them, Miss Vernon, " exclaimed Miss Marchmontpathetically. "I could not exist without mine; it is so interesting toread aloud from at a picnic, tennis party, or five o'clock tea. Indeed, my confession book was one of the chief sources of pleasure atRose Cottage, wasn't it, mamma?" and she stroked her mother's handcaressingly. 

"It was, Miranda; and Miss Vernon must promise to write down all hersecrets in your book on her return to England; Blanche Tompkins has itin charge; you will promise to write, Miss Vernon, won't you?" and thethin lips were pursed into a smile. 

"The saints forbid, " laughed Vaura, "that I should put the surgicalknife, as it were, to my heart, and lay bare all its latent workingsfor the express delectation of five o'clock teas--and women!"

"Oh! do, dear Miss Vernon, " said Miss Marchmont coaxingly, "your heartwould be so interesting. "

The gentlemen laughed. 

"Nearly as much so as the potato bug, " said Vaura in an undertone toTrevalyon; aloud, she said gaily:

"No, I rebel, and most solemnly affirm, that, as you tell me Mrs. Haughton says I cultivate no pet sins, and as she is your oracle, Iabide by her decision; with no pet sins, what could I say? that, as tocolours, Worth supplies me. That, though I be ostracised by Mrs. Grundy, I still have the courage left in me to affirm that I don't andwon't climb the dizzy heights or flights, to pour incense on thatshrine alone. And that, were I on the rack, I should gasp forth thatthe woman who invented torture-books has not my heart-felt love. "

"Hear! hear!" said O'Gormon, clapping his hands, "'when found, make anote on, ' Miss Marchmont, and you have Miss Vernon's confession. "

"Yes now I should never have thought of that; you Irish think likelightning; let me see if I can recall what Miss Vernon said, " and thesandy locks are thrown backwards as the blue eyes dwell on the paintedceiling. 

"But, Miss Marchmont, " said Trevalyon, in pretended earnest, "it wouldbe unorthodox, and spoil your book, unless you extract a promise fromMiss Vernon, only to pour incense at the feet of the brilliant Earl. "

"Oh certainly, thank you, Capt. Trevalyon; pardon me, Miss Vernon, "cried the owner of the torture-book, in great dismay, "excuse me, buteveryone contributing to my book, must admire the dear Earl more thananyone departed or with us (Gladstone after, if you wish); of course, "she added apologetically, "one does not care to remember he has Jewishblood, yet against that fact is, that he has never eaten pork, such anasty, vulgar meat. "

"Remember, Miranda sweet, that Miss Vernon, having spent so much ofher life in France, cannot perhaps know that it is the fashion toworship the Earl. "

"From Earl Beaconsfield to music is a long look, but let us take it, "said Lady Esmondet; "Miss Marchmont, will you sing for us?"

As Miranda asked Rev. Robert what it should be, Vaura said in anundertone to Trevalyon:

"I do admire the clever Earl immensely, and not only because it is thedecree of the god of fashion. "

"I wish we had the evening to ourselves, " he murmured, "what do youthink of the Irishman?"

"He is lavish of the superlative degree; is good-hearted as his race;and for the time being, feels intensely, " she answered. 

Miss Marchmont, now asking her mother to join her in the duet, "Comewhere my love lies dreaming, " they glided arm in arm to the piano, andnow Miss Marchmont implored of some one to come where her love laydreaming, in a shrill treble, while her mother repeated the request ina very fair alto. 

O'Gormon challenged Vaura to a game at chess. 

Lionel fell into a brown study of his future plans to undo themischief done by a woman's tongue. The poor fellow often glanced atVaura in all her loveliness, and a pain came to his heart as helooked, for he thought of how he was leaving her, not knowing if sheloved him, and with other men about her; and of how, with the torturethat he might lose her weighing him down, he was going out from heralone to find Sister Magdalen, and see if she would openly reveal all. She had been reticent and guarded for years, and he was not in a moodto hope much. 

But now he hears the clear voice of Vaura cry, "checkmate, " andO'Gormon leads her to the piano. 

Vaura gave them a gem of Mozart's, then some gay opera airs, then, inresponse to their pleading for some song, gave "Il Bacio, " in her fullrich tones. 

Sir Dennis stood by the piano and looked his admiration. 

"You seem fond of music, Sir Dennis, " said the fair musician, as sheleisurely turned over the music with him in search for a song from"Traviata. "

"Fond of it! I adore it, and sometimes the musician. "

"A double tax on your powers of adoring, " said Vaura, gaily, as SirDennis placed the song before her, but though her notes were clear andsweet as a bird's, her heart was sad at the thought of the partingbetween Lionel and herself, and just now she had no sympathy with thefree-from-care spirit of the song "Gaily Thro' Life I Wander. "

During the song Capt. Trevalyon was summoned from the room. It is atelegram, and runs thus:

"THE LANGHAM HOTEL, "LONDON, England, Dec. 24th. 

"My father cannot live, and wishes to see you. Physician says come atonce. " JUDITH TREVALYON. 

"Capt. Trevalyon, "Villa Iberia, Rome, Italy. "

"Sims, this telegram calls me to England. You say there is an expressat midnight. It is now 10. 30, go at once and take some necessaryrefreshment; pack my luggage, leaving out my travelling gear; get yourown box, and have them conveyed to the depot, express them through toLondon, to the Langham, and be ready to leave with me by the midnighttrain; and don't forget Mars. "

"Yes sir; and what time, sir, shall I order the trap to take you tothe _depot_, sir?"

"At 11. 30 sharp, Sims. "

"Yes, sir. "

Captain Trevalyon hurried back to the salons just as Vaura finishedher song. He made his way to Lady Esmondet, in order to get a word inher ear, as Sir Dennis monopolised Vaura; but Mrs. Marchmont was fullof a new folding screen Mrs. Haughton had ordered from London. 

"The dear thing wanted something novel, so had the three 'Graces'painted on a sky-blue plush ground, suspended in the air; over them(as it were) hangs an open umbrella in rose-pink; oh! it's too lovelyfor anything, Lady Esmondet; you will be entranced when you see it, Captain Trevalyon, " and she folded her hands and turned her pale blueeyes upwards. 

To Captain Trevalyon's relief, Vaura asked him to sing something, andseeing it was hopeless just now, to have a word with Lady Esmondet, hehoped when his song was over and their glass of champagne drank, therewould be a general exodus ere it was time for him to leave; so hemoved towards the piano, and playing his own accompaniment, sang oneof Moore's melodies, "Farewell, but whenever you welcome the hour. "

Vaura sat at a small table near the piano. Sir Dennis, with thesanguineness of his race, thought she was interested in his chit-chatand in a book of Italian views, but her thoughts were with Lionel, forshe caught his eye, and "minds run in grooves, " and he knew that sheunder stood, his silent farewell; she felt her heart ache, and wouldhave risen and gone to him, but "men may suffer and women may weep, "but the conventionalities must be attended to, or the mighty god, society, stares and frowns; and so Lionel sung parting words to thewoman he loved, and to his friend; and surely Moore would have beenmoved to tears had he heard the depth of feeling thrown into hiswords. When he was singing, the silver chimes softly rang eleveno'clock, so knowing he had no time to lose, he quietly left the room. 

Vaura's heart throbbed quickly for she thought, "he has gone. "

But the Marchmonts, much to her relief and Lady Esmondet, saying theymust "really tear themselves away, " a rather prolonged leave-takingtook place between Reverend Robert Douglas and Miss Marchmont, intowhich Mrs. Marchmont was drawn. 

"Well, I don't know, Miranda sweet, " she says, "that I can promise totake you to St. Augustine service tomorrow afternoon. I am going tohigh mass at St. Peter's, and shall be fatigued. "

Vaura, who was standing near, listening to O'Gormon's adieux, andanxious to do anything to hasten their leave-taking, said quickly:

"I shall likely go, and shall call at your hotel for Miss Marchmont. "

Miss Marchmont was gushing in her thanks. 

"Oh! don't forget, Miss Vernon, I wouldn't miss hearing Mr. Douglasintone the service for worlds. "

"The creature, not the creator, " thought Vaura. But now at last theguests have departed and the friends are alone. 

Lionel sees them go from the garden walk which he is pacing up anddown, ready to go and waiting for the trap. He has gone out urged byconflicting emotions, head aching, and in the air hoping to gain calm. It is now 11. 15; fifteen minutes yet. "If I could only see her alone. "

Fortune favours him, for Lady Esmondet having heard from Saunders(while Vaura is engaged with the Marchmonts) that Captain Trevalyon isabout somewhere, as he does not go until eleven thirty, taking in thesituation, tells Vaura to go to the _salons_ for a little while andshe will join her after she gives some directions to her maid. 

So Vaura returns and, wishing to be quite alone before Lady Esmondetjoins her, steps into the conservatory, but there her sense ofloneliness is so complete, that she returns to the _salon_ immediatelyadjoining, and drawing the heavy brocade curtains dividing it from theothers, she feels that she can give herself up to thoughts of Lionel;she knows now that he is gone; she would give worlds to have him byher side; she throws herself onto a lounge with her great white armsin a favourite attitude thrown above her head. But in the moment ofher entrance into the conservatory, Lionel had seen her from thegarden and came in noiselessly to make sure; she is alone, and he isnow gazing at her through the glass door; her bosom heaves, her flowerface is lovely in its transparent soft paleness, and her eyelids arewet with the tear-drops she will not let fall, her lips move and heopens the door on its noiseless hinges, she says softly:

"Oh, darling, why did you go?" and she throws herself on her side andburies her face in her arms. Now Lionel fearing to hear the wheels ofthe trap to take him away, makes a noise with the door as if he hadonly come, and so Vaura thinks as she starts to a sitting posture andher heart beats wildly as she says, putting both hands to her side, "Oh, you are not gone, I am so glad. "

"But I am going, and in a few minutes, Vaura darling, " and he seatedhimself beside her; "you must know I love you with the whole pent-uplove of my life, " and his arm was round her. "You know, darling, Itold you of a difficulty and I did not mean to speak until it wasremoved, but my heart has ached and I am so unmanned I have not knownsometimes what to do or how to bear up; I have been in torture, darling, lest other men should win your love. Oh! my love, mybeautiful darling, say you will not give your heart to another, thatyou will wait until I can plead my cause. "

"I shall wait, dear Lionel. "

"God, is it so, darling, darling?" and the soft hand was pressed andthe lovely head was drawn to his breast and the rose-mouth was kissedagain and again. 

"There, that will do, won't it, Lionel, for to-night; we have waitedso long, " and the large grey eyes with their warm love-light, lookedinto the tired blue of the eyes so near her own now with a greatpassionate love looking from them. 

"Darling love, " and his cheek was on hers, "I feel so full of blissand content, and my nerves all throbbing, I don't think I can ever letyou go; oh, you don't know how I love you. I used to boast of mystrength with women beauty; but with you in my arms, heaven, whatbliss! Vaura, darling, I feel half delirious; and yet a full rich joyin living and loving could not turn a man's brain. "

And now the hall bell is pulled furiously; Vaura starts up and to herfeet. 

"Put your soft arms around my neck, darling, and give me a good-byekiss; it will be a talisman from evil and help me through my lonelytravels. "

And her arms are clasped tightly round his neck, and his head bendsdown to the sweet lips. 

"Good-bye, dearest Lion, " and the eyes rest on his and she whispers, "I am not sorry I came back alone to the _salons_. "

"My love; how can I leave you. "

"You must. "

And Lady Esmondet calls and Lionel hurries to the ball, and with atight hand-clasp with his friend and a whispered, "I shall and mostconquer my enemies. "

"You will, Lionel. "

And Lady Esmondet knew by the light in his eyes that he had spoken andshe was glad. 

Having promised Vaura to join her she now turned her steps towards the_salons_, but thinking, "No, she will not want me to-night, " retracedher steps to her own room; and while her maid disrobed her, the lonelywoman thought: "What a perfect union theirs will be; both handsome, gifted, and with much gold, for I shall settle L3, 000 per annum onVaura. Sir Vincent will do something for dear Lionel. Ah, me; what Ihave missed in my wedded life, I who could have loved a husband of myown choice so fondly, so truly. Eric, Eric, you alone would have mademe happy; but I am growing old, I am looking back; it is folly. AliceEsmondet, you must not give way to melancholy, life is sweet to youeven if you are not a winner of all good in life's game--. Give me afew drops of red lavender, Somers; there, that will do; now leave meand go to rest. "

Vaura's whole being was filled with such intense happiness as she sankinto a corner of the sofa where Lionel had found her a short timebefore that she would not move and so perhaps break the spell. 

Emotional natures will know how she felt; as one does on waking from adream of the night, so rich, so full of sweetness, so full ofdelicious languor one does not move a muscle lest the sensation pass. 

At last she moves with a great sigh. "My darling, mine, " she thought, "and he loves me; come back to me, Lion, " and the great fair arms wereclasped at the back of her head, then thrown down to the knees, andthe hands go together, while a smile, oh, how sweet and tender, comesto the mouth, and the eyes are wet with their warmth and feeling. 

"I'm glad you spoke before the 'difficulty, ' is overcome, for if youcan never undo it you will know that I always loved you. Men who wouldhave satisfied most women have wooed me in vain. And now could any oneof them who have charged me with cruelty see me. Yes, dearest Lion, Iam every inch a woman and am subdued at last, and longing, longing, dear heart, to feel your arms about me and see the light in yourmesmeric eyes. I have been waiting for you so long, love; come back tome, for I cannot do without the sweet, grave smile, the look from thetired eyes. Do you know, darling, as you are whirling away to northernclimes that I am dreaming the hours away thinking of you; it is oneo'clock, love, good night. "

And Vaura, in all her loveliness, and full of a dreamy languor, wentto her chamber. Saunders heard the light step in the silent householdand followed her mistress. 

"You must be sleepy, Saunders; put away my robe, lace, and jewels, andgo. "

"I am not tired, Mademoiselle; I have just had a nap in the house-keeper's room; you'd best let me run the comb through your hair, Mademoiselle. "

"Very well, Saunders, but be quick; I am tired. "

"The household are sorry, Miss, that the Captain is away; we wereproud to have such a handsome master, and so free-handed; but itwasn't for what the Captain gave; it was his own kind ways, and we'llbe wishing his servant back too, Mademoiselle; he was so merry. Buthis master was so kind, Sims could but be happy. "

"Even the hirelings love him, " thought her mistress; aloud she says:

"I am quite sure Capt. Trevalyon was a kind master, Saunders, andSims was a faithful servant, and looked the essence of good humour. Good-night, you can go now, "

"Good-night, ma'am; what time shall I call you for your bath, ma'am?"

"At half-past nine. "

"Yes, ma'am. "

And the white _robe de nuit_ is on, and this sweet woman glances atthe mirror, and smiles at the fair face with the bright brown curls onthe brow, the throat as fair as the soft robe of muslin, all a mysteryof embroidery and shapely clingingness. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

TREVALYON GONE, VAURA KILLS TIME. 

Christmas Day, the birth-day of Christ, dawned fair, beautiful, andbright, and was ushered in by many a peal of sweet sounding bells. 

The heavenly east was so gloriously bright as old Sol mounted upwards, as to cause many a devout Roman (as he wended his steps to worship theCreator, at the altar, in one or other temple whose doors stood wideopen, admitting a gleam of sunlight onto the figure of the sleepingbabe, and the adoring faces of the worshippers, to cause him) toimagine as he gazed upward, that the heavenly Host caused all thisflood of light in the warm, glorious east, by their smiles of approvalat man's attempt to adore. 

Vaura woke from a late sleep as Saunders tapped at the door; slumberhad only come to her by sweet snatches during the hours of the night;but she lay happy in the dreamy quiet; and the face of the man sheloved was ever before her. On waking, as her maid knocked, her firstfeeling was that something was wanting; that something had gone out ofher daily life, and she gave a long deep sigh. Then the sweet sense, that she was loved, came to her; not that the knowledge of this man'slove was just come to her--she had known it for some time, but theyhad both reached that stage when mutual pledges of love were cravedfor, and which to fill their whole being with the fulness of content, with the fulness of a satisfied bliss, had become a necessity. 

The first thing that met her eye on rising, were a few crushed flowerson the seat of her favourite chair. Tied around the stalks was adelicate point-lace handkerchief; on the tiny square of muslin waswritten, in the handwriting she knew so well, Vaura Vernon; among theblossoms were a few written words:

"My heart aches at leaving you without a word of farewell My brain isin a whirl. I feel as though I shall go mad if you give your love toanother; save me by writing me. Writing! how cold. God help me!--YourLIONEL. "

Capt. Trevalyon, not thinking to see Vaura, had, before going into thegarden, gone to her boudoir, and placed this mute farewell on herchair. 

"Now my darling knows, " she thought as she pressed them to her lips. 

There were warm Christmas greetings exchanged between the two womenfriends, on meeting in the breakfast room. When the servants werereleased from duty, duty, Lady Esmondet said:

"Dear Lionel has left us something to remember him, at least forto-day, Vaura, _ma chere_, see here, " and she held up two vinaigrettesshe had been admiring; on the cover to the stopper of one was the name"Alice Esmondet, " on the other, "Vaura Vernon. " Both bottles weresmall and both gold; on one side of Vaura's were the words, "I amweary waiting, L. T. , " in very small letters, while a tiny wreath offorget-me-nots encircled the words; blue stones, inlaid, formed theflowers; round each was a slip of paper--with the words: "With loveand Christmas wishes, from Lionel Trevalyon. For the crush at St. Peter's. "

"Kind and thoughtful, for we shall feel his gift refreshing in thecrowd, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"Poor dear, far away; we shall miss him on this bright Christmasmorn, " said Vaura, as she read the words, "I am weary waiting. "

"But I am forgetting my gift to you, and one from dear Uncle Eric, "and Vaura took from a small box a lovely locket, on one side was aminiature copy of Haughton; on the other the lovely face of the giver. "And this from Uncle for you came to me on yesterday;" and Vaurapresented a photo of Col. Haughton. 

"How sweet it is to be remembered, Vaura, and it's a good likeness ofyour dear uncle. And here is a gift from myself, a mere bagatelle, butI hope you will like it, " and she handed Vaura an acknowledgement fromWorth of an order for a ball-dress, to be at Haughton Hall on the 5thJanuary, 1878. 

"Thanks, god-mother mine, your thoughts are always of some one otherthan of Alice Esmondet. "

"Not at all, dear. "

"I shall be glad to return to England now, " and there was a tenderlight in Vaura's eyes; "that is, dear god-mother, if you have laid upa sufficient store of strength. "

"I have, _ma chere_, and if the revelry at Haughton isn't too much, Ishall be able not only to stand, but enjoy the season; I feel verystrong, and had I had a happy life--I mean, dear, had I married wheremy heart was--all would have been right; this 'eating out the heartalone' is not good for one. I have taken all the tricks I could, andmade the most of the cards in my hand, but they have not been to myliking. "

"My hand shall follow my heart, " said Vaura, earnestly; "how I wishyours had, dear. "

"Yes, it has been hard for me; but Fate, the dealer, is giving yougood cards. "

"How think you, godmother; is the game ours?"

"You will win. "

"How did you know?" she said, softly, coming over to Lady Esmondet, and stooping to kiss her. 

"By the great light in his eyes when he bade me adieu, and theheart-shine in your own; it has been the wish, of my life lately; Godis giving you a paradise in life, dear. "

"He is. "

"This plot to damage Lionel's reputation is a something too mean, "said Lady Esmondet indignantly; "in Mrs. Clayton's last letter to meshe asks me to 'decline to receive him, unless he publiclyacknowledges his hidden wife;' she says, though 'the women still willpet him, their husbands are down upon him;' she further says, 'Claytonsays he has no right to run loose with a hidden wife somewhere;' shesays it has been in two or three papers. I declare, Vaura, if it werenot for the feeling I have that we shall be a comfort to your uncle, Ido not care to go to Haughton. "

"Poor Lionel, " said Vaura, thoughtfully, "he has got himself into awasp's nest. Suppose we don't stay at Haughton, excepting for theball, then go quietly to your town house. "

"Yes, dear, as we pass through London I shall give orders that myhouse be in readiness any day to receive us; so, dear, if after westay for a short visit we find it a bore, we shall go up. "

"And be voted Goths and Vandals for showing our faces before theseason opens; and Mrs. Grundy says 'Come;' what slaves we are!" saidVaura. 

Now there is a tap at the door, and a servant enters withcontributions from the post. 

"Any orders, your ladyship?"

"Yes, the landau is to be at the door to take us to St. Peter's in anhour; at the close of mass we shall drive to the Duchess of Wyesdale, with whom we lunch; further orders there. And here, Barnes, " continuedLady Esmondet, taking out her purse, "distribute this gold to thehousehold, excepting to Somers and Saunders, whom I shall attend topersonally; and see that no poor go empty-handed from the villa onthis, the Day of Days. "

"Thank you, your ladyship, you are very kind, and we all wish you andMademoiselle a good Christmas. "

"Thank you, Barnes. "

"The man in bottle-green livery coming to the door, " said Vaura, asshe left the breakfast-table, "is servant to our friend of Erin. "

In a few moments Saunders brought her mistress a beautiful bouquet, with the card of Sir Dennis, on which was written, "A merry Christmasto Miss Vernon. "

"What think you of the Irishman?" asked Lady Esmondet. 

"Oh, I hardly know; he is a great good-natured creature; if his heartbe proportioned to the rest of his frame, the future Lady O'Gormonwill require to be intensely lovable. "

"The cards are quite artistic this year, " said Lady Esmondet; "but ofyours, I think the one from poor Marie Perrault the most_recherchee_. "

"She encloses me a few lines; poor girl, she makes a great fuss overthe few bits of gold I sent her. I have just read a letter from Mrs. Wingfield; after a good deal of chit-chat she says: We are staying atthe Lord Elton's place, Surrey, and are quite lively over theTrevalyon's 'Hidden Wife' story; the men are mad that he runs loose, while they are held in bondage with the fetters that he should be heldin also. I declare, god-mother dear, one is inclined to think envy isthe motive power that rules the human family. "

"Indeed, yes; envy, hatred and malice are a prosperous firm who willnot fail for want of capital. "

"This Major Delrose, that the Marchmonts named, must be a sworn enemyof poor dear Lionel?"

"He is, and of years. "

"Ah! an intuitive feeling told me so; and at Rose Cottage; and thewoodland at the outskirts of our grounds hides it from the Hall; and aman and woman could meet and plot unobserved; but, god-mother mine, let us away to dress; the first bells are sounding their sweet musicalinvitation, and I shall try to forget Mrs. Haughton; for, amongChrist's gifts to men, I perhaps have not valued that most excellentgift of charity. "

Vaura is first robed, but Lady Esmondet enters the hall from herboudoir in a few moments. They are now in the landau, and rapidlydriven to that most stately of modern sanctuaries, a type in itsmagnificent architecture and strength of the pride, riches, and unityof the wonderful system it represents. 

Vaura wears a robe of seal brown velvet and tight jacket of seal fur, a small _ecru_ velvet bonnet with scarlet geraniums among the lace. 

Lady Esmondet wishes Lionel could see the sweet face, and the far-awaylook in the great expressive eyes. The vast building was crowded tothe doors; the singing of mass grand to sublimity, and "the holyorgan's rolling sound was felt on roof and floor, " its vibrationsthrilling the hearts of the worshippers. The majestic grandeur of theinterior of this stately edifice, with its many altars, was on thisholy festival, enhanced by many beautiful decorations, chaste indesign and of costly value. Rare gems, vessels of gold, and vessels ofsilver, the gifts of princes, sparkled on altars of perfectworkmanship, while beauteous flowers raised their heads from pricelessvases, trying in vain, with their sweet odour to drown the fumes ofincense, wafted from the censor in the hands of the acolytes. 

High mass being concluded, Lady Esmondet, with Vaura, slowly emergedfrom the sacred edifice. O'Gormon and a young Italian attached to theQuirinal having waited for them at the door, conducted them to theirlandau, when with warm Christmas greetings they parted to meat forlunch with the Duchess of Wyesdale. On reaching their destination theyfound their slender waisted hostess, with her daughter, the LadyEveline Northingdon, with a few English and Italian notabilities, assembled in the _salons_. The Duchess looked blank on seeing thatCapt. Trevalyon was not in attendance; for to tell the truth, she hadonly invited Lady Esmondet and Miss Vernon because she could not verywell bid Trevalyon to lunch and ignore his hostess. 

For though he had only given her a few careless flatteries, they wereher food; still he had looked into her eyes and smiled. It was only away he had, but she was a silly little woman, and vain, tellingherself that in the old days she was sure he loved her hopelessly, butthe Duke then lived, and British law was in the way, a woman could notmarry more than one man at one time. She little knew that the mightyeagle, as he soars to his home in the mountain heights, with his boldglance wooing the sun, would as soon love the puny night hawk as wouldLionel Trevalyon waste his heart's strongest feelings on such a frailbutterfly as Posey Wyesdale. 

So, now, on the _entree_ of our friends without Trevalyon the Duchess, as she greeted them, called out in her thin treble, "Where's my truant cavalier? You have never come without him? Thatwould be too cruel. "

"We have; simply because he has left Rome and Italy. "

"Left Rome without bidding me _adieu_, " screamed Posey, "how cruel!Eveline, ring for my drops; the shock makes me feel quite faint. Tellme how, and why, Lady Esmondet?"

"His uncle, Sir Vincent was dying, --is now probably over the border. "

"To a death-bed! how unfortunate! What shall I do without him for mytableaux?" she was moved to tears--for the tableaux. 

"What a pity the mighty Angel of Death would not stay his hand evenfor the tableaux of an English Duchess!" said Lady Esmondet, withveiled cynicism. 

"Yes, I think he was very cruel, " sobbed the Duchess. 

"Never mind, mamma, " said Eveline, soothingly "Some one else can takehis place, and perhaps Capt. Trevalyon will now be a baronet, and thatwill be so nice. You like him, so it will make it all right. "

"So it will, " said Posey, drying her eyes, "if it's so, is it, LadyEsmondet?"

"Yes, Lady Wyesdale, Capt. Trevalyon succeeds to the baronetcy. "

Lady Esmondet's remark was carried with different variations to theend of the _salon_, where Vaura sat. She was immediately besieged withquestions. 

"What is this rumour, Miss Vernon, " asked an Englishman; "is Trevalyonto be raised to the peerage?"

"For his looks of an Adonis and many fascinations, " cried one. 

"No, for his many _affaires de coeur_, " laughed another. 

"Or that his 'hidden wife' is coming forth, " said a London man, whoread the news. 

"More likely for some knightly act, by his Queen rewarded, " echoed asoft-voiced Italian. 

"Or his vote is promised for the war supply, " said the London man. 

"_Carita, carita_!" said Vaura, laughingly, and turning to the Londonman, "You forget the party motto, 'no bribery, ' Mr. Howard, and if youall lend an ear, I shall tell you that instead of a peerage, ourfriend, as far as I know, is plain Capt. Trevalyon. "

"Heresy, Miss Vernon, for he is not 'plain, ' and you women will haveit that he is a peer in our age. "

"A peerless way of putting it, Mr. Howard, " laughed Vaura. 

"Luncheon is served, my lady, " said the butler. 

"Somebody take in everybody, " said the Duchess. "We always go toluncheon _sans ceremonie_. "

And so fate willed Signor Castenelli (the young Italian who hadaccompanied them to the landau) to Vaura. The table was gay withSevres china and _majolica_ ware, but the viands were poor and scanty, and the victuals few and far between. One man of healthy appetitecould easily have laid bare dishes that had been prepared for seven, when five morning callers having been invited to remain, so lessenedthe _morceau_ for each guest. The Duchess having decided on gettingall her wardrobe from the magic scissors of Worth, had determined toretrench in the matter of wines, etc. , not putting faith in the adagethat "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. "

"Believe me, " she would say to her butterfly friends, "I know men'stastes, and they would rather feast their eyes than their stomachs. "

You may be very wise, Posey Wyesdale, but trust me, a man has no eyesfor either you or your gown, if after a long ride or much calling hefinally, in an evil hour, succumbs to your invitation to lunch and yougive him a mouthful of chicken and one slice of wafer-like bread andbutter, the mighty whole washed down with a cup of weak tea or thinwine; rather would he (curled darling though he be) return to theprimitive custom of his forefathers and feed the inner man at themuch-despised mid-day dinner on steaming slices of venison or beef, while he slaked his thirst in a bumper of British beer. But asO'Gormon said to Castenelli, on dining with him on that same evening:"Faith, all that was on the table of Lady Wyesdale wouldn't add to thehips of a grasshopper. "

"No, a fellow wouldn't have to try your larding system to get himselfinto waltzing shape; did your little. English duchess cater for him, "had laughed Castenelli. 

But let us return to the Duchess of Wyesdale and her guests. 

It seemed to Lady Esmondet, who was seated near her hostess, who pliedher with questions as to Captain Trevalyon's whereabouts and possibledoings, an insufferable bore to be there. To Vaura, who was morepleasantly placed; it seemed as though a few sentences were said, afew mouthfuls eaten, and the feast over. 

"How is your noble king; Signor Castenelli, " inquired Vaura. 

"Our beauteous flowers will not bloom, nor our sweet-song birds singanother summer for him; my heart weeps as I say it, Signora. "

"Yes; he is a fit king for so fair a land, and I sincerely trust foryour sake and Italy, your fears will not be realized. The gentle PiusIX. Is also stricken down. "

"Yes, Signora, but our Holy Father's loss could be more easilyreplaced than that of our beloved temporal sovereign. "

"Yes; a few solitary closetings of the Cardinals, a few ballots taken, a few volumes of smoke, and the Pope lives again. "

"You like my city, Signora?"

"I love it. Ah! how much have you here to enoble, to refine, toeducate; what great souls have expanded in an atmosphere laden withthe breath of a long, never-dying line of poets, orators, sculptorsand painters. Yes, Signor Castenelli, it is a noble heritage to beRoman-born. "

"Thanks, Signora Vernon, for your gracious tribute to my country. Butalas, we are fast becoming inoculated with the progressive spirit ofthe age; the American is among us. "

"You should extol him, Signor Castenelli, it is the fashion with us towelcome him, his note-book and his gold. "

"He is too energetic for me, " said the Italian, as Vaura taking hisarm followed others to the salons and from the feast. 

"He is a man of his time; you and I, Signor, are old-fashioned inregretting that many of the old land-marks are doomed; the spirit ofthe age is insatiable and his votaries are never idle in sacrificingin his honour, and if we'd be happy we must not weep. I confess Iregret that your historic, not over clean, but picturesque Jewsquarter, the Ghetto, is to give place to your new palace of justice;it is rather an incongruity (to me) that it should rise as if from theashes of hearth-stones round which in days of yore figures sat to whomjustice had been very imperfectly meted out. "

"True, true, Signora Vernon, and I don't like to see them all go, andyour sympathy is sweet. The American is a giant in his time; but weare not as they, he is literally a man of to-day; he has to be alwaysin a hurry to make his name tell. We have done all that, but he iswrong to say we are dreamers, " and his eyes flashed; "our blood is asfull of fire as in the days of the Gracchi, the Caesars. "

"Theirs was a grand age, but ours is gay, and could we be promotedbackwards, I fear me, " she added gaily, "we would long for ourtelephone, our electric light, our novels, our mutual club life, ourgreat Worth, our lounging chairs, and many other pet luxuries. "

"True, Signora, " answered Castenelli, in the same tone, "and I cananswer for myself; were a _belle_ of those days to step from thecanvas for my approval, I should tell her to sleep on, and give placeto her more beautiful and gay sister of my own day. "

"In the name of the butterflies of to-day, I thank you, " said Vauragaily. 

"How long do you grace Rome with your presence?"

"One short week and a day, Signor; and I shall not leave your sun-warmItalia without regret, replete as it is with so much that charms themind and senses, none so soulless I hope, but would feel as I shall onbidding adieu to one of the choicest gardens Dame Nature revels in. "

"Why leave us so soon?"

"Fate wills it, and there are home revels to which we are bid, and thecrush of the season after, where we shall only see our wings glistenby Edisons or the now doomed gas-shine, for fog reigns supreme in theday-time, and poor old Sol is hid from us. "

"London belles would shine by their own beauty even in Egyptiandarkness. "

For the Italian took pleasure in the beauty of the fair woman besidehim, her expressive face changing as some word touched her heart, oragain gay, reflecting a nature ever ready to respond in sympathy withthe feeling of those who pleased her. 

"One of your countrymen writes me from your metropolis, " taking aletter from his pocket; "I shall read you a line or two: 'Our citywill soon be bright with the beauty of fair women, handsome men, superb robings, gay equipages, prancing steeds. Rumour hath it thatone of our favourite belles is sunning herself in your land. Don't marthe beauty of our constellation by detaining her with you after theseason opens for we must have _la belle_ Vernon. ' Would that I had thepower, was my thought as I read. "

"Your friend exaggerates my poor charms, Signor. "

"With so much of beauty to choose from, mademoiselle, London societyis critical, and my friend only endorses its verdict. "

"Well, Signor, London will have something of weightier matter todecide this coming season than the passing beauty of woman. Ourparliament have the vote on the war supply, and as Beaconsfield cannotgo into the strife empty-handed on the issue of that vote hangs thedestiny of many lives. "

"Think you the Bright or peace party will be strong enough toprevail?"

"No; England's sons are ever jealous of their country's honour. Thereis a strong popular feeling against any encroachments by the RussianBear. Our young officers are ever eager for a chance to distinguishthemselves, and our men, " she added gaily, "have fists all knuckles, always doubled for a good hard blow. "

"Well, it seems to me an expensive undertaking that your boldcountrymen meditate. Turkey is lazy and luxurious. "

"Yes; not a fit sentinel for a dangerous post; still, what are we todo? We cannot uproot them and plant in their place the trusty Scot orbrave Celt; no, we must even pay high wages to bad servants untilwiser heads than ours in some future generation devise some better wayof guarding our eastern possessions. But our pleasant chat is over, Signor, Lady Esmondet is making her adieux. "

"And you leave so soon, Signora; I am jealous of London. May I see youagain?"

"Surely, Signor; we go many places to take a last loving glance. "

"Give me something definite, I pray you. "

"Well, the palace of the Vatican on to-morrow morning. I must haveanother long look at the painting of the Transfiguration. In theafternoon a drive in the gardens of the Borghesian villa. In theevening the theatre and the exquisite voice of Patti. And now what sayyou, grave and reverend Signor; will you remember your lesson while Isay _au revoir_, " and with a gay smile and a warm pressure of the handfrom Castenelli Miss Vernon, after saying her farewell to LadyWyesdale and her daughter, followed her god-mother to the landau. 

"You seem to have enjoyed your chat with Signor Castenelli, " said LadyEsmondet, as they drove away; Miss Vernon to pick up Miss Marchmontfor even-song at the Church of St. Augustine, Lady Esmondet for home. 

"Yes, he is pleasant to me, as most of his countrymen are; there is afervor about them, with all their languor, that is refreshing afterour stoical Briton; I fear me you were not so well placed, the littleDuchess seemed to fasten upon you. "

"She did, and entertained me with an unceasing catechism as toLionel's whereabouts, his deeds past and present; seems to fear hiscousin, Judith Trevalyon; in fact, plainly shows her old predilection, is as aforetime, alive in her breast; is anxious to know how we becameso intimate with him; whether he goes to Haughton Hall; whither thewoman your uncle has married has invited her; says she does not leaveRome until the middle of January; wants to know if we shall be therefor the Twelfth-night ball; wonders if Lionel will retire for afashionable six weeks' mourning. Says there is a rumour that he isengaged to half a dozen women, and has a wife and children somewhere;is crazy (to use her own expression) to know if you are, as reportsays, engaged to Del Castello, etc. , etc. , and asked me point-blank, if I like dear Mrs. Haughton. "

"What a whirl the brain of the slender waist Duchess must be in, andwhat a bore she was to you; so she also goes to Haughton. Fancy uncleon one side, and Major Delrose, the Rose Cottage people, Mrs. Meltonbury, Peter Tedril, Hatherton, etc. , on the other; Madame wellknows how to mix up the brandy cocktail and poker of midnight, withsober 9 o'clock whist and old port, but the scales are weightier onone side. But behold the naturalist, waiting at the door with prayerbook in hand, ready for her devotions. "

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

WARM WORDS BRIDGE CRUEL DISTANCE. 

Lady Esmondet, Vaura, and Robert Douglas ate their Christmas dinnerquietly together. "I shall feel lonely when you leave Rome, " said thepriest, as he bade them a warm goodnight. 

"Naturally, you will miss us; we are almost a part of your old home, "said Lady Esmondet. 

"I have no doubt, Roberto, that the Marchmonts will be very kind toyou when we are gone, " said Vaura, smilingly. 

"Yes, she will be good to a lonely priest, " he answered absently; thenrecovering himself, "but I should not say lonely; have I not theChurch. "

As a footman fastened the hall-door after the Rev. Robert, Vaura said:

"The Church will soon not be sufficient to fill up his life; at leastthe naturalist will make him feel so. "

"How differently _cher_ Roland would range himself, " said LadyEsmondet, thinking of his hopeless love for Vaura; "that girl with herbugs and beetles, her sandy locks and sharp elbows, would drive himdistracted. I wonder what affinity Robert can have with such an one. "

"Why doth he love her? 'Curious fool, be still; is human love thegrowth of human will?' saith the poet. So, god-mother dear, for aughtwe can say, they must e'en join the legion of impossible unions. Butwe are both weary, and had best to bed and sleep or dreams. "

"Yes, 'tis late; good night, dear; we have both missed Lionel to-day. "

"We have; he little dreams how much. "

And as Vaura's robes were unfastened, and the deft fingers of her maidmade her comfortable for the night, a tall figure and handsome face, tawny moustache, shading lips sweet yet firm in expression, tired eyesthat were generally grave, but could flash or be tenderly loving, rosebefore her. 

"'Twas only last night, " she though, as she laid her soft cheek on thepillow, "he was with us, and I feel as though we had been parted forages; and he suffers by all these rumours; and my dearest is in atangled web of difficulty and I am not near to give him my sympathy, and poor dear uncle is not happy either; and it's a woman's work, butthis making of moans is unnatural to me; I must make Time fly, andwhen I am once in England, my aim shall be to make those two menregain their old happiness; good-night, Lionel, I am weary to see yourface again, to hear your words of love and feel your arms about me, for the sweet feeling that I belong to you seems only a dream; comeback, come. "

The following day the programme of which Vaura had spoken toCastenelli, was gone through. But as Vaura wished just now that thedays would quickly join themselves to the great past, we shall notlinger; but say, that on nearing the painting of the Transfiguration, a figure caught her eye, it was that of the young Italian Castenelli, who, with the dark rich colouring, clear cut features and soft browneyes that Roman blood gives, looked as though he might have steppedfrom the canvas on the wall. 

The painting in its glorious beauty held them in silent admiration forsome time. Vaura drew a long breath as she turned away, saying:

"The man who painted the figure of the Christ in its God-like sanctityof expression, must have been inspired. What a volume of sermons itpreaches!"

As the Italian had tickets of admission to the Tower of St. Peter's, Vaura decided to make the ascent. The double walls of the dome arepassed through as quickly as possible, as Vaura's time is short. Butthe view from the top! who can describe it? Not I; my pen fallslifeless; it would take a Moore to sing of; a Byron to immortalise; aLongfellow, a Whittier or a Tennyson to make an idyl of; it has sentartists wild; the eye rests lovingly on the hill-crests of the Sabine, Volscian and Albano on the one side, then turns to the city with itstemples, its palaces, the historic past showing in their very stones. Then the Coliseum and the Forum, each speaking their own story; thenthe eye turns to the winding Tiber; and finally rests on the deep calmwaters of the violet Mediterranean in the far away. 

"Ah, Signor Castenelli, it is too much for one day; 'tis no wonder theItalian is a poet. You dwell in a maze of beauty in nature and art. Dame nature with you wears such a rich warm dress; 'tis little wonderyour canvas, aye, and your own faces show such sun-warm tints. "

"You should dwell with us, Signora; you feel the poetry of our land. "

On parting from the Italian he tendered to Vaura for herself and LadyEsmondet his box at the theatre, as being more favourably situatedthan the only one Captain Trevalyon had been able to procure, and atVaura's invitation he dined at the villa Iberia, escorting themafterwards to hear the wonderful voice of Patti. 

On the morning of the 28th a telegram arrived from Lionel which readas follows:

"To Lady Esmondet. "Villa Iberia, Rome, Italy. 

"Sir Vincent Trevalyon died at 11 p. M. The 27th inst. Shall writeto-day. 

"LIONEL TREVALYON, "The Langham, London, England. "28th December, 1877. "

"Poor Sir Vincent gone. And so generations pass. When death bowls outone man another takes the bat; so now Captain is Sir LionelTrevalyon, " said Lady Esmondet, as she read the telegram. 

"Yes. None shall triumph for a whole life long, for death is one andthe Fates are three, " said Vaura. 

On the 30th came from Lionel two letters, extracts from which we shallgive. 

"DEAR LADY ESMONDET, --

"Every moment of my time is occupied, but know you will be interestedin my doings, so drop you a line. My cousin with my lawyer and selfread the will. By it my uncle bequeaths to me $500, 000 in gold. I wassurprised at his generosity. The whole of his fortune would be mine ifI and Judith could marry; that would not suit either of us as we aretotally unsuited to each other. Judith leaves by steamer The Queen forNew York on the 1st January. My poor uncle lived for three hours aftermy arrival. He was in great pain, suffering from Bright's disease, butbrain clear; seemed to cling to me; he told me he wished I couldpersuade Judith to marry me and try and make her more womanly and liveat my place in the north; but God forbid that our lives should belinked together. What a contrast she is to Vaura. Should Judith everbe guilty of giving up her freedom it will be to a man who admires thedivided skirt, etc. , etc. "

EXTRACTS FROM LIONEL'S TO VAURA. 

".... Yes, darling, the words I have written, what are their worth intelling you of my great love for you! You don't know how I hunger tolook again into your warm, expressive eyes, to hold you to my heart. If you were only with me, my love, I should drink so freely of yourtender sympathy, that with it as a tonic to my weary waiting heart, Icould go forth into the midst of the news-mongers, into the nest ofwasps, and conquer and untangle the web of difficulty in a few shortdays. But you, alas! are far away, and I have only a few minutes ofpast bliss to feed on when I kissed your sweet lips, when you madelife a paradise by leaning your dear head on my breast. My love, mylove, I cannot be long without you. You must come to me whether I canprove to society, with its shams, that Mrs. Grundy has lied in givingme a hidden wife or no; you must come to be my own love, no matter whosays nay. My heart, my heart, you are mine; mine by right of thesubjection the fetters you have placed me in, and woven for me. Mineby right, for you have taken my boasted strength from me. Mine, mine, no matter what the world may say. My life, my love, write to me; I amhalf delirious. I am in torture; full of jealous fears less you mayforget me. I regret once and again that I left you. Remember, darling, I shall be always jealous, for I know the magnetic force of yourcharms. I am mad, I know I am, when I think you are so far, such'lengths of miles' from me. Ask Lady Esmondet to come on at once andstay a day or two at her house here (it is well warmed--I have been tosee) in pity to the man you have slain, and who loves you past all youcan know; love, come. I am doing all I can, my own, to conquer thedifficulty; I have already been to the offices of our great daily, andone editor apologized, saying the news of my 'hidden wife' was atemptation to him in the 'silly season. ' For heaven's sake, my heart'sdarling, don't let anything you may hear against me turn your heartfrom me. The very thought of such a triumph for Mrs. Grundy in her_role_ of social astronomer, as she sits in her watch tower, telescopein hand, turns my brain. My heart aches for a letter, for though mywritten words seem to me cold; I shall devour yours, simply as comingfrom your pen. Come to me quick, my love; I must have a letter and Imust have you. In a stationer's to-day I saw a photo of you in a casewith those of Mrs. Cornwallis West, Langtry and Wheeler, there werejust the four; you all sold, my darling, at five shillings each. Thestationer said, condescendingly, 'that you would all bring a higherfigure, but he merely wished to educate the masses to a high standardof beauty. His monetary benefit was quite a minor consideration. ' Thefellow's manner amused me; but you see, love, that the future LadyTrevalyon in thus educating the masses reigns in the heart of mankind, and not only in the heart of the man who only lives in her love.... "

"I am more than glad, Vaura, _ma chere_, that Dame Fortune isplaying so smilingly into dear Lionel's hands, " said Lady Esmondet, as she read aloud the letter she had received from Trevalyon on themorning of the 30th. Yes, more than glad, for the legacy of $500, 000and the title, will do more to close the gaping eyes of society, andlips of Dame Rumour, than any red-tapeism in the form of libelsuits; or living proofs, from living truthful lips. "

"True, god-mother dear, and 'tis well we are women of our day, orthe knowledge that a man may, if he will, live the life of a Mormonin Utah, on the quiet; and if he present a wife well gilt with gold, and a title, to society; society will fall prostrate; or thisknowledge might mystify us. "

"Yes, we hive eaten of the tree of knowledge, Vaura dear; we knowsociety's deal and the cards she bids us play; no matter though wedon't like our hand. "

"Poor Lionel does not relish the play just now, manly, brave, andtrue as he is, " said Vaura, pityingly. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

BRIC-A-BRAC. 

The morrow dawned, fair and bright, and Vaura looked as bright andfresh as a goddess of day, as she stepped, from the door of the villa, robed in a gown of blue velvet, tight jacket of same, and a smallbonnet of a lighter shade, with long tan kid gloves; her cheek waswarm with the colour her quickened heart-beats gave, and the love-light shone in her eyes, for she had again just re-read Lionel'sloving words, and knew her own would soon make his heart glad. 

O'Gormon came up the walk as she descended the verandah steps. 

"Good morning, Miss Vernon. "

"_Bonjour_, Sir Dennis; sorry I am deserting the villa as you aremaking your _entree_. "

"Fortune favours me, in that you are not already gone. May I not beyour escort, and attend you?"

"Well, I scarcely know; I am not going to the Colonna gardens, " sheanswered gaily. 

"No matter, I am only too willing to follow you blindly; whither thougoest I go; thy will shall be my will; thy goal my goal. "

"Then to the dusty shop of Pedro; to the rescue of some trifles in thematter of bric-a-brac. "

"But, am I not sufficient escort without yon trim female; give her aholiday to go buy ribbons to 'tie up her bonny brown hair. '"

"You may take an hour's pleasure, Saunders; I do not require yourfurther attendance. "

And now they bend their steps in the direction of the old town, andturning into a short, narrow street, ascend the high stone steps of anold house; so old one wondered it held together; in fact, many stoneshad fallen from the front wall, giving it a hollow-eyed appearance. The whole _quartier_ in which they now are, presents a dilapidatedfront. But when they enter the old, mouldy apartment, lit up with somuch of the beautiful, they forgot the gloomy, damp street; theuninviting exterior of the building; the weird old man in charge;everything but the gems by which they are surrounded. Here were somerare bits of Sevres and Dresden china, there some modern tilepainting, here some old Roman jugs, jars, and vases; there the sweetface of a Madonna looks down, as if in pity, on a Greek dancing girl. Here a goblet, fit for a kingly gift; there a zone to win the goodgraces of some pretty little ballet dancer. Here were Romish missalsin rare old inlaid coverings, side by side with garters studded withprecious stones, destined for the leg of woman. 

Vaura, an ardent admirer of the choice in bric-a-brac, was in herelement amid this confusion of beauty, while her companion preferredthe living charms of a lovely woman more than anything the world ofart could show; so, not a purchaser, he seated himself on a chair withmore carving than comfort to recommend it, and watching Vaura, fellinto a reverie: "She is the most priceless gem in the casket, andthough my governor left me as heritage the waste acres, and nothingbut an income of debts to keep up Castletruan, unless I marry money, by my faith a fellow could live on love with Vaura Vernon, better thanon stalled ox without her. "

Here he gave a start knocking down a porcelain vase at the weird voiceof Pedro from behind, saying:

"You don't examine my poor wares, mi lord. '

"The shattered remains of that vase are typical of the _denouement_ ofthe idle dreams I was dreaming, " he muttered, as the wily Italian, full of regrets, picked up the fragments, naming double the value ofthe vase, and thinking, "He would not have spent a _soldi_, the Signora occupies all histhoughts; so Pedro, you are in good fortune that the English lord wasstartled at the sound of thy voice; the intention was good, Pedro, sois the result. "

Vaura now signified to the Italian her wish to purchase bric-a-brac tothe extent of a golden goblet, beautiful in design and of early Romanhandiwork. A group of statutory, representing Venus and Adonis, atonce piquant and charming, with an exquisite painting of the DyingGladiator pathetic in the extreme. 

"He is a grand athlete, " said Sir Dennis. 

"Yes, and a land-mark of Home, in the by-gone. Ah! Sir Dennis, therehas been more martyr's blood shed in the immortal city than that ofthe early Christians; when one thinks of the use the Coliseum was putto, when one thinks of the Roman women with their warm beauty, oftheir men beautiful as gods, who graced with their presence sceneswhere men like that met a death of torture, one weeps for human naturewith its stains, its blots. Ah! well, even the flowers one loves bestare bespattered in the mire, and soiled by the skirts of mortals withnot too clean a record, and the pure snow-flake as it falls goes downwith smut from the chimney upon it, it is only the trail of theserpent which is over all. "

"The wells of pity in your eyes are deep and full enough to take inmore than the Dying Gladiator; he is dead; there are living men, " saidthe Irishman with the susceptibility of his race. 

"Why, Sir Knight of Erin, " said Vaura gaily, as she turned from thepainting, "you are not going to ask me to weep over all sufferinghumanity, from the Pole, not North but Siberian; the Sultan, whosesiesta, is disturbed by the call to arms; to your own Pat with hisreal or imaginary wrongs. "

"To the shades of oblivion with Pat and the Pole, --they don't fill theworld. "

"And in the meantime the shades of evening will be upon us if we don'thasten. Pedro, you will send my purchases with the vases and model ofSt. Peter's Lady Esmondet bought yesterday, to the Villa Iberia, andbe expeditious, as the servants are now packing our belongings forEngland. "

"Already packing!" said the Irishman, as they turned their stepshomeward, "that sounds like the first note of a fare-thee-well. "

"A true and fairly-well made remark, oh, Son of Erin!"

"Your voice is glad as the bird-notes of my own Isle, which meansyou'll smile as you say farewell. "

And so in gay chit-chat Time seemed as naught until the villa wasreached. Sir Dennis lunching with them when as afterwards the ladieshaving P. P. C. 's to make, he took a reluctant leave. 

The following three days were spent in leave-takings to the beautiesabounding in and around the city; sometimes attended by SignerCastenelli, sometimes by the warm-hearted Irishman, and again byPriest Douglas; they walked again and lingered in the gardens of theColonna palace they loved; the dear warm earth which was kissed solovingly by the sun's rays as not to be cold to the bare brown feet ofthe child-peasant; and sent up such bright flowers for the vase of theKing. Their glance rested often on the deep blue of the heavens abovethem, as though to carry its majestic arch with them to lift theleaden clouds from off the spires of London, which seemed as thoughweighed down to earth, as the souls the bells in their tower called toworship, were weighted with the clouds in the struggle of life. 

And so Father Time, who to Vaura for once seemed to walk with stealthystep, still with inevitable tread brought the world and humanity tothe fourth day of a new year. 

On the third a letter had come from Col. Haughton to Lady Esmondet, which ran thus:

"MY DEAR OLD FRIEND, --

"Your letters are so full of health that I don't think I'm selfish insaying to let nothing tempt you and my hearts-light, Vaura, to stayaway any longer; when you come you will not blame me for wanting youboth; my married life has not been of very long duration, and yet, andyet my new made wife ... But you will see if there is anything to see;you are not a curious woman, Alice, God forbid; but you will know inthe social atmosphere which surrounds me, if I needlessly fear for thehonour of my name. 

"The preparations for the ball are on a gorgeous scale and my _betenoire_, Major Delrose, is up to the neck in, floral decorations. Andmy lady's gown, mine and yours, too; did we say him yea; his nose isbroad enough to enter into everybody's business; and his back is broadenough to bear anything I may write you. 

"Be sure and be here on the morning of the sixth, so you can rest forthe night's frolic; and Vaura, whose health is too splendid to feelmuch fatigue, can chat with me and look about her. 

"I see by the _Daily News_ that Trevalyon has succeeded to thebaronetcy; he writes me he will be here for the ball; I feel just nowin the humour for a long talk with my old friend. 

"I'm really grieved he should have got himself into such a mess as tohave married some years ago some female he has been hiding ever since. It is common gossip here; some name her as a ballet dancer; some aspretty daughter of his late father's lodge-keeper; some, as wife of afriend; in whatever dress Dame Rumour presents her, she's a toothsomebit for Mrs. Grundy. Whatever truth there's in it the wasps stingTrevalyon all they can; but the butterflies smile and say: 'if he has, he's handsome enough to take out a license for anything. ' I haveregretted since hearing the news and seeing it in the papers, that hewas in daily intercourse with Vaura; but again, if he is bound as Ifear, I can trust to his honour not to endeavour to gain heraffections. 

"Isabel Douglas was married on New Year's' day; we were invited;Blanche and I went; the laughs at the Hall were the loudest, so Mrs. Haughton remained. Isabel looked hopeful and happy, and an idealScotch lassie as she is. I am writing in the recess at the end of thelibrary, and merry voices and gay laughter reach me here; but thesounds come not from any of my personal friends; none are with me asyet; we have Mrs. Meltonbury, the Fitz-Lowtons, two De Lancy girls, Peter Tedril, Everly, and Major Delrose at Rose Cottage--means MajorDelrose at the Hall. So you see, Alice, a congenial spirit would becongenial. Read above to Vaura; she is a woman of the world, and knowsits walks and ways. Come soon. And from

"Yours, "ERIC HAUGHTON, "Haughton Hall, Surrey, England. 

"To both, love and kind thoughts, "January 2nd, 1878. "

"TO LADY ESMONDET, "Villa Iberia, Rome, Italy. "

The outcome of above letter was to cause Lady Esmondet and Vaura tomake immediate preparations to reach Haughton Hall. 

"We should be there; the hand Madame holds is too full of tricks, "said Lady Esmondet, energetically, as she finished reading the letteraloud. 

"We can go to-night by the midnight express, " said Vaura, impulsively. 

"I should like it, dear, but you are full of engagements for to-morrow, and we are due at the Opera tonight. "

"Trifles, all; as you are willing, we shall be on the wing to-night. "

_Tres bien ma chere_; I shall give the orders, but there will be threeor four pairs of wistful eyes looking for your _entree_ at the opera, to-night. "

"Yes, until the curtain rises, " said Vaura gaily. 

On the afternoon of the same day (the third) Castenelli, with a coupleof friends, also O'Gormon, on calling at the villa, heard a rumour ofthe departure from the servants (who were all astir, their ladiesbeing out driving), the Italian p'shawed and said to his friends:

"It is not so, the beautiful Signora told me she would be at theDuchess of Wyesdale on the night of the fourth for a concert and ball;they leave at sunrise on the fifth. " And so was content that theservants were mistaken. Not so O'Gormon, who hearing the same story, and knowing their intention to attend the opera went thither, and notseeing them was for leaving, but the Wyesdale signaled him to herside, and so off duty only at the close; saw her party to thecarriage, and throwing his toga over his evening dress, hurried to thedepot. And none too soon, Lady Esmondet was already in the coach andVaura about to follow, when the tall figure of the Irishman came uphurriedly. 

"Surely you are not going to leave us, Miss Vernon, and so hush ourheart-beats as we listen in vain for your footfall. "

"I am, and my heart is a trifle sad, as I say so. "

"And has a great gladness, or you would not make us sad by going. "

"Well, yes, Sir Dennis, glad and sorry; I go home! You are Irish andwill know the feeling; one loves with one's whole heart, and one'slife, one's home and friends; one loves with passion; and for a year, or a day, fair warm Italia, where one has met loving words and kindhearts, and yours is one Sir Knight of Erin, " she added with feeling, as she returned his tight hand clasp. 

"The last whistle, by my faith, I wish it were for me too. "

And the guard locked the door and in a few minutes, miles separatedthese two who had so lately spoken, Sir Dennis still staring at space, while a new pain came to his heart. 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

HEART TO HEART. 

We shall not accompany our friends on their home-bound journey. Timewill fly with greater speed if we relate not the talks and incidentsby the way, but simply meet them at London, whither Lady Esmondet hadtelegraphed Trevalyon of their arrival. Accordingly, on their comingin at the station at 9 p. M. , on the evening of the 5th, Lionel, alleagerness, met them. 

"So kind of you to meet us, Sir Lionel, " said Lady Esmondet, forMadame Grandy was about. 

"Only a pleasure, dear Lady Esmondet. Someone told me you and MissVernon were due, " and turning to his servant, "Here, Sims, are thechecks; get the luggage stowed safely away until to-morrow morning, and send the maids on to Park Lane. "

"Yes, sir; all right, sir. "

"You look tired, poor fellow, " said Vaura, sympathetically, as theywere driven to Park Lane. 

"Tired, yes, waiting for you. God only knows how I have missed you, darling. "

"How about the nun you spoke of in your letter, Lionel?" inquired LadyEsmondet, "will she aid you? What a long story you have to tell us. "

"Yes, and one until lately I had will nigh forgotten, for in spite ofDame Rumour's falseness I have not been the principal actor in it. Forto-night only does she triumph, ere, to-morrow's sun has set I hope tobe at or very near Haughton Hall with those who will lift the veilfrom the past, and put in Dame Rumour's hands another version of thescandal. "

"We shall have a long evening together, Lionel; you can stay with us, I suppose. "

"Only until I see you comfortably settled, dear Lady Esmondet, instill untangling the web of 'difficulty, '" and Vaura's hand ispressed. "I have a twelve-mile drive in a suburban train to themonastery of St. Sebastian. "

"Nuns and monks, the _denouement_ will be interesting, " said Vaura. 

"Will they win, that's the question; the other hand is full of knavesand tricks, " said Lady Esmondet. 

"They shall, " answered Lionel, earnestly, and holding Vaura's hand, "Ihold a hand that gives me strength to win. "

Park Lane is now reached, the servants are in the hall to welcometheir mistress, when the house-keeper says:

"If it will suit your ladyship, dinner will be served in twentyminutes or half an hour. "

"Say half an hour, Grimes. "

"Surely you can stay and dine with us, Lionel?" said his friend. 

"You know, dear Lady Alice, how much I would wish it, but I must beoff in less than half an hour. "

Whereupon remembering the "Golden Rule, " saying she would go and talkwith the housekeeper, and so again these two who feel suchcompleteness in each other, such fulness of satisfaction, such anecstasy of love, are alone in the sweetest of solitude, dual solitude, and in silence, save for the deep full heart-beats. 

"Let me take off your jacket, my own darling. "

"I can, dear Lionel; you look too tired to do anything but rest. "

But he does as he wills, the jacket of seal, and bonnet of velvet areoff, the long tan gloves laid aside, the fluffy hair is caressed, astrong arm is about her, the perfect shaped head is again on hischest, and the sweet mouth and warm eyes are kissed rapturously. 

"Rest; yes, love, I want rest, and can only rest so, with you in myarms; away from you I am nervous and agitated, afraid lest some onetake you from me; my life, my love, oh! darling, darling, you don'tknow how dependent I am on you; on your love, your sympathy; you havenot told me and I long to hear you say so; tell me if you love me, darling. "

"Love you!" and she started to a sitting posture, "bend your facetowards me, dearest, that you may read the truth in my eyes. "

And now with a soft hand on each cheek, she continues. 

"Love, you dearest, does the sun-flower love its god? Does the motherher first born? Then, do I love thee, my heart's dearest, with anunchanging tender love, and with all the intensity of my woman self. "

For answer, she is drawn to a close embrace, and there are ecstaticmoments with only throbbing eyes to the rhythm of heart-beats. 

At last Vaura breaks the silence, by saying softly:

"'Tis time for you to leave me, Lionel, and yet I cannot spare you. "

"I cannot go, my own, mine, mine; oh! darling, you do not know thejoy, the paradise I feel as I hold you in my arms, and think that you, my beauty, you, whom men rave of, you actually love me; God bethanked, " and the love-warm kisses come to the sweet flexible lips. 

At this moment, Lady Esmondet considerately talking to Mars at thedoor, gave the lovers time to get a conventional number of inchesbetween them, ere she entered. 

"I fear it is time you were off, Lionel; it is really too bad youcannot dine with us. "

Lionel standing up, and laying one hand on Vaura's head, as it restedon the cushioned back of the sofa, said:

"I feel as if I had drank of the elixir of life; you don't know howcourageous I feel, now that I have you both back, when the difficultyis removed, I shall begin to live!"

"How the women will envy me!" she said, looking up lovingly at thehandsome face full of grave earnestness, the tired look gone from themesmeric eyes. 

"You will both be wondrously happy, each a gainer in the other, " saidtheir friend earnestly. 

"Do you think you will be able to go down with us, Lionel dear?"

"No, darling, I am sure not; I cannot say what train I shall takeuntil I reach the monastery; there we decide. "

"The plot thickens, a monk makes his _entree_, " said Vaura gaily. 

"Yes, and I shall not tell either of you more of the play, the actwill be more interesting, only this, tell Col. Haughton that afterdinner, on to-morrow evening three unbidden guests will appear withmyself, and that we shall carry a more highly spiced dish than anythey have partaken of; further, that it is my wish that the Hallguests hear of the ingredients, so that they can tell the recipeto the London world. Good-bye, till to-morrow night, dear friend;good-bye, darling. "

"Good-night, Lion, we shall be on the look-out for you; so don't tireour eyes. "

"I shall feel your eyes, love, and shall hasten. "

"Be sure, Lionel, that you come with winning cards. "

"I shall, dear Lady Esmondet; _au revoir_. "

"How greedily the gossips will partake of the dish in preparation forthem! What an exciting scene we shall have!" said Vaura, as dinnerover and servants dismissed, the friends chatted over a cup of coffeebefore retiring. 

"Yes, indeed, dear; oh! if Lionel could only find this Mrs. Clarmont, with whom they said he eloped, and that she would reveal the facts, what a triumph!"

"But, if in reality; this Major Delrose was her favoured lover, he mayyet have influence enough over her to stay her tongue, " said Vaura, thoughtfully. 

My own fear, dear, especially as I believe there was a child. "

"And you say that in the bygone he was an admirer of my uncle's wife?"

"So Dame Rumour hath it. "

"So, so, we all aim at something; the Delrose ambition was to pose asking o' hearts. Strange freak of fortune, that this all comes into theHaughton life; we must now only hope that the clouds in our sky willsoon disperse. But, god-mother darling, we had best follow the adviceof the liege lord of the wilful Katherine, and 'to bed. '"

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

KNAVES ARE TRUMPS. 

Vaura spent the night of the fifth in dreamy wakefulness; Lionel'slooks, caresses, and loving words seeming hers still; and to-morroweve; the glad joy of his presence would be again felt; and hersympathy and love for him were so tender and heartfelt, that she lostherself in an intoxicating sense of languor, sweet beyond expression, and which she could scarcely rouse herself from, when her maid, on themorrow bid her arise. 

Both her god-mother and self, being a good deal excited over thecoming events, on meeting at breakfast, spoke either in disjointedsentences, or were buried in thought. 

"In all your conjectures, ma chere, you have never made one as to yourball dress; if you will like it, and if it is due. "

"It is useless, god-mother dear; I always adore Worth, and he isalways on time. "

"Dear me, " said Lady Esmondet an hour later, as they, in travellinggear, awaited the carnage to take them to the Southern station, "howtime drags, I wish we were off. "

"In our eagerness, we have dressed too soon, god-mother; but still, waiting is insufferable. Poor uncle! I wonder what people are at theHall? what a scene is on the _tapis_! and what a bore the _expose_ oftruth is and will be to poor Lion! But, thank heaven, here is thecarriage. "

At the station they meet Mr. Clayton, who has run up to town onbusiness. He will be with them to the next station, when he takes abranch line to the Lord Elton's, where his wife is; later in the daythey run down to Haughton Hall for the ball. 

"You will see no end of changes at the old place, Miss Vernon; I wouldgive something to see your face as you make your _entree_. I should, in that case, see as many changes as yourself. At the revels eachevening, variety holds full sway. "

"_Tres bien_, " she answered carelessly (for she will not lay her heartbare), "some have it that 'variety is the spice of life;' if so, asyou and I care nought for a mere existence, we must swallow the spiceand smile on the caterer. "

"Exactly, as the guests do. By the way some one told me Trevalyon wasa good deal with you while abroad, but you may not yet have heard thatthere has been no end of talk about him; the papers have him; in both_Truth_ and the _Daily News_ I read of the scandal myself, and amshocked beyond expression, that a married man should have been runningloose all these years; and to my thinking, it makes matters worse thatshe was the wife of a friend; it was a traitorous act: did he confidein you while abroad? did he tell you of his base act?"

"Yes, and 'tis all false as the face of society, and hollow of truthas many of her gems; but the false face will soon be torn off, and thering of the true diamond will be heard, " she said, with impulsivefervor. 

"Indeed! you surprise me, Miss Vernon; but I shall be really glad ifTrevalyon comes out a free man and can prove himself so to thesuspicious eye of society. "

"Conveniently blind, Mr. Clayton, when she chooses. "

"Distended and greedy in Trevalyon's case; he has been too independentof her, " he said thoughtfully; "but here is my halting place, sorry toleave you both, but only till to-night. "

It was the lightning express, and there was no other stopping placeuntil they reach the village of Haughton, Here they stayed just longenough to allow the Hall people to make a speedy exit. On our friendsalighting they were a little surprised to see Blanche Tompkinsfollowed by Sir Tilton Everly (who, on seeing them, looked not unlikea whipped cur), emerge from a second class coach. 

"Some of the spice of variety we were to look for, " said Vaura, in anundertone. 

"_Oui, ma chere_, and I am sure we are both prepared not to beastonished at the seasoning, no matter what shape it may take. "

Blanche was gaily dressed in a seal brown silk suit, trimmed withermine, a large brown beaver flat with ostrich feathers; the wee whitemouse face almost hidden, the sharp little pink eyes--for pink theylooked--the rims red as usual, and a cold in the head giving them aswollen appearance. She had not forgotten her golden loves, for, fromears, throat, and wrists, dangled many yellow dollars. With awhispered, "Don't let the cat out of the bag till I bid you, or you'renot worth a cent, " she stepped over to Lady Esmondet and Vaura, saying: "I'm sure you're too awfully surprised for anything to seeme. "

"Not at all, Miss Tompkins, "' said Lady Esmondet. Here Sir Tilton cameup, lifted his bat, while both ladies shook hands with him. 

"You have a truant look about you, Sir Tilton, " laughed Vaura; "do youforesee a fair woman's frown for your absence?"

"Don't chaff me, dear Miss Vernon; I can't stand it just now. "

"Fact is, " said Blanche, with cunning effrontery, "I wanted some gayfixings for the ball, so I took the rail to London, got 'em, stayedall night with the Claytons, and am bringing back to Mrs. Haughton herdear little Sir Tilton. "

"Why, we met Mr. Clayton, and he says they are staying at Oak Hall atthe Lord Eltons, " exclaimed Vaura amusedly, and to see how Blanchewould extricate herself. 

"See you know too much; but don't say anything, for here is the trap, with the Colonel inside, I suppose, and he's too awfully too, I'lltell you later on; Mrs. Haughton don't do all the tricks. "

"But should you have been missed, what then?"

"Oh, that's too easy, Miss Vernon; I've been too awfully busy with mymaid; headache, anything that comes first. "

"A pupil of Madame would naturally learn how to shuffle the cards, "said Lady Esmondet, a trifle cynically, and, _sotto voce_, "I am tooawfully sleepy to take you in, Lady Esmondet, " said Blanche, yawning. 

A covered carriage with two servants, drives to the steps; the Colonelis not inside; leaving one man to look after their maids andbelongings, they enter, and are soon on the well known road. 

"I wonder my uncle did not meet us; especially as he must havereceived our telegram. "

"Surely he is not ill! How was he when you left the Hall, MissTompkins?" inquired Lady Esmondet. 

"A one, and it's too awfully funny he wasn't down. But I remember, whenever he and Mrs. Haughton have a spat, and they had one (this timehare and hounds), he clears out and takes to the lodge, so perhaps henever spotted your telegram. "

Lady Esmondet and Vaura, exchanging glances, fell into deep thought, while Blanche and the small Baronet carried on a half-whisperedconversation, with a yawning accompaniment from the young woman. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

WEE WHITE MOUSE WINS A POINT. 

But the reverie and wagging of tongue is over and ceases, to giveplace to society's mask, for the picturesque lodge with its gabledroof and climbing vines is in sight, and in the twinkling of an eyethe great gates are reached, which are wide open, for 'tis theentrance to Liberty Hall under the present _regime_. Leaning againstthe door post is a tall military looking figure, smoking vigorously, as men will, if life's springs want oiling. Both ladies see him, andVaura's face is at the window. 

"Halt, John, " shouts his master, for the man is a new servant, anddriving full speed for the Hall. "My two darlings, how glad I am tosee you both, " and kisses with long hand-clasps are exchanged. 

"And we are more than glad to see you again, dearest uncle. "

"Blanche, you here! and Sir Tilton; it was kind of you to meet them. "

"Yes, we tripped down, as you had cut and run, " tittered Blanche. 

Here the Colonel took Sir Tilton's offered seat, who, getting out, said he would prefer to walk up the long avenue. 

"You must both make your home with me, dears, else it will not behome, " said the Colonel feverishly, as he leaned forward, taking ahand of each, and gazing eagerly first into one face, and then intothe other. 

"We shall, for a while at least, Eric, " said Lady Esmondet tenderly. 

"And what do you say, Vaura dear; you will not leave me and HaughtonHall again?"

This he said with nervous haste, as though even in the rest her returngave him, he must have a surety of it's continuing. 

"I shall not even think of leave-taking, dear uncle, but if I should, I shall pack you up and take you with me, " she said pityingly, noticing how he leaned on her, and also the reckless tone in which hespoke before Blanche; turning to Miss Tompkins, he continued in sametone:

"Who ran down the hare last night?"

Here was a puzzler for _la petite_, but she was equal to the occasion, even though she was at London. 

"No conundrum, Colonel, with the Major as hare. "

"Gad, I must get rid of him; they all see it. "

"And they all do it, Colonel, " tittered Blanche; "keep cool; the Majorkeeps cool--to you;" this she said, liking the Colonel, but thinkinghim, to use her own expression, "soft. "

"You see, Alice, " he said, turning to his old friend with ahalf-smile, "the only rose in my path has a D before it. "

"A rose without beauty or fragrance, Eric, which will cease to bloomby to-morrow; waste not a thought upon it. "

"You give me strength, Alice. "

"I should, else friendship's cords would be weak indeed. "

"It is very strange that Mrs. Haughton should keep the man about her, if she is aware it is an annoyance to you, " said Vaura indignantly. 

"Ah! but they were too sweet for anything, even in poppa's life time, "said Blanche with her innocent air. Mrs. Haughton would think it tooawfully cruel (just to please the Colonel) to tell him good-bye. "

"Heartless in me to suppose for one moment, one's husband's feelingsto be of more consideration than those of one's male-friend, " saidVaura cynically. 

"See, Vaura, the changes, " said her god-mother, as the end of theavenue reached the Hall, renovated and partly modernised, burst upontheir view. 

"Verily, old things have passed away, and all become new, " said Vaura. 

"Excepting the south wing, dear, which is of sufficiently modern dateto have contented Mrs. Haughton; also the north tower which I beggedoff, only allowing it to be strengthened below. "

"Dear old tower; yes, 'tis old, and in its clinging dress of ivy; I amglad; but in the language of Sir Tilton, 'here we are again. '"

As the carriage rolled up to the steps of the grand entrance a fewladies and gentlemen, equipped for riding, were on the steps oralready mounted. Mrs. Forester, a gay London huntress, Mrs. CecilLayton, of the same feather, two De Lancy girls, who wished they werethe other two, a couple of army men, with one of the matches of thecounty, whom both sisters were willing to worship, but were too shy toadore, with eyes too prudish to bend the knee. 

"The beautiful Miss Vernon! by Wolsley, " exclaimed Chancer of theGuards in an undertone to Everett of the Lancers. "Wish I wasn'tpromised to the huntress for the afternoon. "

"Wish she heard you, " laughed Everett. 

"Which one?" said his friend gaily, as with one bound he is at Vaura'sside, not missing his opportunity which he had sworn to take, shouldit offer, of an introduction; he now stood bareheaded as he tenderedthe muff she had dropped; his handsome face aglow with satisfaction, as he took Vaura's offered hand as she thanked him, on her unclepresenting him. There was rather more loitering by Vaura's side thanthe Forester liked, so she, by a sly manoeuvre, caused her horse torear violently; it had the desired effect, and in a few moments theywere careering across the park in the wake of the rest of the party. 

"The dear old place! though it is changed I love it, and am glad to behere once more, " said Vaura, feelingly, inwardly telling herself, "mylove will be here to-night. "

"Where is your mistress, William?" inquired his master of a servant inthe brown and buff livery of the house. 

"In the ball-room, sir. "

"Tell her some guests have arrived, and await her in the morning-room; and here, present these cards. "

"Always an ideal room of mine if unchanged, " said Vaura, entering thewell known apartment. 

"No, Aurora, still welcome one to her blue and gold bower, with theperfume of flowers about. "

"Mrs. Haughton wished it altered; but as the New York renovator ordecorator condescended to say: 'if done over, it would be really quitepretty, ' she yielded to my wish; I knew, dear, your love for at as itis. "

Here the servant returned from Madame, saying: "Mrs. Haughton sendsher compliments, and will her ladyship and Mademoiselle excuse her, asshe is giving the painter a last sitting for the picture which is tobe framed and hung for to-night; and will be happy to welcome theirladyships in the ball-room if not too tired. "

"That will do, William, you may go, " said his master. "And now that weare alone, let me tell you, you will do anything but admire thispainting. "

"Is it not true?" asked Lady Esmondet. 

"Yes, in every detail; it's not that--you will see. "

"What will you do, god-mother mine? Rest here awhile, go to thedining-room and refresh the inner-woman? See, Madame, I protestagainst; you are too fatigued. "

"I am, dear, and prefer to go to my room. Somers may bring mesomething on a tray. Eric, kindly ring the bell. "

William answered, coming in with Somers, to whom he had given thehousekeeper's message to show Lady Esmondet "the green room. "

The Colonel's brow darkened. 

"Are you sure you have Mrs. Haughton's own orders correctly, William?"

"Yes, sir; my mistress gave them to Simpson in my hearing; and MissVernon, please sir, is to have the pink room, --first room, sir. "

"There must be some mistake about the green room; it is dark, cold andgloomy; in the east wing, too. "

"Never mind, Eric, I shall survive it, with a bright fire, and atHaughton. "

"The pink room is cheerful, large, and with a boudoir, " he said, troubled. 

"William, show Somers the pink room, that she may conduct her mistresshither; I shall take the green room, " said Vaura, decisively, "which Ifeel sure was the wish of our hostess. "

"Go, Somers, and do your bidding, " said her mistress; "thank you, Vaura dear, you are always thoughtful for me; and should the greenroom be gloomy, come and share mine. "

"What a restful pair of women you are, " said the Colonel, earnestly. "I feel as if I had taken a narcotic, my nerves have become so quiet;they have been going at race-horse speed. Ah!, how much I have neededyou!"

"In meeting, one feels what one has lost by parting, " said LadyEsmondet, gently. 

"True, Alice, I am at one with you, and feel your words to the lastdegree of bitterness. "

"Come, come, " said Vaura, brightly, "see the sunlight streaming inupon the sky-like walls; so our lives will be happy now in union oncemore. "

"You are a sunbeam, Vaura; and here comes Somers to lead me to theroom of pink. "

"Which I hope will prove the pink of perfection, god-mother mine; andnow, uncle, to see Madame, on and off the canvas, ere I retire to myvernal apartment. "

On the way to the ball-room the corridors were almost deserted, thefair sex either closeted with their maids discussing the war-paint forthe midnight revels, or wooing the god of slumber with a narcotic; themen flirting with their unwearied sisters anywhere, or killing timewith the balls in the billiard-room. 

But the ball-room is reached; over the velvet hangings which drape theentrance, and which are of scarlet, on which are painted blue grapeswith their green vine leaves; for contrast, the yellow sun-flower, with heavy, many-coloured fringe;--as a heading to the drape are thewords in letters of gold formed by leaves of the vine: "Dedicated toComus and Kate. " It was a fitting room for revelry, with its gailypainted walls and ceiling, now with its ropes of natural blossomsfestooning windows and chaining gasalier to gasalier. The door of thelong conservatories were open, and so the air was redolent ofsweetness almost intoxicating. 

Vaura's face showed no surprise at the scene which met her gaze. Onthe dais at the end of the room were grouped Mrs. Haughton, whoreclined in the corner of a lounge, her well-shaped feet resting on afootstool; she wore the divided skirt, with loose tunic waist; it wasof blue Lyons velvet, richly braided with scarlet silk braid, lowshoes of blue velvet with scarlet silk stockings; her black hair inrings on her forehead, meeting brows of gipsy darkness, her whiteteeth showing as she laughingly drew the cigarette from her mouth onthe approach of her husband and his niece. 

"It shall be hung for to-night, Mr. ----, " she said imperiously, ifjokingly, in reply to the artist's protest that his work 'would not bedry;' "if, " she continued, "it has to be baked dry in the cook's oven, or by the fire in the men's words engendered by their champagnelunch!"

There was a general laugh. 

"The dear thing must have her way, " lisped the Meltonbury, from thefloor where she sat, cross-legged, also in divided skirt. 

"My work will be spoiled, then, " said the artist, ruefully. 

"Then dry it by the flame in the Colonel's eyes as he nears and takesin my trousers, and hang it so he gets a double show, " exclaimedMadame, recklessly. 

"Or the heat from the orbs of Everly as he gazes on the approachingbelle would do the business, " echoed Delrose. 

"Heat, indeed!" cried madame, "and, Miss Vernon, he's emerald greenjealous of you! never mind, dear little Sir Tilton, I'll pet you by-and-by; here, come and lift, down one of my feet, the Major or SirPeter may have the other; and now adieu to the gay _abandon_ and forthe conventionalities, if I can. "

"Honours are divided, " cried Delrose, lifting down one foot. 

"So is the skirt, " said the Colonel, with grave dignity. "Kate, I wishyou would dress in a manner befitting your station. "

"Your niece will tell you, Colonel, " she said, rising to welcome Vaura"that men's eyes are women's mirrors; what I see there pleases me; youare in the minority and feel considerably sat upon, and not--" sheadded, laughingly, "so comfortable in your trousers as I in mine; takeit coolly Colonel, and the flame in your eyes will die out, 'tis asthe flicker of an old-fashioned candle; the electric, light the newestflame for me. "

"Pardon, Kate, I accept the trousers; being only your husband and inthe minority (as you say), I am old-fashioned; the latest flame putsme out. "

And the latent meaning in his words was read by more than the speaker. 

"You don't say how you like the painting, Miss Vernon, " said Delrose, on being presented, "the divided skirt would suit your styleimmensely. "

"Anything would, " said Sir Tilton, almost savagely, and in a halfgrowl. 

"'Tis merely the accident of birth, Major Delrose, " she said, carelessly; "had I been cradled in the land of the Sultan--the land oftrousers--they would fit into my life as my gown by Worth does _apresent_. "

And she was so more than lovely as she spoke, and her frock of navyblue velvet trimmed with fox fur, small bonnet blending in hue withher gown, with scarlet geraniums and strings, all becoming to hersweet womanliness, her perfect figure, lithe as a young fawn androunded as a Venus, held the men's gaze, while the women bit theirlips with envy. For we repeat that envy is the motive power that movesand sways their little world, and though they will band themselvestogether to pull the pedestal from under the feet of a more favouredsister, there would be mutiny in the band did one display a charm. 

But Vaura, ever connected in the mind of Mrs. Haughton with Trevalyon, and the wish never dying in her breast to have him at her feet, henceher question, which she would much prefer not to have asked in thepresence of Delrose, but, accustomed to obey impulse, she said:

"And Captain Trevalyon, Miss Vernon, what of him? Will he come for theball, or has he gone to visit his hidden wife of _Truth_ and the_News_; sly fellow that he is?"

Her tone was too eager to please Delrose. "Confound the fellow, I mustlose no time, " he thought, savagely, as Vaura replied, laconically:

"Sir Lionel Trevalyon will be here for the ball. "

"Trevalyon to be here to-night! You never told me, Vaura. "

"I have not had an opportunity, dear uncle, " she said, taking his arm, with a "We shall meet again at dinner" to madame; as they left theroom she continued: "He bid me tell you, dear, that he comes afterdinner with three unbidden guests, and that he wishes that the Hallguests may learn from their words of the ingredients of a dish ofscandal, so that they will tell it to the London world!"

"It is of his hidden wife, I presume. Yes, of her ingredients he cannow tell; she _is his wife_. Of the woman previous to the altar knotman knows naught. _She is masked!"_

"Society is a fencing school, dear uncle; we all have our masks andfoils. "

"Not all, Vaura; we all pay society's tolls, for we live to enter thearena, but we are not all masked. "

"You will be glad to see your old friend again, uncle?" she saidquestioningly, anxious to know how the man she loved would bewelcomed. 

"Yes and no, dear; his hand-clasp will strengthen, me but not you. Trevalyon's hand enclosing woman's is weakening to them, and he hasbeen much with you; were it not for this scandal--. "

"Which by mid-night, " she said quickly, "the nightbirds will have, bythe flutter of their wings, blown into the right current, and frompoor Lionel. "

"So, so, Vaura, you speak warmly; it is as I feared; he has made youcare for him. "

"He has. "

"I am sorry for you, Vaura, and glad for him; peerless, as you, are, aman should woo you with spotless breastplate; but I love Trevalyon, and if he can in any way clear himself, but I fear he cannot, " he saidgravely. 

"'All's well that ends well, ' dear uncle; he _will_ clear himself. "

"After dinner, you say?"

"Yes, but no preparations; he wishes to come in with the threeunbidden guests unnoticed. "

"Yes, but if he or they, I suppose, are to come with 'mouth full ofnews, ' to tell publicly, I think he is wrong not to let it be known, otherwise they (some of them) may not appear until the ball opens. "

"Let it be as he wishes, dear uncle; they are epicurean enough not tofail your good board, even though ignorant of the highly seasoneddesert. But some one sneezed! we have a listener! yes, " she continuedbreathlessly, "my hearing is very acute, and see! something between aman and woman, gliding softly down the dim corridor. "

"Yes, we had better separate; go and rest, dear; we have, I fear, beentalking to the Hall through some one else, and I feel somewhat excitedover your news and shall smoke it off. "

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

MADAME IN A FELINE MOOD. 

A window in the library looked out upon the avenue, and a carriageapproaching could be distinctly seen. Vaura, in the long ago, hadfrequently sat in this window, to watch the return of her uncle; aye, and of the man whom she now loved better than life itself. She wassure she could distinguish a conveyance from the village, and theoccupants devoid of the gay trappings of revelry, from the guests intheir comfortable carriages. Accordingly, as Madame had changed (forto-night), the dinner hour to half-past nine, at nine o'clock, Vaura, a soft beam of loveliness, with light foot-fall, entered the libraryand took her station at the watch-tower above mentioned. She wasscarcely seated ere she was aware she was not the only occupant ofwhat she had felt sure would be a deserted room; she would have risen, but her heart was there, and the words she heard chained her to thespot; the voices were those of Mrs. Haughton and of Major Delrose. 

"I will have my way, Kate!"

"You will, I know; but can't you wait?"

"What for? For you to have Trevalyon fooling round you. Gad, if hecomes near you, I'll shoot him. "

"I am sorry I told you Melty followed them and heard. "

"I'm not, for there's a devilish mystery about his coming; I wishshe'd heard more. "

"But she didn't, dear George; and that he comes at all does not lookwell for our plot, eh? She may yet get him, not I; and so you willremember, sweet Georgie; if so you don't win the game. "

"Kate, you madden me. "

"You do seem a little that way; there, go away, you are crushing myflowers. Heaven knows you ought to be satisfied, I have given youenough. "

"I shall have you _all to myself_. "

This he said with such fierce emphasis as to cause Vaura to tremble;not so Madame, for she loved this man for his boldness only (a tamernature would have palled upon her long ere this), but the felinenature in her triumphed at times, and she tortured him. 

"But, dear boy, " she continued, "you have not carried out yourbargain, and so no reward. "

"I know I promised to separate them, and so I have, and shall; youdon't see all my hand, my queen, there'll be the devil to pay when Ido. I got a letter from New York this summer I shall yet turn to ouradvantage, even if I do stretch a point. "

"Why did you not show this letter you speak of to me? Take your headaway, you don't care a fig that my flowers will wear a dissipatedrecumbence; remember the dinner and ball. "

"Hang the flowers, the dinner and everything; I want you. "

"But suppose I like queening it among the English nobility a triflelonger. You see Trevalyon is--"

"You rouse the devil in me, Kate; look you, I won't and can't standthis any longer; name that man again to me in that fooling way and bythe stars I'll shoot him. You _belong to me_ as much as our--. But youknow you do. Heaven is my witness, Kate, if you don't end this humbugI will, and in my own way. "

"I sometimes think it would have been better had we never met; you areso fierce and jealous. "

"No you don't, for our love is the same, our natures the same. Theburning lava of my love suits you better than the, ah, dear me, gentlemanly affection of the Colonel, or than Lincoln Tompkins'innocent pride in you. "

"How about the other men?" she said, teasingly. 

"Leave them to me, I'll handle them should they cross my path. _Youshall_ come with me to-night, my plans are laid; you will never regretit. You would soon tire of the child's play here, no excitement; afterthe ball I away from Rose Cottage. Our life at New York and elsewherewill be one long draught of champagne. You must come with me to-night, or look you--" and he hissed the words between his teeth, "I'll makeyou. "

"My flowers again, --and the dinner bell; I'll tell you yea--perhaps, by-and-by. "

Vaura, with her hand on her heart to still its violent throbbing, lingered until sure of their retreat. She now emerged from the recessin which she had been completely hidden. The others having enteredfrom the end door had seated themselves in the first recess, therebeing only the double row of book shelves between them. The wholelength of the room was in this way, shelves jutting out from eitherside, and a dim, very dim light pervading. 

"Oh, what shall I do? How can I appear with their voices in my ears, their words stamped upon my memory, " she murmured, "and yet I must, for my poor darling comes after. I must try to forget their words ormy brain will be too full. What a scandal for our house. But to theconventionalities, " and with rapid steps she reached her apartments. "Quick, Saunders, a wine glass of Cognac, I am not well. There, thatwill do; how do I look?"

"Like a picture, Mademoiselle. "

CHAPTER XXXIX

TREVALYON THROWS DOWN THE GLOVE. 

The dinner on this Twelfth-night, fraught as it was with so much ofthe effervescence of the champagne of life to so many, was a dinnerfit for an emperor. The gold plate, the glassware, each piece a gem. Sweet flowers looked up from their delicate design in moss beside eachperson, or from elegant vases. The hostess was recklessly gay and_abandon_, looking like a scarlet poppy with dew upon it, robed as shewas in satin of scarlet, the whole front of the dress and corsagebeing embroidered in poppies from pink to scarlet, their leaves ofpearls; her necklet, armlets, and earrings were diamonds, rubiesand pearls. A handsome woman, without doubt, loving life and its_bon-bons_. 

"We only make the run once, " she would cry, "let us take iteffervescing. "

Vaura is peerlessly beautiful and brilliant as her diamonds, her largehazel eyes bright as stars, her lips a rose, throat, neck and armsgleam in their whiteness as does the satin of her gown. Ah! Lionel, much as we love you, we are happy in the thought that Vaura is yourrest. Colonel Haughton notices that his niece often glances at him, and that beneath her gay repartee or brilliant converse, thereunderlies some powerful excitement which he attributes wholly to the_expose_ of the truth by Lionel. 

"And so you enjoyed Rome, " said Capt. Chancer to Vaura, who had beenassigned to him, so causing him to be the envy of the other men. 

"Intensely! dear sun-warm, love-warm Italia. "

"Yes, one loves to live and lives to love while there. I hope you didnot leave your heart behind you, Miss Vernon. "

"Nay, you should congratulate me had I done so, and by your own wordsof 'one lives to love while there. '"

"Yes, and on my warm heart; for, though old Sol laughs in gay Paris, his temple is in warm Italia, " she said, gaily. 

"Your eyes tell whether your heart's warmth depends upon the zone youdwell in. "

"Are you wise in trusting in truth from woman's eyes?" she saidsoftly, and looking into his face. 

"In some cases, yes; they are _en verite_ the language of the soul. "And his gaze plainly shows his admiration. "You sing, I am told?"

"A little; it could not be otherwise if one has lived so much in thesouth as I; the voice of song seems the natural language for one'svarying emotions. "

"You will sing me one song to-night?"

"Yes, if you care; instead of a waltz. "

"I want both. "

"And you look like a man who has his way most days. "

"In trifles, yes; in things longed for, never!'"

"Well, if so; as the song and waltz are trifles to make your assertiontrue, you must have them. "

"I am in paradise, and shall try to forget that did you consider themthings of moment, you would never have granted them, " he said, earnestly laying down knife and fork as he turned to gaze wistfullyinto the face of the fair woman near him at last. 

"You have the nattering tongue and eyes of your sex, Capt. Chancer, and you and the other men are to blame if I have promised more than Ican perform; for I have been unable to say nay to your pleadings, being in a passive mood to-night. "

And the eyelids with their wealth of curled lashes were uplifted, asshe smilingly looked into his face, for her thoughts were of Lionel;his, of her. 

"Of all women's moods, I love her best in the dreamy languor ofpassiveness. "

"To mould us as wax in your hands, to love us till you tire, as we doa bird or a flower, and then sigh for another mood; you see I know youin all your moods and tenses, " she said softly. 

"You know us till we meet you, " he said earnestly, as a servantrefilled his champagne glass. 

"Tis Greek meeting Greek" she said gaily, though her heart throbbedwildly, for she alone heard a slight bustle in the hall and the voiceof the man she loved. 

"No, fairest of women, 'tis the war of love!"

"A pleasant strife with its heart-stir; its weapons, the emotions. "

"No wonder, that were we a very Achilles, you rob us of our strength. "

Here Trevalyon's servant entering, handed his master's card toDelrose; on the back of which he read: "Are you prepared to own up asto the part you played in the Clarmont escapade? if not, I shall clearmyself. "

"Tell your master I am neither a babe nor suckling, " he answereddefiantly, his brow black with hate and rage as he tore the card topieces, throwing it towards the man. 

There being a sort of free-masonry between Madame and Delrose, themovements of each being rarely unobserved by the other, she was aboutto play into his hands by signalling her sisterhood to rise from thetable, when Sir Lionel Trevalyon was announced, who, hastily coming toher side, taking her hand in salutation, said:

"You will kindly give me a few moments, Mrs. Haughton; oblige me, please, by keeping your seat. "

Madame was recklessly abandon, and Sir Lionel had asked her with hismesmeric eyes, or she would not have disobeyed the pressure of theDelrose boot upon her fours in scarlet satin, (for she did not pinefor the whiteness of the lily in boots or hose), "It is too tame, not_chic_, " she would laugh, and say adding, "a fig for its purity. "

"Welcome, thrice welcome, Trevalyon, my dear fellow, " cried theColonel warmly. "Here, Winter, " to the butler "attend to the comfortof Sir Lionel Trevalyon'"

"I thank you, Haughton, you are always kind, but I have dined. "

There was another pressure of the Delrose boot which, this time, hadthe desired effect, emphasised as it was by a meaning look. 

Lionel, with one hand on the back of Colonel Haughton's chair, smiledhis greetings, and as his eyes rested for a moment on Vaura, knowingher intensely emotional nature, and seeing her quickened heart beats, her cheek paling, her lips scarlet by contrast, her large eyes full ofsympathy, he was glad to change the scene to the great drawing rooms. On Madame answering the Delrose signal by rising from the table, saying, "Say your say in the greater comforts of the drawing-rooms, Sir Lionel, as you have dined; come away, the gentlemen will notlinger to-night; here, give me your arm and I shall be well taken careof between two such gallants as Lord Rivers and yourself. "

"As you will, fair Madame, and you I know will not say me nay when Iask you to bid all your guests come, as I have a word to say to themof the 'hidden wife, ' society gives me. "

"The bait is sufficient, " she said laughing, though baffled, "theywill all follow like a lot of hungry fish. "

"Gad! Trevalyon, " cried Lord Rivers jokingly, "she must be old! enoughto come out. "

"I am relieved that Trevalyon is going to make a clean breast of it;English society is degenerating, " said Lord Ponsonby in severe tonesto Lady Esmondet. 

"Trevalyon looks as he did in the east, " said Chancer to Vaura, "whenone of the blacks cut poor Cecil Vaughn's throat when he lay dying, then robbed him; Trevalyon caught him in the act as he rode up, Cecilhaying asked his orderly to bring him to receive his dying messages. "

"No need to tell me the result Capt. Chancer. I read Sir Lionel'sexpression as you do, treachery lived and was extinct. "

"But dear Miss Vernon, who are Cecil and the black this time? I knowthere has been some by-play, to which I have been oblivious, but noman would blame me. "

"Not while I have heard for you, " giving him a bewildering smile. 

"Which means you have had no ear for me, " he said, regretfully seatinghimself beside her on a _tete-a-tete_ sofa, for they have now reachedthe _salons_. 

"Not so, _cher_ grumbler, for I have two ears, and while Sir Lionel'srather mournful notes entered first; your pretty nothings were blownin upon them so quickly, by some more mirthful sprite as to send histo my memory, while yours are in my ear still. "

"There is so sweet a bewitchment in your healing touch, as to make aman not regret his wound. "

"Come, trot her out, Sir Lionel, " said Madame saucily, as she passedVaura and Capt. Chancer, "and after I have opened the ball Lord Riverscan have her, and you and I from a _tete-a-tete_ chair, will pronounceupon candle-moulds and ankles. "

"Trevalyon will take the ankles, " said Lord Rivers lazily. 

"At last we are going to bag our game and I, my gold-mounted ridingwhip, " said the huntress, who with Major Delrose seated themselvesnear Vaura and her cavalier. 

"Why how?" asked Delrose quickly and absently, for he had beenintently watching the movements of Mrs. Haughton and her escort's. 

"By the bow of Diana, Major, I believe you are off the scent, thoughyou heard me make the bet with Sir Peter Tedril on Trevalyon's wife, Ibet my dog against a whip he'd take this ball as a door to trot herout by, and so make his peace with Mrs. Grundy. "

"You and your dog are always game, and I take sides with you; if hebrings her out at all it will be here, " he said, absently. But now alook of savage hate comes to his face on seeing Mrs. Haughton smilecaressingly on Trevalyon. 

"Confound him, " he muttered, "he bags game at will. "

"Yes, his eye and touch of his hand bring us down every time. I wonderwhen he'll introduce her; one thing I'll wager that we women will allbe hounds and run her down to, earth. "

"Excuse me, Mrs. Forester, I must run over to Rose Cottage, I have aword to say to my servant, Simon. "

"Oh, that's too bad! hurry back, Major, ours is the first dance, " andturning to Sir Tilton, who had strolled up, "one would think thehounds were after him, instead of poor Sir Lionel Trevalyon, as wehave all been lately. "

"What a terrible expression came into Major Delrose's face just now, as he looked at Sir Lionel Trevalyon, " said Vaura to Chancer, "if everman was born to hunt something he looked the man. "

"Yes? I did not notice, but have always thought there was a latentjealousy and dislike in his breast of Trevalyon. "

"One goes hand in hand with the other, " she answered. 

CHAPTER XL. 

BLACK DELROSE USES EMPHATIC LANGUAGE. 

Delrose flew rather than walked to Rose Cottage muttering curses onKate and Trevalyon as he ran. "D--- him, he has always had the best ofit whenever he and I have crossed lances. Kate has loved him best allalong, and did he hold up his finger she'd not go with me to-night. But by the stars she shall! I have got the upper hand of her at lastby the help of the coming--. We are a daring, reckless race. Yes, sheis mine at last, I can make her come, but curse that fellow, she caresmost for him, but she and her gold shall be mine, and I love her asthe panther its mate, as the lioness her whelps, for is she not of myblood? though I have not told her what I have known for years that theCapt. Vivian, forsooth, her father, is my first cousin. VivianDelrose, in our family surnamed the reckless. What is she saying tohim now? Heavens how hot my brain is! Gad, how far to the cottage!Even though it be to an _expose_, I wish I was back. I must not losesight of her, the two hours before we are off may do me mischief--hemay fall in love. She is looking splendid; all fire, gown and all! ha, ha! but, " and he hissed the words between his teeth, "let him stand inmy way and she woos a corpse. And now to throw as many stones in hispath as Satan shows me how, " and springing, rather than walking intoRose Cottage he surprised Simon in the act of discussing a bottle ofBurgundy with himself. An empty decanter with the remains of some hamsandwiches were on the table. Ellen, the cook, with flushed face layon the sofa in a deep sleep. Conspicuous on the table embroidered bythe aesthetic fingers of Miranda Marchmont, were groups of potato bugsand a vial, on which in the handwriting of Delrose was the word"Chloral. "

"What the devil do you mean, Simon, " shouted his master, "what fool'sgame are you after! Nice way you're attending to my orders. What areyou playing with this chloral for?"

"Well, you see, sir, cook's been spoons on me ever since you and I putup here. She was so dead gone on me when she know'd we was to goto-night--"

"You scoundrel! didn't I tell you you were to keep dark as to ourleaving?"

"Please, sir, I only told her to see how she'd stare, and then Idrugged her so she can't blab, out of that bottle I've seen you use, sir (with a cunning leer), more nor once. She wants to come with us, sir, she's so gone on me, sir. "

"And you are gone on that bottle, or you wouldn't gabber like a fool;it's my belief you were born in a wine cask and nursed on a bottle;here, drop that glass, " and snatching it from his servant's hands, hethrew the contents out of the open casement; "what's that! moving awayfrom under the window; look here, you fool, something white! only Iknow everyone is at the Hall, I'd say it was a girl or woman. "

"No, sir; it's only the white goat as Miss Marchmont pets; she'sstartled me afore now, sir. "

"Very well, listen; I have work for you to do, hark you, for I shallnot tell it twice: Sir Lionel Trevalyon has arrived at the Hall; youknow my feelings towards him. "

"You don't exactly doat on him, sir. "

"No; well, mark me, he has brought some people with him to swearfalsely, and to clear him of all part in running off with Col. Clarmont's wife (some twelve years ago); he wants to father her on tome; as his game is to marry the new beauty, Miss Vernon; but, my man, if you will stick to it that he was the man (that all the regiment hadit so), not I, your wages are doubled next quarter. And now, look you, the work I have for you since you know so well how to use this bottle, is, to get with all speed to the Hall; they will be havingrefreshments; you add a _good sound sleep_, on the plea of getting acup of strong coffee which will steady you; force your way intowhatever room they are; I wish you had not been such an ass as to taketo the bottle to-night; your game is to say nothing of Paris, or ofthe part I played with that little fool of a Clarmont. And now away. "

"Yes, sir; and I'll not fail you; it's work I like; and if I can do_his_ cup, there will be no harm, I suppose, sir?"

"None; and you'll not regret it; only don't make a blundering idiot ofyourself with all that Burgundy inside of you; put the chloral in yourpocket carefully. And now for the Hall at once, and with me. "

With rapid strides (Simon rather unsteady in his gait, but a wholesomedread of his master sobering him at every step) they are soon withinrange of the illuminated windows, and now separate to make their_entree_ at doors for big and little flies. 

CHAPTER XLI. 

AN EXPOSE, SOCIETY ON TIP-TOE. 

Immediately after dinner, Blanche, who wished to perfect her ownlittle plot, had commanded the attendance of that squire of dames, Everly, down at Rose Cottage, for half an hour, saying to him:

"Everyone will be at the Hall; cook Ellen is my friend; her plot beingthat I marry the Major; she is sure he talks to Mrs. Haughton for mysake (shows how perfect their tricks have been), and she (Ellen) is tobe my maid and marry Simon; she's a good creature, Baronet, so shewon't have her way; they never do down here; we gobble up all the_bon-bons_; so you be up to time; slip off after you lead Cis backfrom dinner; my plot wants trimming; and walls have ears here; therewon't be a soul down there, or a body which would be worse. "

"But I shall be missed, " whined small Everly. 

"Spoken like an English baronet, who don't see how small it is; you've_got_ to come to help me fix my plot. "

So after dinner, and in the corridor to the _salons_ the wee whitemouse excusing herself to her cavalier, flew softly to a cloak-room;it was only a minute, and the cloak enveloped _la petite_; when, withhood drawn well over the forehead, and the satin-dressed feet pushedinto over-boots, she is off. Quickly she sped in and out among thetrees, the wind blowing her cloak open, giving her the appearance inthe shadow of a white-breasted bird on the wing, now flying, nowresting in the shade, to listen for the footsteps of her expectedcompanion when within a stone's throw of the cottage she stood. 

"He's too utterly mean for anything; I see I shall have to bribe himevery time, " she thought; "but here he comes; I'll give him a fright, "and throwing her cloak off, though chilled, she hid in the shadow andwaited; but, no; it is not the expected, but Delrose flying, as wehave seen him, to speak to his man. 

"What's to pay now? I'll step in and hide, and not pad my ears either;he's expected too, I see, for the parlour is lit up. "

In a moment Everly is forgotten in her loved game of detective. First, under the window where she was almost discovered by Delrose (as we areaware), next, the back door is entered, housemaid and small boy at theHall, no one sees her enter, Ellen's loud breathing covering herfootstep; in a few seconds she is in a pantry between dining-room andparlour. Here she heard every word that passed between them, masterand man. 

"The plot thickens, you bet; what a lovely time I am having, and whata thunder and lightning wretch the Major is; I don't suppose I cansave those poor people, they have got ahead of me this time, in moreways than one, " murmured wee Blanche, now leaving the cottage, onlyhaving given the others time to be out of sight. Half way to the Hallshe meets the tardy little Everly, to whom Mrs. Forester had said, "What's up, Sir Tilton? you're as absent as a hound that's lost thescent; you are all cut up, your eyes are Miss Vernon's, yourpersonality is the sofa's, away and find yourself, you're too tame forme, and send me Major Delrose. "

"How awfully late you are, " exclaimed Blanche, breathlessly, "heregive me your arm. "

"I regret what has been unavoidable, so many men buttonholed me" (hedid not say they were duns). 

"All right, Baronet, we havn't time to talk much, I'm out of breath, but I am going to have that show tonight. "

"Oh! Blanche, I do wish you would wait, say even for a day or two, "implored small Everly. 

"Well, I guess perhaps I will, " she said cunningly, not meaning todefer her intention for even an hour, "but you must do something forme then. "

"Anything, anything, " he cried eagerly. 

"That's all O. K. ; first, I must have surgeon Strange from the villagedouble quick. "

"Why, you are not ill! if so, Sir Andrew Clarke is--"

"I know he is at the Hall; don't interrupt me, he is too big a man forwhat I want; you must send one of the servants for Strange; I know heis to come to the ball, but if he hasn't come, fetch him right along;next, you are to be too awfully sweet for anything to Mrs. Haughton. "

"Oh! Blanche, not too pronounced. I owe half the men money and want tokeep in the back ground. "

"I'll pay them all off to-morrow. "

"Well, I suppose I must; first, you want Strange, but you don't seemill, too bad if you have to miss the dance. "

"Oh, he'll fix me up in no time; there, _ta-ta_, you go that way tothe stables; mind, right along to me, that will fetch him. "

And the wee innocent-faced this time, white mouse is in the salonsquicker than it takes to tell it, even though she had first paid aflying visit to the apartments of Mrs. Haughton. "Wonder if theColonel will dream on the cake, or take to tragedy, " was her mentalejaculation on what she saw there. 

Just as she entered the drawing-rooms, Trevalyon, who had evidentlyhad a word with Delrose, judging from the look of defiance on the faceof the latter as he left his side, now walked up to Colonel Haughton, seated at the end of the rooms beside Lady Esmondet, with whom he hadbeen conversing earnestly, and said:

"Haughton, dear friend, kindly ask your guests to give me theirattention for a few minutes. "

On the Colonel complying with his request, Trevalyon meanwhileglancing at the gems of art around him; behind him in a niche stood astatue of Venus smiling down upon the blind god who had been making atarget of her breast in which were many arrows. Vaura giving himstrength by being so near, what woman whom Lionel Trevalyon wouldlove, but would be near him. Ah! heaven, thou hast given such bliss toa few of us, as makes us long for immortality. 

But Lionel is about to speak; looking around him, a settled purpose inhis handsome face, he said in his musical voice:

"One could not, even in one's dreams, picture a fairer garden ofsociety's flowers as listeners, while one tells of a plot nourished bythe sting of its wasp, and smiles of its beauteous butterflies; eachof our plots has its name, you all know the name of your last, youhave given it to the _News_ and _Truth_, and have designated it'Trevalyon's hidden wife;' while I have come to the conclusion that, here and now, I shall introduce the wife you have given me; her_entree_ and recital of how you have come to give her to me will be asfragrant spice to your dish of small talk, as you tread a measure inyonder ball-room. "

On Trevalyon speaking of his purpose to introduce his 'hidden wife, 'Delrose, who seemed to have lost all control over himself, withmuttered oath, left Mrs. Forester's side, and, with rapid strides, went down the room and seated himself behind a small sofa on whichwere seated Mrs. Haughton and Lord Rivers, seeming too comfortable, Delrose thought; overhearing Rivers say lazily, "I wish we lived inUtah, " pressing the hand concealed in the folds of scarlet satin. 

"I wonder how Lady Rivers would like me; as the last, the dearestone, " had said Madame, her white teeth showing. 

Lord Rivers gave her a side-long glance. 

"There'd be the devil to pay, " said Delrose, savagely, as he sankheavily into the chair behind them; folding his arms on the back oftheir sofa, and between them, and leaning forward. 

"You look black enough to be his dun, " said Lord Rivers, carelessly. 

As Sir Lionel ceased speaking, a lady, in the garb of a cloisterednun, and closely veiled, had entered with slow, uncertain step; SirAndrew Clarke, stepping forward, offered a seat, saying, "Allow me;you seem about to faint. "

"No; I thank you, " she said hurriedly, "I feel quite well again, withthe exception of a slight dizziness. "

But in a moment, Trevalyon is beside her, whose arm she quietly takes, while he led her up the long drawing rooms, the _cynosure_ of alleyes, giving her at the head of the room, an easy chair. At the firstsound of the voice of the nun, Delrose had started violently, muttering, "By thunder, her voice, but no! not from behind a nun's veil. "

"Unveil the statue, Delrose, " whispered Lord Rivers; for society waswatching and listening with itching ears for more, and a pinfall couldhave been heard. 

"Unveil her, she'll let you, if she have any charms to show, " hecontinued lazily. 

"My dear boy, do keep quiet; or perhaps you'd like to run away tillthe farce is over, " said Madame, caressingly, for she has a _penchant_for the peer beside her; he is a new distraction and will amuse heruntil she can secure a _tete-a-tete_ with the man who has some rarefascination for her, as Lionel Trevalyon has for many. But no, Delrosewill not stir from beside the woman who has magnetised him for years. And as he keeps his position, he mentally curses Lord Rivers for histemporary monopoly of her. 

Trevalyon had stepped over to Vaura on pretence, or with the excuse ofborrowing her fan for the nun, he not feeling strong enough to waitany longer for a pressure of the hand; as she turned her exquisiteface upwards, oh, the torture that he could not take her to his heart;but, his "hidden wife, " and all the eyes. But he managed while, as iflearning how to open the fan and while the attention of Chancer wasmomentarily engaged, to whisper, "oh darling, this ordeal is too much, why did I not fly away with you. "

"My own darling, " was all her eyes and lips could silently frame. Buthis hand brushed her arm, and with a sweet pain from heart to heart, he went from her side strengthened for the fight. 

"Shall I introduce you, sister, to Mrs. Haughton and a few of mypersonal friends?"

"Not so, Sir Lionel, I thank you; I am dead to the world and am onlyhere to perform a duty; the hearing of names would stir sad memoriesin my heart and unfit me for my task, " and motioning him to bend downtowards her, she said in tones only heard by him:

"Your kind heart requires sympathy; go and stay near that lovely ladyyou spoke to just now. "

"I shall, and shall be near you also. "

And though by this time half a dozen men had grouped themselves aboutthe beauty, he got into a corner behind her, where, when they spoke, her breath fanned his cheek, or in turning, the soft bronze of herhair brushed his face. 

The nun now standing up, spoke in quick, nervous tones, as follows:

"You all know why I am here; an odd figure truly in such a scene. Ihave been one of you, so know exactly how out of place is one in mygarb, where all is gold lace and revelry. I regret to have detainedyou, but you gentlemen will not mind when beauty and grace are sonear; and you ladies will not tire, as curiosity, your strongest trait(pardon, I, too, am a woman) is about to be gratified in my words. Vanity has been my curse, and even now it hurts me to humiliate myselfto you all, so much so, that, though I pity a man who has wrongfullysuffered condemnation through me for many years, I would not exoneratehim were it not at the command of the church. Twelve years ago I was ayoung bride, and with my husband, an officer high in rank in our army, was at London. I was called pretty; I know I was worldly, foolish andvain. My husband, a very superior man (as I see men now), might havedone something with me had I submitted to his guidance, but I was butseventeen, if that is any excuse for my wickedness. The officers ofour regiment were as gay as their kind. I thought them all in lovewith me; I know men well enough since to be aware that their love waswinged, and lighted where fancy willed, and _pour passer le temps_. Myown fickle fancy, " and her voice faltered, "was held by two men, antipodes each of the other; the one fair as an angel of day, who, hadhe bid me to his arms, ah well' though I shame to tell you, his willwould have only been my wish. "

Here Delrose's face grew black as he muttered, "there, too. "

"The other man, dark as a storm-tossed sky, bewitched me also, and hedid will that I should be wholly his, and conquered; I, at last, giving him my whole heart, and passionately loving him and him alone. "Here the slight figure swayed and would have fallen, but Vaura andothers were beside her; in a moment she again stood erect, waving themaway saying: "'Tis the weakness of the flesh; but let me do my poorweak nature justice, I could conquer my feelings better, but that thewine I drank on entering after my journey, and to nerve me to my task, was drugged. "--sensation--"but to my penance; I consented to leave myhusband, and with the man of whom I last spoke; on pretence ofvisiting friends, I went to Paris; my lover obtaining leave of absenceat the same time for himself, and with deep cunning, inducing hisbrother officer to do likewise; for though unlike, still, both as gaysociety men and of the same regiment, were a good deal together. The one honourable, the other, as I have found him to my sorrow. The one 'in all his gay _affaires de coeur_, never desecrating ahearth-stone;' this he told me on seeing" here her voice broke, "onseeing my love for him; I hope he will forgive my breach ofconfidence; this was previous to my dark lover having gained my heart. We lived as man and wife at Paris; he, returning to his regimentbefore his leave had expired, told me I must write to his brotherofficer at his hotel to come and see me on a certain day; I obeyedblindly; he came, and my lover managed so that his own servant shouldcall at the same time with messages from England, bogus and with noreference to himself. The servant (the same man who drugged my wineto-night) returned to his regiment with the information that I wasliving _a_ Paris with the other officer, who, returning to England, onhis furlough lapsing, was called out by my husband, who was worsted inthe duel. My lover was waited on by the man he had wronged (I mean hisbrother officer, not my husband), who implored him to own up. My loversaid it would ruin him; he had nothing but his sword; he must get hispromotion; he would marry me as soon as his Colonel secured a divorce, etc. The other man consented to bear the stigma, as it would be bestfor me, and until a divorce was obtained, the man of honour sold out;my lover was promoted. So does the green bay tree flourish. Thedivorce was obtained; my lover, though visiting me frequently, andalways unsuspected, at each visit swore to marry me at the next, butinstead, deserted me just three months previous to the birth of ourchild, with no means of support, moving from lodging to lodging, living by the sale of my jewels; at last when these failed, gettingbread for myself and child by giving a few music lessons to the poorpeople's children. But now, hearing that the man for whom I had givenup all, had sold out, and now the avowed admirer of a wealthy Americanat New York, U. S. A. , I gave up; my pitiable loneliness, poverty, failing health were too much and I completely broke down. You willwonder how I, in my retirement, heard of his unfaithfulness. Justabout eight years ago, a creature who had once paid me compliments, adissolute man, found me out, telling me my lover had sent him; herenewed his odious addresses. Some of my women hearers will be shockedto hear me tell of declarations of love of this kind, but when a womantakes the step I did, she must accept such; one cannot play with pitchand escape defilement, and though I loathed the messenger and hiswords it would have been an incongruity to say so; so when he said Ihad best take the sunny side of life's boulevard with him, with forcedcalmness I refused and decidedly. On his taking a reluctant leave, Ifell into a death-like swoon, and so, good Father Lefroy, the parishpriest found me. But to hasten (you can easily I believe I had been anextremely careless religionist). The kind sisters of a neighbouringconvent brought me and my little son to their hospital, and nursed meback to more than my former health. I embraced their faith, and at myearnest entreaty they accepted me as a member of their order, and Itrust by zeal in good works to atone for the wickedness of my pastlife. My boy, I have given as a sin offering to the church. And nowthe penance imposed upon me is finished, save in a few concludingwords. I say most solemnly, upon oath, that what I have said and amabout to say is the truth. The man I spoke of at first, as handsome asan angel of day, and to whom you have given me as hidden wife, is SirLionel Trevalyon. The man with whom I eloped, and who finally won mylove, is the father of my child and is Major Delrose; for I am noneother than Fanny Ponton, at one time wife to Colonel Clarmont. " Atthese words, the poor thing gave way, but the wee white mouse, who hadgradually from pillar to post reached the head of the room is besideher, first sending Everly to the side of Madame, saying, "Make love toher openly, to-night, and to my banker to-morrow. " And now the pinkeyes peer through the black veil as she whispers, "you'll have another'pick me up;' where's the small bottle? I saw them and the priest isaching to come right along. What a dear little boy, but the bottle, quick!"

"You are very kind; it is in my pocket. " A wine-glass is brought andthe contents swallowed. 

In the meantime Colonel Haughton, Claxton, Wingfield, and others cameforward, congratulating Sir Lionel, while some of the loveliest women, glad of his freedom, did likewise. Meanwhile Sir Peter Tedril had«come hastily to the little group around Madame, just as she wassaying jestingly to Delrose--

"Come, George, own up, you and the nun are a black pair. Hadn't Ibetter go and pat and purr over _dear_ Sir Lionel?"

"None of your chaff, Kate, I am in no mood to stand it; the ball is at_his_ feet now, it will be at _mine_ ere sunrise, " he said savagely, and with latent meaning. 

"That's right, Delrose, " said Tedril, mistaking his purpose. "Whethershe is yours or his does not signify; throw down the gauntlet; giveher the lie; tell her she is an adventuress; anything! to put a spokein Trevalyon's wheel; all the women go with him; a man has no chance, "drawing himself up to his full height of five feet five inches, andpulling his whiskers furiously; "even with a handle to his name, andan M. P. ; if you don't care to go in yourself, let Rivers, Everly, ormyself be your spokesman. "

"Leave me out, Tedril, please, " said Lord Rivers lazily; "I'd ratherbe all eyes and ears just at present, " drawing closer to Madame, andbeing for the moment proprietor of her fine arm, lace wraps telling notales. "I vote Delrose kiss and make up, so we see the statue unveil. "At this there was laughter, when Rivers continued: "Don't look blackas a storm-tossed sky, Delrose, as the veiled lady hath it. I dare sayhonours were divided between you and Trevalyon. "

"Both soldiers, they went to war and vanquished a woman, eh, Georgie?"said Kate, still laughing; "they all do it. Even my spouse, SaintEric, is laying siege to that women in violet velvet. "

"While scarlet is our colour, " cried Everly, gallantly, as Mrs. Forester and others joined the group, while the huntress exclaimed--

"Speak, Major; say you deny the wooing and the wooer. Black isn't ourcolour, so for fun we'll pelt the robed one. "

Delrose, pushed to it and full of hate to Trevalyon, excited, and aswas usual, reckless (knowing also what his plot was for this verynight; knowing, too, how that act would be canvassed at dawn; whensociety! in her chaste morning robe would look shocked at what shewould wink at at midnight, and in her _robe de chambre_), electrifiedthe groups of wasps and butterflies, in their musical mur-mur andwhirr-whirr, by standing up and saying, in a tone of bravado--

"A pretty plot and well got up for a fifth-rate theatre, but not for adrawing-room in Belgravia I need scarcely say I deny the charge, theobject of which is to free a man from a 'hidden wife' to enable him towed a new beauty with us to-night. (Sensation). Sir Lionel Trevalyonhas lately come into the possession of much gold; the Church of Romehath a fancy for the yellow metal; if the woman robed as a nun be anun, then she is only adding to the coffers of the church by speakingthe words we have heard. If she even be the one-time wife of poorColonel Clarmont, society, knowing a thing or two (excuse the slang), will place no reliance on the story of such an one. "

To attempt to describe the effects of the words of Delrose on the gaygroups of revellers would be impossible. Butterflies and wasps forgotfor a moment their beauty and their sting. It was as though DameRumour and Mrs. Grundy were struck blind and dumb, their loversfaithless, or Worth dead! But now the Babel of tongues fills the air, and silence lays down her sceptre to go forth into the night alone. 

"Isn't it too delightful! a double scandal!" cried one. 

"Alas! alas! that my day should be in such an age, " said LordPonsonby. 

"I wonder who it is darling Sir Lionel wishes to marry, " said another. At this remembering rivalry got on the war path, as each lookedcritically at the other. 

"Trevalyon would be a decent fellow enough if you did not all kneel tohim, " growled a county magnate. "I wish he would go to Salt Lake cityand take his harem with him. "

"I wonder if he has his eye on me, " cried gay Mrs. Wingfield; "you mendo sometimes take a fancy to other men's belongings. If he does Ishall have to succumb instanter. Eustace, dear fellow, has rather aconsumptive look, now I come to notice him. "

"He may drop off in time, " laughed the huntress; "but I am afraid I'velost my whip, " she added, dolefully, brushing past Colonel Haughton, standing beside Lady Esmondet, and conversing in an undertone withClaxton and Trevalyon. 

"Lost your whip!" exclaimed her host with forced gaiety; "thatdare-devil has picked it up, then. "

"Say that he only has the whip-hand _pour le present_, dear SirLionel, ” said Mrs. Wingfield, taking both his hands in a pretty, beseeching way. 

"Or we women shall eat our hearts out in pity for your chains, " saidVaura softly, coming near him. 

"You are a pretty group of gamblers, " he said, thinking there had beena wager among them; "but I must win when fair hands throw the dice. "

Delrose had unconsciously given his foe some ecstatic moments, for thecrowd so pressed about him to hear what answer he would make to thebold denial of the black-bearded Major that Vaura was close enough tohear his heart-beats, and to whom he whispered brokenly--

"All the nun's words will not avail, darling, after his false denial;I must bring on my other proofs for both our sakes, beloved. "

"Poor, tired Lion. ; I wish I could help you, " she whispered frombehind her fan, and he felt her yield to the pressure of the crowd andcome closer. 

"You do, sweet; I feel _just now_ strong and weak; you understand?"

One glance up from her fan and he is satisfied. 

But the conjectures as to whether Sir Lionel will or can reply toDelrose are put to rest by his voice again filling the air--

"To seem, and to be, are as unlike as are the hastily constructedbulwarks of the savage tribes as compared with a solid Britishfortress; we soldiers know this, and that Major Delrose. Should stillentrench himself behind the flimsy _seeming_ of days of yore, where hewas safe through my careless good-nature (we shall call it), inallowing it to be supposed that I had robbed Colonel Clarmont of hiswife, submitting to the stigma so that his act would not stand in theway of his promotion as this poor nun has told you; you will wonderwhy I was careless. Because, for reasons of my own, I had forswornmatrimony, as I then thought, for all time. But Madame Grundy haslately revived this scandal, making a lash for my back with it for thehands of Dame Rumour. I have determined to stamp it out at once, andfor ever! And now to pull down the bulwarks of Major Delrose. " Andholding up his hand, a signal agreed on with his servant, Sims at onceushered a priest and a small boy, who was masked, and who walked, asif asleep, up to the head of the room. Father Lefroy, saying a word tothe nun in an undertone, lifted the boy to a chair beside her; now, standing beside them, in calm measured tones, he spoke as follows:--

"We priests of the church have too many strange experiences to be verymuch astonished at any new one, yet I must say that to hear the words, on oath, of one of our pious sisterhood doubted is a novel sensation. Major Delrose is unwise in his present course of action, as he has bysuch prolonged a most painful duty on the part of the church. SirLionel Trevalyon will pardon me for saying he was wrong in wearing themantle of dishonour for another; the lining, a good motive, was unseenby the jealous eye of society, hence, when the lash was put into herhands by revenge or envy, her motive power, it, the lash, went down;Sir Lionel Trevalyon has had his punishment. With unwearied exertionhe has found Sister Magdalene through Paris, at London, and she hasspoken the truth, and Major Delrose knows it. Moreover, and inconnection with his name, we have examined papers, letters to SisterMagdalene, previous to and after her elopement, thus proving herwords. Again, I may say here, for I have grave doubts of his havingdone so, six months ago I received from Father O'Brien, of New Yorkcity, same mail as he wrote Major Delrose, whose acquaintance he hadmade in that city in 1873, and believing by his words that he was anintimate friend of the house of Haughton, wrote him, as I say, ofdying messages, and a few lines to a niece of Colonel Haughton, byname Vaura Vernon, and from Guy Cyril Travers. "

At this, Vaura started, turned pale and visibly trembled, putting herhand to her side, when half a dozen men started to their feet; butLionel quietly put her arm within his and led her to a seat behind alarge stand covered with rare orchids and beautiful ferns, where, didshe not revive, the open doors of the conservatory lent a means ofspeedy retreat. 

"My own love, be brave; it was six months ago, " he whispered, bendingover her, and puzzled at her great emotion; "I know it, dear; and yetdead, poor, poor Guy: I have been always unpitying towards him. Butdid he say he was dead! let me hear; he will tell more; but in thiscrowd!" And she leaned forward, her large eyes glistening, the rosemouth quivering. Lady Esmondet silently joined her, as did her uncle, who, ever and anon shot fiery glances of contempt at Delrose, who, with bold recklessness, still leaned forward on his folded arms, between Madame and Lord Rivers. But the priest, instead of continuingaloud, came to Vaura's side, saying quickly and in low tones:

"Pardon; this is; yes, I see it is society's rarest flower--MissVernon; you have been hidden from me by those who would sun themselvesin your smiles; else had I seen you, whom I know from the Londonshop-windows: should have told you quietly of Father O'Brien's letter, as I see by your emotion, black Delrose has been faithless to histrust. "

"He has; tell me of poor Guy; did you say he is dead?" she asked, inbroken accents, her eyes full; "tell me quickly; now, here; I can bearit. "

"It was only a scrawl; he was dying, and signed your--your husband; hehad been stricken down by fever; your name was ever on his lips; hesaid you loved Paris, and he would be buried there; he had loved youall his life; he was glad to go; you were not to shed one tear forhim, but to make some one blest by your love; your miniature was to beburied with him; he is in paradise; you must not weep for him, and socause others to weep for you. "

"I shall not forget to remember your kindness, " she said, giving herhand, the tears welling her eyes; "Sir Lionel Trevalyon will perhapsbring me out to your monastery. "

"I thank you, and for our Order, " and moving away to his formerposition, he continued:

"I have now finished my task, self-imposed and in the ends of justice;Sir Lionel Trevalyon is free to go to God's altar with the proudestand fairest woman in the world; and may the blessing of heaven restupon his union. Had he not exposed the facts, he could not have wed, while your lips framed the word--bigamist!"

Here the boy started violently, put up his hands to his face, tearingoff the mask, and rubbing his eyes. 

"Where am I, Father Lefroy? you're not on the square; you said I wasgoing to see my mother; come, own up; what did you say I was comingwhere every one wore masks for?" and he stamped on the one he had tornoff (and which they thought it best he should wear, so that at acertain point, if necessary, his strong resemblance to his fathershould be suddenly revealed). 

"So they do wear masks, my son, though you do not see them. "

"I am not your son; this is my father, " he said with emphasis andpride, drawing from his pocket a miniature of Delrose; "we're squarenow; you hid this from me, but I found it out; you cannot put me onbread and water, for I've good as cut and run. "

"George, dear, be a good boy; I am your mother, " said the poor nun, tearfully. 

"You! well, it is your voice; but why didn't you speak to a fellow inthe coach, and lift up that nasty black veil; here, I will. "

And before she could stop him, he had mounted the chair and torn thewhole head-gear off, exposing the face of one-time Mrs. Clarmont. 

"'Tis she! 'tis she!" echoed many voices;--girls, now matrons, remembered the pretty little thing in their first season as Mrs. Clarmont; _chaperons_ and men, who had and hadn't flirted with her, remembered her as Fanny Ponton. 

"Let me go to her, " said Vaura, gently; "what is my grief to hers?"

"Ah, poor thing, what a sad fate has yours been; do not hide your faceagain from your poor little boy and us; dear me, what a weight it is;one would almost smother beneath its folds. "

"Oh, I must veil, " cried the poor thing. 

"No; leave it off, daughter; it is my wish society shall see in youTrevalyon's 'hidden wife;' all have heard your words; mine and thislad's, " said the priest, sternly. 

Nearly every inmate of the long rooms had eagerly and excitedly pushedand crowded, squeezed and crushed as near as possible to the principalactors in the scenes they had witnessed, making very conspicuous theattitude taken by the group in and about the curtained recess; namely, the scarlet-robed hostess; Lord Rivers, pleasantly placed, and toolazy and epicurean to move; Delrose, in the blackness of alternaterage, hate and defiance, longing to cut the scene, but unwilling toleave the field to Lord Rivers, and those he termed his foes; Kate, afraid to stir, for he had said between his teeth, "You won't go nearthem. " Tedril, with the huntress, stood beside them; while smallEverly, accustomed to the _role_ and remembering the mutual promise ofBlanche and himself, sat at the feet of Madame, alternating fanning orsaying something pretty to her, nerved to his task by the fact thatTisdale Follard, who had just bought his M. P. , had told him "he mustand would have his money at dawn. "

But the boy with eager eyes is pushing his way through the crowds anddown to the sofa of Madame; all gazing after him; but nothing abashed, he elbows his way (a bold fearless boy, a very Delrose, with nothingof his mother in him); now with an intent stare at his father, then along look at the miniature, said with a great sigh and slowly:

"No; I suppose you're not my _pater_; when I find him he won't scowlat a fellow, " with a loving glance at the likeness, which was ofDelrose in full-dress uniform, smiling and handsome, taken with histhoughts full of his triumphant _affaire de coeur_ with Mrs. Clarmont. 

"I am no mean sneak, sir; so I'll show you the likeness of my fatherto excuse my staring at you like a cad;" and he handed it to Delrosewho did not take it, Kate doing so, but he had recognised the case onthe boy taking it from his breast. 

"Thanks, no;" he said, with affected bravado, for society eyed him;"the young monkey plays his part well; if the thing even is of me, light fingers at times lighten one's belongings. "

"It is of you, dear Georgie, " said Kate, recklessly; "your family isincreasing. "

"If you say so, it must be so, " he said, his bold black eyes meetinghers. 

Mrs. Haughton now handed the miniature back to the boy, who, afterreturning it carefully to his pocket, said proudly, and lookingfixedly at his father:

"If you were a boy, I'd give you one right out from the shoulder forwhat you've said of me;" and turning on his heel, he was making hisway for the head of the room, when Madame, obeying impulse, called outlaughingly:

"How have your owners called you my little man?"

"George Delrose Ponton is my name, Madame;" and with one hand to hisbreast, where the miniature lay, he again pushed his way through thegroups of revellers. 

"A speech from the throne could not have been given with more dignitythan the poor fatherless little fellow gives his name, " said Vaura, pityingly. 

"My dear mother has fainted, sir;" the boy said, ignoring priest andwomen, and instinctively choosing the face full of strength andsweetness, the face men and children trusted and women loved--that ofLionel Trevalyon. 

"Poor boy, poor thing, so she has while our attention has beendiverted. "

The meeting of father and son had been more than she could bear, andat the answer of Delrose to their child, she had fallen back in herchair in a dead faint. 

"Poor creature, no wonder she gave way, I must get her out of thiscrowd. "

"Bring her to my boudoir, Sir Lionel; touch that bell, Sir Tilton, please, " cried Mrs. Haughton, thinking exultantly, "now is myopportunity to have him to myself, I shall open the ball with LordRivers at once, and then--" Mason appearing "lead the way to myboudoir and attend to this lady who has fainted. "

"When she revives she will like some one besides a strange maid withher, " said Colonel Haughton, as Lionel picked, the nun up in hisstrong arms; "you had better go too, Vaura dear. "

Trevalyon looked his approval saying "come. "

"Yes, you come, too, " and the boy's hand slipped into hers. 

And so Vaura, her trailing skirts of cream satin, front width richlyembroidered in gold floss, with the perfume of tea roses from hercorsage and bouquet she carried, in all the fulness of her richbeauty, with proud head bent as she chatted with the dark-eyed, black-haired boy beside her, followed Trevalyon with his burden andthe priest who walked at his side. 

CHAPTER XLII. 

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE. 

"Outwitted this time, " mused Madame, greatly mortified at seeing Vauraretire with the group, "but I must make one more appeal to him alone, "and tapping Lord Rivers on the arm with her fan, said gaily, "To thehalls of Comus; we want a change of scene, black is a trying colour. "

At this moment Blanche, her hand on Everly's arm, entered from thedining-room, whither with cunning forethought she had told him justfive minutes previously she wished to go, with "I feel played outafter all this sensation, we had best go for something exhilirating, "thinking, as she returned "he'll stand it better now, and I'm not onemoment too soon, " leading her unsuspecting escort up to Madame, whostood leaning on the arm of Lord Rivers, her husband near welcominglate arrivals; and the air was sweet with perfume, and laden with theceaseless murmur and everlasting whir-whir with the music of thelaughter of the beautiful, the noble, and the fair, and as theyfollow, and crowd around Madame, their goal, the ball-room, somecondole with others on their later _entree_, saying, "Oh, darling!what! you have missed such a sensation!" or "Oh! you should have beenhere earlier, Lady Eldred, our pet of pets, Sir Lionel Trevalyon, isfree;" or "a nun nobodys child, and no end of fun, Stuart, " again, "noend of a time, Delrose has posed as Lucifer, Trevalyon, as all theangels. "

"Vaura Vernon is here, I am among her slain; she's a nymph, a goddessand a woman; she's the only one for me, " said Chancer, feelingly. 

"All the others are frocks and frizzes, " laughed his friend, who hadnever seen her. "Listen, Chancer, what's the go now? that little girlwith all the tin, red eyes, pads and bustles, is getting up a row ofsome sort; let's get in. "

The face of Mrs. Haughton was a study and the groups about herreflected the various emotions depicted there. For Blanche had said, the white mouse, wearing her innocent air "Oh, step-moma darling!"

"Never used a term of endearment before; going to say somethingnasty, " thought Mrs. Haughton. 

_Oui, ma chere_ Madame; yours is an unerring instinct; does not pusspurr, then scratch? does not the snake charm, then sting? And so thewhite mouse said, "Oh, step-moma darling, just one minute, I've beenup to a lark, and now present myself to you as Lady Everly; of courseyou will feel too awfully small for anything, when I take precedenceof you; but you are so fond of the Baronet, it was nice of me tokeep him in the family;" this she said without a shadow; ofself-consciousness, so intent was she in watching the effect of herwords on her Step-mother, using her pocket-handkerchief at every word, her escapade in the park adding to the red of the eyes and tiny nose, looking too as if her robes would fall off the green satin waist, solow, and velvet train so heavy. Oblivious was she of even the smallbaronet, on whose arm she leaned, and who trembled with nervousnessand mortification at the manner blanche had chosen to offer them up toMrs. Grundy. The wedding cards the lady of Everly had presented, eremaking her little speech, were dropped to the floor, while madame saidhaughtily. 

"Blanche Tompkins, you are mad to parade yourself in this manner, " andsmiling cynically, "your attendant cavalier wears quite a jubilantair, looking so proud of his proximity to such a conventional belle ofthe evening. What with 'hidden wife, ' and this little farce, the placesmells of brimstone; let us all away, " she said with a forced laugh, "to the halls of Comus and a purer sphere; Lord Rivers, your arm. "

"Everly, " demanded his host, "what is the meaning of all this?" havingheard from Tisdale Follard, not two hours before, that Mrs. Haughtonhad given him permission to press his suit with Miss Tompkins, Madamealways considering Everly her own property. 

"Allow me one moment, " said Delrose following Kate in her exit. "Ifind I must bid you and the Colonel adieu; I go to London by themidnight, from whence I think, across the water. "

In spite of herself the colour came and went in Kate's cheeks. 

"Are they all mad, " she thought; "is he acting or what?"

The Colonel, relieved, and still feeling that he did not much care, now that he had the sympathetic friendship of Alice Esmondet near, whether he remained at Rose cottage or no, still said, giving hishand. 

"I wish you a pleasant trip. "

"I doubt it, " said Delrose inwardly; outwardly, "thank you, " and beinga born actor, continued carelessly, "I shall be as happy and free fromcare as the waves on the sportive ocean, for congratulate me, I bringmy bride with me, no 'hidden wife, ' though the _News_ and _Daily_ willhave us; _Truth_ also, will have a hand in, " and he added lightly, "when a man knows editors and that ilk will shortly wet their pens forhim, he may as well whet the appetite of society by saying only thisand nothing more. In my bride of the sea, you will see a fair cousinof my own, the daughter of Vivian Delrose, " and turning to Kate, whomhe had furtively watched said, as he bid her adieu, "by gaining a wifeI lose a hostess, who has won my heart. " With a few careless words tothe others, this man than whom no other ever held his own through lifeand in spite of fate better, now made his exit. 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

WEE DETECTIVE PLAYS A WINNING CARD. 

From the time Fanny Clarmont has appeared like a ghost of thedeparted, Delrose determined to get rid of the bother of it all bygoing at once to Rose Cottage; the huntress to whom he had beenengaged for the first dance he handed over to Tedril. He would writeKate from the cottage, but first, he would punish her for torturinghim, by lingering with Trevalyon and giving her smiles to Lord Rivers, by a public little speech as to his leave-taking, and keep herpreoccupied by his avowal as to who was to accompany him, (she knowingnaught of their relationship) as to give her no taste for flirtation. (Simple Simon could not read her, she is a woman!)

"It is now nearly eleven o'clock, I shall keep her in suspense forhalf an hour or so, then she is mine. Gad! I have won a prize, afierce, passionate, untamable, flesh-and-blood beauty, full of love orfull of hate, strong in body, mind and appetite; and she does care formy devotion, we were born for each other; what a life we shall have, thank fate I never was foolish enough to throw myself away on thatlittle, timid, shrinking, silly Fanny Clarmont, " and he leaped and ranto Rose Cottage, some times with a loud laugh, startling the nightbirds, as he thought of the woman and her gold. 

Kate had shivered as with a chill at Delrose's words, when Lord Rivershad said:

"Come and take a glass of something warm, you have been standing toolong. "

"You are kind, " she said, recovering herself, "it gives one a chill tolose two men in one night; yes, thank you, a glass of champagne, t'will be a more pleasant sensation than the three brides, but letthem beware; I shall have their husbands at my feet again; and now forthe dance. "

"I shall make you forget them. "

"You may. "

"A deserted room; a dim, religious light; a female form too temptingto resist, " he said, lazily, and in her ear. 

"Well, " said Kate, drooping her eyelids, knowing what the result ofthis speech would be. 

"Well, my charmer, " and the kiss and embrace were given. 

"You naughty man, but I do really need some extra support for myspinal column, and it's awfully pleasant, but dear Grundy won't allowit, so we must wait for our waltz. "

And the pair hurried along the corridors and took their places at thehead of the room, and the ball was opened. 

Col. Haughton, as we are aware, had demanded an explanation of thewords of Blanche from Sir Tilton. The rooms had been deserted, save bythose to whom a dish of gossip was as the essence of life, and who nowlistened with itching ears to Sir Tilton's reply, while they tried toremember the extent of the eccentric little bride's wealth. Whethershe would buy a house in town; nearly all deciding that they wouldpatronize or cultivate her. 

"She is _outree_ and bad form, but she has the dollar and she'll begame for those who havn't, " said a London beau to Chancer, who hadn'tgone to the ball-room, but was eating his heart out in feverishimpatience for his waltz (the third dance on the programme) withVaura. 

"Sorry you didn't like it, Colonel, but Blanche would have ourmarriage private. " He did not add that he said no word to dissuadeher; as the Jews would have none of him, and his friends had buttonedup their pockets telling him "to wipe out old scores first. "

As it was, wife, trip, special license and all that had cost him not a_sou_, except the ring, and his freedom, which he considered ampleequivalent. 

"Yes; it's all my fault, Colonel; but you are too awfully nice to beangry with a bride, you know; and besides, " she added in a stagewhisper, the pink eyes peering about, a childish look of anxietycoming to the wee white face, as if to protect herself againstlisteners who would carry her words to Madame in reality; aching tosee some of her step-mother's pets within earshot, to be sure herwords would carry. 

Fire away, little one, 'tis an ancient war you are waging of woman_versus_ woman; make your bullets; many are by who will pelt with trueaim. 

"And besides, Colonel, Mrs. Haughton is so fond of Sir Tilton shewould never, no, never, have let me have him, so I let him make loveto her up to the very last, and she--"

At this juncture Colonel Haughton, whose nerves were terriblyunstrung, breathed an inward blessing upon Lady Esmondet, who, layingher hand on the shoulder of the little one, said, "Tell us where youwere married, dear?"

"Oh, that's all square; at St. Alban's yesterday at Matins; but it wasan awful pity; scarcely anyone saw us. Guess it's legal though, eh, Tilton?"

"When did you leave Haughton Hall, Everly?" inquired his host, almostfearing some indiscretion would be brought to light. 

"Yesterday, a. M. , first train; took carriage for St. Albans; Blanchetelephoned for suite of apartments at hotel; left London to-day; sohere we are again. "

The absence of his hostess and Vaura, also the look of respect in thefaces of his creditors all gave the little baronet courage to speak. 

"Show me the marriage certificate, Everly. Ah, that's right, and Icongratulate you both; Blanche is her own mistress, and--"

"And, Lady Everly, don't give up the situation to anybody, " a comicallook of importance on the wee face. Any men in the rooms who had thehaziest knowledge of the little man about town, now swarmed smallEverly with congratulations on his golden future, excepting TisdalePollard, M. P. , who did not care to have his debt paid by Everly fromthe pocket of Blanche. But he must not forget himself; he will consolehimself with the Tottenham money bags; so giving his arm to Cecilia, bosom friend of Blanche, they join the group; the Tottenham pouting. 

"What's the matter, Cis?" cried Blanche. "You have a greenery yellowylook, and remind me of Bunthorn and the forlorn maidens all rolled uptogether and sent in by parcel post. "

"If I do, it's your fault, Blanche, and you are extremely unkind, " shesaid, tearfully. "You know you promised only the other day that whenyou were married I should be first bridesmaid and choose my own frock, and I did, and it just suited my complexion, especially in church, with the lights from the stained windows upon it. I just dreamed of itnight and day; it's really too disappointing!"

"Is that all, Cis? I might as well cry because my pug is a shadelighter than my new winter costume I ordered to match his coat. Don'tcry and you shall have a chair in my boudoir just to suit yourcomplexion (for I am going to buy an awfully nice town house). "

"Might have said we, " thought her husband, but he swelled himself likeFroggie in the fable. 

"Now, Cis, " continued _la petite_, "isn't that a nice sugar plum foryou?"

"Sugar plum for me!" said Stuart, who thoroughly enjoyed a bit ofchaff with wee Blanche, "Sugar plum for me! Think I require one toconsole me for Sir Tilton running off with you?"

"You're too big a humbug to get any from me, Mr. Stuart. Barnum'sumbrella wouldn't begin to take you in; if you try and be a good youngman, perhaps you'll get one over there, " she added irreverently. 

"Why, that's in the direction of Mrs. Haughton's boudoir, you verynaughty girl, " laughed Stuart. "I wonder if I would, though; I mustfind some one to sympathise with. "

"Bunthorn again, " laughed Mrs. Wingfield; "you had better apply forthe vacant footstool. "

"Never get a softer seat, Stuart, " said small Everly, looking asimportant as the lords of the Berlin treaty. 

"I'm too awfully too ashamed of you, Baronet, " said his bride. "You'reas demoralized as all the New York theatres rolled in one. "

"Lady Everly, " said Stuart, solemnly and consulting his tablets, "I amaware of your weakness for small people, " with a side glance, "smallplots and puzzles. Read this one for me, please: where am I to findMiss Tompkins, to whom I am engaged for this dance?"

"Guess you'll have to put up with Lady Everly, " she said, saucily. 

"You don't care to go to the ball room yet, Alice; we have so much tosay, " said Col. Haughton, bending down to the sweet, calm face lookingup to his so earnestly, and marking the deepening lines of care andunrest. 

"No, Eric; sit down beside me, you look weary; I have seen so littleof you of late. "

"And the guests come and go or talk in groups of this night ofsensation; or in these luxurious soft-lighted _salons_, givethemselves up to the delicious intoxication of some loved presence. How many a passionate heart throb, how many sweet pains are engenderedin one's heart, how many sighs given and returned, what tenderpassages on such nights! And what would a ball be without thisundercurrent of what we call flirtation; in reality, this yearning forthe one in the multitude. 

"Why, Chancer, what's come to you, man? You remind one of a spirit inElysian fields in search of its mate, " said Stuart, as he strolledabout with Lady Everly on his arm. 

"Pretty scene, Chancer, " said Lord Rivers, lazily, and stationinghimself in the curtained entrance to look out for some one to killtime with until his hostess is his own again. "Fine show of arm andneck there; pretty woman that; ah, there's an ankle; trust them, theyall know their good points. Fine pair of eyes; there's a neck for you;but what's the matter with you, man, now I come to look at you youwear a lost look; is it Fate, Fortune, or one of the Graces?"

"The three in one, Rivers, " he said with a half-laugh. 

"Did you say you had lost some one, Capt. Chancer? Perhaps I can tellyou; I know every nook and corner in the hall, " said the Meltonbury, insinuatingly, coming from the other side of the curtains, where shehad ensconced herself to watch for the return of Madame on hearingLady Everly's speech in the stage whisper. 

"How angry the dear thing will be, " she thought importantly, "when Itell her. " And now in her character of social astronomer she levelsher glass at Chancer. 

"Oh, thank you, I shall be so obliged, " he said eagerly; "I am insearch of Miss Vernon; our waltz is on. "

"So! so! no wonder you are eager, " but Chancer is out of hearing, soswiftly has he followed Mrs. Meltonbury to the boudoir of Madame. 

"An armful, seductive enough for Epicurus himself, " thought LordRivers; "and so is my superb hostess, full of fire and great go; theColonel is too quiet to master her; wonder what attracted them; gad!what a different linking there would be if all existing marriages weresomehow declared null and void. Kate Haughton and Vaura Vernon wouldbe the most powerful magnets at London; even as it is, they will. Clarmont will be rather surprised to hear that Delrose was the partnerof the fair Fan's flight; gad! he managed that well; Trevalyon is sodevilish handsome and _distingue_, I wonder Delrose won; but I forget, Trevalyon had no _penchant_ that way; believe he has for the fairVernon though; who wouldn't? If she tell him yea, I wonder what sortof a married woman she will develop into; they say she is perilouslyseductive and fascinating; but my charmer said she'd have an icequietly with me in her boudoir, at a quarter to eleven; it's that now;splendid eyes she has, and what a shoulder and arm! but, ah! thiswon't do; I must look after my interests. "

And the lazy epicurean musings give place to eager activeness onseeing in the distance the trailing red satin skirts of Madame; herfine arm in its whiteness resting on the black coat sleeve of Capt. Chancer. 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

DUAL SOLITUDE. 

Let retrace our steps and thoughts to the time Lionel, with SisterMagdalen in his arms, the priest at his side, Vaura and the boy, childof Fanny Ponton, made their sensational exit down the long lengths ofthe luxurious _salons_. Mason had ushered them into the desertedboudoir of her mistress, where every sense was pandered to; here onewas lulled into waking or sleeping dreams by the ever soft light, dimand rose-tinted; or when old Sol rode high in the heavens, triumphantin his gift of day, sending his beams through stained windows orrose-silk hangings. The soft light shone alike upon gems in sculptureand art on the walls painted in dreamy soul-entrancing landscapes, orgay grouping of the Graces; if the pictured female loveliness was cladonly in feathery clouds of fleecy drapery, the few thought the paintermight have been more lavish of robing; but the room was warm with gaylaughter, warm with the sweet breath of warm hearts, with the warmthof the rose-tinted lights clothing the ethereal loveliness on itswalls; and now, falling on one of the loveliest women in the kingdom, thought Trevalyon, as laying his burden on a soft velvet lounge, hiseyes dwelt on Vaura's beauty, for they are alone once more, FatherLefroy having left the boudoir with Mason to summon Sir Andrew Clarke, as they could not restore the nun unaided. 

"In dual solitude once more, my beloved;" and she is in his closeembrace; her large eyes in their soft warmth rest on his; one, longkiss is given--one long sigh. 

"Save for the boy, darling, " Vaura smiles; releasing herself, herquickened heart-beats deepening the rose-tints in her cheeks. 

Here the physician entered, having despatched Mason for his servantwith medicine case. 

"Too great a strain upon her nerves, poor thing, " said Sir AndrewClarke; "most trying scene for her; then the narcotic administered, asshe has informed us, by the servant of her betrayer; I heartilycongratulate you, Trevalyon, on the light she has thrown upon thismatter, and none too soon, either, as Delrose is leaving England. Youhave no idea, Miss Vernon, I assure you, of the talk there has been;our newspapers are a great power in all English-speaking lands, andtheir managers being aware our colonies take their cue from them (in agreat measure), do as a rule keep their heel on Rumour's tongue, unless it wags on oath. "

"Yes; and as a rule shut their eyes to the yellow sheen from the goldin her palm, Sir Andrew, " said Vaura, earnestly thinking of how Lionelhad suffered from it all. 

"True, most true; but the revival of this scandal with the unweariedpersistence of its sensational colouring and reproduction from week toweek, lead one to suppose gold lent life and vim to each issue; thoughagain, _I am sure_, our great papers are above a bribe, and it musthave been vouched for on oath. Do you purpose interviewing thenewspaper men, Trevalyon?" he inquired, taking the medicine chest fromhis servant and dismissing him. 

"I think not (more than I have done); I dislike paper war and _oathwas made_ as to the _truth_ of the _lie_ to the managers; I suppose Iam lazy; at all events I am epicurean enough to hug to my breast therest after unrest;" and the mesmeric eyes meet Vaura's, whileEsculapius is searching his medicine case. 

"Poor fellow, you do require rest, " she said, gently turning her faceup to Sir Lionel's, for she is seated at the table, both elbowsthereon, chin and cheeks supported in her hands; "if we put ourselvesin his place, Sir Andrew, fancy what rest we should have, in the fullglare of a stare from Mrs. Grundy, while the unruly member of DameRumour wagged in our ear. If I were in your place, Sir Lionel, Ishould give no more thought to the matter; you have given the truthto-night to gentle woman, who will give it to the London world; Adamwill only taste through Eve's palate; and the mighty Labouchere, Lawson & Co. Will cry joyfully, 'hear! hear!'"

Both the men laughed. 

"You see, my dear surgeon, Eve endorses my policy, and thinks thesisterhood a better mode of communication than telephone ortelegraph!"

"Could have no better newsmongers as a rule, Trevalyon; but there areEve and Eves, and when I have a secret to confide, I shall tell it toyour charming supporter; and when I have spoken, shall feel sure ''tisburied, and her fair person the grave of it. '"

"_Merci_! Sir Andrew, your secret will be safe; and now that I havesuch a mission, from this hour you are my medical adviser, as you willhave a double interest in knowing my pulse beats. But, see, the skillof my Esculapius triumphs. "

"'Tis so; the nun revives, " echoed Sir Lionel, withdrawing his gazefrom Vaura's face. 

"Revives! I am glad to hear that, " cried Madame, entering, her hand onthe arm of Capt. Chancer, whom she had met at the door, and followedby the priest. 

"Yes; I am glad she is better, for I want a private word with you, SirLionel. Capt. Chancer has come to carry off Miss Vernon; the priest tocarry off the nun, and--"

"With all our world in couples linked, her _tete-a-tete_ will besecured, " said Vaura to Chaucer's ear, as they made their exit, andbanishing thoughts of poor Guy Travers, the sensational events of theevening having for the time blotted from her memory the words ofMadame and Delrose in the library before dinner. 

"Any newer sensations, Capt. Chancer, since our pleasant little chatin the _salons_?"

"In my heart--no, " he said quickly; "(with you a man must grasp hisopportunity to speak of himself, you are in such request); I have thesame dull pain engendered by you, and which you alone can heal; do youbelieve in affinities--love at first sight? yet you must; I am not theonly man, others have suffered, and not silently;" and there is a ringof truth in his words which she reads also in his handsome manly face;but she says gently:

"Don't let us talk sentiment in this maddening crowd; there's a dearfellow, " returning greetings to right and left; "but listen instead tothat waltz, a song of love itself. "

"Oh, yes, " he said eagerly; "the song you promised you will not denyme?"

"If you care, yes; after our waltz; and now ere we lose ourselves inthe soul-stirring music, tell me, did I hear aright, have BlancheTompkins and Sir Tilton Everly joined their fate together?"

"They have; Lady Everly announced the fact herself. "

"Ah! instead of the _Morning Post_; 'All's well that ends well;' butwee mouse plays a game all hazard, my dear soldier; she has taken theplaything from under the paw of puss; puss will purr, arch her softneck, look lonely and loving, and win him back. "

"What a power you women are! When the great powers met at Berlin, weshould have sent you to represent your sex;" and his face is lit upwith the flame from his heart as they stand in position, so that stepand note will be in rhythm, and his eyes rest on the fair flower face, while he breathes the odour of tea-roses and clematis from hercorsage. 

We shall leave them so, not an unpleasant parting, and return to theboudoir of Mrs. Haughton. 

CHAPTER XLV. 

BLACK DELROSE AS A MARKSMAN. 

"And now, reverend sir, " she had said, turning quickly and imperiouslyto Father Lefroy, on the exit of Vaura, and waving her hand towardssister Magdalen, "the left is your right. Ah! Sir Andrew, pardon, Idid not see you, you are in great demand in the drawing rooms. "

"You flatter me, Mrs. Haughton, " he answered, with a shrug of shoulderas he accepted his dismissal. 

Sister Magdalen now sat up, saying feebly, "Where am I; oh! yes, Iremember it all, how dreadful, my poor head, " and turning her pale, grief-stricken face to the priest, said sadly, "When do we leave, father?"

"I go at once, daughter, but the great London physician who has justleft the room having restored you to consciousness, says positively, you must remain here until to-morrow; come George, my son, we have nomore time to spare here, our duty is done. "

"No, I shall not go with you, " cried the boy, going over to Lionel, taking his hand. 

"You must, you are under age, " said the priest sternly; "your motherhas given you to us. "

"Then, she is my dear mother no more, " and one could see that hestrove manfully to swallow the lump in his throat, "and if you forceme I'll cut and run. "

Here Mason entered. 

"Do you know whether the house-keeper has a vacant room, Mason, "inquired her mistress hastily. 

"No, ma'am, " she said, "just now we are full ma'am. "

"Very well, give orders instantly that Sir Tilton Everly's traps betaken to Miss Tompkins' appartments. Assist this lady to Sir Tilton'sroom, the boy also, and bid a servant drive this clergyman to thevillage. Admit _no one_ to my presence. "

"Yes ma'am, " said the discreet maid, not moving a muscle of her face. 

"I shall send for you both ere this time to-morrow, " said the priest, shaking hands kindly with Lionel. 

"You would make a good general officer, fair madame, where speedydispatch was necessary, " said Lionel gallantly. 

"Twas easy, a man and woman sleep-double, a priest and a nun areparted; make yourself comfortable on yonder lounge, I am coming tolook at and talk to you, my long lost star, my king. "

"Most fellows would envy me, " he thought, stretching, himself on thelounge for he was really fatigued, and if he is made prisoner, may aswell rest. 

"George would kill me, could he see me, " thought Kate, seating herselfon a pile of cushions close to his chest, "but what did he tease meabout going off with a Cousin for, I know it was false, but if I caneven now win the love of this man, I shall defy him and pretend tohave taken him literally. " And letting her lace wraps fall about her, sinking into the cushions, leaning forward, both arms folded on hischest, this recklessly, impulsive; black-browed woman looked herprisoner full in the eyes. Being a man, his face softened. She saw it, and there was a moment's silence save for the cooing of the lovebirdshanging in their gilded cage in the roseate light. 

"Could I not content you my king? you have been cruel to me; cease tobe so, and though I can be fierce, cruel, and vindictive to others, Ishall be always gentle to you; you know by my letters that my love isunchanged, let me rest here, my king, " and the head with its shiningblack tresses sank to his chest, "and I shall teach you so to love methat you will lose even the memory of other women. Speak, my king, butonly to tell me you accept my all, " and her voice sank to a whisper. 

"How can I, you poor little woman?" and he smiled, but sadly, for hethought for one moment of how weak is poor humanity, with the boyCupid's fingers on one's heartstrings; the next, he determined to healthe wounded heart at his feet--though with the lance. 

"Your fancy, will pass, _chere madame_, and your husband is myfriend, " and he added in her ear, "you have a man whom you honour withespecial favor. "

"But why do I?" she said, almost fiercely and starting to a sittingposture, "why, I only admitted him for distraction's sake; you knowfull well 'twas you I loved and not the man I have married, or thelover you credit me with, " she said, in an aggrieved tone, forgettingthe years ere she had met him. "I hoped by so doing to drink of thewaters of Lethe; but it has not been so, though losing myself at timesin a whirl of excitement; your name, your face, with your wonderfuleyes, from nearly every album I handled, and I was again insubjection; perchance you had been recalled to my memory by some idleword in the moonlight when I became an iceberg to my companion, and mywhole being going out to meet yours, when, for return, an achingloneliness. Listen, my king, my master, " and she started to her feetpowerfully agitated, every pulse throbbing, Trevalyon stood upquickly, coming to her side, taking her hand in his while one armsupported her, for she trembled. 

"Calm yourself, you poor little woman, this passion will soon pass; Ishall be away, other men will teach you to forget me, be kind to poorHaughton for my sake (if I may say so) and your own, and now, dear, that your passionate heart is beating slower, let me bring you to the_salons_ ere you are missed. "

"Your voice is full of music, else I would not stay so still, " andagain he feels her tremble for she thinks of the flying moments of herlosing game, and of her fierce lover as victor. "But there is no timeto be-so sweetly still, " and her voice sinks to a whisper, "or else Icould be forever so, see, I kneel to you; nay, you must let me be, "and the words came brokenly and more passionately than any ever havingpassed her lips, "you, and you only, have ever had the power to subdueme. " Here her face changed to a sickly pallor as of faintness, atremor ran through her whole frame, and saying in a breathlesswhisper, "Great heavens! your life is in danger, follow my cue; willyou take care of the boy?"

"I will, Mrs. Haughton; pray arise. "

While he was speaking, crash, crash, went the plate glass in thewindow behind him, and black Delrose, looking like a very fiend, bounded in, taking up a bronze statue of Achilles, hurled it atTrevalyon, who only escaped from the fact of having stooped with theutmost apparent _sang-froid_ to pick up a rose his fair companion haddropped from her corsage. Achilles, instead of his head, shatteringthe greater part of a costly mirrored wall, with ornaments on a QueenAnne mantel-piece. 

"This will settle him, " he now yelled furiously, and about to firefrom, a pocket pistol. 

"Hold!" cried Kate, "'twas no love scene. "

"By heaven, 'tis well, or he had been a dead man, " he said furiously, lowering his arm. "Explain yourself, Trevalyon, or you--"

"Beware, George, " said Kate, breathlessly. 

"I shall not, Kate; you have maddened me and by the stars he shall saywhy you knelt to him. I suppose you would like me, forsooth! to admirethe _nonchalante_ manner of his posing at the time, " and turning likea madman to Trevalyon, shaking his clenched fist in his face, saidfiercely, "by the stars you shall speak. Why did she kneel to you?"

"Calm yourself, Delrose, " he answered quietly, for the first timepitying this passionate woman, "Mrs. Haughton is the wife of myfriend!"

"Men always respect such facts, " sneered Delrose; "no, that won't godown; Kate, you or he shall tell me or I shall not answer for theconsequences. "

Kate, fearing for Trevalyon, answered quickly:

"I was imploring him to look after your boy, and not allow the priestto spoil him for a soldier. "

"You swear this?"

"You, I know, are satisfied with nothing else. "

"That won't do; do you swear you asked him to do this as you knelt, "he said, slowly and jealously. 

"I do. "

"And what says this squire _des dames_?" he continued sneering andturning suspiciously to Trevalyon. 

"That Mrs. Haughton has condescended to explain the situation or Ishouldn't, and that a gentleman never questions the word of a lady, "he answered coolly, and haughtily continuing, "may I be your escortback to the _salons_, Mrs. Haughton. "

Kate seeing the look of impatient hate settling in the eyes of herlover, said hastily, "Thanks; no, Sir Lionel;" she would have added more but for thejealous gaze of Delrose, who said as she went to Trevalyon'sassistance in opening the spring lock. 

"Yes; go, Kate, to your last act in the farces of Haughton Hall, youmust then come to my assistance with the drop curtain. " While hespeaks the hands of the man, impatient to be with the love of hislife, and of the woman, sorry to let him go, meet in the folds of thehangings, the woman sighing as she presses his hand to her heart andso they part. 

CHAPTER XLVI. 

DISCORD ENDS; HEART'S-EASE AT LAST. 

With quick steps and eager glances at the groups of gay revellers, whom he passes with a few hurried words of greeting and thanks fortheir congratulations on his "hidden wife, " he looks in vain forVaura. At last, and his handsome face and mesmeric eyes are lit withhappiness, her voice comes to him from a music-room. He pushes his waythrough the crowds, for poor Chancer has been doomed to disappointmentin his wish to have this fair woman sing to him alone, for when thenow full rich notes, now sweet to intoxication, of her mezzo-sopranovoice fell on the air, the languid, sentimental or gay stayed theirsteps to listen. 

Lionel has now reached the piano, and stands beside Lord Rivers, wholeans on his arms, noting with critical and admiring eye Vaura'sunequalled charms. 

"Yes, " was his mental verdict, "never saw more lovely bust andshoulders; then her throat, poise of her head, like a goddess, glorious eyes, lips full and velvety as a peach. "

A warmer light comes to the large dark eyes and tender curves to thelips as the sweet singer meets the gaze of her betrothed husband. Onelook and he feels that the words are for him: "Thou can'st with _thy_sunshine _only_ calm this tempest of my heart. "

More than one man were at one with Lord Rivers and Chancer in feelingthe advent of Trevalyon to be extremely inopportune, when at theclosing words he drew nearer, and Vaura, with her own bewilderingsmile, allowed him to carry her off. Just as they move away Everlyhurried towards them, handing to Vaura a tiny three-cornered note, with a whispered "from Blanche, " and he was gone. The recipient, glancing in the direction, sees in the distance the pink eyes and weemouse-face peering through the crowd and gesticulating distinctly toVaura to "read at once. " Her written words were:

"Bid Sir Lionel take you to the north tower instanter; it's all O. K. , warm as toast and lighted, so the ghosts won't have a show; but youwill. Such a picnic! As soon as I can tire out, Sir Peter in our waltzI'll be on hand. B. EVERLY. "

"Well, darling, what say you?" and the handsome Saxon head is bent forher reply. 

"Yes, Lion, dear, and at once. It just occurs to me it may throw somelight on a mysterious conversation I overheard in the library, andwhich the excitement of the night had well nigh caused me to forget. "

"Indeed; then we shall hasten, love. "

And turning their steps in the direction of the tower, first throughcorridors bright with the light from myriads of gas jets, which litup Vaura's warm beauty and the brown sheen of her hair, followedby admiring, loving, or envious eyes, they now reach the moredimly-lighted halls, and turn into one at the foot of the spiralstaircase, which they ascend slowly, Lionel's arm around his faircompanion, her trail skirts thrown over her left arm. The stairway islighted as Blanche had said. 

"Not even a ghost, my own, " and his face is bent to hers. 

"Only one of a past longing, dearest; how I longed for you in thetower of St. Peter's. Oh! the view from the top, Lion. "

"I know it well, love; but say you missed me, my love, ascending withyours, even this arm supporting you. "

"I did dearest, even there, and you know it well, as also I longed forthe sympathy of heart to heart, soul to soul in a view which lifts oneto the heavens, and would take a poet to describe. "

"My own feelings, love; the majesty of the view, and from such aheight, overpowers one. Yes, sweet; dual solitude, as now, isparadise. Do the stairs fatigue you, my own?"

"No, Lion, " and for a moment they stand still, his arm around her. Thesoft white hands draw his face near her own, "no, darling, " and thesweet tones are a whisper, "'tis only the languor of intensehappiness; in ecstatic moments, as now, one feels so. "

For answer his lips press hers in a long kiss, and she is taken up inhis strong arms and not loosed until the ascent is made and theoctagon room reached; there he leads her to a seat, and throws himselfon a cushion at her feet. 

"What a Hercules I am about to bestow my fair person upon, " she said, gaily, "for I am no light weight for a maiden. Ah! poor Guy; thatreminds me, darling, I have something to tell you which--"

"Which will have to wait until you are my own dear wife, for, " and hishead is wearily laid on her knees, "I can wait no longer. You know, Vaura, dear, what my life has been, since as a little fellow in jacketand frilled collar, a child of about seven, my father was deserted byher to whom he had trusted his name and the honour of our house. But Icannot speak of it, it brings my poor half-crazed father back toearth, and I see him again before me, a victim to his trust in awoman. Then, my storm-tossed life; living now wholly for a pleasurethat palled upon me, again, losing myself in dreams of what my lifemight have been with a loving wife, part of myself, making me a moreperfect man by her sympathy in a oneness of thought, for you know, beloved, I could never have loved a woman who, for love of me, orbecause I had moulded her character, had adopted my views of life. No, woman is too fickle for that. I, in meeting your inner self, for wenearly all have those inner thoughts, life, and aspirations, in you, Iknow, our natures are akin, we can when we will, and just as our moodis, talk or be silent; look into life more closely, or only at itsseeming; discuss and try to solve old, deep, and almost insolublequestions that, in our inner life, have puzzled us more than once, myown, or my bright twin-spirit of the morn, " he added, brightening. "Wecan only see and look no further (when our mood is so) than from thecloudless sky to the sunbeams or starlight reflected in our own eyes. Yes, beloved, I have earned my rest; my spirit has at last found itsmate. You will make my life perfect, love, by giving yourself to me. To-morrow, come down quietly to the rectory, our old friend will makeus one. My place at the north is lonely without us; say yes, sweet?"

"In one little week, Lion, I shall have you here all the time. It willbe bliss for us, after your unrest and mine; for you if you wereobliged to leave here for any reason that may develop, " and a look ofstartled anxiety comes to the lovely face, "but, no; she would neverleave him; another flash of thought comes to me, darling, of the'mysterious conversation' I spoke to you of, but it cannot have hadany real meaning. I shall again banish the dreadful thought. "

"Do, beloved; it has been a trying night for all of us, " and he risesfrom the cushioned seat, and seating himself beside her draws the dearhead to his chest. 

"It has, Lion; and now I must tell you of an episode in my life indays of yore, in which poor Guy Travers took a prominent part. Poorfellow, he is dead, and, perhaps, as the poet hath it, sees me 'withlarger other eyes, '" and a slight pallor comes to the sweet face. 

"Thank God, he has taken him, darling, whatever it is you have to tellme; for it is not cruel in me to say so, as had you loved him youwould have wed, and had he lived he would have eaten his heart out inloneliness, for I have been told he loved you. Say on, my own, thoughI care not to know, save that you wish to speak. I am in a perfectrapture of bliss, and shall listen, if only to hear your voice, thesweetest music I have ever known. "

"You will remember, Lion, when I was about fifteen, you came here fromthe east, expecting to meet uncle Eric. But, alas! as you are aware, he was held in the fascinations at Baden-Baden, with debtsaccumulating, the place going to ruin. He wrote saying, unless hemarried money he would have to shut up the Hall, but for my sake hewas willing to enter an unloved alliance. Ah, how long ago these daysseem; and now, in this rest, dearest, pillowed so, I almost losemyself in the dear present. "

"Do, love, forget all about the past, tell me no more. "

"I must, and in a few words, for, hark! the clocks tell the lastquarter before midnight, Blanche, whom we have forgotten, will be withus, and so, to hasten; you left me sorrowfully to go to him and seewhat could be done. Poor Guy was guest of the Douglas family. You areperhaps aware that from Guy's French mother came all their wealth;but, to hasten, Guy was nearly eighteen, a handsome boy, and in lovewith my child self. I liked him, as I did Roland Douglas, though I cannever remember the time, darling, that those magnetic eyes of yoursand dear, kind face didn't haunt me. Guy never left my side, andRoland being of same mind there were many battles over theproprietorship of my small person. At last Gay triumphed, in thiswise; I had confided my troubles to him, when he persuaded me to elope(nay, don't start, darling, 'twas only a two days' trip), in this, way(as he said) I would be a heroine, and save the Hall for my dearuncle, else he would wed for my sake some _outree_ manufacturer'sdaughter and make himself wretched in a _mesalliance_. I could _save_my uncle. What joy! With no thought of self we went to Gretna Greenand were married, and not by the blacksmith, but by a dissentingclergyman; the next day we, as conquering heroes, were on our returnto the Hall, when Guy's mother, with Uncle Eric, to whom she hadtelegraphed, met us, not with smiles, but frowns. In short, dearest, our marriage was declared null and void. Guy's mother, whom itappeared, wished him on coming of age to wed a Parisian heiress, declared she would stop his allowance, but, as a matter of course, with no legal tie binding us, we were again in our old position. Andso my dream to free Haughton was frustrated by a woman, but, oh, Lion, my love, for my eventual good; for try as I have I could never havegiven my woman heart to poor Guy. He loved me throughout his life, andwith wealth poured his all at my feet. But no more, dearest, I hearBlanche. "

"How wretched the poor fellow must have been, beloved; and how blestam I. "

"Hush, dear, here they are;" and Vaura is at one of the windows asEverly says:

"Here we are again. "

"Guess you're just about tired out waiting; but I see you hav'nt beenhere long enough to read this, " said the white mouse, taking a cardfrom a stand; "it says 'if you miss supper, down stairs. '"

"Here it is, Blanche, all right. "

"We were, I suppose, to rise to it, " said Vaura. 

"And something worth mounting for, and not to be sneezed at either, "cried Lady Everly, as her husband rolled a small table from a recess. 

"If this is the picnic you promised us, Blanche, commend me to yourchoice of dishes, " said Vaura, inwardly hoping nothing unpleasantwould transpire relative to Mrs. Haughton. 

"And now that we are comfortably placed, " said Blanche, excusingherself to fly to the window giving a view of Rose Cottage. "Now, " shesaid cheerfully, "we shall each propose a toast; mine being, successto the plans and plots of this evening. "

"Amen, " said Trevalyon, thinking of Vaura and himself. 

"Excepting one, " said Vaura earnestly. 

"Excepting one!" echoed Everly. 

"No, I shan't be left, " cried Blanche quickly, and in a low tone toher spouse, "you cannot refer to the one we are here to witness. "

There was no reply. 

"Miss Vernon, your exception has nothing to do with Mrs. Haughton?"continued _la petite_ inquiringly. 

"It has; but I am imaginative; tell me, did Mrs. Haughton appear inthe supper-room?"

"I should just say so, and as gay as a lark, with Lord Rivers. "

"But, Blanche, you know you only looked in, and Mrs. Haughton may havedone likewise. "

"You're a goose, Tilton; Capt. Stuart and I had gone through a dish ortwo before you all came in; I was born hungry. "

"Believe you, " laughed her husband. 

"My poppa's pet name for me at dinner was ostrich, " said wee mouse, rapidly discussing breast and wing of duck, etc. "Sir Lionel, here's aconundrum for you; what is the thirstiest animal?"

"Man, " he answered demurely. 

"One for you; you are placed, Tilton, " and the pink eyes peered at awindow. 

"I hope you feel comfortable in your niche, Sir Tilton, " laughedVaura; "ask another, Blanche, and place Mrs. Haughton _a present_; Icannot get her off my mind. "

"All O. K. ; I only have waited until you had refreshed the inner man. "

"Women never eat, " said Vaura, with an amused glance at the littleone. 

"One didn't just now, " said the small Baronet. 

"How observant you are, Tilton; and now for Mrs. Haughton, did sheremain long in the supper-room, Baronet?"

"No, she excused herself just as you and Stuart made your exit; oneplea, finger hurt; some point of her jewellery entered. "

"Which she made a point of and didn't return, eh?"

"No. "

"Excuse me, " she said quickly, and going to a window giving an openview down into Rose Cottage, and throwing the heavy curtains behindher; the windows of the cottage being all aglow with lights, theinterior of parlour and dining-room could be distinctly seen. 

"Sir Lionel, come quick! look over there, " she cried, giving him thefield-glass. 

"Great heavens, what does it mean?" he exclaimed. "Move, Blanche, Lion, one of you, and make room for me quick, " cried Vaura, breathlessly. 

"No, darling; you had better stay where you are, " he said excitedly, forgetting at such a time their companions were ignorant of theirengagement. 

"Poor Haughton, surely, Lady Everly, you do not consider yonder scenea fitting subject to make game of?"

"Yes and no; if you knew how the poor dear Colonel has been sold, andmy poppa before him, you'd say 'tis best. She has been too many forthem; yes, it's better ended by an elopement. "

"Then my worst fears are realized; and their words were no idleseeming, as I half hoped, " said Vaura in quick, nervous tones. "Youmay as well gratify me, Lion dear, by giving me a glance at how a blotis put upon the escutcheon of a heretofore stainless name, " she saiddespairingly, yet haughtily. 

"It will be too much for you, darling; let me take you down stairs; Imust go to poor Haughton. We should prevent this. "

"You can't and I am glad; I've known it for hours, but I wouldn't letany one know; if you stop them now, what do you gain?"

"Quite a scandal, " said small Everly, regretfully, for Vaura's sake, whom, as she stands helpless to prevent, wishing to fly to her uncle, yet dreading the scandal, shall fall without warning, and the housefull of guests, upon his dear head. In proud despair she lookspleadingly at Lionel for sympathy, and Everly, his heart beating, longs to do something for her. 

"Can I help you in any way, dear Miss Vernon? Shall I ring the greatalarm bell, rouse the village and the Hall. Only let me be of use toyou, " he says hurriedly. 

"I thank you, Sir Tilton, make room for me at the window. Ah, heavens!It is too true. Go down at once, Lion. Though I don't know for what, still go. But don't go near that man, darling; tell Mr. Claxton andthe old butler, as well as my uncle's man; see what they say, " shecried, breathlessly. 

"I cannot bear to leave you, love; will you be brave?"

"I will! I am!" but her voice trembled. 

"Sit down and rest; you tremble, " and leading her to the window, hebrings her to a cushioned seat, pressing the hand on his arm to hisside, whispering, "Be brave, darling; remember your poor uncle was not happy, so he isspared much. Come down when you feel calm enough to face Mrs. Grundy. "

He is gone and bounds down one hundred and seventy-five steps betweenhis heaven and a lower sphere. 

Vaura throws herself face downwards, making every effort to meet theinevitable with calmness. 

"I'll read off their movements, Miss Vernon, " said wee Blanche, "andso keep you from going to sleep. Melty enters with furs, Mrs. Haughtonstands as you saw, her red robes thrown off, the D---rose laughinglyassists the maiden fastening a dark travelling robe, evidently inhaste, consulting his watch; points to the table, showing his teeth, meaning he is laughing; he, I expect, gives the feast as a reason oftheir delay; and he's about right, for thereon stand long-neckedbottles and dishes. Melty leaves the room; he tells Mrs. Haughtonsomething that astonishes and pleases her, for she gives him a hug;goes to a side-table puts yellow money, cannot tell the coin fromhere, in a sort of pattern. "Can you see what it means, Tilton, myeyes are tired, " and the pink eyes are rubbed red. "No, I cannotdecipher the words. Yes, the last is, 'cousin;' stay, I've gotanother, 'my, ' that's all I can make out, the other words are in theshadow. ""

"What does it mean? 'my cousin, '" said the young detective; "oh! Ihave it, he said he was going to marry a cousin. I thought he romancedwhen be said so, but I suppose they are the cousins. Well, pity tospoil two houses with them say I, but they are off. Both hug Melty, Mrs. Haughton waves hand in the direction of the dollar. By-by, step- momma. By the shade of Lincoln, how Melty claps her hands inglee on seeing her wages in gold; she hastily pockets; one or twopieces roll to the floor. Ellen, the cook, enters, lamp in hand, unsteady of gait; Melty stoops to conquer the gold, picks up a shower-stick to get it from a corner, knocks with one end the lamp out of theshaky hand of the maid. "

"Jove, what a blaze!" exclaimed Everly, who had been alternatelyflattening his nasal organ against the window pane, or gazing aroundat Vaura, who, at his last words, starts to a sitting posture, andsays, controlling herself to speak calmly:--"

"I am going down stairs at once; what a terrific blaze. Are youcoming, Blanche, or Sir Tilton?"

"Yes, yes; come, Blanche. "

"I wonder what is known by the guests and household, and if Sir Lionelhas had them pursued?" cried Vaura brokenly, as they rapidly descendthe stairs. 

"Some of the men In the house guessed what Delrose's game was, " saidEverly, "and we thought the only women in the secret were Mrs. Meltonbury and Mason, the maid, but Blanche seems to have been awareof their plot. "

"I am surprised at you, Blanche, seeming to be _au fait_ in thematter, and keeping it secret; but I forget, you thought it best theyshould fly. "

"Yes, it was for the best, Miss Vernon, and the small white mouse cankeep dark when she chooses; the tongues of the other women werebought, " she said cunningly. 

"Yes, tied by a gold bit. Sir Tilton, you are tied to a borndetective, said Vaura. 

"He is, " says the wee creature laconically. 

Here they meet Trevalyon, out of breath and racing up for Vaura. 

"How do you feel now, darling?" he says pantingly. 

"Rest a minute, Lion, you are out of breath; Sir Tilton, kindly openthat casement. "

"There is no way of opening this one; bad fix. Trevalyon is very shortof breath. "

"Unloose his collar, " she said hastily, and taking a diamond solitaireoff her finger, handing it to Everly, said quickly, "cut the pane. "

Trevalyon had sank on to a step; Vaura drew his head to her knee whileBlanche held her vinaigrette to his nose; in a minute or two hisbreathing came naturally and he said:

"Too bad to have frightened you, darling, and you too Lady Everly, butreally, it was scarcely my fault, " with a half smile, "you must blamethe stairs, they seemed all at once to become too cramped andstifling. Ah! I thank you Everly, that air is refreshing; I am quitemyself again, " and he would have stood up. 

"No, no; rest a minute, " said Vaura gently. 

"Yes, sit still; you are our patient, and all the patience we havetill we hear from you all about Melty's fire-works, " said Blancheeagerly. 

"Rather Lucifer's bonfire over the old Adam in that woman, " saidVaura, contemptuously. 

"Clayton was dreadfully shocked when I told him, and we decided not toname their flight until to-morrow; he and I, with my man and thebutler (trump of an old fellow he is), fairly ran to Rose Cottage andsucceeded in getting out, unharmed, Mrs. Meltonbury and a maid; wesent my man to the village to hurry up the firemen, and then I flewback to you, dearest, knowing you would be anxious as to your uncle. Ileft him looking more like himself than I have seen him for years, quietly talking to Lady Esmondet and Mrs. Claxton; in my haste to bewith you I out-ran breath and then had to wait her pleasure to catchup to me. No fear of the revellers suspecting anything; the ball is atits height and the hells were not rung. They took the midnight expressthrough to Liverpool; thence they sail to New York. "

"Did you compel Melty to own up to that much?" said the littledetective, her tiny, white race full of interest. 

"We did; and pursuit would he useless. "

"When a Haughton weds and is dishonoured, divorce, not pursuit, willlie his action, " said Vaura, her beautiful head erect; and now for ourrevenge, a sweeter strain than that of grief; we shall descend and socover their retreat by our sparkling wit, and gay smiles, that theyshall not be missed. "

"Mrs. Haughton would get left anyway, " said Blanche; "for the crowdall want to stare at you. "

"Flashes of light and warm tints in a golden summer sky versus eveningin her red robes sinking to the west, " said Trevalyon, pressing Vaurato his side as they follow their companions. 

"One for you, Sir Lionel, " cried _la petite_ looking over hershoulder. 

And Lionel bends his handsome head down to the fair woman whose faceis unturned to his. He says, whisperingly, while his face is illuminedwith happiness. 

"A few days, beloved, and then we shall lead, till I weary my wifewith the intensity of my love, the life of the lotus-eaters. "

"Yes, my own tired love, yes; our home, until our world bids us forth, shall be a very 'castle of indolence, ' 'a pleasing land of drowsyhead, 'twill be of dreams that wave before our half-closed eyes, andof gay castles in the clouds that _pass_ forever flashing round oursummer sky. '"

And the large dark eyes are full of love's warm light, as the ayrenvoice dies away to a murmur. 

THE END.