BOOK V. 

 "FOOLS blind to truth; nor know their erring soul How much the half is better than the whole. " --HESIOD: _Op. Et Dies_, 40. 

CHAPTER I. 

 Do as the Heavens have done; forget your evil; With them, forgive yourself. --_The Winter's Tale_. 

 . . . The sweet'st companion that e'er man Bred his hopes out of. --_Ibid. _

THE curate of Brook-Green was sitting outside his door. The vicaragewhich he inhabited was a straggling, irregular, but picturesquebuilding, --humble enough to suit the means of the curate, yet largeenough to accommodate the vicar. It had been built in an age when the_indigentes et pauperes_ for whom universities were founded supplied, more than they do now, the fountains of the Christian ministry, whenpastor and flock were more on an equality. 

From under a rude and arched porch, with an oaken settle on either sidefor the poor visitor, the door opened at once upon the old-fashionedparlour, --a homely but pleasant room, with one wide but low cottagecasement, beneath which stood the dark shining table that supported thelarge Bible in its green baize cover; the Concordance, and the lastSunday's sermon, in its jetty case. There by the fireplace stood thebachelor's round elbow-chair, with a needlework cushion at the back; awalnut-tree bureau, another table or two, half a dozen plain chairs, constituted the rest of the furniture, saving some two or three hundredvolumes, ranged in neat shelves on the clean wainscoted walls. There wasanother room, to which you ascended by two steps, communicating with thisparlour, smaller but finer, and inhabited only on festive days, when LadyVargrave, or some other quiet neighbour, came to drink tea with the goodcurate. 

An old housekeeper and her grandson--a young fellow of about two andtwenty, who tended the garden, milked the cow, and did in fact what hewas wanted to do--composed the establishment of the humble minister. 

We have digressed from Mr. Aubrey himself. 

The curate was seated, then, one fine summer morning, on a bench at theleft of his porch, screened from the sun by the cool boughs of achestnut-tree, the shadow of which half covered the little lawn thatseparated the precincts of the house from those of silent Death andeverlasting Hope; above the irregular and moss-grown paling rose thevillage church; and, through openings in the trees, beyond theburial-ground, partially gleamed the white walls of Lady Vargrave'scottage, and were seen at a distance the sails on the--

 "Mighty waters, rolling evermore. "

The old man was calmly enjoying the beauty of the morning, the freshnessof the air, the warmth of the dancing beam, and not least, perhaps, hisown peaceful thoughts, --the spontaneous children of a contemplativespirit and a quiet conscience. His was the age when we most sensitivelyenjoy the mere sense of existence, --when the face of Nature and a passiveconviction of the benevolence of our Great Father suffice to create aserene and ineffable happiness, which rarely visits us till we have donewith the passions; till memories, if more alive than heretofore, are yetmellowed in the hues of time, and Faith softens into harmony all theirasperities and harshness; till nothing within us remains to cast a shadowover the things without; and on the verge of life, the Angels are nearerto us than of yore. There is an old age which has more youth of heartthan youth itself!

As the old man thus sat, the little gate through which, on Sabbath days, he was wont to pass from the humble mansion to the house of Godnoiselessly opened, and Lady Vargrave appeared. 

The curate rose when he perceived her; and the lady's fair features werelighted up with a gentle pleasure, as she pressed his hand and returnedhis salutation. 

There was a peculiarity in Lady Vargrave's countenance which I haverarely seen in others. Her smile, which was singularly expressive, cameless from the lip than from the eyes; it was almost as if the browsmiled; it was as the sudden and momentary vanishing of a light butmelancholy cloud that usually rested upon the features, placid as theywere. 

They sat down on the rustic bench, and the sea-breeze wantoned amongstthe quivering leaves of the chestnut-tree that overhung their seat. 

"I have come, as usual, to consult my kind friend, " said Lady Vargrave;"and, as usual also, it is about our absent Evelyn. "

"Have you heard again from her, this morning?"

"Yes; and her letter increases the anxiety which your observation, somuch deeper than mine, first awakened. "

"Does she then write much of Lord Vargrave?"

"Not a great deal; but the little she does say, betrays how much sheshrinks from the union my poor husband desired: more, indeed, than ever!But this is not all, nor the worst; for you know that the late lord hadprovided against that probability--he loved her so tenderly, his ambitionfor her only came from his affection; and the letter he left behind himpardons and releases her, if she revolts from the choice he himselfpreferred. "

"Lord Vargrave is, perhaps, a generous, he certainly seems a candid, man, and he must be sensible that his uncle has already done all that justicerequired. "

"I think so. But this, as I said, is not all; I have brought the letterto show you. It seems to me as you apprehended. This Mr. Maltravers haswound himself about her thoughts more than she herself imagines; you seehow she dwells on all that concerns him, and how, after checking herself, she returns again and again to the same subject. "

The curate put on his spectacles, and took the letter. It was a strangething, that old gray-haired minister evincing such grave interest in thesecrets of that young heart! But they who would take charge of the soulmust never be too wise to regard the heart!

Lady Vargrave looked over his shoulder as he bent down to read, and attimes placed her finger on such passages as she wished him to note. Theold curate nodded as she did so; but neither spoke till the letter wasconcluded. 

The curate then folded up the epistle, took off his spectacles, hemmed, and looked grave. 

"Well, " said Lady Vargrave, anxiously, "well?"

"My dear friend, the letter requires consideration. In the first place, it is clear to me that, in spite of Lord Vargrave's presence at therectory, his lordship so manages matters that the poor child is unable ofherself to bring that matter to a conclusion. And, indeed, to a mind sosensitively delicate and honourable, it is no easy task. "

"Shall I write to Lord Vargrave?"

"Let us think of it. In the meanwhile, this Mr. Maltravers--"

"Ah, this Mr. Maltravers!"

"The child shows us more of her heart than she thinks of; and yet Imyself am puzzled. If you observe, she has only once or twice spoken ofthe Colonel Legard whom she has made acquaintance with; while she treatsat length of Mr. Maltravers, and confesses the effect he has produced onher mind. Yet, do you know, I more dread the caution respecting thefirst than all the candour that betrays the influence of the last? Thereis a great difference between first fancy and first love. "

"Is there?" said the lady, abstractedly. 

"Again, neither of us is acquainted with this singular man, --I meanMaltravers; his character, temper, and principles, of all of which Evelynis too young, too guileless, to judge for herself. One thing, however, in her letter speaks in his favour. "

"What is that?"

"He absents himself from her. This, if he has discovered her secret, orif he himself is sensible of too great a charm in her presence, would bethe natural course that an honourable and a strong mind would pursue. "

"What!--if he love her?"

"Yes; while he believes her hand is engaged to another. "

"True! What shall be done--if Evelyn should love, and love in vain? Ah, it is the misery of a whole existence!"

"Perhaps she had better return to us, " said Mr. Aubrey; "and yet, ifalready it be too late, and her affections are engaged, we should stillremain in ignorance respecting the motives and mind of the object of herattachment; and he, too, might not know the true nature of the obstacleconnected with Lord Vargrave's claims. "

"Shall I, then, go to her? You know how I shrink from strangers; how Ifear curiosity, doubts, and questions; how [and Lady Vargrave's voicefaltered]--how unfitted I am for--for--" she stopped short, and a faintblush overspread her cheeks. 

The curate understood her, and was moved. 

"Dear friend, " said he, "will you intrust this charge to myself? Youknow how Evelyn is endeared to me by certain recollections! Perhaps, better than you, I may be enabled silently to examine if this man beworthy of her, and one who could secure her happiness; perhaps, betterthan you I may ascertain the exact nature of her own feelings towardshim; perhaps, too, better than you I may effect an understanding withLord Vargrave. "

"You are always my kindest friend, " said the lady, with emotion; "howmuch I already owe you! what hopes beyond the grave! what--"

"Hush!" interrupted the curate, gently; "your own good heart and pureintentions have worked out your own atonement--may I hope also your owncontent? Let us return to our Evelyn. Poor child! how unlike thisdespondent letter to her gay light spirits when with us! We acted forthe best; yet perhaps we did wrong to yield her up to strangers. Andthis Maltravers--with her enthusiasm and quick susceptibilities togenius, she was half prepared to imagine him all she depicts him to be. He must have a spell in his works that I have not discovered, for attimes it seems to operate even on you. "

"Because, " said Lady Vargrave, "they remind me of _his_ conversation, _his_ habits of thought. If like _him_ in other things, Evelyn mayindeed be happy!"

"And if, " said the curate, curiously, --"if now that you are free, youwere ever to meet with him again, and his memory had been as faithful asyours; and if he offered the sole atonement in his power, for all thathis early error cost you; if such a chance should happen in thevicissitudes of life, you would--"

The curate stopped short; for he was struck by the exceeding paleness ofhis friend's cheek, and the tremor of her delicate frame. 

"If that were to happen, " said she, in a very low voice; "if we were tomeet again, and if he were--as you and Mrs. Leslie seem to think--poor, and, like myself, humbly born, if my fortune could assist him, if my lovecould still--changed, altered as I am--ah! do not talk of it--I cannotbear the thought of happiness! And yet, if before I die I _could_ butsee him again!" She clasped her hands fervently as she spoke, and theblush that overspread her face threw over it so much of bloom andfreshness, that even Evelyn, at that moment, would scarcely have seemedmore young. "Enough!" she added, after a little while, as the glow diedaway. "It is but a foolish hope; all earthly love is buried; and myheart is there!"--she pointed to the heavens, and both were silent. 

CHAPTER II. 

 QUIBUS otio vel magnifice, vel molliter, vivere copia era incerta pro certis malebant. *--SALLUST. 

 * "They who had the means to live at ease, either in splendour or in luxury, preferred the uncertainty of change to their natural security. "

LORD RABY--one of the wealthiest and most splendid noblemen inEngland--was prouder, perhaps, of his provincial distinctions than theeminence of his rank or the fashion of his wife. The magnificentchateaux, the immense estates, of our English peers tend to preserve tous in spite of the freedom, bustle, and commercial grandeur of our peoplemore of the Norman attributes of aristocracy than can be found in othercountries. In his county, the great noble is a petty prince; his houseis a court; his possessions and munificence are a boast to everyproprietor in his district. They are as fond of talking of _the_ earl'sor _the_ duke's movements and entertainments, as Dangeau was of thegossip of the Tuileries and Versailles. 

Lord Raby, while affecting, as lieutenant of the county, to make nopolitical distinctions between squire and squire--hospitable and affableto all--still, by that very absence of exclusiveness, gave a tone to thepolitics of the whole county; and converted many who had once thoughtdifferently on the respective virtues of Whigs and Tories. A great mannever loses so much as when he exhibits intolerance, or parades the rightof persecution. 

"My tenants shall vote exactly as they please, " said Lord Raby; and hewas never known to have a tenant vote against his wishes! Keeping avigilant eye on all the interests, and conciliating all the proprietors, in the county, he not only never lost a friend, but he kept together abody of partisans that constantly added to its numbers. 

Sir John Merton's colleague, a young Lord Nelthorpe, who could not speakthree sentences if you took away his hat, and who, constant at Almack's, was not only inaudible but invisible in parliament, had no chance ofbeing re-elected. Lord Nelthorpe's father, the Earl of Mainwaring, was anew peer; and, next to Lord Raby, the richest nobleman in the county. Now, though they were much of the same politics, Lord Raby hated LordMainwaring. They were too near each other, --they clashed; they had thejealousy of rival princes!

Lord Raby was delighted at the notion of getting rid of LordNelthorpe, --it would be so sensible a blow to the Mainwaring interest. The party had been looking out for a new candidate, and Maltravers hadbeen much talked of. It is true that, when in parliament some yearsbefore, the politics of Maltravers had differed from those of Lord Rabyand his set. But Maltravers had of late taken no share in politics, haduttered no political opinions, was intimate with the electioneeringMertons, was supposed to be a discontented man, --and politicians believein no discontent that is not political. Whispers were afloat thatMaltravers had grown wise, and changed his views: some remarks of his, more theoretical than practical, were quoted in favour of this notion. Parties, too, had much changed since Maltravers had appeared on the busyscene, --new questions had arisen, and the old ones had died off. 

Lord Raby and his party thought that, if Maltravers could be secured tothem, no one would better suit their purpose. Political faction lovesconverts better even than consistent adherents. A man's rise in lifegenerally dates from a well-timed _rat_. His high reputation, hisprovincial rank as the representative of the oldest commoner's family inthe county, his age, which combined the energy of one period with theexperience of another, --all united to accord Maltravers a preference overricher men. Lord Raby had been pointedly courteous and flattering to themaster of Burleigh; and he now contrived it so, that the brilliantentertainment he was about to give might appear in compliment to adistinguished neighbour, returned to fix his residence on his patrimonialproperty, while in reality it might serve an electioneeringpurpose, --serve to introduce Maltravers to the county, as if under hislordship's own wing, and minister to political uses that went beyond themere representation of the county. 

Lord Vargrave had, during his stay at Merton Rectory, paid several visitsto Knaresdean, and held many private conversations with the marquess: theresult of these conversations was a close union of schemes and interestsbetween the two noblemen. Dissatisfied with the political conduct ofgovernment, Lord Raby was also dissatisfied that, from various partyreasons, a nobleman beneath himself in rank, and as he thought ininfluence, had obtained a preference in a recent vacancy among theKnights of the Garter. And if Vargrave had a talent in the world it wasin discovering the weak points of men whom he sought to gain, and makingthe vanities of others conduce to his own ambition. 

The festivities of Knaresdean gave occasion to Lord Raby to unite at hishouse the more prominent of those who thought and acted in concert withLord Vargrave; and in this secret senate the operations for the followingsession were to be seriously discussed and gravely determined. 

On the day which was to be concluded with the ball at Knaresdean, LordVargrave went before the rest of the Merton party, for he was engaged todine with the marquess. 

On arriving at Knaresdean, Lumley found Lord Saxingham and some otherpoliticians, who had arrived the preceding day, closeted with Lord Raby;and Vargrave, who shone to yet greater advantage in the diplomacy ofparty management than in the arena of parliament, brought penetration, energy, and decision to timid and fluctuating counsels. Lord Vargravelingered in the room after the first bell had summoned the other gueststo depart. 

"My dear lord, " said he then, "though no one would be more glad thanmyself to secure Maltravers to our side, I very much doubt whether youwill succeed in doing so. On the one hand, he appears altogetherdisgusted with politics and parliament; and on the other hand, I fancythat reports of his change of opinions are, if not wholly unfounded, veryunduly coloured. Moreover, to do him justice, I think that he is not oneto be blinded and flattered into the pale of a party; and your bird willfly away after you have wasted a bucketful of salt on his tail. "

"Very possibly, " said Lord Raby, laughing, --"you know him better than Ido. But there are many purposes to serve in this matter, --purposes tooprovincial to interest you. In the first place, we shall humble theNelthorpe interest, merely by showing that we _do_ think of a new member;secondly, we shall get up a manifestation of feeling that would beimpossible, unless we were provided with a centre of attraction; thirdly, we shall rouse a certain emulation among other county gentlemen, and ifMaltravers decline, we shall have many applicants; and fourthly, supposeMaltravers has not changed his opinions, we shall make him suspected bythe party he really does belong to, and which would be somewhatformidable if he were to head them. In fact, these are mere countytactics that you can't be expected to understand. "

"I see you are quite right: meanwhile you will at least have anopportunity (though I say it, who should not say it) to present to thecounty one of the prettiest young ladies that ever graced the halls ofKnaresdean. "

"Ah, Miss Cameron! I have heard much of her beauty: you are a luckyfellow, Vargrave! By the by, are we to say anything of the engagement?"

"Why, indeed, my dear lord, it is now so publicly known, that it would befalse delicacy to affect concealment. "

"Very well; I understand. "

"How long I have detained you--a thousand pardons!--I have but just timeto dress. In four or five months I must remember to leave you a longertime for your toilet. "

"Me--how?"

"Oh, the Duke of ----- can't live long; and I always observe that when ahandsome man has the Garter, he takes a long time pulling up hisstockings. "

"Ha, ha! you are so droll, Vargrave. "

"Ha, ha! I must be off. "

"The more publicity is given to this arrangement, the more difficult forEvelyn to shy at the leap, " muttered Vargrave to himself as he closed thedoor. "Thus do I make all things useful to myself!"

The dinner party were assembled in the great drawing-room, whenMaltravers and Cleveland, also invited guests to the banquet, wereannounced. Lord Raby received the former with marked _empressement_; andthe stately marchioness honoured him with her most gracious smile. Formal presentations to the rest of the guests were interchanged; and itwas not till the circle was fully gone through that Maltravers perceived, seated by himself in a corner, to which he had shrunk on the entrance ofMaltravers, a gray-haired solitary man, --it was Lord Saxingham! The lasttime they had met was in the death-chamber of Florence; and the old manforgot for the moment the anticipated dukedom, and the dreamed-ofpremiership, and his heart flew back to the grave of his only child!They saluted each other, and shook hands in silence. And Vargrave--whoseeye was on them--Vargrave, whose arts had made that old man childless, felt not a pang of remorse! Living ever in the future, Vargrave almostseemed to have lost his memory. He knew not what regret was. It is acondition of life with men thoroughly worldly that they never lookbehind!

The signal was given: in due order the party were marshalled into thegreat hall, --a spacious and lofty chamber, which had received its lastalteration from the hand of Inigo Jones; though the massive ceiling, withits antique and grotesque masques, betrayed a much earlier date, andcontrasted with the Corinthian pilasters that adorned the walls, andsupported the music-gallery, from which waved the flags of modern warfareand its mimicries, --the eagle of Napoleon, a token of the services ofLord Raby's brother (a distinguished cavalry officer in command atWaterloo), in juxtaposition with a much gayer and more glittering banner, emblematic of the martial fame of Lord Raby himself, as Colonel of theB-----shire volunteers!

The music pealed from the gallery, the plate glittered on the board; theladies wore diamonds, and the gentlemen who had them wore stars. It wasa very fine sight, that banquet!--such as became the festive day of alord-lieutenant whose ancestors had now defied, and now intermarried, with royalty. But there was very little talk, and no merriment. Peopleat the top of the table drank wine with those at the bottom; andgentlemen and ladies seated next to each other whispered languidly inmonosyllabic commune. On one side, Maltravers was flanked by a LadySomebody Something, who was rather deaf, and very much frightened forfear he should talk Greek; on the other side he was relieved by Sir JohnMerton, --very civil, very pompous, and talking, at strictured intervals, about county matters, in a measured intonation, savouring of theHouse-of-Commons jerk at the end of the sentence. 

As the dinner advanced to its close, Sir John became a little morediffuse, though his voice sank into a whisper. 

"I fear there will be a split in the Cabinet before parliament meets. "

"Indeed!"

"Yes; Vargrave and the premier cannot pull together very long. Cleverman, Vargrave! but he has not enough stake in the country for a leader!"

"All men have public character to stake; and if that be good, I supposeno stake can be better?"

"Humph!--yes--very true; but still, when a man has land and money, hisopinions, in a country like this, very properly carry more weight withthem. If Vargrave, for instance, had Lord Raby's property, no man couldbe more fit for a leader, --a prime minister. We might then be sure thathe would have no selfish interest to further: he would not play trickswith his party--you understand?"

"Perfectly. "

"I am not a party man, as you may remember; indeed, you and I have votedalike on the same questions. Measures, not men, --that is my maxim; butstill I don't like to see men placed above their proper stations. "

"Maltravers, a glass of wine, " said Lord Vargrave across the table. "Will you join us, Sir John?"

Sir John bowed. 

"Certainly, " he resumed, "Vargrave is a pleasant man and a good speaker;but still they say he is far from rich, --embarrassed, indeed. However, when he marries Miss Cameron it may make a great difference, --give himmore respectability; do you know what her fortune is--something immense?"

"Yes, I believe so; I don't know. "

"My brother says that Vargrave is most amiable. The young lady is veryhandsome, almost too handsome for a wife--don't you think so? Beautiesare all very well in a ballroom; but they are not calculated for domesticlife. I am sure you agree with me. I have heard, indeed, that MissCameron is rather learned; but there is so much scandal in a countryneighbourhood, --people are so ill-natured. I dare say she is not morelearned than other young ladies, poor girl! What do you think?"

"Miss Cameron is--is very accomplished, I believe. And so you think theGovernment cannot stand?"

"I don't say that, --very far from it; but I fear there must be a change. However, if the country gentlemen hold together, I do not doubt but whatwe shall weather the storm. The landed interest, Mr. Maltravers, is thegreat stay of this country, --the sheet-anchor, I may say. I suppose LordVargrave, who seems, I must say, to have right notions on this head, willinvest Miss Cameron's fortune in land. But though one may buy an estate, one can't buy an old family, Mr. Maltravers!--you and I may be thankfulfor that. By the way, who was Miss Cameron's mother, LadyVargrave?--something low, I fear; nobody knows. "

"I am not acquainted with Lady Vargrave; your sister-in-law speaks of hermost highly. And the daughter in herself is a sufficient guarantee forthe virtues of the mother. "

"Yes; and Vargrave on one side, at least, has himself nothing in the wayof family to boast of. "

The ladies left the hall, the gentlemen re-seated themselves. Lord Rabymade some remark on politics to Sir John Merton, and the whole round oftalkers immediately followed their leader. 

"It is a thousand pities, Sir John, " said Lord Raby, "that you have not acolleague more worthy of you; Nelthorpe never attends a committee, doeshe?"

"I cannot say that he is a very active member; but he is young, and wemust make allowances for him, " said Sir John, discreetly; for he had nodesire to oust his colleague, --it was agreeable enough to be _the_efficient member. 

"In these times, " said Lord Raby, loftily, "allowances are not to be madefor systematic neglect of duty; we shall have a stormy session; theOpposition is no longer to be despised; perhaps a dissolution may benearer at hand than we think for. As for Nelthorpe, he cannot come inagain. "

"That I am quite sure of, " said a fat country gentleman of great weightin the county; "he not only was absent on the great Malt question, but henever answered my letter respecting the Canal Company. "

"Not answered your letter!" said Lord Raby, lifting up his hands and eyesin amaze and horror. "What conduct! Ah, Mr. Maltravers, you are the manfor us!"

"Hear! hear!" cried the fat squire. 

"Hear!" echoed Vargrave; and the approving sound went round the table. 

Lord Raby rose. "Gentlemen, fill your glasses; a health to ourdistinguished neighbour!"

The company applauded; each in his turn smiled, nodded, and drank toMaltravers, who, though taken by surprise, saw at once the course topursue. He returned thanks simply and shortly; and without pointedlynoticing the allusion in which Lord Raby had indulged, remarked, incidentally, that he had retired, certainly for some years--perhapsforever--from political life. 

Vargrave smiled significantly at Lord Raby, and hastened to lead theconversation into party discussion. Wrapped in his proud disdain of whathe considered the contests of factions for toys and shadows, Maltraversremained silent; and the party soon broke up, and adjourned to theballroom. 

CHAPTER III. 

 LE plus grand defaut de la penetration n'est pas de n'aller point jusqu'au but, --c'est de la passer. *--LA ROCHEFOUCAULD. 

 * "The greatest defect of penetration is not that of not going just up to the point, --'tis the passing it. "

EVELYN had looked forward to the ball at Knaresdean with feelings deeperthan those which usually inflame the fancy of a girl proud of her dressand confident of her beauty. Whether or not she _loved_ Maltravers, inthe true acceptation of the word "love, " it is certain that he hadacquired a most powerful command over her mind and imagination. She feltthe warmest interest in his welfare, the most anxious desire for hisesteem, the deepest regret at the thought of their estrangement. AtKnaresdean she should meet Maltravers, --in crowds, it is true; but stillshe should meet him; she should see him towering superior above the herd;she should hear him praised; she should mark him, the observed of all. But there was another and a deeper source of joy within her. A letterhad been that morning received from Aubrey, in which he had announced hisarrival for the next day. The letter, though affectionate, was short. Evelyn had been some months absent, --Lady Vargrave was anxious to makearrangements for her return; but it was to be at her option whether shewould accompany the curate home. Now, besides her delight at seeing oncemore the dear old man, and hearing from his lips that her mother was welland happy, Evelyn hailed in his arrival the means of extricating herselffrom her position with Lord Vargrave. She would confide in him herincreased repugnance to that union, he would confer with Lord Vargrave;and then--and then--did there come once more the thought of Maltravers?No! I fear it was not Maltravers who called forth that smile and thatsigh! Strange girl, you know not your own mind!--but few of us, at yourage, do. 

In all the gayety of hope, in the pride of dress and half-consciousloveliness, Evelyn went with a light step into Caroline's room. MissMerton had already dismissed her woman, and was seated by herwriting-table, leaning her cheek thoughtfully on her hand. 

"Is it time to go?" said she, looking up. "Well, we shall put Papa, andthe coachman, and the horses, too, in excellent humour. How well youlook! Really, Evelyn, you are indeed beautiful!" and Caroline gazed withhonest but not unenvious admiration at the fairy form so rounded and yetso delicate, and the face that seemed to blush at its own charms. 

"I am sure I can return the flattery, " said Evelyn, laughing bashfully. 

"Oh, as for me, I am well enough in my way: and hereafter, I dare say, wemay be rival beauties. I hope we shall remain good friends, and rule theworld with divided empire. Do you not long for the stir, and excitement, and ambition of London?---for ambition is open to us as to men!"

"No, indeed, " replied Evelyn, smiling; "I could be ambitious, indeed; butit would not be for myself, but for--"

"A husband, perhaps; well, you will have ample scope for such sympathy. Lord Vargrave--"

"Lord Vargrave again?" and Evelyn's smile vanished, and she turned away. 

"Ah, " said Caroline, "I should have made Vargrave an excellent wife--pityhe does not think so! As it is, I must set up for myself and become a_maitresse femme_. So you think I look well to-night? I am glad ofit--Lord Doltimore is one who will be guided by what other people say. "

"You are not serious about Lord Doltimore?"

"Most sadly serious. "

"Impossible! you could not speak so if you loved him. "

"Loved him! no! but I intend to marry him. "

Evelyn was revolted, but still incredulous. 

"And you, too, will marry one whom you do not love--'tis our fate--"

"Never!"

"We shall see. "

Evelyn's heart was damped, and her spirits fell. 

"Tell me now, " said Caroline, pressing on the wrung withers, "do you notthink this excitement, partial and provincial though it be--the sense ofbeauty, the hope of conquest, the consciousness of power--better than thedull monotony of the Devonshire cottage? Be honest--"

"No, no, indeed!" answered Evelyn, tearfully and passionately; "one hourwith my mother, one smile from her lips, were worth it all. "

"And in your visions of marriage, you think then of nothing but roses anddoves, --love in a cottage!"

"Love _in a home_, no matter whether a palace or a cottage, " returnedEvelyn. 

"Home!" repeated Caroline, bitterly; "home, --home is the English synonymfor the French _ennui_. But I hear Papa on the stairs. "

A ballroom--what a scene of commonplace! how hackneyed in novels! howtrite in ordinary life! and yet ballrooms have a character and asentiment of their own, for all tempers and all ages. Something in thelights, the crowd, the music, conduces to stir up many of the thoughtsthat belong to fancy and romance. It is a melancholy scene to men aftera certain age. It revives many of those lighter and more graceful imagesconnected with the wandering desires of youth, --shadows that crossed us, and seemed love, but were not; having much of the grace and charm, butnone of the passion and the tragedy, of love. So many of our earliestand gentlest recollections are connected with those chalked floors, andthat music painfully gay, and those quiet nooks and corners, where thetalk that hovers about the heart and does not touch it has been held. Apart and unsympathizing in that austerer wisdom which comes to us afterdeep passions have been excited, we see form after form chasing thebutterflies that dazzle us no longer among the flowers that have evermorelost their fragrance. 

Somehow or other, it is one of the scenes that remind us most forcibly ofthe loss of youth! We are brought so closely in contact with the youngand with the short-lived pleasures that once pleased us, and haveforfeited all bloom. Happy the man who turns from "the tinkling cymbal"and "the gallery of pictures, " and can think of some watchful eye andsome kind heart _at home_; but those who have no home--and they are anumerous tribe--never feel lonelier hermits or sadder moralists than insuch a crowd. 

Maltravers leaned abstractedly against the wall, and some suchreflections, perhaps, passed within, as the plumes waved and the diamondsglittered around him. Ever too proud to be vain, the _monstrari digito_had not flattered even in the commencement of his career. And now heheeded not the eyes that sought his look, nor the admiring murmur of lipsanxious to be overheard. Affluent, well-born, unmarried, and still inthe prime of life, --in the small circles of a province, Ernest Maltraverswould in himself have been an object of interest to the diplomacy ofmothers and daughters; and the false glare of reputation necessarilydeepened curiosity, and widened the range of speculators and observers. 

Suddenly, however, a new object of attention excited new interest; newwhispers ran through the crowd, and these awakened Maltravers from hisrevery. He looked up, and beheld all eyes fixed upon one form! His owneyes encountered those of Evelyn Cameron!

It was the first time he had seen this beautiful young person in all the_eclat_, pomp, and circumstance of her station, as the heiress of theopulent Templeton, --the first time he had seen her the cynosure ofcrowds, who, had her features been homely, would have admired the charmsof her fortune in her face. And now, as radiant with youth, and theflush of excitement on her soft cheek, she met his eye, he said tohimself: "And could I have wished one so new to the world to have unitedher lot with a man for whom all that to her is delight has grownwearisome and stale? Could I have been justified in stealing her fromthe admiration that, at her age and to her sex, has so sweet a flattery?Or, on the other hand, could I have gone back to her years, andsympathized with feelings that time has taught me to despise? Better asit is. "

Influenced by these thoughts, the greeting of Maltravers disappointed andsaddened Evelyn, she knew not why; it was constrained and grave. 

"Does not Miss Cameron look well?" whispered Mrs. Merton, on whose armthe heiress leaned. "You observe what a sensation she creates?"

Evelyn overheard, and blushed as she stole a glance at Maltravers. Therewas something mournful in the admiration which spoke in his deep earnesteyes. 

"Everywhere, " said he, calmly, and in the same tone, "everywhere MissCameron appears, she must outshine all others. " He turned to Evelyn, andsaid with a smile, "You must learn to inure yourself to admiration; ayear or two hence, and you will not blush at your own gifts!"

"And you, too, contribute to spoil me!--fie!"

"Are you so easily spoiled? If I meet you hereafter, you will think mycompliments cold to the common language of others. "

"You do not know me, --perhaps you never will. "

"I am contented with the fair pages I have already read. "

"Where is Lady Raby?" asked Mrs. Merton. "Oh, I see; Evelyn, my love, wemust present ourselves to our hostess. "

The ladies moved on; and when Maltravers next caught a glance of Evelyn, she was with Lady Raby, and Lord Vargrave also was by her side. 

The whispers round him had grown louder. 

"Very lovely indeed! so young, too! and she is really going to be marriedto Lord Vargrave: so much older than she is, --quite a sacrifice!"

"Scarcely so. He is so agreeable, and still handsome. But are you surethat the thing is settled?"

"Oh, yes. Lord Raby himself told me so. It will take place very soon. "

"But do you know who her mother was? I cannot make out. "

"Nothing particular. You know the late Lord Vargrave was a man of lowbirth. I believe she was a widow of his own rank; she lives quite inseclusion. "

"How d' ye do, Mr. Maltravers? So glad to see you, " said the quick, shrill voice of Mrs. Hare. "Beautiful ball! Nobody does things likeLord Raby; don't you dance?"

"No, madam. "

"Oh, you young gentlemen are so _fine_ nowadays!" (Mrs. Hare, layingstress on the word _young_, thought she had paid a very elegantcompliment, and ran on with increased complacency. )

"You are going to let Burleigh, I hear, to Lord Doltimore, --is it true?No! really now, what stories people do tell. Elegant man, LordDoltimore! Is it true, that Miss Caroline is going to marry hislordship? Great match! No scandal, I hope; you'll excuse _me_! Twoweddings on the _tapis_, --quite stirring for our stupid county. LadyVargrave and Lady Doltimore, two new peeresses. Which do you think isthe handsomer? Miss Merton is the taller, but there is something fiercein her eyes. Don't you think so? By the by, I wish you joy, --you'llexcuse _me_. "

"Wish me joy, madam?"

"Oh, you are so close. Mr. Hare says he shall support you. You willhave all the ladies with you. Well, I declare, Lord Vargrave is going todance. How old is he, do you think?"

Maltravers uttered an audible _pshaw_, and moved away; but his penancewas not over. Lord Vargrave, much as he disliked dancing, still thoughtit wise to ask the fair hand of Evelyn; and Evelyn, also, could notrefuse. 

And now, as the crowd gathered round the red ropes, Maltravers had toundergo new exclamations at Evelyn's beauty and Vargrave's luck. Impatiently he turned from the spot, with that gnawing sickness of theheart which none but the jealous know. He longed to depart, yet dreadedto do so. It was the last time he should see Evelyn, perhaps for years;the last time he should see her as Miss Cameron!

He passed into another room, deserted by all save four oldgentlemen--Cleveland one of them--immersed in whist; and threw himselfupon an ottoman, placed in a recess by the oriel window. There, halfconcealed by the draperies, he communed and reasoned with himself. Hisheart was sad within him; he never felt before _how_ deeply and _how_passionately he loved Evelyn; how firmly that love had fastened upon thevery core of his heart! Strange, indeed, it was in a girl so young, ofwhom he had seen but little, --and that little in positions of such quietand ordinary interest, --to excite a passion so intense in a man who hadgone through strong emotions and stern trials! But all love isunaccountable. The solitude in which Maltravers had lived, the absenceof all other excitement, perhaps had contributed largely to fan theflame. And his affections had so long slept, and after long sleep thepassions wake with such giant strength! He felt now too well that thelast rose of life had bloomed for him; it was blighted in its birth, butit could never be replaced. Henceforth, indeed, he should be alone, thehopes of home were gone forever; and the other occupations of mind andsoul--literature, pleasure, ambition--were already forsworn at the veryage in which by most men they are most indulged!

O Youth! begin not thy career too soon, and let one passion succeed inits due order to another; so that every season of life may have itsappropriate pursuit and charm!

The hours waned; still Maltravers stirred not; nor were his meditationsdisturbed, except by occasional ejaculations from the four old gentlemen, as between each deal they moralized over the caprices of the cards. 

At length, close beside him he heard that voice, the lightest sound ofwhich could send the blood rushing through his veins; and from hisretreat he saw Caroline and Evelyn, seated close by. 

"I beg pardon, " said the former, in a low voice, --"I beg pardon, Evelyn, for calling you away; but I longed to tell you. The die is cast. LordDoltimore has proposed, and I have accepted him! Alas, alas! I halfwish I could retract!"

"Dearest Caroline!" said the silver voice of Evelyn, "for Heaven's sake, do not thus wantonly resolve on your own unhappiness! You wrongyourself, Caroline! you do, indeed! You are not the vain ambitiouscharacter you affect to be! Ah, what is it you require? Wealth? Areyou not my friend; am I not rich enough for both? Rank? What can itgive you to compensate for the misery of a union without love? Pray, forgive me for speaking thus. Do not think me presumptuous, or romantic;but, indeed, indeed, I know from my own heart what yours must undergo!"

Caroline pressed her friend's hand with emotion. 

"You are a bad comforter, Evelyn. My mother, my father, will preach avery different doctrine. I am foolish, indeed, to be so sad in obtainingthe very object I have sought! Poor Doltimore! he little knows thenature, the feelings of her whom he thinks he has made the happiest ofher sex; he little knows--" Caroline paused, turned pale as death, andthen went rapidly on, "but you, Evelyn, _you_ will meet the same fate; weshall bear it together. "

"No! no! do not think so! Where I give my hand, there shall I give myheart. "

At this time Maltravers half rose, and sighed audibly. 

"Hush!" said Caroline, in alarm. At the same moment, the whist-tablebroke up, and Cleveland approached Maltravers. 

"I am at your service, " said he; "I know you will not stay the supper. You will find me in the next room; I am just going to speak to LordSaxingham. " The gallant old gentleman then paid a compliment to theyoung ladies, and walked away. 

"So you too are a deserter from the ballroom!" said Miss Merton toMaltravers as she rose. 

"I am not very well; but do not let me frighten you away. "

"Oh, no! I hear the music; it is the last quadrille before supper: andhere is my fortunate partner looking for me. "

"I have been everywhere in search of you, " said Lord Doltimore, in anaccent of tender reproach: "come, we are almost too late now. "

Caroline put her arm into Lord Doltimore's, who hurried her into theballroom. 

Miss Cameron looked irresolute whether or not to follow, when Maltraversseated himself beside her; and the paleness of his brow, and somethingthat bespoke pain in the compressed lip, went at once to her heart. Inher childlike tenderness, she would have given worlds for the sister'sprivilege of sympathy and soothing. The room was now deserted; they werealone. 

The words that he had overheard from Evelyn's lips, "Where I shall givemy hand, there shall I give my heart, " Maltravers interpreted but in onesense, --"she loved her betrothed;" and strange as it may seem, at thatthought, which put the last seal upon his fate, selfish anguish was lessfelt than deep compassion. So young, so courted, so tempted as she mustbe--and with such a protector!--the cold, the unsympathizing, theheartless Vargrave! She, too, whose feelings, so warm, ever trembled onher lip and eye. Oh! when she awoke from her dream, and knew whom shehad loved, what might be her destiny, what her danger!

"Miss Cameron, " said Maltravers, "let me for one moment detain you; Iwill not trespass long. May I once, and for the last time, assume theaustere rights of friendship? I have seen much of life, Miss Cameron, and my experience has been purchased dearly; and harsh and hermit-like asI may have grown, I have not outlived such feelings as you are wellformed to excite. Nay, "--and Maltravers smiled sadly--"I am not about tocompliment or flatter, I speak not to you as the young to the young; thedifference of our years, that takes away sweetness from flattery, leavesstill sincerity to friendship. You have inspired me with a deepinterest, --deeper than I thought that living beauty could ever rouse inme again! It may be that something in the tone of your voice, yourmanner, a nameless grace that I cannot define, reminds me of one whom Iknew in youth, --one who had not your advantages of education, wealth, birth; but to whom Nature was more kind than Fortune. "

He paused a moment; and without looking towards Evelyn, thus renewed, --

"You are entering life under brilliant auspices. Ah, let me hope thatthe noonday will keep the promise of the dawn! You are susceptible, imaginative; do not demand too much, or dream too fondly. When you arewedded, do not imagine that wedded life is exempt from its trials and itscares; if you know yourself beloved--and beloved you must be--do not askfrom the busy and anxious spirit of man all which Romance promises andLife but rarely yields. And oh!" continued Maltravers, with an absorbingand earnest passion, that poured forth its language with almostbreathless rapidity, --"if ever your heart rebels, if ever it bedissatisfied, fly the false sentiment as a sin! Thrown, as from yourrank you must be, on a world of a thousand perils, with no guide soconstant and so safe as your own innocence, make not that world too deara friend. Were it possible that your own home ever could be lonely orunhappy, reflect that to woman the unhappiest home is happier than allexcitement abroad. You will have a thousand suitors hereafter: believethat the asp lurks under the flatterer's tongue, and resolve, come whatmay, to be contented with your lot. How many have I known, lovely andpure as you, who have suffered the very affections--the very beauty oftheir nature--to destroy them! Listen to me as a warner, as a brother, as a pilot who has passed the seas on which your vessel is about tolaunch. And ever, ever let me know, in whatever lands your name mayreach me, that one who has brought back to me all my faith in humanexcellence, while the idol of our sex, is the glory of her own. Forgiveme this strange impertinence; my heart is full, and has overflowed. Andnow, Miss Cameron--Evelyn Cameron--this is my last offence, and my lastfarewell!"

He held out his hand, and involuntarily, unknowingly, she clasped it, asif to detain him till she could summon words to reply. Suddenly he heardLord Vargrave's voice behind. The spell was broken; the next momentEvelyn was alone, and the throng swept into the room towards the banquet, and laughter and gay voices were heard, and Lord Vargrave was again byEvelyn's side!

CHAPTER IV. 

 To you This journey is devoted. _Lover's Progress_, Act iv. Sc. 1. 

AS Cleveland and Maltravers returned homeward, the latter abruptlychecked the cheerful garrulity of his friend. "I have a favour, a greatfavour to ask of you. "

"And what is that?"

"Let us leave Burleigh tomorrow; I care not at what hour; we need go buttwo or three stages if you are fatigued. "

"Most hospitable host! and why?"

"It is torture, it is agony to me, to breathe the air of Burleigh, " criedMaltravers, wildly. "Can you not guess my secret? Have I then concealedit so well? I love, I adore Evelyn Cameron, and she is betrothed to--sheloves--another!"

Mr. Cleveland was breathless with amaze; Maltravers had indeed so wellconcealed his secret, and now his emotion was so impetuous, that itstartled and alarmed the old man, who had never himself experienced apassion, though he had indulged a sentiment. He sought to console andsoothe; but after the first burst of agony, Maltravers recovered himself, and said gently, --

"Let us never return to this subject again: it is right that I shouldconquer this madness, and conquer it I will! Now you know my weakness, you will indulge it. My cure, cannot commence until I can no longer seefrom my casements the very roof that shelters the affianced bride ofanother. "

"Certainly, then, we will set off to-morrow: my friend! is it indeed--"

"Ah, cease, " interrupted the proud man; "no compassion, I implore: giveme but time and silence, --they are the only remedies. "

Before noon the next day, Burleigh was once more deserted by its lord. As the carriage drove through the village, Mrs. Elton saw it from heropen window; but her patron, too absorbed at that hour even forbenevolence, forgot her existence and yet so complicated are the webs offate, that in the breast of that lowly stranger was locked a secret ofthe most vital moment to Maltravers. 

"Where is he going; where is the squire going?" asked Mrs. Elton, anxiously. 

"Dear heart!" said the cottager, "they do say he be going for a shorttime to foren parts. But he will be back at Christmas. "

"And at Christmas I may be gone hence forever, " muttered the invalid;"but what will that matter to him--to any one?"

At the first stage Maltravers and his friend were detained a short timefor the want of horses. Lord Raby's house had been filled with guests onthe preceding night, and the stables of this little inn, dignified withthe sign of the Raby Arms, and about two miles distant from the greatman's place, had been exhausted by numerous claimants returning homewardfrom Knaresdean. It was a quiet, solitary post-house, and patience, tillsome jaded horses should return, was the only remedy; the host, assuringthe travellers that he expected four horses every moment, invited themwithin. The morning was cold, and the fire not unacceptable to Mr. Cleveland; so they went into the little parlour. Here they found anelderly gentleman of very prepossessing appearance, who was waiting forthe same object. He moved courteously from the fireplace as thetravellers entered, and pushed the "B-----shire Chronicle" towardsCleveland: Cleveland bowed urbanely. "A cold day, sir; the autumn beginsto show itself. "

"It is true, sir, " answered the old gentleman; "and I feel the cold themore, having just quitted the genial atmosphere of the South. "

"Of Italy?"

"No, of England only. I see by this paper (I am not much of apolitician) that there is a chance of a dissolution of parliament, andthat Mr. Maltravers is likely to come forward for this county; are youacquainted with him, sir?"

"A little, " said Cleveland, smiling. 

"He is a man I am much interested in, " said the old gentleman; "and Ihope soon to be honoured with his acquaintance. "

"Indeed! and you are going into his neighbourhood?" asked Cleveland, looking more attentively at the stranger, and much pleased with a certainsimple candour in his countenance and manner. 

"Yes, to Merton Rectory. "

Maltravers, who had been hitherto stationed by the window, turned round. 

"To Merton Rectory?" repeated Cleveland. "You are acquainted with Mr. Merton, then?"

"Not yet; but I know some of his family. However, my visit is rather toa young lady who is staying at the rectory, --Miss Cameron. "

Maltravers sighed heavily; and the old gentleman looked at him curiously. "Perhaps, sir, if you know that neighbourhood, you may have seen--"

"Miss Cameron! Certainly; it is an honour not easily forgotten. "

The old gentleman looked pleased. 

"The dear child!" said he, with a burst of honest affection, and hepassed his hand over his eyes. Maltravers drew near to him. 

"You know Miss Cameron; you are to be envied, sir, " said he. 

"I have known her since she was a child; Lady Vargrave is my dearestfriend. "

"Lady Vargrave must be worthy of such a daughter. Only under the lightof a sweet disposition and pure heart could that beautiful nature havebeen trained and reared. "

Maltravers spoke with enthusiasm; and, as if fearful to trust himselfmore, left the room. 

"That gentleman speaks not more warmly than justly, " said the old man, with some surprise. "He has a countenance which, if physiognomy be atrue science, declares his praise to be no common compliment; may Iinquire his name?"

"Maltravers, " replied Cleveland, a little vain of the effect hisex-pupil's name was to produce. 

The curate--for it was he--started and changed countenance. 

"Maltravers! but he is not about to leave the county?"

"Yes, for a few months. "

Here the host entered. Four horses, that had been only fourteen miles, had just re-entered the yard. If Mr. Maltravers could spare two to thatgentleman, who had, indeed, pre-engaged them?

"Certainly, " said Cleveland; "but be quick. "

"And is Lord Vargrave still at Mr. Merton's?" asked the curate, musingly. 

"Oh, yes, I believe so. Miss Cameron is to be married to him veryshortly, --is it not so?"

"I cannot say, " returned Aubrey, rather bewildered. "You know LordVargrave, sir?"

"Extremely well!"

"And you think him worthy of Miss Cameron?"

"That is a question for her to answer. But I see the horses are put to. Good-day, sir! Will you tell your fair young friend that you have met anold gentleman who wishes her all happiness; and if she ask you his name, say Cleveland?"

So saying, Mr. Cleveland bowed, and re-entered the carriage. ButMaltravers was yet missing. In fact, he returned to the house by theback way, and went once more into the little parlour. It was somethingto see again one who would so soon see Evelyn!

"If I mistake not, " said Maltravers, "you are that Mr. Aubrey on whosevirtues I have often heard Miss Cameron delight to linger? Will youbelieve my regret that our acquaintance is now so brief?"

As Maltravers spoke thus simply, there was in his countenance, his voice, a melancholy sweetness, which greatly conciliated the good curate; and asAubrey gazed upon his noble features and lofty mien, he no longerwondered at the fascination he had appeared to exercise over the youngEvelyn. 

"And may I not hope, Mr. Maltravers, " said he, "that before long ouracquaintance may be renewed? Could not Miss Cameron, " he added, with asmile and a penetrating look, "tempt you into Devonshire?"

Maltravers shook his head, and, muttering something not very audible, quitted the room. The curate heard the whirl of the wheels, and the hostentered to inform him that his own carriage was now ready. 

"There is something in this, " thought Aubrey, "which I do not comprehend. His manner, his trembling voice, bespoke emotions he struggled toconceal. Can Lord Vargrave have gained his point? Is Evelyn, indeed, nolonger free?"

CHAPTER V. 

 CERTES, c'est un grand cas, Icas, Que toujours tracas ou fracas Vous faites d'une ou d'autre sort; C'est le diable qui vous emporte!*--VOITURE. 

 * "Certes, it is the fact, Icas, that you are always engaged in tricks or scrapes of some sort or other; it must be the devil that bewitches you. "

LORD VARGRAVE had passed the night of the ball and the following morningat Knaresdean. It was necessary to bring the counsels of the schemingconclave to a full and definite conclusion; and this was at lasteffected. Their strength numbered, friends and foes alike canvassed andconsidered, and due account taken of the waverers to be won over, itreally did seem, even to the least sanguine, that the Saxingham orVargrave party was one that might well aspire either to dictate to, or tobreak up, a government. Nothing now was left to consider but thefavourable hour for action. In high spirits, Lord Vargrave returnedabout the middle of the day to the rectory. 

"So, " thought he, as he reclined in his carriage, --"so, in politics, theprospect clears as the sun breaks out. The party I have espoused is onethat must be the most durable, for it possesses the greatest property andthe most stubborn prejudice--what elements for Party! All that I nowrequire is a sufficient fortune to back my ambition. Nothing can clog myway but these cursed debts, this disreputable want of gold. And yetEvelyn alarms me! Were I younger, or had I not made my position toosoon, I would marry her by fraud or by force, --run off with her toGretna, and make Vulcan minister to Plutus. But this would never do atmy years, and with my reputation. A pretty story for the newspapers, d-----n them! Well, nothing venture, nothing have; I will brave thehazard! Meanwhile, Doltimore is mine; Caroline will rule him, and I ruleher. His vote and his boroughs are something, --his money will be moreimmediately useful: I must do him the honour to borrow a fewthousands, --Caroline must manage that for me. The fool is miserly, though a spendthrift; and looked black when I delicately hinted the otherday that I wanted a friend--_id est_, a loan! money and friendship samething, --distinction without a difference!" Thus cogitating, Vargravewhiled away the minutes till his carriage stopped at Mr. Merton's door. 

As he entered the hall he met Caroline, who had just quitted her ownroom. 

"How lucky I am that you have on your bonnet! I long for a walk with youround the lawn. "

"And I, too, am glad to see you, Lord Vargrave, " said Caroline, puttingher arm in his. 

"Accept my best congratulations, my own sweet friend, " said Vargrave, when they were in the grounds. "You have no idea how happy Doltimore is. He came to Knaresdean yesterday to communicate the news, and hisneckcloth was primmer than ever. C'est un bon enfant. "

"Ah, how can you talk thus? Do you feel no pain at the thoughtthat--that I am another's?"

"Your heart will be ever mine, --and that is the true fidelity. Whatelse, too, could be done? As for Lord Doltimore, we will go shares inhim. Come, cheer thee, _m'amie_; I rattle on thus to keep up yourspirits. Do not fancy I am happy!"

Caroline let fall a few tears; but beneath the influence of Vargrave'ssophistries and flatteries, she gradually recovered her usual hard andworldly tone of mind. 

"And where is Evelyn?" asked Vargrave. "Do you know, the little witchseemed to be half mad the night of the ball. Her head was turned; andwhen she sat next me at supper, she not only answered every question Iput to her _a tort et a travers_, but I fancied every moment she wasgoing to burst out crying. Can you tell what was the matter with her?"

"She was grieved to hear that I was to be married to the man I do notlove. Ah, Vargrave, she has more heart than you have!"

"But she never fancies that you love me?" asked Lumley, in alarm. "Youwomen are so confoundedly confidential!"

"No, she does not suspect our secret. "

"Then I scarcely think your approaching marriage was a sufficient causefor so much distraction. "

"Perhaps she may have overheard some of the impertinent whispers abouther mother, --'Who was Lady Vargrave?' and 'What Cameron was LadyVargrave's first husband?' _I_ overheard a hundred such vulgarquestions; and provincial people whisper so loud. "

"Ah, that is a very probable solution of the mystery; and for my part, Iam almost as much puzzled as any one else can be to know who LadyVargrave was!"

"Did not your uncle tell you?"

"He told me that she was of no very elevated birth and station, --nothingmore; and she herself, with her quiet, say-nothing manner, slips throughall my careless questionings like an eel. She is still a beautifulcreature, more regularly handsome than even Evelyn; and old Templeton hada very sweet tooth at the back of his head, though he never opened hismouth wide enough to show it. "

"She must ever at least have been blameless, to judge by an air which, even now, is more like that of a child than a matron. "

"Yes; she has not much of the widow about her, poor soul! But hereducation, except in music, has not been very carefully attended to; andshe knows about as much of the world as the Bishop of Autun (better knownas Prince Talleyrand) knows of the Bible. If she were not so simple, shewould be silly; but silliness is never simple, --always cunning; however, there is some cunning in her keeping her past Cameronian Chronicles soclose. Perhaps I may know more about her in a short time, for I intendgoing to C-----, where my uncle once lived, in order to see if I canrevive under the rose--since peers are only contrabandelectioneerers--his old parliamentary influence in that city: and theymay tell me more there than I now know. "

"Did the late lord marry at C-----?"

"No; in Devonshire. I do not even know if Mrs. Cameron ever was atC-----. "

"You must be curious to know who the father of your intended wife was?"

"Her father! No; I have no curiosity in that quarter. And, to tell youthe truth, I am much too busy about the Present to be raking into thatheap of rubbish we call the Past. I fancy that both your goodgrandmother and that comely old curate of Brook-Green know everythingabout Lady Vargrave; and, as they esteem her so much, I take it forgranted she is _sans tache_. "

"How could I be so stupid! _A propos_ of the curate, I forgot to tellyou that he is here. He arrived about two hours ago, and has beencloseted with Evelyn ever since!"

"The deuce! What brought the old man hither?"

"That I know not. Papa received a letter from him yesterday morning, tosay that he would be here to-day. Perhaps Lady Vargrave thinks it timefor Evelyn to return home. "

"What am I to do?" said Vargrave, anxiously. "Dare I yet venture topropose?"

"I am sure it will be in vain, Vargrave. You must prepare fordisappointment. "

"And ruin, " muttered Vargrave, gloomily. "Hark you, Caroline, she mayrefuse me if she pleases. But I am not a man to be baffled. Have her Iwill, by one means or another; revenge urges me to it almost as much asambition. That girl's thread of life has been the dark line in my woof;she has robbed me of fortune, she now thwarts me in my career, shehumbles me in my vanity. But, like a hound that has tasted blood, I willrun her down, whatever winding she takes. "

"Vargrave, you terrify me! Reflect; we do not live in an age whenviolence--"

"Tush!" interrupted Lumley, with one of those dark looks which at times, though very rarely, swept away all its customary character from thatsmooth, shrewd countenance. "Tush! We live in an age as favourable tointellect and to energy as ever was painted in romance. I have thatfaith in fortune and myself that I tell you, with a prophet's voice, thatEvelyn shall fulfil the wish of my dying uncle. But the bell summons usback. "

On returning to the house, Lord Vargrave's valet gave him a letter whichhad arrived that morning. It was from Mr. Gustavus Douce, and ranthus:--

 FLEET STREET, ----- 20, 18--. 

MY LORD, --It is with the greatest regret that I apprise you, for Self &Co. , that we shall not be able in the present state of the Money Marketto renew your Lordship's bill for 10, 000 pounds, due the 28th instant. Respectfully calling your Lordship's attention to the same, I have thehonour to be, for Self & Co. , my Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient and most obliged humble servant, GUSTAVUS DOUCE. 

To the Right Hon. LORD VARGRAVE, etc. 

This letter sharpened Lord Vargrave's anxiety and resolve; nay, it seemedalmost to sharpen his sharp features as he muttered sundry denunciationson Messrs. Douce and Co. , while arranging his neckcloth at the glass. 

CHAPTER VI. 

 _Sol. _ Why, please your honourable lordship, we were talking here and there, --this and that. --_The Stranger_. 

AUBREY had been closeted with Evelyn the whole morning; and, simultaneouswith his arrival, came to her the news of the departure of Maltravers. It was an intelligence that greatly agitated and unnerved her; and, coupling that event with his solemn words on the previous night, Evelynasked herself, in wonder, what sentiments she could have inspired inMaltravers. Could he love her, --her, so young, so inferior, souninformed? Impossible! Alas! alas! for Maltravers! His genius, hisgifts, his towering qualities, --all that won the admiration, almost theawe, of Evelyn, --placed him at a distance from her heart! When she askedherself if he loved her, she did not ask, even in that hour, if she lovedhim. But even the question she did ask, her judgment answered erringlyin the negative. Why should he love, and yet fly her? She understoodnot his high-wrought scruples, his self-deluding belief. Aubrey was morepuzzled than enlightened by his conversation with his pupil; only onething seemed certain, --her delight to return to the cottage and hermother. 

Evelyn could not sufficiently recover her composure to mix with the partybelow; and Aubrey, at the sound of the second dinner-bell, left her toher solitude, and bore her excuses to Mrs. Merton. 

"Dear me!" said that worthy lady; "I am so sorry. I thought Miss Cameronlooked fatigued at breakfast, and there was something hysterical in herspirits; and I suppose the surprise of your arrival has upset her. Caroline, my dear, you had better go and see what she would like to havetaken up to her room, --a little soup and the wing of a chicken. "

"My dear, " said Mr. Merton, rather pompously, "I think it would be but aproper respect to Miss Cameron, if you yourself accompanied Caroline. "

"I assure you, " said the curate, alarmed at the avalanche of politenessthat threatened poor Evelyn, --"I assure you that Miss Cameron wouldprefer being left alone at present; as you say, Mrs. Merton, her spiritsare rather agitated. "

But Mrs. Merton, with a sliding bow, had already quitted the room, andCaroline with her. 

"Come back, Sophy! Cecilia, come back!" said Mr. Merton, settling his_jabot_. 

"Oh, dear Evy! poor dear Evy!--Evy is ill!" said Sophy; "I may go to Evy?I must go, Papa!"

"No, my dear, you are too noisy; these children are quite spoiled, Mr. Aubrey. "

The old man looked at them benevolently, and drew them to his knee; and, while Cissy stroked his long white hair, and Sophy ran on about dearEvy's prettiness and goodness, Lord Vargrave sauntered into the room. 

On seeing the curate, his frank face lighted up with surprise andpleasure; he hastened to him, seized him by both hands, expressed themost heartfelt delight at seeing him, inquired tenderly after LadyVargrave, and, not till he was out of breath, and Mrs. Merton andCaroline returning apprised him of Miss Cameron's indisposition, did hisrapture vanish; and, as a moment before he was all joy, so now he was allsorrow. 

The dinner passed off dully enough; the children, re-admitted to dessert, made a little relief to all parties; and when they and the two ladieswent, Aubrey himself quickly rose to join Evelyn. 

"Are you going to Miss Cameron?" said Lord Vargrave; "pray say howunhappy I feel at her illness. I think these grapes--they are veryfine--could not hurt her. May I ask you to present them with mybest--best and most anxious regards? I shall be so uneasy till youreturn. Now, Merton (as the door closed on the curate), let's haveanother bottle of this famous claret! Droll old fellow that, --quite acharacter!"

"He is a great favourite with Lady Vargrave and Miss Cameron, I believe, "said Mr. Merton. "A mere village priest, I suppose; no talent, noenergy--or he could not be a curate at that age. "

"Very true, --a shrewd remark. The Church is as good a profession as anyother for getting on, if a man has anything in him. I shall live to see_you_ a bishop!"

Mr. Merton shook his head. 

"Yes, I shall; though you have hitherto disdained to exhibit any one ofthe three orthodox qualifications for a mitre. "

"And what are they, my lord?"

"Editing a Greek play, writing a political pamphlet, and apostatizing atthe proper moment. "

"Ha, ha! your lordship is severe on us. "

"Not I; I often wish I had been brought up to the Church, --famousprofession, properly understood. By Jupiter, I should have been acapital bishop!"

In his capacity of parson, Mr. Merton tried to look grave; in hiscapacity of a gentlemanlike, liberal fellow, he gave up the attempt, andlaughed pleasantly at the joke of the rising man. 

CHAPTER VII. 

 WILL nothing please you? What do you think of the Court?--_The Plain Dealer_. 

ON one subject Aubrey found no difficulty in ascertaining Evelyn's wishesand condition of mind. The experiment of her visit, so far as Vargrave'shopes were concerned, had utterly failed; she could not contemplate theprospect of his alliance, and she poured out to the curate, frankly andfully, all her desire to effect a release from her engagement. As it wasnow settled that she should return with Aubrey to Brook-Green, it wasindeed necessary to come to the long-delayed understanding with herbetrothed. Yet this was difficult, for he had so little pressed, sodistantly alluded to, their engagement, that it was like a forwardness, an indelicacy in Evelyn to forestall the longed-for yet dreadedexplanation. This, however, Aubrey took upon himself; and at thispromise Evelyn felt as the slave may feel when the chain is stricken off. 

At breakfast, Mr. Aubrey communicated to the Mertons Evelyn's intentionto return with him to Brook-Green on the following day. Lord Vargravestarted, bit his lip, but said nothing. 

Not so silent was Mr. Merton. 

"Return with you! my dear Mr. Aubrey, just consider; it is impossible!You see Miss Cameron's rank of life, her position, --so very strange; noservants of her own here but her woman, --no carriage even! You would nothave her travel in a post-chaise such a long journey! Lord Vargrave, youcan never consent to that, I am sure?"

"Were it only as Miss Cameron's _guardian_, " said Lord Vargrave, pointedly, "I should certainly object to such a mode of performing such ajourney. Perhaps Mr. Aubrey means to perfect the project by taking twooutside places on the top of the coach?"

"Pardon me, " said the curate, mildly, "but I am not so ignorant of whatis due to Miss Cameron as you suppose. Lady Vargrave's carriage, whichbrought me hither, will be no unsuitable vehicle for Lady Vargrave'sdaughter; and Miss Cameron is not, I trust, quite so spoiled by all yourfriendly attentions as to be unable to perform a journey of two days withno other protector than myself. "

"I forgot Lady Vargrave's carriage, --or rather I was not aware that youhad used it, my dear sir, " said Mr. Merton. "But you must not blame us, if we are sorry to lose Miss Cameron so suddenly; I was in hopes that_you_ too would stay at least a week with us. "

The curate bowed at the rector's condescending politeness; and just as hewas about to answer, Mrs. Merton put in, --

"And you see I had set my heart on her being Caroline's bridesmaid. "

Caroline turned pale, and glanced at Vargrave, who appeared solelyabsorbed in breaking toast into his tea, --a delicacy he had never beforebeen known to favour. 

There was an awkward pause. The servant opportunely entered with a smallparcel of books, a note to Mr. Merton, and that most blessed of allblessed things in the country, --the letter-bag. 

"What is this?" said the rector, opening his note, while Mrs. Mertonunlocked the bag and dispensed the contents: "Left Burleigh for somemonths, a day or two sooner than he had expected; excuse Frenchleave-taking; return Miss Merton's books, much obliged; gamekeeper hasorders to place the Burleigh preserves at my disposal. So we have lostour neighbour!"

"Did you not know Mr. Maltravers was gone?" said Caroline. "I heard sofrom Jenkins last night; he accompanies Mr. Cleveland to Paris. "

"Indeed!" said Mrs. Merton, opening her eyes. "What could take him toParis?"

"Pleasure, I suppose, " answered Caroline. "I'm sure I should rather havewondered what could detain him at Burleigh. "

Vargrave was all this while breaking open seals and running his eyes oversundry scrawls with the practised rapidity of the man of business; hecame to the last letter. His countenance brightened. 

"Royal invitation, or rather command, to Windsor, " he cried. "I amafraid I, too, must leave you, this very day. "

"Bless me!" exclaimed Mrs. Merton; "is that from the king? Do let mesee!"

"Not exactly from the king; the same thing though:" and Lord Vargrave, carelessly pushing the gracious communication towards the impatient handand loyal gaze of Mrs. Merton, carefully put the other letters in hispocket, and walked musingly to the window. 

Aubrey seized the opportunity to approach him. "My lord, can I speakwith you a few moments?"

"Me! certainly; will you come to my dressing-room?"

CHAPTER VIII. 

 . . . THERE was never Poor gentleman had such a sudden fortune. 

 BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER: _The Captain_, Act v. Sc. 5. 

"MY LORD, " said the curate, as Vargrave, leaning back in his chair, appeared to examine the shape of his boots, while in reality "hissidelong looks;" not "of love, " were fixed upon his companion, --"I needscarcely refer to the wish of the late lord, your uncle, relative to MissCameron and yourself; nor need I, to one of a generous spirit, add thatan engagement could be only so far binding as both the parties whosehappiness is concerned should be willing in proper time and season tofulfil it. "

"Sir!" said Vargrave, impatiently waving his hand; and, in his irritablesurmise of what was to come, losing his habitual self-control, "I knownot what all this has to do with you; surely you trespass upon groundsacred to Miss Cameron and myself? Whatever you have to say, let me begyou to come at once to the point. "

"My lord, I will obey you. Miss Cameron--and, I may add, with LadyVargrave's consent--deputes me to say that, although she feels compelledto decline the honour of your lordship's alliance, yet if in anyarrangement of the fortune bequeathed to her she could testify to you, mylord, her respect and friendship, it would afford her the most sinceregratification. "

Lord Vargrave started. 

"Sir, " said he, "I know not if I am to thank you for this information, the announcement of which so strangely coincides with your arrival. Butallow me to say that there needs no ambassador between Miss Cameron andmyself. It is due, sir, to my station, to my relationship, to mycharacter of guardian, to my long and faithful affection, to allconsiderations which men of the world understand, which men of feelingsympathize with, to receive from Miss Cameron alone the rejection of mysuit. "

"Unquestionably Miss Cameron will grant your lordship the interview youhave a right to seek; but pardon me, I thought it might save you bothmuch pain, if the meeting were prepared by a third person; and on anymatter of business, any atonement to your lordship--"

"Atonement! what can atone to me?" exclaimed Vargrave, as he walked toand fro the room in great disorder and excitement. "Can you give me backyears of hope and expectancy, --the manhood wasted in a vain dream? Had Inot been taught to look to this reward, should I have rejected alloccasion--while my youth was not yet all gone, while my heart was not yetall occupied--to form a suitable alliance? Nay, should I have indulgedin a high and stirring career, for which my own fortune is by no meansqualified? Atonement! atonement! Talk of atonement to boys! Sir, Istand before you a man whose private happiness is blighted, whose publicprospects are darkened, life wasted, fortunes ruined, the schemes of anexistence built upon one hope, which was lawfully indulged, overthrown;and you talk to me of _atonement_!"

Selfish as the nature of this complaint might be, Aubrey was struck withits justice. 

"My lord, " said he, a little embarrassed, "I cannot deny that there istruth in much of what you say. Alas! it proves how vain it is for man tocalculate on the future; how unhappily your uncle erred in imposingconditions, which the chances of life and the caprices of affection couldat any time dissolve! But this is blame that attaches only to the dead:can you blame the living?"

"Sir, I considered myself bound by my uncle's prayer to keep my hand andheart disengaged, that this title--miserable and barren distinctionthough it be!--might, as he so ardently desired, descend to Evelyn. Ihad a right to expect similar honour upon her side!"

"Surely, my lord, you, to whom the late lord on his death-bed confidedall the motives of his conduct and the secret of his life, cannot but beaware that, while desirous of promoting your worldly welfare, and unitingin one line his rank and his fortune, your uncle still had Evelyn'shappiness at heart as his warmest wish; you must know that, if thathappiness were forfeited by a marriage with you, the marriage became buta secondary consideration. Lord Vargrave's will in itself was a proof ofthis. He did not impose as an absolute condition upon Evelyn her unionwith yourself; he did not make the forfeiture of her whole wealth thepenalty of her rejection of that alliance. By the definite limit of theforfeit, he intimated a distinction between a command and a desire. Andsurely, when you consider all circumstances, your lordship must thinkthat, what with that forfeit and the estate settled upon the title, youruncle did all that in a worldly point of view equity and even affectioncould exact from him. "

Vargrave smiled bitterly, but said nothing. 

"And if this be doubted, I have clearer proof of his intentions. Suchwas his confidence in Lady Vargrave, that in the letter he addressed toher before his death, and which I now submit to your lordship, you willobserve that he not only expressly leaves it to Lady Vargrave'sdiscretion to communicate to Evelyn that history of which she is atpresent ignorant, but that he also clearly defines the line of conduct hewished to be adopted with respect to Evelyn and yourself. Permit me topoint out the passage. "

Impatiently Lord Vargrave ran his eye over the letter placed in his hand, till he came to these lines:--

"And if, when she has arrived at the proper age to form a judgment, Evelyn should decide against Lumley's claims, you know that on no accountwould I sacrifice her happiness; that all I require is, that fair play begiven to his pretensions, due indulgence to the scheme I have long had atheart. Let her be brought up to consider him her future husband; let hernot be prejudiced against him; let her fairly judge for herself, when thetime arrives. "

"You see, my lord, " said Mr. Aubrey, as he took back the letter, "thatthis letter bears the same date as your uncle's will. What he desiredhas been done. Be just, my lord, be just, and exonerate us all fromblame: who can dictate to the affections?"

"And I am to understand that I have no chance, now or hereafter, ofobtaining the affections of Evelyn? Surely, at your age, Mr. Aubrey, youcannot encourage the heated romance common to all girls of Evelyn's age. Persons of our rank do not marry like the Corydon and Phyllis of apastoral. At my years, I never was fool enough to expect that I shouldinspire a girl of seventeen with what is called a passionate attachment. But happy marriages are based upon suitable circumstances, mutualknowledge and indulgence, respect, esteem. Come, sir, let me hopeyet, --let me hope that, on the same day, I may congratulate you on yourpreferment and you may congratulate me upon my marriage. "

Vargrave said this with a cheerful and easy smile; and the tone of hisvoice was that of a man who wished to convey serious meaning in a jestingaccent. 

Mr. Aubrey, meek as he was, felt the insult of the hinted bribe, andcoloured with a resentment no sooner excited than checked. "Excuse me, my lord, I have now said all; the rest had better be left to your wardherself. "

"Be it so, sir. I will ask you, then, to convey my request to Evelyn tohonour me with a last and parting interview. "

Vargrave flung himself on his chair, and Aubrey left him. 

CHAPTER IX. 

 THUS airy Strephon tuned his lyre. --SHENSTONE. 

IN his meeting with Evelyn, Vargrave certainly exerted to the utmost allhis ability and all his art. He felt that violence, that sarcasm, thatselfish complaint would not avail in a man who was not loved, --thoughthey are often admirable cards in the hands of a man who is. As his ownheart was perfectly untouched in the matter, except by rage anddisappointment, --feelings which with him never lasted very long, --hecould play coolly his losing game. His keen and ready intellect taughthim that all he could now expect was to bequeath sentiments of generouscompassion and friendly interest; to create a favourable impression, which he might hereafter improve; to reserve, in short, some spot ofvantage-ground in the country from which he was to affect to withdraw allhis forces. He had known, in his experience of women, which, whether asan actor or a spectator, was large and various--though not among verydelicate and refined natures--that a lady often takes a fancy to a suitor_after_ she has rejected him; that precisely _because_ she has oncerejected she ultimately accepts him. And even this chance was, incircumstances so desperate, not to be neglected. He assumed, therefore, the countenance, the postures, and the voice of heart-broken butsubmissive despair; he affected a nobleness and magnanimity in his grief, which touched Evelyn to the quick, and took her by surprise. 

"It is enough, " said he, in sad and faltering accents; "quite enough forme to know that you cannot love me, --that I should fail in rendering youhappy. Say no more, Evelyn, say no more! Let me spare you, at least, the pain your generous nature must feel in my anguish. I resign allpretensions to your hand; you are free!--may you be happy!"

"Oh, Lord Vargrave! oh, Lumley!" said Evelyn, weeping, and moved by athousand recollections of early years. "If I could but prove in anyother way my grateful sense of your merits, your too partial appreciationof me, my regard for my lost benefactor, then, indeed, nor till then, could I be happy. Oh that this wealth, so little desired by me, had beenmore at my disposal! but as it is, the day that sees me in possession ofit, shall see it placed under your disposition, your control. This isbut justice, --common justice to you; you were the nearest relation of thedeparted. I had no claim on him, --none but affection. Affection! andyet I disobey him!"

There was much in all this that secretly pleased Vargrave; but it onlyseemed to redouble his grief. 

"Talk not thus, my ward, my friend--ah, still my friend, " said he, putting his handkerchief to his eyes. "I repine not; I am more thansatisfied. Still let me preserve my privilege of guardian, ofadviser, --a privilege dearer to me than all the wealth of the Indies!"

Lord Vargrave had some faint suspicion that Legard had created an undueinterest in Evelyn's heart; and on this point he delicately andindirectly sought to sound her. Her replies convinced him that if Evelynhad conceived any prepossession for Legard, there had not been time oropportunity to ripen it into deep attachment. Of Maltravers he had nofear. The habitual self-control of that reserved personage deceived himpartly; and his low opinion of mankind deceived him still more. For ifthere had been any love between Maltravers and Evelyn, why should theformer not have stood his ground, and declared his suit? Lumley wouldhave "bah'd" and "pish'd" at the thought of any punctilious regard forengagements so easily broken having power either to check passion forbeauty, or to restrain self-interest in the chase of an heiress. He hadknown Maltravers ambitious; and with him, ambition and self-interestmeant the same. Thus, by the very _finesse_ of his character--whileVargrave ever with the worldly was a keen and almost infallibleobserver--with natures of a more refined, or a higher order, he alwaysmissed the mark by overshooting. Besides, had a suspicion of Maltraversever crossed him, Caroline's communications would have dispelled it. Itwas more strange that Caroline should have been blind; nor would she havebeen so had she been less absorbed in her own schemes and destinies. Allher usual penetration had of late settled in self; and an uneasyfeeling--half arising from conscientious reluctance to aid Vargrave'sobjects, half from jealous irritation at the thought of Vargrave'smarrying another--had prevented her from seeking any very intimate orconfidential communication with Evelyn herself. 

The dreaded conference was over; Evelyn parted from Vargrave with thevery feelings he had calculated on exciting, --the moment he ceased to beher lover, her old childish regard for him recommenced. She pitied hisdejection, she respected his generosity, she was deeply grateful for hisforbearance. But still--still she was free; and her heart bounded withinher at the thought. 

Meanwhile, Vargrave, after his solemn farewell to Evelyn, retreated againto his own room, where he remained till his post-horses arrived. Then, descending into the drawing-room, he was pleased to find neither Aubreynor Evelyn there. He knew that much affectation would be thrown awayupon Mr. And Mrs. Merton; he thanked them for their hospitality, withgrave and brief cordiality, and then turned to Caroline, who stood apartby the window. 

"All is up with me at present, " he whispered. "I leave you, Caroline, inanticipation of fortune, rank, and prosperity; that is some comfort. Formyself, I see only difficulties, embarrassment, and poverty in thefuture; but I despond of nothing. Hereafter you may serve me, as I haveserved you. Adieu!--I have been advising Caroline not to spoilDoltimore, Mrs. Merton; he is conceited enough already. Good-by! Godbless you all! love to your little girls. Let me know if I can serve youin any way, Merton, --good-by again!" And thus, sentence by sentence, Vargrave talked himself into his carriage. As it drove by thedrawing-room windows, he saw Caroline standing motionless where he hadleft her; he kissed his hand, --her eyes were fixed mournfully on his. Hard, wayward, and worldly as Caroline Merton was, Vargrave was yet notworthy of the affection he had inspired; for she could _feel_, and hecould not, --the distinction, perhaps, between the sexes. And there stillstood Caroline Merton, recalling the last tones of that indifferentvoice, till she felt her hand seized, and turned round to see LordDoltimore, and smile upon the happy lover, persuaded that he was adored!