thebest
side
of
human
life
;
yet
his
wit
and
humor
were
evidently
chastened
and
subdued
by
a
thoughtful
estimate
of
existence
,
and
by
a
continual
consciousness
of
his
high
vocation
,
while
Marion
scarcely
knew
whether
to
be
most
astonished
at
the
versatility
of
his
talents
,
or
at
the
extent
of
his
information
.
No
subject
seemed
strange
to
him
,
no
country
unknown
,
no
science
unstudied
,
no
book
unread
,
—
while
with
ready
memory
and
practised
judgment
he
spoke
as
he
thought
,
betraying
no
reserve
or
affectation
:
and
religion
still
,
like
a
golden
thread
,
was
to
be
traced
running
through
his
whole
conversation
.
Marion
's
was
a
heart
which
required
something
in
those
she
loved
to
reverence
and
look
up
to
;
but
here
she
had
found
that
in
its
fullest
measure
,
and
under
the
happiest
auspices
,
among
friends
with
whom
she
had
never
spent
an
hour
without
feeling
the
happier
and
the
better
for
it
.
Now
for
the
first
time
she
discovered
that
there
is
an
aristocracy
of
conversation
,
which
avoids
everything
low
or
mean
in
its
origin
,
while
a
new
world
of
ideas
opened
upon
her
,
in
listening
to
sentiments
of
high
honor
,
and
to
feelings
of
universal
benevolence
.
The
genius
of
Agnes
for
conversation
lay
only
in
the
line
of
scandal
,
and
she
was
in
the
habit
of
sweeping
away
characters
like
cobwebs
,
at
a
single
stroke
,
by
remarks
full
of
flippancy
,
and
often
using
her
talents
as
a
mimic
,
while
with
tricks
almost
amounting
to
buffoonery
,
she
rendered
the
best
and
most
estimable
of
her
friends
,
though
above
the
reach
of
censure
,
at
all
events
ridiculous
.
Ill-nature
was
to
her
conversation
what
fuel
is
to
the
flame
;
and
Agnes
piqued
herself
on
her
penetration
in
discovering
the
motive
of
others
for
all
they
did
,
while
invariably
tracing
it
to
something
mean
or
contemptible
;
but
with
Richard
and
Clara
an
equal
ingenuity
was
shewn
in
tracing
it
to
good
;
and
while
in
the
one
house
every
individual
discussed
was
brought
down
to
the
same
level
of
absurdity
or
selfishness
,
it
was
cheering
and
gratifying
to
a
heart
like
Marion
's
,
that
at
Mr.
Granville
's
,
the
characters
and
feelings
of
every
one
living
were
respected
and
elevated
.
At
St.
John
's
Lodge
,
when
Marion
heard
Sir
Patrick
and
Agnes
discuss
their
acquaintances
,
she
could
not
but
wonder
sometimes
where
all
good
or
commendable
people
had
hid
themselves
,
as
it
seemed
as
if
they
must
have
fled
from
the
face
of
man
,
or
have
closed
their
hearts
in
disgust
from
all
association
with
the
mean
and
paltry
world
of
fashion
and
frivolity
;
but
now
at
last
she
had
discovered
some
whom
malice
itself
could
scarcely
criticise
;
and
in
thus
associating
intimately
with
the
"
excellent
of
the
earth
,
"
she
felt
an
increasing
ambition
to
resemble
them
.
None
were
more
fitted
than
Clara
and
Richard
to
appreciate
the
single-hearted
excellence
of
Marion
's
disposition
,
her
utter
disregardlessness
of
self
,
her
anxious
desire
to
please
,
her
gay
spirits
,
brilliant
without
effort
,
her
heart
generous
without
guile
,
and
her
thoughts
fresh
and
unsophisticated
as
the
gentle
summer
breeze
from
the
mountains
.
No
one
could
look
at
Marion
,
and
not
wish
to
be
her
friend
.
There
was
a
tone
of
frank
and
entire
confidence
in
her
manner
,
which
instantly
gained
that
of
others
in
return
—
a
softened
sensibility
in
her
expression
—
a
deep
fascination
in
her
smile
—
and
in
her
voice
a
tone
of
joyous
hilarity
,
indicative
of
her
sunny
mind
,
though
,
like
her
countenance
,
it
was
capable
of
intense
expression
,
and
deepened
sometimes
,
now
,
into
a
tone
of
reflection
and
feeling
beyond
her
years
,
while
before
long
it
appeared
evident
,
in
Clara
's
opinion
,
that
she
had
become
all
and
everything
in
this
world
to
Richard
,
and
Richard
to
her
—
that
her
amiable
,
single-hearted
naivete
of
disposition
had
at
once
carried
all
the
outworks
of
Mr.
Granville
's
affection
,
and
that
already
she
was
established
not
only
in
his
friendship
,
but
in
something
more
.
Unsuspicious
of
Mr.
Granville
's
increasing
preference
,
Marion
smiled
and
talked
in
his
society
with
unembarrassed
vivacity
,
or
in
their
graver
moods
replied
to
his
remarks
as
she
might
have
done
to
those
of
any
aged
clergyman
.
The
perfect
harmony
of
their
tastes
,
and
the
sympathy
of
their
feelings
,
produced
that
gradual
communion
of
thought
which
is
the
essence
of
friendship
,
while
heart
answered
to
heart
,
as
if
each
had
a
telegraph
instantaneously
to
reveal
all
that
passed
within
.
The
highest
qualities
of
Mr.
Granville
's
mind
,
as
well
as
the
deepest
feelings
of
his
nature
,
were
brought
into
visible
exercise
,
while
he
who
had
hitherto
lived
only
for
others
,
now
felt
that
there
was
not
a
link
in
the
chain
of
human
sympathies
and
affections
which
had
not
become
sacred
and
dear
to
himself
.
There
was
even
something
that
might
be
considered
romantic
in
his
feelings
—
a
poetry
of
the
heart
,
which
led
him
to
believe
that
a
refined
and
sanctified
love
,
such
as
men
read
and
write
of
,
but
seldom
feel
,
might
yet
exist
on
the
earth
—
such
love
as
could
survive
the
lapse
of
time
,
the
withering
influence
of
prosperity
,
the
chilling
blast
of
adversity
,
and
the
growing
infirmities
of
age
,
till
at
length
,
nourished
and
perfected
by
every
vicissitude
of
sunshine
and
storm
,
it
should
be
transplanted
in
renewed
holiness
and
beauty
to
another
and
a
better
world
.
Marion
's
character
was
rapidly
matured
and
developed
by
her
intercourse
with
Mr.
Granville
,
who
raised
in
her
ardent
mind
the
most
enthusiastic
interest
;
and
while
with
timid
pleasure
,
but
increasing
confidence
,
she
joined
in
the
conversation
,
her
voice
dwelt
on
his
ear
long
after
she
ceased
to
speak
,
her
looks
were
imprinted
on
his
memory
in
his
most
solitary
hours
,
and
to
Marion
a
new
degree
of
interest
and
of
happiness
had
suddenly
become
known
,
when
with
a
vivid
blush
,
and
a
beaming
smile
of
pleased
emotion
,
day
after
day
,
she
thought
over
all
that
had
passed
,
though
ignorant
yet
of
the
extent
to
which
her
heart
and
feelings
were
already
engaged
.
How
much
of
life
's
most
interesting
emotions
now
passed
through
her
mind
during
a
few
weeks
,
the
heart
of
Marion
alone
could
testify
;
while
the
attachment
of
Mr.
Granville
was
concealed
from
common
observation
,
to
be
only
the
more
ardently
testified
towards
herself
;
and
their
happiness
being
the
result
of
no
precipitate
impulse
,
they
became
attracted
together
by
that
love
of
excellence
,
which
is
the
only
permanent
source
of
mutual
attachment
.
Marion
's
mind
had
always
a
propensity
to
admire
,
and
whether
in
nature
or
in
art
,
she
found
it
more
congenial
to
her
feelings
ever
to
seek
for
beauties
rather
than
defects
,
therefore
now
she
was
delighted
to
associate
with
one
who
not
only
appreciated
everything
as
she
did
,
but
pointed
out
unexpected
excellencies
in
all
the
objects
of
animated
nature
,
in
all
the
books
she
read
,
and
even
in
many
of
the
companions
with
whom
she
associated
.
With
Richard
and
Clara
she
first
visited
the
abodes
of
poverty
;
and
in
attending
to
the
sufferings
and
sorrows
of
others
,
she
saw
that
Miss
Granville
found
the
best
relief
from
a
depression
of
spirits
,
under
which
Marion
could
not
but
see
with
surprise
and
regret
,
that
her
friend
had
recently
suffered
.
Clara
's
piety
was
testified
in
deeds
much
more
than
in
words
,
for
good
actions
she
evidently
considered
as
the
necessary
embellishments
of
that
holy
faith
which
alone
can
render
any
mortal
acceptable
in
the
eyes
of
his
Divine
Maker
,
while
salvation
by
the
cross
of
Christ
is
the
pivot
on
which
all
depends
—
the
crowning
stone
to
the
arch
,
giving
stability
and
grace
to
the
whole
fabric
of
Christian
hope
.
Miss
Granville
gave
not
only
her
time
and
money
,
but
her
feelings
and
sympathies
to
the
poor
;
while
it
evidently
cheered
her
very
heart
when
she
could
do
a
kind
action
;
and
though
ever
ready
,
heartily
and
gratefully
,
to
acknowledge
the
Divine
goodness
to
herself
,
whether
in
joy
or
in
sorrow
,
yet
nothing
appeared
so
keenly
to
stir
up
her
gratitude
as
any
opportunity
allowed
her
of
doing
a
benevolent
or
a
friendly
action
,
as
she
considered
that
the
knowledge
of
religion
,
without
active
exertion
,
testifying
our
love
to
God
by
our
love
to
our
fellow-creatures
,
was
worse
than
useless
.
"
The
most
depraved
of
sinners
,
"
as
Mr.
Granville
said
,
"
could
repeat
the
creed
,
but
a
Christian
only
can
believe
and
follow
it
like
Clara
.
"
Graceful
and
useful
in
all
she
does
,
Blessing
and
blest
wher'er
she
goes
.
Marion
,
on
returning
one
day
over
the
hills
and
through
the
fields
,
with
Mr.
Granville
and
Clara
,
from
a
tour
of
interesting
visits
to
the
abodes
of
chilling
poverty
and
agonised
wretchedness
,
such
as
she
had
never
even
imagined
,
could
not
but
contrast
the
smiling
aspect
of
nature
in
all
the
sunny
joy
and
verdure
of
spring
,
with
the
mournful
lot
of
man
as
she
had
so
recently
witnessed
it
.
"
How
strange
,
"
said
she
,
"
to
take
a
bird's-eye
view
,
as
we
do
this
evening
,
of
that
great
city
,
all
glittering
in
sunshine
,
and
every
window
illuminated
with
a
flood
of
light
,
as
if
nothing
but
festivity
and
joy
were
there
,
and
yet
to
know
what
a
world
of
anxiety
,
and
fear
,
and
pain
,
and
sorrow
,
are
all
fermenting
within
its
walls
!
Silent
as
the
whole
scene
appears
,
yet
,
for
every
window
we
can
look
upon
,
there
is
probably
some
living
being
full
of
schemes
,
hopes
,
and
fevered
wishes
,
dissatisfied
with
his
own
lot
,
and
envying
that
of
another
!
What
an
awful
world
this
is
to
be
born
into
,
when
,
amidst
its
many
pleasures
and
its
many
beauties
,
we
yet
consider
all
its
solemn
responsibilities
and
fearful
trials
!
"
"
Yes
,
"
replied
Mr.
Granville
,
in
that
voice
,
the
deep
melody
of
which
was
like
no
other
voice
,
"
we
are
placed
here
in
a
great
theatre
;
and
while
,
as
interested
spectators
,
we
admire
the
decorations
,
let
us
remember
,
in
respect
to
the
actors
,
that
nothing
is
either
ours
or
theirs
,
but
each
has
his
part
to
perform
,
for
which
he
is
responsible
,
and
all
shall
then
be
swept
away
to
take
an
abiding
place
,
according
as
we
are
fitted
for
it
,
in
that
real
and
unchangeable
scene
for
which
here
we
are
only
rehearsing
our
parts
.
If
actors
on
the
stage
were
to
become
actually
and
permanently
for
life
,
the
great
characters
they
represent
,
provided
only
they
supported
the
part
well
for
a
night
,
the
stake
would
be
nothing
in
proportion
to
what
a
Christian
shall
gain
if
grace
be
given
him
to
fulfill
his
allotted
part
in
this
short
and
transitory
life
,
which
is
but
a
final
rehearsal
for
eternity
.
"
"
Very
true
,
"
said
Clara
;
"
this
world
is
a
mere
preparatory
school
,
where
,
like
wayward
children
,
we
become
surprised
and
irritated
at
the
slightest
correction
,
being
most
unwilling
to
acknowledge
that
it
is
either
required
or
deserved
.
"
"
Yet
,
"
added
Mr.
Granville
,
"
nothing
brings
out
the
best
qualities
of
man
like
suffering
.
It
is
a
hard
rub
given
to
gold
,
which
becomes
only
the
brighter
;
and
I
often
think
how
much
interest
and
dignity
is
bestowed
on
every
event
of
our
short
lives
,
by
thinking
that
we
are
trained
and
disciplined
as
a
part
of
a
mighty
plan
which
has
been
going
systematically
on
from
the
beginning
of
time
,
and
must
be
continued
to
the
very
end
.
"
"
As
you
observed
yesterday
,
"
replied
Clara
,
"
we
are
woven
into
the
web
of
human
life
which
is
passing
on
daily
into
eternity
,
carrying
us
along
on
its
surface
with
irresistible
speed
.
We
have
no
choice
allowed
either
in
coming
into
the
world
,
or
in
going
out
of
it
;
but
the
existence
thus
given
to
us
leads
on
to
an
eternity
of
joy
or
of
insufferable
misery
,
according
to
the
state
of
preparation
in
which
we
are
found
at
last
.
It
often
occurs
to
me
,
as
a
solemn
reflection
,
that
the
two
principles
of
good
and
evil
are
,
as
long
as
we
live
,
to
continue
at
war
in
our
minds
,
but
that
,
like
fire
and
water
,
one
of
these
will
finally
extinguish
the
other
,
and
that
,
when
death
overtakes
us
,
we
shall
then
become
either
entirely
holy
or
entirely
reprobate
.
"
"
It
is
a
solemn
truth
,
"
said
Mr.
Granville
,
with
his
usual
tranquil
dignity
of
manner
.
"
The
tide
of
this
world
's
history
rolls
on
,
while
generation
after
generation
,
like
the
successive
billows
on
a
troubled
ocean
,
rises
and
swells
into
momentary
importance
,
till
it
be
dashed
in
pieces
and
followed
by
another
;
but
one
great
Omnipotent
power
directs
the
whole
,
and
watches
over
each
insignificant
atom
as
it
is
hurried
along
.
He
,
by
whom
the
very
hairs
of
our
head
are
numbered
,
ordains
for
our
good
and
for
His
glory
,
all
events
and
circumstances
,
whether
great
or
small
;
and
if
our
wills
are
implicitly
conformed
to
His
,
we
shall
see
the
trifles
of
this
life
through
a
blaze
of
religious
light
,
which
will
display
us
their
importance
as
a
means
of
attaining
good
,
but
their
insignificance
if
pursued
as
an
end
.
"
"
Even
now
,
"
observed
Clara
,
"
the
very
occupations
and
habits
essential
to
a
Christian
life
,
in
themselves
confer
a
degree
of
happiness
which
the
world
cannot
give
,
and
does
not
know
—
a
faint
but
pleasing
emblem
of
what
is
promised
in
a
better
state
.
"
"
It
appears
to
me
,
"
said
Mr.
Granville
,
"
that
those
who
live
for
mere
amusement
,
are
no
wiser
than
if
they
embarked
for
a
voyage
round
the
world
,
in
a
little
pleasure-boat
,
dancing
lightly
on
the
billows
,
with
its
white
and
flowing
sails
glittering
in
the
sunbeams
,
rather
than
in
a
strong
and
sturdy
vessel
,
cutting
its
dignified
way
with
deep
,
steady
and
undeviating
course
,
in
gladness
and
in
safety
,
through
tempest
or
calm
,
whether
the
breeze
be
adverse
or
favorable
.
Life
is
one
long
struggle
,
where
the
Christian
must
learn
to
hate
much
that
he
naturally
loves
,
and
to
love
much
that
he
naturally
hates
,
continually
steering
his
course
against
nature
,
to
advance
in
grace
.
"
"
I
have
heard
it
said
,
"
observed
Marion
,
"
that
Paris
is
the
place
,
of
all
others
,
where
men
can
most
easily
do
without
happiness
,
because
if
any
one
can
entirely
forget
himself
in
mere
pleasure
,
it
is
there
.
"
"
How
often
have
I
pitied
those
who
squandered
their
years
abroad
on
an
aimless
,
amusement-seeking
life
,
"
said
Clara
.
"
What
a
weight
of
ennui
they
must
endure
!
What
a
sense
of
utter
worthlessness
they
must
feel
!
A
fever
of
delirious
pleasure
is
probably
the
best
they
occasionally
enjoy
!
I
have
sometimes
been
astonished
lately
,
when
in
confidential
conversation
with
the
gayest
,
and
apparently
the
happiest
of
my
companions
,
to
find
that
they
were
actually
laboring
under
the
deepest
depression
of
spirits
.
"
"
You
need
never
be
surprised
by
such
discoveries
,
for
I
meet
with
them
continually
in
my
clerical
visitations
,
"
replied
Mr.
Granville
.
"
The
bright
sun
above
our
heads
was
not
created
to
look
down
on
scenes
of
merely
selfish
enjoyment
.
It
cannot
be
;
and
if
a
thermometer
could
visibly
display
the
relative
degree
of
cheerfulness
enjoyed
through
life
by
the
slave
of
amusement
,
who
consults
only
the
impulse
of
his
own
passions
,
or
the
servant
of
God
who
obeys
the
dictate
of
reason
and
revelation
,
how
astonished
most
men
would
be
at
the
measureless
disparity
of
actual
felicity
.
The
one
wrapped
up
in
selfishness
,
yet
anxious
to
escape
amidst
a
wild
uproar
of
amusement
,
from
his
own
thoughts
;
the
other
retiring
often
,
voluntarily
,
to
the
companionship
of
his
reflections
,
while
his
heart
expands
to
embrace
the
true
interests
of
all
mankind
;
the
one
rich
in
everything
but
real
happiness
;
the
other
poor
,
perhaps
,
in
respect
to
wealth
,
but
yet
possessing
great
riches
.
"
"
I
am
more
and
more
convinced
every
day
,
"
said
Clara
,
"
that
no
living
creature
has
a
sufficient
portion
of
happiness
for
himself
,
unless
he
shares
that
of
others
,
while
imparting
his
own
;
and
that
no
kind
of
traffic
brings
so
large
a
return
to
all
parties
,
as
that
of
giving
and
receiving
the
sympathy
and
good
offices
of
Christian
kindness
.
It
is
twice
,
or
rather
thrice
blessed
!
"
"
I
often
think
,
"
said
Marion
,
"
if
we
could
step
into
the
chamber
of
any
person
's
mind
,
and
look
around
us
there
,
how
astonishing
it
would
be
to
survey
even
that
of
our
most
intimate
friend
!
Many
would
appear
large
and
spacious
,
bright
,
well
furnished
,
and
in
good
order
;
while
others
that
make
a
tolerable
appearance
in
society
,
because
they
need
only
show
a
few
samples
in
the
window
,
would
turn
out
to
be
filled
with
rubbish
,
narrow
,
gloomy
,
and
disordered
.
"
"
Some
minds
,
"
replied
Mr.
Granville
,
"
resemble
a
show-house
laid
out
for
display
,
where
strangers
are
brought
to
envy
,
admire
,
and
exclaim
;
but
home-feelings
are
the
real
ornaments
of
life
,
which
I
covet
for
myself
,
and
for
those
who
are
dearer
to
me
than
myself
.
"
"
It
would
be
curious
,
"
observed
Clara
,
smiling
,
"
if
every
human
being
might
choose
the
sort
of
happiness
which
,
in
a
future
life
,
he
wishes
to
enjoy
!
There
would
be
a
strange
diversity
of
inclination
!
I
suppose
a
foxhunter
,
who
now
finds
his
best
enjoyment
in
riding
six
hours
a-day
,
would
then
bespeak
a
horse
which
was
never
,
in
a
long
course
of
ages
,
to
tire
,
accompanied
by
a
fox
ready
to
be
killed
every
three
hours
.
A
gourmand
would
ask
for
a
perpetual
dinner
,
and
a
perpetual
appetite
;
and
Captain
De
Crespigny
would
wish
for
a
continual
succession
of
young
ladies
,
all
living
on
his
attentions
,
and
dying
of
broken
hearts
when
he
disappointed
them
.
"
"
Only
ask
yourself
in
respect
to
any
earthly
pleasure
,
if
you
would
wish
it
to
be
continued
for
ever
,
and
that
will
convince
you
more
than
anything
,
Clara
,
that
this
world
is
not
our
home
,
"
said
Mr.
Granville
.
"
There
is
never
a
moment
of
our
lives
in
which
we
could
hear
with
any
satisfaction
that
what
we
then
enjoyed
was
to
continue
throughout
eternity
.
No
!
there
is
a
mighty
vacuum
in
our
souls
,
which
can
only
be
filled
by
that
which
'
eye
hath
not
seen
,
nor
ear
heard
,
'
and
which
it
hath
not
entered
into
the
heart
of
man
yet
to
conceive
.
"
There
is
a
free-masonry
,
—
a
sort
of
electrical
connection
between
those
who
suffer
and
those
who
sympathise
.
It
was
evident
to
Marion
that
,
beneath
the
look
of
calm
,
deep
,
and
chastened
composure
,
which
might
be
traced
in
the
large
lustrous
eyes
of
Clara
Granville
,
there
was
the
heavy
aspect
of
one
who
had
suffered
,
as
well
as
thought
much
.
The
high
arched
forehead
,
in
which
the
meanderings
of
the
smallest
blue
vein
was
visible
,
and
the
ethereal
transparency
of
her
alabaster
cheek
,
gave
an
almost
poetical
,
but
very
melancholy
expression
to
her
countenance
,
and
there
was
a
subdued
tenderness
in
her
voice
and
manner
,
most
touching
to
the
heart
.
She
seemed
like
a
lily
blighted
in
the
storm
,
and
often
did
Marion
wonder
what
that
sorrow
could
be
,
which
shunned
all
notice
,
and
seemed
to
bury
itself
beneath
a
multitude
of
thoughts
and
occupations
for
the
good
of
others
.
Once
,
and
only
once
,
Marion
observed
an
alteration
in
the
settled
composure
of
Clara
's
manner
,
the
occasion
of
which
caused
her
considerable
surprise
.
Hitherto
,
when
she
inadvertently
mentioned
Sir
Patrick
,
the
Granvilles
insensibly
changed
the
subject
almost
immediately
,
but
without
the
slightest
appearance
of
dislike
or
resentment
,
while
Marion
could
not
but
silently
blame
her
own
forgetfulness
of
her
brother
's
conduct
to
Mr.
Granville
,
which
she
thought
might
well
render
his
name
unacceptable
in
their
family
circle
.
One
day
,
however
,
her
eyes
were
accidentally
fixed
on
Clara
,
when
she
mentioned
that
Sir
Patrick
had
escorted
her
to
the
chapel
door
on
the
previous
Sunday
,
and
seemed
more
than
half
inclined
to
enter
,
but
had
suddenly
burst
away
in
a
most
unaccountable
paroxysm
,
and
hurried
out
of
sight
.
A
deep
and
sudden
blush
overspread
the
pale
cheek
of
Miss
Granville
,
who
hastily
looked
up
,
and
meeting
Marion
's
eyes
,
the
color
rushed
in
torrents
over
her
face
,
arms
,
and
neck
,
and
her
long
eye-lashes
became
heavy
with
tears
,
while
her
emotion
growing
evidently
uncontrollable
,
she
threw
down
her
work
,
and
glided
out
of
the
room
.
"
Clara
dislikes
him
for
his
rapacious
conduct
to
Mr.
Granville
.
Why
can
I
never
learn
to
avoid
Patrick
's
unlucky
name
,
"
thought
Marion
.
"
It
comes
in
a
propos
to
everything
or
to
nothing
.
I
am
unaccustomed
to
think
before
I
speak
,
but
this
will
make
me
remember
to
forget
him
in
future
.
I
could
not
have
believed
that
Clara
would
feel
that
affair
so
very
acutely
.
"
Marion
's
thoughts
now
reverted
with
some
anxiety
to
her
brother
and
sister
.
They
were
either
ignorant
of
her
renewed
intimacy
with
the
Granvilles
,
or
indifferent
to
it
,
but
which
might
turn
out
to
be
the
case
,
however
important
to
her
own
happiness
,
she
scarcely
dared
to
investigate
,
and
day
after
day
passed
on
finding
her
almost
domesticated
with
her
newly-restored
friend
,
and
scarcely
missed
apparently
by
Agnes
.
Marion
was
truth
itself
,
and
would
have
abhorred
any
clandestine
engagements
,
but
after
having
mentioned
the
first
few
times
that
she
was
going
to
call
on
Clara
,
the
intimation
being
received
by
her
brother
and
sister
in
solemn
silence
,
she
thought
it
unnecessary
to
make
a
repetition
of
the
announcement
;
yet
,
as
her
feelings
became
more
deeply
and
engrossingly
interested
,
her
anxiety
became
the
greater
to
know
what
Sir
Patrick
might
say
or
think
on
the
occasion
;
and
to
Marion
's
experience
it
became
true
as
to
that
of
the
poet
,
"
Love
's
first
step
is
on
a
rose
;
the
second
finds
a
thorn
.
"
CHAPTER
XVIII
.
It
is
the
greatest
height
of
wisdom
to
be
happy
,
but
the
happiest
periods
of
existence
are
the
most
difficult
to
describe
;
and
from
this
time
forth
,
within
the
domestic
circle
of
Mr.
Granville
,
Marion
was
introduced
into
a
scene
of
such
refined
and
intellectual
enjoyment
,
that
it
seemed
to
her
as
if
she
had
hitherto
beheld
the
picture
of
life
,
painted
only
by
some
inferior
artist
,
coarsely
daubed
over
with
glaring
hues
,
and
vulgarly
discolored
;
but
it
now
appeared
to
her
in
all
the
graceful
symmetry
,
subdued
harmony
,
and
exquisite
coloring
of
a
great
master
.
Marion
's
natural
taste
had
revolted
from
the
mean
,
reckless
,
exaggerated
caricatures
of
happiness
,
which
had
been
exhibited
to
her
in
Sir
Patrick
's
riotous
revellings
,
and
in
her
sister
's
feverish
excitement
;
while
Agnes
wasted
her
heart
and
feelings
in
building
up
romances
for
herself
,
very
much
in
the
Minerva
press
and
Adela-de-Montmorency
school
;
but
now
the
morality
appeared
in
all
its
true
fascination
and
inestimable
worth
to
Marion
,
when
she
saw
real
felicity
formed
upon
that
divine
model
,
which
she
had
before
imagined
,
but
never
seen
.
While
sharing
the
pure
joys
and
peaceful
happiness
of
Clara
and
Richard
,
scarcely
a
thought
of
Marion
's
heart
remained
unspoken
,
except
her
secret
and
increasing
consciousness
of
the
wide
disparity
between
that
home
,
where
she
found
nothing
but
a
heartless
desolation
or
neglect
of
her
best
feelings
,
and
the
beautiful
exemplification
of
domestic
felicity
to
which
she
had
now
been
introduced
.
Every
occupation
or
amusement
in
which
she
engaged
with
her
friends
,
became
enhanced
in
pleasure
and
importance
,
by
the
consciousness
,
that
beyond
the
mere
gratification
of
the
moment
,
it
was
consecrated
to
a
higher
and
better
aim
;
that
it
might
be
remembered
hereafter
without
remorse
,
and
that
it
was
but
a
link
in
the
bright
chain
of
eternal
happiness
for
which
they
were
all
preparing
,
and
which
they
expected
all
to
enjoy
together
,
by
the
light
of
that
sun
which
never
sets
,
but
shines
beyond
the
grave
.
The
Christian
friendship
of
a
brother
and
sister
for
each
other
,
is
perhaps
the
purest
and
happiest
of
all
earthly
attachments
,
for
there
is
not
an
hour
of
life
from
childhood
to
old
age
,
in
which
they
have
not
experienced
the
same
joys
and
the
same
sorrows
,
known
every
vicissitude
of
existence
together
,
acquired
the
same
habits
,
wept
for
the
same
sorrows
,
rejoiced
in
the
same
prosperity
,
and
cherished
the
same
hopes
.
The
affection
of
Clara
and
Richard
was
not
the
transient
union
of
two
individuals
thrown
together
by
the
accident
of
birth
,
united
by
mere
instinct
,
living
in
contact
for
convenience
,
and
expecting
to
be
finally
separated
by
death
;
but
it
was
the
deep
,
strong
,
heart-felt
attachment
of
a
Christian
family
,
linked
together
for
mutual
support
in
sunshine
or
shadow
,
tenderly
to
assist
each
other
along
the
difficult
path
of
life
,
happy
in
the
blessings
that
were
given
them
now
,
and
happier
still
in
the
expectation
of
those
yet
to
come
in
that
"
new
heaven
and
new
earth
,
wherein
dwelleth
righteousness
.
"
As
Mr.
Granville
's
character
became
more
known
to
Marion
,
and
the
interest
with
which
he
listened
to
her
thoughts
and
feelings
perceptibly
increased
,
she
could
not
but
secretly
indulge
sometimes
in
the
thought
,
presumptuous
though
it
seemed
to
herself
,
how
different
life
might
yet
become
,
if
the
preference
already
so
obviously
testified
were
by
any
"
strange
impossibility
"
to
increase
,
till
he
became
allied
,
to
her
by
the
strictest
tie
of
perpetual
friendship
,
and
their
lives
and
affections
were
mingled
into
one
.
Marion
's
young
heart
glowed
with
emotion
when
she
thought
how
her
feelings
would
all
then
be
understood
,
her
affections
appreciated
,
her
happiness
cared
for
,
and
every
trivial
incident
of
her
life
rendered
doubly
important
,
because
it
belonged
to
another
as
well
as
to
herself
—
to
one
who
would
share
all
her
thoughts
,
direct
all
her
actions
,
and
mingle
with
every
Christian
motive
to
exertion
,
the
desire
to
please
him
in
her
own
happy
home
.
The
attachment
of
Agnes
for
Captain
De
Crespigny
was
like
that
of
a
child
for
its
rattle
,
compared
with
the
ennobling
sentiment
of
which
Marion
's
heart
was
capable
,
for
there
a
mine
of
undiscovered
affections
lay
buried
and
unknown
,
while
every
deeper
emotion
had
hitherto
been
repelled
or
neglected
by
all
around
,
except
her
uncle
,
and
she
could
not
but
tremble
to
think
,
if
her
affections
were
ever
warmed
into
life
by
reciprocal
attachment
,
how
inconceivable
must
be
the
misery
or
the
happiness
which
would
ensue
.
She
indulged
in
no
fallacious
expectations
of
life
,
no
romantic
dreams
of
never-ending
happiness
and
never-dying
love
,
which
originate
in
unreasonable
expectation
,
and
too
certainly
end
in
bitter
disappointment
;
but
,
to
be
the
object
of
Mr.
Granville
's
unchangeable
confidence
and
affection
,
his
companion
in
sickness
as
much
as
in
health
,
the
sharer
of
his
sorrows
as
well
as
his
joys
,
a
participator
in
all
his
duties
,
and
,
most
of
all
,
to
testify
her
gratitude
for
his
preference
,
by
devoted
attachment
on
her
own
part
,
not
bounded
within
the
perishable
limits
of
a
mere
earthly
tie
—
these
were
the
silent
,
unspoken
wishes
of
Marion
,
which
glanced
through
her
mind
often
,
as
she
hurried
home
,
late
and
unwillingly
,
to
St.
John
's
Lodge
,
and
which
caused
her
bright
eye
to
beam
with
additional
lustre
,
or
brought
the
color
in
a
richer
carnation
to
her
cheek
.
Events
always
happen
when
least
expected
,
and
if
there
be
a
day
in
life
when
any
one
in
this
world
of
change
can
feel
peculiarly
certain
that
nothing
remarkable
shall
occur
,
that
is
probably
the
period
when
the
most
remarkable
events
take
place
.
Marion
had
gone
with
Clara
and
her
brother
to
spend
a
quiet
day
among
the
romantic
glens
of
Roslin
,
when
,
finding
herself
alone
with
Mr.
Granville
,
in
one
of
the
most
beautiful
parts
of
the
rocky
glen
,
she
was
suddenly
astonished
by
his
making
her
,
with
manly
frankness
,
and
yet
evident
diffidence
,
an
explicit
declaration
of
his
attachment
.
He
said
,
on
the
occasion
,
all
that
could
be
said
by
such
a
man
,
with
the
eloquence
of
deep
emotion
;
and
,
encouraged
by
the
timid
pleasure
with
which
Marion
evidently
listened
to
his
words
,
Mr.
Granville
laid
open
the
whole
depths
of
a
heart
in
which
all
that
was
ennobling
in
nature
had
become
embellished
by
all
the
purifying
influences
of
religion
,
while
she
,
with
tears
and
blushes
,
heard
thus
unexpectedly
what
promised
her
the
utmost
sum
of
human
felicity
,
and
she
attempted
not
to
conceal
how
highly
,
beyond
all
expression
,
she
appreciated
his
preference
and
attachment
.
There
is
a
language
of
the
heart
which
words
cannot
express
,
—
thoughts
,
feelings
,
and
affections
too
deep
to
be
told
,
but
revealed
only
in
the
eyes
and
voice
,
when
with
sincerity
of
emotion
,
such
as
Mr.
Granville
's
,
a
long
concealed
attachment
is
at
last
declared
.
"
I
have
asked
myself
a
thousand
times
whether
I
could
make
you
happy
,
and
if
I
believed
,
"
said
he
,
"
that
there
lived
a
man
upon
the
earth
who
could
love
you
more
,
or
make
you
happier
than
myself
,
I
would
endeavor
to
resign
all
hope
;
but
I
know
the
lasting
nature
of
my
attachment
,
which
time
itself
cannot
alter
,
nor
death
finally
extinguish
;
and
if
such
affection
as
mine
,
with
nothing
else
to
offer
,
can
make
you
happy
,
it
will
be
a
new
motive
to
exertion
on
my
part
,
and
a
new
source
of
thankfulness
to
the
Divine
Giver
of
all
good
.
Your
brother
knows
better
than
most
men
the
pecuniary
embarrassment
in
which
a
long-continued
law-suit
has
plunged
me
,
and
that
my
future
income
may
not
perhaps
be
large
,
but
consult
him
,
—
and
my
very
dear
Marion
,
as
I
must
for
once
be
allowed
to
call
you
,
consult
your
own
wishes
and
your
happiness
.
Before
giving
me
a
final
answer
,
take
some
days
to
consider
—
—
"
"
Not
an
hour
,
—
or
a
moment
,
"
replied
Marion
,
frankly
,
but
with
a
faltering
voice
and
glistening
eye
,
while
a
vivid
blush
dyed
her
cheek
,
"
I
need
only
consider
whether
my
own
heart
be
worthy
of
you
!
I
have
thought
sometimes
,
—
I
have
dreamed
of
such
happiness
as
ours
shall
be
,
but
little
did
I
hope
ever
to
see
it
more
than
realized
now
!
"
Love
is
with
lovers
an
endless
subject
,
and
hours
appeared
like
moments
,
while
they
conversed
together
on
the
past
and
the
future
with
new
feelings
of
confidence
and
joy
,
and
the
whole
beautiful
scenery
around
seemed
as
it
were
haunted
by
the
spirit
of
thought
and
of
enjoyment
,
while
it
was
with
a
thrilling
emotion
of
deep
gratification
that
Marion
now
felt
undoubtingly
conscious
that
she
had
become
indeed
an
object
of
preference
to
Mr.
Granville
,
that
she
would
be
thought
of
always
by
one
whom
she
could
never
forget
,
that
she
knew
the
whole
story
of
his
heart
and
affections
,
and
that
these
were
devoted
,
—
ardently
devoted
to
herself
;
and
now
resolutely
discarding
every
apprehension
of
future
difficulties
or
sorrows
,
all
around
took
the
color
of
her
happiness
,
and
she
lived
only
in
the
joy
of
the
present
hour
.
Nothing
required
concealment
between
them
,
and
it
seemed
the
sole
object
of
both
to
open
up
the
most
secret
recesses
of
their
minds
,
comparing
opinions
and
feelings
,
while
before
long
it
appeared
strange
to
Marion
that
a
time
had
ever
existed
when
their
hearts
were
unknown
to
each
other
.
No
caprices
,
no
misunderstandings
,
no
jealousies
could
arise
between
them
,
for
there
seemed
to
be
but
one
heart
and
one
mind
in
common
,
from
the
moment
when
Marion
whispered
her
confession
,
that
their
attachment
was
reciprocal
.
Oh
!
there
are
looks
and
tones
that
dart
,
An
instant
sunshine
through
the
heart
,
As
if
the
soul
that
minute
caught
,
Some
treasure
it
through
life
had
sought
.
At
length
they
were
warned
to
return
homewards
,
by
the
golden
light
of
a
setting
sun
,
which
yet
looked
in
glowing
majesty
over
the
distant
hills
,
and
sprinkled
its
glory
on
the
highest
tops
of
the
trees
,
till
they
were
tipped
with
fire
;
but
Marion
paused
,
in
delighted
admiration
,
on
the
centre
of
a
rustic
fairy-bridge
,
like
a
spider
's
web
,
thrown
across
the
narrowest
and
deepest
part
of
the
swollen
stream
.
Among
rock
and
moss
,
tufted
with
weeping
birch
,
the
overhanging
cliffs
here
formed
themselves
into
two
sides
of
a
natural
arch
,
in
which
nature
had
apparently
omitted
the
key-stone
,
though
art
had
supplied
the
deficiency
,
by
a
slight
bridge
,
underneath
which
the
sparkling
waters
boiled
and
thundered
on
with
bewildering
rapidity
,
like
a
stream
of
light
,
bounding
and
leaping
,
with
a
clamorous
brawling
uproar
,
along
the
rocky
channel
,
and
disappearing
behind
a
bold
promontory
,
over-grown
with
tall
pines
,
and
twisted
with
the
knotted
and
gnarled
roots
of
many
an
ancient
oak
.
The
country
seemed
indeed
clothed
with
a
prodigality
of
beauty
—
the
wild
confusion
of
rocks
—
the
feathered
branches
of
a
hundred
trees
—
the
sparkling
sunbeams
,
sprinkled
like
scattered
leaf-gold
on
every
object
—
the
shadows
interlaced
upon
the
verdant
grass
—
the
yellow
broom
,
glowing
with
its
sunny
hues
—
the
groups
of
well-conditioned
cattle
ruminating
on
the
meadows
—
and
the
stream
,
now
murmuring
in
wild
music
over
its
rocky
bed
,
and
dimpling
into
smiles
beneath
the
sunshine
,
while
the
mind
and
conversation
of
Mr.
Granville
travelled
into
the
highest
regions
of
thought
,
and
Marion
compared
the
bright
gay
aspect
of
all
around
to
her
own
happy
feelings
.
"
It
is
a
pleasure
to
think
,
"
said
Marion
with
animation
,
"
that
the
poorest
and
most
destitute
of
human
beings
might
enjoy
the
beauties
of
nature
as
we
do
now
,
and
all
the
pleasures
,
too
,
of
confidence
and
affection
,
if
they
but
knew
how
to
value
them
.
God
gives
all
that
is
most
precious
to
his
creatures
in
common
;
and
how
little
of
our
real
happiness
in
life
is
derived
from
the
mere
vulgar
display
of
wealth
,
equipages
,
jewels
,
and
external
splendor
.
It
is
not
the
materials
of
our
happiness
which
are
so
important
,
as
the
way
in
which
we
build
up
the
fabric
.
"
"
I
have
sometimes
been
ready
to
regret
,
"
answered
Mr.
Granville
,
"
that
in
offering
you
my
hand
and
fortune
,
I
offer
you
so
little
;
but
I
never
desired
wealth
for
myself
.
No
man
living
cares
less
for
luxury
;
and
we
may
trust
that
my
devoted
affection
shall
succeed
in
shielding
you
from
the
thousand
inconveniencies
of
a
very
limited
income
.
"
"
It
is
the
heart
I
value
,
"
whispered
Marion
.
"
With
all
my
faults
,
the
love
of
money
never
was
one
.
We
shall
be
rich
in
happiness
,
and
in
all
that
Providence
gives
to
the
most
favored
of
those
who
trust
in
Him
.
"
"
Yes
!
such
mutual
confidence
as
ours
,
with
Christian
contentment
and
cheerfulness
,
are
the
real
elixir
of
happiness
,
"
replied
Mr.
Granville
.
"
It
is
by
closing
our
eyes
against
the
pure
enjoyments
prepared
for
us
by
the
God
of
nature
,
and
opening
them
to
the
artificial
wants
invented
by
man
,
that
we
lose
all
the
simplicity
,
and
most
of
the
real
felicity
of
life
.
One
can
scarcely
wonder
,
in
a
scene
like
this
,
that
many
Christians
think
this
beautiful
earth
,
in
a
purified
state
,
shall
hereafter
become
the
place
of
our
eternal
happiness
;
but
wherever
the
presence
of
God
is
,
that
,
and
that
only
will
constitute
heaven
.
"
"
And
who
could
wish
for
more
?
"
said
Marion
.
"
That
should
in
itself
excite
all
our
gratitude
and
joy
.
"
"
Yet
this
noisy
turbulent
stream
,
rushing
wildly
past
in
its
angry
career
,
is
like
the
troubled
course
of
human
wishes
,
thoughts
,
and
speculations
,
with
which
we
are
continually
disturbing
that
calm
,
unruffled
state
,
in
which
our
minds
would
best
reflect
the
light
of
heaven
,
"
answered
Mr.
Granville
.
"
No
one
ever
had
a
plummet
long
enough
to
measure
the
depth
of
that
love
to
man
,
which
has
placed
us
as
probationers
in
our
sin-blighted
world
;
and
even
if
we
had
no
futurity
of
glory
promised
us
,
and
were
finally
to
perish
at
death
,
we
have
cause
to
be
thankful
for
seeing
so
much
natural
beauty
,
and
so
much
intellectual
enjoyment
,
while
permitted
to
remain
here
.
"
"
Yes
!
"
replied
Marion
,
"
considering
that
we
have
forfeited
every
blessing
,
I
think
any
man
who
has
enjoyed
life
as
he
ought
to
,
might
give
a
receipt
in
full
,
as
having
received
a
thousand
mercies
to
which
he
had
no
claim
.
"
"
But
who
can
imagine
the
magnificent
expansion
of
mind
hereafter
,
when
the
whole
scheme
of
nature
,
of
providence
,
and
of
grace
,
shall
be
fully
revealed
,
and
our
capacities
enlarged
,
to
comprehend
and
appreciate
the
mighty
plan
,
"
continued
Mr.
Granville
.
"
Now
,
even
the
wisest
and
best
of
Christians
must
be
satisfied
with
the
intelligent
ignorance
of
knowing
that
he
knows
nothing
;
for
even
angels
,
travelling
on
the
wings
of
thought
for
thousands
of
years
,
cannot
yet
understand
the
whole
counsel
of
God
;
but
our
present
business
is
to
study
and
practise
here
the
temper
and
manners
of
that
celestial
city
in
which
we
hope
hereafter
to
reside
,
that
our
attachment
,
begun
indeed
now
upon
earth
,
may
be
blessed
and
perpetuated
throughout
eternity
.
"
C'est
bien
d'etre
avec
les
gens
qu'on
aime
—
leur
parler
,
ne
leur
parler
pas
.
The
eye
of
Mr.
Granville
now
gazed
in
delighted
admiration
on
the
whole
circumference
of
earth
and
sky
,
with
a
keen
perception
of
their
beauties
,
and
an
intelligent
recollection
that
while
the
eternal
sky
and
the
decaying
earth
form
an
apt
emblem
of
soul
and
body
,
all
the
works
of
nature
may
be
brought
beautifully
to
exemplify
the
works
of
grace
.
Marion
and
he
long
stood
still
together
in
that
companionable
silence
,
which
became
so
soothing
and
delightful
to
their
spirits
,
that
neither
seemed
willing
to
break
the
spell
.
Both
Marion
and
Mr.
Granville
delighted
in
devoutly
contemplating
the
glories
of
creation
—
nature
's
system
of
divinity
—
those
"
elder
Scriptures
writ
by
God
's
own
hand
"
—
the
majestic
display
of
Almighty
wisdom
,
power
,
and
goodness
,
in
the
grand
theatre
of
human
life
,
as
well
as
in
the
minutest
events
of
their
own
existence
.
This
is
religion
—
not
unreal
dreams
,
Enthusiastic
raptures
,
and
seraphic
gleams
;
But
Faith
's
calm
triumph
—
Reason
's
steady
sway
—
Not
the
bright
lightning
but
the
perfect
day
.
Thus
musing
together
,
in
silent
,
speechless
happiness
,
Mr.
Granville
was
suddenly
roused
,
by
observing
a
young
lady
approach
with
agitated
and
disordered
steps
,
leaning
on
the
arm
of
a
more
elderly
female
,
and
walking
at
a
pace
of
such
unusual
rapidity
,
that
it
almost
amounted
to
running
.
They
both
glanced
frequently
and
hurriedly
behind
,
as
if
under
great
alarm
,
while
so
remarkable
an
expression
of
terror
was
evident
in
all
their
looks
and
movements
,
that
Mr.
Granville
,
without
a
moment
's
hesitation
,
stepped
forward
,
and
courteously
volunteered
his
services
,
while
Marion
with
delighted
astonishment
,
recognised
her
friend
and
companion
,
Caroline
Smythe
.
"
You
seem
alarmed
!
Allow
me
to
offer
my
assistance
!
"
said
Mr.
Granville
.
"
Shall
we
accompany
you
?
"
"
No
!
no
!
I
am
safest
alone
!
"
gasped
the
younger
lady
,
in
accents
of
wild
alarm
.
"
He
carries
pistols
!
He
is
perfectly
insane
!
Stop
him
if
you
can
!
Oh
!
stop
him
!
Do
not
let
him
follow
!
Direct
him
wrong
!
Do
anything
!
Try
,
if
you
possibly
can
,
to
detain
him
!
"
Mr.
Granville
glanced
swiftly
round
,
and
observed
,
with
surprise
,
not
far
from
the
bridge
,
and
turning
the
sharp
corner
of
a
projecting
rock
,
the
figure
of
a
tall
,
powerful
young
man
,
of
rather
gentleman-like
appearance
,
wrapped
up
to
the
chin
in
a
large
cloak
,
who
instantly
,
on
perceiving
strangers
,
muffled
his
face
closely
in
his
handkerchief
,
and
drew
down
his
hat
,
but
approached
with
rapid
strides
and
violent
gesticulations
,
apparently
speaking
to
himself
,
and
muttering
curses
with
terrifying
vehemence
.
Not
a
moment
was
lost
in
hesitation
,
before
Marion
assisted
the
elder
lady
in
supporting
Caroline
onwards
,
who
evidently
suffered
under
a
mortal
terror
,
while
they
rapidly
dragged
her
across
the
fragile
bridge
,
on
which
Marion
and
Richard
had
so
lately
enjoyed
some
brief
and
happy
moments
.
Mr.
Granville
,
in
the
mean
time
,
approached
the
stranger
so
as
to
stand
directly
in
his
path
,
and
necessarily
to
impede
his
progress
,
while
he
steadily
fixed
his
gaze
upon
the
blazing
eye
of
the
madman
with
a
calm
and
commanding
look
,
which
testified
an
unflinching
determination
to
obstruct
his
onward
career
,
and
a
steady
resolution
not
to
be
intimidated
by
the
air
of
scowling
defiance
with
which
he
was
met
.
"
Stand
back
!
"
exclaimed
the
stranger
,
in
a
tone
of
maniacal
fury
.
"
Life
and
death
are
at
stake
!
stand
back
!
delay
me
one
moment
,
and
you
die
!
"
"
Is
the
bridge
secure
?
"
asked
Mr.
Granville
,
catching
hold
of
the
madman
's
arm
when
he
was
rushing
past
,
and
instantly
stooping
down
as
if
to
examine
the
foundation
,
when
,
by
a
powerful
effort
of
strength
,
he
suddenly
hurled
the
whole
fabric
into
the
eddying
stream
,
which
washed
the
shattered
fragments
in
a
moment
out
of
sight
.
With
a
cry
of
almost
fiendish
rage
,
and
setting
his
teeth
till
it
seemed
as
if
they
would
be
ground
to
powder
,
the
maniac
sprang
like
a
tiger
on
Mr.
Granville
,
and
would
have
collared
him
;
but
with
great
agility
he
eluded
the
madman
's
grasp
,
and
fixed
his
eyes
with
an
expression
of
stern
resolution
upon
his
frantic
antagonist
,
till
his
face
cowered
beneath
that
steady
gaze
,
when
he
said
in
a
calm
,
slow
,
resolute
accent
,
"
Those
ladies
shall
pass
on
unmolested
.
It
is
base
and
cowardly
to
terrify
timid
females
whom
we
are
bound
with
our
very
lives
to
protect
.
Go
back
as
you
came
,
and
beware
of
touching
them
or
me
.
"
A
wild
and
hideous
laugh
was
the
maniac
's
only
reply
,
and
his
eyes
gleamed
more
and
more
fiercely
,
while
he
gnawed
his
lip
with
rage
,
but
at
length
suddenly
bursting
with
irresistible
fury
past
Mr.
Granville
,
he
took
a
long
,
quick
run
to
where
the
bridge
had
formerly
stood
,
and
instantly
,
with
a
single
bound
of
marvellous
agility
,
leaped
across
.
Richard
Granville
was
for
half
a
moment
bewildered
with
astonishment
at
this
unexpected
achievement
,
and
saw
with
consternation
and
dismay
that
it
would
be
vain
to
attempt
impeding
the
infuriated
maniac
,
who
turned
a
deaf
ear
to
his
loudly
vociferated
remonstrance
,
and
deliberately
fired
a
pistol
in
the
air
,
while
he
held
up
another
in
a
menacing
attitude
towards
Mr.
Granville
,
and
then
replacing
the
deadly
weapon
in
his
breast
,
he
hastily
disappeared
along
the
same
path
which
had
been
so
recently
pursued
by
the
ladies
.
Richard
,
heedless
of
any
danger
to
himself
,
became
now
most
seriously
alarmed
for
the
safety
of
Marion
and
her
companions
,
therefore
he
delayed
not
an
instant
to
scramble
across
the
stream
where
it
was
fordable
,
and
to
follow
at
his
utmost
speed
.
In
the
impetuosity
of
Mr.
Granville
's
career
,
the
ground
receded
beneath
his
feet
,
and
as
he
rushed
onward
a
band
of
iron
seemed
to
restrain
his
breath
,
for
the
road
became
steeper
and
more
solitary
,
while
long
grass
and
weeds
had
grown
over
the
wheel
tracks
,
and
the
way
was
impeded
by
wild
straggling
hedges
,
which
threw
their
sprays
of
brier
and
thorn
almost
entirely
across
the
way
.
At
length
meeting
a
couple
of
countrymen
,
he
hurriedly
explained
his
apprehensions
,
when
they
mentioned
having
met
a
strange
,
wild-looking
man
,
proceeding
with
long
strides
in
an
opposite
direction
.
To
Mr.
Granville
's
great
relief
,
however
,
they
seemed
to
think
that
no
ladies
could
have
gone
in
that
way
,
and
after
prevailing
on
the
two
laborers
,
with
a
bribe
,
to
assist
him
in
capturing
the
maniac
,
he
resolutely
and
fearlessly
pursued
his
course
.
Marion
,
meantime
,
had
accompanied
the
two
ladies
in
their
most
unexpected
flight
through
the
forest
,
at
a
pace
which
precluded
the
possibility
of
speaking
,
except
that
now
and
then
an
ejaculation
of
terror
,
or
an
expression
of
fervent
thankfulness
was
wrung
from
them
when
they
glanced
around
,
giving
a
fearful
idea
of
instant
danger
.
Caroline
's
pallid
lips
were
parted
,
her
eyes
straining
forward
with
impatient
apprehension
,
and
every
limb
nerved
for
exertion
,
while
she
silently
pursued
her
way
,
though
her
feet
seemed
to
herself
as
if
they
had
become
lead
,
in
her
vehement
efforts
to
fly
onwards
;
and
the
countenance
of
her
aunt
expressed
scarcely
less
terror
.
Without
speaking
,
Marion
did
all
in
her
power
to
accelerate
their
progress
,
but
at
length
Caroline
's
footsteps
faltered
,
her
eye
became
dim
,
and
she
staggered
back
,
faint
with
fatigue
,
seeing
which
Marion
silently
pointed
to
a
large
empty
barn
which
stood
beside
the
road
,
and
having
supported
her
within
the
door
,
Caroline
fell
helplessly
on
the
floor
,
covering
her
face
with
her
hands
,
and
trembling
visibly
in
every
limb
.
Marion
brought
water
,
rubbed
Caroline
's
temples
,
and
tried
by
every
means
to
soothe
her
with
the
hope
of
being
safe
,
but
in
vain
—
her
tongue
grew
parched
,
her
eyes
became
glassy
,
her
features
almost
livid
,
and
she
faintly
pointed
towards
the
door
,
which
Marion
barricaded
to
the
best
of
her
ability
.
Caroline
threw
herself
back
on
a
heap
of
straw
,
and
covered
her
face
with
her
hands
in
a
helpless
agony
of
fear
.
Several
minutes
afterwards
elapsed
in
breathless
silence
on
the
part
of
Marion
and
Mrs.
Smythe
,
when
Caroline
at
length
started
up
,
eager
to
pursue
her
course
towards
the
nearest
village
,
now
scarcely
a
mile
off
,
while
her
companions
earnestly
entreated
her
to
rest
rather
,
and
compose
herself
.
"
He
has
lost
the
track
!
he
cannot
be
following
us
now
,
"
said
Marion
,
in
accents
of
trembling
alarm
,
the
agitated
tone
of
which
belied
her
words
,
while
an
icy
chill
had
crept
through
her
veins
.
"
Let
us
rest
here
,
we
are
safe
now
!
He
will
hurry
past
!
He
will
not
think
of
searching
for
us
in
this
place
!
"
"
He
will
!
he
will
!
when
the
fit
is
on
nothing
escapes
him
,
"
replied
Caroline
,
who
felt
a
choking
sensation
in
her
throat
which
impeded
her
utterance
.
"
Oh
!
think
of
the
fearful
past
!
that
dreadful
night
when
he
first
became
insane
!
Why
did
I
believe
him
when
he
promised
never
to
terrify
me
more
!
a
horrid
dread
is
upon
me
!
a
strange
ringing
in
my
ears
!
a
weight
of
lead
upon
my
heart
!
"
"
How
wonderful
that
he
never
can
be
traced
!
that
he
always
finds
us
out
!
that
if
there
ever
be
a
moment
when
we
feel
peculiarly
safe
from
his
presence
,
he
comes
!
"
whispered
Mrs.
Smythe
,
in
an
under
tone
,
as
if
afraid
that
the
very
walls
might
re-echo
her
words
.
"
We
must
leave
this
neighborhood
,
we
must
take
new
precautions
till
he
can
be
found
and
shut
up
.
"
Before
Caroline
could
utter
the
affirmative
,
which
trembled
on
her
lips
,
her
eyes
became
stony
with
a
look
of
sudden
fear
,
her
hands
were
faintly
clasped
together
,
her
parched
and
livid
lips
were
parted
,
and
with
a
half
uttered
shriek
she
threw
herself
behind
Marion
,
riveting
her
arms
closely
round
her
waist
,
when
,
the
next
minute
,
a
window
of
the
barn
was
dashed
in
with
a
violence
which
nothing
could
resist
,
and
the
maniac
,
giving
a
wild
cry
of
malignant
triumph
,
began
to
clamber
in
,
clinging
to
the
window-sill
with
his
long
bony
fingers
,
while
concealing
his
face
,
so
that
nothing
could
be
seen
but
his
eyes
,
which
burned
like
living
coals
.
"
You
have
deceived
me
once
,
but
you
shall
deceive
me
no
more
!
"
said
he
,
in
hoarse
,
deep
accents
,
and
with
a
ghastly
look
,
while
the
terrified
girl
seemed
to
wither
beneath
his
glance
.
"
I
cannot
breathe
while
you
live
!
I
have
shed
blood
before
now
,
and
none
can
tell
who
did
it
!
You
may
call
,
but
there
are
none
to
help
—
you
may
weep
,
but
I
cannot
pity
—
you
may
fly
,
but
there
is
no
escape
!
My
heart
is
turned
to
stone
!
My
blood
is
liquid
fire
!
Strange
figures
are
gibbering
behind
me
!
Unearthly
voices
are
whispering
in
my
ear
!
I
will
do
it
!
Yes
!
when
I
stand
on
the
scaffold
to
be
executed
I
shall
not
be
nearer
death
than
you
are
at
this
moment
.
"
Marion
,
conscious
that
the
madman
's
fury
was
not
directed
at
herself
,
and
feeling
the
courage
which
arises
from
desperation
,
resolved
,
at
whatever
cost
,
at
least
to
delay
,
if
possible
,
any
catastrophe
which
she
might
not
be
able
finally
to
prevent
,
and
anxious
,
even
for
an
instant
,
to
take
the
maniac
's
eye
off
the
trembling
girl
beside
her
,
she
now
walked
resolutely
forward
to
the
window
,
though
trembling
as
much
as
if
she
were
about
to
throw
herself
beside
a
wild
beast
in
his
cage
.
Her
teeth
chattered
with
terror
,
and
the
words
seemed
to
stiffen
in
her
throat
as
she
uttered
them
,
but
still
she
persevered
,
saying
in
a
gentle
,
soothing
accent
:
"
You
are
a
gentleman
,
and
cannot
want
money
!
What
would
you
have
?
Who
has
injured
you
?
Tell
me
why
you
pursue
us
?
Think
for
one
moment
how
many
years
you
have
to
live
,
and
how
miserable
you
may
be
for
ever
,
if
you
do
a
rash
act
now
!
Pause
and
consider
,
for
the
curse
of
God
and
man
will
be
upon
you
!
"
The
madman
gazed
for
an
instant
at
the
pale
countenance
of
Marion
,
every
feature
in
which
quivered
with
emotion
;
he
seemed
almost
ashamed
of
his
own
fearful
violence
,
and
was
about
,
in
a
calmer
tone
,
to
reply
,
when
the
barn
door
was
suddenly
burst
open
by
the
two
countrymen
,
who
entered
with
Mr.
Granville
.
"
He
shall
die
!
"
muttered
the
maniac
between
his
clenched
teeth
,
"
Both
!
all
!
all
!
The
power
of
life
and
death
is
here
!
"
Marion
heard
a
sound
of
terror
close
beside
her
—
it
was
a
click
,
as
of
a
pistol
being
cocked
,
the
muzzle
of
which
was
directed
towards
Mr.
Granville
,
while
the
maniac
deliberately
took
his
aim
;
but
with
a
sudden
impulse
of
desperation
,
she
threw
her
arm
upwards
,
and
struck
the
fatal
weapon
,
which
instantly
went
off
with
a
report
that
stunned
her
senses
.
Nearly
blinded
by
the
shock
,
Marion
staggered
backwards
as
if
about
to
fall
,
yet
strained
her
eyes
,
in
speechless
agony
,
to
ascertain
if
Mr.
Granville
were
saved
.
There
was
blood
upon
his
cheek
,
but
he
rushed
forward
at
once
,
and
pinioned
the
madman
's
arms
within
his
own
,
while
the
two
countrymen
assisted
;
and
after
a
severe
scuttle
,
the
maniac
,
perfectly
mastered
,
lay
panting
on
the
floor
,
while
he
glared
on
Mr.
Granville
with
a
frown
of
baffled
malignity
,
uttering
execrations
both
loud
and
deep
,
so
dreadful
to
hear
,
that
Marion
's
heart
quailed
within
her
at
their
awful
import
,
though
unable
to
look
round
,
while
occupied
in
applying
restoratives
to
Caroline
,
who
had
sunk
,
with
a
heavy
groan
,
perfectly
insensible
on
the
floor
.
After
more
than
ten
minutes
,
during
which
not
a
pulse
could
be
felt
,
Caroline
was
carried
into
the
air
by
Mr.
Granville
,
when
the
wind
,
playing
on
her
cheek
,
brought
on
a
gradual
restoration
to
life
—
a
slight
fluttering
was
perceived
at
her
heart
,
a
faint
color
tinged
her
cheek
,
and
with
a
deep-drawn
sigh
and
a
bewildered
look
,
she
suddenly
started
up
,
as
if
about
to
renew
her
flight
.
"
Dear
Caroline
!
"
said
Marion
,
calmly
,
"
all
is
safe
!
Do
not
agitate
yourself
.
We
have
had
,
indeed
,
a
wonderful
escape
.
"
Miss
Smythe
embraced
Marion
in
a
transport
of
joy
and
gratitude
,
after
which
she
turned
to
Mr.
Granville
,
uttering
the
warmest
expression
of
her
thanks
,
while
he
,
with
an
evident
desire
to
conclude
a
discussion
obviously
so
agitating
to
the
two
ladies
,
proposed
,
after
amply
remunerating
the
two
countrymen
,
his
assistants
,
to
hurry
forward
and
send
conveyances
from
the
neighboring
inn
.
With
one
anxious
look
at
the
pale
,
exhausted
countenance
of
Marion
,
Mr.
Granville
hastily
disappeared
,
meditating
,
as
he
hastened
along
,
with
deep
interest
on
his
recent
adventure
,
and
with
pleasing
emotion
on
the
happy
eclaircissement
which
had
that
morning
taken
place
with
Marion
,
binding
them
to
each
other
by
the
strong
ties
of
honor
,
principle
,
and
affection
.
Half
an
hour
afterwards
,
Richard
returned
with
two
carriages
,
in
one
of
which
he
placed
the
ladies
,
whom
he
met
advancing
along
the
road
;
but
after
proceeding
forward
with
the
other
,
to
secure
his
prisoner
,
he
was
startled
and
astonished
to
discover
that
the
maniac
and
his
two
keepers
had
entirely
disappeared
.
CHAPTER
XIX
.
"
Well
!
I
do
declare
!
some
people
have
the
most
marvellous
good
fortune
!
"
exclaimed
Sir
Patrick
next
morning
turning
to
Marion
,
with
a
newspaper
before
him
.
"
Here
is
an
account
of
Granville
—
Richard
Granville
—
being
engaged
in
a
splendid
adventure
.
I
might
live
for
ever
,
and
not
meet
with
such
a
thing
.
He
has
rescued
Miss
