floatedthe
royal
standard
of
Castelcicala
.
And
on
the
deck
,
in
the
uniform
of
a
general
officer
,
and
with
a
star
upon
his
breast
,
stood
the
Marquis
of
Estella
,
conversing
with
his
aides-de-camp
.
At
a
short
distance
was
Morcar
—
in
plain
,
private
clothes
.
Richard
was
now
returning
to
his
native
shore
—
occupying
in
the
world
a
far
more
exalted
position
than
,
in
his
wildest
imaginings
,
he
could
ever
have
hoped
to
attain
.
He
had
left
England
as
an
obscure
individual
—
a
subordinate
in
a
chivalrous
expedition
—
under
the
authority
of
others
:
—
he
came
back
with
a
star
upon
his
breast
—
having
achieved
for
himself
a
renown
which
placed
him
amongst
the
greatest
warriors
of
the
age
!
Unmarked
by
title
,
unknown
to
fame
,
was
he
when
he
had
bade
adieu
to
the
white
cliffs
of
Albion
a
few
months
previously
:
—
as
the
Regent
of
a
country
liberated
by
himself
—
as
a
Marquis
who
had
acquired
nobility
by
his
own
great
deeds
,
did
he
now
welcome
his
native
clime
once
more
.
Tears
of
joy
stood
in
his
eyes
—
emotions
of
ineffable
bliss
arose
in
his
bosom
,
as
he
thought
of
what
he
had
been
,
and
what
he
now
was
.
But
vanity
was
not
the
feeling
thus
gratified
:
at
the
same
time
,
to
assert
that
our
hero
was
not
proud
of
the
glorious
elevation
which
he
had
reached
by
his
own
merits
,
would
be
to
deny
him
the
possession
of
that
laudable
ambition
which
is
an
honour
to
those
who
entertain
it
.
There
is
,
however
,
a
vast
distinction
between
vanity
and
a
proper
pride
:
the
former
is
a
weakness
—
the
latter
the
element
of
moral
strength
.
Yes
:
Richard
was
proud
—
but
not
unduly
so
—
of
the
honours
which
were
now
associated
with
his
name
;
—
proud
,
because
he
had
dashed
aside
every
barrier
that
had
once
seemed
insuperable
between
the
Princess
and
himself
.
And
,
oh
!
he
was
happy
,
too
—
supremely
happy
;
for
he
knew
that
when
he
landed
at
Woolwich
he
should
behold
her
whom
we
have
before
declared
to
be
the
only
joy
of
his
heart
—
the
charming
and
well-beloved
Isabella
!
The
gallant
steamer
pursued
its
way
:
Erith
is
passed
;
—
and
soon
Woolwich
is
in
sight
.
And
now
the
cannon
roars
from
the
English
arsenal
:
the
volumes
of
white
smoke
sweep
over
the
bosom
of
the
Thames
;
—
the
artillery
salutes
the
royal
standard
of
Castelcicala
.
The
troops
are
drawn
up
in
front
of
the
barracks
to
do
honour
to
their
heroic
fellow-countryman
,
who
retains
his
almost
sovereign
rank
until
the
moment
when
he
shall
resign
it
into
the
hands
of
that
Prince
on
whose
brow
he
has
come
to
place
a
diadem
.
It
is
low
water
;
and
the
Castelcicalan
steamer
drops
her
anchor
at
some
little
distance
from
the
wharf
.
Then
,
under
a
salute
from
the
cannon
of
the
gallant
vessel
,
the
Marquis
of
Estella
descends
into
a
barge
which
has
been
sent
from
the
arsenal
to
waft
him
ashore
.
But
while
he
is
still
at
a
distance
from
the
wharf
his
quick
eye
discerns
well-known
forms
standing
near
the
spot
where
he
is
to
land
.
There
are
the
Grand-Duke
Alberto
and
the
Grand-Duchess
,
attended
by
the
commandant
of
Woolwich
and
his
staff
;
and
leaning
on
her
father
's
arm
,
is
also
the
Princess
Isabella
.
The
Grand-Duke
is
in
plain
clothes
:
he
has
come
as
it
were
incognito
,
and
as
a
friend
,
to
receive
him
to
whom
he
is
indebted
for
that
throne
which
awaits
him
;
and
he
is
moreover
anxious
that
all
the
honours
proffered
on
this
occasion
shall
be
acknowledged
by
him
who
still
bears
the
rank
of
Regent
of
Castelcicala
.
The
barge
touches
the
steps
:
Richard
leaps
ashore
.
He
hurries
up
the
stairs
—
he
stands
upon
the
wharf
;
and
,
while
the
guard
of
honour
of
British
soldiers
presents
arms
,
he
is
affectionately
embraced
by
the
Grand-Duke
.
"
Welcome
—
welcome
,
noble
youth
!
"
exclaimed
Alberto
,
straining
him
to
his
breast
,
as
if
he
were
a
dearly
beloved
son
.
"
I
thank
heaven
,
that
you
,
most
gracious
sovereign
,
are
pleased
with
my
humble
exertions
in
favour
of
Castelcicalan
freedom
,
"
replied
Markham
,
whose
heart
was
so
full
that
he
could
with
difficulty
give
utterance
to
those
words
.
"
Humble
exertions
do
you
call
them
!
"
cried
the
Grand-Duke
.
"
At
all
events
they
have
deserved
the
highest
reward
which
it
is
in
my
power
to
offer
.
"
And
,
as
he
thus
spoke
,
Alberto
placed
the
hand
of
our
hero
in
that
of
the
beauteous
Isabella
,
while
the
Grand-Duchess
said
in
a
voice
tremulous
with
joyful
emotion
,
"
Yes
,
dear
Richard
—
you
are
now
our
son
!
"
Markham
thanked
the
parents
of
his
beloved
with
a
rapid
but
expressive
glance
of
the
deepest
gratitude
;
and
he
and
Isabella
exchanged
looks
of
ineffable
tenderness
,
as
they
pressed
each
other
's
hand
in
deep
silence
—
for
their
hearts
were
too
full
to
allow
their
lips
to
utter
a
syllable
.
But
those
looks
—
how
eloquent
were
they
!
They
spoke
of
hopes
long
entertained
—
often
dim
and
overclouded
—
but
never
completely
abandoned
—
and
now
realized
at
last
!
To
appreciate
duly
the
sweets
of
life
,
we
should
have
frequently
tasted
its
bitters
;
for
it
is
by
the
influence
of
contrast
,
that
the
extent
of
either
can
be
fully
understood
.
Those
who
have
been
prosperous
in
their
loves
,
—
who
have
met
with
no
objections
at
the
hands
of
parents
,
and
who
have
not
been
compelled
to
wrestle
against
adverse
circumstances
,
—
are
incapable
of
understanding
the
amount
of
that
bliss
which
was
now
experienced
by
Richard
and
Isabella
.
It
was
indeed
a
reward
—
an
adequate
recompense
for
all
the
fears
they
had
entertained
,
the
sighs
they
had
heaved
,
and
the
tears
they
had
shed
on
account
of
each
other
!
And
we
ourselves
,
reader
,
pen
these
lines
with
heart-felt
pleasure
;
for
there
are
times
—
and
the
present
occasion
is
one
—
when
we
have
almost
fancied
that
our
hero
and
heroine
were
real
,
living
characters
,
whom
we
had
seen
often
and
known
well
;
—
and
we
are
vain
enough
to
hope
that
this
feeling
has
not
been
confined
to
our
own
breast
.
Yes
—
we
can
picture
to
ourselves
,
with
all
its
enthusiasm
,
that
delightful
scene
when
the
handsome
young
man
,
—
handsomer
than
ever
in
the
uniform
which
denoted
his
high
rank
,
—
exchanged
those
glances
of
ineffable
tenderness
and
devoted
love
with
the
charming
Italian
maiden
,
—
more
charming
than
ever
with
the
light
of
bliss
that
shone
in
her
eyes
,
made
her
sweet
bosom
heave
,
and
brought
to
her
cheeks
a
carnation
glow
beneath
the
faint
tint
of
bistre
which
denoted
her
southern
origin
without
marring
the
transparency
of
her
pure
complexion
.
And
now
,
the
first
delights
of
this
meeting
over
,
Richard
presented
his
aides-de-camp
to
the
illustrious
family
;
then
,
beckoning
Morcar
towards
him
,
he
took
the
gipsy
by
the
hand
,
saying
,
"
It
is
to
this
faithful
friend
that
Castelcicala
is
indebted
for
the
first
step
in
that
glorious
career
which
was
finally
crowned
with
triumph
beneath
the
walls
of
Montoni
.
"
"
And
I
,
as
the
sovereign
of
Castelcicala
,
"
returned
the
Grand-Duke
,
shaking
Morcar
warmly
by
the
hand
,
"
shall
find
means
to
testify
my
gratitude
.
"
"
Your
Serene
Highness
will
pardon
me
,
"
said
Morcar
,
in
a
firm
but
deferential
manner
,
"
if
I
decline
any
reward
for
the
humble
share
I
enjoyed
in
those
successes
of
which
his
lordship
ere
now
spoke
.
No
:
—
the
poor
Zingaree
has
only
done
his
duty
towards
a
master
whom
he
loved
—
and
loves
,
"
continued
Morcar
,
looking
at
Richard
and
dashing
away
a
tear
at
the
same
time
;
"
and
it
only
remains
for
him
to
return
to
his
family
—
and
to
his
roving
life
.
The
sole
favour
I
have
to
ask
at
the
hands
of
these
whom
I
have
now
the
honour
to
address
,
is
that
when
they
hear
—
as
they
often
may
—
the
name
of
Gipsy
vilified
and
abused
,
they
will
declare
their
belief
that
there
are
a
few
favourable
exceptions
.
"
"
But
is
it
possible
that
I
can
do
nothing
to
serve
you
?
"
exclaimed
the
Duke
,
struck
by
the
extreme
modesty
and
propriety
of
the
Zingaree
's
words
and
manner
.
"
Consider
how
I
may
ameliorate
your
condition
.
"
"
I
require
nothing
,
your
Highness
,
"
answered
Morcar
,
in
the
same
respectful
but
firm
tone
as
before
,
—
"
nothing
save
the
favour
which
I
have
demanded
at
your
hands
.
No
recompense
could
outweigh
with
me
the
advantage
which
I
have
received
from
the
contemplation
of
a
character
as
good
as
he
is
great
—
as
noble
by
nature
as
he
now
is
by
name
,
"
continued
the
gipsy
,
once
more
looking
affectionately
towards
Markham
;
—
"
and
,
from
the
moral
influence
of
his
society
and
example
,
I
shall
return
to
my
people
a
new
man
—
a
better
man
!
"
Having
thus
spoken
,
Morcar
wrung
the
hand
of
our
hero
with
a
fraternal
warmth
,
and
was
about
to
hurry
away
,
—
leaving
all
his
hearers
deeply
affected
at
the
words
which
he
had
uttered
,
—
when
Isabella
stepped
forward
,
caught
him
gently
by
the
arm
,
and
said
in
her
sweet
musical
voice
,
now
so
tremulously
clear
,
—
"
But
you
have
a
wife
,
Morcar
;
and
you
must
tell
her
that
the
Princess
Isabella
is
her
friend
!
Nor
will
you
refuse
to
present
her
with
this
small
token
of
that
regard
which
I
proffer
her
.
"
Thus
speaking
,
the
Princess
unfastened
a
gold
chain
from
her
neck
,
and
forced
it
upon
Morcar
.
"
Yes
,
lady
,
"
said
the
gipsy
,
"
Eva
shall
accept
that
gift
from
you
;
and
she
shall
pray
morning
and
night
for
your
happiness
.
Nay
,
more
,
"
he
added
,
sinking
his
voice
almost
to
a
whisper
,
"
she
shall
hold
up
to
her
son
the
example
of
him
who
is
destined
,
lady
,
to
make
you
the
happiest
woman
upon
earth
.
"
With
these
words
,
Morcar
hurried
away
—
hastened
down
the
steps
,
leapt
into
a
wherry
,
and
directed
the
rowers
to
push
the
boat
instantly
from
the
wharf
.
When
it
was
some
yards
distant
,
Morcar
turned
his
head
towards
the
group
upon
the
quay
,
and
waved
his
hand
in
token
of
adieu
;
—
and
every
member
of
that
group
returned
his
salutation
with
gestures
that
expressed
the
kindest
feelings
towards
him
.
The
party
now
proceeded
to
the
residence
of
the
commandant
,
where
a
splendid
déjeuner
was
served
up
.
Richard
sate
next
to
his
Isabella
,
and
was
supremely
happy
.
"
Oh
!
how
rejoiced
shall
I
feel
,
"
he
whispered
to
her
,
"
when
we
can
escape
from
all
the
ceremony
which
accompanies
rank
and
power
,
and
indulge
uninterruptedly
in
that
discourse
which
is
so
dear
to
hearts
that
love
like
ours
!
For
I
have
so
much
to
tell
you
,
beloved
one
;
and
now
that
all
the
perils
of
war
and
strife
are
past
,
I
can
look
with
calmness
upon
that
series
of
events
of
which
I
was
only
enabled
to
send
you
such
slight
and
rapid
accounts
.
But
,
believe
me
,
Isabella
—
I
would
much
rather
have
come
back
to
my
native
shores
unattended
by
all
that
ostentation
and
formal
observance
which
have
accompanied
my
return
:
nevertheless
,
the
high
office
with
which
I
was
invested
,
and
the
respect
due
to
your
father
by
the
one
who
came
to
announce
with
befitting
ceremony
that
a
throne
awaited
him
,
demanded
the
presence
of
that
state
and
required
that
public
demonstration
.
You
must
not
,
however
,
imagine
,
dearest
one
,
that
a
sudden
elevation
has
made
me
vain
.
"
"
I
have
too
high
an
opinion
of
your
character
,
Richard
,
"
answered
Isabella
,
"
to
entertain
such
an
idea
for
a
single
moment
.
I
know
that
you
are
not
unduly
proud
;
but
I
,
Richard
,
am
proud
—
proud
of
you
!
"
"
And
yet
,
dear
girl
,
"
whispered
our
hero
,
"
all
I
have
done
has
been
but
through
the
prompting
of
your
image
;
and
so
did
I
write
to
you
in
the
evening
after
that
dreadful
battle
which
decided
the
fate
of
Castelcicala
.
"
"
Ah
!
Richard
,
you
know
not
the
deep
suspense
which
we
experienced
,
and
the
moments
of
indescribable
alarm
which
I
felt
,
during
the
intervals
between
the
letters
announcing
your
several
successes
,
"
said
the
Princess
.
"
But
all
fear
has
now
vanished
—
and
happiness
has
taken
its
place
.
When
we
glance
at
the
past
,
it
will
only
be
to
rejoice
at
those
events
which
have
prepared
so
much
joy
for
the
future
.
Do
you
not
remember
how
often
I
bade
you
hope
,
when
you
were
desponding
?
Oh
!
heaven
has
indeed
rewarded
you
,
by
placing
you
in
so
proud
a
position
,
for
all
the
misfortunes
which
you
have
endured
.
"
"
Rank
and
honours
were
nothing
in
my
estimation
,
"
answered
Richard
,
"
had
they
not
removed
the
obstacles
which
separated
me
from
you
!
"
A
domestic
now
entered
and
stated
that
the
carriages
were
in
readiness
;
and
the
illustrious
party
,
having
taken
leave
of
the
commandant
and
officers
of
the
garrison
,
proceeded
to
the
mansion
at
Richmond
.
Alberto
and
Richard
Markham
were
then
closeted
for
some
time
together
.
Our
hero
presented
his
Highness
with
the
official
despatches
from
the
Ministers
announcing
his
proclamation
as
Grand-Duke
,
and
inviting
him
to
return
to
Castelcicala
to
take
possession
of
the
throne
.
"
Your
Serene
Highness
will
not
deem
me
presumptuous
,
"
said
Richard
,
when
these
documents
had
been
perused
,
"
in
accepting
the
executive
sway
immediately
after
the
battle
of
Montoni
.
My
object
was
to
ensure
the
tranquillity
of
the
country
,
and
to
lay
the
foundation
of
that
liberal
system
of
government
which
I
knew
to
be
congenial
to
the
sentiments
of
your
Highness
.
I
appointed
a
Ministry
formed
of
men
who
had
shown
their
devotion
to
the
Constitutional
cause
,
and
who
were
worthy
of
the
confidence
thus
reposed
in
them
.
With
respect
to
the
late
sovereign
,
Angelo
III
.
,
I
learnt
a
few
hours
ere
my
departure
,
that
he
had
taken
refuge
in
Austria
;
but
in
reference
to
the
Grand-Duchess
Eliza
I
have
obtained
no
tidings
.
"
"
I
cordially
approve
of
every
step
you
have
taken
,
my
dear
Richard
,
"
replied
the
Grand-Duke
:
"
your
conduct
has
been
beyond
all
praise
.
I
expressed
that
opinion
in
the
letter
which
I
wrote
to
you
,
and
wherein
I
informed
you
that
I
should
wait
in
England
until
you
came
in
person
to
announce
to
me
the
desire
of
the
Castelcicalans
that
I
should
become
their
sovereign
.
I
have
,
as
I
told
you
in
my
communication
,
only
just
recovered
from
a
severe
illness
;
but
my
duty
to
my
country
requires
that
I
should
return
thither
as
soon
as
possible
.
In
four
days
I
shall
embark
on
board
the
ship
that
brought
you
to
England
.
"
"
So
soon
,
my
lord
?
"
cried
Markham
,
somewhat
uneasily
.
"
I
should
leave
England
to-morrow
,
had
I
not
one
solemn
but
joyful
task
to
accomplish
,
"
answered
the
Duke
with
a
smile
.
"
Fear
not
,
dear
Richard
,
that
I
shall
delay
your
happiness
any
longer
;
for
if
you
yourself
do
not
consider
the
haste
indelicate
,
I
purpose
to
bestow
Isabella
upon
you
the
day
after
to-morrow
.
"
"
Oh
!
my
lord
—
what
happiness
!
—
and
what
deep
gratitude
do
I
owe
you
!
"
exclaimed
Richard
,
falling
upon
his
knees
,
and
pressing
the
sovereign
's
hand
to
his
lips
.
"
Rise
,
Richard
—
rise
,
"
said
the
Grand-Duke
:
"
you
owe
me
no
gratitude
—
for
you
forget
how
deeply
I
am
your
debtor
!
You
have
delivered
my
native
land
from
an
odious
tyranny
—
although
it
be
of
my
own
relative
of
whom
I
am
compelled
to
speak
thus
severely
;
and
you
have
given
me
a
throne
.
In
return
I
bestow
upon
you
the
dearest
of
all
my
earthly
treasures
—
my
daughter
!
"
"
And
the
study
of
my
life
shall
be
her
happiness
,
"
replied
our
hero
.
"
But
I
have
one
great
and
signal
favour
to
implore
of
your
Highness
;
and
I
tremble
to
ask
it
—
lest
you
should
receive
my
prayer
coldly
.
"
"
What
is
there
that
you
should
hesitate
to
ask
or
that
I
could
refuse
to
grant
?
"
exclaimed
the
Grand-Duke
.
"
Speak
,
Richard
:
—
the
favour
—
if
favour
it
be
—
is
already
accorded
.
"
"
Your
Highness
must
be
informed
,
"
continued
Richard
,
thus
encouraged
,
"
that
I
have
various
duties
to
accomplish
,
which
demand
my
presence
for
some
time
in
England
.
I
have
an
old
friend
and
his
daughter
dependant
upon
me
:
I
must
settle
them
in
a
comfortable
manner
,
to
ensure
their
happiness
.
There
is
also
a
young
female
named
Katherine
Wilmot
,
—
whose
history
I
will
relate
to
your
Highness
at
a
more
convenient
period
,
—
but
to
whom
I
have
been
in
some
measure
left
guardian
.
By
letters
which
I
received
a
few
days
before
my
departure
,
I
learnt
that
she
is
residing
at
my
house
,
with
my
old
friend
and
his
daughter
.
It
will
be
my
duty
to
arrange
plans
for
the
welfare
of
Katherine
.
This
I
should
wish
to
do
in
concert
with
Isabella
.
Lastly
,
my
lord
,
I
have
the
hope
of
meeting
my
brother
—
should
he
be
still
alive
,
"
added
Richard
,
with
a
sigh
.
"
Your
Highness
is
aware
of
our
singular
appointment
for
the
10th
of
July
,
1843.
"
The
Grand-Duke
reflected
profoundly
for
some
minutes
;
and
Richard
awaited
his
answer
with
intense
anxiety
.
"
You
shall
have
your
will
,
noble-hearted
young
man
!
"
at
length
cried
Alberto
:
"
I
was
wrong
to
hesitate
even
for
a
moment
;
but
you
will
pardon
me
when
you
remember
that
in
granting
your
request
,
I
consent
to
a
long
—
long
separation
from
my
daughter
.
"
"
But
when
the
time
for
the
appointment
with
my
brother
shall
have
passed
,
"
said
Richard
"
Isabella
and
myself
will
hasten
to
Montoni
;
and
then
,
God
grant
that
you
may
be
parted
from
your
daughter
no
more
in
this
life
.
"
"
Would
it
be
impossible
for
you
to
effect
a
species
of
compromise
with
me
in
this
way
?
"
returned
Alberto
,
with
a
smile
.
"
Provide
for
those
who
are
dependant
on
you
;
and
when
that
duty
is
accomplished
,
pass
at
Montoni
the
interval
until
the
period
of
the
appointment
with
your
brother
shall
demand
your
return
to
London
.
"
"
I
would
submit
to
your
Highness
this
fact
,
"
answered
Richard
,
—
"
that
I
live
in
constant
hope
of
the
reappearance
of
my
brother
ere
the
stated
time
;
and
should
he
seek
me
in
the
interval
—
should
he
be
poor
or
unhappy
—
should
he
require
my
aid
or
consolation
—
if
I
were
far
away
—
—
"
"
I
understand
you
,
"
interrupted
the
Grand-Duke
.
"
Be
it
as
you
say
.
Provided
Isabella
will
consent
,
"
he
added
,
smiling
,
"
you
shall
remain
in
England
until
the
autumn
of
1843.
"
"
Much
as
the
Princess
will
grieve
to
separate
from
her
parents
—
—
"
"
You
think
she
will
be
content
to
stay
in
this
country
with
you
,
"
again
interrupted
the
Duke
,
laughing
.
"
I
see
that
you
have
already
planned
every
thing
in
your
own
way
;
and
both
the
Grand-Duchess
and
myself
are
too
much
pleased
with
you
—
too
willing
to
testify
our
regard
for
you
—
and
too
anxious
to
make
reparation
for
the
past
,
"
added
his
Serene
Highness
significantly
,
"
to
oppose
your
projects
in
the
slightest
degree
.
It
shall
be
all
as
you
desire
.
"
"
Your
Highnesses
will
then
render
me
completely
happy
,
"
exclaimed
Richard
,
again
pressing
the
Duke
's
hand
to
his
lips
.
Alberto
then
rang
the
bell
,
and
commanded
the
domestic
who
answered
the
summons
to
request
the
presence
of
the
Grand-Duchess
and
the
Princess
.
Those
illustrious
ladies
soon
made
their
appearance
—
Isabella
's
heart
fluttering
with
a
kind
of
joyful
suspense
,
for
she
full
well
divined
at
least
one
topic
that
had
been
discussed
during
the
private
interview
of
her
father
and
her
lover
.
The
two
latter
rose
as
the
ladies
entered
the
room
.
Then
the
Grand-Duke
took
his
daughter
's
hand
,
and
said
,
"
Isabella
,
our
duty
towards
our
native
land
requires
that
your
mother
and
myself
should
return
thither
with
the
least
possible
delay
.
But
before
we
depart
,
we
must
ensure
the
happiness
of
you
,
beloved
child
,
and
of
him
who
is
in
every
way
worthy
of
your
affections
.
Thus
an
imperious
necessity
demands
that
the
ceremony
of
your
union
should
be
speedily
accomplished
.
I
have
fixed
the
day
after
to-morrow
for
your
bridal
:
—
but
you
,
dearest
Isabel
,
will
remain
in
England
with
your
noble
husband
.
He
himself
will
explain
to
you
—
even
if
he
has
not
already
done
so
—
the
motives
of
this
arrangement
.
May
God
bless
you
,
my
beloved
children
!
And
,
oh
!
"
continued
the
Grand-Duke
,
drawing
himself
up
to
his
full
height
,
while
a
glow
of
honourable
pride
animated
his
countenance
,
"
if
there
be
one
cause
rather
than
another
which
makes
me
rejoice
in
my
sovereign
rank
,
it
is
that
I
am
enabled
to
place
this
excellent
young
man
in
a
position
so
exalted
—
on
an
eminence
so
lofty
—
that
none
acquainted
with
his
former
history
shall
ever
think
of
associating
his
name
with
the
misfortunes
that
are
past
!
And
that
he
may
give
even
a
title
to
his
bride
and
accompany
her
to
the
altar
with
that
proper
independence
which
should
belong
to
the
character
of
the
husband
,
it
is
my
will
to
create
him
Prince
of
Montoni
;
and
here
is
the
decree
which
I
have
already
prepared
to
that
effect
,
and
to
which
I
have
affixed
my
royal
seal
.
"
With
these
words
the
Grand-Duke
took
from
the
table
a
paper
which
he
presented
to
our
hero
,
who
received
it
on
his
bended
knee
.
He
then
rose
:
Alberto
placed
the
hand
of
Isabella
in
his
;
and
the
young
lovers
flew
into
each
other
's
arms
.
The
parents
exchanged
glances
of
unfeigned
satisfaction
as
they
witnessed
the
happiness
of
their
charming
daughter
and
of
him
whom
she
loved
so
faithfully
and
so
well
.
Dinner
was
shortly
announced
;
and
around
the
table
were
smiling
faces
gathered
that
evening
.
At
nine
o'clock
Richard
took
his
departure
alone
in
the
Grand-Duke
's
carriage
;
for
he
had
transferred
his
own
aides-de-camp
to
the
service
of
their
sovereign
.
But
when
he
bade
farewell
to
Isabella
on
this
occasion
,
it
was
with
the
certainty
of
seeing
each
other
again
in
a
short
time
;
and
they
inwardly
thanked
heaven
that
their
meeting
was
no
longer
clandestine
,
and
that
their
attachment
was
at
length
sanctioned
by
the
parents
of
the
charming
maiden
.
CHAPTER
CCXXII
.
THE
ARRIVAL
AT
HOME
.
On
the
same
evening
Mr.
Monroe
,
Ellen
,
and
Katharine
were
assembled
in
the
drawing-room
at
Markham
Place
.
The
lamp
burnt
bright
,
and
there
were
books
open
upon
the
table
;
but
none
of
the
little
party
had
any
inclination
to
read
:
—
some
event
of
importance
was
evidently
expected
.
"
He
will
assuredly
return
this
evening
,
"
observed
Mr.
Monroe
,
after
a
long
pause
in
the
conversation
.
"
The
last
letter
he
wrote
to
us
was
positive
in
naming
the
day
when
he
calculated
upon
arriving
in
England
.
"
"
But
as
he
said
that
he
should
be
compelled
to
come
back
to
his
native
land
in
one
of
the
government
steamers
of
Castelcicala
,
"
said
Ellen
,
"
it
is
impossible
to
conjecture
what
delay
adverse
weather
may
have
caused
.
"
"
True
,
"
exclaimed
Mr.
Monroe
;
and
he
walked
to
the
window
,
whence
he
looked
forth
into
the
bright
clear
night
.
It
is
a
strange
fact
that
whenever
people
are
expecting
the
arrival
of
some
one
near
or
dear
to
them
,
they
invariably
go
to
the
windows
,
where
they
watch
with
a
sort
of
nervous
agitation
—
as
if
by
so
doing
they
could
hasten
the
coming
which
they
anticipate
.
The
two
young
ladies
drew
close
to
each
other
on
the
sofa
,
and
exchanged
a
few
words
in
whispers
.
"
You
seem
low-spirited
,
dearest
Kate
,
"
said
Ellen
;
"
and
yet
our
benefactor
is
about
to
return
to
us
.
I
feel
convinced
that
you
are
more
annoyed
than
you
choose
to
confess
,
on
account
of
the
,
non-appearance
of
the
handsome
stranger
.
"
"
I
should
be
telling
you
an
untruth
,
Ellen
,
"
answered
Kate
,
blushing
deeply
,
"
were
I
to
declare
that
I
do
not
sometimes
think
of
him
whom
you
alluded
to
.
But
have
I
not
another
cause
of
vexation
?
do
you
imagine
that
the
recent
interview
which
I
had
with
that
odious
Mr.
Banks
—
—
"
"
Yes
,
dear
Kate
:
all
that
he
told
you
was
well
calculated
to
render
you
anxious
and
unsettled
in
mind
,
"
interrupted
Ellen
.
"
But
it
was
necessary
to
await
the
return
of
him
who
can
best
counsel
you
;
and
the
time
now
approaches
when
you
may
communicate
to
Richard
all
that
has
passed
.
"
Katherine
was
about
to
reply
,
when
Mr.
Monroe
,
who
was
still
watching
at
the
window
,
suddenly
exclaimed
,
"
A
carriage
—
at
last
!
"
The
two
young
ladies
hurried
to
the
casement
,
and
beheld
the
lamps
of
the
vehicle
rapidly
approaching
,
while
the
sound
of
its
wheels
also
reached
their
ears
.
Then
they
both
hastened
from
the
room
,
followed
by
Mr.
Monroe
,
to
receive
Markham
the
moment
he
should
alight
.
Whittingham
and
Marian
joined
them
;
and
the
whole
party
was
stationed
on
the
steps
of
the
front
door
when
the
carriage
drove
up
.
In
another
moment
Richard
was
amongst
them
;
and
there
were
such
congratulations
—
such
shaking
of
hands
—
and
such
proofs
of
joy
as
were
seldom
known
or
seen
even
on
occasions
of
similar
happiness
.
As
for
the
old
butler
,
he
was
literally
mad
with
the
excitement
of
his
feelings
.
He
hugged
his
young
master
with
a
warmth
that
could
not
possibly
have
been
exceeded
had
they
stood
in
the
relation
of
father
and
son
,
and
the
fervour
of
which
considerably
deranged
the
position
of
our
hero
's
epaulettes
and
aiguillettes
—
for
he
was
in
his
uniform
,
as
the
reader
will
remember
.
Then
,
when
Whittingham
had
thus
far
testified
his
joy
at
his
master
's
return
,
he
seized
upon
Marian
and
compelled
her
to
perform
three
or
four
rapid
pirouettes
with
him
in
the
hall
—
to
the
infinite
peril
of
that
good
woman
's
equilibrium
.
She
disengaged
herself
from
him
with
considerable
difficulty
;
and
the
old
man
,
quite
overcome
by
his
feelings
and
performances
,
sate
down
in
one
of
the
hall-chairs
,
and
began
to
whimper
like
a
child
—
exclaiming
as
well
as
he
could
,
"
Do
n't
mind
me
—
do
n't
mind
me
!
I
ca
n't
help
it
!
It
's
the
unawoidable
commotions
here
!
"
and
he
slapped
his
breast
.
"
Master
Richard
's
come
back
to
the
home
of
his
successors
;
and
he
's
a
great
man
too
—
in
spite
of
all
that
them
willains
Marlborough
and
Axminster
once
did
to
him
!
"
"
Compose
yourself
,
my
excellent
old
friend
,
"
said
the
young
Prince
,
pressing
Whittingham
's
hand
:
"
I
am
indeed
come
back
—
and
to
remain
,
too
,
for
a
long
—
long
time
.
"
The
footman
who
attended
upon
the
Grand-Duke
's
carriage
now
approached
our
hero
,
and
with
head
uncovered
,
said
in
a
tone
of
extreme
deference
,
"
Is
it
the
pleasure
of
your
Highness
that
the
chariot
should
remain
,
or
return
to
Richmond
?
"
"
I
wish
you
to
stay
here
until
the
morning
,
"
answered
Richard
;
"
as
I
shall
visit
his
Serene
Highness
to-morrow
.
"
The
footman
bowed
,
and
retreating
to
the
hall-steps
,
cried
aloud
to
the
coachman
,
"
The
Prince
commands
us
to
remain
.
"
"
Hey
!
what
's
that
?
"
ejaculated
Whittingham
,
who
,
together
with
the
others
present
,
had
caught
those
swelling
titles
.
"
I
heerd
,
Master
Richard
,
that
you
was
a
Markiss
;
but
—
—
"
"
It
has
pleased
the
gracious
sovereign
to
whose
service
I
have
the
honour
to
belong
,
to
invest
me
with
the
rank
which
has
surprised
you
,
"
answered
Richard
,
laughing
at
his
old
dependant
's
bewilderment
:
"
at
the
same
time
I
can
assure
you
that
you
will
please
me
best
by
addressing
me
ever
as
you
have
been
accustomed
to
do
from
my
childhood
.
"
The
butler
seemed
to
reflect
profoundly
for
a
few
moments
,
with
his
eyes
fixed
on
the
marble
floor
then
,
suddenly
raising
his
head
,
he
exclaimed
,
"
No
,
Master
Richard
—
it
ca
n't
be
done
!
It
would
be
to
treat
you
as
if
you
was
still
a
boy
.
There
's
such
a
thing
in
the
world
as
epaulette
—
etiquette
,
I
mean
;
and
I
know
myself
better
than
to
lose
sight
on
it
.
Besides
,
Master
Richard
—
it
is
n't
every
one
as
is
butler
to
a
Prince
;
and
I
'm
proud
of
the
office
.
So
now
I
've
called
you
Master
Richard
for
the
last
time
.
Marian
,
bustle
about
the
supper
—
and
see
that
the
servants
with
the
carriage
is
well
taken
care
of
.
You
can
show
'
em
round
to
the
stables
;
while
I
light
his
Highness
to
the
drawing-room
.
"
Having
issued
these
commands
in
a
tone
of
pompous
importance
which
the
old
man
had
not
adopted
for
some
years
past
,
he
seized
a
candle
and
led
the
way
in
a
solemn
and
dignified
manner
up
stairs
.
"
Poor
Whittingham
scarcely
knows
whether
he
stands
on
his
head
or
his
feet
,
"
whispered
Richard
,
laughing
,
to
Ellen
and
Katharine
,
as
he
placed
himself
between
them
,
and
gave
them
each
an
arm
.
"
Let
us
,
however
,
humour
the
good
old
man
,
and
ascend
with
due
ceremony
to
the
drawing-room
.
"
The
reader
will
not
require
us
to
detail
all
the
conversation
which
ensued
.
Markham
had
so
much
to
tell
,
and
his
hearers
so
much
to
learn
,
that
the
time
slipped
away
with
lightning
speed
.
Our
hero
not
only
related
at
length
all
that
had
occurred
to
him
in
Italy
,
but
also
entered
upon
explanations
which
he
had
never
broached
before
relative
to
his
attachment
to
Isabella
.
He
made
Whittingham
sit
down
and
listen
to
all
he
had
to
say
;
and
he
concluded
by
acquainting
those
present
with
his
intended
marriage
.
"
But
,
"
he
hastened
to
add
,
"
this
event
will
make
no
difference
in
regard
to
the
dear
friends
by
whom
I
am
surrounded
.
You
,
Mr.
Monroe
and
Ellen
,
must
continue
to
dwell
with
me
;
and
you
,
Katherine
,
must
look
upon
this
house
as
your
home
.
It
is
large
enough
for
us
all
—
even
for
those
servants
whom
it
will
now
be
necessary
to
add
to
our
establishment
,
and
who
will
increase
the
department
over
which
you
,
my
faithful
friend
,
"
—
addressing
himself
to
Whittingham
,
—
"
preside
so
ably
.
"
"
I
shall
know
how
to
distrain
'
em
all
in
order
,
my
lord
,
"
said
the
butler
,
with
an
air
of
considerable
importance
.
Ellen
's
countenance
had
suddenly
become
thoughtful
,
when
she
heard
that
Richard
was
so
shortly
to
be
married
.
Leaning
towards
him
,
as
she
sate
by
his
side
,
she
murmured
in
a
hasty
whisper
,
"
Tell
Whittingham
to
leave
the
room
:
I
wish
to
speak
to
you
and
my
father
immediately
.
"
Markham
requested
the
old
man
to
see
that
the
servants
of
the
Grand-Duke
were
well
cared
for
;
and
Whittingham
accordingly
withdrew
.
Richard
then
glanced
inquiringly
towards
Ellen
,
who
rose
and
whispered
to
Katherine
,
"
Leave
us
,
my
sweet
friend
,
for
a
few
moments
:
I
wish
to
speak
to
Richard
and
my
father
on
a
subject
which
nearly
concerns
myself
.
"
Kate
cheerfully
complied
with
this
request
,
and
retired
.
"
What
does
this
mean
,
Ellen
?
"
inquired
Richard
with
some
degree
of
anxiety
.
"
God
grant
that
no
cause
of
unhappiness
may
interrupt
the
joy
of
my
return
!
"
"
No
—
reassure
yourself
on
that
head
,
"
said
Ellen
.
"
My
dear
benefactor
—
and
you
,
beloved
father
—
listen
to
me
for
a
few
moments
.
You
,
Richard
,
are
about
to
bring
home
a
bride
whom
you
love
—
whom
you
respect
—
and
who
must
be
respected
,
—
a
lady
endowed
with
every
quality
that
can
render
her
worthy
of
you
,
—
pure
,
chaste
,
and
stainless
as
snow
.
Richard
,
she
must
not
be
placed
in
the
companionship
of
one
who
occupies
an
equivocal
situation
in
society
—
like
myself
!
"
"
Ellen
,
my
Isabella
is
of
too
generous
—
too
charitable
a
mind
—
—
"
began
Richard
,
deeply
affected
by
these
words
,
which
recalled
so
many
unpleasant
reminiscences
with
respect
to
Monroe
's
daughter
.
"
Nay
—
hear
me
out
,
"
continued
Ellen
,
with
a
sweet
smile
of
gratitude
for
the
sentiment
which
Markham
had
half
expressed
:
"
I
shall
not
keep
you
in
suspense
for
many
moments
.
You
wish
me
to
be
the
companion
of
your
Isabella
,
Richard
?
—
I
will
be
so
—
and
not
altogether
unworthily
either
in
respect
to
her
or
to
myself
.
And
now
I
am
about
to
communicate
to
you
both
a
secret
which
I
should
have
treasured
up
until
the
proper
time
to
elucidate
it
had
arrived
—
were
it
not
for
the
approaching
event
which
has
compelled
me
to
break
silence
.
But
in
imparting
this
secret
,
I
must
confide
in
your
goodness
—
your
forbearance
—
not
to
ask
me
more
than
I
dare
reveal
.
Richard
—
father
—
I
am
married
!
"
"
Married
!
"
repeated
our
hero
,
joyfully
.
"
Come
to
my
arms
,
Ellen
!
"
cried
Mr.
Monroe
:
"
let
me
embrace
you
fondly
—
for
now
indeed
are
you
my
own
daughter
for
whom
I
need
not
blush
!
"
And
he
pressed
her
to
his
heart
with
the
warmest
enthusiasm
of
paternal
affection
.
"
Yes
,
"
continued
Ellen
,
after
a
short
pause
,
"
I
am
married
—
married
,
too
,
to
the
father
of
my
child
;
—
and
that
is
all
that
I
dare
reveal
to
you
at
present
!
I
implore
you
—
I
beseech
you
both
to
ask
me
no
questions
;
for
I
could
not
respond
truly
to
them
,
and
be
consistent
with
a
solemn
promise
of
temporary
secrecy
which
I
have
pledged
to
my
husband
!
The
motives
of
that
mystery
are
not
dishonourable
,
and
do
not
rest
with
me
.
In
two
or
three
years
there
will
be
no
necessity
to
keep
silent
.
And
now
tell
me
,
dear
father
—
tell
me
,
Richard
—
have
you
sufficient
confidence
in
me
,
to
believe
what
I
have
unfolded
you
,
without
knowing
more
?
"
"
Believe
you
,
Ellen
!
"
exclaimed
Markham
:
"
oh
why
should
I
doubt
you
?
Your
motive
in
revealing
the
happy
fact
of
your
marriage
—
a
motive
instigated
by
delicacy
towards
her
who
is
so
soon
to
accompany
me
to
the
altar
—
is
so
generous
,
so
pure
,
so
noble
,
that
it
speaks
volumes
in
your
favour
,
Ellen
;
and
I
love
you
as
a
sister
—
a
very
dear
sister
.
"
"
Yes
—
it
is
with
a
brother
's
love
that
you
must
regard
me
,
"
exclaimed
Ellen
,
emphatically
and
joyfully
;
"
and
you
know
not
what
happiness
your
assurance
imparts
to
me
!
Let
me
not
,
however
,
be
misunderstood
in
any
thing
that
I
have
already
stated
.
I
would
not
have
you
infer
that
I
have
been
married
long
—
nor
that
I
was
a
wife
when
I
became
a
mother
,
"
continued
Ellen
,
casting
down
her
eyes
,
and
blushing
deeply
.
"
No
—
it
was
only
on
the
3d
of
January
,
in
the
present
year
,
that
I
was
united
to
him
who
will
one
day
give
a
father
's
name
to
his
child
.
"
"
I
care
not
to
know
more
,
Ellen
!
"
exclaimed
Mr.
Monroe
.
"
You
are
a
wife
—
and
your
son
,
as
he
grows
up
,
need
never
be
made
acquainted
with
the
true
date
of
his
parents
'
union
.
That
innocent
deception
will
be
necessary
.
"
"
Your
father
is
satisfied
—
and
I
am
satisfied
,
dear
Ellen
,
"
said
Richard
:
"
we
should
be
wrong
to
seek
to
penetrate
into
a
secret
which
your
good
sense
would
not
induce
you
to
retain
inviolable
without
sufficient
motives
.
I
cannot
express
to
you
my
joy
at
the
revelation
which
you
have
made
;
and
,
believe
me
,
you
will
now
have
no
cause
to
blush
in
the
presence
of
my
Isabella
.
"
"
Father
—
Richard
,
"
murmured
Ellen
,
pressing
their
hands
affectionately
in
her
own
,
"
you
have
made
me
happy
—
because
you
have
placed
confidence
in
my
word
!
"
And
as
tears
of
joy
stood
in
her
large
melting
blue
eyes
,
and
her
face
and
neck
were
suffused
in
blushes
,
how
beautiful
did
she
appear
—
sweet
Ellen
!
"
You
have
banished
your
young
friend
from
the
room
,
"
said
Markham
,
after
a
short
pause
.
"
But
I
will
speedily
summon
her
hither
again
,
"
answered
Ellen
;
"
for
she
also
has
something
important
to
reveal
to
you
.
"
"
A
continuation
,
doubtless
,
of
the
narrative
of
the
mysterious
proceedings
of
the
vilest
of
men
and
his
female
accomplice
,
and
concerning
which
you
wrote
me
full
details
some
weeks
ago
?
"
observed
Richard
.
"
Yes
—
there
is
another
chapter
in
that
strange
history
for
you
to
hear
,
"
replied
Ellen
.
She
then
hurried
from
the
room
,
and
in
a
short
time
returned
with
Katherine
.
"
Tell
Richard
the
remainder
of
your
story
in
your
own
way
,
dear
Kate
,
"
said
Ellen
,
as
the
young
ladies
seated
themselves
side
by
side
upon
the
sofa
.
"
It
was
nearly
a
week
ago
,
"
began
Katherine
"
that
I
rambled
forth
a
little
way
alone
.
Ellen
was
somewhat
indisposed
and
unable
to
accompany
me
;
and
Mr.
Monroe
had
gone
into
town
upon
some
business
.
I
ascended
the
hill
,
and
,
having
enjoyed
the
prospect
for
a
short
time
,
passed
down
on
the
opposite
side
,
and
walked
through
the
fields
.
I
was
thinking
of
various
matters
,
—
but
chiefly
of
the
cruel
disappointment
which
I
had
experienced
in
my
recently
awakened
hopes
of
obtaining
information
relative
to
my
parentage
,
—
when
I
suddenly
observed
a
person
approaching
;
and
I
was
somewhat
alarmed
when
I
perceived
that
it
was
that
odious
Mr.
Banks
,
the
undertaker
,
whom
Ellen
mentioned
to
you
in
the
letter
which
related
all
that
had
taken
place
at
the
farm
.
I
was
about
to
retrace
my
steps
,
when
Mr.
Banks
called
after
me
,
assuring
me
that
I
had
no
reason
to
be
afraid
of
him
,
and
declaring
that
he
had
important
news
to
communicate
.
My
hopes
were
revived
—
I
felt
convinced
that
his
business
was
to
renew
those
negotiations
between
myself
and
the
old
woman
which
had
been
so
suddenly
interrupted
;
and
I
no
longer
experienced
any
alarm
.
He
accosted
me
,
and
,
in
his
peculiar
phraseology
—
an
imitation
of
which
I
shall
not
inflict
upon
you
—
declared
that
a
friend
of
his
possessed
certain
papers
which
would
entirely
clear
up
the
mystery
wherein
my
parentage
was
involved
.
You
may
conceive
the
emotions
which
this
communication
excited
within
me
:
I
trembled
to
put
implicit
faith
in
what
I
heard
—
in
case
of
disappointment
—
in
case
of
deception
;
and
yet
I
clung
—
oh
!
I
clung
to
the
hope
of
at
length
being
enlightened
in
matters
so
dear
to
my
heart
.
Mr.
Banks
spoke
candidly
and
intelligibly
—
though
with
wearisome
circumlocution
and
a
mass
of
hypocritical
cant
.
He
said
that
his
friend
had
purchased
the
papers
of
the
old
woman
for
a
large
sum
;
and
that
he
would
only
part
with
them
for
a
larger
sum
still
.
In
a
word
,
he
demanded
five
hundred
pounds
;
and
he
assured
me
that
I
should
not
regret
the
bargain
—
for
there
were
letters
in
my
poor
mother
's
own
handwriting
.
"
Kate
wiped
away
the
tears
that
had
started
into
her
eyes
as
she
thus
alluded
to
her
maternal
parent
.
"
I
represented
to
Mr.
Banks
,
"
she
continued
,
after
a
pause
,
"
that
I
was
unpossessed
of
the
immediate
command
of
the
sum
demanded
,
and
that
I
must
either
apply
to
the
solicitor
who
had
the
management
of
my
affairs
,
or
wait
until
your
return
,
Richard
,
from
Italy
.
I
moreover
explained
to
him
the
extreme
improbability
that
either
Mr.
Wharton
or
yourself
would
permit
me
to
pay
so
large
an
amount
for
the
papers
,
unless
they
were
previously
ascertained
to
be
of
the
value
represented
.
He
seemed
prepared
for
this
objection
;
for
he
immediately
declared
that
if
I
would
name
a
day
and
an
hour
when
I
would
call
upon
him
,
accompanied
by
any
one
friend
,
male
or
female
,
whom
I
might
choose
to
select
,
he
would
have
the
papers
in
readiness
,
and
that
I
might
glance
over
them
in
order
to
satisfy
myself
of
their
value
and
authenticity
.
"
"
That
was
certainly
a
fair
proposal
for
such
a
gang
of
villains
to
make
,
"
observed
Richard
;
"
and
it
invests
the
entire
affair
with
the
utmost
importance
.
Did
you
give
the
man
any
definite
answer
?
"
"
I
assured
him
that
I
could
do
nothing
without
consulting
my
friends
;
but
that
I
would
write
to
him
in
the
course
of
a
day
or
two
.
He
advised
me
to
lose
no
time
;
as
his
friend
was
not
a
person
to
be
trifled
with
.
"
"
And
that
friend
,
"
said
Markham
,
"
is
the
villain
Anthony
Tidkins
—
beyond
all
doubt
.
He
does
not
dare
appear
actively
himself
in
this
business
,
for
fear
of
affording
me
a
clue
to
his
haunts
;
and
therefore
he
employs
this
Banks
as
his
agent
.
The
whole
scheme
is
as
transparent
as
possible
.
"
"
Before
I
parted
from
the
undertaker
,
"
observed
Katherine
,
"
I
objected
to
visit
his
house
,
and
proposed
to
him
that
,
in
the
event
of
my
friends
permitting
me
to
purchase
the
papers
,
he
should
allow
the
cursory
inspection
of
them
either
at
Mr.
Wharton
's
office
or
at
Markham
Place
.
But
to
this
arrangement
he
expressed
his
entire
hostility
,
stating
emphatically
that
the
documents
must
be
examined
and
the
purchase-money
paid
at
his
own
house
—
and
that
,
too
,
with
four-and
twenty-hours
'
notice
of
the
time
which
I
should
appoint
for
the
purpose
.
"
"
I
see
through
it
all
!
"
exclaimed
Richard
.
"
Tidkins
is
afraid
to
trust
his
own
agent
with
the
papers
or
with
the
money
paid
for
their
purchase
;
and
he
will
be
concealed
somewhere
in
Banks
's
house
when
the
appointment
takes
place
.
Hence
the
notice
required
.
It
is
as
clear
as
the
noon-day
sun
.
"
"
On
my
return
to
the
Place
,
"
continued
Katherine
,
"
I
acquainted
Mr.
Monroe
and
Ellen
with
the
particulars
of
the
interview
between
the
undertaker
and
myself
;
and
as
your
letter
,
announcing
the
day
when
you
hoped
to
set
foot
on
the
English
soil
again
,
had
arrived
that
very
morning
,
it
was
arranged
that
no
decisive
step
should
be
taken
until
you
were
present
to
advise
and
to
sanction
the
course
to
be
adopted
.
I
accordingly
wrote
a
note
to
Mr.
Banks
,
stating
that
I
would
communicate
with
him
in
a
positive
manner
in
the
course
of
a
week
or
ten
days
.
"
"
You
acted
wisely
,
dear
Kate
,
"
said
Richard
;
"
and
I
now
question
whether
the
Resurrection
Man
has
not
allowed
his
suspicious
avarice
to
get
the
better
of
his
prudence
.
But
of
that
we
will
speak
on
a
future
occasion
.
You
shall
purchase
the
documents
,
Katherine
—
and
without
troubling
Mr.
Wharton
upon
the
subject
.
Thanks
to
the
liberality
of
the
Castelcicalan
government
,
my
fortune
is
now
far
more
ample
than
that
which
I
lost
;
and
pecuniary
vexations
can
never
again
militate
against
my
happiness
.
Yes
,
Katherine
,
we
will
yield
to
the
extortion
of
these
villains
who
are
trading
in
the
dearest
ties
and
holiest
sympathies
of
the
human
heart
;
but
I
must
tax
your
patience
somewhat
—
for
you
can
well
understand
that
for
a
few
days
I
shall
be
unable
to
devote
myself
to
even
an
affair
so
important
as
this
.
To-morrow
you
can
write
to
Mr.
Banks
,
and
fix
an
appointment
at
his
own
house
—
one
week
hence
—
the
hour
to
be
eight
o'clock
in
the
evening
,
for
it
is
then
dark
.
"
Katherine
expressed
her
gratitude
to
our
hero
for
this
additional
proof
of
his
kindness
towards
her
.
The
happy
party
remained
in
conversation
until
a
late
hour
—
unconscious
of
the
rapid
lapse
of
time
,
so
deeply
were
they
interested
in
the
various
topics
of
their
discourse
.
It
was
,
indeed
,
nearly
two
o'clock
in
the
morning
when
the
last
light
was
extinguished
in
Markham
Place
.
Nevertheless
,
the
inmates
of
that
happy
dwelling
rose
at
an
early
hour
—
for
there
was
much
to
be
done
that
day
,
and
little
time
for
the
purpose
.
Ellen
and
Mr.
Monroe
repaired
to
town
the
moment
breakfast
was
over
,
to
make
a
variety
of
purchases
in
order
to
render
the
mansion
as
complete
in
all
its
arrangements
as
possible
for
the
reception
of
the
bride
.
Money
is
endowed
with
a
wondrously
electric
power
to
make
tradesmen
bustling
and
active
;
and
in
spite
of
the
little
leisure
left
for
choice
and
selection
,
the
business-habits
of
Mr.
Monroe
and
the
good
taste
of
his
daughter
enabled
them
to
accomplish
their
task
in
a
manner
satisfactory
to
all
concerned
.
Thus
,
in
the
afternoon
,
waggons
piled
with
new
and
costly
furniture
,
carts
laden
with
chinaware
and
glass
,
and
others
containing
carpets
,
curtains
,
and
handsome
hangings
for
the
windows
,
were
on
their
way
to
Markham
Place
.
And
at
the
mansion
,
in
the
meantime
,
all
was
bustle
and
activity
.
Richard
had
departed
early
in
the
Grand-Duke
's
carriage
for
Richmond
;
but
Katherine
superintended
all
the
domestic
arrangements
;
Marian
obtained
the
assistance
of
two
or
three
char-women
in
her
special
department
;
and
Whittingham
forthwith
added
to
the
establishment
,
upon
his
own
responsibility
,
two
footmen
and
a
page
,
all
of
whom
were
well
known
to
him
and
happened
to
have
been
out
of
place
at
the
moment
.
Thus
,
by
the
time
the
young
Prince
returned
home
to
dinner
at
five
o'clock
,
the
old
mansion
exhibited
an
appearance
so
changed
,
but
withal
so
gay
and
tastefully
handsome
,
that
he
was
unsparing
in
his
praises
of
those
who
had
exhibited
so
much
zeal
in
rendering
it
fit
to
receive
his
bride
on
the
following
day
.
CHAPTER
CCXXIII
.
THE
MARRIAGE
.
The
happy
morning
dawned
.
The
weather
was
mild
and
beautiful
;
the
sky
was
of
a
cloudless
azure
;
and
all
nature
seemed
to
smile
with
the
gladness
of
an
early
spring
.
Markham
rose
at
seven
o'clock
,
and
dressed
himself
in
plain
clothes
;
but
upon
his
breast
he
wore
the
star
which
denoted
his
princely
rank
.
And
never
had
he
appeared
so
handsome
;
—
no
—
not
even
when
,
with
the
flash
of
his
first
triumph
upon
his
cheeks
,
he
had
entered
the
town
of
Estella
and
received
the
congratulations
of
the
inhabitants
.
When
he
descended
to
the
breakfast-room
,
he
found
Mr.
Monroe
,
Ellen
,
and
Katherine
already
assembled
:
they
too
were
attired
in
a
manner
which
showed
that
they
were
not
to
be
omitted
from
the
bridal
party
.
At
eight
o'clock
the
Grand-Duke
's
carriage
drove
up
to
the
door
;
and
in
a
few
minutes
our
hero
and
his
friends
were
on
their
way
to
Richmond
.
"
Strange
!
"
thought
Ellen
to
herself
;
"
that
I
should
have
passed
my
honeymoon
of
twenty-four
hours
with
him
in
the
same
neighbourhood
whither
Richard
is
now
repairing
to
fetch
his
bride
.
"
The
carriage
rolled
rapidly
along
;
and
as
the
clock
struck
nine
it
dashed
up
the
avenue
to
the
door
of
the
now
royal
dwelling
.
Richard
and
his
companions
were
ushered
into
the
drawing-room
,
where
the
Grand-Duke
and
the
Duchess
,
with
the
aides-de-camp
,
and
a
few
select
guests
,
were
awaiting
their
arrival
.
The
reception
which
Mr.
Monroe
,
Ellen
,
and
Katherine
experienced
at
the
hands
of
the
royal
pair
was
of
a
most
cordial
kind
,
and
proved
how
favourably
our
hero
had
spoken
of
them
.
In
a
short
time
Isabella
made
her
appearance
,
attended
by
her
bridemaids
—
the
two
daughters
of
an
English
peer
.
Richard
hastened
to
present
his
friends
to
the
Princess
;
and
the
cordiality
of
the
parents
underwent
no
contrast
on
the
part
of
the
daughter
;
—
but
if
she
were
more
courteous
—
nay
,
kind
—
in
her
manner
to
either
,
that
preference
was
shown
towards
Ellen
.
And
it
struck
the
young
lady
that
such
slight
preference
was
evinced
towards
her
;
for
she
turned
a
quick
but
rapid
glance
of
profound
gratitude
upon
Richard
,
as
much
as
to
say
,
"
'
Tis
you
whom
I
must
thank
for
this
!
"
How
lovely
did
Isabella
seem
—
robed
in
virgin
white
,
and
her
cheeks
suffused
with
blushes
!
There
was
a
charm
of
ineffable
sweetness
—
a
halo
of
innocence
about
her
,
which
fascinated
the
beholder
even
more
than
the
splendour
of
her
beauty
.
As
she
cast
down
her
eyes
,
and
the
long
slightly-curling
black
fringes
reposed
upon
her
cheeks
,
there
was
an
air
of
purest
chastity
in
her
appearance
which
showed
how
nearly
allied
her
heart
was
to
the
guilelessness
of
angels
.
And
then
her
loveliness
of
person
—
Oh
!
that
was
of
a
nature
so
ravishing
,
so
enchanting
,
as
to
inspire
something
more
than
mere
admiration
—
something
nearer
resembling
a
worship
.
Poets
have
compared
eyes
to
stars
—
teeth
to
ivory
—
lips
to
coral
—
bosoms
to
snow
;
—
they
have
likened
symmetry
of
form
to
that
of
sylphs
,
and
lightness
of
step
to
that
of
fairies
;
—
but
poor
,
poor
indeed
are
all
similitudes
which
we
might
call
to
our
aid
to
convey
an
idea
of
the
beauty
of
this
charming
Italian
maiden
,
now
arrayed
in
her
bridal
vestment
!
The
ceremony
was
twofold
,
Richard
being
a
Protestant
and
Isabella
a
Roman
Catholic
.
A
clergyman
of
the
Church
of
England
therefore
united
them
,
in
the
first
instance
,
by
special
licence
,
at
the
Grand-Duke
's
mansion
.
The
bridal
party
immediately
afterwards
entered
the
carriages
,
which
were
in
readiness
,
and
repaired
to
the
Roman
Catholic
chapel
at
Hammersmith
,
where
the
hands
of
the
young
couple
were
joined
anew
according
to
the
ritual
of
that
creed
.
And
now
the
most
exalted
of
Richard
's
earthly
hopes
were
attained
;
—
the
only
means
by
which
his
happiness
could
be
ensured
,
and
a
veil
drawn
over
the
sorrows
of
the
past
,
were
accomplished
.
When
he
looked
back
to
the
period
of
his
first
acquaintance
with
Isabella
,
—
remembered
how
ridiculously
insignificant
was
once
the
chance
that
his
love
for
her
would
ever
terminate
in
aught
save
disappointment
,
—
and
then
followed
up
all
the
incidents
which
had
gradually
smoothed
down
the
difficulties
that
arose
in
his
path
until
the
happy
moment
when
he
knelt
by
her
side
at
the
altar
of
God
,
—
he
was
lost
in
astonishment
at
the
inscrutable
ways
of
that
Providence
which
had
thus
brought
to
a
successful
issue
an
aspiration
that
at
first
wore
the
appearance
of
a
wild
and
delusive
dream
!
On
the
return
of
the
bridal
party
to
the
mansion
near
Richmond
,
a
splendid
banquet
was
served
up
;
and
if
there
were
a
sentiment
of
melancholy
which
stole
upon
the
happiness
of
any
present
,
it
was
on
the
part
of
Isabella
and
her
parents
at
the
idea
of
separation
.
At
length
the
déjeuner
is
over
;
and
Isabella
retires
with
her
mother
and
bridemaids
to
prepare
for
her
departure
.
The
Grand-Duke
takes
that
opportunity
to
thrust
a
sealed
packet
into
our
hero
's
hand
.
A
few
minutes
elapse
—
Isabella
returns
—
the
farewells
take
place
—
and
the
bridegroom
conducts
his
charming
bride
to
the
carriage
.
Mr.
Monroe
,
Ellen
,
and
Katherine
follow
in
a
second
chariot
.
It
was
four
o'clock
in
the
afternoon
when
Richard
assisted
his
lovely
young
wife
to
alight
at
the
door
of
his
own
mansion
;
and
now
Markham
Place
becomes
the
residence
of
the
Prince
and
Princess
of
Montoni
.
Vain
were
it
to
attempt
to
describe
the
delight
of
the
old
butler
when
he
beheld
his
master
bring
home
that
beauteous
,
blushing
bride
;
and
—
as
he
said
in
the
course
of
the
day
to
Mr.
Monroe
,
"
It
was
only
,
sir
,
a
doo
sense
of
that
comportance
which
belongs
to
a
man
in
my
situation
of
authority
over
the
servants
that
perwented
me
from
collapsing
into
some
of
them
antics
that
I
indulged
in
when
we
heerd
of
Master
—
I
mean
of
his
Highness
's
successes
in
Castle
Chichory
,
and
when
he
came
home
the
day
before
yesterday
.
But
I
wo
n't
do
it
,
sir
—
I
wo
n't
do
it
;
although
I
do
n't
promise
,
Mr.
Monroe
,
"
he
added
,
in
a
mysterious
whisper
,
"
that
I
sha
n't
go
to
bed
rayther
jolly
to-night
with
champagne
.
"
It
was
eleven
o'clock
that
night
when
Ellen
cautiously
issued
from
the
back
door
of
the
mansion
.
She
passed
rapidly
through
the
garden
,
passed
out
of
the
gate
,
and
hastily
ascended
the
hill
on
whose
summit
were
the
two
trees
.
A
man
was
seated
on
the
bench
.
Ellen
approached
him
,
threw
her
arms
round
his
neck
,
and
embraced
him
with
a
tenderness
that
even
appeared
to
surprise
him
by
its
warmth
.
She
placed
herself
by
his
side
;
he
drew
her
towards
him
—
and
kissed
her
almost
affectionately
.
"
You
are
not
happy
?
"
said
Ellen
,
in
a
plaintive
and
anxious
tone
.
"
I
knew
that
by
the
contents
of
the
note
which
Marian
gave
me
just
now
;
and
your
manner
confirms
me
in
the
opinion
.
"
"
I
know
not
how
it
is
,
"
replied
Greenwood
,
without
answering
her
question
in
a
direct
way
,
"
but
you
never
seemed
dear
to
me
,
Ellen
,
until
this
evening
.
"
"
And
am
I
dear
to
