someyears
ago
.
All
this
may
seem
very
strange
:
it
is
nevertheless
true
.
Therefore
,
I
have
no
more
right
to
quarrel
with
Lady
Cecilia
on
your
account
,
than
she
has
to
abuse
me
on
account
of
that
young
person
whom
you
saw
in
the
house
just
now
.
Now
,
then
,
my
dear
captain
,
"
continued
the
baronet
,
his
tone
again
becoming
bitterly
ironical
,
"
you
may
at
your
ease
congratulate
yourself
upon
being
the
only
person
that
Lady
Cecilia
has
ever
loved
,
and
the
only
one
on
whom
she
has
ever
bestowed
her
favours
with
the
exception
of
her
husband
.
"
"
Then
I
am
to
understand
,
sir
,
"
said
the
officer
,
perfectly
astounded
at
the
turn
which
the
affair
had
taken
,
"
that
you
do
not
consider
yourself
offended
or
aggrieved
by
the
—
the
—
—
"
"
Not
a
whit
!
"
ejaculated
the
baronet
.
"
On
the
contrary
—
I
have
no
doubt
we
shall
be
excellent
friends
in
future
.
"
The
captain
bowed
,
and
rose
to
depart
.
Sir
Rupert
unlocked
and
opened
the
door
for
him
,
and
then
ushered
him
,
with
affected
politeness
,
out
of
the
house
.
When
he
returned
to
the
parlour
,
he
found
Lady
Cecilia
red
with
indignation
.
"
What
means
this
scene
,
Sir
Rupert
,
"
she
said
,
"
after
our
mutual
compact
?
"
"
My
dear
,
"
answered
the
baronet
,
calmly
,
"
you
treated
my
little
friend
in
a
most
unpleasant
manner
,
and
I
thought
myself
justified
in
retaliating
to
a
certain
extent
.
Besides
,
I
was
compelled
to
give
an
explanation
to
a
man
who
would
have
otherwise
looked
upon
me
as
a
coward
for
failing
to
demand
satisfaction
of
him
.
"
"
But
did
you
not
consider
that
you
have
rendered
me
contemptible
in
his
eyes
?
"
demanded
Lady
Cecilia
,
bursting
with
spite
.
"
Never
fear
,
"
said
the
baronet
.
"
Confiding
in
your
sweet
assurances
that
he
alone
has
ever
possessed
your
love
,
and
that
he
alone
,
save
your
husband
,
has
ever
been
blest
with
the
proofs
of
that
affection
,
he
will
return
ere
long
to
your
arms
.
Besides
,
am
I
not
going
to
France
to-night
with
my
splendid
friend
Chichester
?
"
"
This
is
cruel
,
Sir
Rupert
.
If
an
accident
made
you
acquainted
with
the
conversation
which
passed
between
us
—
—
"
"
An
accident
indeed
!
"
interrupted
Sir
Rupert
Harborough
,
laughing
affectedly
.
"
'
Pon
my
honour
,
the
entire
adventure
was
one
of
the
drollest
that
ever
occurred
!
But
let
us
say
no
more
upon
the
subject
!
Adhere
to
the
compact
on
your
side
,
and
insult
not
my
friends
—
—
"
"
But
a
prostitute
in
my
house
!
"
ejaculated
Lady
Cecilia
,
still
loathing
the
idea
.
"
And
my
wife
's
paramour
in
my
house
!
"
cried
Sir
Rupert
.
"
Oh
!
there
is
something
refined
in
an
amour
with
one
's
equal
,
"
said
Lady
Cecilia
:
"
but
a
wretch
of
that
description
—
—
"
"
Enough
of
this
!
"
cried
the
baronet
.
"
The
servants
are
already
about
:
let
us
each
retire
to
our
own
rooms
.
"
And
this
suggestion
was
immediately
adopted
.
CHAPTER
CXXIV
.
THE
INTRIGUES
OF
A
DEMIREP
.
LADY
Cecilia
retired
to
her
own
chamber
,
locked
the
door
,
threw
herself
upon
the
bed
,
and
burst
into
tears
.
Oh
!
at
that
moment
how
the
hated
her
husband
;
—
how
she
hated
herself
!
She
wept
not
in
regret
of
her
evil
ways
:
she
poured
forth
tears
of
spite
when
she
thought
of
the
opinion
that
her
new
lover
must
form
of
her
,
after
the
explanation
given
by
Sir
Rupert
.
For
Captain
Fitzhardinge
was
rich
and
confiding
;
and
the
fair
patrician
had
calculated
upon
rendering
him
subservient
alike
to
her
necessities
and
her
licentiousness
.
But
,
now
—
what
must
he
think
of
one
who
bestowed
upon
him
those
favours
that
were
alienated
from
her
husband
by
a
formal
compact
?
What
opinion
could
he
entertain
of
a
woman
who
sinned
deliberately
by
virtue
of
an
understanding
with
him
whom
she
had
sworn
to
respect
and
obey
?
It
could
not
be
supposed
that
the
morality
of
Captain
Fitzhardinge
was
of
a
very
elevated
nature
:
but
in
the
occurrence
of
that
morning
there
was
something
calculated
to
shock
the
mind
the
least
delicate
—
the
least
refined
.
Yea
—
Lady
Cecilia
wept
;
for
she
thought
of
all
this
!
And
then
her
rage
against
her
husband
knew
no
bounds
.
"
The
wretch
—
the
cowardly
wretch
!
"
she
exclaimed
aloud
,
as
she
almost
gnashed
her
teeth
with
rage
:
"
was
he
not
born
to
be
my
ruin
?
From
the
moment
that
I
saw
him
first
until
the
present
hour
,
has
he
not
been
an
evil
genius
in
my
way
?
Yes
—
oh
!
yes
:
he
is
a
demon
sent
to
torture
me
in
this
world
for
my
faults
and
failings
!
Seduced
by
him
when
I
was
very
young
,
I
might
have
been
plunged
into
disgrace
and
infamy
,
had
not
my
father
purchased
his
consent
to
espouse
me
.
Then
the
large
sum
that
was
paid
to
save
my
honour
was
squandered
in
the
payment
of
his
debts
,
or
in
ministering
to
his
extravagances
.
Now
,
what
is
our
position
?
what
is
my
position
?
Shunned
by
my
own
father
and
mother
,
I
am
left
dependent
on
him
who
knows
not
how
to
obtain
enough
for
himself
;
or
else
I
—
I
,
the
daughter
of
a
peer
,
must
sell
myself
to
some
Mr.
Greenwood
or
Captain
Fitzhardinge
for
the
means
to
support
my
rank
!
Oh
!
it
is
atrocious
:
I
begin
to
loathe
myself
!
Would
that
I
were
the
mistress
of
some
wealthy
man
who
would
be
constant
and
kind
towards
me
,
rather
than
the
wife
of
this
beggared
baronet
!
"
Lady
Cecilia
rose
from
the
bed
,
advanced
towards
the
mirror
,
and
smoothed
her
hair
.
Then
she
perceived
that
her
eyes
were
red
with
weeping
.
"
Absurd
!
"
she
exclaimed
,
a
contemptuous
smile
curling
her
lips
:
"
why
should
I
shed
tears
upon
the
past
which
no
human
power
can
recall
?
Rather
let
me
avail
myself
of
the
present
,
and
endeavour
to
provide
for
the
future
.
Am
I
not
young
?
and
does
not
my
glass
tell
me
that
I
am
beautiful
?
Even
the
immaculate
—
the
taintless
—
the
exemplary
rector
of
Saint
David
's
paid
me
a
compliment
on
my
good
looks
when
I
met
him
at
Lady
Marlborough
's
,
a
few
days
ago
.
Yes
—
and
methought
that
if
the
most
evangelical
of
evangelical
clergymen
of
the
Established
Church
could
for
a
moment
be
moved
by
my
smile
,
—
if
that
admired
preacher
,
who
publicly
avows
that
he
refrains
from
marriage
upon
principle
,
—
if
that
holy
minister
who
is
quoted
as
a
pattern
to
his
class
,
and
an
example
for
the
whole
world
,
—
if
he
could
whisper
a
word
savouring
of
a
compliment
in
my
ear
,
and
then
seem
ashamed
of
the
moment
of
weakness
into
which
his
admiration
had
betrayed
him
;
—
if
my
charms
could
effect
so
great
a
miracle
as
this
,
what
may
they
not
do
for
me
in
helping
me
on
to
fortune
?
"
She
paused
and
considered
herself
for
some
minutes
in
the
glass
opposite
to
her
.
"
Yes
,
"
she
cried
,
again
breaking
silence
,
"
I
will
no
longer
remain
in
the
same
house
with
my
unprincipled
and
heartless
husband
:
I
will
no
longer
breathe
the
tainted
atmosphere
which
he
inhabits
.
His
very
name
is
associated
in
my
mind
with
forgery
and
felony
!
I
will
break
the
shackle
which
yet
partially
binds
me
to
him
;
I
will
emancipate
myself
from
the
restraint
and
thraldom
wherein
I
now
exist
.
Fitzhardinge
is
rich
and
loving
:
perhaps
he
may
still
feel
the
influence
of
the
silken
chain
which
I
threw
around
his
heart
.
We
will
see
!
If
he
come
gladly
back
to
my
feet
,
my
aim
is
won
:
if
not
—
well
,
"
—
and
she
smiled
,
complacently
,
—
"
there
are
others
as
rich
,
as
handsome
,
and
as
easily
enchained
as
he
!
"
Lady
Cecilia
proceeded
to
her
desk
and
wrote
the
following
note
:
—
"
Come
to
me
,
dearest
Fitzhardinge
,
at
three
precisely
this
afternoon
:
I
have
much
to
say
respecting
the
specious
falsehoods
which
Sir
Rupert
uttered
this
morning
in
order
to
conceal
the
natural
cowardice
of
his
disposition
.
He
was
afraid
to
involve
himself
in
a
quarrel
with
you
;
and
he
excused
his
unmanly
forbearance
by
means
of
assertions
that
reflected
upon
me
.
Come
,
then
,
to
me
at
three
:
I
shall
be
alone
,
and
at
home
only
to
you
.
"
This
note
was
immediately
conveyed
to
Captain
Fitzhardinge
by
Cecilia
's
lady's-maid
,
who
was
the
confidant
of
her
mistress
's
intrigues
.
Having
despatched
her
missive
,
the
baronet
's
wife
proceeded
to
the
duties
of
the
toilet
.
This
employment
,
breakfast
,
the
newspaper
,
and
a
novel
,
wiled
away
the
time
until
about
one
o'clock
,
when
Lady
Cecilia
,
having
ascertained
that
her
husband
had
gone
out
half
an
hour
previously
,
descended
to
the
drawing-room
.
She
was
attired
in
a
simple
and
unpretending
manner
;
but
then
she
knew
that
this
style
became
her
best
.
She
was
determined
to
captivate
that
day
;
and
certainly
she
had
seldom
appeared
to
greater
advantage
.
Her
rich
auburn
hair
,
—
of
a
hue
as
warm
as
the
disposition
which
it
characterised
,
—
fell
in
long
hyperion
ringlets
upon
her
sloping
shoulders
:
her
blue
eyes
were
expressive
of
a
feeling
of
languid
voluptuousness
;
and
her
pure
complexion
was
set
off
by
the
dark
dress
that
she
wore
.
The
time-piece
upon
the
mantel
had
scarcely
struck
two
,
when
a
loud
double-knock
at
the
front-door
resounded
through
the
house
.
Lady
Cecilia
started
from
her
seat
,
for
she
had
forgotten
to
instruct
the
servants
"
that
she
was
only
at
home
to
Captain
Fitzhardinge
.
"
But
she
was
too
late
to
remedy
her
neglect
;
the
summons
was
already
answered
ere
she
had
gained
the
landing
on
which
the
drawing-room
opened
.
She
accordingly
returned
to
the
sofa
,
and
composed
herself
to
receive
the
visitor
,
whoever
it
might
be
.
In
a
few
moments
the
servant
announced
the
Earl
of
Warrington
.
With
this
nobleman
Lady
Cecilia
was
only
very
slightly
acquainted
,
she
having
met
him
on
two
or
three
occasions
,
some
years
previously
,
at
her
father
's
house
.
"
I
must
apologise
,
Lady
Harborough
,
for
this
intrusion
,
"
said
the
earl
;
"
but
I
trust
to
your
kindness
to
pardon
me
in
that
respect
,
and
to
afford
me
a
little
information
concerning
a
matter
which
has
suddenly
assumed
an
air
of
importance
in
my
eyes
.
"
"
No
apology
is
necessary
for
the
honour
which
your
lordship
confers
upon
me
by
visiting
my
humble
abode
,
"
answered
Lady
Cecilia
;
"
and
with
regard
to
the
subject
to
which
your
lordship
alludes
,
I
shall
be
happy
to
furnish
any
information
in
my
power
.
"
"
Your
ladyship
's
courtesy
encourages
me
to
proceed
,
"
continued
the
earl
.
"
Forgive
me
if
I
must
direct
your
attention
to
one
of
those
pieces
of
gossip
—
I
will
not
say
scandal
—
which
so
often
become
current
in
the
sphere
in
which
we
move
.
I
allude
to
an
anecdote
relative
to
a
certain
mysterious
remittance
of
a
thousand
pounds
which
was
forwarded
to
Sir
Rupert
Harborough
,
and
which
your
ladyship
undertook
to
disburse
for
his
advantage
.
"
"
Your
lordship
places
the
matter
in
as
delicate
a
light
as
possible
,
"
said
Lady
Cecilia
,
affecting
to
laugh
heartily
in
order
to
conceal
the
shame
which
she
really
experienced
at
this
reference
to
her
unworthy
action
;
"
but
it
was
only
a
pleasant
trick
which
I
played
Sir
Rupert
.
The
truth
is
,
Sir
Rupert
is
not
the
most
generous
of
men
towards
his
wife
;
and
when
I
found
that
some
honourable
person
was
repaying
him
a
debt
contracted
a
long
time
previously
,
I
thought
that
,
as
the
amount
fell
so
providentially
into
my
hands
,
I
could
not
do
better
than
appropriate
it
to
the
liquidation
of
the
arrears
of
pin-money
due
to
me
.
"
"
Very
just
,
madam
,
"
said
the
earl
,
forcing
himself
to
smile
at
the
incident
which
Lady
Cecilia
represented
in
the
light
of
a
venial
little
advantage
taken
by
a
wife
against
her
husband
.
"
I
believe
that
the
amount
was
forwarded
anonymously
?
"
"
To
tell
you
the
candid
truth
,
my
lord
,
"
answered
Lady
Cecilia
,
"
the
whole
affair
was
so
strange
and
romantic
,
that
I
kept
,
as
a
great
curiosity
,
the
letter
which
accompanied
the
bank-note
.
If
you
possess
any
interest
in
the
matter
—
—
"
"
Your
ladyship
knows
that
I
am
not
seeking
this
information
without
some
object
,
"
said
the
earl
,
emphatically
.
"
Would
it
be
indiscreet
,
"
he
added
,
in
a
less
serious
tone
,
"
to
request
a
glimpse
at
that
great
curiosity
?
"
"
Oh
!
by
no
means
,
"
returned
Lady
Cecilia
,
who
affected
to
treat
the
whole
matter
as
an
excellent
joke
;
then
,
rising
from
her
seat
,
she
hastened
to
her
work-box
,
and
in
a
few
moments
produced
the
letter
.
"
It
was
not
so
scented
with
musk
when
I
received
it
,
"
she
added
,
laughing
;
"
but
it
was
redolent
of
a
far
more
grateful
flavour
—
that
of
this
world
's
mammon
.
"
"
I
believe
mammon
is
the
deity
whom
we
all
more
or
less
adore
,
"
observed
the
Earl
of
Warrington
,
gallantly
taking
up
the
tone
of
chit-chat
,
rather
than
formality
,
which
Lady
Cecilia
endeavoured
to
infuse
into
the
conversation
:
then
,
as
he
received
the
letter
from
her
hand
,
he
said
,
"
May
I
be
permitted
to
read
it
?
"
"
Oh
!
certainly
,
my
lord
:
and
,
if
you
have
any
curiosity
in
the
matter
,
you
are
welcome
to
retain
it
,
"
answered
Lady
Cecilia
.
"
With
your
leave
I
will
do
so
,
"
said
the
earl
.
"
And
now
that
I
have
replied
to
all
your
lordship
's
queries
,
"
continued
Lady
Cecilia
,
"
may
I
ask
one
in
my
turn
?
"
The
earl
bowed
,
and
smiled
.
"
Who
was
the
indiscreet
eave's-dropper
or
tale-bearer
that
gave
your
lordship
the
hint
concerning
this
business
?
"
asked
the
baronet
's
wife
.
"
Methinks
that
your
ladyship
has
been
at
no
pains
to
conceal
the
affair
,
"
said
the
earl
:
"
and
what
hundreds
have
talked
about
cannot
well
be
charged
against
an
individual
tale-bearer
.
"
"
Nay
,
my
lord
,
I
mentioned
it
but
to
two
persons
,
"
exclaimed
Cecilia
;
"
the
first
was
to
Sir
Rupert
Harborough
—
in
a
moment
of
pique
;
and
the
other
was
to
a
—
a
—
particular
friend
—
—
"
"
I
am
not
indiscreet
enough
to
ask
for
names
,
"
interrupted
the
earl
,
rising
;
and
he
hastened
to
take
his
leave
,
ere
Lady
Cecilia
could
reiterate
her
question
relative
to
the
person
who
had
communicated
to
him
the
fact
of
the
intercepted
thousand
pounds
.
It
was
now
nearly
three
o'clock
;
and
Lady
Cecilia
again
composed
herself
to
receive
Captain
Fitzhardinge
.
Punctual
to
the
hour
,
that
officer
was
introduced
into
the
drawing-room
.
But
his
manner
,
instead
of
being
all
love
and
tenderness
,
was
simply
polite
and
friendly
.
"
Fitzhardinge
,
"
said
the
lady
,
"
I
perceive
that
you
have
allowed
yourself
to
be
prejudiced
against
me
.
"
"
Not
prejudiced
,
Lady
Cecilia
,
"
answered
the
guardsman
;
"
but
I
confess
that
I
am
no
longer
under
the
influence
of
a
blind
passion
.
The
conduct
of
your
husband
this
morning
was
that
of
a
man
who
was
acting
consistently
with
the
circumstances
which
he
explained
,
and
not
that
of
an
individual
who
was
playing
a
part
in
order
to
disguise
the
innate
cowardice
of
his
disposition
.
No
,
Cecilia
—
your
husband
is
not
a
coward
—
whatever
else
he
may
be
!
And
now
one
word
relative
to
myself
.
So
long
as
I
believed
that
you
made
to
me
,
as
a
proof
of
love
,
the
generous
sacrifice
of
conjugal
fidelity
,
—
so
long
as
I
believed
that
an
affection
for
me
alone
induced
you
to
violate
your
marriage-vow
,
—
then
the
dream
was
sweet
,
though
not
the
less
criminal
!
But
when
I
discovered
that
you
made
no
sacrifice
to
me
,
—
that
you
came
not
to
my
arms
warm
with
a
love
that
trembled
at
detection
,
but
secure
in
the
existence
of
a
heartless
compact
with
your
husband
,
—
then
my
eyes
were
opened
,
and
I
saw
that
Lady
Cecilia
Harborough
had
risked
nothing
of
all
that
she
had
pretended
to
risk
—
sacrificed
nothing
of
all
that
she
had
affected
to
sacrifice
—
for
the
sake
of
Captain
Fitzhardinge
!
Thus
the
delusion
was
destroyed
;
and
although
our
amour
might
be
based
upon
more
impunity
than
I
had
ever
conceived
,
it
would
be
the
less
sweet
!
The
charm
—
the
spell
is
broken
!
"
"
And
have
you
come
here
to
tell
me
all
this
—
to
insult
me
with
your
moralisings
?
"
demanded
Lady
Cecilia
,
the
fire
of
indignation
and
wounded
pride
displacing
the
languid
voluptuousness
which
had
at
first
reigned
in
the
expression
of
her
eyes
.
"
No
!
not
to
insult
you
,
Cecilia
,
"
answered
the
officer
;
"
but
to
explain
in
an
open
and
candid
manner
the
motive
which
leads
me
to
say
:
'
Let
us
forget
the
past
,
as
it
regards
each
other
!
'
"
"
Be
it
so
,
"
said
Lady
Cecilia
,
deeply
humiliated
,
and
now
hating
the
handsome
officer
much
more
than
she
had
ever
liked
him
.
"
In
that
case
,
sir
,
we
can
have
nothing
more
to
say
to
each
other
.
"
Captain
Fitzhardinge
bowed
,
and
withdrew
.
Lady
Cecilia
fell
back
upon
the
sofa
,
murmuring
,
"
Beaten
—
beaten
!
defeated
in
this
hope
!
"
And
tears
came
into
her
eyes
.
But
in
a
few
moments
she
exclaimed
,
"
How
foolish
is
this
grief
!
how
useless
this
indignation
!
Sorrow
and
hatred
are
the
consuming
enemies
of
female
beauty
!
Did
I
not
say
ere
now
that
there
were
others
in
the
world
as
rich
,
as
handsome
,
and
as
confiding
as
Captain
Fitzhardinge
?
"
As
she
uttered
these
words
aloud
,
the
haughty
beauty
wiped
her
eyes
and
composed
her
countenance
.
She
rose
and
advanced
towards
the
mirror
to
assure
herself
that
her
appearance
indicated
naught
of
those
tears
which
she
had
shed
;
and
as
she
contemplated
her
features
with
a
very
pardonable
pride
,
the
reminiscence
of
the
compliment
which
the
clergyman
of
Saint
David
's
had
paid
her
flashed
to
her
mind
.
She
smiled
triumphantly
as
she
pondered
upon
it
;
and
that
vague
,
shadowy
,
unsubstantial
phrase
of
flattery
,
that
now
formed
the
topic
of
her
thoughts
,
gradually
assumed
a
more
palpable
shape
in
her
imagination
,
—
became
invested
with
a
significant
meaning
,
—
then
grew
into
a
revelation
of
passion
,
—
and
was
at
length
embodied
into
a
perfect
romance
of
love
with
all
its
enjoyments
and
blisses
.
The
ardent
soul
of
that
frail
woman
converted
the
immaculate
clergyman
into
an
admirer
betrayed
in
an
unguarded
moment
into
a
confession
of
love
,
—
then
changed
him
into
a
suitor
kneeling
at
her
feet
,
—
and
by
rapid
degrees
carried
him
on
,
through
all
the
mystic
phases
of
passion
,
until
he
became
a
happy
lover
reclining
on
her
bosom
.
With
a
presumption
which
only
characterises
minds
of
her
warm
temperament
and
loose
ideas
of
morality
,
Cecilia
triumphed
in
the
half-hour
's
impassioned
reverie
which
succeeded
the
departure
of
Captain
Fitzhardinge
,
over
the
ascetic
virtue
and
self-denying
integrity
which
public
opinion
ascribed
to
the
rector
of
Saint
David
's
.
Then
,
when
some
trifling
incident
aroused
her
from
this
wild
and
romantic
dream
,
she
did
not
smile
at
its
folly
—
she
regarded
it
as
a
species
of
inspiration
prompting
her
in
which
direction
to
play
the
artillery
of
her
charms
.
"
Yes
,
"
she
exclaimed
,
musing
aloud
;
"
he
once
said
,
'
I
never
saw
you
look
so
well
as
you
appear
this
evening
:
'
—
these
words
shall
be
a
motto
to
a
new
chapter
in
my
life
!
"
And
she
smiled
triumphantly
as
if
her
daring
aim
were
already
accomplished
!
"
Thirty-six
years
of
age
,
"
she
abruptly
resumed
her
musings
,
—
"
wealthy
—
handsome
—
unmarried
,
from
principle
,
"
—
and
here
an
erratic
smile
of
mingled
satisfaction
and
irony
played
on
her
rosy
lips
,
—
"
and
yet
fond
of
society
,
the
Reverend
Reginald
Tracy
must
no
longer
be
permitted
to
remain
proof
against
woman
's
beauty
—
aye
,
and
woman
's
wiles
.
Oh
!
no
—
he
shall
repeat
to
me
,
but
far
more
tenderly
,
the
words
he
uttered
the
other
evening
:
his
passing
compliment
shall
become
a
permanent
expression
of
his
sentiments
!
But
his
character
—
his
disposition
?
must
I
not
study
them
?
If
that
be
necessary
,
the
task
is
ready
to
hand
!
"
She
rose
from
the
sofa
,
and
having
selected
an
ecclesiastical
magazine
from
some
books
that
stood
upon
a
cheffonier
,
returned
to
her
seat
to
peruse
at
leisure
a
sketch
which
the
work
contained
of
the
character
,
ministry
,
and
popularity
of
the
rector
of
Saint
David
's
.
CHAPTER
CXXV
.
THE
RECONCILIATION
.
IN
the
meantime
the
Earl
of
Warrington
drove
to
the
hotel
in
Dover
Street
,
where
Diana
Arlington
lay
;
and
,
upon
inquiry
,
he
ascertained
that
a
nurse
and
the
medical
attendant
were
with
her
.
He
desired
to
be
conducted
to
a
private
room
,
and
then
despatched
the
waiter
to
request
the
professional
gentleman
to
step
thither
for
a
few
moments
.
"
What
name
shall
I
say
,
sir
?
"
asked
the
servant
,
who
was
unacquainted
with
the
earl
's
person
.
"
It
is
needless
to
mention
any
name
,
"
replied
the
nobleman
;
"
I
shall
not
detain
the
gentleman
five
minutes
.
"
The
servant
disappeared
,
and
in
a
few
moments
returned
,
followed
by
the
medical
attendant
.
The
waiter
introduced
him
into
the
apartment
,
and
then
withdrew
.
"
I
believe
,
sir
,
"
said
the
earl
,
"
that
you
are
attending
upon
the
lady
who
experienced
so
severe
an
accident
last
night
?
"
"
I
was
by
chance
passing
through
Dover
Street
when
the
flames
burst
forth
,
"
was
the
reply
:
"
and
I
gave
an
immediate
alarm
to
the
police
.
I
remained
upon
the
spot
to
ascertain
if
my
professional
services
could
be
rendered
available
;
and
it
was
well
that
I
did
so
.
"
"
The
lady
then
is
much
injured
?
"
said
the
earl
,
in
a
tone
expressive
of
emotion
.
"
Seriously
injured
,
"
answered
the
surgeon
;
"
and
as
I
live
at
some
distance
from
this
neighbourhood
,
I
considered
it
proper
to
remain
with
the
patient
all
night
.
Indeed
,
I
have
not
left
her
for
a
moment
since
the
accident
occurred
.
"
"
Your
attention
shall
be
nobly
recompensed
,
sir
,
"
said
the
earl
.
"
Here
is
my
card
,
and
I
am
your
debtor
.
"
The
surgeon
bowed
low
as
his
eye
glanced
upon
the
name
of
the
individual
in
whose
presence
he
stood
.
"
And
now
,
"
continued
the
nobleman
,
"
answer
me
one
question
—
candidly
and
sincerely
.
Will
your
patient
be
scarred
by
the
effects
of
the
fire
?
"
"
My
lord
,
that
is
more
than
I
can
answer
for
,
"
returned
the
surgeon
.
"
Fortunately
,
medical
assistance
was
rendered
the
moment
after
the
accident
occurred
;
and
this
circumstance
should
inspire
great
hope
!
"
"
Then
I
will
hope
,
"
said
the
earl
.
"
How
long
an
interval
do
you
imagine
must
elapse
ere
she
may
be
pronounced
convalescent
?
Or
rather
,
I
should
have
asked
,
is
she
in
any
positive
danger
?
"
"
There
is
always
danger
—
great
danger
in
these
cases
,
my
lord
.
But
,
should
the
fever
subside
in
a
few
days
,
I
should
recommend
the
removal
of
the
patient
to
some
quiet
neighbourhood
—
afar
from
the
bustle
of
the
West
End
.
"
"
You
said
that
you
yourself
resided
some
distance
from
hence
?
"
observed
the
earl
,
after
a
few
moments
'
reflection
.
"
My
abode
is
in
Lower
Holloway
,
my
lord
,
"
answered
the
surgeon
;
"
and
my
name
is
Wentworth
.
"
"
Holloway
is
quiet
and
retired
,
"
said
the
earl
;
"
but
is
not
the
air
too
bleak
there
at
this
season
?
"
"
It
is
pure
and
wholesome
,
my
lord
;
and
the
spot
is
tranquil
,
and
devoid
of
the
bustle
of
crowds
and
the
din
of
carriages
.
"
"
Wherever
Mrs.
Arlington
may
remain
until
her
recovery
,
"
said
the
Earl
,
"
she
must
receive
all
the
attentions
which
can
be
lavished
upon
her
;
and
in
nothing
must
she
be
thwarted
where
gold
can
procure
her
the
gratification
of
her
wishes
.
"
"
I
would
offer
to
place
my
house
at
the
lady
's
disposal
,
my
lord
—
and
the
attention
of
Mrs.
Wentworth
would
be
unremitting
—
but
—
—
"
"
Name
the
obstacle
,
"
said
the
earl
.
"
Perhaps
you
consider
that
the
position
of
the
lady
with
regard
to
myself
,
—
a
position
the
nature
of
which
you
may
have
divined
,
—
is
somewhat
too
equivocal
to
permit
your
wife
—
—
"
"
No
,
my
lord
;
medical
men
have
no
scruples
of
that
kind
.
I
hesitated
because
I
feared
that
my
abode
would
be
too
humble
—
—
"
"
Then
let
that
obstacle
vanish
this
moment
,
"
interrupted
the
earl
.
"
It
is
my
wish
that
Mrs.
Arlington
should
be
removed
to
your
house
so
soon
as
the
step
can
be
taken
with
safety
to
herself
:
you
will
then
devote
yourself
to
her
cure
;
and
on
you
I
place
my
reliance
.
I
have
been
unjust
to
her
,
Mr
Wentworth
,
"
continued
the
nobleman
,
pressing
the
surgeon
's
hand
,
and
speaking
in
a
low
but
hurried
tone
,
—
"
I
have
been
unjust
to
her
—
but
I
will
make
her
ample
reparation
—
that
is
,
provided
you
can
preserve
her
beauty
,
—
for
we
are
all
mortal
—
and
I
confess
to
a
weakness
,
—
but
no
matter
!
Say
—
you
will
do
your
best
!
"
"
My
lord
,
I
am
poor
,
and
struggling
with
the
world
,
"
answered
the
surgeon
,
"
and
,
I
may
say
without
vanity
—
because
I
possess
certificates
from
eminent
medical
men
under
whom
I
have
studied
—
that
I
am
not
ignorant
of
my
profession
.
My
lord
,
I
have
every
inducement
to
devote
all
the
knowledge
I
possess
to
the
aim
which
you
desire
.
My
attentions
shall
be
unwearied
and
unremitting
;
and
if
I
succeed
—
—
"
"
If
you
succeed
in
restoring
her
to
me
in
that
perfection
of
beauty
which
invested
her
when
I
took
leave
of
her
yesterday
,
—
without
a
mark
,
without
a
scar
,
—
your
fortune
shall
be
my
care
,
and
you
will
have
no
need
to
entertain
anxiety
relative
to
the
future
,
with
the
Earl
of
Warrington
as
your
patron
.
"
"
At
present
,
my
lord
,
all
I
can
say
is
—
I
will
do
my
best
,
"
rejoined
Mr.
Wentworth
.
"
And
at
present
I
can
ask
no
more
,
"
exclaimed
the
earl
:
then
,
after
a
moment
's
pause
,
he
said
,
"
May
I
be
allowed
to
see
your
patient
for
a
few
moments
?
"
The
surgeon
hesitated
.
"
I
know
why
you
dislike
this
proposal
,
"
observed
the
nobleman
:
"
you
are
afraid
that
,
when
I
contemplate
the
altered
countenance
of
that
woman
who
was
lately
so
beautiful
,
I
shall
despair
of
her
complete
cure
.
"
"
Such
is
,
indeed
,
my
impression
,
"
answered
Mr.
Wentworth
.
"
Those
symptoms
and
appearances
which
are
most
alarming
to
persons
unacquainted
with
the
medical
art
,
are
frequently
the
least
causes
of
alarm
to
the
professional
man
.
"
"
Then
let
me
speak
to
her
,
and
not
see
her
,
"
said
the
earl
.
"
I
understand
your
lordship
:
in
a
few
minutes
I
will
return
.
"
And
the
surgeon
withdrew
.
During
his
absence
the
earl
paced
the
room
in
an
agitated
and
excited
manner
,
which
was
quite
inconsistent
with
the
usual
equanimity
and
even
gravity
of
his
temperament
.
Ten
minutes
had
elapsed
when
the
surgeon
came
back
.
"
Will
your
lordship
follow
me
?
"
Mr.
Wentworth
led
the
way
to
the
chamber
in
which
Diana
Arlington
lay
.
The
shutters
were
closed
,
and
the
curtains
were
drawn
around
the
bed
:
the
room
was
nearly
dark
,
a
few
straggling
gleams
of
light
alone
forcing
their
way
through
the
chinks
in
the
shutters
.
When
the
earl
entered
the
apartment
,
the
surgeon
remained
in
the
passage
outside
:
the
nurse
had
already
been
directed
to
retire
for
a
short
time
.
The
nobleman
approached
the
bed
,
and
seating
himself
in
a
chair
by
the
side
,
said
,
"
Diana
,
can
you
forgive
me
for
my
cruelty
of
yesterday
?
"
"
I
never
entertained
a
feeling
of
resentment
,
my
lord
,
and
therefore
have
nothing
to
forgive
,
"
was
the
answer
,
delivered
in
a
low
and
plaintive
tone
.
"
I
did
you
a
serious
wrong
,
Diana
,
"
continued
the
earl
;
"
but
I
am
not
too
proud
to
confess
my
error
.
I
trembled
at
the
idea
of
ridicule
:
hence
the
hastiness
of
my
conduct
.
And
then
,
there
was
a
suspicion
in
my
mind
—
a
suspicion
which
made
me
uneasy
,
very
uneasy
—
but
which
is
now
dispelled
.
I
have
read
your
letter
which
accompanied
the
bank-note
addressed
to
Sir
Rupert
Harborough
;
and
I
am
satisfied
in
respect
to
the
integrity
—
nay
,
the
generosity
of
your
motives
.
"
"
It
was
kind
of
you
,
my
lord
,
to
take
the
steps
necessary
to
reinstate
me
in
your
good
opinion
,
"
murmured
Diana
from
her
couch
,
in
a
tone
evidently
subdued
by
deep
emotion
.
"
There
was
no
kindness
in
the
performance
of
an
act
of
justice
,
"
returned
the
earl
.
"
When
I
read
in
this
morning
's
newspaper
the
sad
account
of
that
terrible
accident
of
last
night
,
my
heart
smote
me
for
my
conduct
towards
you
.
Then
I
reflected
upon
all
the
happiness
which
I
had
enjoyed
in
your
society
,
and
I
was
moved
—
deeply
,
profoundly
moved
!
I
despatched
a
servant
to
this
hotel
to
inquire
if
you
were
really
so
seriously
injured
as
the
journal
represented
;
and
he
brought
me
back
word
that
your
life
was
no
longer
in
positive
danger
,
but
—
—
"
"
But
that
I
shall
be
a
hideous
object
for
the
remainder
of
my
days
,
"
added
Diana
,
with
somewhat
of
bitterness
in
her
manner
.
"
God
forbid
!
"
cried
the
earl
,
energetically
:
"
Mr.
Wentworth
seems
to
promise
—
—
"
"
Alas
!
the
medical
art
prompts
its
professors
to
console
the
mind
in
order
to
heal
the
body
;
but
I
am
not
foolish
enough
to
yield
to
a
hope
so
baseless
!
"
These
words
were
uttered
in
a
tone
of
the
most
profound
melancholy
.
"
Diana
,
you
must
hope
,
"
exclaimed
the
Earl
of
Warrington
:
"
you
will
recover
—
yes
,
you
will
recover
;
and
even
if
a
slight
trace
of
this
accident
—
—
"
"
A
slight
trace
!
"
almost
screamed
Diana
—
and
the
earl
could
hear
her
roll
herself
convulsively
over
on
her
pillow
:
"
a
slight
trace
,
my
lord
!
I
shall
be
disfigured
for
life
:
nothing
can
save
me
!
My
countenance
will
be
seared
as
with
a
red-hot-iron
—
my
neck
will
be
covered
with
deep
scars
—
my
arms
,
my
entire
body
will
be
furrowed
with
crimson
and
purple
marks
!
O
God
!
it
is
hard
to
suffer
thus
!
"
And
then
she
burst
into
an
agonising
flood
of
tears
.
The
earl
allowed
her
to
weep
without
interruption
:
he
knew
that
her
mind
would
be
relieved
by
that
outpouring
of
feeling
.
And
he
was
right
:
in
a
few
minutes
she
said
,
"
Pardon
me
—
I
am
weak
,
I
am
foolish
.
And
now
proceed
to
tell
me
how
you
became
possessed
of
that
note
which
I
sent
with
the
money
to
Sir
Rupert
Harborough
.
"
The
Earl
of
Warrington
then
related
the
particulars
of
his
interview
with
Lady
Cecilia
.
"
And
now
that
I
have
done
an
act
of
justice
,
and
convinced
myself
of
the
purity
of
the
motives
which
induced
you
to
act
in
the
manner
that
created
my
displeasure
,
"
continued
the
earl
,
"
let
us
talk
of
yourself
.
I
have
made
arrangements
with
Mr.
Wentworth
which
,
I
hope
,
will
meet
your
approval
and
conduce
to
your
benefit
.
When
you
can
be
removed
with
safety
,
you
shall
be
conveyed
from
the
bustle
of
an
hotel
in
a
crowded
neighbourhood
to
the
tranquil
retirement
of
Mr.
Wentworth
's
abode
at
Holloway
.
I
am
induced
to
place
reliance
upon
the
skill
and
talent
of
that
man
—
I
scarcely
know
why
.
"
"
Oh
!
yes
—
he
is
no
doubt
very
clever
,
"
said
the
patient
;
"
for
his
treatment
of
me
speedily
gave
me
relief
from
the
acuteness
of
the
agony
which
I
at
first
experienced
.
"
"
Every
thing
shall
be
done
to
conduce
to
your
comfort
,
Diana
,
"
resumed
the
nobleman
.
"
My
upholsterer
shall
send
down
to
Mr.
Wentworth
's
house
the
furniture
that
may
be
required
for
the
rooms
which
you
are
to
occupy
;
and
my
steward
shall
supply
him
with
ample
funds
.
"
"
How
kind
—
how
good
you
are
,
"
murmured
Diana
.
"
But
I
shall
not
attempt
to
see
you
,
"
continued
the
earl
,
"
until
your
recovery
is
announced
to
me
—
your
complete
recovery
;
and
then
—
—
"
He
checked
himself
;
and
there
was
a
long
silence
.
Suddenly
the
earl
arose
.
"
Farewell
,
Diana
—
my
presence
is
not
calculated
to
calm
you
,
"
he
exclaimed
.
"
I
shall
now
leave
you
—
but
,
remember
,
I
watch
over
you
from
a
distance
.
Farewell
!
"
"
Farewell
—
till
we
meet
again
,
"
said
Diana
.
"
But
—
oh
!
how
shall
I
dread
that
day
!
And
—
if
my
worst
fears
should
be
confirmed
—
if
I
really
become
the
horrible
,
scarred
,
hideous
object
which
I
dread
,
—
then
—
then
we
shall
never
meet
more
,
—
for
I
will
fly
from
the
world
and
bury
myself
in
some
deep
solitude
whither
none
who
ever
knew
me
in
my
bright
days
shall
trace
me
!
"
"
You
will
not
be
forced
to
adopt
such
an
alternative
,
Diana
—
believe
me
you
will
not
!
"
exclaimed
the
earl
.
"
At
all
events
—
let
us
hope
,
—
let
us
both
hope
!
"
The
earl
hastily
withdrew
.
In
the
passage
he
encountered
the
surgeon
,
to
whom
he
reiterated
his
instructions
relative
to
the
attention
to
be
shown
towards
the
patient
.
"
Mr.
Wentworth
,
"
he
said
,
in
an
emphatic
tone
,
"
remember
all
that
I
have
told
you
.
Gold
shall
be
placed
at
your
disposal
with
no
niggard
hand
;
spare
no
expense
!
That
lady
's
complete
restoration
to
her
pristine
beauty
is
your
care
:
think
of
naught
save
that
one
grand
aim
!
"
"
My
lord
,
"
answered
the
surgeon
,
"
I
can
only
repeat
the
words
I
used
just
now
—
I
will
do
my
best
!
"
The
earl
pressed
his
hand
warmly
,
and
hurried
away
—
more
affected
by
the
incidents
of
that
day
than
he
had
been
for
many
,
many
years
.
CHAPTER
CXXVI
.
THE
RECTOR
OF
SAINT
DAVID
'S
.
IT
is
not
necessary
to
explain
to
our
readers
the
precise
locality
of
the
splendid
Chapel
of
Ease
known
by
the
name
of
Saint
David
's
.
Suffice
it
to
say
,
that
it
is
situate
not
a
hundred
miles
from
Russell
or
Tavistock
Square
;
and
that
the
clergyman
attached
to
it
at
the
period
of
which
we
are
writing
was
the
Rev.
Reginald
Tracy
.
It
was
Sunday
morning
.
A
crowd
of
well-dressed
persons
,
of
both
sexes
,
poured
into
the
chapel
of
Saint
David
's
.
The
street
was
lined
with
carriages
;
and
when
each
in
its
turn
drew
up
at
the
door
of
the
sacred
edifice
,
the
élite
of
the
aristocracy
might
have
been
observed
to
alight
and
hasten
to
form
part
of
the
immense
congregation
assembled
to
hear
the
most
popular
preacher
of
the
day
.
The
interior
of
the
chapel
was
vast
,
and
of
a
convenient
oblong
form
.
It
was
lofty
,
and
beautifully
fitted
up
.
On
three
sides
were
large
and
roomy
galleries
,
amphitheatrically
arranged
with
pews
.
The
magnificent
organ
stood
in
the
gallery
over
the
entrance
;
and
at
the
further
end
was
the
communion-table
.
The
pulpit
,
with
its
annexed
reading-desk
,
stood
a
little
in
front
of
the
altar
,
and
facing
the
organ
.
The
pews
both
of
the
galleries
and
the
body
of
the
church
were
provided
with
soft
cushions
;
for
this
was
a
proprietary
chapel
,
and
there
was
but
a
slender
accommodation
for
the
poor
.
Indeed
,
this
class
occupied
plain
benches
in
the
aisles
,
and
were
compelled
to
enter
by
a
small
side-door
so
that
they
might
not
mingle
with
the
crowd
of
elegantly
dressed
ladies
and
fashionable
gentlemen
that
poured
into
the
chapel
through
the
grand
entrance
in
front
.
A
policeman
maintained
order
at
the
side-door
,
which
admitted
the
humbler
classes
;
but
two
beadles
,
wearing
huge
cocked
hats
and
ample
blue
cloaks
bedizened
with
broad
gold-lace
,
and
holding
gilt
wands
in
their
hands
,
cleared
the
way
for
the
wealthy
,
the
great
,
and
the
proud
,
who
enjoyed
the
privilege
of
entrance
by
means
of
the
front
gates
.
"
This
way
,
my
lord
.
Pray
step
this
way
,
my
lady
,
"
said
the
polite
beadles
,
in
their
blandest
tones
.
"
The
pew-opener
is
in
attendance
,
my
lord
.
My
lady
,
here
is
the
hymn-book
,
which
your
ladyship
commanded
me
to
procure
for
your
ladyship
.
My
lord
,
take
care
of
the
step
.
This
door
,
ladies
,
if
you
please
.
Gentlemen
,
this
way
,
if
you
would
be
so
condescending
.
Yes
,
sir
—
certainly
,
sir
—
the
pew-opener
will
find
you
a
seat
,
sir
—
immediately
,
sir
.
Ladies
,
this
way
is
less
crowded
.
You
will
find
the
left
aisle
comparatively
empty
.
My
lord
,
straight
forward
,
if
your
lordship
will
be
so
good
.
Ladies
,
the
pew-opener
is
in
attendance
.
This
way
,
ladies
and
gentlemen
!
"
And
at
the
side-door
the
policeman
might
be
heard
vociferating
in
somewhat
like
the
following
manner
:
—
"
Now
,
then
,
you
young
woman
,
where
the
deuce
are
you
pushing
to
?
Want
to
get
a
good
place
,
eh
?
What
!
with
sich
a
rag
of
a
shawl
as
that
there
?
—
I
'm
afeard
I
ca
n't
admit
you
.
Now
,
boy
,
stand
back
,
or
I
'll
show
you
the
reason
why
.
I
say
,
old
woman
,
you
ai
n't
wanted
here
;
we
does
n't
take
in
vimen
with
red
cloaks
.
You
'd
better
go
to
the
dissenting
chapel
round
the
corner
,
you
had
:
that
's
good
enow
for
you
.
Holloa
!
what
's
this
mean
?
a
sweep
in
his
Sunday
toggery
.
Come
,
come
;
that
's
rayther
too
strong
,
chummy
.
You
toddle
off
,
now
.
Here
,
young
woman
,
you
may
come
in
;
you
may
—
'
cos
you
're
very
pretty
:
that
way
,
my
dear
.
Holloa
!
here
comes
a
feller
without
a
nose
.
No
—
no
—
that
wo
n't
do
at
no
price
;
my
orders
is
partickler
;
no
von
comes
here
vithout
a
nose
.
Vy
,
you
'd
frighten
all
the
great
ladies
out
o
'
their
vits
.
They
already
complains
of
the
riff-raff
that
comes
to
this
here
chapel
;
so
we
must
try
and
keep
it
se
-lect
—
just
like
Gibbs
's
westry
.
Ha
!
ha
!
now
then
,
who
's
that
blaigaird
a-talking
so
loud
there
?
It
's
on'y
me
as
can
talk
here
at
this
door
,
'
cos
I
'm
official
—
I
am
.
This
vay
,
young
woman
:
push
the
door
,
my
dear
.
Well
,
if
you
ai
n't
married
,
I
'm
sure
you
ought
to
be
.
Now
,
then
,
who
's
that
a
guffawing
like
a
rhinoceros
?
I
'll
clap
a
stopper
on
your
mug
,
I
will
.
Come
,
come
;
you
go
back
,
old
chap
:
no
workus-livery
here
;
this
is
the
wrong
shop
for
the
workus
people
;
this
is
—
I
can
tell
yer
.
Vell
,
you
're
a
genteel
couple
,
I
do
n't
think
—
coming
to
a
pro-pri-
ai
-tory
chapel
vithout
no
gloves
,
and
fists
as
black
as
tinkers
.
Stand
back
there
,
boys
,
and
let
that
young
gal
vith
the
yaller
ribands
come
up
:
she
's
decent
,
she
is
.
Yes
,
my
dear
,
—
you
may
go
in
,
my
dear
.
Now
,
then
,
stand
back
—
no
more
comes
in
this
mornin
'
:
the
orgin
's
begun
.
"
With
these
words
the
policeman
thrust
the
poor
people
violently
down
the
steps
,
entered
the
chapel
,
and
closed
the
door
in
their
faces
.
The
interior
was
crowded
throughout
;
and
it
was
very
evident
that
curiosity
and
fashion
,
more
than
devotion
,
had
congregated
in
that
chapel
the
rank
,
wealth
,
and
beauty
that
filled
the
pews
below
and
above
.
The
solemn
swell
of
the
organ
pealed
through
the
sacred
edifice
;
and
then
arose
the
morning
hymn
,
sung
by
a
select
corps
of
choristers
and
by
twelve
youths
belonging
to
the
school
of
a
celebrated
professor
of
Music
for
the
Millions
.
A
venerable
clergyman
,
with
hair
as
white
as
his
own
surplice
,
occupied
the
reading-desk
;
and
in
a
pew
close
by
the
pulpit
,
was
the
cynosure
that
attracted
all
eyes
—
the
Rev.
Reginald
Tracy
.
The
tall
commanding
form
of
this
clergyman
would
have
rendered
him
conspicuous
amongst
the
congregation
,
had
no
other
circumstance
tended
to
endow
him
with
popularity
.
His
countenance
was
eminently
handsome
:
his
high
and
open
forehead
was
set
off
,
but
not
shaded
,
by
dark
brown
hair
which
curled
naturally
;
his
hazel
eyes
beamed
with
the
fire
of
a
brilliant
intellect
;
his
Roman
nose
,
small
mouth
,
and
well-turned
chin
formed
a
profile
at
once
pleasing
and
commanding
;
and
his
large
well-curled
whiskers
,
meeting
beneath
his
chin
,
confirmed
the
manly
beauty
of
that
proud
and
imposing
countenance
.
There
was
a
profound
,
but
totally
unassuming
,
sense
of
the
solemnity
of
the
scene
and
of
the
sanctity
of
his
profession
in
his
manner
and
deportment
:
his
voice
did
not
join
in
the
hymn
,
but
his
mind
evidently
followed
the
words
,
as
he
from
time
to
time
glanced
at
the
book
which
he
held
in
his
hand
.
Doubtless
he
was
well
aware
—
but
nothing
in
his
demeanour
seemed
to
indicate
this
consciousness
—
that
he
was
the
centre
of
all
attraction
:
though
not
servilely
meek
nor
hypocritically
austere
,
he
was
still
surrounded
by
a
halo
of
religious
fervour
which
commanded
the
most
profound
respect
.
And
towards
him
were
turned
hundreds
of
bright
eyes
;
and
the
glances
of
fair
maids
dwelt
upon
his
countenance
rather
than
on
their
books
.
The
hymn
ceased
,
and
the
service
proceeded
.
At
length
the
anthem
succeeding
the
communion-service
,
filled
the
chapel
with
its
solemn
echoes
,
accompanied
by
the
pealing
of
the
magnificent
organ
.
Then
a
simultaneous
sensation
pervaded
the
entire
congregation
,
and
all
eyes
were
directed
towards
the
Rev.
Reginald
Tracy
,
who
was
now
ascending
the
steps
to
the
pulpit
.
The
anthem
was
ended
;
the
congregation
resumed
their
seats
;
and
the
preacher
commenced
.
It
is
not
,
however
,
our
intention
to
treat
our
readers
to
a
sermon
:
suffice
it
to
say
,
that
the
eloquence
and
matter
of
the
discourse
which
the
Rev.
Reginald
Tracy
delivered
upon
this
occasion
,
were
well
calculated
to
sustain
his
high
reputation
.
But
of
the
attentive
audience
,
no
individual
seemed
to
be
more
deeply
impressed
with
his
sermon
than
Lady
Cecilia
Harborough
,
who
sate
in
a
pew
near
the
pulpit
—
next
indeed
to
the
one
which
the
clergyman
himself
had
occupied
during
the
former
part
of
the
service
.
She
was
alone
;
for
on
the
previous
day
she
had
hired
that
pew
for
her
own
especial
use
.
Whenever
the
eyes
of
the
preacher
were
turned
in
the
direction
where
she
sate
,
she
appeared
to
be
wiping
away
tears
from
her
cheeks
;
for
the
sermon
was
on
a
solemn
and
pathetic
subject
.
More
than
once
she
fancied
that
he
observed
her
;
and
her
heart
beat
triumphantly
in
her
bosom
.
When
the
sermon
was
concluded
she
remained
in
her
pew
,
and
allowed
the
rest
of
the
congregation
to
leave
the
chapel
ere
she
moved
from
her
seat
.
At
length
the
sacred
edifice
was
deserted
,
save
by
herself
and
two
or
three
officials
connected
with
the
establishment
.
In
a
few
minutes
the
pew-opener
—
an
elderly
matron-like
person
—
accosted
her
,
and
said
,
"
If
you
please
,
ma'am
,
the
doors
will
be
closed
almost
directly
.
"
"
Could
you
—
could
you
oblige
me
with
a
glass
of
water
?
"
faltered
Lady
Cecilia
:
"
I
feel
as
if
I
were
about
to
faint
.
"
"
Oh
!
certainly
,
ma'am
,
"
answered
the
pew-opener
;
and
she
hurried
to
the
vestry
.
Presently
she
returned
,
accompanied
by
the
Rev.
Reginald
Tracy
himself
.
"
Is
the
lady
very
unwell
?
"
inquired
the
clergyman
of
the
pew-opener
,
as
they
advanced
together
towards
Lady
Cecilia
's
seat
.
"
She
seems
very
languid
—
quite
overcome
,
sir
,
"
was
the
answer
.
"
But
this
is
the
pew
.
"
The
clergyman
stepped
forward
,
and
instantly
recognised
the
fair
indisposed
.
"
Lady
Harborough
!
"
he
exclaimed
.
"
Is
your
ladyship
unwell
?
"
And
taking
the
tumbler
of
water
from
the
pew-opener
,
he
handed
it
to
the
baronet
's
wife
.
"
It
is
nothing
—
the
heat
,
I
suppose
,
"
murmured
Lady
Cecilia
;
and
she
drank
a
portion
of
the
water
.
"
Thank
you
,
Mr.
Tracy
,
for
your
attention
:
I
feel
better
—
much
better
now
.
"
"
Will
your
ladyship
step
into
the
vestry
and
sit
down
for
a
few
minutes
?
"
inquired
the
clergyman
,
really
concerned
at
the
presumed
indisposition
of
the
lady
.
"
If
it
would
not
be
indiscreet
,
I
should
esteem
it
a
favour
,
"
answered
Cecilia
,
still
speaking
in
a
tremulous
and
faltering
tone
.
Reginald
Tracy
instantly
proffered
his
arm
to
the
lady
,
and
conducted
her
to
the
vestry
,
where
the
venerable
clergyman
who
had
read
the
service
was
calmly
discussing
a
glass
of
sherry
.
"
I
am
ashamed
—
perfectly
ashamed
to
give
you
all
this
trouble
,
Mr.
Tracy
,
"
said
Cecilia
,
as
she
accepted
the
chair
which
was
offered
her
;
"
but
the
heat
of
the
chapel
—
and
,
to
tell
the
truth
,
the
emotions
which
your
beautiful
discourse
aroused
within
me
—
quite
overcame
me
.
"
"
The
chapel
was
,
indeed
,
very
much
crowded
,
"
answered
Reginald
Tracy
,
touched
by
the
homage
rendered
to
his
talent
in
the
second
cause
which
Lady
Cecilia
alleged
for
her
indisposition
.
"
Nevertheless
,
this
little
incident
will
not
in
future
prevent
me
from
becoming
one
of
the
most
regular
of
your
congregation
,
"
observed
Cecilia
,
with
a
smile
.
Mr.
Tracy
bowed
,
and
smiled
also
.
Both
had
brilliant
teeth
,
and
it
was
impossible
for
either
to
fail
to
notice
this
beautiful
feature
in
each
other
.
"
I
feel
quite
recovered
now
,
"
said
Cecilia
,
after
a
short
pause
,
"
and
will
return
home
.
I
offer
you
my
best
thanks
for
this
kind
attention
on
your
part
.
"
"
Do
not
mention
it
,
Lady
Harborough
.
But
I
cannot
permit
you
to
return
alone
,
after
this
indisposition
:
allow
me
to
conduct
you
as
far
as
your
own
door
?
"
"
I
could
not
think
of
taking
you
out
of
your
way
—
"
"
It
happens
that
I
have
a
call
to
make
in
Tavistock
Square
,
and
am
actually
going
that
way
,
"
interrupted
Reginald
Tracy
.
Lady
Cecilia
,
like
a
well-bred
person
as
she
was
,
offered
no
farther
objection
,
but
accepted
the
clergyman
's
escort
to
her
own
abode
.
During
the
short
walk
she
rendered
herself
as
agreeable
as
possible
;
though
purposely
conversing
upon
topics
suitable
to
the
sabbath
,
and
to
the
profession
of
her
companion
.
She
also
introduced
one
or
two
delicate
,
and
apparently
unsophisticated
,
allusions
to
the
eloquence
which
had
produced
so
deep
an
impression
upon
a
crowded
congregation
,
and
the
profound
attention
with
which
the
sermon
was
received
.
Then
she
artfully
,
but
with
admirably
assumed
sincerity
,
questioned
Mr.
Tracy
upon
two
or
three
passages
in
that
discourse
,
and
suffered
him
to
perceive
that
not
one
word
of
it
had
been
lost
upon
her
.
Mr.
Reginald
Tracy
was
mortal
like
any
other
human
being
,
and
was
not
exempt
from
some
of
the
weaknesses
of
that
mortality
.
It
was
impossible
for
him
not
to
experience
a
partial
sentiment
of
pride
and
satisfaction
at
the
impression
which
his
eloquence
had
evidently
made
upon
a
young
and
beautiful
woman
;
and
that
feeling
became
in
the
least
degree
more
tender
by
the
fact
that
this
young
and
beautiful
woman
was
leaning
upon
his
arm
.
Then
how
could
he
feel
otherwise
than
flattered
when
,
with
her
witching
eyes
upturned
towards
his
countenance
,
she
questioned
him
—
so
meekly
and
so
sincerely
,
as
he
thought
—
upon
the
very
passages
of
his
sermon
which
he
himself
considered
to
be
the
best
,
and
which
he
had
studied
to
render
the
most
effective
?
He
was
flattered
—
he
smiled
,
and
endeavoured
to
render
himself
agreeable
to
so
charming
a
woman
.
At
length
they
reached
the
door
of
Lady
Harborough
's
abode
.
The
syren
invited
him
to
walk
in
,
as
a
matter
of
course
;
but
Mr.
Tracy
was
compelled
to
forego
that
pleasure
.
He
was
really
engaged
elsewhere
;
or
there
is
no
saying
but
that
he
might
have
stepped
in
—
only
for
a
few
minutes
.
Lady
Cecilia
extended
her
hand
to
him
at
parting
,
and
held
his
for
just
two
or
three
moments
,
while
she
renewed
her
thanks
for
his
attention
.
The
action
was
perfectly
natural
;
and
yet
the
gentle
contact
of
that
delicate
hand
produced
upon
Reginald
Tracy
a
sensation
which
he
had
never
before
experienced
.
It
seemed
to
impart
a
glow
of
warmth
and
pleasure
to
his
entire
frame
.
At
length
they
separated
;
and
as
the
Rector
of
Saint
David
's
pursued
his
walk
,
he
found
his
mind
from
time
to
time
wandering
away
from
more
serious
reflections
,
and
reverting
to
the
half
hour
which
he
had
passed
so
agreeably
in
the
society
of
Lady
Harborough
.
CHAPTER
CXXVII
.
BLANDISHMENTS
.
LADY
Cecilia
took
very
good
care
not
to
appear
at
chapel
that
evening
.
She
was
well
aware
that
common
politeness
—
if
no
other
motive
—
would
induce
the
Rev.
Reginald
Tracy
to
call
on
the
following
day
to
inquire
after
her
health
.
Accordingly
,
on
the
Monday
,
she
took
more
than
usual
pains
with
her
toilet
.
Sir
Rupert
Harborough
had
departed
with
his
"
splendid
friend
"
Chichester
for
the
Continent
;
and
she
was
completely
her
own
mistress
.
She
had
no
one
to
interfere
with
her
plans
or
pursuits
,
for
her
lady
's
maid
was
entirely
devoted
to
her
interests
.
However
others
suffered
or
waited
in
respect
to
pecuniary
matters
,
Sarah
—
the
aforesaid
lady
's
maid
,
or
cameriste
—
was
always
well
and
regularly
paid
.
It
was
by
no
means
an
uninteresting
scene
to
behold
the
attention
and
zeal
with
which
Sarah
seconded
her
mistress
's
determination
to
make
the
most
of
her
charms
upon
the
present
occasion
.
Lady
Cecilia
was
seated
near
her
toilet-table
,
with
a
little
gilt-edged
oval-shaped
mirror
in
her
hands
,
which
reposed
in
her
lap
;
and
Sarah
was
engaged
in
arranging
the
really
beautiful
hair
of
her
mistress
.
"
What
o'clock
is
it
,
Sarah
?
"
inquired
Lady
Cecilia
,
casting
a
complacent
glance
at
herself
in
the
large
looking-glass
upon
her
toilet-table
.
"
It
must
be
nearly
one
,
my
lady
,
"
was
the
reply
.
"
Then
you
have
no
time
to
lose
,
Sarah
.
The
ringlets
are
quite
divine
;
pray
take
equal
pains
with
the
back-hair
.
Do
you
think
that
I
look
better
in
ringlets
or
in
bands
?
"
"
In
ringlets
,
my
lady
.
"
"
And
if
I
had
my
hair
in
bands
,
and
asked
you
the
same
question
,
you
would
reply
,
'
In
bands
.
'
"
"
Your
ladyship
cannot
think
that
I
am
so
insincere
,
"
said
the
cameriste
.
"
Do
you
fancy
me
in
this
dress
,
Sarah
?
"
asked
the
lady
,
heedless
of
her
domestic
's
observation
.
"
I
prefer
the
blue
watered-silk
,
"
was
the
answer
.
"
Then
why
did
you
not
recommend
it
in
the
first
instance
?
"
"
Your
ladyship
never
required
my
advice
.
"
"
True
.
Have
you
finished
?
"
"
No
hairdresser
from
Bond
Street
,
or
the
Burlington
Arcade
,
could
have
performed
his
task
better
,
my
lady
,
"
replied
Sarah
.
"
Yes
—
it
is
very
well
—
very
well
,
indeed
,
"
said
Cecilia
,
surveying
herself
in
the
mirror
.
"
I
will
now
descend
to
the
drawing-room
.
"
When
she
reached
that
apartment
,
the
artful
woman
spread
on
the
table
a
few
books
on
serious
subjects
;
she
then
amused
herself
with
a
volume
of
a
new
novel
.
The
clock
had
just
struck
two
,
when
a
double-knock
was
heard
at
the
front-door
.
Lady
Cecilia
thrust
the
novel
under
the
cushion
of
the
sofa
,
and
took
up
"
Sturm
's
Reflections
.
"
The
Rev.
Mr.
Tracy
was
announced
.
Lady
Cecilia
rose
and
received
him
with
a
charming
languor
of
manner
.
"
I
have
called
to
satisfy
myself
that
your
ladyship
has
recovered
from
the
indisposition
of
yesterday
,
"
said
the
rector
.
"
Not
altogether
,
"
answered
Cecilia
.
"
Indeed
,
after
I
returned
home
,
yesterday
,
I
experienced
a
relapse
.
"
"
I
observed
that
you
were
not
at
chapel
in
the
evening
,
and
I
feared
that
such
might
be
the
case
.
"
It
was
with
difficulty
that
Lady
Cecilia
could
suppress
a
smile
of
joy
and
triumph
as
this
ingenuous
and
unsophisticated
announcement
met
her
ears
.
He
had
