her,
I
suppose
,
for
she
herself
let
a
poor
creature
fall
down
some
four
or
five
years
ago
,
when
she
took
my
place
at
the
handle
here
for
a
few
minutes
while
I
went
to
the
tommy-shop
for
her
.
She
married
the
husband
of
the
woman
who
was
killed
by
the
fall
;
and
every
body
knew
well
enough
afterwards
that
there
was
n't
quite
so
much
neglect
in
the
affair
as
she
had
pretended
at
the
time
,
but
a
something
more
serious
still
.
However
,
there
was
no
proof
;
and
so
the
thing
was
soon
forgot
.
Well
,
one
day
,
about
a
year
ago
,
as
I
said
just
now
,
Phil
Blossom
came
up
to
me
and
asked
me
to
run
to
the
tommy-shop
to
fetch
him
some
candles
.
I
told
him
to
mind
the
wheel
,
and
he
said
he
would
.
It
seems
that
a
few
minutes
after
I
had
left
on
his
errand
,
his
wife
came
up
the
clatch
;
and
,
according
to
what
a
lad
,
who
looked
up
the
shaft
at
the
time
,
says
,
she
had
just
reached
the
top
,
when
she
fell
,
harness
and
all
,
the
whole
pit
echoing
with
her
horrible
screams
.
She
died
the
moment
she
touched
the
bottom
.
Phil
Blossom
was
very
much
cut
up
about
it
;
but
he
swore
that
the
handle
slipped
out
of
his
hand
,
and
then
went
whirling
round
and
round
with
such
force
that
he
could
n't
catch
it
again
.
I
own
people
did
say
that
Phil
and
his
second
wife
led
a
precious
dog-and-cat
kind
of
a
life
;
but
the
overseer
thought
there
was
no
reason
to
make
a
stir
about
it
,
and
there
the
matter
ended
.
'
—
'
And
what
has
become
of
Phil
Blossom
?
'
I
inquired
.
—
The
old
woman
pointed
down
the
shaft
,
as
much
as
to
say
that
he
was
still
working
in
the
mine
.
—
'
Did
they
have
any
children
?
'
I
asked
.
—
'
Bet
had
one
,
I
believe
,
'
said
the
old
woman
;
'
but
it
died
a
few
days
after
it
was
born
,
through
having
too
large
a
dose
of
Godfrey
's
Cordial
administered
to
make
it
sleep
.
'
—
I
gave
the
old
woman
a
shilling
,
and
turned
away
from
the
place
,
by
no
means
anxious
to
encounter
Phil
Blossom
,
who
,
I
clearly
perceived
,
had
rid
himself
of
my
mother
by
the
same
means
which
she
had
adopted
to
dispose
of
his
first
wife
.
"
As
I
was
returning
to
my
master
's
house
,
I
had
to
cross
a
narrow
bridge
over
a
little
stream
.
I
was
so
occupied
with
the
news
I
had
just
heard
,
I
did
not
perceive
that
there
was
another
person
advancing
from
the
opposite
side
,
until
I
was
suddenly
caught
in
the
arms
of
a
young
man
in
the
very
middle
of
the
bridge
.
I
gave
a
dreadful
scream
;
but
he
burst
out
into
a
loud
laugh
,
and
exclaimed
,
'
Well
,
you
need
n't
be
so
frightened
at
a
mere
joke
.
'
I
knew
that
voice
directly
;
and
glancing
at
the
young
man
,
who
was
tolerably
well
dressed
,
I
immediately
recognised
my
old
friend
Skilligalee
.
It
was
then
my
turn
to
laugh
,
which
I
did
very
heartily
,
because
he
had
not
the
least
notion
who
I
was
.
I
,
however
,
soon
told
him
;
and
he
was
quite
delighted
to
meet
me
.
We
walked
together
to
the
very
identical
cave
where
we
had
first
met
when
boy
and
girl
.
Now
he
was
a
tall
young
man
,
and
had
improved
wonderfully
.
He
told
me
that
he
had
become
acquainted
with
some
excellent
fellows
when
he
was
in
prison
,
and
that
he
had
profited
so
well
by
their
advice
and
example
,
that
he
led
a
jovial
life
,
did
no
work
,
and
always
had
plenty
of
money
.
I
asked
him
how
he
managed
;
and
he
told
me
,
after
some
hesitation
,
that
he
had
turned
house-breaker
.
There
was
scarcely
a
gentleman
's
house
,
within
twelve
miles
round
,
that
he
had
not
visited
in
that
quality
.
He
then
proposed
that
I
should
meet
him
on
the
following
Sunday
evening
,
and
take
a
walk
together
.
I
agreed
,
and
we
separated
.
"
I
did
not
neglect
my
appointment
.
Skilligalee
was
delighted
to
see
me
again
;
and
he
proposed
that
I
should
leave
service
,
and
live
with
him
.
I
consented
;
and
—
—
"
CHAPTER
CXVII
.
THE
RATTLESNAKE
.
HERE
the
Rattlesnake
abruptly
broke
off
.
The
Resurrection
Man
was
asleep
in
his
chair
.
It
had
not
been
without
a
motive
that
the
woman
so
readily
complied
with
the
desire
of
the
Resurrection
Man
that
she
should
amuse
him
with
the
history
of
her
life
;
and
as
she
saw
him
gradually
becoming
more
and
more
drowsy
as
her
narrative
progressed
,
an
ill-concealed
expression
of
joy
animated
her
countenance
.
At
length
,
when
the
hand
of
the
watch
over
the
mantelpiece
pointed
to
eight
,
and
the
Resurrection
Man
fell
back
in
his
chair
fast
asleep
,
she
could
hardly
suppress
an
ejaculation
of
triumph
.
She
broke
off
abruptly
in
the
midst
of
her
narrative
,
and
listened
.
The
nasal
sounds
that
emanated
from
her
companion
convinced
her
that
he
slept
.
Not
a
moment
was
now
to
be
lost
.
She
knew
full
well
that
whenever
Anthony
Tidkins
was
overtaken
by
a
nap
in
such
a
manner
as
the
present
,
he
invariably
awoke
a
short
time
before
the
hour
at
which
he
had
any
business
to
transact
;
for
that
strange
but
fearful
individual
exercised
a
marvellous
control
over
all
his
natural
wants
and
propensities
.
Rising
cautiously
from
her
seat
,
the
Rattlesnake
advanced
towards
the
Resurrection
Man
,
and
steadfastly
examined
his
countenance
.
There
could
be
no
doubt
that
he
slept
profoundly
.
She
was
,
however
,
resolved
to
assure
herself
as
far
as
possible
on
that
head
;
and
she
purposely
agitated
the
fire-irons
against
each
other
.
The
Resurrection
Man
started
slightly
,
but
did
not
awake
.
Perfectly
satisfied
on
this
point
,
Margaret
Flathers
hastened
into
the
adjoining
room
,
and
put
on
her
bonnet
and
shawl
.
Having
provided
herself
with
her
skeleton
keys
and
some
lucifer
matches
,
she
descended
the
stairs
and
went
out
of
the
house
.
It
was
not
,
however
,
without
an
intense
apprehension
of
danger
that
she
proceeded
to
the
execution
of
her
scheme
.
Were
the
Resurrection
Man
to
awake
suddenly
,
and
entertain
any
suspicion
on
discovering
her
absence
,
she
knew
that
her
life
would
not
be
worth
an
hour
's
purchase
.
Still
the
temptation
that
now
lured
her
to
dare
this
terrific
chance
was
so
great
—
it
was
irresistible
!
Her
hesitation
,
when
she
stood
in
the
street
,
was
only
of
a
moment
's
existence
;
and
,
calling
all
her
courage
to
her
aid
,
she
plunged
into
the
alley
.
The
door
in
that
dark
passage
was
opened
in
another
moment
:
she
closed
and
locked
it
carefully
,
and
then
entered
the
back
room
on
the
ground
floor
.
Having
obtained
a
light
,
she
raised
the
mysterious
trap-door
,
and
boldly
descended
the
steps
leading
into
the
subterranean
passage
.
One
of
her
keys
soon
opened
the
door
of
the
cell
in
which
the
Resurrection
Man
had
buried
his
treasure
;
but
her
joy
at
this
disappearance
of
the
only
difficulty
which
she
had
apprehended
,
was
adulterated
by
a
sentiment
of
invincible
terror
,
as
she
still
thought
of
the
possibility
of
detection
by
him
whose
desperate
character
inspired
her
with
this
tremendous
alarm
.
Nevertheless
,
she
was
resolved
to
dare
every
thing
in
the
enterprise
which
she
had
undertaken
.
"
Fortune
seemed
to
favour
me
this
afternoon
when
I
watched
him
,
"
she
murmured
to
herself
;
"
and
surely
it
will
not
desert
me
at
the
last
moment
.
"
Then
she
boldly
entered
the
cell
.
To
take
up
the
stone
which
covered
the
treasure
,
and
possess
herself
of
the
bag
that
contained
the
gold
over
which
she
had
a
few
hours
previously
beheld
the
Resurrection
Man
gloating
in
so
strange
a
manner
,
—
this
was
the
work
of
only
a
few
moments
.
She
replaced
the
stone
:
she
clutched
the
bag
with
a
feeling
of
wild
joy
commingled
with
terrific
alarm
;
and
she
was
hurrying
from
the
cell
,
when
something
at
the
opposite
side
of
the
passage
met
her
view
,
and
for
a
moment
riveted
her
to
the
spot
.
A
light
was
streaming
from
beneath
the
door
of
a
dungeon
facing
the
one
on
the
threshold
of
which
she
stood
.
Circumstances
,
which
in
the
excitement
of
her
present
daring
proceedings
she
had
forgotten
,
now
rushed
like
an
overwhelming
torrent
to
her
memory
.
The
mysterious
visits
of
the
Resurrection
Man
in
a
mask
and
dark
cloak
to
that
subterranean
place
,
—
the
bread
and
water
which
she
had
seen
in
the
cupboard
up
stairs
,
—
and
the
fearful
scream
that
on
one
occasion
had
emanated
from
the
depths
where
she
now
found
herself
,
—
these
circumstances
all
flashed
to
her
mind
.
There
was
no
longer
any
doubt
:
a
human
being
—
a
female
,
most
probably
,
judging
by
the
tone
of
that
agonising
shriek
which
now
seemed
to
ring
in
her
ears
as
if
its
vibration
had
never
once
ceased
—
was
immured
in
that
dungeon
whence
the
light
streamed
!
This
conviction
dissipated
the
alarm
into
which
the
sudden
glare
of
that
light
had
plunged
the
Rattlesnake
.
Urged
by
several
motives
,
—
curiosity
,
a
desire
to
obtain
the
reinforcement
of
a
companion
in
case
of
the
sudden
appearance
of
the
Resurrection
Man
,
and
,
to
do
her
justice
,
a
feeling
of
compassion
for
a
victim
whom
she
believed
to
be
of
her
own
sex
,
—
urged
,
we
say
,
by
these
motives
,
which
all
presented
themselves
to
her
mind
with
the
rapidity
of
lightning
,
the
Rattlesnake
hastened
to
open
the
door
of
that
dungeon
whence
the
light
emanated
.
She
boldly
entered
the
cell
;
and
at
the
same
moment
Viola
awoke
.
Starting
up
from
the
bed
,
that
unhappy
lady
glanced
wildly
around
and
exclaimed
,
"
Where
am
I
?
"
"
Hush
!
not
a
word
,
"
said
the
Rattlesnake
,
advancing
towards
her
.
"
I
am
come
to
save
you
—
follow
me
!
"
Viola
did
not
hesitate
a
single
moment
:
the
manner
in
which
the
woman
addressed
her
,
and
a
profound
sense
of
the
certainty
that
no
treachery
was
needed
to
draw
her
into
any
position
worse
than
her
present
one
,
since
she
was
so
completely
in
the
power
of
the
terrible
master
of
that
establishment
,
induced
her
to
yield
instantaneous
compliance
with
the
directions
of
the
Rattlesnake
.
"
Fear
nothing
,
lady
,
"
observed
the
latter
;
"
only
be
silent
,
and
lose
not
a
moment
.
"
She
then
hastened
from
the
cell
followed
by
Viola
,
who
did
not
even
wait
to
put
on
her
bonnet
and
shawl
.
They
ascended
the
steps
leading
to
the
back-room
,
both
hearts
palpitating
violently
.
The
Rattlesnake
did
not
stop
to
close
the
mouth
of
the
subterranean
vaults
,
but
hastened
to
apply
the
skeleton
key
to
the
door
leading
into
the
alley
.
Her
hand
trembled
to
such
an
extent
that
she
could
not
turn
the
key
.
"
O
heavens
!
"
she
exclaimed
in
a
tone
of
despair
,
"
if
he
should
come
!
"
"
Have
you
the
right
key
?
"
demanded
Viola
in
a
hurried
tone
.
"
The
one
that
has
opened
it
before
,
"
replied
Margaret
;
—
"
but
it
appears
that
—
it
will
not
turn
—
and
,
ah
!
my
God
,
I
hear
steps
approaching
!
"
The
affrighted
woman
fell
upon
her
knees
,
as
if
already
to
supplicate
for
her
life
.
Viola
listened
during
half
a
minute
of
the
most
agonising
suspense
;
but
no
sound
from
without
met
her
ears
.
"
It
was
a
false
alarm
,
"
she
exclaimed
;
then
applying
her
hand
to
the
key
,
she
turned
it
with
ease
,
for
fear
alone
had
prevented
the
Rattlesnake
from
moving
it
.
In
another
instant
the
door
was
opened
.
"
Thank
God
!
"
cried
Margaret
Flathers
,
starting
from
her
suppliant
posture
,
and
clutching
the
bag
of
gold
beneath
her
left
arm
.
"
Come
—
let
us
not
lose
a
moment
,
"
said
Viola
;
and
she
darted
into
the
alley
,
followed
by
the
Rattlesnake
.
There
was
no
one
to
oppose
their
egress
;
but
they
could
scarcely
believe
that
they
were
really
safe
even
when
they
found
themselves
in
the
street
.
And
now
they
ran
—
they
ran
,
as
if
that
terrible
individual
,
whom
they
both
feared
so
profoundly
,
were
at
their
heels
;
—
they
ran
,
doubting
the
fact
,
the
one
that
she
was
free
,
the
other
that
she
was
safe
;
—
they
ran
—
they
ran
,
reckless
of
the
way
which
they
were
pursuing
,
but
each
alike
impressed
with
the
conviction
that
it
was
impossible
to
place
too
great
a
distance
between
them
and
the
dwelling
of
the
Resurrection
Man
!
Margaret
Flathers
carried
her
treasure
as
if
it
were
a
thing
of
no
weight
:
Viola
Chichester
forgot
that
she
had
neither
bonnet
nor
shawl
to
protect
her
against
the
bitter
chill
of
that
wintry
evening
.
And
thus
,
together
,
did
they
pursue
their
way
—
the
virtuous
wife
and
the
abandoned
woman
,
—
the
former
thinking
not
what
might
be
the
character
of
her
companion
—
the
latter
having
now
no
curiosity
to
know
the
circumstances
that
had
plunged
the
lady
by
her
side
into
the
captivity
from
which
she
had
just
been
released
.
At
length
they
reached
the
New
Church
facing
the
Bethnal
Green
Road
;
and
there
they
halted
,
both
completely
out
of
breath
and
exhausted
.
"
We
are
now
safe
,
"
said
Margaret
Flathers
.
"
We
are
now
safe
,
"
echoed
Viola
Chichester
.
"
Still
this
place
is
lonely
—
—
"
"
And
if
that
dreadful
man
were
on
our
track
—
"
"
We
might
yet
repent
—
—
"
"
Yes
—
we
might
yet
repent
our
proceeding
.
"
The
minds
of
those
two
women
—
so
distinct
in
all
other
respects
—
were
now
entirely
congenial
in
reference
to
one
grand
absorbing
idea
.
In
spite
of
the
alarm
which
yet
filled
their
imaginations
,
they
lingered
against
the
palings
surrounding
the
field
at
the
back
of
the
New
Church
,
for
they
were
too
exhausted
to
continue
their
flight
for
a
few
moments
.
That
interval
of
rest
enabled
them
to
direct
their
attention
to
other
matters
besides
the
immense
danger
from
which
they
had
just
escaped
,
and
the
sense
of
which
was
still
uppermost
in
their
minds
.
"
Which
way
are
you
going
,
madam
?
"
asked
the
Rattlesnake
,
who
saw
by
Viola
's
air
—
in
spite
of
the
disadvantages
under
which
her
outward
appearance
laboured
—
that
she
was
not
one
of
the
poorer
orders
.
"
My
own
house
is
close
by
,
"
answered
Mrs.
Chichester
.
"
But
you
—
whither
are
you
going
?
Will
it
not
be
better
for
you
to
come
with
me
—
and
—
—
"
"
No
,
lady
,
"
replied
Margaret
Flathers
;
"
you
are
not
aware
who
and
what
I
am
,
or
you
would
not
make
me
that
generous
offer
.
"
"
Generous
!
"
exclaimed
Viola
:
"
have
you
not
saved
me
from
a
fearful
dungeon
?
It
is
true
that
my
persecutors
promised
to
release
me
this
evening
:
but
,
alas
!
their
word
was
not
to
be
depended
upon
.
"
"
Ah
!
madam
,
"
said
Margaret
,
"
if
you
trusted
to
Anthony
Tidkins
to
give
you
your
freedom
,
you
would
have
been
woefully
disappointed
—
unless
,
indeed
,
he
had
no
longer
any
interest
in
keeping
you
a
prisoner
.
"
"
Well
—
well
,
"
observed
Viola
,
"
we
will
talk
of
all
that
hereafter
.
In
the
mean
time
,
I
insist
upon
your
accompanying
me
to
my
home
.
"
"
I
will
see
you
safe
to
your
own
door
,
madam
,
"
returned
Margaret
;
"
and
there
I
shall
leave
you
.
"
"
And
why
will
you
refuse
an
asylum
at
my
abode
?
"
demanded
Viola
.
"
I
dare
not
remain
in
London
,
"
answered
the
Rattlesnake
.
"
Oh
!
you
know
not
the
perseverance
,
the
craft
,
and
the
wickedness
of
the
man
from
whose
power
you
have
just
escaped
.
But
there
is
one
favour
,
madam
,
which
you
can
grant
me
—
—
"
"
Name
it
,
"
exclaimed
Viola
:
"
it
is
already
conferred
,
if
within
my
power
.
"
"
You
can
have
no
difficulty
in
fulfilling
my
request
,
"
said
the
Rattlesnake
,
"
because
it
is
simple
,
and
consists
only
in
forbearance
.
I
mean
,
madam
,
that
you
will
amply
reward
me
for
the
service
I
have
been
able
to
render
you
,
if
you
will
promise
not
to
take
any
measures
to
punish
or
molest
Anthony
Tidkins
.
He
has
been
more
or
less
good
to
me
;
and
I
should
not
like
to
know
that
he
was
injured
through
me
.
Besides
,
his
revenge
would
only
be
the
more
terrible
,
if
ever
you
or
I
again
fell
into
his
hands
.
"
"
I
give
you
the
promise
which
you
require
,
"
said
Viola
;
"
although
I
must
confess
that
it
is
somewhat
repugnant
to
my
feelings
to
allow
such
a
wretch
to
be
at
large
with
impunity
.
"
"
But
for
my
sake
,
lady
—
—
"
"
For
your
sake
,
I
give
my
most
solemn
pledge
not
to
do
aught
that
may
injure
that
man
on
account
of
his
past
offences
.
"
"
A
thousand
thanks
!
"
ejaculated
the
Rattlesnake
.
"
Let
us
now
proceed
.
But
,
heavens
!
you
have
got
nothing
on
your
head
nor
on
your
shoulders
;
and
I
did
not
notice
that
before
!
Take
my
bonnet
and
shawl
,
madam
—
I
am
more
accustomed
to
the
cold
than
you
.
"
"
No
,
"
said
Viola
;
"
in
five
minutes
I
shall
be
at
my
own
house
.
Come
—
let
us
proceed
.
"
Mrs.
Chichester
and
the
Rattlesnake
hastened
towards
the
Cambridge
Heath
gate
.
On
reaching
the
door
of
her
abode
,
Viola
again
pressed
her
companion
to
accept
of
her
hospitality
:
but
the
Rattlesnake
firmly
,
though
respectfully
,
refused
the
offer
.
"
In
another
hour
,
madam
,
"
she
said
,
"
I
shall
not
be
in
London
.
Then
only
shall
I
consider
myself
safe
.
"
"
At
least
allow
me
to
supply
you
with
some
money
for
your
immediate
purposes
.
I
have
none
about
me
,
and
I
know
not
whether
my
husband
has
left
a
single
shilling
in
the
house
;
but
any
of
my
tradesmen
in
the
neighbourhood
will
honour
my
draft
;
and
if
you
will
walk
in
for
a
few
minutes
—
"
"
Thank
you
,
madam
—
thank
you
for
your
kind
consideration
;
but
I
am
well
supplied
;
"
and
she
shook
the
bag
that
she
hugged
beneath
her
arm
.
Viola
heard
the
jingling
of
the
gold
,
and
ceased
to
press
her
offer
.
"
At
all
events
,
"
she
observed
,
"
should
you
ever
require
a
friend
,
do
not
hesitate
to
apply
to
Mrs.
Chichester
.
"
"
Mrs.
Chichester
!
"
ejaculated
the
Rattlesnake
:
"
surely
I
have
heard
that
name
before
?
Oh
!
I
recollect
—
I
have
taken
to
the
post-office
letters
from
Tidkins
to
a
Mr.
Chichester
,
who
,
I
suppose
,
must
be
your
husband
.
"
"
The
same
,
"
said
Viola
,
with
a
profound
sigh
.
"
Farewell
,
madam
,
"
cried
the
Rattlesnake
:
"
I
feel
that
I
shall
not
breathe
with
freedom
until
I
am
far
beyond
London
.
Farewell
.
"
"
Farewell
,
"
said
Mrs.
Chichester
,
extending
her
hand
towards
her
deliverer
.
Margaret
Flathers
pressed
it
warmly
,
and
then
hurried
away
.
Viola
knocked
at
the
door
,
and
was
speedily
admitted
once
more
into
her
own
dwelling
.
The
servant
who
received
her
,
uttered
an
ejaculation
of
surprise
when
she
beheld
the
condition
in
which
her
mistress
had
returned
.
"
Make
fast
the
door
with
chain
and
bolt
,
and
bring
me
the
key
,
"
said
Viola
,
taking
no
heed
of
her
domestic
's
exclamation
.
"
See
also
that
the
shutters
of
the
windows
are
well
secured
;
and
bring
me
your
master
's
pistols
.
"
"
Mr.
Chichester
came
this
morning
early
,
ma'am
,
"
returned
the
servant
,
"
and
took
away
every
thing
belonging
to
him
.
"
"
Heaven
be
thanked
!
"
cried
Viola
.
"
Perhaps
he
will
molest
me
no
more
?
God
grant
that
the
separation
may
be
eternal
!
Nevertheless
,
secure
the
door
and
the
windows
:
this
house
is
not
safe
!
To-morrow
I
shall
leave
it
,
and
hire
lodgings
in
the
very
heart
of
London
.
There
,
perhaps
,
"
she
murmured
to
herself
,
"
no
violence
can
be
offered
to
me
!
"
CHAPTER
CXVIII
.
THE
TWO
MAIDENS
.
ON
a
fine
frosty
morning
—
about
ten
days
after
the
incidents
just
related
,
—
two
young
ladies
were
walking
together
along
the
road
in
the
immediate
vicinity
of
the
dwelling
of
Count
Alteroni
(
for
so
we
had
better
continue
to
call
him
,
until
he
himself
shall
choose
to
throw
aside
his
incognito
)
.
Did
an
artist
wish
to
personify
the
antipodes
,
—
as
the
ancients
did
their
rivers
,
mounts
,
and
groves
,
—
upon
his
canvass
,
he
could
not
possibly
have
selected
for
his
models
two
maidens
between
whom
there
existed
so
great
a
physical
contrast
as
that
which
was
afforded
to
the
eye
by
the
young
ladies
above
noticed
.
The
one
was
a
brunette
,
and
seemed
a
child
of
the
sunny
south
;
the
other
was
as
fair
as
ever
daughter
of
our
cold
northern
clime
could
be
:
—
the
one
had
the
rich
red
blood
mantling
beneath
a
delicate
tinge
of
the
purest
and
most
transparent
bistre
;
the
other
was
pale
and
colourless
as
the
whitest
marble
:
—
the
generous
mind
and
elevated
intellect
of
the
one
shone
through
eyes
large
,
black
,
and
impassioned
;
the
almost
infantine
candour
and
artlessness
of
the
other
were
expressed
by
means
of
orbs
of
azure
blue
:
—
the
glossy
raven
hair
of
the
one
was
parted
in
two
rich
bands
over
the
high
and
noble
forehead
;
the
flaxen
tresses
of
the
other
fell
in
varied
waves
of
pale
auburn
and
gold
,
beneath
the
bonnet
,
over
the
shoulders
:
—
the
form
of
the
one
was
well-rounded
but
sylph-like
;
the
symmetry
of
the
other
was
delicate
and
slight
:
—
the
appearance
of
the
one
excited
the
most
ardent
admiration
tempered
with
respect
;
that
of
the
other
inspired
the
most
lively
interest
:
—
the
beauty
of
the
one
was
faultless
,
brilliant
,
and
dazzling
;
that
of
the
other
,
ideal
,
fascinating
,
and
bewitching
:
—
the
one
,
in
fine
,
was
a
native
of
the
warm
Italian
clime
;
the
other
,
a
daughter
of
Britain
's
sea-girt
isle
.
A
shade
of
profound
melancholy
hung
upon
the
countenance
of
Mary-Anne
Gregory
.
The
sprightly
—
gay
—
joyous
—
innocently
volatile
disposition
had
changed
to
sadness
and
gloom
.
Those
vermilion
lips
,
which
until
so
lately
were
ever
wreathed
in
smiles
,
now
expressed
care
and
sorrow
.
The
step
,
though
light
,
was
no
longer
playfully
elastic
.
Time
had
added
but
a
few
months
to
the
sixteen
years
which
marked
the
age
of
Mary-Anne
when
we
first
introduced
her
to
our
readers
;
but
thought
,
and
meditation
,
and
grief
had
given
to
the
mind
the
experience
of
maturity
.
She
was
no
longer
the
gay
,
lively
,
flitting
,
bee-like
being
that
she
was
when
Richard
Markham
became
her
brothers
'
tutor
:
her
manner
was
now
painfully
tranquil
,
her
air
profoundly
pensive
,
her
demeanour
inconsistently
grave
when
considered
in
relation
to
her
years
.
It
seemed
as
if
there
were
a
canker
at
the
heart
of
that
fair
creature
;
as
if
the
hidden
worm
were
preying
upon
the
delicate
rose-bud
ere
it
expanded
into
the
bloom
of
maturity
!
And
these
traits
and
symptoms
were
rendered
the
more
apparent
by
the
contrast
afforded
by
the
rich
health
and
youthful
vigour
which
characterised
the
Signora
Isabella
.
The
hues
of
the
rose
were
seen
beneath
the
soft
brunette
tint
of
her
complexion
—
for
that
complexion
was
clear
and
transparent
as
the
stream
over
which
the
trees
throw
a
shade
beneath
a
summer
sun
.
And
both
those
maidens
loved
:
but
the
passion
of
the
English
girl
was
without
hope
;
while
that
of
the
noble
Italian
lady
was
nurtured
by
the
fondest
aspirations
.
But
how
came
those
charming
creatures
thus
acquainted
with
each
other
?
Perhaps
their
conversation
may
elucidate
this
mystery
.
"
We
have
only
known
each
other
one
short
week
,
"
said
Mary-Anne
;
"
and
yet
I
feel
as
if
you
were
sent
to
me
by
heaven
to
become
my
friend
and
confidant
—
for
,
oh
!
it
seems
to
me
as
if
my
soul
nourished
a
secret
which
consumes
it
.
"
"
An
accident
made
us
acquainted
;
and
that
very
circumstance
immediately
inspired
me
with
a
deep
interest
in
your
behalf
,
"
returned
the
signora
.
"
There
are
occasions
when
two
persons
become
more
intimate
in
a
few
short
days
,
than
they
otherwise
would
in
as
many
years
.
"
"
You
echo
my
own
feelings
,
signora
,
"
said
Mary-Anne
;
"
and
your
goodness
makes
me
desire
to
deserve
and
gain
your
friendship
.
"
"
Your
wish
is
already
accomplished
,
my
dear
Miss
Gregory
,
"
observed
Isabella
.
"
You
have
my
friendship
;
and
if
you
think
me
worthy
of
your
confidence
,
I
can
sympathise
with
your
sorrows
,
even
if
I
cannot
remove
them
.
"
"
How
have
you
divined
that
the
confidence
I
would
impart
is
associated
with
grief
?
"
asked
Mary-Anne
,
hastily
.
"
I
will
tell
you
,
"
replied
the
beautiful
Italian
.
"
When
you
were
riding
on
horseback
,
accompanied
by
your
father
,
along
this
road
a
week
ago
,
I
observed
you
from
my
own
chamber
.
Even
at
that
distance
,
I
perceived
something
about
you
that
immediately
inspired
me
with
interest
.
I
followed
you
with
my
eyes
until
you
were
out
of
sight
:
and
then
I
still
continued
to
think
of
you
—
wondering
,
with
that
idiosyncrasy
of
thought
which
often
occurs
during
a
leisure
half-hour
,
who
you
were
.
At
length
you
returned
.
You
were
a
few
paces
in
front
of
your
father
;
and
I
observed
that
the
horse
you
rode
was
a
spirited
one
.
Then
occurred
the
accident
:
the
moment
you
were
thrown
so
rudely
off
against
the
very
gate
of
our
shrubbery
,
I
precipitated
myself
down
the
stairs
,
and
,
calling
for
the
servants
as
I
descended
,
hurried
to
your
assistance
.
You
cannot
remember
—
because
you
were
insensible
—
that
I
was
the
first
to
reach
the
spot
,
where
your
father
had
already
raised
you
from
the
ground
.
Mr.
Gregory
was
distracted
:
he
thought
that
you
were
lost
to
him
for
ever
.
I
,
however
,
ascertained
in
a
moment
that
you
still
breathed
;
and
I
directed
the
servants
to
convey
you
to
the
house
.
While
you
were
still
stretched
in
a
state
of
insensibility
upon
my
own
bed
,
I
contemplated
you
with
increasing
interest
.
Then
,
when
you
awoke
at
length
,
and
spoke
,
—
and
when
I
conversed
with
you
,
—
it
seemed
as
if
I
were
irresistibly
attracted
towards
you
.
I
was
,
indeed
,
delighted
when
my
father
proposed
to
Mr.
Gregory
to
allow
you
to
remain
a
few
days
with
us
until
you
should
be
completely
recovered
from
the
effects
of
your
fall
.
Your
father
consented
,
and
he
left
you
with
us
.
It
was
not
long
before
I
perceived
that
you
nourished
a
profound
grief
;
—
I
observed
the
frequent
abstraction
of
your
manner
—
I
noticed
your
pensive
mood
.
I
thought
within
myself
,
'
Is
it
possible
that
one
so
young
and
interesting
should
already
be
acquainted
with
sorrow
?
'
From
that
hour
I
have
felt
deeply
on
your
account
—
for
,
alas
!
I
myself
have
known
what
are
the
effects
of
grief
!
"
"
Signora
,
"
said
Mary-Anne
,
with
tears
in
her
eyes
,
"
I
can
never
repay
you
for
this
kind
interest
which
you
manifest
towards
me
.
I
feel
that
I
should
be
happier
were
I
to
tell
you
all
that
grieves
me
;
but
I
tremble
—
lest
you
should
think
me
very
foolish
,
and
very
indiscreet
!
"
"
Foolish
we
may
all
be
at
times
,
"
said
Isabella
;
"
but
indiscreet
I
am
convinced
you
never
were
.
"
"
Is
it
not
indiscreet
to
nurse
a
sentiment
whose
hopes
can
never
be
realised
?
Is
it
not
indiscreet
,
"
added
Mary-Anne
,
hanging
down
her
head
,
and
speaking
in
a
low
tone
,
"
to
love
one
who
loves
another
?
"
"
No
—
not
indiscreet
,
"
answered
Isabella
,
hastily
:
"
for
what
mortal
has
power
over
the
heart
?
"
"
Signora
,
love
is
not
then
a
stranger
to
your
breast
!
"
exclaimed
Mary-Anne
,
glancing
with
tearful
eyes
up
to
the
countenance
of
the
Italian
lady
.
"
I
should
be
unworthy
of
your
confidence
,
were
I
to
withhold
mine
,
"
said
Isabella
.
"
Yes
—
my
troth
is
plighted
to
one
than
whom
no
living
soul
possesses
more
generous
,
more
noble
feelings
:
and
yet
,
"
she
added
,
with
a
sigh
,
"
there
are
obstacles
in
the
way
of
our
union
—
obstacles
which
,
alas
!
I
sometimes
think
,
can
never
be
overcome
!
"
"
Ah
!
lady
,
while
I
can
now
feel
for
you
—
feel
most
deeply
,
"
said
Mary-Anne
,
"
I
am
,
nevertheless
,
rejoiced
that
you
have
thus
honoured
me
with
your
confidence
.
It
removes
any
hesitation
—
any
alarm
,
on
my
part
,
to
unburden
my
soul
to
you
!
"
"
Speak
,
my
dear
Mary-Anne
,
"
returned
Isabella
:
"
you
will
at
least
be
certain
to
receive
sympathy
and
consolation
from
me
.
"
"
I
shall
then
reveal
my
sentiments
unreservedly
,
"
continued
Mary-Anne
.
"
I
have
before
mentioned
to
you
that
I
have
two
brothers
,
who
are
now
at
college
.
A
few
months
ago
,
they
were
preparing
for
their
collegiate
course
of
study
,
and
were
residing
at
home
in
Kentish
Town
.
My
father
obtained
for
them
the
assistance
of
a
tutor
—
a
young
gentleman
who
had
once
been
wealthy
,
but
who
had
been
reduced
to
comparative
poverty
.
Oh
!
it
was
impossible
to
see
that
young
man
without
feeling
an
interest
in
him
.
When
I
first
heard
that
a
tutor
was
engaged
for
my
brothers
,
I
immediately
pictured
to
myself
a
confirmed
pedagogue
—
shabby
,
dirty
,
dogmatic
,
and
ugly
.
How
greatly
then
was
I
astonished
,
when
I
was
introduced
to
an
elegant
and
handsome
young
man
,
of
polished
manners
,
agreeable
conversation
,
entirely
unassuming
,
courteous
,
and
affable
?
There
was
a
partial
air
of
melancholy
about
him
;
but
his
eyes
were
lighted
with
the
fire
of
intellect
,
and
his
noble
forehead
seemed
to
be
adorned
with
that
unartificial
crown
of
aristocracy
which
nature
bestows
upon
her
elect
.
Alas
!
woe
to
me
was
the
day
when
that
young
man
first
entered
my
father
's
dwelling
.
The
interest
I
felt
for
him
soon
augmented
to
a
degree
,
that
I
was
miserable
when
he
was
away
.
But
,
when
he
was
present
,
oh
!
then
my
heart
seemed
to
bound
within
me
like
a
fawn
upon
the
hills
;
and
my
happiness
was
of
the
most
ravishing
description
—
I
was
gay
,
frolicksome
,
and
playful
:
no
laugh
of
a
child
was
so
hearty
,
so
sincere
as
mine
!
His
voice
was
music
to
my
ears
!
He
taught
me
drawing
;
but
I
was
too
happy
to
sit
still
for
many
minutes
together
—
too
happy
to
sit
next
to
him
!
And
yet
I
did
not
understand
my
own
feelings
:
in
fact
,
I
never
stopped
to
analyse
them
.
I
was
carried
along
by
a
whirlwind
that
left
me
no
leisure
for
self-examination
.
When
he
was
absent
,
my
only
thought
was
upon
what
he
had
said
when
present
,
and
how
happy
I
should
be
when
he
came
once
more
.
I
had
no
more
idea
of
the
true
nature
of
the
sentiment
that
animated
my
soul
,
than
I
have
at
this
instant
of
what
constitutes
the
happiness
of
heaven
.
I
knew
that
I
felt
happy
when
he
was
there
:
I
know
that
those
feel
happy
who
dwell
above
;
—
but
I
was
as
ignorant
then
of
what
formed
my
felicity
,
as
I
now
am
of
the
bliss
experienced
by
those
who
inhabit
the
Almighty
's
kingdom
.
Thus
a
few
weeks
passed
away
;
and
then
my
father
announced
his
intention
of
allowing
a
holiday
for
a
short
period
.
I
remember
—
as
well
as
if
it
were
an
event
of
yesterday
—
that
this
arrangement
caused
me
serious
displeasure
;
because
I
understood
that
our
tutor
would
cease
to
visit
us
during
the
suspension
of
the
studies
.
I
expressed
my
annoyance
in
plain
terms
;
but
this
ebullition
on
my
part
was
most
probably
considered
a
specimen
of
girlish
caprice
,
or
the
airs
of
a
spoiled
child
.
And
now
,
signora
—
now
—
—
"
"
Call
me
Isabella
,
"
said
the
Italian
lady
,
affectionately
.
"
Now
,
my
dear
Isabella
,
"
preceded
Mary-Anne
,
"
I
come
to
that
part
of
my
narrative
which
involves
an
indiscretion
that
may
appear
grave
in
your
eyes
—
though
,
God
knows
,
I
was
at
the
time
entirely
ignorant
of
the
imprudence
of
the
step
which
I
was
taking
.
"
"
I
am
prepared
to
allow
every
extenuation
for
one
so
young
,
so
artless
,
and
so
inexperienced
as
yourself
,
"
observed
Isabella
.
"
Ah
!
how
kind
you
are
,
"
returned
Mary-Anne
,
pressing
her
companion
's
hand
.
"
But
let
me
not
hesitate
to
reveal
the
indiscretion
into
which
I
was
hurried
by
feelings
of
a
new
and
powerful
nature
,
I
called
upon
the
young
tutor
at
his
own
residence
!
And
then
,
how
nobly
did
he
behave
!
how
generously
did
he
act
!
He
explained
to
me
—
by
degrees
,
and
in
the
most
delicate
manner
possible
—
the
impropriety
of
the
step
which
I
had
taken
:
he
gave
me
an
insight
into
those
rules
of
feminine
propriety
,
a
breach
of
which
can
scarcely
be
extenuated
by
the
plea
of
guilelessness
;
—
in
a
word
,
he
opened
my
eyes
to
the
position
in
which
I
had
placed
myself
!
But
,
alas
!
what
did
I
learn
at
the
same
time
?
He
told
me
that
he
was
attached
to
a
young
lady
,
who
was
very
beautiful
.
It
then
struck
me
,
with
lightning
rapidity
,
that
I
had
no
right
to
offer
my
friendship
(
for
still
I
did
not
dream
of
love
)
to
one
on
whom
another
heart
had
claims
;
and
I
left
him
with
a
sincere
apology
for
my
conduct
.
"
"
I
admit
that
your
indiscretion
was
great
,
"
said
the
pure-minded
Isabella
;
"
but
no
one
possessing
a
generous
heart
could
hesitate
to
sympathise
with
you
,
rather
than
blame
.
"
"
For
days
and
days
,
"
continued
Mary-Anne
,
"
I
struggled
with
my
feelings
.
I
still
believed
that
all
I
experienced
towards
the
object
of
my
interest
was
friendship
.
But
when
he
resumed
his
attendance
,
I
found
that
it
was
impossible
to
conquer
the
sentiments
which
agitated
my
bosom
.
God
knows
—
God
knows
,
Isabella
,
how
I
reasoned
with
myself
upon
the
state
of
mind
in
which
I
existed
!
I
prayed
to
heaven
to
relieve
me
from
the
doubts
,
the
anxieties
,
the
uneasiness
,
which
constantly
oppressed
me
,
by
restoring
me
to
that
state
of
perfect
happiness
which
was
mine
ere
I
knew
that
being
who
,
in
spite
of
himself
,
exercised
so
powerful
an
influence
over
me
.
At
length
my
father
sent
me
suddenly
,
and
without
a
day
's
warning
,
to
pass
a
week
with
some
particular
friends
at
Twickenham
.
I
was
at
first
inclined
to
remonstrate
with
him
at
this
proceeding
;
and
then
it
struck
me
that
it
would
be
well
if
I
were
to
cease
to
exist
under
the
spell
which
the
frequent
presence
of
the
tutor
at
the
house
seemed
to
throw
around
me
.
"
"
And
all
this
time
you
were
still
unaware
of
the
true
nature
of
the
feelings
which
animated
you
?
"
inquired
Isabella
.
"
Oh
!
yes
—
I
was
indeed
,
"
answered
Mary-Anne
:
"
but
a
fearful
occurrence
was
speedily
destined
to
open
my
eyes
!
I
remained
a
few
days
with
my
kind
friends
at
Twickenham
,
and
then
returned
home
.
I
there
learnt
that
the
tutor
had
ceased
to
attend
at
the
house
,
as
my
brothers
were
to
proceed
,
at
the
commencement
of
January
,
to
college
.
I
know
not
whether
my
father
had
some
motive
for
the
conduct
which
he
thus
pursued
,
in
abruptly
dismissing
the
tutor
and
sending
me
away
while
he
adopted
that
step
;
nor
can
I
say
whether
any
particular
reason
prompted
him
to
do
all
that
he
could
to
amuse
my
mind
on
my
return
home
.
It
is
,
nevertheless
,
certain
that
he
exerted
himself
to
provide
amusements
for
me
:
he
purchased
two
horses
,
and
accompanied
me
in
frequent
equestrian
exercises
;
he
took
me
to
concerts
and
the
theatres
;
and
supplied
me
with
entertaining
books
of
travel
and
adventure
,
music
,
and
pictures
.
But
my
mind
was
intent
only
upon
one
absorbing
idea
;
nor
could
it
be
weaned
from
that
feeling
which
it
nursed
in
favour
of
the
young
tutor
.
I
,
however
,
acceded
to
all
my
father
's
plans
of
diversion
;
and
it
was
one
evening
at
the
theatre
that
the
veil
fell
from
my
eyes
!
I
accompanied
my
father
to
witness
a
new
drama
.
The
action
of
the
piece
was
deeply
interesting
;
the
poetry
was
of
a
nature
to
touch
the
inmost
soul
.
There
was
a
passage
in
which
the
heroine
described
her
hopeless
love
:
I
listened
—
I
drank
in
every
word
—
I
hung
upon
each
syllable
of
that
fine
speech
as
if
my
own
destiny
were
intimately
linked
with
the
scene
enacting
before
me
.
As
she
proceeded
,
I
was
painfully
surprised
by
the
similitude
existing
between
the
feelings
that
she
described
and
that
I
felt
.
At
length
a
light
dawned
in
upon
my
soul
;
—
then
did
I
begin
to
comprehend
the
real
nature
of
the
sentiments
that
filled
my
own
soul
;
—
then
could
I
read
my
own
heart
!
I
perceived
that
I
loved
tenderly
,
deeply
,
unalterably
!
I
heard
no
more
of
the
drama
—
I
saw
nothing
more
of
its
progress
:
I
sate
absorbed
in
deep
reflection
upon
the
conviction
that
had
so
suddenly
reached
me
.
When
I
awoke
from
my
reverie
,
the
tragedy
—
—
"
"
A
tragedy
?
"
said
Isabella
,
hastily
.
"
Yes
—
the
tragedy
was
finished
,
and
the
author
,
holding
the
hand
of
the
heroine
of
his
piece
,
stood
before
the
public
.
Merciful
heavens
!
the
great
tragic
writer
who
had
thus
suddenly
burst
upon
the
world
,
was
no
other
than
the
young
tutor
!
"
"
The
tutor
!
"
exclaimed
Isabella
,
a
strange
suspicion
suddenly
entering
her
mind
.
"
Yes
—
he
whom
I
had
just
discovered
that
I
loved
,
"
answered
Mary-Anne
.
"
May
I
inquire
his
name
?
"
said
Isabella
,
in
a
tremulous
tone
,
and
with
a
palpitating
heart
.
"
There
can
be
no
indiscretion
in
revealing
it
,
"
returned
Miss
Gregory
;
"
for
it
is
not
probable
that
you
have
ever
heard
of
Mr.
Richard
Markham
.
"
"
Unhappy
girl
!
"
exclaimed
Isabella
,
in
a
tone
of
deep
sympathy
—
but
without
the
least
feeling
of
jealousy
;
"
it
is
now
my
duty
to
return
your
confidence
with
a
reciprocal
frankness
.
But
,
alas
!
what
I
am
about
to
say
cannot
tend
to
soothe
your
sorrows
,
since
—
as
I
fondly
believe
—
it
will
only
confirm
you
in
the
impression
that
the
affections
of
him
whom
you
love
are
fixed
elsewhere
.
"
"
You
speak
mysteriously
,
Isabella
,
"
said
Mary-Anne
:
"
pray
,
explain
yourself
.
"
"
I
will
—
and
without
reserve
,
"
continued
the
signora
,
a
blush
mantling
upon
her
beauteous
countenance
.
"
So
far
from
Mr.
Richard
Markham
being
a
stranger
to
me
,
Mary-Anne
,
he
is
—
—
"
"
He
is
—
"
repeated
Miss
Gregory
,
mechanically
.
"
He
is
the
hope
of
my
happiness
—
the
one
to
whom
my
vow
of
constancy
and
love
is
pledged
—
—
"
"
You
the
object
of
his
attachment
!
"
ejaculated
Mary-Anne
,
clinging
to
Isabella
for
support
:
"
Oh
!
forgive
me
—
forgive
me
,
that
I
have
dared
to
love
him
also
!
"
"
Alas
!
dear
girl
,
I
have
nothing
to
forgive
,
"
said
Isabella
,
affectionately
:
"
I
deeply
—
deeply
compassionate
your
lot
.
And
,
oh
!
believe
me
,
"
continued
the
generous
Italian
Princess
,
—
"
believe
me
when
I
say
that
no
feeling
of
petty
jealousy
—
no
sentiment
unworthy
the
honourable
affection
which
I
bear
towards
Richard
Markham
—
can
ever
impair
the
friendship
that
has
commenced
,
and
shall
continue
,
between
you
and
me
!
"
"
Oh
!
how
noble
is
your
disposition
,
Isabella
!
"
exclaimed
Mary-Anne
.
"
But
your
generous
assurance
shall
not
meet
with
an
ungrateful
return
.
So
far
from
feeling
jealous
of
you
,
—
envious
I
must
be
,
to
some
extent
,
—
I
offer
you
the
most
sincere
congratulations
on
your
engagement
to
one
who
is
so
well
worthy
of
your
love
—
in
spite
of
what
the
world
may
say
against
him
;
—
for
that
he
could
be
guilty
of
the
deed
of
which
that
horrible
man
accused
him
—
—
"
"
He
is
not
guilty
,
"
answered
Isabella
,
firmly
.
"
The
story
is
a
long
one
;
but
I
will
tell
thee
all
.
"
The
signora
then
related
to
her
companion
the
narrative
of
the
misfortunes
and
sufferings
of
Richard
Markham
.
Mary-Anne
listened
with
profound
attention
,
and
,
when
Isabella
terminated
her
history
,
exclaimed
,
"
Oh
!
I
knew
that
he
was
all
of
honourable
,
great
,
and
generous
,
that
human
nature
could
be
!
"
A
profound
silence
then
ensued
between
the
two
young
ladies
,
and
lasted
for
some
minutes
.
At
length
it
was
broken
by
Mary-Anne
.
"
Oh
!
well
might
he
have
said
,
"
she
exclaimed
,
in
a
sudden
ebullition
of
feeling
,
as
she
gazed
upon
the
countenance
of
the
signora
,
—
"
well
might
he
have
said
that
his
heart
was
devoted
to
a
lady
who
was
very
beautiful
!
And
he
might
also
have
observed
,
as
good
as
she
was
lovely
!
"
"
Nay
—
you
must
not
flatter
me
,
"
returned
Isabella
.
"
You
need
not
hesitate
to
hear
the
truth
from
my
lips
,
"
said
Mary-Anne
.
"
God
grant
that
I
may
live
to
see
you
happily
united
:
I
shall
then
die
in
peace
.
"
"
It
is
wrong
to
talk
of
dying
at
your
age
,
"
observed
Isabella
.
"
Time
will
mitigate
that
passion
which
has
made
you
unhappy
—
—
"
"
Oh
!
Isabella
,
do
you
believe
that
true
and
sincere
love
can
ever
succumb
to
time
?
"
exclaimed
Mary-Anne
,
almost
reproachfully
.
"
Time
cannot
extinguish
it
;
but
time
may
soften
its
pangs
,
"
said
the
Italian
lady
,
desirous
to
console
her
unfortunate
friend
.
"
But
time
will
only
ripen
,
and
not
eradicate
,
the
canker
which
gnaws
at
the
heart
,
"
persisted
Miss
Gregory
;
"
and
mine
,
"
she
added
with
a
mournful
pathos
of
tone
that
showed
how
deeply
she
felt
the
truth
of
what
she
said
,
—
"
mine
has
received
a
wound
whose
effects
may
be
comparatively
slow
,
but
which
is
not
the
less
mortal
.
A
few
years
,
perhaps
,
and
my
earthly
career
must
end
.
I
shall
wither
like
the
early
flowers
,
that
peep
forth
prematurely
to
greet
a
deceptive
gleam
of
sunshine
which
they
mistake
for
spring
:
—
I
shall
pass
away
at
that
age
when
my
contemporaries
are
in
the
full
enjoyment
of
life
,
vigour
,
and
happiness
!
Yes
—
I
feel
it
here
—
here
;
"
—
and
she
pressed
her
hand
upon
her
heart
.
"
No
,
my
dear
friend
,
"
said
Isabella
,
affected
even
to
tears
;
"
your
prospect
is
not
so
gloomy
as
you
would
depict
it
.
There
is
one
star
that
burns
in
the
same
heaven
which
is
above
us
all
;
—
and
that
star
is
Hope
.
"
"
Hope
!
"
ejaculated
Mary-Anne
,
bitterly
:
"
ah
!
where
does
hope
exist
for
me
?
Is
not
hope
extinguished
in
my
heart
for
ever
?
"
"
In
the
one
sense
,
hope
is
dead
,
"
answered
Isabella
,
mildly
;
"
but
hope
beams
not
only
in
one
sphere
.
The
attentions
of
your
friends
—
the
kindness
of
your
relations
,
will
combine
to
cheer
your
path
;
and
surely
this
conviction
must
be
allied
to
hopes
of
tranquillity
,
peace
,
and
even
happiness
!
Consider
,
Mary-Anne
—
you
have
a
father
who
is
still
in
the
vigour
of
his
years
:
you
will
live
for
him
!
You
have
brothers
who
must
soon
enter
upon
their
respective
careers
in
the
great
world
:
you
must
live
for
them
!
You
have
friends
who
are
devoted
to
you
:
you
will
live
for
them
also
!
Oh
!
do
not
speak
of
death
with
levity
:
do
not
seem
to
invite
its
presence
!
We
do
not
live
for
ourselves
only
:
we
live
for
others
.
To
yield
to
those
feelings
which
facilitate
the
ravages
of
sorrow
and
encourage
the
inroads
of
grief
,
is
to
perpetrate
a
slow
suicide
.
God
and
man
alike
require
that
we
should
war
against
our
misfortunes
!
"
Alas
!
I
have
not
that
great
moral
courage
which
characterises
your
soul
,
Isabella
,
"
answered
Mary-Anne
:
"
I
am
a
weak
and
fragile
plant
,
that
bends
to
the
lightest
gale
.
How
,
then
,
can
I
resist
the
terrible
tempest
?
"
"
By
exerting
that
fortitude
with
which
every
mind
is
more
or
less
endowed
,
but
which
cannot
be
developed
without
an
effort
,
"
answered
Isabella
.
Mary-Anne
sighed
,
but
gave
no
answer
.
The
two
maidens
now
felt
wearied
with
the
somewhat
lengthy
walk
which
they
had
taken
;
and
they
accordingly
retraced
their
steps
to
the
mansion
.
CHAPTER
CXIX
.
POOR
ELLEN
!
IT
was
evening
;
and
a
cheerful
fire
burned
in
the
grate
of
the
drawing-room
at
Markham-Place
.
Mr.
Monroe
and
his
daughter
were
seated
in
that
apartment
;
the
former
dozing
in
an
arm-chair
,
the
latter
reading
a
novel
.
Richard
was
engaged
in
a
literary
pursuit
in
his
library
.
From
time
to
time
Miss
Monroe
laid
aside
her
book
,
and
fell
into
meditation
.
Not
that
she
had
any
particular
subject
for
her
reflections
;
but
the
events
of
her
life
,
when
taken
together
,
constituted
a
theme
from
which
it
was
impossible
to
avert
her
attention
for
any
lengthened
period
.
There
was
also
a
topic
upon
which
she
pondered
more
frequently
as
time
passed
on
.
She
knew
that
in
the
course
of
nature
,
—
especially
after
the
rude
shocks
which
his
constitution
had
received
from
mental
suffering
and
bodily
privation
,
—
her
father
could
not
live
much
longer
.
Then
,
she
was
well
aware
that
she
could
not
continue
to
dwell
beneath
the
same
roof
with
Richard
Markham
;
—
and
her
pride
revolted
against
the
idea
of
receiving
a
direct
eleemosynary
assistance
from
him
in
the
shape
of
a
pecuniary
allowance
.
She
had
some
few
pounds
treasured
up
in
a
savings
bank
,
and
which
she
had
saved
from
her
salary
when
engaged
at
the
theatre
;
but
this
sum
would
not
maintain
her
long
.
She
therefore
looked
,
with
occasional
anxiety
,
to
the
necessity
of
adopting
some
course
that
should
obtain
for
her
a
livelihood
.
Of
all
the
avocations
in
which
she
had
been
engaged
,
she
preferred
that
of
the
stage
;
and
there
were
times
when
she
seriously
thought
of
returning
to
the
profession
,
even
during
her
father
's
life-time
.
In
sooth
,
it
was
a
pity
that
one
of
the
brightest
ornaments
of
female
loveliness
should
have
been
lowered
by
circumstances
from
the
pedestal
of
virtue
and
modesty
which
she
would
have
so
eminently
adorned
.
Should
her
transcendent
loveliness
captivate
the
heart
of
any
individual
whose
proposals
were
alike
honourable
and
eligible
,
how
could
she
accept
the
hand
thus
extended
to
her
?
She
must
either
deceive
him
in
respect
to
that
wherein
no
man
likes
to
be
deceived
;
or
she
must
decline
the
chance
of
settling
herself
advantageously
for
life
.
These
were
the
alternatives
;
—
for
in
no
case
could
she
reveal
her
shame
!
Her
fate
was
not
,
therefore
,
a
happy
one
;
and
the
reader
need
not
marvel
if
she
now
and
then
found
reflections
of
a
disagreeable
nature
stealing
into
her
soul
.
She
was
now
past
twenty
years
of
age
:
and
in
spite
of
the
severe
trials
which
she
had
endured
,
the
sweet
freshness
of
her
youthful
charms
was
totally
unimpaired
.
Her
faultless
Grecian
countenance
,
—
her
classically-shaped
head
,
—
her
swan-like
neck
,
—
her
symmetrical
form
,
—
her
delicate
hands
and
feet
,
—
all
those
charms
which
had
been
perpetuated
in
the
works
of
so
many
artists
—
these
elements
of
an
almost
superhuman
beauty
still
combined
to
render
her
passing
lovely
!
O
Ellen
!
the
soul
of
the
philanthropist
must
mourn
for
thee
,
—
for
thou
wast
not
wrongly
inclined
by
nature
.
On
a
purer
being
than
thou
wast
,
ere
misery
drove
thee
in
an
evil
moment
to
an
evil
course
,
the
sun
never
shone
:
—
and
now
thou
hast
to
rue
the
shame
which
thine
imperious
destiny
,
and
not
thy
faults
,
entailed
upon
thee
!
But
to
our
tale
.
Old
Mr.
Monroe
was
dozing
in
the
arm-chair
;
and
Ellen
had
once
more
turned
her
eyes
upon
her
book
,
when
Marian
entered
the
room
.
She
perceived
at
a
glance
that
Mr.
Monroe
was
asleep
;
and
,
placing
her
finger
upon
her
lip
to
enjoin
silence
,
she
put
a
note
into
Ellen
's
hand
,
saying
it
the
same
time
in
a
low
whisper
,
"
Mr.
Wentworth
's
servant
has
just
brought
this
,
with
a
request
that
it
should
be
immediately
conveyed
to
you
.
Miss.
"
Marian
then
withdrew
.
Ellen
tore
open
the
note
,
and
read
as
follows
:
—
"
I
grieve
to
state
that
your
little
Richard
has
been
attacked
with
a
sudden
and
dangerous
malady
.
Come
to
my
house
for
an
hour
—
if
you
can
possibly
steal
away
,
without
exciting
suspicion
.
My
servant
will
convey
this
to
you
through
your
faithful
confidant
.
"
DAVID
WENTWORTH
.
"
Ellen
flung
the
note
frantically
upon
the
table
,
and
rushed
out
of
the
room
.
She
hurried
up
stairs
,
put
on
her
bonnet
and
cloak
,
and
,
having
told
Marian
to
sit
up
for
her
,
hastened
from
the
house
—
one
sole
idea
occupying
her
mind
,
—
the
danger
of
her
well-beloved
child
!
When
she
arrived
at
Mr.
Wentworth
's
abode
,
she
was
received
by
that
gentleman
's
wife
,
who
immediately
said
,
"
The
danger
is
over
—
the
crisis
is
past
!
Do
not
alarm
yourself
—
my
husband
no
longer
fears
for
your
son
's
life
.
He
,
however
,
deemed
it
to
be
his
duty
to
send
for
you
.
"
"
Oh
!
he
did
well
—
he
acted
kindly
and
considerately
,
"
returned
Ellen
.
"
But
let
me
assure
myself
that
my
boy
is
no
longer
in
danger
.
"
Mrs.
Wentworth
led
the
way
to
the
chamber
where
little
Richard
was
now
sleeping
tranquilly
,
the
surgeon
seated
by
the
bed-side
.
From
his
lips
Ellen
gathered
hope
that
the
perilous
crisis
had
passed
:
she
nevertheless
determined
to
remain
for
some
time
to
assure
herself
that
any
return
of
the
spasms
might
not
be
fraught
with
increased
danger
.
All
other
considerations
were
banished
from
her
mind
;
she
thought
not
of
her
father
—
she
remembered
not
that
her
absence
might
alarm
both
him
and
Richard
Markham
;
and
when
Mr.
Wentworth
delicately
alluded
to
that
subject
,
as
time
slipped
by
,
she
uttered
some
impatient
remark
intimating
that
she
should
not
be
at
a
loss
for
an
excuse
to
account
for
her
protracted
absence
.
Thus
the
pure
and
holy
maternal
feeling
was
now
uppermost
in
the
mind
of
that
young
lady
:
the
danger
of
her
child
was
the
all-absorbing
subject
of
her
thoughts
.
Bent
over
the
bed
,
she
tenderly
gazed
upon
the
pale
countenance
of
her
child
.
Oh
!
where
can
the
artist
find
a
more
charming
subject
for
his
pencil
,
or
the
poet
a
more
witching
theme
for
his
song
,
than
the
young
mother
watching
over
her
sleeping
infant
?
Hour
after
hour
passed
;
and
when
the
babe
awoke
,
Ellen
nursed
him
in
her
arms
.
In
spite
of
its
illness
,
the
little
sufferer
smiled
;
but
when
the
pang
of
the
malady
seized
upon
him
,
it
was
Mrs.
Wentworth
—
and
not
Ellen
—
who
could
pacify
him
!
Alas
!
galling
indeed
to
the
young
mother
was
this
conviction
that
her
child
clung
to
another
rather
than
to
herself
.
Nevertheless
Ellen
watched
the
babe
with
the
most
heartfelt
tenderness
;
and
it
was
not
until
near
midnight
,
when
the
surgeon
declared
that
the
malady
had
passed
without
the
remotest
fear
of
a
relapse
,
that
Ellen
thought
of
returning
home
.
She
then
took
her
departure
,
with
an
intimation
that
she
should
call
again
in
the
morning
.
She
retraced
her
steps
towards
the
Place
,
and
,
passing
up
the
garden
,
was
admitted
through
the
back
entrance
by
the
faithful
Marian
.
"
My
child
is
saved
,
"
whispered
Ellen
to
the
servant
.
"
Has
my
father
inquired
for
me
?
"
"
No
,
miss
,
"
was
the
reply
.
"
He
is
still
in
the
drawing-room
;
and
Mr.
Markham
is
with
him
.
"
"
They
are
up
late
to-night
,
"
remarked
Ellen
.
"
But
I
,
"
she
continued
,
"
am
weary
in
mind
and
body
,
and
shall
at
once
repair
to
my
own
room
.
"
Marian
gave
the
young
lady
a
candle
,
and
wished
her
a
good
night
's
rest
.
Ellen
hastened
cautiously
up-stairs
,
and
in
a
few
minutes
retired
to
rest
.
She
was
fatigued
,
as
before
intimated
;
and
yet
slumber
refused
to
visit
her
eyes
.
Nevertheless
,
she
dozed
uneasily
,
—
in
that
kind
of
semi-sleep
which
weighs
down
the
heavy
lids
,
and
yet
does
not
completely
shut
out
from
the
mind
the
consciousness
of
what
is
passing
around
.
A
quarter
of
an
hour
had
probably
elapsed
since
Ellen
had
sought
her
couch
,
when
the
door
slowly
opened
;
and
her
father
entered
the
room
,
bearing
a
light
in
his
hand
.
The
countenance
of
the
old
man
was
ghastly
pale
;
but
there
was
a
wildness
in
his
eyes
which
bore
