Title: The Mysterious Wanderer, Vol. III
Author: Sophia Reeve
Release date: April 11, 2012 [eBook #39425]
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Mark C. Orton, Wiebke and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive)
Transcriber's Note
A NOVEL:
IN THREE VOLUMES.
Dedicated, by Permission,
TO THE RIGHT HON. LADY ELIZABETH SPENCER.
BY SOPHIA REEVE.
VOL. III.
LONDON
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY C. SPILSBURY, ANGEL-COURT,
SNOW-HILL;
AND SOLD BY RICHARDSON AND SON, ROYAL-EXCHANGE;
J. HIGHLEY, FLEET-STREET; AND DIDIER AND TEBBETT,
ST. JAMES'S-STREET.
1807
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
"The sudden death of Sir James Elvyn," said Sir Henry, "and the deprivation of the fortunes he designed his daughters, you were long since, Captain Howard, informed of by Jarvis; I must therefore commence my narrative from the time those circumstances happened.
"With her fortune, Eliza Elvyn lost every attraction in the eyes of my grandfather, which could render an union between her and his son desirable; and he accordingly forbade my father to continue his addresses; but, finding his commands were disregarded, he hurried him to Caermarthen, where he endeavoured to enforce my father's obedience to relinquish Eliza, and address the daughter of Mr. Holly: but as every menace proved ineffectual, and intercepting a letter my father had written to Eliza, proposing an elopement; Sir Horace placed him in the strictest confinement, and, leaving the Hall, put in execution the simple piece of finesse by which he secured the person of Miss Elvyn, and with which you are already acquainted.
"Sir Horace conveyed her to the Hall, and to a private apartment adjoining his own; where he resolved she should remain till my father's marriage with Miss Holly was completed. This was prevented by my mother's elopement, and my father, seizing the first moment of liberty, flew to the late residence of his Eliza. She was gone; but where to, he could not trace! Sir Horace, however, feared it; and, though he had failed in one point, warily executed a plan, which put it beyond the power of fate ever to unite her to him.
"Prior to his marriage with my grandmother, he seduced the daughter of one of his tenants; and by her had a son; whom, more from a sense of shame than affection, he had indeed reared and educated; but with a parsimony, which plainly showed with what reluctance he did it. Joseph, however, rose superior to every obstruction the avarice of my grandfather presented, and shone unrivalled in every branch of literature.
"At college my father first became personally acquainted with him, and, struck with admiration at his amiable qualities and extraordinary abilities, soon felt that friendship he merited; and Joseph, equally pleased at the mildness of my father's demeanour, so different from the manners of Sir Horace, received and returned his friendship with an enthusiastic affection, that ended only with his life.
"In spite of every effort of reason, Joseph never came into the presence of Sir Horace, without experiencing in some degree the dread he entertained of him when a child, and which his harshness indeed justified: Sir Horace's will was an absolute law, to which he had ever yielded implicit obedience, nor was my grandfather's tyranny over him then less absolute.
"Joseph was unacquainted with the late transactions; the last letter he had received from my father, was on the immediate death of Sir James Elvyn, which he knew had deferred the intended nuptials. He now, with surprise, read Sir Horace's invitation to the Hall; the idea, however, that it was on account of the marriage, and perhaps to perform the ceremony, as he had taken holy orders, overcame his reluctance of being with Sir Horace; especially as he regarded the invitation as a proof of my father's friendship.
"Greatly was he deceived: for on his arrival he was introduced to Sir Horace, who, after recapitulating the favours he had, or pretended to have conferred, told Joseph he had sent for him to present him with the Corbet living, then vacant by the death of the incumbent; but on the condition that he accepted a wife provided for him. Joseph, recovering from the surprise this unexpected donation and overture had occasioned, thanked my grandfather for a provision so far beyond his hopes; assuring him at the same time he would obey his command, if there were the least probability of his proving agreeable to, or liking the lady he had proposed.
"The lady, Sir Horace said, was perfectly agreeable to the match; she was handsome and good-natured, and he might look on the living as her dowry: and finally gave him to understand he was determined on the match, whether he approved it or not. Joseph silently acquiesced; his heart was unengaged, and, as I before observed, my grandfather's will was a law he had never dared to dispute.—Satisfied with his tacit compliance, Sir Horace left him, and went to Miss Elvyn, who was little prepared for the peremptory command he gave her to marry Joseph."
"I must retire, Henry;" said Mrs. Blond, in vain endeavouring to suppress the obtrusive tear; "recollection is too painful to let me listen to the relation. I will rejoin you by and by."
Sir Henry kissed her hand, and conducted her to the door; then, re-seating himself, resumed his relation.
"Our unhappy friend, who had too fatally experienced to what lengths Sir Horace dared to go, at first strove, by tears, to move his obduracy; but his heart was callous; nor, when roused to anger, were her reproaches more regarded. Marry Joseph, she should, he was determined. She gave a positive refusal! She would suffer death first! He had sanctioned Henry's addresses to her; had witnessed and approved their reciprocal vows of affection and fidelity; vows which, however he might then disapprove, it was not in his power to break! Sir Horace's eyes gleamed fury—she would suffer death first—he repeated; then so she should! For from that apartment she should never go alive, except she acceded to his proposal.
"He left her, and returning to Joseph, told him the presentation of the living should be made out; but as the parsonage wanted a great many repairs, his marriage should be deferred till it was fit for the reception of his bride. Joseph marked the contraction of his brow, acquiesced, and, changing the discourse, ventured to inquire after my father. He was not at the Hall, Sir Horace said, nor did he expect him for some time.
"He was, indeed, searching the country for his Eliza: this Sir Horace knew; and therefore determined, if possible, to force her into a marriage with Joseph before his return; but the resolution of Miss Elvyn rose superior to his harshness and ill treatment; and at the time my father's nuptials took place, she was still a prisoner.
"After spending some months in endeavouring to find Miss Elvyn, my father, at the positive injunction of Sir Horace, returned to Caermarthen; where he passed the greatest part of his time with Joseph, unconscious that the Hall contained the jewel whose loss he deplored.
"When Miss Holly visited her brother, to intercede for her niece, Sir Horace again insisted on my father's receiving the fair fugitive as his wife. My father faintly murmured the name of Eliza.
"'Miss Elvyn,' said my grandfather, exalting his voice, 'is now the wife of another: she gave her hand to Mallet, Mr. Holly's steward, and is now with him in France. Read that,' throwing him a letter, 'and be convinced.'
"My father eagerly took the pretended epistle of Mallet; it was addressed to Mr. Holly, and, after apologizing for his abrupt departure from his service, and mentioning some circumstances respecting his late stewardship, proceeded to inform him of his marriage with Miss Elvyn, which had taken place through the friendship of Sir Horace, who had presented him with a genteel competence, on condition of his leaving the kingdom. That he had accordingly proceeded to Paris, where he hoped the amusements of that metropolis, and his attentions united, would, in a little time, reconcile his wife to her fate.
"The letter answered Sir Horace's expectation; my father knew him capable of acting in the manner related, too well to entertain a doubt of the letter being genuine; and looked on Eliza as irrecoverably lost to him; and, my grandfather repeating his commands with denunciations of the heaviest curses if he refused, he yielded an unwilling consent, and two days after attended him to Mr. Holly's, where he was united to my mother.
"Sir Horace exulted in the success of his artifice, and became so attached to his daughter-in-law, that he appeared never to be happy out of her presence. That happiness, however, was soon after interrupted by the severe indisposition of my mother; and Sir Horace not only dreaded losing his favourite; but that my father, should he again be free, might discover and still espouse Eliza, to whom his hatred had increased to a most rancorous degree: he, therefore, took the opportunity of my father's going to visit a neighbouring gentleman; and, sending for Joseph, reminded him of the condition on which he had given him the living, and told him he intended his marriage should take place immediately.
"Joseph's heart revolted at the indelicacy of Sir Horace's proceedings; but what was his surprise, when he beheld him enter the secret chamber, and peremptorily tell Miss Elvyn she must, that instant, accept the man he had provided for her husband!
"'Never!' cried Eliza.
"'This instant, Madam!' vociferated Sir Horace. 'Henry is married to Miss Holly; nor will I longer be baffled by your refusal.'
"'Henry married—O God!' she ejaculated. At that moment my father, who had returned, not finding his friend at home, entered the outward chamber, and saw the long-lost Eliza, sinking at his father's feet.
"Poor must be the attempt to describe his emotions at that moment: he flew to raise her, and on her revival an eclaircissement, dreadful indeed to him, took place. Sir Horace stamped and raved; but still declared, she should instantly marry Joseph.
"This Joseph resolutely refused to consent to; and severely reproved him for the measures he had pursued. Sir Horace did not receive the rebuke unmoved, and was denouncing vengeance on them all, when my mother likewise entered, to inform him the clergyman he had sent for, was arrived. What a scene for a wife, like my mother: Eliza was weeping on the bosom of my father!—there needed no more——
"Oh, Captain Howard, let me pass what followed! Sir Horace, finding it impossible to terrify them to compliance, as a last resource, sunk on his knees, and vowed to fix his eternal curse on my father, if they longer refused the marriage he had proposed: and began to pronounce a solemn anathema, when the half-distracted Eliza broke from my father's arms, and throwing herself beside him, implored for mercy on her Henry: she would consent—she would marry Blond!
"Joseph's horror and agitation were nearly equal to Eliza's, nor dared he longer urge denial: the clergyman was summoned, and my wretched father, amidst the taunts and reproaches of his unfeeling wife, was witness to the marriage!
"This was the last tyranny of which fate allowed Sir Horace to be guilty. Displeased at a letter, he intercepted, from my grandmother to my father, he went to Cornwall, and was severely upbraiding her, when Lady Corbet, who had been some time in a decline, regarded him with a look of mingled anguish and pity, and, extending her hand to him, said—'I forgive you, Corbet; but, oh—have mercy on my children!' then, sinking gently back on her seat, resigned her spirit without a sigh!
"The impressive manner of her last few words, her death, by him so unexpected, struck to his heart; he felt he had been a tyrant, and had accelerated an event which must shortly happen to himself; and, for the first time, wished he had been less severe. The expressive exclamation—'Have mercy on my children!' still vibrated on his ear: he returned to the Hall, from whence he was summoned to the bedside of Mr. Holly, who died a few days after.
"This was too much, even for the callousness of Sir Horace: horror filled his bosom; and his constitution, apparently robust, yielded to the agitation of his mind; he took to his bed, and for some days experienced torments unspeakable. Repeatedly he conjured my father, who never quitted him, to forgive him; and at last desired to see Joseph and Mrs. Blond; but the appearance of the pale, emaciated Eliza, added to his agonies: he struggled for breath.
"'Forgive—forgive me!' he pantingly cried. 'Do not curse me! Oh, Ellenor! my child, mayest thou find a better friend than thy father has proved!—Send for my lawyer this instant—let me alter my will: for you, too, Corbet!—'
"He sunk in the arms of my father.
"At such a moment, could they refuse the forgiveness he entreated? Oh, no! Death was fast approaching: with a last struggle he seized the hands of my father and Blond, and, joining them, pronounced an emphatic, 'Bless you!' and immediately expired!
"Mrs. Blond was conveyed to the Parsonage, in a state approaching to insensibility: my mother was confined to her apartment; but chose to be present at the opening of the will; where my father, though nominated as heir, found himself restricted from assisting his sister, or living separate from his wife, under forfeiture of the greatest part of his property to the uncontrolled will of my mother, already independent by the death of her aunt; or, in case of her demise, from marrying Eliza, under the like forfeiture to a distant branch of the family.
"To Joseph he left two thousand pounds; and the estate in Cornwall, to my mother, in addition to her jointure.
"My father felt not the restriction till the arrival of his Ellenor; but, too well had he proved my mother's disposition, to hazard the alienation of his fortune from me, who was then about three months old; he therefore conducted her to Blond's, where she was received with open arms, and settled to her satisfaction, without infringing the clause in my grandfather's will.
"That my parents were unhappy, was the first idea I imbibed: and as reason expanded, every sorrow they felt caused equal anguish in my heart. No wonder then the settled grief, the pale dejection of my father, rendered him more dear to me, and imperceptibly added to the ties of affection; and oft have I wept at the wayward behaviour of my mother, calculated to make him appear in the eyes of the world as a tyrant: indeed, her pretended gentleness, and resignation to the choice of her father, in company, were only to be equalled by her unfeeling haughtiness and contempt, in private!"
"This is a character, Sir Henry," interrupted Mr. Talton angrily, "Lady Corbet, I am certain, by no means deserves!"
"Think not, Mr. Talton," answered Sir Henry, "I wish wrongfully to traduce my mother. Hear me with patience, and be yourself the judge.—
"Pride, delicacy, regard for his child, every consideration, forbade his exposing the duplicity of my mother; and, indeed, had he attempted it—it would but have confirmed the opinion, her deep-laid project had established.
"As home was truly disagreeable to my father, he passed the greatest part of his time at the Parsonage. His friendship with Blond suffered no diminution; and the society of his sister and Eliza, soothed even whilst it added to his affliction, for the irretrievable loss of the latter.
"When I was seven years old, I first accompanied him in his daily visits; and, with Edward, received my instruction from the worthy Blond. The infant Eliza, too, claimed my father's attention, and, as he traced in her the semblance of her mother, he would indulge a wish that she might one day hail him by the name of father!
"Thus passed seven years; when my father showed evident symptoms of a decline; but not all the entreaties of my aunt and Blond could urge him to seek medical assistance.
"Cease, Joseph," he would say, "to importune me. My disease, my brother, is past all but the power of death to remedy."
"To describe the agonies of my mind, as I saw him sinking to the grave, is impossible: and none but a son in danger of losing such a father, can form an idea of them. At last he yielded to my persuasions to try the air of France, and accordingly set sail for St. Malo's, attended by Thomas, and two other domestics.
"During his absence, Mallet, who had so abruptly quitted the service of Mr. Holly, returned to Caermarthen; and was appointed by my mother to the stewardship of her landed property. This step was highly disagreeable to my father, and he determined immediately to return: the malady of his mind was rapidly destroying his constitution; he entertained no hopes of recovery, he scarcely wished it; and Sister Françoise being at that time liberated from her monastic vows, he escorted her to Plymouth, and then returned to the Hall; where, for the first time in my life, I heard him reproach my mother for her conduct. Trivial as the circumstance was, it not only rendered home more disgusting, but appeared to accelerate his dissolution. At the Parsonage only he looked for peace; whither, under pretence of wandering in the grounds, I used to follow him; my mother having prohibited my visits to Blond, and my father, from affection, not wishing me ever to be from his presence.
"At last he became so feeble, as to be incapable of leaving the Hall; and my mother changing her usual mode of conduct, became attentive, and even assiduous about him; so much so, that for three weeks previously to the period which bereft me of the best of fathers, she rarely quitted him, even for necessary rest and refreshment. The evening, however, before he expired, she had retired for a few hours repose, and the attendants likewise quitting the room, my father looked expressively at me some moments, and, pressing my hand to his bosom, said,—'The time will shortly arrive, my Harry, when I shall moulder into dust, and you be deprived of him who might almost be termed your only parent. Thy mother—but no matter!... Little of happiness have I experienced in this world; and, but for thee, should quit it without regret. Yet remember, Harry, she is thy mother! and, whatever may hereafter reach thy knowledge, let it not for a moment blot from thy mind the sacredness of that tie!
"'You will be the inheritor of my fortunes; your mother is already well provided for; but I charge and entreat you take care of my Ellenor, and her son: Sir Horace's restriction reaches not to you: and if hereafter the child of my brother and Eliza should gain your affection, let not her want of an adequate fortune be a hindrance to your happiness; too many have already been sacrificed to avarice. Blond knows my sentiments, and will add a blessing to your father's; he has a copy of my will: the original you will find in——.'
"The entrance of my mother prevented his finishing the sentence, and her strict attention afterwards precluded all opportunity of informing me where he had put his will.
"In the morning Blond, as usual, came to visit my father; and perceiving a considerable change for the worse, consented to remain, till the life he prized above his own, should cease to animate its earthly mansion.
"Worthy, affectionate Blond! dear to my memory, must ever be thy behaviour in that awful hour; when suppressing thy own sorrow, which oft and oft obtruded to thine eye, thou spakest comfort to the heart of thy expiring friend, and supportedst the affliction of a son! Rest ye in peace, beloved pair! Together ye trod the rugged path of life: pure and sincere was your friendship; and death, unwilling to divide ye, summoned both to the same sepulchre!"
The emotions of Sir Henry prevented him from proceeding. At last recovering, he continued.
"My mother behaved at first with the greatest show of sorrow; and the tears she shed apparently to the memory of my father, revived every spark of affection; alas! I perceived not the tempest gathering over me, and ready to dart its most dreadful vengeance on my head.
"The day after the funeral, had been appointed for the perusal of the will, which was, my mother said, with other papers of consequence, in a private drawer of my father's escritoire. She desired the attendance of Blond, as the nearest friend of my father; and, at the stated time, the will was produced, in the presence of him, a neighbouring clergyman, Mallet, Thomas, Owen, and the principal domestics; but what was my surprise, to find my mother declared not only my sole guardian, but heiress of every part of my father's property, the entailed estates excepted; and from which I was to have an allowance of only four hundred pounds, annually, during my minority!
"Indignation sparkled in the penetrating eyes of Blond; whilst he vehemently declared the will was a false one! 'Here is a copy of the real one,' he continued, 'which will prove to your shame, Madam, that my noble brother has chosen a worthier heir than his wife.'
"Quick as lightning my mother tore it from his hands, and the next instant, forced it between the bars of the grate; whilst, with equal vehemence, she retorted the charge of forgery, and threatened to deprive him of his gown for the nefarious action! Never before had I seen Blond betray the least symptom of passion; and as affection for my mother prevented my regretting this deprivation of nearly two thirds of my fortune, I, after the first moment of surprise, endeavoured to mediate between them; but Blond still declared my father had left me the whole of his fortune, under the guardianship of the elder St. Ledger and himself: and my mother as resolutely declared the will produced, was the real one, and that by which I should abide; and insulted Blond to such a degree, as a mercenary intermeddler in the family, that, unable to bear it, he hastily left the Hall. The speed with which he returned to the Parsonage, joined to the agitation of his spirits, brought on a fever; which indignation in seeing me thus deprived of my rights, prevented him from paying proper regard to; this was increased, the following Sunday, by his getting wet in going to church; where, unable to change his clothes, he was necessitated to perform divine service in those he had on. The consequence was, that before the end of the second day, he was confined to his bed!
"During this, my mother, though exulting in the success of her artifice, behaved to me with her wonted show of affection; but Blond getting hourly worse, at last entreated to speak with me; and then it was my mother first unmasked herself to me!
"She peremptorily refused to let me go—the servant said his master was expiring! I begged, conjured—at last insisted! But, looking at me with that haughty contempt, she had too often regarded my father with—'Recollect yourself, young gentleman,' she said: 'you shall not go, but where, and to whom I please!—So far at least I can control you. Insist!' she repeated with increasing hauteur: 'henceforth, Sir, this apartment is the boundary of your steps, till you have learned to show more respect to the will of a mother!'
"She quitted the room, leaving me confounded at a behaviour so unexpected.
"The expiring Blond, however, took full possession of my mind; in him I was losing a second father; and as I could not but regard my mother's denial as unfeeling and unjust, I determined to obey the impulse of my heart: but, on trying the door, I found it locked, and, after some ineffectual attempts to force it, I was obliged to desist; the window, however, presented the means of escape; I instantly got out, and lightly dropping to the ground, hastened through the plantations, to the Parsonage, where I found my worthy uncle, indeed expiring. As soon as he beheld me, he extended his hand,
"'Welcome, Sir Henry! From the answer your mother returned to my request, this was a happiness, with which I dared not flatter myself: nor could I, as she desired, transmit what I had to impart, in writing. The urgency of the moment must prevent my dwelling on particulars:—take this packet, my Henry; given to my care, by your deceased father, to be delivered to you, on your attaining your one-and-twentieth year, or before if occasion required.—Keep it carefully from the knowledge of your mother; the contents will explain the reason, and in part account for her late conduct: for, the will she produced was forged!—the real one if not destroyed, you will find in the closet of the secret apartment: your father, Sir Henry, left you the undivided possession of his fortune!'
"These were nearly the last words he pronounced, as he expired in less than an hour after.
"I wonder not, my Eliza, at your tears; and a richer offering than those which spring from filial affection, cannot ascend to the throne of mercy!
"I shall pass over the distress of our friends at this juncture; your own hearts may best do justice to their feelings. It was late in the evening, when I slowly directed my steps to the Hall; where I immediately retired to my own room; but, a few minutes after, was summoned to attend my mother in the apartment where my father died.
"I obeyed.—But ah, who can paint the rage with which she addressed me! After upbraiding me for leaving the Hall, she demanded for what Blond had so earnestly desired to see me?
"'Your own heart, Madam,' I replied, 'may best answer that question. The will produced, he says, was not that of my father.'
"'Insolence unparalleled!' she exclaimed. 'Know, Sir, the estates and property I hold, were bequeathed me by Sir Horace. Your father for years supported his vagrant sister, and thereby forfeited them to me!'
"'It is strange then, Lady Corbet,' I replied, 'you did not exert your right during the life of my father; and not make him will them to you after his decease: but you mistake, Madam; my father never afforded my aunt the least pecuniary assistance, nor can you prove it. Her maintenance has been at the hand of Blond: he was not forbidden to succour a sister, though my father was.—Why are you agitated, Madam?—Is there not wealth enough for both, without using illegal means to enrich yourself: or did my mother think her Henry needed the severity she has this day shown, to induce his assent to her enjoying the whole of his fortune, had she wished it?'
"I took her hand; but, casting me from her, she said with increasing agitation—'The severity you complain of, boy! is nothing to what you shall experience for this behaviour! From these windows you cannot escape; this room is your prison; and here you may ruminate, and learn to dread the anger of your mother!'
"'Ruminate indeed!' I sighed, as she closed and locked the door—'for inexplicable are thy proceedings.'—But the packet Blond had given me, he said, would in some measure account for her conduct; to that I resolved to apply, and, seating myself, broke the seal of this, my father's last bequest."
Sir Henry drew the packet from his bosom, and, half suppressing a sigh, read as follows:
"When these lines, my beloved Henry, reach your hands, time will have left only a tender remembrance of the name of father! Yet I trust the affection you evinced for him in life, will make you regard this his last (though secret) request, and advice.
"Too oft have you heard the relation of my early misfortunes, to need a repetition here; but prepare, my Harry, for a tale you little expect, and which reached my knowledge a few months after my marriage.
"Some years prior to that event, your mother bestowed her affections on Mallet, her father's steward; who, at last, asked her of his master in marriage; but Mr. Holly refused him with the proudest disdain, and threatened to dismiss him, if he ever again renewed the subject. Miss Holly proved more favourable to his addresses, and at the time Sir Horace demanded her as a wife for me, was in a state advancing to become a mother!"
"Just Powers!" exclaimed Mr. Talton. "Do I hear aright? or can I credit the assertion?"
"My father's veracity, Sir," faltered Sir Henry, "is not to be doubted; even if my mother's subsequent conduct had not confirmed the circumstance as true."
"Proceed—proceed, dear Henry!" cried the agitated Louise. Sir Henry resumed the relation of his father.
"Alarmed at a circumstance which must inevitably have exposed her shame, she fled for protection to her aunt, and by a well-feigned tale, not only induced that lady to receive her; but to promise secrecy respecting her state, and the place of her retreat: whilst Mallet, dreading a discovery of their illicit connexion, withdrew to France; and four months after Miss Holly was delivered of a daughter, which the aunt undertook to rear; and, at the desire of her niece, who was wearied of solitude and restraint, waited on Mr. Holly, to intercede in her behalf. He admitted their excuses, consented to receive his daughter, and to bury the past in oblivion; but to prevent her again disappointing him, he informed Sir Horace of her expected return, and with him projected the scheme which plunged me into misery!
"A few months after our ill-fated marriage, Mr. Holly's sister died, leaving the whole of her fortune to your mother in secret trust, as I not two months since discovered, for her infant daughter. But avarice is your mother's motto, as well as Sir Horace's; to that she yielded, and, smothering every softer feeling, abandoned the child to the care of its father; and, appropriating the money to her own use, sent a peasant with the infant Louise to Mallet at Rennes!"
Sir Henry was here interrupted by Louise, who, bursting into tears, said—"Ah the dreaded secret is explained! Oh, Harland, will you not now despise the woman to whom you are united? The conduct of her parents must stamp indelible shame on her name!"
"The virtues of Louise," said Harland tenderly, "are all her own, nor can the actions of her parents lessen her for a moment in my regard."
Sir Henry paused a moment, till the violence of her emotion had subsided; then continued:
"The discovery of these circumstances by the officiousness of the woman she employed to transport the child, considerably degraded your mother, in my opinion: had she, indeed, been as amiable as she endeavoured to appear in the eye of the world, she might in time have obliterated Eliza from my heart; but the pity I had felt for her, as a victim, like myself, of parental tyranny, was then turned to contempt and disgust: she perceived the change, and soon learned the cause, and from that time marked me as the object of her vengeance.
"Already a favourite with Sir Horace, she easily insinuated herself into his affections, by continual coincidence with his opinion, and the appearance of personal attachment; and the ascendancy once gained, bent him entirely to her will. His anger to Ellenor, which had been gradually subsiding, was by her revived, and artfully fanned to the greatest height: whilst the coldness of my behaviour was exaggerated, and imputed to the affection I still retained for Miss Elvyn. Enraged at the bare supposition, he made his will, restricting me from assisting one, or ever marrying the other. Not satisfied with this, however, as your mother became seriously indisposed, and fearing I should disregard the sacrifice of my fortune if again at liberty; he determined to accomplish the design he had before projected of uniting Eliza to my brother.
"The deaths of Mr. Holly and Sir Horace, were followed, my Henry, by your birth; nor till you are yourself a father, can you conceive with what transports I pressed you to my bosom. In you I anticipated a future source of happiness; and as my fondness increased, you became with me (be not surprised, my Henry, if chance have not yet discovered it) likewise an object of thy mother's indifference—and hatred! But, for your sake, I buried my sorrows in my own bosom; enduring every species of behaviour studiously calculated to drive me to a separation; and, could I have been assured you would have enjoyed the property after her decease, I would not have hesitated a moment in my determination; but too well did I know her principles to place the power in her hands.
"The return of my Ellenor and her infant, increased the anxiety which preyed on my mind; though I trust, she will do justice to her brother, in believing his heart never for an instant coincided with the will of her father.
"For years your mother continued the same unwearied course of conduct; affecting an outward appearance of submission to me, and affection to you; whilst in secret she rendered home distasteful, and embittered every moment I was obliged to pass in her society.
"How different the conduct of Eliza! She, though united to a man she did not love, learned to esteem him for his virtues; cheerfully fulfilling the duties of her station, she enjoyed the sweets of friendship, and experienced content from internal rectitude. What a contrast!
"The hours I passed at the Parsonage, with friends so beloved, in assisting to form the mind of my Henry, I need not recount; but, comparatively happy as they were, they could not compensate for the behaviour of your mother, which at last has forced me to an early grave.
"At your intercession, I consented to visit France; but receiving intelligence Mallet had revisited Wales, I as hastily returned, and found your mother had, indeed, renewed her acquaintance with this her early lover! Unfeeling—insulting woman! couldst thou not stay a few short weeks, till death had left thee free to accept the lover of thy choice!—Yet even this I could have excused; nay, perhaps, have pardoned: but from the private room, I heard them exulting in the prospect of my death, and projecting plans to deprive you, my beloved boy, of your inheritance; but the measures I have pursued, I trust, will render Mallet's schemes abortive.
"By this means, I likewise learned that the infant Louise had been deserted by its equally unnatural father, who left it exposed at the Convent gate of St. Ursule. Even your mother, for a moment, reprobated the inhumanity of the action; till he informed her the Abbess had received, and consented to rear the child, as a foundling from Heaven; but whether it still existed, he knew not. If it do, (and be it your care, my Harry, to inquire) I charge you to assist the unfortunate girl; yet likewise respect your mother, nor wilfully seek to raise a blush of shame on her cheek: let the consideration, that she is your mother, induce you to pardon what otherwise you might condemn!
"To you she has ever preserved the appearance of maternal affection, and, should you inherit her fortune, remember thirty thousand pounds of it was left by her aunt, for the deserted Louise; and to her let it be restored. But should Mallet, whose hatred to you, I believe, is as unbounded as his influence over her, induce her to bestow it on himself or others; forget not, my son, she is your sister, and provide for her according to the dictates of your own generous heart; to which, I must likewise leave the care of my Ellenor and her son.
"Large is the fortune you will inherit, and the years of your minority will considerably add to it. Sir Horace ever designed to give his Ellenor fifty thousand pounds, which sum, should she be re-united to the worthy but misguided Howard, you can present her with; but should her Edward still be denied the knowledge of a father, I would have you secure to him, in addition, the estate I purchased of Howels.
"And now, my Henry, let me mention the subject, which, though sinking to the grave, will still maintain the superiority of hope in my bosom,—that the child of her I once fondly thought to have called my own, may become your wife. With satisfaction, I have perceived your youthful partiality for each other, and cherished every spark of growing attachment. Yet if another should gain your maturer affection, Heaven forbid that I should thwart your inclination, or be the means, however indirectly, of uniting you to a woman you could not prefer to the rest of her sex. Should you, therefore, behold another with the eye of prepossession, at least, regard Eliza as a sister, and give her a portion accordingly.
"And here, my Henry, let me rest. Though scarcely can I bring myself to resign my pen; but it must be.—Harry, dear beloved boy—dearer far to my heart than life itself, farewell! May every blessing this transitory state affords, fall to your lot, till we meet in those realms where eternal happiness rewards the virtuous and afflicted!
"H. Corbet."
"Surprise and concern," continued Sir Henry, as he folded up the packet, "for some time absorbed every faculty. Again I perused the papers, which opened a mother's character to my view, and which the occurrences of that day had marked as too just. Yet, for what purpose could she confine me?—had she not succeeded in obtaining the estates? at what further then did she aim? I could not resolve the question, but insensibly reverted to the death of my father. The bed he expired on, was before me, my destined couch of rest. Nature revolted at the idea, and revived, with additional poignancy, the remembrance of his last moments.
"'And Blond too is gone!' I cried, rising, and wildly pacing the room: 'and she who should prove the friend and guardian of her son, too surely seeks his destruction!—But, perhaps, the will is not destroyed: no one but Blond knew where it was placed.'
"My mother had secured my father's keys; but some months prior to his decease, he had presented me with one of the private room; which had my mother known, she would, most probably, have chosen another apartment for my confinement.
"With a palpitating heart I unlocked the door, and hastily advanced to the closet, where Blond had said it was deposited; but in vain I searched; no will could I discover.
"'Too surely, it is destroyed,' I sighed; and at that moment my ear was saluted by the voice of my mother in the adjoining apartment, which, indeed, was her own; and, by the familiarity of her address, soon discovered Mallet to be her companion. I was, indeed, on the spot whence my father mentioned overhearing a former discourse. Listening attentively, I heard my mother say—'You are wrong, Charles. Confining him in the room where Corbet died, is the only way to effect my purpose. Naturally of a pensive disposition, the recollection of his father, forced on his mind by every object, cannot fail still more to deject him. Could I but find this accursed will, and destroy it, I should not fear him; but as it is—there I will keep him, till I either turn his senses, or have a fair pretence for saying he is insane; which may answer as well. Let me once get the entire management of his estates, it is all I desire.'
"'I never doubted your abilities, Caroline,' said Mallet, 'but cannot clearly comprehend how you can accuse him of insanity, when the evidence of the servants must prove to the contrary; and as for really turning his senses—your hopes, I am afraid, are rather too sanguine: Sir Henry is soft in heart; not the head.—There is an easier way to settle your pretensions. Were Sir Henry at rest with his father, no one would have a just right to dispute the validity of the present will; which, if he live to come of age, is a thing not at all unlikely to happen.—If he were dead—'
"'The entailed estates,' interrupted my mother, 'would go to the heir at law, and I should lose eight thousand a year.—So, no more on that subject, Sir. He is the son of Corbet, of the man I hated; but I will not consent to embrue my hands in his blood, though I should glory in reducing him to the state in which you left Louise!'
"'Well, well, Caroline,' said Mallet, 'I yield: if you can accomplish your design, far be it from me to dissuade you from it.'
"They proceeded to settle their future plans, and I retired to the outward apartment, in a state nearly answering my mother's wishes.
"In the morning, Mallet brought my breakfast. I started from my seat at his entrance; his injuries to my father, his villanous intentions toward myself, rose on my tortured imagination, and hurried me nearly to madness! Impelled by the phrenzy of the moment, I hurled my chair at him with the utmost force, and levelled him with the floor! The folly of the action, the moment I had committed it, served to restore my recollection; for would it not aid my mother in her intentions to accuse me of insanity? Mallet, perhaps, believed me then deranged, for, springing on his feet, he with the greatest trepidation hurried out of the room. He, however, took care to secure the door, and I was left to reflect on my want of forbearance to one who, I was certain, would not pass by the opportunity of injuring me. My prognostic was right: in less than half an hour, my mother entered the room; her eye glanced with secret satisfaction on the fragments of china scattered on the floor; but, advancing to me, she haughtily asked the meaning of the outrage I had committed? My heart swelled to agony at the question, though certainly to have been expected. I could not avow the motive which had instigated me.—I could not utter a falsehood: and, at last, throwing myself on the bed, covered my face, and found a slight relief in groans.
"Still now do her contemptuous taunts vibrate on my ear, as she told me my new-acquired dignities would not sit graceful on me, if I knew not better how to sustain the character of a gentleman!
"'They sit not easy on me, indeed, Madam,' I replied with a sigh. 'Would to Heaven, that he who has borne them since my birth, still existed; then should I not want a friend—a parent!'
"'No more of this insolence, Sir,' she retorted;—'lest you make me forget I bear that title: and remember, it is in my power to prove an enemy!'
"'It is indeed!' I repeated. 'I had at the moment, forgotten you gave me birth!'
"She darted a look of scorn and anger at me, and desiring me henceforward to behave with the duty which became me as a son and ward, left me again to the torments of reflection.
"At noon, Mallet brought my dinner; and an hour after took it away, untouched.
"For a week I was regularly served by him, and in that time, by means of the closet, learned that the clergyman who was present with Blond at the reading of the will, had been presented with the Corbet living; though, as he refused to resign the house where he had long resided, Mrs. Blond was permitted to remain at the Parsonage, at least till a proper opportunity should occur of turning her out: likewise, that my mother, wishing to preserve the character she had ever maintained in the opinion of the world, immediately granted her request, that Blond, as he had entreated, might be interred in the same vault with my father.
"This act of complaisance, however, was soon followed by one I little expected.
"On the death of Sir Horace, my father, regarding the legacy bequeathed to Blond as far less than he had a right to expect, would have added a considerable donation to it; but this Blond refused, and was at last, with difficulty, prevailed on to accept a small but pleasant estate, which adjoined the Parsonage lands. This, however, from some neglect, for which I cannot account, but most probably from Blond's unwillingness to receive it, had never been properly assigned to him; though the rent was constantly paid to him, and he regarded as the owner.
"This estate, my father, a few months before his decease, informed me he had, with one more considerable, left in the fullest manner to his brother. Nevertheless, my mother now reclaimed it and, as no writings could be produced to prove it Mrs. Blond's, basely wrested from her the principal means of her subsistence.
"Nor did she longer delay the execution of her devices to make me appear insane; but one morning came to the door, and gently tapping, called me by name, entreating to be admitted.
"'Your Ladyship,' I replied, 'has secured the means of entrance at all times: why then demand it of me?'
"'What does he mean?' I heard her say, in a voice of concern, to her maid who accompanied her: 'Henry, dear Henry, I conjure you, open the door!'
"'If you, Madam,' I again answered, 'had intrusted me with the key, I might have complied with your request: but at present would wish to know for what offence I am treated as a prisoner.'
"'Heavens! how wildly he talks!' she continued to her companion; and with greater energy begged and entreated to be admitted: whilst every answer I could return, was by her artifice regarded as a proof of my insanity by her servant; who did not fail to exaggerate what she had heard to her companions; and in a few days it was believed, that I was actually deranged.
"I learned the success of my mother's plan, by my usual channel of intelligence; and for the future resolved to persevere in silence; but it was of no avail; and some months passed, during which it was affirmed that my confinement was from my own choice.
"In the course of this time, I had frequently renewed my search for the will, though without effect; but one day, in examining the contents of a secret drawer, I discovered bank-notes to the value of seven hundred pounds, which I made no scruple of securing; and determined, should an opportunity offer, to leave the Hall, and put myself under the protection of St. Ledger.
"Providence, in this respect proved favourable; for, a few weeks after, I was awakened in the night, by a person moaning at my door: thinking it some new device of my mother, I disregarded it, till I heard the voice of Thomas lamenting the supposed loss of my reason. I then hesitated not a moment, but, springing out of bed, soon convinced him the account he had received of me was false. This worthy servant's joy was unbounded, and he promised to effect my liberation in the course of a week; hinting at the same time, that he suspected his lady participated in the disposition of Sir Horace.
"Thomas kept his word. He soon discovered Mallet was intrusted with the key; he therefore ventured into his room one night, and perceiving him in a sound sleep, took the key from his pocket, lightly stepped to my apartment, and, with an expression of joy in his countenance not to be described, proclaimed me at liberty.
"Little preparation was necessary; and, bidding my faithful old servant farewell, I directed my steps to the Parsonage.
"My aunt and Mrs. Blond immediately rose on hearing who it was; and after a short conference, I prevailed on them to receive part of the money I had obtained, as their income was then reduced to little more than one hundred pounds; for Blond possessed too benevolent a disposition ever to think of amassing money. He had truly regarded his parishioners as his children; as such their wants ever found the readiest relief; and to the stranger his heart, his hand, and his door had ever been open!
"After an affectionate adieu, I hastened to the church, where, for some time, I indulged in an unrestrained sorrow over the ashes of my father and Blond.
"The appearance of day at length warned me to retire; and tearing myself from their sacred remains, I ran to the village, where I procured a horse, and thence directed my course toward London.
"St. Ledger was from home; but I was received with the greatest cordiality by his amiable wife, your beloved sister Françoise, Louise—."
"Sister Françoise, my brother!" cried Louise with vivacity. "Ah, pardon my interruption: but tell me—satisfy my curiosity respecting her."
"In a few words, Louise. St. Ledger, the man she was privately united to, was in his youth the bosom-friend of my father: on his travels, he saw and became enamoured of the amiable Françoise; and on her father's refusing him her hand, prevailed on her to consent to a private marriage. Their intercourse had continued some time, when he was discovered by Monsieur de Colline, and the consequences which followed were as you recited them, from the words of Sister Brigide. Françoise was delivered of a son, who was doomed by the grandfather to an early grave; but was preserved and secretly conveyed to St. Ledger, by the old confident. This soon reached the knowledge of Monsieur de Colline, who in the first paroxysm of passion, would have sacrificed her life, for the innocent one she had preserved. He spared her, but on condition of her taking an oath, never to divulge the retreat of Françoise to St. Ledger, or to undeceive his daughter respecting the death of her infant; for he well knew that whilst she supposed her child living, she would not consent to retire from the world. Poor Françoise was deceived, and imagining herself bereaved of both husband and offspring, gladly took shelter from the anger and reproaches of her father and sisters, in the Convent of St. Ursule. St. Ledger, in the mean time, after vainly demanding his wife of her father, searched the country for some miles round; till, imposed on by a fabulous tale of her death, he, in a state of mind truly disconsolate, returned with his infant son to England.
"My father went to France at the time of Monsieur de Colline's death. The circumstances attending the liberation of Françoise were too publicly discoursed of to escape his knowledge, and he immediately proceeded to Rennes, where, introducing himself as the intimate friend of her husband, she joyfully accepted his offer of escorting her to England.
"Françoise had written to St. Ledger, who, with an impatience equal to his regard for this amiable woman, was hastening with his son to France, to meet her, when my father unexpectedly presented her to his embrace at Portsmouth, where St. Ledger was waiting for a favourable wind, to convey him to the opposite coast.
"Since that time their happiness has never had the least interruption; except from the hymeneal expedition of my friend Henry. They are, however, perfectly satisfied with his choice of a bride, who, on her part, appears sincerely attached to the parents of her husband.
"The elder St. Ledger, on his return in the evening, received me with his usual friendship. To him my father had never divulged the secret of his unhappiness; nor could I reveal it: but on his inquiring the reason of my journey to London, I related what had passed between me and my mother since the death of my father, and the means she had used to make me appear insane. St. Ledger listened to my tale with complaisance; but regarded my conduct as proceeding from youthful folly; and plainly told me, he should sooner credit the idea of my insanity, than any thing to the prejudice of Lady Corbet, who, he was well assured, loved me too well, and was too just, wilfully to injure me or any one! He, however, requested I would make his house my home as long as I remained in town; and, at my entreaty, forbore to inform my mother where I was. The precaution, however, was useless, as Lady Dursley accidentally saw me, and wrote to my mother, who immediately came to London.
"With our subsequent rencontre at Sir John's, you are already acquainted. My mother, on her first arrival in town, designed to have called on St. Ledger; but, understanding he was at his country seat, deemed it unnecessary; and, having recovered her emigrant, took leave of her friends, and reconducted me to the Hall, where, a few days after, I was again placed in confinement.
"The visits of Mr. Talton in some degree restored my liberty: but solitude was then become my choice; my mind, by constantly dwelling on the waywardness of my fate, became gloomy; and my wretchedness was farther encreased, by hearing the exultations of my mother, at the subjection to which she had reduced me.
"Mallet, nevertheless, wished my death, under an apprehension that I might, one day, discover the means which had been used to defraud me of my possessions; and repeatedly endeavoured to persuade her to let him administer such drugs as, without leaving any signs of violence, would quickly send me to the grave.—This, however, my mother as often opposed; and, at last declared, if I died, she would marry Talton.
"This arrangement by no means satisfied Mallet, whose real motive, I believe, was an idea, that if I were dead, he might persuade or terrify her into a marriage with himself.
"In the mean time, my mother continued her usual mode of behaviour toward me; occasionally allowing me the liberty of rambling in the surrounding plantations, though with two or three servants to watch me, lest I should again attempt to escape.
"Thus passed more than a twelve-month, when I was taken ill; I loathed my food; my strength failed me; and repose became a stranger to my pillow. Frequently I passed the night in pacing my room; or, when the moon afforded sufficient light, in contemplating the venerable structure where the ashes of my father rested, or in tracing the different haunts where he had so often attended me in my juvenile rambles.
"One night, as usual, I deserted my bed, my mind brooding on the ills which might befall my Eliza and her friends, if fate should consign me to the tomb; an event I thought very likely to happen;—restless, and not knowing where to fly for relief, I, after some time wandering about the chamber, unlocked the door of the private room; and, almost unconsciously, advanced to the spot which had afforded me such a source of unhappiness.
"Mallet was with my mother, and I soon found a disagreement, of no trivial nature, had taken place.
"'—I speak more from a consideration of your safety, Lady Corbet, than my own,' I heard him say. 'I have many resources which you have not; and—I again repeat it—whilst Sir Henry lives, not only your property, but your life also, is in danger: and, a moment's consideration would make you sensible of what the consequence must be, should Mrs. Blond or Mrs. Crawton seek the protection of Talton. They have eloquence as well as you, nor might even their beauty vainly plead in their favour!'
"'Charles, no more!' said my mother. 'You have instigated me thus far, nor will I now leave half my scheme unaccomplished. If you, Sir, are so easily intimidated—I am not! Let them seek his protection—it will be of no avail. I have Talton too securely in my toils, to fear any application they may make!'
"'Perhaps not!' continued Mallet. 'I do not like trusting to a chance, when you can proceed on a certainty. What would avail all your fine-spun policy, if Sir Henry should ever discover the will?—Your ruin must inevitably follow; nor will a charge of insanity then avail. With such a proof in his favour, he will soon find friends to support him; and you may then wish you had followed my advice. If he were dead, you would be at least secured in your present property.'
"'Would then he were dead!' ejaculated my mother.—'But it is impossible he should ever discover the will; though where Corbet could put it, I cannot think. But it must and shall be found—and soon too!'
"Their discourse ceased; but I was too much lost in reflection to remark it; and stood expecting its continuation, when my mother entered my apartment. An exclamation of surprise and dismay escaped her, on beholding the private room open, and anxiously advancing, she discovered me, my head resting against a pilaster, and my hand pressed to my beating temples.
"'What mean you, Sir?—How came you here?—How dare you enter this room, without my permission?' she angrily demanded—her eye quickly glancing from me to every part.
"'The same reason which brings you here, Madam,' I replied, 'first induced me to enter: the hope and expectation of finding my father's will.'
"'Your father's will!' she repeated. 'What means the boy?'
"'Not to establish my rights on a mother's destruction,' I replied: 'though most undoubtedly to do justice to those she has wronged. Oh, my mother! in mercy, go no farther; nor thus lay up a source of wretchedness for thy latter years. Life smiles gaily now, the meridian of a summer's day; but recollect, that night, however late, must still succeed. Will not my mother's soul then shrink from its glooms, and dread to meet the record of her actions?'
"'Knowest thou to whom thou art speaking?' she cried, darting a look of mingled scorn and fear at me.
"'To my mother!' I replied: 'and as such let her for once listen to me with patience!—You must be conscious, Madam, I am not ignorant of the measures you have pursued, to obtain the greatest part of my father's property; neither for what reason you now regard and treat me as an enemy. Believe me, you injure me, if you imagine that for the sake of regaining those possessions, I should ever wish to expose you to the censure of the world. Far from my heart be such a thought! I want not superfluous wealth; for me the fortune inherited from my forefathers, is amply sufficient. Freely then enjoy what you have obtained; by me you shall never be molested. All I ask is the restoration of Blond's property, and the society of my friends.'
"'Wretches!' she exclaimed. 'You too, I suppose, like your father, would foster the vagrant Ellenor! But let her, and your friends, as you call them, beware!'
"'She never injured you, Madam,' I cried; 'and recollect, she is the sister of the man, to whom you bound yourself by the most solemn ties before the face of Heaven. For myself I plead not; but as you hope for mercy hereafter, show it to her and the unhappy Elvyns.'
"'And art thou to prescribe to me?' she contemptuously exclaimed.—'To your chamber this instant, Sir; I shall not apply to you for guidance: and, as you value your existence, dare not again to give such licence to your tongue!—Begone, Sir!'
"I obeyed; taking the key from the door as I passed.
"She instantly followed me, and peremptorily demanded it.
"'Excuse me, Madam,' I replied, 'I cannot yield it. It was given me by my father; and, as master of this mansion, I have an undoubted right to retain it.'
"'Master of this mansion!' she franticly repeated. 'Never whilst I exist.—Thinkest thou I will stoop to acknowledge thy superiority?'
"'Had I not been willing to acknowledge yours, Lady Corbet,' I answered, 'I had not thus long submitted to the restriction you have ordained; though I do not promise much longer patiently to bear it!'
"She regarded me with a frenzied eye—'Dost thou threaten too?—Severely shalt thou suffer for this! This instant, Sir, deliver the key.'
"'For God's sake, my mother,' I cried, 'do not thus oppress me: long have I borne each ill you have inflicted, and nearly without a murmur; in pity, then, spare me; nor thus add to the sorrows of a heart that is already nearly broken.'
"'No trifling, Sir; my purpose is fixed; nor, by all that is sacred, will I be dissuaded from it! I will not be subjected to your control, or longer kept in awe by your pretensions!'
"'I do not wish it,' I cried; 'all I ask, is that which, if not possessed by me, cannot devolve to you.'
"She stamped with rage.—'The key, Sir; this moment give it me.'
"'I have already told your Ladyship, I cannot—I will not yield it!'
"Never before had my mother experienced such opposition from me. Her passions, already raised by the insinuations of Mallet, hurried her nearly to madness; she snatched a pen-knife from the table where I had been writing, her lips quivered as she grasped my arm—'Harry—if thou darest again refuse—thou forfeitest thy life!'
"'Then take my life,' I cried; the tears starting to my eyes, and so agitated that I could scarcely speak; 'when a mother seeks to destroy it, what hand shall be raised for its preservation!—Yet think not by depriving me of existence, to secure your safety. A charge of lunacy may screen the action from the knowledge of the world; but there is an all-seeing eye, Lady Corbet, that would mark it, and make you for ever dread to meet the face of Heaven!'
"She regarded me with an agitation, that too plainly showed the state of her mind, then cast me from her with violence, and hurled the knife to the further part of the room. I was hastening to secure it, when Mallet, either for the purpose of assisting her to search for the will, or from a motive of a darker nature, entered the chamber. He started on beholding me, and, with a well-counterfeited surprise, asked the reason of my being up at such an unseasonable hour?
"'Where the assassin dwells,' I replied, 'it is requisite to watch, instead of sleeping!'
"'Assassin!' he repeated as he advanced; when perceiving the knife in my hand—'What madness, Sir Henry, have you been attempting? A strait waistcoat I believe will soon terminate your nightly exploits!'
"My mother here informed him of her finding me in the private room, and of my refusing to resign the key.—'A circumstance,' he significantly returned, 'at which I am not in the least surprised. Your Ladyship will most probably be very soon convinced, that the measures I advised were highly requisite.'
"My mother regarded him with an expressive countenance, but was silent, and Mallet continued—'It is not yet too late to rectify the error; and as I know the necessity for it, I shall take the liberty of dispossessing Sir Henry of the means of future entrance to that apartment.' Then addressing me—'I have no time to lose in persuasion, young gentleman: if you do not peaceably resign the key, I shall use effectual means to obtain it!'