THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA ENDOWED BY THE DIALECTIC AND PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETIES UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00009991681 This BOOK may be kept out ONE MONTH unless a recall notice is sent to you. A book may be renewed only once; it must be brought to the library for renewal. / -r THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. A NOVEL. Printed by J. Darling, Leadenhall-Strect, London. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT; OR THE Gid tyftaid and tyflaiued ^'f oman. IN THREE VOLUMES, By Mrs. ROSS^ AVVmil OF THE MARCHIONESS, THE COUSINS, FJMILY ESTATE, MODERN CALVPSO, PAIRED— NOT MATCHED, STRANGERS OF LINDENFELDT, FRANCE Sf ENGLAND, i^c. Alas ! and is domestic strife. That sorest ill of human life, A plague so little to be feared As to be wantonly incurr'd. To gratify a fretful pas^sic-n. On every trivial provocation ? The kindest and the happiest pair Will find occasion to forbear ; And something, every day they Eve, To pity, ajid perhaps forgive. COWPER. Qui capit ille facit. FOURTH EDITION. VOL. II. Printed at the Minerva Press for A. K. NEWMAN AND CO. LEADENHALL-STREET. i Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/balanceofconnfort02ross BALANCE OF COMFORT. Chapter i. As similarity of mind, Or something not to be defin'd, ' First fixes our attention ; So manners decent and polite^ The a^me we practis'd at first sight, Must save it from declension. Gowper. It was late in July before Mrs. Charlton could break from the friends by whom she was. so deservedly beloved/ but at length - she prepared for her departure to her own house at Torrington Lodge, Althea having declined the offer she made her of taking her to some bathing-place or the Lakes,-«^ " If you will go with me," said Mrs, Charl- TOL. IL B S THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. ton, " you shall choose your own destina- tion ; if not, I shall go and vegetate quietly at home, but not solitary, for I shall invite our favourite, Jllrs. Amy Finch, and her maivl Betty, and her cat." If I could prevail on myself so soon to quit Isabella and my little darling Althea," replied Miss Vernon, I had much rather join you and Mrs. Amy Finch at Torring- ton, than go to any place of public resort, I assure you. But really I have been so long a truant from my family, and. Eliza- beth talks of coming too, and Bella is so desirous of my staying with her, that you will, I know^ have the goodness to come again soon and see how we go on, and bring my kind hostess, Mrs, Finch, with you. I shall be so anxious to shew you our nursery improvements ! Bella will be such a nursing mother, I know." Upon that very point I am very desi- rous of giving you, or at least your sister through you, some little hints, oddly as advice upon the subject of a nursery may sound from the lips of an old maid. Do THE BALANCE OF COMFOET, 8 not let Isabella allow this darling child to occupy her entirely, I know how jealous men are of any abridgement of those little attentions tliey think their due, and which are generally bestowed unreservedly, till children come to share them. The young mother is usually so proud, so dotingly fond — of the first infant especially, novelty being added to all its other attractions, and even in this instance of no inconsiderable force, that her husband is apt to find a sud- den diminution of those attentions he used to engross wholly, and he is seldom pleased to find a rival, even in his child " But you speak of common-minded, peevish, capricious men, not of such as Philipson,^' replied Althea: I am sure he would never feel sentiments so degrad- ing to himself, so unkind to my sister," I speak of men in general, and Philip- son among the rest. At present, every thing has gone on in perfect harmony be- tween him and your sister. He has al- ways appeared perfectly gocd-humourecl and amiable, for nothing ha^ occurred 4 THE BALANCE OF COMEORT. render him otherwise, or give occasion for a display of temper. But I confess I think no man would fee] or resent any falling ofF of his accustomed attentions more than he v/ould. He has always found a ready and willing companion in his walks ; if he w^as disposed to read, Isabella immediately gave lip any occupation she might have, and quietly composed herself to work and to listen ; she was always ready for a fishing- party; and, in fact, lived only to please and attend to her husband. To do this exclusively, as she then did, is impossible, and v\rould be reprehensible ; but tell her to beware of the opposite extreme, nor, from making her husband her first and almost only object, suffer him to fancy himself slighted for his child. A little good management at first will reconcile both duties, and enable her to fulfil them correctly.'' * Well, if Philipson deceives me, I give lip all judgment, all reliance on mankind directly," said Althea ; but till he does alter very materially, I hope you will par- THE BALANCE OE COMFOM. B don me if I still think of Mm as superior to men in general." ^'May you be able, twelve months hence, to say and think the >same of him !" replied Mrs. Charlton ; " and that you ivill, de- pends, I think, much on his wife. You can little think how difficult a task is allotted to every married woman, nor how delicate and intricate is the great work of ministering properly to the whims, pre- judices, and vanities of her husband. It passes from one generation to another as a matter of right, in a man's opinion, that he is to be undisputed and undisturbed lord paramount. He sees his mother, in all probability, tremble at the look, or start at the voice of his father — taken from her own friends, and harshly criticised and misrepresented by his ; and the son, who is iji the habit of observing this from youth to manhood, marries v/ith the full expec- tation that his wife is to do the same; v/hilst at the same time, according to the received mode of gallantry in these cases, he is deluding his intended, victim bv an & THE JSALANCE OF COMFORT, asf^urancej as far from common sense as truth, that he shall never have any will but heri?, and that he shall ever remain the liumblest of her slaves. A girl is apt enough to believe improbabilities in her own case, though slie w^ould laugh at such folly in her friend, and though she most likely sees a contrary system every day exemplified in her own family, and lieara her mother's warning voice not to be too credulous. But to this, and the similar instances she may remark in almost every family, she wilfully shuts her eyes and ears, or makes an exception in her own favour to a general rule. If she should happen to have only one parent, the chances are still more against her, for ex- ample is always more powerful than pre- cept, though both may fail." Oh dear ! wdiat a picture have you drawn !" said Althea, sighing deeply, " and one which I must believe is too true. Would I were forty, and single !" Mrs. Charlton laughed — " Do you dis- trust your own firmness then during your THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. 7 youthful days ? Believe me, there are as many and as egregious simpletons at forty^ or even at fifty, as twenty, and much less excusable ones. Tliinking as I do^ I be- lieve you would be happier single; but if you do not think as 1 do^ you had better Miarry : it is a desperate experiment, but^ after all, there are very few who will be convinced of the truth of such an argu- ment as mine till they have tried it." Althea promised to hint to Is-abella, asr quickly and as delicately as she could, the advice which Mrs. Charlton had thought would perhaps be better received, if not im- mediately given by herself; at the same time, however, and for the first time i]i her life, she fancied Mrs. Charlton completely mistaken in her judgment. Her opinion of Philipson, though more implied than expressed, seemed harsh and ill formed and Althea impatiently anticipated the time ivhen she should be able to correct the prejudices wliich she thought inspired it. Isabella heard a recapitulation of Mrs. Charlton's advice with deference, but at 8 THE BALANCE OP C0MF0:RT. the same time with infinite surprise, and her opinion that Philipson was not quite perfect with something hke disdain and displeasure. She and Althea so entirely agreed in their estimation of his character and temper, that Mrs* Charlton's some- what-contrary way of thinking rather weakened the effect her advice might otherwise have had, since, if her opinion was erroneous, her counsel must be inap- plicable. So they settled the affair between themselves, and agreed that in this sole instance their good friend was rather too fastidious, and judged of men too much by one general rule. Mrs. Philipson continued to keep almost wholly in the nursery, or, when in the par- lour, almost invariably had the cradle by her side; whilst Althea conducted the do- mestic business of the family, and supplied her sister's place as a v/alking or fishing companion to Philipson. Occupied by their various employments, neither sister noticed the cloud which occasionally pass- ed over his brow at Isabella's repeated ex- THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. Q cuses when he asked her to walk, or the half-repressed exclamations he sometimes uttered at the litters which rendered the parlour uncomfortable, and occasioned a bustle if any unexpected visitor appeared on the lawn. The cloud was transient, and gave "way at the smiles of his infant ; and his wife, who looked more at the baby than at him, did not perceive it. A letter from Westhaven Park about this* time announced Mrs. Arlingham's long-promised visit, which she had delayed on various frivolous excuses, till Isabella had almost lost, with the expectation, the wish of seeing her, particularly as her let- ters bespoke no inconsiderable share of the fine lady. At last," she wrote, I have made up my mind to pay a visit to your vicarage, ^ my dear Bella, and intend being with you by the latter end.of July. I have fought some battles about this said visit, but I have come off victorious, as I always will, one way or another. I shall not be able 10 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. to stay long, and beg you will not think it at all necessary to make any viilage-parties for me, unless the neiglibourhood is greatly improved since I left it. Althea writes nie that your baby is a beauty. I supposed so before — in your eyes, at least. I hope she is quiet. Thank Heaven ! I am free from that tax. Althea likewise tells me that Mrs. Charlton offered to take her to any watering-place she pleased, and slie refused! Can this be possible? And all to vegetate with you and your baby ! 1 w^ish she v/ould make me the same offer; I should be w^iser than to refuse, I promist^ you. Pray bespeak me stabling for my liorses at the King's Arms. ISly carriage, I believe, can stand in your chaise-house by dislodging the donkey-cart, which I sup- pose will iiot much signify. Tell Phihp- son I am a most patient angler, and shall certainly appropriate his new vole"' The letter contained little more, and this may be easily conceived not very pleasing. Philipson Vv^as uncommonly an- gry at the cold and haughty style v/hleh THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. ran through every Ihie, and her sisters were greatly hurt at lier evident affecta- tion of superiority and v»^ant of affection. " I hope, Bella," gaid Phihpson,^ " you will confine your nursery cares to the pro- per place when JMrs,^ Arlinghani comes. You ought not to ' tax' he? delicate nerves with such unsightly proceedings ; and to tell you a bit of my mind, now I have be- gun tlie subject^ 1 don't admire having my sitting-room made a nursery m.yself. Tiiere is a room appropriated for the occasion, and there I think so yovmg a brat had bet- ter keep. By Jove ! look now — there is Wly Cotman's carriage coming. Do hurry away these abominable cradk\s and things* This comes nov/ of your folly." The bustle had not well subsided of re- moving all the appurtenances of jMiss AL thea before the carriage stopped. Lady Cot man, after all the trouble she had occa- sioned, did not enter the house i she only came to ask when Mrs. Arlingliarn was coming, as she had just heard she Vv^as sliortly expected, and to secure one day of 12 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. her ^' young friend's'' company at Adder- ley, when she hoped also to have the plea- sure of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Philipson and Miss Vernon. Having delivered her invi- tation with an air of provid condescension, which bespoke her own sense of the favour she had conferred, she took her leave. Philipson went out alone; and Isabella had her nursery removed to the proper place, and sat down to consider, over and over again, the strange way in which her husband had behaved on the subject, and to question herself whether Mrs. CharL ton's opinion was altogether unfounded in reason. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 13 CHAPTER II. T am asham'd that women are so simple, To offer war where they should kneel for peace^ Or seek fur rule, supremacy,- and sway. Shakespeaee, Gold hath no lustre of its own- It shines oy temperate use alone* Francises Horace, Foe one lialf-hour Westliaven Park claims our attention. " I am going to Feltliam next Monday, Mr. Arlingham," said Elizabeth. Very well, with all my heart," replied her husband. " I shall go in the carriage, Mr. Arling- ham, of course, and shall keep the horses as long as I stay. Which pair can you spare best ?" I think hack horses will answer your purpose quite as well;> and I shall want all 14 THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. mine at home. Tins is a veiy busy time,- %vitli so much hay down. I cannot spare any.** " Then I shall gain the stagecoach, and I leave you to guess what pretty com- ments will be made on such a circumstance as your wife travelling in such a vehicle." A very good one — I generally travel m the mail myself," replied he, very coolly* " You ! Wha.t signifies what men do- on such occasions! Greater men than; yourself have done that. But however,, without further disputing, I eitlier go in my own carriage with my own horses^ or in the stagecoach, which v/ill be an inde- lible disgrace to j^ou, for you may be as- sured I shall let nothing of the kind r^st upon me. Because you choose to imitate a rich vulgar old farmer, who buys a second- hand rhubarb-coloured chariot, v/ith a landscape on the pannels, and sends his &t pursy old horses to plough,, by way of pay- ing their ov;n expences — because you clioose to do somethino; much in the same style, must I be deprived of the conveni- THE BALANCE OF COMFOPvT, 15 ence of a carriage, and reduced to a con* veyance at all times improper for delicate women? Besides, I am going amongst my own people; and as the general opi- nion is tliat I married so extraordinary well, pray let my appearance maintain it, however erroneous it may be. I hope you are convinced of the propriety and force 6f my arguments." " I'm at least convinced of the force of your lungs, and the vehemence of your temper. Take the horses, however, and only oblige me by staying amongst ' your own people' as long as you can bribe them to keep you.'' I am very willing to confer that fa- vour upon you if you give me the means. Remember my bank is very low, as I told you long ago, and I must make tliis brat . of Philipson's a present, especially as I am to be godmamma. It is for your credit that I sliould be enabled to do the thing handsomely." Mrs. Arlingham had lately discovered that this was the only argument which had 16 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. any power to shake a resolution, wlien her husband had once formed it. The idea that he should appear less dignified, or be supposed less rich, when in fact his wealth was every day increasing, was insupport- able, for he was at once proud and mean — conscious of his own want of real dignity, yet anxious to be thought of immense con- sequence in the county, of which, but for his horror of expence, he would before now have offered himself a representative. Elizabeth having once discovered this foi- ble, lost few opportunities of availing her- self of it ; and though she did not always succeed, she sometimes owed to his pride what her influence over his love would now never have obtained. If truth w^ere strictly told, neither sister thought of Elizabeth's arrival with much pleasure. The neglect which Isabella had, in particular, experienced since fortune had thrown them into situations so opposite, %vas not recollected without some degree of pique ; and her short, cold, ceremonious letters^ written but seldom^ and then evi- THE BALANCE OF COMFOBT- 17 dently without inclination, together with the slight mention always made of Mr, Philipson, gave great offence, both to pride and affection. The gay, good-humoured, artless girl, was changed into a grave, que- rulous, consequential, great lady, angry v»^ith the whole world because she was dis- appointed in her own lot, and disappointed because she expected more than human nature can give — perfect happiness, and found it not. She thought wealth ought to afford every indulgence, and expected that the influence of youth, beauty, and blandishments, would invariably procure them. Mr. Arlingham taught her the fallacy of such expectations too suddenly and too austerely ; and because slie could not command every thing, was determined ^ to enjoy nothing, nor allow him, if she could prevent it. Having teazed Mr. Arlinoham into compliance as to her taking her own horses, and furnishing her pocket-book more richly than she had dared to hope, she set out on her journey, with a feeling of more 18 THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT: €omplaceiicy towards him, and a. greater^ anticipation of pleasure than she bad lately experienced : and this soothing interval of good- vv ill lasting longer than usual, she ap- peared to nrach greater advantage, and more like the Elizabeth tliey once loved so dearly, than they had expected. She praised the improved beauty of tlie situa- tion; complimented her sisters on their good looks ; condescended to admire, and even kiss the baby ; and flirted gaily v/ith Philipson. She found every thmg pre- pared for the reception of her equipage and horses, not at the King's Arms, but at her sister's, Philipson having too much pride to suffer them to be sent to an inn. Her men-seiTants he did not object to hei sending away, since his own house was not large enough to accommodate them, nor did he know how far he might approve their manners ; they v/ere therefore lodg- ed at tiie public-house in the village. Mrs, Vernon had reluctantly consented to stay at the vicarage as long as her daughter ; but Mrs. Ariingham's de chamhra rim BALAKCE OF COMFCET, W was too genteel to share her bed with any one, and Mrs. Vernon gladly availed her-- self of the excuse thus offered, though not much pleased with the cause, and staid at home, except dining, when she chose it, with her children, " Re'ally, how snug and comfortable this is all about you !" said Eiizabech, looking out of the window, embowered in roses^ and jessamine. It is almost a relief to the eye, accustomed, as mine is^ to a view so widely exended, to gaze at a bounded prospect. Here one can take in every thing^ at once. 'Tis like a child's pretty show- box; only I think you must sometimes wish the showman there, Philipson, could just twitch a string and vary the scene. I should tire of eternal sameness so close ^ to my eyes." " Kow did you, for two-and-tv^'enty years, exist in a much more bounded scene than this?" replied Philipson. " I never saw any thing very captivating or very va- rious in the still smaller boundaries at the Lea. Your showman had not then appear- 20 THE BALAKOE of GOMFOHT. ed to give that magic twitch which trans- ported you so unexpectedly to the extend- ed views of Westhaven." I suppose then that M^as the reason why I was content to vegetate at the I^ea/' said Elizabeth, in a tone of chagrin. But don't be angry, good man, I did not in- tend to affront your snuggery — If you are satisfied, that's every thing." We are at least at peace in it, and I'm afraid that is not the case everywhere," Philipson answered, pointedly. Elizabeth coloured, and turning to Isa- bella, began to inquire into the state of visiting in the neighbourhood. She re- ceived lady Cotman's invitation Vv ith great satisfaction, though she cordially hated ii ?r. — " I long to mortify her and her proud daughter," said she, with uncommon glee. *^ They expected to have caught Arling- ham— and a pretty catch he is, God knows! However, he is rich, and that is a tolerable sweetener of the matrimonial draught." " Yes, if vou can contrive to come at it," said Philipson, laughing. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, 21 " Oh !" she returned, any woman may do that, if she has any idea of proper ma- nagement. I don't know indeed that ugly stupid Miss Cotman could." Pretty well, by implication.'' Well, as you say, there is room for ac- cusing me of vanity," she replied ; " but, I assure you, from whatever cause, I find no difficulty. To be sure, I had a stout battle about these carriage-horses I have with me. I'll tell you some day, Philip- son, how well I managed there ; but I dare say Isabella could wonder, and be so sorry, and Althea, I know by experience, would preach, and be so angry ! and so I'll defer it till you and I go fishing. I hope you don*t nurse much, Bella, for I intend to make such dashing calls on all the people." " You will have more influence over Bella than I have, if you can draw her from that eternal nursery," said Philipson^, not very placidly. " However, your coming has accomplished one great ex- ploit — that of turning the cradle and pap* boat out of the sitting-'room " S2 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. " Is it possible tliey were ever brought liere?" screamed Mrs. Arlingham, affect- edly. ^' I v/onder whether I should have been so fond and charming a ihamma, had I been blest with an vu^chin." Very different. 111 venture to say," replied Althea, in a tone of indignation. ^' Good Heaven, Elizabeth ! I know not how to recognize you." ' r Vm glad you have found your tongue, Miss Vernon," said Mrs, Arlingham ; '^and when Mrs. Fhiiipson has done crying, and feels less offended with me, I hope slie too will talk, and that between you I shall learn if you have any new neighboui's worth visiting. Come, forgive me, Bella; I did not mean tx) vex you," Yoii have not vexed me/' replied Bella, Oh! then your husband has. There I cannot help you. And do vou fret for that ? Lord, my dear i vex him in return . —that's the way I do/' I am happy to say that is an art Bella has yet to learn/' said Philipson, taking THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, 23 his wife's hand, und kindly pressing it. He said nothing to her, but she under- stood ^ind accepted the dumb apology; and wiping away the tears which this act of kindness had drawn forth afresh, she >cheered up her looks and spirits; and Eli- zabeth insensibly relapsing into good- htuiiour and good spirits, entered Vv^ith great glee into old stories of her old friends, and the evening ended in great iiarmony. CHAPTER in. Marriage Is a Messing or a curse, according to the gym[)atby or antipathy of those united in it. Dallas. And yet this huighing prating tvihc may raise Our mirtii; nor shall their piea^mntry displease* * Ikancjs^s Jidrace, " And so," said Mrs. Arlingham, when they all met at breakfast, these Fringki are great folks, are they 24 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT- As I told you," answered Althea, as great as great wealth can make them. I know of no other claim they have to such a distinction." Well, that's not amiss, if they are not absolutely vulgar/' said Mrs. Arlingham. " Have you returned their call lately, Isa- bella, or do you expect one from them I believe I paid my respects at Lark- Hall last," replied Isabella ; " but if you go to the auction I w^as mentioning to you last night, you will be sure to see them, for Mrs. Pringle loves a bargam." " Who was she?" " Why," replied Philipson, " ]\Irs. Prin- gle was housekeeper to a lady of quality, and captivated the heart of the squire by her culinary skill, and other domestic arts in which she excelled. He was originally nothing more than a sort of a gentleman- jobber, if you can connect the strange op- position of terms— that is to say, he traded in live stock, though he did not scour the eoimtry in his own proper person, or drive ills pigs before hira. In this business he THE BALANCE OF COMFOET, 25 was sufficiently prosperous to amass a large fortune, to which the unexpected death of two or three coUsins added immensely. Bloney will procure a number of agreeable things, we all know, but it cai^not purchase gentility, or make the vulgar well-bred » This is exemplified in the case of Mr. and Mrs. Pringle, who retain, and ever will do so, th^eir native low manners, and way of tliiuking and acting. An only daugh« ter completes the group, and she is just a step higher in the scale of politeness than her mother, and only a step. She is good- uatured and silly, and without any offen- sive pride which reminds you of the heiress, except, indeed, that she sometimes talks of V we who have plenty of money," " A most delectable trio really," said Elizabeth, mucli amused : " I reckon on seeing them all, and shall certainly go to this sale on pu rpose. W ho goes with me ? Bella, can you leave your brat for an ho|ur or two ?^ Isabella looked at her husband, and co- loured.. VOL. IL C 2^ TtIK BALANCE OF COMFOET. " Nay; my dear," said he, " in this in- stance please yourself entirely, and I know you will stay at home. I think an auction- room is not exactly tiie best calculated for you. I will attend Mrs, Arlingham, and perhaps Althea can find time to go with us." Find time ! why what has Althea to do ? Has she a baby too, or does she make the pudding and stuff the fillet of veal I saw lying on the dresser?" Sometimes I do exactly that," replied Althea, calmly, " and have not forgotten that my first lesson in the kitchen was given by M7S^ Aidiiigham'' "No! was it? Well, I don't boast so retentive a memory," returned the pro- voked Elizabeth. A silence of some minutes followed, and Philipson was compelled to hide his dis- position to laugh at the evident anger and mortification of the lady, by caressing his dog. After breakfast Mri Arlingham dressed herself with the nicest care, and sedulously. THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. 27 displayed the rich lace, and expensive rings and brooches, which formed a part of her morning costume. Her lace veil, suspend- ed from a rich lace cap, enveloped her fi- gure, and, hoivever improper for the place she was going to bustle in, she persisted in retaining it. Isabella joyfully beheld her sisters step into the carriage without her, wliilst Phi- lipson mounted the barouche -box, and they drove off in high style. The place of destination was four miles distant, and during the first part of their ride, Philipson amused them with his re- marks, as he Continually turned round to talk ; but observing at length that the ladies were growing earnest in their own conver- sation, which his only interrupted, he ad- dressed his discourse to the postillion, and got upon his favourite topic of horses. In the meantime, Elizabeth was very gravely taking Althea to task for the disagreeable things she was sometimes apt to say~'^ I do not so much mind," said she, when there, are oi)ly.G?-y.aWW'M an^,: c 2 - THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. animadvert, but really, Althea, I shall die with vexation and confusion if you say such things before other people. I know, as well as you, that I was not always Mrs. ArVingham, and you need not be afraid I should^ whilst I recollect hoAV you and Isabella live — so very differently. She is just comfortahly married, and you are lit- tle better off than her upper servant, that I can see. I must liave you back with me to Westhaven when I go." I assure you," replied Althea, " I do nothing in my sister's family at all de- rogatory to my dignity or yours — nothing but what I am most happy to do; and as to leaving her at present, 1 have no inten- tion of doing it, I feel myself very com- fortable here, for every thing is just what I have been accustomed to; and if we have not much for superfluities, we enjoy in peace what M^e have." There's a fling for me," said Elizabeth, laughing; but ail that I am grown callous about. If I cannot have ray own way in e^&cy tlnmr l^^m wi^ei^^ my ; and I be- THE EALAKCE OF COMFORT. 20 lieve we are so agreeably indilFerent to each other, that a debate gives httle or no pain, unless its object fails. I think, after ali, indifference is a more desirable ingredient in the matrimonial hodge-podge than vio- lent love. I vvould venture a bet that I shonld pass over, with perfect unconcern,, conduct in Arlingham, which in Philipson would set Bella into a fever, or a deluge? of tears.'' You hold out a poor inducement for me to repeat my visit to Westhaven," said Althea, " for I see you are incorrigible,, and I will not expose myself to the pain of seeing you acting wrong continually. Whenever I can be of use, you may com- mand m.e, but I will not leave humble happiness for wretched grandeur." " Grandeur ! God knows you will meet y^ith but little of tl^sat at Westhaven now. Every famxily of any consequence but our- selves are out of the neighbourhood, at some gay place or another, and my fine sa- loon looks so melancholy, all papered up!! I'm sure I live as solitary as a sparrow on '30 THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. the tiouse-top, for ArliDgham has just now a farming mania upon him, and there he is, in a brown Holland jacket and trowsers, making hay in our beautiful park, looking as brown and as vulgar as the rustics, with "whom he swis;s ale and munches bread and cheese. Then he comes in hot and tired — finds fault with every thing at table — and generally concludes by order- ing in a large plate of the fat bacon and beans^ or cabbage, which is daily provid- ed, by his orders, for the servant's hall. Such is the dainty fare he thinks suffi- cient for them, in consequence of w^hich, I cannot keep a servant w^orth having. The men I have with me here only staid to accommodate me on this journey, and then they are off. I wish you could see the animals who are to supply their places. The postillion J don't mind ; but the foot- man, he says ' ees, mom,' v/hen I ask him a question, for yes, ma'am; and I have more than once caught him scratching his head at the sideboard when he waits at dinner. Now^ to this Mr. Arlingham's THE BALANCE OF COMI OET. M meanness has reduced me; and can you wonder that I grumble " I am not surprised at your being dis* satisfied; but does grumbling do any good? And do not you think your own violence of temper may have driven Arlingham to his present mode of living? In his fields he is absolute- — no one contradicts him; and he has, I am sorry to confess, a mind sufficiently narrow to enjoy homage, how- ever paid, or by whom, I think, how- ever, you might have counteracted much of that at first — I fear the time is past now — with your power over him." " I'm sure I shall never try to revive it; for as I said before, I am as indifferent as he can be," said Elizabeth, sullenly. *' But let us change the subject, with this remark — that you will certainly be an old maid, and ought, as certainly, to marry, for the edification of all future wives. By-the-bye — what was that I heard of a Mr. Pelham Wrottesley? I recollect sir Montague Vavasour talking something about an affp,ir of love between 3a THE BALAKCE OF COMFOrtT. you two, which came to nothing, I con- ciude, as you never mentioned it. Vava- sour had a good mind to fall in love with you himself, I fancy, only he was so per- suaded you were engaged, or attached, or something, to Wrottesley. I shall take care to undeceive him, when I see him again, for he is not a man to be so lost, I promise you." I beg you w^ould not give yourself any trouble on the subject," replied Al- thea ; for as he really failed of attracting any of my attention when we were in a house together, I imagine he has nothing very congenial about him." *^ Oh, but you were in love with another then, you know." Indeed you are greatly mistaken. I could have liked Mr. Wrottesley if he had concealed his temper; but he fortu- nately made it evident too early in the business for me to take any harm, I re- marked nothing in sir JMontague Vava- sour, but that he was a plain, gentlemanly- looking man, with fine eyes, and a good THE BALxVNCE OF COMFORT. 2S tall figure. I don't know that I ever e^- changed three sentences with him." " Well then, he draws his opinion of your sense and prudence — wliat a horribly old maidish ai tribute in a girl of nineteen ! and your good temper, from others ; for I have heard him expatiate very eloquently on all these, I assure you, — Whose car- riage is tiiat, Philipson ?'* " Pringle's, and we are close to the scene^ of action, and I shall have the pleasure of introducing you to the squire and squiress of Lark-Hall." The carriage stopped imuTCdiately Be-- fore that of Mrs. Arfingham, at the door of the auction-room, and she was much amused by the bustle and phraseology of Mrs, PriBgle, as she gave her orders to the^ servants. " There, Talter, now put youis "bsses that there shed, and be sure y€>u Be vithin^ call vhen ve vants you; and^ John, takev eare of Wiper, pooK fellor, and don't let him get squeeged in' the crowd. Gemini It how close the plaice do smell! — some of the* S4 THE BALANCE^ OF COMFORT. folks loves inions, I'm sure. Phoebe, dear, keep close to me or your pa. Vhere's my redicool ? Ob, bere 'tis. Now then for a little elbering." Mrs. Pringle's elhers'' were immediate- ly squared, and she pusbed on witb great perseverance, regardless wbom sbe an« noyed, and deaf to Miss Phoebe's remon- strances. Mrs. Arlingbam could not help laughing, as sbe watched this monied lady pushing her way up to the auctioneer by main strength, for which, indeed, her figure well suited her, being short, thick, and strongly built; whilst her counte- nance, which was of that sort denominated the vulgarly handsome, looked red, smiling and good-humoured, with a cunning arch- ness in the eyes, which was much assisted by a feather over the left, which waved in heavy magnificence. Gold chains and costly ornaments of every description glit- terM about her person, without any at« tention to propriety or uniformity. Miss Pringle was a fair delicate girl, with a look of more good-humour than sense^ THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 35 with a very round back and awkward car- riage. She was as plainly dressed as her mother w^as splendid, Mrs. Pringle soon made good her station dose to the orator ; and many a significant nod received his warm thanks and admi- ration of her spirit, " Is them (Iraw-rers lined throughout with cedar, Mr. Auctioneerer ?" she de-- manded ; and that vardrobe too ?" Unquestionably, madam. Two as prime pieces of furniture as ever left the shop. Fifteen guineas for the wardrobe. — thank you, ma'am. Fifteen ten — no- body more? — Fifteen ten (To Mrs. Prin«» gle) — We should do nothing w^ithout you, mjfam." Vhere's Valter ? That fellor's, never in the vay vhen he's vanted. I've a cart here a-purpose to take home my bargings. Oh, Mr. Philipson, you are alvays so wery polite— may I just ask you to see if my man Valter, or my man John, is there outside ? How do you do, Miss Wernon? I pertest I did not know you vas here. 36 THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. ]My heart and soul is alvays so taken up by bidding, I've no time to look round for nobody." Aithea curtsied, and introduced Mrs, Arlingham of Westhaven Park. The in- troduction was followed by a pressing in- vitation from ISlvs. Pringle to a dinner in the course of four days, which, with a reference to ]VIrs. Philipson, was partially accepted. IMrs. Piingle then w^ent back to the immediate scene of action ; and Mrs. Ogilvie having caught the name of Arlingham, came forward, with Miss Cot- man, and paid her respects. Miss Cot- man, the distanced candidate for Mi\ Arlingham in former times, was iamiode- rately civil — that foreign civility whic4i is the offspring of hatred. Aithea, in the Ticinity of her wealthy sister, was hardly noticed, and she johied Miss Pringle, who was standing alone, glad to escape the quizzing trio, who had become violently intimate. Elizabeth little suspected all Mrs. Ogilvie had said of " Betsey Vernon, ' nor did Aithea intend to tell her^ convia:. THE BALANCE OF COMFOPvT. ced that her sister would be even with her, and remain perfectly indifferent to re- marks, which, after all, were only -accord- ing to the common way of the world. Siie observed the three ladies were laugh- ing, as if much entertained; and that Philipson, who had found " V alter," was equally disposed to enjoy the scene. She found they were quizzing a party of young ladies from a neiglibouring village, one of whom exclaimed — Cry massy ! what a beautiful little pair o'snufFerses ! Why, if I had these I should aPays be a simfting my candle, pretty little dears.! Five and sixpence, sir.'^ Philipson nodded. *^ Six shillings," said Mr. Baker. ■ " No, sir^ I di'n't say so, I say five and sixpence," said Miss Laughton, stretching lip her neck ; but I'll go another tizzy." Six and sixpence — who says more ? — Seven shillings— thank you." " Lord ! no, sir, I di'n't say so-— I di'n't indeed. I say, Miss Harrison, we'd better go, for this here man makes shocking mis- S8 THE BALANCE OF COMFOEf. takes. Sir, I ha'n't got the snufFerses, for I'm not last bidder. Them ladies laughs as if it were good fun to see me ta'en in ; but I can laugh too — ha, ha, ha! So now , I'm even. Lord ! if one an't Betsey Ver- non that was." This last remark checked Mrs. Arling- ham's mirth ; and she turned a look of the most petrifying disdain on the impertinent speaker, whom she found to be the daugh- ter of a respectable shopkeeper, whom in former times she had occasionally played with. Miss Laughton, not at all abashed by her frow^ns, looked as if she would ad- vance in spite of them ; but Mrs* Arling- ham turned haughtily away; and Mrs, Ogilvie's smile was not lost upon her^ as she heard Miss Laughton say to Mis& Harrison — " See what 'tis to have a coach^ and get above your old friends, and for- get old times. If ever I've a coach, I'll look just so." She imitated Mrs. Arfing- ham's haughty look so exactly, that even the friends who were lately so obsequiously civil could not refrain from laughter, Mrs. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 39 Arlingham, more and more chagrined, coldly bade them good morning, summon- ed Althea, who was glad enough to be re- leased from Miss Pringle's insipid prattle, and making a passing bend to Mrs. Prin- gle, who was still in the height of her bu- siness, they drove off to make some calls, amongst whom, in spite of her daughter's recent rudeness, was lady Cotman. CHAPTER IV. The treacherous smile, and mask for secret hate. A sense of eloquence we rarely find^ The portion of a mean or vulgar mind; , And ignorance of better things makes man, Who cannot much^ rejoice in what he can. Cowper. •On Mrs. Arlingham's name being an- nounced by lady Cotman's footman, she distinctly heard a general hush!" go xound, and as she entered at one door, she 40 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. espied Mrs. Ogilvie's twice-dyed brown muslin make its last exit through another. Tlie subject of th€^ conversation her en- trance interrupted was not difficult to be guessed, and the deep glow on lady Cot- man's face, which was usually one unin- terrupted hue, resembling a stubble field at Christmas, would have convinced heit, had she doubted. The first interchange of compliments was rather awkward, un- der these circumstances, and silence fol- lowed the first two or three remarks on the weather, the dust, and^ the inquiries^ after IVIrs. Philipson and the baby. Lady Cotman, however, angry with herself for feeling thus embarrassed before a w^oman^ she liated and despised, by a violent effort sliook off her confusion, and resumed the cold contemptuous gloom which usually ccowled in her ample sallow visage. She had intended to have received INIrs. Ariingham with smiles^ of the most gra- cious sweetness, for she was always fearful her disappointment respecting Arlingham for her own daughter should be detected THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, 4-1 by the more fortunate rival, as sh.e, to whom wealth and situation was every thing, reckoned Ehzabeth ; but she had been completely disconcerted by her ap~ pearance on this morning, so entirely un- expected, in the very midst of the most violent abuse and ridicule they were all lavishing on her, at the very moment she was announced. Nothing of this kind could discompose Miss Cotman, to whom insolence was so familiar as to be a second nature with her. Her mother rather shrunk from introducing the subject they had recently been discussing; but Miss Gotman, throwing herself back in her chair, wnth easy impertinence reverted first to the auction, and then to Miss Laughton, adding — " I'm afraid the rude eiFrontery of that young woman annoyed you, Mi's. Arlingham, so publicly manifested. If I had ever, by any chance, associated vvitli persons so very inferior, I should fly thenx like the plaguej and I think almost shun all scenes where I was likely to be pester- ed bv them." V 42 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. So would I/' replied Mrs. Arlingham, if I thought their vulgarity could reach me as their malice might intend ; but si- tuated as I am, I can only despise vulga- rity, and defy malice and envy wherever it assails me." You are quite right, if you can do it,'^ answered Miss Cotman. " Miss Vernon, I think, was not implicated in the recog- nition of this morning, though equally, I imagine, an old acquaintance." " Pray spare me," said Althea, quietly: I am too humble for remarks of any kind, I hope; and as it is evident this sub- ject has already been talked over this morning, I w^ould venture to beg it may be dropped now." Humph !" said lady Cotman, angrily. Miss Cotman opened her eyes to more than their usual stare, and v/as going to make some kind of remark, vv^hen sir Tho- mas entered the room, the only person ex- isting of v/hom his daughter stood in the least awe. Her manners changed instant- ly, and an eifort at a smile, more repul- THE BALANCE OF COMFOIIT. 43 mve than even her frowns, made its ap- pearance on her ungracious features. Eli- zabeth had always been rather a favourite with sir Thomas, for before she was so much exalted in her own opinion, she had been a gay, good-humoured, laugliing girl, with cunning enough to baffle the pride and ill-nature of the ladies at Adderley, and simplicity enough to amuse sir Tho- mas, by that very defiance which enraged them. — So, my pretty Mrs. Arlingham,'* said he, giving her a hearty shake by the hand, so you are come to see your old friends and neighbours — Well, that's right. But where's Arlingham ? I hoped to have seen him with you." " Busy farming," replied Elizabeth, with something like anger and disdain in her face and voice. You might almost tell that by the look of my poor horses, who have actually been to plough. I soon put a stop to that, however." " Tiiat now I approve," said sir Tho- mas. " So he farms ? Well, I shall go ^and see him the sooner for that; but not 44 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. till your return, madam. I like no hou^ without a lady in it — For what^s a tabfc richly sprend, ATithout a ^vomaii at its head And a pretty woman too — No, I cannot spare you from home, if it was only for the novelty of looking at a pretty womaii at her own table." You need not be rude, sir Thomas/' said her ladysliip ; women cannot be al- ways pretty, 1 suppose." " No, my dear, certainly, nor ahvays placid ; and 1 know^ some who never were either the one or the other." " "Westhaven Park is a tolerably fine place, I believe — is it not?" said Miss Cot- man. I believe it is rec4coned so," replied Elizabeth. " The house, though ancient, is a very fine one, and since I have had it new-furaished from town, it is certainly much improved." " New^-furnished,isit? Arlingham used to protest against that," said Miss Cotman. TSIE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 45 ^' What, when he and you talked it over?" said sir Thomas, winking signifi- cantly. " You see now what a pi^etty young wife can do. Ah, Clary! that was a sad vexatious affair, my girl, w^asn't it?" " I really don't at all comprehend you, «ir," replied his daughter, colouring. Lady Cotman looked in a fury, and fanned her- self vehemently ; and Elizabeth could not help smiling maliciously enough. After a short silence, Mrs. Arlingham rose to go. " When do you leave Feltham, Mrs. Arlingham?" said lady Cotman — then, without waiting for an answer, she added, *^ I hope we shall have the honour of see- ing you and your family before you re- turn home ?" She looked at Althea, who bent as coldly as she looked. Mrs. Ar* lingham, who knew how cordially the ladies hated her, and how much it would annoy them to give them the trouble of providing a party and a dinner for her, im- mediately determined to accept any thing in the shape of an in vitation^ however dis- ? 40 THE BALANCE OE COMFOPvT. agreeable to herself, and smilingly assured her ladyship she should hold herself in readiness to wait on her whenever she pleased. Sir Thomas handed the ladies to their carnage^ and then returned to the drawing-room, to praise them, and annoy his v/ife and daughter. Philipson had re- mained at the auction during this call; and Mrs. Arlingham was to take him up there on her return home, for he disliked the female Cotmans too much to enter their house voluntarily. The party made two or three other morning visits, and then returned home, where they found Isabella, as usual^ nursing her child. The following day brought a card of* invitation to dinner for the whole family, from lady Cotman's, and a morning call from Mr. and Mrs. Pringle and their daughter Phoebe. The card was answered by Mrs. Arlingham, who, with Mi^s V^er* non, accepted the invitation ; but Philip, son and Isabella, who had never beforp been asked to any thing more than a for- mal tea-party^ refused to go ; nor could THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. 47 dl Elizabeth's eloquenee prevail to alter- their determination. Althea reluctantly agreed to aceoiiipany her, Mrs. Pringle was very civil, very talkative, and of course very vulgar, and so oppressively eager for them all to dine at Lark-Hall the following week, that it was impossible to resist her violence. In vain Isabella plead- ed her nursery, and Philipson his plan of never entering into dinner-parties — she was desired to take her baby, and he was assured he should meet only a very select party. — In a vord," said Mrs. Pringie, " you must come : I von't hear of an ex- cuse. Ve are inwited to lady Cotman's to meet you, and there ve can talk it ail over, and I shall ask them to come too. Besides, I vant your taste, in addition to my own, in furnishing my new draxvring^ room, and a houdore for Phoebe. Mr. Prin- gle and I falls out continually about taste, but I shall make him give up at iast^ or I'll know vhy." Philipson w^as obliged to promise that he would ; and^ weary of contesting the 48 THE BALANCE OF COMI OHT. point, Isabella appeared to acquiesce, and determined to send an excuse at the time, " Now/* said Elizabeth, when the party liad withdrawn, this ridiculous woman fixing her dinner for next week obliges me to alter my plans, for go I will, on pur- pose to see the new drawring-room. Why could she not have named a day this week, as well as lady Cotman ?" ^' Because," replied Philipson, ^* she and her daughter will be all the remainder of this week up to the elbows in pastry and jellies. Then she will not be easy unless she can more than fill her table with guests. Slie would not have been so pressing, I dare say, about our going, only this is about her usual time for giving a squeeze, and she loves to collect as many as she ctm together, and so make two or three dinners do for the season. It makes no difference to Mrs. Pringle whether the com- pany ever beheld each other or no; nor does she stop to arrange her parties by any rule of liking or enmity. Foes scowl at eacli other, sitting side by side. Presby- TH£ BALANCE OF COMFOUT* 49 terians and higii-cliurch, Roman catholics and unbelievers, sit cheek by jowl — and she would add Jews, if she could get at them — grave old dons in big wigs, and tittering girls — boys witli smooth faces, and ladies of a certain age, for there are no old women — all are muddled together in one heterogeneous heap ; and you are ^et down to a table loaded with vulgar plenty, which makes you sick — a dessert of exquisite fruits and preserves, which latte7\ at least, are expected to return un- touched to the jars from whence they came ; and amongst twenty or thirty peo« pie, perhaps half a dozen bottles of wine may be circulated. ]\Ir. Pringle drinks scarcely any wine himself^ at least at his own house, and therefore does not pro- mote any thing like convi^dality amongst his guests, but jumps up at the first sum- mons from the drawing-room, and chue* kles at the smell of the coffee." " What a delectable portrait you have drawn," said Elizabeth, laughing, if one VOL. !!• i> 50 THE BALANCE OF COMFOrvT. could but give it credit ! I am more de- sirous than ever to see if your colouring is at all in nature. But is it possible, that with Mrs. Pringle's fortune, she can con- descend to make her own pies, and mtro- duce her daughter into the kitchen " Oh, always — she is determined that Phoebe shall know every thing ; and hav- ing formerly placed her own chief happi- ness in pickling, preserving, and cooking, cannot lose lier relish for those early em- ployments. Phoebe, however, who is just now, as her mamma says, ' interdooced,' has a decided turn for the true sentimen- tal, and would, I verily believe, take ad- vantage of the first moonlight night, and a rope-ladder, to explore the great north road %vith any voluble youth who would shew hei- the way. She has had one lover, but he was a 'parjury knave,' and she has sported penscroso ever since — talks about Philomel and the charms of solitude ; and would scorn to hold her head ui>right, or speak without a sigh." For Heaven's sake, Phihpson, don't THE BALANCE. OF COMFOHT. SI paint my character to any one," said Mrs. Arlingliam, for such rude colours I never saw. /know your pretty talent of exag- gerating every thing, and therefore make . due allowances, and absolutely expect to see every thing just the reverse of what you have been saying ; but other people may not ; so pray let me alone, I beg of you." You can have nothing to fear, even &om me," replied he, bowing profoundly, to hide an ironical smile, " since perfection cannot be adequately delineated, or too liighly painted." " Pretty well that, sarcastic sir," said Elizabeth, curtseying ; and now for our toilets," I) 2 52 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. CHAPTER V. The circle fonn'd, we sit in silent State, Like figures drawn upon a dial-plate ; Yes, ma'am, and no, ma'ani, utter'd sofil^', shew Every five minutes bow the minutes go. Disputes, though short, are far too long, Where both alike are in the wrong. Cowper. Elizabeth was determined to be exceed- ingly splendid at lady Cotman's, on pur- pose to shew Miss Cotman of what her superior charms had deprived her. She was therefore most superbly decorated, and sported a dress and ornaments much better adapted to a London rout. Althea had but little finery, and no exultation to display, or invidious passions to gratify; she went plainly dressed, and quietly dis- posed, with a much greater desire to stay at home and nurse the baby* Elizabeth had vainly endeavoured to persuade Phi- THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. 53 iipson to accompany tliem ; but his spirit was too high to go to dinners he could not return^ and particularly where he hated the people, and had been frequently treat- ed by them with great haughtiness. " Much as I musthe honoured by being in Mrs. Arlingham's train, I must beg to be excused," said he, proudly ; and Eliza- beth, piqued and angry, said no more. Lady Cotman and her daughters coldly said they were sorry Mr. and Mrs. Philip- son could not go, but evidently had not expected to see them. Nothing couM b^ more thoroughly stupid than the party, Elizabeth's intention of exciting Miss Cot- man's envy had its full accomplishment, since she could not conceal her angry feel- ings, whenever she cast her eyes, with af- fected scorn, over the valuable ornaments which Mrs. Arlingham had lavishly spread over her person. The mention of West- haven Park caused a deep suffusion on her usually chalky face; and this evident un- easiness in the fair breast of her disappoint- ed rival was the oply enlivening circum-* the: balance of comfobt. stance which the day produced to Mrs* Arlingham. Mrs. Pringle talked chiefly of domestic affairs, and retailed a variety of Mtchen adventures and housekeeping ma- nagement, which Elizabeth endeavoured not to understand. Miss Phc^be was in- disposedj and staid at home ; and the party having yawned over a stupid enumeration of commonplace affairs, gladly took ad- vantage of a threatening appearance in the clouds, presaging tempest, to order their horses early, and return home, w^here Eli- zabeth acknowledged that the pleasure of making Miss Cotman envious and unhap- py was more than counterbalanced by the misery of spending a day with her mother. We shall do better at Pringle's," said she, " for there w^e shall find something to laugh at, at any rate ; and I'll makePhilip- son go there, on purpose to make him quiz: them all;' " A very praiseworthy motive, it must be owned," srad Althea, and indicative of a disposition I really did not suspect you of possessing* To laugh at folly and THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT. 55 vulgarity affecting what they cannot per- form is certainly hardly to be helped ; but to go and partake of iiospitality^ merely to quiz and ridicule afterwards, is too bad.'' " Oh, my poor Althea!" exclaimed Mrs. Arlingham, laughing, ^"^ you are certainly more than half a Methodist. Good Mn Norris has too surely turned your head, and made you thus ^ severe in virtue/ I'm surprised you ever smile at all, and shall fully expect to hear very soon that you w^ear nothing but sad-coloured gowns, and mob caps without the indecoium of a border, walk with a stick and prayer-book, and whine through your nose. Lord ! that ever a pretty girl sliould be so spoiled ! I must have you at Westhavefi Park, where Arlingham would soon cure you of this egregious folly. Mrs. Charlton will turn your brain at last. There's Phihp- son — I must tell him of your oddities, and make him laugh ; and surely he looks as if he wanted something to enliven him. Why what can ail him? He looks as. 56 ^HE BALANCE OF COMTOUT. sombre as the darkest of these thunder clouds." Althea saw that lie did indeed look very g!^ave, and not verygood-temperedjand was terribly afraid some indiscretion of Isabel- la's^ relative to that too engrossing object, her child, had occasioned this unusual ap- pearance of solemnity. He advanced to assist the ladies from the carriage, and scarcely smiled as Elizabeth rallied him on Lis gravity. Althea said nothing, but hastened forward to the parlour; it was empty, and she went to the nursery, where Isabella was sitting by the sleeping infant, and weeping bitterly. To Althea's in- quiries as to the occasion of this violent sorrow, she replied only by more tears, for some time; at last she said that Philipson had been angry with her, and she thought very unjustifiably—" He asked me," said she, "after tea, to walk, though he saw that the child was not asleep; and upon my urging that as a reason for not complying, he flew into a passion. If I neglected him, THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 57 for any pleasure abroad, or in other com- pany than his, I should not wonder at his being angry ; but since it is only that I may attend more assiduously to his child, I am hurt and vexed beyond measure." " How many rocks are there in the ma- trimonial career fatal to happiness ! ' said Althea, sighing. ^ Even tlie most virtu- ous pursuits, the rquost amiable tmd natural feelings, may become dangerous in this most uncertain state. You have been: warned of this, Isabella, and you now be- gin to find that Mrs. Charlton spoke truth. 'Tis hard to believe that the most sacred duties of a woman^ as a wife and a mother^ should thua interfere with each otter; but that they do in your case is evident. You must give up something of yom maternal to your conjugal obligations, or I plainly see you must consent to his seeking so- ciety elsewhere. Philipson is so formed for cheerfulness, and society is so necessary to his comforts, that yoi^ must supply him- with conversation and amusement at home, 1^3 58 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. or he will be sure to seek it abroad. Men, however fond of their children, cannot en- ter into all a mother's anxious, and fre- quently absurdly- anxious, feelings. Ed- ward sees the baby is well, and has all its wants carefully supplied, both by yourself and its nurse, and therefore cannot feel with you, that it is necessary to see her in a deep sleep before you can quit her cradle to attend to him ; and this attention to her is too much at his expence to allow him to be pleased with the motives, how- ever excellent, w^hich occasion the neglect of himself. But why do I repeat all this? You are aware of its truth ; and I trust will seriously Aveigh well all you are abovit, for / believe you are now at a critical pe- riod of vour wedded life." Isabella continued to weep, and was with great difficulty persuaded to go down to supper, where at last she appeared, with swoln eyes, pale cheeks, and every indication of sorrow, which, however, failed to move Philipson's tenderness, though it added to his vexation. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 59 I'm heartily glad we have no com- pany here to-night, Bella," said he : A stranger would think I had been beating you. — You sport a scene now and then at Westhaven, don't you, Elizabeth?" he added, turning to IMrs. Arlingham. " Yes, often enough," she replied ; " but Arlingham never brought me to such weeping folly. I cannot bear crying, and prefer a battle of tongues, in which I ge- nerally come off victorious " I don't admire the alternative though/' said Philipson, " little as I like a face dis- figured as my wife's is now. But come, Bella, dry your tears, and let us fo-morrow each plead our clause before Althea, whose judgment I prize too highly to think of disputing.'^ Isabella made an effort to recover Ixer spirits, but she still felt too seriously un- happy to be really cheerful, as the halt- checked sigh continually proclaimed. A silent evening finished this stupid day; and the following morning, before Mrs* Arlingham was down, or Isabella visibiea^ 60 THE BALANCE OF COMFOrvT. Philipson was repeating to Althea the grievance of the evening. You were both out," said he, " and I, you knbw, hate to be alone, so I called to Bella to come and walk ; however^ the brat was roaring then enough to frighten any- body, so I sat down quietly vv ith a book till Bella had pacified the urchin, and fell fast asleep till tea-time. Well, tlien she went up stairs and undressed Miss ; and I went up to see how pretty the little creature looked ; and seeing her perfectly still and ^ood-humoured, I again asked my wife to walk. No, she said, she must stay till the child was asleep, for fear Betty should for- get to place the curtains right, or some such nonsense. Tiiis she pronounced would take place immediately, as the baby looked very sleepy. Well, you know, here sat I till eight o'clock — then I grew tired, and called to know if she was coming. However, the little plague chose to keep awake, and she v/ould not be prevailed on to let the maid nui^se her ; and so out I 'sallied by myself, crGSsish^ I own; and THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 61 when she joined me, about half-an-hour before your return, I dare say I was not very conciliating in truth, I know I was any thing hut conciliating — and then she cried, and I scolded — and — Lord! 'tis a silly business, now 'tis over: but you know, Althea, how I hate to be alone; and, upon my soul, if Bella will not be a companion, I must visit more, for 1 will not pass my evenings alone thus. You will not be al- ways here, and w^hen you are gone, who can I find to associate with, if my wife lives thus in that plaguy nursery ? Per- haps you may think I could live there too — but no — I'm not come to caudle and gibberish yet." Althea could not vindicate her sister ; but she promised, if Philipson w ould keep his temper, and return to his accustomed gaiety, to represent all he had said in its most forcible manner, and she doubted not but she would see the propriety of chan- ging her present conduct. This she did : but Isabella, though she did absent herself more from the nursery, Vfas so evidently 62 THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT. uncomfortable, that her husband despaired of her giving up a whole afternoon to him, and therefore accompanied her sisters to Mrs. Pringle's, a visit he had not origi- nally the least intention of paying. Isa- bella v/as obliged to remain at home, a circumstance she by no means regretted. CHAPTER YL If not exact and elegant of taste, Let none presume to understand a feast. FiiANCis's Horace, A CONFUSED medley of voices from tlie drawino:-room at Lark-Hall convinced Mrs. Arlingham that Phihpson's conjec- ture was right, and that a large and mot- ley group were gathered together, for pur- poses more of economy than pleasure. A combination of savoury smells issued from the adjacent kitchen — servants were seen running in every direction, with looks of rosy importance — and Mrs. Pringle her- THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 65 self was actually discerned by Pliilipson's sharp eyes, attired in a white bib and apron over her " ample presence," and in the very act of mixing the curry ; whilst her voice, though suppressed, sounded in their ears, vehemently calling for vite vine, and the stewed weal. ' Mr. Prinoie came forward, vAth Miss Phoebe, to receive their newly-arrived guests, and faintly attempted two or three introductions. He assured Mr. Philipson he was glad to see him ; and Miss told Althea that she looked divinely, and had got on " a love of a wreath in lier hair." Mrs. Arlinghain cast her eyes, with min- gled majesty and disdain, over the rest of the company, and, as Philipson told her afterwards, looked as if she would have said, " reptiles ! how dare ye sit in my pre- sence?" She recognized nobody she knew^ amongst about five-and-twenty people, ex- cept lady Cotman and her odious daugh- ters, and Mrs. Ogilvie, who were evident- ly quizzing her, in spite of her dignified air. Philipson's ridiculous description of 64 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. former parties at Lark-Hall was here veri- fied ; and Althea could not help smiling, as she looked round and saw about half a score half-naked young ladies, spreading their charms to the gaze of superannuated officers of militia, rich tradesmen, old Catholic priests, and Dissenting ministers ; whilst not one young single man was to be found in the group. Controversial disputes were going on in one corner ; the price of corn and seeds and woollen cloths in another ; the old militiamen, with stiff- starched frills, tight stocks, and still tight- er pantaloons, were talking the old non^ sense of country quarters, half a century ago, to young ladies, who listened with a frown to such antediluvian beaux, or *^ smiled in such a soit, As if tbey mock'd themselve?, and scorn'd their spirit That could be mov'd to smile at any thing«.^' I^ady Cotman, Mrs. Ogilvie, and two or three more dowagers, were in close consul- tation, either upon caps or characters ; but their conversation was all in a whisper, and transpired not beyond their own circle. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. ^ 65 Miss Cotman sat in lier usual attitude, leaning back in her long-backed fashion- able arm-chair, with her feet stretched out, to the annoyance of all who passed her, and not deigning a reply to the humble apologies which were perpetually offered by those who stumbled over them. Mrs, Arlingham's party was the last who arriv- ed ; and Miss Pringle having no more re- ception-curtsies to make, attached her- self to Althea, whom she continued to fa- tigue with absurd questions, uttered in a whisper, and accompanied with a languid jsimper. The entrance of their hostess caused a general remove, and she went dipping about from one to another, apolo- gizing for her absence, which she declared had been caused by some tiresome people who had called, and who would not take her repeated hints to go. Philipson looked at Mrs. ArUngham, and smiled as he re« collected the Vv hite apron. Dinner was announced so immediately upon Mrs. Pringle's entrance, that it was evident she had superintended the placing 66 THE BALAKCE OF COMFORT. it. The party quickly placed themselves in order of march. Mrs. Pringie's middle finger was seized by ^colonel Dalrymple, with the formal politeness of the old school ' — he sported a pair of new white gloves, which he drew on before he offered his hand to the lady; then elevating the joined hands as high as her short arms would ex- tend, he put his slim w^hanks into a sliding minuet step, and led her along. The rest of the people followed in due order ; but Miss Cotman struggled hard to free heir delicate wrist from the grasp of a York- slme clothier, who also officiated as mayor in liis own town, and was now come on a tour of observation, respecting the value of woollen cloths. Grace was soon dis- patched by the reverend doctor Black; but some minutes elapsed before Mrs. Pringle could proceed in her arduous task of dis- secting the salmon, through her eagerness to see that tlie company was properly ar- ranged. Her pop}>y-coloured face was deepened still more by the agitation which shook the pyramid of light blue flowers THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT. 6? which surmounted her glossy ringlets ; and her extended hand, of no delicate hue, was busily pointing to several inaccuracies - she detected in the placing of her party. *^ Vhy, good gracious, now look — there's two young ladies together ! and only see! two gentlemen on the other side ! Alder- man Biddle, pray part them ladies — Ma-^ j or Norton, don't let Miss Wernon set by Miss Vallis — pray order matters better* There, that's it. Now, doctor Black, grace, if you please. Oh ! you did veil then ; now for the salmon. That supe is mock turtle— Mrs. Arlingham, what shall I give you? — Colonel Dillyrimple, 111 thank you to help the lobster sauce. Lord bless me ! doctor Rickets, you shouldn't have sot there if I'd seen you before — Mr. Pringle, my dear, cut the surloin." I wish you'd be quiet a little," replied he, in his usual under-tone : you make such a noise, chattering and bawling ! Gen- tlemen, there's jMadery and sherry winfe on the sideboard. I never drink white wine, but that's nothing to the purpose, nor need €8 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. not be no detriment to you ; I'm ready for a glass of red port wine with any body." Lady Cotman, let me recommend some of that vite frigasee of weal ; you'll not find it bad." / can recommend it, my lady," said the alderman. And so, Mr. Morris, your seds didn't turn out but indiff^erent, didn't they ?" said Mr. Lewton, across the table, to a very full-dressed, vulgar-looking man, in a red waistcoat. " No, really, sir, I was greatly mistaken this year in my calculation," replied Mr. Morris: I suppose, indeed, the sed was not sown in such good ground as it should ha' been, and so the weeds " Are you talking of the word^ worthy sir ?" said a pale, long-visaged, strait-hair- ed man, with a true sanctified whina " Sir !" exclaimed the astonished Mr. JMorris. " I say, sir," rejoined Mr. Forster, " I thought you was talking of the word, and Jameating it had not fallen in good ground,, THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. 69 mnii I thought, peradventure, you might fee alluding to the Jews, and the present praiseworthy endeavours of all good and pious Christians^ to turn their impious hearts — a measure which " No, really, sir," replied Mr. Morris, " I never trouble my head about Jews nor Gentiles; I have plenty in my pericranium without such as that." " Eh ! dearee me, Mr. Forster !" said a me- lancholy-looking woman, with a screwed- up mouth, and a perpetual waving to and fro of her precise form, " eh ! dearee me ! what pity 'tis that such things are so light- ly treated !" " Mrs. Arlingham," said Mis. Pringle^ let me help you to some curry." " I can recommend it, ma'am," said alderman Biddle. As I say, Mr. Forster," resumed Mrs. Jephson, " I live in a lively hope that in time our pious and disinterested endea- vours will thoroughly purge " You agree then with me, ma'am," said Mr. Rickets, who being a country apo- TO THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. tliecary, was very often dignified with a title to which he had no right, " you agree then with me, ma'am, in this case. I was just telhng this young lady that I always expect great things from gentle phleboto- my and sound cathartics, in these cases of plethora, and I am happy to find you think as I do." " Sir," replied ISIrs. Jephson, indignant^ ly, as soon as the laugh had subsided, which Mr. Rickets's curious speech had caused, " sir, you mistake me : I was tliinking and speaking of things eternal — you of things temporal." " By Jove ! I thought I heard you men- tion a very worldly sort of concern, how- ever^" returned the doctor : " I'm sure I heard you speak of ~" Sir, you are gross," said Mrs. Jephson, angrily. " Come, come, don't quarrel, good folks," said Mr. Pringle, " Phoebe, help the peach tart." " Help ]\Iiss Vallis, Phoebe," said Mrs. Pringle. THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT. 71 *^ I can recommend it, Miss," said the alderman. Faiths Mr, Alderman" said Mr. Rick- ets, " I think you can recommend about every thing. Come, let's try the Madery : Eating requires drinking ; the system will never go on properly v^athout a due pro- portion of solids and fluids." Too much of the shop there, master doctor," said the alderman : it takes off the nap and gloss of your discourse, if you get to technicals. Sir^ your health. Very pretty Madeira that I" " Althea, take some of this beautiful pine," said Piiilipson, drawing a large pre- served one towards him as he spoke. " You'll find the apricocks excellent. Miss Wernon," said Mrs. Pringle, with an anxious look at the uplifted knife w hicli hovered over her pine« Miss Vernon chose pine^ however, and ^Irs, Pringle beheld with a sigh the ef- fusion of rich juice streaming from the incision. A fine lemon shared the same fate in the merciless hands of the mali- ' 72 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. cious Philipson, notwithstanding she as- sured hira the greengages were infinitely superior. Very few of her preserves were fated to find their way back to the jars from whence they had so often been taken and returned, and she secretly resolved that he should dine there no more. The dinner was long and tedious, but at length Mrs. Pringle made the significant inquiry of every lady whether she chose any more " vine," and the expected negative was fol- lowed by a retreat to the drawing-room. Scai'cely were they seated there, when Mrs. Jephson and Mrs. Pringle withdrew to one corner, to discuss the plan for the sal- vation of the Jews, whicli ended in the ^ latter being wheedled and flattered into a feandsome donation, more through osten- tation than any concern for the bearded brethren. Various other parties were formed : i^Iiss Pringle sat down to a grand pianoforte, and murdered some beautiful Irish melodies and Italian songs. Tea and coffee were announced much earlier than hospitality would have suggested, and the THE BALANCE OF COMFOST. 7^ gentlemen almost immediately obeyed the summons. Symptoms of displeasure ap- peared in the faces of the Catholic priest and the bigotted minister of the high church, and it was evident they had fallen out. The alderman had quizzed the apo- thecary till he had lost his good-humour ; and the two gentlemen seedsmen had quar- relled over a bargain, in which each had en- deavoured to oveiTcach the other. Some of the elders sat down to cards ; whilst the young people, though the evening was hot, were crazy for country-dances. Miss Wal- lis good-hum ouredly sat down to the piano —Mrs. Pringle beat a tamborine, till she made her knuckles sore — and colonel Dai- rymple, with his long back bent into a tre- mendous concave, took his station at the hand organ. Miss Cotnian refused to dance, and leaning back on the sofa, she closed her eyes, and applied heveau de Imi-^ quet incessantly to her nose. Major Nor- ton tried in vain to obtain her attention, by relating the exploits of his youth^ and VOL. II. ' E 7* THE BALANCE OF COMrORT; detailing the delights and glories of Cox^ heath eanip, by way of a new topic. She was inflexibly grave, and at length dismiss- ed the mortified militiaman, by asking him if he had really been talking all the time she had slept ; and making a mock apology for her inattention, begged she might no longer engross such extreme po- liteness and amusing anecdotes. Come, major, do you go and grind that organ," said Mrs. Pringle ; and let colonel Dillyrimple try what he can do with that languishing young lady, for really I'm ufraid she'll go to sleep in good earnest." What, was that only sham sleep then before, ma'am?" said major Norton, much mortified. The gallant colonel advanced with his tiptoe ^tep towards the sofa, which he had no sooner reached than I^Iiss Cotman start- ed up with the greatest alacrity, flew past the astonished colonel, and advanced to the door with extended hand, to receive two gentlemen, whom she had just perceived as her heau marched up so stately. The THE BxVLANCE of COMFOHT. 7* oolonel pulled down his ruffles and pulled up his stock, and cast his large obtruding eyes on the smart young men, who were ROW surrounded by ladies. These gentlemen were George Vemon and sir Montague Vavasour, whom he had taken the liberty, he said, of introducing thus late to Mrs. Pringle, The good lady was delighted at the ac- quisition — a title possessing many and mighty charms for her, particularly when she looked at her daughter- Mrs. Arlingham found they had just come from Westhaven, and, with the most fashionable indifference, coldly asked "whe^ ther her husband was alive, and what he w^as doing ? Doing!" replied George Vernon, " why, farming as assiduously as if his bread de- pended on his crops, and making love ta his pretty harvest girls as gaily as if he %vas not married. Faith ! if I w^re you, Bess, I should go and look after him, By-the- bye, that same farming is a pretty employ- E 2 79^ THE BALANCE OF COMPORT. ment, and I shall certainly plough up Ad* derley Park some of these days." Miss Cotman was instantly all rurality, and highly approved the idea. Her tongue was now set free, and the sleeping automa- ton became anim.ated and talkative. Major Norton was lost in astonishment. — Lauk !" said he, with a foolish laugh^ " she can talk though !" In the meantime, sir Montague Vava-. sour had not been idle in claiming a prior acquaintance with Althea, with whom it was veiy evident he v/as a good deal charm- ed. Mb. Arlingham, who was delighted '•to mortify the rest of the expectant misses, and their equally-expectant mammas, and pleased to see Althea selected by a man of r^nk and fashion, contrived to attach him wholly to her party. Althea, however, who cared neither for him nor his title, and w^as rather annoyed by the attention he paid her, gladly acceded to a request of IMiss Pringle, that she would go and look at some curious prints in her dressing-room* She repented her compliance ; for no sooner THE BALANCE' OF COMFOHT. 7T liad they closed the door, than Phoebe be* gan to question her about love and lovers, and, with a deluge of tears, confessed her own attachment to this very sir Montague Vavasour, whom she had met and distin- guished at Worthing the year before. *'But, alas ! my sweet friend," continu- ed the love-lorn maiden, it is you he pre- fers—you, who seem not to notice him the least. I fainted the moment I saw him ; but, fortunately, the servants were in a bustle about supper and these newly-ar- rived strangers, and did not observe me; so I just fainted a little, and recovered unper- ceived and without detection. Oh ! how melancholy a thing is a too tender heart ! You know not the exquisite delight of wandering half broken-hearted, in a moon- light eve, listening to Philomel's song, and repeating sonnets." To such a jumble of misery and delight Althea knew not what to reply. She however assured Miss Pringie that she had no claims, nor wished for any, on sirMon- 78 THE BALANCE OF COHFOrvT. tague Vavasour, and therefore begged she Would be easy on her account. " But you know him—'tis evident this is not a first interview/' replied Phoebe ; and, ah me ! it is but too evident he ad- mires yovi, and I am undone/' " I knew him before this evening, cer- tainly," said Althea ; but as I am by no means charmed with him, nor see any vi- sible signs of his being so wdth me, you have nothing to fear on my account, and I very willingly leave the field of conquest open to you, ani heartily wish you suc- cess." Phoebe embraced Althea as ardently as if certain of the conquest she meditated ; and wiping her eyes, she drew her fair locks sentimentally on one side, put on a lan- guishing look of mock resignation, and ac- companied her friend, as she chose to call her, to the drawing-room, just as the party was leaving it for the supper-table. Sir Montague immediately came forward, and offered Althea his arm. Fearful of a scene THE BALANCE OF COMFORT^ 73^ of folly on Miss Pringle's part, she intro- duced her to the baronet, who offering her a similar mark of attention, they followed the rest qviietly; and the hour being alrea- dy late, and many of the party having some miles^ to travel, they sat but little time at table before the carriages weve or* dered, and they dispersed. CHAPTER VIL Social friends, Attuft'd to happy unison of souly Now call'd abroad, enjoy the falling day, Thomsoi^. They foutid Isabella, at a late hour, still seated in the parlour, awaiting their return, looking not very gay. This was the first visit Philipson had ever paid without her since their marriage, and slie felt uncom- fortable, though slie owned the folly of feel- $0 THE BALANCE OF COMFOE^^ ing so, particularly as he had gone to Mtb* Pringle's more in compliance with Eliza- beth's wishes than his own inclination. ^' Still up, Bella ?" said Philipson, as he entered^ — " I hope this is a compliment to your sisters only^ as I shall never require such a one paid to myself. I consider a wife sitting up for her husband rather as a covert reproof than a mark of attention, and never wish it done for me." I hope," replied she, " you will not often give me an opportunity of doing it. I have been so long accustomed to your society, I cannot help missing it painfully." " Oh ! I cannot say much about that," answered he, carelessly — " I find a visit sometimes pleasant enough ; and, faith, while I keep to squire Pringle's, you never need expect to see me come home drunk." " Well but, Bella, what did you think of the sudden appearance of your two beaux?" said Mrs. Arlingham. "George told us he had been here. And what do you think of sir Montague Vavasour ?" I was pretty much surprised, as you THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. 81 may imagine/' returned Isabella. As to sir Montague, he is a plain, gentlemanly- looking man, not much given to talk, I fan'cy ; but he is a charming creature too, for he did so admire Althea." " Y\aiich Althea ?" said Philipson, archly. " Why, my Althea, to be sure. My sis- ter was not here, you know." " Nay, I did not know but he might speak of her. I know he thinks of her sometimes." " I wish he w^ould think of her to some purpose," replied Isabella : " Such a wife as Althea would make ought not to be so li>ng unmarried," " Thank you, my dear," said Althea, laughing; but I see enough of that bless- ed state to keep out of it as long as I can, 'Tis very odd people cannot fall into a trap themselves v/ithout wanting to pull their neighbours after them. But, however, I am much too tired to discuss the advan- tages or disadvantages of m.atrimony to- 82 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. night. So farewell ! — Ob, by-tlie bye, the gentlemen breakfast with you to-morrow, and I believe my mother with them. They are gone to the Lea to-night." Now, Althea," said Mrs. Arlingham in the morning, do put on a becoming cap, and try its effect on Vavasour. I'm sure you may conquer him, if you choose to try." But it is my cap you are trying to pro- mote to that honour," rephed Althea : ''If 1 am to do the mischief, I should not choose to be indebted to my milhner for any of her assistance." No vanity in that whatever. But you look so well in a cap — so much better than with only your hair. Come now, thi$ lace mob.'' The obstinate Althea quietly put down the lace mob, dressed her light brown hair with her usual neat negligence, and refus- ed to make any other change in her ap- pearance than that of a white gown for a coloured one, Elizabeth could not add a single comb or mnmneBt of any kind^ THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 83 though she accused Althea of shewing ten times more vanity in not weaving any. Sir Montague drove Mrs. Vernon in curricle to the vicarage, George riding on horseback. The baronet made many apo- logies for intruding himself into a family- party, but imputed all the blame to his friend George, who had almost forced him from Westhaven. " Your next visit to our humble abode will be from choice, I trust, sir Montague,^' said Fhilipson, " not compulsion. W e are obliged to Mr. Vernon for having compel- led your first visit, but should be mortified if he w^ere obliged to do so a second time.'' *' Nay, now you go too far, sir," replied the baronet, colouring with the conscious- ness of being glad enough to be so compel- led: " I talked not of compidsion ; but still you know, a stranger to yourself and JMrs. Philipson " " And me and Althea," interrupted Eli- zabeth^ smiling. Let us forget .we are strangers for the future," said Phihpsonv politely. 84 THE BALANCE OV COMFORT. Most willingly/' replied sir Montague. You are absolutely making a little paradise of this place, Ned," said Vernon ; but I doubt it is not all done for nothing ~eh ?" No, you may swear that," answered Edward — I mean, however, to make Fairfield pay for Feltham one of these days. Hang that old man, how he holds out !" I don't much approve of your plan, though," said Mr. Vernon. In the first place, you have not yet got Fairfield ; and in the next, you will, most probably, not continue here when you do get it" Certainly not ; but as I may perhaps wait for that drowzy old gentleman's demise good part of my life, and that the best part, I cannot bear the idea of living in the midst of confusion and disorder. If I liave only a nutshell, it must be ornamented and beautiful. I must shew you ail my im- provements after breakfast. I wish I could get a little land, and turn farmer." " That would complete eveiy thing, to be sure," said George. Be quiet whilst THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. 85 you are well. Let workmen alone till Fairfield is your own ; and believe me, a gentleman-farmer seldom makes that sort of amusement profitable." ^lany thanks for your excellent ad- vice," said Phiiipson, bowing ironically to Vernon. Althea did not like the expression of either gentleman's countenance, and was very w^ell aware that no real cordiality subsisted between them. Breakfast being ended, she proposed a w^alk round the shrubbery, in hopes of turning the conver- sation. Mrs, Vernon had not lately seen much of Isabella or the baby, for since Mrs. Arlingham's arrival, they had been a good deal engaged in visiting; she therefore declined v/alking, and the two sisters, with the gentlemen, sallied forth, Mrs. Vernon was too anxious, too much interested in her children's happiness, not to have ob- served that Isabella's brow was more cloud- edof late than it used to be, and she watch- ed narrowly for the cause; but she was too sensible a woman, and too well acquainted 86 THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT; v^ith the temper of men in general, to ha- zard any remark, even when she detected the Httle asperities which were now too frequently visible. Neither did she choose to venture any inquiry to her daughter, for she knew that such questions more commonly did harm than good, by point- ing out faults in a husband which were bet- ter hid. Young wives, when they first begin to wake from their visions of happi- ness, and to find something of disappoint- ment attend their brilliant hopes, are easily led, by injudicious observations in other people, to fancy themselves miserable and ill-treated, and behaving at once as if they were so, confirm the evil they at first only imagined. A look of compassion, a word of pity, improperly bestowed by others, magnify fancied slights into real offences ; and instances are not rare where a young w^ife, thus situated, has been made to think herself ill used and unhappy, by the im- prudent, though tender anxiety, of an ill- judging parent or friend. All this iMrs. Vernon felt : and though THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 8T she saw that Isabella had that to say which was brooding in her mind, slie resolutely refrained from asking a question, or mak- ing a remark which could lead to it, and kept her in constant conversation upon other and gayer topics, till the walking party returned. Philipson was in a worse temper than when he went out, for George Vernon had, he thought, been impertinent, and too for- ward in offering his opinion and advice. Mrs. Arlingham was not best pleased to find that her husband intended to come for her the following week. Sir Tdontague was more and more charmed with Althea, but not quite satisfied with her calm and cold politeness, which evinced nothing like a return of admiration. Althea, on the whole, was the only one not discontented ; and as she had formed no plans, and quar- relled with no one, she returned as tran- quil as she set out. Philipson Vv'-as too hos- pitable to suffer his transient pique against Vernon to prevent his keeping the whole party to dinner. Isabella found it impqs- 88 THE BALANCE OF COMFORTe sible to absent herself from the company, and Phihpson was therefore in good-hu- mour ; and hoped^ as Althea was perfectly safe and well after being left to her nurse's sole care for some hours, that his wife wovild be satisfied to entrust her so again, and not make every other person secon- dary to her child. Do let us be rural and vulgar for once^ and drink tea and a syllabub on the lawn," said Elizabeth. " Nobody will come here this evening, I dare say, for I know the Cot- mans have a party, and the Pringles- — " Well, who would feel vulgar, or, if they did, who would feel embarrassed at it, in the company of the Pringles?" said Phi- lipson. " Not that I think it at all unlike- ly but they may come, for I saw some Ian- guishing glances cast at you, sir Monta- gue, from that quarter last night. The fiiir Phoebe v/as indeed so very expressive in her looks, that I ventured to ask her if she had ever seen you before; and she clasped her hands, and turned up her eyes lika a duck in rainy weather, and exclaim- THE BALANCE OF COMFOET- 80 itd with a sigh that blew the powder out of colonel ' Diilyrimple's' hair — ' Oh, mj God ! yes r You colour too highly, Philipson/' said sir Montague, Not higher than you do, however," said Vernon, alluding to the burning cheeks of the baronet. " I think 1 recollect dancing one even- ing with a young lady of that name at Worthing," resumed the baronet ; "but really, had any one asked me last night if I had ever seen Miss Pringle before, I should, without any gesticulation, have said no." " You are an ungrateful man," said Al* thea, smiling. *^ Althea could tell an amusing tale, I suspect, if she pleased," said Mrs. Arling- ham. " Come, Althea, let us have the whole languishing confidential detail." Althea, however, kept Phoebe's secret better than she would herself have done ; and, in order to escape further teazing, ran off to assist in preparing the syllabub. The tea-things were quickly set out on §0 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. the lawn, and the party gaily assembled round the table, and enjoyed themselves free from all molestation. In due time the syllabub followed; but, alas! no longer un- observed. Just as the glasses were filled^ and Elizabeth was voting Miss Pringle as a toast, Mrs. Pringle's old coach rolled by, and, without a single inquiry of the ser- vant, who immediately went to the gate, out got that lady and her daughter, and walked directly up to the party, w ho, spite of their vexation, could not help laughing at the contrast between the jolly dame and her pale-faced, round- backed, thread-paper daughter, whose audible sighs and lan- guishing look of sensibility nearly con- quered Althea's gravit)\ " Veil, now this is delightful !" exclaim- ed Mrs. Pringle ; ve see you all from the road ; and as I vas desirous to know how you got home last night, I could not resist the pleasure of coming in ; and sideybub under the cow, too } veil, this is good." " Don't 1 look wretchedly to-night said Plioebe, in a whisper, to Althea. " You THE BALANCE OF COMFORTw 9% iiave no idea of the agitation of my mind ivhen I found Mrs. Pringle was determin* ed to come in ; for, ah ! my sweet friend, I saw him in the group assembled here. The eyes of love are always open : I'm sure mine are, for not once did I close them during this last tedious night," I think, sir," said Mrs. Pringle, turn- ing to sir Montague Vavasour, " my daughter says she had the pleasure of see- ing of you at Vorthing last season. I'vas not there, but Phoebe recollected you im- megently." Sir Montague muttered something about the honour, &c. and Miss Pringle whis* pered to Althea — Who could forget ?" and then turned so affected a glance on the object of her fancied attachment, tliat he could bear no more, but jumping up, declared he saw nurse and the baby, and that he had not had a nursing-bout that day. Philipson laughed without restraint, for he knew the little girl had been in bed a long time, and that the poor persecuted baronet was really only anxious to fly from 82 THE BALxlNCE OF COMFORT. such an inundation of folly, which boded much future quizzing. The ladies staid so Lite, tliat Mrs. Phi- lipson was obliged, in mere civility, to ask them to stay supper ; and thus sir Mon- tague was compelled to endure Mrs. Prin- gle's vulgarity and her daughter's absurdi- ties, though liis manners, unusually grave and reserved, might have convinced both that nothing was further from his inten- tion than any return of Miss Phoebe's evi- dent passion. Mrs. Pringle tried in vain to engage him and the party to dine at Lark-Hall Sir Montague coldly pleaded •his intention of leaving the country in a day or two, though a week after he was still lingering there. THE BALANCE OF COMI OIIT. 9% CHAPTER VIII, The jealous doubts, the alternate hopes and fears, attendant on the passion of love, are dear to the lo\er while his passion lasts ; but when that subsides, as subside it must^ his taste for altercation ceases. The proverb which fa-» yours the quarrels of lovers may prove fatal to the hap^ piness of husbands; and woe be to the wife who puts her faith in it ! Modern Griselda, Anotheu week passed on in what Isabella and Altliea called a state of unsettled bus- tle. Vernon and the baronet, who became every day more enamoured of Althea, still remained at the Lea, though every day talking of a removal. At the end of that time Mr. Arlingham came to the vicarage for a day or two, previous to taking home his wife, a visit very little desired by Phi- lipson, who had no sort of regard for his rich brother-in-law, who not unfrequently^ made him feel all the difference of situa- tion and the horrors of dependence. That* 9* THE BALANCE OF COMFbUT. Philipson was in some measure dependent on Arlingham cannot be denied, since on the expected living of Fairfield rested all his hopes of riches, and he had indeed act- ed, upon the certainty of possessing it, not very judiciously. Arlingham had always evaded giving any direct promise of this living, but he presumed on his patronage to offer frequent advice, and that in a tone of more authority than delicacy, and the fear of giving serious offence induced Phi- lipson to listen in silence, though he did not often follow it. Mr. and Mrs. Arlingham met w^ith a de- gree of cold civility, which equally surpris- ed all the rest of the family, and gave sen- sible pain to Mrs.Vernon, w ho saw in these? manners convincing symptoms of much domestic vmeasitiess. She scarcely knew where to fix the fault, for each seemed alike frigid and indifferent; and if Elizabeth had ever possessed any great influence over him, she had entirely lost it. Contradic- tion seemed the order of the day ; and, vnth- out amounting to an actual quarrel, they THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 93 appeared to be almost always on the verge of one, and kept every body else in a fright for what w^as to follow. " How long do you intend to stay here, ^Ir. Arlingham ?" said his wife. Only a day or two," he replied. This is Wednesday — I must be home on Satur- day at the latest, and must therefore go from hence on Friday, Harvest is com- ing on, and I cannot be absent.'* " What a pity it is you are not obliged to follow this genteel employment you have chosen !" replied Elizabeth. " I'm sure a good fortune is thrown away on you, for you have no enjoyment in it : you are ignorant of the true value of for- tune and situation. However, I cannot go this week ; I dine at lady Cotman's on Friday, to meet Vavasour and a party " As you please — only / go on Friday, and in my own carriage, I came by the mail, and you can return in it when you think proper. Don't let us dispute the matter— before our friends at least ; you know my determination, and I shall not 96 THE BALANCE 0¥ COMFORT. change a tittle. Pliilipson, shall we walk Who would ever have believed it pos- sible that this man should ever have turn- ed out such a bear?" said Elizabeth, when the gentlemen had gone away, " The mail truly ! I thmk so indeed !" " And who would have expected that Elizabeth Vernon would have so com- pletely changed //^r nature too !" said IMrs* Vernon, with a sigh of regret. How little did I think you had such a spirit of anger and opposition in you, or that a change of situation could so entirely have altered what appeared your real character! I have hitherto kept silence on this topic, my dear, because I think, in general, advice does more harm to irritable tempers than good, but I must say in this instance I, think you very wrong. You are not en- gaged to lady Cotman's — you know you are not, and that you declined engaging- yourself upon the very plea of your hus- band's coming." ' " But why should he dictate the day of iny going home?" said Elizabeth. " Whf^ THE BALANCE OF COm^DKT. 9T could he not consult me a little ? I know I must go at his time, but he might hav^ given me some degree of consequence with other people, by seeming to ask my opi« nion." " My dear Elizabeth, you take from your own consequence more than he does by this display of temper, and make me very seriously uneasy. If you are aware that you cannot successfully oppose him, why hazard offending to no purpose ? I have hitherto endeavoured to beUeve that the fault was principally his, but I am now painfully convinced that it is at least mu- tual." " But am I then to give up every wish of mine without an effort ? 5 Jay I never exert a little spirit to obtain what I de* sire?^^ Do you find by such exertions you do gain what you desire ? Very seldom, I fancy. Spirit ! that is the rock upon which so many split. Silly women affect to boast of managing their husbands, but trust me? ^ VOL. II. r 98 THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT. Elizabeth, whenever you find that to be really the case, it is by far different me- thods than a violent exertion of spirit; and, depend upon it, where you hear wo- men declare they do manage and obtain their own will by this high-spirited con- duct, if you could penetrate into the inte- rior of their families, you would generally find they lived a life of contention, and were forced to yield at last, instead of con- quering. I believe, by a little concession at first, you might have preserved the in- fluence you certainly possessed over your husband. Now I know not what to say. It is very rarel}^ that such influence is ever regained when it is once forfeited, for men rarely forgive the faults of their wives,> and, I believe, never forget. However they may comply with that admirable precept to ' write injmies in dust, but benefits in marble,' in respect to the world at large, I suspect they are more apt to reverse it when applied to a wife. Perliaps the}^ are thus tenacious in this instance, because, Jliaving a greater claim upon so dear a con- THE BALANCE OY COMFORT. 99 i^exion, they are more keenly disappoint- ed at a failure in kindness. Try, however, what gentleness and conciliation will do on your part You have not Been long enough a wife to have lost all your power ; and you have one advantage on your side, that your husband has none of his own fa- mily or relations to prejudice him against you, by unfair or sea^et iminuations, a source frequently of great discomfort and disadvantage to a young married woman.** " Ah ! all this is very good, very excel- lent, my dear mother," replied Elizabeth^ shrugging her shoulders, and rising ; but I believe an angel could not bear with Arlingham's queer, mean, selfish temper. However, 111 try — if I can. But, Althea, you who have sat by enjoying this lecture so slyly, never marry^ if you are wi^e, nor believe even the fair-seeming sir Montague Vavasour ; leave him for the sentimental Phoebe." I believe sir Montftgue and I are in no danger froiii each other^" said Althea ; F 3 100 THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT, " but though I have no designs on him myself, I should be sorry to see him the husband of such a nonentity as Miss Prin- gie. I should like a college for voluntary old maids, and I would place Mrs. Charl- ton and Mrs. Amy Finch at the head of it. None should be admitted who could not bring certificates of being of a cheerful temper and good disposition, contented with their lot, and free from every wish in which the men were concerned. In short, they must all resemble, as nearly as possi- ble, the two lady presidents. I should anxiously await the fortunate era which would admit me amongst them, and I thinjk it would be the happiest community in Enofland.'' " And pray what is the prescribed age in w^hich your votaries are to enter this charming retreat ?" said Mrs. Vernon, laughing, " and what are your rules ? — May not widows be admitted ?" " I think I shall allow them to take the vows at forty," replied Althea. " If a wo- ^ man is satisfied to consider herself an old THE BALANCE OF COMEORT. 101 mmd at that age^ without any absurd w ishes to change her situation^ she is safe, that being as foolish an age in general as any between that and fifteen. Widows are not admissible, and my rules are not quite digested and arranged,'" " You are just in time to give your opi- nion of an institution invented by my sis- ter Althea/' said Mrs. Arlingham, as sir Jtlontague Vavasour entered the room. " It must be a very gay one, if I may judge from the mirth it caused," replied he. May I be admitted as a meoiber ?" " Why no, I think not exactly," replied Mrs. Vernon, " this being neither more nor less than an asylum for old maids, of which Althea impatiently anticipates the delights." " God forbid !" exclaimed he, expres- sively : " The world has too man)^ claims on such women as Miss Vernon, to suiTer her to waste her usefulness in ' single bless- edness.' She will, I trust, become the happiest, as I believe she will be the best, of wives and mothers. This is not a time 102 THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT. — -I am not at liberty — Excuse me, ma- dam. If you knew what I feel, you would pity my agitation." Sir Montague hastily left the room^ mounted his horse, and rode off as quick as he could, leaving the three ladies in considerable confusion and embarrassment, unable to account for a scene so^^ strange; yet no longer doubting his preference of A 1th ea. Circu mstances, which they could not even guess at, seemed to have checked art avowal which yet hovered on his lips ; and Althea, in the emotion- his conduct had excited, found something like regard beating in her heart towards him. Even Mrs. Arlingham, how^ever, could make no- thing of it, except that lie was fettered by some engagement of which he repented, and that he would move heaven and earth to render such engagement null and void, and offer his free hand to Miss Vernon as soon as possible. But Althea is disposed of, you know,'* said Mrs. Vernon : " What will become of the college if she is a seceder ? ' THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 10.T . Althea did not feel disposed for raillery, and left her mother and sister to their fur- ther conjectures and surmises respecting Vavasour's strange manner and mysterious words, whilst she went to the nursery, de- termined to think of him no more, in which resolution she persevered so effectually^ that she thought of nothing else. CHAPTER IX. Think not, he cries, to live like rae— My wealth supports my vanity ; Your fully should be moderate. Proportioned to a small estate^ FiiANcrs^s Horace, ^ Upon my word, Mr. Philipson," said Mr. Arlingham, as they walked round the pretty ornamented fields, and observed the tasteful decorations which Edward had lavishly bestowed, " upon my word, you have made quite a superb place here. I'm afraid you are doing more than a future 104 THE BALANCE OF C OMFOET, vicar of Feltham may be inclined, or in* deed able, to keep up. I assure you now, upon my honour, I have nothing at West- haven half so elegant as this little temple, with this light and beautiful trellis veran^ da running round it, and this pretty little aviary, with its gilded enclosure, and va- liety of warbling tenants, /find these sort of indulgences too expensive.'' " I understand you, Arlingham," repli- ed Philipson, piqued almost beyond pru- dent endurance. I own these whims liave been expensive, but once done, you knt)w, and they require but little to keep them up. What is a little birdseed ? Be- sides, there is such a comfort in having these little elegancies in our own premxises ; and they have frequently kept me at home, when perhaps I might have been in some gay party." " The alternative, however, is not desir- able — expence, either at home or abroad,'* said Arlingham, coldly. " What pretty little Gothic range of buildings is that?'* he continued, gravely. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 105 That ?" said Philipson, colouring, and confused ; " oh, that is only some dog-ken- nels and a pig-sty. Yovi know, as the place altogether is too small to admit of these sort of things being at a proper dis- tance from the house, I was obliged to make them as little of a nuisance as I coidd. They cost very little more than those of a more common sort would have done." " Nay, I'm sure I have no business, nor indeed inclination, to make impertinent observations," said Arlingham, turning his eyes round in all directions— " Every man has a right to spend his money as he pleases ; I am only afraid the future incum- bent may think / have wished for all this waste of ornament." Why really one great reason for my laying out so much on this place, which, after all, I certainly ought only to consider as a temporary residence, is, that I think in so doing I am only paying that for re- pairs and comforts 1 myself enjoy, which my widow would have to pay hereafter 106 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. for dilapidations. I cannot imagine where my successor will find room for a claim of that sort. As to this temple, and the gild- ed aviary and birds, and those sort of things, I can easily remove them, you know, whenever the old rector of Fairfield gives me an opportunity." " Tnie, I had forgot that convenience," replied Arlingham, dryly. Philipson was struck at the moment w^ith something odd in the expression of his voice and eye ; but Arlingham began talking of his own farm, and relapsed into his usual maimer so immediately, that the other forgot what he had thought odd, and, though not pleased with his observa- tions, suspected nothing. Neither gentler- man, however^ was satisfied with the other^ and were far from feeling any additional liking. I^Irs. Vernon's morning lecture had cer- tainly a temporary effect on Elizabeth at least, since she was so condescending and well-behaved to A rlingham as to excite his evident astonishment J3ut be had ob- THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 167 served those sort of changes before, when she wanted to carry a point, and was there- fore gravely on the watch to refuse any request she might make, from the mere suspicion of an intention on her part to outwit him ; and the day conchided, much to his surprise, without any favour being asked, and, moreover, with EHzabeth's free consent to give up litr engagement y and go home on Friday. Thursday morning rose in the sam^ har- mony on this querulous pair, and' they were all enjoying a gay breakfast in the pretty temple^ close fey the gilded aviary, when Mrs. Pringle's carriage drove furi- ously past, and stopped at the lawn gate. Philipson felt at first angry at the intra- sion, and then alarmed, though he knew not why^ at the importance and heighten- ed roses of the bustling lady's cheeks, as,^ w^addling up tlie lawn,, she advanced to meet him. Oh, Mr. Philipson !'^' she Began, sucH a disaster! such a misfortin ! Lord bless me!' Pm in such a heat! Sir Montage > 108 THE BALANCE OF COMFOllT/ Wawasour, vhether he is killed outright, or vhether he is only stunted, I don't know, but wery much he is vounded, that's certain. I'm so confounded and so hur- ried, for I left Phoebe in such hysterics !" All this time Philipson had been trying to get in a few w^ords, and begging a more satisfactory explanation than her agitation v/ould allow her to give. In the mean- time, all the party had flocked round Mrs. Pringle, Arlingham excepted, who having by dint of management secured to himself the best shce of bam, deliberately waited to envdop it between two pieces of bread and butter, thus effectually making it his own, in case of other persons returning be- fore him to the table. He w^ould not, hov/ever, have been tlius anxious about his breakfast, if he had entertained the least idea of Mrs. Pringle's serious business ; fcut he only supposed it some nonsense relating to her silly daughter, whom he disliked extremely, and therefore did not hurry himself. When he did go forward, he was shocked at the view of so many THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 109 pallid faces, and the request of Mrs. Prin- gle, that Mrs. Vernon, and " all as could/' would return with her. " Oh ! Mr. Arlingham," said she, "who would have thought this ? Poor dear sir Montago Wawasour is, I'm almost afeard, dead. I vas a going this morning across the" park to look up my Guinea-fowls' eggs amongst the nettles, vhen vhat should I see but the baronight in his curricle. Veil, he just stopped to speak, seeing as I and Miss Pringle valked towards him as quick as ve could, vhen just then a vheelbarrow was drove past, and his horses turned the carriage smack round vithout the least notice, and dashed it right over. Veil, I screamed, and Miss Pringle screamed, and vent into hysterics, and such a conquest of people came round us ! The horses vas soon stopped, but the mischief vas done, and poor sir Montago vas took to the Hall in a Swound, and so vas Miss Prinsie. His right arm vas broke, that I see ; but vhat other detriment he have received I ^ion't yet know. I sent off for Islx. Rick- llO THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. ets, and then came myself to consult yoa as to vhetlier he ought to be moved or not. I'm sure he's velcome to tlie use of Lark=- Hall, and I shall be proud to nurse him, and you know I have a notion that vay ; and he'll be wery near Mr. Babington, in case Mr. Rickets is engaged any time, and he has a pretty smattering, you know." Som.e comfort vet remainjed to sir Mon- tague's friends, from the v^ell-known ex- aggeration: which usually accompanied her recitals. Mrs. Vernon and Mrs. Arling- ham were soon ready to return with Mrs; Pringle ; and in the real feeHng of the mo* ment, Arlingham forgot his slice of ham, and ordering his carriage, got into it with Philipson, and followed the ladles. The first sound that struck the ears of Mrs; Vernon wa^ the contimied hysterical scream, no longer affected, of Miss PriUr gle, to whom Mr. Babington was adminis- tering dix)ps, and bathing her temples. Mrs.- Vernon found she was in good hands^ and therefore walked forward, by Mrs. Pringle's desire, to- the drawing-roon% THE BALANCE OF CGMFOllT. Ill where they all impatiently awaited Mr, Rickets's arrival. They heard that sir IMontague was revived, and mucli relieved from his painful situation, by the skill and attention of Mr. Babington/who had re- leased the fractured arm from incumbrance, and placed it in a safe and easy posture, and had ventured to bleed the left, as the baronet complained extremely of a giddi- ness and intense pain in his head. This had relieved him considerably ; and so ju- diciously had his amateur surgeon per- formed his part, that nothing remained for Mr. Rickets- but to set the limb. To remove him at present was impossible ; and so, after many apologies and re- grets for the trouble he must unwill- ingly give, he resigned himself to a good bed, a bustling but attentive nurse^ in his hostess, and opiates, which her shrill voice incessantly threatened to counteract. When his friends first enter* ed his^ apartment, which Mn Rickets mly allowed them to do fgr a moment. 112 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. he cast his eyes round eagerly for Althea. An mstant's reflection shewed him the folly of such a thought, and he sighed as he resigned it. Arlingham took pos- session of liis bedside, as head nurse, at ]VIrs. Pringle's request, and his return to Westhaven was deferred till sir Montague was able to be removed to Mrs. Vernon's, w^hich Mr. Rickets pronounced might be in a few days, since he found he should not lose his patient by the means. Phoebe, who w^as now recovered from the violence of her struggles, though still languid from their eifect, begged most piteously that ^Irs. Vernon would allow Althea to go to her for a few days, a request which Mrs* Pr ingle seconded, by something betv/een a permission and an order, and which Mrs* Vernon coldly refused, to the utter sur- prise of mother and daughter, v/ho were too ignorant to see any impropriety in svich a wish. Veil," said Mrs. Pringle, " you must do as you like, certainly ; but I thought it THE BALANCE OF COMFOKT. IIS voiild have been pleasant for Miss Wernon to stay with Miss Pringle a bit, and I don't see any harm if she did." If you did, I'm sure you would not ask it," replied Mrs. Vernon, politely. " Mrs. PhiMpson cannot spare her, parti- cularly as Mrs. Arlingham is with us. We must now wish you a good morning, wdth many thanks. Should Miss Pringle wish to change the scene, I am sure my daughters will be very happy to see her at Feltham." " Oh, not for worlds !" replied Phoebe, vehemently. " Oh dear, no !" said her mother, " to be sure, not vhilst ve have wisitors, and sick wisitors too." Mrs. Vernon made no remarks ; and Philipspn joining them, they went to th^ Lea to leave a message for George, who had gone some miles into the country, at the same time that Vavasour set off on his unfortunate journey. 114! THE BALANCE OF COMFOUTi CHAPTER X. Never consider as a trifle what may tend to please hini. The great articles of duty he will set dowii:as his own; but the lesser attentions he- will mark ns favours. Julia de Rouhigne. It must be obvious to every one v^ho un- derstands the silent eloquence of love, that sir Montague Vavasour's heart had receiv- ed more than a common impression in fa- vour of Althea Vernon, and it is equally clear that only very imperious necessity prevented his giving words to that which his eyes had declared. Of Althea's senti- ments towards him, no one, even of her own family, could form a decided opinion, ex- cept that as a man of extraordinary good sense, fine accomplishments, and mos^t po- lished manners, he was distinguished as superior to every other she had ever knowai. It was impossible she could avoid seeing^ THE BALANCE OF COMEORT. 115 that he entertained a very high opinion of lier, though no word had ever escaped him (except those which seemed invohmtarily excited by her plan of being an old maid for life) which conld be construed into an avowal of preference. There are, however, looks and manners of peculiar softness and eloquence, which convey as much as lan- guage, and women, even without vanity^ may be allowed to read their meaning, and draw their inferences. Althea was certain she was highly thought of by sir Monta- gue, before those mysterious words con- firmed the idea; but assured, from that agitation of speech and manner, that some circumstances existed of sufficient force to compel him to check the growing passion, she suffered not the preference she was aware of feeling in her own heart to in- crease its power, nor become apparent to any one. It was indeed so entirely in its infancy at present, that the task was not difficult for reason and common sense to subdue so indistinct and almost unacknov/- ledgcd a sentiment %16 THE BALA^NTCE OF COMFORT. Sir Montague's feelings on this subject had been of longer duration, and a ncrore vivid nature, for be bad early distinguished her superiority at Farnbain. The same circumstances of entanglement in his own situation, however, existed there, and these were then aided and strengthened by a be- lief in her regard for Pelham Wrottesley, * of which he and almost every other person there entertained no doubt. Conscious then of his ow^n embarrassments, and look-^ ing upon her as gradijally becoming at- tached to another, sir Montague had shewn her far less attention than any other fe- male present, in fact, because he admired her more, and feared to love too well that w^hich was thus rendered doubly unattain- able. It is not wonderful that under these cir- cumstances Althea had not much noticed him, for his face possessed no extraordinary beauty beyond that of expression, and that depending so much on the feeling of the mo- ment, that he was seldom much remarked. His eyes were exquisitely handsome, but THE BALx\NCE OF COMFOET. 117 it was when conversation or deep interest inspired his heart ; their colour and form were fine, but it was their speaking ex- pression which fascinated, and that was excited only by sentiment. His figure was €ommanding and fine, and his manners grave, dignified, and calculated at once to attach and encourage merit, and awe pre- sumption. His fortune was noble, as was the use he made of it, and his family of the most ancient and unspotted respectability. Such was sir Montague Vavasour ; and thus gifted, it Avas natural he should be a universal favourite with the ladies; and many were the wonderments amongst the mothers who had daughters to dispose of, that he should have reached the age of eight-and-twenty unmarried. A rumour had indeed been heard abroad at one time of some early engagement between him and a cousin, but as she was known to be as rich, though not so handsome as him- self, and very amiable, there seemed no reason why, if they were engaged, they 118 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, sJiould not have married before this time ; and they therefore supposed the story with- out foundation, and looked upon him as a man to be disposed of How far these conjectures w^ere founded in truth, time vnll disclose. The day after the accident had befallen the baronet, Mrs. Arlingham received a note from her husband, to say that his pa- tient was going on extremely well ; and that as JNIr. Babington would pass the day : at the Hall, he had no objection to keep t/te engagevient she had made with lady Cotman for that day, if she had not already sent to put it off' Sir Montague, he add- ed, had no fever, and was so extremely pleased with Mr. Babington, who, to much medical knowledge, added the manners^ sentiments, and information of a gentle- man, that he felt no compunction at leav- ing liim for a few hours, and that this day would be particularly convenient to her brother. Elizabeth, as may be readily imagined, felt tolerably annoyed at tliis THE BALANCE OF COMFOPvT, 119 note, the engageriient having never exist- ed but in her own assertion. She carried the note to her mother. " See now," said Mrs. Vernon, " w^hat a difficulty you are in ! How much^ Oh, for Heaven's sake ! spare me text and sermon," said Elizabeth, peevishly. " I can so readily anticipate all the ti- tum-ti which grave and wise mammas have ready cut and dried for such occasions. Only do tell me what I am to say to this eternal plague of mine — taking every thing for gospel." " Nay, my dear," replied IMrs. Vernon, not very well pleased, you must say and do what you please, or rather what you can. Say her ladyship does not expect you to-day." "Well, that certainly is true enough, and perhaps he may be satisfied without inquiring farther. But then I dare say George will think it necessary to say some- thing impertinent, as boys always do, if they speak at all, at his age — perhaps go to Adderley, and make a confusion therej, 120 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. and then we shall have her ladyship, witk her broad, puify, white face, coming to hear all about it. This comes of telling an innocent fib now," Mrs. Vernon looked significantly, but said nothing. ^' Pray, my deai- mother, forget and for- give my rudeness just now," said Eliza- beth. " How you could moralize now upon the heinousness of all fibs, black and white! To the inconvenience attendin^j them I subscribe heartily, and I really think — Lord! how impatient these male fools are ! Here comes my spouse and my brother. Help me out for goodness sake !" The explanation was awkward enough, and Arlingham was in a violent passion, and immediately settled to return home the next day. Elizabeth had scarcely ever seen him so angry, and was \ery seriously sorry for the fit of ill-humour and deter- mined opposition which had led her into so uncomfortable a situation. He return- ed immediately to Lark-Hall to take leave of sir J^lontague, to whom, however, he mm BALANCE OF COMFOrvT. 121 made some excuse foreign to the real one, unwilling to expose his wifej though great- ly offended George Vernon, too, affected great indignation ; but for that his sister €ared nothing, and saw him ride off in a violent rage with perfect composure. She w^as too much annoyed by all that had happened to find any inclination for for- mal calls, and left all her apologies for such an omission to her mother and -sisters, per- fectly indifferent whether the people were offended or not. Arlingham returned late in the evening from Mrs. Pringie's, and refusing any supper, took leave of the la- dies, determined, as he said, to be off very early in the morning. Elizabeth, thus in- cluded in an arrangement very disagree- able, and in which her pleasure had not been at all consulted, was much inclined to relapse into reproaches ; but she saw hina so seriously and gloomily angry, that she dared not; and bidding them a melan- choly farewell, was compelled to be obe- dient and silent. VOL. II. a 122 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. " Thank God ! Arlingham is not my husband," said Isabella : " I could not live with such a temper as his." And do you think he is entirely with- out excuse ?" her husband answered — " Does he receive no provocation ? I'm sure I could not live with Elizabeth. I should soon tire of a gloomy wife, however attentive she might be to every other duty ; ~v but a taunting one I must fly from." Isabella understood him, and resolved not to give way to low spirits, or a dispo- sition to repine. Mrs. Vernon and Althea occupied the same apartment at the vicarage, and when they retired to it, ^Irs. Vernon gave way to the tears she had with great difficulty repressed so long. Althea wept too^ " How much unhappiness do I foresee for my poor mistaken Elizabeth !" said she. She might have been so differently situ- ated, for she had every thing v/hich for- tune and consequence could give her. Her husband had foibles, and was not of a su- perior understanding ; but what man could THE BALANCE OF CO l^H GET. 123 bear that his wife should be the person to anmiadvert on and expose him ? And to- morrow, I dare say, they will go quarrel- ling all the way home, and enter the house, which ought to be the scene of their great- est happiness, with every feeling but ^ood ones towards each other. How differently did I think of Elizabeth's temper under my roof !" " I think," replied Althea, " she has this time gone so much farther than she in- tended, or at lea.st the consea ucnces are so much more serious and proiOiiged, that she will be frightened into good behaviour, and more anxious to make lier peace wi;:li Arlingham than to exasperate him far- ther." ''Avery precarious dependence tliat,*' said Mrs. Vernon. Isabella, J hope, will act very differently, tliough I am not wholly witlK)ut my fears for her. If^ how- ever, she errs, it will not be from ili-tem- per, or a ^vant of attention to her duties; but Philipsou has been so exclusively ac- IM THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. customed to her attentions himself, that he cannot bear she should divide them, even with his child ; and such are her no- tions of a parent's duty, that she will hardly be prevailed on to quit the baby for him, and then he will fly off^ and they will be- gin to dispute. Oh ! how many cares liave the happiest marriages " The time I am liere," replied Althea, Isabella will be able to give up her time as much to her child as she ought to wish ; and it is this that makes me so desirous of staying here till my little namesake is old enough to be more ^afely entrusted to her nurse-maid« Isabella may then return to her old habits of walking, and riding, and gardening, with Philipson, and 1 shall not be missed, and then I stiall return and settle at home, where, by that time, Harriet will be settled too, I hope." You shall go to Torrington Lodg^ then," said Mrs. Vernon, " where Mrs. Charlton is very anxious to see y ou. Did you know that Torrington is very near sir THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 125 Montague Vavasour's family seat, Charle- ville?" " No, indeed — that is, I did not know to whom Charleviiie belonged. I am sorry for that, I think, for people will say I go to be near him, as I find they choose to fancy he is a lover of mine." I wish they said true," returned Sirs. Vernon, " for his sake and yours too. I am persuaded he is attached to you, what- ever it may be that prevents his owning it ; and I think, whoever may be the lady to whom other reports say he is engaged^ she would not make him a better wife than my Althea." Your good opinion is veiy dear to me," said Althea, " and with you I am much more securely happy than I believe I, could be in marriage. I assure you, when I talk of old maids* I may appear to be laughing, but I am very serious ; and after all the happy women I have seen in that state, and the wretchedness I have witnessed in the other, I have no hesi- 126 THE EALAKCE OF COMFOTIT. tation in making my choice in their fa- vour." " Pretty talking in a girl of twenty ! I Vv ill yet hope to see yon a happy wife, or, in sir Montague's own v/ords, ^ one of the happiest of wives and mothers,' as I am persuaded you will be one of the best. You, v/ho have been exemplary as a daughter, a sister, and a friend, cannot be otherwise in the still more important du- ties which annex to the conjugal and ma- ternal ties." The next morning Mrs. Vernon and Altbea were down stairs long before the travellers were ready to go ; and Arling- ham v/as not sorry to get a good breakfast 4> free of expence. He and Elizabeth seem- ed more comfortable tlian on the preced- ing evening; and this gave th^ir anxious- friends great pleasure, and enabled them all to part with more cheerfulness. Mr. Arlingham gave Mrs. Vernon a civil in- vitation to Westliaven; and turning to Altlica, with more warmth than was usual THE BALANCE OF COMFOirT. 127 with him, pressed her very earnestly to go to them very soon, adding, he was sorry Ehzabeth had not secured her as a third in their carriage now — You can do more with this odd-tempered girl than any body," said he, with a sort of grave smile, and tapping Elizabeth's cheek ; and I promise you, I often vv^ant assistance to manage her properly. So do come very soon." " I shall manage him at last," said Eli- zabeth, in a triumphant whisper, and dearly shall he pay for his tricks." Althea shook her head gravely ; Eliza- beth laughed ; and the carriage drove off. I 28 THE BALANCE OV COMFORT. CHAPTER XI. The wildest hath not such a heart as you. Run when you will, the story shall be changed r j\poiJo flicsj and Daphne holds the chase. Shakespeare, Several days passed on quietly enough. Elizabeth's letter mentioned their safe ar-- rival at Westhaven, after a less unpleasant icte-a-tete journey tlian she had ventured to expect. Mr, Arlingbam was immedi- ately immersed in rural business^ and she was driving about when she could command her horses. " I must not omit telling you one piece of news, however,'* she continued — " The time I was away, and frequently railing at my husband, he was busying himself in ordering me the prettiest little cabriole you ever beheld, and breaking in for my sole use a beauti« fui pony, just bigger than a donkey, I THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 129 own my conscience does give me a twinge ov two ; but why could not the man say so at Feltham? It would have spared many a frown on my brow. Really he has some tolerably agreeable notions ; and, after all, I am inclined to think mine is the best way of managing him. You v/ould give way, and spoil him quite."^ This letter was very eonsolatory, thougE the conclusion was not exactly as it ought to have been. In the meantime, sirMon* tague Vavasour Vfas gradually recovering, and was now well enough to bid farewell to his hospitable entertainers at Lark-Hall. He nrtentioned his intention of going in the course of a day or two to the Lea, having promised Mrs. Vernon to stay there a short time, as soon as he could re- move. This was the signal for sighs- audi tears, and every symptom of m^elancholy, in Miss Phoet>e. It was impossible for Vavasour, though the least of a coxcomb of any man breathing, to shut his eyes to^ her preference of him; and all he could dQ> 130 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. was to behave with cold and uniform po- liteness, studiously excluding every ap- pearance of the most common gallantry. Had he not been differently engaged, and had he never seen Althea, Miss Pringle, with all her money, would never have vvon a heart like his. Determined, how- ever, to lose nothing; for want of makino: her ovm wishes fully understood, she took all possible opportunities of making down- light love to him ; and it was pretty cer- tain that sir Montague's honour was the greatest safeguard of her own. In spite of )\er evident partiality, and several broad hints from Mrs. Pringle, the hard-hearted baronet fixed the final moment of his con- tinuance at the Hail ; and the day arrived, in Phoebe's estimation, cruelly fast. You vv^ill leave us then," said she, as she joined him on the lawn, >vhither she had watched him sauntering to look for his curricle and servant^ — " You will go — go too in tliat detested vehicle, which has al- ready so nearly deprived the world of its greatest ornament." THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 131 You are very good to think thus of my safety," he replied, blushing both for her and himself^ — I have no fears of my horses, notwithstanding the trick they played me. Allow me now to thank you, Miss Pringle, for the many attentions you have so kindly shewn so troublesome a guest, and to hope I may be allowed at some future time " " Oh ! what— w^hat would you ask that I can refuse?" said she, in the greatest agitation — " Oh, cruel and insensible man ! do you at length feel for me? But what w^ould you request? Ask any thing — every thing — my life — my fortune," " You are too good, madam, much too good," replied the baronet, extremely dis- gusted, and anxious to fly from such non- sensical rhapsody—" I merely intended to say, that if at any future time we should meet in any public place, you would al- low me to avail myself of the honour of your friendship, and renew our present ac- quaintance." " Is that all?" said Phc^be, pouting. 132 THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. " Alas ! I shall not live to a renewal of acquaintance. I shall merely drag on a hated existence in these dreary shades, and shortly end a life which your cruelty must render miserable. Then, when I am a pale, \ cold, lifeless corpse, each animated feature mouldering in the dust, you may vainly wish you had shewn^ some compassion to my woes, and pity the poor girl who dies for you." As she concluded this pathetic appeal, which occasioned in Vavasour no small inclination to laugh, so perfectly was he assured of its being merely copied from some absurd German novel, and without any reference to the real state of her heart, than she reclined her broad, white, un- meaning forehead against a tree, and de- clared she would faint. Tired of the farce, and impatient of her folly, he had a great mind to leave her to the promised fit, well convinced tliat in such a case she would instantly recover; gravely, however, and v/ithout the least appearance of interest, he offered to go and send some one to her THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 13* assistance, or he would support her home ; but softness yielding to anger and disap- pointment, she burst into a passion of tears,^ just as her mother came up to them, and loudly called to know what was the mat- ter, and what she cried for ? " Oh ! he scorns me, insults me, refuses my love," said Phoebe, crying louder than ever ; and I know it is all for that Althea Vernon. I told her all the secrets of my fond heart, and she has betrayed me, and taken advantage of all I confided to her^ and stolen away his love from me." " She's a base wixen then," replied Mrs; Pringle; 'vand I'll be even vith her, that I vill. Come, ciieer up, my dearest, and don't lament thus for no man. Surely, Miss Phoebe Pringle, with fifty thousand pounds, need not beg for a husband. If von von't, another vill ; and a lord's above a baronight. A poor return, though, yoii make us for all ve have done, sir, I'm free to confess, Howsomever, don't think ve court your alliance — far from it. As ta Miss Wernon, you are quite velcorae to 134 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. pay vliat dewotion you like there. She has no fortin, you know, I suppose, and I think she have used Miss Pringle ungen- teell)% and so she shall know afore she's much older." " Allow me one word, madam," said sir Montague, vnth a dignity of manner which awed even Mrs. Pringle, and still more deeply wounded the heart of her silly daughter : " Miss Pringle must exo- nerate me from any attempt, at any time, to gain her affections ; she will also do me the justice to say I have always treated her with a politeness very far removed from scorn or insult, I cannot command my heart sufficiently to love her, in the common acceptation of the word ; but I would willingly respect both her and you, to whom I have so many and great obli- gations, which I shall ever gratefully re- member and acknowledge. As to the in- sinuations you have thrown out respect- ing Miss Vernon, I only condescend to notice them for her sake — she is above any sarcasms which can be levelled at her. I THE BxVLANCE OF COMFOHT. 135 admire and esteem Miss Vernon as a model of delicacy, propriety, good sense, and good temper — ^but my hand has long been enraged to another." A silence of a few minutes followed, in which time the curricle drove vip ; and sir IMontague having previously paid his thanks and compUments to Mr. Pringle, now repeated them again to the ladies ; and every thing being ready, he mounted his carriage, and was driven rapidly away, leaving the mother and daughter, who puzzled him to decide w^hich was the greatest fool, with only one source of com- fort, namely, that if Phoebe was not the chosen lady, neither was Althea. Sir Montague was soon settled in the best apai'tments in Mrs. V ernon's house ; and very assiduously George attended him. Althea, of course, v/as absent, and very seldom the subject of conversation, though it was very evident to Mrs. Vernon he thought of little else. Frec^uently he seemed on the point of speaking to her, with an earnestness too great for a mere 136 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. common topic of conversation, and as coltr- stantly he checked himself, and talked with unusual volubility upon some subject, ii> which it was easy to see he had no inte- rest. Delicacy, of course, withheld Al- thea's family from speaking of her in the high terms in which they ail thought of her ; but Vavasour easily discovered that she was the idol of them ali^ and that even, her elder sisters boAved to her opinion aa superior to th.eir own. George was not mucl] in the habit of praise,, and a sense - of propriety restrained his tongue \\% speaking of Althea \ but yet he evidently preferred her to any of his sisters, and re- spected her advice. Sir Montague sighed^ as he thought of all that might eventually prevent his ever endeavouring to make such a treasure his own ; and the more he considered^ the more intricate appeared his fate. He dined once or twice at Phi- lipson's, more for the pleasure of being in: her society than because he liked him ; for Philipsori was not a mim he much ad- mired, and Isabella he thought insipid;. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 13 f yet> whilst he sought the dangerous indul- gence, he blamed himself for his folly, and made resolutions, which the next tempta- tion broke. To avoid the repetition of such failures in forbearance, he determin- ed to depart, and his arm being now nearly w^ell, he ordered his man to pack up; and to avoid entreaties which he knew not how to resist, he said nothing of his intention to his friends till the hour before his departure, and then took leave in a hurried manner, which, to those w^ho could read his heart, carried his excuse with it. Althea, though she had been less in his company than any other of her family, felt his loss much more sensibly than they did, and much more than she chose should be suspected. She had al- ways found a timely exertion of reason sufficient in every exigency, and it did not desert her now ; and so well did she con- ceal her feelings, that Isabella, with a look of wonder, and something of disapproba- tion, declared she was so insensible, it was perfectly unnatural, and what she hated 1S8 THE BALANCE OF COMFOP.T. to see in so young a girL Althea smiled, and allowed Isabella to think what she pleased. Every thing now, as Philipson said, re- turned to' its old stupid way. He loved society so much, that though he was pru- dent enough not to seek it, and had in- deed declined all dinner-visits in the neigh- bourhood, he was delighted when he could make out a necessity for going out, or giving a dinner; and very much he miss- ed Mrs. Arlingham, whose stay at his house had introduced a gayer system than usual, and v/hich, when it ceased with her presence, left him duller than ever. Isa- bella, though she now gave up more of her time to him than sl^e approved, had cer- tainly lost something of her influence, by liaving ever appeared to neglect him ; and tliis being the first time the vicarage had ever been so gay, it seemed additionally dull, after that gaiety had given place to old habits, which he found it difficult to fall into easily. Althea savv' she must not think of leaving them at present; for THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. IS^ Bella, disheartened at perceiving that she gave up her own wishes in vain, was fre- quently on the point of falling again into the error w^iich had already cost her so niuch, and which, but for Althea, she would have done. Besides all this, every place now was beautified. The shrubberies w^ere planted and thriving — the aviary was complete — and the veranda finished, and overhung with beautiful creepers. Isabella no longer found time to garden by his side ; and, what w^as still a greater drawback to his spirits than all, he found bills coming in for all these elegant im- provements much faster tlian he could pay them, and much heavier than he expected ; and the rector of Fairfield was still as like- ly to live as ever. Of Arlingham's man- ner, in speaking of Fairfield, he could not think without a cold chill, and forcibly banished the recollection from his mind w^henever it recurred, which nevertheless it would sometimes do, in spite of all his endeavours. 140 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. CHAPTER Xn. •^■^ *-^^~f^,^^4T\f^ -r ^^^^^ Ah! hapless wretch ! condemiiM to dwel! For ever in my native shell; Ordain'd to move when others plea?e^ Not for my own content or ease. Cowper. Time passed on thus till tlie winter again came round, and Philipson then contrived to dissipate the lagging hours" more to his liking, by growing immoderately fond of hunting. Shooting he had always loved, and the season before he had pur* sued it pleasantly, rationally, and profit- ably, by making it a source of occasional supply to his household. He had never allowed it to break in upon his social even- ings, which, but for him, Isabella would have spent alone ; but returning home to a comfortable dinner, at a reasonable hour;, had passed the rest of the time in reading or conversing with her. He knew not> THE BALANCE OF COMEOIIT. 141 during the first year (nearly) of his mar- riage, what contradiction was ; and though his wife was now all that was excellent and attentive, he was not of a temper to forget that she had preferred sitting by her sleep- ing infant to walking with him, and no longer made her his first object of interest, ^ His home was moreover now embittered by the thoughts of debts which he had no immediate means of discharging; and he began to look forward, with no very pleasant anticipation, to a large family and a small income. He w^s not at all disposed to give himself up to these reflec- tions, more than he could help, and there- fore entered with avidity into the turbu- lent delights of hunting. His pony was exchanged for a handsome horse ; and the little boy, who used to give the pony an t)Ccasional dressing, sharp knives, and weed tlie garden, was superseded by a young man in the village, who was well paid, but whom, as he did not live in the house, Philipson did not consider as a servant. He knew^ he was wrong in all this, and he 142 THE BALANCE OF COIvIFOKT. saw that Isabella was unhappy at it, though she said nothing. But he grew so thouglit- ful and so morose at home, that she en- deavoured to find out it was better he shoidd be amused abroad ; and as he never entered into hunting-dinners, either out or at home, she became less uneasy, though by no means reconciled to Iiis new occupation; whilst she tried, by every means in her power, to lessen domestic expences, by way of making the balance even, and denied herself every thing in tlie shape of indul- gence. As long as Althea remained near her, she had one certain source of comfort; and it was this consideration which yet detained that excellent girl from other friends, all anxious to see her. But Al- thea's health began to fail with lier spirits; and JMrs. Vernon at lengtli insisted upon her gonig for a few weeks to Westhaven, where they had long been most anxious to see her, promising herself to be as much with Isabella as possible. Harriet Vernon had now left the friends she had THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 143 long been staying with, and was settled with her mother. George was studying law in the Temple, with the idea of being a counsellor, and as he was nearly of age, and would then be independent, and able, if he pleased, to assist Philipson, the sisters endeavoured to cheer their spirits with the hope that he would not withhold what he would then be well able to spare. George had been too well tutored by Ar- lingham to like the less worldly Philipson, and of that Althea was more aware than Isabella; but still she hoped that affec- tion for his sister would overcome his dis- like of Philipson's imprudence, and in- duce him to lend, at least, if he would not give, tlie necessary means of freeing him Irom his most pressing embarrassments. Althea was his favourite; and as she knew he w^as to pass his Christmas at West- haven, she agreed to meet him there, and seek for some favourable opportunity of softening him in favour of his brother-in- law. Isabella hardly knew how to part with Althea ; and felt the company of liar- 144 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. liet a poor compensation. This young lady has hitherto made no figure in the annals of her family, and was indeed very little known to themselves. At school she formed an intimacy with a young lady of large fortune and consequence, which ri- pened into a mutual friendship, much more sincere than such attachments usual- ly do. Miss Lascelles had very indifferent health, and being the only child, was in- dulged in every wish. Fortunately, her good sense was equal to her power ; and her parents were justified in their extreme partiality for her. With her, Harriet had passed several years, and had become al- most a stranger to her own connexions. The death of Miss Lascelles restored her to them, though Mr. and Mrs. Lascelles still vv^ished her to continue their guest. Anxious, however, to renew her early af- fections, she preferred returning ' home, promising to visit these excellent friends occasionally; and she had been a few weeks only at the Lea, when Althea pre- mm BALANeE op comfokt* 145 pared for a visit to Westhaven, It rarely happens that a situation like that Harriet had been so long accustomed to proves a blessing in the end ; nor did it to her. She was estranged, in a great measure, from her own family ; habituated to luxuries she found almost necessary to her comfort, and therefore relinquished with regret; and removed from company and gaieties, which she did not dislike, in a large town, to retirement in a village she could not bear. Miss Lascelles had left her five hundred pounds, and a well-stocked ward- robe, and these were the greatest advan- tages she derived from her intimacy and friendship. Harriet was quite the woman of fashion, and had acquired, with her friend, several accomplishments more shewy than useful. She was cold and re- served in her manners, and soon found how difficult a task it would be to assimi- late with her sisters. Thus different from them all, she was a very poor substitute, in Isabella's family^ for the active, useful^ VOL, n. H 146 THE BALANCE OP COMFORT; cheerful- Altliea ; and very unwillingly the latter left her post. Harriet seemed much better qualified for Westhaven Park than for Feltham Vicarage; and 3Irs: Philipson found her at times rather a bur- then than an assistant ; nor did Philipson admire her, for she was no walker, had always been accustomed to a fire in her room, a servant to wait upon her, and walked from raom to room in a great In- dia shawl. With all this, however, her heart was not bad, and her disposition li- beral ; and many little comtbrts were pro- cured by her means for Isabella, and many little articles of apparel for the baby, whom, however, she did not notice much, not being fond of <^hildren. Althea had disr dosed to her some paiticulars of Philip. son'3 situation^ and the embarrassments >vhich so materially destroyed his domesr tic comforts ; and Harriet, though she lisf tened coldly enough, assured Althea, that if he became very seriously distressed, angl her brother would not reheve him, she would. THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT.- 147 At the same time," said she, " I think, on every account, it will be right to make the trial of George's generosity, for he is rich, and can assist liim without feeling it, whilst my poor pittance wdll, I per- ceive, be very necessary to procure me a thousand indulgences essential to my com- fort. I find 1 must wait on myself, so I have nothing to do but submit; but I cannot live through the winter v/ithout a fire in my bed- room. I must have a glass of port every day, for IMrs. Phihpsoif s slops I cannot drink. I never wear a coloured gown, nor a white one tv/o days, consequently my washing is expensive. I must have the finest soap for my hands — silk stockings at all times— kid shoes ; jtnd, in short, my dear Althea, I have so long been accustomed to every thing su- perlative, that I cannot live without them. I lament this extremely, and wish now I had never left my home, but had shared with you, all my life, that xBedioeri tj to which ! am now eoridemnedj and wlileh 34S THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, Stems to sit easy enough upon you. My little income will enable me to procure for myself these little elegancies, and if it fails, I must, I suppose, try to conform to my fate. If I cannot add to Isabella's income, I will never cost her an extra penny. I'm grieved beyond measure to see her again in the family way ; and think of the age of that infant, Althea !'* " It is a sad thing," replied Althea, " and I am the more anxious to pay my little visits now, as my mother seems to think I require change of air and scene, that I may be able to devote myself to her at the time she most vv^ants me, I have therefore fixed with Elizabeth to go next week and pass a short time with her. When I return, you will most likely take my place there — a place much better cal- culated for you than this." " I feel that it is," said Harriet, " and I regret that I do f^el it, but I cannot help it now, Mrs. I^scelles would willingly have kept me at Cleveland, but I think it jny duty to come new to my family. I THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 149 acknowledge, however, to yon, that I reckon inexpressibly on the tliree months I have promised to spend there every year, and will take care to select them next time in the winter. You intend, I suppose, to visit Torrington Lodge before you return?" Althea blushed as she thought of its proximity to CharlevillCj and her confusion .was not unobserved by Harriet She merely replied she was not quite certain about that ; and Harriet, feehng that she had no right to expect her confidence, ask- ed no questions, and the matter dropped. The spirits of all the sisters drooped as the time approached for their separation, for they all more and more discovered ho\y unfit Harriet was to supply Althea's place, and none more than Harriet herself. That Isabella did not visit much was a great re- lief to her, for, except to lady Cotman's or Mrs. Pringle's, she would hardly have condescended to attend her. She looked down with i^reat hauteur on all the iittlo people, who, offended by her assum.ption of consequence, which they thought did 1 50 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. not become her, looked down in return on her; and laughed by themselves, and made remarks which would have greatly annoy- ed her could she have heard them. It was not that Harriet thought the Pringles of any real consequence, since his fortune, large as it was, Vv^as acquired in a very vul- gar trade; but they lived in some sort of style — kept a carriage and servants — ^and she found herself better waited on, and sat dov^ai to a better table, than at home or at Isabelia'Se She was a good deal at Lark- Hall, for Mrs. Pringle found she was very fashionable, had very good, though high, manners, and knew a great many fine folks and fine anecdotes, ^liss Pringle, since the fatal termination of her passion for sir ^Montague Vavasour, had entirely ceased all intimacy with AL thea, zvhom she always suspected of having prejudiced him against her, though it was evident she had no designs on him herself. Besides, she had just sense enough to see that Althea held her in great contempt, and inwardly laughed at her, and this she HIE BALANCE OF CO^IFdlli^; jM could not forgive. Harriet in reality did the same ; biit she found so many comfort?? in the establishment of Lark-Hall, that she" was satisfied to bear with the folly of the daughter, the villgarity of the mother, and the stupidity and ignorance of the father^ to share pretty frequently in luxuries which she could not command at home. She* would have preferred the same intimacy at Adderley Manor, but the Cotmans were, with the exception of sir Thomas, prouder and colder than herself, and looked upoii her as very little superior to the compaiiioii of the late Miss Laseelles, whilst they ri- diculed her haughty manners, which they called second-hand airs, copied from her iate mistress. But they said this in a very snug way, for they had no sort of wish to displease George, who would, they thought, be a very proper match for one of the many leady daughters. 152 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, CHAPTER XIII. Graceful and useful all she does, Blessing and blest where'er she goes, Pure bosom'd as the watVy glass, And heaven reflected in her face. CowP£R. The day which rose on Althea'^s departure seemed as dismal as herself. Rain and snow, heavy clouds, and a cutting wind, hailed her on her rising, and increased the despondency which already filled her mind. She felt one of those unaccoimtable fore- bodings which sometimes weigh on the spirits, in spite of every effort of reason to subdue it; and could she have assigned any motive for sending back Arlinghanrs carriage, which was to meet her half way on her road, most gladly would she have done it. She endeavoured in vain to con- quer her depression ; and Phiiipson at last hurried her forcibly to the chaise, in which i THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 153 he intended to accompany her the first stage. Harriet was a little piqued at Isabella's violent sorrow, for which she could not ac- count, and did not herself feel, and Bella therefore exerted herself to overcome at least tlie appearance of it. Very heavily, however, passed the day with all, and in a thousand instances were the tender assidui- ties of Althea, and her usually gay spirits, missed. In the meantime,, Philipson and his companion were rapidly pursuing their way, .not much more exhilarated than those they had left, for with all his rattle and ap- parent want of observation, he was much attached to Althea, and perfectly conscious of the loss they must all sustain in hex company. " I am very selfish, Althea/' said he, '' to lament as I do your leaving Feltham, for I'm sure it has been so dull of late, that I only wonder how you have been able to bear it. I know I feel vastly inclined to fly sometimes, for somehow Bella is not . H 3 ■ ' 154 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. half SO merry as she used to be. I wish we had never had any brats, for this little girl seems to have done any thing but make us happier," • " I am indeed grieved to hear you say this," replied Althea, " particularly as such %vas not always your opinion. Gnce your child seemed so dear to you ! If my sister has penetrated into this changCj I no longer wonder at her being less gay, particularly ill her present situation, to w^hich such sen- timents on your part must add many a pang." Oh, I do not mean to say that I do not love the child; but, vipon my soul! Al- thea, w^hen I think of all my entangle- ments, and how likely old Collins is to live tliese twenty years, I tremble at the diffi- culties which threaten me. To you I will own what I dare riot hint to Bella. I was greatly in debt when I married — ^college debts : but I dared not then acknowledge such a thing, certain if I did that some pru- dent friendi> would step forward and prcr vent our marriage,- And then I expected THE BALANCE OF COMFQET. 15 S tilis old rector would have popped off long before this. Besides, Arliiigb.ami the rick and prudent, bad given me a hint or two respecting my year of grace at college which I was too much in love to take ad- .vantage of, and I dreaded his interference. Altogether I behaved like an enamoured booby, and nov/ begin to repent of rny ten- der folly y not that I regret having married Jsahella^ whom I declare to God I tenderly love, but having married in such a hasty im thinking mannei^ as to in volve her in troublesy which a little prudence might have prevented. But a man in love tliinks of nothing but love— more fool he !" . " But why, knowing that such are your present difficulties, why not retrench wliere you can ? Instead of keeping a hunter, and paying a man extravagantly^ as you do, why not relinquish youif hm^e altoge- ther^ if you really cannot afford just now to keep it ? I assure you^ Isabella, if she does not exactly k72ou\ gi^atly suspects your embarrassmeMs to exceed the mere expenditure here, .and has herself mad? 156 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. every arrangement the most niggard eco- nomy can suggest." In what ? I don't perceive it/' replied Philipson. No, for you are a great deal out, and do not see that which is very carefully con- cealed from you, and which I shall not point out. She cannot exactly pursue the same plan, now Harriet is v/ith her, for she has been unfortunately accustomed to a mode of living for some years which makes the Tbest of ours appear intolerable. Do not, for God's sake, add to Bella's other fatigues the misery of fancying you already repent your union with her, or think your child en incumbrance. She is already melan- choly enough at the prospect of so soon adding to her nursery ; and if you lament it only on the score of expence, I should hope it will be an additional tie on your steadiness and affection, and a greater sti- mulus to such exertions as may retrieve your affairs, and enable you to provide for so many claimants. I hope I do not of- fend you by this freedom, Philipson?" V THE BALx\NCE OF COMFOET, 157 No, upon my honour," he replied, much .moved: I am too well aware of the affection which you bear us both, and which has already made so many sacrifices of your own inclination to our comfort. Whatever you say and do is dictated equal- ly by good sense and a good heart, and you may say what you please.'* " And may I, if I find a favourable op- portunity, say any thing upon this subject to George? In a very few^ months he will be able to assist you, without inconvenience to himself, and I hope you will find him v/illing. I cannot, how^ever, answer for him, for I am not a very favourable judge of his disposition, w^hich is less generous than a young man's ought to be. I did not like to speak of your concerns without your permission, or I should have done so when lie was at the Lea in tJie autumn." " You have both feeling and delicacy to manage an affair of this kind properly," re- turned Philipson, " and I put my secrets in your power, to do as you please. Only remember, though I can be truly grateful 158 THE BALANCE OF COMFOPvT. for kindnesses conferred with good will and without ostentation, I cannot bear to owe any thing to any man Vv ho will him- self have too high an idea of the obligation^ and expect me to be servile. By Jove ! I had rather sell my last chair than be in- debted to such a one," " You shall not;' replied Althea; " fof if I do not find my brother willing to as- sist you as one man ought to assist another; wdth liberality and delicacy, I will not ac^ cept his favours. In the meantime, keep up your spirits — be kind to Isabella, and concur with her in any scheme which pro- mises to bring advantageand economy with it. Here is my sister's carriage^ and here w^e must soon part." " I wish I too had a carriage to offer you," said Philipson; but I'm afraid when you come again we shall hardly have a donkey cart. However, if we have ever any thing worth having, you shall share it -—and if we should sink still lower, w^e will not drag you with us." Do not depress my already wxak spit THE BALANCE OF CDMFOPvT, 1 50 f its " said Althea : " I leave you most lui^ willingly; and remember, Ed ward, when- ever I can be of use or comfort to either of you, I am always at your call— nor, how- ever low fortune may sink you, nothing but misconduct can make me think any thing I can do a sacrifice. And noWj, God bless you !" . Philipson made her take some refresh- ment ; and the horses on both sides being ready, they parted in a very melancholy ' mood, and each pursued their solitary w^aj". Such was the influence of Althea over the naind of Philipson, sucll his opinion of her sense and right judgment, that con- vinced she had reasoned Vv ith propriety, re- specting his own expences, and touched with the hints she had given of Isabella's contrary conduct, he parted in a few days with his fine horse and expensive man, whom he replaced with the boy he had discarded. His horse he did not replace* He pursued shooting indeed with greater ardour than ever, and was nearly as little 2| hoine, but this was a much less expen? 160 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, sive amusement than the other, and much safer. He was attentive to his wife, affec- tionate to his child, and polite to Harriet, •who seemed never to wish for more than politeness, for she seemed born without much of the common affections of life, and not to think them necessary. Isabella, grateful for this change, wrote in terms of rapturous delight to Althea, to whom her letter conveyed all the plea- sure she herself felt. Again Philipson's spirits rose, but it was more from the hopes he entertained of George Vernon's friend- ly assistance than any thing else ; but this Isabella did not suspect ; and she therefore hoped some of his em.barrassments were happily over, and enjoyed the present gleam of sunshine without anticipating a storm. Althea was received with great pleasure at Westhaven Park, where she found a small but pleasant party, and traced more contentment in Elizabeth's countenance than usual, the only circumstance which could reconcile her to leaving Isabella. Ar- THE BALANCE OF COMrOUT, 161 lingliam's featurevS were never expressive of nmch, but he seemed cheerful; and they did not spar, which was what she liardiy expected, George seemed very gay and g-ood-humoured, but seldom mentioned Philipson, except to rail at his extrava- gance. Althea found she must not be pre- cipitate, and though she knew Edward's anxiety, dared not venture rashly upon her endeavours in his behalf Isabella's letter made some favourable impressions upon George's heart, and effectually restored Al- thea's gaiety ; and she now entered into Elizabeth's little plans for dances and visits with pleasure. Mr. Arlingham's birthday was in Christ- mas vyeek, and all were busy preparing for its celebration, whicli was to be by a rural ball given to the tenantry, Elizabeth v^ as very desirous to ask both her sisters, her mother, and Philipson; andas Arlingham, if he did not promote, did not object to the plan, she wrote to that purpose. Isabella and her husband decidedly declined it ; but Mrs. Vernon offering to leave her own 162 THE BAT.ANCE OF COMFORT* house and take llarriet's place at Felt- ham^ they prevailed on her to accept the invitation, and gladly did she do so. Ar- lingham grumbled a little at leaving to send the carriage again so far; but Eliza- beth, who, by some strange magic, ap^ peared to have regained much of her influ- ence over him, pacified him^ and the cha- riot was sent to meet her. Here she was in her element, and began to live again ; and Althea could scarcely recognize the languid, grave, inert woman, who moped about the parsonage-house or the I^ea. Every thing went on most gaily for the birthday ; and on the twenty-eighth of December, a larger and more festive party was collected at Westhaven than Imd been seen there since the present .Mrs. Arling- ham had presided as its mistress. i\.lthea had never yet mentioned sir ^Montague Vavasour, but upon her now venturing to ask whether he was expect- ed at the ball, she first learned' from Eliza- beth that he was — no one knew where— ^ but certainly gone to marry his cousin* THE BALANCE OF COMrOIlT, 163 CHAPTER XIV. • — The rural lass, AVliom once her virgin modesty and grace, Her artless manners, and lier neat attire, So dlfjnified, that she was hardly less Than the fair shepherdess of old romance, Is seen no more. The character is lost ! Cuwper, " Certainly gone to marry his cousin repeated Althea; as Mrs. Arlingham left the room on being called down. " Well then, may he be happy ! I know not why I should be either surprised or grieved at such an event." Althea seated herself at her toilet, and forgot entirely for what purpose, or tliat she had no time to lose in dressing before the company would begin to arrive. A beautiful wreath of natural geranium and myrtle^ with w^hich she had intended to 164 THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT* decorate her hair, fell a sacrifice to the nev/s she had just heard, and which cer- tainly affected her more than she willing- ly acknowledged, even to herself. She sunk into a complete fit of abstraction, and had entirely forgotten every thing but sir Montague Vavasour and his cou- sin, till the sound of laughter and bustle on the stairs roused her. She blushed, thovigh her folly was known only to her- self; and hastily gathering the fragments of her beautiful wreath, finished dressing, arid left her hair unornamented. Mrs. Arlingham, w^ho knew the circum- stances which had midered sir Montague an object of more than common interest to -her sister, smiled significantly at the plainness, almost negligence, of her ap- pearance, and rallied her upon her sudden change of spirits. Althea feebly denied the charge. Well, as you please," said Elizabeth ; but I must giv^e you one piece of ad- vice—Do not let other people perceive it. Every one here knows the reason of Va- THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. 163 vasour's absence; and there are those amongst us who know also his attentions to you, his high admiration of you, and who suspect that those sentiments are re- ciprocal on y^our part. Who do you think Arlingham has picked up and brought here to honour his birthday ? The Prin- gles." " The Pringles ! in the name of good- ness, where did he find these horrid peo- ple, and why did he bring them here to spoil the pleasure of the evening ? — That ideot girl here !" " Softly !" returned Mrs. Arlingham, laughing : " Have a care what you say of that young lady, for I am greatly mis* taken if she will not, some of these days, become a very near relation." What do you mean ?" said Althea. " Why, observe well to-night, and then give me your opinion. Watch George's attentions in that quarter." " Good God ! you do not really mean that George, with his ample fortune^ can seriously intend to marry a girl whose 1^6' THE BALANCE OF COilFOIlT. rftoney is unquestionably her only recom- mendation ? George is mercenary, I know, but I cannot think so ill of him." " Depend upon it, Althea," replied Elizabeth, moi-e gravely, "George's idol is wealth ; and fortunate is it for us that we are not dependent on him, or want his assistance in that way, for I beheve tliat he would see any "of us in great dis- tress, particuiarl)' if he believed our own imprudence had occasioned it, without the smallest inclination to relieve it by any pecuniary exertions on his part." ' " I am more grieved than you imagine to hear you say this," answered Althea, her thoughts reverting to Pliilipson. "As to JNIiss Pringle, 1 only hope such a match w ill never take place, for I should wish to love my brother's wife, and I'm sure I could neither love nor respect her." " You would be rather a wonder if you did, for I believe a brother's wife is gene- rally an object of more jealousy and dis- like than any kindly feeling. A sister's husband is a di|ferent thing. „Miss War-, THE BAI.ANCE OF COMFORT. 167 render, you know, used to say sisters- in-law hated each other by instinct. I don't know how far she was right, as Ar- lingham has, fortunately, no such incum- brances; but I know I never would have submitted to; interference from them if he had ; and I know I shall hate Jvlrs. George Vernon, if Miss Phoebe ever does bear the name." Carriages now rattled up so fast, that Elizabeth was obliged to run away and receive her guests, but Althea remained by herself as long as possible, completely junfitted by the various information of the evening for any real enjoyment in its gaieties. At last, however, she was obliged to descend ; and the first objects which claimed her attention were her brother and Miss Pringle,, walking up and down the saloon. She leaned languishing- iy on his arm, with her head, as usual, on one side, and a wide unmeaning smile on her vacant face. George was flirting her /an, and endeavouring to look arch and lively; but Gporge's countenance, like 168 THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT, that of his fair enslaver, was not formed for expression. His features were fine, but they were heavy and uninformed, and his person was thick and high shouldered. His eyes v/ere restless, but not animated, and his complexion light,' and without colour, Althea observed Miss Pringle had some very fine pearls in her hair, and was more dressed than usual, as^ if bent on conquest. To Althea's great astonishment, she ran eagerly up to her as she passed, and ap- peared amazingly happy to see her, which, as they had lately merely curtsied when they did meet, which was very seldom, puzzled Althea very much. However, she returned her renewed ardour with ci- vility, and inquired to what accident it v/as ov/ing that she saw her and Mra Priniile so far from home ? " Vhy, to a wery fortunate accident," replied IMrs. Pringle, who had waddled up to Althea, with all the haughtiness of as- sumed consequence. Yon must know,^ -Miss Wenim, ye vas increly a going THE BALANCE OF COMFORT- 16§ through the place in our vay to Mr. Pan- ton's, who lives in the neighbourhood somevhere, and vhom ve wisit, but ve could get neither room to stay at the ind, nor bosses to perceed vith ; and so finding how near ve vas to Vesthaven, ve sent to Mr. Arlingham to borrow a pair of bosses just to take us to Panton's, and he vas purlite enough to send his carriage, vith Mr. Wernon in it, and bring us here; and wery much ve liked it. Fortunately Miss Pringle had a dress vith her vhich did for the occasion. How do like her pearls?" she added, in a lower voice; they vas a present from sir Montago Wawasour." Althea coloured, in spite of every ef- fort, at the name, which Mrs. Pringle ob- served with m'uch exultation, believing the emotion arose entirely from envy and jealousy. Tea being over, the company adjourn- ed to the ball-room, a large old-fashioned room, hung with tapestry, and ornament* VOL. II. I 170 THE BALANCE OF COMFORTe ed with niisletoe, and holly with its scar- let berries. Here the tenants, with their Avives and daughters, were assembled ready for the dance, having haci their tea and calces in another apartment. It was generally understood that it was a mixed party, and that the gentry and tenants were expected to interchange acquaint- ance and civility; so that no one who came of the former class had any pretence for giving themselves airs of superiority, ^ince they were not obliged to degrade themselves by such an intermixture. There were some good figures amongst the elders of the country party. Quilted petticoats of thick dimity, coloured gowns which had been carefully laid by, with tlieir first gloss still on them, with flowers as large as life, and of a much deeper hue — w^aists down to the hips, and clear stiff lawn handkerchiefs pinned on the out- side, and dragged down as tight as the hi^h stays would admit— such was the dress of many of the respectable matrons of the village, %vith the addition of a stiff TITE BALANCE OF COMFOllT. ITl cap with a large bow, and their dark shin- ing hair drawn tightly over a roll. The young w^omen were much more modem, and indeed some of them vied even with their superiors in fashion. It is indeed very evident that in these times dress is no criterion of situation. Go where we may, there are in every vil- lage young women who ape the dress of the great, if they cannot their manners, and are at least more expensively, if not more genteelly attired, than those whose situation is much above them. Many a village fine lady, whose hands are reeking and sodden in the wash-tub in the morn- ing, or begrimed with scow^ering the grates and fire-irons, comes forth in the evening decorated with her silk or velvet pelisse, her flowers and feathers, worked muslin dress, expensive lace, kid shoes, silk stockings, and no cap. She may pass to the eye of a stranger as a woman of fashion and consequence — but hear her speak! Vulgar jests, ungrammatieal expression^ i S 172 tHE BALANCE OF COMFORT. and a total want of gentility in voice, lan- guage, and idea, instantly become too ap- parent to suffer her to be longer mistaken for a lady. The town has tingM the country; and the stain Appears a spot upon the vestal's robe, The worse for what it soils/' Several such ladies were present at Ar- lingham's ball, and far outdid in splendour the greater part of the real gentlewomen. Nothing could be smarter than they were, nor could the first women in the county expose more lavishly the thinly-attired person. It was the rule of the ball that the first two dances should be danced by the gen- try and tenantry intermixed. Arling- ham therefore took a bashful, colouring, half-genteel youth, up to his wife, and she gaily presented her hand, and led him to the top of the set. The rest of the ladies shrugged a little, and looked some- what disdainfully; but Arlingham was ab- solute, and declared if they did not com- Tlffi BALANCE OF COMFOllT. 17^ ply with this rule, they should forfeit all chance to a more congenial partner after- t\^ards ; they therefore flounced up to their places, and prepared, the greater part, to give themselves as many airs, and make their awkward looby partners as imcom- fortable as possible* Harriet Vernon alone refused compliance, and throwing herself on a sofa, sat wrapped up in her own self-consequence, and doomed to sit still all the evening, for Arlingham posi- tively declared she should pay the forfeit of her pride. Harriet bowed disdainfully, and acquiesced, though against her real wishes, for she was very fond of dancing, and excelled in it. The gentlemen were by no means displeased at the arrange- ment, for there were some very pretty girls, who understood the art of flirtation as well as their superiors, and practised it as boldly, and were, moreover, evidently not displeased to have such beaux for their partners. Not so the Colins of the party, who, awed and distressed by the rank of the ladies, and by the affectation of con- 174 THE BALANCE OF COMI-ORT, descensioB in some, and real airs of pride and hauteur in others, devoutly wished the dances ended, that they might choose from their own acquaintance and equals, and enjoy the recreation. Two or three of the prettiest and smartest girls, how- ever, were monopolized by the gentlemen, and many a heart that night ached with jealousy and envy. How high Sally Button holds her head to-night, dancing with that there curly- pated how /" said Miss Crab, the butcher's daughter; " she'll fancy herself a beauty now, ten to one, and I'm sure she's no great," " Lauk ! no," returned Miss Simpson, whose father kept the Arlingham Arms ; and look at Polly Clark, how she draw up her bare neck! I wonder she an't ashamed to see how that man stare at her; I warrant she thinks he admire her, poor silly thing! Well, Fd lieverer dance of Robin Ledger, for he's my ehal. I hate flouting with min out of my spear," I say, Susan Barker, don't you mean THE BALANCE OF COM FORT. 175 to take no notice of me ?" said the discon- solate swain, whom, till this eventful even- ing, she had condescended to acknowledge as her lover, but who seemed now in some danger of being superseded by a handsome young dragoon officer, who continued to dance with her after the prescribed set was finished. Miss Barker (these young ladies being all misses) gave her head a quality toss — Lauk, Mr, Myers !" said she affectedly, " pray don't be giving vourself no airs. I think I have a ri<>:ht to give my company to who I please ; I hope that's ondeniable. Iiuieed I don't know as ever I shall acquaint of you no more." " Then no more you shan't," replied young Myers, with a spirit that rather startled JMiss Barker, who had sense enough to know^ that it was a bad exchange of his love and a snug fann, for a temporary flir- tation with captain Percy. She began to compromise matters a little; but Myers, turning with great disdain from her ad- 176 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. Tances. asked and obtained the hand of a plain, but well-behaved modest girl, who had long sighed for him, and envied Susan Barker the preference. Susan, though somewhat alarmed, trust- ed to the power of her charms, and in- fluence over her lover, and affected still more gaiety, . Harriet Vernon, meantime, cold and weary of a scene in which she took no pleasure, since Arlingham, determined to teaze her a little longer, declared she should not dance, quitted her solitary station on the sofa, and walked, with haughty air and majestic step, to the door, intending to sit by her own fire till supper was an- nounced; but as she reached the door, she was delightfully surprised to hear the name of lord Randolph sounded in the hall, and the next moment his lordship had seized her hand, and was rapturously expatiating on the pleasure he felt in finding her there so unexpectedly. With smiles of genuine happiness she now measured back her steps THE BALxlNCE OF COMFORT. 177 to lier former seat, and congratulated her- self that she had not danced, even had her partner been unexceptionable. Arlingham, to whom his lordship was well knowfi, received with pleasure and politeness tliis addition to his party ; and the several introductions necessary having taken place, particularly to IMrs. Arling- ham and Althea, an explanation took place respecting what his lordship called his in- trusion, but to which Arlingham, of course^ gave a politer epithet. CHAPTER XV. These costly toys our silly fair surprise. The shilling follies cheat tiieir feeble sight^ Their hearts, secure in trifles, love despise. Hammond, I ASSURE you, Arlinghmn," said lord Randolph, " I am here by the merest chance, though I own I know no place to I 3 178 THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. ^vllich my ^vislies would sooner have led me. My carriage broke do\vn close to 3^our approach gates, by which (for me) fortunate accident, I have thus obtained admission to this gay and pleasant as- sembly." Arlingham's politeness was again in re- quest ; and having assured the noble lord of liis . extreme happiness in any accident, not of personal danger to himself, which had thus procured him the honour of his presence, he proceeded to explain the rea- son of such a motley group being collect- ed, and apologize for introducing a person of his consequence amongst them. His lordship v/as no whit behindhand in cour- tesy and insincerity v/ith his host, and as- sured him he enjoyed the scene ; shook hands with one or two of the elder far- mers, and chucked the prettiest h.^ses under the chin, with a remark that being an old man, he had a right to such indul- gences. All this Vvas performed so good- humouredly, and with such an appear- ance of affability, that Harriet was as THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 179 tonislied, knowing him to be the proudest peer in existence^ The good folks, however, thus honour- ed, were vastly pleased; and Arlingliam and his wife having seen their guest ac- commodated with every thing needful, and received liis^ promise to remain station- ary at Westhaven for some days, recalled the scattered forces, and again commenced dancing; whilst his lordship and Harriet, drawing a little sofa close to the fire, en- tered into conversation, and she quite for- got her late pique, and became all gaiety and smiles. Lord Handolph was verging on sixty^ and owned himself fifty-two. He was a fine-looking man, and when free from the gout and asthma, tolerably upright and active. A fashionable wig, full curled and powdered, concealed his bald head, and every part of his dress was calculated to set off his figure. As he sedulously con- cealed himself when his complaints pre- vented him from shewing off, none be-, lieved him the poor W'heezing cripple he 180 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. really was for half the year, or imagined the gay^ courtly, adulating flatterer, was in private a dull, gloomy, ill-tempered, and violent man. No man is a hero to his vcdet'de-chcvnibre^ it is said, and lord Randolph's waiting gentleman would not have given him exactly the character he aspired to, had he spoken the truth. But Gerard knew very well that truth is not to be spoken at all times, and his lordship accordingly came off with flying colour.?, for which Gerard was well rewarded. Two or three maiden aunts, and a sister, nearly his own age, were eager to see his lordship a married man, thinking it much better that some worthy woman should be unhappy through his temper, than that the fine estate of Randolph Castle, and several others, should pass to a distant cousin, whom they all hated, and who would in- evitably be heir to every thing, in failure of a son to his lordship. Lord Randolph had nO/ objection to a handsome young wife and a son or two ; but the handsome young women^ of any THE BALANCE OF COMFOPvT. 181 consequence in life, seemed to have a great objection to him, notwithstanding his own apparent suavity of manners and disposi- tion, and Gerard's trumpet of fame. At last, however, he fancied he had found a lady who looked as if she would not de- spise him, but would be willing to give herself for his title and a good jointure, and dote upon the exchange." This lady w^as Harriet Vernon, and his accident at Arlingham's gate w^as very well con- trived and performed. 'Tis true, he had been upon sufficiently sociable terms with Arhngham in former times to have privi- leged his introduction of himself at West- haven without a plan ; but then he must have given some reason for such a visit, and he w^as desirous of seeing and know- ing something more of Miss Vernon, before he absolutely committed himself. He knew she was at Westhaven, and be- lieved that there he should have an ex- cellent opportunity of observing wrh ether her disposition seemed docile, and her man- ners in every respect such as would justify 182 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. his clioice. He had met her repeatedly at ]Mr. Lascelles's, but then he supposed she was always in cGmpany4c7rcpc7\ and that, he well knew, by self-experience, was sometimes very different from tempers ex- hibited at home. It may easily be imagined with how much triumph and delight Harriet now saw him seated by her side, and listened to his courtly compliments. Convinced that a life of seclusion and mediocrity was not calculated to make her happy, and Ending by experience how little she could bear privations, after being so long accus- tomed to elegance and enjoyment, she me- ditated as serious an attack on the old peer's heart as lie did on hers, and display- ed as great, and much more genuine, de- sire to please. The sacrifice of herself to a man three times her own age she held as a trifle, when weighed against the scale of title, fortune, and consequence. She knew not that he was half the year an invalid, or that he was a capricious tyrant in his ovv^n family ; but if she had^ her THE BALANCE OF COMrOPvT. 183 own temper was so comfortably apathetic, and her desh'e for the distinctions ah^eady enumerated so great, that she w^ould have made no scruple of accepting the title of lady Randolph. Thus secretly concordant in opinion, and tlierefore mutually bent on pleasing, each became every day more complacent to- wards the other; and when his lordship became thus domesticated at Westhaven, he had almost determiined to make the offer, and Harriet quite resolved to accept it. No one else, however, except the con- iidant Gerard, knew or suspected such an intention on lord Randolph's part, and not even her sisters entertained the most re- mote idea of such an event being in agita- tion, or that Harriet w^ould throw herself away so terribly ; for so Altliea, at least, w^ould liave reckoned such a marriage, on the side of a young and lovely girl. The evening which introduced Ins lord- ship at Westhaven ended much more au- spiciously to Harriet than it began, and his exclusiye attentions, as much so at 184 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. least as so well-bred a man could suffer himself to shew, to herself, set her at ease, and ppened her heart to the rest of the party. He led her to the supper-table, and seated hnnself by her ; and desh'ous then to appear as affable as her noble at- tendant, and do away former vuipleasant impressions, she became very civil to the bumpkins she heartily despised. The greater part of these couatry folks, unused to such lordly company, felt em- barrassed and awkward in lord Randolph's presence, notwithstanding his great conde- scension, and retired soon after supper. But these were the old people, and some few^ of the young men ; the damsels were in general too confident to be abashed by any thing less than royalty, and with many of them it seemed rather a signal fpr additional coquetry. George Vernon had been particularly attentive to Miss Pringle all the evening, and she had been delighted with hi3 ten- der nonsense, of which he had been very lavish ; but a lord in the party made all THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 185 the difference with her and her equally- foolish mother ; and poor George exhibit- ed a rueful change of countenance, as he watched the pains they both took to at-* tract lord Randolph's eyes. Mrs. Pringle had once met his lordsliip in a party in town, and, never bashful, ad- vanced to claim acquaintance with him, and introduce her daughter.—'* I had the honour," said she, nodding her towering plumes, " to be interdooced to your lord- ship at Mrs. Varrender's in Devonshire- street; but wery likely you don't recollect me. This here is Miss Pringle, my daugh- ter, my lord." His lordship bowed, and Miss curtsied, and he affected to remember perfectly the introduction of which Mrs. Pringle spoke, and expressed his happiness at meeting her again. A little desultory conversation followed, and then his lordship, very tired, and displeased with his conversation being interrupted with Harriet, walked off with- out ceremony, to the great annoyance 186 THE BALANCE OF COMPOBT. and anger of ]Mrs. Pringle and her daugh- ter. As soon as he was gone they went too; and so little impression had Phoebe made on his heart or eyes, that a few minutes after he proved he did not recollect ever having seen her, " May I/' said the young officer of dra- goons to this young lady, " may I have the pleasure of dancing with you these two dances ?" " I'm \ery much otjiged to you indeed^ but I am so sorry I'm eBgaged these two," replied Phoebe. I really am quite sorry, and extremely obliged to you. Thank you Yery much." Who is this grateful young lady ?" in- quired lord Randolph, fixing his eyes, glass and all, on Phcsbe's face. Harriet laughed, but ^Irs. Pringle and IMiss, who overheard the c[iiestion, were so much offended at the little impression the charms of the latter had made, that they inarched off indignantly ; and Phoebe re- ' THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, 187 turned to her flirtation with-George, who gladly hailed her smiles, too wise to quarrel with fifty thousand pounds because their owner w^as a fool. The evening at length concluded. Lwd Randolph retired to the state apartment, w^here he and Gerard settled the grand affair of his future union with Harriet, each agreeing that it w ould do very w^ell ; and his lordship persuaded that she was deeply enamoured — and so she w as — but not with him. The agreeables, however, attached to him had completely charmed her ; and she too retired to dream of ma-- trimony, grand castles, jewels, equipages^ and, perhaps, happiness. 188 THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. CHAPTER XVI. Not he, of wealth immense possess'd, Tasteless who piles his massy gold. Among the number of the blf-st Should have his glorious name enroll'd ; He better claims the glorious niime who knows With wisdom to enjoy what Heaven bestows. Francises llcyract, The following morning Harriet appeared with more than her usual attention to dress and manner. She saw her advantage, and determined to pursue it. She saw that lord Randolph was a great admirer of style^ both in person and conduct, and this she well understood ; and was besides perfectly aware that nature had given her a face and form which required little aid from art to make of the very first order. She was very much the handsomest of the sisters ; finely made, with a face of regular and striking beauty; and to those who, like THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. 189 lord Randolph, preferred fashion to every other attribute, was considered faultless. There were, indeed, some who admired still more the sw^eetness of Althea's counte- nance, and the soft elegance of Elizabeth's form. Vavasour liked better the clear dark blue of Althea's melting eyes than Harriet's brilliant and spirited black ones, and thought the expression of mild benig- nity, and modest good sep^^ more to be preferred, than the haughty, Cold majesty, and self-consequence, conspicuous in Har- riet's more dazzling features. But Vava- sour was himself quiet and retired from notice, and liked similar qualities in women. Althea possessed a natural unaffected grace in every movement, thought, and ac- tion. Harriet was all study ; and though that study was the extreme of fashion and elegance, none but very fashionable people liked or understood it. She attitudinized in every possible way. If she threw on a shawl, its folds were disposed in a certain costume — her arm was raised — her foot 190 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. extended or withdrawn — her head inclined — precisely according to manner and study. All this was exactly calculated to please lier noble lover, and he became every mo- ment more impressed with admiration. He longed to make proposals, but prudence checked him, and he continued to observe in silence a few davs lonc^er. Althea alone of the party penetrated the secret ; and watching with a diligence in« spired by affection, not curiosity, soon saw that the ancient lover's passion, or at least inclination, was observed and approved by Harriet. She saw it with regret, for to her such a union seemed fraught with unhap- piness and evil. The rest of the good folks were all busily engaged in their own concerns ; the young ones by flirtation and matrimonial schemes — the old by occupations equally frivolous. George Vernon had prevailed on Arling- ham to invite Mrs. and IMiss Pringle to a longer stay, to which they had graciously assented; for since my lord would not come forward as Phoebe's admirer, George THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 191 '^vas again in high favour; and Mrs. Prin- gle observed, with great complacency, the vicinity of Lark -Hall to Adderley Manor, on which George spake, and Miss simpered and languished. JMost of the party returned to their own houses immediately on leaving Yv^esthaven, living mostly in the neighbourhood. A small number, who resided farther off, staid a day or two to keep Christmas ; and a pleasant company sat down to dinner, determined to feast and enjoy themselves. " Pray," said lord Randolph to Mr. JMonckton, " can you tell me if sir Monta- gue Vavasour is at Charleville now? I heard some strange rumour of his having gone very suddenly somewhere or other^ but I really have forgotten where." " Yes," replied Mr. Monckton, he is certainly gone to Ireland, to marry his cousin, Miss Orford, to whom he has been engaged for many years." " Ah, indeed !" replied his lordship, thoughtfully. "Is not that sad engage- ment done away yet ? I hoped, as the mar- 192 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. riage did not take place, the whole affair was at an end." Is it then so bad a match ?" inquired Mrs. Arlingham. " Wliy, I hardly know what to call it/' his lordship answered. Miss Orford is a very clever woman — too superior, I think, or should think, if she was to be my wife* She is very amiable, I believe, and has, independent of control, seven thousand a-year." " Has she, faith?" said George Vernon; " then what is there to object to ? And why does he not marry directly ?" ]\liss Orford is considerably older than Vavasour," returned lord Randolph ; ^' she is, besides, remaricahly plain in her person, and very singular in her manners and opinions." " And what could induce him to en- gage himself to such a queer creature?" said Elizabeth, stealing a glance at Althea's varying cheek. " They were engaged by parental au- thority when sir JMontague was very THE BxVLA^XE OF COMFOIIT, IQS young," his lordship replied ; and the last will and testament of the fathers on botli sides provided for its ratification. Miss Orford forfeits her whole fortune, except-, ing two hundred a-y ear, if she refuses to marry her cousin; and if the objection arises on his side, he gives up a very consi- derable proportion of his ; and she is then bound to marry an Irish cousin of her own name, whom she abhors. The relinquish- ing a part of his own property would have been easily got over, for no man breathing is less mercenary than sir Montague ; but tlie idea of driving her to marry such a man as Mr. Patrick Orford, was not to be thought of. Hitherto the cousins appear to have understood each other, and re- mained quietly single, each considering the engagement as subsisting, but without seeming to think of marriage. Some cir- cumstances, however, but I know not what, have all on a sudden hurried Vavasour to Ireland, where Miss Orford has been stay- ing some time, and I understand with a VOL. II. K 194 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. full determination of marrying immedi- ately. I have always wondered that Con- stantia Orford, who affects to despise mo- ney, should hesitate about giving up her fortune, rather than accept a man who has no sort of regard of that nature for her. He admires and esteems her as a very clever good woman ; but love is, and always has been, out of the question ; nor does she feel any thing like love for him, except as a relative and an amiable man. I know she does not spend near a thousand a-year out of her large income, so that with her habits a smaller fortune w^ould suit her just as well." The information thus given by lord Randolph was correct. The engagement between Vavasour and his cousin was as he had represented it; and this was all that he or any other person knew about the matter. His motives for not with- drawing from an entanglement, in which he had scarcely been consulted, are evi- (Jent — hers not quite so clear. On his part, a generous concern for her happiness THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. 19^ induced liim to sacrifice his own, for he well knew how impossible it was to con- nect such a feeling with a union with Patrick Orford, Her motives will, per- haps, be found equally generous, and that she was not less studious of his felicity than he of h^rs. The comments upon this little private memoir occupied the conversation in the dining-room, and was continued by the ladies after they had retired. Althea sought her own chamber, and thought over all she had heard, not without a heart- ache, and much astonishment, at so strange a tale. She could make out nothing satis- factory respecting Miss Orford's motives for a conduct so extremely singular, and she thought selfish, and that lady by no means rose in her good opinion. Every thing she heard of sir Montague, on the contrary^ increased her admiration; and, precisely at the moment in which she ought to^ have forgotten him, she learned to re* member him with added esteem. k2 196 THE BALANCE OF COMFOFtT. Althea, however, was not the young woman to sit down and fancy herself un- happy, or irrecoverably gone in a hopeless passion. She returned to the party she had left, hoping they had by that time .chosen another topic. Sir Montague, how- ever, was still the subject ; and Mrs. Prin- gle's voice sounded in Althea's ears as she opened the door — " Veil," she was saying, ^' I don't know how much he may be in love vith this jMiss Orford, but I know he vas at von time wastly smitten vith Miss Pringle, and I must think him a little vavering and capricious, in that there business at least. Them pearls that Miss Pringle have got in her hair vas his pre- sent, and I think that vas rather a con- wincing proof that he had his ideas on the subject." Althea thought she could account for the present very differently, and that gra- titude for hospitalities received, and a dis- dain of lying under obligations to people he despised, had prompted the costly and elegant remuneration ; love, she was cer- THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 197 tain> had no share in it. Since all hopes of him were now over, either for herself or Althea, Phoebe had condescended to be civil ; and Althea again was pestered with love-secrets and affected sentiment, of w^hich George was the new hero. Affairs there went on swimmingly : George, after an interval of a week, during which time the mother and daughter remained at Westhaven, made his bow in form, and was by them referred to Mi\ Pringle, for his final consent ; and the day v^as fixed for their all three going to Lark-Hall, this affair having completely set aside Mrs. Pringie's visit to the Pantons, whom she noticed in no ot^ier way than by a morning call, having discovered that they were not tolerated at Westhaven. Unwilling as Althea felt to become a beggar, even for Philipson, she could no longer defer the appeal to her brother she had promised to make, and which she had driven off till the very last moment. The character of George Vernon was well known to her as parsimonious and selfish. ^ 198 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, loving none so well as himself, and con- sidering prudence, by which he meant the extreme of saving, as the first virtue. He despised his brother Philipson; and Althea trembled as she attempted to ad- dress herself to his prejudices, of which she was w^ell avv are. She hoped, however, that on the eve of becoming master of a very good fortune of his own, and a much larger one in right of the woman he was going to marry, for once he wovdd change his nature, and be generous. But can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots ?" Althea, low as her hopes were, not exceeding a loan, for of a gift she despaired utterly, was disap- pointed. George shuffled till he could no longer evade a direct answer, and then re- fused to lend any thing. He declared his intention, however, of giving all his sisters something handsome when he married ; and Isabella's should be in money, instead of plate, or v;hatever else he might have thought of, if Althea thought it would be more acceptable. A present' of that na- THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 199 ture she knew would not amount to much, but even that little was better in specie ; and she begged that both Isabella's gift and her own might be in that shape. *^ Yes, if you desire it, it shall," replied George, though I cannot help saying you are almost as silly as Philipson, and as far from prudence, since I am certain you only request this in order to give your share to him. However, that is your own concern, and I hope you will learn wisdom as you grow older. I have no objection to lend money upon good security ; but what can I expect from such a chap as that, but to lose it ? What business had he to marry as he did', without taking every advantage which his situation as fellow of a college allowed? Because he was in love, forsooth ! as if college fellows had any business to be in love, at least to their own disadvantage. He should have waitei for a good living, or, at any rate, have staid and taken his year's income. He was not half prudent enough for one of that sober race. Why, I have known SOO THE BALANCE OF COMFOET, some of tbem wait five or six and twenty years for a living, what tliey call courting. That was tiresome^ no doubt, but better than marrying as Ned has done, and run- ning the risk of a brat every year, for about tweive or fourteen years." Certainly they were the more prudent ones," replied Althea ; " but, for Heaven's sake ! who would do so that had heart or spirit in him? I know I would never engage myself to such a cold heartless being. And when they do marry at last, what whims and self-willed tempers do they carry home with them, to plague the poor elderly gentlewomen who have been silly enough to wait for theml Ac- customed all their lives to please only themselves, they never think of even try- ing to please a wife, whom they not sel- dom marry, at last, from a point of honour, wishing her ail the time devoutly in her grave, angry because she is grown old and plain, and has imbibed the whims of celibacy, as well as themselves. Then, most hkely, he has the gou4> from living THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 201 too well ; and jshe lias the rheumatism. He is grown corpulent, from good eating, and the sloth of content — she thin and' withered, from the contrary extremes. If such are the effects of waiting for a living, and positively I think the picture not over-drawn, give me, if I must marry, an affectionate cheerful husband, and^ if it must be, a house full of children, w ho will repay with their duty and love in our age, the sacrifice we have made to them in their youth." I never heard you so eloquent, Al- thea," said George, laughing; and truly if such are the effects of a college residence too long, I should not envy either hus- band or wife so situated. I am sorry I cannot, consistently with my "opinion of right, do what you wish for Ned^ — but really he is so extravagant! I know if I lent him the money. Instead of paying his debts, he would buy another hoi'se, clap a livery on his boy, and build more tem- ples and more aviaries. Let him draw k3 202 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. on till he gets Fairfield. I hope he will have that." You have no doubts upon that head, I trust,, have you ?" said Althea^ anxiously. Oh no, I know nothing about it, only I think Arlingham is not pleased with Ned, and is a particular sort of man. But I assure you, I never heard him say a w^ord." Althea distrusted this assertion, and disliked the expression of her brother's face as he talked on the subject — " George^" said she, very seriously, " that you do not 5'ourself choose to lend your aid in extri* eating Philipson from his present difEcul- ties is, I hope, enough for you. You do not, I hope most fervently, use any means ^to prejudice Arlingham against him too, or prevent his assisting him, both now and m tlie case of Fairfield. I would not think so ill of you, I^romise me that you Bever will" ^' I cannot imagine how you came to fancy such things," replied he, in great coufusionj but affecting to be offended. TrfE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 203 If Arlingham likes to give him half his fortune, he may, for any interference on my part." Althea would have pursued her subject farther, but George declared he heard Miss Fringle calling him, and gladly made his escape from a conversation which be- gan to press him too hard ; whilst Aitliea^ sad and disheartened, retired to think over new ways and means, almost despairing of success with Harriet, to whom she meant next to apply. 204 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. CHAPTER XVII. But if such toys can win her lovely smile, Hers be the wealth of Tagus' golden sand, . Hers the bright gems that grow in India's soil, Hers the black sons of Afiic's sultry land. To please her eye let every loom contend, For her be rifled Ocean's pearly bed— Hammoki>« Hahhiet heard, v/ith her usual indiffer* ence, the tale poor Althea told, with such sad earnestness, of her disappointment in her brother. The offer she had formerly made of herself assisting Philipson if George refused, wap now become much more inconvenient than when she first proposed it ; for to stay in a family like Elizaleth's, where there was a succession of company at home^, and visits abroad, without a proper change of dresses and- ornaments, was not to be thought of, par- THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 205 ticularly now that lord Randolph was be- come stationary there, and new plans and hopes suggested themselves to her mind. She saw, or fancied she saw^ that he was pleased with an elegant variety in her taste, and was determined not to lose him for want of attention to so important an article jas dress. Her five hundred pounds was therefore somewhat diminished, and she was unwilling to deprive herself of the means of continuing her elegant and fa- shionable attack on his lordship's heart. She offered, however, to lend Fhilipson a hundred pounds, if that sum was suffi- cient to be of anv use, Althea, who knew not exactly the extent of his wants, neither accepted nor declined the offer, till she had spoken or written to him; and Harriet secretly hoped he would not accept the loan of a sum so insignificant. In the meantime, her ancient lord had many de- bates with his own heart, and with Gerard, respecting matrimony, not quite willing . to resign his liberty, yet hating still more the idea of Randolph Castle passing to a 206 THE Balance of comfort. man he detested. He had written to his sister and his aunts on the occasion, not to ask their advice, but to announce his intention, and their joint reply was expres- sive of great congratulation to him, them- selves, and the lady. Of her conduct on the occasion, he thought there could be but one opinion — she must joyfully and gratefully accept an honour so distinguish- ed, and so much above any hopes she could have had the presumption to form. At length the important decision w^as made- — he would marry. Gerard approv- ed the design, and opportunity soon offer- ed of a private interview with Harriet, She had for some time observed her grov/- inginfiuence with the enamoured old peer, and therefore, though highly delighted at the confirmation of all her ambitious hopes, was less evidently surprised and elated than he had expected. He, felt a little chagrined that she was not overjoyed, and that dignity, and an appearance of confer- ring, rather than receiving a favour, mark- ed her acceptance of his hand ; however, THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 207 he was accepted, and every creature in the household soon knew it, through the joyful indiscretion of George Vernon^ whose raptures made ample amends for his sister's affected indifference to rank and splendour. Elizabeth and Arlingham too were highly pleased ; and his lordship re- ceived thanks and compliments enough from every part of the family but Althea, who felt infinitely more regret at such a match than gratified by the honour. Har- riet, she allowed, was less likely to be un- happy at the disparity of years and senti- ments than most other young women, for she was proud and ambitious, and did not choose to believe the tales she had for- merly heard of his bashaw-like disposition ; but, ju(Jging by her own feelings, Althea thought that nothing could make amends for age, ill-temper, and a varie-ty of per- sonal infirmities, ^vith which slie knew the earl was troubled. " Have you carefully consulted your heart, Harriet said she, after listeninir to Harriet's enumeration of the advau- 208 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT* taws attaclied to such a marriao^e : Can you indeed submit to become the wife of an infirm, passionate, capricious old man, merely to obtain equipage and title, and a few useless luxuries, which will be dearly indeed bought, if your happiness is to be the sacrifice ?" " That cannot be the case," Harriet re- plied ; " for in those useless luxuries, as- your philosophy is pleased to call them, consists my happiness. 1 care little enough for his lordship, that I am very wiUing to . acknowledge; but love, as you dream about it, makes no part of my creed. I believe happiness to consist in rank, and splendour and equipage, in a superb house^ and elegant society. I cannot even be comfortable without them ; and will own- to you, that I thought with horror of going back to the Lea, or to Philipson's. The sun glares horribly through white dimity curtains, reflected by a bright red and yellow Scotch carpet. A vulgar joint of meat, relieved by beans and bacon^ and a fruit pudding with Lisbon sugar — ' THE BALANCE OF COMI OllT. 209 what can be so sickening ! I tremble at the idea of ever being condemned to such fare ; and really had some thoughts of going out governess, to escape such living — this sumptuous entertainment too washed down with a glass of vile orange or currant wine, in a thin tali decanter. Oh for champaigne or claret — or old hock in its appropriate green glass ! I would marry a Caliban, Althea, to obtain such luxuries; and lord Randolph is not quite that." " If such are indeed your sentiments, I can only pity you, but shall not attempt to reason you out of them," replied Althea. " I can only hope you may find' all the happiness in grandeur which you now an- ticipate, and that Randolph Castle will give you all your wishes." " If Randolph Castle, or some such place, does not, depend upon it nothing inferior ever will," said Harriet. " I should have no objection if the earl had been young and handsome ; but I am not particular about it, so long as he is rich. gJO THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. and I have a good jointure. I shall do as I please, of course. A young woman mar- ries an old man, in the full persuasion of exercising unbounded and unchecked au- thority. I have no attachment to any one else, and do not doubt but I shall make a very good countess, and be very well sa- tisfied. The only things I don't like are the three old maids, who have been so long accustomed to rule at Randolph Cas- tle, and may not like to resign the reins of government to me — his aunts and sister, I mean. But, however, their reign is over there as soon as I enter, and they must abdicate to me." " I can but wonder to see how differ- ently people of the same family think and feel," said Althea. If I were going to marry this man, I should not be gay and careless as you are. I should think of all the unpleasant as v/ell as the agreeable circumstances attending such a union, and ten to one but I should be frightened, and draw back." ^'But/* replied Harriet/" / see no un- THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 211 pleasant circumstances. If you do, pray don't point them out ; for though I pro^ bably should view them in a different light, the representation might disturb nie, determined as I am to be satisfied^ As to our different modes of feeling and acting, that is all the effect of different education. We were at the same school, I grant you, and in our early years heard the same opinions, and imbibed many similar ideas ; but all that is greatly done away when we begin to mix in the world. Had Elizabeth been situated as I was, she would have been a second Harriet. She is, I grant you, married as well as if she had; but had not Arlingham been thrown in her way, and luckily surrender- ed his heart to her charms, she w^ould have been equally happy with a country parson as you or Isabella, merely from never having seen any thing better. I was, as it happens, fortunately thrown into a different sphere of action, and re- ceived impressions very unlike those you cherished in solitude and mediocrity. But S12 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. I am as willing as you can be to allow, that had I not had a chance of manying, as I now have, it would have been any- thing hut fortunate for me to have been for a time accustomed to situations and indulgences which necessarily gave me a distaste for humbler life. e are all the creatures of habit ; and had I children, in a situation like my mothers, I w^ould ne- ver suffer any of them to live away from their family in the manner I did, thus risking their happiness, by bringing them back, after years of indulgence, to priva- tions and scenes for vfhich they must be wholly unfitted." Mrs. Vernon's consent to Harriet's mar- riage was rather extorted than given ; but it was given, and that w^as sufficient ; and preparations v/ere immediately commenced at Arlino^ham's for its celebration there. Lord Randolph went to the Lea, and was introduced to Phiiipson and Isabella, who, as well a8 Mrs. Vernon, were much more pleased with him than they had expected. His manners were always elegant, except THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 213 when rage conquered reason^ and that was never the case in company. He express- ed the greatest regard atid admiration for Harriet, and the settlements he offered were Kberal in the extreme. Mrs. Vernon could make no objection to the match, except the disparity of years and situ- ation, which, in her opinion, was always a great one. She accompanied lord Ran- dolph back to Westhaven ; and Elizabeth sent a pressing invitation to Phiiipson and Isabella to go to the wedding, w^hich, how- ever, they declined. Mrs. Vernon was not able to leave home quite so soon as she intended; for the very day on which she was to begin her journey, George ar- rived, and she was obliged to defer it, much against lord Randolph's inclination, to another day. He was too polite, how- ever, to suffer his vexation to become vi- sible; and having had some slight ac- quaintance w^ith sir Thomas Cotman in former times, he gladly availed himself of it now, to escape from negociations similar to those he had just been engaged in. ^14? THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. The Cotmans, delighted with such a guest, were happy to give his lordship a dinner; and many and shrewd were the questions they put, in order to learn what could possibly have brought him to the Lea. But he baffled their curiosity ; and though they did make out that Mrs. Ver- non was going back with him to West- haven, they could learn nothing more, nor any circumstance which led to a suspicion of his intended connexion with the fami- ly. George too they found had accom- panied the Pringles back to Lark-Hall, and was now at home ; and Mrs. Pringie, in the bustle and agitation of so Important an event as the marriage of her daughter, was not quite so guarded before th-e ser- vants, but what they easily discovered her secret, which, of course, was a secret no longer. What they knew, the neighbour- hood were acquainted with very speedily ; and lady Cotman knew, in less than six hours after George's return, that it would answer no purpose for Miss Cotman to be civil, or affect a taste for farming and ru- THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 215 xal life any longer. Lord Randolph was importuned on all sides to stay some little time at Adderley, or if he must go to Westhaven, to return again to them as soon as his visit there was over. To all this excess of politeness his lordship re- turned poHteness still more excessiv^e, and left them in oreat doubt whether their in- vitation was accepted or declined. Poor Mrs* Vernon seemed destined to witness in her family two marriages which she could not from her heart approve. -She feared for the happiness of her daugh- ter in so unequal a union, for she knew how much v/as to be considered beside its splendour; and much as lord Ran- dolpli'is apparently- amiable manners had reconciled her to himself, she yet dreaded the effects of situation on a giii suddenly raised to grandeur and rank. Miss Prin- gle she objectec^ to, as a mere weak, unin- formed, romantic young woman, whose only recommendation was a large fortune (which George could have done very well without), and a very good temper, or rather £16 THE BALx\NCE OF COMFORT. the silly easiness of temper of one who never thought, and was pleased without knowing why. She soon found that to refuse her consent was of no avail, since her son had only asked it as a matter of form and civility, predetermined to please himself, whatever she might say. Hav- ing therefore represented, as she thought it her duty to do, such objections as ap- peared to her of some importance, which George confuted if he could, and if he could not, coldly passed over as of no con- sequence in his opinion, she gave a reluc- tant acquiescence; called on her new daughter-elect, as ceremony required she should; and then, not being consulted any farther in the business of settlements, and so forth, she took her leave ; and early the next morning stepped into the splen- did carriage, so soon to be her daughter's, and was followed by henrw)ble son-in-saw, with all the alertness of a man of sixty. They reached Westhaven that evening, and the marriage was fixed at the distance of a week. THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 317 CHAPTER XVIIL For marriage is a matter of more worth Than to be dealt in by attorneyship. Tlfe venom clamours of a jealous woman . Poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth- SllAKESPEARK. The week which intervened before the wedding was passed by Harriet in writing to town for bridal finery, and inspecting them when they arrived. The small for- tune to which she was entitled lord Ran- dolph gave up to her as a wedding present, and, forgetful of all that Althea had told her respecting Philipson's embarrassments, she lavished away on dress and ornaments those hundreds which would have made him so comfortable. A hint from the in- dignant Althea stopped her for a moment, and a loan of two hundred pounds certain- VOL. II. L, S18 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. Jy did remove his most pressing troubles. She promised to make the loan a gift, if lord Randolph's future generosity enabled her to do so* ^' But^" said slie, I know too well the difference between a bride and a wife not to reserve to myself a supply^ if my lord's liberality should faiL Now he would give me, or promise me, half his fortune ; but times may change, and probably will, and I may live to find even this trijSe^ compa- ratively speakings a gi^at sum. I shall send ]\Irs. Philipson a little present — shall it be for herself, her child, or her house? You know better than I do what would suit/^ *^ 1 believe, if you intend to send her i^ny thing of valuer money would be of more real service to her than any thing €lse," replied Althea-, "^and so it would to me, if, us you told me yesterday, you mean to buy rae pearl ornaments. iFo me they would be of no great use» I have told George the same."" This was not what Harriet intended, for THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 219 she felt that she could not give sJiahhily in cash, whatever she might have done in. other ways. She gave Althea, for herself and Jsabella, more through ostentation than regard, fifty pounds, which was more than Althea expected, though not more than Harriet could afford to give. The unfortunate estrangement from her fami- ly, which had given her ideas incompatible with the situation to which she then seem- ed destined, had also v/ithdrawn her affec- tions from the sisters, whom she considered as her inferiors, and her heart became con- tracted^ in proportion as she increased in fortune and rank. They remembered her as the youthful companion of their sports^ and as equally dear to all ; as sliari^ig the isame treatment, the same instruction, and looking forward with similar views. She, if she recalled such times at all, remembered them only with wonder how she could ever like any thing so vulgar^ or be satis- fied with a view of tlie future, so gloomy liiid undesirable, . L 2 220 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. The week of probation was at leng th ex- pired, and the evening came, which, by a bishop and special licence,, was to make Harriet the most enviable woman on earth—in her^own opinion — merely, how- ever, in reference to title and grandeur ; he who was to bestow these advan tastes was only regarded in that light; and could she have obtained them without his partici- pation, she would very willingly have re- nounced him for ever. But she was forced to accept the bad with the good ; and as he was only an object of complete indiffe- rence, not of dislike, she w^as tolerably care- less about it. Arlingl»am's saloon was brilliantly illu- minated for the occasion, and at eight, o'clock Harriet was saluted as countess of Randolph — a sound of more harmony than that CI the spheres. Here then ambition rested ; she was at the height of her wishes ; and, secure that nothing could now deprive her of the proud pre-eminence she had so long panted for, she gave way to the most vivid anticipations of future happiness, in THE BALANCE OF COMEOET. 221 the regal magnificence of Randolph Cas- tle, wiiere she intended to " reign and rule without control." Her mother and Althea were infinitely more agitated by that awful ceremony, which involves our vv hole future life, than herself She was calm and col- lectedly haughty, and convinced every one present that lord Randolph would lose none of his dignity througii too much con- descension on the part of his countess. Mrs. Vernon and Althea passed some time in conversation on this extraordinary anarriage, and thought with pain on many probable infelicities, which the less4hinkr ing or less-feeling bride never allowed to enter her imagination. Elizabeth was more worldly than either fier mother or Althea, and saw the affair in the same dazzling light as Harriet herself, looking forward to many a gay and brilliant visit in Che- shire, where Randolph Castle was situated. The weather was now so fine and clear, and lord Randolph so impatient to get home, that the second day after his mar- riage he and the countess took leave of her THE BALANCE OF COHfOET. family^ having vainly entreated Althea to accompany them, and commenced their Journey, Mrs, Vernon returned home, and Althea sent by her the loan, and tlie full gift of Harriet to herself as well a^ Isabella^ with a sincere hope that it might be enough to satisfy Philipson's most ur- gent wants. She wished to have return- ed with her mother; but Mrs. Charlton had sent her word that in a few days she should be at Westhaven, and particularly desired her to go back to Torringten Lodge ibr a few weeks, to which Althea had agreed. Mrs. Vernon, as well as Althea, had been both pleased and surprised at the ap- parent increase of harmony between Eli- zabeth and Ariingham, so different from what they had of late observed. Eliza- beth seemed to have regained much of her lost influence, and carried every thing with a very high hand, so much so, that, '.| Althea was rather fearful lest she should relapse into the domineering manners which had before so much and so naturally THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 223 offended him. Some latent cause appear- ed hidden beliind Eiizabeth's return to . power;, but hatever it might be, she con- cealed it carefully whilst other witnesses than Altliea were present, and the majo- rity of her gue&ts^ went away in the full persuasion of their being the happiei^t pair in the world. But their departure seemed the signal for divScontent and murmuringj. and a total reverse of Elizabeth's lately- pleasant behaviour^ " Lord ! how insufferably stupid will Westhaven be now!" said she, a day or two after she found herself without com- pany. " Arlingliam, I must go to town positively. You have no objection of course." " I don't see why it should be a matter of course so entirely," he replied, sullenly, yet looking rather fearful of an approach- ing storm. I have no wish to go to town, and I'm sure you have had gaiety enough here for some time." " Yes, and v/liat a horrid contrast does this empty place present now !" said she. Mi THE BALANCE OF CO^MFOfeT* with ati affected shudder, I seem to wan- der about like a creature alone in the workl 1^0— -I must go somewhere. If Vavasour were at home, I would go to Charleviile. I cannot think, by-the-bye, why you would not let me go to Randolph Ca^stle with the earl and countess." Why now^, just consider the distance, and the vast expence of a journey into Cheshire and back again," replied Arling- ham, "and tell me what would have been the use of it, after having had Harriet here so long ?" " The use !" she answered, with a pee- vish frown ; " I talked of the pleasure, not the use, of the journey. But, however, yoi| seem positive, and so am I. Rather than not go somewhere, I will go with Althea to Torrington Lodge, and see those two old twaddlers, Mrs. Charlton and Mrs. Amy Finch, whom Althea proses so much al^out. When shall you go, Althea?" You need not trouble yourself about that," said Arlingham, now thoroughly angry, " for you will not leave Westhavea THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 325 at present. I cannot afford any journeys, after such a gay expensive Christmas as I suffered you to keep, I have not money for all your whims and follies, and you must content yourself at home.'' *'No, Mr. Arlingham," Ehzabeth re- plied passionately ; no, sir, you have not money for my follies, my decent and pro- per pleasures — you spend too much on your own scandalous amusements. . The money which I might spends respectably at least, is required for the service of— — Elizabeth exclaimed Arlingham, in a tone of extreme anger, and looking both frightened and foolish ; " Elizabeth, desist! Do not forget your promise, for I think I have not failed in my part of the compact You shall not expose me to Althea." ^ Althea immediately arose to quit the room, but her sister caught her liand, and bursting into a passion of angry tears, ve- hemently insisted on her remaining — "You shall know all," said she ; " you shall hear how that man deserves to be exposed to 1.3 S26 THE BALANCE OF COHFOUT, you and the world. Yes^ he keeps Ilis paltry riches from me to bestow them on Miss Kitty Summers — a Vulgar wretch, who has not an idea beyond^ the finery his infamous conduct enables her to heap on her ugly person. It was to hide this dis- graceful secret, and remove the object of it, that I was kindly permitted to visit my family ; but I discovered it all through a kind and feeling friend, and— — " ) ii;:>v I will hear no more/' said Altliea, stern^- ly, for all I do hear gives me an opinion of my sister I grieve from my soul to en- tertain/' " Do then encourage such conduct? Is this the morality of your exemplary Mrs. Charlton?" said Elizabeth. /a '^'No, far from it/' answered Althea: no one can condemn your husband, if such has been his conduct, more thin I do^ or tlian Mrs. Charlton would-^^^fni^iT;:! " If such has been hie conduct^!" inter^ rupted the indignant wife—'' If! Do you then doubt me? Ask tiiat conscience- struck man there if it be true. He own- THE BxVI.ANGE OF COMFOIIT. 227 ed it to me, and will not dare to deny it to you, or any one^ Ask liim." " No," replied Althea,. " Iliave no right to question Mr. Arlingham ; and pardon= me, Elizabeth, if I say that after such con^- duct on your part as I have this morning, witnessed,- much, of my pity for you on so trying an occasion is lost, and transferred* together with my severest abhorrence of" his crime, to 3^our husband." " Hear mc. Miss Vernon^" said Arling- ham, much agitated.. No," answei^d Althea ; " I would- Isten to neither. Right or wrong, I am not capable of deciding on a point so deli- cate, and on. which^ I ought not to be con- :^ulted.- I am shocked and v/ounded be-^ yond measure at Mrs. Arlingham's violent exposure of that which she ought rather to have hidden from even* suspicion.. She' has behaved towards you with rudeness— indeUcately towards me. You,, Arling:^ ham, I fear,, have offended against virtue and morality, and insulted your wife by tjie gross deviation. But^ for Heaven's 228 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. sake! do not make me a judge on either side. Allow me to retire, and do not ask me to return to you till this bitter quarrel is adjusted between you. I cannot bear to witness a dispute in which I know not how to interfere properly. You are both so much to blame, that I hardly know to which side to lean. Elizabeth, I will not be detained ; nor would you find an advan- tage in attempting it, since I should only stay to recommend you, though the person most injured, to seek a reconciliation.*' Althea then left them ; and the quarrel having been interrupted by her interfe- rence, subsided into a sullen calm, each ashamed of their own conduct — indignant at that of the other — and determined not to seek a reconciliation at the ex pence of their own dignity and proper spirit Althea found them in this agreeable state of mind when she descended to join j;hem at dinner, vv^hich she did at Elizabeth's ear- nest entreaties, and promises of being quiet at least. Convinced that she could do no good, by remaining longer at Westhaven, to THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, 229 two people obstinately determined to quar- rel with their own happiness and each other, she wrote that afternoon to Mrs. Charlton to hasten her arrival, and take her as soon as she could to Torrington Lodge; and two days after her letter reach- ed its destination, Mrs. Charlton's carriage and housekeeper arrived for Miss Vernon, v/ith a letter excusing her own appearance, on the plea of indisposition — a plea which Althea well comprehended. CHAPTER XIX. Ohl how thoii hast with jealousy infected The swee^tness of affiance ? Siiak£SPeari2, Although Althea refused to listen to the two angry combatants, each eager to vin^ ^icate their own conduct, she could not ob- ject to attend to Elizabeth when by them- selves; but in spite of all the varnish which «elf-love could put on, and all the kind SSty THE BALANCE OP COMFORT: prejudice v/liich a sister's affection coiiM: feel, Althea could not excuse Elizabeth's behaviour, though she^ on every account^, infinitely more condemned Arlingham.. That he had been guilty of gross miscon- duct and infidelity was not to be denied but Althea discovered,^ from- her sister's own statement, that he had frequently walked off ui a passion from his own house in an evening to get rid of her intolerable teazingSj- and chance had then tlirown hx his way an artful and unprincipled girl^.^ who had rather been the seducer than the seduced.. He tried, of course, to keep ^ transgression of this kind, of v»^hich he was^ soon weary (for Arlingham was not an im- moral man)., a secret from his- wife ; but there is always, as the Critic says, " some d^ — ^d good-natured friend" to make tliose matters public ; and the Fmitons, wh'o^ hated liim, not entirely without a causes- had no greater pleasure than in divulging the disgracefid affair to Elizabeth,. who still continued to notice them,, in defiance of her husband's wishes and anger. Instead THE ;BALANCE OF COMFORT. £31 •of checlvhlgwiith contempt the vile tale, she listened with avidity, and with more rage than wounded affection, to the account of her wrongs, aggravated by malice,, and re- peated with all the inflaming cant of pre- tended fiiendship and feeling. She pro-- mised silence; but her promise was soon forgotten in the passion of tlie moment,, when after tea he took his hat, as usual of late, and prepared to go out, wliether to JMiss Kitty Summers's cottage, or not, she did not stay to inquire. Then the whirL wind raged ; Arlingham, too much asto-^ nished and too conscious to attempt a dcr nial, or even an exculpation, stood trans*- fixed, and looking very guilty, and very foolish. There are; those who can conceive from their own feelings all that a jealous and en- raged woman would utter upon such an occasion ; from those who never have ex- periericed that fatal passion, it m^ay be wise- to conceal the intemperate lengths to which it will carry its unhappy votaries. Love had no share in Mrs, Arlingham's jealousy ; 232 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. therefore no gleams of relenting tenderness interposed to moderate her anger. W ound- ed pride, passion, contempt, every feeling which disdain could bring with it, swelled her heart and actuated her tongue, and Ar- lingham, with some reason, believed he had paid half his penance in being compelled to listen to invectives so violent. Ashamed of himself, he owned there was some jus- tice in her reproaches, though he could not help referring her to her own conduct for many of the errors of his — a reference which did not make her temper more pla- cid. A scene of sad recrimination follow- ed, and reconciliation was at last' obtained by Arlingham's promising to give up Miss Kitty, and indulging Elizabeth with a house full of company at Christmas ; he demanding, with great propriety, an entire renunciation of all intercourse on her part with the Pantons. With this she was obliged to promise implicit compliance; and she also promised to conceal the whole affair from her family, and particularly from Althea, whom Arlingham really re* THE BALANCE OF COMFORT, 233 spected. But this nnhicky Jau^v pas haci given her a sort of pre-eminence over her husband, which she never failed to take aii-^ vantage of, and she had used it as a pre- tence for extorting many indulgences from him he was not much disposed to grant. The consciousness, however, of having in- sulted and injured her, made him tolerably submissive, and he gave up his ovv n wishes to hers as a peace-offering. Indeed, so much was he humbled in his own opinion, much more so than he chose to sliew, that by a different and more delicate mode of acting, which policy, if not affection, should have pointed out to her, she might now have established her power more firmly than ever. But Elizabeth's temper w^as too violent and haughty to allow her to think of any thing but makinghim ashamed of himself: and believing she had now a never-failing claim upon him, she expected to be in every thing obeyed, and to reign absolute and uncontrolled. She tightened the chain till it snappe>d for ever, and by lier injudicious exertion of authority, re- 234 THE BALANCE OF COMFORU luctaiitly granted her, again forfeited the influence she might have secured. Habit has, unfortunately and unjustly, rendered venial in man the same crime which, in a woman^ is never forgotten or forgiven ; and Arlingham, though at first really repentant and grieved at his error, soon set his conscience at rest, by recollect- ing he was no worse than other men, and' should be no worse received in society, and that his wife had amply aTcnged herself in the licence she had allowed her tongue^ and the greater power she had assumed and been indulged in ; and though he did not intend to transgress any more, he ceased to trouble himself about the error he had already committed.. Althea, of course, heard only one side of the question, it being a subject on whicb she did not choose to converse with Ar- Engham, particularly as she was obliged to confess her sister had acted so materially wrong in her whole married career ; and she Vv^ould not condemn her to him, and could not excuse her. ^^liatever Eliza- THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. 235 betb's augmented influence might liave been by proper management at this criti- cal period, Althea was conTinced it was now lost for ever, and that this last burst of unprovoked passion, and the exposure of her husband to her ovv^n family^ contrary to her promise, had rendered him cool and callous to the future. If they continued together, she saw only indifference and wretchedness for Elizabeth, at leasts since^ with his obstinate and naturally-reserved temper, she had very little to expect for herself; and he, conscious that he was be- trayed to her ow^n friends as a libertine^ had no farther terms to keep, since he had lost his character where most he washed to preserve it. Arlingham well knew, that however leniently the world in general might consider a fault like his, Althea w^ould despise him, and never again think of him as a character to be admired and re- spected ; and this, as he really thought so highly of her, he could not bear vvithout regret, and it heightened every angry im^ pression against his wife. Ehzabeth her- 236 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET, self, after the effervescence of passion was over, like all angry people, bitterly lament- ed having given vv^ay to it ; faid finding a kind of protection and relief in Althea's presence, earnestly besought her to remain, at least some little time longer, at West- haven ; and to gi^ve more v^ eight to her en- treaties, she urged them in Arlingham's presence, but not in a way to have much influence over Aithea's fixed determina-- tion of ffoino^, " Now do, Althea," said she, " be per- suaded to stay a little while. I know Ar- lingham will do nothing but quarrel when you are gone, he is so angry w4th me. He forgets all the provocation I had to say what I did, and all his own faults, and only remembers mine." " No, Mrs. Arlingham," he answered coldly, " I shall not quarrel with you, rest assured. You and I shall in future act in- dependently of each other. I shall not condescend to dispute upon any point. You have spoken your mind with a free* dom which would certainly authorize my THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 237 doino: the same; but I onlv wish to observe, that I shall in future be master of my own actions, and that neither anger, reproaches, or tears, i\nill have any effect on me. You have exposed me to the person I most re- gard and esteem in your own family — yow have broken your promise with me — and though you shall have nothing reasonably to complain of, you shall make your will conform to mine, and I will please myself. Miss Vernon, I wish you to stay here as long as you please — I will not say as long as you find it agreeable, because you would in that case depart immediately. You shall ever find a home here, as long as you may want or wish it ; but I do not ask you with any assurance of being influenced in my conduct by your presence. I will ne- ver give Elizabeth again any real cause of complaint, but I cannot think of, or feel, for her as I have done ; nor will she again be able to mould me to her purposes, even by her blandishments, at least not till I am much less irritated ; and sure I am, her re- proaches wj)! never have any other effect 238 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. than tliat of driving me from home, in search of better tempers, and more agree- able companions, elsewhere." Arlinghara bowed to Altliea as he fi- riished, and w^alked off; and Elizabeth, re* pentant and alarmed, because she believed he would deprive her of every pleasure, gave way to more real grief than she had €ver felt before. She had never seen him so positive; and finding that Althea would really have no power to lighten the evils she had so materially brought upon herself, and that she had actually written to Mrs, Charlton to fetch her away, she said no more ; and at the time appointed, Althea, after a very bitter parting with Elizabeth, snd a very polite one w^ith Arlingham, w^ent to seek tranquillity, and ask advice of Mrs.. Charlton. TTHE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 23<) CHAPTER XX, f'il give thrice so much land To any w-ell-deserving friend ; But in the way of bargain, mark ye me, I'll cavil on the ninth part of a hair. Shakes? tare. Althea found her good friend as glad as -ever to see her, and she found her alone ; for Mrs. Amy Finch had gone suddenly away, two days before, to nurse her nephew, who had come to her house at Kensington ill. Mrs. Charlton was always placid, but she was generally remarkably cheerful too ; but now Althea fancied she was grave and ill at ease, and though she talk- ed of old times, and took the same interest as ever in all that concerned Althea and her family, s ma'am/' Mr. Parry an- 246 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. s swered : I don't suppose my lord gives a dinner three times a-year; but then he lives in great splendour by himself; and I hear that he has every thing in just as much style, and just as expensive, as if he had a house full of company. Perhaps his wife, who is, I hear, young and beau- tiful, may alter the old plans a little ; but she must take care, for my lord is as jea- lous as he is proud ; and that is saying no little." Althea sighed at this report, but asked no farther, fearing to hear any thing yet more unpleasant. Notwithstanding the season was not exactly such as rendered a sea-voyage de- sirable, the party encountered less danger and inconvenience than they had expect- ed. Mrs. Charlton had frequently been in Ireland before ; and both her man and maid-servant had accompanied her, and were therefore av/are of what they should have to contend with. Poor Althea suf- fered enough to make her hail with de^ light the bay of Dubhn, where a few days' THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 247 rest entirely restored her* Mrs. Charlton liad written to her agent from England, who had, m compliance with her request^ provided a very comfortable house for her in one of the best streets in Dublin; and her acquaintance there being of the first oinier of persons, Althea soon found herself in the midst of society, whose proverbial hospitality, had she been so disposed, would have engrossed every leisiu^e mo- ment. Mrs. Charlton was soon fully em- ployed with lawyers, and surrounded with papers ; and having introduced Althea to two or three particular friends, was com- pelled to give up her ovv^n time almost wdiolly to the business which took her there, and w^iich seemed to be of a much more complicated and serious nature than she had at first imagined. When Althea, in the first ardour of friendship, and eagerness to oblige Mrs. Charlton, offered to become her com- panion to Ireland, she had totally forgot- ten that sir Montague Vavasour was in M8 THE BALANCE OF COMFOUT; that country. The recollection, lioweven soon recurred, and with it a sensation to v/hich she knew not how to give a name. She scarcely knew whether she hoped to meet hiin or not; but she earnestly desir- necessary, "besides thatt giVeii to settle- ments and bridal paraphernalia. The^ first were indeed ready before the last; and^ Mrs. Pringle was for some weeks envelop- ed ia satins';, silvei; muslihs> laces, and veE S50 THfi BALANCE OF COMFORT. vets, SO much so, that she had hardly time to pay her accustomed visits and talk. " Veil now," said she, " look here, Phoebe, my dear. This here sprigged muslin over vhite satin, trimmed vith macklin lace, vill just do for the vedding; and I think this other vill do for morning dresses." " I prefer this thinner one," replied Phoebe, in a languid tone ; " but as you please. I shall look at it, and think of George alone." ^' Veil, that may do a little vhile," re- plied Mrs. Pringle, laughing. ^' This here muslin, howsever, is the best; for you'll have a deal more vearth out of it than out of t'other. There is the gold ornaments for your green welwet pelisse and hat. . Vhere's the gold star for the front? Oh! here 'tis. Veil, now ve may as veil go and pay some farewell wisits " The v/edding took place in due time, and the happy pak set olf to pass the ho- neymoon in Lun'on, and see all the sights. 7HE BALANCE OF COMFOUT. 251 Mrs. Vernon partook of the sumptuous breakfast prepared by Mrs. Pringle ; but Philipson and Isabeila, though invited, did not attend, as George gave consider- able offence by not asking him to perform the ceremony. The distribution of bride- cake conveyed more envy and heart-burn- ings than pleasure to many who received it ; and had Philipson beeii able to per- suade his wife, he would have returned the portion which arrived at the parsonage, accompanied by a note of twenty pounds, addressed to the little Althea, for a coral necklace, but in reality a shabby gift to her mother. Some weeks passed on, unm^arked by any event. Philipson, though relieved by Harriet's loan and Althea's generous gift from his greatest and most immediately ^ pressing embarrassments, was yet too much involved to recover his ease of mind, and sought to escape reflection by seeking so- ciety. His temper, which was originally rather careless than good, became by tlieso circumstances much soured, an4 he grevv" 252 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. first negligent at home, and then harsh. Any apphcation for money, though made as seldom as possible, threw him into a pas- sion ; so that, to avoid altercation, Isabella sometimes was compelled to contract little bills, which, when the time came, she found herself unable to pay, and thus increased the evil for which she found only a tem- porary remedy. Mild and gentle herself, and unused to the starts of passion and fits of ill-humour to which her husband now frequently gave way, her health and spirits drooped alike, though she exerted herself to conceal the failure of both from him. Unknown to her, he had taken up almost all her little fortune, first in furnishing the vicarage, and then in paying some of his old college debts, w hich could be evad- ed no longer. Their income thus wa-s lessened, whilst an increasing family rather required its augmentation. She still look« ed with confidence to Fairfield, as the mine of wealth which was to make all things comfortable, and she frequently en* deavoured to raise .her husband's gloomy THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. 253 spirits with the same cheering hope ; but he no longer felt that conviction of better prospects, though, as Arlingham had not declared a change of sentiment on the sub- ject, he did not wholly despair, and would not check her anticipation of the future, or teach iier to dread evils which migid not arrive. But this irritation of mind and spirits led to much ill, for it rendered him unable to take pleasure in those do- Inestie scenes and occupations which he had formerly enjoyed. He" no longer could employ himself in reading or fishing —the elegant improvements in his little domains no longer afforded him delight, for he now viewed them, as others had lon^>- done, rather as mementoes of extravagant folly than of use. He lost his mornings in wandering from one flimily to another, listening to idle news, and flirting v/ith forward girls, who liked his gallantries quite as Vv'ell as if he had been a single man, some of them from the laudable mo- tive of giving pain to his wife, who, by their encouragement of his folly, became ©54 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. every day more neglected. The absence of Althea at this time was a very serious affliction to Isabella^ and would have been equally so to Althea herself, could she have known all the growing evils of her sisters situation. One thing only re- mained to make her still more uncomfort- able, and that was the removal of her mo- ther from her immediate neighbourhood ; and this trouble was soon added to the rest. The Lea, where J^Irs. Vernon had now for some years resided, was the pro- perty of a young man, whom some in- discretions had obhged to dispose of this and other estates during an involuntary exile to another kinc^dom. Circumstances had changed, and Mr. IMolyneux return- ed to England, accompanied by a female friend, and fixed upon the Lea as his own place of residence ; and Mrs. Vernon w^as compelled to quit it. No other place, not even a decent cottage, offered itself as a fit habitation for her, and she was tbrced to remove, after staying some time with her daughter^ to a village at a distance^ THE BALANCE OF COMFOET- 255 which precluded any thing hke frequent intercourse. Poor Isabella was thus left wholly to herself, and had soon more reason to la- ment this change in her mother's situation than the mere loss of her society and as* sistance. The Lea became a scene of at- traction to Phiiipson, on more than one account; and his kte Iiarmless, though foolish, flirtations with the village blisses were now concentrated, and assumed a much less innocent aspect. Moljoieux and Philipson had been at school, and one year at college, together; but there Mr. Molyneux had committed some wild ex- cesses, which procured his expulsion ; and soon afterwards greater errors banished him for a time from his native country. This period, if it was of but little advan- tage to his morals and conduct, was great- ly w to his estate ; and he was now return- - to a much better fortune than he left, \>nt with the errors of youth ripened into the vices of manhood. Unfortunatelv, he returned to settle near the once favoui> 256 T?IE BALANCE OF GOMFOPvTi ite companion of his early frolics, and tlia^ at a moment when Philipson's unsettled/ and irritated mind required relaxation, and sought it but too indiscriminately. He found at the Lea good cheer and lively companions ; for Mrs.Ferm^or, the friend and protegee of Molyneux, was a very accom- plished pleasant woman, of* sufficient pro- priety of manners not to disgust even one more fastidious than Philipson. Here then Isabella's husband spent those hours which she passed alone and in sorrow^ ; for it wa3 not possible she should remain ignorant of tb.e state of Mr.Molyneux's family aKrange^ nients. Fading health and failing spirits made her solitary home no longer a scene of pleasure ; and even the smiles of heir little Althea ceased to aiford unmixed de^ light; but Philipson saw nothing of this, fOT he was seldom at home, and when there^ Isabella rallied her weak spirits; and her pallid cheek and hollow eye lie either did not observe, or if he did occa- sionally remark that she loe^ked ill, he placed it to the nature of her situatioiv THE BALAKCE OF CCMtOliT. 257 for she was now very near her second con- finement. Althea would hardly be a year old, and this second babe promi.sed to be an unwelcome intruder to all. Slie found all her efforts inadequate to support her firm« ness, when she compared the present with the former similar circumstance* Then Philipson was all love and kindness, see- ing no object but herself, and studying only how he might, by the most assiduous attention, render her situation less irksome and unpleasant. Then, too, she looked forward to the company of lier favourite sister, of whose return from Ireland she now heard no mention, but whom she more than ever languished to see. She knew that by strongly expressing this wish she should obtain it, since nothing but Althea's ignorance of her real state of health and mind could have prevailed on her to be so long absent. Had she sur- mised the sad truth — could she have for a moment believed such to be Isabella's ac- tual situation, even her engagements with Mrs. Charlton would hiwe given way to» 258 . THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. the superior calls of sisterly affection. Bit- terly did she afterwards lament what she called Isabella's ill-timed delicacy on this occasion. Mrs. Vernon had promised to be wdth her daughter during her confine- Client, and for a few weeks before ; and at that time Philipson w^as more at home, for he felt ashamed to be always found in such society as that now generally gathered to- gether at the Lea. Mrs. Vernon, how^- ever, heard too much from her son of the dissipation going on there, and the inti- macy between Molyneux and Edward, to be deceived by this temporary suspension of it ; but conscious that a mother-in-law has no power, and fearful he should blame Isabella as the informer, if she gave him to understand all she knew% she cliecked the reproaches and advice which hovered on her lips, though she could not help her manners being cold and constrained to- wards him. George Vernon and his wife had Long ceased any farther intercourse than an occasional call at the vicarage; I and this Isabella imputed to the pride of THE BALANCE OF COMFOrvT. 259 the latter; but her mother and husband knew better. Long extremely offended with Philipson for his little attention to prudence and economy, George was now completely disgusted and exasperated by this intimacy with people so every way improper. No female society was to be found at the Lea; but rumour began to $!pread abroad the high favour in which the parson" stood with the lady who pre- sided there, and which was reported to be far greater than that enjoyed by Mr. Mo- lyneux himself Fortunately nothing of this had yet reached Mrs. Philipson's ears; and her acquaintance was so small, and she herself so much beloved and respect- ed, that Mrs. Vernon hoped she would escape the hearing of what she still tried to believe was only village scandal. The period at length arrived which brought two pieces of interesting information to Philipson — the birth of a boy, and the death of the rector of Fairfield. He wrote off immediately in the highest spirits to Arlingham an account of both events. ^J60 THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. Isabella's danger, for she had been very near dying, had revived those sentiments of tenderness Vvhieh had almost expired, and the hope of affluence again enlivening his own home, had endeared that home^ in idea, to his wandering heart. Arling^ ham's reply to his letter at last arrived^ and those visions of comfort were at once dissolved — -the livincr of Fairfield w^as^ o given to a " gentleman who would knowr how to economize its profits, and who had' no acquaintance with Mr, Molyrieux." THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 261 CHAPTER XXII. What did I part with uhen I gave my heart? I knew not that ail happiness went v\ith it. . Why did I leave my tender mother s wing, And venture into love ? The maid that loves Goes oat to sea upon a shattered plank, And puts her trust in miracles for safety. Young's Revenge, ^sTo language could accurately delineate Philipson's feelings on the receipt of this letter, which was cool and contemptuous, scarcely deigning a word of apology, and throwing the whole blame of the disap- pointment on Philipson, whilst Arlingham exculpated himself, or endeavoured to do so, on the score of never having given a positive promise. For some days the shock was so severe, that Philipson could not rise above it sufficiently to stir from home ; and Isabella, from whom the fatal truth was at present carefully concealed. 262 THE BALANCE OF COMFORl*, fondly thought it was returning tender- ness towards herself that prompted thiis change of manner and more domestic ha- bits. PliiHpson had indeed but too much reason for despondency, for he well knew that many of his importunate creditors had been kept quiet only by the promise of payment when this living became his own, and that the first intimation of hi^ disap- pointment would bring ayariety of claim- ants round him, doubly irritated, under the idea that he had deceived them into more quiet measures by promises he himself had no reason to build upon. ^Irs. V ernon was not less shocked and unhappy than Philipson, for she had not the most distant idea of such an event; and besides the serious inconvenience to the whole family, she was well aware that it must wholly destroy all future friend- ship and intercourse between them and Arlingham, and consequently, in a great measure, if not entirely, Elizabeth also. She had a great suspicion of Philipson's being a good deal involved in his cireum* THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. §63 stances, though not to* the amount he really was, and determined, when the first emotion and irritation of disappointment had a little subsided, to question him, and, if possible, relieve his wants, by a sacrifice of some of her own little property. But he knew too well the impossibility of her affording him any very material assistance to unfold the history of his real situation ; and thovigh he consented to borrow of her two hundred pounds, which gave him a temporary breathing-time, he felt that it could only be a very transient relief. The information of this cruel conduct on the part of Arlingham was, of course, necessarily imparted to poor Isabella, when she had regained such a portion of strength as enabled her to hear it v/ithout danger, and dreadfully was she affected by it. Though ignorant of the extent of their em- barrassments, she knew they were heavy ; and judging of the future effect such a situation would have on her husband by that she had already lamented, she gave way almost to despair, as she anticipated 264 THE BALANCE OF COMFOItT. only additional gloominess at liome, and a greater desire of dissipating uneasy sensa- tions in company she found it impossible to approve. She knew now that some hundreds of their originally-small property had been taken up, and she felt herself almost unable to struggle against the hor- rors of a lessened income, an increasing family, a load of debts, and a husband's nioroseness, which she had found, by sad experience, augmented as the necessity of additional kindness became more apparent, to enable her to bear the accumulated load of evil. In this distress the friendship of ]\lr. Molyneux. was, for the first time, of use; ff)r to him Pb.ilipson freely disclosed his situation, and wa^ by liim accommodated with money sufficient for his present exi- gency. But this only increased the diffi- culty in future, and lessened still more his ah^eady-contraeted income, by loading it with interest for the sums thus borrowed, and by throwing him still more into the dangerous society of this, profligate mun, THE BALANCE OP COMFOHT. 265 destroyed his chance for recovering the domestic happiness he every day forfeited still farther. Molyneux demanded the full price of his late exertions, and Philipson found himself entangled in a vicious so- ciety, which he had hardly the power to avoid, without giving offence to a mam who had neither feeling or delicacy to deter him from perpetual allusions to the benefit he had recently confeired, and the grati- tude he expected in return. Conscious of the trouble and difficulties in which his imprudent concealment of his early en- tanglements had involved Isabella, and touched by her placid and uncomplain- ing endurance of them, Philipson v/ould, at this time, fain have returned w^hoUy to share and lighten them, but this was not permitted; and in addition to the boisterous claims of Molyneux, Mrs, Fer- mor preferred hers also, and assailed him more successfully by her charms, her blan- dishments, and her flattery. This part of the business he endeavoured most strenu- VOL, II, N 266 THE BALANCE OF COMFOrvT. ously to conceal from Isabella, and placed his continual visits at the Lea, which some- times lasted three or four days, to the necessity he was under of keeping well with a man to whom he was so greatly obliged. Isabella vras then ignorant of the real inducePxient for these long visits, but the dreadful truth was not always concealed. iMrs. Vernon was better informed; and to keep her deceived daughter still in ig- norance, prolonged her stay at the vicar- age much beyond the time she originally intended;* nor Vvould she have quitted her when she did, but for a hasty summons to Ilando-ph Castle, Harriet not being ex- pected to survive a terrible illness, which had destroyed all present hopes of an heir to tliat noble estate, Mrs. Vernon could not refuse such a request, and Isabella was most reluc tantly obliged to spare her. Be- fore she xvent, however, she wrote to Mrs. Charlton, whose affairs she found had taken a favourable turn, and who might perhaps now be able to send or bring Althea to THE BALANCE OF COMFORT. 26T England, from whence she had been ab- sent many months longer than she had at first expected. It was now the latter end of July, and Aithea had quitted England in January. How much had happened to herself and Isabella since then! The departure of Mrs. Vernon seemed the signal for the consummation of her daugliter's distresses. Her presence had hitherto checked the impertinent condole- ments of affected friendship, and the cruel communications of pretended sympathy ; but once left to herself, the coast was clear; and Mrs. Ogilvie, with the infernal haste of malignity, and erivy of former happi- ness, after much circumlocution, and pro- fessions of the best intentions, proceeded to inform Isabella, that Mr. Philipson had certainly superseded Mr. Molyneux in the good graces of the infamous Mrs. Fer- mor. Isabella, though shocked and distressed almost beyond concealment, coolly avowed her disbelief of such information, and with N 21 268 THE BALANCE OF COMFOET. a heart bursting with anguish, persisted in vindicating the character of her husband from so foul a charge. Mrs, Ogilvie was highly indignant at her word being doubted ; and mortified at being foiled (as she believed) in her endea- vours of making " her sweet young friend, for whom her heart bled," unhappy, she proceeded to adduce proof on proof ^ till Isabella, with dignified composure, pain-^ fully assumed for the moment, bade her desist from such cruel and fruitless efforts to infuse suspicion into her mind, and in- stantly to leave the house, and enter it no more, desiring her, at the same time, to be- ware how she spread still farther such vile falsehoods, lest Philipson should be pro- voked to a legal revenge. Mrs. Ogilvie was too well assured of the truth of her assertions to fear such conduct on his part, and vowed an ample revenge for the treat- ment she affected deeply to resent, on the part of the trusting fool she had vainly endeavovired to render miserable. But not in vain had really been her ma- THE BALANCE OF CCMFOllT, 269 lice, Isabella had before suspected some- thing of this nature, for she had twice seen letters directed to her husband, in a female hand, from the Lea ; and one of these, which she accidentally found, was worded in a style sufficiently ambiguous to alarm affection like hers. Still, how- ever, she had endeavoured to shut her eyes, and persuade herself that she had misinterpreted the meaning of the words she had read, and no look or word gave Philipson reason to suspect for a moment that she had ever believed him so lost to honour and faith. But now this recol- lected letter gave a sort of painful ap- pearance of truth to Mrs. Ogilvie's in- formation, and she knew not how to doubt, though she shuddered in agony to believe. Jealousy formed no part of Isabella's character, and indeed the unbounded af- fection and high opinion she entertained of her husband had hitherto effectually preserved her from this passion. Nor even now, when forced to exchange this perfect 270 THE BALANCE OF COMFOHT. confidence for some degree of doubt^ at leasts could her feelings be called jealous* They were, however, of a very miserajbie description, and such as she knew not how to endure. However anxious to doubt such heart-rending information, she could not help combining circumstances, and they forced on her mind a degree of ter- rible conviction, and certainly induced a kind of watchfulness on her part, in order to catch at any occurrence which might banish or corroborate suspicion ; and thii^ close observation too soon ended in a con- firmation of all she most dreaded, yet he- sitated to believe. Convinced that Phi- lipson was not of a temper to be reclaimed by reproaches or ill-humour, and feeling indeed too wretched to complain, she con- cealed from liim, and from every one, the anguish which preyed upon her heart, and received him, when he did come home, with a complacency which gave him no excuse for absenting himself But the ef- fort was made with extreme difficulty, and the effects of ^juch exertion became daily THE BALANCE OF COMFOllT. 271 more and more visible in her altered looks. Her health gradually decayed; and when, at the end of August, Althea returned to England, she hardly recognised, in the meagre spectre before her, the blooming Isabella she had known only two short years back. We must now leave her for the pre- sent, and retrace the events which marked Althea's sojournment in Ireland for the last four months. END OF VOL. IL Printed by J . Darling, LeaJei^haU-Street, London. NEW PUBLICATIONS PRINTED FOR AT THE LEADENIIALL.STREET5 LONDON. 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