my way always my tormentor ! Oh! Lord! Who shail ] consult ! Who can save Robert!" And - rhe agitated A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 97 girl opened the window, that the night air might cool her feverish brain, she thought of the little Friend next door. As the intimacy between the two young girls was very great, and as there were frequent opportunities of inter- course. Alice, ever ingenious when any merriment was in play, had contrived an easy means of communicating with her neighbours. She had tied a string from Helen's blind to hers, and from this string hung a bell. Many a time either of the young girls had jumped up from her work at the sound of the little tinkler, and many a chat had been borne by the morning or evening breeze from Helen's window to Alice's, and vice versd. It was eleven o'clock. "She will be fast asleep," thought Robert's anxious sister, as she gazed at the shining moon, and thought how pure and serene was its light, compared to the dark gloom of her own heart. But grief is egotistical. Helen could endure that solitary agony no longer. She touched the string, and the noise of the little bell, gentle as it was, soon brought Alice Irving to the window. " Were you asleep, Alice ? A asked Helen. " I am really very sorry to disturb you at this hour." " Don't mind that, dearest ; I was not asleep. I rest very badly now," said the little Quakeress, with a sadness very unusual to her. But Helen was too intent on her ow-n cares to notice tho shade in Alice's voice. " I am in great trouble," she continued : " Robert haa just had a quarrel at the opera with Mr. Murray ; a ridi- culous, foolish affair, which may turn out fatally for the poor boy. He never could fire a pistol in his life. Oh, Alice, the very thought makes me shudder ! What shall I do?" 98 HELEN LBESON: " I really don't know ; but I will find out all about it. Why do you not write to Herman Smith ?" "Because several times of late he has attempted to reason with Robert upon his conduct, with very little suc- cess ; in fact, I think there is a coolness between them. No one has any influence over the wild boy." " Don't distress yourself, Elly ; I will obtain a full ac- count of the affair from a friend of mine who must have Borne knowledge of the matter, and to-morrow, by sun- down, I will meet you here. Good-night ; it is rather cold for my airy costume." " Good-night," responded Helen ; " a thousand thanks !" Both windows were closed ; but it was long, long before sleep visited the pillow of either young girl. Helen's thoughts wandered over the occurrences of the evening ; her singular meeting with Walter, whose name she had heard for the first time from her brother's lips ; and strange to say, although circumstances had certainly contributed to raise him in her estimation that evening, as regarded his social position, still the same unconquerable aversion toward him filled her heart, and she mentally welcomed the vision of Sir Archibald, his admiration, his devotion, with delight. And why did not Alice Irving rest quietly that night ? Reader, patience is a virtue, they say. Let us practice it for a little while longer. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 99 CHAPTER XL * RIDICULOUS ! absurd !" said Mrs. Grantly to her hus- band, as they sat at breakfast on the morning subsequent to the performance of La Lucia. " How can you talk so, Mr. Crrantly ? I don't believe a word of it.' " Very well, just as you like ; but I tell you, Amanda, that it is nonsense in your brother to live as he does. A man in business never knows what he is worth ; and I have my doubts about Robert's being so wealthy. He is the more to blame," continued Mr. Grantly, "that all this extravagance is his own suggestion or rather yours, per- haps !" The last few words were said very softly, the worthy man almost regretting he had uttered them at all. " Indeed, you think so ?" said the lady of fashion, in a home key very different from that she generally used in company. " Well, I can tell you, that were it not for my brother, who is a man of some energy and spirit, the whole of that establishment would not be worth a fig : even Helen is becoming serious and pious ; and surely you don't call Anna and her mother anybody !" " I think very highly of Mrs. Leeson, Amanda ; she is a genuine, kind, and gentle woman, and in the sphere we live in those charitable, indulgent natures are not very common. I am heartily tired of this constant criticism and interference which one meets at every step." " Oh ! you were no more fitted to occupy your present rank in society than I to become a queen ; in fact, not half 9* 100 HELEN LEESON: so much so," continued the lady, as she left the table and walked off with a would-be-majestic gait. "Well, well!" soliloquized the husband, "give me such a wife as poor Matilda, and I shall be satisfied. Oh ! why were not our fates reversed ?" sighed the wearied man. Alas ! Mr. Grantly knew not how much more wise Provi- dence has been in assigning to each of us a path in which we are destined to relieve or be relieved ! Blessed pro- vision ! which'renders humanity ever dependent upon itself, and restores to society that equilibrium without which it could not exist. " Perhaps he may be right," thought her majesty of fashion, as she gave herself up entirely to the superior knowledge of her maid, Mademoiselle Henriette, in the petty details of her elaborate toilet. " The more reason, then, for hurrying matters and getting a rich husband for Helen. But what ails the girl ? I can't make her out, of late." " Have you ordered the carriage, Henriette, for twelve o'clock, exactly ?" asked Mrs. Grantly. " Yes, madam ; shall I give you de pink bonnet or de white one? Is madam going to visit or shop?" asked the French woman, whose early education had taught her the distinction which American ladies do not always consider. " Both ; that is of no consequence here. I am going visiting with Miss Leeson, and then I will drive down to Stewart's to make some purchases." " Pas possible, that madam will wear dis beautiful dress to go in a store, nasty, dirty !" added the maid with comi- cal astonishment. What would Henriette have said could she have seen the many magnificent dresses trailing in Broad- way every afternoon ? so much wanton extravagance bad taste ! A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 101 "Now I am quite ready," said Mrs. Grantly, as she stood fully arrayed .in the last hints of fashion. "How do I look, Henriette ?" " Very well, madam, to call to see de ladies, but not to go to stores," persisted the maid. Helen was not prepared for her aunt's visit. She had risen with a heavy heart, little disposed to mix with the gay, and anxious for the afternoon, which would bring her friend to the promised window, rendezvous. Anna, whose regular, unagitated life was a stranger to the violent excitement which now racked poor Helen's heart, could not account for the restless nervousness which her sister evinced at times, and particularly that morning. "What shall I do?" said Helen, as she sat in Anna's room, unable to make the slightest exertion. " Time hangs BO heavily upon me this morning." " Play, sing, read, work," replied the little lame girl, as she arranged her flowers ; and plucking a sweet rosebud, she placed it in her sister's hair ; then running for a looking- glass, she stood before her, saying " Now admire yourself, if you won't do any thing else ; that is really becoming." " Don't put rose-buds in my hair, Anna ; let the happy chosen ones wear the pride of our gardens." " What ! not accept my foolish flower ? Nay, then I am indeed unblessed !" said Anna, smiling. " Now, dearest, I give you this, the first bud I have had for several weeks ; promise me to wear it all day, will you?" " Of course, if you wish it ; but I assure you, it will soon fade, if I place it near my heart !" " Oh, sister ! do not talk thus, you distress me. What what is the matter with you ? Are you ill in trouble ? Has your allowance given out ?" added the kind child, her 102 HELEN LEESON: eyes beaming with joy at the idea of discovering an evil which she knew she could remedy. " No, no, indeed ! I have never been so economical ; in fact, I can spare you something for your poor pension- ers this month," said Helen. "I know what hurts me. This confined city life does not agree with me ; I cannot bear company. These balls and parties are killing. In short," she added, as the tears fell fast upon the flower Anna had given her, " I am afraid God has abandoned me ; he does not love me as he loves you, Anna !" " Sister ! sister !" cried the pious child, " let not that wicked thought rest one instant in your mind ; chase it from you as the breathing of the evil spirit ! Oh ! no earthly affection, however strong, can compare with the pure, holy love the Saviour bears all, and especially his suffering children ! Yes, dearest," continued the inspired girl, " if you have cares which cannot be confided to those around you, let your heavenly Father be your comforter. He will apply the healing balm to the wound he will dry those tears ; not as I do now, with caresses and kisses, but far more efficaciously with soothing murmurs of relief and joy. It is not when the blessings of earthly goods are showered upon us that we feel the truth of what I tell you. No ; it is when those fleeting pleasures are withdrawn from us when the heart is sad, dejected, alone that the holy visitation is needed and welcomed ! And when the rays of that glorious hope and trust have dawned upon us, the gilded beams of this passing world will appear very dim I" Helen listened to the sweet sounds of her sister's voice. Oh how powerful is the influence of words of comfort and love upon the suffering mind ! 'Tis music heavenly music ! "Now I know Avhat we would both enjoy," said Anna, " a visit to Allbreeze. The dear old place must A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 103 be lonely without us, this dreary weather. I wonder whether my ducks and chickens miss me ? I think they do." " I dare say," replied Helen, who had brightened at the mention of their country residence, where she had spent every summer since her childhood. A llbreeze was a beautiful spot on Staten Island, which Mrs. Leeson had purchased in the early years of her mar- riage. She had derived so much pleasure from her quiet pursuits at the old place, and her children's health had improved so evidently year after year from the beneficial effects of that pure air, that the fond mu-h^v s, ma'am," said the waiter, " but a little engaged just now with a poor woman in distress. Please to walk into the library ? Madam will be down in a few minutes she expects Miss Leeson." Accordingly Helen was ushered into the little retreat, A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 165 which had been adorned by Mrs. Murray and her son with valuable collections of books and works of art. The dark oak which covered the walls was sculptured in antique mo- dels, and the heavy dark -green velvet curtains which hung from the oak cornice gave it that peculiar appearance of comfort and elegance which has in many establishments rendered the library the favourite resort for the lovers of peace and quiet enjoyment. Helen sat in an arm-chair near the fire, and after re- maining a few moments absorbed in thought, she took up an album which was on the table near her. It contained many beautiful sketches of American scenery, drawn by the hand of an artist. And as she turned over the pages, she saw several views of England, and here and there a reflection beneath the various souvenirs which had been pencilled above. " Ah ! my dear child !" said Mrs. Murray, as she came in, and shook hands with Helen in her usual cordial man- ner, "I am glad to find you thus engaged. That is an album which I value most highly all drawings by my friend Walter. The last ones he sent me from England, with such a kind, affectionate letter ! I was so delighted to hear of his safe arrival ! Now that we are alone, I will tell you all about him. Emma sent me word she could not be here before twelve o'clock, and I was selfish enough not to mention it, that I might have you all to myself for a little while. But tell me, first, how you are, and take off that pretty bonnet let me see you quite at home. Is not this a nice little place ?" " Charming !" replied the young girl, trembling at the prospect of the subject with which the unconscious hostess intended to entertain her guest. Fortunately, the faint light which reigned in the library concealed the changes 166 HELEN LEESON: which Helen's countenance betrayed during that dreaded conversation. "I shall have to tell you a little about myself," con- tinued Mrs. Murray, "a subject which I would ruther avoid, as it recalls painful remembrances of anguish. You may, perhaps, have heard from your aunt, Miss Marsy, whom I had the pleasure of knowing in the days of my youth and happiness, that mine was a bright fate for seve- ral years after my marriage. My husband was the best, the kindest of earthly protectors, and his love proved an ample compensation for the loss of a home where I had been an only and idolized child. For five or six years, no cloud dimmed the brilliant vista. Four little ones, nearly of a size, were growing up around us, and added new joys to our peaceful existence. But a terrible day of trial was . at hand. I lost my husband ; and scarcely six months had elapsed, when the divine messenger claimed the three darlings whose smiles had been my only comfort in that agonizing bereavement ! They died, in one week, of the measles ! My George was the only one spared to bind me to this sad life. He was the oldest, and even at that early age proved the support of my waning strength. Alas !" " Dear friend !" interrupted Helen, as she clasped the hand of the poor mother. " Yes," continued Mrs. Murray, " I felt that Providence had spared my boy, that I might not die of despair ! But it was long, very long, before my rebellious spirit would bend in submissive resignation, and acknowledge the bless- ing which remained to point out the path to heaven. Often, since I have grown older and have acquired experience, have I knelt in humble gratitude to the Divine Wisdom which spared the three angels so much pain and care ! 1 feel for them a security which cannot exist in this land of A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 167 trials and temptation. I know they are at rest, pure and holy, in the presence of the Saviour ! But why should I thus unfold to your young heart the dark pages of the world's trials ? Forgive me, and let me tell you at once about Walter. I love to talk of the kind young man almost a second son to me ! " About five years ago, I was spending the summer at Saratoga with George. We had taken one of the cottages, which afforded me all the comforts of a quiet home. I emerged from it often, however, to enjoy the sweets of so- ciety, which I felt were beneficial to my health and spirits. I had met, of course, many acquaintances, and one of my favourite pleasures was to have a meeting of my young friends at the cottage merry parties and cozy suppers, which all seemed to enjoy. We had been at Saratoga several weeks, when George was taken ill of a fever, which I thought slight at first, but when, a day or two after- ward, finding that it did not abate, I sent for the physi- cian, he told me my son was very ill ; and, in fact, in a Tew hours he was covered with a rash, which turned out to fte the measles. You can easily imagine my agony my iespair ! The very mention of the fatal disease sounded like the knell of death, and at once I thought all was over that God would take from me my only joy my only hope. I procured a nurse in the village, and for two or three nights I sat up with the dear invalid. On the fourth day, exhausted, both mentally and physically, I had gone into the parlour adjoining my son's room, leaving the door open, when the bell rang, and a gentleman, a perfect stranger to me, made his appearance, without waiting to be announced. " ' Mrs. Murray,' he said, * I arrived at Saratoga this afternoon, and heard of George's being ill. We were al 16 168 HELEN LEESON: school together for many years, and have always been in- timate. I think he would not object to my sitting up with him to-night, and allowing you to take a little rest. Pray accept my services : I have no dread of the disease, and having nursed my poor mother for many months, can be trusted with perfect security.' " I remonstrated with the friend who thus came to my assistance ; and not being willing to contract so great an obligation, I had politely refused his offer, when my son, who had overheard the conversation, called me to his bed- side. " * Mother,' he said, ' let Walter sit up with me, and do go to bed. I want to have him : he is an excellent fellow.' " I dared not oppose George's wish, and although I per- sisted in spending the night in the sick-room, still it was the greatest comfort to me to have the company and judicious care of the young man. For ten nights he did not leave my poor boy, who, thanks to the doctor's skill, or, I should say, to the mercy of the Divine Ruler, who ' tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,' was restored to me. It was a glorious day that, upon which George entered the little drawing-room, leaning on Walter's arm, smiling upon my happy countenance, and the many flowery tokens which I had collected to celebrate his convalescence. Walter was quite ill after George's recovery, but I knew nothing of it, for he left Saratoga the day after my son was able to drive out. " Of course, when I returned to the city, my first thought was to send for the friend to whom I was so much indebted. I did every thing in my power to discover the cause of that unusual melancholy which seemed to be almost natural to Walter, and which six months ago increased tenfold. I A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 169 thought that some embarrassment in his business might occasion that sadness, and would have given half of my fortune to assist the poor boy. But George assured mo that he was doing very well, and that he had a wealthy bachelor uncle, who, for many years past, had supported his father, much to Walter's annoyance, and who would probably leave him the whole of his property. What, then, could be the matter with our young friend? At twenty- seven, one may possibly be in love ; and I was convinced of it at last. About two months ago, one day, as I reached home rather late in the afternoon, my waiter, Benjamin, told me that Mr. Grey was in the library. As he dined with us once or twice a week, we did not consider him a stranger, and I usually left him to entertain himself until the dinner-hour. However, having forgotten a book which I was reading on this table, I thought I would step in for it, and gently raised the curtain which hangs over the door. Walter sat where you are sitting now, apparently absorbed in thought. It was too dark to distinguish his features, but I heard him mutter, with an expression of anguish not easily forgotten, ' Oh ! shall I never call her mine?' I dropped the curtain softly, and having hastily changed my dress, I returned to the library to sit with Walter, hoping to divert his thoughts, or, perhaps, discover the secret which caused his melancholy ; but in vain. He spoke of our sex in a strange, wild manner, saying," added Mrs. Murray, smiling, " that he knew but one worthy of affection, and that was myself. Puzzled, and anxious to bring comfort and happiness to one to whom I owed so much, I communicated my conjectures to my son, with the hope that he might find an explanation to the words which I had overheard. But he was no wiser than myself. We knew that Walter visited in no family except 170 HELEN LEESON: ours, and even refused to come here when we expected company. I have never been able to solve the mystery, and regret it deeply, for it would have given me infinite pleasure to see him happy ; and his is a heart which any woman might be proud of possessing. But, dear child, how cold your hand is ! I have fatigued you with this long story, which I thought might be interesting, as your brother is one of Walter's best friends. Let me give you a little cordial," and the old lady rang the bell. "lam perfectly well," said Helen, making a terrible effort to conceal her emotion, which had been increasing in a painful manner since the beginning of Mrs. Murray's narrative. " No, no ! You look ill. I suppose you were up late, last evening, and perhaps require some nourishment. It is twelve o'clock. Let me take you into the dining-room. Lunch must be ready, and Miss Grantly will be here in a few minutes." Helen rose, and mechanically followed the hostess. But she could eat nothing; and both ladies returned to the library, where they were soon joined by Emma, in high spirits and delighted with the idea of the flower-ball. " I am so glad to see you !" said Mrs. Murray ; "for I very foolishly entertained this sensitive little friend of mine with a long and gloomy story, which has given her the blues." " It may have made me sad, but it was certainly very interesting," said Helen. "Well, now, we will drop those souvenirs," continued Mrs. Murray, " and think only of making Flora's daughters smile, dance, and flirt, in the most becoming manner. You have a brilliant imagination, Emma ; pray, give us the benefit of it." A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 171 " All the glory of this novel and beautiful idea lies with you," said Emma, smiling. " I never should have thought of it." ^ Perhaps the execution may appear difficult to us," re- plied Mrs. Murray ; " but the very fact of its not being easily accomplished will render it tenfold more charming. Now, Helen, what flower will you choose ?" " Oh ! think not of me it is of very little importance." " Here is the book, and Benjamin will light the gas, for it is terribly dark everywhere, to-day. Now, let me see I will select a dress for each of you, and you must abide by my decision. I think I know you sufficiently well to ani- mate your respective dispositions. Oh ! here is the very thing ! Look, Emma ! Don't you think Helen, as she sits there so pensive, so sad, resembles this Pensee, or Heart's-ease ; or, still more properly speaking, Flower of Thought?" "Exactly," exclaimed Miss Grantly. "Don't say a word, Elly; it is perfect." "Very well; I will personate the Pensee," said Helen, smiling, "and try my best to keep up the character." " Judging from present appearances," said Emma, " that will not be very difficult. Now please, Mrs. Murray, allow me to choose my own robes," she added. "There is one which suits me in every respect. Here it is the Violet." " How humble ! how modest-!" exclaimed the old lady. " Do you not value its sweet perfume ? I think, on the contrary, that my selection betrays a great deal of vanity I do, indeed. Now, it must be so ; I know exactly how it will look so pretty and becoming," added the sweet girl, while Helen could not help envying Emma's bright nature, which beamed on all around her. " I will have the parlours decorated with flowers," said 15* 172 HELEN LEESON: Mrs. Murray; "and none except the mammas will be ad- mitted without one of the dresses which Grandville has as- signed to the fair inmates of our gardens. Now, ladies," she added, " I have a secret to confide to you, which you must promise never to reveal, and which I cannot very well execute without your assistance. I believe you are rather intimate with little Grace Orland, Miss Emma; are you not?" " Oh ! very intimate. She is such a modest, unassuming girl, and so talented. You have lost sight of her, I think, Helen, of late." "Yes," responded her friend, as she remembered Mrs. Grantly's uncharitable remarks about the Orlands ; " I have only seen her once or twice at our house, and here, I believe, one morning." "Well," continued Mrs. Murray, "I think very highly of Mrs. Orland, who has borne the sad reverses of fortune in a meek and Christianlike manner, comforting her poor husband with words of consolation and a cheerful spirit, which the unfortunate man was greatly in need of. Her daughter, too, has shown a great deal of character, forget- ting her own disappointments and bitter deceptions to be all-in-all to her parents and sisters. I admire Grace ex- ceedingly, and would be very happy to afford her some pleasure. I know she will not be able to come to the ball unless a dress is provided for her, and I would like to have it all made, and send it a few days beforehand, ready to put on. Now, Miss Emma, what can you suggest?" " This time I can serve you most effectually. My dress- maker has worked for Mrs. Orland for many years. She can make the costume without Grace's knowledge, and the surprise will be complete." " Delightful ! I knew you were a capital counsellor. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 173 Helen must do the rest, and select the dress for our little friend. Here is the book, fair lady." " I should think she would look sweetly as the Daisy so simple, so pure !" " Yes, that will do very well, and I shall enjoy the poor child's surprise. But, remember, not one word to any one about this fancy of mine. Ah, Benjamin ! what have you there a note?" continued Mrs. Murray, opening the scented billet. " Cards from Mrs. Coverley, from Miss Olivia ; and here is Mr. Dobbins. What a name ! Think you as Shakspeare does on the subject, Miss Emma ?" "Not exactly ; although I must confess that a common name does not depreciate a person's character in my eyes," responded the young girl, blushing. "We came here to be of some use to you, dear madam," said Helen, " and I do not see that we have at all ad- vanced matters. This will, I fear, give you considerable fatigue and annoyance." " You do not know my mother, Miss Leeson," said George Murray, who overheard Helen's remark as he en- tered the library. " Ladies, your most obedient ; can I be admitted to this illustrious confab ?" " Yes, if you can suggest any thing graceful and pretty," said his mother ; " I am pursuing my fancy for a ball composed of flowers, personified by our blooming belles." " A difficult thing to accomplish, my dear mother." " Why so ? If they look sweetly here in their white draperies covered with leaves and flowers, why should they not be a thousand times more beautiful when really ani- mated?" " I have not the slightest objection, and will greatly ap- preciate this novel parterre. May I ask what your selec- tions have been, young ladies ?" 174 HELEN LEESON: " Oh, that is a secret !" exclaimed Emma. " You are to remain in total darkness on the subject." " Yes, George ; you may take charge of the decorations and supper, and provide showers of flowers for the occa- sion," said Mrs. Murray. " That is unwise in you, for we surely cannot pretend to compete with the genuine daughters of Flora," added Helen, smiling. " The rose will blush at the contact, Miss Leeson, and the lily turn deathly pale, most certainly." " Come, Mr. Flatterer, that is all very fine," interrupted Mrs. Murray, " but you must attend to my favourite dream immediately. I will send out the invitations to-morrow, and in two weeks the flowers, personified, will honour us with their presence." " What ! so late already !" said Emma. " You have been so entertaining that, were it not for this telltale on the mantel-piece, I should never have thought of the hour. Now, do not scruple to send for me or this pensive friend of mine, if we can be of the slightest use to you. I will write to Mrs. Martin, the dress-maker, in a few days. Helen, where is your bonnet ? You lazy child ! one would suppose you could not make up your mind to leave that comfortable chair !" " That was Walter's favourite seat," observed Mr. Mur- ray. " By-the-by, mother, in his last letter, he says that he will send you the little statue you spoke of." "' Another fancy of mine, which I must tell you about the next time I have the pleasure of seeing you ; and then I hope to be more entertaining, Miss Leeson." " You had promised to drop that formal title." " I had forgotten it. Old people are apt to forget, you know ? Farewell ! and many thanks for the pleasure your A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 175 visit has procured me. George, at -what o'clock will you be home ?" " As soon as I have escorted these ladies." Kind Mrs. Murray claimed a kiss from her young friends ; and after they had left she wrote a note to Miss Orland, which brought the young girl at five o'clock for dinner, after which both ladies, assisted by George Mur- ray, in excellent spirits, sat down to write the invitations for the ball. 176 HELEN LEESON: CHAPTER XVIII. GREAT was the excitement created among the elite of the fashionables by the announcement of Mrs. Murray's novel entertainment, and many were the consultations among the ladies who were expected to animate their love- lier sisters, the gems of creation. But woman's vanity is daring and energetic ; it dreads not the rival charms of the rose nor the splendour of the camelia or ger-aniura ; the only hesitation was as to which would be the most becoming. All the flower-artists were called upon to furnish the mate- rials for these new fancy dresses, and many hours were devoted to the execution of Mrs. Murray's floral innovation. While these preparations were going on to the infinite delight of the belles, all were compelled to forget them a short time to call upon the fair Olivia, or rather the newly-married Mrs. Dobbins, who, as usual in our society, sported her rich lace veil and orange-blossoms a few days after her wedding to receive her friends. It was a large reception, crowded to Mrs. Coverley's great satisfaction, who. while she was bestowing her only daughter on an insignificant millionaire with perfect un- concern, would have been truly miserable if her reception had not proved one of the most brilliant of the season. Helen and her aunt were there, of course ; in fact, all our acquaintances the fashionable ones, we mean ; for we have the privilege of knowing and appreciating all rich and poor, young and old. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. I'd "What a treat it is to see you once more, Miss Leeson !" said Mac Tavish. " Methinks a whole century of penance has hung over us since we last met, and you look as though you had been very pious during that holy season of Lent." " Take care, Mr. Mac Tavish !" responded Helen, smiling ; *' I shall be on .my guard, and say, as the young Scotch girls did, that you are too wise." "I am wise, indeed," he replied, with a strange expres- sion ; " and will tell you something that will make you start, next Tuesday, at Mrs. Murray's ball." " Why not now ? You have excited my curiosity ; why not gratify it immediately?" " Because I might be mistaken. Oh ! Marvell, is that you ? Have you seen the groom ? Six feet and a few inches, I am sure ; and so much in love ! It is comical ! Pretty women must be very scarce in India." " Very scarce everywhere. Why so silent, Miss Helen? Has this prophet been trying his science upon you again ? He made such a mistake the other day, I thought he would not be tempted to renew the trial." " Mistake ! My dear fellow, you are labouring under a complete delusion. But that is of no consequence whatever, just now. On such occasions as these, one is bound to think of nothing else but the brilliant prospects of the bride, who is going, it appears, on a wedding tour to Niagara, and in a few weeks will leave for Europe. Would you not enjoy a visit abroad, Miss Leeson?" " Exceedingly ; but I have no hope of ever realizing that dream. Good-morning, Sir Archibald," added Helen, in answer to the nobleman's respectful bow. Gladly would she have avoided the meeting, but the crowd was so great at that moment that it was impossible to circulate. Thu 178 HELEN LEESON: bride was literally crushed with friendly congratulations, and the weight of them, or some secret annoyance, con- tracted her brow in a most unbecoming manner. Perhaps it was the repeated mention of Sir Archibald Courtnay's euphonious title which made her own newly-acquired name sound still more discordantly; or, perhaps, the "Now, Olivia, you will be completely worn out with all this fuss," whispered by the anxious husband, caused that look of concern to settle on the countenance thus exposed to the gaze of all charitable and ill-natured. Sad to say, the latter sometimes predominate, and our friends Mac Tavish, Marvell, and many others, who had at one time paid their homage to Miss Coverley, were not slightly pleased to dis- cover that, after all, she had made a poor bargain ; or, we should say, an uncongenial match. All wedding-receptions bear a strong resemblance to each other, and, as most of our readers are well acquainted with the usual routine fol- lowed on such occasions, we will leave Mrs. Dobbins in her travelling dress, bidding farewell to her fond mother and a few intimate friends, and starting with her husband for a tete-a-tete of six weeks. Let us seek less exciting and more soothing emotions. It was nine o'clock the night previous to Mrs. Murray's ball. In a small but neatly-furnished parlour sat Mr. and Mrs. Orland and their daughter. The four little ones had been sent to bed. Mr. Orland was reading. The care-worn look of the Btricken man told a sad tale of anguish; but hope still beamed in that fine eye, in that noble countenance ; and now and then the father would look up from his book, to cast a hurried glance at the fair young creature his beloved child who sat apparently occupied by her work alone, so intense was the abstraction. Mrs. Orland the A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 17C once wealthy lady of fashion, but, under all circumstances, the self-sacrificing woman had proved Avorthy of the trust Providence had placed in her. She had been the angel of hope and peace to her agonized husband, and had cheerfully accepted the new life which God had assigned to her. That evening, Mrs. Orland was busily employed in mending her children's garments, cutting out new ones, and superintending the inexperience of her daughter, who, like many others, had never attempted to learn any of those little domestic talents which, in some parts of Europe, form an essential branch of education. Grace was just seventeen, fond of gayety and society; and one of the poor mother's great trials had been to deprive her daughter of the pleasures she so longed for. Several times Mrs. Murray had taken charge of the young girl, but so many disappointments nay, humiliations had crossed the poor child's path, that she had finally given up going to balls, where she could not appear in the same extravagant dresses as her former companions. " Grace, dear, are you ill ?" said Mrs. Orland, who watched the quivering lip and tearful eyes of her daugh- ter. " No, mother ; only a little tired. You know I spent several hours at Mrs. Murray's this morning, arranging the flowers with George ; we had a fine time, but it was rather fatiguing. I wish you would go around there to- morrow, to look at the parlours. They are superb, and the ball will be magnificent," added the young girl as the tear fell on her work. " Don't think of it, dear ; balls are such empty, insignifi- cant enjoyments !" " To you, mother, perhaps ; but to me a ball is every thing that is beautiful and agreeable ! That is, it used to be !" 16 180 HELEN LEESON: The father sighed, and both mother and daughter were eilent for some time. The bell rang, and the servant girl hastily opening the door, admitted Benjamin, Mrs. Murray's colored man, who deposited a large box at Miss Orland's feet, saying " Missus sends her compliments, with this box, and much love to Miss Grace, and hopes Mr. and Mrs. Orland are well." " Very well, Benjamin ; many thanks to Mrs. Murray : my daughter will go to see her to-morrow morning." The grinning and delighted Benjamin left the room. " Grace, why do you not open that box ?" added Mr. Or- land, as he laid down his book, convinced that Mrs. Murray's present would afford his daughter great satisfaction. She hesitated, and burst into tears. There is a strong kindred feeling between the noble hearts of this world. The youifg girl knew at once that the kind friend had sent her the means of realizing her fond wish of appearing in a suitable dress at the ball on the following evening. "Well, then, I shall have to look," said the happy mother; and raising the lid of the box, she displayed to the eyes of the weeping girl, the robes of the Daisy which Helen had selected, and which Madame Martin had imitated most accurately with gauzes, ribbons, and leaves. "How beautiful!" exclaimed the delighted Grace. " Exquisite !" said the father ; " Mrs. Murray is a friend, indeed." "Here is a note for you, darling; read it to us," con- tinued Mrs. Orland. She read with a tremulous voice "MY OWN LITTLE GRACE: "I could not have enjoyed my flower-ball without your A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 181 sweet self. Pray come to me to-morrow in your usual character the Daisy. Truly yours, ANNE MURRAY." " Mother ! mother ! can any thing be more kind and thoughtful?" exclaimed the young girl as she pressed the little note to her lips. Tears glistened in Mr. Orland's eyes as he said " Adversity is a valuable microscope ; through it we discover the real feelings of all toward us." The next morning, as soon as Grace had attended to the little home duties which she shared with her mother in cheerful contentment, she put on her bonnet, and went to Mrs. Murray's. The old lady was at breakfast with her son. A smile appeared on her benignant countenance as the young girl entered. " Dear, dear friend !" said Miss Orland. " Did you think that I would personate the Daisy, here, this evening, with- out thanking you first as modest little Grace ?" " I am indebted to you, darling. You cannot imagine how delighted I have been to have the dress all ready with- out your knowing it. Does it fit well ? Madame Martin made it." " It fits beautifully. I tried it on last evening. It is so becoming! Oh," she added, blushing, "Mr. George, I forgot you were there. Now, don't laugh at me, please." " Why not ? My laughing makes you blush, and that is so pretty, you know !" " I don't ! Indeed, it is very ridiculous." " Have you had breakfast, dear child ?" asked Mrs. Mur- ray, who was one of those hostesses in constant dread of their guests not meeting with a welcome sufficiently bountiful. 182 HELEN LEESON: " Oh ! long ago. I am an early riser now; the boys have gone to school, and I helped mother in her housekeeping." " Well, then, don't wait here for me. George, take her into the parlour, and show her the result of your last night's labour." Grace spent an hour assisting Mrs. Murray in various final arrangements, and then consented to go home to take a nap previous to the fatigues of the evening. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 183 CHAPTER XIX. NUMEROUS were the fluttering hearts and joyful antici- pations on the night of Mrs. Murray's ball; and at the usual ridiculous hour, Flora's children, with smiling coun- tenances and graceful airs, came tripping into the splendid drawing-rooms, which had been decorated with infinite taste and elegance for their reception. Not one jewel, not one diamond, sparkled upon the flowers personified. All those glittering ornaments had been crowded upon the mammas, whose dark velvets and satins formed a beautiful shade to the brilliant picture. Mrs. Murray received her guests with her usual grace and dignity, bestowing upon each a word of praise and thanks for their willing contribution to the accomplishment of her original idea, which stood without a parallel in the annals of fashion. " Good-evening, noble Lily," said the hostess, address- ing Mrs. Seyton, who bowed in solemn grandeur, and then turning suddenly to Mr. Morris and several others, said "Pray, gentlemen, spare my train." The gorgeous Tulip M t iss Cora Dalton then appeared, and obtained many most flattering compliments. Augusta Waring wore the bewitching colours of the Pomegranate. Julia Elvington personated the queen of flowers the Rose. It would be impossible to describe all these delicate and fanciful productions. The idea of the poet and artist had 16* 184 HELEN LEESON: been carried out as accurately as possible. All had copied Grandville's creations, and the effect was exquisite far more beautiful than any fancy ball. There were showers of smiling Pink and White Roses ; Geraniums of various shades ; Honeysuckles ; Camelias, white and variegated ; the gorgeous Dahlias, and the simple, eccentric Wild Rose. The Orange-blossom, in its pure white robes ; and even the Narcissus had been selected by one or two young ladies, who had forgotten, or had never known, the fate of the unfortunate youth. The fair wearers of nature's choicest charms were borne around the dancing-room in strange contrast with each other. Well might it have been said of them what Gav- arni so beautifully expresses of such an assembly " A ball is a basket of ribbons and gauzes, intermingled with flowers fresh, faded, and artificial; among which flutter a swarm of black butterflies by the light of a thou- sand candles !" What would the poet have said, could he have seen the flowers themselves carried away by the black butterflies and keeping time to the delightful music ? And where was Helen in that brilliant crowd ? Eleven o'clock had struck, and she had not yet made hor appearance. As Robert was to escort his sister, Mrs. Grantly had come without her niece, resplendent with diamonds, and attired in her most elegant ball-dress Lord Devere, after paying his tribute of admiration to many of Flora's children, had claimed a seat near Mrs. Grantly, inquiring in a particular manner about Miss Leeson. " Indeed, my lord, I am quite uneasy. It is very late," answered the lady. " Yes, and my nephew is disconsolate. We anticipated A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 185 eo much pleasure in seeing your beautiful niece in her new character !" " Helen, my dear, what has kept you so late ?" inquired Mrs. Murray, as she came forward to meet her young friend, who entered the parlour, followed by Robert. " Father has been very ill all day. He is rather better just now, or I should not have left him," replied our hero- ine, whose pale countenance spoke of anxious hours arid care. But that very paleness increased Helen's matchless beauty, as she stood arrayed in the mysterious attributes of the Pensee or Heartsease. She wore a long flowing robe of white crape, gathered around the waist by a green girdle, from which hung, with- out any symmetry, leaves and sprigs of the plant. The upper part of the- waist was partially concealed by a large Heartsease, made of purple velvet and gold-coloured satin. The sleeves were looped up with a smaller flower, and to the shoulders were attached delicate gossamer wings. A single Pensee was placed as a ferronni^re on Helen's dark hair, giving her countenance a peculiar character of me- lancholy and pensiveness, which was remarkably in har- mony with her classical features. " Thought, how exquisite thou art !" would have ex- claimed the artist, could he have beheld the personification of his poetical fancy. Helen was soon surrounded by a bevy of admirers, all anxious to obtain a look, a smile, or the more valued boon of a polka or redowa from the reigning belle. " I do not dance this evening, Mr. Marvell. That would not be in keeping with my character," said Helen. " What is more active, more quick, than thought ?" an- swered the disappointed Harry. 186 HELEN LEESON: " Thought flies, Mr. Marvell, but it does not dance." "How cruel!" exclaimed Sir Archibald. "Is it possi- ble. Miss Leeson, that you intend making us all miserable this evening ?" " All ! I am not vain enough to fancy myself possessed of such power, Sir Archibald." " Oh ! who does not acknowledge that power ?" whis- pered the nobleman, while the young girl turned from his amorous gaze to meet her friend, Emma Grantly, saying " You were right, dearest ; this is a sweetly pretty dress you have chosen. These dark purple petals are so becoming to your light hair, and that noble heart of yours lies so well concealed beneath the modest foliage of the violet ! Where is Grace ? I have not seen her." " Over there, dancing with young Dallas, who seems to think very highly of the little Daisy," said Miss Grantly. " The dress is very becoming, but yours, Helen, is the most perfect here." " I assure you that it was with a heavy heart that I con- sented to wear it this evening. Father is quite ill. The doctor could not tell what was the matter with him. Poor mother is very much alarmed ; and Laura has been so com- plaining that aunt is most anxious about her. Trouble on all sides ! It unfits you for such scenes as these." " Yes, but is not this a wonderful sight ? I never would have supposed it could be accomplished with such perfec- tion. We are greatly indebted to Mrs. Murray;" and Emma left her friend, to dance with Sydney Morris, after which she devoted a few moments to an agreeable conver- sation with M. de Cerny and Professor Amory, both great admirers of the animated flowers. " May I pay homage to the royal Lily ?" asked Marvell, A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 187 occupying the seat which Allan Dorsay had just vacated, near the coquettish little widow. "Yes," replied the garden sovereign, " if it is an enter- taining one. I never could tolerate a stupid subject." " Your majesty is fastidious, we all know, and many a fine speech has been tortured by tne sighing vassal before it was considered worthy of being spoken." " You were a long time composing that one, Mr. Mar- vell," added Mrs. Seyton, laughing. " You, the very per- fection of fashionable oratory !" "Wicked as a queen, wicked as a woman; but so be- witching with this regal diadem ! Is it not so, Mac Tavish?" " Of course ! But why repeat what all know so well ?" "Because one never tires of hearing it," answered Mar- vell. " Have you noticed Miss Cora's turban ? Her dress is magnificent a really glittering Tulip ; but I do not ad- mire the selection. Oh ! give me that exquisite little Daisy, over there ; or Miss Grantly's simple dress ; or rather Miss Leeson's sublime personification !" " She is beautiful, no doubt, but a perfect statue, as though she said, ' Here I am ; admire me !' " said Mrs. Sey- ton, who, like many others, was rather annoyed by Helen's supremacy in the field of fascination. " She need not say it," replied Marvell. "All acknow- ledge it, except Miss Helen herself." "Mr. Mac Tavish," pursued the somewhat offended Lily, " have you ever studed mythology ? Do you remem- ber the fate of Narcissus ?" Perceiving that one of those flowers was dancing near them, the polite Scotchman hesitated, almost willing to ap- pear ignorant, sooner than wound the feelings of the uncon- scious wearer of the Narcissus. 188 HELEN LEESON: " It was the fate of many, I believe." " That is no answer." "Well, he was in love." "But with whom? I see you don't know," persisted the provoking little flirt. " If you will promise not to frown, I will tell you, Mrs. Seyton, or rather proud Lily,", he added, in a whisper. "Narcissus was affected in the very same manner that some pretty women are, when they look in a mirror ; and if that mirror were a brook, I don't know of any thing that could save them !" The lady had too much wit not to detect the lesson ; but feeling that she had brought it upon herself, she turned off the conversation, much to the relief of the neighbouring Narcissus, who knew that if she was noticed by Mrs. Sey- ton, it was not for any charitable purpose. Mrs. Grantly, greatly elated by the particular attentions of Lord Devere, and confident of the fortunate result of her favourite scheme, seemed much annoyed by the cold manner of her niece toward the nobleman. In the course of the evening she managed to whisper to the young girl " Now is the time, Elly ; the prize is yours. Be but a little gracious, and Sir Archibald is at your feet." Little did the fine lady know how different were the feel- ings of her niece from her own worldly desires. An in- describable sensation of despondency, of resignation, had crept into Helen's heart. She cared for no one, for no- thing. There was no pride, no ambition in that bosom, so lately a prey to both. A calm, soft feeling of sadness was its only inmate. It was quite late almost two o'clock. The daughters of Flora had proved their humanity by duly appreciating A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 189 the many delicacies which were crowded upon a magnificent supper-table. The black butterflies had offered the sparkling cham- pagne to their smiling partners, and the German cotillion a living garland of flowers was at its height, when Mrs. Murray came up to Helen, who stood surrounded with admirers, watching the graceful figures of the favour- ite dance. "If these gentlemen will spare you to me for a few minutes, Miss Leeson," she said, " I would like to show you a piece of statuary I received from Paris a few days ago." Helen followed the hostess into the library. In one corner of it stood a marble group, representing Hope, Faith, and Charity the most exquisite personifi- cation of the three sisters. To render the effect more per- fect, the artist had placed in the hand of the meek and loving Charity a shell, intended to contain the offering of those who could not resist that silent appeal to their no- bler feelings. And when Helen looked at it, the shell was already filled with gold-pieces, which, no doubt, had been deposited there through the beaming intercession of some bright eyes. " Now look and admire, dear child, and then tell me whether Walter is not a man of taste and a devoted son, to think his adopted mother worthy of such a gift ?" Helen answered not, but contemplated in mute admira- tion the sublime work of art. . Mrs. Murray, satisfied with the effect produced by her favourite fancy, as she called it, left the room for a mo- ment to give a few orders. Mac Tavish, who was naturally curious and anxious to 190 HELEN LEESON: share in the pleasure which Mrs. Murrry had promised her young guest, soon followed into the library. Helen was still looking at the piece of statuary ; and as she stood resting against the dark velvet curtain so mo- tionless, so beautiful the young Scotchman gazed from the admirable marble group to the animated Pensee, and could scarcely discover which was the more perfect nature's or art's creation. " Ah, Mr. Mac Tavish ! is that you ?" exclaimed the young girl, as she started from her reverie. " Now that we are alone, will you not tell me that secret which puz- zled me so much the other day?" " I will ; but you must promise not to be offended," he replied, in a gentle, almost affectionate tone, but so re- spectful, that it could not be mistaken for any thing but sincere interest. " Tell me do !" said Helen, with a slight nervousness of manner " Well !" added the young man, with hesitation, " I do not think to-night as I thought six weeks ago, when I said you had never been in love." " I ? Mr. Mac Tavish ? You are joking, surely. Pray, what do you judge from ?" asked Helen, with a faint smile. " From a variety of circumstances ; and I will say more The happy mortal who has caused that matchless heart to flutter is not here to-night !" At that moment Mrs. Murray came in, followed by Robert, who was in search of his sister. "It is late, Elly, and mother is sitting up," he said; "come !" "I am quite ready. Farewell, Mrs. Murray," she added. "Many thanks for this delightful evening!" A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 191 " I have not offended you, I hope ?" whispered poor Eric, as he escorted Helen to her carriage. "Oh, no," was the answer. "Your father is better, my children," said Boget, aa she met Robert and his sister at the door. " Go to bed quietly, and take some rest." Helen went up to her room, undressed hastily, and lay down, but not to sleep. A thousand visions flitted across her bewildered mind. She recalled every sensation of the evening her indifference to the young nobleman ; her rivetted admiration of the marble group ; every word ut- tered by Mac Tavish. At last, racked by the tumult of her thoughts, the young girl sat up, and clasping both hands upon her burning brow and then on her beating heart, she exclaimed " It cannot ! it must not ! it shall not be !" Then, with a wild look of terror, she cried, " Oh ! it is ; I feel it here here, in this broken heart. Walter, thou art avenged at last I love thee !" And burying her head in her pillow, she sobbed violently. And the angel of love and peace watched over the sleep- ing girl, driving away the spirit of darkness and hatred who had dwelt there so long. 17 192 HELEN LEESON: CHAPTER XX. "A CHANGE came o'er the spirit of my dream." Lt hot those to whom the workings of the human heart are un- known, wonder and exclaim at the apparently suddose to assign to me, even that of devoted lover to Miss Leeson. Farewell. Ever your own " GUSTAVE." The viscount met Laura, Helen, and Robert at the 21 240 HELEN LEESON: theatre. A very agreeable evening increased the interest and good feeling which their first interview had created. As the young man had announced to his guests, the per- formance was by no means equal to those which the fas- tidious Parisians are accustomed to. But, the scenery and choruses being fair, and the orchestra very good, upon the whole it was very gratifying to the travellers ; and several hours glided away before they were aware of it. On the following day, while the ladies were preparing for a drive to the Bois de Boulogne, Madame de Cerny and her daughters were announced. Miss Marsy's toilet being less elaborate than that of her nieces, she was the only one ready to receive the strangers. Madame de Cerny was an elderly person, not at all handsome, but extremely genteel in her appearance, of easy and agreeable manners. As she was not familiar with the English language, and as Aunt Seraph's prejudices had prevented her ever devoting much study to French, it was with difficulty that the two ladies exchanged those simple civilities which lead to general conversation. " My daughter Blanche speaks English very well," said Madame de Cerny. In fact, the young girl proved a most capable and elo- quent interpreter : and she was in the act of transferring a gracious expression from her mother to Miss Marsy, when Laura and Helen came in ; and as both were excel- lent French scholars, Aunt Seraph was partially relieved of her responsibility as a hostess. Blanche and Isaure de Cerny were fine, stylish-looking girls. Isaure was the more showy of the two, but Blanche decidedly the prettier of that French prettiness which does not consist in extreme regularity of features, but in that grace of expression which is an irresistible A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 241 charm ; one which regular beauty does not always possess. There was so much intelligence in those large black eyes, so much bewitching softness in the heavy lashes which vailed them, that one could not pause to consider whether the mouth, which displayed those exquisite teeth, was not too large for the criterion of perfection. In short, Blanche was considered a beauty ; and although the fair of her native land have frequently been accused of overrating their advantages, that reproach could not be addressed to Mademoiselle de Cerny. Both sisters were extremely modest and retiring in their manners, agreeable, and possessing a great fund of conver- sation, but without the slightest aim at brilliancy ever seeking the protecting knowledge of their mother. There may be some objections to French education in general ; but in this particular point the moral dependence of chil- dren on their parents they are to be admired and copied. Notwithstanding her strong disapprobation of French manners, customs, etc., Aunt Seraph could not help ac- knowledging to Laura that she had been very much pleased with the three ladies. "But," she added, "they must be exceptions. All I have heard of French women was very different." Among the many who have written on such subjects, how few there are who have had the opportunity of a the rough acquaintance with those whom they thus criticise, and whose character they attempt to describe, as though it were a passing landscape, without further investigation ! After Madame de Cerny and her daughters had left, our ladies started for their drive to the Bois de Boulogne, little Arthur being one of the party. The Parisian world of fashion was out of town ; but there were still many elegant equipages to be seen. The 242 HELEN LEESON: Champs Elysees were crowded with pedestrians, all more or less cheerful, but appearing to appreciate their recreation exceedingly. What a benefit those public parks and gardens are to the masses of human beings whom fate has condemned to live in close, unhealthy lodgings, and who, like the caged bird, sigh for space and air ! An honr spent in the enjoy- ment of these blessings will give the suiferer new life and courage to resume his painful labour. " Happiness lies in fancy." To a certain extent, this is true. Is it not essential, then, that those deprived of real happiness should be provided with the recreation essential to man, both morally and physically, thus furnishing the mind with food adequate to supply the absence of actual pleasure ? This is not sufficiently considered in our coun- try. The blessed prosperity which has always shone upon our people has not rendered those minute details of human economy of vital importance ; but let adversity, care, misery in its appalling reality, settle as a permanent resi- dent in our population, then will the want of those places of resort, which all can benefit from, be felt. Money ! money ! Measure the joys and comforts of your fellow- beings by that metallic standard, and see what the con- sequences will be ! But, led away by a sincere wish to benefit the less-fa- voured portion of mankind, whom the Saviour has pointed out as our brethren, we have wandered far from our sub- ject, and must return with our little elf, Fancy, to the car- riage wherein kind Aunt Seraph and her nieces are enjoying the beauties of the Bois de Boulogne, and attracting a great deal of attention almost too much for their satis- faction, and quite enough to make Robert exclaim "These Frenchmen are mighty impertinent fellows, A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 243 by Jove ! I would like to give them a piece of my mind !" " A hard matter, mj dear fellow, as you do not speak their language," said Laura, laughing. " And, pray, of what consequence is it that they should look at us? Helen and I do not attach any importance to their scrutiny of our foreign air." " How happy I am to meet you, ladies !" said M. de Mornay, as he rode up to the carriage ; " I hope your un- interesting evening at the opera did not give you too much annoyance." " Oh, no ! on the contrary, it was most agreeable," an- swered Laura. " What a beautiful horse you are riding, M. de Mornay !" " A pet of mine, to whom I have given an English title Fox. Do you ride, ladies ?" " Sometimes ; that is, my cousin is an experienced horse- woman, but I am too timid," replied the countess. "It would give me great pleasure to be your escort, Miss Leeson," said the young man. " My mother has an excel- lent lady's horse, which M'lle Blanche de Cerny, whom you know, I believe, has ridden very often ; he is perfectly safe. Will you not allow me to have him at your orders in a few days?" ' Certainly," said Laura. " My cousin will not answer for herself, because she is so very discreet; but I know she will enjoy it exceedingly." " My mother will be in town to-morrow," continued the young man. " She is most anxious to make your acquaint- ance. I hope we will prevail. upon you to name a day to make us a visit at Valpres. I feel confident you will fancy the old castle." "I have no doubt," said Miss Marsy, who had taken 21* 244 HELEN LEESON: the secret resolution of declining Madame de Mornay's invitation. The young viscount took leave of the ladies, and they proceeded on their drive. Little Arthur having become restless and anxious to run about, the party alighted, and the child was enjoying the sport, when he suddenly ex- claimed" Friend Dob ! friend Dob !" It was, in fact, Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins, promenading, at the fashionable slow pace, in the avenues ; both apparently little diverted and under evident restraint. " How are you, my darling boy ?" said the worthy fellow, as he caught the child up in his arms. " Why, you have grown so tall ! . And what a fine cap Arty has on ! Good- morning, ladies," added Mr. Dobbins, shaking hands with all in a most sociable manner ; " I am so happy to meet you ! not a familiar face have I seen since we arrived here." Olivia had already exchanged some greeting with her New York friends. But a great change had taken place in her appearance since they parted at Liverpool. She was dressed in the height of fashion, and had adopted what is called the French style of expressing one's self; that is, great affectation. As far as our experience goes, we have generally found that those who imitated the French women were infinitely more artificial than they are them- selves. It was the case with Olivia. She had made several acquaintances among the ultra-fashionables, and in attempt- ing to raise her style and manners to their criterion, she had overleaped the mark, and stood in the full possession of unconscious ridicule. Poor Dobbins, who was a mere echo of his high-toned lady, dared not make the least observation ; but his sensi- tive nature was sorely crushed, and more than once he had wished himself amid the wilds of India. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 245 " We are staying at Meurice's, Mr. Dobbins," said Laura : " do come and see us very often. Arty is so fond of you ; he talks incessantly of your kind feats in his favour on board the Atlantic." " I will come very soon," answered the dejected husband, as he hastened to join his better, or rather worse, half, who had flounced off at some distance from her American friends. " It is getting late," said Miss Marsy ; " come, my chil- dren, let us return to the carriage ; you know Robert has promised you a treat for this evening." And the party returned to the hotel. 246 HELEN LEESON: CHAPTER XXVI. " IT is perfectly ridiculous in you, Laura, to oblige me to go to Madame de Mornay's," said Miss Marsy, as she rose from the breakfast-table, a few days after her drive to the Bois. "Ridiculous! why so, my dear 'aunt?" answered the countess. " Of course ; what kind of a figure will I cut among all those French people, with their fine airs and elaborate dressing?" " Did you notice any thing of that sort in Madame de Mornay?" asked Laura. "I think I heard you say she was a charming woman one of the most agreeable you had ever met with." " Certainly, I think so ; but you know, Laura, she is an exception; her company must be very different." "Now, Aunt Seraph," said the countess, laughing, "al- low me to remind you of a fact. You said that Madame de Cerny and her daughters were exceptions ; Madame de Mornay being another, where, then, is the unexceptionable rule upon which your opinion of French ladies is founded ?" " Well, I don't know ; but the fact is, I would rather not accompany you to-day. Methinks three of our party are quite enough to assail the Chateau de Valpre's." " With such an invitation as we received from Madame de Mornay," said Laura, " I would have no objection to spend- ing a week with her. And besides, aunt, you must go, A PEEP AT NEW YOP.K SOCIETY. 247 because I never could tell a fib without blushing ; and how can I apologize for your absence?" " Say I am ill engaged any thing you please." "No, I will not give up to you this time; and if you do not dress immediately to go with us, we will quarrel, Miss Marsy." As usual, Laura won her point, and the old friend, after having appealed to her niece for various little suggestions regarding her cap, and having declared repeatedly that she was making a fool of herself, entered the parlour at ten o'clock, fully equipped for the encounter of a real French party. A few moments afterward, M. de Mornay called for the ladies, and in half an hour they were comfortably seated in the cars, Arty and Nina included, the little fellow hav- ing received an especial invitation. The trip proved a most agreeable one. The young vis- count was full of wit and amusing anecdotes ; and as they passed the spots which possessed any interest, he pointed them out to the travellers, saying " But we cannot compete with you as regards picturesque scenery. I read, a few days ago, one of M. de Cerny's letters to his father, in which he gives an exquisite descrip- tion of Niagara." " No one can speak more eloquently of the beauties of nature than M. de Cerny," said Helen. " I had the plea- sure of hearing him once on his favourite theme : it was most gratifying. He must be an excellent man, for he speaks from the fulness of his heart, and his narratives are beaming with charity." " He is indeed a noble fellow, and it is very painful fot his mother to be so often separated from him. For many years ho has devoted his whole attention to scientific pur- 248 HELEN LEESON: suits, to accomplish which he has of course been obliged to travel a great deal." " I hope you will take a fancy to locomotion also, M. Gustave," said Robert, who had become quite intimate with the young Frenchman, much to Aunt Seraph's dread. The old lady was not aware of her nephew's being already an adept in all the evils he might have acquired from the Parisians. " How far is your place from here ?" asked Laura, as they stopped at one of the stations. " Only one league. We will be there very soon. Now, Master Arthur, come here to me, and tell me how you like Paris." " Very well ; very pretty," said the little man, with a amile, and a pull at the young man's watch. " Since I have had the honour of your acquaintance, I never thought of asking you whether you were fond of music, ladies, or rather whether you were musical?" said M. de Mornay. " All very fond of it," answered Laura ; " and this quiet lady here has a magnificent voice, worthy of better judges than we are." "How delighted my mother will be to hear you!" said the viscount; "she is so extravagantly fond of music." "Oh! I would not sing in Paris on any account," replied Helen. "Pray, do not ask me; I should be frightened to death." " How ridiculous !" said Laura. " We will claim the intervention of your authority, Miss Marsy," added the young man. " Oh ! I have none, sir ; not the least ; these ladies manage me entirely," said Aunt Seraph, smiling. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 249 " Here we are !" exclaimed little Arthur, as the cars stopped, and he saw M. de Mornay leap out and offer his hand to the ladies. " Pray, follow me," he said; "my mother's carriage must be waiting for us. Here are two at our orders. We will occupy this one ; Etienne can take charge of Master Arthur and his nurse." The party started, and in a short time they entered the gates of the Park de Valpres. " What immense trees ! This is almost a forest," said Miss Marsy. " One might fancy oneself a hundred miles from Paris. And these pretty little deer are so tame; what graceful creatures !" " Mother does not allow any shooting on this side of her property, and these fellows are quite sociable." "I am delighted to see you, ladies," said Madame de Mornay, coming forward to receive her guests, as they alighted from the carriage. " It is so kind in you to come this dist^ace ! But the Americans, I believe, are the best travellers in the world." " With such an inducement as we had to-day," replied the countess, " we would have undertaken a much longer journey. The trip appeared very short in such good com- pany," she added, turning toward M. de Mornay. The young man bowed, and then offered his arm to Miss Marsy to escort her to the parlour, where five or six ladies and gentlemen were already assembled. " My guests are compelled to devote the whole day to me, as there are no means of communicating with Paris except morning and evening," said the amiable hostess. "I am the gainer by this arrangement. Will you take this seat, Miss Marsy ? You are, I believe, acquainted with Madame de Cerny and her daughters? Let me 250 HELEN LEESON: introduce Madame Dorival to you ; she speaks English per- fectly." " "Will you not allow me to take you to my room, ma- demoiselle ?" said Blanche de Cerny to Helen : " it will be more convenient for you to leave your honnets and shawls there ; and this little gentleman no doubt requires a rest." " Yes, Blanche, take charge of the Countess Marini and Miss Leeson," said Madame de Mornay. " Miss Marsy will be kind enough to follow me through this old-fashioned labyrinth. I want you to take a look at this old place before we settle down for the day. You know you are mine until nine o'clock this evening. Gustave will escort you to Paris." " I should be distressed to give him so much trouble." " Don't mention it, pray. My son has been brought up with a slight tinge of chivalry ; and for a great deal I Avould not that he should be less attentive to ladies." Let us pause one moment to say a few words of Mrs. Murray's friend, while she is doing the honours of her resi- dence with truly Creole grace and hospitality, and obtaining jnore and more regard from her guests. Madame de Mornay had been a beautiful woman, and still possessed sufficient personal charms to elicit a great deal of admiration from those who study and appreciate the exquisite outline of a regular profile. She might, have been forty, but was certainly not fifty. A judicious selection of becoming, and appropriate dress rendered a positive know- ledge of hej; age a difficult matter. But that was of trifling consequence; in fact, one was never tempted to discuss the point, for Madame de Mornay's extreme affability of man- ners won all hearts to her at once. She was a general fa vourite, possessed many friends, young and old, and to A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 251 the tastes and dispositions of all she conformed with that elasticity of intellect and feeling which springs from a cul- tivated mind and a noble heart. "Now, my dear Miss Marsy," said the lady of Valpres, as she led her guests into the dining-room, where a lunch was prepared, " I hope you will like our little intimate circle. I selected those whom I thought might be congenial to you, with the addition of a few young people to enter- tain your nieces." " I have no doubt your friends are charming," answered Aunt Seraph, whose charitable feelings were gradually getting the better of her prejudices. After lunch, the party repaired to the drawing-room, which was furnished with comfort and elegance, but none of that crushing splendour which struck us so disagreeably in Mrs. Seyton's magnificent residence. Every article of furniture which could contribute to comfort or pleasure had been crowded in that spacious saloon. Soft arm-chairs and lounges of all styles, tables for work or cards, others covered with fine engravings. On many stood vases of flowers, reflected in the large mirrors which hung around the room, giving it that cheerful appearance which no amount of gilding can produce. How true the remark, that mirrors are to a drawing-room what water is to a landscape ! We must not forget to mention one of Erard's fine pianos, whose melodious strains so often charmed the ram- blers, when, after a long stroll in the grounds, they re- turned to the parlour to luxuriate in the many intellectual pursuits of which it contained the elements. Madame de Cerny and the other ladies were engaged in some elegant feminine occupation when Madame de Mor- nay and her American friends entered. All rose to make 22 252 HELEN LEESON: room for them, and the conversation soon ran on various interesting topics ; it was carried on principally in French ; but Madame Dorival addressed her remarks in English to Aunt Seraph, translating also, for her benefit, the most striking points in the general conversation. "We cannot think of spending the morning without having a little music," said the hostess. "Ladies, I claim your daily contribution to our enjoyment. Mademoiselle Isaure's usual compliance with our desires will, I trust, display itself on this occasion," added Madame de Mornay, smiling. Mademoiselle de Cerny rose immediately and executed several reminiscences from different operas ; after which Miss Blanche sang, in an artistical manner, an Italian cavatina. Helen listened with intense satisfaction to the scientific performance of both ladies ; but an annoying feeling of dread crept over her as she saw the viscount whisper to his mother. Madame de Mornay went up to Helen, and, taking her hand, gently obliged her to rise, saying " Miss Leeson, my son has just told me that you sang ; we claim the privilege of hearing you." "Oh, no; I cannot, indeed!" said Helen; "after such beautiful singing, mine would sound very discordantly to your musical ear." " Allow us to judge of that. Now, only one little song ! After that, we will take a walk. I have many pretty things to show you." Finding that it was impossible to refuse Laura having encouraged Madame de Mornay in her request, by assert- ing that her cousin had a very good voice Helen, who had received excellent lessons in New York, and who really could sing well, selected a simple song from Miss Blanche's A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 253 portfolio, and, with much hesitation, at last succeeded in accomplishing the great feat of singing before a French audience : her emotion having increased the richness of her voice, it produced a wonderful effect. "How exquisite!" exclaimed Madame de Mornay. " Would it not have been cruel in you to deprive us of so much pleasure ?" Gustave was sparing of his praise, but he was evidently charmed ; and Laura, who, as Alice Irving had re- marked, was wonderfully wise, watched with satisfaction the increasing admiration of the young viscount for her cousin. " Now, shall I show you this old place, its grounds, and fine trees, before dinner ?" asked Madame de Mornay. " Certainly, dear madame," replied the countess. Some of the ladies joined the party, and the others retired to their respective apartments. The ChUteau de Valpres had been built some three hundred years; and although the interior distribution had been altered, in order to introduce the improvements of this fastidious age, it still retained that stamp of antiquity which to the lovers of romance is so full of interest. It was situated upon an eminence commanding a view of the surrounding country. The park and grounds were exten- sive, and laid out in the English style. But what was most striking and novel to the looker-on was the immense lawn or prairie, which for nearly a quarter of a mile ex- tended its emerald plain, producing the effect of a sheet of water. At night, by moonlight, when a slight vapour arose from the dewy grass, the delusion was complete. Miss Marsy, who was a genuine lover of nature's charms, was delighted with the many attractions of the old domain. She was bountiful in its praise ; and once, as Laura hap- 254 HELEN LEESON: pened to pass near her aunt, she said, hurriedly " How sorry I should have been to miss all these beautiful sights !" Madame de Mornay led her guests through her spacious green-houses. From there, they went to the pheasantry, and had occasion to admire many rustic constructions, which displayed not only a great deal of taste, but an uncommon regard for the comfort of the little feathered tribe, who were thus deprived of their native air and liberty to gratify the fancy of man. Farther on, they saw the park, in which the deer found a warm shelter in winter. There were several at rest, and with graceful shyness they came for- ward to receive a caress or a morsel of cake from the visitors. An hour was thus spent very agreeably; and when they returned to the chateau, Madame de Mornay invited the ladies to rest in her boudoir while she retired to dress for dinner. " Who can this be ?" said Laura, as she rose from a lounge, attracted to the window by the noise of horses. " What a handsome woman !" added Helen ; " but a very masculine-looking person. Ah ! M. de Mornay is assisting her to dismount. I suppose she is going to dine here." Helen was not mistaken. As Miss Marsy and her nieces entered the drawing-room, they found quite an addition to the party they had met there in the morning. Several gentlemen had arrived from Paris; and the Amazon who had attracted their attention, having changed her riding- habit for an elegant toilet, was reclining upon one of the sofas, surrounded by three or four admirers, whom she ap- peared to be entertaining in a most absorbing manner. All, however, turned around as the American ladies rnado their appearance, and a scrutinizing glance was for au A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 255 instant riveted upon the cousins. Generally speaking, foreigners are greatly appreciated in Paris, and real beauty receives more incense there than elsewhere. It was not astonishing, therefore, that Laura and Helen should have excited such an expression of admiration, silent as it was. Madame de Lorville, accustomed to the undisputed homage of the inmates of Valpres, was not exactly charmed with the slight diversion which the entrance of our ladies pro- duced. She was a consummate coquette a second and more experienced Mrs. Seyton ; that is, to obtain the same success, she required more skill. Madame de Lorville was not a favourite with Gustave's mother ; but as they were neighbours and visited the same circle in Paris, and as M. de Lorville was an influential man, it was a difficult matter to keep the lady at a visiting distance. " I did not intend that you should meet this giddy little creature here to-day," whispered Madame de Mornay to Miss Marsy, as they were about going in to dinner ; " but I could not avoid inviting her. After all, she may per- haps amuse the younger members of our circle ; she is full of wit, but not as refined as I think a woman should be." Helen and Luura, who sat at table on either side of the viscount, were very much entertained by the many eccen- tricities of the Parisian lionne, for Madame de Lorville was entitled to that distinction. The dinner was served in excellent style every delicacy had been provided ; and the servants in attendance were so well trained, that, notwithstanding the elaborate routine of French entertainments, not more than two hours were spent at table. The conversation was very intellectual. Madame de Mornay, with tact and knowledge of the world, had as- 22* 256 HELEN LEESON: signed to her guests such seats as would place them in contact with congenial persons. Thus, Robert was com- pletely fascinated by Mademoiselle Isaure de Cerny, and Aunt Seraph felt quite at home with Madame Dorival as a neighbour. The others knew each other sufficiently well to trust to chance or to their own resources. At eight o'clock the company had left the dining-room, and the coffee having been served, the carriage was an- nounced. " The cars wait for no one, unfortunately," said the amiable hostess, as she parted with her friends. "Now that you are acquainted with us all, do come soon again. Can you not spend a few days with me ?" " I am afraid not," replied Miss Marsy ; " our time is limited. In two weeks we leave for SAvitzerland, and I would like to reach Naples before September." " Well, I shall claim you on your return, and I hope to see you soon in Paris." So saying, Madame de Mornay offered her arm to Helen, to escort her to the carriage. "Pray, tell me, Miss Leeson," she added, "whether Mrs. Murray had heard from Mr. Grey before you left ? We saw him several times, and thought very highly of him ; but my son read the announcement of his death in the newspaper a few months ago. Where did he die?" " At Rome, I believe," said Helen, with a faltering voice. " Poor young man ! how sad ! Good-evening, ladies, My son will take excellent care of you." It was a fine moonlight night, and as the visitors caught a last glimpse of the old castle, all expressed their admira- tion of its antique beauties. Its towers and peaked turrets darting through the cloud- less sky ; the clusters of noble trees, which for centuries A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 2u7 had stoud the silent witnesses of passing events ; the many lights which shone from the Gothic windows, animating the dark mass of stone, all gave it a peculiar, fairy-like ap- pearance, which was most striking to those whose native land boasted no monuments of the past. The trip to Paris was agreeable to all except Helen, who had not recovered from the emotion caused by Madame de Mornay's mention of Walter. Little Arthur, whom we had quite forgotten in the de- scription of the day's pleasures, but who had taken an active part in them, slept soundly on Nina's lap ; while Laura, Robert, and even Miss Marsy, were in excellent spirits, and kept up a most animated conversation with Gustave de Mornay. The young Frenchman entertained them with many lively anecdotes about Madame de Lorville and her old husband, and mentioned other neighbours, whose peculiarities were described by him with graphic wit. " But you do not tell us any thing about Madame de Cerny and her pretty daughters," said Laura. " Oh ! Mademoiselle Isaure is worldly and highly accom- plished ; but Blanche is an angel so kind and charitable, so devoted to the sufferers of this world ! She is called by the villagers, around here, the ' Lily of the Valley.' You know she is remarkably fair." " You possess excellent descriptive powers, M. de Mor- nay, said Helen, who had been roused by the poetical name the young man had given Blanche de Cerny. " They would be ineffectual to convey a correct idea of the beauty of >some of nature's works," added the viscount, with a peculiar intonation. u Well, I have seldom seen a sweeter face than that of Miss Blanche," said Robert; "and her manners are ex- 258 HELEN LEESON: quisite ; although, I must say, there is something perfectly irresistible in her sister's fine eye." The conversation Continued until the travellers had reached their hotel. M. de Mornay promised to escort the ladies to Versailles and Fontainebleau. In fact, it was evi- dent that he was charmed with one of the cousins, and sought every opportunity of being in their company. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 259 CHAPTER XXVII. "ANOTHER dinner-party!" exclaimed Miss Marsy, two or three days after her visit to the Chateau de Valpres. "Now, girls, I cannot stand all this dissipation. You made me spend last evening at Mme. de Cerny's, who came in from the country on purpose to receive us, this warm weather : it was too bad ! and we must be off again to Ville d'Avray, to see Mrs. Dallas. I can't go !" " Now, now, aunty dear, be calm, and let us reason with you," said Laura. "Have you not been compelled to acknowledge that our visits to Madame de Mornay and Madame de Cerny were most agreeable ? Have you not confessed to me very reluctantly, perhaps that your opinion of French women was totally different now from the sad, near-sighted one you brought with you ; that many possessed every quality which one can desire in a friend ; that they have proper and refined feelings on all sub- jects? This you are now convinced of; therefore, allow me still to be your guide, and do not deprive yourself, willingly, of spending another pleasant day with Mrs. Dallas, whom we knew at home, and who is one of the brightest specimens of our countrywomen." " Well, well, I will go. But, Laura, while we are alone, tell me what you think of M. de Mornay. He seems des- perately in love with one of you girls, but I cannot find out which," added Aunt Seraph. 260 HELEN LEESON: "Why, it is just as evident as possible," said the young countess ; " and I am delighted, for I think he will make a capital husband." " But," interrogated Miss Marsy, a little annoyed, " that does not tell me who he is courting." "Not me, dearest," replied Laura, smiling. - " Very well. Does she fancy him ?" " Helen will not be won easily," said Laura. " She thinks very highly of Gustave ; but there is little love for him, I fear, in her heart." "I don't know much, about it," continued Miss Marsy, " but I should think any one could fancy that noble fellow. He and his mother have quite captivated me." " I told you so !" said the countess, with an arch look ; " now, pray, be ready for three o'clock. Ville d'Avray is very near Paris ; we will drive out in an hour, and return by moonlight. By-the-by, Olivia and her husband are to be there, and several Americans." As Laura had said, Mrs. Dallas was a charming woman a genuine lady in feelings and manners. She held a high social position in the American circle, and by her amiability she had acquired the rare advantage of being admired, and not envied, by her large circle of frierids. During the summer months, Mrs. Dallas occupied a country-seat at Ville d'Avray, one of the villages which surround Paris. It was a lovely spot, with a fine garden and park, all on a small scale, but laid out with taste, and that peculiar genius with which the French concentrate so many beauties in a limited space. When our party arrived at Mrs. Dallas's little chateau, they were greeted by the hostess with a truly American welcome. It was a sweet reminiscence of home to hear A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 261 pure English, and to talk over various topics which they had not heard of since they left New York. "We have seen more of French society than of our coun- trymen," said Miss Marsy, in answer to some inquiries made by Mrs. Dallas regarding their stay in Paris. " I like them exceedingly, but still I cannot feel at home with them." " Of course not ; we always sympathize more readily with those we know and understand thoroughly. Don't you think so, countess?" " Well, I have found it an easy task to appreciate and to become acquainted with those whom I have had the pleasure of meeting here ; and, generally speaking, I think the society of the country you visit is better than that of the foreigners who have settled in it. Present company excepted, of course," added Laura, laughing. We should add, in extenuation of this rather strange remark, that Laura knew Mrs. Dallas very well, and was certain that she would not mistake her meaning. " You may be right," said the lady. " I have sometimes thought so myself; but it is difficult to see both French and Americans, except in a formal manner. Ah ! Mr. Harris ! good-morning," she added, addressing a gentleman who was just entering the parlour. " Let me introduce you to Miss Marsy, the Countess Marini, Miss Leeson." The stranger bowed in a very stiff and precise manner to each lady as her name was mentioned, and said " Parole d'honneur, Mrs. Dallas, it takes a great leal of devotion to risk one's hair and whiskers to drive out here, on these dusty roads." " I am aware of the difficulties you had to encounter. But as these ladies, in their lace bonnets and lawn dresses, have accomplished the feat, a knight of your renowned gallantry should not complain." 262 HELEN LEESON: " Oh ! ladies have a thousand charms wherewith to obliterate such disasters, but we poor, forlorn portion of humanity have no such resources. And where is your dandy brother, Miss Leeson ? I expected to meet him here to-day." " Robert will drive out later, with Mr. Lawrence." " He is monstrously fond of Paris ; in fact, who is not :'"' added the antiquated beau, glancing at his own artificial self in a mirror. " The lovers of the beautiful cannot live elsewhere." "New York possesses almost as many advantages as Paris now," said Mrs. Dallas; "I was quite struck with the improvements during my last visit there." " Oh ! don't mention it, dear madam ; no city can com- pete with this great capital for the thousand little indescri- bable enjoyments which tempt you at every step. One actually inhales pleasure." "But you will admit, sir," said Laura, "that, as far as home happiness and comforts go, no country can better afford them than our own beloved native land." " I admire those noble sentiments ; but, having no family, America, to me, is uninteresting and unsatisfactory." " Here is a lady who is, I fear, too much of your opinion," added Mrs. Dallas, as she left the room to receive Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins, who were alighting from their elegant equipage. "Ah ! Mrs. Dobbins, you have come just in time to lend me your powerful eloquence against these fair antagonists, who will not admit that Paris is the finest city in the world," said the old beau. "Mr. Harris," interrupted the hostess, "allow me to remark that, as a quondam lawyer, you have entirely mis- understood our meaning. These ladies and I are profound A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 263 admirers of Paris, but merely claim for America what we believe to be her due." " Oh ! ladies are always right," answered the gentle- man ; " but I know you think as I do, Mrs. Dobbins." " Of course ; there is no place like Paris, where one can really enjoy life and be perfectly independent. I have been trying to prove this to Mr. Dobbins ever since our arrival." "You have quite convinced me, my dear," said the hus- band. " Why, Robert, did you walk out here ?" continued the kind fellow to young Leeson, who came in with Mr. Lawrence. " If I had only known it, I would have offered you a seat in our carriage." " Don't feel at all concerned about us, my dear friend," answered the young man. "Frank suggested that we should take the cars to avoid the dust, and we did so." "Why had I not that bright idea?" exclaimed Mr. Harris, striking his forehead, and brushing off the dust from his coat ; after which he took a seat near Helen, and attempted to entertain the silent beauty, as he after- ward styled her. But it was a difficult task to rouse that drooping spirit, and it took no less than the ridiculous pretensions of the would-be young gallant to elicit a smile from our heroine. "By Jove! who is this fine lady?" he exclaimed, as he turned to the window, attracted by the sound of a carriage. Helen's glance followed the same direction, and she started as she recognised Sir Archibald Courtnay and the smiling Cora, radiant with the consciousness of her newly- acquired title. " Sir Archibald and Lady Courtnay," said the servant in livery, as he opened the door of the drawing-room. 23 264 HELEN LEESON: Mrs. Dallas rose to receive her guests, who came in perfectly unprepared to meet so many of their New York friends. There was a slight diminution of pride and arro- gance in their manner as they recognised their former acquaintances. Cora was too cunning not to avoid any thing approaching ridicule : she therefore met the assem- bled party in a gracious and unassuming manner. Sir Archibald bowed to all, but a quiver of the lip was distinctly perceptible when he advanced toward Helen and shook hands with her. The young girl returned his greet- ing in a friendly manner, but could not control a slight tremulousness, as she replied to his inquiries about her health, etc. All this was not lost on Lady Courtnay, who, since her marriage, had had occasion to notice that, if she possessed Sir Archibald's title, he had never given her his heart. He had one, no doubt ; where, then, was it ? She now had solved the mystery. And why, then, had Helen rejected the young man ? While all these conjectures filled her mind, the lady of fashion well skilled in the art of using language to conceal her thoughts appeared entirely engrossed by the com- pany, and was loquacious on the beauties of Paris and its environs. Dinner was announced, and Mrs. Dallas, who was not possessed of a supernatural clairvoyance, requested Sir Archibald to sit near Miss Leeson. Cora's first thought was to object to her husband being so ver^ near the door ; but reflecting that many present, who had known the secret of his former devotion to Helen, might discover her real motive, she took the seat which the hostess had assigned to her between Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Dallas, who, by-the-by, reached his home as the com- pany were entering the dining-room. He was one of those A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 265 thorough business men who live in their counting-houses, and breathe but for the acquisition of wealth, much to the annoyance of his refined and amiable wife. Mr. Dallas, in other respects, was a kind, devoted husband ; but he owed a portion of his time and society to the gentle being whom he had promised to love, protect, and make happy. These last words are not inserted in the marriage cere- mony, nor are they always sufficiently understood ; and many evils arise from the entire neglect in which some very respectable, no doubt, but very forgetful, husbands leave their wives. Excess ! excess ! Again we say, there lies the error ! In Paris, one is always sure of having a good dinner. The servants are generally excellent, and nothing ever occurs to disturb the usual course of the entertainment. This was the case at Mrs. Dallas's. There was none of the elegance and profusion displayed in Madame de Mornay'a establishment, but every thing in good style ; and to most of the guests the dinner was very agreeable. Helen gradually recovered from the painful feeling which she had experienced at meeting the young nobleman, and she was glad of the opportunity of proving to him that her assurances of sincere friendship were not an empty com- pliment. Miss Marsy found Mr. Dallas a most unceremonious and congenial neighbour. In fact, Aunt Seraph, who in New York would have shunned the contact of the fashionable party, now felt quite at her ease with them. They all spoke English ; and that sounded so much more like home than the incomprehensible graciousness of her French acquaintances. Laura really enjoyed the ridiculous airs of our friend Tom, who, quite elated by the prospect of an hour's con- 266 HELEN LEESON: fab with the beautiful countess, displayed all his powers of elocution to captivate her. They were by far the gayest of the party ; and twice Robert, who, perchance, sat oppo- site to his cousin, whispered to Dobbins, " How can she be amused by that old fool ?" " He is very droll," answered good friend Dob, as he cast an anxious glance at Frank Lawrence, who was carry- ing on a slight flirtation with Olivia. As the party rose from table, Mrs. Dallas proposed a stroll in the park ; and as each lady took the arm of the gentleman who sat near her, Sir Archibald very naturally offered his to Helen, much to her regret; for she had detected the uneasiness which Lady Courtnay's manner evinced. " I cannot walk far, for I have a pain in my foot," said the young girl. " Only a short distance," answered Mrs. Dallas. " The country is so sweet at this hour !" And the party were soon engaged ancid the winding walks of the surrounding grounds. " What did you think of me, Miss Leeson, when you heard of my marriage ?" whispered the nobleman, as he lingered behind the company. " I have always thought very highly of you, Sir Archi- bald," she replied, attempting to walk faster. " Oh, Helen, do not deprive me of this single moment of happiness the only one I have had for many months ! Oh ! when I said you were my only love, alas ! how true it was ! And now I am miserable !" "Sir Archibald," exclaimed the agitated girl, "speak not thus. Cora loves you, she is worthy of you, and many blessings may be yours." " No, never ! That woman has no heart : she values my A PEEP AT NEW YOKE SOCIETY. 267 title, the rank I have placed her in ; but she cares not for me." "A virtuous wife will always become attached to her husband ; and, though Cora may be carried away, just now, by the brilliancy of her social position, "she is, I am sure, devoted to you," said Helen. " No, no ! you do not know her. Your pure mind can- not discover the workings of those ambitious hearts wL, trample oh all sacred principles to reach their aim. Why, why did you refuse to be mine ?" added the young man, as he pressed Helen's cold hand to his lips. Distressed and much annoyed, she walked on as fast as possible, gently whispering " Sir Archibald, for my sake, and for yours, this cannot be. Do let us join the rest of our party !" "Yes, yes; but pray for me, Helen, that God may have mercy .on me, and forgive my error in bartering my hap- piness for a bit of gold." Fortunately for this ill-timed declaration on the part of the young Englishman, Laura who had noticed the disap- pearance of her cousin, and conjectured that all might not be as it should in her tete-a-tete with her former suitor had retraced her steps, with her ludicrous admirer, talking loud enough for Helen to have warning of their approach. And, when they met the agitated couple, the young countess exclaimed " Helen, I knew your foot would pain you too much for a long walk. I came back to return with you to the house." How thankful the young girl felt for the judicious inter- ference of her sensible cousin ! The four walked toward the little chateau, and when the jealous wife and the rest of the company entered the draw- 23* 268 HELEN LEESON: ing-room, Laura was, apparently, engaged in earnest con- versation with the guilty Sir Archibald, while Helen seemed to take great interest in the marvellous account Mr. Harris gave of his adventures in Spain. A short time afterward the carriages drove up, and all took leave of Mr. and Mrs. Dallas, with many expressions of gratitude for their kind reception. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 269 CHAPTER XXVIII. THREE weeks had elapsed since the arrival of the travel- lers in Paris, and, notwithstanding the unpropitious season which they had selected for visiting the great capital, their time had been spent most agreeably. Laura's health had considerably improved ; Miss Marsy's hopes were reviving. Robert, reckless about the cares which were racking his family at home, enjoyed the pleasures of Paris with all the buoyancy of youth and of his careless disposition. Helen was the only one in whom no change for the better was apparent. She felt great concern about the state of her father's health and business. The parting words of the unhappy man often returned with vivid bitterness to her memory, and her own silent, harrowing sorrow was wear- ing every fibre of that young heart. Oar physical being is so closely connected with that immortal spirit which God's bountiful goodness has granted to the morsel of clay, that no pang affecting the one can be unfelt by the other ; the sting which pierces the heart will soon do its work of de- struction on the devoted body. Thus it was with Helen. The natural transparency of her complexion had gone, and a marble-like paleness had settled on those beautiful features, giving them, when at rest, the appearance of a statue. Aunt Seraph's affectionate solicitude was warm in its endeavours to ascertain the cause of the fright- ful change ; and the kind friend in vain attempted by diversion and words of comfort to bring a smile upon the 270 HELEN LEESON: loved countenance. Laura, aware of the cause of Helen's suffering, was ingenious in her efforts to procure relief, but not with much success. She was convinced that if Gustave de Mornay could possibly interest the young girl sufficient- ly to obliterate, even slightly, the memory of her short and mysterious attachment to Walter, a great point would be gained. But how could that be accomplished ? Notwith- standing the evident admiration of the viscount, Helen had never appeared to notice it, and neither by word or look had she evinced the slightest vanity at the conquest. It is too soon, thought Laura ; when we return from Italy, I will manage it. She could not have loved Walter under those extraordinary circumstances so passionately that all access to her sensitive heart could have been closed by his death. Oh ! if she had known him and idolized him as I did my Arthur ! Strange as it may appear, Helen's devotion to the only dream of love which had dawned upon her young existence was as engrossing, as absorbing, as any earthly affection could possibly be. There is in every woman's bosom a sacred flame, which, when kindled for the first time by the heavenly spark, sends forth a ray of joy which beams glo- riously upon the pure spirit ; and that early impression is, perhaps, the most powerful, the most ineffaceable, which our versatile nature is susceptible of. It is not to be won- dered at, therefore, that, when deprived of that brilliant light, poor Helen's fate was clouded in darkness. How true, that trouble never comes alone ! We might murmur at the harshness of the decree, were not the same words applicable to the blessings of Providence. How essential, then, the practice of that holy virtue patience which won immortal glory for the afflicted Job, and which, long after, when the wisdom of God's chosen people had A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 271 decayed and disappeared beneath the cloud of evil example, the Divine preceptor came to teach his erring children. He bore with meekness the repeated blows of adversity, that we might learn the salutary lesson of resignation and submission to the ever-wise and merciful will. "What is the matter, Robert?" exclaimed Miss Marsy, as the young man one morning entered her dressing-room, where she sat reading with Helen and Laura. He held an open letter, and his countenance expressed so much anguish, that Aunt Seraph was seriously alarmed. " Oh ! this steamer has brought us awful news !" he re- plied, as he threw himself on a chair, and buried his face in his hands. Miss Marsy picked up the letter, which had fallen at her feet, and having hastily perused it, she said " It is not as bad as I feared. We are all partially prepared for this. Helen," added the kind friend, with emotion, "this is from Herman, announcing your father's failure. He says they did all that could be done to avoid it, but in vain ; and for the sake of keeping up appearances, matters have been made much worse. Unfortunately, Mr. Leeson's delicate health will scarcely enable him to bear the blow. He had been very ill, but was better when Herman wrote. This failure will, I fear, involve the whole of your father's property ; but your mother's fortune is secure, I believe, and mine, you know, dear child, is hers and yours." The unhappy girl rested her head on Aunt Seraph's bosom, and sobbed violently, while Laura, with words cf love and comfort, tried to soothe her. Helen thought not an instant of herself in this dreadful calamity ; but the image of her wretched father, her sainted mother, and poor little patient Anna, filled her mind with agonizing sorrow 272 HELEN LEESON: But her grief was like herself silent and calm. Not so the violent despair which had taken possession of Robert. The young man had always thought his fate beyond the reach of such reverses. The possibility of an appalling change in his father's position had never occurred to him ; and although Herman Smith had frequently warned the wild boy against indulging in excesses which would unfit him for the sacred duties he might be called upon to fulfil later in life, Robert had laughed at the reproof, as, in days of yore, he had scorned the salutary advice of Aunt Se- raph ; and now, that the terrific reality burst upon his unprepared mind, the effect was crushing. " We shall be beggars disgraced ruined ! a laughing- stock for all New York! Oh! bitter, bitter fate!" ex- claimed the young man, as he paced the room. " Robert ! Robert ! be calm, and do not give up in this aninanly manner !" said Aunt Seraph, affectionately. " Not give up when all is lost- when we are reduced to poverty ! For who knows whether my mother's property is not gone with the rest in that gulf of extravagance in which father's pride has precipitated us all ?" " Oh, brother," exclaimed Helen, as she clasped the young man's arm, and compelled him to sit near her, " can you who have so much to reproach yourself with, so much to answer for can you blame our father's conduct ? What- ever his errors may have been, we, his children, have no right to condemn his actions. A higher power will call us all to account when the solemn moment of retribution has come. Let us think of our own sins, and be merciful, that we may be judged in mercy. You are young, Robert intelligent. Our country affords elements of success which all can grasp ; the will alone is required. Pray, dear A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 273 brother, that Providence may grant you that efficient will, which, with his grace, accomplishes all things !" "Oh ! it is easy for you to talk thus, Elly!" said the young man, as the tears fell fast, and the stern violence of his passions was gradually giving way to a meeker sorrow. <; Yes, it is easy ; for you are good and pure. God loves you, and Laura, and Aunt Seraph, as his angels; but he spurns such sinners as I am he drives them from him !" " God is an indulgent father, my dear boy," said Miss Marsy " a forgiving parent ; he will look down in kindness on your trials, which may prove an inestimable blessing." " Now, my children," said Laura, smiling, " I entirely disapprove of giving up to grief when so much is left to us. With friends, whose means are still considerable, there is little to fear as regards pecuniary troubles." " Would it not be better for me to return to America, aunt ?" said Robert ; " I think it is my duty." " We will talk that over," answered Miss Marsy. " In a few days we can make up our minds on the subject. Ah ! here is my Arty ; what have you there ? A note for you, Elly?" "Only a few lines from Blanche de Cerny," replied Helen, " reminding Laura and myself of the wish we ex- pressed to visit the Creche, or nursery for little children. She, it appears, superintends one of them, and, in fact, devotes all her time to charitable pursuits. But I cannot go out to-day ; it is quite impossible." " Why so ?" said Laura. " I can understand that you should not be willing to visit or go to any public place ; but on such a mission as this ? It seems as though Providence had thrown this opportunity in our path, that, by seeing the sufferings of our fellow-beings, we should learn to b* 274 HELEN LEESON: thankful for his bounty to us, who are so much mor favoured." "Laura is right, darling," added Miss Marsy. "I ad- vise you both to go ; and Blanche de Cerny is so sweet, her society will divert you in a soothing and pleasant manner." Helen felt the truth of these remarks, and accordingly prepared to accompany Laura and Mademoiselle de Cerny on their interesting visit. Robert was less accessible to persuasion, and for several hours remained absorbed in sullen discontent. However, finding that he was left alone to brood over his trouble, (Aunt Seraph having gone to the Tuilleries with little Arthur and his nurse,) and not being adequate to the difficult task of reasoning with his own rebellious self, the young man went out for a stroll on the Boulevards ; and meeting with his friend Frank Lawrence, he allowed him- self to be carried off to the Bois de Boulogne. There his thoughts were soon led into a channel far different from the gloomy one in which they had wandered in distracted agony but a few hours before. The beneficial lesson of adversity was still unlearned ! As Laura had supposed, their visit to the nursery waa most gratifying to their charitable feelings. So many little ones were thus provided with a safe harbour while deprived of maternal care, and so much order and cleanliness reigned in the establishment, that it was evident the eye of experience and judicious kindness was ever watchful over the infant tribe. After leaving the nursery, Mademoi- selle de Cerny proposed to Helen and Laura that they should visit a young flower-maker in whom she took great interest, and whose history was a heart-rending one. She had lost both parents in the course of a few months, and, A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 275 being called upon to support six brothers and sisters, the heroic child, who was but twelve years old, had undertaken the arduous and almost impossible task, thanks to Miss Blanche's kind interference ! Mademoiselle de Cerny had, in her leisure hours, acquired quite a proficiency in making artificial flowers, and she attempted to teach Pauline Ber- ton that beautiful art, meanwhile spending all her small income to provide for the poor orphans. These details our ladies had heard from Madame de Mornay, and at the time had expressed a strong desire to see Pauline at her own establishment. "Good-morning, chere enfant," said Mademoiselle de Cerny, as she entered the work-room with her American friends. " I have brought these ladies to see you ; have you any thing pretty to show us, Pauline \" " Oh, yes, mademoiselle these variegated pinks, which you began for me." It was astonishing to see with what intelligence and alacrity the little French girl moved about the store, super- intending three or four apprentices who were a head taller than herself, but who submitted with docility to the superior knowledge of the juvenile mistress. Pauline had acquired wonderful skill in the manufacture of the exquisite imita- tions of Nature's gems ; and through the protection of her kind instructress, and some of her friends, she found a ready sale for her work. There was a smile of happiness on that young face, which contrasted strangely with tho two deep wrinkles which early cares had traced on her brow. "Children well, Pauline?" inquired Blanche. " Oh, very well, mademoiselle. Rosalie and Marie are at school, 'the two boys at work, and our baby is asleep. We are all very comfortable," added the little woman for she could not be called a child. 24 276 HELEN LEESON: Helen and Laura were so delighted with Pauline, that both purchased some of her flowers ; and as they were leav- ing the work-room, Laura said " This is for the baby ; she must have a nice warm dress for this winter," and the countess handed a gold-piece to the young girl, who thanked her with a look of gratitude which expressed more than words could have done. This episode, trifling as it was, served to divert Helen's mind from the painful subject which had sorely afiected her sensitive heart. Aunt Seraph was much pleased with the account her nieces gave of Pauline, and she concluded that it would be a great advantage to the courageous girl to furnish her with the means of going to New York, where she could carry on her trade in a manner so much more lucrative than in Paris. While the ladies were still discussing the fate of the little flower-maker, Gustave de Mornay was announced. The young man was always a welcome visitor. He had been so kind and attentive, that he was considered no longer a stranger; and on many occasions, even of a trivial nature, his advice had been asked by the travelleis. " What ? You do not really leave Paris in a week, Miss Marsy?" he exclaimed, when Aunt Seraph had communi- cated her plans to him. " Yes ; I arranged all these matters this morning at the Tuilleries, while I sat there alone. We will pass a few weeks in Switzerland, and can, I think, reach Naples about the middle of September. After spending a month there, we shall return to Paris, to remain a few days previous to Bailing for America. Does this meet with your approba- tion, ladies ?" A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 277 "With mine, certainly," said Laura, smiling at the young man's evident annoyance. " Well, it does not exactly suit me, my dear Miss Marsy," said Gustave. " I came here this evening for the express purpose of prevailing upon you to leave this warm city, and devote a week to us at Valpres. Mother will be sadly disappointed." " It would have given us great pleasure to make Madame de Mornay a visit," replied Aunt Seraph; " but I fear it is quite impracticable." "Why so?" said Laura, who was struck with the pos- sibility of thus accomplishing her favourite scheme for Helen's happiness. " We are not obliged to remain several weeks in Switzerland, and surely our time will be much more agreeably spent at Valpres." " Bravo ! fair lady !" exclaimed the young man ; then turning to Helen, he added " and will you not lend me your eloquence, Miss Leeson, to persuade your aunt ?" " I don't think either Laura or you require any auxiliary, Monsieur de Mornay." " Now, aunt," continued the countess, " I think we may promise to pass a few days with this devoted friend of ours." "Laura, indeed I " "Do not crush all my hopes, Miss Marsy," said the viscount, with an imploring look which was quite irre- siftible. As usual, Aunt Seraph gave up, and it was agreed that the ladies should spend the last week of their stay in France at Valpres. This arrangement suited Laura for many reasons : besides her wish to create an interest in Helen's heart for the young nobleman, she was anxious to avoid her aunt's scrutiny regarding a likeness of herself for which she was sitting, and which was to be presented 278 HELEN LEESON: to Miss Marsy on her return to America. Helen and Robert were in the secret, and had declared that it would be perfect. Laura urged her cousin to have her likeness taken also, at her expense; but as the price was very extravagant, Helen positively refused, preferring to accept Aunt Seraph's offer to take singing-lessons from a good professor. "I may require that knowledge, one day," she thought. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 279 CHAPTER XXIX. IT was with evident reluctance that Miss Marsy prepared to accompany her nieces to Valpres ; but Laura easily con- vinced her of the necessity of making a sacrifice which might prove such a benefit to Helen's welfare ; and Madame de Mornay had been so kind, that Aunt Seraph dared not even acknowledge to herself how entirely she was opposed to her niece's wishes. Helen appeared indifferent on the subject, but at heart she regretted an arrangement which would thus place her so much in contact with the young nobleman, whose admi- ration she could not help noticing, and to whom she felt it was impossible to give the slightest encouragement. And, as the anxious girl knelt in prayer on the night previous to her leaving Paris, she begged the ever-wise Protector so to direct the events of her life, that she might avoid giving pain to one for whom she felt sincere respect almost friendship. Mysterious are the ways of Providence ! The next morning a large package of letters was brought in, and as Helen opened one from Anna, she exclaimed " Oh ! father is dead !" It is useless to describe the painful scene which followed ; very similar to the one which had agitated our friends a few days before. But now the misfortune was immeasura- bly greater, and both Helen and Robert, notwithstanding 24* 280 HELEN LEESON: the warning they had had of the sad event, were deeply distressed. As we take an interest in the pains and joys of our heroine, we will here transcribe Anna's letter to her sister. A few moments' communion with her pure spirit can but benefit th*> lovers of the good and holy. Thus wrote the young girl : "MY OWN DEAR SISTER: " God in his wisdom has thought fit to afflict us in a severe manner of late, and I trust our last letters have partially prepared you for the dreadful intelligence I am now compelled to communicate. Yes, darling, God has called the beloved parent to his paradise ; but what a com- fort it is to us, to think that several months of suffering had prepared him for the last hour ! You know how opposed he was to all religious interference, as he called the words of consolation. Well, since that bitter trial which brought such a change in our fate, father had become an altered man meek and resigned, patient and amiable ; anxious to converse frequently with our kind pastor, and speaking of you all with so much affection ! I cannot tell you how welcome that happy change was to mother and myself. Alas ! and with what ardour we clung to the hope of keep- ing him with us in that blessed state ! But Providence ordained otherwise, and when we least expected it, when his strength seemed to revive, the dreaded knell of separa- tion had sounded, and we were summoned to resign the loved one. " It was an agonizing moment twelve o'clock at night. Mamma and Boget were sitting up with the patient, who had spent a quiet evening. I had retired at nine, very much fatigued, having read several hours to father. A gentle knock roused me immediately. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 281 "'Come down, Miss Anna,' said Sophie, as I opened the door ; 'your father is worse !' " I hurried to the sick-room ; and, as I entered, was struck with the awful change in that pale countenance. Mother knelt in prayer. " 'Matilda,' said father, so softly that we could scarcely hear his voice, * farewell : Anna, Helen, Robert, Laura all farewell ! Lord, forgive me !' " He spoke no more ; and, as I kissed his emaciated hand, its icy coldness made me shiver ! Oh, Helen, death is a terrific messenger one which strikes awe in every heart ! Why, why are we not always prepared for its coming ? " Mother, who is, you know, so pious and submissive, has borne this blow with wonderful courage ; but her phy- sical strength is gone. She is in bed, under Dr. Clifford's care, and just now she called me to send you her love and blessing, adding, that you must not think of coming home until the fall. We shall move to Allbreeze next week, and probably rent this house, all furnished. Herman tells me that we may fare better than poor father expected. Alas ! alas ! three days ago the dear friend was carried to his last home, and we miss him so much ! Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Irving, and Alice and Emma, have been so devoted ! Aunt Grantly came very often, but we dreaded her visits ; they always appeared to irritate the dear patient. I have seen a great deal of Mrs. Murray, who seemed to take such an interest in us all. She, too, has had trouble. She told me of the death of Mr. Grey, who was like a son to her. How sad this world is ! Why can we not always think of the happy home the Saviour has prepared for us ? Fare- well, dear ones kind Aunt Seraph, Laura, and my pre- cious Arty. What a comfort the little one would be to ua 282 HELEN LEESON: just now ! but I am quite satisfied that you should all be away from this atmosphere of gloom. " Ever your devoted sister, ANNA." This will appear an unusually profound epistle for a girl of fifteen ; but let it be remembered that Anna's infirmity, in depriving her of the sports of her age, had opened to her inquiring mind treasures of knowledge, which had pro- duced that remarkable cultivation in her education. For several years, Anna's studies had been, if any thing, rather more deep than Helen's; and, on some subjects, the younger sister possessed great superiority of acquirements. Of course, after receiving this sad news, all idea of going to Valpres was given up by the travellers. Laura wrote to Madame de Mornay, to announce her uncle's death, and their intention of leaving for Switzer- land in a few days. Gustave's mother came to Paris immediately to see her American friends, and offer her sincere sympathy, which was soothing to the afflicted ones, who felt so much alone in that great city. When engaged in pleasurable pursuits, we can dispense with 'the society of those we love ; but when care is our guest, how essential those ties of affection become, and how grateful we feel for the word or look of comfort which friendship bestows ! Madame de Cerny and her daughters were also kind and attentive. Blanche assisted Laura in making the purchases for the mourning of the family ; and the heartfelt endeavours and intellectual resources of both sisters greatly contributed to soothe the sorrow which all felt very keenly, but which seemed to have crushed Helen completely. Several times, since she had read that terrible announcement in the paper, she had buoyed herself with the hope that it was a false report; and, as Walter had corresponded regularly with A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 283 Mrs. Murray, she thought that some news of the young man might possibly be gleaned from his friends ; but, from Anna's letter, it was evident that the old lady had given up all hope, and Helen's spirits drooped beneath the heavy burden of care which weighed upon her mind. Madame de Mornay, in her last meeting with Laura, intimated her wishes regarding her son's marriage with Helen, requesting, however, that the subject should not be mentioned to her, as she felt how inappropriate the time was for such a communication. Laura appreciated the motive, and assured Madame de Mornay of her sincere desire to contribute to the success of an event which would insure her cousin's hap- piness. " When we return from Italy, dear madam," added the countess, " I hope this will all be settled. Of my cousin's consent I cannot be sure, as her feelings on the subject are unknown to me ; but, methinks, it must be an easy task for your son to win any heart, particularly when esteem and regard have prepared the way for a more tender feeling." Before closing this little confab, Laura had apprised Madame de Mornay of the change which had taken place in Helen's prospects. But this did not appear to in- fluence her in the slightest manner. She reiterated her expressions of affection, adding, that her fortune being considerable, and Gustave her only child, his happiness was the main object of her wishes ; and that, as he was attached to Helen, she saw but one impediment to the match, and that was an objection on the part of the young girl. Miss Marsy parted with her Paris friends with more regret than she thought possible, considering her shorl 284 HELEN LEESON: stay among them. One month, under ordinary circum- stances, will do but little to ripen a mere acquaintance into friendship. But when daily intercourse and a con- siderable amount of obligation come in for a share of influence, we find a strong feeling of attachment has suc- ceeded to the indifference which we felt toward those persons a short month ago. Love knows no time : swift as the shafts of the little god, it shoots through space ; it wounds, it conquers ; and among its subjects there is no account kept of those hours which silently glide away and lead on to eternity. " How kind and polite in Gustave de Mornay !" said Laura, as she came into her cousin's room on the eve of their departure ; " he has just told Robert that he would accompany us, to-morrow, as far as Basle. Having visited Germany several times, he will be a most useful and agree- able travelling companion." "Laura," said Helen, looking up from a letter which she was writing to her mother, " I am truly sorry the viscount is going with us. You know it is wrong, unladylike, in me to give him the slightest encouragement." "Why so, pray ? Are you to spend all the days of your youth mourning over a dream, Helen ?" " Oh ! would that it had been one ! Would that those words of bitter and deserved reproof had never struck my ear!" "Well, dearest, I have felt for you I have sympathized in all your sorrow ; but this cannot last. You owe yourself to your mother ; and would it not give her infinite satis- faction to see you well married, even if compelled to be separated from you for some time ? Far better would such a fate be than that which your present morbid state craves, my own dear sister !" A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 285 " Let us drop that subject now, darling ; I am unfit for contention, even with your sweet self." Laura, being an excellent diplomatist, thought proper not to insist, and trusted to chance and the young noble- man's powers of fascination to bring forth a result which she so sincerely desired. 286 HELEN LEESON: CHAPTER XXX OUR travellers were deep in their preparations for their journey. They were to take the cars for Strasbourg, where they expected to arrive that night. Monsieur de Mornay was at the hotel in time to join the party at breakfast, and proved most efficient in arranging various matters conducible to the comfort of all, which Robert's inexperience or carelessness would certainly not have suggested. Aunt Seraph, as usual, scrupulously careful to avoid all intrusion upon her neighbours, was bountiful of her apologies to the young man, who assured her that it gave him great pleasure to take this little trip with so congenial a party ; that he made it a point to visit a portion of Switzerland every summer, previous to going to the Pyrenees with his mother, in August. He would remain with them three days, and return to Paris in time to be at Madame de Morn ay's orders to accompany her to Pau. This being settled, and Aunt Seraph's hesitations at rest, they proceeded to the einbarcadere of the Strasbourg railroad. By-the-by, this is one of the noblest edifices which art and industry have erected to the glory of that great modern improvement. The French were slow in following the examples of their more active neighbours beyond the dividing channel, and of their still more enter- prising fellow-men on this side of the great ocean ; but few can compete with their present works, and nowhere are the A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. constructions appertaining to railroads erected with more magnificence and solidity than in la belle France. This remark was made by our party as they entered the com- fortable cars. The day passed away as pleasantly as circumstances would allow. All had a thorn which pierced the heart too deeply to admit of that buoyant mirth which had ren- dered their trip to Valpres so agreeable. . Need we follow them, and detail, hour by hour, their impressions of the fine scenery which astonished and delighted their vision during their journey from Strasbourg to Basle ? The picturesque beauties of the Rhine have been described so often, and so many of our readers have enjoyed their varied charms, that it would be useless' here to detain them with an imperfect pencilling of the mysterious stream which rolls its waters from the icy regions of snow-clad glaciers, through the verdant gardens of Germany, till it pours them into the roaring billows of the North Sea. There are volumes of romance attached to the borders of the Rhine ; and, to the poetical fancy, no spot in Europe is so pregnant with innate beauty, and reminiscences of antique legends. Each tower- ing cliff claims an echo of long-hushed sounds ; each desolate castle speaks a tale of mystery and love; and even in the modest habitation of the valley there is a breath of poetry, which has brought forth many a page of flowing eloquence. Gustave de Mornay, who had visited all those enchanting spots repeatedly, proved an excellent cicerone ; and the three days which he had devoted to his American friends passed by tqp swiftly for all except Helen. The young girl had suffered much from the consciousness of the increasing attachment of the viscount. " Shall I be ever doomed to repulse those who love me ?" 26 288 HELEN LEESON: she muttered, as she retired on the third evening of their journey. " Oh, Walter, how bitterly have I atoned for my cruel conduct to you ! But," added Helen, as she sat gazing upon the admirable vistas around, while the moon shone upon her sad countenance, " Gustave de Mornay only fancies me. He is carried away by new im- pressions, and has not noticed the heart which has been his many a lojag day. Yes, Blanche is attached to Gustave ; I saw it ; and he likes her, and will love her. Poor little violet ! How reluctant I should be to crush it, even if all my hopes were not deep in the grave !" With keen feminine instinct, Helen had detected Made- moiselle de Cerny's attachment for the young nobleman ; and great was her admiration for the devoted girl, when she perceived that not one feeling of bitterness tinged her intercourse with her apparent rival. No ! It was only in one or two uncontrollable expressions of interest, that the tie which bound the simple girl to one far above her in rank and wealth had betrayed itself. "Yes, yes; he cannot help loving Blanche," said Helen, as she closed the window and retired for the night, satisfied with having thus compromised with her conscience, which reproached her somewhat regarding her distant and repul- sive manner toward the kind young man. Before leaving his friends, Monsieur de Mornay had ad- vised them to take a travelling carriage at Basle, and drive to Berne. This arrangement was welcomed by all, as it promised the comforts of independence, and a full enjoy- ment of the magnificent scenery. Accordingly, the next morning, after breakfast, our party entered the carriage which Gustave had procured for them, and were soon, thanks to four good horses and a well-paid A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 289 postillion, some distance on the road to Berne. The weather was very fine ; and all being restored to that delightful home-feeling which private conveyances afford, were in better spirits than of late, and indulged in a long chat about America and the kind friends in Paris, interrupted here and there by an exclamation of admiration from Laura or Helen, as they glanced at the gigantic splendour of Alpine nature. All these trifling emotions prepared the travellers for an excellent repast, which had been ordered for them on the preceding evening, again by Gustave, and which, in their present state of locomotion, was greatly appre- ciated. The day was drawing to a close, and the prospect of reaching Berne late that night was discussed by the ladies with a slight feeling of awe, as the setting sun caused the shadows of the mountains to grow taller and taller, until they spread their gloomy shroud on the surrounding land- scape. Robert and the courier laughed at their fear, and the former had fallen into a sound sleep, when a sudden crash roused the whole party, and elicited a scream, which was re-echoed through the mountains. " It is nothing at all," said the courier, as he jumped off the box ; " but the axletree is broken, and we cannot go on. You must get out quietly, or the carriage will tip over." This was said in that easy, unconcerned manner with which experienced travellers generally view slight acci- dents ; but it was far from reassuring to the terrified travellers. " What is to be done ?" asked Robert. " Why, sir," suggested the postillion, " there is a small village about a mile from here ; I will go there on horse- 290 HELEN LEESON: back and find some conveyance for you ; but you will be obliged to sleep there, as we could not possibly reach Berne before to-morrow morning." "Well, well, that will do. Go immediately," said Ro- bert, while the ladies, having somewhat recovered from their fright, determined to make the best of their accident. The moon was just rising over the white cliffs of the mountains, and its rays spread a brilliancy on the scenery around which was strikingly beautiful. The weather was so mild, that they had little to fear from the effects of the night air ; and Laura, who had a particular fancy for what she styled the freaks of fate, walked up and down the road in fine spirits, threatening Aunt Seraph, who was very much alarmed, with the sudden apparition of some terrific bri- gand, who would carry her off to his rural domains among yon rugged peaks. In less than an hour the postillion returned, followed by a sort of a country-wagon, drawn by one horse, and driven, by a sturdy-looking Swiss peasant. " This is all we could procure," said the postillion, humbly doffing his cap to the ladies. " This good man keeps the inn at Reinsbach ; it is a pretty place, and the accommodations are quite good." "Charming!" said Laura, delighted with the little epi- sode, which thus afforded her an opportunity of seeing many picturesque beauties they might have passed un- noticed. The party entered the wagon, leaving the courier and postillion to raise the carriage, so as to convey it to the village, where it could be repaired. The drive was a short one; and it was with infinite satisfaction that our friends stopped at the inn, where, as the host had assured them, they found a share of A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 291 comfort quite sufficient to satisfy the wants of wearied travellers. A good supper and neat bed-rooms were considered great luxuries amid the wilds of the mountains ; and all retired, after having expressed their admiration of the little Swiss hostess her order and cleanliness. Laura and Helen occupied the same room ; and, as they rose the next morning, Laura exclaimed " Oh, do look at this view ! It is an earthly paradise. I should not have missed seeing this for a great deal!" Reinsbach was indeed a lovely spot one of the many gems which conceal their charms in the valleys of Switzer- land. It was situated on a small lake, surrounded by a landscape so grand, so wild, that one might have fancied it had stood thus since the Creator bid that all things should be. Here and there only a few acres of cultivated ground showed that man claims his rights from the furthest re- cesses of Nature's store. There was some life and animation about the village ; and Laura ascertained from the young girl who waited upon her, that many persons came to Reinsbach, attracted by the salubriousness of the mountain air. " And some English families have spent several months here in these cottages," she added. " We cannot leave this place until this afternoon," said Laura; "I must see more of it. Robert," continued the countess as they met in the dining-room, " we would like to take a walk around this sweet lake." " I have no objection, but cannot accompany you, as I find the carriage must be taken to a town some five miles off, to be repaired. I am going there this morning with mine host to see what conveyance can be procured to reach Berne before to-night." 25* 292 HELEN LEESON: " Very well ; we will take one of the servants about here. Helen and I are not afraid of any thing. Will you join us, Aunt Seraph ?" " No, dear ; I slept badly, and am not equal to the task. I will stay with Arty. But do not go too far, girls ; I shall be worried to death." Robert insisted upon leaving the courier to accompany his sister and cousin, and started with the inn-keeper on his unsatisfactory business. Enchanted with the prospect of a stroll in that wild country, Laura sallied forth with Helen. They walked some distance by a bright sunshine, enjoying the exhila- rating exercise, and inhaling the perfumes of the aromatic shrubbery. u Oh ! here is a boat, Helen !" said the countess; "sup- pose we get this man to row us to the other side. It must be delightful to glide over this silvery sheet of water." , " I am willing ; but look, Laura, at that dark cloud coming over those white peaks ; we might have rain before we reach the inn." " Oh ! no, Dame Prudence ; you are a real full-stop to one's fancies. Now, I am bent upon a row across this lake; it cannot possibly do us any harm. Pierre," added the countess, addressing the courier in French, " ask that man if he will take us over in his boat." The man obeyed, and having received a favourable answer, he assisted both ladies into the bateau, and quietly took hia seat at the other end of the little craft. " Is this not sweet ?" exclaimed Laura, as the young peasant sang his wild mountain song, beating time with his oars, and shooting over the smooth waters as swiftly as a bird The lake was very broad, and the ramblers had scarcely reached half-way across it, when, as Helen had A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 293 prophesied, the dark clouds came sailing toward them, large drops of rain began to fall, and in a few moments a heavy shower streamed over them, rendering parasols and blanket shawls very inefficient protections. " Tell him to row us to the nearest house for shelter, Pierre," said Helen, who feared her cousin might take cold. In a short time they had cleared the distance which separated them from the shore, and both cousins, leaping out of the boat, ran up a little slope which led to a cottage, evidently inhabited by persons of some wealth. Helen knocked, and the door was immediately opened by an old man-servant, who, without waiting to make any question, ushered the two ladies into a small drawing-room. "We have been overtaken by the rain," said the coun- tess in French ; " will you allow us to remain here until it is over?" " Of course," answered the servant, as he proceeded to light the fire, which seemed to be prepared for a like emergency. " And will you not take something, ladies ?" he added, in English. " A glass of wine ? you must be cold. I have orders from my mistress, Lady Falkland, who is now in Geneva, to receive all travellers who are overtaken by our mountain storms, and treat them with due hospi- tality," continued the old man, as he removed the wet shawls, and soon returned with a waiter on which were wine and a plate of biscuits; after which he left the cousins to themselves. " I am completely chilled," said Laura, as she sat near the blazing fire. " How delightfully this feels ! Now, as long as we are alone in this cozy domain, we might as well make ourselves at home ; we shall have to remain here an hour or two. How the wind blows, and how ter- 294 HELEN LEESON: rific the outbursts of Nature's violence appear among these wild regions !" " Come, darling," interrupted Helen, who felt some anxiety about Laura's delicate health ; " let me settle you down on this lounge, near the fire ; perhaps you can sleep a little while ; that will restore you sooner than any thing else. And here is a dry blanket shawl, which, doubtless, her ladyship left for the use of crazy ramblers like our selves." Laura, who felt tired and exhausted, made no resistance, and she had scarcely been wrapped up by Helen before she fell asleep. For some time the young girl watched the pale coun- tenance and listened to the short breathing, but, finding that her cousin was really at rest, she glanced around the little parlour in which they had found such a timely and comfortable welcome. It was furnished in maroon velvet, not with a great deal of luxury, but the furniture had evidently been selected by one accustomed to ease and elegance. Helen rose and walked into the adjoining room, which seemed a sort of gallery, devoted principally to works of art. Several handsome paintings hung on the dark walls, and one or two pieces of statuary indicated the taste of an artist. As she was gazing on a fine Madonna and child which filled the panel between the windows, the wind blew so violently that a door at the extremity of the gallery was partially forced open, and Helen could see that it led into an apartment evidently illuminated. She hesitated ; but, supposing this to be a chapel, and feeling an irresistible desire to kneel and pour out the sufferings of her soul in the presence of her heavenly Father, she gently opened the door, and found herself in a retreat dedicated to a A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 295 worship far different from "what she had expected, and which filled her mind with doubt and fear. It was a small room, about ten feet square, entirely hung in folds of crimson velvet, and containing no furniture but a couch of the same material, the cushions of which appeared to have been used very lately. From the ceiling hung a large gilt lamp, whose rays spread a bright light in the little sanctuary. But what attracted Helen's attention, and riveted her gaze in a painful manner, was a pedestal of marble, beautifully wrought, which stood in the middle of this mysterious retreat, and upon which lay a wreath of golden grapes. " Oh ! where am I, and what does this mean ?" ex- claimed the agitated girl, as she leaned on the couch for support; and clasping her hands on her throbbing temples, she added " I know that wreath : it was mine ; when when " Before the words had escaped her lips, a footstep in the adjoining room arrested her attention ; the door was thrown open, a'd Walter Grey stood before her. Ono single shriek was heard, and she fell back senseless. " Lord !" muttered the young man, for he it was. " how mysterious are thy decrees ! Have I not suffered long enough ?" and he knelt before the fainting girl, using all pose ble means of restoring her to life. Full twenty minutes elapsed before Helen evinced any signs of re- turning consciousness. How long they appeared to the sufferer who watched the colourless features with intense agony ! At last a convulsive tremour ran through the hand he held in his, a slight quiver of the lip was perceptible, a delicate roseate hue tinged the pale cheek, and indicated that life had not vanished; the heavy eyelids rose gra- 296 HELEN LEESON: dually, but there was no power of utterance to express the overflowing of that broken heart. "Helen," he said, as he dropped her hand, and sat on the couch near her, " do we meet again in hatred ? Have you forgiven me?" " Oh, Walter !" at last burst from the lips of the ex- hausted girl ; and as the tears fell fast, she buried her face in her hands. "Why this grief?" he added. " Oh, I had thought that we would both have been spared this bitter trial ! I struggled long against that affection which was the very breath of my life; and, for many days, the agony was in- tense ; but now I am calm the sacrifice is made ! Yes," he continued, " all things are indifferent to me at present ; my only wish is to live and die here alone. I care for no one !" " Then then !" she exclaimed, "you do not love me?" and suddenly placing her hand on his lips, she added, with an indescribable expression of despair, " Oh, for mercy's sake, don't say so ! You would kill me !" " What can you mean, Helen ? Am I dreaming ? Am I deranged ?" " No, no ! See, Walter, see ; and do not say you hate me !" she added, as she drew from her bosom the likeness which had betrayed her secret to Laura. He took the locket, looked at it for an instant, and then, folding her passionately to his heart, he exclaimed " My wife ! my own !" " Yes, yours yours forever !" she muttered ; and, for a few moments, both were lost in the joy which acute suffering had rendered so pure, so intense ! " Walter," whispered the happy girl, gently disengaging herself from his embrace, " I thought I should have died just now, when you said you did not love inc." A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 297 " Not love you, my precious my only treasure ? Did I say so ? I was distracted ! But, tell me, to what good genius, to what angelic interference, do I owe the blessed change which has opened the gates of paradise to my withered heart ?" Helen related, with a blushing cheek, every detail 'f her mysterious attachment the long struggle, the extraordi- nary manner in which the true state of her feelings had burst upon her bewildered mind ; and then she added, " But whence arose that terrible report ?" " It was the announcement of my poor father's death that you saw. He was travelling in the State of New York, and being at a small town called Rome, was acci- dentally run over by a stage and killed. I received this sad intelligence from my uncle, and the same steamer brought me the paper containing the strange announce- ment. I saw immediately that it might be mistaken for myself, as I was in Italy at the time, and had written from Rome to Mrs. Murray and George. Accordingly, my mind was made up at once. I knew that this news would reach you, and thus break the spell which bound you to my miserable fate. I determined to seek some retired spot, where I could live secluded from the world, and give up all ties with America. The sacrifice was great, but not half what I was capable of enduring for your sake. At Flo- rence, I met Lady Falkland, an agreeable person. .She spoke of a cottage which she owned in this retired spot, and consented to lease it to me for a year, as she intended travelling in the East. I was so delighted with this pic- turesque country, that I determined to purchase this house, which I succeeded in doing six weeks ago. I then pro ceeded to furnish it to suit my misanthropic tastes to surround myself with every thing which could soothe my 298 HELEN IEESON: blighted spirit ; and this spot I devoted to the worship of a souvenir the only liu,k which bound me to you, Helen." " Oh !" she whispered, " can I ever, ever repay you for all the suffering I have caused?" " Tell me that the past is forgotten, and that you are mine. These words from your lips will obliterate all. But," he added, gazing with intense tenderness upon her uplifted countenance, " how pale how thin you are, my own ! so changed ! In my joy, I had not noticed it." "I have had so much trouble, Walter !" " Yes, I see grief has spread its gloomy vail over your young heart. I cannot bear to see these robes of death on you, dearest. Who are you wearing them for? Not your mother, I trust." "No ; my poor father. Oh ! do not curse his memory! Before I parted from him, he partially acknowledged his guilt, and bid me, unconscious of the link which fate 'had woven, tell you that he craved your forgiveness , and thus do I kneel to you, in the name of the departed penitent." " You, Helen, at my feet ? Never ! never !" and once more he clasped the lovely girl to his bosom. " Talk not of those melancholy events, darling," he continued ; "our parents erred in a terrific manner, and both were doomed to leave this sad world without the knowledge of the bright joy which now dawns upon their children." "Walter, explain to me how you succeeded in deceiving your uncle upon that false report ? He must have heard of your father's accident." " I don't know ; but as I never wrote him since then, he may have supposed that a strange coincidence had caused my death in Italy about the same time that father's A PEEP AT NEW YOKE SOCIETY. 299 occurred in the State of New York ; and, as previous to leaving America, I had settled my business, so as to invest a considerable amount in England, I was not obliged to apply to uncle. You see, Providence had wisely ordained all things, in thus furnishing me the means of expiating my errors." " Yes, and God directed my steps to you, that I might atone for my cruelty. But in my joy Laura has been for- gotten; she is here asleep in the parlour." " I saw the countess as I came in. My faithful Roger, the same who was my accomplice in that terrible tragedy last year, apprized me of your being here, as I returned from one of my rambles in the mountains. My first im- pulse was to avoid seeing you ; and supposing you to be in the parlour, I went into the adjoining gallery. From there I saw the countess asleep, but alone ; then I thought you must be here. Oh ! words cannot express my feelings when I entered this retreat, where my fate was once more to be decided ! But now I am so happy ! The sen- sation is strange and new, and I feel that, were I deprived of your presence, it would be death indeed !" " That need not be, thank Heaven. But let us go to Laura now, Walter. I am afraid I have left her too long alone." " Has the countess heard our strange history ?" asked the young man, as he rose and drew Helen's arm in his. " Yes, yes ; she knows all, and she pleaded your cause with sisterly eloquence until all hopes were lost." Both proceeded to the drawing-room; Laura was still asleep, but as they advanced toward the couch, the rustling of Helen's dress awoke her. She opened her eyes, looked at the happy couple, and starting up, she exclaimed "Walter Grey!" 26 300 HELEN LEESOX: " Myself, dear lady," he said, as he clasped her extende I hand. " Oh ! this is joy indeed ! Helen, my own sister, how delighted I am ! But," she added, smiling, "are you quite sure it is he not a ghost ?" " If this is a being of that mysterious nature, then pray write my epitaph, dearest," said Helen. "Now, Mr. Grey," continued the young countess, "an- Bwer for yourself, and let me know all about that strange intelligence which has reduced this fair lady to a mere shadow, and dear Mrs. Murray to despair." Walter proceeded to relate the story he had told Helen. "What! already three o'clock!" exclaimed Laura; " aunt will be very much alarmed about us. Is it safe for us to row over to the inn, now ?" " Quite so ; but I will order my wagon and drive you around the lake ; it will take but a few minutes more, and is much pleasanter after such a storm." "See how calm nature is now!" said Helen, turning to the window as Walter left the room. " How beautiful and serene it louhs after that violent convulsion !" "Is it not the image of your own heart?" replied the young countess ; " and has not his presence brought in your fate a change as bright, as pure as that which robes this mountain scenery ? Oh ! now I am satisfied, and it will be one pang less to bear when the time comes !" " Laura, I cannot be happy without you ; it breaks my joy to hear you talk thus." " He will be all in all to you, my darling. I have known that blessing, and I cannot live deprived of it," added the countess, with a depression which, of late, she had not in- dulged in. " The carriage is at your orders, ladies," said Walter, A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 301 as he returned to the drawing-room. " Roger had wisely surmised that it would be safer for you to drive over to the inn ; adding," said the young man, with a smile which made Helen blush, " ' I suppose your wife, Mr. Walter, does not remain here !' " "Not quite yet," replied Laura laughing. "Now, my 'children, (for I claim you both as your senior in wisdom,) how shall we explain all this to aunt and Robert, and how will you account for your long silence to your American friends, Mr. Grey Walter, I mean, for I am your sister from this very moment." " I have scarcely had time to collect my thoughts on the subject, dear lady. Of course it is best that no one should know the strange circumstances connected with our mar- riage. The ceremony will be performed once more when we return to New York, and till then I must be but an humble suitor for this fair lady." " Very well ; then what must we say about that re- port ?" " The truth, to a certain extent. That is, that it was the announcement of my father's death ; and that having travelled for several weeks through Turkey and Greece after that event, my letters to America (which I never wrote) had miscarried. I will write by this steamer to Mrs. Murray and my uncle, as though my correspondence had been regularly kept up. After all, only two months have elapsed ; and, although improbable, my story is not an impossible one." "You are, I see, an excellent contriver," said Laura. " Now, let us go ; and as I have a certain curiosity to visit this romantic dwelling, to-morrow, when Robert has heard of your being here, you will invite us, in a very polite man- ner, to drive over to see your paintings. Only, let me 302 HELEN LEESON: warn you not to forget that you have been just introduced to Miss Leeson, and are merely an admirer." "I am, most undoubtedly," he said, pressing the little hand which was laid in his, as the lovers followed Laura to the carriage. The drive was short, but most agreeable to the party. They reached the inn in about an hour, and found Aunt Seraph in great alarm. The old friend was so delighted to see her children safe, that she scarcely noticed Walter. In fact, she was totally ignorant of the great interest her nieces took in the young man, who, after spending a few moments with the ladies, returned to his home, promising to see them that evening, as they had determined not to leave for Berne until the following morning. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 303 CHAPTER XXXI. WE have said that Laura was a capital diplomatist. She was, indeed ; and her intelligent affection was now put into requisition to diminish many of the minor difficulties which circumstances threw across the mysterious fate of Helen and her husband. It is hard, she thought, that when so much suffering has been their share, they should, now that Providence has allowed this blessed reunion, be deprived of that intercourse which they are so well entitled to. And still, for Helen's cake, it is essential that appearances should be regarded, and several weeks must elapse before Walter can pay his addresses to her, and their engagement be acknowledged. I will manage it. With this end in view, Laura whispered to Helen, as they saw Robert return from his expedition " Don't speak of Walter ; you would betray yourself. I will tell him my version of the story." Therefore, after questioning the young man about their chances for the morrow, and partially relating the occurrences of the morn- ing, she added " And who should be spending a few weeks in this neigh- bourhood but your supposed-to-be-lost friend Mr. Grey, Robert." "Walter?" exclaimed the young man. " Yes. You know he is an eccentric, misanthropic sort of a fellow. Well, it appears he met a charming English woman in Italy a Lady Falkland who, finding that he 26* 304 HELEN LEESOX: was quite an artist, offered him to spend a few weeks at her cottage here on the lake, and we happened to stop there for shelter in the storm. Was it not strange ?" " Very ! But how happy I shall be to see the dear fellow ! Aunt Seraph, you don't know him ; he is one of my best friends, and so handsome and gentlemanly." "Well," said Miss Marsy, "he did not strike me as being half as pleasing as Monsieur de Mornay." " Quite a different style," said Laura, who could scarcely refrain from smiling. " But then, he is a genuine Ame- rican ; and you know, aunt, that is worth the finest title and all the wealth in the world." " I suppose it is," replied the old lady, quite astonished to hear Laura even slightly depreciate the viscount ; " but Gustave is a great favourite of mine." "Did Walter say he would return to see us before we leave ?" asked Robert. "Yes; this evening." "Now, Helen," continued the young man, "I hope you will learn to value him ; I must try to induce him to accompany us as far as Interlachen. But he is such a bear ! I don't believe he will trust himself with so many ladies." " We will tame him," said Laura. " There is only one danger that I see, and that is, that we shall all like him too well, if he is what Mrs. Murray describes him to be." " What is the matter with Laura?" thought Aunt Seraph ; " this young man has bewitched her ; but Helen's silence epeaks in favour of Gustave de Mornay." As we may perceive, Miss Seraphina had but little knowledge of the human heart, or she might have known that in love matters silence implies interest. At seven o'clock, as the travellers rose from the supper- A PEEP AT NEW YOKE SOCIETY. 305 table, Walter made his appearance. Robert's greeting of his friend was such as a warm heart and a deep sense of gratitude would prompt, and this affectionate welcome at once placed the young man somewhat on an intimate foot- ing with the party. Aunt Seraph was the last to admit the stranger to the sanctum sanctorum of her favour. In fact, Laura had so wound around the old lady's heart in favour of the viscount, that she had constructed a brilliant palace in the air, of which her niece was to be queen ; and she considered their new acquaintance as an intruder upon her dreams one who might shake the very foundation of her ethereal edifice. Little Arty, whom we have scarcely mentioned of late, but who exercised an undisturbed sway over all, ran in after the evening meal to get a last kiss from his little mamma, as he styled Laura. The noble boy, who had grown taller and stronger since the days of his capers with friend Dob on the broad Atlantic, ran to his mother, and then turned suddenly toward Walter, exclaiming " The gentleman in your picture, Cousin Robert." " Yes ; I have a daguerreotype of you, Walter, which this fellow has played with in my room many a time. You have an excellent memory, you young rogue." "Elly don't like the gentleman in the picture," added the child ; " do you, Elly ?" "Will Arthur love me, then?" said the young man, noticing the deep blush on Helen's cheek, and drawing the boy toward him. " Yes, Arty loved you in the picture ; it was pretty ; mamma said it was, but " "But my pet must go to bed now," said Laura, dread- ing the untutored frankness of her son. " Now, kiss Mr. Grey, and say good-night." 306 HELEN LEESON: " Good-night, all !" he exclaimed, as he threw his arms around Nina's neck. The evening was spent very quietly: many home topics were discussed by those whom they interested so keenly ; and at nine Walter took leave of the ladies, having, accord- ing to Laura's suggestion, invited them to visit Lady Falkland's cottage on the following day, and partially promised Robert to meet their party at Interlachen. Again we might say with the poet "A change came o'er the spirit of my dream." How sweet, how pure, were the young girl's feelings as she laid her head on her pillow that night, and recalled to her mind every occurrence of that eventful morning ! How new the sensation, the thrill of delight which had run through every vein as she met the beloved one, as she felt the passionate gaze beaming upon her ! Oh ! love in its purity is a spark of heavenly origin ; it springs from the Creator, and returns unsullied to the throne of divine grace. Thus thought Helen, as she closed her eyes, wearied and exhausted; yes, exhausted, for joy in its out- bursts is as wearing to the life-springs of our being as an emotion of a darker nature. And when the light of the dawning day streamed upon the sleeping girl, the cherished name burst from her lips, and she awoke to the morning of her happiness ! Miss Marsy having again declined accompanying her nieces, Laura, Helen, and Robert drove over to Lady Falk- land's cottage, and were welcomed at the door by the host himself. " Why, you extravagant fellow !" said young Leeson. as he walked through the beautiful little residence. " No wonder you forgot your American friends in this sweet Bpoi. One would willingly become a hermit in such a re- A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 307 treat. However," he added, "fair countess, I would prefer sharing it with you." " Thank you, my noble lord ; I have no fancy for such retired nooks as these, exquisite as they may be. It takes a supernatural amount of wit to play the agreeable in a permanent tete-d-tete. I boast no such powers." " Now, Laura," whispered the young man, as she took his arm and led him into the picture-gallery, thus affording the lovers a moment of solitude, " let me tell you one or two pretty things, dear cousin." " Say what you please ; but don't expect a very gra- cious answer, for I am bent upon looking at these fine paintings." " Did Arthur tell the truth, Helen, last evening?" whis- pered the young man, as he led her to the window, where the curtain entirely concealed them. "I will not answer that question; you know me now as well as I know myself; perhaps better." "Better?" " Yes ; because you are wiser than I am, and because I live and breathe through that mysterious feeling which binds me to you, Walter. Oh, how indescribable it is ! I have wondered since yesterday, that I could have existed without it." And, almost ashamed of what she had said, she hid her face in her hands. " Dearest, precious one !" muttered the young man. " This being obliged to appear as a stranger to you is ter- ribly painful," continued Helen ; "and we part so soon " " Yes ; but for a very short time. I will meet you at Interlachen in a few days ; and then I return here to sell this house and join you at Naples. After which, I trust, we shall not be separated." 308 HELEN LEESON: " God grant it may be so !" she replied. And both walked into the gallery, where Laura had so effectually entertained her cousin, that he had not noticed the absence of his sister. No one, of course, was admitted that day to the sanctuary of the golden wreath. The travellers returned to the village ; and the carriage having been repaired, the party started for Berne in the afternoon. Walter remained with them until the last mo- ment, and then wended his solitary way toward the cottage, a thousand times more desolate since the bright ray which had dawned upon it had vanished. " She is gone, Roger," he said to his faithful servant, who opened the door for him. " Yes, Master Walter ; but we will go to her soon, for she is your own wife." " But no one knows that, my old friend ; and I cannot claim her now." " Well, well ; no matter. It will all come right," and the old man proceeded to prepare every thing for his mas- ter's comfort, while Walter retired to the little retreat, to dream of Helen and gaze upon that wreath which she had worn, and which so long had been his only joy. Poor lovers ! how bitterly you have been ridiculed ! And still, wretched is the heart which cannot gather from memory's treasures some episode of bygone days, when it dwelt with delight upon a token of love so precious, BO valued then, and now divested by time and distance of all its enchantment 1 A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 309 CHAPTER XXXII. THE travellers only remained two days at Berne. The city, although interesting in some respects, does not possess sufficient attractions to ween the tourists from the picturesque beauties of the landscape which at every step charm the eye in Switzerland. Accordingly, on the third day, they started, with pleasurable anticipations, for the valley of the Aar, visited the Lakes of Thun and Brienz, and reached Interlachen a few days afterward, enchanted with the romantic scenery of the beautiful valley through which the silvery stream rolls its waters, and upon which the snow-clad peaks of the Alps look down in majestic grandeur, like the gigantic spirits of some unknown regions. It was with infinite happiness that Helen arose on the morning after their arrival. There she would see Walter again; and, unsatisfactory as was her intercourse with the young man in the presence of Aunt Seraph and Ro- bert, it was still an inestimable blessing to see him, and now and then hear a word of affection from his lips. But Helen's joy, like most of the imperfect felicities of this deceptive world, was not without alloy. Since that terrible shower to which Laura had been exposed, the young countess had had a violent cough, which seemed to wear her frail being and destroy all the benefit which she had derived from her sea-voyage and stay m France. Kind and unselfish as she always was, Laura 310 HELEN LEESON: endeavoured to shake off as much as possible the painful exhaustion which was perceptible to all, and which filled her aunt with bitter anxiety. This unfortunate change spread a gloom over the whole party, for Laura was the active genius, the promoter of all pleasure. Robert, for the first time in his life, seemed to feel that sorrow was about to crush his hopes ; and he clung with desperate devotion to the gentle being who, from childhood, had been the star of his life. Miss Marsy was most anxious to consult a physician for her niece, but to whom could she apply in this strange country ? There could be no scientific men in such a small place as Interlachen. She therefore urged their not re- maining in that lovely spot, where travellers generally lin- ger to admire the wonderful freaks of nature. That afternoon Walter arrived, and relieved Aunt Seraph of a great weight of care by informing her that a friend of his, a celebrated French physician, had travelled with him, and that he knew him to be a most intelligent and agreeable man. Miss Marsy was partially reassured by the opinion Dr. Darmont expressed of her niece's health ; but Walter in- formed Robert that the physician considered the young countess in a very precarious state, and that the climate of Switzerland was by no means the proper one to promote her recovery. "Then we must not stay here a day longer!" ex- claimed the passionate young man. "Oh, Walter!" he added, "I love Laura so dearly, it will kill me if she is taken from us ! Do you think her so very ill ?" " Indeed, I cannot tell ; but Dr. Darmont's opinion is, I fear, a correct one. However, he seems to think the mild A PEEP AT NEW YOKK SOCIETY. 311 atmosphere r f Italy may benefit your cousin's health con- siderably." " How s'iall I tell Helen ? No one can manage it but her. I will take aunt and Laura out to drive, in a few moments ; Helen is in my parlour, drawing a view of the Alps ; will you not go in and communicate all this to her ? Do, now, Walter; I cannot say it myself I cannot indeed !" " But Miss Leeson scarcely knows me, Robert. She may think it strange that I should thus intrude upon her." " Oh, no, she wont ! Tell her I sent you to look at her drawing; she will be quite flattered. Now, go. No one will disturb you, as aunt and Laura will be out." As may be supposed, there was no reluctance on the part of the young man to comply with his friend's wishes. Robert had given him the number of his parlour, and find- ing the door partly opened, he entered with a noiseless step and advanced toward Helen, who stood near the open window gazing upon the landscape, while her unfinished sketch lay on the table near her. " Oh !" she muttered, "it is too sublime ! I never can imitate that. If I could only draw like Walter ! If he were only here to guide my inexperienced hand !" "Here I am, Miss Leeson," he whispered, "at your orders, if you will permit me to be your most humble adviser." " Oh, Walter ! you were there so near me and I did not hear you come in !" " Your brother requested me to meet you here, as you had a sketch to show me," he said, in a formal tone, which, though meant as a joke, sounded disagreeably to the young girl's ear. " Will you oblige me by shutting that door, Mr. Grey?" 27 312 HELEN LEESON: was the answer, while Helen sat down to the table and con- tinued to draw. Walter obeyed, and then stood, apparently absorbed in thought. The truth was, that he had undertaken a pain- ful mission, and he knew not how to impart the sad intel- ligence This Helen was not aware of, and for an instant an iron link seemed to compress her heart. She thought him cold and indifferent ; but the memory of all he had endured for her sake recurred to her, and she said, in a mild voice "Walter!" The young man turned from the window and looked at her. " Will you not sit here, near me, and show me how this should be done ?" He took the chair by her side, and looked over the drawing, till she could feel his hair gently touch her cheek. " This is well, very well done," he said, while he thought, "How shall I tell her ?" "No, no, it is not," said Helen, as she looked up in his face. "Why do you not speak to me, Walter? Have I offended you?" " Helen, dearest best !" he exclaimed, as he drew her gently toward him. " Oh yes, I know I have said or done something which has hurt your feelings," she added ; " but can I help being stiff and formal with you when aunt and Robert are pre- sent ? You are not my husband, then ?" "But I am now," whispered the lover. "You have mis- taken me," he added ; " I never have known any affection but that I bear you, and it is beyond the reach of caprice or alteration the very essence of my existence." " Why, then, did you call me Miss Leeson, just now?" A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 313 "Because the door was opened, and that, to strangers, you are Miss Leeson still." " You are right. Did I not say you were wiser than I am ? Only think, we scarcely know each other ! I have seen so little of you, and still " "And still what, darling?" " Oh, no matter ; you know. But tell me how you thought of coming up to this parlour?" In the exuberance of his love, the young man had for- gotten his promise to Robert. He said, hurriedly " Your brother requested me to deliver a message a sad one to you. The doctor thinks your cousin quite ill ; and his opinion is, that she should go to Italy as soon as possible. Robert wishes you to induce Miss Marsy and the countess to leave Switzerland immediately, without alarming them." " Is it so, then? Poor Laura !" muttered Helen. " Oh ! this is painful, indeed ! What ! what shall I do without her?" and the tears fell fast as she spoke. Walter knew too well what acute sorrow was, to attempt to offer useless comfort. "God is merciful!" she added. "Merciful, indeed! Had this terrible calamity burst upon me two weeks ago, it would have killed me ; and now I feel, that, with your love, I could outlive any agony. This will be a dreadful blow for poor Aunt Seraph ! Oh ! here they are, returning from their drive. I suppose Laura was too much fatigued. Go, Walter, go ; it would not do for them to find you here." And they parted as lovers part so anxious to meet again. With wonderful shrewdness, Helen managed to convince Miss Marsy and Laura that it was essential they should shorten their stay in Switzerland, in order to remain in Italy as long as they had at first intended. There was 314 HELEN LEESON: no difficulty in persuading the young countess, who was most anxious to reach Naples, and who had insisted upon prolonging their visit to Interlachen, principally to afford her cousin an opportunity of seeing more of Walter. Accordingly, the party left for Friburg the next day. From there, they took the diligence to Lausanne, and reached Geneva without accident. At Robert's request, Walter had accompanied them ; and, as Laura appeared less complaining, they determined to take a rest of a few days. Aunt Seraph had become acQustomed to the society of Mr. Grey, as she called him. She could not help acknow- ledging that he was a fine young man intellectual and agreeable at times ; but so very quiet and retiring in his manners; nothing like as fascinating as Gustave de Mor- nay. She could not imagine what Helen saw in him. "For, Laura," added the old lady, no longer able to con- fine her remarks to her own mind, " Helen certainly admires Mr. Grey; she likes him exceedingly. Don't you think 60?" " I do, of course ; and there is nothing very extraordi- nary in that, aunt ; for Mrs. Murray has been telling Helen wonders about Walter. She knew him before she saw him ; and, I believe, the old lady has entertained him about my pretty cousin over and over again. I should not wonder if they made a match, after all." " Oh, Laura, how ridiculous ! He is not at all the man I would suppose Helen would fancy." "My dear aunt," said the young countess, "did you ever see a girl marry the man you thought she would fancy ? Here is a case in point," she added, hastily opening a letter which Robert had just brought her. "Oh! guess, guess, both of you, who is engaged ? But where is Elly !" A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 315 Helen was summoned. " Who do you think is going to get married ?" exclaimed Laura, as her cousin came in. " I don't know ; but that letter is from Emma Grantly." "Yes; but do guess, Aunt Seraph try." " I never could guess any thing in my life, dear. Hero is Mr. Grey ; he may know something about it." "Well, come; I will tell you," said Laura "Emma herself." " Indeed !" said Helen ; " I am delighted ; but who to ? Mr. Mac Tavish? He admires her so much!" "No; Herman Smith!" " I never would have thought she would have fancied him," said Aunt Seraph, while Laura burst out laughing. " I told you so, aunty dear. What a sensible girl Emma is ! Herman will make a capital husband." " Yes ; but he has not the means to marry. You know he was only a clerk at your father's, Helen," interrupted Miss Marsy. "Emma tells me that Mr. Grantly has taken Herman into partnership ; he entertains the highest opinion of him. Mrs. Grantly is delighted, and they are all pleased, except Mrs. Amanda, who has had two nervous ' headaches in consequence of her niece's ill-assorted match, as she calls it." " Poor aunt !" said Helen, with an imperceptible smile. " She is too ridiculous !" added Robert, laughing. "Now pray, Walter, have you nothing to say ? You are, indeed, a very quiet gentleman." " One thinks the more for talking the less, Robert ; and my thoughts are not always worth expressing," he replied, with a sigh which was re-echoed in Helen's heart. That evening, after writing to her friend to congratulate HELEN LEESON: her on her happy engagement, Laura addressed a few lines to Madame de Mornay. She had corresponded several times with their amiable Paris friend, but had avoided alluding to their last conversation regarding her son's future prospects. But now she thought herself in duty bound to mention something of the subject which she knew would materially affect Madame de Mornay 's plans. She therefore told her that Helen had met Mr. Grey in Switzer- land ; that she had known him at home, and having travelled together, and seen a great deal of each other, she thought there was a probability of there arising an attachment between them, "which would," added Laura, "impede the success of our favourite dream, dear lady." Having thus prepared Madame de Mornay for the coming event, the young countess proceeded with the more difficult task of talking Aunt Seraph into fancying Walter ; for the old lady, like most very mild persons, had a spice of firmness about her, which could only be conquered by the cunning graces of her bewitching niece. Thus Laura had struggled to obtain for her French friends, and for Gustave in particu- lar, an admission to her aunt's favour; and now that they were endowed with those privileges, she found it equally difficult to infringe upon their rights in Walter's behalf. "When shall we see you again, Mr. Grey?" said the young countess, as he bid them farewell on the morning of their arrival in Turin. " Very soon, I hope. I will meet you in Naple,; in three or four weeks." " Not later remember !" added Laura, with an expres- sion of sadness very unusual to her. Our travellers proceeded to Genoa, spent two days in visiting the city of palaces, and taking the steamboat from there, arrived at Naples about the beginning of September. A PEEP AT NEW YOKK SOCIETY. 817 Laura had been considerably weakened by their hurried travelling, and several days elapsed before she felt strong enough to call upon the Marquis and Marchioness di Caristi. The countess, since her marriage, had corresponded very regularly with the only relatives of her husband. She spoke and wrote Italian with remarkable accuracy; and through her affectionate letters Count Arthur's aunt and uncle had learned to appreciate his wife. Their de- sire to see her had been expressed in the warmest terms of interest. " My sweet Laura ! My own niece !" exclaimed the old marquis and his wife, as they welcomed the young widow to the Villa Caristi a beautiful residence on the* Bay of Naples. "La Signora Marsy, La Signorina Leeson," added the polite old gentleman, kissing the extended hand of each lady ; while the marchioness folded little Arthur in a ma- ternal embrace, and tears of sorrow and joy streamed down her cheeks, as she remarked "How much the child resembles his father, my own beloved nephew !" Laura was much affected, and for a while quite unable to express her gratitude for the heartfelt greeting she received, and Aunt Seraph once more bitterly repented her want of sagacity in not studying foreign languages. Helen understood Italian, and spoke it with moderate fluency. "Now, my child," said the marchioness, "you must not think of remaining in Naples this hot weather. I have had apartments prepared for you, your aunt, your cousin, and Mr. Leeson, who is travelling with you, T believe." As usual, Robert had, what he called, oacked out from 318 HELEN LEESON: the bore of going to visit the old people. Laura, accord- ingly, apologized for his absence. Miss Marsy was most reluctant to receive hospitality from such complete strangers. But they were so pressing, so vory kind, that Aunt Seraph could not resist the old marquis's gallantry any more than the fascinations of poor Count Marini, when, some three years before, he claimed the hand of Laura Elliot. It was, therefore, agreed that little Arty, who at once seemed to assert his rights to the affection of his aged re- latives and to the domains of Caristi, should be left as a hostage to insure the return of the ladies in the afternoon. The marchioness sent her intendant to Naples, to avoid Laura any annoyance of luggage or other domestic arrange- ments ; and at five o'clock the party, including Robert who had reluctantly consented to accompany his cousin, upon condition that his liberty should be restored to him after dinner, and that he would retain his lodgings at the hotel arrived at the villa. " I could not breathe, Laura, in that aristocratic atmo- sphere," had said the rebellious Robert ; "you were born to be a queen, but I am one of the sons of young America." However, he could not help acknowledging, as he rose from table, and accompanied the ladies on a balcony from which a magnificent view of Naples and its matchless bay could be seen, that, indeed, the establishment was kept in the very best style, and that Laura's relatives were very nice people so genteel, so polite. "After all," he added, " I don't see why one need be rude and unmannerly be- cause one claims the blessed rights of an American citizen." " The proof of that, dear coz, is, that there are many among our countrymen full of refinement, and whose man- A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 319 ners would grace any court. 'Tis but the young worldling like yourself who thinks that the solid goods of this life cannot be polished by elegance and intellectual pursuits." " Laura, you are too perfect for this wicked world! " A violent cough, brought on by exposure to the night air, was the appalling answer. " Come in, my daughter," said the marchioness, as she wrapped up the young countess in a warm shawl. The next morning the old lady inquired of Helen whether Her cousin had been suffering very long from that violent cold. Painful as was the task of afflicting the kind friend who had so rejoiced at seeing the wife of her beloved Arthur, Helen felt it her duty to apprise the marchioness of Laura's precarious state of health. " She must see our physician immediately," was the an- swer ; and a servant was despatched to Naples for Doctor Moriani, one of the medical authorities, and one whose ex- perience the Carlisti family had, unfortunately, had occasion to test. The Italian Esculapius corroborated the opinion of Doctor Darmont, and that which Doctor Clifford had ex- pressed to Mrs. Leeson before the countess left New York. She might live many months, but a violent cold could at any moment prove fatal. She was in the last stage of consumption. With a sensation of intense bitterness, the marchioness parted with the physician. "And has she come to us but to die?" she muttered; " and will she rest with our four children, at the Campo Santo? 0, Lord! thy decrees are inscrutable!" Laura, although every precaution had been taken not to alarm her, was fully aware of her situation, but an extra^ 320 HELEN LEESON: ordinary cheerfulness, an unselfish feeling, which, through all her troubles, had considered no sacrifice too great for the comfort of others, had kept up her spirits. It was only at times that she gave up to despair, and then the outburst of nature's claims was terrific. One morning, about two weeks after her arrival at the Villa Caristi, the young countess sat near the open window, gazing upon the admirable scenery which spread its autum- nal beauties before her. The noble bay, with its girdle of romantic villas, the little islands of Ischia and Nisita, gems of animated mosaics detached from the sapphire of the waters, spoke volumes to the poetical mind of the sufferer. There stood the gigantic Vesuvius, with its smoking crater, like the spirit of darkness watching in en- vious anger the enchanting spots, resplendent with the bounty of nature and art. And beyond, as though to check the pride of man and silence the cravings of the flaming destroyer, could be seen the cemetery of the Campo Santo, the land of earth's repose, where the tears and joys of this world lay concealed beneath the flowery beds of the Italian clime. " land of my beloved ! I have come to thee at last," whispered Laura ; " I have left my home, my friends, to lay my drooping head in the grave with thee, my Arthur ! Death will be sweet when thy voice calls me to the home my Redeemer has prepared for me ! But but " added the young mother, as her eye fell on the little fellow who was enjoying his merry gambols with Nina in the gardens of the villa, " must I leave him, leave my boy to others to their care and caresses? And who will teach him to love thee ? Oh, no, no ! I cannot, I will not abandon my child !" And a passionate flood of tears burst from the aching bosom. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 321 " Laura, dearest," said Helen, who for a few minutes had been watching the patient "Laura, what, what is the mat- ter? Are you in pain ?" " Oh ! there there, Helen ; my heart is broken ! 1 can- not part with my boy, Helen I must not die !" "No, no, my darling," whispered the agitated girl, as her tears fell fast. " God is merciful ! He will restore you to us. Laura, Laura," she added, finding that words could hot soothe her cousin, " shall I tell Father Bernard to come up ? He is walking in the garden with Arty." " Yes, yes, send him to me ; he alone can teach the awful lesson. Oh, my boy!" Shortly after her husband's death, Laura had become a Catholic, and little Arthur was christened, according to his father's request, a member of his church. Miss Marsy had been considerably annoyed at her niece's conversion, but she was too perfect a Christian to entertain in the slightest degree those sectarian prejudices which have proved such a curse to the whole human flock the Divine Shepherd claims as his own, banishing with their blasting invectives that meek and gentle charity which God in his mercy granted the exiled mortal. The young countess was extremely pious ; and as the subject of controversy was never alluded to between her- self and her family, Aunt Seraph could not find fault with a religion from which her adopted child seemed to derive strength and consolation. Father Bernard was one of those blessed examples of a good priest. Humble and indulgent to others in propor- tion as he was austere to himself, possessing that essence of charity which seeks the suffering soul to bring relief and point out to the erring sinner the path of truth ; ever en- couraging to repentance, and urging, as an inducement, 322 HELEN LEESON: the love, the mercy, of the heavenly Father, rather than his wrath and justice. " Win by mild means, and not by fear," was the motto of the kind old man. Several times he had comforted Laura in her moments of despair ; and now again he succeeded in soothing the troubled mind. After he had sat about an hour with the young countess, he rose, adding " I must finish my game with Arthur, in the garden ;" and with a gentle wave of the hand he left the room. " Have you written to Walter, Helen ?" asked Laura, after a few minutes of meditation had elapsed. " Yes ; but I think he will be here before my letter reaches him. I have a presentiment we shall see him very soon." " I hope so. Oh ! here is my favourite organ. Listen, Helen. It plays Casta Diva so beautifully, and reminds me of my days of happiness, when I was at the opera in New York with Arthur. Is it not sweet? and is not this country too perfect ?" "Oli, lovely, beyond description!" " There, the organ stops," said Laura. " Call to Nina to make it play again." Helen obeyed, and then resumed her seat near her cousin. The afternoon passed away in a cosy chat about home, in which Aunt Seraph, who, fortunately, had had no know- ledge of Laura's violent grief, joined with infinite satis- faction. She so longed to return to America ! Notwithstanding Helen's endeavours to prepare her aunt for the catastrophe which, from one day to the other, might blight all her joys, Miss Marsy seemed unconscious of the terrible truth. She was anxious, as she always had been, about Laura, but entertained no dread of her being taken from her so unexpectedly ; and, strange to say, she noticed A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 323 not the sad change every hour brought in the frail being she had tended with so much care since her infancy. As Helen had surmised, Walter arrived in Naples two days after her letter (the first she had written to him) had been despatched. Laura had explained to the marchioness the nature of the young man's claims upon Helen's society. That is, she spoke of the attachment existing between them; and consequently the old lady had extended her hospitality to Walter; and while he shared Robert's lodg- ings at Naples, he received an invitation to dine every day at the Villa Caristi. " I am glad you have come in to sit with me, Aunt Seraph," said the countess, about a week after Walter's arrival, " for I have something to tell you which I hope will meet with your approbation." " I am quite prepared for your disclosure, Laura, and I suppose it is for the best. He seems to be a fine fellow, although " "Don't add any 'although' to your opinion, dearest," said Laura. " Helen is perfectly happy, and it is a great comfort for us to see her marry such a noble fellow as Walter. Twice he saved Robert from ruin, and he is de- voted to our dear Helen." " Well, well, I am satisfied." " Say you are delighted, please." " Well, I believe I am ; for, after all, I much prefer her marrying an American. Robert tells me he has an old wealthy uncle, who will, most likely, leave him all his pro- perty ; and he is a good business man." After coming to this happy conclusion, Aunt Seraph de- termined to be very gracious to her new nephew, and sht, did her best to atone for her former coldness. Robert was, of course, enchanted ; and as he expressed 28 324 HELEN LEESOST: his satisfaction to Laura, he added, " Why, why can I not be loved too ?" " You will, Robert, one of these days, when I have gone to the land of rest, to pray that wisdom may be granted to you. There is a noble little heart now beating in New York, which will, I trust, acquit my debt of devotion toward you." " Oh ! I know who you allude to ; but that is quite im- possible. We are friends, and cannot be any thing else to each other ; that is very certain." "Nothing is certain in this world, Robert, but death!" And as she spoke, Laura withdrew her handkerchief from her mouth: it was full of blood. An exclamation of agony escaped the young man's lips ! The lovers were walking in the garden. Walter had just received Helen's letter, which had been sent to him from Berne. "Oh, give it to me, pray!" she said; "it is not worth reading, indeed." "Why so, dearest? A simple message from you is valuable to me ; how much more precious this first-written expression of your feelings ! Let me read it." "No, no; I cannot." "How strange," he added, sadly, "that you should re fuse to gratify me when it would be so easy !" The tone of the appeal was irresistible ; and, as they entered one of the bowers, Helen opened the letter, which she had taken from Walter at the beginning of this lovers' quarrel, and returned it to him. An expression of intense pleasure overspread his noble countenance as he perused the epistle ; and, as he read the last words, with which, partly in jest and partly in earnest affection, she had closed the letter "Ever your loving A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 825 wife, Helen Grey," he caught her in his arms, whispering words which, to us, would be very uninteresting, but which sounded like music to the young girl. The joys of this world are of short duration. Time, that merciless consumer, grants but few of those heavenly hours to its children. As the lovers returned to the villa, they met Nina, who was running in great haste toward the little cottage where Father Bernard resided. " Madame is worse !" she cried, as she passed them. With a hurried step and a beating heart, Helen pro- ceeded to her cousin's room. An expression of despair burst from her lips as she entered. Laura lay on the couch near the open window, senseless. Robert was kneeling before her, calling her by every en- dearing name, while little Arthur, in tears, kissed the cold hand, crying " Mother ! mother ! speak to Arty ! speak to your pet !" Aunt Seraph had gone out to drive with the mar- chioness that afternoon. By the use of some restoratives, Helen and Walter suc- ceeded in re riving the young countess. She opened her eyes, and, pressing her child to her bosom, she said, " Bless you, my boy! Helen, oh love him for my sake. Walter!" " Here I am, dear lady," was the tremulous answer. Father Bernard came in. Laura had received the sa- crament that morning. She took the old man's hand, say- ing, " Pray for me, father, that the struggle may not be to 3 great." The holy man knelt. All followed his example. At that moment, the organ was heard in the garden. " Send him away," whispered Helen to Walter. 326 HELEN LEESON: " Oh, no ; don't !" muttered Laura. " It is the voice of the angels calling me to heaven ! Father, God is merci- ful ! He loves me !" Then raising herself, by a violent effort, she cast a last look upon the glorious scenery. A leaf, blown away by the evening breeze, fell upon her snowy garment. " Ah !"' she said, with an indescribable expression of sadness, as she gazed upon the warning na- ture thus cast toward her, " the leaves are falling the hour has come ! earth ! how beautiful thou art ! but far more pure are the joys of heaven ! Helen my boy aunt, dear aunt farewell ! Arthur, I come !" And, as the setting sun concealed its golden rays beyond the blue horizon, the young countess fell back lifeless, faithful to her only love ! The noise of a carriage was heard in the court ; a hur- ried step on the stairs followed. The door was thrown open, and, with a shriek of horror, Miss Marsy rushed into the room, and fell fainting at Laura's feet. Let us pause a moment. The mind, the pen, weary fast in describing the tortures of our afflicted nature, for many have drooped beneath the heavy burden, and few can think of such sorrows unmoved. Aunt Seraph was carried to her apartment, and restored to consciousness and pain. 'Tis when sleep or the priva- tion of our senses has thrown a blank over our existence, and that we awake to the awful reality, that the mind stares in wild bewilderment upon its broken joys. Oh ! the anguish is terrific dark, gloomy, beyond expression ! Thus felt poor Aunt Seraph, as she started from her bed and insisted upon going into her niece's room. "When you are calm, dearest," said Helen, "then you may see her. Think of little Arthur, aunt ; think how merciful God has been, to leave you the darling boy." A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 327 " No, no, there is no mercy ! there are no compensations to such agony ! Oh ! I am wearied ! I am exhausted !" When all efforts to soothe the wretched one proved ineffec- tual, the marchioness, whose grief was expressed in silent tears, requested that Miss Marsy would see her. " She cannot understand me, but let me see her," she said, to Helen. Aunt Seraph, whose meek spirit for the first time rebelled against the bitterness of the decree, had refused to receive any one but Helen. However, she could not reject the sympathy of the friend who had given so many proofs of affection and devotion. The marchioness came in and ad- vanced toward the sufferer, who sat the statue of despair, the burning eye unmoistened by a single tear. She took her hand and led her to the window. The waning beams of twilight were still glimmering. The marchioness pointed to the cemetery, and held up her four fingers with such an expression of sorrow, that it spoke volumes to the aching heart. Aunt Seraph threw herself into the old lady's arms, and a flood of tears brought relief to her intense agony. 28* 828 HELEN LEESON: CHAPTER XXXIII. Miss MARSY was very reluctant to allow the remains of ner niece to be deposited at the cemetery of the Campo Santo ; but Laura had expressed her earnest wish on the subject so often, that Helen finally prevailed upon her aunt to make no further objection. Accordingly, two days after the melancholy events which are here described had oc- curred, all that earth could claim of the young creature who has flitted through this narrative like a spirit of peace and love, was borne to its last home, followed by the old marquis, the disconsolate Robert, and Walter Grey. The funeral service was performed at the chapel by good Father Bernard, and the vault of the Caristi family received within its bosom the pale flower of America. Scarce nineteen summers had dawned upon it ! " She sleeps near her lover, and their spirits dwell in heaven !" There being no longer any object for the travellers to prolong their stay in Italy, all were anxious to return to New York. Gratitude for the kind welcome they had re- ceived from Count Arthur's relatives alone induced them to remain one week after Laura's death at the villa. The marquis and his wife were most anxious to keep little Arty, the child being the sole heir to their estates ; but Laura had obtained a solemn promise from her husband that their child should be brought up as an American, and his aunt and uncle, tutored in the school of adversity, consented to par* with the little one, who would have proved such a A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 329 blessing in their declining age. " You have the hest right to him, Helen, or rather Miss Marsy has," said the old lady, as she folded the weeping girl in a maternal em- brace. " Farewell ! Think of us, sometimes. God bless you, my dear child !" Aunt Seraph's parting with the marchioness was most affectionate. Since their sympathetic communication on the evening of Laura's death, there seemed to exist a strong link of friendship between the sufferers. "And, then," thought Aunt Seraph, " she is my Laura's, my poor Ar- thur's, relation." The travellers took leave of the kind hostess with regret, and embarked at Naples for Marseilles. As the steamboat wended its way through the bay, Helen stood at the stern, leaning on Walter's arm. She cast a farewell look of admiration upon the exquisite landscape. There rose the noble city, with its towering spires, like a queen, in the midst of its enchanting environs. These were studded with antique ruins, turreted castles, and smiling villas, among which could be distinguished the Villa Caristi, partially concealed in its gardens and bowers. Long did the young girl gaze upon the spot which the late melancholy events had endeared to her. There, but two weeks ago, she roamed about with the loved one ; there the last rays of the bright spirit had beamed upon those to whom she was so dear ; and as Helen's eye turned toward the cemetery, she added " There, amid those cold monuments of the sacred land, the angel rests in death ! Oh, Walter ! how sad this world is !" "Yes, but she is happy; hers is a joy without alloy." "I hope so," she replied, and then went down to the cabin in search of her aunt. Miss Marsy sat in her state- room, with little Arthur on her lap ; and while the child 380 HELEN LEESON: seemed absorbed in the satisfaction which a new picture- book afforded, the tears fell fast on the golden curls of the orphan boy. Helen spoke not, but knelt near the mourner, resting her head on her shoulder. This was Laura's favourite caress, and for awhile Miss Marsy sobbed aloud. But gradually, the violence of her sorrow subsided, as the dark cloud sails through the troubled heavens, and gives place to the azure tinge of the clear sky ! Aunt Seraph kissed the boy ; and pressing her lips on Helen's brow, she muttered "Yes, God is merciful !" The party reached Marseilles without accident, and a few days more brought them to Paris. It was with a sad heart that poor Aunt Seraph revisited the great capital, where every thing reminded her more vividly than ever of the immense loss she had met with. Madame de Mornay called on her American friends as soon as she heard of their arrival, but Miss Marsy could not see her. Laura had written to Gustave's mother, to announce Helen's engage- ment ; and when she came in to receive the visitor, Madame de Mornay kissed her affectionately, saying " I had hoped that you would have become my daughter, Helen ; but, nevertheless, I must congi-atulate you on your happy choice. Mr. Grey is well calculated, I believe, to insure a woman's happiness. And perhaps," she added, "you would not have been satisfied away from your family." " I should have considered myself most fortunate to be blessed with such a mother as you, dear madame ; but I trust that it is all for the best, and that Providence will grant you and M. de Mornay the blessings you so well deserve." After this, the conversation ran entirely on Laura, her many perfections a favorite theme with both ladies. A PEEP AT NETV YORK SOCIETY. 331 The viscount called in the evening, and Helen, who had /omewhat dreaded the meeting, could not detect the slight- est change in his cordial manner. "What a noble fellow!" she thought. "Oh! if he could only marry Blanche !" Of course, Helen saw a great deal of Madame de Cerny's daughters, who were attentive, and full of sympathy : and it was with regret that she parted with her friends, with the prospect of never meeting them again. "When you get married, Blanche," whispered Helen as she watched the change in the young girl's countenance, " you must make us a visit in America ; your brother is such an admirer of our country. I shall see him this winter in New York." " Oh ! I shall never marry, Helen never !" " Don't say that, dear ; such perfections as yours are dot doomed to remain unappreciated. I expect to see you one of these days Madame de " Blanche's little hand gently impeded the utterance of t name the very mention of which made her heart flutter. They parted, and the next day the travellers reached cJalais. Helen had seen very little of Walter since they had left Naples. She was entirely devoted to her aunt, and Ro- bert's spirits were so wretched, that his friend felt how essential his society was to the afflicted young man, who for the first time in his life, seemed to droop under the burden of care which his cousin's death had brought upon him. .Robert's neglected education, dissipated habits, and reckless disposition had ill fitted him for the struggles of this world, and when the time came he was untaught, unarmed to wrestle with adversity. Laura had been his only love, and now, that death 332 HELEN LEESuN: had extinguished the light of his days, all was dark- ness within. Alas ! for those who never have sought the unextinguishable ray which springs from a higher source ! On the evening of their arrival in Calais, our party met n a small private parlour appropriated to their use. After tea, Miss Marsy retired to her room, and Robert went out to smoke. Helen sat on a sofa placed in front of a door which led into an adjoining apartment, but which was closed for the occasion. Walter, who had been reading the paper, rose and stood near her. "You look tired, my darling," he whispered; "would it not be better for you to retire? Although," he added, " it is a rare pleasure for me to have your sweet society now. Oh ! how I shall enjoy it when you are mine." At that moment a noise was heard on the other side of the door. Helen, feeling a certain delicacy about thus listening, attempted to rise, but Walter, unwilling to re- linquish her company so soon, put his arm around her waist and obliged her to remain. Both were silent for a few moments while the following dialogue was going on : " I tell you once for all, that I must be presented to the queen this season. If Lady Gower refuses to do me that favor, I will apply to another of your aristocratic relatives, Sir Archibald." " Let me go, Walter," whispered Helen. " It is Cora's voice ; I cannot hear more." But still he detained her on the sofa. "Yes," added the exasperated spouse, "you are the most unkind, unjust man in the universe ; and since you Lave heard of Helen Leeson's engagement with that ridicu- A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 333 lous protege of Mrs. Murray's, you are perfectly insup- portable. What a fool I was to trust myself and my hundred thousand dollars to such a man as you are !" " Oh ! would that I had never thought of you, madam ! Would that I had left for England when Helen refused to be mine," he added, with emotion. " So she refused you, did she ? You never boasted of that, Sir Archibald. Well, well; she was wise, after all." "For Heaven's sake let me go," said Helen. "Yes," answered Walter, with a smile; "for we are in pretty bad company. Poor fellow! he has made a miserable bargain. Only think, Helen," he added, "if you had not been compelled by circumstances to say no, you might have been Lady Courtnay!" " Do I deserve this ?" she* said, with more emotion than she wished to betray. " Forgive me, Elly ; for one instant my evil genius whispered that perhaps you regretted Sir Archibald." " Walter, if you had studied this poor heart," Helen said, with sadness, " you never would have given birth to the thought which sounded so harshly from your lips just now. You would have seen that no love save yours had ever reigned within it." " I believe it. Oh, do not go not yet ! Say you have forgiven me, darling ! Tell me once more that you love me!" " No, no, sir ; you deserve no such favour. I have for given you, but I will not say I love you." And she ran out of the room. Our friends travelled through England without making any stay in London, and arrived in Liverpool the day be- fore the departure of the steamer Atlantic. Their trip across the great ocean was short, and as agreeable as cir- 384 HELEN LEESON: cumstances would allow. The lovers, after their conversa- tion in the hotel at Calais, had had little opportunity of being together, as both had resumed their duties toward poor Aunt Seraph and the dejected Robert. Once or twice only in the evening they had taken a solitary walk on deck, and then Helen watched the sparkling foam as it emerged in boisterous violence from beneath the great paddles ; or she stood at the stern, gazing upon the snowy stream of diamonds which the vessel left in its train. "Would that the memory of the past could be as pure, as bright as that streak of light !" she said. " Would that our actions could shine with such brilliancy as this, and that no dark spots were visible in the retrospection of our bygone days ! Walter, I often think of the immense re- sponsibility Providence places In our hands as free agents. How difficult to follow the inspirations of duty ! how ex- hausting the struggle !" "Yes," he replied; "and impossible it would be, were it not for those stars of grace which guide the wanderer through the dark road of life. Happy are those who can see the vision and understand its value !" The steamer arrived in New York in the first week of November ; and, after being welcomed by many friends as they landed, our party proceeded to Staten Island, where Mrs. Leeson and Anna were anxiously expecting them: Alice Irving was there also, and her cheerfulness greatly contributed to diminish the gloom of the sad meeting. But many days passed before Aunt Seraph felt able to enjoy the delightful home feeling which she had so often sighed for when abroad ; and Robert, incapable of the slightest exertion, gave up to discouragement and despair. Herman Smith, who was married to our sweet friend Emma Grantly two weeks after the return of the travel- A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 335 lers, spoke seriously to the young man, of the necessity of exerting himself for his mother's sake, and kindly offered him a situation as clerk in Mr. Grantly's counting- house. " Would you have me degrade myself?" was the thought- less, silly answer. IJerman's friendship stood the test with noble patience. " I merely offer you, my dear fellow, what I received from your father for many years what I would still be receiving from aaother, had not a very undeserved happi- ness fallen to my lot." " Yes, yes ; you are right. Pardon me, Herman ; I am mad sometimes. Yes, I accept the situation ; but you will have to be indulgent, for I am a poor hand at business or any thing else. Oh, if I had been a different man, per- haps she might have loved me !" Happy to have gained his point, Herman succeeded in obtaining from the wayward young man the promise that he would be regular in his attendance at the counting- house ; and, after a few weeks, he saw, with infinite satis- faction, that there was a decided change for the better in his friend's spirits. Not so with .Aunt Seraph. The blow had broken the already lacerated heart ; but, as usual, her meek and self- sacrificing nature bore the trial with calm resignation ; and she found her only comfort in the caresses of the little one, who seemed, as Helen had said, left to soothe the burning sorrow. "Matilda," said Miss Marsy to her sister, as they sat together, about two weeks after their arrival at Allbreeze, " I hope Helen will be married before long. I see no reason for them to wait. Why should they not be happy at once ? This. life is so short, and so full of bitterness!" 29 336 HELEN LEESON: " I don't know what arrangements Walter has made," replied Mrs. Leeson. " We had better trust entirely to his judgment. What a treasure he is, and how thankful I feel for this new favour of divine Providence !" " He is, indeed, a gem," said Aunt Seraph, whose de- votion to the young man had increased in proportion to the reluctance with which she had at first admitted him to her friendship. Miss Marsy sought the earliest opportu- nity of speaking to Helen about her marriage. " Have you fixed upon any time, dear ?" she asked. " Walter was anxious that it should take place imme- diately, but I thought the spring would be a more proper time." "You are wrong. My advice is, that you should be married very soon say, in three weeks. The ceremony must take place here, of course ; after which you will en- joy a little trip of a few days ; and this winter you can spend in my house in New York, or else out here with your mother and myself." That afternoon, as the lovers took their walk through the grounds, Walter spoke a great deal of his uncle, who had just returned from Canada. "You have no idea how anxious he is to see you, Elly," he said; "with Mrs. Leeson's permission, I will bring him down to-morrow." "1 shall be most happy to make your uncle's ac- quaintance," she replied; "but had he no knowledge of the painful circumstances which made our fathers enemies?" " I believe not ; at least he never knew all ; and he has heard so much of your perfections, that he thinks me a lucky fellow, and wonders that I can live six long months deprived of my treasure." A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 337 "Walter " said the young girl; then, blushing, she hesitated. " What, dearest ?" " Aunt Seraph seems to think we had better not wait until the spring," she added, in a hurried manner, as she turned to pluck a rose one of the last whose charms had bid defiance to the cold autumnal blast. We need not pause to express his joy and words of gratitude. It was agreed that they should be married on the tenth of December, and leave the same day for Washington. " But will it not be very hard for you to come over here every day in winter?" said Helen. "You know our meana will not allow us to go to housekeeping until next year, and mother is so happy to keep us with her." " How can you suppose any sacrifice too great to win such a prize?" he replied. While the preparations for Helen's wedding were going on at the old place, and Mrs. Boget is in great anxiety about the success of her cakes and jellies, let us take a trip up town in search of our quondam friends and acquaint- ances. Among the former we can certainly mention Mrs. Murray. She was sitting in the library, reading a note from Mrs. Leeson an invitation to her daughter's wedding. It was five o'clock. "At last the dear friend will be happy," she muttered, ' and my debt of gratitude acquitted, for / certainly con- tributed to this happy end ; though I would have given any thing if George had married Helen. Perhaps it is all for the best. He fancies the little Grace, but she is so young !" As Mrs. Murray finished this soliloquy, the bell rang, and her son came in, followed by Walter. "My dear boy," exclaimed the old lady, " how delighted 388 HELEN LEESON: I am to see you, although I would not have presumed tt ask you to dinner, knowing that so many attractions await you at Allbreeze." "So I thought," replied George Murray; "but this gentleman invited himself, and, of course, I was enchanted ; for I have scarcely had time to ask him what he thinks of that beautiful sex he used to rail against so vehemently last winter." " Did I, George ? Could I have been so rude ? I was blind then." "And now, your eyes are wide open, and you can see- the treasure you have won, sly fellow !" "Ah, my sweet Grace, is that you?" said Mrs. Murray, as the timid girl came in. " I have not cafcght a glimpse of you since my return to town, and actually had to send for you to come and see me. This poor George was quite gloomy without his playmate. Let me introduce you to Mr. Grey my son Walter, of whom you have heard me speak." " Mr. Grey is doubly entitled to my esteem," re- plied Miss Orland " as your friend, and for Helen's sake." " I am most happy to make your acquaintance," an- swered Walter, bowing ; " Miss Leeson has mentioned your name frequently to me." Dinner was announced, and as the company left tho library, the young man whispered to his friend " I see something, George, don't you?" "Perhaps I do," was the reply. Let us leave the happy party, and, with a noiseless step, enter Grantly Hall, where the proud hostess is enter- taining a select party composed of Mrs. Seyton, Miss Elvington, Marvell, and Mac Tavish, all about the same in mind and appearance as when we left them a few months ago. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 339 We need not say that Mrs. Grantly's ambition had suffered two death-blows in the extraordinary matches of her nieces. She had scarcely spoken to Emma after she heard of her engagement with Herman, and consoled herself with the thought that the brilliant Viscount de Mornay would become her nephew. But when that illusion was destroyed, and Helen's choice was announced, Mrs. Amanda gave up to despair, and was loud in her disapprobation of the rash step her niece was about to take. The wise axiom of keeping family difficulties to one's own immediate domestic circle, which Napoleon was wont to recommend to his sisters in their petty quarrels, was one unpractised by the lady of fashion ; in fact, she had no domestic circle. Mr. Grantly had long since Expressed his aversion for all such discus- sions, and his resolution not to interfere in matters which he did not consider within his family jurisdiction ; conse- quently, the fine lady's irritation, particularly since her brother's disgraceful failure, (as she termed the calamity,) knew no bounds ; and, Mr. Grantly being in Washington, she had invited the above-mentioned guests, we are sorry to say, principally to give vent to her long-suppressed ire against the unfortunate combination of circumstances which had, of late, caused her pride such a severe twinge. And why was our friend Mac Tavish included in the party ? Marvell, although entitled to our esteem, was, we know, compelled by his social duties to mingle with many whom he did not always admire ; and an opinion judiciously emitted by the gentleman of fashion had saved more than one tottering reputation. Marvell's, " I think not,' was all-powerful. Even Mrs. Grantly was forced to respect it; for she had a positive interest in sparing the beau, without whom her fetes never would have acquired their unrivalled reputation in the beau monde. 29* 340 HELEN LEESON: But why was Eric one of that uncharitable set ? You have, dear readers, heard of those who are upright, ho- nourable, all that is good and noble, when left to their own inspirations, but, like the reed in the storm, have no strength to bear the evil blast. It bends, but breaks not ; and, when the sun has bid the tempest speed far away, the plant raises its feeble head and stands erect once more. Thus it was with the young Scotchman. Having sought, in vain, for a sensible woman, he had given up in despair; and, being fond of ladies' society, he thought himself com- pelled to put up with the borrowed airs and graces of those whom fate had thrown in his path, too thoughtless to seek others elsewhere. He had thus gradually been drawn into Mrs. Grantly's coterie, much to Emma's regret, who bore the young man a sincere regard and a slight gratitude for the admiration he had expressed in the early part of their acquaintance. But Emma, like our poor Laura, was one of the benignant manoeuverers of this world, and she had planned in her own pure mind a little trap for insuring the happiness of her friend Eric. We will allude to this later. Let us return to the dinner-party, where the foaming Heidsick was calling forth volleys of sparkling wit. "I hear Miss Leeson is to be married next week, Mrs. Grantly," said Mrs. Seyton. " Who is this Mr. Grey ?" " I don't know, indeed. Some one they met abroad, I believe." "/know," interposed Marvell, not pretending to notice the disdainful smile of the lady. " Walter Grey is as fine a fellow as I ever met with anywhere." " Yes," added Mac Tavish " a perfect gentleman in every respect." A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 341 "And a very handsome man," said Miss Elvington. "I Baw him at Maret's yesterday, t suppose he was making some purchases for his lady-love. But surely you must have seen him, Mrs. Grantly?" " I have not, really. He called here with Helen some time ago. I was out ; and I have been to Allbreeze but once this fall. Mr. Grey is not rich, they say in no business his family unknown." " You are mistaken there, my dear madam," said Mar- vell. " Walter's uncle, Mr. Emerson Grey, is one of our wealthy citizens, not at all fashionable, but perfectly re- spectable. He is an old bachelor, and passionately fond of his only nephew. Walter has no other relatives." " Ah ! so much the better. I have a perfect horror of a string of parvenu cousins ; one never knows what to do with them." " So Olivia was telling me," interrupted Mrs. Seyton. " It appears Mr. Dobbins's sister, a Mrs. Gruff, with three grown-up daughters, has come to live in New York, and she is perfectly distressed. What will be done with those three Misses Gruff Betsy, Lizzy, and Eleanor ?" Upon which, Mrs. Seyton burst out laughing, and all, except Marvell, joined in her mirth. " What an imprudent person you are, Mrs. Seyton !" said Harry, very demurely. " How do you know whether Mac Tavish or I do not entertain a tender feeling for one of those ladies?" " Oh ! that would be quite impossible ; you could not fancy a girl with such a name." , "Why not? They are sweetly pretty, fresh sixteen, eighteen ; that is, the two who might call upon Mrs. Dob- bins for protection next winter. But, I dare say, they. will be admitted into society without her assistance. Poor 342 HELEN Dobbins ! he often looks the picture of despair ! Some fair ladies are not agreeable everywhere." " How can you expect a woman of Olivia's intelligence and education to put up with such a husband as that ? She is superior to him in every respect." "I think not," was the quiet answer. "Well, well," interposed the hostess ; " it appears Mrs. Grey is to receive her friends at Allbreeze." "You go to the wedding, of course ?" asked Julia. " I suppose so. I am told Mr. Grey has requested that the cards should not be sent out until after the ceremony. Some fanciful notion. What a pity !" added the lady, with a sigh. " You heard, I imagine, that there was a rich viscount in Paris desperately in love with Helen. How much better it would have been had she married him !" "I think not," again ejaculated Marvell. "You always think not, Mr. Marvell," said the little widow. "I am afraid you never will marry." "That is most probable," replied Harry, with a smile; " and a fortunate thing for your sex, dear madam. I should have made a very bad husband so exacting, so tyrannical !" and noticing that Mrs. Grantly was about to leave the table, the gentleman rushed forward and handed the hostess into the drawing-room. We leave this interesting party to their own resources, and return to our more congenial friends at Allbreeze. A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 343 CHAPTER XXXIV. IT was one of those glorious autumnal days which Nature grants her children before retiring to her long and drowsy rest. The sun shone brightly upon the old place, giving it a peculiarly cheerful appearance, notwithstanding its leaf- less trees and drooping plants. The chrysanthemums, those last joys of the florist, peered forth in their variegated charms ; their sweet perfume mingled with those of the pines and cedars, filling the air with a delightful aroma. The noble bay, studded with a thousand sails, its blue waters, as they reflected the bright sunbeams, sparkling like myriads of diamonds, presented so much life and ani- mation, that one could not help exclaiming, with the same enthusiasm as the French naturalist " America ! thou art indeed the land of promise ! From thy veins shall gush life and hope for generations to come !" So thought our heroine as she gazed upon the admirab'e landscape, on the morning of her wedding-day; but her mind soon recalled the memory of that distant land of en- chantment, scarcely less beautiful, where her beloved friend lay in the cold grave ; and a tear fell on the cheek which but a minute before had flushed with patriotic en- thusiasm. "Why so pensive, fair lady?" said Alice Irving, as she stood at Helen's side. " On such a day as this, methinks, naught but smiles should be seen." 344 HELEN LEESON: "I was dreaming of Laura, Alice." In one instant the expression of the little Quakeress 8 countenance changed. This was a theme upon which her sensitive nature was easily affected. No one had mourned more truly and sincerely than Alice, when the sad intel- ligence of the death of the countess reached her friends in America. " Oh, Helen ! if you allude to that suhject, I shall be wretched all day. And, for poor Aunt Seraph's sake, it is essential that we should all make an effort to shake off the gloom which hangs over us." "Yes, yes ; you are right, Alice." At that moment Anna came in, holding a splendid bouquet. " This was sent over, just now, for you, sister," said the young girl. " I suppose Walter did not think our green-house plants fine enough for his bride." " Very ridiculous !" replied Helen. " When people are as poor as we are, why squander money on such trifles? It is magnificent ! But see here, Anna ; you did not read this. I thought Walter could not be so unreasonable," she added, as she detected a card which had been partially concealed among the flowers, and read the name of our friend Mac Tavish. " How kind !" she exclaimed ; and for an instant she thought of the influence the young Scotch- man had exercised over her fate. " I always maintained he was a fine fellow," said Alice. " Now, Helen, let me take another look at your presents. Here is your vail, a gift from Emma and Herman; these bracelets, from George Murray and Robert ; this silver tea- set, from Mrs. Murray ; this diamond pin, from that old uncle of Walter's. What a charming man he is ! Really, if I had not given up matrimony, and if I were not somewhat A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 345 scrupulous about marring your prospects^ I would set my cap for him !" " Do, Alice ; I should be delighted to call you aunty!" " Well, I'll see about it. Where is Mrs. Grantly's present, Elly?" "Oh! that immense knicknack ?" said Anna. "lean- not understand why, knowing us to be by no means well off, Aunt Grantly did not send you something useful, sister !" " It probably never occurred to her that I could possibly want any thing useful. Those who enjoy every luxury in life, are apt to forget that others are less favoured. And then, you know, aunt does not approve of my match ; she has only seen Walter once." " Ridiculous !" said Alice. " Why, Boget, what have you there ?" she added, taking a box from the hands of the worthy seamtress, who stood to see the contents. " An ermine cape, from Uncle Horace ; and what I value still more, a sweet note," said Helen. " I do declare, that is beautiful ! The Grantlys are creeping up in my esteem !" exclaimed Miss Irving. " And Jackson has just brought in an elegant basket of flowers from Mr. Marvell, Miss Helen ; I put it in the front parlour," added Boget. "Are we going to have showers of goodies ?" inquired Alice " some of your crystal jellies, Mrs. Boget ?" " I never succeeded so well, Miss Alice. You can't imagine any thing so delicious, and my blanc-mange is wonderful," continued the good woman. " Is Aunt Seraph in her room ?" asked Helen. " Yes, miss." " I will leave you for a few minutes, girls ; I must see aunt a moment." And the young girl proceeded to Miss 346 HELEN LEESON: Marsy's apartment. In the hall, Helen met her mother, For an instant both were folded in a fond embrace. "My precious one!" whispered the devoted parent; " are you to be taken from me so soon ?" " Only for a little while, mother. I wish Walter had been willing to remain here until to-morrow ; but he says we will not reach New York in time for the cars in the morning. I cannot bear the idea of leaving you to go to a hotel. Well, I suppose it is all right. These little trials prepare us for the great ones of this world. One more kiss, mother dear. I owe aunt a visit before I prepare for the grand ceremony;" and she entered Miss Marsy's room. Aunt Seraph sat with her back toward the door, so en- tirely lost in thought that she heard not the light step ; and, as Helen glanced over her shoulder, she saw the Bible in her hand. It was opened at the book of Job. " The Lord gave ; the Lord hath taken away," muttered the old lady. "Blessed be the name of the Lord," added the young girl, as she knelt before the dear friend, and laid her head on her shoulder. " My fair child, you here, in this atmosphere of gloom, when happiness shines so brightly upon you?" " Would I not be unworthy of God's bounty, if, in the midst of his blessings, I felt not for those who are in pain ? No, no ; the Lord grant that I may never know that bitter selfishness which shuns the sufferings of a fellow-being ! But, aunt, I came in to tell you of a piece of gallantry which I received from Uncle Horace, and about two flowery homages which were brought just now from Mr. Mac Tavish and Harry Marvell." " Very thoughtful !" said Miss Marsy. " When adver- sity has settled down as an inmate of one's household, it A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 347 is gratifying to see that it does not keep off all one's for- mer friends. It is always agreeable to me to discover such amiable traits in my brethren of this egotistical world. Is Walter here, darling?" "No. I have not seen that gentleman since yestor- day morning. He left me to attend to some urgent busi- ness, and did not expect to be here until this morning at twelve o'clock, just in time for the ceremony. I was inclined to scold, but I never can find words to express my discontent." "That is most lucky," replied Aunt Seraph, smiling. " Ah ! here is my Arty, dressed off in his dismal finery for the wedding." The child walked in as straight as an arrow, holding up his head, and smiling with conscious pride. "Arty very fine!" said the little fellow. "Elly not dressed lazy girl." "Yes, my pet," she answered, as she placed him on Miss Marsy's lap. " Oh, I remember something," he said, whispering in his aunt's ear. "You are right, my boy. I would have forgotten it." Aunt Seraph rose and opened her wardrobe, from which she took a small parcel. " Here it is, Arty," she said. The delighted child presented it, with a graceful bow, to Helen, saying "For my dear Elly." " Oh, aunt, I cannot accept this !" exclaimed the young girl; as she opened the small package which contained a purse full of gold. " You have already given me my out fit ; that was more even than I should have received. No, no; I cannot." 30 848 HELEN LEESON: " This is not from me, dearest," said Miss Marsy, with sadness. " Read the contents of this paper outside of the purse." Helen opened it and read " From Laura to her sister, on her wedding-day." Tears of mingled sorrow and joy at the link which stil bound the loving hearts gushed from Helen's eyes, and, for a moment, both ladies wept in silence. "Don't cry, aunty Elly, don't cry!" said little Ar- thur. " Nina says my darling mamma is in heaven, and hears and sees Arty, and she is preparing a home for all in God's paradise." These sweet words of hope from the angel's lips were more soothing than a whole volume of pathetic eloquence. The breakfast-bell rang. " Go down, darling," said Miss Marsy; "I will be with you in a few moments. Arty, take Helen's hand ;" and, as they left the room, the mourner knelt in prayer. Fervent, ardent it was. She rose, and casting one sad glance to- ward the broad ocean, she muttered " Farewell, my child, until to-morrow. Farewell, Laura !" and Aunt Seraph ap- peared at the breakfast-table with her usual expression of mildness and contentment. The hours, that morning, flew by so swiftly, that twelve o'clock was striking in the hall before all were in readiness for the great event. The parlours had been ornamented with flowers by Anna and Alice. The furniture shone with unusual brightness, and the immense wood fires gave the old homestead an air of peculiar comfort, which was felt by all the intimate circle who met that morning to witness Helen's nuptials. We can easily mention them, for they were not many: Mrs. Murray and her son, of course ; Mr. and Mrs. Grantly, A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 349 the latter arrayed in her gorgeous weeds, (the word is not too powerful for laces, bugles, &c. ;) Mr. and Mrs. Henry Grantly ; Emma and her husband ; the Irvings and Mrs. Walker ; and last, but not least, old Doctor Clifford and Mr. Emerson Grey. Helen was finishing her toilet, a plain silk dress with flounces, the rich lace vail, and a simple wreath of orange- blossoms not one jewel. But what ornament could have increased her beauty, as, with downcast eyes, she entered the drawing-room, leaning on her brother's arm ? An exclamation of admiration greeted the entrance of the bride. The minister stood in readiness, and once more the sacred words " Helen, will you take Walter to be your wedded husband ?" sounded in the young girl's ear. All the events of the past months recurred to her memory. It seemed like a dream ; hut how delightful the sensation, as the reality burst upon her mind, and she turned to receive the congratulations of the friends who had given so many proofs of true affection ! Let us not tarry to describe the slight occurrences of the day the cosy chat which all enjoyed after the cere- mony, the walk through the park, &c. ; and when, at two o'clock, Jackson, who had ornamented his coat with a white satin ribbon in honour of his young mistress's wed- ding, came forward with a grin and a bow, saying " Din- ner is ready," all were prepared to appreciate the many delicacies which were crowded on that plentiful table, over which Mrs. Boget's genius had presided with unusual anxiety. At four o'clock Helen left the parlour, and went to change her dress. She was to leave for New York that afternoon, as she had said, much to her annoyance. It was with a beating heart that our heroine parted 350 HELEN LEESON: with the dear ones, and bid farewell to the old place, to which, however, she was to return very soon. But the emotions of the day had been many; and as Helen entered the carriage, she buried her head in the cushions, and wept in silence for a few moments. " Will not my Helen trust her happiness to me ?" whis- pered the young man, as he took the little hand. " Oh, Walter ! I am yours your property to be dis- posed of at your bidding, and that with perfect trust ; but I so ardently wished to remain at home for a day or two !" "Your home is here, my beloved," he said, as he gently drew her toward him. "A blessed one it is!" she murmured. "No, I will not complain, feeling confident that you have acted wisely in requiring me to leave Allbreeze to-day. You must be right," " To-morrow I will explain my motive to you," he replied. " Walter," said Helen, as they were driving up Broad- way, " tell me, since our engagement has it never oc- curred to you, that a girl brought up as I have been would be an extravagant, unreasonable wife ? and will you not be astonished if I prove the very pattern of order and economy?" "I have sometimes thought, with soriow," he answered, " how inefficient my means would be to afford you that position in society to which you are so well entitled, and which my affection would so eagerly have provided for you. But I have thought, too, judging you by myself, that you could be happy in a modest, humble home, which I nope my exertions will obtain before long. You know uncle has offered me most liberal terms to enter into business with him on the first of January, I being the active partner A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 351 in the concern. This is all I could desire ; and if you are satisfied, I shall be perfectly happy." " Satisfied ! Oh ! how ungrateful I should be to Provi- dence, if I valued not the inestimable gifts which have been bestowed upon ine ! and how wrong I was to repine in un- controlled despair at the mysterious combination of circum- stances which one year ago made me your wife ! I was racing on the path of pride and ambition, my better judg- ment crushed by the grasping passion ; so blind that I hated you, Walter ; and still, it could not have been ha- tred, for I remember the soothing effect the sound of your voice produced upon me on that terrible night. No; I hated the fate which made me yours, but not you. I cannot acknowledge such a feeling," she added, smiling. " Extremes meet ; that accounts for the mystery," he replied. " With me it has been very different. The same ardent devotion has filled my heart since I first beheld your sweet face." " Are we not going to the Union Hotel, Walter ?" asked Helen. " Yes; but I want you to see Emma's new house first." "It is almost dark." " We can see it in a few minutes. I promised Herman to show it to you." The carriage stopped at a fine house in Twenty-third Street, between Madison and the Fourth Avenues. Walter led his wife up the steps. " This is a beautiful situation ; and how pretty the parlours are!" said Helen, as she walked through the drawing-rooms, which contained, in fact, every thing that could contribute to comfort all selected with taste. The gas was burning everywhere. 30* 352 HELEN LEESON: " Now let me take you up stairs," said Walter ; " it will only detain us a moment, and you will be fully repaid for the exertion." Helen followed him ; and as she entered the front room, Mhich was furnished with a great deal of elegance, she paused and looked around in tremulous surprise, for over the mantel-piece hung the Madonna and child which had attracted her admiration at Reinsbach, and between the windows, before a pier-glass, stood the same marble pedestal with its coronet of golden grapes. " Walter, how came these precious relics here ? I thought" then noticing the peculiar smile on her hus- band's countenance, she added, " Oh, tell me, what does this mean ?" "Merely," he replied, as for an instant he knelt before the trembling girl, " merely that this house and furniture are yours a gift from my uncle to his niece, and that, as your vassal, I crave the privilege of sharing this modest home with my lady-love." " This is too much !" she exclaimed, as she threw herself in his arms. A gentle knock was heard at the door, and, upon Wal- ter's saying, "Walk in," Mrs. Boget made her appearance. "You here, my own Bogot?" said Helen. " Yes, my dear child. Your mother and I thought it would not do to give you the trouble of housekeeping so soon. Roger settled every thing here yesterday, and 1 left Allbreeze an hour before you did. We know how to keep a secret, don't we, Mr. Walter?" " We do, indeed, Boget. I find you are a capital hand at any thing you undertake ; but your jellies beat all the dainties I ever tasted." The old woman bridled up with satisfaction. A PEKP AT NEW 5TOKK SOCIETY. 853 "Tea is ready, master," said Roger, appearing at the door. " We are coming." " Before we go down, Elly, let me show you how I have distributed our new home," continued Walter, taking his wife's arm. " You must know that your mother, Miss Marsy, and even Anna, were initiated to my secret ; and it was with some -difficulty that I prevailed upon them to agree to my plans for this winter. I was certain tnat you would not be happy away from all the dear ones, and I felt that it was wrong to deprive them of your society. There is plenty of room for all here, and, I trust, they will never have reason to regret the arrangement which I have forced upon them. This is your mother's and Anna's room," he added. " This little boudoir I furnished for the sweet child who has quite won my affection: she is an angel !" Helen spoke not her heart was too full. The fondest dream of her loving spirit was realized. She had made a solemn promise to Laura to replace her with Aunt Seraph; and now, through the kindness of her husband, the task was made easy ; and her sainted mother would thus enjoy the inestimable comforts of a happy home, where nothing would be left undone by her children to obliterate the bitter impressions of the past. " There is Miss Marsy's apartment," said Walter, as he led Helen to the second story. " I did not furnish it, be- cause she insisted upon doing so herself. This," he added, "is to be a surprise may it afford her consolation !" and he pointed to the full-length portrait of the young countess, which had been taken in Paris. Laura, in the delicate sensitiveness of her nature, knowing that death would soon deprive her more than pa rent of the light which had shed its benignant rays ovei 354 HELEN LEESON: the last nineteen years of her life, had been anxious to leave her aunt a souvenir by which the memory of her adopted child would be ever present in her own bright form, divested of that crushing gloom which death leaves in its train. She was taken in a white muslin dress, low in the neck, and short sleeves ; her golden curls falling on her shoulders; the very personification of the Laura Elliot who had captivated the Italian nobleman. " What a beautiful creature !" whispered Walter, as Helen stood looking at the painting, her eyes clouded with tears. " Poor Laura ! What a sad fate was hers ! And so pure so perfect so noble-hearted !" sighed the weeping girl. " Come, darling, come ; it is quite late," said her hus- band, as he gently led her from the sad contemplation. On the following morning the happy couple started for Philadelphia, and reached Washington that night. They spent a week most agreeably in the capital of our great country, and returned to New York full of joy and hope Mrs. Leeson and Aunt Seraph insisted upon leaving the young people alone to the complete enjoyment of their honey-moon ; and it was only after the Christmas holi- days that the family consented to take up their abode in Twenty-third Street. We did not mention that a room had been also prepared for Robert, whose altered life and habits proved a soothing balm to his poor mother in her sorrow. We need not describe the mingled pain and pleasure which assailed poor Aunt Seraph, as the exquisite vision, bequeathed by Laura's love, burst upon her. She wept and smiled, while little Arty, in the delight of his childish unconsciousness, exclaimed A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 355 " Speak, mamma, speak !" and ran down to Walter and Helen, saying " Mamma is up-stairs, in my room ; she has come back to Arty." "No, darling !" said Helen, as she folded the little one in her arms; "but we will all go to her one day, J trust." 356 HELEN LEESON: CHAPTER XXXV. OUR story is drawing to a close, gentle reader. In fact, it would have been concluded in the last chapter, were it not that we feel in duty bound to throw some light upon the fate of two or three of its actors, who have, we trust, afforded you sufficient entertainment to claim your tender interest. Let us, then, with the privilege granted to all builders of ethereal fabrics, leap over two years, and introduce you once more into the family circle in Twenty-third Street. It is morning, about ten o'clock. Helen who, faithful to the promise she made her husband on her wedding-day, has become a thorough housekeeper, an orderly, economical wife is attending to the many domestic duties which devolve upon an American lady in these days of independ- ent servants. These over, she went up to her room, and was about to make her usual morning calls upon her mother and Aunt Seraph, when the door opened, and Alice Irving came in. " Welcome, dear ! How delighted I am to see you !" said Helen. " I came early, because I have something to tell you, which, I trust, will please you," replied Miss Irving. "Any thing which interests you, Alice, will certainly produce that effect. But why do you blush so ? Shall I," she added, smiling, " spare you the trouble of this great disclosure, and confess that this very morning Robert has acknowledged the whole affair to me ?" A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 357 " Indeed ? Oh I then, I am relieved of an immense responsibility. Did you suspect any thing, Elly ?" " I always suspected your partiality for the poor boy ; but it was only a few weeks ago that I, or rather Walter, discovered Robert's attachment for you. And what do your parents say, Alice ?" " They are charmed ! Aunt Martha declares Robert is a pattern for all young men. She entirely approves, and I am so happy to become your sister, Helen !" "Nothing could give me more pleasure. You know Robert has his apartment here, and we are ready to wel- come you." " Oh, no ! Aunt Martha says we must go to housekeep- ing. She has promised to provide all for us." "Will you see Mrs. Smith?" asked Mrs. Boget, as she entered Helen's room. " Yes, of course. By-the-by, Boget, where is my daughter ?" " Up stairs with Miss Marsy. She spends her life there, playing with Arty. Poor Miss Seraphina was crying over the baby just now, calling it her little Laura I" " How thoughtful in you to give your child that sweet name, Helen," observed Alice. " I knew it would gratify aunt, and to me it is associated with all that is pure and beautiful. Emma, how are you?" she added, kissing her friend. "Very well remarkably well. Alice, good-morning. Are we alone, girls ?" said our quondam favourite Emma, in her usual merry tone. " I have something most astonish- ing to announce to you. Contrary to the great poet, I say, if you have smiles, prepare to show them now. Let me sit down, first," she added, "for I am really quite overcome." 858 HELEN LEESON: "You appear to be," said Alice, laughing. "Now, pray hurry, Emma. I am dying to know your secret." " Yes, for we have an important one to communicate to you," added Helen. " Indeed ? Well, let me hear yours first. After all, it may be the more interesting, although I rather think they are very much of the same nature. I will men- tion both at once. Alice, you are engaged to Robert Leeson. That blush says yes. Very well ; I entirely approve, and wish you joy. Now, the other astounding intelligence is, the engagement of my sister, Julia Smith, with Mr. " "Mac Tavish!" exclaimed Helen. "At last he has found a sensible woman ; and she has chosen an excellent fellow !" " Yes, and all managed by me. Oh ! I beat Aunt Grantly completely in the art of manoeuvring. You must know that I have always had a tender regard for Mr. Mac Tavish, for private reasons." " Publicly known," said Alice. " Well, that may be. There is nothing at all dishonour- able about it ; all ladies will be admired sometimes. But that is nothing to the matter. Last winter, I tried very hard to have Julia with me for a few months, but her mo- ther was too delicate to spare her. This year, I made arrangements to have both ladies ; and as Mr. Eric is a friend of Herman's one of our regular diners of course he had many opportunities of appreciating Julia's real worth, which is rendered still more attractive by her sweet manners. In short, the mouse, is caught, and so enchanted, it is quite farcical." "Engagements shower upon us," said Helen. "We have scarcely had time to talk over George Murray's with A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 359 little Grace Orland. There, too, there are many happy faces." " They are to be married in three weeks, are they not?" inquired Alice Irving. " And surely you are going to the wedding, Helen?". " I don't know, indeed. I have not been out since my marriage, and I really have nothing to wear. In these extravagant days, a whole month's allowance for a woman who dresses moderately well cannot purchase a toilet to compete with the fashionables of our society a sad state of things !" "Ah! my little Anna, how are you?" said Emma, as she rose and welcomed the young girl, who, like all sweet spirits hovering here below, wore the same angelic expres- sion which characterized her when first she met us, some three years ago. " Have your scholars gone, Puss ?" asked Helen, as she made room for her sister on the couch. " How many have you now?" " Ten very nice ones, too." " Where do you teach them, Anna ? Don't they annoy, you a great deal?" inquired Mrs. Smith. " Boget's room in the basement is mine until twelve o'clock. They give me very little trouble ; and as, besides the elementary studies, I require neat sewing, knitting, etc., from my pupils, I believe the morning is profitable to the poor children." "It is, indeed. And have you many sick to visit liOW?" " Some ; not as many as in the fall." " It is always a wonder to me," interrupted Alice, " where Anna finds the means of relieving all her poor." "God provides mysterious resources for his agents, 81 860 HELEN LEESON: Alice," said the sweet girl, smiling. " If you promise not to tell, I will initiate you to one or two of my secret springs of wealth." "Do." " Well, Aunt Seraph is an inexhaustible one ; and since Helen's marriage, Uncle Emerson, the kind old man we all love, has been the best of friends to my poor. He is always sure to guess when I am short of money." "Dear child!" said Emma, as she rose; "you are too good for this world." "/She calls all the blessings of heaven upon us," said Helen. " What a short visit you are making us, Emma !" " I left the lovers in close confab, and I am afraid it will be prolonged until dinner-time, if my superior wisdom does not reappear on the premises. Farewell, ladies ! I will come soon again. . A cozy chat with you is such a treat ! I forgot to tell you that I had enjoyed a rare pleasure last week. Professor Arnory dined with us. What a genius he is ! By-the-by, Helen, do you ever hear from M. de Cerny?" " I have not, for a long time. He, too, was one in a thousand." " Let me see," added Emma, " I had something more to tell you ; I always stand an hour talking before I go. Did you hear of Mrs. Seyton's dismay when George Mur- ray's engagement was announced to her ? She is trying it now for old Dalton, who, from all accounts, will be car- ried off in his next attack of gout. And it is said that Julia Elvington has become religious. Now that is all, girls ; I must go. Oh ! I forgot Anna was present : she will call me uncharitable. Don't, dear : I am not, indeed --only fond of a joke now and then. Farewell !" A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 361 Two weeks after this meeting of the old friends, Helen Bat one afternoon expecting her husband's return from his business. The little one, whose coming had been welcomed with so much joy in the family, played on the mother's lap ; and the affectionate gaze which beamed upon the cherub added a new charm to the many our fancy has bestowed upon our heroine. " Ah ! there is some one who loves my blessing !" she exclaimed, as Walter came in. The first look, the first caress was for the child ; then giving it to Sophie, (whose attachment for her young mistress had been proof against all the reverses the family had met with, and who had en- treated for the privilege of nursing little Laura,) the young man sat near his wife, and handed her two letters, saying " News from your French and Italian friends, Helen. May I take a nap while you peruse these epistles ?" " Yes ; but I won't promise not to wake you. One mo- ment, Walter. Here is a letter from the marchioness, so sad so sweet ! Dear old lady ! I wish she could come over to us. Oh, this is from Madame de Mornay. Only think, Blanche de Cerney is married to Gustave ! I don't know when I have heard any thing so agreeable." "Monsieur de Mornay was a great admirer of yours, was he not?" asked Walter, with an arch expression. " A friend, and perhaps an admirer ; but his heart was Blanche's long before he knew me ; that I saw at once." " Luckily for poor unworthy me, otherwise Mrs. Grant ly's dream of your becoming the Viscountess de Mornay would have been realized. I don't wonder ; it sounds much more euphoniously than Mrs. Grey." " Walter ! Well no ; I will not allow myself to be 862 HELEN LEESON: annoyed by this little teasing of yours, which, once in six months, casts a slight shadow upon the horizon of iny hap- piness." "Does it produce that effect, my own?" he said, kissing the lovely head which rested on his shoulder. " Then away with it, forever ! I would not, for worlds, give you one moment of pain, my precious one !" "I thought so," she whispered. Oh woman, with such weapons, thou art all-powerful ! In thy weakness, Heaven has provided thee with irresistible arguments ! " What ! five o'clock, you little siren ? I shall keep uncle and Marvell Avaiting," said the fond husband, as he rose and hastily made his toilet. We have said that the establishment at No. Twenty- third Street was administered with a great deal of order and economy ; we should have added, with our friend Mar- vell, as he rose from table, that Mrs. Grey gave very good dinners, not perhaps as elaborate as those of Grantly Hall, but more wholesome, inasmuch as a kindly feel- in ir, mingled with bursts of intellect, animated the guests, and greatly contributed to the appreciation of the good cheer. " You don't really say that we shall be deprived of see- ing you next week at Mrs. Murray's reception ?" said the gentleman of fashion, who, with the elasticity of temper and manners which we have already acknowledged in him, had retained his former stand in the friendship and good opinion of Helen and her husband. " I am afraid so. You know, I have not yet left off my mourning, and I have lost the habit of going out in the evening so entirely, that it would really be a great exer- tion." AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 363 "Helen," said Aunt Seraph, in her gentle way, "it would give me great pleasure to have you go to this wed- ding." " To H sure," added Mr. Emerson Grey. " I never have had the privilege of seeing my pretty niece in a ball- dress, and certainly no one has a better right. Come, come, Mr. Marvell, lend us your eloquence, and we will win the game, and you shall be rewarded by the favour of a dance with this fair lady. I wish I could be her part- ner." Marvell, or rather the desire expressed by the kind friends around her, finally prevailed upon the young wife ; but still the expense of the dress was a difficulty not easy to surmount. True, Walter had said " Now, Elly, pray order a suitable toilet for George's wedding. Not black : let it be handsome, for I, too, will enjoy seeing my treasure in her own sphere as queen of beauty." But Helen knew her husband's means were limited, and still how could she disappoint him ? That morning a slight cloud hung over her brow, as she reflected upon the possibility of extricating herself from this trifling annoyance, when Anna came in, and, with an expression of satisfaction, she placed a box at her sister's feet, saying " This was left for you just now by Emma. She was driving, and could not stop." The box contained a white moire antique, rich flounces of thread-lace, an exquisite coiffure -of white feathers, and a note, with these few words " Having bespoken a beautiful performance, it is but fair that I should furnish the means. What better use can I make of what will be yours one day, my dear child ? If 31* 364 HELEN LEESON: the selection does not meet with your approbation, blame Mrs. Smith. Your uncle and friend, E. GREY." This was Uncle Emerson's style ; peculiar, it may ap- pear, but full of genuine kindness it certainly was. So thought Helen, as she exclaimed " This is entirely too fine ! I cannot accept such an expensive present!" Scarcely had the words escaped her lips, when little Arthur came running into her room, saying " Here is a note for you, Elly." This time the tears fell fast, as Helen read " My darling, if the departed dear ones claim our sor- row and regret, the living are entitled to our smiles and joy. Do not deprive us all of the pleasure of seeing Wal- ter happy and proud of his wife. I enclose $100, which must be appropriated to that purpose alone. " Your ever-attached and grateful AUNT SERAPH." "How have Z, unworthy one, deserved so much love?" exclaimed Helen. " Simply by walking steadily in the path of duty," whispered Anna. " There lies the secret. Did we but understand the sacred truth, how much suffering could be avoided ! how much might we not accomplish toward that blessed end all should toil for ! Happy are those," added the pious girl, "who, at their last hour, can say, 'Lord, I have done no wonderful deeds no glorious actions Lave marked my way, but I have fulfilled, in meek hu- mility, the task thy wisdom allotted to me. Thou canst not refuse the reward promised to the execution of thy will.' " " Amen," whispered Helen, and for a few moments she remained absorbed in deep meditation. She thought of that morning at Mrs. Murray's, three years ago, when the A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 365 proud, arrogant girl of fashion was called upon to select a fancy dress for the simple, unpretending Grace Orland a gift from the friend who, with the hand of affection, had raised the young girl to the pinnacle of happiness, wealth, and social position to a footing of equality with the haughty ones who had spurned the humble Daisy and now claimed her as her own ! Circumstances had changed, fortune had played its capricious game, and Helen was receiving from her devoted relatives the very favour which had made little Grace's heart flutter with joy on the eve of the flower-ball. And was there any bitterness in the acknowledgment of the obligation ? No ; the salutary lesson of adversity had not been learned in vain ; it had purified the immortal spirit, had torn off its garment of worldliness, and arrayed it in robes of charity and love ; and, as Anna had said, by the accom- plishment of the simple duties which fall unnoticed, unap- preciated to the lot of many tortured by doubt and fear, Helen had become worthy of the pure enjoyment granted to the elect. She had tasted the sanctifying draught of humility and gratitude. The dress was ready for the day of George Murray's wedding ; and an exclamation of sincere admiration again welcomed our heroine, not only in the family circle at home, where Uncle Emerson stood transfixed by the beau- tiful vision, but also in the world of fashion, where she appeared once more as the belle of belles. " My sweet child," said Mrs. Murray, as she met her young friend, " what a fortunate man Walter has been ! My George, too, is blessed; our little Grace is an angel!" " She is, indeed, dear lady. God has sent the reward your many virtues so richly deserve. What a brilkant re- ception you have this evening !" 366 HELEN LEESON: " May I claim the fulfilment of Mr. Grey s promise ?" asked Harry Marvell, as he came forward arid offered his arm to Helen. A look from Walter obtained an affirmative answer for the delighted beau, who carried off his fair partner. Walter did not dance ; and, as his eye followed his wife, he thought of the many clouds which had darkened hia life before the light of affection had dawned upon it. How much pride and love there was in that intent gaze ! and when, late in the evening, they met in the library, and stood in admii-ation of the little marble group which was connected with the most important epoch in the history of their mysterious attachment, Walter pressed her hand in silence. "Mr. Mac Tavish," said Helen, as the young Scotch- man came toward her, " I have not had an opportunity of congratulating you upon your engagement. You know what a sincere interest I take in your welfare." "I do, indeed," he replied ; " and, I may say, it is my due ; for no friend has watched your happiness more closely, dear lady, and has rejoiced more truly at its be- ing so perfect, than poor Eric. But, do answer me one short question. How long have you known this lucky fellow?" " I became acquainted with Mr. Grey in Switzerland," replied Helen, blushing. " Indeed! very strange!" said the young man. "Well, 1 was mistaken for the first time." "You dine with us to-morrow, Mac Tavish, to meet your lady-love ?" said Walter, as they were leaving the ball-room. " Oh ! I shall not forget it. Good-night." The lovers, for they were lovers still, drove home, if A PEEP AT NEW YORK SOCIETY. 367 possible, a shade happier than when they left it. There was a slight tinge of poetry in the tender link which brought them back to the first days of their married life. " Let me look at you once more, Elly," said the fond husband, as she stood, still attired in the elegant ball-dress, gazing upon the sleeping angel. " Oh ! how beautiful thou art, uiy precious !" he whispered, and again folded her to bia heart. Reader, we now bid you farewell, with grateful thanks for your kind companionship through the regions of fancy. We have taken a glimpse at fashion together ; we have seen its faults and deplored its weaknesses; but we have found, also, that among its votaries there are many noble hearts much intrinsic worth. Let us, then, be indulgent to its errors, and trust that a beneficial reform, founded upon moderation and sound reason, will insure to the mem- bers of our community the blessings of social intercourse, without incurring the sacrifice of those sacred principles which God has engraved upon every man's heart to guide him through life, and for which he will be answerable, one day, to the Omnipotent Judge. THE END. WERIOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON * CO. PHILADELPHIA,