LI E> RAR.Y OF THE UNIVERSITY Of ILLINOIS HZ\Bc v. \ THE CONFESSOR. A NOVEL " The renegade, On whose base brutal nature unredeem'd, Even black apostacy itself could stamp No deeper reprobation." SOUTHEY'S RODERICK. IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: ^ RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET. 1851. London : Printed by Schulze and Co., 13, Poland Street. THE CONFESSOR. CHAPTER I. England ! — Model to thy inward greatness Like little body, with a mighty heart, — What might'st thou do, that honour would thee do, Were all thy children kind and natural ! But see thy fault. France hath in thee found out A nest of hollow bosoms, which he fills With treacherous crowns. — Shakspeare: Henry V. Ox the close of a beautiful autumnal day, in the year 1640, the sun was setting on the Scottish borders with more than his usual brilliancy, and shedding on wood, bank, and river, the harmony of Nature's hues, and the tranquillity of Nature's voiceless imagery. But throughout the two coun- tries which this peaceful scene divided, the trum- pet call of faction had already sounded ; and the VOL. I. B 2 THE CONFESSOR. sword was unsheathed, which was not suffered to rest, till the hands that wielded it had consum- mated the sorrow and shame of the land that could arm her sons against each other, by turn- ing its point, even unto the death, against her anointed Monarch. King Charles, with his attendants, at this time lay at York, engaged in that ill-omened attempt at accommodation with the insurgent Scots, which terminated so fruitlessly. It served but to exas- perate the intemperate zeal of the Covenanters, amongst whom were doubtless many who were sincere in the expression of their fears, as re- garded the attempt of Charles to impose upon them a liturgy ; while the greater number, guided only by ambition and love of independence, to- gether with that hatred of superior power, so fitly placed in the mouth of him who deemed it " better to reign in hell than serve in heaven" — took advantage of pious scruples, founded on ignorance and fanaticism, to identify the cause of religion with that of the covenant : to render their zeal for God himself, the pretext for rebellion against their sovereign. At the commencement of these troubles, several THE CONFESSOR. 3 of the Scottish nobles, firmly attached to the king and his government, had been induced to lend their support to what seemed to them but a just claim on the part of a nation to regulate her own church, and resist foreign dictation ; and when the violences to which their party had recourse compelled the Government also to resort to arms, these nobles were apt, in the excitement of the period, to justify themselves for their coun- tenance of rebellion, under the plea that they were oppressed sufferers for the truth, simply defending themselves from the compulsory esta- blishment of idolatry. Yet, there had been a lingering repugnance to strike the first blow : — that blow which must stamp them for ever as traitors to their king; and many were the negotiations, many the peti- tions for redress, which preceded the outbreak of popular resentment. Charles had yielded to the representations of his subjects, to an extent that any of his predecessors would have deemed incre- dible ; and his concessions only produced demands the more unreasonable and presumptuous, as indi- cative of a want of power on his part to enforce his previous decrees. b2 4 THE CONFESSOR. Still, when negotiation had seemingly ceased, and petitions were at an end, there had been, as we have said, amongst all who valued their coun- try, her laws, and her liberties, an almost insur- mountable reluctance to strike the first blow. At the period, however, where our narrative commences, the action at Xewburn had taken place ; and the main body of the Scotch army, after the taking of Newcastle, was on the point of advancing upon the royal party, well organized and ably commanded. At this crisis, the King consented to treat with the insurgents, and him- self proceeded to York for the purpose. All travelling on the frontiers of the two countries was, of course, extremely precarious ; and, as at this early period of the great struggle, the costumes which afterwards pre-eminently distinguished the contending parties, had not been decidedly adopted, men often fell into error and danger, from the difficulty of discerning friends from foes. It was, then, as the last rays of the sun were reflected from the silver waters of the Tweed, that two travellers arrived at a small hostelry on its banks. The long range of the Cheviot Hills THE CONFESSOR. 5 terminated within a few hundred paces of their halting -place, and on its last eminence were picturesquely situated the decaying remains of a small chapel, long desecrated. The building, in the anti-papal fury of later times, had been aban- doned to the use of the neighbouring shepherds, who were accustomed to kindle there a beacon light, when the deep snows of the northern winter rendered all traces of the surrounding country indiscernible. In the dress or equipage of the traveller or his attendant, there was none of that display which distinguished the cavaliers of the period ; neither, on the other hand, could there have been detected in the smallest degree, a forced affectation of plainness. But the remark which must have first struck an observer, with regard to the foremost horseman, was his singular grace in riding, and the perfect subjection, in which, without any apparent effort, he held the high -blooded animal on which he was mounted. Little of his figure was distinguishable, until, arriving at the gate of the paved court which fronted the hostelry, he threw aside his tartan travelling-cloak, and, dis- mounting, cast the bridle to his attendant. 6 THE CONFESSOR. The stranger was of the middle height, or, perhaps, something more; but his limbs were so exquisitely proportioned, as to give indication of great physical strength. His countenance was noble and manly, and the glance of his eyes, the colour of which inclined to grey, was piercing in no common degree. The nose was high and rather aquiline, with the curved nostril, which adds so greatly to expression in the human coun- tenance; and his lips, the upper of which was shaded by a short moustache, were full, and firmly set together. The colour of the hair, which fell in clusters around his head and neck, was a rich dark brown, verging on the auburn : his complexion, naturally light, was tinged by exposure to sun and weather, and his colour varied rapidly with the emotion of the moment. Altogether, his carriage and deportment conveyed that idea which his contemporaries expressed by the term u princely." He wore a doublet of dark coloured velvet, entirely unadorned ; his only weapon being a Spanish rapier, which hung from a splendid bal- drick. The falling band at the throat and the cuffs were of plain linen. A rich satin hatband THE CONFESSOR. 7 encircled his high crowned beaver, but the usual plume of feathers had been laid aside. His age might be thirty or upwards, and it required no second glance to convince the beholder that to him the game of life was no novelty ; and that his years, whatever their number, had yielded their full harvest of incident and vicissitude. (S How callest thou this tavern, dame ?" said he to the hostess, who, in haste to welcome a guest of so different a caste from her usual customers, was advancing from the door to receive him. The woman pointed to a sign-post which stood in front of the court, and answered with a deep- drawn and very audible sigh, " This poor house, master, takes its name from yonder godly man, of blessed memory." The traveller raised his clear, penetrating eyes in the direction of the sign-post. The board which hung thereon, painted on both sides, exhi- bited the figure of a tall, emaciated man, dressed in a suit of black originally, (which had, however, been tastefully varied with sundry trimmings,) who was standing in what appeared to be a beer cask, or barrel, which reached nearly up to his middle. Around and about the butt were groups 8 THE CONFESSOR. of small figures, white, black, and brown; of which one was elevated pre-eminently above the rest, and was also considerably their superior in dimension, so that they presented some analogy in appearance to a hen and chickens. The figure in the cask was throwing out his arms with great ease and freedom. "Is it Diogenes ?" said the stranger, when he had thrown a cursory glance upon the picture. " Alack ! no — master ; no such wicked thing. As if an honest woman would call her house by an awfu 1 papistical name like that ! Woe is me ! that I should have lived to see the day when the pious and learned John Knox, preaching to Queen Mary and all her court, should be taken for a Popish idolatry I* " I beg the Reformer's pardon, and to make him amends, I will lodge in his house, which I perceive is the one I was in search of, for the night. Is this the way to the parlour, good dame ? " And without waiting for reply from his mystified hostess, the traveller walked for- ward towards the room allotted to visitors of a better order than those who commonly fre- quented the outer apartment of the little hostelry. THE CONFESSOR. 9 Here, on entering, he found that he was not alone. Close to the open lattice of a window, which admitted the last rays of the setting sun, sate a youth whose intensely thoughtful and somewhat melancholy expression of countenance interested the stranger at once, accustomed as was the latter to every variety of character and condition. Apparently engrossed in deep reflec- tion, the youth remained motionless, his face buried in his hands ; yet one glance upwards as the traveller entered sufficed to display the full dark eye, the firm decision of the mouth, slightly relaxed as a salutation passed between the visitors, and the pale forehead and cheeks, with the marked brows. Notwithstanding these characteristics, an ordi- nary eye would have detected nothing in the appearance of the silent and unobtrusive youth under its observation, with his chequered mantle buckled round him, his kilt of common grey wool- len, and his blue cap, surmounted by a sprig of holly, lying beside him, beyond that of a country lad in quest of pasturage for his flocks, or perhaps bound on an expedition to win the heart of some Northumbrian maiden. b 3 10 THE CONFESSOR. Such, however, was not the impression which our traveller received, on having obtained a second view of his companion's countenance, by a slight remark, which of course elicited a reply. After this the younger guest relapsed into his reverie. Which of us has not felt the constraint and difficulty of that position, which places us in con- tact with an individual, whose manner and appear- ance excite our interest, and whose reserve we feel that it were a kindness to overcome, while we ourselves are liable to the imputation of obtru- ^iveness in attempting to urge his confidence ! Impelled by an unaccountable sympathy, and by an impression that he had somewhere met his companion before ; actuated also by a desire to penetrate the disguise in which he believed him to be enveloped, the elder traveller advanced to- wards the window, and addressed him in a friendly tone. " I know not," said he, " whether this scene be more familiar to thee than to myself; but if it be so, perhaps thou canst tell me the name and pur- pose of yonder tower." " It is the ruined chapel of St. Stephen, which you see yonder," replied the youth, without allud- THE CONFESSOR. 11 ing to the former part of the question ; " and since the late troubles, has been used, I believe, as a military post of observation." At the mention of the chapel of St. Stephen, the other gave a quick glance from the casement ; but pursuing his inquiry, he resumed, — " And previously to the late troubles, was the chapel used for worship ? Pardon the inquiry if impertinent, but, from your apparent interest in the scene, I should guess that this is not your first visit to the spot?" At the period of our story, a question involving even remotely the furiously disputed questions of faith or mode of worship, so interwoven in the minds of men with those localities in which they had been celebrated, might also involve much personal risk and danger. This the youth well knew, and regarding the querist with a look of quiet scrutiny, he answered, — " My recollections of this spot are so very re- mote, that I am at a loss to give them form or consistency, even to myself; and you will pardon me, if my intercourse with the world, limited as it has been, together with the present state of parties, has rendered me cautious of placing confidence in 12 THE CONFESSOR. strangers ; though, in truth, your bearing would appear to warrant it. But my story concerns others as well as myself, and there is that in your countenance which assures me you were not the man to counsel to a breach of trust, even though the trust be but implied." " Well, keep thy secret, good youth ; and since thou wilt not aid me in my researches amongst these Cheviot Hills, I must needs explore them for myself." So saying, the traveller wrapped himself in his tartan, and wandered forth in the now dusky evening, following the direction of the chapel. A circuitous path, winding round the hill from the foot to the summit, and passing on its way a small rustic cottage, led to the porch of the deserted building. As the footsteps of the stranger rang upon its pavement, and the hollow echo repeated the clanking sound, he felt, for an instant, startled. But soon all other impressions were lost in the absorbing interest of the scene he sought. Reclining against the rudely-carved stone which had been the altar in former days, her pale face and long dark tresses more strikingly contrasted by the reflection of the yellow light which beamed THE CONFESSOR. 13 through a remnant of stained glass in the southern window, stood a young girl, whose attitude and whole appearance, but for the tears which moist- ened her cheeks and lashes, might have beto- kened a statue rather than a human being. She started on the entrance of the traveller, and hastily collecting her mantle and hood, she ad- vanced mechanically; then stopped, as if uncer- tain. On gaining a glimpse of his countenance, she uttered an ejaculation of surprise and con- sternation. " Now may Heaven aid us !" she exclaimed. <( Oh ! tell me, what brought you here ?" " ( My horse, my love, my horse,' " replied he, gaily. " But why so pale and terrified, my Mar- garet ? My presence was not wont to make thee tremble, nor to chase the roses from those cheeks. When last we met, they gathered but the deeper tint at my approach/ 5 " Oh, Graham !" replied she, " why have you betrayed me into this? I knew not even that you were in Britain, and was prepared for a far different interview. But no e time must be lost. Fly for your life, as you love me, or have ever loved me, fly ; for my uncle, your mortal enemy, 14 THE CONFESSOR. meets me here this night, and I look for his instant arrival." " First satisfy me, dearest one, that Graham is still to thee all that once he was ; and then let his deadliest foe appear: he were right welcome." "Alas!" she said, "those days of hope and hap- piness were but a dream, and it has passed away. The sentence of fate has gone forth against us, and mark me, Graham, we may not be united — nay, more, after this night we must never meet again." " And what power on earth shall divide us?" said the cavalier ; " I had almost said what power in Heaven?" "And there you would have erred," she an- swered ; " for it is the will of Heaven we should part. In me you love a devoted follower of the Church of Rome." Surprised for the moment, but not confounded, he replied in a light tone: " And for thy sake I would love the Church of Rome itself — ay, or of Constantinople either. But tell me, Margaret," he added, after an in- stant's reflection, "tell me, I entreat thee, the story thou hast hitherto withheld from me. Who THE CONFESSOR. 15 is this uncle, my enemy, as thou affirmest, and thy own, if I may guess by thy dread of his ap- proach." " First say," she answered, as desirous to delay the intelligence — " say how you received warning that I was to meet him here to night : an appoint- ment I believed secret from all but himself." " I was directed hither by an old beldame, whom I encountered last night as I was taking advantage of the clear moonlight to speed my way towards the Borders, in fulfilment of the commission with which my country has intrusted me, for treating with his Majesty at York. The weird woman bade me inquire in this direction for the deserted chapel of St. Stephen; and there, at the hour of sunset, she promised that I should meet thee. Though little of a convert to the popular faith in inspirations, judge, my Margaret, whether this unsought warning, however repugnant to proba- bility, could be thrown away." " What was she like, this prophetess ?" in- quired Margaret, " and did she tell you more ?" " Simply what I have related, excepting that she promised to announce by a signal when her wisdom should deem fit that I should leave thee, 16 THE CONFESSOR. In her general appearance there was little to dis- tinguish her from any other countrywoman, though her accent was slightly foreign. In her conduct perhaps, rather more, for she persisted in refusing at my hand the small gratuity which her sweet pronunciation of thy name had won her." " Strange !" observed the maiden, musingly — " such a person I met but two days since in tra- versing the lowlands ; and it was on the evening of her accosting me that I lost the despatches, the failure of which causes me to dread my uncle's anger, — awful indeed his anger is ! " " Do not fear it, beloved," replied he. " This benevolent enchantress may find means to keep thy relation at a distance, as she has already dis- covered marvellous skill in bringing us together. But, be the event as it may, with me at thy side, what hast thou to dread ? Probably, too, thou over-ratest both his power and his malice. But enough of this; — I have satisfied thy inquiry, I pray thee, Margaret, delay no longer to answer mine.'''' " It is hard to me to tell thee, Graham, that even thy presence will not protect me : — that for the safety of both, this last sad, sweet, interview THE CONFESSOK. 17 must terminate. To be brief; thou hast known me hitherto but as Marguerite d'Amville, the name which I bore at the court of France: it was my mother's; and the Lord Cardinal insisted that, with her large inheritance, her name should also descend to me. My father, a Protestant, and a Scotchman, had died some time before. That dear father — he was, Graham, the brother of your enemy, the Marquis of Hamilton ! " " Of Hamilton?" repeated her lover, " and he is to meet thee here to-night ? " " Even so," she said, " and here he expects me to deliver to him letters from the Cardinal de Richelieu, intrusted to me, on my quitting France, by my uncle's desire." " The traitor!" muttered the cavalier. " And thou, Margaret, thou hast suffered thyself to be made the medium in this treacherous corres- pondence?" " Alas! more probably its victim," she replied; " but the letters, as I told you, have been stolen from my charge. I have long believed that, re- specting myself, some sinister design existed, in which the writer and receiver of these letters were agreed. jNo sooner had you quitted Paris 18 THE CONFESSOR. than I received from Richelieu an arbitrary com- mand to discontinue all correspondence with you, together with a hint, couched in terms of advice, that the French king would consent to my alli- ance with none but a French subject. A harsh letter followed from my uncle, the Lord Hamil- ton, confirming this prohibition of your suit. Judge, then, of the danger of our lingering together. " " Of that presently, beloved one. But where- fore art thou now in Britain? What scheme have these two wily statesmen in making thee their envoy ? " Margaret hesitated, but at length, in a voice half stifled by grief, she replied, " You have the right to ask that question, and I will tell you all, though I would gladly have been spared the recital of the particulars it involves, above all to you. Our parting, Graham — dost thou remember it? — was rendered sadder by the ignorance in which my surviving parent remained, that we were pledged to each other. Fearing to increase the malady which was consuming her, I withheld all intelligence which might cause emotion, and hoped, from day to day, that her recovery would THE CONFESSOR. 19 put an end to my enforced reserve. I greatly- erred, but I have greatly suffered. The crisis of the disease arrived, and left me an orphan, my secret untold, and myself bound by a promise which prevented me from having recourse to the protector who now was all the world to me. Thus, though highly allied and richly endowed, I was more desolate than the poorest maiden, who, with a pure faith and a clear conscience, may give her hand to the companion of her daily labour. This solemn promise, — dare I tell it you? — it was, that I would never wed a Protestant. Forgive me, pity me, and reflect that the request of a dying parent brooks no denial. — I gave the pledge. " She told me how through life calamity had pursued herself, in consequence of her union with a heretic. Persecuted by his family, she and my father had sought peace in the shelter of these hills, and for some years they dwelt in the cottage you passed in your ascent hither. At this altar my sainted mother daily offered her devotions, and here she taught me the doctrines and worship of the true church, since, in more populous dis- tricts, the open celebration of the Mass exposed — but — blessed Mary ! — what means that ? — the 20 THE CONFESSOR. appointed signal — doubtless! — and you must go. — You know the worst. — Farewell !" Her exclamation was caused by the sudden appearance, on a point of the hill opposite to that on which they stood, of a bright meteoric light, which shot high into the air, and remained burn- ing steadily and brilliantly, so that its rays pene- trated even the little chapel on the neighbouring eminence. The latter was separated only by a deep but very narrow ravine, from the summit on which the beacon was kindled, so that in the darkness, which was now setting in, a traveller might, without some such guide, mistake the one for the other. The cavalier regarded the beacon attentively for a few seconds, then spoke. " It may be as thou sayest, dearest, the token that I should leave thee; but, unprotected as thou art, I carry by my side a surer token that I should stay. Besides, if Hamilton be on his way, this beacon, whatever be its purport, must perplex him, perhaps mislead. So use the precious mo- ments, dear one, and finish thy tale, already too long — or too short." The trembling girl still urged the peril of THE CONFESSOR. 21 prolonging the interview, and besought him to depart. At length, soothed by his arguments and en- treaties, she resumed her story ; but she spoke rapidly and with less connectedness. " My father, did I tell thee ? perished at Ro- chelle. He was wearied of inaction, and disap- pointed in his hope of making my mother a convert to his creed, and in consequence he joined that ill-fated enterprise which offered employment to his ardent spirit. Thus we were in the power of his elder brother, whose malice against my mother took the colour of zeal against popery, until his persecutions drove her to seek refuge once more in France. The reason of this un- generous conduct on the part of the Marquis of Hamilton was, as I have heard, an ancient grudge which he bore her for slighting his addresses, in favour of those of his younger brother, during her residence at the court of Henrietta Maria. The king interfered, contrary to his custom with regard to the foreign attendants of the queen, and endeavoured to advance the pretensions of the Marquis; and my mother's final choice caused the sovereign's displeasure, and the exile of both her 22 THE CONFESSOR. her and my father from court. Of the events of my mother's life previously to her marriage I know nothing, for she forbade all allusion to them. She was, however, as she herself informed me when circumstances compelled us to adopt the title, an heiress of the house of d' Amville ; and she frequently spoke of some individual as my future protector, though it appeared she dared not to reveal to me his name. Here, then, is my calamity. In the conflict between conscience and motherly love, she gave me this jewel, which forms, as you see, the half of a clasp, with the assurance, which even then trembled on her lips, that if I met with him who owned the corres- ponding jewel, forming the other half, he had a right to my affection and confidence. What that right is, I know not. " Thus, when recently pressed by the French minister to an alliance which was intended to enrich one of his creatures, I obeyed the harsh summons of my guardian, Lord Hamilton, to return and place myself under his protection. Richelieu suffered my departure; perhaps as an unsuspected medium for the conveyance of his letters to my uncle, — perhaps also partly as re- THE CONFESSOR. 23 lying on Lord Hamilton's promises to compel my acquiescence in his views. " And now, Graham, this has been a long tale and a sad one — but you would have it. Think but of Margaret henceforth as one who once loved you, and charge her, if you will, with weakness, with superstition, with folly — with anything but fickleness. And now we must say farewell for ever." e< That will we never do — no, Margaret.— I swear by all that is sacred, that as long as we both live, unless you should have vowed fidelity to another, never will I cease to entreat, to implore you not to sacrifice your own peace and mine to a false scruple; for no subsequent promise can annul the vows you made to me — and to a mistaken duty ; for the confessor, and not your dying parent, was probably the originator of that request. As to this other individual, whoever he be, he cannot have the right to your confidence that I have — your accepted, your affianced husband. Tell me of a claim on earth equal to that, and I release you." " The claims of my conscience, of my faith, of the Holy Church, forbid that I should satisfy 24 THE CONFESSOR. yours," she said. "Oh! tempt me not, tempt me not to enter into that most sacred of all en- gagements without the hallowed influence of a parent's blessing, and against the solemn voice of the Holy Church. Leave me — oh, leave me P * In darkness and in danger, and alone !" ex- claimed he. And on the instant his words seemed verified, for while he spoke, the beacon, which had hitherto burned equally and steadily, fell, extin- guished on the sudden ; and all around relapsed into gloom. Margaret shuddered, and faltering, laid her hand on the strong arm of her lover for support ; whilst heavy footsteps were heard advancing towards the porch, and in another instant two men entered the building. One of them struck a light, which enabled the .lovers to recognize the foremost as the Marquis of Hamilton. His companion, who held the torch, was a mean and ordinary looking man, with dark and sinister features : he wore the dress of a friar of the Dominican order, which served but poorly, however, to cover the vulgarity of his demeanour or the low cunning of his countenance. Lord Hamilton, on entering, immediately strode THE CONFESSOR. 25 forward to the spot where stood his pale and trem- bling niece supported by his well known foe. As he approached, she fell prostrate at his feet, ex- claiming, in the impulse of excited terror, — " Revenge yourself on me, but spare him." Involuntarily the cavalier drew out his rapier ; but Hamilton, after collecting himself in a fearful pause, which seemed to carry life or death for all present, retreated a few paces, and laying aside his weapon, smiled that bitter smile which conveys, more surely than the fiercest words, the presage of misery and ruin. " Methinks," said he, " amongst friends and relatives, these weapons can be of little service. I give thee good even, Earl of Montrose. Our sovereign liege the king hath looked for thee at York these two days, impatient for thy pro- posals from his rebel subjects. Knowest thou of news r ls Of none with which your lordship is not already probably better acquainted than myself," answered the Earl of Montrose, for it was he. " But strange news indeed I shall have to relate should I longer behold the Marquis of Hamilton an unmoved spec- tator of this fair girl's distress. Methinks the vol. i. c 26 THE CONFESSOR. parental authority which he affects, if not his courtesy, might teach a bearing something more humane than thus to suffer her to kneel at his feet unnoticed. Margaret, I entreat thee, rise, and remember thou owest no duty to this gentleman, save as his conduct merits it." The marquis again smiled. " My niece has doubtless already profited by your lordship's well known eloquence upon the subject of duties — religious and moral. Never- theless, in case her Romanist principles of passive obedience should yield before your superior light, I will furnish her with an argument which may, perhaps, be equally appreciated by both. Mar- garet Hamilton," and his brow gathered darkness as he spoke, " I have but to say the word, and thou art reduced from the proud heiress of the house of Amville, to a beggared dependant on that of Hamilton. But enough, — I am so far from intending, or even contemplating, such a course, that I intend to place thee at the Court of England, where I have already bespoken for thee the grace and favour of Henrietta: and this holy man, Father Jacopo, is the confessor and guide I have promised for thee. This night you set forward. But where is thy nurse — is she not of thy company?" THE CONFESSOR. 27 " Your commands, my uncle, were that I should meet you here alone. My nurse attends me at the cottage below." e< I am beholden to thee for thy strict obedience. And was it as a further mark of duty thou didst cause yonder false beacon to be kindled?" said the Lord Hamilton. " The Holy Virgin and the saints be my wit- ness ! " responded Margaret, " I know nought of the beacon; neither was I aware, as you seem to suspect, until the past hour, of the Lord of Montrose's presence here this night. I am ready to depart at your pleasure ; but oh ! my uncle, tax not my obedience to the accepting of such a guide !" Margaret glanced at the Dominican as she spoke, with an expression of fear and disgust : but Hamil- ton, who had turned away, and appeared to be leaving the chapel, took no notice of her request. Suddenly, as if struck by a recollection, he stopped, and, again addressing her, said, in a careless tone, " Thou didst tell me, as I think, thou wert the bearer of letters from my lady cousins. So engrossed am I in war and politics, I had forgot- ten to demand them at thy hand." C2 28 THE CONFESSOR. The terrified girl commanded herself suffi- ciently to relate the fate of the correspondence with which she had been charged. To her sur- prise, Hamilton remained mute ; and on its con- clusion, abruptly desiring her to prepare for her journey, he beckoned the Dominican, and accom- panied by him, instantly left the chapel. Montrose, who had shared Margaret's repug- nance to the escort provided for her, was yet alive to the advantages of her gaining the pro- tection of the Queen ; and, since his own post as envoy to treat with the royal party at York, ren- dered his personal attendance on her a measure to be adopted only as a last resort, his thoughts wandered in search of a substitute. In the absence of more accredited agents, and under the necessity of immediately providing for the case, it occurred to him, that the youth whom he had left at the little inn, whose counte- nance and bearing had inspired him with a confi- dence inexplicable even to himself, might possibly be induced to attend the progress of the party to London, waiting on their movements at a dis- tance, and keeping a strict watch upon the con- duct of the Dominican. THE CONFESSOR. 29 CHAPTER II. I am a lone stray thing, whose little life, By strangers' bounty cherished, — like a wave That from the summer sea a wanton breeze Lifts for a moment's sparkle — will subside, Light as it rose, nor heave a sigh in breaking. Talfourd's Ion. We now return to the little apartment of the hostelry, where our readers will recollect we left the youth, to whom Montrose's thoughts had reverted in quest of a guardian for his fair affianced, during her route towards the Court of Queen Henrietta, then resident at Whitehall. The design of the young nobleman in this proceed- ing was merely to appoint a distant surveillance upon the proceedings of the party, which might be available at need. Fate, however, had ordered the matter otherwise. Montrose had not long quitted the cottage, 30 THE CONFESSOR. before its rustic porch was darkened by the figure of a woman, whose appearance, strange as it was, seemed rather to excite reverence and fear, than either curiosity or astonishment amongst the in- mates of the hut. Though wrinkled in counte- nance, and emaciated in figure, she appeared worn rather by exposure to weather and by inor- dinate fatigues, than by old age. Her eye yet retained its brilliancy, and her regular and white teeth, together with her dark locks, as yet but slightly touched with grey, which waved wildly from underneath her hood, gave the seeming of premature old age to the deep lines of the brow, and the almost scorched and withered brownness of the skin; whilst her active and well-turned figure suggested not for a moment the idea of decrepitude or infirmity. As she entered the porch, the hostess whis- pered her guests with some signs of uneasiness, " It is the prophetess;* speak her fair, I charge * The original of this character was a woman of the name of Nicholson, mentioned in Hume as an esteemed prophetess amongst the Covenanters. She was accustomed to speak only at intervals, and had interruptions of days and weeks. A popular preacher, named Rolls, being requested to pray for her, replied " That he durst not, and that it would be ill manners in him to speak, while his master, Christ, was speaking in her." THE CONFESSOK. 31 ye, for, by her mien, I see the spirit is on her, and none knoweth like her the times and the seasons. Even the proud Scotch lords are fain to seek her counsel, and that great apostle of the covenant, the Rev. Shimei Haman, speaks not in her presence, but as she lists." Then, turning to the doorway, where stood the object of this special communication, she addressed her by the title she knew most to conciliate her. " Good even to thee, Deborah : all hail ! We lack thy counsel, good mother, for this even, — ay, but now a gallant hath alighted here, and asked lodging for the night. And his groom and steed abide here, while he himself hath hastened with all speed to yonder hilL But, alack, good mother, my heart already smites me for according him a shelter, though he be a fair spoken and comely gentleman; for, by his outward man, I judge that he is one of the ungodly, — ay, a very Sisera, clad in the abominations of the heathen, and his speech bewrayeth him as belonging to the idolators. Say, shall we take the hammer and the nail, like unto Jael, or shall we bind him hand and foot, and deliver him over to the army 32 THE CONFESSOR. of the faithful? Surely thou art guided hither by the Spirit to direct us in this matter." Now the hostess of the " John Knox," pre- viously to the entrance of the prophetess, had not dreamed for an instant of molesting her guest, and, so long as her reckoning was sure, she still harboured not the smallest intention of inter- fering with his entertainment or abode in her house ; but the fear that Ninon, for such was the real name of the person whom the fanatics pro- fanely designated as Deborah, should condemn her for harbouring any guests unfavourable to the cove- nant, had induced her to proffer this zealous effu- sion, in order to anticipate her visitor's accusation. "Fool, that thou art!* 1 replied the woman, " would'st thou cut off the defence and glory of the holy covenant ! I tell thee, woman, use him with all honour and respect, for he is a very Sampson for our Israel, and if thou would'st display thy zeal in the righteous cause, let not another day pass, ere thou dismiss thy younger son, Brian Ellsie, to join the ranks of the faithful against the tyrant." The rustic youth, thus abruptly summoned to warfare, started from his seat, aghast at her THE CONFESSOR. 33 words, and his mother was about to commence an expostulation; but Ninon, — having by her concluding sentences gained the end she sought, namely, the entire absorption of this interesting family in their own affairs, — hastily proceeded to the inner room. On her entrance, its occupant started up with an expression of surprise and apprehension, " What, once again, Ninon, do we meet?" " Ay, once, and twice, and thrice, for aught I know, before the end comes," said she ; " but," pointing to the window, " the sun shines red to-night." " A truce to this mystery, good Ninon. Thou knowest witchery and second-sight impose not on me, neither these senseless ravings, by which thou mayest awe the minds of the weak. Tell me, I entreat thee, and in all plainness, what is thy errand?" " Is there not a cause for mystery ? " replied the woman, " and is it for thee to mock at inspi- ration ? Beware how thou speakest lightly of that on which thy own destiny depends." " And what may that be, good mother ? for fain would I treat it with becoming reverence." C 3 34 THE CONFESSOR. " Foolish boy ! canst thou then find no subject of jest but thy own future fortunes ? Now mark me, and listen with faith, or listen not at all." " With respect, Ninon, to all that thou shalt utter, but with faith in an idle prophecy, if such it be, I cannot." " Yet shalt thou, Albert — for thy infant ear caught its tones, ere yet thy own feeble voice w r as heard ; and thy infant lips learned to utter it, as their first attempt at language." li A reason why I should remember, but not believe it." " Wise lips have uttered it, crowned heads have listened to it ; and thou, presumptuous boy, if thou hast forgotten the charm of thy nativity, was it not that amongst thy companions for the hour the secret would have brought upon thee scorn and scoffing. But the time is arrived when thou must learn it anew, for the die is cast, — the hour approaches, — already is one noose in the web of thy destiny unravelled, — the rest shall follow : — hear then." The woman proceeded to repeat the following doggrel ; her eyes fixed upon the casement, as if she expected its instant and literal fulfilment. THE CONFESSOR. 35 " Quand du sang Le soleil pleuvra, Alors ton rang Tu retrouveras." * w On this hangs thy fate, Albert Lyndesay. In expectation of its fulfilment, I have watched thee and thy fortunes by day and by night. If I have deceived these canting fools with their own hy- pocritical jargon it is for thy sake. Power — the power to serve thee has been my object. I have told thee thou should'st never see me, save when some change was impending o'er thee in heart or fortune. Thou art now on thy way to join King Charles at York!" Albert Lyndesay, for by this name he had been previously known, remained buried in thought during the delivery of this rhapsodical speech, and it was some time after its conclusion that he answered : " I am, indeed, good mother, intending to throw myself upon the favour and protection of the King for my future fortunes. Wearied of a * Which may be thus rendered : — " When the sun on earth Sheds a bloody shower, The star of thy birth Shall regain its power." 36 THE CONFESSOR. life of dependence, and ever cherishing the remem- brance of his Majesty's most gracious notice on the one occasion when my patron deigned to make me a medium of a negociation with his sovereign, I would willingly use that indulgence which then, I own, so much surprised me, as a plea for entreating further confidence. My only hope of advancement is through faithful service, and so long as I have a sword to wield, my sove- reign shall command it, though if my birth must remain a secret until thy marvel shall find fulfil- ment, be its meaning what it may, I fear me, Albert Lyndesay must die as he has lived, un- known and unregarded." " Say not ' unknown and unregarded,'" replied the woman, " for thou art known where no mean lineage hath record — ay, and there is one whom I may not name, who deigns to interest himself in thy fate. Of myself I speak not: it were vain to tell thee, for thou couldst not comprehend — how great, how measureless must have been the love of her who forsook her own babe to preserve thy tender life, who gave thee that place in her bosom her own child should have filled — leaving her off- spring to — alas ! thou, O God, only know est to THE CONFESSOR. 37 what! who even now exists but in expectation of the moment " " Pardon me, my kind friend," said the youth, who, alarmed by her excited manner and vehe- ment expression, believed her to be labouring under some mental delusion, and therefore judged it wiser gently to lead her from the subject; " pardon me, if in aught I have said my thought- lessness hath wounded thee ; but let us leave speaking on the subjeet of my future destiny, and doubt not that He, whom the winds and the sea obey, will order the events of my future life as shall best promote His purposes of mercy and goodness. In Him we will confide. But one word before we quit the theme ; hath it never occurred to thee that thy prophecy, spoken in the French tongue, but ill befits a native Scot ? trust me, thy verse was meant for other than thyself, and so forget it, Ninon." " And thou knowest not," said she, " that France is the land of thy nativity ! that thou didst first draw breath amongst her smiling vineyards and gay orchards ! The jewel which clasps thy collar- band might have told thee a different tale. Hast thou ne'er read its motto V 9 38 THE CONFESSOR. * Ay, that have I many times, and in part imbibed its spirit," replied the youth, " but because I find myself in possession of this treasured amulet, (which I guard, Ninon, with as much affection and respect as thou couldest desire) and because I read thereon the words ' Dieu aide au premier Baron Chretien,' together with an inexplicable C, which stands alone, and frustrates my most ingenious surmises as to its meaning ; because, thank God, I possess this key to possible future enlightenment, was it therefore an infallible consequence that myself should be a child of the Gallic soil ? Of my birth or country I have hitherto known nothing; but I compre- hend but too well th at I was the child of charity, nurtured and brought up by the venerable Mar- quis of Gordon, owing to an extraordinary resem- blance he fancied to discover in me, when by accident I came across his path, to a son long since dead. My benefactor now sleeps with his fathers ; and I needed not the averted look and cold sufferance with which his successor endured my presence, to kindle into action the spark of loyalty and love to King Charles which has so long slumbered in my breast." THE CONFESSOR. 39 " 'Tis well," said she ; " and thou shalt do him good service, else were I not here to-night." As she spoke, she drew from the folds of her buffin gown a small packet, carefully folded, and bound round with narrow ribbon according to the custom of the time ; the seals, however, had been broken ; and, if not by Ninon herself, she was evi- dently mistress of the contents, as appeared from the manner in which she proceeded to address Albert. " Carry this to the King, and he will see what traitors he harbours in his very palace; hasten on thy errand, my son, for within these two hours that packet shall be sought for far and wide. Even now is he approaching for whom it is designed." Albert looked at the address, and with consi- derable surprise read the superscription, which was for the Marquis of Hamilton. " But, good mother, this is for Lord Hamilton, no traitor surely ! Did I not see him when late he waited on the tables in the name of his royal master ? and in sooth he showed a zeal in the cause unequalled by any present I" "Ay, and he saw thee, Albert; but no matter, 40 THE CONFESSOR. conscience alone gave thy glance the power to disquiet him, for he believes that power to rest with another, alas ! how different a one !" and here she laughed wildly and sadly. " Yet, though he knew not wherefore, I marked him as he was troubled beneath thine eye; and ever his own reverted to thee, but it was not with a friendly gaze ! But to remove thy doubts of the treachery of that zealous loyalist, read this letter. It con- tains the Lord Cardinal de Bichelieu^s answer to such proposals as the Marquis of Hamilton hath hardly made in his royal master's cause. ^ "I scorn to purchase information by such means/' replied the young man ; " enough that the letter carries the implication of treason. His Majesty, whom alone it concerns, must be the judge of its contents. And now farewell, my kind friend ; tell me, when shall we meet again ? " " I know not," said she musingly, as once more she turned her eyes in the direction of the setting sun, and as Albert also raised his to take a parting look from the casement he had occupied for some time previous to her entrance, a sudden thought seemed to strike him. He quickly turned, and looked into his companion's face as if THE CONFESSOR. 41 connecting her by some sudden impulse with the scene before him. " Tell me, Ninon, tell me, why do I remember this scene ? O refuse not to tell me what have been my infant associations with it and with you ?" But before she could reply, both perceived at a distance a party of two or three horsemen, muffled in cloaks, and riding rapidly from a southerly direction towards the foot of the hills. Hastily uttering " Avoid them, Albert, avoid them, as thou valuest thy life ! and stir not from hence until — look yonder, boy — dost thou mark yon fir-crowned hill ? stir not until thou dost see arise from its summit a bright red flame, then speed thee to thy horse. Ride swiftly, but ride with caution ! " she darted from the house, and directed her steps with headlong speed towards the hills. The horsemen, advancing from the contrary point, appeared for some time to be making for the tavern of the " John Knox : " they halted, how- ever, and bent their course to the foot of the hill whereon the chapel stood. Lyndesay watched their movements as they wound around it, till at 42 THE CONFESSOR. length the increasing darkness rendered all objects indistinct. At that moment the beacon rose, clear and high, above the dark summits of the fir trees ; and the young traveller was many miles south- ward before the bright luminary, which, at that unaccustomed season, gave rise to numerous conjectures in the surrounding country, became extinct. THE CONFESSOR. 43 CHAPTEK III. The country mourns : Mourns, because every plague that can infest Society, and that saps and worms the base Of th' edifice that policy has raised, Swarms in all quarters — meets the eye, the ear. And suffocates the breath at every turn. Profusion breeds them. Cowpeb. For some hours Albert Lyndesay pursued his way amid the loneliness and dreariness of the night, taking especial care to avoid the great roads by which communications might be in progress towards the town of Newcastle, of which the Scotch rebels had lately taken possession. The young cavalier, therefore, sought to pass through bye-roads or across commons, so as to avoid any wandering parties of the enemy, and to escape inquiries. For some time he proceeded unmolested, but at length the jaded condition of the poor animal 44 THE CONFESSOR. which carried him compelled the rider to seek some place of temporary shelter and refreshment. As the unseasonableness of the hour rendered his chances of a favourable reception very precarious, from any of the humble inhabitants of the cottages which he passed at rare intervals, (and his desire to escape observation made a tavern ineligible for his purpose,) he cast his eyes around and surveyed on all sides the wide open country, which the moon was just commencing faintly to illumine with her thin, cold light, in search of some rough hut or shed where he might spread his tartan, and take an hour's rest, while his beast, with loosened girth and bit, should browse at leisure by the wayside. Not far off lie perceived a low wall surrounding u plot of ground, wherein grew a mass of rude orchard trees and low underwood, forming a tangled thicket, which in some places was over- shadowed by the more lofty inhabitants of the forest. To this spot, — situated on a broad heath or common, and commonly known by the name of Percy's Grave, though believed to be defective in the circumstance of containing the remains of any of the Northumberland family, — our hero now hastened, and having amused his imagination by THE CONFESSOR. 45 fanciful speculations as to the probable scenes of rural festivity and rustic courtship of which this bower of Nature's forming seemed so well adapted to be the centre, he threw himself on the bank, and, having enveloped himself in his cloak, was losing consciousness in that reverie, which fre- quently forms the prelude to sound sleep, when he was roused to attention by the unwelcome approach of human footsteps, rudely brushing along the thick grass and heather which sur- rounded this retreat. In a moment he roused himself, and withdraw- ing completely into the dark shadow of the recess, he lay unobserved as two men entered the copse and passed close beside him. The moon cast a partial light upon their countenances, and he could distinguish that the features of the foremost were dark, threatening, and dangerous ; both were mean and ordinary in person ; in fact just such men, as in such a place, and with such associations, would suggest ideas of treachery and villany. Albert Lyndesay was brave, and accustomed to danger, and though the blood rushed back to his heart at the first moment of surprise in the dis- covery of such fearful odds, and he determined if 46 THE CONFESSOR. possible to avoid an encounter by remaining in concealment, yet another moment served to nerve him for the result of his situation, let it be what it might ; and he watched with sufficient composure the movements of the two men, anxious to detect their object and design in meeting in this wild place at so strange an hour. From the few sen- tences which escaped them as they entered he was led to conclude that they had but recently met ; their conversation consisting but of inquiries as to the present abode and destination of each. " And where abides the damsel, Brother Jacopo, the worshipper of the woman clothed in scarlet, whilst thou, her father confessor, hast wandered forth to shrive another penitent?" said the man who had entered second, as with a faint laugh which sounded very much like a sneer, he threw himself upon the grass at a spot much further in the interior of the copse than Lyndesay had pene- trated ; so far, indeed, that the latter was unable to distinguish clearly the figures of the two men, or to overhear their conversation, excepting at intervals. He however became distinctly aware of the reply, which was uttered in a raised tone : (( A THE CONFESSOR. 47 curse on thy woman clothed in scarlet ! — I came not here to listen to this jargon. Would'st thou ask me, man, where is mistress Margaret Hamilton ? I tell thee that she is safely bestowed in the good town of Morpeth, not far hence, as thou knowest, where Father Jacopo judged it prudent for her health's sake that she should take some rest, whilst he kept his appointment with thee. And safe enough, I'll warrant, is she, for even should the Scots by chance lay hold upon her, the Lord Montrose is there to guard her. Nay, faith, I believe he would count a Scotch marauding party the honester keeping for his dainty mistress, for by my soul he eyed me as if he took me for the villain priest I would seem to be, or may be, spite of the cowl, he remembered that he had seen me before : and though he cared not to dispute with that fool Hamilton the leaving his niece in my charge, I'll be sworn he takes some means to watch our motions until we reach Whitehall. My Lord of Hamilton was an easy dupe, and it needed but a rosary and cassock to convince him that I was an ecclesiastical — knave ; had the other lord been the game, Father Jacopo must have better learned his trade, but time and practice will soon attune my lips to the 48 THE CONFESSOR. " Pax vobiscum" as it has thine, Laurence, to the Alleluiahs and Amens and all the infernal cant that " (( Tarry, I beseech thee, for a moment in thy speech, my brother," said the other, in a tone in which fear seemed to be combating the usual self- complacency of the speaker, " and beware of using the heathen language which appertaineth to the wicked and malignant, — even to such as we shall by and by behold humbled in the dust beneath our feet, whilst we, the godly of the earth " " Fool ! " interrupted Jacopo, " what have we to do with godliness ! It is our stock in trade for the use and entertainment of the villains who make us their tools for their so-called righteous ends. Treat them, if thou wilt, with texts and saintship, but mark me, my friend, waste no sermons upon me. For thee, I know not if thou art greater hypocrite or coward — nay, man, shrink not. I shall not be more indulgent to myself, and I tell thee that the Marquis of Hamilton believes me a bigoted Dominican ; Oliver and the rest confide blindly in my saintly puritanic zeal ; and thou, Laurence, thou knowest that my creed is that which teaches that truth ever lies with the winning side. My articles of THE CONFESSOR. 49 faith are the secrets of all parties ; to be betrayed to the opposite ones as interest and opportunity shall render them profitable. Let us not, at least, try to mask the villain to each other !" The conversation gradually took a lower tone, and Albert could hear but little, save that now and then he distinguished the name of Ninon, and that of the Marquis of Hamilton. At length the man called Laurence exclaimed in a higher tone — " And she cannot tell thee where to find the letters !" " No," replied the other ; " and it was on this account I sent for thee to meet me here, for as I needs must attend this pale-faced girl to London, I cannot myself hunt them out, or even gain a scent of their destination. But first I would know if thou hast marked any traveller in these parts of late, who could be carrying these docu- ments to York, where assuredly they will go ?" w None," replied the other. " I know of no one likely for such a charge. The only traveller, except the great Lord Montrose, who hath tarried at our house within these few days, was a young fellow bound on a love-errand, as old Ninon said, VOL. I. D 50 THE CONFESSOE. who sent for her to tell his fortune — he started overnight." " Then dog him," exclaimed the other ; " trace out his route, and search him, dead or alive. Bring me those papers, if art or force can avail to obtain them ; and this boy is likely enough to be their bearer, for Ninon hath some grudge of old against Lord Hamilton, and may have read the lad his fortune out of his lordship's correspondence. Truly, to judge by my noble patron's despair at their loss, he hath good cause to wish them in no enemy's hands, and in truth I know " Here the voice again subsided, and a low and earnest conference ensued, which ended by both the men starting up and abruptly leaving the copse — the elder saying as they passed, " Take with thee thy brother Brian for the encounter with this boy ; but tell him nothing of the plot, upon thy life, Laurence. In seven or eight days at farthest we meet again." Totally at a loss as Albert Lyndesay had been to find a clue to the former part of this conver- sation, he readily comprehended that the latter referred to the letters he held in his possession, so mysteriously committed to him by Ninon; and THE CONFESSOR. 51 a vague, but momentary, doubt as to whether she were playing him fair, glanced across his mind as he heard sufficient to establish the conviction that she was in habitual communication with these lawless men. He dismissed the suspicion, how- ever, as unworthy, and a little reflection served to convince him that, if false to any, it could not be to himself; as in case the letters addressed to the Marquis of Hamilton, which he held in his charge, contained anything treasonable, it was an undoubted act of service to the King to lay them before him. This service she had put in his power to render to his sovereign, at imminent risk and danger to herself. These considerations, joined to one of those impressions not to be overcome, and in which we are perhaps rarely mistaken, of the reality of the goodwill of another towards us, induced him to determine, without loss of time, to pursue his journey towards York; guarding himself, how- ever, to the utmost of his power against the perils which he foresaw must await him at every step. Young in diplomacy, but experienced in all exercises of courage and activity, he hoped that the strength and valour of his arm might defend D 2 LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF llUWOB .52 THE CONFESSOR. the charge he held against all assailants; above all, he was sustained by that conscience void of offence, which enabled him tranquilly and faith- fully to commit his ways to the God whom he had served from his youth up, and whose will he believed himself to be fulfilling in devoting all his powers, and, if needs should be, his life, to the service of his lawful sovereign. Animated by these reflections, he only waited until the last sound of the voices of his late com- panions died away on the far off plain, to rouse himself and to seek his horse, which had, how- ever, strayed to a considerable distance. This circumstance caused him some delay, and on re- mounting he found that the animal, wearied by the incessant journeys of the last few days, went on with difficulty. Finding that he should not be able to push on to York without giving his horse a much longer halt than he had anticipated, Albert decided upon spending the next day in perfect rest ; hoping to make such progress before the morning dawned as, leaving the enemy's quarters behind, should enable him to seek with safety some house of public entertainment. THE CONFESSOR. 53 He therefore proceeded as well and rapidly as the jaded condition of his horse would allow, until he had passed the town of Durham, and at length had reached the borders of Yorkshire. The boundary of the counties was indicated by a rude stone distinguished by the name of Guy's Cross, and situated where four roads met, at the foot of which flowed a clear and gushing rivulet. As the earliest glimmerings of approaching day appeared in the east, Lyndesay became sensible, with some anxiety, on surveying the surrounding country, of the difficulty he was likely to en- counter in obtaining accommodation for himself and his steed during the hours of light. The scene was rude and desolate, with few or no traces of human habitation, and as he threw the bridle on his horse's neck, and suffered him quietly to drink his fill at the little stream, his thoughts very naturally reverted to the exhausted state of his own wallet, together with the ap- parent difficulty, if not impossibility, of replen- ishing it. From these most unheroic cogitations he was roused by the sound of horses' feet in a direction nearly parallel to the road by which he had him- 54 THE COXFESSOR. self reached the spot, and confident, that whether the approaching party were friends or enemies, it was prudent to avoid intercourse with all strangers, he once more set spurs to his horse. The effort to keep ahead of the other travellers was, however, useless, and as one of them rode up and placed himself abreast of him, he recog- nized in the voice which bade him a civil " Good day" the tones which he had during the preceding night listened to as proceeding from the man he heard addressed as " Laurence." Of his features he could not be equally certain, as the slight glimpse he had obtained by the uncer- tain moonlight, had not been sufficient to enable him confidently to recognize either of the parties. He replied, however, to the man's greeting in the same tone in which it was offered, and looking round to obtain a sight of his comrade, he observed that the latter, who was not the companion of the night's consultation, was endeavouring to take the place on the other side of himself. To avoid the danger of being thus hemmed in, he reined his horse close to the rude stone wall which formed the enclosure to the right, and proceeded, as if without suspicion, to inquire for the nearest inn. THE CONFESSOR. 55 '* You know but little of these parts, may be, young master ?" replied the man, as he fixed his keen eye on Albert's face ; " are you journeying far south ?" "My errand will probably lead me very far southward," replied the young man, " but for the present I would rest, could I meet with a place of shelter and refreshment." " Why, truly, your tired beast will hardly get so far as York this night, master. I never saw a poor animal so worn out, he stumbles at every step. You've been many days on the road, I fancy ?" " Several, and shall therefore be the more obliged to you, for pointing me out a resting place." " Why there's few hostelries like my own mother's. Were ye ever on the borders ?" " Whether I have or not avails but little, my friend, towards my present inquiry. Your mother's tavern, though doubtless excellent, can be of little service to me, seeing that my horse's head is turned the other way." " Ay, ye're for York, master, as I said, but never think to reach it on that poor creature's 56 THE CONFESSOR. back. Brian, boy, get off your horse and bring him round, may be the gentlemen would be glad to pay a trifle for the exchange." " I have no intention of proceeding to York for this day at any rate," interrupted Albert. " After you have answered my inquiry, make yourself easy as to the fate both of myself and my horse." During this remark, the younger of the two men, in obedience to his brother's order, had dis- mounted ; and Albert was considering the mean- ing of the very peculiar smile which he had noted on his companion's countenance as he spoke to him, when he received a violent blow from behind, which struck him from his horse. In his sudden fall, the important packet which was the object of the present outrage escaped from his vest, and fell to the ground. Roused by the sight of it, from the momentary stupor into which the blow had thrown him, he seized the packet, and, starting to his feet, imme- diately drew his rapier. But the horseman had already taken his aim ; and his well directed bullet passed through the young man's shoulder, and caused his arm to fall nerveless by his side. The parcel was released from his grasp, and the younger of his assailants seized it instantly. THE CONFESSOR. 57 " Now away with thee !" shouted Laurence, "hold it safe, whilst I deal with this gallant." So saying, he parried the thrust which Albert was essaying with his unwounded arm, and using his advantage over an unhorsed foe, he dealt him a heavy blow on the crown of the head, with the back of his rapier. One minute the young man stood, giddy and reeling, and drew out a small pistol, which he aimed at the heart of his antagonist. He dis- charged it as he fell, but the bullet only entered the horse's flanks, and in another moment he him- self lay insensible on the earth, the blood gushing from his mouth and nostrils. " And now Brian, thou mayest return whence thou cam'st, and leave to me the further manage- ment of this affair," said the elder ruffian. " And forget not to tell that old witch Ninon, that thou hast been obeying her commands, and hast offered thy service in the Scottish camp, where already thou hast performed a signal feat ; and beware, lad, that thou say not what it is, but thou mayest add that the Lord fought for Israel." At these words the youth so addressed, glad to to escape on any terms from a scene of violence d 3 58 THE CONFESSOK. so little suited to his cowardly nature, remounted, and rapidly rode off in the direction by which he and his companion had arrived. The man called Laurence, after casting a look of contemptuous pity towards the victim of his lawless cruelty, proceeded to take possession of the papers hastily thrown on the ground by his brother, together with some antique gems which had become visible in Lyndesay's fall; having been con- cealed under the outer vest, till the latter was loosened by the unclasping of his belt. He read the address of the packet, and muttering to himself, " Better for my Lord Hamilton, may be, had they remained even where they were!" he seized the rein of his wounded horse, and leisurely conducted him from the spot, retiring to one of those many places of refuge which a wild country, inhabited by a rude and disaffected people, offers abundantly in times of public dis- turbance and commotion to the violators of her laws and liberties. THE CONFESSOR. 59 CHAPTEE IV. She was a phantom of delight, When first she beamed upon my sight : A lovely apparition sent To be a moment's ornament ; A creature, not too bright or good For human nature's daily food : For transient sorrows, simple wiles, Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles. Wordsworth. The grey dawn of morning had given place to a rich, glowing sunshine, and the bright green of the turf and tender shoots of the foliage seemed heightened in hue as they imbibed the dewy shower which was fast exhaling before the sun. In contrast with the brilliancy and freshness which nature sheds on this her opening hour of loveli- ness and fragrance, there appeared at intervals on all sides of the landscape, dark plantations of Scotch fir, interspersed with the ancient holly : and as the extreme unevenness of the country 60 THE CONFESSOE. served to conceal any human habitation, if such existed in the neighbourhood, so it afforded most picturesque varieties of surface, on which those sombre patches of forest hung at intervals, relieved by precipitous ravines in the stony soil, or by the verdant fields and clear blue sky which stood out with all the softened brilliancy of a beautiful morn- ing. The joyous burst of song which thrilled through the feathered creation, from bush to bush, and from tree to tree, and the measured ripple of the neighbouring stream, alone interrupted the stillness of the scene, although in perfect unison with it. At such an hour, a sense of the harmony of crea- tion steals over the human heart, itself the only discordant note in that great choir, and the mind most agitated and turbulent can hardly resist the overpowering feelings, which would prompt an utterance in the beautiful language of the poet, — " These are thy glorious works, Parent of Good, Almighty — thine the universal frame, Thus wondrous fair." At present, however, no human ear enjoyed the melody of the scene, no human voice was raised in thanksgiving. On the bank where he THE CONFESSOR. 61 had fallen when stunned by the blow of the rapier, Albert Lyndesay still lay ; inanimate and sense- less, — unconscious of the risen morning. His horse, now quite refreshed, quietly browsed on the dewy grass near him. Suddenly the bark of a dog was heard in the distance, and immediately afterwards appeared a beautiful little spaniel of the breed since called King Charles's, at that time much admired, which, bounding from under the shade of one of the woods, sprang forwards in the direction of the little rivulet. On passing the spot where the bloody figure of Lyndesay was stretched motionless, the dog stopped and growled violently, then rushed back to the point whence he came. A clamorous barking ensued, and once more the dog ran towards the place where Albert lay. His manoeuvre seemed to be understood, for immediately in pur- suit of him two young girls appeared from an opening under the trees, and, calling the dog by name, endeavoured to coax him into quietness. The foremost of these, and the apparent mistress of the dog, was one of those creatures whom, with the young, to look at is to love ; with the old, instinctively to regard with interest and indul- 62 THE CONFESSOR. gence. Scarcely on the verge of womanhood she retained as yet all the innocence of expression and reckless gladness of demeanour which consti- tutes the bewitching charm of childhood. Gaiety sparkled in her large blue eye, and the archness which seemed natural to it was alternately softened and heightened by the play of the long lash, as the ever-changing emotions of the heart spoke through the countenance. Her rich brown hair, confined above the brow by a pale blue fillet, wandered in long ringlets upon her shoulders, whilst the bright hue of her cheek spoke of health improved by fresh air and exercise. She wore a simple dress entirely of white, with an embroidered girdle of the same colour as the fillet that bound her hair, and over her whole per- son was thrown a large veil or scarf, which seemed to have been hastily wrapped round her figure, with the view of taking a few minutes' airing. Altogether, her appearance denoted no prepara- tion for a distant ramble from her own threshhold, yet was there no sign of human residence within view. " Now fie upon thee ! Alice," said she to her attendant, still pursuing the spaniel as he THE CONFESSOH. 63 approached the spot where Albert lay ; "He upon thee that thou shouldest wish me and my pet to part company ! Surely did my father know that my faithful Carlo had escaped from us, he would for once release us from his injunction not to wan- der further than the garden." The girl thus addressed appeared some years older than her mistress, and though gifted also with a considerable share of beauty, her face lacked that charm of simplicity so conspicuous in the other, while something of conscious vanity might be detected in every gesture. Waiting- maids have a proverbial detestation of all fa- vourites, whether biped or quadruped, and this feeling might in part influence the tone of her reply. " Nay, my lady, I would not contradict your will, though I don't think my lord would give you licence to disobey him for the sake of a little growling beast like that. However, should it be known that we have done so, you will bear testi- mony that I warned you not to proceed." " Alice, Alice, boast not of thy precaution. Didst thou not play the tempter, and bribe me by thy report of the purple orchis's, which, by the 64 THE CONFESSOR. by, we never found, to accompany thee beyond the avenue, where we met thy strange acquaint- ance. And now I bethink me, it is but since our encounter with him that thou hast altered thy tone, and hast been so urgent for me to return. Tell me, what did he whisper in thine ear ?" This was said mischievously, and without de- sign. Alice, however, coloured deeply. " Alack ! my lady," said she, "he is but a way- farer, and no acquaintance of mine, and he whis- pered but a few sweet words of Christian counsel and exhortation." " If but a common traveller, he must be far out of his path," resumed the young girl, " but doubt- less he will soon recover it, as he evidently pos- sesses the gift of second-sight. Else how should he have discovered that thou alone wert capable of profiting by his admonition ? Clearly he dis- cerned my poor self to be either too good to need it, or too evil to benefit by it." " Beware, my lady, of such unseemly jesting. The gift of prophecy is bestowed upon many of the brethren and sisters in the holy covenant, and only proves that he had a right to address to me a word in season." THE CONFESSOR. 65 a And thy reply ? but I will spare thee, Alice, and for thy further consolation I will promise to take upon myself all blame which may arise from our excursion beyond bounds this day; only in guerdon for my generosity, I must entreat thee to forbear the wearisome lectures which thou hast of late been pleased to read me so often on this same covenant, of which I know little, and, in sooth, for which I care less ; and if thy brother, as thou callest him, be a specimen, but, oh, God ! what have we here ! a man all wounded and bloody ! — Alas ! as I think, he's dead !" " Oh, my lady ! listen to me," hastily returned the affrighted abigail, " and let us return instantly to the house, and make no mention of this dread- ful sight. I knew something very horrible would happen to us if we came on, — in fact, Laurence, I mean that stranger told me so. See, my lady, the man is quite dead; you can do him no good, but will bring yourself into danger. These are not the times for young ladies to succour wounded travellers with impunity. And now I think of it, your grandmother laid her injunctions on you to meet her at an early hour this morning; she is doubtless inquiring for you, — let us away !" 66 THE CONFESSOR. " Impossible ! I am not sure that he is beyond all hope of revival," said the young lady, who had been attentively considering the inanimate form at her feet. " Never again in this world," sighed the other; " and what makes it worse is, that he no doubt perished in some profane brawl ; but, as to your- self, my lady, I will answer for it my lord, your father,"— " Would not leave a fellow-creature weltering in his blood, Alice, if human aid or skill might avail him. — And see, — life is assuredly not ex- tinct, for now the dog begins to lick his face, and you know his instinctive horror at anything dead." So saying the maiden ran to the neighbouring stream, and collecting in the palms of her hands a little water, she dashed it into Albert's face. Her exertion appeared to be inefficacious, for still he continued ghastly and insensible, prostrate on the turf. The cap he wore had fallen off and lay by him. The young lady took it up, and giving it to her attendant, bade her hasten to fill it with water from the rivulet, whilst she herself raised the head of the sufferer and loosened his collar. THE CONFESSOR. 67 On a repetition of her attempt to rouse him by a dash of the water, which she had now in a larger quantity, the patient showed signs of sensation, and after a few struggles his eyelids were raised, as if by a painful effort, and the full and asto- nished gaze of his dark eyes was fixed upon the lovely form that was kneeling beside him, anxiously watching his recovery. For a moment he could have believed a minis- tering angel had descended to succour him in his hour of need, but the deep flush that mantled on her cheek as she became sensible of his look of wondering admiration, soon recalled him to the consciousness that it was no ethereal being whom he contemplated. He saw before him a creature, young and beautiful indeed, yet, like himself, ani- mated by the feelings of poor humanity, of which the hitherto predominant one of pity was begin- ning to give way before maidenly confusion and bashfulness, as she perceived that the object of her benevolent exertions was no ordinary wayfarer or common serf, but a man of apparent breeding, youthful, and in countenance extremely prepos- sessing, and who evidently was seized with equal perplexity at the sight of herself. 68 THE CONFESSOR. The discovery of a young and handsome man in the unfortunate traveller whom her mistress had succoured, had its effect also upon Alice, who proceeded with alacrity to bring more water, that he might attempt to drink ; whilst her lady, per- ceiving that Lyndesay was endeavouring with pain to speak, pressed her finger to her lips, and shaking her head, thus mutely forbade all inqui- ries or acknowledgments for the present. As the young man endeavoured to raise the water to his lips he became sensible, for the first time, of the wound which rendered his right arm powerless ; and the acute pain he suffered in the effort was evident to his preserver, who, with prompt kindness, loosened the kerchief which was bound round her hair, and speedily made a sling for his arm. Ashamed to receive so much assistance, Albert made an effort to rise, but weakness prevailed, and he fell back upon the grass, whilst the dog, as if delighted at witnessing his return to life and consciousness, leaped and barked around his mistress, apparently in triumph at the success of his own manoeuvre. " Do thou, Alice, stay and offer this gentleman all the aid in thy power, whilst I speedily return THE CONFESSOR. 69 to the house, and seek some stronger arm to help him thither. The case is beyond our skill, and we must have the Lady Clare's assistance. Thou knowest my grandmother is an unerring leach," said the young lady, as watching Lyndesay's in- effectual efforts to rise, she became aware of his extreme weakness. " But, my lady ! the danger of receiving a stranger under your roof! of harbouring a rebel, perhaps, as my lord, your father, would say." As Alice spoke, a faint smile passed across Albert's pallid features, and making a violent exertion to speak, he exclaimed, interrupting her, — n Not for me, dearest lady, not for me, must you or yours be exposed to any danger. I am no rebel, and God knows that till this hour my heart has known no passion, save its loyalty ; yet these are not times in which you ought to trust a stranger. Forgive me, if I have been the cause of misadventure to you. Already you have done too much, and I entreat you now to leave me, and fear not but that He who guided your steps hitherwards to restore to me my life, will now find means for its preservation." 70 THE CONFESSOR Exhausted and suffering, his strength failed him, and the warm-hearted girl, as she prepared to fulfil her kind intention, hastily replied to the selfish remonstrances of her maid : " Rebel, or loyal subject, Alice, doubtless his existence is dear to some, but all who love King Charles must be thrice welcome to my father's daughter. Fear not, then, that your entertain- ment should cause us risk or blame," she added, as with a kindly smile she bent towards her patient. Then, taking the dog in her arms, she bounded across the turf, and was out of sight in a moment. Lyndesay followed her with his eyes, but sighed deeply at the reflections which her words had called up. He knew not what it was to own an existence dear to others ; he believed, that had he expired in that hour, no tear would have been shed for him ; perhaps, none would have known or even inquired what had befallen the adopted dependent, whom Lord Gordon's whimsical par- tiality had raised from the rank of a peasant. Old Ninon, perchance, might have uttered a few wild lamentations, but how far even she was connected with the ruffians who had caused his present * THE CONFESSOR. 71 calamity, he could not ascertain. Friendless, and alone in the world, it was not wonderful that the benevolent interest so feelingly evinced towards him by the fair being who had just vanished, should have made a lively impression ; and, after the lapse of some time, he ventured an inquiry concerning her, though in an embarrassed and hesitating tone. " Pray, tell me, mistress Alice, for so I think I heard you called, — tell me, I entreat you, to whom I owe my restoration to consciousness ? " With a coquettish toss, the girl replied, " Alack, master, to the Lord, surely." A deep sigh followed this, according but ill with the lively countenance and demeanour of the damsel. " Undoubtedly so, pretty mistress Alice," re- turned our hero, " I did, perhaps, express myself unguardedly, though the omission, I trust, ex- tended but to language. And having satisfied thy scruples, by the assurance that the grateful homage of my heart had long preceded thy memento, hasten to satisfy my eager desire to know who is the angel of goodness who has been the kindly instrument of my preservation." u For that matter, I know not, master, which 72 THE CONFESSOR. of us you would speak of, since both my young lady and myself laboured for your recovery. But woe is me, to hear you calling a fellow worm, even though it was myself, by the name of angel ! The saints themselves see angels only in dreams and visions of the night, and at sundry times they have appeared in that way, even to me." Lyndesay, though suffering much, could hardly forbear a smile at the girl's flippancy and assump- tion. As, however, her phraseology was far from being new to him, and seldom had he heard it from prettier lips, he forbore retort, and only replied, — " Well ! furnish me with thy lady's real name, and I will carefully avoid, for the future, all allusion to the hierarchy of thy nocturnal visions." The damsel, somewhat piqued, assumed a more portentous expression than before, as she answered, — " Ask me any question you please about my- self, young gentleman, and I will inform you to the utmost ; yea, if it might profit you, I would relate by what marvellous grace my poor spirit escaped from its Egyptian bondage, to the liberty THE CONFESSOE. 73 and light of the holy covenant. But as to my lady's name, you must stifle your curiosity, and may be you were little the easier for gratifying it; for my lord, her father, though he be my master, is, I am bold to say, both feared and hated, in these parts, more than any man living, and he apprehends mischief to his daughter, if she bear in public the name of so notorious a delinquent as himself. He, therefore, laid his commands on me to be silent respecting it, and I obey, less from fear of his anger, than because it is my habit, when not moved by the Spirit to speak." To this oration, which served but to increase Lyndesay's curiosity, and to mingle with it an unaccountable feeling of anxiety and suspicion, he only replied,— " Had I been conscious the lady's father de- sired the concealment of her name, I had been the last man to wish to penetrate the mystery. Thy own story, mistress Alice, I shall gladly hear at leisure; and now wilt thou have the grace to hand me my sword, which lies there beside thee ; may be, the left hand can wield it yet!" VOL. I. E 74 THE CONFESSOR. She complied, and Albert, on replacing his sword-belt around his waist, seemed to become aware of the loss of some part of his dress, for w T hich he looked anxiously around. Alice looked too, though totally at a loss to conjecture for what; and after waiting some time, in the vain hope of an explanation, she said, " One might suppose, sir stranger, you had missed your lady's token, by the extreme concern you shew for its recovery." " I cry thee mercy, mistress Alice," returned he, " but thy guess hath fallen far short of the reality, since the loss of which thou speakest might admit of a substitute — mine can never be replaced." Piqued into a yet more vivid curiosity by these words, Alice would have pursued the theme, but, at this moment, the two men sent by her young mistress appeared from the wood, and ad- vanced towards them. One of these was old and decrepid, and bore the appearance of a common groom ; but the other was so extraordinary a figure, that as he approached, Lyndesay could not help regarding him with a feeling akin to horror and disgust. THE CONFESSOR. 75 His stature was that of a boy under twelve years of age, but his large and misshapen head and strongly marked features indicated that in years, at least, he had arrived at man's estate. His mouth, immensely wide, assumed, as he ap- proached, a scornful smile, which certainly con- veyed the impression of any feeling rather than of mirth, and he fixed on Alice a look of hatred and defiance, as she said jeeringly to Lyndesay, " My lady hath sent thee her page, sir knight, for thy guide and escort. He will betray neither her nor thyself, I warrant, though his counte- nance seems to bode no good. Now, hasten, Pierre, to aid this gentleman." The dwarf made some gesticulations to his companion, which seemed to be understood, for they proceeded gently to raise the wounded man from the ground. This piece of service was, however, performed, as it appeared, grudgingly, and in the manner of men who are compelled to an undertaking wholly opposed to their inclina- tion or judgment. They also preserved an in- flexible silence, which Albert was the first to break. "Unwilling service, my friends, is ever irk- E 2 76 THE CONFESSOR. some, and if the proffered courtesy of your mis- tress may involve her in hazard or in trouble, pray tell me so at once, and I dismiss you : my gratitude towards herself can suffer no diminu- tion. Speak, my good fellows, I entreat you." This was addressed to the dwarf, who for all answer opened Jais wide mouth, and exposed its tongueless cavity, and for the first time Lyndesay became sensible that the poor creature was dumb. He, however, shook his head at our hero's words, and then reverently pressed to his lips a heavy silver crucifix which was suspended from his neck. Alice took upon her to explain this mute reply. " He would have you to understand, sir stranger, by that idolatrous piece of papistry, that he is obeying my lady's orders. I can only say, I wonder she chooses to be represented by a graven image." To Albert it did not appear so unaccountable that the poor speechless wretch should use the relic he doubtless held most precious, to denote an authority, w T hich, to him, of course was sacred ; still less so, that his habit should be tolerated. But without further parley, he accepted the prof- fered assistance of Pierre, and the next moment THE CONFESSOR. 77 the whole party were in progress towards the wood, from which, successively, all the individuals composing it, excepting Albert himself, had made their appearance. As they proceeded, our hero had leisure to notice further the extreme ugliness of the dwarf, which seemed a concentration of all that nature ever had designed of the unsightly and hideous. The repulsive expression also which his counte- nance at present wore served to heighten the effect of features harsh and strong to deformity. Spite of this, Albert thought that the small quick eye which peered from under the projecting and shaggy brow might not at all times look so threatening; and the impression grew as he gazed, that were the deep lines of that frowning fore- head, and the dogged sullenness of the thick-set lips, relaxed, the face before him might wear the habitual impress rather of suffering than of malice, of long endurance rather than of meditated evil. He remarked also with surprise the almost super- natural strength which exhibited itself in the strongly developed muscles of this unfortunate creature, whose deficiency in the stature common to his race seemed to be in part compensated by 78 THE CONFESSOR. more than double the muscular force of an ordi- nary man. This he displayed by the ease with which he undertook the task of bearing the almost helpless form of Albert without the assist- ance of his companion, to whom he made a signal to take charge of our hero's horse, on a request to that effect from its master. They followed the course of the path amongst the trees for nearly half a mile, and subsequently emerged from it, through a heavy gateway, into a broad and regular avenue of stately chestnuts. At the end of this, though too distant to be distin- guished accurately, appeared the broad flight of steps leading to the entrance of a mansion, built in the trim and unique style of Elizabeth's time. As they neared the house, Lyndesay perceived that the avenue terminated in a large open space surrounding the building, and from this diverged, at right angles, two other avenues corresponding with that which they had traversed ; the fourth side of the building being devoted to the court- yard and out-houses. The mansion was of bright red brick, faced with stone, and was surrounded by a gravelled terrace, with a parapet also of stone : from thence descended THE CONFESSOR. 79 broad steps into the plaisance which has been mentioned as encircling the house. This garden, which bore the remains of former cultivation and care, at present appeared neglected and overrun with weeds. The dwindling flowers grew over the walks, the shrubs crowded one upon another, in default of the pruning-knife, and the trim yews were emancipating themselves from the thraldom in which they had long been held to shapes and attitudes of which their nature was perfectly un- conscious; urns, peacocks, and globes gradually disappearing as the young shoots took their natural position. Around the place there reigned a still- ness which might be felt, and as the signs of ex- ternal neglect denoted that it had for some time been uninhabited, the spot seemed well adapted for any purpose of seclusion, which might be essential to its present occupants. Lyndesay was conducted to the entrance, and on the summit of the steps he was met by a venerable and aged lady, who, with some anxiety in her countenance, but with perfect courtesy in her manner, addressed to him a formal greeting. " I welcome you, sir stranger, under this poor roof, now so little meet for the reception of 80 THE CONFESSOR. guests ; but my granddaughter tells me that you are a friend of King Charles's; moreover, that you are seriously wounded, and alone. God for- bid our house should refuse hospitality to such an one ! Accept then its shelter until such time as your recovery shall enable you to continue your journey; more than shelter I hardly have to offer, for onr accommodation is but poor, and our attendance scarce." During the old lady's speech, our hero's eyes had wandered far and wide in the hope to obtain another vision of her lovely granddaughter, but she was nowhere to be seen. Her absence, how- ever, left him leisure to observe the courtly de- meanour and venerable grace of the speaker. She was what, in those times, was probably called old-fashioned in her dress and manners, wearing the immensely broad ruff and spacious farthingale of Queen Elizabeth, with a black vel- vet robe made tightly to fit the bust ; the pet- ticoat trimmed with robings of miniver, and the chatelaine with its pendant keys at her side. She still retained the high and ponderous head-dress, which had recently given way to a more becoming style in the Mary Stuart cap, and she bore herself THE CONFESSOR. 81 with a dignity of which the stateliness contrasted with the benevolent kindness that beamed in her countenance. Albert Lyndesay stooped to kiss the hand which was held out to him as he replied in a tone of respect and deference : ft Surely, madam, it would ill become me, who am indebted to you for a welcome to which I have no claim but my necessity, and to your fair young relative for restoration to life itself, to contemn the favours I owe but to your bounty. Believe only that you are bestowing them upon one who will never abuse your confidence, nor forget your kindness." The Lady Clare, (for so her granddaughter had designated her) replied by an inclination of of her majestic figure, and motioned with her hand towards the dwarf to indicate that he should proceed. As they entered the mansion, the motto over the doorway, " En Dieu est tout, 1 ' caught the eye of Albert, and though its heraldic purport was unknown to him, its piety touched his heart, for the religious faith of those days was closely allied with casual impressions, to which supersti- tion added importance. e 3 82 THE CONFESSOR. This slight circumstance therefore took the colour of an auspicious omen, and he reflected on it, as the attendants obeyed the command of the Lady Clare, to conduct him to the chamber prepared for him. When placed in comparative ease upon the couch, and — after the application of various balsams, which the Lady Clare's leech- craft had supplied — once more left alone, a thou- sand conflicting emotions came crowding upon his mind, and banished the repose so essential to his present weak condition. His first impulse was gratitude to heaven, deep and ardent. Subsequently the loss of his impor- tant packet came to his recollection, and he reflected with bitterness upon an opportunity thus lost of recommending himself to the King's favour, through the means, perhaps, of an essen- tial service. Supposing this, then it was to be feared that the possession of such papers by his enemies, might be prejudicial to his majesty's interests. Having received from Ninon a hint that the letters in question implicated the Marquis of Hamilton in a charge of treasonable correspondence, Lyndesay could not avoid asso- ciating this nobleman in some degree with the THE CONFESSOR. 83 circumstances attending their recovery : but it seemed at the same time improbable, that the agents employed by so great and wealthy a nobleman in such an enterprise, should have per- petrated the other robbery ; this was the abstrac- tion from his person of the jewel, of which the loss cost him even more poignant regret than that of the packet. Then to have been unhorsed, defeated, though by such unequal odds, it was mortifying and humiliating ! Yet, across all these sad thoughts, there glanced at times a feeling more akin to satisfaction than he owned to himself. Had this calamity not overtaken him, never would he have beheld the lovely and high born maiden, whose presence had that morning gladdened his return to life. True, their interview had been but brief, still it had occurred in circumstances which had revealed the humanity of her character. And then how she had blushed when he looked at her ! Solitude is a faithful nurse to young romance, and such bright visions, cherished by the fancy, make a deep and dangerous impression on the heart. The incognita thrown around this beautiful and noble girl, too, did not fail to lend its auxiliary 84 THE CONFESSOR. charm. That her birth was noble there seemed no doubt, were it only for the appeal of Alice, so frequently repeated as to carry almost a ludicrous effect, to " my lord your father.*" The concealment of the name was a matter of no extraordinary marvel to Lyndesay, who knew that at that period many families of distinction residing in or near the neighbourhood of the conflicting parties, had sought to evade the out- bursts of popular frenzy, or military licence, by quitting for a time those residences, which from their notoriety, were likely to become the objects of public outrage, and had sought refuge in less obtrusive spots. That such was the case in the present instance he felt assured, not only from the information he had gathered through Alice's unguarded communicativeness, but also from the constrained reception of the old lady herself. The dwarf Pierre next presented himself to his recollection, and he reflected on the evident aversion which he, also, had exhibited towards introducing him into their retreat. On this subject alone, it appeared that he and Alice agreed, for otherwise sufficient had passed to indicate an established dislike and hatred between THE CONFESSOR. 85 the two retainers. Religion might, in part, account for this ; since Alice's affected and drawl- ing tones announced her adoption of the puri- tanic code, and the French extraction of the dwarf, together with his crucifix, led to the suspicion that his might be the opposite error, and that he was a votary of Rome. By the time our hero had indulged all these sage reflections, and had partaken of some slight refreshment, he was so overcome by fatigue and exhaustion, that he fell into a sound sleep. 86 THE CONFESSOR. CHAPTER V. A genuine priest, The shepherd of his flock ; or, as a king Is styled, when most affectionately praised, The father of his people. Such is he ; And rich and poor, and young and old, rejoice, Under his spiritual sway. The calm delights Of unambitious piety he chose, And learning's solid dignity. — Wordsworth. It was not until the evening of the same day that our hero awoke from the deep sleep into which his previous exhaustion had thrown him : and when he did so, and attempted to raise him- self, he became sensible for the first time of the extent of the injury he had received from the blow of the rapier, which had, in the first instance, so effectually stunned him. A degree of faintness he had never experienced before caused him to sink back upon his pillow ; his brain reeled, and, giddy and sick, he relapsed into that state of per- THE CONFESSOR. 87 feet quietude which the mere exertion of speaking so disturbs as to produce a sensation of delirium. He had not, however, been neglected during his slumbers, as the page had frequently entered by order of the old lady, to see if he still slept. She now herself visited his chamber, to ascertain his state previously to joining the family at their evening meal ; and perceiving that the danger from fever was much aggravated, she instantly decided that he must be blooded. Turning to Pierre, she lamented the absence of the usual Esculapius of the family, who had not accom- panied them into this retreat, and proceeded to express her ignorance as to the means of pro- curing the necessary surgical assistance for their patient. The dwarf considered a moment, then touched his forehead, as if an idea had struck him, and subsequently by a series of gestures having made the Lady Clare comprehend that he awaited authority from her, she replied, — " But this aid, I fear me, will be but tardy, and how trust to the prudence of a stranger who should come within these walls ?" To the first of these objections he replied by covering the taper he held so as entirely to veil its light, thereby intimating that B8 THE CONFESSOR. the proposed visit should take place during the darkness, and in answer to the second, he pressed his forefinger to his lips, and immediately laid the hand upon his heart, as if giving his pledge for the silence of the party in question. The Lady Clare, accustomed to his manner of conversation, imme- diately understood his signs, and appeared to have perfect reliance on his faith, as she said, " Then be it so, good Pierre ; bring him here under cover of the night. I trust to thy skill in managing the matter, and have not now, my poor boy, to learn thy fidelity ; so God prosper thee in thy errand !" The page, whose harsh countenance had seemed but ill calculated to call forth the tone of kindness in which he was addressed, instantly dropped on one knee at these words. When Albert, who, though suffering intensely, had watched the scene with interest, beheld the altered expression of that repulsive face, as the eyes, brimful of tears, were for a moment raised with a look of devoted grati- tude to the old lady's countenance, he no longer wondered at the attachment of these seemingly unprotected ladies to their mute retainer, a par- tiality which had at first struck him as somewhat whimsical. Pierre immediately rose, and left the room THE CONFESSOR. 89 to execute his commission, and the Lady Clare, conscious that even the excitement consequent on her presence was prejudicial to the invalid, descended to join the family at supper Perhaps we have rather misapplied the word family in using it to designate the very limited party who now sat down in the spacious and respectable oak-panelled parlour of the mansion : their present seclusion having caused a suspen- sion of the then usual habit of partaking in com- pany with the assembled household. There were present but three individuals ; the old lady her- self, her granddaughter, and a clergyman of the church of England, whom they addressed as Master Howard. This gentleman had accepted the office of do- mestic chaplain to the Lady Clare, with the view of affording her by his presence some substitute for the protection of the male portion of her family, from which her present abode separated her. In this, as in every other transaction of his life, Howard had acted with a simplicity and single- ness of heart worthy the friend and disciple of George Herbert, which he was, having refused the offer of a rich incumbency made to him at the 90 THE CONFESSOR. identical period by the primate, from the pure conviction that his post of usefulness for the pre- sent, was in the household of one, whose age and circumstances needed this apparently small return for loner-tried kindness. Great part of his time he devoted to the educa- tion of her granddaughter, and he lost no oppor- tunity of impressing upon the mind of his pupil the most sound and rational principles of piety, whilst he improved her understanding by a well- chosen course of historical reading, which, per- haps, contributes more than any other pursuit to enlarge the mind and liberalize the character, at the same time that it materially assists in forming the judgment. The young lady possessed a dis- position strongly imaginative, and her natural genius, deeply tinctured with romance, might have led her, in her youthful studies, as after- wards in her maturer judgment, to love beauty rather than truth. Howard taught her, by direct- ing her attention to facts (and in the long pages of historic story, who cannot find facts wild enough for the most romantic imagination?) to prefer truth to beauty, or perhaps rather to seek beauty in truth. He laboured not to combat the enthu- THE CONFESSOR. 91 siasm or to change the tastes, of his fair pupil, but so to direct both, that they should lend their strength for the support of a character dominated by religion and good sense. He gratified her love for poetry in the perusal of the best authors of her native tongue, but made her sensible of the vast inferiority of these to the sublime and glori- ous poets of the Scripture — the thrilling language of Isaiah — the exquisite and various modulations of the harp of the royal Psalmist ! He pointed out to her ready admiration the elegant, yet gorgeous, imagery of the East, and in the over- whelming wonders of Omnipotence, he led her to merge some of the interest excited by the mar- vellous legends of fiction. We must not estimate by the present state of things, the danger to the female mind from these latter sources, existing at the period of which we write ; since almost the only light literature at that time possessed by women, abounded in these ever ready sources of excitement, and infallible aids to the writer of fiction, the fairies and genii, witches and spirits, dark and white, who by the stroke of a wand brought about consummations impossible to flesh and blood. And since whatever we read 92 THE CONFESSOR. of the actions of others, influences our own more than we care to allow, the result of such studies was not likely to be practical good sense, neither were they calculated to induce a power of think- ing accurately, and judging with discrimination. Occasionally, indeed, a woman was led to enter into the profound and abstruse studies, of which the pursuit in these days would constitute a bas bleu, but in doing so she quitted the beaten path of feminine accomplishment, and became a cha- racter of celebrity ; so that we read of the acquire- ments of a Margaret Beaufort or a Lady Jane Grey, a Queen Elizabeth or a Queen Christina, much in the same spirit with which we view the incursions of a Raleigh upon the terra incognita of Guiana, or the yet more adventurous spirit of a Christopher Columbus : we admire them, and triumph in their achievements, but attempt not to imitate. They were great and remarkable per- sons, but their career afforded no precedent for the routine of common life. For the multitude, then as at present, ordinary cares and pursuits were essential, and it was for the fulfilment of these to the happiness of herself and those around her, that Howard had endeavoured to prepare his THE CONFESSOR. 93 pupil's mind. At the same time he cultivated her memory by an application to modern languages, and encouraged her in a moderate pursuit of such recreations and accomplishments as the naturally elegant bias of her taste led her to adopt. It was this enlightened system of education, combined with fine natural powers, which gave to our heroine (for as such we beg to introduce her to the reader,) an intelligence far beyond what was usual at her years, at a period when the com- mon acquirements of females were limited to writing with correctness, and embroidering with taste. This greatly heightened her beauty, as entirely unconscious of her own attractions, she had not lost in simplicity what she had gained in maturity of intellect. Her gaiety of heart and manner too, contributed to the fascination of her countenance, and, perhaps, after this assertion, it may seem strange to say, that to the perfecting of such a character, only the touch of sorrow seemed wanting. Affectionate and apparently unselfish a fresh young heart may be, and a lovely thing it is to contemplate, butwe believe that, until the shadow of affliction has passed across the sunshine of 94 THE CONFESSOR. youth, no spirit is chastened, no heart softened, to complete sympathy with its fellow men. Of course this remark applies, with various degrees of force, to different characters, and that of our heroine appeared to require but a gentle jection to this discipline, which sooner or later arrives to all. Ever ready to lend a kind ear to distress, or to exert herself in soothing and re- lieving it, she had not, however, as yet become familiar enough with its aspect, to seek in the countenance an untold tale, or to comprehend the silent sigh of an oppressed heart. Herself the dar- ling of her good grandmother and of a fond father, (for her mother had died in her infancy,) she had been too much the spoiled child of nature and of fortune, to comprehend the full value of the blessings she possessed. Howard had observed this, but, confident that time and experience must deepen the current of thought, he only endeavoured, by a judicious tone of conversation, and gentle advice, to check, in some degree, her too sanguine mood, and to give that firmness to her character which he foresaw, in times such as those in which they lived, might all be needed. THE CONFESSOR. 95 As for the Lady Clare, she allowed him to take his own way with regard to her grand- daughter's education, provided only that the young girl accomplished daily a> certain task of embroidering in tapestry. The scene which formed the subject of her labours, was a heart- rending portraiture of the parting of Hector and Andromache, which had already occupied her for five years, and at the most moderate computation, promised her employment during as many more ; Astyanax not having yet given signs of appearing, and Hector's impassioned gestures having for object but the fair forehead and one eye of his beloved. However, the good old lady was accus- tomed to declare, that the time spent on this pathetic representation was the only part of the day which Kate, in her opinion, employed use- fully: that as she could both read and write cor- rectly, and as the child was not born to be a queen, she could not see the object of all the learning Master Howard was putting into her head. Well ! she was sure he would teach her to be dutiful and obedient at any rate, and for the rest, Kate was so giddy that she did not doubt she would soon forget it all. 96 THE CONFESSOR. With this consolatory assurance the old lady would leave the room, miscalled the library of the mansion, where Howard had established him- self with his own few books, added to which appeared on the shelves the dilapidated fragments of an Ovid, and a " History of the miraculous cures, changes, and other marvels effected at the tomb of the most holy St. Thomas a Becket," an odd volume of Chaucer, a cookery-book, and a pile of dirty looking pamphlets, which the old lady intended, she said, to use as fuel, the last occupant of the house having been foolish and extravagant enough to collect together all the trash uttered and written by that wild vagrant, Will Shakspeare. Meantime she hoped Master Howard would check Kate's evident propensity for exploring this pile of rubbish, from which, of course, she could gain nothing but harm to her mind, and dust upon her fingers. Howard promised to forbid an indiscriminate perusal of these works, but often, when the more serious studies of the morning were ended, he gratified the taste alike of his pupil and of him- self, by reading to her well selected passages from those literary treasures, which had yet to wait THE CONFESSOR. 97 another generation ere they received their meed of fame. The highly cultivated intellect of the good minister had, however, taught him to ap- preciate their poetic value ; and his intimate knowledge of the human heart led him frequently to pause in wonder at the master-strokes, which could produce a portraiture of character, in cases as various as are the situations of life, alike in nothing but their spirit and truth — truth to nature. Such portraitures must stand the test of time and the lapse of centuries, unlike the cherished historical illusions, backed by a whole army of archives, and an innumerable host of unpublished State-Papers, which vanish one by one from before the eyes of the present gene- ration. So esteeming our great bard, Howard would not withhold the perusal of his master- pieces from the intelligent girl, whose mind he was endeavouring to train to the admiration of everything great and good — often in itself a defence, from evil when higher principle fails. But we have lingered long enough with the good clergyman and his fair pupil, whom we have taken this opportunity of introducing to our VOL. i. F 98 THE CONFESSOK. reader to beguile his impatience during the absence of Pierre, which, he will remember, had for object, to procure the attendance of a leech, who should prescribe for our hero's somewhat precarious case. Much conversation passed between the three assembled at supper, on the subject of the patient, in whom Kate had contrived deeply to interest her preceptor ; for, with her usual warmth and ingenuousness, she had related to him the circum- stances of the morning. He could not disapprove of her conduct in obeying the common dictates of humanity, but cautioned her for the future, not to let the pursuit of any favourite lead her into transgressing her father's wish, that none of the family should pass the park-gate. More seriously he listened to her account of the stranger who had accosted Alice within the prescribed precincts. The house was situated in such a retired spot of country, in the depth of a valley so enclosed by woods, that few who were not acquainted with the locality would be likely to seek it ; " and it is the more import- ant at present," continued Howard, " that there should be no communication with the neighbour- THE CONFESSOU. 99 hood, since I find by a letter received to-day from your father, that several persons suspected of designs for fomenting disturbances amongst the people, and of strengthening the enemies of the government, are now abroad in the north. These people are more likely to succeed in imposing their pretensions upon the lower class of society, because they themselves belong to it, and have adopted, as I hear, in imitation of our covenanting neigh- bours, an evangelical cant, which ever takes with the vulgar. Will you believe, Kate, that your father's late steward, Haman, is now the spiritual guide of a large congregation, and esteemed a burning and shining light ?" " Impossible !" replied Kate ; " for he could not read without assistance ; and to cast accounts cor- rectly, was, I have heard my father say, his only gift." " Even less learning than you describe would avail him for his present vocation ; for it requires little of eloquence, or book lore, to inspire the multitude with self-righteousness, or to inflate the passions of the ignorant. He is one of those who e speak evil of the things they understand not.'" f 2 100 THE CONFESSOR. " Yet did lie not serve my father long and faithfully? And my old playmate, Lilias, tell me, dear sir, is she converted too ?" " I have heard nothing of his daughter ; and as for Raman's fidelity " But here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Pierre, who speedily made the Lady Clare comprehend that he had accomplished the object of his errand. She bade him introduce the professor of the healing art to her presence, and had risen to receive him with her stateliest bow, when, to the surprise of all present, there entered — no bustling and important disciple of Esculapius, mighty in the power of wielding the lancet, and mysterious in the science of compounding the drug — no such person was to be seen — but, with a self- possession all her own, and seemingly as if by no unexpected summons, calmly walked in a figure, hooded and cloaked, and shielded by every pos- sible defence, either from the inclemency of the cold of evening, or from the risk of recognition by curious eyes. She threw off, one by one, her multifarious accoutrements, and discovered the form of a female, somewhat aged, whose countenance, un- THE CONFESSOK. 101 relaxed in its expression, bore traces, neverthe- less, at the present moment, of oppressing anxiety. Without appearing to notice the group amongst whom she was introduced, she advanced at once towards the Lady Clare, and said abruptly — "Lead me to his chamber, lady — hasten — for there is no time to lose — and be careful that I meet none by the way : I must not be seen here." Startled at the tone of this address, so unusual towards herself, and offended in her ideas of pro- priety, the old lady collected her dignity, and replied with some haughtiness, " Whoever you may be, good woman, I know not ; nor for what purpose you have served your- self of the plea of this youth's sickness to enter here; but whatever be your aim, rest assured that you cannot be more anxious to avoid com- munication with my household, than I that you should do so." " Peace, dame," returned the other, " and hear me. I come to save the life of Albert Lyndesay ; yes, that is the name of yon forsaken youth. I know him, — I know you all, and you are more in my power than you think for. Make haste, then, for each moment the fever gathers strength. 102 THE CONFESSOR. I can save him, — for I was born to be his guar- dian genius, — and I will ! " " Listen to me, woman !" interposed the clergy- man, " and forbear this wild talk, which bespeaks little fitness to attend a feverish patient. I re- frain at present from reproving your presumption, in arrogating to yourself the power to heal and to make alive, which belongs but to the Omnipotent ; but before we commit to you the care of this youth's malady, say, what motive brings you here, and whence is your knowledge in the healing art ? and I entreat you answer me rationally." Ninon (for it was she) saw with her native acuteness that Howard doubted her sanity ; and turning towards him, she said, with a quiet ear- nestness strangely at variance with her former incoherency, — 6( Master Howard, you are a good man, and I honour you even for your rebuke- We serve the same God, and He, I trust, will judge us according to our motives. Mine I cannot explain further than this, — I come here to-night because I love this boy, and would gladly die to save him. I was his nurse ; his foster-mother. My art in healing I learned in other lands. Further THE CONFESSOR. 103 questions it boots not to ask, for I answer none. And now, lady, for the love of Heaven, lead the way ! " The Lady Clare rose mechanically to obey, and Ninon, as she passed the spot where Kate sat wondering at the strange scene, passed her hand over the bright locks of the astonished girl, and with a fervent " God bless thee ! maiden,' 5 vanished from the apartment. " What a strange woman ! " exclaimed Kate, the moment they were alone ; (i and why should she bless me ? " " Perhaps because you were the agent in re- storing her foster-son to life," replied the clergy- man. " Your act of humanity seems to have gained you one powerful friend, at any rate, if we are to believe her account of herself. I trust we may not find her alliance dangerous, but the jargon with which she first tried to carry her point, greatly resembles the ravings of those en- thusiasts who are now deceiving thousands — themselves worst of all deceived." " I feel disposed to like her, notwithstanding," observed Kate. Howard looked at his pupil, and almost smiled, but said nothing in reply. 104 THE CONFESSOR. CHAPTER VL Non so donde viene, Quel tenero affetto, Quel moto che ignoto Mi nasce nel petto; Quel gel che le vene Scorrendo mi va. — Olimpiade. Meanwhile, the Lady Clare, having satisfied herself that the servants of the house, without exception, were assembled in their hall for supper, took a taper, and silently led the way to the room where Albert lay. The restlessness of fever had now been succeeded by that state of torpor proceeding from exhaustion, which gives no re- freshment to the wearied frame. In their way to the apartment they passed along a gallery hung with paintings, chiefly portraits, of various periods and yet more various degrees of merit. Before one of these Ninon made a halt. It • THE CONFESSOR. 105 hung over the door of Albert's chamber, and the old lady, who had naturally supposed Ninon to be unacquainted with the house, and without information as to the apartment occupied by the patient, began to give her mysterious visitor credit for some of the supernatural powers she pretended to, when she descried her, turning towards this door, look upwards with an appear- ance of extreme excitement, and, crossing herself, utter words which the Lady Clare believed to convey an invocation to Heaven for assistance in her task. The subject of the picture which caused the mistake, was a lovely and elegant woman, past the first bloom of youth, but retaining all the richness of her beauty. Her full dark eyes, and clear brown complexion, spoke of a climate more southerly than our own, and when Ninon clasped her hands together, and vented some exclamations in a foreign tongue, as she regarded the portrait, the beaming eyes of the figure seemed to look down upon her as in approbation. The Lady Clare advanced towards the door, and opened it, saying, — "You appear to know the chamber, my good woman, without my guid- F 3 106 THE CONFESSOR. ance, and perhaps you already are acquainted also with the state of your patient ! " Without seeming to regard her, the other exclaimed, " Holy Maria ! that we should meet here ! sainted lady, or a pro nobis" The stately old lady imagined such parts of this invocation as she understood, to be addressed to herself, and wondering at the woman's incohe- rency, she prepared to watch her movements, that no risk might befal the invalid through her vaga- ries. Ninon had, however, willed it otherwise, for, turning to the old lady, she said, " We must be alone. I only have the right to watch by this couch, — we shall all be here, — he, and I, and yon bright spirit, watching over us, and we will have the presence of none other, except, indeed, my — except that poor dumb boy? — leave him, my lady, and descend." It was useless to combat one who showed by her manner that she would be obeyed ; not to add that, during their short interview, the stranger had contrived to impress her companion with a sentiment very like fear. The Lady Clare, therefore, closed the door upon the extra- ordinary trio, whom fortune had thus thrown THE CONFESSOR. 107 together under her roof, albeit, with some mis- giving, yet not without a feeling of release. As she paced the gallery, and descended the stairs, the old lady recalled the wild tales of glamourie and witchcraft which had held so predominating a sway in her younger days, but of which the more sober realities of later years had weakened the influence. Recalling, in her hour of need, the happy fact, that no sorcery could withstand the exorcism of certain words of Latin, or the presence of a copy of the Holy Scriptures, the venerable dame beheld herself armed at once by Howard's learning, and by her manifold posses- sion of the sacred treasure, of which she carefully deposited a volume within sight of the chamber door — against the unlawful arts which she believed to have made their way on that night beneath her roof. Had the Lady Clare remained within the cham- ber, she would probably have found, in the con- duct of Ninon, subject wherewithal to strengthen her suspicions. On entering the room, the woman made a sign to Pierre to remain still, and herself cautiously advanced to a situation whence she could view the countenance of the youth without 108 THE CONFESSOR. being observed. His cheek was flushed with the bright hue of fever, and his dark locks were scattered on the pillow, as he lay motionless, in apparently deep sleep, disturbed only by a hurried and unequal breathing, and an occasional struggle and start. Something in the attitude or the ex- pression struck the fancy of Ninon, for she started back, and once more returning to the entrance of the apartment, viewed the picture which hung there long and intently. Then suddenly recollecting herself, she mut- tered, " But time flies, and delirium is at hand : and my boy, the living image, needs help while I idly contemplate the dead. Forgive me, lady. Yet softly; have I not said he should not see me save on the eve of some change in heart or for- tune ? Ha ! did I predict well this last tune ! — is the change already come in heart as well as for- tune ? That fair young maiden yonder ! 'twas she, they say, who saved him. But now to the body's cure — the rest remains with heaven." As she uttered these reflections, or rather thus thought aloud, she took a station, in accordance with her intention of remaining unseen, behind the shadow of the curtain, whence she could reach THE CONFESSOK. 109 the invalid unnoticed, and taking his hand, which lay extended on the bed, she started at its extreme heat. " Hasten, Pierre ; uncover the arm, that I may pierce the vein," she exclaimed, at the same time drawing from her pocket a small probe which was to serve on this occasion, as it had done on many previous ones, the purposes of a lancet. The operation, of course, awoke the patient; but the woman had so placed the light, and arranged her own position, that the feeble and languid young man was aware of the presence of none but Pierre, who held his arm, from which the blood flowed freely. Faintness succeeded — no longer the result of heated blood and a reeling brain, but that quiet, tranquil exhaustion which, ending in repose, is the sure prelude to convales- cence. Believing him to be in a swoon, the old woman imprinted kiss after kiss on his forehead, as she used every means to revive him ; and when at length shs detected the low, gentle breathing, she threw herself on her knees by the bed, and with uplifted hands poured forth a fervent thanks- giving. 110 THE CONFESSOR. " Oh save this boy ! holy mother of God ! save his precious life," she exclaimed aloud, " and par- don me — for the sake of her who there watches over him — pardon me if for him I seem that I am not ; if I listen to things I abhor ; if to serve — to guard him — to watch his fortunes — I assume a character which is a mockery ; yet witness for me, blessed Mary ! I but mock the mockers — deceive the deceivers. For the sin (if such it be) fast and penance shall atone when my charge is ended — when the spell is broken which binds me to this orphan's destiny. To the holy Maria I vow the remnant of life." She ceased, and rising, proceeded to recite over her apparently insensible patient, the French dog- grel, which to her wayward fancy constituted a charm ; and which certainly acted with the power of one upon herself, disturbing at all times, when recalled, the equilibrium of her otherwise clear and comprehensive brain. This done, after a long and ardent gaze, she abruptly left the chamber. The patient, who was not altogether uncon- scious, though he lay motionless with eyes fast closed, had heard her words, and, ignorant from whom they proceeded, yet comprehended sufficient THE CONFESSOR. Ill to lay to heart the flattering unction that he had at least one friend on earth. After reflection served to convince him that this could be no other than Ninon, but as he saw her not again for years, he had no other means of ascertaining her identity, than the faint impression which her lauguage had made upon him. The page followed her from the room, and a lengthened whispering ensued in the gallery, which ended by Pierre's return to watch by his couch. Of whatever might have succeeded, our hero was not aware, for he sank into a deep sleep. The Lady Clare and her two companions awaited long and anxiously the descent of Ninon from the chamber above ; and to beguile the time, the old lady related various and manifold stories of sorcery, witchcraft, and magic, illustrated and adorned after the fashion of the day, so that at length she succeeded in working up the feelings of her granddaughter to that state of excitement, which lays even the strongest minds open to an impression, we will not say an apprehension, of the supernatural. Howard essayed a few words to counteract the 112 THE CONFESSOE. effect which he saw was produced upon Kate's imagination, and, to put an end to the nervous sus- pense which the expectation of Ninon's re-entrance had occasioned, owing to the Lady Clare's account of her mysterious proceedings, the good clergy- man walked up stairs, and rapping gently at the door of Albert's apartment, inquired whether the patient had been relieved. He was answered by Pierre, who merely pointed to Lyndesay as he slept, and, with his finger on his lips, enjoined silence. Howard looked round for Ninon, but fruitlessly ; and in answer to his inquiries, Pierre only shook his head, as if at a loss for his meaning, then relapsed into a state of apparent stupor. In vain Howard traversed the gallery and the corridors in search of the woman. From Alice, the only domestic whom the lateness of the hour had not driven to repose, he received a negative to his vague inquiry, " Whether she had heard any one leave the house." He returned to the ladies, somewhat less confident than before leaving them on the character of Ninon, who, he had asserted, in reply to the Lady Clare's suspicions, was doubtless a weak or wily woman, who, having THE CONFESSOK. 113 gained some repute for leechcraft, sought to increase her consequence by the affectation of superhuman skill. The manner of her leaving the house, how- ever, thus stealthily and silently, and without claiming any reward for her services, shook his opinion on this point. Not that he entertained for a moment the belief of her supernatural powers, but he was led to suspect that she had some object in visiting that abode, (as it appeared it was not the first time,) besides that of aiding the sick man ; and he feared that she was leagued with those, who were known to entertain no friendly disposition towards the noble house, of which the ladies, his companions, were members. Like many unsuspicious persons, Howard, now that he did suspect, suspected wrong. Of course all reasoning was henceforth ineffectual in eradicating from the minds of his female audi- tors, the impression that something very mys- terious and fearful was involved, alike in the abrupt appearance, and unnoticed exit, of the being who had that night presented herself to their notice. No vestige remained by which to trace her, she having carefully removed her multifarious wrap- 114 THE CONFESSOK. pings on leaving the apartment: and an attempt at eliciting information from Pierre was equally unsuccessful ; he either could not make them comprehend his suggestions, or resolved himself to take refuge in stupidity. Howard advising that they should retire, his pupil tremblingly took her lamp, and as she passed along the gallery, full of apprehension, and starting at every sound, involuntarily she raised her eyes in the direction of the picture which hung over the entrance to Albert's cham- ber, and which her grandmother had described as having attracted the attention of Ninon. As her glance met the full dark eyes of the por- trait, something in the expression of the latter struck her, which she had never perceived before : there was a life, an animation, as she thought, new, and they looked upon herself as, it seemed to her, other eyes very like them had looked not long before. Though still full of wonder and perplexity, she ceased to feel anything like fear, as she continued gazing on those pensive and liquid orbs. She recalled, too, the kind words of Ninon to herself; and if her dreams that night were less composed THE CONFESSOR. 115 than ordinary, they presented not to her imagi- nation aught beyond mortal ken. The next morning found the patient consider- ably refreshed, and apparently out of danger ; so that the Lady Clare consented to his receiving a visit from Howard in his apartment, a privilege she had denied on the preceding day. Albert quickly learned to appreciate the pious and ex- alted character of the good clergyman, and, as far as extreme weakness would permit, availed him- self of the enjoyment afforded by his society. Howard, on the other hand, at first cautious and guarded in his intercourse with our hero, owing to the apparent character of those who seemed his associates, could not long resist the manly frank- ness of Lyndesay, as, with that ready confidence in his companion's good faith which is always so winning to the party trusted, the young man related all he knew of his own history, and ex- plained, as far as he was able, the circumstances of his association with Ninon. The retrospect, in many respects melancholy, brought tears into the eyes of his auditor, and Howard's kindly nature was soon deeply interested in the youthful and solitary being before him; parentless and 116 THE CONFESSOR. and friendless, and although nurtured amidst affluence and splendour, destined henceforward to depend entirely on the precarious favour of a monarch, who could hardly be expected to take a personal interest in one so obscure and unpre- tending. With the straight-forward simplicity of his character, Howard counselled our hero to avoid all intercourse with persons, who, like Ninon, might cover designs of drawing him into asso- ciations prejudicial to his loyalty by an appear- ance of friendly interest and sympathy. Albert's heart told him that this suspicion at least was misdirected; nevertheless, he valued the kind counsel of his monitor, and as their intercourse proceeded from day to day, he learned to attach a still higher value to his friendship and advice. And he was accustomed in after years to look back to the period spent in that lonely mansion, as the era from which he could date the decision of most of those opinions, as well as sentiments, which influenced his future life. On the eighth morning from the day of his wound, he was so far recovered as to be able to leave his apartment, a change which he had THE CONFESSOR. 117 ardently desired before, but which had been absolutely prohibited by his careful nurse. He quitted his chamber, leaning on the arm of Pierre, who since the night of Ninon's visit had been indefatigable, and even affectionate, in his attendance upon him; and as they slowly pro- ceeded along the gallery so frequently alluded to, Albert fancied that he heard the sound of voices, blended in the tones of some sacred air, and, forgetting the infirmity of his guide, hastily inquired whence the harmony proceeded. After a moment's pause he recollected himself, and entreated Pierre to conduct him in the direction of the chaunt. We feel it our duty to state our fears, that on this occasion our hero was influenced less by a love of sacred music, than by a latent hope that the maiden who had occupied his thoughts during the tedious hours of recovery, but whose name he had not dared to utter in conversation with her relative or friend, might bear a part in the sweet concert to which he was prepared to listen. It was, then, with some surprise, that on arriving at the opposite extremity of the gallery, he found the music suddenly cease ; and on Pierre's opening 118 THE COXFESSOE. a heavy low-arched door, he entered into an an- tique and venerable chapel. Here, engaged in the beautiful daily service appointed by our Church, were assembled the small household of the Lady Clare ; herself and her granddaughter occupying the gallery into which their guest now entered. At the moment that he did so, the congregation were on their knees, and if Kate raised her head to take a rapid glance at the intruder, she as rapidly averted it, and fixed, or seemed to fix, her attention on the service. Albert heard her low and clear voice as she joined in the response to the petition uttered at the moment of his entrance " From all sedition, privy conspiracy, and re- bellion ; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism ,"and the fervent " Good Lord, deliver us \" fell upon his ear with a solemnity unknown before; and he felt that in such daily prayers must rest England's best and surest hopes. The primitive and pious custom of thus com- plying with the Church's appointments, was then rapidly falling into disuse ; but here and there a little band was found, whose supplications, offered according to the revealed will of their THE CONFESSOR. 119 Maker, though not destined to avert the hour of woe, were doubtless registered in heaven, for the Church's ultimate benefit, as well as their own individual blessing. Once again Lyndesay was struck by the deep emphasis with which the minister pronounced a part of the service, — an emphasis which seemed equally to pervade the response. It was in that prayer which invokes wisdom from on high, for " the Lords of the Privy Council." The service terminated ; and the two ladies with their visitor found themselves again in the picture gallery. As Kate had not met our hero since the day when he was carried almost senseless to his chamber, she hardly could believe in the identity of the very handsome young stranger, who now stood before her, awaiting her recognition. Much reduced by sickness, his slender figure had not, however, suffered in its proportions ; and perhaps our female readers will agree in the opi- nion, (which the young lady formed for her own private edification,) namely, that the paleness of the cheek added rather to the interest of the ex- pressive countenance, and heightened the effect of the classic brow. She advanced at once frankly, 120 THE CONFESSOR. and with a slight blush offered her hand, saying at the same time, — " I trust Master Lyndesay has recovered from the effects of his accident." Albert eagerly grasped the hand thus offered, then, half embarrassed at having done so, he replied in a tone of deep respect, — " You are too good to concern yourself for one who is already overpowered by the debt he owes you; but, add to it, by teaching me how to express my thanks. You saved my life, and I would welcome the opportunity of laying it down for you." Kate felt what all must feel who have saved the life of a fellow creature, or who have been the instruments of his welfare in any vital point, that there is henceforth an irresistible bond of sym- pathy between the two, which supplies a mutual attraction, even beyond the ties of long-tried intimacy. With her wonted gaiety, however, she shook off the impression, as she replied, — " Pray keep it for better purposes, Master Lyndesay; you will find plenty of occasions for dis- posing of what you seem to value so little. In truth, I never can comprehend the benefit our friends THE CONFESSOR. 121 propose to confer on us, when they talk of laying down their lives in our service. Much better, it seems to me, that they should keep them, and act the useful and agreeable in our behalf." * You do not then," asked Albert, " suppose the possibility of exigencies in which these useful and agreeable qualities might be annihilated, or unfitted for the occasion?" " Why, now you are talking something like, Master Howard. I conclude you are giving me the result of your meditations during the last few days. All I have to say on the subject, (which I own has never had my serious consideration,) is, that since you are returned to this lower world, and -to the brilliant society of this house, I beg you will resume those before-mentioned qualities, which, as you say, when in a fever or a swoon, might be both annihilated, and unfitted for the occasion." " I fear you will find me but little gifted with them at any time," resumed Albert, slightly colouring. He leaned as he spoke upon the shoulder of Pierre, for his small store of strength was rapidly failing. His young companion looked in his face, and marked the quick changes in its vol. I. G 122 THE CONFESSOR. hue. Hesitating, yet with a manner which seemed resolved not to be bashful, she drew from her bosom a little bouquet of sweet-scented herbs, — rosemary, mignionette, and lavender, grouped together with some fresh rose-buds, and present- ing them to Albert, she said, — " Perhaps you will like the scent of these sweet plants. — Nay, do not thank me, Master Lynde- say ; I beg to assure you, they were by no means gathered on your behalf." Being desired not to thank, our hero obeyed as far as words were concerned ; but the animated glance which he turned upon the maiden, as he gently took the flowers from her hand, spoke sufficiently. In silence they proceeded along the gallery, and as they passed the chamber in which Albert had lain, they were surprised by an exclamation from the Lady Clare. "Wonderful! and it is no fancy after all!— exactly the eyes — the complexion — the same high brow — yet she never had a son — and her brother, I have heard her say, was dead, and childless ! " Surprised at this effusion, both Lyndesay and his fair companion turned round, and following THE CONFESSOR. 123 the direction of her eyes, raised theirs towards the picture. As he did so Albert became deadly- pale, and, unable longer to support himself, he sank into a chair. " Who — who is she ? — Dear lady, tell me," he said, as the Lady Clare turned an inquiring look upon him; " assuredly I have seen her, or some one so like that — but no, I cannot be mistaken." " Pray inform me, sir, when and where you believe to have met the original of this picture, and I will make you acquainted with her name," said the old lady, resuming the precision of manner which a slight emotion had disturbed. " Where I know not, but a scene through which I have lately travelled reminds me of the place; and the period when I saw her was in my early childhood, which must account for my dim recol- lection of the locality and circumstances of our interview. Were I to relate them to you, they would seem like some wild dream.' 1 As the young man said this, he buried his face in his hands, and seemed to be collecting some scattered recollections. The sigh which accom- panied this movement, indicated that they were not of the most cheering, and it did not pass un- G2 124 THE CONFESSOR. observed by his companions. Greatly as the cu- aity of both ladies was roused, they possessed that instinctive good-breeding, which revolted from gratifying it at the expense of another's feeling. Seeing that the topic was painful, the Lady Clare merely observed, — " We will not recur to the subject, Master Lyndesay. The picture which hangs there, is a portrait of the Lady Isabelle d'Amville, of whom probably, you, who have been bred in Scotland, never heard. Suffer me, however, to ask you one question, which, I trust may not be intrusive. Are you allied to any branch of the house of Hamilton?" (l No, God forbid !" replied the youth, " for the head of that house, as I much fear, will ere long be found a traitor P "It is not of him I would speak," said the old lady, in a tone of disappointment. " However it is equal as regards yourself; the resemblance must be accidental. But, " resumed she, after a few moments' pause, — " your words sound strangely, and I would fain hope falsely, as having been misinformed with respect to the noble Marquis of Hamilton. Much your report concerns me, THE CONFESSOR. 125 for on the favour of Queen Henrietta depends at present the protection of one whom I regard with nearly a parent's love, the niece to the marquis, and in sooth, a maiden worthy of love, Mistress Margaret Hamilton." As the Lady Clare said this, she turned her eyes on Kate, whose disturbed look met hers. A moment afterwaids, however, the latter exclaimed, " But we have nothing to fear. If all the uncles in the world be traitors, the King is true, and on his promise we may rely !" Albert Lyndesay silently remarked the deep interest with which these words were uttered ; an interest which, with the manner of expression, seemed to render their application almost personal to the speakers. The subject, however, was dropped, and they descended to breakfast. The morning meal was laid in a spacious and lofty hall, common in all houses of that date, which occupied the centre of the edifice, and from which a glazed door opened, by a broad flight of steps, to the terrace. This, as we have said, was of gravel, and the prospect, having for its nearest object, the trim and formal parterre, 126 THE CONFESSOPw. extended through the grassy glade formed by one of the noble avenues which we have described. The hall was wainscotted with oak, and adorned with a few old portraits. The furniture, by no means of recent date, was massive and heavy, inviting, however, to an invalid, from its promise of repose ; and our hero, exhausted with the slight fatigues of the morning, was happy to ensconce himself amongst its deep cushions. Howard joined the party, and after a cheerful meal, the Lady Clare, with an air of mystery, announced that she had a few words for the private ear of her guest, and directed her grand- daughter to proceed to her tapestry work. Kate obeyed, and Howard also, taking the hint, left the apartment. THE CONFESSOR. 127 CHAPTER VII. Oh ! there is a dream of early youth, And it never comes again : 'Tis a vision of light, and life, and truth, And it flits across the Drain : And love is the theme of that early dream, So bright, so warm, so new, • That in all our after life, I deem, That pleasing dream we sue. — Anon. " Prat be seated, Master Lyndesay," said the old lady, politely, as the door closed upon their companions; for Albert, who had risen at her previous remark, had approached, and was stand- ing opposite to her chair. " I have a few words to say to you, but will not he tedious." She erected her figure, with the air of a sovereign princess about to give an audience, and continued with dignity, — " You may possibly have experienced some sur- prise that since you became an inmate of this 128 THE CONFESSOR. dwelling, you have remained in ignorance of the names of those, who have had the honour and pleasure of entertaining you ?" 6( In my case, dear and honoured lady," replied the young man, " I could but feel as the way- faring man towards the good Samaritan, to whom, whether of his own nation or another, he owed his all. Yet I own a curiosity, and if I may so pre- sume to express it, a deep interest, in knowing who are the generous hosts to whom I am so deeply indebted." " And therefore, Master Lyndesay, foreseeing such a sentiment, I was induced to seek this interview. I believe you, sir, by all I hear from Master Howard, and from my own observation, to be a gentleman and a man of principle, and I have every reason to hope that a promise would be to you binding as an oath. There are reasons — the same which have induced myself and my granddaughter to retire for a time to this secluded spot — which make it desirable that the place of our retreat should not be known. On that account strangers have hitherto been excluded from it, and since accident gave us the privilege of your society, I have to request that you will THE CONFESSOR. 129 abstain from every attempt to ascertain that which you have just confessed a curiosity to know : — and that after quitting this roof, which" (con- tinued the old dame, with a courteous inclination of the head) " I hope you will defer as long as may be possible, you will endeavour to forget your reception here ; and never, by means of word, or deed, provoke or satisfy inquiry upon the subject. During the continuance of these unhappy hostilities, our situation here, if known, might be one of risk and danger, to say the least. Should happier times succeed, let us hope that our future recognition will be rendered no less agreeable, from the little mystery which must at present attend our intercourse and parting.'' Having delivered herself of this somewhat lengthy oration, the old lady settled herself at ease in her chair, and crossed her arms before her with a sedate composure, awaiting a reply. Had an ice-bolt shot across the heart of Albert Lyndesay, he could hardly have been more sud- denly chilled than by her words. At once he saw his gratitude and honour engaged in forbearing to make any attempt at renewing his intercourse with the family, in which he had already interested G3 130 THE CONFESSOE. himself yet more than he had suspected before the present proof — nay, he was to pledge himself to remain voluntarily in ignorance of their very name ! Yet how to avoid giving this promise ? The Lady Clare had doubtless a right to demand it, from one who had no claim upon her hospitality but that which his own helpless situation had offered. He hesitated, and the thought meanwhile crossed his mind, that the doubtful position which he at present held, might be the cause of the Lady Clarets anxiety to avoid associating her own name and her granddaughter's, with that of an adven- turer whose political party (a test with her and her family, evidently of the last importance) had not been proved in any way to afford them satis- faction, and whose rank was doubtful. He there- fore hastily replied, " I cannot, indeed, be surprised, dear madam, at your requiring this pledge from one who is, as yet, a perfect stranger to you, though honoured by your hospitality. Permit me then to make you a party to my history and circumstances, as far as I myself can unravel them. Would to God I had a tale to tell less mysterious and uncertain !" THE CONFESSOK. 131 " It is needless, Master Lyndesay," she said. " I have already heard from good Master Howard all that you are about to communicate ; and per- mit me to say, that if even your own bearing had not inspired me with confidence, that recital and the likeness you bear to a dear friend of mine now dead, would have excited, on my part, a lively interest in you. I therefore the more regret that I am compelled to exact this promise, which ren- ders the renewal of our acquaintance so doubtful. I owe it to him who has committed that young maiden to my care, to require such a pledge from an uninvited guest; and I pray you, without demur, to give it." She ceased speaking; but her manner was so urgent, and her tone so serious, that Lyndesay could no longer withhold the word, which seemed, once parted from his lips, to exclude him from the presence of Kate for ever. With an impa- tient gesture he raised his hand to his brow, and brushed aside the hair, as if his vision had been impeded by it. No new perceptions seemed to open upon him through this avenue, however, by which to extricate himself from his present dilemma; and in answer to a look of appeal from his somewhat 132 THE CONFESSOR. astonished auditress, he at length uttered despair- ingly,— " Madam ! you have my promise ! " Quite unconscious of the pain she had inflicted, the old lady arose ; and adding with polite for- mality, " I thank you, sir, — it is no more than I expected of you," she quitted the room. Left to himself, our hero's reflections were none of the most agreeable. During the short interval which the morning's meal had afforded, he had realized all the visions, which memory and ima- gination had presented to him during his illness, respecting the young lady, whose charms, both of person and demeanor, had received such additional interest from her generous efforts in his own behalf. This interest was not diminished by the circumstance, accidental of course, that his eyes, when directed towards her, met her own more than once, engaged, as it appeared, in a similar scrutiny, from which, on the rencontre, they were hastily withdrawn. But it was natural, as he argued to himself, that in her retired mode of life, the acquisition of a stranger to the party, and a stranger so circumstanced, should excite her curiosity. THE CONFESSOR. 133 That the opportunities still to be enjoyed, before his yet but half completed recovery could by possibility enable him to pursue his journey, might serve to establish an intimacy, which should give him something like a claim to its titifer renewal, had been his fond day-dream, — as, apparently occupied during the breakfast in attentions to the Lady Clare, and in acknowledgments (some- times) rather beside the mark) of the remarks and questions which Howard thought fit to ad- dress to him, he had appeared to these two abso- lutely unconscious that any other, save them- selves, was present. Suddenly all these hopes had vanished before the Lady Clare's words, and what was worse, he could blame no one for the fact, since he alone was unreasonable in having formed them. What claim, indeed, had he upon the con- tinued acquaintance of these ladies? was it not enough that they treated him with confidence and cordiality, when by accident he became their inmate ? Then came the question, Who could they be ? This occupied his thoughts for very long ; since, though prohibited from interrogating others upon 134 THE CONFESSOK. the subject, he was not bound to refrain from pursuing his own surmises, — the prohibition, on the contrary, furnishing additional incitement to the inquiry. He recalled every look, word, and gesture, which had escaped either of the ladies or their friend, — and, strange to say, he arrived at the conclusion, so strong in his own mind as to amount to certainty, that Kate was no other than the Margaret Hamilton, concerning whom the Lady Clare had spoken so affection- ately and so earnestly in the picture gallery. The glance which the old lady had directed, as she uttered the name, towards her granddaughter, — if, indeed, Kate really held such a relation to her, (and of that fact Albert now doubted, for when we once discover that much exists which i? withheld from us, we frequently make reprisals by believing nothing at all,) — and the tone in which the young girl had answered the remarks of the other, betrayed, he thought, an interest in the subject nothing less than personal. If then Kate, by whatever name, were about to be placed at the Court of Queen Henrietta, was it not possible he might meet her again under circum- stances which would release him from his pledge ? THE CONFESSOR. 135 and was there any occasion to be so very despair- ing? or to keep so strict a guard over his con- duct and feelings as he had decided ten minutes before to be his only conscientious course ? Seizing upon this new idea, and never once questioning the truth of his surmises, our hero presently wrought himself into a far more com- placent state of mind. Hardly twenty, and in- troduced for the first time into the society of a lovely young girl, whom circumstances rendered doubly interesting to him, can we wonder if the first approach of the blind deity obscured in some degree the usual clearness of his perception and judgment ? Alternately piqued at having suffered the pro- mise to be extorted from him, and triumphant at his imagined discovery (by which he hoped the old lady might eventually be outwitted) his re- flections, as he lay extended upon a fauteuil, must have lasted far above an hour. What they finally became remains uncertain, as they were dispelled when the object of all this cogitation herself entered, bearing a huge frame of tapestry work. She seemed surprised at finding him 136 THE CONFESSOR. alone, and, as he hastened to relieve her of her burden, inquired where was her grandmother. " She left the room, Mistress Margaret — I crave your pardon — Mistress Kate, about half an hour since — or, may be, more, for I have not noted time — after compelling me to give her a promise which I regret more than I dare to express. " Indeed ! you look rather perplexed. Pray what might my grandmother require of you? Did she ask you to draw out a fair copy of our pedigree up to the Conquest, with a rough sketch of the family history from the time of the Romans in Gaul ? or did she enlist your services to count the stitches of her tapestry, and to calculate what proportion it was fair to give to each of the vessels of the Spanish Armada ? or may be, worse than all, she coaxed you into an attempt to un- ravel her embroidery silks, by way of amusement during your confinement to the sofa ?" " None of these — the Lady Clare was so far from wishing that I should contribute to enlighten others on the subject of your family and descent, that she seems to consider it of vital importance that neither should be revealed to myself." THE CONFESSOR. 137 " Which of course has excited your curiosity the more," returned the young lady. " And now tell me, what conjectures have you amused your- self by forming, with respect to us ?" " I am prohibited from expressing them," said Lyndesay, somewhat piqued at her tone of easy indifference; "but if this mystery be a mere farce, the amusement is altogether on your side." " Now fie upon you ! Master Lyndesay, for a recreant knight ! to stand there looking like no knight whatever, save him of the rueful coun- tenance ; when fortune transports you all unex- pectedly into an enchanted castle, where you find a distressed damsel, under the spell of a wicked enchantress, who, forthwith, lays her wand upon your own tongue, and charms it into silence. Seriously, though," she added in a less rapid manner, "is this the promise which has caused you such annoyance ?" " Involving, as it does, the impossibility of all future efforts at expressing my sense of obliga- tion, or indeed, at learning to whom I owe it, the feeling, Mistress Hamilton, need hardly surprise you," coldly returned Lyndesay, for he was vexed that she should apply the word " annoyance " to 138 THE CONFESSOK. feelings which he had called by a much more romantic name. The young lady was silent and thoughtful for a few minutes, then said, " You have addressed me now by the name of Hamilton, and previously by that of Margaret. Strange ! since you cannot have heard me called by either ! Tell me — are you acquainted — are you — intimate with any lady who bears those two conjointly ?" "No — yes — that is, I am not sure, but I believe so," said our hero, who had hazarded the experiment by way of trial, and who narrowly watched the countenance of his companion, in which, however, he detected no emotion save surprise at his own incoherency. The embarass- ment was thus all on his side, and it could not escape even Kate's unsuspicious observation. " Pardon me, Master Lyndesay, if I have asked you a delicate question," resumed she. " I my- self am so deeply interested in a person so called, of whom my grandmother spoke to you this morning, that I was curious to inquire who was the friend whose image was so constantly present with you, that you could not address a lady but her name instinctively rose to your lips." THE CONFESSOR. 139 Kate spoke this rather archly, and with an air of the most perfect unconcern ; yet, somehow, she was disposed to be not quite pleased at Albert's emotion and manner, on the mention of this unknown. She was silent ; and Lyndesay, after a short pause, persisting in his error, and mistaking her meaning, again addressed her. " Since I have unhappily blundered so far as to excite your remark, may I ask you to favour me with your wishes, as to the name by which I may address you, — and think of you, — for a stranger may not presume to the use of the familiar household language so endearing amongst friends and relatives." This formal appeal, uttered with an air of earnestness, was too much for the gravity of the gay-hearted girl, and she burst into a fit of laughter. " Pardon me, Master Lyndesay," she said, at length, " and, henceforth, I pray you, address me as Mistress Margaret Hamilton. The owner of the name would, I am sure, lend it me for an occasion. Besides, to yourself, the appellation is evidently the most familiar and natural ! " There might be a slight pique in the tone 140 THE CONFESSOR. in which the latter sentence was spoken ; but it was unobserved by Albert, who was startled by the nonchalance with which his fair com- panion bade him call her by the very name hm believed she was studiously bent upon concealing from him. If this were done with the intention of deluding him, it was the very perfection of acting; but how could that ingenuous counte- nance sustain its part in the deceit, without a sign of embarrassment ? Long they remained silent, neither perhaps quite satisfied with the other, and both experi- encing a slight disappointment at their mutual doubts. Kate bent over her tapestry frame, with an appearance of redoubled interest in the shades of Andromache's golden tresses. When, at length, she raised her eyes, she encountered those of Lyndesay, fixed upon her with an earnestness which seemed bent upon reading her very soul. She started, for she had ima- gined him occupied in a reverie upon objects far distant, and, with a forced laugh, she asked him if he admired the view from the windows. He turned towards them for a second, and answered with a cold assent, then, making an THE CONFESSOR. 141 effort to rise from the sofa, he advanced towards the place which Kate occupied, and stood watch- ing her busy fingers, as the ready needle flew between them. This was a step towards re- newed conversation, and the young lady, profit- ing by it, inquired whether he could guess the subject of the scene she was pourtraying. Albert smiled, and, pointing to the wavy curls of Hector's spouse, remarked that he had never yet read or heard of the heroine, whose descrip- tion precisely accorded with that of the figure before him. With evident surprise, and not without a blush, Kate became alive to the fact to which her attention was directed, — namely, that instead of the rich golden browns she had selected for Andromache's coiffure, she had, in her abstrac- tion, introduced the greens intended for her girdle. It was the work of a minute to take out the verdant lock of hair, and, with a gay laugh^ to rate herself for her own blunder, though she declared she was in the habit of making such every day. Again she blushed, however, and Albert, welcoming that indubitable mark of 142 THE CONFESSOR. genuine feeling, wondered how he could, for a moment before, have doubted her perfect truth. Was it wonderful, if in the hours and days of intercourse which succeeded, — intercourse, from which ceremony was at once banished, by the situation of the parties, and by the accident which had reduced our hero to a degree of weak- ness, which rendered him for a time entirely dependent upon the good offices of others, — was it wonderful, if his fair companion, whose feeling heart prompted her unaffectedly to render him those good offices, on her part forgot the impres- sion she had received, in their first conversation, from his inexplicable manner at the mention of another ? Youth rapidly springs onward from budding affection to unbounded trust ; and though the allusions which had occurred were not really obliterated from her mind, and were ready to appear again there on the slightest provocation, yet they had ceased to hold any place in her thoughts, as she became more and more absorbed in the present enjoyment of his society. She felt that this enjoyment was mutual, and she I THE CONFESSOR. 143 was too happy, and too inexperienced, to ask why. It never occurred to the Lady Clare, that her duty was to check the intimacy which daily increased between these two young people; as she considered her granddaughter a mere child, and approved of her humanity towards a suffering invalid, in which light she regarded Albert. Howard, it is true, thought occasionally, in the course of his instructions to Kate, that her mind seemed singularly preoccupied, and it even struck him once that there might be danger in a continuance of such constant and intimate asso- ciation ; but, as he saw Lyndesay daily recovering, and was aware that his convalescence must be the signal for what would probably be a final sepa- ration, he saw no reason for apprehension as to his pupil's future peace of mind. In this his judgment erred, but, deeply as he had dived into the human heart, he had not known, by dearly bought experience, the turnings and windings of that one passion, which baffles all theory, and defies all common rules. So they read, and talked, and laughed, and sang together, and each in turn became a pupil 144 THE CONFESSOR. in the peculiar line in which the other possessed superior proficiency; and as Albert gained strength, they wandered through the well- wooded environs of the mansion, without any interruption from without; and whilst Lyndesay's gentleness and courtesy won him the favourable regards of the old lady, and his sound sense and cultivated intel- lect rendered him at all times a welcome com- panion to Howard, he was inspiring the heart of Kate with one of those deep and undying attach- ments, which, when acquired so early in life, be- come even a part of the character, and, associated with a high and unquenched spirit, like that of our heroine, gain strength inwardly in proportion as they are outwardly diguised. Candid and sim- ple as was her character, no sooner had this new sentiment found entrance, than she felt that for her the unlimited confidence of childhood was passed by. Henceforth she had feelings which she dared not betray — a secret in her heart which none must penetrate. This it is which causes the character of every woman to be, essentially, to a certain degree, veiled ; for, however there may be instances of exception to the rule, it is certain that her very THE CONFESSOR. 145 nature revolts from exposing the germs of a growing attachment to the remarks of another, even though that other be a sister. None therefore detected in the sparkling eye and brilliant cheek, the heartfelt laugh and quick retort, with which Kate continued to in- spire liveliness in all around her, the change which had taken place in her heart. Only once, when at the expiration of about three weeks, the nearly re-established health of Lyndesay caused him to allude to his approaching departure, did her countenance suddenly turn pale ; but the emo- tion passed away, and she presently inquired with seeming indifference where was his destination on leaving the mansion. {( 1 shall proceed to York, as I had purposed before my — my accident," said he ; " that happy misfortune without which I should never have known you." " Then you have really decided upon loyalty ?" said the young lady, without noticing the latter part of the remark. M Certainly ; did I ever give you reason to doubt my sincerity ?" " Perhaps not; yet I have seen you waver once VOL. i. H 146 THE CONFESSOR. or twice on smaller subjects, so believed you might hover between conflicting inclinations even in this. Shame on me for saying it ! but I own in your case I should find irresistible attractions on both sides." ee How !" exclaimed Lyndesay, " you, whom I hear constantly speaking of the King in terms such as a daughter would use of a father ! Could I hear you aright ?" " Quite right : but you probably will not un- derstand the force of my motives, which I confess are not founded upon very deep political reasons. The argument for the rebel cause is simply admi- ration of your great and glorious countryman, the Earl of Montrose.' 1 n He is indeed a hero in every respect," re- turned Albert, " and I yield to none in admira- tion of his genius ; but I cannot understand why his perversion of Heaven's best gifts, to serve a cause in itself unjustifiable, ought to influence me to follow his example." " You speak like a philosopher, that I cannot deny — and I like a foolish girl — yet I must con- fess that it would be my glory to follow devotedly the banner of such a leader; to obey implicitly THE CONFESSOR. 147 the commands emanating from such a master mind !" " You seem enthusiastic on this subject," drily observed our hero. " So much so, that were I a soldier, I could joyfully lay down my life under him, to obtain an approving look — provided always that he were fighting in a right cause." " Which I need not remind you is not the case. But pray, 1 ' thoughtfully continued Lyndesay, "are your prejudices in favour of Montrose merely the result of his general fame for courage and gal- lantry? or have you possessed means of becoming acquainted with his character beyond what ru- mour affords to all?'"' ft That is to say, do I know him personally," playfully rejoined the young lady ; " in answer to which very serious inquiry I have the honour to inform you that I do ; and my prejudices, as you are pleased to call them, took root almost in in- fancy, when the earl's indulgent reception of my childish admiration won my heart. " He was highly favoured ; and is he consciou that he still retains possession of such a treasure?" "Possibly he may be," said Kate, laughing, "as h2 148 THE CONVESSOK. although of late I have seen him but for short intervals, I believe he frequently hears of my unshaken constancy. I have here a ballad of his composition, which is much at your service if you are curious to know his style — shall I sing it to you ?" Any other than a lover would have seen in Kate's unembarrassed air while speaking on this subject, as well as her willingness to part with the autograph, her total freedom from any feeling in regard to Montrose which need have caused un- easiness to the most captious suitor. Albert, how- ever, whose modesty instantly instituted a com- parison between his own pretensions and those of the object of her panegyric, most disadvantageous to himself, concluded at once that her words carried the extinction of all hope. Coldly, therefore, and almost bitterly, he de- clined the proffered manuscript, which from any other hand he would have eagerly accepted, adding in the same tone, " To one who acknowledges her heart so en- tirely occupied with an individual image, the entertainment of so dull a companion as myself must needs be tedious, and I will relieve her THE CONFESSOR. 149 almost instantly from the task. If not presuming too much, however, I would beg, before we part, an explanation of the charge Mistress Hamilton was pleased but now to lay against me, of waver- ing and inconstancy " Kate's quick spirit rose at his altered tone, and prompted her to content herself with simply answering, — " Master Lyndesay's hesitation as to whether he should pursue or abandon the attempt at reco- vering some small trinket, which he had lost in his late encounter, has been sufficiently obvious, and nothing but the utter hopelessness of the pur- suit appears to have decided him to proceed at once to a nobler field of action. The same uncer- tainty has attended his arrangements as to the time of departure from hence, Master Lyndesay having announced to me that he should bid us farewell to-morrow, whereas my maid informed me not an hour ago, that he had answered her inquiries on the subject, by positively declaring his intention of resuming his journey to-night." Offended in turn, and perhaps justly, at an accusation which, though originally uttered in jest, seemed now to be converted into a grave 150 THE CONFESSOR. charge against him, on grounds the most trifling, Lyndesay replied, — " For the jewel, Mistress Margaret, you know not its value and importance, and may your hopes in life never rest on so fragile a tenure ! From the other instance of my indecision I will at any rate relieve you, by fixing my departure for this evening, and I go forthwith to make my acknow- ledgments to the Lady Clare. May I once more seek yourself, to say farewell ? " The young lady turned abruptly away, and Albert, at a loss how to construe her manner, left the apartment. THE CONFESSOR. 151 CHAPTER VIII. Prithee, forgive me ; I did but chide in jest, the best loves use it Sometimes ; it sets an edge upon affection. When we invite our best friends to a feast, 'Tis not all sweetmeats that we set before 'em ; There's something sharp and salt, both to whet appetite, And make 'em taste their wine well : so, methinks, After a friendly, sharp, and savoury chiding, A kiss tastes wondrous well, and full o' the grape. Tragedy, — Women, beware Women. Our last chapter concluded somewhat unsatis- factorily, and the present finds the heroine of our our tale still in the saloon, which her lover had quitted in a mood so dismal, with the intention of first seeking Howard. No sooner was Kate alone, than she gave way to the full tide of grief which his concluding words had awakened, but which she had turned away to conceal. To part in a few hours, and without 152 THE CONFESSOK. hope of their ever meeting again, from him who was now become the theme of her young imagination's brightest dreams, whose tastes and opinions were assuming, unconsciously to herself, the entire direc- tion of her occupations and pursuits, whose society had given a new impetus to her somewhat dull existence, enlivening her fancy, and refreshing her mind, by that congeniality which youth alone finds in youth — it was the first cup of real bitter- ness she had ever tasted, and on that account not the more easy to quaff. She recollected how she had lately welcomed the morning light, which would restore her to his loved society ; and how far too early the shadows of evening had fallen for her, who could have wished the day livelong. Added to her sorrow was a slight feeling of self-reproach, at having, by her raillery, piqued him, as she much feared, into a decision to bid farewell earlier than he would have done, had she but permitted her heart to prompt its own language. She saw that Lyndesay had mistaken her girlish enthusiasm for the character of Montrose for a warmer feeling, and perhaps she was not altoge- ther displeased at the error, as it had caused him THE CONFESSOR. 153 to betray the nature of his own interest in her. Yet how to undeceive him, without compromis- ing herself, and appearing to seek an explanation ? Then she recalled to mind, for the first time during many days, her own impression respecting the fair unknown, whose name had risen so spon- taneously to his lips on their first acquaintance ; and she determined, should the opportunity offer, (which the near approach of his departure ren- dered an almost hopeless anticipation,) that she would at least satisfy herself on this point, — whether he loved elsewhere. Her own feelings and perplexities under this doubt, thus again brought into play, softened her considerably as to the jealousy displayed by her lover, which now, far from resenting, she trusted was a proof of attach- ment, and her heart smote her for having heed- lessly given rise to a sentiment so difficult to vanquish. More miserable than she had ever been in her life, poor Kate passed through the glass door before which she was standing, upon the terrace, and wandered out into the garden, to endeavour in the fresh breeze to cool her burning cheeks, and to gain composure to her throbbing nerves. h3 154 THE CONFESSOR. At that period nerves were not called nerves ; and, like many others luxuries, they seldom appeared under any appellation, but were specially reserved for occasions such as the present. Kate, then, though she never dreamed that she was nervous, felt that her heart beat quicker, her cheek flushed, and the slightest rustle amongst the trees caused her a general tremor. She rambled onwards in the direction of the long westerly avenue. As she slightly turned, before entering it, towards the house, she observed the figure of a man hastily advancing down the opposite glade. Her first thought was that it might be Lyndesay, who, she hoped, had been impelled by similar feel- ings to her own, to seek relief in a solitary ram- ble; the next moment, however, reminded her that he could not, since he left her, have had time to leave the house to the distance from which the man appeared to be returning. Curiosity succeeded to interest, and she awaited the approach of the individual, whom she pre- sently recognised as her page Pierre. On seeing her, he advanced with eager haste to the spot where she stood. Wonder kept her stationary, for she then recalled to mind, what more interest- THE CONFESSOR. 155 ing incidents had banished from her thoughts — that Pierre had during the last two days been absent from the mansion, and that her grand- mother had commented with surprise and some displeasure, on his disappearing thus without per- mission or announcement. She remembered, too, that Alice had strength- ened the Lady Clare's suspicions of Pierre's mis- conduct, and had even presumed to advise her lady not to receive him again on his return. As for Kate herself, she was strongly inclined to over- look his offence. Suspicion is not natural to a youthful mind, and she felt her confidence in Pierre's fidelity unshaken by this seeming defi- ciency in duty. So when the page arrived breath- less at the spot where she stood, and made her a low obeisance, regarding with an obvious expres- sion of sorrow her still tearful and agitated face, she collected herself, and spoke cheerfully. " Ah, Pierre ! I fear me thou wilt have to en- counter the Lady Clare's severe displeasure for this truant adventure of thine. She hath already threatened thy dismission; but thou shalt have an intercessor in me, and my grandmother's wrath seldom survives the occasion." 156 THE CONFESSOR. The page listened to her with an anxiety which seemed not to be either increased or diminished by her words. Affected, however, by the kind- ness of her tone, he knelt down and touched her hand with his lips, then pointed with earnestness towards the house, and used a peculiar gesture as if entreating her to return to it. " Nay, good Pierre !" she said, " I am on my way to enjoy the coolness of the avenue. When I return, I will fulfil my promise of interceding with the Lady Clare in thy behalf, and mean- time, as she is engaged, do not appear before her." Still the page rose not from his knees, but taking hold of her dress, he employed every gesture and action to turn her from her purpose of pro- ceeding. At length, wearied with attempting to overcome an opposition, which seemed to her capri- cious and ill-timed, and in no mood to examine further into his reasons, the young lady desisted from her purpose, and throwing herself into a garden chair which was near, sheltered by a canopy of clipped yews, she said, perhaps with some slight pique, — " Now leave me, Pierre ; I sought my plea- THE CONFESSOK. 157 sure in this lonely walk, and being denied the liberty of proceeding by some whim of thine, give me at least the privilege of reflecting here alone upon my — my misery." The last words were uttered in a lower tone, as but meant for herself, but they were not lost upon the acute ear of the page, whose faculty of hearing seemed, contrary to the general case, to be in no ways affected in common with that of speaking, unless, indeed, that the absence of one faculty had quickened all the rest. He sighed as he left her, and the next moment Kate recalled her own words: "My misery!'" she repeated; " I that have affectionate parents, kind friends, and all that so many consider objects of envy, how ungrateful am I to talk of misery! But what are all these things to me now ? These advantages of which I have only just become sensible of the possession ? — for I never before have had occasion to count my blessings, in order to reason myself into thankfulness. What deep thoughts does sorrow bring ! " and she leaned her head down and wept bitterly. Poor Kate ! she had yet to learn how fre- quently still deeper sorrow restores that tranquil 158 THE CONFESSOR. surface which early sorrow so ruffles ! Those deep thoughts have their conflict within, and a stormy and painful conflict it is, but with strong minds the final result is generally an outward calm, un- ruffled as the peacefulness of childhood. And, in truth, in this stage of the heart's school- ing, much of the tranquillity of childhood fre- quently returns. For when the world's dazzling pageants have ceased to delude us into day- dreams, and when we believe, however fondly, that we have quaffed at least our bitterest draught of suffering, then simple pleasures and the ever fresh and unexplored wonders of Nature charm us once more, as they did in very early youth. We wait our appointed time, in calm enjoyment of His gifts, whose ways, both in creation and provi- dence, we have found ourselves unable to com- prehend, but from whose love we are content to await that happiness in futurity, we vainly dreamt of here ! But we have been led by our heroine's first attempt at moral philosophy much farther than we intended. Were it necessary that we should engage ourselves in reflection so long as she did, both our readers and ourselves would be heartily THE CONFESSOR. 159 tired. Luckily, however, we are not altogether bound to the society of Kate, (and may we ever be preserved from being so to that of any young lady in love!) but have also to follow the pro- ceedings of Albert Lyndesay, who left her after the conversation detailed in our last chapter, with that bitter feeling which a haughty and reserved character, diffident of his own merits, naturally experienced under the slightest expression of irony, from one whose love he sought. He hastened to the library, which he found unoccupied ; and flinging himself into a chair, shall we confess that, as he covered his face with his hands, one bitter tear of disappointed and wounded feeling forced its way from his eyes. Immediately he brushed it away ; and, hearing footsteps, composed himself to meet Howard, who entered, and, remarking his pale cheeks and saddened expression, kindly inquired if he felt any return of his late symptoms. w None whatever, dear sir, I thank you — but I come to bid you farewell — I quit this place at sunset." " So soon !" replied his friend. " I heard from 160 THE CONFESSOR. Alice not half an hour ago that you had delayed your departure until the morning." " Alice must have played the eaves-dropper — for to her I mentioned the former time, and not without a motive. The truth is, that her repeated inquiries on this point have raised doubts in my mind, as to the expediency of giving her explicit information, since I cannot help thinking she is employed to obtain it, and that either your safety or my own must be in some way implicated, as a consequence of the arrangement. Her having sounded yourself, also, my dear sir, on the subject, confirms my suspicions." "But why suspect the poor girl at all?" said Howard. " She loves talking — it is the privilege of her sex, and," added he, smiling, " it may be long, you know, before she sees another handsome young stranger to afford her so animating a theme." Lyndesay's face hardly relaxed its serious ex- pression, as he said, " You have remarked, I know, Pierre's absence during the last few days : between him and Alice there is, as I have noted, an inveterate enmity. THE CONFESSOK. 161 Now I have proof of the page's fidelity from what passed in my chamber on the night of Ninon's visit. I will not repeat words, supposed not to be overheard by me, but the little I was able to gather from Ninon's incoherent language, deter- mined me narrowly to watch Alice, and not to leave the house without hinting to you my sus- picions — I trust they may prove ill-founded." " Never fear but they will do so," replied the good clergyman. "You were delirious on that night, and might imagine more than really passed, and the old crone's report is dubious at best. Kate is much attached to her waiting-woman, and I believe, though coquettish and vain, Alice is a pious and good girl at heart. I thank you, however, for the warning. But, my dear Lyndesay, why leave us to-night ? is it in order to steal a march upon your fair antagonist ?" " No," replied Lyndesay. " Alice's intentions, whatever they may be, had no influence on mine." " Have you then received intelligence which has served to hasten your departure ?" " No," again replied our hero ; then added — " that is, not exactly — but — but — I am obliged 162 THE CONFESSOR. to go. My reasons, Master Howard, you can never know, but judge me with your wonted in- dulgence — and now farewell — God grant it be not for ever !" u Well, my dear young friend, you talk in riddles to-day ; but since it must be so, my bles- sing go with you ! and may His benison attend you, who can lead us both by a path that we know not, so that in this life we may renew that friendship we prize so highly ! — or if not so, let us strive to meet where there shall be no more parting !" Albert wrung the hand which was held out to him. " My best friend ! — so good, so wise, the bles- sings of the orphan attend you!" and he tore himself away, no less agitated than when he had entered the room, though with very different sensations. His thoughts met with an immediate diversion; for on stepping into the corridor, he saw Alice rapidly retreating from the direction of the spot where he stood, towards the apartments occupied by the domestics. Of course he felt no doubt that she had been placed in a position to overhear all THE CONFESSOR. 163 that had passed between himself and Howard. Roused into curiosity, he determined to watch her, and almost immediately she passed through a side door, which, he was aware, led into the grounds. He accordingly stationed himself at the window of the old hall, and soon perceived the object of his observations, who had descended from the terrace, and was hastily pursuing the direction of the north-westerly avenue. Albert determined to follow, and discover whether her wanderings tended in any way to elucidate the mystery of her conduct. Ijeaving the house by the glass door, he loitered at a distance sufficient to keep the abigail in view, and thus he observed her enter the wood, not by the open glade, but by a hardly perceptible by-path amongst the trees, beset with entangled briars and brushwood. He himself had arrived near the entrance of the avenue, and was pausing to consider whether it was fair to pursue her course directly, when he heard a sound which arrested his attention ; and, advancing a step or two, he came suddenly upon Kate, who, with her head bent low upon the arm of the rustic seat, was lost in deep and painful reverie. She heard 164 THE CONFESSOR. his step, and immediately started up, her face and neck suffused with blushes. " Pardon me !" he stammered out, " I fear I have intruded." She was silent, and he continued, — " Since you gave me no permission to seek you again, believe me I should not have ventured to do so, had not accident thrown me in your way." " I could hardly have expected such submission to my sovereign will and pleasure," returned the young lady, resuming her wonted manner ; " but in this case, perhaps, you would have mistaken my royal intentions." " Did you then — do you — wish to see me once more ?" said Albert, advancing a step or two to- wards her. " I wished — that is — I took it for granted you would have the courtesy to bid me farewell." " I feared I had offended you," said Lyndesay. " To confess the truth," returned the maiden, with a smile, that was half malicious, " I have been thinking something very similar with regard to you. Shall we forgive each other ?" " Forgive you /" he exclaimed, as with a eager movement he seized her hand. " Oh, believe me ! THE CONFESSOR. 165 I am too happy, too honoured, that you should think my regard worth retaining ! If I was pre- sumptuous, pardon me, in consideration of my feeling what you never can feel, — for whenever you love you must meet with a return !" She coloured deeply, and turned away her face ; but she did not withdraw her hand ; and the reconciliation was tacitly sealed. They stood for a few moments in silence, which was broken by Kate, who was seized by a sudden and unaccountable anxiety to know whether the chestnuts, at the end of the avenue, were ripe. They moved forward in that direction, in order to ascertain the fact. When they had advanced a few steps, Lyndesay turned towards his com- panion, and said, " May I ask you one question ?" " Certainly, Master Lyndesay — considering the many you have asked me in the course of our acquaintance, I am surprised you have the grace to wait for permission." " Because," said Albert, " it refers to our con- versation of this morning." " I thought we had forgotten that, by mutual consent," she answered. 166 THE CONFESSOR. " Forgive me if I cannot forget one part of it !" returned he. " You spoke of Montrose !" She coloured again, and Albert, watching the change of countenance, added precipitately, " You love him !" Had Kate given utterance to the direct denial which rose to her lips, she would have spared both herself and her lover much future anxiety. But she suppressed the first impulse, and contented herself with answering, in a manner embarrassed by the consciousness of his motives in asking it — " Why do you say so ?" " Because you talked of him with regard, with admiration — ay more — with enthusiasm !" "And are these all? regard — admiration — en- thusiasm ! Would you be satisfied with these ? Ah ! Lyndesay, if ever it should be your lot to seek the possession of a woman's heart, rest your hopes on her silence when you are the theme, and if she be eloquent in your praise, despair. And now that I have satisfied your strange inquiry, I must return to the house." " But one second — only one. I would fain believe your words do not shut out all hope, but bear with me, at least, whilst I tell you that I love THE CONFESSOR. 167 you more than life, though I may not, dare not, ask a return. Might I but devote my whole ex- istence to your happiness, I should ensure my own. But your nearest relative requires me to separate from you, ignorant of your very name, and bound by a promise to abstain from seeking traces of you hereafter — and this to secure your peace and safety. Judge, then, how unselfishly, how devotedly, I must love you, when I am pre- pared to make this sacrifice, at the cost of all my future hopes, for your sake ! — when I consent to part from you without a question, without a promise ; with but the remembrance that I have anchored the vessel of my happiness upon a shore which I may never reach again ! — that, poor as I was before I knew you, I am bereft of the only treasure I then possessed, the hope of a brighter future. In pity for the hopeless hours in which I am to dwell on your image, say, then, one word of kindness before we part !" The young girl had turned round with the intention of retiring before Albert had com- menced speaking. She stood, trembling and mo- tionless, as he proceeded, affected, and almost appalled by the earnestness of his manner. At 168 THE CONFESSOR. length her firmness gave way, and she leaned against a tree for support, the large tears rolling down her cheeks. The setting sun glanced on those bright drops, more precious than diamonds to him who stood by, watching the effect of his own words. Hope once more rose in his bosom, as he marked her emotion, and grasping her hand, he pressed it to his lips ; and they walked forward in silence. Meantime the sun had sunk below the horizon, and the twilight reminded the lovers that long time had elapsed with them in that lonely avenue. They were awakened from the deep reverie into w T hich both of them had fallen, by approaching its termination. Then, with an evident attempt to shake off the feelings she had so lately betrayed, Kate spoke in a tone w T hich she intended should be perfectly easy and natural, — " Tell me, Lyndesay," she said, " tell me now, have you ever said all these fine things before ? " THE CONFESSOR. 169 CHAPTER IX. The Gordon then his bougill blew, And said, Awa,' awa' ; This house o' the Rodes is a' in flame, I hauld it time to ga\ O then bespyed his ain dear lord, As he cam owr the lee ; He sied his castle all in blaze So far as he could see. Then sair, O sair his mind misgave, And all his heart was wae: Put on, put on, my wighty men, So fast as ye can gae. Put on, put on, my wighty men, So fast as ye can drie ; For he that is hindmost of the thrang, Sail neir get guid o' me. Percy Reliq,ues. " Gracious God !" exclaimed Lyndesay, whom the energetic barking and sudden spring of the spaniel had induced for an instant to turn round. He suddenly stopped as he spoke, and VOL. I. i 170 THE CONFESSOK. Kate, turning also, perceived that the mansion she had so lately quitted, was in flames. The fire, in its first fury, was bursting from door and window, fed by the abundance of combustible material used in the construction of all houses of that date ; and the beautiful tracery of the win- dows of the chapel, where the fire, it was after- wards understood, had commenced, stood out from the brilliant glare within, splendid in the darkness. For a while it looked as if illuminated for some great ceremony, for the thick stone walls, unen- cumbered by wood work, resisted the violence of the flames ; but soon the intense heat prevailed, and the stained and decorated windows burst into splinters, or were fused into the mass of ruin around. Presently the roof fell in with a tre- mendous crash, and, as part of the walls crumbled beneath it, that side of the interior was laid open, which communicated by a door with the picture gallery of the mansion ; and at the same moment from this spot there burst renewed volleys of smoke and flame. From the spot where stood our lovers, the blazing edifice showed sublime and beautiful, as THE CONFESSOR. 171 it formed the apparent termination to the long dark lines, now but just visible in the twilight, of the peaceful avenue which they had traversed. They waited not, however, to make the obser- vations we have been recording. Sensations very different from admiration overwhelmed poor Kate, as, horror-struck at the sight, she called to mind that her grandmother, whom she had left within doors, would probably be at this hour engaged in her cabinet, which was situated in a remote part of the house, and where she would in conse- quence be the last to become aware of her awful situation. The young girl's first impulse was to spring forward in the direction of the house, calling upon Lyndesay to accompany her. " Let us save my grandmother ! may be she yet is ignorant of her danger ! Oh, Albert, fly to her ! — lose no time ; if already she has not perished ! Nay, detain me not, — I must go ! " More collected, though equally struck with surprise and dismay, Lyndesay forcibly retained his hold on Kate ; and, sensible that her presence on the scene of terror and ruin would only add to his own confusion, and disable him from serv- I 2 172 THE CONFESSOR. ing others, he feigned a composure which he was far from feeling; and, leading her to a seat on the turf, he entreated her to remain there till he should return. " Calm yourself, my best beloved ! and rest assured that, since we see none of the inmates of the house in this direc- tion, they are all together, and have escaped to a place of safety ; perhaps, even now, they are in search of us. Believe, at any rate, that with the help of God, if the Lady Clare need any efforts of mine, she shall be restored to you!" So saying he stooped to steal one kiss of Kate's cold and colourless lips, and with an apprehension he dared not utter, he turned to leave her. At that moment something rushed rapidly down the avenue ; and, as Lyndesay received no answer to the call with which he hailed it, he waited till the object arrived at the spot where they stood, and found that it was no other than his own poor horse, which had burst from the stable, and was galloping from the scene of devastation. Grieved at having lost time by this incident, he proceeded quickly along the path, and was already far advanced, when, to his horror, he THE CONFESSOR. 173 heard a piercing shriek, with a call upon his name, from that voice whose tones could never be mistaken by the fond ear of love. He hesi- tated not a moment as to what course he should pursue, and his returning steps were hastened by another scream, and a wild call for help from the defenceless girl, whom, in the all-engrossing fear of a greater danger, he had left alone and unpro- tected in that solitary spot. What was his consternation as he approached at discovering that she was in the grasp of a man, whose figure was not discoverable in the dark- ness, but whose repeated attempts to soothe his captive were met by wild exclamations of terror and despair ! Having struggled to free herself, until her strength was exhausted, she had given up the contest, and suffered him to drag, rather than lead, her, towards the outer gate of the park. " Now, by're lady, my pretty mistress, but you have no cause for fear," said a voice, which Albert at once recognized as having heard before, though in that moment of extremity he was unable to recall where. As he approached, he, however, found that the speaker was not alone. 174 THE CONFESSOR. Another dark figure appeared, and on perceiving Albert, this one advanced to meet him. Excited by the emergency into the exertion of an almost superhuman strength, Albert waited not to question or challenge, but sprang upon his adversary with a force that brought him to the earth. His fall, and the accompanying groan — for he was severely bruised by the blow, though not seriously injured — induced his companion, unaware of the cause, to turn round, with the exclamation, " Hey, what now, Laurence ? " — Lyndesay, passing over the prostrate body of the first opponent, answered the querist by a violent and stunning blow, which compelled him to relinquish his hold on the young lady. Unable to decide whether to rest on the scene of action, or to fly from it, were attended with the greater danger, Kate clung to her lover's side, still calling for help, in the anguish of her fear. Albert was, however, compelled to shake her off, and to close in mortal combat with the formidable adversary, who had now drawn his sword upon him. Luckily, our hero had also his weapon, and for some time neither side gained a material ad- vantage, but, presently, the odds were turned THE CONFESSOR. 175 against Lyndesay ; as Laurence, who had in some degree recovered, rose from the ground to assist his accomplice in overpowering the single arm of Albert. He aimed a blow from behind, which Kate perceiving, sprang forward, and hung upon the uplifted arm. The next moment she fell fainting to the earth, but the blow had been diverted. Meantime, the dog — who, seemingly conscious of the state of affairs, had fastened his teeth deep into the leg of the ruffian who had carried off his young mistress, and had thus, in some measure, obstructed his offensive opera- tions — gave a wild bark of delight, and rushed towards a narrow path, which also led out into the woods. The quick ear of the spaniel had detected footsteps ; and one of the two miscreants, accustomed to notice every indication of danger, immediately bent his ears for a moment to the ground. " There are more than we can match, — fly, — Jacobs," he murmured. A desperate oath was the only reply from his companion, and the next instant they were making their escape. Lyndesay made an effort to detain the fore- 176 THE CONFESSOR. most, but the man levelling his carbine, threat- ened to discharge it instantly at his head, if not freed. Our hero dashed it from his hold, as he was in the act of fulfilling his threat, and the contents were lodged in the leg of the villain himself, slightly grazing that of Lyndesay. In agony of pain, and howling forth a terrible curse, the man limped away, and left to his antagonist the task of endeavouring to restore poor Kate to consciousness. Ignorant as to whether she had received any hurt in the struggle, he longed for a light ; and when he had raised her from the ground, and felt her clay-cold hand, he shuddered at the frightful apprehension which overtook him. He called her by every name which tenderness could suggest, but sense and animation seemed extinct ; and to return towards the house, now a mass of flaming ruins, was not to be thought of. As he sat supporting her lifeless figure with one arm, and endeavouring with the other, by constant friction, to restore circulation, he was startled by the sudden reappearance of the dog, and, closely following him, in the same bye-path, echoed the hasty footsteps of a man, whom, by a THE CONEESSOK. 177 low inarticulate murmur which supplied the pour fellow's deficiency of voice, our hero recognized to be the page Pierre. He instantly called him by name, and the boy, in return, uttered a harsh and shrill whistle. It was evident that the signal was understood : for immediately, the sound of horses' feet was heard in approach ; and along the path, already mentioned, advanced a troop of horsemen, who, in files of two, rapidly emerged from the wood, and ranged themselves around the pair, to whose protection the sagacity of the dog, and of Pierre, alike had guided their hitherto unavailing search. As far as the obscurity would allow him to distinguish, our hero judged that the array con- sisted of well-ordered and fully armed troops. A cavalier rode at the head of the file, and directed their motions. To him Lyndesay was about to address himself, when he was stopped by the abrupt question from the other, — * How is this ? — have the villains escaped ? Speak, young sir, if you please ! and explain how all has happened : and meantime resign that help- less girl to my care." As the soldier spoke in a tone which told but I 3 178 the confessor. too well a habit of receiving obedience, and a fixed determination to be obeyed, he advanced towards Kate, and was stooping to lift her from Albert's hold. But the latter, gently tightening his grasp, replied with firmness, though with an involuntaty deference, — "Once, to-night, sir stranger, I have fought in this young lady's cause, and have rescued her from the hands of rnffians. Your concern with her I know not; but though thankful for your timely arrival, I cannot resign this lady into your charge, unless sanctioned in doing so by her relatives: and sooner than quit my privilege of protecting her, I will let you take my heart's bloods " By Heaven ! an obstinate lad, but a brave one!" said the cavalier aside to one of his fol- lowers ; then addressing Albert, he continued, — " This poor child requires immediate caring for ; a truce to words then, young gentleman ! My concern with her, as you are pleased to express it, and the sanction I promise to you in resigning her to my charge — is — that of — her lather!" " Her father ! " exclaimed Albert. THE CONFESSOR. 179 u Her father, young sir, this young lady's father ! " returned the cavalier; "and if my word requires confirmation, take it from Pierre, and in all haste. Alice, wench, come hither ! and atone for thy faults in recovering thy young mistress — 'tis but a swoon, I trust." The page and waiting-woman, both thus sum- moned, came forward ; and in the ready obedience of both, and the obsequious and almost-cringing humility of Alice, our hero read the truth of the cavalier's assertion. His surprise at seeing the abigail in this warlike train was increased by the remembrance of his former suspicions, and her unaccountable manner of leaving the house on that very afternoon. However, female aid was indispensable for Kate, and as no other was near, to the care of her maid Lyndesay committed her : after receiving from Pierre, according to his well- known language of tokens, a solemn asseveration of the truth of the facts asserted. Soon the senseless form of the maiden was placed upon a litter procured by the attendants ; and the commanding officer, whispering some words into the ear of the page, directed the 180 THE CONFESSOR. men to carry the litter where Pierre should conduct them, and there await his own presence. Lyndesay requested permission to accompany the party, and witness the recovery of the young lady, whose lengthened insensibility greatly alarmed him; but he found himself compelled, in spite of himself, to bow to the decision of the master spirit, which, in the character of father, chief, or master, seemed to rule all around. " Rest here, young gentleman, if you please ! my daughter shall be well attended to. With your- self I have a few words to exchange as yet — but wait. Captain Rokeby, lead six of the men towards the ruins ; see if any living creature still linger there, and rescue whatever property you may. Which way fled your antagonist, young master T Our hero pointed to a path leading southwards, nearly in the direction of the mansion. " Then you, Scroope and Burgoyne, divide the remainder into parties — scour the woods in every direction — and spare no pains to secure the villains. May be you will encounter some of the fugitives from this unhappy dwelling ; if so, inform them that their lady is safe, as well as my daugh- THE CONFESSOR. 181 ter ; and bid them hie to the next village, where I will presently provide for them. The most painful task remains behind; Howard has not been heard of; he conducted the Lady Clare to a place of safety ; but his devoted benevolence prompted him to return himself to the spot, and join in every measure for affording relief and rescue to the rest : the business of seeking him, living or dead, alas! I will delegate to none. How say you ? has my daughter revived ?" con- tinued the speaker, as one of the attendants returned. " My young lady has been brought back to consciousness, please you, my lord ; but is mar- vellously feeble and weak ; and hath sent to make inquiry whether the gentleman was wounded, who saved her — when she fainted, he was struggling alone against the strength of two." " Go — tell her all is well, and the gentleman uninjured. Is it not so, my friend?" continued the officer, addressing Albert; "truly, I have been rather tardy in making the inquiry, as well as in expressing my gratitude for the service you have this night rendered me and mine." 182 THE CONFESSOR. " My lord, I require no thanks," returned our hero; " and the happiness of saving the lady Kate were in itself sufficient reward, had I met with severer wounds. The few I have sustained are trivial." " You are then hurt ?" " My arm is slightly wounded ; and I have a sword cut in the shoulder; besides the mark of that villain s bullet in the leg. Nothing, however, which need prevent me from accompanying you in your humane errand of seeking the excellent Howard/ 5 " Now listen to me, Master Lyndesay, for that, I am aware, is your name. You must not accom- pany me in this search. On the contrary, you must, if possible, execute your previous resolution of proceeding towards York to-night. Owing, as I do, my daughter's safety to you, I grieve to appear discourteous ; but you must not meet her again : and an honourable man like yourself, needs not to be reminded, that he is pledged to a vow of secrecy respecting all that concerns his dwelling at this place. I do not pretend to conceal from you that I hold an office in which all sense of THE CONFESSOR. 183 private injury or interest must be merged in the public good ; and had not the irrepressible anxiety of a father brought me here to-night, this outrage on my property should have passed unheeded, as it still must go unpunished. None must know that I have been present on the spot. The miscreants will escape, but I dispersed my troop in order to obtain a few minutes' private conversation with you. To the point then, Master Lyndesay : I know your views in life, and the hopes you found upon the favour of the King. Should you meet, as is likely, with difficulty in gaining access to his presence, shew this ring, which I beg you to accept as a testimony of a father's gratitude ; it will procure you, at least, the deference of the officials; nay, no thanks — if due at all, I stand the debtor. Again — should you find your san- guine expectations baffled, remember, that an old courtier warned you, to ( put not your trust in princes.' " " And Howard !" exclaimed Lyndesay, " how shall I know whether that valuable life is spared ?" The nobleman, for such he evidently was, 184 THE CONFESSOR. mused a moment, then said^ " Your anxiety does you honour, and shall be gratified. Mark me. When you reach York, enter the cathedral and pass into the choir. Behind the high altar, and on the right side of our lady's chapel, there stands a mutilated tomb, soon to be removed to make way for fresh remains. In a cavity of this tomb, if our friend lives, you shall find a letter in his handwriting. And now — farewell — neglect not the wounds you have received, though they be slight. I may not linger, for before to-morrow's dawn I must be in York. Farewell." Albert uttered a respectful adieu ; for the indi- vidual before him — at first veiled by the darkness of the night ; and, when at length torches were brought, still completely shrouded by the form of his helmet from that scrutiny of the features by which we ever take our first impress of character, — yet had won from his hearer that involuntary homage, which high breeding, inflexible self-pos- session, and a certain tone peculiar to those accus- tomed to handle only matters of magnitude and im- portance, never fails to elicit. Our hero's unques- tioning submission to the arbitrary incognito, still THE CONFESSOR. 185 imposed (and, as it appeared to Lyndesay, imposed rather with a view to prevent his own recognition of the young lady, than from any other apprehen- sion) was a proof of this power. The instant he had finished speaking, the noble- man turned his horse's head towards the ruins, and Albert was left alone. 186 THE CONFESSOR. CHAPTER X. Compound for sins they are inclined to, By damning those they have no mind to. Butler. We must now beg the reader to accompany us in a slight retrospect of the proceedings of an individual, who, though innocent of any inten- tional share in this night's proceedings, had, nevertheless, by her folly, become a tool in the hands of those by whom the mischief had been planned and brought about. It will be remembered that, on the evening which closed so inauspiciously, Alice had left the house before sunset, and taken a path through the wood towards the outskirts of the domain : and that our hero's suspicions, excited by her eaves-dropping propensities, were but little lulled by the apparent direction of her wanderings : and THE CONFESSOR. 187 certainly, nothing could plead his excuse in the eyes of our readers, nor we are sure in his own, for failing to ascertain the truth of his con- jectures ; save the unexpected meeting which he at that moment encountered with his lady love ; and which, we feel confident our fair readers will allow, was sufficient to drive all other thoughts from his mind. "For when a lady's," &c. — but we forbear repeating an adage so new and original, and therefore proceed, in place of Albert Lyndesay, to follow the steps of the fair abigail. Avoiding any known path, she proceeded through the wood, which extended in that direc- tion over nearly two miles of country. As the forest deepened, the unequal and even precipitous ground rendered the mazes through which she passed more intricate. Arriving at the foot of some rude steps cut in the side of a quarry, and leading to its summit, she uttered a low call ; and immediately a man appeared from a cavity in the roc^v, where he had evidently been awaiting her arrival. " A good morrow to ye, Mistress Alice," said he, " but ye've kept me a pretty spell here ! 188 THE CONFESSOR. Didn't yourself fix the hour, and d'ye call it manners to keep it this gate ?" " I had my reasons, Mr. Eilsie, depend upon it," tartly replied the girl ; " and if your eyes are tired of watching for me here, I left less weary ones behind me. So if I be tardy, blame not me, but the young gentleman, our guest." " Eh ! sits the wind in that quarter," rejoined the man. " And so his gentility hath played the serpent, and whispered soft things in thine ear, and thou, like a true daughter of Eve, hast tarried to listen to them ?" " Call him as ye list," returned the maiden, not displeased at the insinuation, " but if he hath the wisdom of the serpent, he hath also, I wager me, the boldness of the lion !" " And the strength, doubtless. Si, sweetheart, play me the Delilah, and tell me when this Samp- son purposes to leave the mansion." " Now, why do ye ask me that, Laurence ? for no good purpose, I'll warrant. If the lad is well favoured and gallant, and if he did watch my steps, sure there's no blame in that ; besides, how knowest thou it was for love ?" THE CONFESSOR. 189 Now, no one could be endowed with a more positive certainty that Lyndesay's sentiments were precisely the reverse of those she chose to insinuate, than Alice herself. But vanity, and a certain degree of resentment against Laurence for his first impatient expressions, prompted the game she was playing for his vexation. " Nay then, poor weak maiden ! " replied her piqued admirer, " nay then, vain maiden ! since a comely face and a few light words may gain thee over to the idolators, surely thou art unworthy to associate with the congregation of the faithful. Even now, while thy zeal hath been so slack to join the Lord's people, they are panting and yearning for the word ; which I, with a carnal feeling which I repent me to have indulged, besought that chosen vessel, the Reverend Shimei Haman, to withhold until thy coming. So, mark me, Mistress Alice, if thou wouldest join our sweet fellowship, thou must keep no terms with malignants or incendiaries ; further than to learn their views for the furtherance of righteous ends. Beware, damsel ! lest, looking back upon these cities of destruction thou incur 190 THE CONFESSOR. the fate of her who was changed into a pillar of salt!" This rebuke and strange threat, pronounced with a severity which was somewhat heightened by a shade of jealousy on the part of Laurence, that Alice should have eyes for any other attrac- tions than his own, seemed to produce on her an effect hardly to be expected in one of her flippant and usually self-complacent spirit. The truth was, that her inordinate disposition for coquetry had been taken advantage of by this man, who, as we have seen, was a subordinate agent in the promotion of the general disturbance for which the country was now rife; as well as a zealous actor in the grand puritanical farce with which the public were shortly afterwards regaled; so well adapted as it was to the genius of low and uneducated minds, both in its performance and reception. Under his patron, the Rev. Shimei Haman, Laurence had attained sufficient proficiency in the arts of ejaculating, expounding, and dreaming, to be able successfully to officiate in the absence of that worthy, whose exertions were by no means THE CONFESSOR. 191 limited to any given district. Through the pre- eminence to which these " gifts" had raised him, Laurence had been enabled to obtain a powerful ascendancy over the mind of the pretty serving- woman, whom accident and her love of gossip had, in the first instance, thrown in his way : and from her he had acquired much information con- cerning the family and party amongst whom she dwelt, which he in turn rewarded by the import- ance he appeared to attach to her conversion. Although guiltless of a deliberate intention to betray her employers, and ignorant of the full extent of the designs of her present associates ; Alice's vanity greedily drank in the hints which represented herself as elevated, by a special calling, above the carnal minded and unregenerate among whom she resided ; and of whose perilous state, both in body and soul, she heard with ever in- creasing awe, Obedient, therefore, she was to every mysterious intimation of the fanatics, though occasionally, as in the instance before us, nature resumed her sway. Had she been aware of Haman's previous position in her master's family, her unbounded respect for the " powerful" minis- ter might have been a little diminished, but this 192 THE CONFESSOR. her own inexperience, and the artifice of her com- panions, carefully concealed from her; and since his arrival in the district, the reverend personage and his coadjutor had found a useful auxiliary to their designs in the person of Alice. She had, however, suspected the hand from whence proceeded the disaster which had befallen our hero, and in real compassion for his youth and good looks, was reluctant to expose him to further perils. The threat which concluded her lover's expostulations, however, took its effect upon a mind both weak and cowardly, and without further reserve, she proceeded to acquaint him with Albert's intended departure at sunset; and to make him a party to all the information of which she had, fairly or unfairly, become mistress; taking full credit to herself for her zealous exertions to obtain it. In return, she received an assurance that no violence was intended our hero, since all purposes of attacking him had been answered already; and this subject being satisfactorily dismissed, the maiden, after listening to a few sugared phrases, more interesting to her than to our readers, fol- lowed her admirer up the steps which ascended THE CONFESSOR. 193 the quarry side ; and presently entered with him into a kind of gallery or tunnel, formed in the rock by the course of a stream ; but greatly en- larged by the hand of art ; so that, by stooping a little, a man could enter it. In this gallery, origi- nally worked to establish a communication between opposite quarries, the bed of the stream was now dry ; and Alice, to whom the path was not new, followed her conductor through the passage, which, as they proceeded, became dark as night. At length he struck a light ; and, a stranger might have supposed, not before it was necessary to their safety ; since the apparent termination of this gloomy path was a pool of dark water, stag- nant and putrid, and offering but little induce- ment to any of the senses to proceed in exploring the cave from mere curiosity. As they had been hitherto on the descent as they proceeded, they were now deep in the bosom of the hill: when suddenly the daylight burst upon them ; and, a large nag-stone above their heads being raised, on an appointed signal, they ascended by a few steps into a spacious chamber excavated in the rock. This was lighted by broad VOL. i. K 194 THE CONFESSOK. apertures on the side of the hill, also worked into a deep quarry, opposite to the point by which they had entered it. Their arrival appeared to occasion no surprise ; and hardly was an eye turned towards them all being intently fixed upon the Rev. Shimei Haman, who, tired, we suppose, of awaiting the advent < f his able colleague and their fair convert, had commenced what he termed the outpouring of the Spirit ; and was at the moment engaged in relating his vision of the preceding night. There might be about thirty persons assembled, all of the lowest class ; and for the most part bearing that dogged and discontented look which ignorance and fanaticism combined rarely fail to impress upon the countenance. Here and there might be seen an honest face, serious and sorely puzzled; while some were weeping, some groan- ing, some on their knees, and others reclining at length on the ground ; in high satisfaction at that emancipation from the idolatrous formality of an established worship, which left to every man liberty to exhibit at discretion his own idea of deep and self-denying devotion. There were no benches in this rude area; and THE CONFESSOR. 195 what few seats were there consisted of blocks of the quarry stone; the Rev. Shimei Haman feeling considerable sympathy with the sufferings of the martyrs, when representing himself and his flock as driven to take refuge in the dens and caves of the mountains, and deprived of the most ordinary accommodations of civilized life. The minister himself, clad in a suit of liver- coloured fustian, fitting tightly to his person, his hair closely cropped, his thin and pinched figure stretched to its full height, was standing upon a mass of granite, which formed a dais at the end of the room. One long and attenuated arm was stretched upwards with its bony forefinger pointing to the skies, whither also his eyes were directed, the other placed upon his breast. Directly in face of him sat a woman, old and haggard-looking, her head resting upon her hands, which were fixed immovably upon her knees. She kept her dark eyes steadfastly fixed upon the preacher; and testified to the deep im- pression both his manner and matter wrought in her, by repeated groans and sighs, with ejacula- tions such as " The Lord have mercy upon us !" — " The Lord prepare me!" — " Curse ye, Meroz! said k2 196 THE CONFESSOR. the angel of the Lord," &c., varied skilfully according to the subject handled by the minister. To this last we must now turn our attention, though anxious to dwell as little on the discourse of this great northern light as is consistent with our wish of doing justice to all parties ; since the unhallowed use of all which our native tongue affords of holy and devotional language, and above all, of the sacred words of Scripture, offers, even in the repetition, a shock to our best feelings. To resume the thread of our narrative, and to afford a specimen of our friend Shimei's powers, we must, according to our plan of doing justice, give his own words. The first which greeted the ear of Alice were — " And about midnight, as I was pouring out my heart to the Lord, and humbly praying for the accomplishment of God's work, I heard a voice which said, • Doubt not, I will do it' — and my temptations were strong — yea, I waa sore vexed in the spirit, and I lay groaning and wrest- ling with the Evil One ; and I besought the Lord for a respite, and the voice uttered these words, ' Arise, and be doing.' And long I medi- THE CONFESSOR. 197 tatcd upon these revelations, and at dawn I looked into the book of the Scriptures, and my eye fell upon the words, c Ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves.' And again I said to the Lord, ' How shall we do this P" 1 And I opened again, and I saw, as in a dream, 'And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a heap for ever — even a desolation unto this day.'" More we mav be excused from repeating. Suffice it to say, that the Rev. Shimei Haman found his audience so wrought upon by his elo- quence, that his inspiration seemed to increase every moment for three long hours. During this time the daylight declined, and the place in which they were assembled, at all times obscure, became quite dark ; so that by the ear alone was it dis- coverable that one or more of the congregation quitted the apartment. As the darkness deepened, and whispers occa- sionally were interchanged amongst the throng ; of which some were in language not the most delicate, nor fit for woman's ear, Alice became sensible of the imprudence of the step she had taken, in placing herself, at such an hour and in 198 THE CONFESSOR. such a place, in the power of these rude and law- less men ; of whom she knew nothing but that one of their number professed an admiration of her person, and a concern for her soul. She called him by his name in a suppressed tone, that she might assure herself her protector was near, but no answer was returned : and when she repeated her appeal, the minister, with a voice which seemed to gather thunder in its wrath, turned towards the side on which she sate his reproof and denunciation : " Vain babblers ! hath Satan then loosed your tongues that ye cannot hold your peace, but must be seeking carnal things, when ye should be not only in part, but altogether in Paradise. ' Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord negli- gently.' I tell you, hypocrites, ye revile your Lord ! ye spit upon him ! ye crown him with thorns ! ye scourge him ! ye " How long this tirade might have continued, or the trembling Alice have sustained it without fainting, remains uncertain ; for at this moment both speaker and audience were surprised by the sudden entrance of an individual, who had never been seen in that place before. THE CONFESSOR. 199 This was no other than the minister's daughter, Lilias Ham an, a comely and bright-eyed maiden of sixteen, with a small, well rounded figure, and a dress so arranged as to shew it to the best advantage. She possessed much of the tournure of a French soubrette, and her usual demeanour was lively and animated in the extreme. About her mouth there lurked that compressed smile so indicative of mischief; while the same ex- pression in her eyes was somewhat softened by the lashes, which overshadowed the glowing cheeks. The latter were too ruddy to suit the taste of many connoisseurs in female beauty ; and corresponded but little with her name, which her father, as if to heighten the contrast, always abbreviated to Lily. In truth she was his pride ; and he preferred her to everything else, money excepted. She, however, possessed great influence with him ; which may be inferred from her daring to absent herself from his fanatical displays of oratory, at which prayers, promises, and threats, had alike failed to induce her attendance. When, therefore^ she appeared on this night with a lantern in her hand, which served to show 200 THE CONFESSOK. that her face was paler than usual, even the Rev. Shimei Haman himself, was at first thrown off his guard. "Why, Lily ! what now ? Sooner should I have looked to see the cock from off the church steeple ! But," added he, in an altered tone, "may be the Spirit moveth the maiden to come and join herself to the congregation of the faith- ful." A scarcely audible "Humph," uttered by the little damsel was all the answer this devout invo- cation received ; and without further preface, she addressed her father, — "Know ye that the house is burning? the great house hard by ? For heaven's sake, father, hasten to give aid ! — and good people, all of you — who have a mind to succour the best and truest hearts living, tarry not a moment. Ye may bear ladders or carry water, and not one too many. Soon all will be in ashes !" "And pray who brought thee this gossip, Lily? " returned the Rev. Shimei, his countenance not relaxing a muscle of its wonted frigidity ; " I wager me its an idle invention of that loon, Walter Craven ; and on a piece, verily, with all THE CONFESSOR. 201 the other lies and flatteries with which he fills thine ears, girl ! Thou art a silly wench to hold such a knave in dalliance." " Now shame upon you ! though ye be my father, " said the highly irritated damsel; " that ye stand there, taking away the good name of one that's as honest and true as any man here, and may be more so, while ye know that these helpless ladies that we have both served, — ay, served — I care not to say it, my father ! though some who even now are eating of their bread betray them," and she glanced at Alice. "I say these ladies were our benefactresses : and, as is most likely, will lose life or substance for want of assistance that we could render : and here ye keep all the neighbours close shut up from giving help, and make believe not to credit the fact yourself ! " " Gently, gently, my bonnie maiden," returned the meek spirited Shimei ; " seest thou not that the pious Laurence hath left our flock ? and is probably lending a hand at the fire ; if there be one anywhere else than in thy own bright eyes. I perceive too that our good mother in Israel, Ninon, hath departed — yea, and others also." " As for Laurence Eilsie, I can tell you, father ! K 3 202 THE CONFESSOE, he was more likely to light the fire than to quench it ; for but an hour since, I saw him in company with that ill-looking Popish priest that brought the handsome and noble young lady to our house ; and that gave me such ill words, because I chose to serve the young lady's wishes, as was my duty towards one of her quality." The truth was, that the Dominican, in escorting Marguerite d'Amville towards London, had stolen an interview with his accomplice and comrade, Shimei Haman; (then recently arrived in York- shire from a sojourn among the fanatics of the north) in order to concert with him measures, the sequel of which the course of our narrative has already developed. Female sympathy had, during their conference, attracted Lilias towards his fair charge who, she had the penetration to discover, was under considerable restraint, as well as depression. In order to beguile her from this sadness, so ill beseeming in the eyes of the minis- ter's daughter, a lady so beautiful and evidently so rich, Lilias bestowed upon the young lady all the small confidence it was in her power to make. She related the history of her own life and her father's; together with divers hints concerning THE CONFESSOR. 203 the present state of affairs between herself and Walter : and last, not least, disclosed to her the important secret, which she had had her own means of acquiring, of the near vicinity of the Lady Clare and her granddaughter. At the names of the latter the hitherto somewhat waver- ing attention of Margaret was roused ; for she had long been bound to those ladies by the ties of tender friendship ; and her desire would have been at once to seek them openly ; but something from within told her that this course would not be conceded by the stern confessor who held domi- nion over her movements. This idea was con- firmed by the minister's daughter, who laughed wildly at such a scheme ; but undertook, if the affair were left to her management, to bring about a meeting, before her father and the Domi- nican should terminate their conference. We have said that the independent little maiden had her own means of both ascertaining and communicating facts which her father con- cealed from her : and in this case she succeeded so well, that, ere an hour had elapsed, the parties had met, and interchanged the greetings of old established intimacy. 204 THE CONFESSOR. In accordance with the prohibition made by the noble owner of thej mansion, against the re- ception of any guest, as well as to avoid observa- tion, the spot which had been selected for the rendezvous was without the precincts of the grounds ; though sheltered from observation by the woods which skirted the domain. One inci- dent alone disturbed the privacy of the meeting : this was the addition of Montrose to the party. He had persevered in his resolution of hovering in the neighbourhood of Margaret until he should see her placed under stronger protection ; and ac- cordingly had traced her to the abode of Haman. Ardently desiring to address a few words to her, yet sensible that the surveillance of the priest was so rigid as to render all hope of meeting her alone vain, the earl had seriously deliberated on the expediency of openly challenging the Domi- nican to resign to him the protection of Mar- guerite d'Amville. But, besides that this scheme partook too much of the nature of knight er- rantry, the earl felt that he could assign no good reason, save his own undoubted impressions, for withdrawing the young lady from the hands to which her guardian and nearest relative had con- THE CONFESSOK. 205 signed her. He was therefore much relieved when, on the evening in question, he found him- self accosted by the same sybil who had on a previous occasion shown herself so cognisant of Margaret's movements ; and who directed him to proceed immediately to the spot indicated for the meeting. It was this occurrence (which brought him in contact accidentally with the ladies of the mansion) to which Kate referred, when in the conversation with our hero which awakened his jealous suspicions, she spoke of having recently met the earl ; the above interview having taken place during Lyndesay's confinement to his chamber. The precautions of Lilias, however, had proved ineffectual, in securing the temporary absence of Margaret from the jealous eye of the Dominican ; who, though far from suspecting the whole truth, connected her proceedings in some way with those of the Earl of Montrose, whose influence over her heart he proposed to annihilate, and from whose society he consequently decided utterly to separate her. Since he had not as yet, however, established on his own part the un- bounded tyranny of conscience which it was his 206 THE CONFESSOR. purpose to substitute for the brighter and more genial influence, he dared not to pour upon the young lady herself the full tide of passion which the step she had taken had aroused within him : and on poor Lilias, without whose assistance he was aware nothing could have been undertaken, it accordingly fell. Perhaps none could have better weathered the storm than the imperturbable little maiden in question : and the derision with which she met the threats of Jacopo amazed and almost terrified her father ; who was held by the priest in that fear, w T hich a wicked strong mind ever exerts over a wicked weak one. Having explained this incident sufficiently for the present course of our narrative, we must return to the dialogue between the father and daughter. " Hush ! — hush ! simpleton !" exclaimed the mi- nister, in answer to his daughter's last remark : " what knowest thou of popish priests or of high- born ladies? Alack! the very land stinketh with the savour of their abominations ! " " More of both I know, may be, than ye think ! " returned the daughter : " but now to the THE CONFESSOK. 207 point, my father. Will ye, or will ye not, lend aid to our lady and my dear young mistress ? for if not, whatever may befall, I go alone." And as she said this, the maiden stamped her little foot with the air of one resolved to effect the assurance that opposition was of no avail. " Stay !" exclaimed Alice. " I — I think I had better accompany you ; but, heavens ! we are undone !" While she was speaking, a helmeted head ap- peared at the broad fissure in the rock by which Lilias had entered ; and, indeed, by which all passed who were not aware of the secret cavern leading to the other side of the hill. Another and another followed : till a company of about a score of armed men had taken their station — all of them in the buff coat and steel cuirass which formed the distinctive uniform of the royal troops ; and wearing head-pieces with cheeks, which in a great measure concealed the features, and pre- vented the identifying of the wearer. This formidable band, whom the fears of some, and the stricken consciences of others, magnified into an army, remained for some time motionless ; 208 THE CONFESSOR. apparently watching the effect of their own en- trance upon the trembling groups around them. At length their leader turning to some one in the back ground, observed — " Here is no sign of sedition : these men are unarmed — they can hardly be met for mischief." The person addressed made no reply ; and the speaker, turning towards the minister, seemed to startle him by his next tones. " Your name, sir ? — purpose and object in assembling here a concourse of persons in dark- ness and concealment? I demand these several particulars, in the King's name !" Lilias, who was the only individual in the apartment who had remained perfectly undis- mayed, and who had coolly beheld the array, and listened to the voice, now came forward ; and, addressing the leader of the troop with an assumed air of simplicity, which, however, sate quite naturally upon her, she said, — " Surely, master, such a great and good gen- tleman as your honour seems to be, would not think of disturbing a few Christians, met together to relate their experience, and to watch and pray ! THE CONFESSOR. 209 — whilst yonder there the big house is turned into a flaming fiery furnace, lighted by Satan himself, for aught I know ; and to be sure your honour and these brave gentlemen might find fitter employment in saving the poor ladies that live there, from the power of the Evil One !" Then, suddenly approaching to the side of the officer, who had exclaimed at her information, she added, in an under tone, — " My father does not recognise you, my lord, but woman's wit is not so easily beguiled — hasten to your house, and save your daughter — if yet there be time !" At this moment, the officer's sleeve was pulled from behind ; and the sharp eyes of Lilias detected the person of Pierre, who seemed in his silent language to communicate something to his mas- ter ; for the latter ejaculated, " Thank Heaven ! " Turning to Lilias, he muttered, — " She is safe, — she left the house some hours since, — call her baggage of a waiting-woman, and bid her follow me !" Then, raising his voice, he continued, address- ing Shimei, — " This damsel, thy daughter, hath interceded for thee and these misguided people, — you will therefore remain here, under a guard, 210 THE CONFESSOE. until my return, and should I find no proof of your being implicated in this night's proceedings, you will then be released." Without waiting for reply, the officer turned away ; and, hastily appointing a part of his com- pany to guard the egres3 from the rocky chamber, he departed with the rest of the troop, followed by Alice, who, crest-fallen and silent, had placed herself by the side of Pierre. The minister's daughter hastened to avail herself of the same opportunity of quitting the stricken and amazed congregation. THE CONFESSOR. 211 CHAPTER XL For we must fall, both we and ours, This mansion and these pleasant bowers — Walks, posts, and arbours, homestead, hall — Our fate is theirs — will reach them all : The young horse must forsake his manger, And learn to glory in a stranger ; The hawk forget his perch : the hound Be parted from his ancient ground : The blast will sweep ua all away — One desolation — one decay ! — Wordsworth. In order to afford some elucidation of the events of the two last chapters, we must make our reader aware of various particulars, without which the series of circumstances therein related, might offend his notions of the probable and natural. The setting on fire of a house, and the forcible abduction of a young lady, are events which can hardly startle even the most incre- dulous ; as every body who knows the world, 212 THE CONFESSOR. (and in these days, thanks to steam, every body does know the world !), is well accustomed to the incendiary taste of our countrymen; slightly varying in direction, perhaps, with the age. But the circumstance which is less common, is the very opportune appearance of the lady's father with an armed band, at the very moment when he was wanted ; and when all chance of escape for his daughter had otherwise been impossible. We must first tell the reader, then, (for we like to trace events to their source,) that from the commencement of the Rev. Shimei Haman's ministry in that part of the county of York where he had fixed his temporary abode, the suspicions of one of the most constant and most accredited of his congregation had been aroused. This was the old woman Ninon, in whose powers of divination and second sight he partly believed, and whose pretensions he partly maintained, in order to confirm the belief of others — so useful to his own designs. She had followed him from North Britain, whence she was on her journey when our hero met her on the borders, — to gather, as she said, the grains of the pure word which ever dropped in the path THE CONFESSOR. 213 trodden by the "powerful minister;" and had conjectured, from the first, that the " sojourn ," (to use his own term,) of Shimei Haman in that part of the country had some connection with the neighbourhood of the old mansion, and its inmates. She had carefully concealed her know- ledge of the existence of such a spot : and, finding that, as the minister's congregation increased, his style became more inflammatory, and that his language clearly indicated some approaching out- rage, she secretly communicated her suspicions to an individual whose relations with her were little suspected by any party ; and whose post might render them in some degree available, for the safety of those whom Ninon believed to be the parties threatened. This was the page, Pierre, who on the night of her visit to Albert's chamber made her acquainted with the good understand- ing which subsisted between Alice and Lawrence Eilsie. In consequence, it was arranged between the dwarf and his strange ally, that Pierre should, without alarming the household, proceed at once to York ; and lay before his patron the state of affairs, leaving it to his own judgment to decide 214 THE CONFESSOR. whether they afforded ground for further pre- caution. He had just returned to the mansion from thence, when noticed by Kate, and re- pulsed by her for attempting to induce her re-entrance into the house : an attempt, which, had he known the nature of the threatened danger, was of course the very last he would have essayed. But only vague and mysterious indications of violence in the leaders of the party had been observed by Ninon ; and she had fixed on that identical evening as the probable com- mencement of their measures, in the first instance only from its being the time fixed for the depar- ture of Albert Lyndesay — whose courage and strength, though overpowered when opposed by treachery, and weakened by exhaustion, had, she found, yet left an impression on Laurence, which by no means induced a wish for a second hostile meeting. As the scheme, whatever it was, re- mained a secret, confined to the keeping of the gifted minister himself and his associate Lau- rence, Ninon had no means of ascertaining, in a direct way, aught which could enable her to avert it. She therefore betook herself to her THE CONFESSOR. 215 prophetic character — and hit upon the expedient of sounding their views by predicting the very circumstances she hoped to contravene. " There shall be an outpouring of wrath !" she exclaimed, suddenly, in the congregation ; " yea, a fearful outpouring ! — so that every heart shall quake, and every eye shall grow dim ! — and before the fourth sun shall set from hence the vial shall be poured forth upon the ungodly." Since the most gifted and educated of the period were hardly free from superstitious belief, it is no matter of surprise that the two confede- rates, whose ignorance gave to such impressions unlimited power, were struck dumb by the evi- dence which the sybil's words afforded, that a supernatural agency had directed the accomplish- ment of their plot to this very night. Still, though Ninon noted this, she discovered, from hints which from that time were more freely dropt in her presence, that they awaited the arrival of a third party. When, therefore, on the fourth night from this, she saw the Rev. Shimei enter the cave accompanied by the Domi- nican, no longer, however, habited as such ; and shortly afterwards beheld the entrance, on the 216 THE CONFESSOR. opposite side, of Alice, under the guidance of Laurence, thus leaving Kate deprived of her usual companion and attendant — Ninon waited but until the darkness should render her exit unobserved, to quit the chamber, and seek Pierre, who, anxious and doubtful, had been in quest of herself. From him she learned that his patron, on receiving his intelligence, had ordered a small company of the royal horse to take their station at the nearest habitable village, about two miles distant ; on pretence of intercepting messengers who were known to be passing be- tween the disaffected subjects in the south, and the Scottish army in Northumberland. To this station she immediately despatched the page, and herself (to avoid all appearance of collusion with the loyal party, which might have interfered with her operations for the future), retired to the dwell- ing she usually occupied, a cave or nook hewed out of the side of a precipitous rock near its summit, by some former labourer of the quarry, and which, from its elevation, commanded a view of the country for miles around. The low en- trance was hid in tangled bushes and fern ; and overhung by the wild and knotted boughs of the THE CONFESSOR. 217 fir trees which took root on every narrow shelf of the precipice. Not even the leaders of the covenanting con- gregation knew of her abode : a precaution she had taken partly to maintain the mystery of her character, and partly that she might ever have in readiness a covert place of refuge, for herself or others, in case of need. She appeared amongst them — and vanished — at pleasure ; and the awe attached to her language and character was such that none ventured to question or inquire too nearly in aught that concerned her. From all in- trusion into her rough homestead she was safe — as the rugged rock on which her habitation hung had formed the grave of its last occupant ; a huge mass having fallen on him while labouring the quarry, and buried him under its weight at the base of the rock. From that time the place was considered unlucky, and other quarries, less dan- gerous, were worked. The " Dead man's kist," — as the square bleached mass of rock which covered his remains soon began to be termed, — was the sole occupant of that vast cemetery: none came to intrude upon its solitude ; for the population of that district, extremely scanty, and scattered at vol. I. L 218 THE CONFESSOR.