LI E> R.AFLY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UN IVLRSITY 
 
 or ILLINOIS 
 
 823 
 P223m
 
 Digitized by tine Internet Archive 
 in 2009 with funding from 
 sitv of Illinois Urbaria-Champaign 
 
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 fc
 
 VIRGINIA ; 
 
 OR THE 
 
 PEACE OF AMIENS. 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 VIRGINIA 
 
 OR THE 
 
 PEACE OF AMIENS. 
 
 A NOVEL. 
 
 IN FOUR VOLUMES. 
 BY MISS EMMA PARKER, 
 
 AUTHOR OF ELFRIDA, HEIRESS OF BELGROVE. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 " Peace once more hover'd o'er a weary world, 
 " Tet smiled she not, but half relactant shed 
 " H«r balmy influence, while martial sounds 
 " In distant murmurs rung, receding slow, 
 " And dubious of return." 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED FOR B. CROSBY AND CO. 
 
 STATIONERS'-CODRT, LUD6ATE-HILL. 
 
 1811.
 
 8£b 
 
 v^ 
 
 a. 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 / SHALL endeavour in as few 
 *S words as is possible, to prepare the 
 5 Reader, as far as I think requisite, for 
 
 the following Work; being aivare thai 
 ifs most people have an aversion to a long 
 §, Preface; nor, in this case, is it ne- 
 
 cetsary.
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 / do not know if I have acted judi- 
 ciously in affixing a digressive Chapter 
 to every Volume, thereby following, in 
 some measurCy the example of Fielding, 
 (in his most popular work) who gives 
 us so many good reasons for it, that I 
 cannot entirely reject them, though 
 others may; I have therefore only in- 
 troduced one, where h^ presents us with 
 four, or five ; that is, in the course of 
 each volume, 
 
 I would not be understood by this 
 to place my humble attempts in compa-
 
 PREFACE. Vll 
 
 rison tvith those most choice blossoms of 
 his rich and luxuriaiit genius^ improved 
 hy solid cultivation, and perfected by 
 the experience of age; but I offer them 
 as the unstudied ebullitions of a zvild 
 imagination. And as they do not merit 
 the sober name of Essays (though I am 
 compelled sometimes to distinguish them 
 by that term) I shall simply call them 
 Preludes, as that is a mere flourish, 
 unconnected ivith the piece about to be 
 performed, — awild rattle of unpremedi- 
 tated notes, calculated to give some idea
 
 viii PREFACE. 
 
 of the execution, and set off what foh 
 lows; and on all these accounts parti- 
 
 cularh^ applicable.
 
 PRELUDE 
 
 TO 
 
 VOLUME THR FIRST? 
 
 I' WISH I had never happened to 
 light on the tiresome Italian, proverb, 
 ** Che ben. comincia- hci la met a di 
 Vopra^'* it carries with it such an im- 
 posing commaiidj upon the utmost exer- 
 tions of one's pen at the. very first onset, 
 
 •-" Who begins well, has done half the worki'' or- 
 <♦ What is well begun, is fuU half done."
 
 n PRELUDE. 
 
 that the appreliensious of failure almost 
 anniliilates its active power.*^. To this 
 perhaps will be imputed the heaviness, 
 which ia my humbW opinion (though I 
 sincerely hope the reader will not agree 
 in it), pervades the two or three first 
 chapters of my narrative; / tkitik it 
 extends no farther. But of the excuse 
 offered by the effects of the proverb, I 
 f hall not avail myself; but whisper the 
 ^mple fact, which has been the occa- 
 sion of paralizing the energy 6f the style,^ 
 or rather of the story ia its earliest stage. 
 
 On a revisal of the work^ I tesohed on: 
 omitting a very principal scene,^ which 
 gave animation to the dulness that always 
 prevails at the opening of a story, but I 
 perceived in it some slight traits of cha-
 
 PRELUDK. Vll 
 
 racter so strongly resembling individuals 
 of whom I have some knowledge, and 
 which, without being sensible of it, I ap- 
 peared to have struck off, that I in- 
 stantly resolved on leaving out the whole 
 scene. 
 
 On re-perusing it attentively, I thought 
 it bore an analogy that would not fail to 
 be interpreted very differently to what I 
 intended it, and might hurt the feelings 
 of some, and cause enmity in others, 
 who were in fax:t objects of indiffer- 
 ence to me, and whom I never had 
 the most distant idea of really reprc" 
 sentingy^ 
 
 I have, therefore, without hesitation^ 
 sacrificed one of the best scenes in my
 
 VHl PEELUDE. 
 
 Look, from an apprehension that a wrong 
 construction might have heen put upon 
 it, not yet having attained that degree of 
 perfection which would lead me to say 
 with Madame de Stael; — " Moguons 
 nou^ des autres, et quiU s€ moquent de 
 nous, cest bkn fait de tout part'^ 
 
 Having said thits much to prejudice 
 the Reader against the first part of my 
 book, I shall only add that I hope I have 
 failed in the attempt, and that this wori 
 may remind him of the declamation, he 
 no doubt has frequently heard from the 
 pulpit, when the preacher begins in a 
 low tone, scarcely audible, which he 
 elevates by degrees, till he displays the 
 full force of his oratorical powers. 
 
 Some indulgence I think will he
 
 PRELUDE. IX 
 
 shewn— but 1 hate indulgence; it im« 
 plies a great deed ta overlook ; I like 
 justice better, that seems to admit merits 
 Yet I think the world, that is the British 
 World,wiU feel inclined to shew indulgence 
 to what the Greek world considered as 
 unpardonable, and that my candidly ac- 
 knowledging^ I follow the example first 
 set by Simonides,* will rather interest the 
 Public in my favor, when I add, that al- 
 though his exertions were stimulated by 
 a similar view, the motive which instigat- 
 ed him, was widely different, and welL 
 merited the severe cen&ure of Aristotle,, 
 who termed it " avaricioas rapicity ;'' 
 
 •A poet of the Isle of Ccos, and the first on record 
 who wrote for emolument. He was born 558 before 
 «ur. Saviour, and lived ninety years.
 
 X PELLUDE. 
 
 and so it was in the companion and fa- 
 vorite of piinces and grandees. 
 
 His^ only apology for it was (by his 
 own confession) that as his avarice in- 
 creased with his years, the pursuit of mo- 
 ney was the only delight which time had 
 left him. 
 
 I have neither fche excuse of years, 
 BOf any extraordinary delight which I 
 experience from the possession of mo- 
 ney to urge m my extenuation ; but per- 
 haps a better apology will be found in 
 the certainty, that with our years, our 
 wants must increase ; and money alone 
 can furnish the delights of independ- 
 ance; 
 
 This is, alas ! a truism which the most
 
 PRELUDE. XI 
 
 enlightened are unable to contradict, 
 however the rejinanent of their natures 
 forbids their making any allusions to so 
 vulgar a subject. 
 
 And now having made tLis sacrifice to 
 candour, I will add yet another, aad catch- 
 ing a glance at that brilliant beam that 
 fluctuates m perspective, and with irresist- 
 ible influence attracts me forward^ in the 
 perhaps vain hope, that its gilded rays,, 
 may at length play upon me, ex.claini — 
 
 ** I own I labour for the voice of praise !' 
 
 *^Fop vrho would sink iitdark oblivion's streaaij 
 **- Who would not Utc in songa of other days ?** 
 
 I hope the reader vv^ill not feel inclined to 
 iiken nae to Erostratus (the circumstance is 
 often alluded to) to set fire to the temple 
 of Diana at Ephesus, in order to immoc-
 
 talize his name, and of course will be 
 ever remembered fbr his mischievous 
 folly and absurdity. Such immortality 
 1 covet not^ and hope nobody will be 
 dispos^d^ to think I have a claim to it; It? 
 were better to exist *^ the living lum- 
 ber of one's kindred earth," and die, un*- 
 sung, and unremembered ! 
 
 After what I have said it will be imme- 
 diately perceived that among " the well- 
 known division of authoi's into writers 
 fer fame! writers for gain! and writers 
 for bofkr* I rank myself in the latter^ 
 and I believe by far the most numerous 
 Glass, if all would but make truth their 
 motto!
 
 VIRGINIA; 
 
 OK THE 
 
 PEACE OF AMIEN&\ 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 " O Solitude ! where are the charms 
 " Which sages have seen in thy face? 
 
 " Better dwell in the midst of alarms, 
 " Than reign in this horrible place ! 
 
 " Society, Friendship, and Love, 
 
 " Divinely bestow'd upon man; 
 " O had I the wings of a dove, 
 
 •* How soon would I taste you again !" 
 
 COWPER. 
 
 Charles Clifford w^s the only 
 
 child of a wealthy and respectable British 
 merchant. No pains, or expence^ had 
 been spared on his education, Avhich had 
 been conducted in a style suitable to any 
 nobleman, and to which his lively abilities 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 SI VIRGINIA. 
 
 and celerity of comprehension did ample 
 justice ; and the rich and improved fruits 
 of cultivation, were conspicuous both in 
 his mind and manners. He had (what 
 the world calls) no connections, that 
 is, no relations whose rank or consequence 
 could reflect a tinsel glare on him ; nor 
 did he require this borrowed lustre to 
 render apparent his many amiable quali- 
 ties, and the genuine goodness of heart, 
 which secured him friends, and created 
 him connections in all who knew how to 
 appreciate such perfections. But we do 
 not mean to represent him as a perfect 
 being, far from it ; there were shades in 
 his character which discovered him to be 
 human ^ though none tliat could disgrace 
 humanity, ^ 
 
 He had been some time at college, and 
 had resisted tolerably well, the various 
 temptations which presented themselves, 
 tQ induce him to neglect those studies he 
 had repaired to the university to prose-
 
 VIEGINIAv i^ 
 
 cute, when death depriveilT him of his' 
 only parent: his mother had died during- 
 his infancy. At this perio(^, Ghailest 
 GHfFord had just attained his twentieth, 
 year ; but his father had so willed it, that 
 Jive years more were to elapse before he- 
 became of age, and obtained unrestrain-- 
 ed possession of the very considerable: 
 funded property he was sole heir to ; till 
 which time he was to be under the con - 
 troul of guardians. In the nomination^ 
 of the persons who were to act in that! 
 capacity, his father had arranged an ex- 
 traordinary compromise between pru^ 
 dence and ostentation. With due re- 
 gard to the former, lie had (as one of the 
 guardiaRs of his son) selected an elderly 
 country gentleman, who had once been 
 eminent in the law, whose strict economy, 
 and sound probity, were almost proverf 
 bial in the neighbourhood where: he^ 
 dwelt; the latter proving to a demon- 
 stration the injustice of xhe.gentral cen- 
 sure cast on men of his pi*ofession. This
 
 4« VIRGINIA. 
 
 gentleman's name was Beryl ; he resided 
 with an only daughter, in a small, but 
 neat house, situated in the outskirts of 
 an inconsiderable town, two hundred 
 miles north of the metropolis. The se- 
 cond guardian was of a character and 
 description very opposite to the person 
 above delineated. 
 
 Ostentation alone could have prompt- 
 ed Mr. Cliftbrd to request Lord Calis- 
 brook to permit himself to be nominated 
 one of the guardians of his son. Tliat 
 his lordship would perform any one of 
 the duties incumbent on him in that si- 
 tuation, Mr. Clifford never expected; for 
 that he wholly depended on Mr. Beryl ; 
 being certain Lord Calisbrook would not 
 take any trouble whatever about it, as 
 that was more than he ever did respect- 
 ing his own affairs. But Mr. Clifford 
 beheved he would be a passive agent, 
 and through him his son would get intro- 
 duced into the first circles, as his vaca-
 
 VIRGINIA. 5 
 
 tions were to be spent alternately with 
 cither guardian. Mr. Clifford's connec- 
 tion with Lord Calisbrook had originated 
 in a pecuniary embarrassment of the 
 latter during his father's life-time, when 
 Mr. Clifford had accommodated him with 
 money at legal interest, for which his 
 noble friend professed himself greatly 
 obhged. On his coming to the title 
 (which he had now been in possession of 
 some years) the debt had been paid off, 
 find his lordship had ever since conducted 
 himself with great civility towards Mr. 
 Clifford, whenever they chanced to meet, 
 which however was but seldom, as they 
 moved not in the same circle of society. 
 Lord Calisbrook lived in a style of mag- 
 nificent splendor; Mr. Clifford, con^ 
 ceived him, at that time, entirely free 
 from all pecuniary difficulties; and was 
 much gratified by the readiness with 
 which his lordship acceded to his re- 
 quest, that he would accept the joint 
 guardianship of his son. 
 B 3
 
 -6 VIRGINIA. 
 
 These arrangements had been made 
 ^ome years previous to the death of Mr. 
 (Clifford, and when that awful period 
 ffti^rived, he resigned his existence 'with 
 icttl'mness and composure; feeling per- 
 fectly satisfied concerning the future 
 •^velfare of his son, whose property he 
 ^mew would be secure in the charge of 
 Mr. Beryl, and whose consequence, 
 lie doubted not, would be increased 
 by his connection with Lord Calls- 
 lbiX)ok. 
 
 Charles Clifford had nearly recovered 
 the sincere sonow he had experienced on 
 the death of his father, when the summer 
 vacation permitted him to absent himself 
 for some time from Oxford. 
 
 During his father's life-time, these 
 periods had rarely been spent at home, 
 for Charles had made so many friends 
 for himself, among his fellow collegians, 
 (who always eagerly solicited him to pass
 
 the time with 'them at tlie houses of therr 
 respective relations), that after remaining 
 -a few days with his father, the old gen- 
 tleman with pleas lii'e allowed him to de- 
 fpart for the residence of some of his 
 great friends; for of suchhis acquaint- 
 ance chiefly consisted ; and his father 
 Was desirous that he should cultivate and 
 mature these intimacies. 
 
 In these circles Charles felt quite at 
 home; indeed they were such as he had 
 been accustomed to from childhood; for 
 his education had been carried on at the 
 most superior seminaries, through every 
 stage ; and though, as we before ob- 
 served, heliad no cofi??eciions, (that is no 
 natural ones) his father had lived in k 
 very genteel, nay elegant style; not- 
 withstanding that his town mansion was 
 situated in Bloornsbury Square; which 
 we certainly must admit was considerably 
 too far eastward to allow its master any 
 pretensions to kaut ton. On which ac- 
 b4
 
 8 VIRGINIA. 
 
 count young Clifford resolved never to 
 inhabit it, he being (as was natural at 
 his age, and with his ideas) most violent- 
 ly prepossessed in favor of every thing that 
 was fashionable, elegant, and genteel, 
 Mobile he entertained a proportionable 
 antipathy to low breeding, ignorance, 
 and vulgarity. He was charmed at the 
 thoughts of being domesticated in the 
 family of Lord Calisbrook; but felt a 
 strong disgust at the idea of visiting 
 Mr. Beryl, at whose residence it had 
 been settled he was to spend his first va- 
 cation ; owing to which, he was obliged 
 to decline the pressing invitations of his 
 young friends to pass some time with 
 them, which he did with great reluctance ; 
 but Mr. Beryl had given him to under- 
 stand he should expect him to continue 
 with him during the whole vacation, and 
 Charles did not attempt to dispute his 
 will. 
 
 With a heavv heart he left Oxford,
 
 VIRGINIA. y 
 
 heartily wishing that the time were arriv- 
 ed when he should again return to it. 
 He travelled post, attended only by his 
 valet, and whenever the masters of the 
 inns told him it was necessary to have 
 four horses on account of some parti- 
 cular hill, or uncommon heaviness of the 
 road, he ordered a pair of leaders to be 
 put on; not from any wish to expedite 
 his journey (being no way impatient to 
 reach the termination of it) but he was 
 so absolutely indifferent on the subject, 
 notwithstanding the augmented expense 
 that would fall upon himself, that he ne- 
 ver thought of dissenting ; on which ac- 
 count he travelled with four horses near- 
 ly the whole way, and about noon the 
 third day the carnage stopped before the 
 house of Mr. Beryl. 
 
 Tlie old gentleman (who was in expec- 
 tation of his guest) was walking up and 
 down a small lawn before his door. He 
 wore a rusty black coat, had no hat on^ 
 b5
 
 10 VIKGrNlA. 
 
 and liis head was but thinly scattered with 
 grey hairs. His features were promi- 
 nent, and the lines of his countenance 
 contracted ; nor did they relax into a 
 smile on his perceiving Mr. Clifford ; 
 but he M'alked forward with a steady 
 pace as the youth descended from the 
 chaise. 
 
 *' Charles Clifford, I presume?'* said 
 he, as he held out his hand to him* 
 '* You are welcome." 
 
 Charles bowed, and followed the old 
 gentleman, who led the way in silence to 
 the house. Having reached a small par- 
 lour of no very pi^epossessin^ appearance, 
 (there being no carpet on it, and a few 
 oak chairs and a tabic of the same, form- 
 ing the whole furniture of the room") he 
 requested Charles to be seated, at the 
 same i^lomeilt he sat down himself, arid 
 continued scanning the youth from head 
 to foot. Chfford, though invited, did
 
 VIRGINIA. 11 
 
 not seat himself, but walked to the wihi- 
 dow, and 'looked with some anxiety at 
 his servant, who was taking the baggage 
 off the chaise, and putting it down near 
 the gate, being at a loss to know where 
 to deposit it, for no domestic of any de- 
 scription had come to the door. 
 
 Mr. Beryl's continued silence deterred 
 Charles from speaking, but he beckoned 
 to his servant to bring the luggage into 
 the house. 
 
 ' *' Did you want any thing?" said Mr. 
 Beryl, observing his motions. 
 
 *' I believe my servant wishes to know 
 where he is to place my trunk, Sir." 
 
 ** Well, you can go up stairs and shew 
 him yourself; the first door on the right 
 hand opens into your chamber." 
 
 Charles, with a sensation of disgust, 
 tiot unmixed with resentment at the cava- 
 lier manner in which he was treated, went 
 36
 
 12 VIRGINIA. 
 
 to hunt out his chamber, and following 
 the direction he had received, he soon 
 found it. It was small, but very neat; 
 a single bed with a canopy and white 
 hangings, and a window curtain of the 
 same, gave a lively aspect to the apart- 
 ment. The floor was covered with green 
 baize, and a delicate napkin supplied the 
 place of a toilet. The looking glass was 
 about one quarter the size of that Charles 
 had been accustomed to survey himself in, 
 but he could see his head in it, and that 
 was quite sufficient, as he experienced 
 no very great degree of pleasure in con- 
 templating his own person; nevertheless 
 it was a very agreeable one. I have been 
 extremely negligent, in not treating 'on 
 this important subject before, Charles 
 C^hfford was about the middle height, he 
 certainly could not be called tall, nor 
 could he with any greater degree of pro- 
 priety be termed short. A juster idea of 
 symmetry and proportion than his figure 
 conveyed, could not be conceived. His
 
 VIRDINIA. 15 
 
 countenance was remarkable for its ani- 
 mation, and had naturally a lively cast. 
 His bright blue eyes darted their mean- 
 ing before he could give it utterance. 
 The ruddy tint of health pervaded hi» 
 complexion. His nose was of the non- 
 descript order, but rather long : his teeth 
 white, and his bright chesnut Brutus set 
 remarkably well, and gave expression to 
 his whole contour. 
 
 Charles lingered some time in his 
 chamber, feeling averse to rejoining Mr. 
 Beryl, of whose manners and disposition 
 he had formed the most unfavorable opi- 
 nion. He had never seen liim before, 
 but had frequently heard his father men- 
 tion him as his particular friend; but as 
 he had been ignorant of his intention to 
 nominate him one of his guardians, he 
 had never inquired particularly concern- 
 ing him. He knew that he had a daugh- 
 ter, but the old gentlenmn had appeared 
 so reserved and inaccessible^ that Charles
 
 14 YIRGINIA. 
 
 had not ventured to enquire after her, at 
 his first entrance. He now again de- 
 scended, and found Mr. Beryl jubt where 
 he had left him; but he was engaged with 
 a book, which he did not lay down when 
 Charles re-entered. The youth sealed 
 himself in the window, and endeavoured 
 to seem occupied in contemplating the 
 prospect, which was realty picturesque ; 
 for. although the house was^ close to the 
 town, no vestige of it could be discerned 
 from the windows, and it Mould have 
 been easy to have fancied oneself in the 
 bosom of the country* 
 
 The exterior of the residence was pre- 
 possessing; it had the appearance of a 
 cottage ornty but with that the parlour 
 Charles now sat in, by no means corres- 
 ponded. 
 
 Mr. Beryl at length put down his book, 
 and taking out a shabby looking silver 
 watch with a steel chain, he said, ^* Just
 
 VIRGINIA. i5 
 
 an hour to dinner time,. Dinner will be 
 on the table exactly at twoJ' 
 
 Charles could scarcely forbear casting 
 up his eyes in amazement. Mr. Bervl 
 added, — 
 
 '' I will not ask you to take atiy things 
 as dinner will be ready so soon." 
 
 Charles only bowed. He no longer 
 regretted that the meal was to be served 
 at so got hie an hour, for he had break- 
 fasted early, and was wry hungry, and 
 would have relished extremely a substan- 
 tial luncheon, which he had always been 
 accustomed to. IVIr. Beryl now said, 
 *' You may go and walk round the 
 grounds if you like it. They are not 
 very extensive, you cannot lose your- 
 sel£" 
 
 Charles, glad to quit his presence, 
 availed himself of this gracious per- 
 mi;^ion, and proceeded to the lawn^ from
 
 l6 VIRGINIA. 
 
 whence he strolled into a shrubbery, 
 which though of no very great extent, 
 was shady and agreeable. Several rustic 
 seats presented themselves, and the ut- 
 most order and regularity was conspi- 
 cuous in all around. Having reached 
 the termination, his progress was im- 
 peded by a small wicket which conducted 
 into a hanging wood, but the gate was 
 locked, and Charles retraced his way 
 through the shrubbery, but did not re- 
 enter the house until the hour of dinner, 
 which was served in the only sitting 
 room he had yet seen. A roast leg of 
 mutton, potatoes, and a cucumber were 
 put on the table. Not another di$h of 
 any description appeared. Mr. Beryl, 
 without the least ceremony, bade Charles 
 dress the cucumber. A dumb waiter was 
 drawn close to the table ; for a female 
 servant, who had brought in the dinner, 
 left the room the moment she had placed 
 the dishes.
 
 VIRGINtA. 17 
 
 ** I suppose you cannot din© off one 
 joint?'* said Mr. Beryl, as he cut the 
 iputton. 
 
 Charles replied, that he had a very good 
 appetite. 
 
 " Did you ever sit down to such a din- 
 ner before?" asked Wr. Beryl. 
 
 Charles was at a loss how to answer; 
 he never recollected having partaken of 
 so frugal a repast in his life, but he did 
 not like to say so, and he observed that 
 the mutton appeared extremely good ; 
 adding that he doubted not he should 
 make an excellent dinner. 
 
 ** A prevaricator, I perceive,*' said 
 Beryl. *' I suppose a modern j^we gentle- 
 man must not tell the truth." 
 
 ** I have no pretensions to being a^w^ 
 gentleman, Sir."
 
 <1<8 VIRGrNIA. 
 
 '* Indeed! I should not liave suppbsed 
 30 from thfe style in which you travelled 
 here." 
 
 " Style 1 Sir?'' repeated Charles witb 
 Ian interrogating glance. 
 
 "Yes, style, Sir!" echoed the old 
 gentleman; ** perhaps you don't consider 
 a post chaise and four style; but I do,, 
 and very unncecessary style too. f 
 should have thought a pair of horses 
 would have been quite sufficient to have 
 ^rawn you and your servant; I don't 
 J)erceive that either of you are so remark- 
 ably unweildy. I can't say I should have 
 •been much surprised if you had travelled 
 ^ownin the mail coach. '^ 
 
 '* Really, Sir, I never thought of the 
 mail coach ; it certainly would have 
 been the best Avay ; and indeed it was 
 not my desire to have four horses, but the 
 inn keepers assured me it was absolutely 
 necessary on account of the heaviness of 
 the roads." 
 
 " The inn keepers assured you I Why
 
 VIRGINIA. \^ 
 
 how could you for a moment believe ^ 
 word that they said? Your own sensed 
 Blight have informed you that they were 
 only consulting their 'own interest. TI1I2 
 money you have expended on this jour- 
 ney might have been much better appro- 
 priated ; a repetition of sach acts of ex- 
 travagance would soon involve you in 
 difficulties." - 
 
 Charles could scarcely forbear smiling. 
 After a short silence, he ventured to ask 
 «.fter Miss Beryl. 
 
 " She was very well yesterday/' re- 
 plied the old gentleman, " when I heard 
 from her ; she has been staying with some 
 friends in the country, but I expect her 
 home to-morrow." 
 
 Charks was very glad to hear this, as^^ 
 fee hoped in Miss Beryl to find a more 
 
 congenial being than her father. They 
 had not concluded their meal, when a
 
 *0 VIRGINIA. 
 
 poor woman, with an infant in her arms, 
 (trailing another, that could scarcely 
 walk, after her by the hand) approached 
 the window begging for charity. 
 
 Charles, with the warmth of heart na- 
 tural to him, instantly put his hand into 
 his pocket, and arose with the intention 
 of bestowing his pittance on the sup- 
 pliant, for she appeared out of health, 
 and spoke in the most humble tone. But 
 the moment Mr. Beryl perceived her, he 
 flew to the window, and threw it up ; and 
 with a countenance of anger, he addressed 
 the harshest language to the unfortunate; 
 asking her how she dare to enter his gate, 
 and conmianding her instantly to depart, 
 or he would commit her to Bridewell. 
 The poor woman was struck dumb, she 
 only courtsied with a piteous look. Mr. 
 Beryl became more furious, and threat- 
 ened to set his dogs at her; she then, 
 trembling with terror, Avithrew from the 
 window.
 
 VIRGINIA. 21 
 
 Charles looked after her with the ut- 
 most commiseration, and ventured to savr 
 — ^' Pray, Sir, allow me to — " 
 
 Mr. Beryl interrupted him, crying 
 ont — " She shall not have a single far- 
 thing! If yoii attempt to give her any 
 thing, I shall be extremely offended with 
 you, Sir." 
 
 Charles, more disgusted than ever 
 with Mr. Beryl, reluctantly returned his 
 purse into his pocket, for the poor wo- 
 man was now at some distance, and he 
 did not wish to exasperate his morose 
 companion, by following, or calling after 
 her; but he determined at the first op- 
 portunity to go into the town, in the 
 hope that he might meet her, and bestow 
 that relief she appeared so much in want 
 of. 
 
 lie could not eat another morsel, and 
 remained totally silent, while Mr. Beryl 
 continued to descant, with more volu-
 
 %^,. VIRGINIA, 
 
 bility than he had before discovered, 
 upon the impositions constantly practiced 
 by beggars, and the folly and absurdity of 
 listening to their tales, or throwing away 
 money on such unworthy objects. 
 
 Some currant wine was put on the 
 table after dinner ; Charles had not been 
 accustomed to such light beverage, and 
 having drank one glass of it, he declined 
 taking any more. 
 
 **Well,^' said Mr. Beryl, ''if you 
 don't choose to drink, it is no use our 
 sitting here wasting time ; for you do 
 not seem disposed f©r social converse ; so 
 you may amuse yourself as you please 
 till six o'clock, when tea will be ready. 
 I have plenty to occupy my time. I 
 suppose you never read except when you 
 are obliged ; it is not the fashion now-a- 
 days. But, however, if you should be 
 less foshieriable than I suspect you to be, 
 those pannels round the room are all slid-
 
 ing boards, and the recesses behind them 
 contain a tolerable library, which you may 
 benefit by if you choose." 
 
 With these words he quitted the room, 
 leaving Charles astonished at his allusion 
 to social converse, the nature of which 
 he appeared so little to understand. 
 
 The poor beggar now recurred to his 
 thoughts, and with her, a sensation 
 nearly bordering on abhorrence of Mr. 
 BeryU 
 
 He took up his hat, and soon found 
 himself in the town, which he traversed 
 in every direction, hoping to meet the 
 being who had so much interested his 
 feelings. But his search proved fruitless, 
 and he returned to the house no less 
 disgusted with the dreary and deserted 
 aspect of the streets he had passed 
 through than witb the owner of the little 
 mansion.
 
 J4 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Now the town in itself was by no means 
 an ugly, or a dirty town ; and was as 
 populous as most places remote from 
 the metropolis, where no manufacture is 
 established, or which is not a garrison ; 
 but Charles had been accustomed to re- 
 side in a grand, nay magnificent city ; 
 where he seldom traversed half a street 
 without meeting some acquaintance. In 
 his walk this evening he had not met one 
 person whose appearance bespoke gen- 
 tility, nor beheld one face he had ever 
 seen before; he thought the little town 
 of P — the most horrible place he had 
 ever been in ; he hated every body, and 
 every thing he saw, wondered how any 
 person could exist there ; and on his re- 
 turn to the house, he, with some impa- 
 tience, pushed back the slides of the li- 
 brary, hoping to find something there 
 tliat would assist in helping off the mi- 
 serable time he should be condemned to 
 remain with Mr. Beryl. He examined 
 two cases full of books without finding
 
 VIRGINIA. 25 
 
 any but such as treated on religion and 
 law ; he had not patience to pursue the 
 search any farther, not doubting they 
 were all works on similar subjects; and 
 completely out of humour, he went up 
 to his chamber, and unpacking his writ- 
 ing desk, he commenced a most despond- 
 ing epistle to one of his college friends^ 
 very pathetically describing the horrors 
 of his situation, and descanting on it in 
 language which might well have suited 
 an Exile in Siberia. 
 
 VOL. I,
 
 26 VIRGINIA, 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 " To bless mankind with tides of flowing wealth, 
 
 ** With pow'r to grace them, or to crown with health, 
 
 ** Our little lot denies*— -but Heav'n decrees 
 
 " To all the gift of ministering ease, 
 
 '* The gentle offices of patient love, 
 
 " Beyond all flattery, and all price above, 
 
 ** The mild forbearance of another's fault ; 
 
 " The taunting word suppress'd as soon as thought; 
 
 *' On these Heav'n bids the bliss of life depend, 
 
 " And crush'd ill fortune, where it made a friend !" 
 
 CHARLES was interrupted in the 
 middle of his epistolary lamentations by 
 a summons to tea. Still the little uncar- 
 peted parlour, or rather the library (for 
 such in fact it \vas) was the scene of ac- 
 tion, and he began to think there was no 
 other sitting room in the house. He 
 made a tolerable good meal at his tea, 
 for it was his usual dinner hour, and the
 
 VIRGINIA, f7 
 
 brown bread and butter suffered accord- 
 ingly. Mr. Beryl observed that Charles 
 bad a vei y good appetite ; but whether 
 te was pleased or displeased at the dis- 
 covery, it was not easy to determine 
 from his manner; at all events Charles 
 had as leave the observation had not 
 been made; however, he resolved not to 
 eat the less for it. 
 
 Mr. Beryl now said, ^* I suppose you 
 have been reading, for I perceive the cases 
 are open." 
 
 ** No, Sir, I was only looking over 
 the books.'' 
 
 *' What, I suppose there are none 
 sufficiently profound to suit your — But 
 you opened the wrong part. Had you 
 began at this end you would have found 
 something more to your taste. The book* 
 on these shelves are all in their original 
 languages; Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, 
 Chaldean, Sanscrit ; those I dare say will 
 better suit your taste and capacity; but, 
 e 2
 
 S8 VIRGINIA. 
 
 however, when next you examine them, 
 I should be glad you would close (the 
 slides after you, for the dust gets in and 
 ruins my books,*' 
 
 Shortly after the tea things were re- 
 moved, Charles rose, resolving to go and 
 finish his letter, for he found himself 
 unable to make a single attempt to con- 
 verse with Mr. Beryl, who said to him as 
 he quitted the room, *' Supper at nine;'* 
 and not till nine did Charles re-appear. 
 
 The supper consisted of bread and 
 cheese, butter, sallad and radishes; no 
 meat of any kind was to be seen, and 
 the only beverage was table beer. As 
 early as he could without absolute rude- 
 ness, Charles retired, and the most 
 pleasing sensation he experienced during 
 the day, was occasioned by the sight of 
 his valet in his chamber, when he went 
 up to bed; for in him he beheld some 
 one he was accustomed to, and for whom
 
 VIRGINIA. 29 
 
 he felt greater interest than for any body 
 he had yet seen at P — . It was many 
 hours eaiHer than Charles had been ia 
 the habitof retiring to rest, but lie was iti 
 that temper of miiul which peculiarly in- 
 clines one to court sleep, as a refuge 
 from ennui and discontent. By six 
 o'clock in the morning he awoke again 
 under the same impression ; looking for- 
 ward to the coming day with the most 
 comfortless and desolate sensation. He 
 rose and dressed himself without the as- 
 sistance of his servant, thinking it too 
 early to arouse him, for (like most 
 young men) he indulged him to a ridi- 
 culous degree. 
 
 Charles descended the stairs, intend- 
 ing to take a walk before breakfast. He 
 found that the servants were up, and 
 every thing below appeared as if it was 
 later than he imagined, but a clock on 
 the stairs (the hand of which pointed to 
 half-past six) convinced him he was not 
 c 3 .
 
 30 VIRGINIA. 
 
 mistaken. In passing the parlour door, 
 he thought of vvhat Mr. Beryl had said 
 respecting the hooks ; by the cast of his 
 countenance at the time he had spoken, 
 he was pretty certain that he rather meant 
 to deride his capacity than to pay him a 
 compliment, by affecting to think that he 
 required books of extraordiiiary profun- 
 dity to interest him. He now determined 
 to examine the shelves he had pointed 
 to, as containing various productions in 
 the dead languages ; but how greatly was 
 he surprized to find the books here ar- 
 ranged, were the works of the most mo- 
 dern English authors, both in prose and 
 verse; and magazines, reviews, and 
 pamphlets, of the latest date, were heaped 
 together... Charles was delighted: He 
 soon selected a companion for his walk ; 
 but upon consideration he felt a still in- 
 creased dislike to Mr. Beryl, as it was 
 now very evident that what he had said 
 tlie night before was a sarcasm upon him,
 
 VIRGINIA, St 
 
 and plainly denoted the very humble 
 opinion he entertained of bis erudition. 
 
 •* O! wiiat a disagreeable old man 
 this is!" thought Charles; '' not only 
 austere, and hard-hearted, but sarcastic ; 
 and that is scarcely less disgusting than 
 the other two bad quahties." 
 
 He soon ceased to think of the dis- 
 agreeable old man, and every thing else 
 disagreeable, for the chirms of the vo- 
 lume he had selected absorbed all his 
 ideas. 
 
 He placed himself on one of the seats 
 in the shrubbery, and there remained 
 till he was surprised by his servant, 
 vfhom Mr. Beryl had sent in search of 
 him, and to call him to breakfast, which 
 was always ready at eight o'clock. 
 
 Mr. Beryl had begun, when Charles 
 joined him. 
 
 c 4
 
 32 VIRGINIA. 
 
 " Well, Sir/' said he, as Charles en- 
 tered the room, ** I am surprised to hear 
 you were up so early! — I suppose you 
 cannot sleep upon any thing but a down 
 bed, with four mattresses under it!" 
 
 *' I slept very well. Sir; but as I went 
 to bed so early, it is not likely I should 
 bleep late this morning.'* 
 
 Charles now felt quite provoked with 
 Mr. Beryl, who he believed was ridicul- 
 ing him, and he could scarcely answer 
 him with common patience. 
 
 *^ What has been the subject of your 
 studies^" said Mr. Beryl, taking up the 
 book Charles had been reading, then 
 added, ** O, ho ! I see you have resort- 
 ed to the books I recommended to you.'* 
 
 Charles coloured, and looked very se- 
 rious, while his tormentor seemed more 
 inclined to smile than he had been since 
 the youth's arrival Charles observed
 
 VIRGINIA. 33 
 
 the expression of his countenance, and 
 felt more indignant than ever, and with 
 difficulty could he restrain himself from 
 saying something that would have been 
 unbecoming in him to a man of Mr. 
 Beryl's years ; but he compelled himself 
 to continue silent, which he did during 
 the remainder of the time spent at break- 
 fast; and as soon as he had finished, he 
 took up his book, and began reading 
 without any ceremony. 
 
 ** You appear extremely interested irt 
 tliatbook," said ^Ir. Beryl, who seemed 
 to take a pleasure in forcing Charles to 
 speak when he was least inclined. The 
 latter with reluctance obliged himself to 
 say, — *'' It is very entertaining/' 
 
 ** And that is more than you think your 
 companion," said Air. Beryl, laughing, 
 for the first time in Charles's presence; 
 for in proportion as the ill humour of the 
 latter betrayed itself, the moroseness of 
 c 5
 
 54 VIRGINIA. 
 
 the former relaxed. Charles neither 
 contradicted nor assented to Mr. Beryl's 
 last observation, who immediately said, 
 ** Silence gives consent;" and with these 
 words he left the room without any ap- 
 pearance oC displeasure. Charles thought 
 Jiim the most unpleasant man he had 
 ever beheld ; as even his good humour 
 (seemed to him) purposely ill-timed, and 
 put on, as if merely out of opposi- 
 tion. 
 
 Charles continued reading without any 
 
 interruption till about noon ; when an 
 
 elegant equipage stopped before the gate . 
 
 from which descended two ladies, and 
 
 two gentlemen. The appearance of each 
 
 was prepossessing. (hades observed 
 
 them from the window ; and perceived 
 
 Mr. Beryl hasten down the law to meet 
 
 and welcome them, which he did with 
 
 smiles, and in a very gentleman-like 
 
 manner. He kissed the cheek of one of 
 
 the ladies, whom Charles justly conclud-
 
 VIRGINIA. S5 
 
 ed to be his daughter ; he then conducted 
 the party into the house, and Charles ex- 
 pected them every moment to enter the 
 room ; though he could not help thinking 
 how ill adapted the apartment was for 
 the reception of such guests. Some mi- 
 nutes elapsed, but they did not appear ; 
 and he was pondering on the many dis- 
 agreeable traits he had discovered in Mr. 
 Beryl's character, to which he scrupled 
 not to add that of hypocrisy, (from the 
 complaisant manner he had displayed to- 
 wards the party just arrived) when that 
 gentleman entered the room, saying, — 
 '^' AJy daughter is arrived ; — glad tidings 
 for you I think! — Won't you coine and 
 see herr" 
 
 Charles arose, and followed Mr. 
 Beryl in silence to the end of the passage ; 
 where a door presented itself, which, on 
 being opened, discovered an apartment, 
 which neatness, elegance, and comfort, 
 seemed to have combined to decorate. 
 c6
 
 36 VIRGINIil. 
 
 Here sat the party that had descended 
 from the carriage. The youngest of the 
 ]a(hes stepped forward as Charles enter- 
 ed, and Mr. Beryl presented her as his 
 daughter. She welcomed him with easy 
 and lively affability, and regretted that 
 she should have been absent at the time 
 of his arrival. Mr. Beryl having seated 
 himself, his daughter introduced Charles 
 to the rest.of the party, whom she named 
 as Mr. and Mrs. Branscombe, and the 
 Rev. Mr. Cotterel. This ceremony be^ 
 ing over, Cha^rles took a seat near Miss 
 Beryl, who entered into unrestrained 
 and familiar conversation with him. 
 
 Miss Beryl was about five and twenty ; 
 she was not handsome, yet every one 
 fancied that she was, after having been 
 a few times in her company, so amiable 
 was the expression of her countenance, 
 that bespoke a delightful haririony of dis- 
 position, which was equally apparent in 
 all that she said : added to this, she pes-
 
 VIRGINIA. 57 
 
 sessed a large proportion of animal 
 spirits which rendered her a most agree- 
 able and enlivening companion. Charles 
 was delighted wrih her, and also much 
 pleased with AJrs. Branscombe, a mild 
 and amiable elderly lady, who joined 
 freely in their conversation; wiiile the 
 attention of the two gentleman was en- 
 grossed by Mr. Beryl; and Charles, 
 with amazement, observed the extraordi- 
 nary deference they appeared to enter- 
 tain for every thing that he advanced, 
 and the high respect their manner to- 
 wards him evinced. He could not un- 
 derstand riiis at all, and could only re- 
 concile rt to the opinion he had formed 
 of Mr. Beryl, by concluding that he 
 contrived to impose upon those who had 
 not an opportunity of seeing him in his 
 domestic hours ; and inspire them with 
 a superior consideration of his merits. 
 
 The appearance of Mv. Branscombe 
 was truly respectable ; and he was by na
 
 38 VIRGINIA. 
 
 means a young man; what he said de- 
 noted him to be a person of understand- 
 ing, yet he seemed anxious to agree ia 
 ^hat Mr. Beryl advanced. 
 
 Mr. Cotterel (who was the vicar of the 
 parish) appeared to be about thirty ; he 
 was a very handsome man, and was per- 
 fectly at home in presence of Mr. Beryl, 
 Avho treated him with a familiar intimacy 
 that amazed Charles, as he thought it by 
 no means accorded with his usual maa- 
 mer. 
 
 Sandwichs and choice fruits were 
 brought in to regale the guests, but no 
 foreign wiae was to be seen; but excel- 
 lent cyder, and a variety of British 
 wines, appeared to be greatly relished. 
 
 The former Charles partook of, but 
 could not as yet form his pallet to the 
 latter»
 
 VIRGINIA. 39^ 
 
 Having sat about an hour, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Branscombe arose to depart; they 
 took an affectionate leave of Miss 
 Beryl, expressing a hope that she would 
 speedily pay them another visit, and 
 that they should also have the pleasure of 
 seeing Mr. Clifford. 
 
 As soon as they were gone, Mr. Beryl 
 said to Mr. Cotterel, who remained be- 
 hind, ** You will dine with us to-day, 
 won't you, Harry r" 
 
 ** No, Sir, I thank you, I have been so 
 long out of town^ 1 must return home to 
 dine, but I will be with you again in the 
 evening.'^ 
 
 ** Very well, I like a game of whist, 
 and Charles Clifford may make the 
 fourth." 
 
 Mr. Cotterel had been staying for 
 some days at Mr. Branscombe's : he now 
 shook hands with each of the party, (for 
 he behaved towards Charles with great
 
 40 VIRGINIA. 
 
 cordiality), and wished them good morn- 
 ing". Miss Beryl walked with him across 
 the lawn, and the moment they had left 
 the room, Mr. Beryl said, — '' Weil, I sup- 
 pose you feel a little more comfortable 
 now that you have seen something like a 
 human being ? I verily believe you would, 
 have ran away, if you had been con- 
 demned to remain another day with 
 rae alone. But, however, yoti see my 
 daughter is not at all like me, so you 
 may contrive to exist with her; besides 
 Harry Cotterel i&a very pleasant fellow ; 
 and he is more here than at home : rii 
 short, you will find nobody surly and 
 disagreeable but me»" 
 
 Charles continued silent, for he knew 
 not what to say. Had it not been for the 
 circumstance relative to the poor beggar, 
 which was still fresh in his remembrance^ 
 he would have been tempted to imagine 
 that he had been mistaken in the opi- 
 nion he had formed of Mr. Beryl. At
 
 VIRGlNIAi 4"! 
 
 this moment he beheld the very woman 
 who had occupied so much of hiis 
 thoughts, pass the railing that skirted the 
 lawn, and address Miss BGryl, who was 
 standing at the gate. Mr. Beryl also 
 perceived her, he started up in a rage, 
 exclaiming, ** That d — d impudent wo^ 
 man is there again !'' 
 
 lie ran down the lawn, but before he 
 could reach the gate she had hastened 
 away. He called after her, svveai ing that 
 if ever she came there again, he would 
 commit her to Bridewell (for he was him- 
 self a justice of peace). Charles's feel- 
 ings had began to soften towards -Mr. 
 Beryl, but they now once more rose up 
 in arms against him. Mr. Beryl kept 
 watch till the woman was out of sight, as 
 if aware of Charles's inclination to fol- 
 low, and bestow his charity on her ; he 
 then returned into the house, and called 
 out, *' Charles, if you mean to change
 
 ASl VIRGINIA. 
 
 your dress before dinner, it is time you 
 should set about it.'* 
 
 Charles was astonished ta hear him- 
 self thus familiarly addressed by Mr. 
 Beryl, yet it gave him a sensation of 
 pleasure, though he knew not why. In 
 obedience to the hint, he repaired to his 
 chamber, though resolved to renew his 
 endeavours to find out the poor beggar, 
 -when the old gentleman did not suspect 
 him. 
 
 A short time sufficed to complete his 
 toilet, and he descended the stairs won- 
 dering if the elegant drawing room was 
 to be shut up again till the arrival of ex- 
 traordinary company should occasion it 
 to be re- opened. 
 
 ** How vulgar T' thought Charles ; 
 "yet Miss Beryl is not vulgar; neither 
 indeed is her father, although he is so dis- 
 agreeable."
 
 VIRGINIA. 43 
 
 In the pa'Hsage he encountered Miss 
 Beryl in her way from the kitchen. She 
 had on a white apron. *' How vulgar T 
 again occurred to the mind of Charles, 
 but Miss Beryl spoke, and the idea 
 (spite of the kitchen and the oprori) 
 vanished. 
 
 " I am afraid,*' said she, as she took o8f 
 her apron, and folded it up without ap'« 
 pearing at all concerned at his having 
 seen her in it, ** I am afraid you liave 
 found every thing very uncomfortable, 
 for my father is so extremely careless 
 concerning his own accommodation, and 
 so easily pleased, that he will put up with 
 any thing when 1 am from home." 
 
 Charles made a suitable reply, and 
 followed Miss Beryl to the drawing 
 room. 
 
 Being seated, she continued,-—'* I 
 regretted very much not being able to
 
 44 VIRGINIA. 
 
 get home yesterday, but some casualty 
 prevented me. My father is so extremely 
 taciturn on a first acquaintance, that I 
 know you must have found it very dull ; 
 but indeed, Mr. Clifford, you will form a 
 different opinion of him when you know 
 him better. I always fancy he has a 
 kind of pride in making himself appear 
 to the utmost disadvantage before stran- 
 gers* I tell him there is a degree 
 of vanity in it, and that he does it 
 purposely that they may be the more as- 
 tonished when his real character deve- 
 lopes itself. He has some eccentricities^ 
 Air. Clifford, but those who know him 
 well, think them amiable ones. I be- 
 lieve there are, who think hjm parsimo- 
 nious, but indeed he is not. He knows 
 it to be his duty to practice strict eco- 
 nomy, in order that he may have the 
 more to bestow on those that want, but 
 he never debars his family of any neces- 
 sary comfort.'*
 
 VIRGINIA. A^ 
 
 Charles was more and more charmed 
 with Miss Beryl at every word she ut- 
 tered, so fraught with genuine affection 
 for her parent. He would willingly 
 have believed what she said, for he liked 
 not to tliink that one nearly connected 
 with her could be so unamiable, but he 
 thought of the poor woman, towards 
 whom Mr. Beryl's conduct by no means 
 corresponded with the account his daugh- 
 ter gave of his motives for economy ; 
 and liis antipathy still existed; but to 
 Miss BeryPs unreserved and ingenuous 
 address, he replied, ** It is not fair to 
 form any opinion at all, on so short an 
 acquaintance !" 
 
 ** I allow it is not fair ^ but notwith- 
 standing we are convinced of that, I think 
 one scarcely ever remains half an hour 
 in company with a stranger, without 
 forming our opinion of them. This 
 proves so frequently erroneous, that it 
 ought to teach us to be less precipitate;
 
 4^ VIRGINIA. 
 
 but in this respect, I think we seem to 
 neglect the lessons of experience. For 
 myself, I constantly feel inclined to fall 
 into this error ; but when I am tempted 
 to form an unfavourable conclusion, I 
 think of n)y father, and that compels me 
 to withhold an illiberal decision. But I 
 frankly acknowledge that I never can 
 resist the charms of a beautiful exterior, 
 and fascinating manners; and 1 always 
 persist in thinking the person possessed 
 of them, all that they appear to be, un- 
 til I am absolutely compelled by un- 
 deniable proof of folly or weakness 
 in the favourite to confess myself de- 
 ceived." 
 
 *' For the first time in my life, I wish 
 myself beautiful," said Charles, smil- 
 ing, 
 
 ** O !" cried Miss Beryl, with a good 
 humoured laugh, *' you are quite good- 
 looking enough to compel me to form a 
 most favorable opinion of you; and I
 
 VIRGINIA. 47 
 
 feel confident that you will not disap- 
 point me." 
 
 The dinner bell now rang, and Miss 
 Beryl led the way to an apartment oppo- 
 site to the drawing room, where was 
 a very comfortable salle a manger. 
 
 As she entered, she said, *' My father 
 never will make use of these sitting 
 rooms when I am from home ; he is so 
 fond of the library, that he sits there 
 constantly ; and indeed it looks very un- 
 comfortable now, for in summer he will 
 have the carpet taken up." 
 
 Mr. Beryl, as he seated himself at ta* 
 ble, cybserved, ^* You attach loo much 
 consequence to those sort of things^ 
 Maria. What does it signify whether a 
 room be carpeted or not ? I grant you, 
 in winter it is necessary to comfort, but 
 if it was not for you, I would have every 
 carpet in the house up during the sum
 
 48 viRaiNiA. 
 
 mer; it is useless extravagance, wearing 
 them out for no purpose in the world/' 
 
 The dinner on this day consisted of a 
 piece of beef, and a gooseberry pudding, 
 but there was a variety of vegetables, the 
 production of the kitchen garden, and 
 and this was replaced by a dessert of ex- 
 cellent fruit, and a decanter of port ap- 
 peared with the British wines. 
 
 Mr. Beryl had spoken butlittleduringthe 
 meal, but when the wine was put on the 
 table, he said, " I perceive, Charles, you 
 cannot accommodate your taste to our 
 home-made wines, so I indulge you with 
 this port, but I assure you it rarely ap- 
 pears at my table. I only allow it to in- 
 valids ; it costs too much to be used as 
 any thing but physic. Indeed my con- 
 science would not exonerate me in spend- 
 ing so much money merely to gratify my 
 palate." 
 
 "Your observation is just, Sir," re-
 
 VIRGINIA, 49 
 
 turned Charles, who felt irresistibly in- 
 fluenced in favor of Mr. Beryl by the con- 
 versation he had had with his daughter; 
 ** and had I ever considered the subject 
 in the point of view you have represented 
 it, I think I should long since have re- 
 linquished so expensive an indulgence.'' 
 
 Mr. Beryl looked at him with great 
 complacency as he pushed the port wine 
 towards him. *' No, I thank you, Sir," 
 said Charles, " I will take some of the 
 currant; I dare say I shall like it very 
 much in the course of a day or two ; it 
 is merely habit that makes me prefer the 
 port," 
 
 Mr. Beryl farther pressed him, but 
 Charles was resolute, and it was evident 
 that the old gentleman inwardly approved 
 his firmness; for his manners gradually 
 softened, and wlien iMiss Beryl retired, 
 he convinced Charles that he really did 
 understand tlie nature of social converse, 
 
 VOL. I. D
 
 50 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Amongst other things, he told him that his 
 daughter was engaged to be married to 
 Mr. Cotterel (a union he every way ap- 
 proved) and that it was very shortly to 
 take place.
 
 VIRGINIA. .51 
 
 CHAP. III. 
 
 A man he was to all the country dear 1" 
 
 " Unpractic'd he^tu fawn or seek for pow'r; 
 " By doctrines fasaion'dto the varying hour; 
 " Far other aims his heart had learnt to prize— 
 " More skili'd to raise the wretched, than to rise, 
 
 GOLDSMITH. 
 
 Mr. COTTEREL joined them at tea; 
 ai'ter which a walk was proposed, and 
 they all set off on a ramble. 
 
 They had gone but a very little way 
 when Charles found that he had forgotten 
 his pocket handkerchief, and he ran back 
 for it; being directed w^hich way he was 
 to follow the party. He was not many mo- 
 ments in retracing his steps, and having 
 procured his handkerchief, he again set 
 d2 
 
 UNiVERSITY OF 
 JLLINC \f^Y
 
 ^2 VIRGINIA. 
 
 out. As he was hastening along a lane, 
 his attention was attracted by a woman 
 who was sitting at the door of a miserable 
 cottage. On a second glance he recog- 
 nized the beggar that had so much inter- 
 ested him. She was combiner one of her 
 children's heads, and so extremely dis- 
 gusting was her whole appearance, and 
 so uncommonly filthy was the cottage 
 both inside and .out, that though he hesi- 
 tated, lie %forbore to address her. She 
 was too busily employed to perceive 
 him, or she would probably have impor- 
 tuned him for charity, which he now be- 
 gan to suspect she was not worthy of. 
 He determined to enquire concerning 
 her at some of the neighbouring cottages; 
 %vhich accordingly he did, and was in- 
 formed that she had a husband in perfect 
 health, who earned half-a-crown a day, 
 and that her sickly aspect was entirely 
 occasioned by her own excesses. His 
 informer, a decent looking man, conti- 
 nued, *^ Mr. Beryl, Sir^ at the white
 
 VIRGIKIA. 5S 
 
 house above here, (who is the most charit- 
 able man in the whole county, when he 
 is certain that people really want) has 
 put her two eldest children to school, 
 that they might not be ruined by remain- 
 ing with her; and now, Sir, she is so im- 
 pudent that she is always plaguing him 
 to give her money ; and whenever she 
 sees any quality going to the white 
 house, she is sure to go and beg at the 
 window, in hopes that ihey will give her 
 something. Mr. Beryl has threatened 
 often to send her to Bridewell, and in- 
 deed I wish he would. Sir, for she is a 
 great nuisance to the neighbourhood/'^ 
 
 Charles was satisfied with this account; 
 his purse remained in his pocket; and he 
 proceeded on his way, severely blaming 
 himself for the hasty and illiberal opinion 
 he had formed of Mr. Ber^l; and re- 
 solving for the future not to judge entire- 
 ly by appearances. Charles soon over- 
 took the little party ; and after a very 
 D 3
 
 .54 VlllGINIA. 
 
 }>leasant walk, they returned; heme, aiid 
 piayed at whist till the supper was put 
 upon the table, which was on^ this, night 
 iaiproved by cream cheese and water- 
 cresses, and raspberries and cream ; but 
 Mr. Beryl never permitted meat to be 
 imtroduced at supper, except on most 
 psaajciculap occasions, as he conceived It 
 quite superfluous, and very unwholesome. 
 Miss Beryl told Charles, that to re- 
 pay him for the stupid manner in which 
 he had passed this evening, she would on 
 the morrow introduce him to some very 
 agreeable women, whom she described as 
 a widow and her daughter (Mrs. and Miss 
 Sebright') relations of her own, who re- 
 sided about a mile from the toivn. 
 
 Charles retired much better pleased on 
 this night than he had on that precedirrg; 
 though he still anxiously anticipated the 
 time when he should become an inmate at 
 Lord Calisbrook's, Avhere he knew every 
 thing wQuld be in the firststyle of elegance.
 
 viae^iNiA, 5S 
 
 Miss Beryl was a very pleasant young 
 woman, but then her chief attention must 
 (of course) be monopolized by Mr. 
 Cotterel : Mr. Beryl was only pleasant by 
 starts,^ and he appeared to entertain some 
 vulgar prejudices. Poor Charles's hor- 
 ror of vulgarity was unconquerable, and 
 he had often been laughed at by his col- 
 lege friends for his favourite expsession, 
 —'' How vulgar!" 
 
 d4
 
 ■56 VIRcrNIA. 
 
 CHAP. LV. 
 
 " And ne'er did Grecian chizzel trace^ 
 '* A nymph, a naiad, or a grace, 
 " Of finer form, or lovelier face ! 
 
 LADY OF THE LAKE. 
 
 SOON after breakfast the next morn- 
 ing, Mr. Cotterel dropped in; and Miss 
 Beryl and the two young gentlemen set 
 out for the residence of Mrs. Sebright. 
 They passed through the shrubbery, and 
 from thence into the hanging wood. 
 
 *'Now/' said Miss Beryl to Charles, 
 " I must (with due regard to prudence, 
 and as behoves me after our /owo- friend- 
 ship) put you upon your guard against 
 the danger you are about to be exposed 
 to ; and request that you will arm your-
 
 VIRGIKIA. 57 
 
 self with the shield of indifference, tlie 
 buckler of philosophy, and the breast- 
 plate of insensibility,; and with any ar- 
 row you may choose to select but that of 
 Cupid ; which I solemnly forbid you to 
 make use of even in self defence." 
 
 ** You really alarm nje," cried Charles, 
 laughing ; *' what formidable attack am I 
 to apprehend, that should render such 
 adamantine armour requisite:'' 
 
 " Why first of all, the artillery of a 
 pair of the brightest eyes in the world; 
 the arch and playful smiks of a most 
 lovely mouth, which like so many rifle- 
 men wound and subdue you before you 
 are aware of your danger ; and the brisk 
 and animated fire of a brilliant imagi- 
 nation. Now you must be aware that 
 without the armour 1 have recommended 
 to you, you could have no. chance of 
 withstanding such a powerful combina- 
 tion." 
 
 *' And pray may I ask, in whom 
 p 6
 
 58 VIliGIN^IA. 
 
 ^re all these conquering charms com- 
 bined ?" 
 
 *' In the person of Augusta Sebright. 
 Mrs. Sebright is the widow of an officer. 
 On tlie demise of her hnsband (which oc- 
 curred many years ago) she found that it 
 would be expedient that she should 
 adopt a system of economy she had never 
 before been accustonyed to practice ; and 
 she retired to this county," of M'hich sl)e is 
 a native, and now resides with her daugh- 
 ter at a very sweet cottage, the chimneys 
 of which I can just now descry among 
 the trees. Augusta is a most deligiuful 
 girl, and though she lias no fortune, I 
 doubt not she will marry well, posssessed 
 as she is, of such superior attractions.'^ 
 ^ "Do you not tliink you had better 
 turn back ?" said Mr. Cotterel to Charles, 
 laughing, ** or are you resolved to face 
 the danger." 
 
 ^' O certainly ' I do not experience 
 the smallest apprehension. I have seen 
 beauties of various descriptions, and (to
 
 VIRGINIA. 59 
 
 own the truth,) I never rcmt'mber to 
 liave been in love for more than a day in 
 in my life." 
 
 This was very t^'ue, Charles was a 
 sM'anger to the tender passion, and be- 
 lieved himself to be naturally insensible 
 to its attacks. But he had not as yet 
 had a fair trial ; he \uis much more ac- 
 customed to the society of men than of 
 women : his acquaintance with the latter 
 iiad chiefly arisen from his visits to the 
 families of his male friends, and his 
 knowledge of them had been but tran- 
 sient, as he had nevpr remained long in 
 one place, and had had nciiher time 
 or opportunity to attach himself indivi- 
 dually. 
 
 He had been encouraged by his father 
 to form ambitious Sj;ecuiations on the 
 subject of matrimony; and in this re- 
 S|>ect the youth fully met his father's 
 wishes; for he most anxiously desired to 
 r6
 
 (iO VIRGINIA. 
 
 sup}>ly his own deficiency of connections, 
 by a union with some lady of high birth ; 
 and he conceived that his splendid for- 
 tune entitled him to aspire to this. He 
 knew that Lord Calisbrook had a dauoh- 
 ter, and his ambition had even pointed to 
 her as the object of his pursuit. 
 
 With his mind thus impregnated with 
 ostentatious projects, he defied the at- 
 tacks of beauty, and beheld without any 
 extraordmary emotion, the lovely Miss 
 Sebright, who was truly such as her friend 
 liad described her. 
 
 Her mother (who was not more than 
 fort}') was no less conspicuous for the 
 innate gentility which displayed itself in 
 her mild and gentle manners. The re- 
 sidence which sheltered these two ami- 
 able people, was an elegant cottage, that 
 displayed all the comforts and conve- 
 nience of refinement under the semblance 
 of rusticity.
 
 VIRGINIA. ^1 
 
 It was most romantically situated about 
 a short mile from Mr. BeryTs, to whose 
 house the j^ath lay ahnost entirely 
 through hanginoj woods. 
 
 After spending a couple of hours with 
 her friends, Miss Beryl and her two at- 
 tendants took the way homeward, but 
 not before she had promised to returiu 
 early in the evening to drink tea. 
 
 Mr. Cotterel dined at Mr. Beryl's ; 
 after dinner the eonversation turned on^ 
 the profession of the church. Mr. Beryl 
 said, ^'Did not your father rather uish 
 you to be bred to the church, Charles?" 
 
 " I believe he thought of it at one 
 time, Sir ; but I rather objected to it ; 
 for though I have tlie strongest vene^ 
 ration for the profession, I do not think 
 my disposition sufficiently sedate to cal- 
 culate me for so sacred a tunction." 
 
 " O nonsense, boy ! it is no reason be- 
 cause yoii are a parson> that you should
 
 not laugh ! However, if you are resolved 
 not to be of that profession. I see no use 
 ill your continuing any longer at college, 
 spending money for nothing, I shall 
 write to Loid Calisbrook, and acquaint 
 him with my opinion ; I know very well 
 what his answer will be ; " tk willleav^ 
 it entirely to me;" this is his invariable re- 
 ply whenever I consult him. So, Ch>irleSi 
 I don't think you will return to College; 
 you must spend six months with us^ and, 
 after Christmas, you may repair to my 
 Lord Calisbrook's in London. I know 
 you will like that, for it will just be the 
 fashionable time of the year to go to 
 town; so you must live on the anticipa- 
 tion of the pleasure you will then have ;. 
 and, in the interim, put up with our stu- 
 pidity as well, as you can .^•' 
 
 Charles did not much relish the idea^ 
 of spending six months at Mr. Beryl's, 
 and would greatly have preferred re- 
 turning to Oxtorvi at the end of th^ vaca-
 
 VIRGINIA. 6Si 
 
 tion ; but he said nothing to oppose Mr. 
 Beryl's proposition, and only observed 
 that he had left two horses with a groom 
 at Oxford ; it had been his intention that 
 they should follow him provided Mr, 
 Beryl approved of it. 
 
 " Tzvo horses, and a groom ! besides-, 
 another man servant with you !'' exclaim- 
 ed Mr. Beryl. '* What useless extra- 
 vagance [ Did you do this in your fa- 
 ther's life- time ^*' 
 
 *' Yes, Sir, he always allowed me to. 
 keep two horses." 
 
 ** How absurd 1 I tell you what, Charles^ 
 you never, with my apj)robation, shall 
 keep more than ofte horse, and o?ie n.an, 
 while yon continoe my ward. But, how- 
 ever, you ^vill do as you please, but I 
 certainly shall not advance you one far- 
 thing beyond your yearly allowance, 
 which I think very handsome, and more 
 than you ouglit to spend." 
 
 ''I shall not do any thing in oppo^
 
 64 VIKCINIA. 
 
 ^ition to your wishes, Sir, if I can 
 possibly avoid it. But what do you 
 advise me lo do in regard to my 
 horses ?" 
 
 " Why write to some friend at Ox- 
 ford to dispose of them for you, and 
 disriiliss your groom. We can easily find 
 a horse in this neighbourhood that will do 
 very well for your purpose ;. and what 
 should hinder the fellow mIio attends, 
 your person, to take caie of your horse ; I 
 am sure three parts of his time is spent in: 
 idleness." 
 
 " It would be very unpleasant to have 
 Xi man about one's person, who was ac- 
 customed to attend a liorse ; he must 
 always- smell or the stable, and his dirty 
 coarse hands would be very unfit to touch 
 one's cloaths." 
 
 *' O, I will allow him soap to wash his 
 hands as often as he pleases; and as to 
 the smell of a stable, some people are 
 very partial to it; I am^ for one. But, 
 however, to obviate every difficulty, my
 
 VIRGINIA €5 
 
 COW boy can take care of your horse ; he 
 will be able to find time to rub him 
 do\vno//cea day.'* 
 
 Charles took no notice of this propo- 
 sal, (w^ch he knew was only made in de- 
 rision) but observed, that " he did not 
 think James (aiiucting to Uis valet) 
 would like to taKe care of a horse, though 
 he knew he was couip tent if he chose to 
 do it, as he had once served him in the 
 capacity of groom/' 
 
 ** Not like it ! that is most excellent !'* 
 cried Mr. Beiyl. ** Do you generally 
 consult the gentleman as to what he may 
 like to do before you give him your or- 
 ders? This really is too ridiculous! I 
 am surprised to hear you talk so fool- 
 ishl !" 
 
 " Indeed, Sir,'' said Charles, colour- 
 ing, *' James is a most excellent servant, 
 and very much attached to me. He has 
 lived with me for two years, and I own I 
 am partial to him."
 
 66 VIRGINIA. 
 
 *' Tzco years ! a very long period to be 
 sore, to maHe a trial of his fidelity ! I 
 I tell you, you will ruin him by indul- 
 gence. I will engage he does not stay a 
 year longer with you, for he will be- 
 come so insuiFerably indolent and over- 
 bearing, that you won't be able to endure 
 him yourself!'' 
 
 ** I assure you, Sir, you are mistaken 
 in the opinion you have formed of him. 
 However, I will sound him about taking 
 care of the horse, andW 
 
 *• Sound him I" cried Mr. Beryl, in- 
 terrupting him; " can^t you tell him at 
 once that you require him to do so, and 
 that if he does not choose to do it, yon 
 will get somebody in his place who will ? 
 — Sound him indeed ! what nonsense !'* 
 
 ** Well, Sir, I will tell him what I wish 
 him to do, and write to a friend at Ox- 
 ford, as you advise nie, concerning my 
 horses, and to tell the groom that as 
 soon as he can get a good place, I can 
 dispense with his services. I cannot turn
 
 VIRGINIA. 6t 
 
 the poor fellow upon the world, and take^ 
 his provision from him before he hm 
 found another sittiation ; he has served 
 me very faithfully.^' 
 
 ** And pray for how long?" 
 
 *'Six months, Sir. He is a capital 
 grooci !" 
 
 ** Capital groom 1" echoed Mr. Beryl;: 
 '^ the sooner you get rid of him the 
 better." 
 
 Miss Beryl now joined the gentlemen, 
 and proposed setting off for Mrs. Se- 
 bright's, whither Mr. Beryl also accom- 
 panied them. 
 
 The only person tliey found there in 
 addition to the family, was a Mr. Tem- 
 ple, a very agreeable man, between 
 forty and fifty ; and Charles was in- 
 formed by Miss Beryl that he was one of 
 the most wealthy gentlemen in the 
 county. Charles immediately took it 
 into his head that Mr. Temple was a
 
 fi8 VIRGINIA. 
 
 suitor of Miss Sebright, who, he con- 
 ceived, m\ght be induced to look fa- 
 vourably on him on account of his riches ; 
 more particularly as his person was pre- 
 possessing, as well as his address. 
 
 Whether from a spirit of coquetry, or 
 from experiencing that admiration Miss 
 Sebright was so framed to inspire, Charles 
 paid her particular attention throughout 
 the evening, which passed most agreeably 
 to all parties » 
 
 Miss Beryl was not more animated thar 
 her friend Augusta, whose manners and 
 conversation were no less attractive than 
 her person. 
 
 She appeared gratified by Charles's 
 assiduities — 
 
 «' Not his the form, nor his the eye, 
 " That youthful maidens want to Hy V'
 
 Virginia. Sg 
 
 •l)ut not the blightest tincture of levity- 
 was discernible in her behaviour; nor 
 had she attained that elevated de- 
 gree of modern refinement in manners^ 
 so conspicuous in many of our sex in the 
 present day, who^ by a single word or 
 even look, never fail to inform a gentle- 
 man (after they have been fiv3 minutes in 
 his company) that he may consider him- 
 self as an old acquaintance ; and by ^ fa- 
 miliar smile, or jocular address, break 
 down at once every bar to an unreserved 
 -intimacy ; and this too before they know 
 any thing of the person, but Jiis name, 
 (nay, even that they may not have dis- 
 tinctly heard on being introduced to him, 
 or, perha})s, they may have thought the 
 ceremony of introdu'.tion superfluous) 
 and are entirely ignorant whether or not 
 he be of that descriptix^n of men, it would 
 be prudent to admit upon a friendly foot- 
 
 ino;. 
 
 On her return home Miss Beryl found
 
 7fi VIRGINIA. 
 
 an invitation to spend the next day at 
 Mrs. Branscombe's. The note informed 
 her that the coach would be sent for her, 
 Mr. Beryl, and Mr. Clifford. Mr. 
 Cotterel also was expected ; and the 
 carriage was to take up IMrs. and Miss 
 Sebright. 
 
 Charles felt something like anticipa- 
 tion of this party, nor were his expecta- 
 tions disai)pointed. 
 
 The ensuing morning Mrs. Sebright 
 and her daughter called on Miss Beryl, 
 and after spending some time with her 
 returned home to dress for the dinner 
 party, and Charles gallantly escorted the 
 ladies home. 
 
 At Mr. Branscombe's were assembled 
 some of the most genteel families in the 
 neighbourhood ; but as they are not de- 
 stined to make a figure in this history, 
 we shall not particularize them.
 
 VIRGINIA, 71 
 
 *' Mark well, as foreign as these subjects seem, 
 " What close connection ties them to my theme."* 
 
 Mr. Temple was present; there was a 
 familiarity and affection in his manner 
 towards Augusta Sebright, that confirmed 
 Cliffoi-d's suspicions; yet he thought- 
 lessly, imprudently, nay, we might almost 
 say cruelly, redoubled his attention to 
 Miss Sebright, who, though behaving 
 with the utmost complacency towards 
 Mr. Temple, discovered an artless satis- 
 faction arising from Clifford's particular 
 assiduity to please her. 
 
 Young.
 
 72 VIRGINIA. 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 * Quand on brfile au feu quesois m^me on attise, 
 " Ce n'est pas accident, mais c'est une sottise." 
 
 REGNIER. 
 
 IT would be tedious to follow Charles 
 through every day at the present junc- 
 ture ; indeed after the three or four 
 first, one was nearly a transcript of tlie 
 other. 
 
 No sooner was breakfast over, than 
 (uridcr the pretext of taking a ramble) he 
 invariably j)ursucd lie path to Mrs. Se- 
 briii:ht's residence. 
 
 He was sometimes accompanied by 
 
 INIiss Beryl, and usually encountered My. 
 
 .Temple at the cottage, where Charles
 
 VIRGINIA. 73 
 
 always lingered till the last moment, and 
 often felt provoked, that the gothic hour 
 at which Mr. Beryl dined, compelled him 
 to curtail the length of his morning vi- 
 sits; though he generally contrived an 
 excuse for returning in the evening, if 
 he was not in expectation of meeting the 
 ladies elsewhere. 
 
 Yet Charles did not think himself in. 
 love , perhaps, because he did not choose 
 to examine his heart too closely ; yet 
 every body else (^the lovely Augusta not 
 excepted) conceived him to be sincerely 
 attached. True, he had never breathed 
 a word of love to her, but his looks and 
 manner plainly bespoke an impassioned 
 heart; and had Augusta been less anx- 
 ious on the subject, she would have be- 
 lieved his present conduct to be only the 
 forerunner of an explanation, which 
 ought always to follow similar beha- 
 viour. But, that sucIl an explanation 
 
 VOL. I. E
 
 74 VIRGINIA. 
 
 was expected, or that honor required it 
 should be made, Charles never consider- 
 dered. To have united himself to the 
 portionless daughter of an officer, would 
 have completely annihilated all his am- 
 bitious projects, lie bad no other view 
 in thus courting the society and smiles 
 of Augusta, but the gratification of his 
 own feelings. He was always happy in 
 her company, and dull when out of it ; 
 for which simple reason he continued in 
 it as much as possible, though he fancied 
 he still looked forward with eager antici- 
 pation to the period which should trans- 
 plant him to the region of fashion; yet 
 unless some accident brought that time 
 to his mind he scarcely ever thought 
 of it. 
 
 In answer to the letter he had written 
 to his friend at Oxford, concerning his 
 horses and groom, he received the fol- 
 lowing.
 
 VIRGINIA, 75 
 
 « Dear Clifford, 
 
 ^* I inquired, according to your 
 directions for Joe Burt, your groom, and 
 was informed that shortly after you left 
 Oxford, he disposed of your horses to a 
 gentleman going into Scotland ; whose 
 name my informer was ignorant of. 
 Joe told him that you had left orders wilh 
 him to sell them. The next day he de- 
 camped himself, saying he w^as going to 
 join you. He got a hundred and eighty 
 o;uineas for the blood horse, and fiftv for 
 liie mare. 
 
 **I have made every possible inquiry 
 after him, but in vain; and I fear you 
 will never recover your money. I always 
 thought Joe was a rascal. I have since 
 heard that he was formerly a jockey at 
 Newmarket, but was forced to give up 
 that trade, as he was discovered to have 
 
 taken bribes from L . 
 
 £ 2
 
 76 VIRGINIA. 
 
 " I lament extremely that you are not 
 to return to college, but hope we shall 
 meet in town in the spring. 
 
 '* I heartily condole with you on your 
 present interment, and looking forward 
 to the time of your resurrection, 
 I remain, 
 
 Your's truly, 
 
 George Gerningham." 
 
 Charles was greatly discomposed by 
 the contents of this letter ; he dreaded 
 Mr. Beryl's comments upon them, and 
 the lecture he doubted not he should re- 
 ceive from him. 
 
 James was in the room while his mas- 
 ter was reading his letter, who imme- 
 diately acquainted him with the purport 
 of it, at the same time execrating the dis- 
 honest groom. 
 
 He now mentioned to James his wish
 
 VIRGINIA. 77 
 
 that he would undertake to attend to 
 tlie horse Mr. Beryl was about to pur- 
 chase for him. At the very first intima- 
 tion of this plan James evinced his dis- 
 pleasure by his sullen looks, and then 
 asked his master how he could suppose he 
 would do such a thin^j? and added, that 
 he was surprised he should think of pro- 
 posing it. 
 
 The master became wrath, and threat- 
 ened to knock down the domestic, 
 whose insolence increased ; he swore he 
 would not stay another day in his ser- 
 vice ; and at length became so insuffer- 
 ably impudent, that Charles pushed him 
 out of his chamber, and certainly would 
 have kicked him down stairs, had not 
 Mr. Beryl at that moment been ascend- 
 ing. 
 
 Having heard a violent noise and ele- 
 vated voices, he was coming to inquire 
 E 3
 
 78 VIRGINIA. 
 
 ivhat was the matter. Of this he was 
 now informed by Charles, who was 
 much confused ; and Mr. Beryl could 
 scarcely conceal his satisfaction, so re- 
 joiced was he at finding a fair opportu- 
 nity of getting rid of an inmate, to whom 
 lie had taken a strong antipathy, from 
 the very first moment he had beheld his 
 powdered head, and xvould-be gentleman- 
 like appearance. 
 
 Mr. James was speedily dismissed, 
 though he attempted to make some 
 apology for his behaviour, in the 
 liape of being permitted to retain 
 his ea^y situation, which he had in 
 reality no intention of voluntarily re- 
 signing; but he was not attended to; 
 and when he was fairly out of the house, 
 Mr. Beryl felicitated Charles upon his 
 departure. 
 
 But there was no derision in his man- 
 ner on this occasion; that was never
 
 VIRGINIA. 7d 
 
 brought forward but as a weapon against 
 (what he conceived) absurdity, but he 
 ever forbore to display it when he had 
 gained tlie victory. 
 
 Charles was also astonished at the 
 composure with which he received the 
 intelligence of the loss sustained through 
 the villany of the groom. 
 
 "Two hundred and thirty pounds," 
 said he, ** is an immense sum certainly 
 to lose in such a foolish manner ; but* 
 however, I think I would willingly give 
 it to get rid of two such fellows as you 
 have now shaken otf. I hope it will be 
 a warning to you for the future, how 
 you confide in these people. I v^ill 
 look out for a country servant for 
 you, to supply the place of this fine 
 gentleman, and though I hope he will be 
 worthy of being trusted, I also hope that 
 experience will teach you not to trust him 
 too much." 
 
 E 4
 
 80 VIUGINIA. 
 
 CHAP VI. 
 
 '' Parson, these things in thy possessing, 
 *' Are better than the bishop's blessing !" 
 
 SWJFT. 
 
 THREE months passed away in the 
 manner before described, when Miss 
 Beryl gave her hand to Mr. Cotterel, and 
 both were happy. 
 
 She removed to his residence (the 
 parsonage house) where domestic fehcity 
 was displayed to perfection. 
 
 This event made little difference to 
 Charles, who was, in fact, so little at 
 Mr. Beryl's, that the absence of his 
 amiable daughter was scarcely felt by 
 him.
 
 VIRGINIA. 81 
 
 That young lady perceived with the 
 utmost complacency, his attentions to 
 her friend Augusta. She most anxiously 
 hoped to see her his wife ; she felt a 
 sisterly affection for Charles, and be- 
 lieved him to be possessed of all the 
 qualifications requisite to promote her 
 friend's happiness. Augusta had every 
 thing but money, and Charles had of 
 that enouo'h for both. The amiable 
 Maria was ever sanguine, and always be- 
 lieved what she wished. 
 
 If Mr. Beryl ever observed Cliftbrd's 
 attention to Augusta, he never evinced 
 any disapprobation of it, though he 
 sometimes hinted to liim, that he was 
 too young to think of matrimony j/et. 
 
 In short, the only person tiiat expe- 
 rienced any unhappiness on this subject 
 was Auo'usta herself. Peace no Ion«j^er 
 reigned undisturbed in her gentle bosom, 
 which, for the first time, ^was agitated 
 e5
 
 8^ VIRGINIA. 
 
 by doubt, uncertainty, and trembling 
 hope. 
 
 The hours imperceptibly stole away ; 
 day after day passed over, unmarked by 
 any change, save the increasing uneasi- 
 ness of Augusta, 
 
 Charles's attentions continued unre- 
 mitting; he was her very shadow; yet 
 never, even by an unguarded word, did 
 he betray that the idea of a speedy 
 marriage engrossed any part of his 
 thoughts. 
 
 Augusta vainly sought to account for 
 his reserve on tiiis subject; for though 
 the apprehension of his guardians not 
 approving of his connecting himself with 
 her might prevent his proposing an im- 
 mediate union, yet (if he were really at- 
 tached to her, which she firmly believed to 
 be the case) why should he not declare 
 his passion to herself, and endeavouy to
 
 VIRGINIA. 83 
 
 secure her aflections, and obtain her 
 promise to be his the moment he became 
 his own master? — A thousand times did 
 she resolve seriously to repel his assidui- 
 ties, and treat him with distant reserve 
 until he should be more explicit; but 
 this resolution generally gave way on his 
 re-appearance, and at most was never 
 abided by for more than half an hour; 
 and this transient coldness never failed 
 to create a more animated interest on 
 both sides the moment it had subsided. 
 
 In such unprofitable pastime were 
 tlie days consuiued, to the utter destruc- 
 ripn of thai peaceful serenity which 
 had been wont to exist m the tranquil 
 breast of Augusta. 
 
 Those objects which had once excited 
 her liveliest feelings^ were now viewed 
 with apathy ; those occupations which had 
 once engrossed her time to her satisfac- 
 tion, were now recurred to with reluct- 
 £6
 
 84. VIRGINIA. 
 
 tance and distaste; and the idea of one 
 thankless individual superseded every 
 former object of interest. 
 
 Nor was that individual perfectly at 
 his ease, though he endeavoured to per- 
 suade himself that he was so ; and also 
 that he was highly deHghted that the 
 time was now so near which was to be- 
 hold him a resident in the family of Lord 
 Calisbrook. 
 
 The Christmas festival was past; the 
 inclemency of the weather had not kept 
 Charles from the cottage, nor even occa- 
 sioned him to give up his frequent visits; 
 and nightly he formed one of the party 
 that surrounded Mrs. Sebright's chcarful 
 fire-side. 
 
 *' Le Prin temps nous disperse, et I'hyver nou rallie, 
 " Aupr^s de nos foyers notreame recueillie, 
 ** Goute Ifi doux commerce a tout les coeurs si chere, 
 *' Oui ! riastiuct social est enfant de I'hyver !
 
 VIRGINIA. 85 
 
 " En cercle, un meme attrait, rass^imble autour de 
 
 " La viellessc conteuse, et I'enfance folatre. [j'auire, 
 
 " La courent a la ronde, et les prupos joyeux, 
 
 " Et la vielle romance, et les amiables jeux : 
 
 " La se dec^ommagent de ses longues absences 
 
 " Chacun vient rctrouver sescheresconnoissances* 
 
 *' La s'epanche le cweur: le pluspenible aveii, 
 
 '' Longtems captif ailleurs,echappe au eoin de feu !♦ 
 
 Augusta was aware of the period 
 fixed on for Clifford's repairing to Lon- 
 don, but as he had not for some time 
 alluded to it, she fondly hoped that hi^ 
 affectioH for her had induced him to seek 
 out some pretext for delaying his visit 
 to Lord Calisbrook. How then was 
 she surprised and shocked, when Charles, 
 one evening, told them, with perfect in- 
 difference, that he was to set off for town 
 the day after to-morrow, and should be 
 very happy to execute any commissions 
 they might have for him ; at the same 
 time he affected great glee at the idea 
 of his excursion; and talked with ap- 
 
 •Abfeede Lille.
 
 8^ VIRGINIA. 
 
 parent pleasure, of the gaiety he antici- 
 pated. 
 
 For the first few moments after this 
 communication was made, Augusta spoke 
 not, but she endeavoured as far as was 
 in her power to prevent her countenance 
 from betraying her feelings. 
 
 The sensation she first experienced 
 was sudden misery at the thoughts of his 
 departure ; but this was rapidly succeed- 
 ed by resentment at the total unconcern, 
 nay satisfaction, which he nnnifested, 
 aiul she exerted herself to appear equally 
 careless. 
 
 She succeeded tolerably well, indeed 
 better than he did, after this first display 
 of over-acted joy, a sensation which was 
 in reality as foreign to his heart at this 
 moment, as it was to that of Augusta ! 
 He had been dreading, rather than anti- 
 cipating, his departure for some days,
 
 VIRGINIA. 87 
 
 and felt an insurmountable reluctance ta 
 informing his friends at the cottage of the 
 exact period at which it was to take 
 place. But he could no\'/ no longer with 
 propriety delay mentioning it ; and anx.- 
 ious to hide his real feelings, he came 
 prepared to exhibit the utiiiost uncon- 
 cern on the occasion. But when lie found 
 that Augusta appeared equally indiffe- 
 rent, he was surprised, and no less (though 
 most unjustly) displeased; and he could 
 not, as he had intended, support the part 
 he wished to sustain ; and dunng the 
 whole evening he was out of humour, ab- 
 stracted, and evidently disturbed. 
 
 Augusta took very little notice of him, 
 only addressing him in common with, 
 others; and he returned home thoroughly 
 dissatisfied. But doubtless his feelings 
 would have been greatly soothed, could 
 he have been sensible of the manner in 
 Avhich the injured Augusta (for ihjund 
 she certainly was) passed the lUght,
 
 88^ VIRGINIA. 
 
 She was resolved to tear from her 
 heart, an object she no longer deemed 
 worthy of the place he had attained 
 there. 
 
 But many a pang did this resolution 
 cost her ; and many a tear she shed, and 
 many a sigh she heaved, 'ere she could 
 put it in execution. 
 
 She concluded that he would call the 
 ensuing morning to bid them farewell, 
 but she determined not to see him again. 
 Slie reflected with the deepest humiliation 
 on the com])lacency with which she had 
 ever treated him, and doubted not he be- 
 lieved that she was attached to him, and 
 had played with her affections for a tem- 
 porary amusement; she was resolved he 
 should do so no longer. 
 
 As she expected, he called in the morn- 
 ing; he was informed that both the la- 
 dies were out, for Augusta had prevailed
 
 VIRGINIA. 8^ 
 
 on her mother to take a long walk with 
 her. 
 
 Charles felt still more discomposed 
 but determined to make another attempt 
 to see them in the evening, wliich he did> 
 but with as little success; the lad'es 
 were gone to pass the evening at ;he 
 house of a person with whoui he wa>> not 
 acquainted ; otherwise he probably might 
 have followed them. 
 
 Vexed and mortified to the quick, 
 he returned to Mr, Beryl's, fully 
 resolved to think no more of Au- 
 gusta, but fix his whole imagination 
 on the anticipated pleasures of the me- 
 tropolis, and hrs ambitious scheme of 
 making himself agreeable to the Ho or^ 
 able Miss Villeroy, the daughter of Lord 
 Calisbrook ! 
 
 But vain were all his endeavours to 
 turn his thoudits into tliis channel; tliQ
 
 90 ViKcrNiA. 
 
 the lovely image of Augusta Sebright was 
 not to be so easily banished ; and spite of 
 all his efforts to exclude her idea, she, 
 and she alone retained despotic dortii- 
 nion in his imagination, during his 
 journey to London ; which he per- 
 formed (according to Mr. Beryl's advice) 
 by the mail coach; while his servant (a 
 lad Mr. Beryl had procured for him in 
 tiie country) took his place on the out- 
 side. 
 
 But this mode of travelling Mr. Clif- 
 ford relinquished when within twenty 
 miles of the capital ; be there ordered a 
 post chaise and four, as he could not 
 think of disgracing his noble patron by 
 being driven up to the door of his man- 
 sion in a vulgar hackney coach, which he 
 must have entered on leaving the mail in 
 order to be conducted to Lord Calls- 
 brook's. 
 
 It may have been before observed,
 
 VIRGINIA. gi 
 
 that Charles had a tincture of osten- 
 tation in his composition ; perhaps, had 
 his father been a nobleman, he (Charles) 
 would not have attached such conse- 
 quence to trifles, which, in reality, coidd 
 not possibly either augment or depre- 
 ciate his dionitv in the estimation of the 
 wise. 
 
 It was impossible Mrs. Sebright could 
 fail to obsi^rve her daughter's dejection, 
 though that amiable young lady con- 
 cealed it as far as was in her power. 
 Mrs. Sebright attributed it to the true 
 cause, yet she was not offended with Mr. 
 Clifford, for she believed him to be sin- 
 cerely attached to Augusta, tliough he 
 himself mi^ht at this time be uncon- 
 scions of it, but she doubted not that a 
 temporary absence would convince him 
 of the state of his heart, and that ulti- 
 mately a proposal of marriage would 
 be the result- Mrs. Cotterel w as not so 
 well satisfied with Charles's conduct :
 
 92 VIRGINIA. 
 
 she was convinced by her friend's man- 
 ner, that he had not been so explicit as 
 he ought to have been, and she felt by 
 no means in charity v^ith him.
 
 VIRGINIA. 93 
 
 CHAP. VII, 
 
 •* Forward and frolic glee was there, 
 " The will to do, the soul to dare; 
 " The sparkling glance soon blown to fire, 
 ** Of hasty love, or headlong ire P 
 
 WALTER SCOT. 
 
 Mr. CLIFFORD arrived in town 
 about twelve o'clock at noon, having 
 purposely delayed at the two last 
 stages, being apprehensive that the fa- 
 mily would not be up if he got there 
 earlier. 
 
 He was highly gratiiied Avith the 
 costly magnllicence and splendid profu- 
 sion, conspicuous in every thing in and 
 about Lord Caiisbrook's spacious man- 
 sion in Arlington Street.
 
 94 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Breakfast was prepared for him in an 
 elegant boudoir to which was attached a 
 cliamber, dressing room, and anti-cham- 
 bei-. 
 
 He was informed by a servant out of 
 livery (whom he afterwards found to 
 be Lord Calisbrook's gentleman) that 
 these apartments were appropriated en- 
 tirely to him. 
 
 On enquiring for his lordship, Mr. 
 Clifford was told that he had not been 
 manv hours in bed, bavins: been at a 
 party the niglit befoi*e, where he liad 
 breakfasled 'ere he returned home. 
 
 He had left orders with his own man, 
 to take care that every attention was paid 
 to Mr. Clifford, who he expected would 
 arrive on that day. 
 
 Ciiarles en(|uired for the rest of the 
 Family. Miss Villeroy was at home, 
 but she always breakfasted in her own
 
 VIROIN'IA. ()5 
 
 room, when her brothers were out of 
 town ; and the young gentlemen had 
 been in the country for a few days, but 
 were expected home to dine. 
 
 Charles felt perfectly satisfied, not- 
 withstanding that his interview with the 
 family was protracted for some hours; 
 for every thinor around him was so 
 truly elegant, so thoroughly congenial to 
 his taste and nature, that he fancied he 
 had never before felt so completely at 
 home ; or so much at his ease. 
 
 He contrasted the aspect of this scene 
 with that of Mr. Beryl's residence on the 
 first day of his arrival there ; and the 
 fascinations of liis present abode aug- 
 "mented by the comparison. 
 
 He looked at tlie luxurious feast 
 spread before him, abounding in super- 
 fluities, and thought of ^ir. Beryl's fru- 
 gal repast, while he did ample justice to
 
 96 VIRGINIA. 
 
 the delicacies that tempted his palate ; 
 for unfortunately he had one propensity 
 which militated strongly against his ever 
 making any figure as a hero of ro- 
 mance ; that was an inclinaticn (which 
 he always complied with) to satisfy a 
 remarkably good appetite; which never 
 deserted liim but on most extraordi- 
 nary occasions. 
 
 Breakfabt being removed, he took up 
 a morning paper, which the servant had 
 laid before him; with this he amused 
 himself for some time, when he com- 
 menced an examination of some books 
 tliat were arranged in small cases round 
 the apartment. 
 
 About three o'clock the door was 
 thrown open by an attendant, who an- 
 nounced ** The Honorable Mr. Cla- 
 rence Villeroy !" and a young man of 
 the most prepossessing appearance flew 
 forward with extended hand to Clifford,
 
 VIRGINIA. 97 
 
 whom he welcomed in animated lan- 
 guage, lamenting that he should have 
 been absent at the moment of his arri- 
 val. Charles replied with equal vivacity 
 to this cordial address, and in less than a 
 quarter of an hour these two young 
 men were as intimate as if they had 
 known each other for years. Indeed it 
 would have been next to impossible to 
 have maintained any degree of coldness 
 or reserve towards Clarence Villeroy : 
 there was that lively ingenuousness, 
 that easy familiarity in his manner which 
 banishes all ceremony ; added to this, a 
 more captivating exterior could rarely be 
 beheld. The brilliant animation of his 
 dark eyes rendered words almost super- 
 fluous to express his feelings, which were 
 ever apparent in his countenance, where 
 the most amiable association of features, 
 enlivened by a complexion, (which though 
 beautiful, was almost too delicate to be- 
 speak perfect health) combined to in- 
 
 VOL. I. F
 
 SS ViRaiNlA. 
 
 terest every beholder. In height he was 
 what is generally esteemed the stan- 
 dard of beauty, being about five feet 
 ten. 
 
 He was extremely well made, but hb 
 figure was somewhat disguised by a slight 
 inclination of the body, occasioned by 
 the extreme energy with which he always 
 spoke; for he never expressed himself but 
 with a degree of eagerness that denoted 
 the quickness of his feelings, and caused 
 him to bend forward with an intense gaze 
 on the features of the person he was ac- 
 costing, in order to ascertain if they feU 
 what he said. 
 
 He was much gratified by the sym- 
 pathy of mind, he thought he had dis- 
 covered in his new friend ; and after sit- 
 ting a long time w ith him, he said he wouW 
 conduct him to the drawing room, where 
 he concluded his father and sister now 
 were.
 
 VIRGINIA. 99 
 
 '• I suppose," continued Mr. Villeroy, 
 as they proceeded along the gallery, 
 **you know that /am Lord Calisbrook*s 
 youngest son? My brother will remain 
 in the country a few days longer, but I 
 think I can contrive to entertain you, 
 with the assistance of my numerous 
 friends/' 
 
 Charles doubted it not. Lord Calis- 
 brook received him with all the easy 
 grace of a polished courtier, and pro- 
 fessed himself most happy in having hitn 
 beneath his roof. 
 
 Charles was completely fascinated by 
 the manners of both father and son. But 
 not equally gratifying was the reception 
 he met with frotn Miss Villeroy, which 
 though polite and unstudied, was any 
 thing but gracious or inviting; and plainly 
 denoted a consciousness of superiority 
 that grated on ClitFord's feelings ; and he 
 thought of Augusta! 
 r2
 
 100 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Several gentlemen joined the party at 
 dinner, which was served about seven 
 o'clock. 
 
 Miss Villeroy presided at the feasty 
 for such it might justly be denomi- 
 nated. 
 
 It consisted of three entire courses, in 
 which every rarity in or out of season 
 appeared ; and so many servants attend- 
 ed, that if half of them had not remain- 
 ed inactive, they would have been run- 
 ning against each other. 
 
 Shortly after the cloth was removed, 
 Miss Villeroy withdrew, when a variety 
 of choice wines were circulated .very 
 freely, and a conversation more exhi- 
 larating than instructive, was as freely 
 pursued. 
 
 About midnight the gentlemen began 
 to move, and some enquired of the
 
 VIRGINFA. 101 
 
 Others, how they meant to dispose of 
 the remainder of the eveiiing} They 
 had various engagements ; Lord Cahs- 
 brook and his son wert going to different 
 parties. 
 
 f3
 
 lO£ VIRGINIA 
 
 CHAP. VIII. 
 
 '• Well dressed, well bred, 
 *t Well equipag'd, is ticket good enough 
 " To pass as readily thro* every door. 
 
 *• She that asks 
 " Her dear five hundred friends, contemns them all, 
 •* And hates their CGmin«;. They (what can they less) 
 <* Make just reprisals; andi with cringe and shrug, 
 " And bow obsequious, hide their hate of her." 
 
 COWPER. 
 
 CLARENCE VILLEROY invited 
 Clifford to accompany him to two or 
 three houses, where he said he must of ne- 
 cessity shew himself, 
 
 Charles complied, though at this mo- 
 ment he felt much more inclined to go to 
 bed, as he had been up the two preceding 
 nights ; added to which, the more than
 
 \isual quantity of wiire he had taken, in- 
 creased his inclination to sleep. How- 
 ever, he suffered himself to be dragged 
 through one crowded room after another, 
 till about four o'clock in the morning, 
 when his companion (who now appealed 
 as completely weary as himself) consent- 
 ed to return home. 
 
 He had hurried from place to place 
 with such restless rapidity, that Charles 
 had not even the opportunity of making 
 any observations on what he saw. 
 
 Clarence Villeroy keeping fast hold of 
 his arm, drew him as expeditiously as it 
 was possible, through a whole suite 
 of crowded apartments, which having 
 once traversed, he declared there was 
 nothing there that could afford amuse- 
 ment, not a soul to speak to, and imme- 
 diately hurried him off to another party 
 of a similar description, which he con- 
 ducted him through in a similar manner, 
 F 4
 
 104 VIRGINIA. 
 
 himself nodding familiarly to many la- 
 dies of his acquaintance, whose eyes he 
 happened to catch, hut whom it was 
 impossible to approach or converse 
 with, unless the tide of the crowd 
 happened to bring you in conjunction 
 with them. 
 
 Once Charles caught a glimpse of 
 Lord Calisbrook, and once of his 
 daughter, at different parties, but it 
 was out of his power to get near 
 them. 
 
 He was surprised to hear his com- 
 panion declare that there was scarcely 
 a night that he was not obliged to shew 
 himself at half a dozen of these as- 
 semblies; observing at the same time, 
 that it was the greatest bore in the 
 world ! 
 
 Charles very naturally inquired, *^ Why 
 then did he attend them?"
 
 VIRGINIA. 105 
 
 To which he replied^ '*0, because 
 people would think one was absolutely 
 out of the world if one did not appear at 
 the houses of particular persons during 
 the season. It is now unfortunately 
 only just beginning. I shall be 
 heartily glad when it is over, though 
 I have been longing for it ail the suni- 
 
 This was actually the case. Clarence 
 Villeroy had a mind wiiich requiied 
 something more, than the pursuit of dis- 
 sipation to interest it; yet this he was 
 himself unconscious of, ami , because he 
 knew not how else to emj>loy himselt lie 
 (from habit, and in compliance with 
 fashion) followed the example of other 
 young men of his acquaintance : and 
 there were moments wiien he really be- 
 lieved himself to be the most miserable 
 creature in existence. For from the time 
 he had become familiar wich s*.enes of 
 (what is termed) pleasure, and the no- 
 ¥5
 
 106 VIRGINIA. 
 
 velty had worn off, he had scarcely ever 
 felt amused or interested. 
 
 This he could not account for, and 
 believing it to be a natural in^rmity of 
 his disposition, he flew from one place to 
 another, in hopes of exciting those sen- 
 sations he thought dead in his breast; 
 and with unremitting impetuosity, he 
 pursued the morbid influence of satiety, 
 disguised under the garb of enjoyment. 
 He liad anticipated the arrival of Charles 
 Clifford from the idea tliat in him he 
 should find something nexv. 
 
 The sun was fast declining when 
 Charles left his bed the day after his ar- 
 rival in town. 
 
 On reflecting on the niannei? in which 
 he had spent the preceding night, his 
 ideas suddenly reverted to the select 
 parties he had frequently met at Mrs. 
 Sebright's, and in that neighbourhood
 
 VIRGINIA. 107 
 
 But he did not like to acknowledge, evea 
 to Inmself, that the assemblies of the 
 beau monde could possibly be stupid and 
 wearisome, and not to have relished 
 them he imagined would have been truly 
 plebeian. 
 
 However, by the end of a week, by 
 which time he was completely initiated 
 by his new friend into all the scenes of 
 fashionable resort, and the most modern 
 (and of course rejined) expedients for 
 killing time, he found that it was by no 
 means necessary that he should profess 
 to be amused ; on the contrary, a habit of 
 al>u5ing every thing that they saw, and de- 
 riding both the persons and manners of 
 those whose houses they frequented, ap- 
 peared to be universal among the young 
 men , as well as an avowed disgust and 
 weariness of those places of amusement, 
 which they nevertlieless continued to re- 
 pair to. Yet there were some things 
 which really entertained and interested 
 j6
 
 108 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Charles — the theatres, the opera, &c. ; 
 but his companions laughed at him when 
 he evinced any approbation or pleasure, 
 and expreesed their astonii^hment that he 
 could derive amusement from any thing 
 so flat and stale. 
 
 Charles had, as } et, seen very little 
 either of Lord Calisbrook, or his daugh- 
 ter; to excepting two days, when there 
 had been company at home, he and Mr. 
 Vilkroy had dined out at gentlemen's 
 parties. 
 
 From the observations he had made 
 on Miss Villeroy, he could not entertain 
 the slightest hopes of succeeding in his 
 ambiiious schemes, at least as far as re- 
 lated to her; for her manner towards 
 him was indifference itself; she scarcely 
 seemed to know that he was present, and 
 her conversation was always monopolized 
 by some man of rank and talents. She 
 ccitauily was handsome, and lier figure
 
 VIUGINIA. 109 
 
 was graceful and commanding; but her 
 countenance neither expressed con- 
 tentment or affability, though it was not 
 unfrequently ilhi mined by a smile, which 
 seemed rather to play upon the surface of 
 her features, than to proceed from her 
 heart. 
 
 Lord Calisbrook had once been a hand- 
 some man, but the effects of a dissipated 
 life were very legible in his face. He was 
 extremely pleasant in society; always 
 appeared in remarkably good spirits; he 
 was a great talker and a great laugher; 
 and if he could find any one to talk and 
 laugh with, he did not seem to have a 
 thought beyond the passing moment. His 
 children might do as they liked, provided 
 they gave him no trouble His eldest 
 son had been many yeais in tlie army, 
 and had now attained the rank of Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel. He had lately returned 
 from the W est Indies in a very impaired 
 state of health. Clarence Villeroy would
 
 110 VIHCINIA. 
 
 have followed bis example, and have 
 made the army his profession, had it not 
 been for the united entreaties of his sister 
 and brother. Colonel Villeroy was con- 
 scious that the path he had made choice 
 of rendered hiS life peculiarly precarious, 
 and in case of his demise, his brotiiCE 
 would be the only surviving heir to the 
 title, which in deiault of the male issue 
 of Lord Cahsbrook, would be extinct on 
 the death of his lordship. For this rea^ 
 son, both the Colonel and his sister were 
 anxious that Clarence should adopt some 
 profession which should at least prevent 
 his being exposed to any extraordinary 
 casualty; for as he was at present 
 a younger brother, it was expedient 
 that he should secure an independaiice 
 for hiinself, 
 
 Clarence had promised to think se- 
 riously on this subject, but, however, he 
 had reached the age of twenty-three 
 without having decided upon what line
 
 VIRGINIA. in 
 
 of iife he would pursue, and (on his re- 
 turn from abroad, after three yearji ab- 
 sence) Colonel Vilieroy found him exact- 
 ly in the same wavering temper of mindj 
 in which he liad left him. 
 
 The Colonel again spoke very seriously 
 to hiuion the subject, and again Clarence 
 promised to think very seriously; for he 
 was tenderly attached to his brother. 
 Indeed his heart was peculiarly ali\e to 
 the softest sensations, and his feelings so 
 susceptible, as to be frequently affected 
 to the most painful degree upon, the slight- 
 est occasion ; yet had he that volatility of 
 disposition that prevented his attending 
 to any thing which he believed-only con- 
 cerned his own individual interest, and he 
 required some greater stimulus to impel 
 his exertions. 
 
 Colonel Vilieroy was now on half-pay, 
 for his health was in too precarious a, 
 state to permit him to do duty with his
 
 1 12 VIRGINIA. V 
 
 regiment: and it was about this time that 
 the Peace of Amiens (eighteen hundred 
 and two) afforded military men an oppor- 
 tunity of absenting themselves from their 
 respective corps without an detriment to 
 the service.
 
 VIHGINIA* 113 
 
 CHAP. IX, 
 
 <* The feast is spread. The harp is heard j anil joy 
 is m the ha^l. But it was joy covf ring a sigh ihat 
 darkly dwelt in every l.reast. It was like the faint 
 beam of the mooo spread on a cloud in Heaven.*" 
 
 OSSIAV. 
 
 ON Colonel Villeroy's return to town, 
 he was introiiuced by his brother to Mr. 
 Clirtbril, who did not feel that instau- 
 tancous prepossession in favor of the 
 Colonel, which he had experienced at the 
 first sight of Clarence. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy was at least six feet 
 high. His person was reduced by recent 
 sickness. His features strongly resem- 
 bled his brother's, with the exception of 
 his eyes, whicli were dark blue, instead 
 of hazel, and his hair considerably lighter.
 
 n4 VIRGINIA. 
 
 His complexion had once been ruddy^ 
 and of a much more healthy appearance 
 than his brother's, but his cheeks were 
 now almost colourless, and his residence 
 in a tropical climate had not tended to 
 improve the hue oi his skin. But the 
 expression of his wliole contour was 
 quite the reverse of that animated viva- 
 city that shone on the features of Cla- 
 rence. 
 
 His countenance was overcast by a 
 deep shade of melancholy, and when be 
 smiled it seemed an effort; yet the smile 
 had something more sweet in it than 
 could possibly be expressed, and discover- 
 ed the whitest teeth imaginable ; it was 
 such a smile as never could have been 
 met by a frown! it spoke the very har- 
 mony of virtue, and plainly denoted that 
 though it shone so seldom, it was not 
 repelled bv the consciousness of past 
 error, but by sorrow and regret for the 
 weakness and imprudence of others.
 
 VIRGINIA. 115 
 
 The first time Charles observed this 
 smile, he watched it subside withanionrn- 
 ful sensation, and wished he could have 
 retained it on the features which appeared 
 so peculiarly interesting under its in- 
 fluence. '' It is lovely, O Malvina ! but 
 it melts the soul." 
 
 Colonel Villeroy had been little more 
 than a month in England. After spend- 
 ing a short time with his family, lie had 
 gone to visit a maternal uncle who re- 
 sided a few miles from the capital ; wi.h 
 him he had continued until now, as nei- 
 ther his health or inclination, were suited 
 to the dissipation of the town. 
 
 This, he had avowed to his sister, and 
 also had informed her that if she could 
 not consent to remain more at home, and 
 make his residcn-ce with his fdUiily more 
 coni^enial to his feelings, he mu^t seek 
 outcome quiet situation to retire to, un- 
 til his health v/^re re-established. Miss
 
 116 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Villeroy was frequently driven into par- 
 ties, from which she derived no satisfac- 
 tion, merely from reluctance to sitting at 
 home alone, and with pleasure she pro- 
 mised to adopt a more retired way of 
 life, at the suit of a brother she fondly 
 loved. 
 
 On the day of Colonel Villeroy's re- 
 turn to town, the family sat down to din- 
 ner without being joined by any guest, 
 for the first time since Charles had be- 
 come a member of it. Nevertheless, the 
 same abundance of superfluities appeared 
 on the table, and three regular courses 
 were served up ; this was, in fact, the in- 
 variable style of living, company, or no 
 company. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy drunk very little but 
 in compliment to his father, (who never 
 rose from table without his boUle) he sat 
 some time after dinner; when all the
 
 VIRGINIA. 117 
 
 gentlemen joined Miss Villeroy in the 
 drawing room. 
 
 Lord Calisbrook shortly after left them 
 to fulfil his evening engagements ; for to 
 spend one night at home was quite out of 
 the question with him. 
 
 Clarence declared to his brother that 
 he would not have left him, only that he 
 could not think of allowing ]\Jr. Clifford 
 to spend an evening en famille, and he 
 must absolutely accompany him to some 
 place of amusement. But Charles intei- 
 fered, and averred wnth truth, that he 
 should greatly prefer remaining at home. 
 
 Clarence had thus no excuse left for 
 going out, and the hours passed off most 
 agreeably to every individual of the little 
 party; though Clarence had fancied he 
 should be quite stupified. He was sur- 
 prised to find that he retired to rest with 
 a more satisfied sensation, and in better
 
 IW VIRGINTA. 
 
 spirits than he had for a long time be- 
 fore. 
 
 Tiiough Charles had been but a short 
 time in Lewdon, he had through the rest- 
 less activity of his constant companion, 
 obtained a very thorough insight into high 
 life, and the customary pursuits of young 
 men of fashion; and he found that the 
 only pleasure connected with them was 
 in the anticipation; and that die feelings 
 they excited in his breasts were of a very 
 different description to what he had con- 
 ceived would be the result of his initia- 
 tion into the higlier circles. 
 
 He could not disguise from himself 
 that he enjoyed more real satisfaction in 
 the space of one hour passed in the so- 
 ciety of Augusta Sebright, than he had 
 felt in the whole course of the time he 
 had been in town. 
 
 " Those who such simple joys have known, 
 *' Are taught to prize them when they're gone."
 
 VlfLGINIA. 119 
 
 Yet Ihe weak ambition that bad taken 
 possession of his breast, made him con- 
 sider it as folly and imprudence, to en- 
 courage a thought of Augusta, who (in a 
 worldly point of view) he conceived 
 was too much beneath him, to unite him- 
 self to. 
 
 It required time, and still greater ex- 
 perience of the insufficiency of pomp 
 and splendor to constitute happiness or 
 even content, to convince Charles of the 
 fallacy of his opinions on this subject. 
 
 He was pretty certain that he had no 
 chance whatever of succeedincr with Miss 
 Villero}'; for though on the preceding 
 evening she had behaved to him with 
 good natured civility, her manner was 
 such as conveyed a thorough persuasion 
 that he never could have the presump- 
 tion to betray even his admiration of 
 her.
 
 120 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Besides which, a noble and wealthy 
 Earl had professed himself her adorer, 
 and it was generally concluded that she 
 intended to accept him. 
 
 But Miss \^illeroy was not the only 
 young lady of rank and fashion he could 
 now number amongst his acquaintance, 
 lie had, by his friend Clarence, been in- 
 troduced to a variety of belles of ton, 
 who, in general, treated him with great 
 complacency; and Charles did not think 
 himself of less consequence because Miss 
 Villeroy did not regard him with a fa- 
 vorable aspect. 
 
 Charles felt fully sensible that he had 
 not as yet seen one woman who could 
 bear a competition with Augusta, and as 
 often as the thought of matrimony oc- 
 curred to his mind, as orten did he re- 
 gret with a sigh that Augusta had not 
 distinguished connections, and was not a 
 reigning beauty. He forgot that had
 
 VIRGINIA. 121 
 
 that li^jen the cnse, sh.e would probably no 
 longer have been remarkable for that 
 unaffected and ingenuous manner, which 
 had been the means of charming him 
 much more eftectu ally 4:h an her beautiful 
 person; and that she might with still 
 greater probability have considered him 
 as much beneatii her notice as did Miss 
 Villeroy. 
 
 Something like a domestic circle now 
 appeared at Lord Calishrook's, though he 
 himself rarely formed a member of it^ 
 while Colonel ^''illeroy as rarely joined in 
 that vortex in Nvhich alone his father 
 seemed to live. 
 
 Miss Villsroy was the almost insepar- 
 able companion of her eldest brother; 
 who at times laboured under a cloud of 
 the deepest dejection, but at others, he 
 discovered an extraordinary brilliancy of 
 imagination, depth of understanding 
 and vivacity of genius ; when surrounded 
 
 VOL. I. G
 
 12^ VIRGINIA, 
 
 by a few select frknds, -vvbo were fre- 
 quently invited to join the evening 
 party. 
 
 Clifford soon found that these were ail 
 persons of extraordinary abilities, and 
 conspicuous for uncommon mental en- 
 dowments, or rare talents* 
 
 He had sufficient reflection to be aware 
 that the society of such people would be 
 of infinite service to him, and engender a 
 train of reflections in his mind, that 
 would give it something to feed on. He, 
 therefore, with a steadiness that did ho- 
 nor to his good sense, avoided the scenes 
 of unprofitable dissipation which he had 
 rasorted to on his arrival in town, and 
 nightly formed one of Colonel Villeroy's 
 coterie. Neither were the fair sex ex- 
 cluded from it ; at which the reader may 
 perhaps experience some degree of sur- 
 prise, after my having aflfirmed that each
 
 VIRGINIA. IQS 
 
 fndiviclual of this little society, was pos- 
 sessed of ei'traordinarij abilities^ or rare 
 talents. Yet I trust that the indubitable, 
 repeated^ and various instances, in which 
 the intellectual capabilities of the softer 
 sex have evinced themselves, will pre- 
 serve them from so unjust a sarcasm; 
 and that the liberal minded reader will 
 allow that they have a right to be admit- 
 ted to an assemblage of bel esprit. 
 
 Now I have no doubt that this same 
 liberal minded reader (notwithstanding 
 his liberality) is at this moment censur- 
 ing the harmless, unassuming author of 
 this history, and imputing to her an in- 
 ordinate portion of presumption, from 
 an idea (that he may probably entertain), 
 that »he imagines herself to be one of 
 the living instances above alluded to. 
 
 If such be his opinion, I must beg 
 leave,^ with all due deference and consi-
 
 124! VIRGINIA. 
 
 deration, to assure him that it is found- 
 ed on error; as she neither conceives 
 herself, nor the generality of those who 
 have, like her, explored the labyrinths 
 of fiction, entitled (on Mtf/ account) to 
 the honors due to those, whose more 
 important productions, and profound 
 and successful exertions, have proved the 
 power, and established the fame, of the 
 female capacity and understanding! 
 
 Clarence Villeroy sometimes joined 
 these parties, and though he never 
 failed to derive satisfaction from them, 
 he was so much in the habit of pursuing 
 his accustomed evening lounge that he 
 could not entirely give it up. 
 
 The more Charles saw of Colonel 
 Villeroy, the more was he charmed with 
 him; and he soon found that though the 
 impression he had received on a first sight 
 of him had been less lively than that pro-
 
 VJRGINrA. 125 
 
 dueed by his brother, yet the interest 
 which he had gradually awakened in 
 his heart, was of a nature infinitely su- 
 perior to the boyish sympathy he had felt 
 towards Clarence. 
 
 G 3
 
 186" viR(;iNi,4. 
 
 CHAP. X. 
 
 " Come, fair IJygcia! from thy spring, 
 ** Tiiy purest goblet hilher bring ; 
 *' Bright let it sparkle from the fount, 
 " That rises on that hallo A''d mount. 
 " Where Vigor winds his bugle clear, 
 " And hardy himtsmcn chase the detr. 
 " Bring faire-it flow'rs that ever grew 
 " On Earth's soft lap, in morning dew: 
 ** Flowers that wave on forest sides, 
 " Or lave their heads in dimpled tides. 
 " Of euch a mingled cup prepare, 
 *' With those thy faithful servants are, 
 ** Potent to soothe, by wond'rous art, 
 *• The secret sorrows of the licart !" 
 
 FEW things could have happened 
 more fortunate for Clifford at this [)eriod, 
 than his becoming domesticated in a 
 circle, of which Colonel Villeroy M'as the 
 presiding planet.
 
 VIRGINIA. 127 
 
 Charles was exactly at the age when it 
 is most natural to adopt the opinions and 
 manners of one's associates ; more par- 
 ticularly when their station in life is supe- 
 rior to our own. 
 
 He had been but a few weeks in habits 
 of intimacy with Colonel Villeroy, when 
 he looked up to him as his ruling star, 
 and as a model by which he wished exact- 
 ly to form his own character. 
 
 Nor could he have fixed upon an ob- 
 ject more worthy of imitation; for love- 
 inspiring as the person of Colonel Ville- 
 roy had once been, and still was, (in the 
 eyes of those who considered the vestiges 
 of recent sufferings but as additional 
 claims to interest) it was but an imperfect 
 index of the soul that governed it ! a soul 
 ever triumphant over the infirmities of 
 the body; which, though continually im- 
 pelled by passions naturally strong, wa^ 
 as constantly subdued by the still stronger 
 f V 4
 
 128 VIRGINIA. 
 
 dominion of reason! Nor could the 
 united attacks of perpetual vexation, and 
 dire disease, succeed in conquering his 
 mental energies, though it could deprive 
 his bosom of peace, and cloud his virtu- 
 ous brow with dejection. 
 
 But not for himself did he siifTer; had 
 his own interest alone been concerned, 
 the tranquiUity of his breast would 
 have continued undisturbed, and the 
 smile of contentment would still have il- 
 lumined his features. 
 
 But the welfare of those nearest and 
 deare-st to him, was the object of his 
 constant solicitude ; and the wrongs and 
 distresses he saw heaped upon many ho- 
 nest and worthy individuals, filled his 
 aching heart with anguish, and bowed 
 his noble head with the most painful sense 
 of humiliation. 
 
 This is easily accounted for, when we
 
 VIRGINIA. 129 
 
 declare, that notwithstanding the costly^ 
 splendor, and lavish expenditure, MJiich 
 rci^^ned wiiliin the mansion of Lord 
 Calisbrook, he was at this very period 
 involved beyond every possibility of ex- 
 tricating himself, or paying the just de- 
 mands ot his oeditors, without disposing 
 ot tlje best part of his property. 
 
 It consisted of several very valuable es- 
 tates,which had originally produced a very 
 handsome iuciome, quite sufiicitnt to have 
 enabled Lord Calisbrook to- have iived in 
 a style becoming his rank; toiiave n}ain- 
 tained his respectability ; and have been 
 of essential benefit to his less prosperous 
 fellow creatures. 
 
 But instead of pursuing tliat meritori- 
 ous line of conduct, wliic h had distiii- 
 guished his noble ancestors, he (from the 
 time he caij.e into possession ot tlie title) 
 had preserved a state more becoming a 
 Rjighty [>otcntate rliaii a siiii|-lc nobler
 
 130 VIRGINIA. 
 
 man ; and not content with the princely 
 establishment he always kept uj) (where- 
 ever he fixed his residence), he support- 
 ed a numerous housebcld at each of his 
 estates, which owing to this, and a long 
 course of the most inconsiderate and 
 useless extravagance, were every one of 
 them mortgaged for more than half their 
 value ; while debts amounting to many 
 thousands remained unpaid, and conti- 
 nually augmenting. 
 
 Yet Lord Calisbrook with a thought- 
 lessness (which dv served to be called 
 madness) and an obstinate inattention to 
 the aiguments and expostulations of his 
 eldest son, pursued the same unvaried 
 course; nor would he take one single 
 step towards abridging his expenses. 
 
 A seat in parliament secured his person 
 from molestation ; and he was so accus- 
 tomed to the importunities and supplica- 
 tions of the unfortunate tradesmen, many
 
 VIRGINIA. 131 
 
 of whom his injustice (I had ahuost said 
 dishonesty) had reduced to extreme dis- 
 tress, that he would pass through a 
 crowd of them, who daily appeared on the 
 steps of his mansion, and sometimes 
 gained access to the hall, without 
 appearing in tlie slightest degree dis- 
 composed. 
 
 He had once been in the habit of pro- 
 mising them speedy payinent, and of de- 
 siring them to apply to his agent, whoj 
 would, he said, immediately satisfy their 
 demands; but this answer waj now so* 
 stale and worn-out, and they knew so 
 well how little it meant, that his lordship: 
 generally passed them in silence, and ap- 
 peared alike deaf to their entreaties, or 
 expostulations. 
 
 A strong suspicion that his father could 
 not possibly continue to support such a 
 style of living, had occasioned Colonel
 
 132 VJRGIM.t. 
 
 Villeroy at an early Mge, to form the pro- 
 ject of entering the army. 
 
 He was afterwards convinced of the 
 justice of his suspicions, and with deep 
 concern he refiecud that the -splendor of 
 his family must speedily set, to rise no 
 more ; for with the mere wreck of a once 
 noble j)roperty, it would be utterly im~ 
 possible to suppoit the dignity of the ti- 
 tle, should he be destined to perpetuate 
 It: nay, he much doubted if he should 
 even be possessed of the means to enable 
 him to ujake a comfortable provision for 
 bis sister and brotljer. On which ac- 
 count he was most paiticularly anxious 
 that Clarence should, through his own 
 exertions, secure himself an indcpeii- 
 danee. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy had been driven from 
 his country by his tather's creditors; not 
 that they could in any other way annoy 
 hiu], than by continually applying to him
 
 VIRGINIA. 135 
 
 to interest himself in their behalf, and ta 
 represent to his father the distresiS ihey 
 were reduced to by the want of those sums 
 that were jubtly their due. 
 
 The Colonel was at that time in the 
 guards, and, consequently, chietiy in 
 luwn, where he resided ai his fathers 
 house. 
 
 He restricted his own private cxpences 
 in every way that it was practicable; 
 and indeed he was conipellod to do so, 
 unless he had chosen to inn in debt, 
 which he resolved never to do, while so 
 totally uncertain of pecuniaiy resouices; 
 for though his f either r/orni/uiiij/ made 
 him a very handsome allowance, iie ne- 
 ver received one farthing of il; there- 
 fore to contract liis expenditure to the 
 ann)unt of his military pay was his only 
 alternative. 
 
 But the blank faces that constantly
 
 134 rraoiNiAv 
 
 surrounded the portal of his fathers 
 house, and the importunate relation of 
 wrongs, which he could not refuse to 
 listen to, because he was sensible that 
 they were inf]icte<l by one so nearly al- 
 lied to him; and whom he wislved (if pos- 
 sible) to extenuate, became at len^^th too 
 galling to his feelings to be voluntarily 
 submitted to ; and without consulting 
 any of his friends, he exchanged into a 
 regiment then in the West Indies. 
 
 No sooner was this business effected 
 than he candidly acquainted his father 
 with the motives which had driven him to 
 take this step, hoping it might make a 
 deep impression on his mind, and occa- 
 sion him to think seriously. 
 
 But in this he was disappointed. Lord 
 Caiisbrook told him that he thought hhn 
 extremely silly for what he had done ;. 
 that he did not conceive himself at all to 
 blame, because he chose voluntarily to
 
 VIRGINIA. IBS 
 
 banish himself from his country, and 
 brave all the vicissitudes of war and cli- 
 mate. That if he really believed his fa- 
 mily to be so much involved (for his lord- 
 ship always atiected to be ignorant 
 of the state of his affairs) he would have 
 given a much greater proof of his pru- 
 dence, and of his regard for them, by 
 uniting himself to some rich heiress, 
 whose wealth might have hcL ed to free 
 his estates, and who, for the sake of atitk 
 in reversion, would have been happy with 
 her gold to have patched up his broken 
 fortunes. 
 
 Lord Calisbrook was, in truth, by no 
 means scrry to get rid of his eldest son, 
 whose constant ad.uonition and advice, 
 was extremely tiresome to him; for this 
 reason he had always avoided him as 
 much as possible, and Clarence had be- 
 come his favorite ; for though Clarence 
 had many amiable and interesting traits 
 in his character, he paitouk of the same
 
 136 VIRGINIA. 
 
 inconsiderate turn of mind so conspi- 
 cuous in his father. 
 
 They nev^er troubled each other with 
 animadversions on the state of the family 
 affairs; and Clarence believed his bro- 
 ther's representation of them to be exag- 
 gerated. 
 
 He was much shocked at his resolution 
 of going abroad ; anci greatly affected by 
 a very serious conversation he had with 
 him prior to his dt parr ore, on which occa- 
 sion he had entrtated him. to ado-pt some 
 profession which might secure ids future 
 provision ; l)ut tlie inipression his words 
 made, though vivid was but transient. 
 But Ids sister, with unspeakable sorrow, 
 witnessed tins sacrifice of her dearest-bro- 
 ther. She believed he was hastening toau 
 early orave : and for many months after 
 hisdeparture, she secluded herself entire- 
 ly; nor tdl siie heard thai he had leached 
 the termination of his voyage in health
 
 VIRCIMA, 137 
 
 and safety, could she be prevailed upon 
 to appear in public. Content was a 
 stranger to her bosom; she had been 
 bred up in luxury aud spUnd^r, and 
 had t^var been accusromed to all the ele- 
 gancies and superfluities ot' lite, and she 
 fancied the deprivation of them (which 
 she was ever dreading) would n»ake hei^ 
 miserable. 
 
 She was conscious that the nio- 
 ment that shouhl deprive her of her 
 father, would witness the (lownfdll of a!l 
 her consequence in ilie opinion of the 
 work!; for she was onvinced that her 
 brother would iuimtdiately dispose of 
 every thing he could call his his own, 
 should it le necessary, to satisfy the de- 
 mands of his fatlier's creditors; and 
 should she then be sincrle, she would in 
 all probability be reduced from the sta- 
 tion she had till then heki in societ}^ 
 and(kbarred the indnlgencirs and state 
 she had so loni^: been accuston.cd to.
 
 336 VIEGIXIA. 
 
 Such a prospect was truly humiliating, 
 and such as she found it impossible to 
 reconcile herself to. 
 
 Her mind, but for this false pride, 
 tins weak ambition, would have been 
 of a superior order; and at this very 
 time she was endeavouring to to- 
 lerate the attentions of a man she 
 could not like, because he was pos- 
 sessed of immense wealth, could raise 
 her to the rank of a Countess, and en* 
 sure her splendor and affluence for the 
 remainder of her days. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy had been three years 
 abroad, when the regiment into which he 
 had exchanged, was ordered to Eng- 
 land ; and this in all human probability 
 saved his life; for his constitution was 
 so much impaired by a severe attack of 
 the yellow fever, and subsequent debility, 
 that a longer residence in that relaxiiig 
 clin ate would doubtless have put a pe- 
 riod to his existence.
 
 VIUGIXTA 139 
 
 Even his insensible parent could not 
 suppress a pang, when, on his return, he 
 beheld his altered aspect, and enfeebled 
 frame; but he endeavoured to silence 
 the reproaches of his own heart, by velte- 
 mently representing to his son his ex- 
 treme imprudence, aufl even cmelty to 
 his family, in having voluntarily sa- 
 crificed hi^ health to gratify a mere 
 whim ; for thus his lordship termed 
 it. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy made no comments 
 upon what had actuated his conduct; 
 neither did he expatiate upon the pri- 
 njary cause of tiiese fatal consequences, 
 which was sufficiently evident to every 
 one who was not wilfully blind to it; 
 and this the streaming* tears of his sis-^ 
 ter, and heavy sighs of his brother^ 
 as they botli conteniplaied his faded 
 form, plainly demonstrated. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy had not been three
 
 140 VIRGINIA, 
 
 flays m town, when this original cause 
 of all his suileriugs was most forcibly 
 pressed upon his miiu), by the sight of 
 those self-same faces t)mt had haunted 
 him when last he had been an inmate 
 under his father's roof, and who still 
 hovered about his house, urging their 
 rights and necessities. 
 
 The very next day the Colonel set 
 off for the residence of his uncle, with 
 the intention of remaining there till he 
 was capable of again serving his coun- 
 try ; for the mansion of his father was 
 hateful to him ; and the excessive pro- 
 fusion anil wanton extravagance that 
 reigned within its walls absolutely shock- 
 ed him. 
 
 His uncle (the only brotlicr of the late 
 Lady Calisbrook} was extremely fond of 
 him, though he had long been at va- 
 riance with Lord Calisl>i ook,whom he des-
 
 VIRGINIA. J4l 
 
 pised for his unuorthy conduct. He 
 had no dislike to Clarence, or his sister, 
 and was on good terms with both, but the 
 Colonel was liis favorite.
 
 142 VIRGINIA. 
 
 CHAP. XL 
 
 " And more he studied books than men ,- 
 
 *■ Ofwon.en too, he httle ken, 
 
 *' But thought them all whate'er they seemed; 
 
 ** Of art or guile ke never dreamed : 
 
 " Nor could believe a child in years, 
 
 " Had other ihousht than childish cares T' 
 
 Mr. LETHBRIDGE was of an an- 
 cient and respectable family; he possess- 
 ed an estate of about three thousand a 
 year, upon which he resided, about 
 twenty miles from London, with his only 
 daughter, who had but just attained her 
 sixteenth year. 
 
 He had been many years a widower, 
 and during that period had lived in re-
 
 VIRGINIJT. J 43 
 
 tiremcnt, being naturally of a studious 
 disposition, which rendced seclusion 
 most consonant to his feelings ; and 
 while his daughter had continued at the 
 seminary nhther he had sent her for her 
 educatum, he had had notiiing to inter- 
 rupt his favorite pursuits,- nor indeed did 
 he relinquish them on her return to 
 hi-n. 
 
 She had been at home about a month, 
 which she had spent in solitude, while 
 lamenting the loss of the society of per- 
 sons of her own age, which she had so 
 long been accustomed to, when the arrival 
 of her two cousins, Colonel ViUeroy and 
 Clarence, gave a n^ost &easonable relief 
 to the dullness of the scene. 
 
 Cordelia Let hb ridge was extremely 
 pretty ; antl in the form of a woman she 
 dis[)layed all the sin)pli:ity of youth. 
 
 Her countenance bore an ingenuous
 
 144 VIRGINIA. 
 
 aspect, and she seemed to give utterance 
 toevtry thought. 
 
 The brothers liad often seen her dur- 
 ing her childhood, and they were sur- 
 prised at the akeration and improve- 
 ment tiiat had taken place in her per- 
 son. 
 
 Clarence, who had conie7R5wn merely 
 to accompany his brother on the short 
 journey, and had intended to return im- 
 mediately, now thought he could con- 
 trive to exist a few days at his uncle's 
 liouse; and Colonel Villtroy was ^lad 
 to find so agreeable an addition to the 
 family in the person of Cordelia. 
 
 The appearance of Clarence Villeroy, 
 his manners, and youth, were certainly 
 much more calculated to excite the in- 
 terest of a girl of sixteen, than the se- 
 rious, and often abstracted deportment 
 of his invalid brother, who was four
 
 VIRGINIA. 143 
 
 years his senior, yet from tlie very first, 
 Cordelia discovered a strong preference 
 for the elder, to whom she gave her 
 whole attention, while slie scarcely re- 
 garded the animated Clarence, who 
 finding that his cousin had neither eyes 
 nor ears for any body but the Colonel, 
 remained but a few days in the country, 
 and returned to town, (as has before ap- 
 peared) on the same day that Charles 
 Clifford arrived at the house of Lord Ca- 
 lisbrook. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy had made no mention 
 of his continuing with his uncle for as 
 long as he should continue his own mas- 
 ter; for he was sure he should distress 
 his sister extremely by avowing his reso- 
 lution of not residing with his family; 
 as such a measure must deprive her of 
 his society, which she more than ever va- 
 lued from having been so long debarred 
 of it. 
 
 VOL. I, H
 
 146 VIRGINIA. 
 
 She fully expected he would very 
 shortly rejoin her in London. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy spent the first week 
 of his visit to Mr. Lethbridge very plea- 
 santly. 
 
 His uncle desisted from his ordinary 
 employments, and laid aside his books in 
 order to enjoy Villeroy 's society ; and 
 the soothing attention of the pretty 
 Cordelia, could not but be gratifying to 
 her cousin, who considered her tender 
 solicitude, and ingenuous demonstration 
 of affection, as the result of that regard 
 she naturally experienced for him as her 
 relation. 
 
 ■ Mr. Lethbridge thought the same. 
 Had it been otherwiae, he would not 
 have rejoiced to hear that his nephew 
 intended to remain some time with him; 
 for though be had a very great regard 
 for liim, he w^as by no means desirous
 
 VIRGINIA. 147 
 
 that his property (which he intended 
 should all be his daughter's, if she mar- 
 ried with his consent) should be sacri- 
 ficed to free those estates which the ex- 
 travagance of Lord Calisbrook had ren- 
 dered almost valueless; and had his 
 daughter married Colonel Villeroy, he 
 could have had little doubt that such 
 would have been the consequence. 
 
 Mr. Lethbridge had the strictest re- 
 liance on his nephew's honor, and he was 
 convinced he might safely admit him a^s 
 an inmate under the roof with his daugh- 
 ter; whom he considered as too young to 
 have any ideas whatever beyond those of a 
 child. 
 
 From this, we may infer, that though 
 Mr. Lethbridge had spent the best part of 
 his time in exploring the mysteries of 
 science, the study of the human heart had 
 not engrossed many of his hours. 
 H 2
 
 -.% 
 
 148 VIRGIXIA. 
 
 He was very glad to perceive that his 
 daughter and nephew seemed so well 
 pleased with each other, and he thought 
 as the latter was amused, he might be per- 
 mitted to resume his favorite pursuits 
 -without appearing rude. Therefore, 
 on the second week of the Colonel's 
 residence at his house, Mr. Leth- 
 bridge returned to his old way of 
 passing his mornings, leaving his daugh- 
 ter to entertain her cousin till dinner 
 time, when he rejoined them, and con- 
 tinued with them for the remainder of the 
 day. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy was at first very well 
 pleased with this mode of life; the juve- 
 nile and playful manner of Cordelia 
 amused and interested him; and when be 
 was tired of her badinage^ he could take 
 up a book And refresh his mind m ith 
 something more solid. 
 
 But he soon found that Cordelia did
 
 VIKCJNIA, 14.9 
 
 not seem pleased wlien he attempted to 
 read; — she was a sweet girl!— and the 
 book was generally laid aside when she 
 accused him of selfishness, for excluding 
 her from his amusement. Yet if he read 
 out, she never seemed interested; and 
 the Colonel soon found that she was ne- 
 ver easy when his attention was with- 
 drawn from herself. - 
 
 Villeroy could trifle as agreeably, 
 perhaps, more agreeable than most peo- 
 ple, at times, and when he was in the hu- 
 mour for it. He perfectly understood 
 
 " The science not unwise to trifle well." 
 
 But to be obliored to trifle from mornino: 
 till night, was to him extremely weari- 
 some. It was like liaving nothing but 
 whipt syllabub for breakfast, dinner, and 
 supper; and was about as satisfying to 
 his mind, as that would have been to his 
 body ' 
 
 H 3
 
 150 VIRGINIA. 
 
 The second week he passed at his un- 
 cle's was much less agreeahle than the 
 first; and he determined not to be quite 
 so indulgent to the caprices of his pretty 
 cousin, but to spend at least part of his 
 time as was most congenial to his own 
 taste. 
 
 Accordingly, as soon as breakfast Avas 
 over, he retired to his own room, and 
 employed the hours till near dinnertime, 
 in reading, writing, drawing plans of the 
 battles he had been engaged in, or in any 
 other occupation from which he could de- 
 rive improvement. 
 
 On his re-appearance the brow of Cor- 
 delia was clouded with displeasure, 
 while she declared that she had been 
 waitinoj for him the whole morning to 
 walk in the grounds with her; and ac- 
 cused him of having deprived her of her 
 accustomed exercise, and of being the
 
 VIRGINIA* 151 
 
 means of confining her to the house the 
 whole day. 
 
 The Colonel professed himself ex- 
 tremely sorry, and said, he had not the 
 least idea that she would be so ceremo- 
 nious as to stay at home on his account; 
 but he was compelled to finish his speech 
 in a more animated strain, for with con- 
 sternation he observed the tears swim- 
 ming in Cordelia's eyes, and he dreaded 
 they would burst forth. He, therefore, 
 hastily assured her he would certainly 
 walk with her the next morning. 
 
 This promise brought the recreant 
 smile again upon the features of the ten- 
 der fair, and the whipt syllabub system 
 was re- commenced with renewed energy, 
 and continued till her father (who 
 really considered her as a child) told 
 her she had played quite long enough, 
 and begged he might have a little ratii^l 
 conversation with his nephew, 
 u 4
 
 io2 VIRGINIA. 
 
 The ensuing morning, the Colonel 
 (in conformity to his promise) was ob- 
 liged to dedicate to his youthful perse- 
 cutor, who, he reluctantly acknowledged 
 even to himself, betrayed an affection 
 for him passing the love of childhood ; 
 and though her manner of evincing it 
 was almost infantine, and he believed 
 sprang from the ingenuousness of her na- 
 ture, and her ignorance of the impro- 
 priety of demonstrating her sentiments, 
 yet he v.as astonished to observe that in 
 some respects she was altogether as wo- 
 manly, and by no means unacquainted 
 with the rules of decorum, where others 
 were concerned. 
 
 In short, he soon became convinced 
 that a residence at his uncle's would be 
 by no means eligible for him, and he re- 
 joiced that he had not comnjunicated to 
 his family his former plan of continuing 
 there.
 
 VIRGINIA. 153 
 
 About this time lie received a letter 
 from his sister, full of reproaches for his 
 having absented himself so long, and ur- 
 gently entreating liis return to town. 
 
 He wrote an answer, promi-slng com- 
 pliance \^ith her recjuest, on conditions 
 that she would consent to live a more le- 
 life, to which (as has bet^n seen) she 
 gladly consented. 
 
 The Colonel had a strong dislike of 
 returning to his lather's house; but he 
 could not, under existing ciicumstai^.ces, 
 remain at liis uncle's; but he deter- 
 mined, as the spring advanced, to prevail 
 on his sister, to accompany him into the 
 country, 
 
 Mr. Lethbridge was much surprised 
 upon being informed by his nephew 
 of his intention to curtail his visit; 
 but was satisfied when the Colonel aP 
 tributed the sudden change in his re^ 
 II 5
 
 154 VIRGINIA. 
 
 solution, to tlie persuasive letter he had 
 received from liis sister. 
 
 But Cordelia was not so easily paci- 
 fied; and, on being left alone with her 
 cousin, she asked if it was possible 
 he really could be in earnest, and if 
 he indeed meant to leave her to mope 
 by herself in that melancholy place ? 
 
 Villeroy was surprised at the question^ 
 and scarcely knew how to answer it, bat 
 suddenly recollecting himself he said — 
 
 "Is my uncle then going from 
 home ?" 
 
 " No," she returned, bursting into 
 tears, '* nobody but you could be so ill^ 
 natured as to go away from me, and leave 
 me in this dismal hole. But I know 
 very well you are going to be married to 
 some fine lady, and that is the reason you 
 are in such a hurry to be off; but you. 
 caanot deceive me,"^
 
 VIRGrNIA. 16^ 
 
 *' Indeed, my dear cousin, I don't want 
 to deceive you ! I assure you a marriage 
 with any body is the farthest thing from 
 my thoughts ; nor, as far as 1 can foresee, 
 is it all probable that I shall ever enter 
 that state. I cannot unite myself to a 
 woman without fortune, nor will I ever 
 avail myself of the imprudence of one 
 who n>ay be affluent, to join lier fate with 
 mine." 
 
 ** Dear cousin, how you talk I impru- 
 dence ! I am sure I think I — " 
 
 Cordelia fauttered ; and Villcroy sud- 
 denly rising, seized the opportunity to 
 say he had began a letter which he must 
 absolutely finish, and immediately with- 
 drew to his apartment. 
 
 The next morning he took his depart- 
 ure, which his cousin witnessed with 
 abundance of tears. 
 
 Cordelia Lethbridge had been edu- 
 u6
 
 166 VIRGINIA. 
 
 cated at one of those fashionable semina- 
 ries, in the vicinity of the metropolis, 
 which have much the same effect upon 
 young ladies, that a hot bed has upon 
 young plants; and in a state of the utmost 
 Jor^zvardntsSy produced by a course of 
 indiscriminate studies, and an intimacy 
 with juvenile companions, with imagina- 
 nations as vivid as her own, she returned 
 home ripe for conquest ; and though a 
 novice in every •thii>g else she was expe- 
 rienced in all tiie finesse of la belle pas- 
 sion, as far as the jjowers of anticipation 
 could make her so. 
 
 - Butd^ou5:fh love and marriao-e had been 
 the general topic of conversation between 
 kerself and school-fellows, tlie delights 
 attend.ait on the possession of line 
 houses, fine caniages, going to every 
 public amusement, and being called 
 your grace, or your ladyship, had not 
 un frequently been expatiated upon ; and 
 the impression made by sucli discus-
 
 VIRGINIA. 157 
 
 sions on the mind of Cordelia, had m-' 
 duced her, on seeing her cousins (in one 
 of whom she was resolved to find a 
 lover) to fix upon the tldest, v. lioni 
 she considered as the future Lord Ca- 
 lisbrook. 
 
 Of the slender resources It was pro- 
 bable would remain to support the 
 consequence of that title, or to fur- 
 nish the means of' those pleasures she 
 had been taught to believe were the 
 greatest in life, she was ignorant ; other- 
 wise it is probable her affection for 
 the Colonel would not have evinced it 
 self so unequivocally, and she would 
 have contented herself with merely 
 exacting his homage and attention-,. 
 to amuse her for the time, without 
 canying her ideas to any thing more 
 serious. ■ 
 
 Had not her views been of that 
 nature, she most undoubtedly would
 
 158 VIRGINIA. 
 
 have fixed upon Clarence Villeroy for 
 a temporary flirt, as his iniumer and 
 person was much, more agreeahle to 
 her taste tlia-n his brother's; and from 
 what she had seen of him, slie was 
 convinced she should not have found 
 it such a difficult task to compel him 
 to be particular in his attention to 
 her. 
 
 The sudden departure of the Colonel, 
 when she had imagined he intended 
 to have remained some months, mor- 
 tified her extremely; as it proved that 
 she had not excited that interest in 
 his heart she was so desirous of creat- 
 ti'ng, and which, ^he had succeeded 
 in persuading herself she experienced 
 for him. 
 
 On his departure, heing again left to 
 solitude, and the entertainment of her 
 own thoughts that had long been seeking
 
 VIUGIXIA. I6f) 
 
 for an object to fix tiieinselves upan, 
 she, in the true spirit of romance, re- 
 signed herself to the indulgence of her 
 passion ; really imagining slie was se- 
 riously attached.
 
 l60 VIRGINIA 
 
 CHAP XI I. 
 
 " The biightnesE of the face of Gaul returned. But 
 his sigh rose at times in the midst of his friends; hke 
 blasts that shake their unfrequent wings, after the 
 stormy winds ar«j laid !'* 
 
 GSSIAN. 
 
 MEANTIME Colonel Villeroy en- 
 joyed more comfort under the paternal 
 roof than he had ever before experienced 
 in that residence. 
 
 His sister entirely conformed to the 
 way of life most congenial to his feel- 
 ings ; he had a select circle of chosen 
 friends ; Charle- Clifford interested him, 
 and gradually engaged ids esteem; and 
 had the causes which compelled him to
 
 VIRGINIA. l6^i 
 
 seek egress from the back of the house, 
 (in order to avoid a bight that always uur 
 nerved him) been removed, his fathet* 
 become rational, and his brother in a 
 way to make liimself independant, he 
 might have been haj^py ! But while 
 these sources of uneasiness existed, — so 
 long as he sav/ not only one Mordecai, 
 but half a dozen, " sitting at the king's 
 gate," all this availed him nothing. 
 
 In modern, but far less forcible lan- 
 guage, under these circumstances, the 
 benign influence of uncloutled hope, 
 could not prepare his bosom to admit the 
 seraph Peace, whose halcyon wing some- 
 times fluttered at his breast, but found 
 not admission. 
 
 Nevertheless, the charms of society 
 aftorded temporary ease, and his feelings 
 were lulled, while within the vonex of u 
 congenial circle.
 
 I6fi VIRCIINIA. 
 
 In this circle Colonel Villeroy might 
 justly be compared to the sun, round 
 which all the inifMor planets revolved ; 
 by which they were influenced; and by 
 whose brilliancy they were illumined: 
 for when the brightness of his under- 
 standing shone with all its native lustre, 
 they were invigorated and animated to 
 display their utmost powers. But when 
 the cloud of dejection eclipsed his glory, 
 when the heavy body of earthly cares, 
 came between them and tiieir benignant 
 orb, they were dark and gloomy, and a 
 sombre aspect instantaneously pervaded 
 all around. 
 
 In none was this influence more appa- 
 rent than in Charles Cliflbrd, who be- 
 came daily more attached to Colonel Vil- 
 leroy, and daily more anxious to resem- 
 ble him. 
 
 This laudable ambition could not fail 
 of being highly beneficial to Cliarles;
 
 VIRGINIA. 16^ 
 
 the shades in his character grarhially 
 faded till they could scarcely be discern- 
 ed, and only were conspicuous when 
 placed in a particular point of \ie\v; or, 
 to drop metaphor, when he appeared in 
 situations most likely to excite his 
 ruling foibles, which certainly were 
 not of a very inveterate or disgusting 
 nature. 
 
 His matrimonial speculation had nearly 
 died away on his mind, a^id he resolved 
 at least to take -time to consider of it. 
 
 While he became indifferent on this 
 point, he retained a lively remembrance 
 of Augusta; and in his letters to lAw 
 Beryl, he never failed to enquire after 
 her, and her mother; but Mr. ]]er3'l did 
 not punctually reply to his letters ; 
 Charles had only heard once from 
 him since he had been in town, and he 
 had not then mentioned the Sebrights.
 
 164 VIKGINIA. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy had been about two 
 inonihs in London, in the course of which 
 he had, to his great surprise, received 
 several most affectionate letters from 
 Cordelia Lethbridge, which he had re- 
 plied to, at his leisure, mjriendly terms; 
 when the arrival of a very particular 
 friend of his, whom he had invited to pay 
 him a visit, furnished a most agreeable 
 addition to the family party. 
 
 Captain Stanhope had a company in 
 the reoiment Colonel Villerov had be- 
 longed to. 
 
 He was his chosen intimate, and was 
 worthy to be so. 
 
 To a majestic figure, was added a 
 countenance peculiarly interesting, 
 though not strictly handsome. His 
 manners were elegant, mild, and con- 
 ciliating; he was unobtrusive, though
 
 VIRGINIA. 15^ 
 
 liot diftklent ; cheerful, but not boist- 
 erous. 
 
 ■ " A mild, majestic grace, 
 
 Beam'd from his evf, and open'J in his face/' 
 
 His fatlier was the offspring of a 
 younger branch of a noble family ; from 
 which he inherited nothing but the blood ; 
 which, notwithstanding its superiority, 
 he found subjected those whose veins it 
 flowed througli, to as many natural infir- 
 mities, as their less distinguished fellow 
 creatures, and rendered them no less 
 alive to the necessities of nature, to sup- 
 ply which active exertion was required ; 
 and through the interest of his friends, 
 Mr. Stanhope obtained a place under 
 government, which enabled him to sup- 
 port his wife and two daughters gen- 
 teelly. 
 
 From the same source, his son had 
 been presented with a commission, and
 
 166 VIRGINIA. 
 
 was now eldfest captain in the regiment 
 lie belonged to. 
 
 The situation Mr. Stanhope filled only 
 required his personal attendance for 
 about two months in the year ; the re- 
 mainder of his time he spent with his fa- 
 mily, at a sweet country residence on the 
 coast of IJanipshire. 
 
 His son had obtained leave of absence 
 for the winter; and having past some 
 weeks at home, he accepted an invitation 
 which had often been pressed, to visit Co- 
 lonel Villeroy, for whom he felt the affec- 
 tion of a I) rot her. 
 
 Captain Stanhope was every way calcu- 
 lated to Ibruj a member of the enlighten- 
 ed coicrie, which nevertheless was not so 
 select as it had been a short time before ; 
 for, fiom peculiar circumstanc.s, a gen- 
 tleman had gained access to it, who cer- 
 tiiinly possessed but a very limited pro-
 
 VIRGINIA. l67 
 
 portion of those brilliant qualifications 
 which would have entitled him to be ad- 
 mitted. 
 
 Tiiis was no less a person tlian the 
 Earl of Clyne, the professed suitor of 
 Miss Villeroy ; who, though she had not 
 absolutely accepted him, permitted his 
 visits in the hope of discovering in him 
 some latent talent, or amiable quality 
 of the heart, that might assist in recon- 
 ciling her to the idea of becoming his 
 wife. 
 
 Hitherto she had been unsuccessful in 
 this research ; and all that she had been 
 xible to ascertain decisively was, that his 
 lordship's head was formed of most im- 
 penetrable materials; and that it any 
 thing ever had forced its way into it 
 (which there seen)ed much room to 
 doubt) the eff'jrts -it had made to gain 
 admission, had been so great as to inca- 
 pacitate it from the farther exertion of
 
 WS VIRGINIA. 
 
 coming forth again ; and it lay quietly 
 hid in the cavities of his noble brain, 
 wholly exhausted with the fatigue it had 
 undergone in surmounting the many ob- 
 stacles that had obstructed its progress in 
 its way there. 
 
 His lordship was in fact one of those 
 persons of whom it might be said in the 
 words of Aladame La Marquist da 
 Deffend^ — *' Ce sont les impuissant qui 
 dorceiit l\nmty\\ce sont hs soitrds qui 
 doivent r entendre,'' 
 
 But his lordship was wealthy, his per- 
 son not unpleasant, and scarcely any fe- 
 male would have thought of rejecting 
 him, at least, so Miss Villeroy be- 
 lieved. 
 
 How then could she, who beheld ruin 
 almost too near to be called in perspec- 
 tive, and who had no prior attachment,
 
 VIRGINIA. \C9 
 
 decide on refusing him, with any shadow 
 of prudence?^ 
 
 Perhaps her motive for even tolerating 
 his idea, should more justly be ascribed 
 to ambition ! For surely the pj-jiidcnce 
 of wisdom would rather have prompted 
 her to endeavour to reconcile herself to 
 the prospect of poverty, to resolve on 
 supporting it with religious resignation, 
 or stimulated exertions to ward it off, 
 than have impelled her to rush into a 
 union with a being whose society would 
 render her future existence burthensome 
 to her; and who would embitter every 
 social joy by betraying feelings and sen- 
 timents in exact opposition to her 
 own. 
 
 " Art thou ambitious ? Why then make the worm 
 ** Thine equal ? Runs thy taste of pleasure high ? 
 " Why patronize such death of evVy joy ? 
 *' Charm riches ? Why chuse begg'ry in the grave, 
 ** Of ev'ry hope a bankrupt ! and for ever ?*" 
 
 ♦ Young. 
 VOL. I. I
 
 170 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy was no advocate for 
 Lord Clyne ; he said not one word ei- 
 ther in his favor or against him, to his 
 sister, for on a subject of such import- 
 ance he resolved to be silent. 
 
 It was not in his power to ensure to 
 his sister a future provision, such as 
 would be desirable for her ; if it had 
 been he would no doubt have dissuaded 
 her from forming a connection with a 
 being so uncongenial to her; but as it 
 was, he thought it best to leave her to 
 act for herself. Lord Clyne's character 
 was unimpeached, and an union with him 
 would secure her future splendour and 
 consequence. 
 
 This, Colonel Villeroy could not pro- 
 mise his sister ; and if, through his in- 
 terference, she had been tempted to 
 reject Lord Clyne, she might, when the 
 time should arrive that would deprive J 
 her of the luxuries she had been ever
 
 VIRGINIA. 171 
 
 accustomed to^ reproach him in her 
 heart for havinor influenced her to forego 
 the golden bait which was now held out 
 to her. 
 
 Lord Calisbrook was not quite so 
 punctihous on this head; but freely 
 gave his opinion and advice; and 
 discovered more energy on this occa- 
 sion than he had ever before displayed, 
 and was vehement in the cause of Lord 
 Glyne. 
 
 The subject that now occupied ^liss 
 Villeroy's mind, did not tend to dis- 
 perse the cloud an her brow, which 
 increased, and the cast of discontent 
 was succeeded by the gloom of dejec- 
 tion . 
 
 At length, after many a struggle, a 
 reluctant consent was drawn from her, 
 by the importunities of her father, who
 
 17Q VIRGINIA^ 
 
 immediately acquainted Lord Clyne 
 with her decision. 
 
 This communication had been made 
 on the very day of Captain Stan- 
 hope's arrival in town ; and on that 
 evening my Lord Clyne was received 
 as the destined husband of Miss Ville- 
 roy. 
 
 His lordship was as animated upon 
 the occasion as his nature would permit 
 him to be; Miss Villeroy in vain endea- 
 voured to behave towards him with that 
 complacency he had a right to expect, 
 and pleading indisposition sIjc retired at 
 an early hour. 
 
 The celebration of her nuptials was 
 fixed for that day month, and having 
 once given her consent, she offered no 
 objection to this arrangement. 
 
 Yet as the days passed over, each
 
 VIRGINIA. J73 
 
 bringing nearer the period of her sacri- 
 fice, (for such in truth it was) a fearful 
 horror, at the step she was about to take, 
 pervaded her mind: her repugnance 
 to it every moment increased; and she 
 would have given worlds to have re- 
 tracted her promise ; but it was now 
 too late, and impressed with this con- 
 viction, the deepest melancholy took 
 possession of her. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy was shocked beyond 
 expression at his sister's demeanour, 
 which he could not but ascribe to the true 
 cause. 
 
 Captain Stanhope, though entirely ig- 
 norant of the source of Miss Villeroy *s 
 evident unhappiness, (For in Lord Clyne 
 he never discovered an accepted lover) 
 was grieved to perceive so young, and 
 lovely a woman, oppressed by such a 
 weight of mental misery ; and endea- 
 T 3
 
 374 VIRGINIA. 
 
 vourecl as- far as was in his power, to 
 draw her attention from tlie contempla- 
 tion of her woes. 
 
 As the particular friend of her fa- 
 vorite hrother, she had conducted her- 
 self towards hin), from the very first, 
 with peculiar graciousncss, and he 
 not unfrequently liad the ])leasure of 
 observing, that he had succeeded in in- 
 teresting lier ; for his insinuating man- 
 ners, and tlie elegant turn of mind his 
 conversation discovered, were exactly 
 calculated to soothe a disturbed spirit, 
 and charm away the consciousness of its 
 wretchedness. 
 
 But though this charm seldom failed 
 to operate in the absence of Lord Clyne, 
 his presence always dissolved it. 
 
 Clarence Villeroy was at this time out 
 of town, having set out with the inten- 
 tion of joining some old friends and
 
 VIRGINIA. 175 
 
 fellow collegians, who still remained at 
 the university at Cambridge, and with 
 whom he intended spending a short time, 
 chiefly for the sake of novelty. 
 
 14
 
 176' VIRGINIA. 
 
 CHAP. XIII. 
 
 " My noble brother in his powerful self, 
 
 " So strong in virtue stands, he thinks lull surely 
 
 " The daughter of his sire no weakness hath ; 
 
 " And wists not how a simple heart must struggle 
 
 *' To be what it would be, — what it must be, — 
 
 " Aye, and, so aid me, Heaven! what it shall be/' 
 
 JOANNA BAILLIE. 
 
 COLONEL VILLEROY with dis- 
 may watched the hourly augmenting 
 misery of his sister; and at length felt 
 that he could no longer exonerate him- 
 self in remaining silent, and permitting 
 her to make a sacrifice which appeared 
 to cost her so much^ without, at least, 
 expostulating with her, on the rashness of 
 her determination.
 
 VIRGINIA. 177 
 
 Accordingly, he seized an early oppor- 
 tunity of entering upon the subject; and 
 entreatinij; her to inform hiai from 
 whence arase her so visible unliapniness, 
 and if it originated ia the prospect of her 
 marriage with Lord Clynej ^Miss Vil- 
 leroy instantly betrayed the strongest 
 ])erturbatiDn, while the tears streamed in 
 torrents from her eyes; as soon as she 
 could speak she exclaimed that she musf: 
 marry Lord Clyne ; that she was resolved 
 upon it, for that after tiie promise she 
 had given she could not retract. 
 
 " Do you wish to retract?"' cried hex: 
 brother. 
 
 ' ' 1 never will,^' she returned ; *' I have 
 consented to be his, and I have no one 
 to blame but myself; I must take the 
 consequences.. Perhaps I may not mind 
 it so much when it is once irrevocable!" 
 she shuddered. 
 
 " Perhaps /" echoed the Colonel ; 
 "and is it possible you can resolve on 
 forming an irrevocable union, while you. 
 I 5
 
 178 VIRGINIA. 
 
 admit but a faint doubt of its making 3'ou 
 miserable ? This is absolute madness ! 
 You must not marry Lord Clyne. I am 
 aware that your honor is concerned in 
 this business, and the only way in which 
 you can extricate yourself from the di- 
 lemma is by throwing yourself entirely 
 on the generosity of his lordship, and 
 candidly acknowledging your strong re- 
 p'jgiiance to entering the marriage state; 
 and utter inability to reconcile yourself 
 to the thought of an union with any 
 body, in your present state of mind." 
 
 IMiss Villeroy sighed heavily, but ob- 
 stinately persisted in declaring it to be 
 her unalterable resolution to espouse 
 Lord Clyne. 
 
 **What am I to look forward to?" 
 she cried ; starting with a degree of 
 horror. '* At my father's death we shall 
 all be beggars ! What will then become 
 of me, if I should now reject the 
 liffluence aud splendor that solicit my
 
 VIRGINIA. 179* 
 
 acceptance. I should be a poor neg- 
 lected forlorn being ! despised by those 
 who had been accustomed to look up to 
 me ! and those who noticed me, con- 
 ceiving it a charity and condescension. 
 No; I never will be reduced to such a 
 humiliating state ! Say no more, Ferdi- 
 nand ! I am resolved to marry Lord 
 Clyne !" 
 
 Villeroy, shocked and distressed 
 beyond nieasure at his sister's ad- 
 herence to a determination which he 
 was convinced, involved her future 
 happiness, exhausted every argument 
 to dissuade her from it, and repre- 
 sented in lively colours, and forcible lan- 
 guage, tlie superior misery attendant on 
 a marriage with an object of dislike, to 
 all the chain of evils poverty could 
 bring with it ; but she only answered 
 him with her tears ; and this conversation, 
 which took place about a week after she 
 had consented to give her hand to Lord 
 16
 
 180 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Clyne, concluded by her still declaring 
 she was resolved to abide by her pro- 
 mise ; and her brother determined to say 
 no more on the subject. 
 
 The preparations for the approaching 
 iiuptials were expedited as much as pos- 
 sible. 
 
 Lord Calisbrook talked very pomp- 
 ously of what his daughter would pos- 
 sess at his demise, but averred that it 
 would not be convenient to him to re- 
 trench his present income, by giving her 
 a suitable portion on her mai'riage. 
 
 Lord Clyne was one of the richest no- 
 blemen in England ; avarice could not be 
 numbered among his faults; he loved 
 Miss Villeroy as much as he could love 
 any thing; and he made a very hand- 
 some settlement on his future bride, 
 without at all regarding her dsficiency of 
 pecuniary attractions.
 
 VIRGINIA. 181; 
 
 Lord Calisbrook was alarmed lest the, 
 extreme gloominess and reserve of his 
 daughter should surprise and disgust her 
 noble lover, and occasion him to imagine 
 her averse- to the union ; he therefor^ 
 took an oppoitunity of observing to him,, 
 that Miss Villeroy had always been of 
 a very reflective turn, and that the so- 
 lemn engagement she was about to form, 
 naturally impressed her miiid^-with a de- 
 gree of seriousness which merely owed 
 its origin to the high sense she entertained 
 of the duties attendant on the situation 
 she was now to enter. 
 
 Lord Clyne was not gifted with any 
 extraordinary portion of penetration, and 
 as the lady had consented to become his 
 wife, he saw no reason to mistrust the 
 strencjth of her reo^ard for him. She 
 had at no time treated him with much 
 complacency, he therefore did not ex- 
 pect it from her., lie had heard it as- 
 serted l:y many that she was extremely
 
 182 VIRGINIA. 
 
 clever and extremely wise, two qua- 
 lifieations tor which bis lordship was 
 not remarkable, and of this he was 
 not entirely unconscious, and felt 
 highly flattered that a woman of such 
 superior mental endowments would ac- 
 cept him on any terms. 
 
 The days wore tiway rapidly to those 
 who looked forward with sorrowful re- 
 gret to the period that was to decide the 
 fate of Miss Viileroy. A week now only 
 intervened ; and during that time she 
 confined herself almost entirely to her 
 apartments, under pretence of having 
 arrangements to make, preparatory to her 
 change of abode, and the journey she was 
 to take ; as immediately after the cere- 
 mony, the bride and bridegroom were to 
 set off for an estate which the latter possess- 
 ed about a hundred miles from the capital. 
 
 Clarence Viileroy wrote to excuse 
 himself from being present at his sister's 
 wedding; at the same time saying he
 
 VI HG IX I A. 183 
 
 should remain in the country some ^vceks 
 longer. His brother did not think this 
 extraordinary, as he believed Clarence 
 was averse to witnessing a ceremony 
 which he probably considered as a sacri- 
 fice. 
 
 Tiie evening parties had for some time 
 been entirely given up, for Colonel V illeroy 
 did not feel his spirits equal to supporting 
 the presence of any but his dearest friends. 
 Captain Stanhope and Charles Clifford 
 were his constant companions, but a me- 
 lancholy hung over the trio. The Colo- 
 nel liad now mentioned his sister's ap- 
 proaching marriage ; indeed it was now 
 pretty generally known. The embarrass- 
 ed circumstances of Lord Calisbrook 
 had long ceased to be a secret to the 
 public, and was become a theme almost 
 too stale to form the subject of conver- 
 vers:ition ; yet when it was known that 
 Miss V^illeroy had consented to give hei* 
 hand to Lord Clyne, few hesitated to as-
 
 184 VIRGINIA. 
 
 cribe her acceptance of him to the true 
 cause. 
 
 Neither could Captain Stanhope or 
 Charles (who now,,, through the whispers 
 of some of hia new^ acquaintance, had 
 attained a pretty just idea of the state 
 of his patron's affairs) doubt, for one 
 moment, that she was devoting herself at: 
 the shrine of ambition.. 
 
 Charles could now. account for the de- 
 jection of his amiable friend, in whose 
 feelings both he and Stanhope too sin- 
 cerely sympathized to be able to feel, 
 happy; nor could they help experiencing 
 a lively commiseration for Miss Villeroy, 
 whose conduct and demeanour so plainly 
 evinced her repugnance to the union. 
 
 The eve preceding the dreaded morn, 
 at length arrived. Lord Clyne had called 
 during the da}, but had received an apo- 
 lugy from Lord Calisbrook, for his
 
 VIRGINIA. 185 
 
 daughter*?! not appearing, with an assur- 
 ance that she wouKi be punctual to the 
 hour appointed for the celebration of the 
 marriage; which was to be performed by 
 special licence in the saloon of his own 
 mansion.
 
 186 VIRGINIA.- 
 
 CHAP. XIV. 
 
 '^' Backward I tarn, and when I view the past, 
 " As on a livid lake I turn my eyes, 
 " Gloomy, but troubled by no dangerwus blast, 
 «* The dull and hazy space behind me lie& t 
 ** ocfoi-e itife spreads ti drear and wintry waste, 
 " And dec>ps unsounded and ©*erelouding skies i 
 <« T© th© hbak past raost gladly would I fly, 
 « f i^ffi stermi that iiireat in d4r« futurity/' 
 
 COLONEL VILLEROY retired un- 
 usually early to bed, as did also his two 
 companions, Stanhope and Clifford. 
 
 On reaching his apartment, Villeroy 
 dismissed his servant, and seating him- 
 self, he continued ruminating for some 
 time on the melancholy prospects of his
 
 VIRGINIA. 187 
 
 sister, and on what her feelings at that 
 moment, in all probability were. 
 
 He lamented the infatuation which 
 drove her thus rashly to rush upon one 
 evil in order to avoid another of not 
 half its magnitude; for he felt confident 
 that the possession of pomp and splendor 
 was not sufficient to constitute her happi- 
 ness, and that in an union with Lord 
 Clyne, she must ibr ever be debarred the 
 delights of a congenial intercourse. 
 
 The clock struck one, while he was 
 still pursuing this unpleasant train of 
 thought. 
 
 Shortly af\er he distinctly heard the 
 door of his sister's apartm^^nt opened, 
 and quick footsteps advancing along the 
 gallery. This was immediately followed 
 by a hurried, but gentle tap at his cham- 
 ber door. On his giving permis^^ion to 
 enter, it was opened by his sister, who
 
 188 VIRGINIA. 
 
 with uneven steps came forward, and 
 throwing herself upon the nearest seat, 
 she covered her face with her hands, 
 and uttered the most deep and convulsive 
 sobs. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy started up, and ap^ 
 proachtd her in extreme alarm ; and 
 taking her in his arms, he entreated her 
 to explain the cause of her sudden ap- 
 pearance ; but it was long ^ere she could 
 articulate ; at length, she indistinctly 
 pronounced— 
 
 ** I cannot marry him !" and conti- 
 nued, ** O never, never, can I swear be- 
 fore God to love and obey him! Ever 
 since the wretched hour that I was in- 
 duced to give my consent, I have been 
 endeavouring by every possible argu- 
 ment to reconcile myself to the thoughts 
 of this hated alliance; but my repug- 
 nance has increased every hour, and now 
 that the period is so near, I regard it
 
 VIRGINIA. 18^ 
 
 with awful horror; and the being I am 
 expected to love, vvith perfect antipathy! 
 All the miseries of poverty and depend- 
 ance now appear trifling compared to the 
 wretchedness of becoming bis wife. I 
 have stru<Tcr]ed dav and nioht to over- 
 come this sensation, and^^at length horror- 
 struck with the thought that my destiny 
 would in the course of a few hours be ir- 
 revocably fixed, I flew to you. O, my 
 brother! Yet what can you do for me? 
 What will become of me ? O ! that I 
 had listened to you before, while the 
 dreadful moment was yet at a dis- 
 tance!*' 
 
 She paused ; her frame was agitated 
 almost to hysterics. 
 
 " Compose yourself, my dear, dear 
 sister," cried Vilieroy; '^ thank Heaven 
 it is not yet too late! Never shall you 
 marry this man ! I am resolved upon it, 
 let the consequence be what it may !"
 
 190 VIRGINIA. 
 
 ** O! how is it possible I can disap- 
 point him at this late period? Under 
 what plea can I suddenly, and at such a 
 time, break off an engagement I was not 
 forced into ? Perhaps he may insist upon 
 his claims! O what am I to do; the 
 whole world will condemn me?" 
 
 *' Talk not of the xcorld! What com- 
 pensation will it make you for the sacri- 
 fice of your happiness to its opinion? 
 The only consideration is how to spare 
 Lord dyne's feelings, and to withdraw 
 yourself from this connection (if possible) 
 with honor." 
 
 Alas! it is impossible!" 
 
 ** No, I hope not; for wliether is it 
 more honorable to impose upon a man, 
 and make him believe that you marry 
 him because you love him, when in 
 reality you merely ally yourself to him 
 in order to secure an establishment, or 
 candidly to acknowledge, even at the last 
 moment, that you cannot bring yourself 
 to share his fortune, when you find it
 
 VIRGIXIA. }(){ 
 
 impossible to give him your heart? A 
 man of real delicacy would be better 
 pleased that this declaration should be 
 made even at the altar, than that he 
 should receive to his arms a woman who 
 did not, and never could love him. But 
 this is certainly a most delicate point, and 
 not easy to decide on, every one will 
 judge according to their own feelings; 
 those of Lord Clyne I hope and trust are 
 not very acute; yet at the very moment 
 when he was in full expectation of the 
 fruition of his hopes, he cannot fail 
 to feel his disappointment most sen- 
 dbly." 
 
 ^' O, I cannot bear to think of it ! If 
 he really loves me, what dreadful an- 
 guish shall I cause him ! But surely he 
 is incapable of experiencing that refmed 
 and animated affection which would 
 make him feel in full force the iinwor- 
 thiness of my conduct. O ! if I thought 
 he really would endure such keen regret 
 for my loss, I would rather sacrifice my-
 
 192 VIRGINIA. 
 
 self to him, than inflict such torture upon 
 any body !" 
 
 Colonel Villeroy was surprised to hear 
 his sister speak in such terms of a pas- 
 sion, the nature of which he believed her 
 to be totally unacquainted with, for he 
 had never known her evince a partiality 
 for any one, and he was convinced that 
 liad a prepossession occupied her heart at 
 the time Lord Clyne had pressed his 
 suit, she never would have permitted 
 things to have gone so far. 
 
 He now entreated her to retire, and 
 endeavor to compose herself, saying he 
 would dedicate the night to reflecting on 
 the best measures to be pursued to ex- 
 tricate her from her embarassment, and 
 at the same time spare the feelings of 
 Lord Clyne. 
 
 But in order to gain time, and that 
 the whole weight of his disappointment
 
 VIRGINIA. 193 
 
 should not fall on him at once, it would 
 be expedient, as early as possible in the 
 morning, to dispatch a note to his lord- 
 ship, to inform him that sl«e had been 
 taken extremely unwell during the night, 
 and was so much indisposed as to render 
 it impossible the ceremony could take 
 place on that day. 
 
 The same excuse \^^uld account for its 
 being deferred for some time, when 
 Villeroy trusted they might be enabled 
 to dissolve the connection without noise 
 or publicity. 
 
 With a lightened heart, though still 
 labouring under various causes of dis- 
 quietude, Miss Villeroy returned to her 
 chamber, which for some weeks past had 
 echoed only with the sigh of misery, or 
 the sob of an oppressed heart. 
 
 Great had been the struggle between 
 ambition, and — will the reader be asto- 
 
 VOL. I. K
 
 194- VIIIQINIA. 
 
 nibbed when I 2idd—i&'ve/ or does he al- 
 ready suspect that the influence of that 
 passion had gradually chased the empty 
 visions of splendor from the breast of 
 Miss Villeroy, and discovered to her 
 that the real joys of life did consist in 
 pomp and magnificence? Such was in 
 fact the case. The amiable deportment, 
 and winning gentleness of Captain Stan- 
 hope, had awakened a sentiment in her 
 heart she had till then been a stranger 
 to. 
 
 This prepossession was merely in 
 its infancy at the time her brother 
 had spoken to her concerning her 
 engagement with Lord Clyne, at the 
 same time advising her to dissolve 
 it, but she was sensible of the partiality 
 that existed in her breast, and provoked 
 that she should experience it for a person 
 whose rank in life (independent of her 
 entanglement with Lord Clyne) would 
 have rendered it the height of imprudence 
 in her to encourage any thoughts of him ;
 
 VIRGINIA. 195 
 
 she resolved to get the better of such 
 weakness, and fix her mind on her ap- 
 proaching nuptials, which she was 
 more than ever determined upon; but 
 tliis resolution though easily made, waa 
 most difficult to be kept, for 
 
 " He who stems a stream with sand, 
 " And fetters flame with flaxen band, 
 " Has yet a harder task to prove, 
 " By firm resolve to conquer love."* 
 
 With the weakness characteristic of 
 the passion which daily . increased, IMiss 
 Villeroy had allowed herself the gratifi- 
 cation of listening to Captain Stanhope's 
 interesting conversation, erroneously ima- 
 gining that by thus braving the danger, 
 she should overcome it. But of the 
 fallacy of this persuasion she was too 
 late convinced, and secluding herself en- 
 tirely, she resigned herself to the despair 
 that every day augmented. Not one mo- 
 ment would she now have hesitated to 
 
 * Walter Scot. 
 K 2
 
 196 VIRGINIA. 
 
 break off her connection with Lord 
 Clyne; but on what plea could she 
 effect this even through the interference 
 tf her brother, the Colonel, after having 
 so obstinately persisted against his ad- 
 vice, in her resolution to espouse his 
 lordship r The real cause of this sudden 
 change it was impossible she could con- 
 fess, and she continued a prey to the most 
 torturing sensations and the keenest an- 
 guish, unable to decide how to act till the 
 very eve of the day fixed on for her mar- 
 riage, when, rendered desperate by the 
 near approach of her fate, she suddenly 
 formed the resolution of flying to her bro- 
 ther, and imparting to him the nature of 
 her feelings, at least as far as regarded 
 Lord Clyne.
 
 VIRGINIA. 197 
 
 CHAP. XV. 
 
 " Menons bien ce project ; la fourbe sera fine 
 " S'il faut qu' elle succede ainsi que I'imagine.'* 
 
 MOLIERE. 
 
 AT a very early hour Colonel Villeroy 
 sent a note, such as he had projected, to 
 Lord Clyne, in which he also informed 
 him that he would wait upon him in the 
 course of a few hours, as he was desirous 
 of conversing with him on a subject most 
 interesting to them both. 
 
 As soon as Miss Villeroy heard that 
 her father was stirring, she sent a message 
 to him, to inform him, that she was so 
 much indisposed it was impossible her 
 marriage could take place on that day. 
 K 3
 
 198 VIRGINIA. 
 
 She, of course, did not quit her cham- 
 ber. 
 
 A physician was immediately called 
 in, whose attendance she was obliged to 
 submit to; indeed it was not entirely su- 
 perfluous, for the agitation of mind she 
 had undergone, and the unhappiness she 
 had so long endured, had considerably 
 impaired her health, and affected a con- 
 stitution not naturally strong. 
 
 When Colonel Villeroy joined his two 
 friends at breakfast, they anxiously en- 
 quired for Miss Villeroy, a report of whose 
 indisposition they had already heard. 
 
 The Colonel replied that it was not of 
 a dangerous nature. 
 
 ** Is the marriage then to take place to- 
 <lay ?" asked Stanhope. 
 
 '*No, nor ever! if I can possibly pre- 
 vent it!' cried Villeroy with animation.
 
 VIRGINIA. 199 
 
 My sister shall never sacrifice herself for 
 the benefit of her family." 
 
 To this motive Colonel Villcroy 
 chose to ascribe his sister's resolution of 
 accepting Lord Ciyne, as it certainly 
 was a more amiable one than the pros- 
 pect of self aggrandisement, and doubt- 
 less had in some measure influenced her 
 decision. 
 
 Clifford frankly expressed his atisfac- 
 tion, and declared he was delighted to 
 hear there was a chance of this union not 
 taking place. Captain Stanhope was si- 
 lent. 
 
 Shortly after breakfast Villeroy re- 
 paired to the residence of Lord Clyne, 
 and was received by his lordship with ex- 
 pressions of sorrow and disappointment at 
 the unpleasant cause which had delayed 
 his nuptials. 
 
 K 4
 
 200 VIRGINIA. 
 
 He expressed himself with somewhat 
 more animation than he was accustomed 
 to speak in ordinary, and begged to know 
 if Miss Villeroy's disorder was of a na- 
 ture lik.ely to increase? 
 
 Colonel Villeroy replied, that he 
 feared it was, unless the cause from 
 which it sprang could be removed. He 
 continued — 
 
 '^Nothing can he more unpleasant than 
 the business I am now obliged to enter 
 upon. Yet, judging by my own feelings, 
 I cannot doubt that your lordship would 
 prefer a candid avowal of the truth. I 
 scarcely think it possible your pene- 
 tration could have failed to discover 
 the very evident uneasiness my sistei* 
 lias betrayed from the period she 
 consented, through my father's persua- 
 sions, to think seriously on the sub- 
 ject of matrimony. Her utmost en- 
 deavours to reconcile herself to the 
 thoughts of it, have failed, and the
 
 VIRGINIA 201 
 
 Struggle she has made to overcome her 
 disindination to entering the married 
 state, has occasioned the illness she now 
 labours under. This confession she has 
 at length made, and I felt myself in honor 
 called upon to acquaint you with the real 
 state of the case; and though we must 
 all most deeply lament that things have 
 gone so far, yet I think a man of your 
 lordship's delicacy and understanding, 
 would greatly prefer giving up all 
 thought of this marriage, to even con- 
 senting to it after what I have informed 
 you of." 
 
 Colonel Villeroy paused — his lordship 
 looked confounded, and was quite at a 
 loss how to reply. 
 
 He felt no less aiigry than disappoint- 
 ed ; but the Coloners allusion to his under- 
 standing and delicacy, in some measure 
 soothed his feelings. But he knew not 
 how he ought to conduct himself ua- 
 K 5
 
 202 VIRGINIA. 
 
 der such circumstances, and for sowie 
 moments he maintained a sullen si-^ 
 lence. 
 
 Villerov, anxious to terminate this un- 
 pleasant interview, and also to give 
 Lord Clyne time to arrange his ideas, 
 which he perceived were at present be- 
 numbed by consternation, added as he 
 rose from his seat — 
 
 ^' I will leave your lordship to reflect 
 on what I have said, and if you will 
 permit me, I will call in the course of 
 the evening, and converse farther with 
 you on this subject." 
 
 '^ Very well, Sir,'\said the Earl, ringing 
 the bell; ** I must own tlie purport of 
 your words have so amazed me, I scarcely 
 know where I am/' 
 
 No sooner had Colonel Villeroy left 
 him, than he summoned his confidential 
 friend and adviser.
 
 VIRGINIA. £03 
 
 This was a hanger-on of his lordship's ; 
 a man reduced in fortune by his own idle- 
 ness and extravagance ; his name was 
 Banes. 
 
 He had with very little difficulty con- 
 trived to worm himself into his lord- 
 ship's favor, and had succeeded so well 
 in his design, that he now lived at his 
 table, and had an apartment in his 
 house. 
 
 This man had been greatly annoyed 
 by the Earl's resolution to marry, as he 
 conceived that event would for ever put 
 an end to his dominion ; and nothino; 
 could have been more gratifying to him 
 than the intelligence he received on obey- 
 ing his patron's summons. 
 
 His lordship recounted to him without 
 reserve, what had passed between Colo- 
 nel Villeroy and himself; and asked his 
 k6
 
 '204i viiiGiNriA. 
 
 advice how to act under such perplexing 
 circumstances. 
 
 Banes immediately evinced the stron- 
 gest resentment at the unworthy manner 
 in which his noble friend had been 
 treated, and, counselled him to write a 
 a letter to Miss Villeroy, resigning all 
 pretensions to her, and declaring that af- 
 ter what had passed, no consideration 
 should induce him to form the connec- 
 tion he had once meditated. 
 
 *' But wliat wilt the world say?" cried 
 Lord Glyne ; *' it was universally known 
 that I was on the point of marriage! 
 even the day was fixed 1 I shall be 
 laughed at, and every one will say I have 
 been made a fool off' 
 
 ** No, no, that can easily be avoided ! 
 Let it be imagined that the rejection came 
 irom your side; and that on account of 
 Lord Calisbrook's refusiu^j: to srive bis
 
 VIRGINIA. £05 
 
 daughter a suitable dower, you resolved 
 io decline the connection." 
 
 ** But then people will say I acted like 
 a rascal; besides, you know that will not 
 be true,'' 
 
 '' Your lordship is very much mistaken 
 as to what people will say. Take my 
 word for it, it will be allowed that you act- 
 ed like a very wise man ; while, on the con- 
 trary, if you had married her, every one 
 would have condemned you for suffering 
 yourself to be take7i in. As to the ac- 
 count not being true, there is no oecasioa 
 for your asserting it to be so; of course, 
 delicacy would prevent your speaking at 
 all on the subject. / will take care it 
 shall be circulated so as to make every 
 one believe just what we wish ; and rest 
 assured your lordship's prudence and 
 undersanding will rise considerably in the 
 estimation of the worlds by its being 
 supposed that you declined marrying 
 a girl who had nothing but a person to 
 recomead her."
 
 £05 VIRGINIA. 
 
 This language was extremely soothing 
 to the feelings of the Earl, who not being 
 an adept at his pen, requested Banes to 
 dictate the contents of the letter, he was 
 ROW resolved to write to Miss Villeroy. 
 It was couched in terms by no n^eans 
 gratifying to that young lady's vanity, but 
 as it released her from her engagement, 
 it was a source of extreme satisfaction ta 
 her. The receipt of this letter during 
 the nK)rning, prevented the necessity of. 
 Colonel Villeroy's again waiting on Lord 
 Glyne on this business. 
 
 Lord Calisbrook, on being made ac- 
 quainted with the particulars of his 
 daughter's conduct, was, at first, ex- 
 tremely enraged, but his disposition was 
 too volatile and inconsistent to retain 
 any impression long, and his resentment 
 soon died away. Those who were unac- 
 quainted writh the real cause that had 
 prevented the celebration of the marriage 
 on the day appointed, concluded it was
 
 VIRGINIA. 207 
 
 tleferred on account of Miss Villeroy's 
 illness ; but as under these circum- 
 stances, she could not appear abroad 
 without exciting comments, Colonel 
 Villeroy proposed that they should leave 
 town, and repair lo the sea side, where, 
 as the spring was now advancing, Miss 
 Villeroy might, in a short time, have the 
 benefit of bathing, nor appear again in 
 the great world, till the curiosity she 
 was at present likely to excite, should 
 have subsided.
 
 208 VIRGINIA. 
 
 CHAP. XVI. 
 
 •' Ah \ the goodly creature ! 
 ** How fair she is ! how winning ! See that form,^^ 
 *« Those limbs, beneath their foldy vestments moving, 
 " As tho' in mountain clouds they robed were, 
 ** And music of the air their motion measured." 
 
 JOANNA IBAILLIE. 
 
 THE period for which Captain Stan- 
 hope obtained leave of absence was 
 now expired, and he rejoined his regi- 
 ment. 
 
 Miss Villeroy very gladly agreed to her 
 brother's plan of repairing to a watering 
 place; and on being requested by him 
 to decide on where it should be, she im-
 
 VIRGINIA. 209 
 
 mediately fixed upon Brighthdm- 
 stone. 
 
 Villeroy was surprised that she should 
 not rather have preferred a more re- 
 tired place ; but on second thoughts he 
 offered no objection, as he recollected 
 that the regiment he had belonged to was 
 stationed at Brigliton, and he should have 
 the satisfaction of enjoying the society of 
 some of his old friends. Captain Stan- 
 hope among the number. 
 
 Lord Calisbrook was very well con- 
 tent with this arrangement, as he was not 
 required to be of the party, and readily 
 consented that Charles Clifford should 
 join it. 
 
 His lordship always rejoiced at any 
 thing that removed his eldest son (of 
 whom he stood in some awe) to a dis- 
 tance from him. He promised to answer 
 any bills he might draw upon him whilo
 
 absent; and insisted on his daughter's 
 having one of the carriages, a set of 
 horses, &c. to attend her. 
 
 • Colonel Villeroy did not oppose this> 
 tis he knew had he declined taking them, 
 they would only have remained at home 
 idle, and have been equally expensive^ 
 without being of any use. 
 
 Pie placed no reliance on his father's 
 promise of answering his bills; he pos- 
 sessed a few hundred pounds prize 
 money, the hard earnings of his mi- 
 litary conquests, and on this he de-^ 
 pended in case of any pecuniary exi- 
 gency. 
 
 The evening previous to the day they 
 had appointed for leaving town, they were 
 surprised by the arrival of Clarence, whom 
 they had not expected to see for some, 
 time longer.
 
 VIHGINIA. fill 
 
 He accounted in no other way for hifi 
 sudden appearance, than by saying he 
 had grown tired of the country ; yet otl 
 hearing that they were on the eve of ^ 
 journey to Brighton, he, with his accus- 
 tomed restlessness, and passion for no- 
 velty, immediately determined on being 
 of the party. 
 
 The Colonel enquired if he had seen 
 their uncle, Mr. Lethbiidge, during his 
 absence, for he knew he must have 
 passed near his residence. Clarence 
 replied in the alTirmative, adding, that 
 he had left both him and his daughter 
 very well. 
 
 Early the ensuing morning Colonel 
 Villeroy, his sister, brother, and Cliarles, 
 attended by a convenient number of do- 
 mestics, set off for Brighton, where they 
 arrived to a late dinner. 
 
 The Colonel had previously written ta
 
 filSJ VIRGINIA. 
 
 Captain Stanhope, requesting him to pro- 
 cure for them a ready furnished house, to 
 which they were driven, having en- 
 countered Stanhope at the entrance of the 
 town. 
 
 They found a comfortable dinner pro- 
 vided for them by his orders, and of which 
 he partook. 
 
 Though it was little more than a week 
 since he had seen Miss Villeroy, he 
 could observe a great alteration in her ; 
 her brow was no longer contracted by 
 the painful cast of her reflections; and 
 her manner evinced a wish to please ; 
 in which, while stimulated by that 
 desire, she could not fail of succeed- 
 ing. 
 
 The next day most of the ofiicers who 
 had served under Colonel Villeroy, 
 waited upon him to pay their respects.
 
 VIRGINIA. 213 
 
 He shortly after invited them all to dine, 
 for he thought it incumbent on him so to 
 do ; but his sister did not preside at the 
 table, as he did not choose to introduce 
 her to the whole of them indiscrimi- 
 nately. 
 
 At a favorable opportunity he pre- 
 sented three or four of the most select, 
 whom he knew would form an agreeable 
 addition to their society. 
 
 They found that Brighton was by no 
 means so empty as watering places in 
 general are, out of the season, for seve- 
 ral families of dibtinction resided there 
 best part of the year, and the Villeroy 
 party soon got into a very pleasant line 
 of acquaintance. 
 
 They had passed a month most agree- 
 ably, when Captain Stanhope informed 
 his friends that he should have the plea- 
 sure of introducing his youngest sister to
 
 2\4t VIRGINIA. 
 
 them. A Mrs. Pelham, a friend and 
 neighbour of his family, was coming to 
 Brighton, and Virginia Stanhope was to 
 accompany her on tlie excursion. 
 
 The expectations the Villeroys had 
 formed respecting this young lady were 
 in no way disappointed on beholding 
 her. 
 
 To the same amiable and conciliating 
 manner that distinguished her brother, 
 was added a most animating spirit of 
 vivacity, and seldom could there have 
 been seen so interesting an assemblage of 
 features. 
 
 A good complexion, and elegant figure, 
 completed Virginia Stanhope, such, as 
 had she but been possessed of a large 
 fortune, would have established her claim 
 to being a first rate belle, and she would 
 probably have been esteemed a perfect 
 beauty.
 
 VJRGINIA. ai5 
 
 As it was, none b:it the most discrimi- 
 nating found out that she was beautiful; 
 notwithstanding she possessed that rare 
 description of personal cliarms of which 
 it is impossible to give a juster idea than 
 is conveyed in the words of the president 
 Henault, in his unique and expressive re- 
 presentation of Madame de Flamarens ; 
 in the place of whose name I shall take 
 the libeity of substituting that of the 
 person of whom I w^ish to give the reader 
 the most exact conception, 
 
 a Virginia a le visage le plus tou* 
 chant, et le plus modeste qui fut jamais; 
 Qcst line genre de btaute que la nature 
 naatirape quune fols; il y a dans ses 
 traits qutlque chose^de rare et de mys* 
 terieuXy qui aurait fait dire dans les 
 temps jahuleuXy quune immortelle, sous 
 cette forme, ne s^etait^pas assez de- 
 guisce,'' 
 
 Virdnia had spent the chief part of
 
 $,]6 VIRGINIA. 
 
 her time in retirement, where a most cor- 
 rect and judicious education had fitted 
 both herself and sister (who still remain- 
 ed with ber parents) for any situation 
 in life they might be destined to appear 
 in. 
 
 The lady under whose protection Vir- 
 ginia now was, was of great respectability, 
 and some consequence. She was a 
 widow, advanced in years, and possessed 
 ©f a large property. 
 
 Mr. Stanhope's residence was in the 
 vicinity of her country seat ; and she had 
 always noticed and patronized his family; 
 and when in the country one or the 
 other of his daughters was always with 
 her. 
 
 Mrs. Pelham's health was much im- 
 paired ; she was particularly subject to 
 nervous attacks, and had repaired to
 
 VIRGINIA. 217 
 
 Brighton for the benefit of change of air, 
 and sea bathing. 
 
 The Villeroys were tlie fnst persons 
 who paid their respects to IMrs. Pelhani, 
 and her young friend, and a mutual pre- 
 possession was the result of the very first 
 visit, which Mrs Pelham and Miss Stan- 
 hope lost no time in returning, and a 
 rapid intimacy, which required not Cap- 
 tain Stanhope's exertions to promote it, 
 ensued between the families. Miss 
 Villeroy had never before met with a fe- 
 male so congenial to her as was Virginia; 
 and they shortly became almost inse- 
 parable. Clarence Villeroy could not 
 but behold Virginia with admiration, but 
 it did not evince itself by any particular 
 demonstration: and his brother stron^lv 
 suspected that he had some attachment 
 or entanglement in another quarter, as 
 he had frequently since his return to his 
 family retired to write letters, which he 
 had not been in the habit of doing twice 
 
 VOL, I. L
 
 5218 VIRGINIA. 
 
 in a year before, having but few corres- 
 pondents; and the Colonel also observed 
 that vv^hencver he questioned him respect- 
 ing the places he had visited during his 
 absence, he gave him evasive and unsa- 
 tisfactory answers.
 
 VIRGIXTA. 2!y 
 
 CHAP. XVII. 
 
 ** For not more close when dazzling lightning's glare, 
 
 " Follows the thunder thro' the troubled air, 
 
 '' Than in this scene of life a cloud of wues 
 
 " Bursts on our transient joys, and banishes repose." 
 
 HODGSON. 
 
 NO change was produced in the heart 
 of Charles Clifford by his acquaintance 
 \yith Miss Stanhope; and he was sur- 
 prised on tracing the general train of his 
 thoughts, to find how frequently, and 
 with what vivacity, the image of Augusta 
 Sebright recurred t-) his imagination, 
 (notwithstanding the length of time that 
 had elapsed since he had beheld her) 
 and how suoerior was the interest she had 
 l2
 
 ^20 VIRGINIA. 
 
 excited in his heart to that prod need by 
 any other of her sex. 
 
 Whether Colonel Villeroy could, or 
 could not, behold unsubdued the charms 
 of Virginia, and the contemplation of 
 her more solid attractions, which a fre- 
 quent intercourse enabled him to indulge, 
 time will discover. 
 
 He was not of a disposition to be 
 overcome and enslaved upon a superfi- 
 cial knowledge of the qualities of the head 
 and heart; he even hoped that a convic- 
 tion of their superior qualifications would 
 fail to excite a passion in his breast, which, 
 tinder his present circumstances, could 
 only be productive of anxiety and wretch- 
 edness. Indeed his consciousness of this, 
 was a strong repellant against attacks of 
 that nature. 
 
 This theme forcibly recalls to mind, an 
 obbervalion of a late writer,* no less es-
 
 VIRGINIA. 221 
 
 timable as a man, than admirable as a 
 scholar. 
 
 *' Love was given us by the Author of 
 our Being as the reward of virtue, and 
 solace of care ; but the base and sordid 
 form of artificial (which I oppose to na- 
 tural) soriety in which we hve, have en- 
 circled that heavenly rose w ith so many 
 thorns, that the wealthy alone can gather 
 it with prudence." 
 
 About this time Charles received a 
 letter from Mr. Beryl. 
 
 The first page contained nothing of in- 
 terest; but towards the conclusion it ran 
 as follows: — " Tlie marriage that has 
 been so long talked of in the Sebright 
 family, has at length taken place. It is 
 almost needless to say Mr. Temple is the 
 bridegroom. He is on of the richest 
 men in the county, and has made Augusta 
 
 • Sir William Jones. 
 L 3
 
 222 viRGiNrA. 
 
 completely indcpendant; at which I 
 greatly rejoice as she is most worthy of 
 her prosperity, and, the situation she is 
 now raised to. The marriage was so- 
 lemnized about a week ago; she, her 
 mother, and the bridegroom, set out on a 
 tour southward." 
 
 Charles turned sick, for the first time in 
 his life, while perusing these lines, and 
 the most painful throbs agitated his 
 heart, while a universal aching seized liis 
 limbs. 
 
 Again he read the dreadful sentence, 
 and then with the petulant violence of 
 one who is conscious he has nobody to 
 blame but himself, he struck his fore- 
 head, and with boyish weakness burst 
 into tears ! 
 
 He had no idea till this moment of the 
 firm hold Augusta had obtained of liis 
 heart ; and he now felt sensible that a la-
 
 VIRGINIA. 223 
 
 tent anticipation of what wight occur 
 upon his next visit to Mr. Beryl, had been 
 nurtured in his imagination, where had 
 existed an air-formed vision of future 
 happiness. 
 
 He paced his chamber in the utmost 
 disorder ; but fearful that his servant (or 
 some of his male friends, who were in the 
 habit of running up to his room when 
 they could not find him below) might 
 surprise him, he hastened from his 
 apartment, resolved to repair to the sea 
 shore, and there, wandering miles from the 
 town, indulge the first transport of his 
 despair. 
 
 He had scarcely quitted the house when 
 he encountered Miss Villeroy, whom 
 he probably would have passed with- 
 out perceiving, had she not addressed 
 him. 
 
 He answered in a hurried, indistinct 
 L 4
 
 224 VIIIGINIA. 
 
 manner ; and observing that he was much 
 disturbed, she immediately wished him 
 <iood morning, and entered the house. 
 
 Charles proceeded onward with velo- 
 city, when his progress was again ar- 
 rested by some one exclaiming, 
 
 *' Air. Clifford! how do voudor I am 
 very glad to see you," 
 
 Charles looked up — his consternation 
 may better be imagined than described, 
 when he beheld Mr. Temple, with Au- 
 gusta and her mother, hanging on either 
 ari)}. 
 
 W\, Temple who had accobted him, 
 rejoicing in a tencoutre with a young 
 man for whom he felt some degree of re- 
 gard, vainly awaited a demonstration 
 of mutual satisfaction, for not even a 
 civil answer was he destined to receive.
 
 VIRGINIA. 225 
 
 Charles started back with an aspect of 
 horror and affright ; and vainly attempt- 
 ing to recover himself, he had just 
 sufiicient recollection to touch his hat, 
 when he rushed by, and was speedily out 
 of sight. 
 
 Such behaviour in a person who had 
 once been on so intimate a footing 
 with them, amazed, and highly offended 
 the ladies. 
 
 The elder concluded that he was isrno- 
 rant of the marriage that had lately taken 
 place, and was probably ashamed to ac- 
 knowledge any acquaintance with persons 
 he might conceive so very inferior to 
 those people of rank with wliom he was 
 now in some measure connected. 
 
 The younger was partly of the same 
 opinion, but she was more inclined to 
 believe his extreme disorder was the re- 
 sult of what had passed between him and 
 l5
 
 22j5 VIRGINIA. 
 
 the lady, with whom he had been parley- 
 uig; for her eyes had been iixed on him 
 while Miss Villeroy had been speaking to 
 him; the hurried manner in which he 
 quitted her, and his perturbed looks, en- 
 couraged this suspicion, and she conclud- 
 ed that his apparent dismay had been in- 
 creased by beholding her at the very mo- 
 ment tiiat his whole heart was occupied 
 by another. 
 
 JSIr. Temple was totally at a loss 
 to account for Cliffords strange con- 
 duct; and openly expressed his asto- 
 nishment, in which the ladies confessed 
 they participated* 
 
 Mean- lime the wretched Charles mur- 
 mured his sorrov.s to the waves, while 
 the rocks re-echoed his groans of an- 
 guish. 
 
 Npthing had beep \yanting to com- 
 lp)et^,^i§ fl^isery but the sight of the ob
 
 VIRGINIA. 227 
 
 ject so dear to him, while impressed with 
 the conviction that she was lost to him 
 for ever. 
 
 To reside in the same place with her ; 
 and to be liable to meeting her conti- 
 nually was insupportable ! 
 
 But it was probable that if they were on 
 a tour, as Mr. Beryl had told him in his 
 letter, they might not continue long at 
 Brighton, and he resolved to seclude 
 himself for some days under the plea of 
 illness, and not again attempt to appear 
 abroad till he was convinced that Mr. 
 and Mrs. Temple had left Brighton. 
 
 He heeded not the hours, regardless of 
 the uneasiness his absence might occa- 
 sion his friends, ignorant as they were of 
 where he was, or why he had absented 
 himself, and the evening was closed in, 
 " the sea darkly tumbled beneath the 
 blasts and the roaring waves were climb- 
 l6
 
 -i28 VIRGI.VIA. 
 
 ijg over the rocks," ere he but his steps 
 homeward. 
 
 Having reached his chamber, he sent 
 word by his servant (who suppHed him 
 with a glass of wine and biscuit, for he 
 had taken nothing since he had read the 
 fatal letter) to Colonel Villeroy, that he 
 had taken a long walk, and was so much 
 fatigued that lie could not appear again 
 that evening, but should go to bed di- 
 rectly. 
 
 He passed the night as he had passed 
 the day, in useless repinings for the folly 
 of his conduct, and for having, as it were, 
 voluntarily relinquished the place he be- 
 lieved he had once held in Augusta's heart, 
 at a time when, had it not been for his 
 own reprehensible neglect, and absurd 
 ambition, he might have been happy in 
 the possession of a blessing, which was 
 now beyond his reach.
 
 VIRGINIA. 229 
 
 He thought it was impossible Au- 
 gusta could really love a man so many 
 years older than herself as was Mr. 
 Temple ; and his misery increased as he 
 reflected on how much happiness they 
 had both lost.
 
 230 VIRGINIA, 
 
 CHAP XVIII. 
 
 " Quick to my lips my soul ascends, 
 " Must it expire or live? — Decree: 
 ** For on thy voice my fate depends." 
 
 SIR W. JONES TRANSLATION OF KAFIZ. 
 
 TO describe Clifford's feelings for the 
 next fortnight, during which he confined 
 himself to his chamber, would but be to 
 delineate what we have already slightly 
 represented. 
 
 He was constantly visited by both 
 the Viileroys and Captain Stanhope ; 
 but though he protested he was too un- 
 well to leave his room, he would not 
 permit the attendance of a doctor.
 
 VIRGINIA. 231 
 
 He was very anxious to discover if Mr. 
 Temple's party had left Brighton ; but 
 how to ascertain this he could not di- 
 vine. 
 
 He was still pondering on the subject, 
 when Clarence entered his room. The 
 joyous expression of his countenance ex- 
 cited Clifford's observation. 
 
 ** O Charles!" cried Clarence as he 
 seated himself, ^* I am the happiest fel- 
 low in the world ! But I cannot bear to 
 see you look so miserable, when I am 
 
 ready to jump over the moon with 
 
 • _ " 
 
 joy- 
 
 '* I am very glad to hear it ; and pray 
 may I ask what has occasioned you such 
 extreme satisfaction." 
 
 " You shall hear, you shall hear, my 
 dear Charles, though I believe in strict 
 propriety I ought not to tell any body 
 sorde parts of the story, but I hate mrict 
 propriety, so now for it. You must
 
 235 VIRGINIA. 
 
 know when 1 left town to go on the 
 Cambridge excursion, as I passed so near 
 my uncle's house, I determined to dine 
 there, and remain there till the next day 
 (I told you what a pretty girl Cordelia 
 Lethbridge was) well, she was in such 
 high good humour, and seemed so glad 
 to see me, and took so much pleasure to 
 make the time pass pleasantly, and all 
 that you know, that I immediately re- 
 solved to extend my visit to my uncle, 
 and, to make short of the story,I wrote to 
 excuse myself from joining the cantabs, 
 and remained at my uncle's till I had 
 persuaded myself 1 was desperately in 
 ove, and had no reason to dread an ab- 
 solute rejection. Besides, I thought it 
 would be a good speculation to marry 
 Cordelia, to which 1 conceived the old 
 gentleman would offer no objection, as 
 he seemed most conveniently blind ; and 
 /thought shut his eyes on purpose. But 
 all of a siidden he opened them, and
 
 VIRGINIA. 235 
 
 kicked up such a row ! accusing me of 
 ungenerously undermining his daugh- 
 ter's affections; when, [icaven knows, 
 if she had noibegunjirst it would never 
 have entered my head ! However, he 
 shut the poor girl up in her room, and 
 without any ceremony gave me my 
 conuL On which occasion I returned to 
 town in that sudden manner; and feeling 
 most abominably silly, I resolved to be 
 most profoundly ujystcrious, nor breathe 
 a syllable of where 1 had really passed 
 the period of mv absence, being horribly 
 alarmed lest this foolish affair should 
 transpire. I had not l)een a week absent 
 from Cordelia before I felt my passion 
 cool most sensibly; and I was rather 
 soiry than glad to lind, by the letters I 
 had received from her, that she still conti- 
 nued to consider me as her devoted slave, 
 and bade me not despair, but look for- 
 ward to happier times. I was of course 
 obliged to reply to them iR a corres- 
 ponding tone, so that I felt myself in a
 
 234 VIRGINIA. 
 
 measure entangled. Such was my situa- 
 tion, when about a week — a month — I 
 know not how long, but it seemed mi age 
 while I continued in suspence, I beheld 
 enter the library, where I was lounging, 
 the most beautiful angel I ever saw in 
 my life ! She was accompanied by a 
 lady and gentleman, whom I afterwards 
 found to be her mother and father. I 
 never in my life was so struck by any 
 one's appearance ! I was mad to get in- 
 troduced to her; and as a leading step I 
 etitered into conversation with the pnpa, 
 on the news of the day, and seized an 
 opportunity of letting him know who I 
 w as, by ordering some books to be sent 
 home for the Honorable Clarence Vil- 
 leroy. The gentleman immediately 
 asked me if he had not the pleasure of 
 addressing one of Lord Calisbrook's 
 sons? I answered in the affirmative, and 
 he told me he had once known my fa- 
 ther; this \ViXS quite enough; I was in- 
 ^taqtly, by my request, presented to the
 
 VIRGINIA. ^25 
 
 ladies, accompanied them in their walk, 
 and was absolutely so over head and ears 
 in love by dinnertime, that I coLild not 
 eat a morsel. 
 
 **The next day I took my brother and 
 sister with me to pay their compliments 
 to my new friends. I becaii.e their con- 
 stant visitor and attendant; and by the 
 end of a week I was resolved to marry 
 my lovely angel (that is if she would have 
 me) for to all her other charms are added 
 twenty thousand pounds at her own dis- 
 posal. 
 
 "But I did not exactly know what to do 
 with my poor dear tiresome Cordelia, and 
 being rather annoyed, I told my brother the 
 whole story. I have not seen him laugh 
 so much these six years, as he did when I 
 communicated to him my dilemma; and 
 you may easily suppose I joined in his 
 mirth when he declared that Cordelia had 
 played the very same game with him, and 
 he had really been somewhat distressed 
 by a supposition that she was attached to
 
 236 VIRGINIA. 
 
 hirn; but he being wiser than myself, 
 made an honorable retreat the moment he 
 suspected a design of taking him prisoner. 
 As soon as I could speak for laughing, I 
 proposed sending back all the letters she 
 had written to us both, inclosed in the 
 same cover, with our best respects, re- 
 questing she would make free use of them 
 to take copies fiom, when she might have 
 occasion to address some of the numerous 
 tribe we doubted not her charms would 
 enslave, as such an expedient would save 
 her the trouble of composing so many new 
 ones on the same subject. But Ferdi- 
 nand, though he owned she deserved it, 
 would not agree to this, as he said he did 
 not wish to mortify her. However, I 
 resolved to send back all she had ever 
 written to me, accordingly I enclosed 
 them in a cover, stating, that as 1 had 
 accidentally discovered that T was not the 
 07ilj/ person she had favored by such evi- 
 dences of her regard, I begged leave to 
 resign all pretensions to being so distin-
 
 VIRGINIA. 237 
 
 guished for the future. This being set- 
 tled, I determined to lose no time in 
 openly declaring my new passion; though 
 Ferdinand tried to persuade me it was 
 too early to enter upon the subject; but 
 you know his slow, considerate way of 
 acting; I begged leave to judge for my- 
 self in this case, and yesterday, in due 
 form, I applied to her father, and ac- 
 quainted him with my pretensions. He 
 told me the young lady was entirely at li- 
 berty to choose for herself ; that she had 
 twenty thousand pounds of her own, but 
 which had become hers with a proviso 
 that it should be settled on herself when- 
 ever she should marry. 
 
 " I p/'ofessed that this was a matter 
 of total indifference to me, and re- 
 quested that he would make known 
 the purport of our conversation to his 
 daughter, which he promised to do, 
 and to acquaint me as soon as pos- 
 sible with the result; and this morn-
 
 238 VIRGINIA. 
 
 ing I received a letter I such a de- 
 lightful letter ! here it is, I will read it 
 to you. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 ** I have communicated to 
 my daughter the subject of our tete- 
 a-tete yesterday, and I can safely as- 
 sure you, you have no reason to des- 
 pair. 
 
 '* She is averse to a hasty union with 
 one she has known so short a time; 
 but is above the affectation of pretend- 
 ing an unwillingness to admit your visits 
 on the footing you are desirous of being 
 received. 
 
 I am, &c." 
 
 " Now, my dear Charles," conti- 
 nued Clarence, folding up the letter, 
 which he had read with a rapidity
 
 VIRGINIA. 239 
 
 that scarcely allowed him to breathe, 
 *' you see I have great cause to con- 
 sider myself the happiest man in 
 existence. 
 
 ''As soon as ever the clock strikes 
 twelve I shall be off to my Dulcinea ; 
 it would not be decorous to appear ear- 
 lier. 
 
 " I wish to Heaven you were well 
 enough to go with me ! I am all im- 
 patience to introduce her to you; but 
 I trust that by the end of a m(jnth, 
 spite of the hint against a hasty union, 
 I shall be able to present her to you as 
 Mrs. Clarence Villeroy ; no Mrs. Ville- 
 roy I You know till Ferdy marries she 
 will have a right to be called Mrs. 
 Villeroy! I hate dilatoriness and in- 
 decision in these cases ; I see no 
 manner of use in delay, when one is 
 once resolved on a thing. 
 
 *' But I can't bear to see you look so 
 unhappy Charles, when I am all joy !
 
 240 VIHGINIA. 
 
 I have been perfectly unreserved with 
 you; now do tell me what is the matter. 
 Do, if it is only out of compassion to me, 
 talk a litde, for I am completely out of 
 breath." 
 
 Charles hesitated a moment; then 
 feeling that it would be some relief to 
 his heart, to acknowledge the occa- 
 sion of his misery, he frankly told 
 Clarence, that he had, while at Mr. 
 • Beryl's, conceived a strong attachment 
 to a young lady, who, he had flattered 
 himself was not indifferent to him, 
 and that he had a short time since learnt 
 that she had married another ; he forbore 
 to mention her name, or that she was at 
 Brighton. 
 
 Clarence sympathized most feelingly 
 with his friend, for in the account he had 
 given him, he could not perceive how 
 much blame did in reality attach to the 
 youth hunself.
 
 VIRGINIA. C41 
 
 He advised him to think no more of 
 the jilt, saying she was not worth 
 pining for; and shortly after he flew 
 off to pay his devoirs to his new 
 flame. 
 
 As Clarence quitted the chamber, 
 Captain Stanhope entered. 
 
 VOL. I. M
 
 242 VIUGINIA. 
 
 CHAP. XIX, 
 
 " Ah ! hide for ever from my sight, 
 
 ^* The faithless flatterer Hope ! whose pencil gay, 
 
 ** Pourtrays some vision of dehght, 
 
 " Then hids the fairy tablet fade away ! 
 
 " While in dire contrast to mine eyes, 
 
 " Thy phantoms yet more hideous rise, [flower, 
 
 ** And memory draws from pleasure's wither'd 
 
 "Corrosives for the heart of fatal power ! 
 
 CHARLOTTE SMITH. 
 
 ''WELL, Charles," cried Captain 
 Stanhope, '' can't I persuade you to 
 come and take a walk ? You will never 
 get well while you confine yourself in 
 this manner. You are nervous! I am 
 sure you are, for you do not appear lo 
 be affected by any particular malady ! 
 Come now, do ; and by way of an in-
 
 VIRGINIA. 243 
 
 ducement I will promise you a sight of 
 the new beauty that all the town is mad 
 about. She is now walking on the 
 Steyne. I passed by a posse of officers, 
 who were standing still, apparently in 
 anxious expectation of something ; I 
 could not help laughing when they told 
 me they had stopped in order to have 
 a good look at the beauiiful Miss Se- 
 bright !" 
 
 ''Miss Sebright!" echoed Charles, 
 colouring, '' "What Sebright ?'* 
 
 ** Indeed I don't know what Sebright ; 
 I only know that she is very beautiful, 
 and is the step-daughter of a Mr. Tem- 
 ple, who has lately married her mother ; 
 and settled twenty thousand pounds on 
 the young lady." 
 
 While Stanhope was speaking, Charles 
 stood at the window with his back to him, 
 and so great was the revulsion in his 
 feeling that he could scarcely support 
 himself. 
 
 M 2
 
 244 VIRGIXTA. 
 
 *' Well, will yon come?'' cried Slan- 
 hope, N\ holly unconscious of his dis- 
 order. 
 
 Charles with difficulty articulated, 
 " I will follow you ;" and his friend left 
 the room. 
 
 Clifford swallowed some water, then 
 taking Mr. Beryl's letter from his pocket, 
 he again read the sentence he had so 
 frequently perused, and now immediate- 
 ly perceived that it had been as appli- 
 cable to Mrs. Sebright as to her daugh- 
 ter, but from being prepossessed with an 
 idea that It was the latter, and also from 
 the mention that was made of her having 
 been rendered independant, and raised 
 to a superior station, he had concluded 
 of course that sht was the bride. 
 
 Mr. Temple had been an admirer of 
 Mrs.'Sebright's even in her juvenile days, 
 before she had married at all, but he was
 
 \ih(.iMA. 245 
 
 Siot then his own master, and had no .vill 
 independant of his father, who would 
 never have consented to his uniting him- 
 self to any woman who possessed neither 
 rank or fortune. 
 
 His son, aware of this, had with strict 
 propriety and honour, forborn to intimate 
 his attachment to the fair object that ex- 
 cited it. But when, many years after, 
 she returned a wido-r to reside i« the 
 neighbourhood, he at once resolved 
 to offer her his hand, as soon as he 
 could ascertain that he was agreeable to 
 her. 
 
 Mrs. Sebright liad never been violently 
 attached to her first husband, though she 
 had made him a most exemplary wife, 
 and perhaps even now that she had 
 ]>assed the period when the affections are 
 conceived to be most violent, Mr. Tem- 
 ple excited a more lively sentiment in her 
 M 3
 
 2146 VIRGINIA. 
 
 breast than she had ever before expe- 
 rienced. 
 
 But she took time to consider of the 
 step she meditated, and did not promise 
 to be his till convinced there was not one 
 objection to be offered against this union, 
 while, on the contrary, the greatest ad- 
 vantage would accrue from it both to her- 
 self and beloved child. 
 
 Mr. Temple avowed his liberal inten- 
 tions ill resjard to the latter ; and this it 
 was which had nmde Mrs. Sebright so 
 perfectly easy in respect to Charles 
 Clifford's attentions to Augusta, who, she 
 was at that time sensible would very 
 shortly be raised to opulence, when she 
 justly conceived she would be a very 
 suitable match for Mr. Clifford, who, she 
 believed would not then hesitate a mo- 
 ment to declare the passion she felt 
 confident he entertained for her daugh- 
 ter.
 
 VIRGINFA. 247 
 
 ^Ir. Beryl in writing an account of 
 this marriage to Charles, had not intett- 
 tionally misled liim ; he imagined he 
 must be aware that Mr. Temple was 
 the admirer of Mrs. Sebright, and 
 that a marriage was likel'y to ensue ; 
 he forgot that Charles's attention had 
 always been so engrossed with the 
 daughter, that he had never heeded the 
 demeanour of any one else present, 
 and was besides deceived by an idea 
 that Mr. Temple was attached to 
 Augusta, mistaking paternal affection, 
 for a more tender sentiment. 
 
 As sooaas his extreme agitation would 
 permit him, Charles hastened to foUotvf 
 Captain Stanhope. 
 
 He resolved to lose no time in re- 
 pairing as far as was possible, the 
 rudeness he must have appeared to 
 have been guilty of towards Augusta, her 
 M 4
 
 'i4S VIRGINIA. 
 
 mother, and Mr. Temple by bis extra- 
 ordinary behaviour in meeting them. 
 
 His only excuse for this would be to 
 plead that a sudden indisposition had at 
 .the moment seized him. 
 
 His sanguine imagination now in one 
 moment looked forward to every thing 
 that was delightful, when once he should 
 be forgiven and received in favour again 
 by Augusta ; and *' then/' thought he, 
 ^*I will confess to her the real cause 
 of my consternation, when I first be- 
 held her here, and paint to her the an- 
 guish I have endured w hile laboring un- 
 der this dreadful mistake. She cannot 
 fail to compassionate me ! perhaps she 
 may be induced to repay me for my 
 sufferings!" 
 
 Animated by these ideas, he Iias- 
 tened to the Steyne, where he had been 
 told that she was walking; determined 
 to say that the illness which had affect-
 
 VIRGINIA. 249 
 
 ed liim when they last beheld him, 
 had confined him ever since to the 
 house, and prevented his doing him- 
 self the honor of paying his respects to 
 them. 
 
 It may be supposed the tumult in his 
 heart did not decrease when he per- 
 ceived Mr. Temple, his wife, and Au- 
 gusta approaching. 
 
 His speech was ready framed, his 
 hand raised to take off his hat, when to 
 ])is utter dismay, Mr. and Mrs. Temple 
 looked full at him, and passed him as 
 they would an utter stranger, notwith- 
 standing they must have perceived by his 
 manner that he intended to address them ; 
 while Augusta looked straight forward in 
 such a way that it was easy to discern 
 that she saw him, though she chose to 
 pretend that she did not. 
 
 To say that he was shocked would be 
 M 5
 
 250 VIRGIN'I.U 
 
 but weakly to express the sensation 
 Charles experienced ! Scarcely could he 
 recover liimself sufficiently to recollect 
 where he was, or that his disorder would 
 attract observation. At length aware of 
 this, he hurried home as fast as possible, 
 resolved never to expose himself to a re- 
 petition of such a cutting insult. Yet on 
 reflection, he could not but admit that his 
 own behaviour at their last meeting, war- 
 janted the treatment he had now met 
 with; and unwilling to relinquish the 
 hope that had again found place in his 
 breast, he determined to write a note to 
 Mrs. Temple in extenuation of his con- 
 duct, and also request to be permitted to 
 repeat his apology in person. Ihis, he 
 accordingly did ; and in tlie course of the 
 evening he received the following an- 
 swer from Mrs. Tern pie, — " No apology^ 
 or explanation, was expected or desired 
 by Mrs. Temple or her family, from Mr- 
 Clifford, and she must beg leave to decline 
 the honor of a visit from him.''
 
 VIRGINIA. 251 
 
 It is difficult to say, if the mortifica- 
 tion and unhappiness the receipt of this 
 note occasioned Charles, admitted of in- 
 crease ; if it did, his wretchedness was 
 rendered complete, on learning, in the 
 course of a conversation he had soon 
 after with Colonel Villeroy, that Augusta 
 Sebright was the object of Clarence Vil- 
 leroy's pursuit ; and that he was received 
 at her father's house as an accepted i#ver ! 
 
 M 6
 
 ^2S)^2 VIHGIXIA, 
 
 CHAP. XX. 
 
 •^"^ 1 iiine own itnpetuous wilHulncss did make 
 " The other's^pliant mind more specior.s seem; 
 " And ihou thj/self did'st to that luckless union,, 
 *' Altbo' unwittingly, assistance lend ! 
 
 JOANNA BAILLIE 
 
 AUGUSTA SEBRIGHT had been 
 sincerely and ardendy attached to Clif- 
 tV-rd, and the unhappine&s his unworthy 
 conduct in deserting and neglecting her, 
 had occasioned her, was in proportion to- 
 the btixnath of her affection for him. 
 
 But once convinced that she ought 
 not to love hiiii, and that he was unde- 
 seiving tllepUice he had, through his own 
 unmeaning assiduities, obtained in iier
 
 VIRGINIA. 253 
 
 heart, she left no effort untried to over- 
 come this weakness; and she succeeded 
 even beyond her hopes; and at the time 
 her mother's marriage had taken place, 
 she believed she could have heard his 
 name without blushing, and had she 
 chanced to have met him, could have ad- 
 dressed him with perfect composure. 
 
 They had proceeded' by a circuitous 
 route to Brighton, where Mr. Temple 
 intended to remain some time. 
 
 Augusta had been ignorant that the 
 Villeroy party was there, till she hap- 
 pened to see their names on. the list of 
 arrivals ; by this she was in some n}ea.- 
 sure prepared, for a rencontre with Clif- 
 ford, and was resolved to conduct herself 
 towards him with becoming and uniform 
 indifference. 
 
 But tlie quick healing of her heart the 
 first time she beheld him, convinced her
 
 254' VIRGINIA. 
 
 she had' formed too high an opinion of her 
 own self command ; but his beliaviour on 
 that occasion completely re-kindled her 
 spirit. 
 
 The very next day Clarence Villeroy 
 had been introduced to her by Mr. 
 Temple. 
 
 His person and manners, it has been 
 before observed, were peculiarly pre- 
 possessing;, at no moment could the un- 
 disguised admiration and pointed atten- 
 tions of a young man of rank and attrac- 
 tions, have been more gratifying to Au- 
 gusta, just smarting under the most unme- 
 rited neglect, and stung by the recent im- 
 pertinence (for such she deemed it) of 
 one whom she doubted not fancied that 
 she loved him. 
 
 She felt the strongest anxiety to con- 
 vince him he was mistaken ; and this 
 perhaps was the primary motive which
 
 VIRGINIA. £55 
 
 induced her to receive the attentions 
 of Clarence with a complacency that 
 speedily led to a more intimate commu- 
 nication^ 
 
 The open and honourable manner iiu 
 which. Clarence acted in so soon declar- 
 ing his pretensions to her father, wa^ 
 also most gratifying to her feelings. 
 
 She had, as yet discovered in him none 
 but the most amiable qualities; and if 
 the sentiment ^she experienced for him* 
 was not so lively as that she had 
 once felt for Clifford, nevertheless, she 
 should enjoy as his wife a pleasing tran- 
 quillity ; her affection for him would 
 doubtless increase, and above all, she 
 should convince Clifford that not one 
 particle of the regard she had once enter- 
 tained for him, now remained. 
 
 She was not aware that this latter mo-
 
 1260 VIRGINIA. 
 
 live in any way prompted her decision^ 
 and without much deli! e.alion, she per- 
 mitted Mr. Temple to write the letter to 
 Clarence Villeroy which has ahx^ady ap- 
 peared.. 
 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Temple greatly re- 
 joiced at Augusta's determination in fa- 
 vor of Clareiuce, asfrom this they inferred 
 that she retained not any partiality for 
 Clifford, with whom they were now. 
 thoroughly disgusted. 
 
 Mr. Temple had often witnessed his 
 attentions to Augusta, and thought his< 
 conduct unjustifiahle, as did also Mrs. 
 Temple, now thatshe was convinced by his 
 late behaviour tliat he did not intend to 
 renew the intimacy ; and it was agreed 
 between them all, that should they again 
 encounter Mr. Clifford they should con- 
 duct themselves in tlie manner which 
 they did at their second mcetii^g.
 
 VIRGINIA. 257 
 
 They knew he was an inmate in the 
 same house with the Villeroy's, on which 
 account Mrs. Temple liad taken an op- 
 portunity of returning Miss Viileroy's 
 visit, when she knew she was out, being 
 averse to meeting CliflTord in a small 
 circle, when it would have been difficult 
 to have avoided conversing in common 
 with him. 
 
 She was not aware that he at that 
 time confined himself to his chamber. 
 
 How Augusta felt when she passed 
 Charles in such a contemptuous manner, 
 we cannot exacdy define; but as she met 
 Clarence Villeroy immediately after, and 
 it was the first time she had seen him 
 since he had declared himself to her fa- 
 ther, it is probable that idea chased away 
 every other. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy was extremely pleased 
 at the connection his brother was likely
 
 ^58 VIR-OINIA. 
 
 to form, as it ^cured to him a comfort* 
 able provision* 
 
 He himself was happier than he had 
 been for years ; his health was now per- 
 fectly restored ; Hygeia's genuine bloom 
 had chased the saffron hue from his no- 
 longer hollow cheeks- 
 Owing to the great intimacy existing 
 between Miss Villeroy and Virginia 
 Stanhope, and their being constantly at- 
 tended by tlieir brothers, this agreeable 
 quartette was almost inseparable; and 
 so perfectly in unison as to produce 
 the sweetest harmony of congenial inter- 
 course. 
 
 Not so entirely of accord was the duet 
 between Augusta and Clarence. She 
 would most willingly have joined the 
 other young people, as she found that 
 Clifford was never of their parties, but 
 Clarence wis uncomfortable when she
 
 VIRGINIA. 95g 
 
 appeared to take the slightest degree of 
 interest in any thing that did not concern 
 him. 
 
 He really Avas most fervently at- 
 tached to her, and was apprehensive that 
 she did not feel an equal proportion of 
 affection for him. 
 
 He wanted to be all the world 
 to her, and was never so happy as 
 when he could contrive to keep her 
 with himself, her mother, or father ; when 
 he was certain her attention could not be 
 attracted from him. 
 
 Augusta being sensible that this sprung 
 from the excess of his love for her, could 
 not be displeased at it, and she doubted 
 not that when once she was his, and he 
 felt secure that he could not lose her, he 
 would no lousier be'so unreasonable as to 
 desire tp monopolize her exclusive no* 
 tice.
 
 £()0 VIRGINIA. 
 
 He j)cisecutetl her incessantly to per- 
 mit him to name an early period for 
 their marriage ; and when she re- 
 minded him of the short time they 
 had been acquainted, he accused her 
 of coldness, indifference, and a total 
 disreu:ard of what she made him suffer. 
 
 Perhaps from a sense that slie in 
 some measure merited the former part 
 of the accusation, liis reproaches dis- 
 tressed her ; and she was grieved that 
 she coukl not love him as much as he 
 did her, but resolved to the utmost of her 
 power to supply this deficiency, by the 
 most studious attention to his happiness, 
 ?ind obedience to his will.. 
 
 Anxious to atone to him for any seem*- 
 ing coldness in her manner, she no lon- 
 ger objected to his fixing with Mr. Temple 
 on the wedding day, but she was some- 
 what startled when she found that through 
 his importunities he had prevailed on Mr.
 
 VIRGINIA. 261 
 
 Temple to decide on so early a period as 
 that day fortnight. 
 
 Meantime, poor Charles had resumed 
 his close imprisonment in liis chamber. 
 Afrs. Temple had never mentioned the 
 receipt X)f his note to Augusta, as she 
 thought it might perhaps distress her, and 
 revive his idea in her mind ; and she be- 
 lieved it was only written on his having 
 obtained a knowledge of her daughter 
 being possessed of a handsome fortune. 
 She greatly approved of her union with 
 Clarence Villeroy, owing to his superior 
 connections ; she was not ignorant of his 
 father's embarrassed circumstances, but 
 Auousta's fortune was settled on herself, 
 and the interest of it >vould be all that her 
 husband could command. She was re- 
 solved not to separate from her mother, 
 with whom she was to continue to reside 
 after her marriage Clarence was very 
 well pleased with this arrangement, as he 
 had not the means of supporting an esta- 
 blishment of his own.
 
 25S*. VIRGINIA. 
 
 He had acquainted his father with the 
 alliance he was about to form, and his 
 lordship was so well pleased with his son's 
 success in the matrimonial line, that he 
 sent him a liberal supply of money in 
 notes, and a profusion of costly orna- 
 naments to present to his destined bride. 
 
 Had she known that not one of them 
 was paid for (which was in fact the case) 
 she would not have received much grati- 
 fication in the possession of them.
 
 VIRGINIA. 263 
 
 CHAP. XXI. 
 
 " Love by fickle fancy banished, 
 '* Spurn'd by hope, indignant flies ; 
 
 *' But when love and hope are vanish'd, 
 " Restless memVy never dies. 
 
 *' Far I go, where fate shall lead me, 
 
 ** Far across the troubled deep j 
 •* Where no stranger's ear shall heed me, 
 
 " Where no eye for me shall weep !** 
 
 MRS. ROBINSON. 
 
 EVEN Mrs. Temple's icy note, would 
 have failed to annihilate hope in Clifford's 
 breast, and he still would have flattered 
 himself he might be able through some 
 means or other to reinstate himself in the 
 good opinion of Augusta, had he not 
 found that Clarence was her declared and 
 received admirer.
 
 264! VIRGINIA. 
 
 By this he was compelled to relinquish 
 all pretensions to lier, for it would in- 
 deed have been dishonourable in him to 
 have attempted reviving an interest in 
 her heart, even had it been in his power, 
 or to have taken one step towards sup- 
 planting his friend in the affections 
 of an object, in regard to whom he 
 had acted with such candour and pro- 
 priety. 
 
 Charles resolved not a second time to 
 incur that greatest of all humiliations 
 self-condemnation. His inconsiderate 
 and reprehensible conduct, in the first 
 place, had occasioned the wreck of his 
 happiness, but his soul revolted at the 
 idea of undermining the felicity of 
 his friend, and he determined in se- 
 cret to endure what was rendered most 
 galling, by a conviction that it was 
 merited. 
 
 His only wish now was to leave
 
 VIRGINIA. ^6 J 
 
 Brighton, — but whither could he go? 
 He was obh'ged to reside with, one 
 or other of his guaidians, and to re- 
 turn without any plea, to Lord 
 Calisbrook's residence in London, 
 while all the fanvily, except his lord- 
 ship, were absent, would excite sur- 
 prise, and appear very unaccountable; 
 and even should he request and obtain 
 permission to repair to Mr. Beryl's, 
 it was probable the person he most 
 wished to avoid would shoj t!y return to^ 
 that neighbourhood; on no account 
 therefore could he think of soincr into 
 Yorkshire. 
 
 Yet to remain at Brighton while 
 evtry one waslalking of the approaching 
 nuptials, and be compelled to continue 
 there during their actual = celebration, 
 he believed was more than he could hr.ve 
 supported, and he resoKed to write to 
 his guardians to request theii* permis- 
 sion to visit the continent, and" indulge 
 
 VOL. I. N
 
 266 VIRGIN I A. 
 
 his curiosity to travel over foreign re- 
 gions. 
 
 This, he accordingly did, and while 
 awaiting the answers to his letters, he still 
 secluded himself entirely. 
 
 Clarence was now so wholly engrossed 
 that he rarely requested admission to him, 
 and when he did, Charles excused him- 
 self from receiving him ; for to have seen, 
 and conversed with him at this time, 
 he felt would have been more than he 
 could have endured without betraying his 
 feelings. 
 
 He was glad that he had in a measure 
 let Clarence into his confidence, as he 
 had thereby accounted to him for his un- 
 happiness, and at the same time com* 
 pletely prevented his discovering or even 
 suspecting the real circumstances of the 
 case, by giving him a detail which was 
 in fact erroneous, as he himself had been
 
 VIUGINIA. 267 
 
 deceived when he intrusted Clarence with 
 the then source of his misery. 
 
 Clarence frequently alluded to his 
 friend Charles Clifford, in Augusta's pre- 
 sence, and on the very morning of the 
 day on whicli she had consented to his 
 fixing the period for their marriage, he 
 had in tlie course of conversation ex- 
 pressed his regret to her that Clifford was 
 so unwell thait he could not come out, 
 and he (Clarence) was thus deprived 
 of the pleasure of introducing him 
 to her. He continued in his usual 
 gay, thoughtless manner, forgetting 
 that he had been entrusted in con- 
 fidence witii .the cause of Charles's unhap- 
 piness, — ^^ Unwell, I said ; but however 
 that is not exactly the case ; his is a men- 
 tal malady. Poor fellow, he is most despe- 
 rately in love with some ungrateful girl, 
 who, a short time since, without any 
 reason in the world, deserted him, and 
 married anotlier man !" 
 N 2
 
 268 VIRGIXIA. 
 
 The entrance of a third person, gave 
 a suddea turn to tlie conversation, and 
 the suhject was dropped; but when 
 Augusta had leisure to reflect on what 
 Clarence had said respecting Clifford, it 
 appeared evident to her that Charles had 
 formed a new attachment, which had oc- 
 casioned his present disappointment, and 
 she more than ever rejoiced that she had 
 so far subdued her own weakness as t; 
 resolve on espousing another. ' 
 
 By the end of a week from the time he 
 had written, Charles received an answer 
 to his letter to Mr. Beryl. 
 
 The old gentleman otiered no objec- 
 tion to his plan of travelling, but, on the 
 contrary, said he should gready approve 
 of ir, provided he could meet with some 
 steady and respectable man, who might 
 be inclined for a similar excursion, whose 
 companion he might be, and who would 
 point out to him what was most worthy of
 
 VIRGINIA. 269 
 
 visiting, aiul put him upon his guard 
 a<j;ainst the impositions that doubtless 
 would be practised on him. 
 
 Mr. Beryl added, that he thought him 
 too old to commit to the charge of a tutor, 
 particularly one, such as he should ap- 
 prove of, would be very difficult to be ob- 
 tained, but he thought that on enquiry it 
 was by no means improbable he might be 
 able to meet with a travelling companion, 
 such as he had described, when he should 
 willingly consent to his going, but could 
 not feel himself justified in permitting him 
 to go alone. 
 
 Charles had before received an uncon- 
 ditional assent to his request from Lord 
 Calisbrook, but Mr. Beryl's stipulation 
 still occasioned a delay. 
 
 Charles shewed the letter to Colonel 
 Villeroy, who prom.ised to make a gene- 
 ral enquiry through his circle of ac- 
 N 3
 
 270 VIRGKYIA. 
 
 quaintance, in which he thought it pro- 
 hahle there were uvdny who niiglit medi- 
 tate a visit to the continent ; for just at 
 this time people of all ranks and descrip- 
 tions were flocking over to France like a 
 flight of gulls, driven by a northern gale 
 across the channel ; braving the certainty 
 of their being pigeoned before they came 
 back again, regardless of the metamor- 
 phosis, feeling pretty confident they should 
 ultimately resume their original character 
 of simple geese. 
 
 Colonel Villeioy was convinced that 
 the seat of Clifford's disorder was in the 
 mind, but he solicited not his confidence, 
 believing that had he not been averse to 
 acknowledging the cause of his unhappi- 
 ness, he would have confessed it to him 
 unasked, as he could not doubt his friend- 
 ship. 
 
 He much approved of his going abroad, 
 as change of scene was best calculated to
 
 V! HGIXTA. 2. 1 
 
 dispel his Dielancholy, and an intercourse 
 with other nations could not fail of ex- 
 panding his ideas, and innproving his 
 taste and nvanneis ; though the latter 
 were extremely pleasing and gentleman-- 
 like, yet the polish of courts was re- 
 quired to make them resemble Colonel 
 Villeroy's. 
 
 Though compelled to remain some- 
 time longer at Brighton, Charles doubted 
 not he should have left it long before the 
 fatal event he so muchdreaded,should have 
 actually taken place, as he had no idea 
 that it was fixed for so very early a period ; 
 what then was his dismay when one morn- 
 ing Colonel Villeroy entered his chamber, 
 and said he was that moment returned 
 from church, where he had been to wit- 
 ness his brothers marriage with Miss 
 Sebrio;ht! 
 
 Charles stood the livid statue of despair, 
 then staggering a few paces, he fell into a 
 N4
 
 ■■>": ^ 
 
 ;i^ VIRGINIA. 
 
 chair, and gasped for breath. Villeroy 
 regarded him with some alarm, but con- 
 cluding him to be affected by some sud- 
 /d:«n bodily indisposition, he hastened to 
 -bring him a glass of water from the ad- 
 joining dressing room. 
 
 He presented it to Charles, but the 
 wretched youth put it back, and conceal- 
 ing his face with his hands, he burst into 
 tears. 
 
 It was out of his power at a moment 
 like this to restrain his feelings, and 
 and placing implicit confidence in Ville- 
 -roy, he, as well as his agitation would 
 permit him, imparted to him, without re- 
 serve, the original and present cause of 
 his excessive anguish, and felt some relief 
 to his bursting heart in thus laying it open 
 to his friend. 
 
 > This was the day which had been ap- 
 pointed for tliC celebration of Augusta V
 
 VIRGINIA. 27S 
 
 marriage ^vltb Clarence V^'illeroy, which 
 had accordingly taken place, and im- 
 mediately after the ceremony the bride 
 and bridegroom, with Mr. and Mrs. Tem- 
 ple had left Brighton for Bognor Rocks, 
 where they intended remaining some 
 weeks. 
 
 N 5
 
 VIUGIMA. 
 
 CHAP. xxir. 
 
 '' 1 he guileful god, about the hero long, 
 
 " With ciiildreii's play and false embraces hung.'' 
 
 "The hero's valour, act?, and birth inspire, 
 ** Her soul witii love, and fan the secret fire: 
 *' His words, his looks, imprinted in her heart, 
 *' Impiove the passion, and increase the smart." 
 
 VljRGILi 
 
 COLONEL VILLEROY, on the clay. 
 of his brother's marriage, gave a dinner 
 to a numerous assemblage of both sexes, 
 in honor of the occasion, but so deeply 
 M as he affected by the recital he had that 
 morning heard from poor Charles, that 
 he could with difficulty assume a sem- 
 blance of gaiety, and was continually 
 haunted by the idea of the sufferings the
 
 VIRGINIA. 275 
 
 unfortunate youth was at that moment en- 
 during. 
 
 Greatly did the Colonel regret that the 
 task of entertaining his company would 
 not permit him to devote the hours, to at 
 least attempting, to ameliorate the feel- 
 ings of his friend, and sympathizing with ^ 
 him in his misery. 
 
 Villeroy was uneasy also on his own 
 account; he liad on the preceding even- 
 ing at the play, been foiled in an endea- 
 vour to obtain a place next Miss Stan- 
 hope, owing to which he had been out of 
 humour and dispirited during the per- 
 formance, scarcely heard a word the ac~ 
 tors said, and passed a restless and dis- 
 turbed night. 
 
 He was much distressed at discover- 
 ing that such a mere trifle could have the 
 power to discompose him so greatly. 
 N 6
 
 ^-V6' VIRGINIA. 
 
 He began to suspect he felt too lively 
 an interest for Miss Stanhope, and he 
 believed that to act with the prudence 
 his situation required, he ought imme- 
 diately to absent himself fiom her so- 
 ciety ; but he did not like to reflect on 
 this subject, being certain that the more 
 he considered it, the more should he be 
 convinced of the expediency of his act- 
 ing in opposition to his inclination, and 
 once thoroughly persuaded of the ne- 
 cessity of so doin^, he never permitted 
 himself to demur; he therefore for- 
 bore to scrutinize too deeply his own 
 heart, as he strongly suspected he should 
 not find it exactly in the state he could 
 \ush.. 
 
 Miss Stanhope was present at the din- 
 ner, which indeed included every one the 
 Villeroys vioited at Brighton. 
 
 Virginia, was seated next the major of 
 her brother's regiment. He was gene-
 
 VIRGINIA. 277 
 
 rally esteemed a very agreeable man, 
 though he was no great favorite of Colonel 
 Villeroy's ; his person was certainly not 
 very prepossessing, l^ei ng af a gigantic 
 height, remarkably thin, yet awkwardly 
 made; his complexion was ferociously/ 
 dark, but there was something comical in 
 the lines of his countenance, which was 
 humoured by an extraordinary iwist in 
 the eyes, nearly bordering on, though not 
 actually amounting to a confirmed squint. 
 
 He was an incessant talker, and never 
 m his life had experienced that awkward 
 sensation which almost every body has 
 felt at times, produced by a sudden 
 dearth of conversation, and an inability to 
 recollect any thing to say to terminate 
 nhe pause. 
 
 So anxious was the major, on the pre- 
 sent occasion, to entertain his fair 
 neighbour, that he would scarcely per- 
 mit himself time to eat, and not unfre-
 
 278*' yiKGiMA. 
 
 quently resumed his declamation before 
 he had disposed of the obstructions 
 which impeded the fvee exercise of his 
 most active member, and 'ere he had re- 
 covered suflficient breath, after a co- 
 pious draughtj to allow the organs 
 of speech to ©xert themselves dis^ 
 tinctly. 
 
 He abounded in anecdote, and' did 
 ample justice to the stories he related, 
 as he could imitate with facility the 
 patois of most of the English counties^ 
 and the Scotch and Irish accents ; and to 
 those who understood but little of French 
 and Italian, he appeared a proficient in 
 both. 
 
 Whatever subject was started, he nevex* 
 faded to speak on it, nor to give his 
 opinion after the manner of one who 
 is confident that he is right; by which 
 means he often impressed ius au-
 
 VIRGINIA Qfg 
 
 ditors with a conviction that he was 
 really so. 
 
 There was no art or science, however 
 abstruse or remote, that he did not seem 
 to have a knowledge of^ as he generally 
 contrived with great fluency to bring in 
 the technical terms peculiar to each, and 
 thus persuaded those who knew nothing 
 themselves,- and indeed some who were 
 not quite so ignorant, that he was a very 
 clever, and deeply learned man* 
 
 Books too w€re a favorite topic with 
 him; he was acquainted with most an- 
 cient and modern. authors, by name, hav- 
 ing i5^i?w;72e^ many miscellaneous produc- 
 tions, and now and then clipped into a 
 review. . 
 
 He had a remarkable good memory in 
 respect to some things; and what he picked 
 up he always retained, and thus fancied
 
 ^80 VIRGINIA. 
 
 himself competent to pass judgment on 
 the lettered world. 
 
 V Miss- Stanhope, being of a lively dispo- 
 sition, waS' extremely amused by the 
 major's incessant efforts to entertain her ; 
 there was scarcely a thing on the table 
 that did not remind him of some 
 extraordinary anecdote, or remarkable 
 circumstance that had happened to 
 himself; and when Miss Stanhope 
 retired with the other ladies to the 
 drawing room, she declared to them 
 that Major Patch was quite as agreeable 
 as any jest book, andshe certainly should 
 advise him to write one, as his stock of 
 repartees and bon mots would exceed any 
 modern publication of that descrip-- 
 tion. 
 
 " He is really very agreeable," added 
 Virginia. 
 
 "Yes," returned Mias Villeroy, *'a 
 very agreeable tkrec days acquaintance ; 
 and after that, should you never see him
 
 VIRGINIA. ^9>'l 
 
 again, you would continue all your life 
 to consider him a most entertaining com- 
 panion." 
 
 ** What do you rneau ?" asked lier 
 friend. 
 
 ** O, by the time you have been a few 
 times in his company you will find out 
 what I mean.'* 
 
 Her words were verified; it chanced 
 that Virginia encountered the major seve- 
 ral times successively at different parties, 
 and she soon found that his whole stock 
 of stories had revolved, and that they 
 were making their re-appearance very ra- 
 pidly, 
 
 Virginia betrayed inattention; it mat- 
 tered not ; the major continued to hold 
 forth with his accu^^tomed volubility, and 
 arrested d e ear of his auditor with most 
 unconscionable perse verence. 
 
 MibS Stanhope vainly awaited a pause,
 
 282 viBCiiNia. 
 
 which would permit here to escape fi'om 
 him without being guilty of rudeness, 
 when Colonel Villcroy (who was pre- 
 sent) observed this violent attack upon 
 her oral faculties, and kindly relieved her 
 from the enthralments of the majors 
 chain of wonderful anecdotes, by telling 
 l^er his sister wished to speak with 
 her. 
 
 The moment Virginia joined her, IMiss 
 Villeroy asked her if she still continued to 
 think Major Patch agreeable ? 
 
 "O, no indeed,*' cried Virginia, **quite 
 the reverse. 1 now perfectly understand 
 what you meant by a very agreeable three 
 <;?^^ acquaintance ; by the end of that 
 time one has heard his whole stock of 
 extraordinary stories, and as he still con- 
 tinues as voluble as ever, one is condemn* 
 ed to hear a repetition of what, though it 
 at the first hearing created a smile of
 
 VIRGINIA. 283 
 
 mirth, at a second or third never fails to 
 excite one of derision." 
 
 "To me,*' said Villeroy, "Major 
 Patch is one of the most annoying com- 
 panions I ever met with. I always avoid 
 him as much as possible, for if be once 
 seizes on one's car, to escape him is next 
 to a miracle." 
 
 *' I really thought him very pleasant the 
 first time I was in his company," said 
 Virginia. 
 
 " So did I," rejoined the Colonel, 
 *' but unfortunately I was onboard a ship 
 with liim for six weeks, and I thought he 
 would have talked me into a fever. My 
 nerves were in an absolute state of irrita- 
 tion from impatience at hearing the same 
 thing so often repeated, and my senses 
 actually confused by the unvarying din 
 of his incessant tongue. I have ever 
 since avoided his very atmosphere; and 
 when compelled to pass him, I take a 
 large circuit to keep out of reach of him, 
 for I know if he can but seize me by a
 
 284 VIRGINIA. 
 
 button of my Coat, he will retain me a pri- 
 soner, till some other lisStener comes to 
 my reHcf." 
 
 The ladies laiigliecJ, and declared 
 they should in future take the same pre- 
 jcaution. 
 
 Captain Stanhope, who was standing 
 .by,, observed, that though anecdote in a 
 moderate degree, appropriate, and well 
 chosen, was extreniely amusing in con- 
 versation, the propensity in general grew 
 upon those who had the talent of telling 
 a story well, and they seemed to forget 
 that they were monopolizing the whole 
 attention, and frequently became tedious 
 instead of anmsing. 
 
 ** On such occasions," rejoined Miss Vil- 
 leroy, ''the company are convened into an 
 audience, and the chief pleasure of society, 
 in my opinion, annihilated. Each should 
 have their part in tiie discourse, other-
 
 VIRGINIA. 2S5 
 
 wise it cannot be termed conversation. 
 I must confess I have a great dislike to 
 these regular story tellers, who have one 
 ready for every occasion, which they per- 
 sist in relating, however indifferent one 
 may appear. There are a set of stories 
 which seem to be current in society; I 
 can remember hearing them as long as I 
 can recollect any thing, and yet they still 
 continue to be repeated, and are con- 
 stantly related as if they were quite new. 
 They class with all the stale witticisms 
 that never fail to follow the appearance 
 of a calf's head upon the table, and along 
 string of hacknied puns upon names, 
 which every one has heard a thousand 
 times over. I am so weary of these things 
 I can scarcely constrain my features into 
 the smile that is expected when they are 
 repeated." 
 
 " In this I have the advantage of 
 you,'' said Virginia, ^' for I have seen so 
 little of the world, that w^hat you consi- 
 der as completely worn out, is new to me,
 
 286 vniGiNiA. 
 
 and consequently pleasing. All' ray 
 knowledge of old stories is confined to 
 family witicisms and a few laughable di- 
 lemmas in the domestic circle; these, 
 with some oriicinal words coined on 
 some ludicrous occasion, which are be- 
 come current in our family, are all the 
 store of backnied jokes which : my 
 memory retains, and, contrary to your?, 
 retains with pleasure, and are always re- 
 verted to with renewed mirth." 
 
 Miss Villeroy, though she smiled, 
 sighed as she reflected that her domestic 
 circle had not been of a description to 
 engender genuine mirth, or afford pleas- 
 ing retrospections, and siie envied her 
 friend the superior advantage of having 
 been bred in retirement, in the genial 
 sunshine of maternal tenderness. 
 
 Great was the revolution that had 
 taken place in Miss Villeroy 's sentiments 
 within a very few months;— visions of
 
 VIRGINIA. 2ff7 
 
 splendor and ambition no longer occu- 
 pied her breast, while the delights of re- 
 ciprocal affection, and the refined gratifi- 
 cation of supporting every difficulty and 
 deprivation for the sake of those we love, 
 was the pleasing theme of her meditations. 
 
 Nor could she form a higher idea of 
 earthly felicity, than to be permitted to 
 share every danger and hardship with 
 the being her heart had selected as its 
 master. 
 
 The most respectful and unremitting 
 attention was shewn her by Captain 
 Stanhope, but never did he breathe a word 
 of love, though never was that passion 
 experienced to a more exalted degree 
 than by him; but he was only a soldier 
 of fortune, and to make known his sen- 
 timents to ^lissVilleroy was the last thing 
 he would have thought of. 
 
 Her complacency towards him, he im-
 
 288 VIRGINIA. 
 
 puled to his being the chosen friend of 
 her brother, and partly to the affec- 
 tion she evinced for his sister Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 That Miss Villerov, whom he believed 
 to be ambitious, and who he knew had 
 always been accustomed to every luxury 
 and indulgence, would ever dream of 
 uniting her fate with liis, never entered 
 his head. 
 
 He was convinced his passion was 
 a hopeless one, but such was the gen- 
 tle tenderness of his disposition, that 
 he could not attempt to struggle with 
 it, 
 
 " For with each secret glance he stole, 
 " The fond enthusiast sent his soiil."* 
 
 And he fancied in the excess of his 
 affection that he could feel happy in the 
 
 « Walter Sjot.
 
 VIRGINIA. 289 
 
 contemplation of her felicity, even should 
 she derive it from an union with ano- 
 ther. 
 
 The same excessive sensibility, with 
 the most elevated sentiments, character- 
 ized his sister, who persuaded herself she 
 felt an exalted degree of fritndship 
 for Colonel Villeroy, and that to serve 
 him, or prove the strength of her 
 regard for him, or his sister, she 
 would have made any sacrifice which 
 could only affect her own happiness, 
 imagining, with all the innocence of a 
 pure and refined heart, that the sen- 
 timent she felt for him, was precisely 
 of the same nature as that she experienc- 
 ed for his sister. 
 
 But Villeroy 's conscience whispered 
 that he was exciting; an emotion in the 
 ingenuous breast of this lovely girl, 
 which it was impossible he could reward. 
 
 VOL. I. o
 
 S9d TiRGINIA. 
 
 Colonel Villeroy was unused to the re- 
 proaches of his conscience; it was 
 a power he never could engage with, and 
 the moment it attacked him, he was van- 
 quishe d
 
 riKOIN'lA CO) 
 
 CHAP. XXIII. 
 
 ** Driven by fate where'er I go, 
 
 " O'er burning plains, or hills of snow; 
 
 " Or on the bosom of the wave, 
 
 " The howling tempest doom'd to brav«, 
 
 " When e'er ray lonely course I bend, 
 
 " Thy image shall my steps attend ; 
 
 " Each object I am doom*d to see, 
 
 " Shall bid remembrance picture thee," 
 
 Mrs. RoniNSON. 
 
 *' CHARLES," said Colonel Vilfe- 
 roy, as he one morning entered Clifford's 
 apartment, " I have found a companion 
 for you in your journey." 
 
 " Thank Heaven ! now I may be per- 
 mitted to quit this hated place," cried 
 the wretched Charles, who loathed the 
 scene of his misery. 
 o 2
 
 2f}-2 VIRGINIA. * 
 
 ^* We will set off to-morrow if yoii 
 please," said the Colonel. 
 
 '' /re r echoed Charles; "What do 
 you mean r" 
 
 "That I am resolved to accompany 
 you! I am anxious to visit the conti- 
 nent, and — and — in short, I must go 
 somewhere ; therefore, Charles, we will 
 not part, and may the Gallic gales waft 
 from our hearts every ungrateful remem- 
 brancer 
 
 This intelligence afforded Charles a 
 more pleasurable sensation than he had 
 for many weeks experienced. 
 
 Villeroy was aware that his scheme 
 would meet with opposition from h'hs sis- 
 ter, and he was at a loss how to reconcile 
 her to it ; for besides being deprived of 
 his society, she cou^d not with propriety 
 remain at Brighton, to which she ap- 
 peared so partial, after his departure, un-
 
 * VIUGXNIA. )^^3 
 
 less he coukl place her under soiive 
 equally respectable protection. 
 
 It suddenly struck him that she might 
 bo accommodated hi the same house with 
 ilrs. Pelhum, \\ho would bo a chaperon 
 for her, and thus she might still continue 
 at Brighton, and benefit by the society of 
 her friend Virginia. 
 
 While Villeroy was revolving this pro- 
 je' t, his sister had repaired to Mrs. Pcl- 
 hams.- 
 
 She found Captain Stanhope there ; he 
 was sitting alone when she entered the 
 room, and upon her enquiring for the 
 ladies, he said, ]\lrs. Pelham was too 
 unwell to rise before breakfast, and 
 Virginia had just quitted him in 
 tears. 
 
 *' How then," cried Miss Villeroy, in 
 o 3
 
 *9^ VIRGINIA. 
 
 an apprehensive tone, " is Mrs. Pelhaiii' 
 dcUigerously ill r" 
 
 *' No," returned Stanhope, yet he spoke 
 in a dejected voice. 
 
 ''Then why was Virginia in tears?" 
 
 '* I had been telling her apiece of news 
 that distressed her." 
 
 ** What was it?" cried Miss Villeroy 
 with quickness; but suddenly checking 
 herself, she added, " but perhaps it was 
 some family concern, a secret; I beg pai*- 
 don." 
 
 ** No, it was public intelligence ; I 
 thought you might perhaps have heard it 
 already." 
 
 ''Heard v^hat?" cried Miss Villeroy 
 in alarm. 
 
 *' Our regiment is ordered to embark 
 for North America." 
 
 '' Every particle of colour in one in- 
 stant fled from the cheeks of Miss Ville- 
 roy.
 
 VIRGINIA. ^95 
 
 Stanhope ventured to take her hand, as 
 he said with t^arg^r anxiety— 
 
 "You are ill!** 
 
 She breathed with difficulty, but in* 
 articulately pronounced, *' Quite well ; 
 when do yon go?" 
 
 *' We march from hence on Thursday 
 to embark at Portsmouth.'* 
 
 It was now Monday. 
 
 ** Poor Virginia," murmured Miss 
 Villeroy, and bursting into tears, she 
 concealed her face in her handkerchief, 
 and vainly attempted, to suppress her 
 deep sobs. 
 
 *' O! what a tender friend are you!" 
 cried Stanhope, **how happy is Virginia 
 in exciting such sympathy I" 
 
 o 4
 
 "-296 VIRGINIA. 
 
 His eyes became suffused as he still 
 retained here unresisting hand. 
 
 '* And think you," she said, in a scarce- 
 ly audible voice, *'that I do not feel 
 some degree of regret, in losing a com- 
 panion with whom we have passed so 
 many happy hours :'* 
 
 An idea now for the first time shot 
 through Stanhope's mind, as he felt her 
 hand tremble m his ; it had the effect of 
 electricity on his whole frame. 
 
 " O ! Miss Villeroy," he exclasmed, 
 " I must leave you ! I am a mad, pre- 
 sumptuous wretch, and if I stay another 
 moment, I shall say something which 
 you will never pardon." 
 
 Though he spoke thus, he attempted 
 not to withdrawn, but grasped her hand 
 with increased fervour. 
 
 After a short pause, in which she con-
 
 VIRGINIA. 297 
 
 tinued silent, " nor bade him even by a 
 look depart/' he added, — 
 
 " I am a poor soldier, destined to com- 
 bat with all the vicissitudes^ of war, cli- 
 matC; and the elements^ and yet I dare — 
 O ! i blush at my own temerity ! Banish 
 me as I deserve, Miss Villeroy ! Banish 
 me for ever from your presence, or I 
 hhall offend still farther/' 
 
 " Stanhope," said she, in timid ac- 
 cents, " I can neither banish you from my 
 presence nor from my — " heart, she 
 would have added, but the word died on 
 her lips, while her embarrassment spoke 
 it for her. 
 
 Having thus far detailed this interview, 
 we may conclude the reader will not he 
 surprised to hear that 'ere it terminated, 
 Miss Villeroy had consenteil to espouse 
 Captain Stanhope immediately, and ac- 
 company him to Halifax, which was the 
 destination of his regiment, 
 o 5
 
 ^298 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Stanhope delayed not a moment to ac- 
 quaint his friend Villeroy with the result 
 of the morning^s tete-a-tete. 
 
 The Colonel was not in the least as- 
 tonished, for he had long* been con- 
 vinced that his sister was attached to- 
 Stanhope, and he doubted not she 
 would find happiness in this union^ 
 notwithstanding she Avould be subjecfc 
 to all the hardships and vicissitudes 
 attendant on a military life, and be 
 obliged to practice a regular eco-> 
 nomy; but for the sake of a man she 
 30 tenderly loved, he felt certain she 
 would su Import every difficulty with cheer* 
 ness.and pleasure. 
 
 For for 771 sake an express was sent 
 
 off to Lord Calisbrook for his consent 
 
 to a union which was already fixed 
 upon. 
 
 His lordship's reply was, that as his
 
 VIRGINIA. 299 
 
 daughter had rejected a splendid and 
 suitable alliance, which he had approved^ 
 she was now at liberty to act for herself, 
 she njust be aware that she could ex- 
 pect nothing from him. 
 
 'Mr. Stanhope, a kind and affectionate 
 father, answered his son's letter -on the 
 same subject, by return of post, enclosing 
 a draft for a hundred pounds, the fruits of 
 judicious economy, with a promise of 
 sending sometl^ing more by the time he 
 reached Portsmouth; to this was added, 
 the united and fervent blessing of his fa- 
 mily. 
 
 ^Under these circumstances the mar- 
 riage took place on the day the regi- 
 ments quitted Brighton ; and Mrs. Stan- 
 hope having taken a most affectionate 
 ami affecting leave of her brother, 
 Virginia, and Charles Clifford, who had 
 now emerged from his solitude, set out 
 with her husband for Portsmouth, from 
 06
 
 whence lliey shortly after embarked for 
 Halifax. 
 
 In her sorrow for the departure of her 
 brother and her friend, Virginia conceal- 
 ed the keen regret she experienced at the 
 knowledge of Villeroy s resolution to ac- 
 company Clifford abroad. 
 
 Mrs. Pelham had not derived that 
 benefit to her health which she had ex- 
 pected from a residence at Brighton, 
 and had determined to return liome,, at 
 which Virginia greatly rejoiced, for 
 Brighton would have been a desert to 
 her, after the dear circle which had 
 given such charms to it, was dis- 
 persed, 
 
 Mrs. Pelham and Virginia, set off for 
 Hampshire, on the same day that Co- 
 lonel Villeroy and Charles commenced 
 their journey to Dover; from whence 
 they were to embark^ and leave the land
 
 VIRGINIA. 301 
 
 of liberty for that of despotism ! tW frc^m 
 the region of independance to that of 
 oppression ! from the goodly sunshine of 
 respected royalty, to tlie suspicions glooiw 
 of unjust usurpation.
 
 302 viuiaiNiA-. 
 
 CHAP XXIV. 
 
 " Oh ! that thy dharms were only fair to me ?: 
 " Displease all others, and secure my rest; 
 
 "No need of envy. Let mc happy be ; 
 " I little care that others know me blest. 
 
 ** With thee in gloomy desarts let me dwell, 
 "Where never human footsteps marked theground, 
 
 " Thou Light of Life ! all darkness can dispel, 
 " And seem a world with solitude around."" 
 
 HAKMONn. 
 
 KGTZEBUE say&, '' When ©ur an- 
 cestors married they had their honey 
 years, our grandfathers their honey 
 moons, our fathers their honey weeks, 
 and from wceksj toe are reduced to 
 
 IVS,'»
 
 VIRGINIA. 303 
 
 Now though I should be extremely 
 sorry to contradict an assertion of Au- 
 gustus von Kotzebue of high renown, to 
 whose merits, and far-spreading fame, 
 even the Stranger bears testimony, 
 (though apart in a whisper, I must con- 
 fess I should have thought still better of 
 him if this same stranger had never been 
 introduced to my acquaintance) though, 
 I repeat it, I exceedingly regret being 
 compelled to doubt this gentlemanV 
 judgment on any point, I most heartily 
 hope that in the instance above quoted, it 
 is erroneous.. 
 
 Yet I lament being obliged to acknow- 
 ledge tliat it is only m a general sense 
 that I can presume to hope so, as unfor- 
 tunately I have to delineate a single in- 
 stance which may justify his aspersions 
 on the honey of our dispositions at the 
 present day 1 ' 
 
 Clarence Villeroy had one honey
 
 504 VIRGINIA. 
 
 week! dining which his bride expenenc- 
 that composed tranquillity which results 
 from a conviction that one's fate (what- 
 ever it may be) is irremediable, and, 
 therefore there is no longer any. necessity 
 to struggle against it. 
 
 Suspense being entirely at an end, r€> 
 &ignation in most cases, naturally follows 
 at a convenient distance, and gradually 
 prepares the breast for the reception of 
 new interests, and new hopes* 
 
 To this honey week, succeeded honey 
 days, and these, alas! I grieve to state it, 
 were speedily followed by honey hours ; 
 so that in this case, the sarcastic reflec- 
 tion of Augustus von Kotzcbue on the 
 age, was more than exemplified. 
 
 But it arose from a very different 
 cause to that from which it in general 
 springs, viz. want of affection, for this on
 
 VIRGINIA. 3C:5 
 
 the contrary, was produced by a too 
 great excess of it on one side. 
 
 The same eager anxiety, and restless 
 agitation, so conspicuous in Clarence on 
 all occasions* characterized his lova for 
 his wife. He scnrcely evc^r left her, and 
 was miserable if her attention was not 
 entirely devoted to him. 
 
 She, as was her duty, exerted her ut- 
 most endeavours to promote his happi- 
 ness; but to do so permanently was not 
 in her power. 
 
 His- feelings wete eve? fluctuating, one 
 moment he was in Heaven, the next, 
 through some ideal cause, he was pev- 
 fectly wretched. 
 
 To study a disposition of this descrip- 
 tion was indeed an arduous task, and to 
 satisfy it an impossibility..
 
 306 VIRGINIA. 
 
 The recollection that she had only 
 known him one month when she had en- 
 trusted her happiness to his care, would 
 sometimes flush across Augusta's mind, 
 but she tried to banish it ; for to reflect on 
 the rash impetuosity with which she had 
 rushed into this union was now unavail- 
 ing, and she endeavoured to persuade 
 herself she did not regret it. 
 
 Having spent some weeks at Bognor 
 Rocks, both Mr. and Mrs. Temple be- 
 came anxious to return home, and quietly 
 enjoy their domestic comforts ; the party 
 accordingly set out for Yorkshire, where 
 they arrived at the end of a few 
 days, and took up their residence at. 
 Mr. Temple's magnificent country seat 
 (Hilberry). 
 
 Mr and Mrs. Cotterel and Mr. Beryl, 
 were amongst the first who paid their 
 compliments at Hilberry, and were intro- 
 duced to Clarence as relations.
 
 VTRGrNTA. W^ 
 
 He remembered to have heard their 
 names frequently mentioned by Charles 
 Clifford, and it instantly struck him as 
 extraordinary that Aiigusta should not 
 have seen and kno^^ a Charles while he re- 
 sided at Mr. Beryrs. 
 
 No sooner were the guests departed, 
 than being left alone with Augusta, he 
 asked her if she had not beea in York- 
 shire at the time Charles Clifford was 
 with Mr. Beryl, 
 
 The abruptness of the question caused 
 her suddenly to change colour, and she 
 hesitatated ere she replied — *' Yes." 
 
 Clarence looked at her with surprise, 
 not unmixed with displeasure, and ob- 
 served it was very extraordinary that she 
 had not been acquainted vviih him, as she 
 was related to, and so very intimate with. 
 Mr. Beryl and his daughtei'.
 
 508 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Augusta's confusion increased, andUhc 
 consciousness that he must perceive il, 
 augnaented it still more. 
 
 She made an effort to recover herseLF, 
 and said, m she averted her face— 
 
 ** We did know him— a little." 
 
 *'It is very odd you did not say 
 
 so when I meationed him to you at 
 
 Brighton." 
 
 Clarence spoke in an offended tone; 
 after a short silence, Augusta replied— 
 
 ** My mother and father did not like 
 him, and they liad no desire to renew their 
 acquaintance with him." 
 
 ''IVhy did not they like him ?** 
 
 ** I don't know, at least, I suppose — 
 that is, 1 believe they thought him proud 
 and conceited." 
 
 ** They thought wrong then, for he i."^
 
 VIRGINIA. 309 
 
 ircirher one, nor the other. Did you think 
 
 iiim so?" 
 
 *' I — [ am sure — I really — I knew so 
 little of him. But how do you like Mrs. 
 Cotterel?" 
 
 This sudden attempt to change the 
 suhject fM'oved vain ; Clarence could not 
 understand Augusta's confusion and 
 auk ward demeanour while speaking of 
 Clifford, and regardless of her question, 
 he continued — 
 
 ** Charles was attached to ^ome lady 
 in this neighhourhood, you probably 
 know who it was?" 
 
 Augusta's face was again crimson, but 
 terrified lest Clarence should suspect the 
 truth, she assumed an air of unconcern 
 as she said — 
 
 " I never heard he was attached to any 
 body?''
 
 3^10 VIIVGINIA. 
 
 ** How ! did not I myself tell you at 
 Brighton that he was miserable from a 
 hopeless, passion he entertained for some 
 lady he had known while he was at Mr. 
 Beryrs?*' 
 
 Augusta felt heart sick, yet forced her- 
 self to say, " I remember your saying 
 something about it." 
 
 She perfectly recollected every word 
 Clarence had said upon the subject, but 
 he had not told her that it was to a lady 
 Charles had known while he was at Mr, 
 Beryl's that he was attached, though Cla- 
 rence thought he had; she had, therefore, 
 naturally concluded it was some new pas- 
 sion, particularly as Clarence had said 
 the lady was just married. 
 
 He continued with some impa- 
 tience — 
 
 ** Charles certainly was violently in^
 
 VIRGIJ^IA. 511 
 
 love witii some lady in this neighbour- 
 hood ; it is very odd you never should 
 have heard of it. Surely you must know 
 where he was in habits of the greatest in- 
 timacy ! besides he told me that he once 
 believed himself beloved, when most un- 
 expectedly he heard the lady had married 
 another. This he himself rela.ted to me, 
 on the very day that I told him of my 
 lov€faryou, and shewed him Mr. Tem- 
 ple's note, permitting my addresses ; it 
 is very unaccountabk, that he should 
 not have mentioned having known you be- 
 forel" 
 
 Clarence forgot that he had not spoken 
 of Augusta by name, and that instead of 
 shewing Charles Mr. Temple's letter, he 
 had read it to him, and in his eagerness 
 had omitted the signature. 
 
 Augusta felt completel}^ oppressed ; a 
 croud of ideas pressed upon her mind, 
 and faintly saying she knew nothing about
 
 312 VIRGINIA. 
 
 it, she rose and left the room, affecting an 
 unconcerned aspect. 
 
 She wished, if possible, to banish the 
 subject from her thoughts, for of what 
 consequence was it to her, who Clifford 
 was attached to? or what had actuated 
 his conduct, but she could not entirely 
 succeed, and with a pang it struck her, 
 that it must have been herself to whom 
 Charles had alluded, and that on being 
 told by Clarence that she intended to ac- 
 cept him, Charles, in order to wave 
 suspicion of the truth, had represented 
 the object of his affeections as already 
 nmrried, as indeed she might have been 
 considered. 
 
 Yet how was Charles's behaviour on 
 first meeting her to be accounted for? 
 
 Augusta suddenly checked her thoughts, 
 they were leading her into a maze slie 
 had no business to explore, and in which
 
 VIRGINIA. 5\3 
 
 propriety and peace of mind must alike 
 have been lost. 
 
 She resolved to endeavour to forget 
 there was such a being in existence as 
 Charles Clifford ; she sincerely wished 
 she might never again hear his name 
 mentioned. 
 
 The remembrance of him was ever at- 
 tended by a most uneasy sensation, a 
 species of self-reproach and strong dissa- 
 tisfaction, that was ever followed by a 
 more than usual tenderness and affec- 
 tion in her manner towards her hus- 
 band. 
 
 She speedily rejoined him after the 
 conversation she had had with him re- 
 specting Clifford. 
 
 She found him sulky and out of hu- 
 mour ; he could not comprehend the em- 
 barrassment he had betrayed; there was 
 
 VOL. I. p
 
 514 VIRGINfA. 
 
 something unaccountable in it, and this 
 was quite sufficient to make him im* 
 happy. 
 
 When bhe took his hand affection- 
 a;tely, he withdrew it with a discon- 
 tented look; and to her efforts at 
 conversation he only answered in mono- 
 syllables. 
 
 Augusta had frequently found that to 
 appear offended with him, had often the 
 effect of bringing her husband into good 
 humour; she tlierefore said \vith a dis- 
 tressed and mortified air — 
 
 " As you do not seem to wish for 
 my company, Clarence, I will leave 
 you.'' 
 
 He made no effort to detain her, and 
 she quitted the room. 
 
 Mrs. Temple entered while Clarence
 
 VIRGINIA, 315 
 
 was lost in liis gloomy meditations ; she 
 immediately perceived that something 
 was wrang ; she had been apprehensive 
 that on coming to this neighbourhood he 
 might hear how intimate Charles Clifford 
 had been in her family, she was, there- 
 fore prepared for the question he abruptly 
 asked her — 
 
 " Did Charles Clifford visit at 3^ur 
 house?" 
 
 Mrs. Temple was instantly awfere^tllat 
 it would be necessary both f^r the s^kt^ 
 of her daughter's peace arid her own, to 
 mislead him in a measure, and she re- 
 plied without hesitation — 
 
 ^^ Oftener than we wished. We 
 tlwMight him too attentive to Augusta # 
 neither she iior I like him, and this de- 
 termined us to avoid renewing our ac- 
 quaintanGC with him at Brigh^n ; and on
 
 3]6 VIRGINIA. 
 
 seeing him there, we passed him as we 
 would an utter stranger." 
 
 . ''This is very extraordinary ; he never 
 mentioned it to me." 
 
 ; .**It was not likely he should ; no doubt 
 he felt mortified." 
 
 ', *\ But why should you behave so rudely 
 to him?" 
 
 f A faint blush suifused Mrs. Temple's 
 cheek, as she said — 
 
 ". I did not approve of his connec- 
 tions, nor did I wish to admit him at 
 my house on the footing he probably de- 
 sired to be." 
 
 Clarence observed this account did 
 not agree with that Charles himself had 
 given him, respecting the person he was 
 attached to; which he repeated. 
 
 Mrs, Temple said she doubted not
 
 VIRGIN'IA. 317 
 
 Mr. Clifford had told him this purposely 
 to prevent his suspecting the truth. 
 
 ** Poor Charles !" cried Clarence, svho 
 was noNV quite satisfied, supposing Au- 
 gusta's embarrassment had been occa* 
 sioned by speaking of a person who, 
 she was conscious, was partial to her- 
 self. " Poor Charles, he must have 
 suffered a great deal when he found 
 that I was accepted by one who had re- 
 jected him.*' 
 
 Mrs. Temple did not rectify this mis- 
 take, as it had a very salutary effect on 
 Clarence's system, and restored him to 
 perfect good humour. 
 
 He became anxious to seek Augusta, 
 but Mrs. Temple said she would send her 
 to him, which she did, having first hint- 
 ed to her the error Clarence had fallen 
 
 p 3
 
 518 V:ilGli«IA. 
 
 into, and that it would be expedient not 
 to undeceive him. 
 
 Clarence received his wife with rapture, 
 and poured forth hk thanks to her for 
 having selected him above all others; 
 and for a few hours he was in Paradise; 
 when his felicity was again interrupted 
 by his Augustas accidentally petting a lap 
 dog while he himself was sitting beside 
 her. 
 
 '* Why do you caress that animal, 
 Augusta?" said he in a fretful tone; 
 ** You know I don't like it. I hate to see 
 you make so much of it 1" 
 
 " Indeed ! I did not know you disliked 
 him!" said Augusta, good-humouredly 
 ceasing to pat the dog ; " What has poor 
 Pommette done to incur your displea- 
 
 sure?'' 
 
 *' I hate do OS ! ' 
 
 ** You astonish mc ! I thought you 
 were very fond of them."
 
 " I like them very well in the stable ; 
 hill I hate the sight of that little beast T 
 
 **^ What ! my poor Pommette, who has 
 always been such a favorite? I am very 
 sorry," said Augusta, in a mortified tone. 
 
 Pommette attempted to jump up on 
 the sopha beside his mistress, as he was 
 accustomed to do. 
 
 ** Get down, Pommette," cried 
 Clarence passionately, giving him a 
 slap that sent him whining under the 
 sop ha. 
 
 Augusta looked still more hurt, the 
 tears were swimming in her eyes, but she 
 said not a word. 
 
 ^* How ridiculous it is of you,*" 
 cried Clarence to make such a fuss 
 about that Foolish dog I — It is well 
 worth looking so miserable abgut cer- 
 tainly 1" 
 
 F 4
 
 ^i20 VIRGINIA. 
 
 '*I(Io not look miserable about* my 
 dog, though I own I am fond of it, 
 but I am hurt to see you treat any 
 thing that you know I like, with such 
 harshness." 
 
 *' How can you be so silly as to talk 
 of being Jond of a dog? It really 
 makes me sick. It is no great com- 
 pliment to be liked by you qf you can 
 bestow your affection on one of the 
 brute creation. I suppose 7 am only to 
 be caressed when' Pommette is out of 
 the way ?'* 
 
 Augusta LOW observed that, bow- 
 ever absurd and childish the cause, 
 Clarence was getting really angry. 
 
 She smothered a sigh in a forced 
 liugh as she promised for the future 
 only to take notice of Pommette 
 when he was absent ; and unani- 
 mity was again restored for a short 
 time.
 
 VIllGINIA. 3il 
 
 CHAP. XXV. 
 
 '• A solitary blessing few can find ? 
 
 " Our joys with tliose we love are intertwin'd; 
 
 " And he whose helpful tenderness removes, 
 
 " Th' obslrusting thorn that wounds the breast he 
 
 " Smooths not another's rugged path alone, [loveSj 
 
 " But scatters roses to adorn his own." 
 
 FOR the lirst few weeks of their resi- 
 dence at Hil berry they were compelled 
 to receive and return. numerous visits. 
 
 This Clarence found, extremely irk- 
 some, as in large companies he could 
 not possibly monopolize ^he whole atten- 
 tion of his wife; he always retired vexed 
 and out of humour, and not unfrequently 
 reproached her \uth great acrimony, and 
 p6
 
 certainly great injustice, with having felt 
 haj)py while surrounded by a crowd who 
 prevented his approaching her. 
 
 He lamented extremely his residence 
 in so sociable a neighbourhood, and im- 
 mediately Avithin the circle of all his 
 wife's relations and friends, 
 
 Augusta perceived that he was more 
 captious than he usually was, and as to 
 make him happy, and even prevent his 
 wishes washer whole stuely, she was at a 
 loss to account for this restless discon- 
 tent, which, while it died his cheeks with 
 the flush of agitation, drew them in to 
 the hollow aspect of unhappiness. 
 
 She entreated him to tell her what af- 
 fected him thus? 
 
 *'Ahf Augusta!'' he retuinred, ** if 
 you loved m6 as well as I love you, you 
 would not asked that question ! If I were
 
 VIRGINIA. 325 
 
 all the world to you, you would not desire 
 any other society ; nay it would be as 
 irksome to you as it is to nie 1" 
 
 "My dear Claience, indeed you wrong 
 nie ! It is in order to preserve your love 
 that. I wish you to have some other 
 amusement besides that you could derive 
 fronxmy society, which you would cease 
 to value if you had no other." 
 
 " You. judge by yourself, Augusta ; 
 if you loved me, you never could have 
 made such a speech ! You prefer' 
 any society to minej even that of your 
 dog!" 
 
 Augusta had tried for many weeks to 
 promote her husband's happiness- by im- 
 plicit obedience to his will, by yielding to 
 all his whims, and indulging all his 
 caprices ; notwithstanding which, she 
 found that he grew worse and woi^e 
 every day, and at the same time seemed 
 less happy. 
 
 v6
 
 324 VI lie INI A. 
 
 She feared that if she continued the 
 same line of conduct, he would, presum- 
 ing on her entire submission, arrive at that 
 pitch that he would at length controul 
 her very looks, nor suffer her to cast 
 her eyes on any object but himself, and 
 she determined to try what a trifling op- 
 position would do towards improving 
 their mutual comfort, which at present 
 was totally destroyed ; therefore instead 
 of appearing hurt by what he said, and 
 shedding tears, as she frequently did, at 
 his unkind reproaches, she replied — 
 
 *' It is impossible I can do more than 
 I have already done to convince you 
 of my affection, and you pretend to 
 doubt it merely for the sake of tor- 
 menting me !" 
 
 ** You have it in your power to satisfy 
 all my doubts if you chuse it." 
 
 **Howr 
 
 *' Why by regularly declining all these
 
 n KG IN I A. 325 
 
 tiresome invitations, and staying at home 
 with me !" 
 
 ** Do you then wish me to give up so- 
 ciety entirely? I have ah'eady offended 
 several of my friends by refusing to go to 
 them, withou-t being able to give any 
 sufficient reason for so doing. Lam not 
 fond of dissipation, and to pursue it would 
 be a thousand times more wearisome to 
 me than the closest retirement; but t(3 
 drop the friendly society we now have^ 
 would be to deprive us both of a great 
 pleasure, and you would, I am sure, ere 
 long regret it." 
 
 '^ You are so obstinate, there is no 
 possibility of convincing you," cried 
 Clarence with impatience. ** Are you 
 resolved to go to Mrs. Cotterel's to dine 
 to-day ?" 
 
 " Certainly, if you dO' not absolutely 
 forbid me; for she was much hurt at 
 my refusing to go the last time she in- 
 vited me!" 
 
 ^^ Fordid you!" repeated Clarence;
 
 3^6' VIRGINIA- 
 
 " yoQ certainly are at liberty to do what 
 you like best. I should never wish you 
 to stay at home if you preferred going 
 out; I should feel very little gratifica- 
 tion in your con)pliance Vvith my wishes 
 merely from obedience aud ziot from in- 
 clination?'' 
 
 Augusta perceived that the tormenting 
 fit was very strong upon him, and she re- 
 solved for once not to humour him, and 
 try what effect that would have upon 
 him ; she therefore, left: him to brood- 
 over his imaginary grievances, and went 
 to prepare herself for the dinner party. 
 
 She was aware that the future happi- 
 ness of her life depended on the manner 
 in which she now acted ; it was abso- 
 lutely necessary that she should discover 
 how best to manage her husband's per- 
 plexing disposition, which threatened to 
 destroy their mutual peace, it was there-
 
 fore requisite she should make some ex- 
 periments upon it 
 
 She had nearly finished her toilet when 
 the carriage was announced, and she 
 descended in expectation of finding 
 Clarence ready to accompany her. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Temple Avere already 
 seated in the coach, but Clarence did. not 
 appear. 
 
 Augusta enquired for him, they had not 
 seen him. 
 
 She hastened to the apartment, 
 where she had left him, and where he 
 still sat, not having made any alteration 
 in his dress. 
 
 " Are you not going?'' cried Au- 
 gusta,
 
 328 VIRGINIA. 
 
 He made no answer, but maintained a 
 sullen silence. 
 
 She continued ^' If you had told me 
 you would not go, you would have. saved 
 me the trouble of dressing; myself." 
 
 Me now said, — '^ 1 don't wish for your 
 company, I would much rather be left. 
 alone." 
 
 " Since that is the case then, I will 
 not run the risk of offending my friend 
 by disappointing her ; so good morning; 
 to you. I will order dinner to be pre- 
 pared for you. 
 
 With these w^ord^ Augusta left him, 
 her heart beating quick, and painfully af^ 
 fected by this effort to conceal the unhap- 
 piness his conduct occasioned her, but 
 she hoped that this exertion of spirit 
 would bring him to his senses, and con- 
 vince him that he must not expect her to 
 indulge all his caprices,
 
 / 
 
 VIRGINIA. 3^9 
 
 Having sent word to the housekeeper 
 that Mr. Villeroy would dine at home, 
 she joined her mother and Mr. Tem- 
 ple. 
 
 To their enquiries fur Clarence, she 
 replied, that he was not inclined to go 
 out, nor would he permit her to remain 
 with him. 
 
 They had already seen enough of 
 his temper to be pretty certain that 
 some whim had determined him to 
 stay at home, and tliey were glad 
 that Augusta had not encouraged his 
 humour, by persisting in continuing with 
 him. 
 
 But Augustas heart was heavy, and 
 never had society been so irksome to 
 her; all her thoughts were with Cla- 
 rence, and she was all anxietv to know 
 what effect her behaviour would have 
 upon him.
 
 330 VI BG IN I A. 
 
 Oae moiiKjnt ^he regretted having- 
 left hi u), and the next rejoiced that she 
 had exerted same degree of spirit, yet was^ 
 miserable lest his susceptible feelings^ 
 should be too ketnly affected. 
 
 Her imagination was entirely abstracted 
 from the present scene, and so absent was 
 she, that she was obliged to plead a trifl- 
 ing indisposition as an excuse for her un- 
 usual demeanour. 
 
 When the ladies retired after dinner, 
 she sat lost in her uneasy cogita-^ 
 tions. 
 
 The idea suddenly and most forcibly 
 struck her, that all Clarence's inconsist- 
 ency and caprice arose from< the excess of 
 his affection for her; and that iijistead of 
 punishing him for it, she ought rather 
 to love him the more tenderly, that 
 her behaviour on this day could not fail to 
 occasion him the most acute pain, in
 
 VIRGINIA. 3Sl 
 
 as much, as he would interpi'et it into 
 a diminution of her regard. 
 
 It was impossible to say what effect 
 such a persuasion might have upon his 
 sensitive nature ! Augusta would at 
 this moment have given worlds tliat she 
 had not left him ! and after a short demur 
 she resolved on immediately going^home^ 
 for the apprehensions that assailed her 
 were insupportable. 
 
 Her whole desire now was to restore 
 tranquillity to her husband's breast, and 
 whispering her mother that she was mi- 
 serable lest Clarence should be seriously 
 offended with her, Mrs. Temple (on 
 the plea of her daughter*s not being 
 ■,ery well) advised her to return home, 
 and the carriaoe was ordered to re-con- 
 duct lier ; it was to return again for IMr. 
 and Airs. Temple, the distance being lit- 
 tle more than three miles.
 
 352 . VIRGINIA. 
 
 Bat Augusta could more readiTy 
 have believed it to have been twelve 
 as she re*passed it, so impatient was she to 
 reach home. 
 
 . i: 
 ■f *•»
 
 VIRGINIA. 333 
 
 CHAP. XXVI. 
 
 " The sun is set; the clouds are met, 
 
 " The lowering scowl of Heaven, 
 " An inky hue, of livid dew, 
 " To the dark lake has given. 
 "Strange gusts of wind from mountain glen, 
 " Swept o'er the lake, then sunk agen." 
 
 WALTER SeOT, 
 
 ON alighting from the carriage, Au- 
 gusa tinstantly inquired for Mr. Villeroy, 
 and was informed that he had gone out 
 shortly after she had left him, and had 
 not returned since. 
 
 Had he not dined at home ? No, din- 
 ner was still waiting for him. Did he go 
 out on horsebock, or on foot? He had 
 walked out into the pleasure grounds.
 
 Augusta imniecliately dispatched seve- 
 ral servants in different directions to 
 seek for him, while she herself pursued 
 the path she was told he had taken. 
 
 Evening was now closing in, but Au« 
 gusta would not permit any of the do- 
 mestics to accompany her, being averse 
 to their witnessing the manner in which 
 Clarence might probably receive her^ 
 should slie succeed in finding him. 
 
 Quick as her trembling limbs would 
 carry her, she hurried along a winding 
 path that conducted to several pic- 
 turesque spo'ts and romantic retreats, and 
 finally ternainated in a small lake. 
 
 Lofty trees waved their branches above 
 her head ; the wind sighed mournfully 
 among them; whilst the bending to and 
 fro of the slender poplar or youthful larcii, 
 tliiew uncertain shadows across her path, 
 rendered more gloomy by the obscurity
 
 viRGTxrA. 335 
 
 of twilight. The rustling amoiig the 
 un4^rwood, caused by the wild but hai'm- 
 less inhabitants of these shades, who 
 were now seeking the covert that shel- 
 tered tlvcir repose, made Augusta start, 
 and with a bounding heart, she re- 
 doubled lier speed. Yet having reached 
 the spot where she thought it probable 
 she might find the object of her search, 
 she could scarcely assume courage to 
 enter. 
 
 It was a hermitage; from the door 
 slie took a survey of the interior, but 
 it was too obscure for her to perceive 
 if any one was within, without entering. 
 
 Clarence!" cri^d she, in a treniulous 
 tone, ** my dear Clarence, are you 
 there?" 
 
 No one answered. She ventui^d over 
 the threshold .
 
 3S6 VIRGINIA. ;^ 
 
 , She could now perceive something dark 
 lying in one corner. She shuddered and 
 paused. What could could it be? Surely 
 that could not be Clarence? He never 
 could have thrown himself on the earth, 
 ill that damp corner? Yet what might 
 he not do, impelled by despair at the 
 thoughts of her neglect. 
 
 She advanced a few paces, panting for 
 breath, and again repeated in a scarcely 
 audible voice " Clarence !" 
 
 On a nearer view she did not think it 
 resembled a human form, and imme- 
 diately after discovered it to be a roll of 
 Indian matting, which she recollected 
 had been brought there the day before, to 
 spread at the bottom of the hermitage. 
 
 She now with rapidity emerged from 
 this gloomy spot, and pursued Jier way 
 towards the lake. She passed several
 
 VIRGINIA, 337 
 
 rustic seats but they vera all unoccu- 
 pied. 
 
 Her nerves were afTected by an awful 
 tremor which increased as she approached 
 tje lake, with which a horiible idea 
 connected itself, engendered by the ex- 
 aggerated terrors that had taken pos- 
 session of her mind. 
 
 The water looked unusually dark ; she 
 could almost have fancied it fathom 
 less. 
 
 Slight waves, caused by a strong 
 breeze, undulated on the bosom of it, 
 washing the pendant branches of the trees 
 that skirted the margin; 
 
 " But where the lake slept daik and slill, 
 '* Dank osiers fringed the swamp and hill.*' 
 
 Some sea birds, which from the near 
 vicinity to the ocean were frequently 
 
 VOL. I. R
 
 338 VIRGINIA. 
 
 seen here, flew low over the water, skim- 
 ming its surface with their wings, while 
 from time to time their melancholy and 
 discordant shrieks, could almost have 
 persuaded one they were mourning the 
 untimely fate of some object ingulphed in 
 the dark wave below, 
 
 A damp vapour rose from the water, 
 involving every thing around it in a thick 
 mist, and throwing over the 3cene an al- 
 most sepulchral gloom. 
 
 Could Augusta in her present temper 
 of mind have admitted an idea indepen- 
 dant of that which engrossed her whole 
 soul, she might, with heathenish super- 
 stition have fancied herself transported 
 by death into the gloomy regions of 
 Pluto, wandering in all the horrors of 
 restless misery along the dreary banks of 
 Phlegethon, 
 
 But her mind was too strongly im-
 
 VIRGINIA. 359 
 
 pregnated with real misery to be sus- 
 ceptible of this fabulous similitude, and 
 she traversed the border of the lake, 
 while a chill damp bedewed her limbs, 
 and her eyes, with anxious horror, 
 were bent on the dark bosom of the 
 flood. 
 
 Craggy rocks, and impenetrable 
 underwood skirted great part of the 
 lake, so that she could not proceed 
 far, and there being no possibiUty of 
 farther pursuit in that direction, she 
 was about to turn to retrace her steps, 
 when something white, floating on the 
 water attracted her eye» 
 
 A thrill of horror passed through 
 her veins as it struck her that it bore 
 the appearance of a letter, which she in- 
 stantly concluded would confirm her 
 agonizing suspicions. 
 
 It was at some distance but near the
 
 3^0 VIRGINIA. 
 
 edge that was skirted by rock ; with 
 almost frantick desperation she climbed 
 over every impediment, till it was within 
 her reach, when she burst into tears on 
 perceiving that it was only a white water 
 lily, so great was the relief she expe- 
 rienced. 
 
 She now with renewed liope, (be- 
 cause her worst fears Avere not con- 
 firmed) retraced the way she had come, 
 trusting that on reaching home she should 
 find that some of the servants had been 
 riiore successful than herself. 
 
 She hurried with rapidity from the 
 wretched lake that had excited such tor- 
 turing sensations. 
 
 Had it been possible, her speed 
 would have been increased by the large 
 and heavy drops of rain which she now 
 perceived falling among the branches,
 
 VIRGINIA. 341 
 
 bu4 slie was already proceeding as fast 
 as her fatigued frame would permit 
 her, and it was out of her power to 
 expedite her progress. 
 
 n 3
 
 34'i VIRCINIA, 
 
 CHAP. XXVII. 
 
 " And has the vow, 
 
 *"' Unblest and joyless as it was, 
 " Which gave thee to a lord unworthy of thee, 
 " Placed thee beyond the reach of kindred ties, 
 ** The warmth of blood to blood— the sure affeclion 
 " That nature gives to all f" 
 
 JOANKA BAILtlSf 
 
 THE rain speedily increased to a 
 tremendous shower, and the wind blew 
 Avith such violence, that Augusta could 
 with difficulty make her way against it> 
 and by the time she reached the hermit- 
 age, she was so completely exhausted as 
 to be obliged to repose herself for a few 
 moments.
 
 VIRGINIA. 34S 
 
 Tlie thickness of the foliage over her 
 head had pretty well preserved her from 
 getting wet thus far, but the apprehension 
 of catching cold would not have prevent- 
 ed her proceeding under her present anx- 
 iety, had not her strength entirely 
 failed. 
 
 The only place where she could had a 
 seat was the hermit's couch ; slie felt 
 for it, and soon succeeded in finding it, 
 when she threw herself upon it with the 
 -heavy languor of a person overcome with 
 fatigue; but with a shriek of terror, she 
 bounded from it, for she found that 
 she had thrown herself on some one 'who 
 had gained possession of it before her. 
 
 *' Why do you come to disturb 
 me?" cried the voice of Clarence Vil- 
 leroy. 
 
 " O Clarence 1 is it you?" burst from 
 the trembling Augusta as she again ap- 
 k4
 
 ^4^4? VIRGIN I A. 
 
 proached the couch on which he now sat 
 erect. 
 
 '* My dear Clarence, you have terri- 
 fied me to death !'' said she, as she seated 
 herself beside him, and the tears sprung 
 from her eyes. 
 
 She attempted to take his hand, but he 
 withdrew it. 
 
 *' You make me miserable !" she went 
 on, *^ There is no sacrifice I would 
 not make to convince you of the sin- 
 cerity of my regard ; to promote your 
 happiness is the first wish of my heart." 
 
 *' O talk not in this absurd and ridicu- 
 lous njanner !'* cried he, with impetuosity, 
 *' You! who would not give up the trifl- 
 ing gratificadon of attending a common 
 dinner party for the sake of my company! 
 You to talk of makinir sacrifices ! You ! 
 who could neglect and desert your hus- 
 band ! a man who adored you, and who 
 could only be said to live in your pro
 
 VIRGINIA 345 
 
 sence ! To leave him in solitude to 
 mourn your cruelty and ingratitude, 
 stung by your unmerited severity, and 
 smarting under the impression thatif you 
 ever had loved him, that sentiment no 
 longer existed in your breast." 
 
 ** O Clarence!" cried Augusta, as 
 soon as he would permit her to speak, 
 *' how can you paint my conduct in such 
 unjust colours ? It is your felicity alone 
 that I study ! Heaven knows I speak the 
 truth ! In sroins;.. to Mrs; Cotterel's, I 
 acted contrary to my inclination, and 
 was so unhappy that as soon as dinner 
 was over I resolved to come home ; for 
 1 was wretched under the idea of your 
 displeasure. But I really thought if I 
 could have persuaded you to go some- 
 times into company, we should both be 
 happier ; for even when I have relinquish- 
 ed going out at your desire, and have re- 
 mained at home with you, you have not 
 seemed perfectly satisfied." 
 R 5
 
 S4S VIRGINIA. 
 
 " No, because I knew very well you 
 would rather have gone ! But that you 
 should ever have treated me in the man- 
 ner you have this day, I never could have 
 believed! I shall remember it to the 
 last moment of my existence ! O Au- 
 gusta ! you were resolved to try how far 
 you could make me suffer." 
 
 Clarence's voice faultered as he pro- 
 nounced the last words, and Augusta was 
 convinced that he was weeping ; she 
 threw herself upon his neck, and sobbed 
 convulsively, while her tears moistened 
 iiis cheek. lie could no longer re- 
 sist clasping her to his heart, though he 
 still murmured — ** You do not love me, 
 Augusta, I am sure you do not." 
 
 *' Clarence," said she, as she returned 
 his fervent pressure, *^ I have opposed 
 you on this day for the first time, and it 
 shall be the last; if you are unhappy, it 
 shall not be my fault; whatever you com- 
 mand, I will cheerfully obey, my only
 
 VIRGINIA, 347 
 
 wish is to convince you of the steadiness 
 of my regard." 
 
 *^ Ah! dearest Augusta, it is in your 
 power to convince me \* cried Clarence, 
 now completely softened. 
 
 *^ Speak," said Augusta, *' only tell me 
 what you require of me." 
 
 *'Let me take thee, my beloved, to 
 some sequestered spot embosomed in the 
 mountains of Wales, there we will seek a 
 cottage; you shall be my universe! and 
 I will be all the world to you ! O ! I feel 
 tliat in such a situation alone I can know 
 peace.^^ 
 
 '^ Then shall /be happy!'' cried Au- 
 gusta, in cheerful accents. 
 
 *' And will you indeed leave your mo- 
 ther, all your relations^ and every body 
 for me !" exclaimed Clarence in vehe- 
 ment delight. 
 
 ** I will Clarence, without hesitation." 
 
 ** And not even take Pommette with. 
 
 us?'* 
 
 No, not even Pommette I" 
 R 6
 
 M'8 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Clarence was now in an ecstacy of 
 rapture, and before she left the hermit- 
 age Augusta had the pleasure of hearing 
 him say, ** He believed she didlov^ him T 
 
 By the end of a week they were set- 
 tled in a small cottage at the foot of 
 Snowdon, where Clarence fully expected 
 his selfish dream of felicity would be ve- 
 rified.
 
 VIRGIN lAi 34^ 
 
 CHAP. XXVIIL 
 
 *• Britain farewel ! I quit thy shorcj 
 ** My native country charms no more ; 
 " No guide te mark the teilsome road, 
 " No destin'd clime T no fixM abode ! 
 
 MRS, ROBINSOW* 
 
 COLONEL VILLEROY and Mr. 
 
 Clifford reached Dover just an hour be- 
 fore the packet which was about to sail 
 for Calais, got U4ider weigh, and with 
 difficulty they procured accommodation^ 
 as several cabin passengers- had already se- 
 cured births, which were necessary, for as 
 they embarked in the evening, and the 
 wind was not^quite fair, it was probable 
 they would be detained on board all night.
 
 ^60 VIRGINIA^ 
 
 Our friends took the precaution, so 
 rarely omitted by Englishmen, of pro- 
 viding themselves with a basket of pro- 
 visions, and a bottle of wine. 
 
 They were ^neither of them attended 
 
 by a man servant 
 
 Mr. Clifford's had objected to goings 
 abroad, on which account he had parted>^ 
 with him, and Colonel Yilleroy's man,., 
 who had been many years in his service, 
 had been seized with an indisp©sition 
 which had prevented his accompanying 
 his master on this jpurney. 
 
 The gentlemen, therefore, determined 
 to trust to chance for providing them- 
 with attendants. 
 
 V'illeroy was by means sorry to avoid 
 the additional expence a man servant oc* 
 casions on a journey; and Charles could 
 not murmur at an inconvenience with
 
 Virginia; 351 
 
 which liis friend put up so cheer- 
 fully. 
 
 The change of scene and bustle which 
 surrounded l)im, could not fail to dissi- 
 pate in some measure Clifford's heavy 
 gloom ; and with pleasure he stepped on 
 board the vessel that was to convey hiia 
 from his native land. 
 
 Most of the passengers had gone be- 
 low, in order to be out of the way while 
 the packet v^^as setting sail, and Villeroy 
 and Charles, desirous of seeing who were 
 to be their companions, descended to the 
 cabin, which was very neatly fitted up, 
 and contained eight births ; four on either, 
 side. 
 
 The persons who were to occupy 
 it were now assembled ; they consisted of 
 three females and five males. 
 
 To begin by seniority of age, the first
 
 352 VIRGINIA. 
 
 female was a decently dressed' woman', 
 bearing the appearance of a respectable 
 housekeeper, and no way remarkable, 
 but for her enormous rotundity, wbich 
 M'as equal to that of any three moderate 
 si^ed persons put together. 
 
 The second female was- probably not 
 many years junior to the fust, at least, 
 so one might liave inferred from the 
 wrinkles on her broWj but had one 
 formed an opinion from her dress, onci 
 might have been led to imagine she had 
 not yet taken leave of her teens. 
 
 Her habiliments were as little appro- 
 priate to the place she was in, as they were 
 to her age; light flaxen ringlets dangled on 
 each cheek, the forehead wasfbare, and 
 on her head was perched- a -small pink 
 tonnet, from which a wbite feather^ 
 tipped with pink, was pendant, nearly 
 concealing one eye. A pink sarsnet pe- 
 iisse Iiung open over, a thin muslin gown,
 
 VIRGINIA. 3jS 
 
 displaying a large gold watch and chain, 
 and a glaring broach. Silk stockings and 
 thin kid shoes completed the lady's ira- 
 'veiling dress. 
 
 The third female, whom the gentlemen 
 concluded to be the daughter of the mo- 
 dern antique^ was attired in a similar 
 manner, excepting that her colour was 
 blue, and she wore a veil. 
 
 Had her companion followed her ex- 
 ample in this respect, she wonld have 
 done wisely, as her painted cheeks would 
 have appeared to advantage through the 
 friendly shade, and the depredations of 
 time would have been less perceptible. 
 
 The males consisted of a lean diminu- 
 tive French Abbe, an Irish ensign, and 
 a buck dressed in the extreme of the 
 fashion, who talked boldly of his horses 
 and carriages, his prowess on tlie turf, 
 and his determinntion of making the
 
 ^54 vmciviA. 
 
 grand /(?wr,assoon as he should have pro- 
 vided himself with a convenient number 
 of attendants at Paris, for he had resolved 
 not to suffer a single Englishman in his 
 train, for which reason he had submitted 
 to the inconvenience of travelling with- 
 out a servant. 
 
 This dasher was a man^millijitr, who 
 kept a cheap shop in Oxford Street, and 
 was now going to Paris for fashions and 
 bargains. 
 
 It was not long era our friends disco* 
 vered that he was a person of some such 
 calling, but to those who were less conver- 
 sant with real gentility and elegance, his 
 bombast recommended him extremely, 
 and they concluded they were certainly 
 in company with the son of a noble- 
 man, if not with a nobleman him- 
 self. 
 
 Yilleroy and Charles made up tlie
 
 VIRGINIA. 355 
 
 eight persons who were to occupy the 
 cabin. 
 
 The man milliner continued to hold 
 forth till the ladies, finding that the 
 vessel had set sail, expressed a wish to go 
 on deck. 
 
 The Irish ensign instantly sprang for- 
 ward to present his hand to the young 
 lady; the man milliner conducted her 
 mature companion ; and the Abbe 
 gave the bras to the lusty old gentle- 
 woman, who was glad of any body s as- 
 sistance. 
 
 The Abbe staggered as the delicate 
 object of his care pulled herself up the 
 steps by his arm, and had not Charles, 
 ^\ ho was behind her, given her a season- 
 ffble push, they would both have come 
 tumbling back, and in all probability the 
 poor Abbe would have been crushed to 
 ^atoms by his ponderous charge, and
 
 3^6 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Charles himself have narrowly escaped 
 pulverization. 
 
 On deck Villeroy had an opportunity 
 of taking a better view of the young 
 lady than he had had in the cabin, and 
 he was almost convinced that it was Cor- 
 delia Lethbridge. 
 
 She was conversing familiarly with the 
 Irish ensign, Villeroy approached nearer 
 to her, and was certified that it was ia- 
 deed her* 
 
 He doubted not she must have recog- 
 niztd him the moment she had beheld 
 him, but as she had not taken any steps 
 to make herself know to him, he resolved 
 to behave as if he were unconscious of 
 ever having seen her before, for which 
 her being veiled would be a sufificient ex- 
 cuse. 
 
 She appeared to be extremely enter-*
 
 VIRGIMA. '^^57 
 
 tallied by the witticisms of the Irish en- 
 sign ; and the Colonel had not the least 
 desire to attract her attention frorn 
 him. 
 
 Happening to be near the person un- 
 der whose protection Cordelia seemed to 
 be, Villeroy heard her say to the man 
 milliner, whom she ^vished to impress 
 with a high idea of her own consequence, 
 imagining him to be a man of rank and 
 fashion — 
 
 % 
 
 ''That young lady, Sir, my protege, I 
 call her, she, Sir, is Miss Lethbridge, an 
 heiress, I assure you. Her father, a man 
 of great consequence, and immense for- 
 tune, my most particular friend, re- 
 quested me, as a great favour, to take 
 charge of her. She is going to board in 
 a French family at St. Omer, in order to 
 finish her education, and Jearn the lan- 
 guage. Perhaps I may go on to Paris, 
 and pay a visit to my friends there, my
 
 358 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Lord Whitworth the ambassador, and 
 several persons of distinction with whom 
 I am intimately connected/' 
 
 '* Should that be the case, ma^am/' re- 
 turned the man milliner, '^ I shall very 
 probably have the honour of meeting you 
 there. I shall be in the first circles; for 
 the first consul* sent me a private invi- 
 tation to take up my residence at his pa- 
 lace. I have also instructions from the 
 British Court to consult with the ambas- 
 sador on any urgent occasion, and assist 
 him with my advice." 
 
 Villeroy and Clifford, though not much 
 inclined to the merry mood, could scarcely 
 resist indulging a hearty laugh at this 
 mutual display of absurd pomposity. 
 
 Villeroy suspected that Mr. Leth- 
 bridge had a stronger motive for send- 
 ing his daughter abroad than that of 
 
 * Buonaparte was not then Emperor.
 
 VIRGINIA. 369 
 
 iinishing her education, and his suspicioa 
 was just. 
 
 The first thing which opened the fa- 
 ther's eyes, was Cordelia's behaviour to- 
 wards Clarence Villeroy. 
 
 While she kept up a private correspon- 
 dence with him, she remained pretty 
 quiet, but on his returning her letters 
 with the lines which convinced her that 
 both he and his brother were aware of her 
 folly, and despised her, she was extremely 
 wrath ; but soon forgot her resentment in 
 a new interest. 
 
 Without any view but that of amuse- 
 ment, she succeeded in attracting the at- 
 tentions of a young man who resided 
 in the neighbourhood, and whom she 
 often met at church. 
 
 He was not dull of comprehension, and 
 satisfied her by appearing amazingly
 
 S60 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Struck with her, and throwing himself in 
 her way on all occasions, and these 
 occasions she contrived should be fre- 
 quent. 
 
 An epistolary intercourse was again 
 commenced through the medium of the 
 femnie de chcmibre, w^ho in the hope of a 
 large reward betrayed the secret to Mr. 
 Lcthbridge. 
 
 He was furious, and resolved to shew 
 no mercy to one who could so offend a 
 second time ; and after a sliort delibera- 
 tion he determined on sending her 
 abroad, hoping that a temporary exile 
 from her country, and banishment from 
 his presence, would make a deep impres- 
 sion on her mind, and prevent a recur- 
 rence of the conduct which had occa- 
 sioned her disgrace. 
 
 He had had it in his power to be ex- 
 tremely kind and useful to a French
 
 family during their emigration, ^vho 
 were now returned to France, and settled 
 at St. Omer, and with them he doubted 
 not he could find a temporary asylum for 
 his daughter. 
 
 They were people advanced in years, 
 of a serious and retired turn ; and he re- 
 joiced on receiving an answer to a letter 
 he had addressed to them on the subject, 
 to find that they were willing to accom- 
 modate Mademoiselle* 
 
 But Mr. Leth bridge could not so far 
 overcome his attachment to qu'et and se- 
 clusion as to resolve on accompanying 
 his daughter on the journey, and he ap- 
 plied to the mistress of the school where 
 she had been educated, to recommend lo 
 him a steady, respectable, elderly female, 
 lo travel with Cordelia. 
 
 The school mistress proposed her sis- 
 ter, on whom, she assured Mr. Leth- 
 VOL. I. s
 
 36^ VIRGINIA. 
 
 briclfije, he might implicitly rely ; and 
 promised that she herself would fetch 
 Miss Lethbridge to her own house, front 
 whence she mi^ht set out with her 
 sister. 
 
 The parent was very well pleased with 
 this arrangement; he felt confident that 
 he was resigning his daughter into safe 
 hands, and was glad to relinquish so im- 
 portant a charge. 
 
 It has before been observed that Mr. 
 Lethbridge was not a man of the world, 
 and was little conversant with human na- 
 ture; had not that been the case, he 
 would not probably have applied to the 
 mistress of a seminary where his daugh- 
 ter had imbibed such^ pernicious princi- 
 ples, to recommend to him a proper per- 
 son to take charge of her. 
 
 He considered it a thing of course, 
 that any one at the head of a school must
 
 viRCixiA. 363 
 
 be pi'udent and o; we, and imputed his 
 daughter's improprieties to her own 
 thoughtless levity, and folly. He never 
 even saw this sister, with whom Cordelia 
 set off in high spirits from the school. 
 
 She had long knewn her companion, 
 who had been accustomed to act as one 
 of the governesses ; she was certain sht 
 would be no check upon her, and flatter- 
 ed herself she should have as much 
 liberty as a boarder in a f'reuch fa- 
 mily, as she had enjoyed while at 
 school. 
 
 Her companion was equally delighted 
 with the thoughts of the excursion, from 
 which she expected to derive much 
 amusement, while she was amply recom- 
 penced by Mr, Lethbridge for tlie 
 trouble, he thought, he was giving 
 her. 
 
 Cordelia had recognized her cousiu 
 s2
 
 364 VT KG INI A. 
 
 the moment he had entered the cabin^ 
 but feeling extremely foolish at the idea 
 of being known by him, she determined, 
 while it was possible, to affect not to see 
 liim. 
 
 . She found the Irish ensign very 
 entertaining, and to him she looked for 
 amusement] till she should have reached 
 the other side of the water. 
 
 The wind blew fi'esh, and the ladies 
 were soon glad to return to the cabin 
 to avoid being wet thorough by the spray 
 of the sea. 
 
 , Miss Pringle's feather already 'began 
 to look like the wing of a sick ehicken, 
 and her pelisse bore evident marks of 
 Neptune's disrespect. 
 
 The Abbe took care not to offer his 
 services to the lusty gentlewoman in her
 
 VIRGINIA. 3G^ 
 
 dtfscen-t, and Charles oiil of coni passion 
 supplied his place. 
 
 The party being again arranged in 
 tlie cabin, various prog baskets were 
 opened, and supper was commenced 
 with great avidity; each, however; 
 kee|)ing to their own, which no one 
 seemed iuclined to sliare with the 
 others. 
 
 They were so fully employed, that nei- 
 ther Villeroy or Charles for some time ob- 
 served that the Abbe was the only idle 
 person; when Charles whispered his 
 friend — 
 
 " The poor little Abbe seems to have 
 nothing to do ! Perhaps he has neg- 
 lected to provide himself with pro- 
 visions, shall we offer him some of 
 ours ?'* 
 
 ** O, certainly by all means/' 
 s 3
 
 36'6 VIRGINIA. 
 
 We before said Charles was a very bad 
 Irencliman — 
 
 *^ Monsieur r Abbe r cried he, '^vous 
 7iavez pas marig6 nous serous bien aisc 
 que vousparlii\'' 
 
 The poor Abbe bowed with the most 
 humble look, begged pardon, and said he 
 would go on deck till they had finished 
 their meal. 
 
 ** No, no," cried Charles, stopping 
 hjpn, ** mangt avec nous, mang6 ' avec 
 nous, je 'eeux dire,'' 
 
 Villeroy now explained to the Abbe 
 {hat his friend meant to ask him to par- 
 take of their supper, but in mistake had 
 said partir instead of partager^ which 
 indeed would not have been strictly cor- 
 rect, but he was ignorant of the proper 
 application of the verb.
 
 VIRGIN TA. 367 
 
 The Abbe made athousand apologies for 
 ills osvn stupidity in not comprehending, 
 what it wasi-mpossible he could interpret 
 otherwise than he bad done, to whicli he 
 added mille graces ibr their politeness^ 
 protested lie never ate supper, and though 
 he should be charmed to join the gen^- 
 tlem:4n's party, he ninstbeg to be excused 
 partaking of any thing. 
 
 Nevertheless, he made no very violent 
 objections to the leg and wing of a fowl, 
 and some slices of ham being put before 
 him ; and on Villeroy's observing it was 
 only to amuse hiniself with while they were 
 eating, lie commenced his attack upon 
 them, as he said — " Eh bitn ! for the 
 amusement !'* 
 
 Had the wing still retained its volatile 
 powers, it could not have disappeared 
 with much greater velocity ; and never 
 could the leg, even in its most vigorous 
 days, have proceeded with greater rapid- 
 
 84
 
 5f>?< VIRGINIA. 
 
 flity than it now hastened to follow the 
 wing down the Ihroat t>f the voraeioirs 
 Abbe. 
 
 His plate continued to be amply re- 
 plenished, while his protestations of ab- 
 stinence were redoubled, though his de- 
 vouring faculties seemed no way impaired 
 or fixtigued, and this amusement he pur- 
 sued till the basket of provisions was 
 pretty well thinned, when he protested 
 that merely because he would not appear 
 irfgratehG had eaten till he was absolutely 
 ** 7:embourrcz commeuncanon f an ex- 
 pression very common even in the first 
 circles of French society, however, vulgar 
 and coarse we sliould esteem it if literally 
 translated. 
 
 1 shall offer no apology for the sentences 
 and quotations in French which I have al- 
 ready introduced, or may insert in the 
 course of this work, without annexing any 
 translation, as I have most respectable
 
 VIRGINIA. 369 
 
 precedents for concluding thai to be su- 
 perfluous, viz. the Edinburgh reviewer?. 
 ** Who (say they) ever heard a lady 
 boast that she understood French ? for 
 no other reason that we know of, but 
 because every body in these days does 
 understand French ; and tliough there 
 may be some disgrace in being ignorant 
 of the language, there is little or na 
 merit in its acquisition.'* 
 
 After this it would be an affront to my 
 readers to offer a translation of what I 
 cannot possibly suppose them to be rgno- 
 rant of; such an ofH^ence would be utYpar- 
 donable, and I would not willingly incur 
 iheh' just displeasure. 
 
 Having finished his early supper^ 
 Villero}^ went on deck, and, lost iu 
 melancholy musing, he watched the re- 
 ceding land nearly obscured in the deep- 
 ening twilight, which left it nothing but 
 the appearance of a dark.and heavy clouds
 
 370 VIRGINIA. 
 
 Charles felt every disposition to a re- 
 lapse of those horrors which he had lately 
 been a prey to, and in hopes of dissipatrtyg 
 in some measure, this desponding sensa- 
 tion, he determined to continue in the 
 cabin, and endeavour to attend to, if he 
 could not join in, the conversation that 
 was going on there. 
 
 Cordelia and her beau had seated- 
 themselves on one of the seats at the 
 fire place, and Miss Prinajte anil the man 
 milliner occupied the other. The Abbe, 
 Charles, and the fat lady, were lieft to 
 entertain each other. 
 
 The fat lady was taciturn; the Abbe 
 the reverse, but his volubility was not of 
 such a cast as. could excite Charles to au 
 animated reply, and he answered in mono- 
 syllables. Meantime, he coukl not avoid 
 making some observation on the reciprocal! 
 demeanour of the parties who appeared 
 so amiable. But their good under-
 
 v-in6fNlA. 371 
 
 stanctfng was destined to be shortly inter- 
 rupted. Cordelia soon found that the 
 Iiish ensign was not to be kept at the 
 distance which even she thought pru- 
 dent; and her desire to repel him was 
 increased by her having overbear* 1 part 
 of the conversation passing between her 
 dear friend and the man milliner, from 
 which she was led to believe that the 
 latter was a person of great consequence, 
 and she began to suspect that her clear 
 friend had secured the best beau for her- 
 self, and speedily determined that she 
 should not long enjoy this triumph ; she 
 suddenly arose, exclaiming that she had 
 something to say to Miss Pringlc. There 
 was considerable motion in the vessel, 
 and Cordelia immediately lost her foot- 
 ing, and came flying very apropos inta 
 the arms of the man milliner. 
 
 Miss Pringle, alarmed, started up, 
 when Cordelia slid into her place, while 
 she appeared half fainting, and for a
 
 57^ VIRGINIA', 
 
 few moments rested on her supporter. 
 Miss Pringle was necessitated to take the 
 vacant place next the ensigHy. whose 
 brow immediately became clouded.- The 
 man milliner, who had loni>' eavied the 
 ensign the superior advantage of engros- 
 sing the attention of the junior lady, re- 
 solved not to neglect the happy oppor- 
 tirnity he now had, of recommending him- 
 self to her* Cordelia was soon quite 
 hersel^f again, and found her near neiglv^ 
 bouj? fully prepared to meet her wishes; 
 wlule the ire she saw mounting in the en- 
 sign's indignant lookS) and the restless 
 demeanour of her dear friend increased 
 her satisfaction^. 
 
 Miss Pringle wished to appear uncon- 
 eerned, and attempted to converse witb 
 the ensign; he answered her rudely; she- 
 became irritated, and gave vent to her 
 spleea in sarcastic allusions. The en* 
 sign now said with the distinguishing ac- 
 cent of his country-^
 
 VIHGINIA. 37s 
 
 ^* These seats are very agreeable when 
 one has a pleasant ^xjmpauion ! Ma am, 
 i'H trouble you not to be elbowing me 
 so ! By the powers ! 1 shall he black 
 and blue!" 
 
 ** Lord, Sir, I am sure I don't wish to 
 •be near you. I would much rather be 
 -any where else,*' 
 
 As she said this, Miss Pringle elevated 
 lier eye brows, turned up her nose, and 
 recoiled from her proximity to the ensign, 
 a€ if he had been some venenious reptile. 
 He returned — 
 
 ''Well then, you had better be after 
 giving the young lady her seat again, as 
 we don't seem likely to agree." 
 
 *' The lady choose to take my seat not 
 very politely either, I think. However, 
 she shall give it me again. Miss Leth- 
 bridge, madam, I will trouble you to give 
 me my seat again!" 
 
 ** O !'' cried the man milliner, ^* I can-
 
 374 VIRGINIA. 
 
 not permit this lady to move after the 
 narrow escape she had of falling just now." 
 *'Then you shall come out of that 
 place yourself," cried the ensign, ''for 
 this beautiful young creature here can't 
 dp witbout you, and I cannot say I am 
 anxious to continue her neighbour/' 
 
 With these words, *' thirsting for re- 
 venge," the ensign arose, and with one 
 heel of the vessel was precipitated head 
 foremost into the lap of the lusty gen- 
 tlewoman, who loudly vociferated that 
 she was killed. 
 
 The Hibernian s misfortune excited a 
 burst of la-Ughter, which even the lady*s 
 protestation could not smother. The 
 discomfited hero endeavoured to regain 
 his feet, swearing he wquld pull the fel- 
 low from his seat by the nose. The man 
 milliner was about to retort, when he 
 was prevented by observing a sudden 
 and violent convulsion in the features of
 
 VIRiGlNfA. 37^ 
 
 tlie fair Helen who Lad occasioned this 
 direful contention. This extraonlinary 
 agitation, like that of the seers of old, 
 was immediately succeeded by an irre- 
 pressible burst,— a spontaneous flow, 
 (the reader will of course conclude) of 
 sublime effusions. I cannot possibly be 
 so rude as to contradict him. Certain it 
 is, it was a species of or^^orj/ that strongly 
 affected Clifford's nerves ; this probably 
 arose from its being the language of na- 
 ture, which is ever most impressive. 
 
 He hastened to leave the cabin, and 
 his flight was expedited by his perceiving 
 that the other females gave evident signs 
 of an inclination to become as eloquent 
 as Cordelia, whom the Irish ensign was 
 endeavouring to comfort, saying, — 
 
 *' Never mind, my dear creature, never 
 mind now, I'll be after fetching you an 
 elegant bucket in a moment/'
 
 37^ VIRGIN LA. 
 
 However, Charles prevailed on him 
 and the other men, to quit the cabin, and 
 give the ladies an opportunity of retiring 
 to their births, where in repose they might 
 lose the sense of the oppressive sickness 
 which at present overcame them. 
 
 ^Nl> OF vot. i. 
 
 Vrist«d by Plummer it Brewis, Love-Lane, £astchc»p.
 
 u 
 
 ^'1