A 
 
 "^y 
 
 V ^^ y^ ^.^^ 
 
 L I E) RARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 U N IVLRSITY 
 
 or ILLINOIS 
 
 L898 
 
 1^^ /^/>^^ 
 
 '^ -
 
 THE 
 
 LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 THE 
 
 LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 A NOVEL 
 
 Life is real ! Life is earnest ! 
 
 And the ?rave is not its goal ; 
 
 Dust thou art, to dust retumest. 
 
 Was not spoken of the soul. 
 
 In the world's broad field of battle. 
 In the bivouac of Life, 
 Be not like dumb, driven cattle ! 
 Be a hero in the strife ! 
 
 LONGFELLOW. 
 
 IN THREE VOLUMES. 
 VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 COLBURN AND CO., PUBLISHERS, 
 
 GREAT MAELBOEOUGH STREET. 
 1852. 
 
 Notice is hereby given, that the Publishers of this Work reserve to themselves 
 the right of publishing a Translation in France.
 
 LONDON : 
 
 Printed by Schulze and Co., 13, Poland Street.
 
 
 V.I 
 
 v> DEDICATION. 
 
 C* To a very dear brother, is inscribed this first attempt to 
 
 embody, in fictitious characters, feelings, aspirations, and 
 s/j sentiments, which he has often shared with 
 
 <J THE AUTHOR. 
 
 o 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 JUNE, 1852.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 There's nothing here, there's nothing in all this 
 
 To satisfy the heart, the gasping heart ! 
 
 Mere bustling nothingness, where the soul is not. 
 
 This cannot be the sole felicity — 
 
 These cannot be men's best and only pleasures. 
 
 SCHILLER. 
 
 It was at a dinner-party at my old friend 
 Mr. Colston's, soon after my return from the 
 continent, when I saw for the first time his 
 young favourite, Marion Harcourt ; I had heard 
 Mrs. Colston speak of her a:> being a great 
 acquisition to their society, not only from her 
 accomplishments, but from her delightful con- 
 versation and amiable disposition. 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 2 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 She happened to sit nearly opposite to me at 
 dinner, and I could not refrain from observing 
 her. She was talking with apparent interest to 
 her neighbour, who was an inteUectual-looking 
 man, about two or three and thirty. Although 
 she was not strictly beautiful, Marion's counte- 
 nance was certainly prepossessing ; she was 
 fair, but not pale ; an open brow, and 
 a mouth expressive both of sweetness and 
 firmness ; her eyes were features on which no 
 two people ever agreed, so varied was their 
 expression, sometimes beaming with vivacity 
 and sometimes clouded by a soft melancholy 
 darkness. Her hair was of that light brown 
 hue, which is bright as gold in the sun, it 
 was hanging about her white shoulders in 
 luxuriant ringlets : her dress was simple and 
 elegant, but I never could remember how 
 Marion was dressed, it always conveyed a 
 pleasant idea to my mind, but its details 
 were lost. She never appeared to condescend 
 to all the changing forms of fashion, but 
 her toilette seemed to constitute a part of 
 her self, and was arranged to suit her own 
 peculiar style. 
 
 I happened to be placed next a lady, who 
 was deeply devoted to the business of a dinner.
 
 THE LOST INHERIT A^XE. 3 
 
 that of paying great attention to the rands, 
 which left me to employ my observation as 
 I liked, for no conversation seemed to be 
 required to enhance her amusement, indeed, 
 answering some remark I happened to make, 
 appeared sadly to disturb her enjoyment of a 
 cotelette a la Souhise. 
 
 I could not hear what Marion said, but I 
 amused myself in watching her countenance and 
 surmising what called the smile to her lips, the 
 faint blush on her cheek, and, still more, what 
 could sometimes chill her young face into 
 something of almost awe. There is to me 
 imflagging interest in gazing on the young, as 
 they step out from the hallowed sanctuary of 
 home, and mix in the whirling scenes of 
 society, bringing their pure feelings and warm 
 impulses into the world's rushing excitement. 
 I pause, and try to picture to myself w^hat \vill 
 be their fate in life ; whether they will find any 
 one to appreciate their bright yearnings for 
 good, whether their feehngs will bear the 
 blighting influence of the world's heart- 
 lessness, and always cast a sunny light on 
 its sorrows, or whether they will be cor- 
 roded and embittered by the struggle, or, 
 after suffering and nearly sinking, they will 
 
 B 2
 
 4 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 bear up bravely and firmly against all dis- 
 couragements. 
 
 These dreamy speculations were occupying 
 me more than usual, as I watched Marion during 
 that long dinner. I scarcely knew what to 
 think of Mr. Murray, who was her neighbour, 
 he seemed to have the gift of making his 
 conversation agreeable to her, for they still kept 
 talking on, apparently unconscious of any one 
 else. At last the ladies rose to depart, and then 
 we gentlemen began the interminable political 
 discussions which seem reserved for the after- 
 dinner subject of Englishmen. Before coffee 
 was announced, we heard music in the drawing- 
 room, and I could see several of the younger 
 men were wearying of the still-continuing debate 
 on the Corn-laws ; I therefore proposed a move, 
 and accompanied by Mr. Murray and one or 
 two others, adjourned to the drawing-room. 
 
 As we entered, Marion was singing that most 
 beautiful of Moore's melodies, " She is far from 
 the land where her young hero sleeps ;" her voice 
 was a rich contralto, and she possessed the great 
 art of the most distinct articulation of every 
 word. Every one was silent ; I could see she 
 was nervous, by the heightened colour on her 
 cheek and a slight tremulousness in her voice.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 5 
 
 I felt a sadness steal over me as I listened to 
 the melancholy tones. I could not help fancying 
 some sorrow must be in store for one whose 
 voice seemed to contain the essence of grief; it 
 appeared almost an anomaly for so young and 
 apparently cheerful a creature to pour forth such 
 wailing sounds. I have often remarked that 
 heavy-looking people possess an organ of clear, 
 bird-like harmony, while the bright children of 
 humanity express melancholy in their voices; it 
 is a part of the mysterious chain which pervades 
 all on earth, attaching suffering to us while in 
 this vale of tears. 
 
 One gentleman petitioned earnestly for a 
 merrier song. 
 
 " Do, Miss Harcourt, sing us something a 
 little less * akin to tears ;' you surely do not 
 confine yourself to such sad songs ?" 
 
 " I shall be delighted to sing anything you 
 like — that is to say, anything you can find in 
 my book ; my voice is unfortunately of too low 
 a compass to sing anything. I fear, however, 
 mine is but a collection of woeful ballads ; how- 
 ever, I promise to sing any song you will select 
 from either of those books." 
 
 " ' All that's bright must fade'— that will 
 never do. Here is another sorrowful dittv, and
 
 6 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 another ! why indeed, Miss Harcourt, you really 
 seem to have selected your songs for their tearful 
 tendency; I cannot find a merry one among 
 them." 
 
 I saw Mr. Murray place a song on the desk, 
 and with an entreating look he begged her to 
 sing it, and assured his friend it w^as not so 
 melancholy as the last. It was one of those 
 lovely Italian ballads, half sorrowful, half 
 sprightly, with a low sweeping accompaniment. 
 Marion sung it charmingly, and then begun 
 playing polkas and valses in rapid succession, to 
 compensate, as she said, for inflicting such a 
 dark shadow on' people's spirits. Some little 
 nieces t)f Mrs. Colston's who were present began 
 to dance to Marion's enlivening strains, and 
 several of the gentlemen joined them. 
 
 Mr. Murray remained at the piano, and 
 seemed to renew the conversation which had 
 been interrupted at dinner. I was glancing 
 over the " Times" in a corner of a sofa near 
 them, and overheard part of their conversa- 
 tion. 
 
 '' So you are already tired of parties. Miss 
 Harcourt ; you are one of the few young ladies 
 who think life is too short to be galoped through, 
 and that higher pleasures and deeper interests
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 7 
 
 may be found than the excitement of a ball 
 or feter 
 
 " I never cared much about parties. I cannot 
 say I am tired of them, because I go to so few ; 
 sometimes I am amused with people I meet ; I 
 like to sit quietly and watch the different 
 countenances and manners, particularly if I can 
 talk to an intelligent person who will put me 
 au fait to the positions and by-play of the 
 principal actors in the scene. You go out so 
 much, Mr. Murray, does it not seem to you 
 very hollow, very heai'tless, this intercourse 
 called society, when people meet night after 
 night to whirl round to the last new valse, and 
 never care to meet again ?" 
 
 " I think you are rather severe upon society ; 
 how can you tell people never care to 
 meet again ? I am afi-aid you speak from 
 experience ; do you not know there is an under 
 current in all things, that in the same way as 
 your bass notes accompany the brilliant cadences 
 of the treble you are now playing, so there are 
 deep feelings below the superficiality of the 
 world ? have you never thought of the eager 
 hopes, the wearing anxiety, the sorrow, which 
 is concealed beneath apparent indifference, care- 
 lessness, or even levity ? Can you make no
 
 8 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 allowance for disappointments, no excuse for 
 self-reproach? can you not imagine too deep 
 feelings sometimes cause apparent heartlessness ? 
 Society is life to many ! What should I he with- 
 out it ? I have no relatives, no home except 
 my chamhers ; fancy my evenings spent either 
 there or at my club, should I not miss the 
 kind voices and bright smiles of society ? I 
 sometimes delude myself that some do care for 
 me, and bless society for such a sweetener of life. 
 You cannot understand this, you cannot imagine 
 what man is abandoned to himself, without any 
 of the influences of home and peaceful happiness, 
 summer without flowers, or night without the 
 moon's pale light." 
 
 Marion's sweet face wore that almost bewil- 
 dering expression of painful doubt, which I had 
 noticed during dinner, as she listened to Mr. 
 Murray's words, uttered in that low tone which 
 is so entrancing. I could understand it now : he 
 was bringing to her mind the springs of human 
 life, stripping it of its mantle of spring-like 
 hues, by speaking of its realities. He was a 
 keen observer of character, and saw that des- 
 criptions of the new opera, or on-dits of the 
 park would not interest Marion ; he understood 
 her feeling for the poetry and impulses of life ;
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. \) 
 
 he talked of sentiments and principles, and 
 invested them with his own peculiar charms 
 of conversation. 
 
 Marion went on playing in silence for a short 
 time ; his eyes were fixed on her countenance. 
 At last she turned and said, half sorrowfully : 
 
 *' Yes, I have often thought of this, and felt 
 inclined to pity you all; you must be so wTctchedly 
 lonely in those gloomy chambers, with no one 
 to care for you, to sympathise with you in your 
 struggles for success, or rejoice in your triumph ; 
 but then you boast of your freedom from bonds, 
 you seem to enjoy your independence, and to 
 look with such compassion upon those who have 
 any ties to home ; no, you cannot excite my 
 pity for you or your friends, eloquent though you 
 be in their behalf." 
 
 I heard Marion's low laugh follow this speech, 
 and saw a slight shade of annoyance cloud 
 Murray's brow ; he was one of those men who 
 expect implicit deference to their opinions, and 
 the merest appearance of slight is a source of 
 vexation. 
 
 Soon after this Marion left the piano. She 
 was standing near me, playing with one of the 
 little girls, all trace of thoughtfulness had 
 vanished, and cheerful conversation and merry
 
 10 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 laughter was all I heard. At last the children 
 left the room, and I and Marion began talking : 
 she knew I had lately returned from the con- 
 tinent, and began asking me about my travels. 
 
 *' Did you go to Florence, Mr. Courtenay ? 
 Were you not enchanted with the galleries of 
 pictures ? And Rome too, and Venice ! Do 
 you know. I feel quite wild with desire to see 
 Italy when I think of all the embodiments of 
 the beautiful which are there !" 
 
 " Yes, I went to all these cities, remained for 
 some time in them, and looked again and again 
 at all that was interesting and lovely. You seem 
 to have a taste for art — do you draw at all ?" 
 
 " A little — just enough to make me long to 
 do more — enough to enable me to feel the 
 delights of painting ; it is one of my brightest 
 dreams, to hope that some day I may see the 
 chefs-cVceuvre of Italian art. You will smile 
 at my warmth ; I am not generally so enthu- 
 siastic, I assure you." 
 
 " Are you equally fond of music. Miss Har- 
 court ? You must be partial to it, I am sure, 
 from your singing ; but do you appreciate it as 
 much as painting ?" 
 
 '* Oh, no ! I like music very much — in fact, 
 I cannot understand any one disliking it, or even
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 11 
 
 being indiiFerent to it : how can they think of 
 heaven without it ? But I confess it does not 
 give me equal pleasure to hear fine music, as to 
 see a very beautiful picture, one rather excites 
 me, but the other makes me think, calls up 
 images of the past — something the same kind 
 of distinction that seems to me to exist between 
 the mouth and eyes, the former expresses the 
 disposition and habitual temperament, while the 
 eyes portray the feelings and change as rapidly 
 as they do." 
 
 " I think 1 understand you — you have ex- 
 pressed your meaning clearly, but the effect of 
 the two arts is different upon diverse characters ; 
 I fancy people of very imaginative dispositions 
 prefer music — they like to be excited and prefer 
 it to reflection. Unless I am mistaken, you 
 rather despise mere feehng 1" 
 
 " Indeed, 1 do, I cannot have any sympathy 
 vdth emotions which are mere impulse, which 
 are violent perhaps, but not being founded on 
 conviction are evanescent as the clouds." Marion 
 paused for a moment, and then added, with a 
 half-bitter smile : " Do you know, I have been 
 called cold-hearted, because I cannot understand 
 gi\dng way to mere feehng. I sympathise 
 deeply with those who suffer, but then they
 
 12 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 must silently strive against it ; they must act, 
 not sit down quietly and be carried away by the 
 stream." 
 
 I looked at her glowing cheek, and felt she 
 was not one of the weak ones of this world who 
 w^ould be crushed by the first sorrow. 1 wondered 
 what grief would come to try her spirit, now 
 ready to combat so heroically. I trembled lest 
 it should be a blight on the affections, that is 
 the heaviest trial this world has for the young 
 and ardent. As she rose to follow her parents 
 from the room, attended by Murray, I wondered 
 if he would become " the ocean to the river of 
 her thoughts." I did not fancy he had excited 
 any interest with her at present, she was so calm 
 as she conversed with him, and yet he appeared 
 to be one who might gain an influence over such 
 a character as Marion's. 
 
 He was evidently paying her that highest 
 compliment a man can bestow, listening with 
 interest to her conversation, and adapting his to 
 her tastes ; there was not an approach to flirta- 
 tion between them, indeed I could not fancy 
 Marion flirting, she seemed of too high and pure 
 a nature for such an idea to cross her mind for 
 one moment. 
 
 There seems to be a sad misconception of that
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 13 
 
 word, flirtation, among people — scarcely any one 
 agrees in interpreting it. I have heard it applied 
 to many a girl who has been laughing and talk- 
 ing in the mere exuberance of her spirits, utterly 
 indifferent to the opinion of her partner — this is 
 not flirtation. I have heard it applied to people 
 who have been conversing upon subjects of far 
 too high importance to have had one selfish 
 thought intrude — this is not flirtation ; but how 
 difficult it is to define what it is ! I once heard 
 a very clever man describe it as " making love 
 without a definite object ;" this is a technical 
 definition. 
 
 When I see a man devoting himself to a 
 young girl, showing her, by eveiy word and 
 look, how very much her society charms him, 
 indifferent to all else, and anxious to please her 
 and her alone, yet knowing that he would 
 shrink from giving her his real, tme affections, 
 knowing he would rather sacrifice anything than 
 what he terms his liberty — I call this flu'tation, 
 and sigh over the desecration of the holiest feelings 
 of a woman's heart. 
 
 I scorn those men, who among themselves 
 can boast of their " narrow escapes," of their 
 " past danger," with this or that pretty girl, at 
 such a ball, or during last season, or while on a
 
 14 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 country visit, when they know that they have 
 exerted every power to please, every energy to 
 interest her, either from the vanity of wishing to 
 be considered a favourite with a belle, or from 
 indulging themselves in any passing fancy. 
 
 Nor do I feel less contempt for the woman, 
 who can give her sweetest smile, and that 
 cordial warmth of manner which should proceed 
 from affection, to any one of her acquaintance, 
 or be on equal terms with an old friend as with 
 the partner of one valse. 
 
 When Mr. Murray returned to the drawing- 
 room, he joined the conversation Mrs. Colston 
 and I were pursuing. She inquired of him : 
 
 " Do you know when Arthur Stanley is 
 coming to town ?" 
 
 " After the circuit is over. I heard from him 
 yesterday. He seems very busy : lucky fellow ! he 
 is getting on wonderfully. Do you know him, 
 Mr. Courtenay ?" 
 
 " Is he one of the Stanleys of Langston ?" 
 
 " Yes, his father lives there ; he is the only 
 son." 
 
 " I believe I had a slight acquaintance with 
 the old gentleman in years gone by, but I do 
 not know his son." 
 
 " He is a favourite of mine," said Mrs. Colston,
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 15 
 
 " he is so noble in his feelings. We do not quite 
 agree always, he is too exacting in his require- 
 ments ; and too little compassionate for people's 
 failings, he is very clear-sighted, and can pene- 
 trate motives better than most men, which makes 
 his observations sometimes appear rather harsh." 
 
 " I assure you he is a capital fellow, and ver\' 
 clever : he gained all the University honours, and 
 is now rising rapidly at the bar. He has the most 
 unshrinking perseverance, the most untiring en- 
 ergy, and conquers every difficulty." 
 
 " He certainly has a warm advocate in you, 
 Mr. Murray. Of course you are very intimate ?" 
 
 "Very, we meet nearly every day, either in 
 court, or at the club." 
 
 " Will he be in town for the Brandons' ball ? 
 they will be sadly. disappointed if he is not, for 
 he is rather a favourite there." 
 
 " That is a fortnight hence — oh, yes ! he is 
 sure to go there ; and he is anxious to meet Miss 
 Harcourt, and he knows she is expected." 
 
 " I suppose her sister Adeline will then make 
 her debut. You know her, Mr. Murray; is she 
 not pretty ?" 
 
 *' I scarcely think pretty is the right epithet 
 — she has such an intellectual countenance, such 
 expressive eyes, and is altogether such a striking
 
 16 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 looking girl, that pretty is too everyday a term. 
 Hers is a face for a painter, and would be a good 
 ideal for a Corinne, or a Medora ; those dreamy, 
 mysterious eyes, curtained with those long dark 
 lashes, that broad, clear brow, and the proud 
 curve of her lips arrest one's attention directly. 
 I did not know she was to make her appearance 
 so soon. 1 expect she will make a great sensa- 
 tion. I hope they will dress her becomingly, she 
 requires peculiar taste in that department." 
 
 " What particular attention you pay to ladies' 
 dress, Mr. Murray," said Mrs. Colston. " You 
 would be a treasure to a milliner to assist her 
 inventive genius ; however, I do not think you 
 need be afraid about Adehne's appearance, for 
 besides her own exquisite taste, Marion's painter's 
 eye will adapt all to her sister's style." 
 
 Mr. Murray rose to take leave, and soon 
 after I departed ; we had remained later than is 
 quite customary, but I know nothing more 
 pleasant than chatting with old friends in the 
 evening : one always feels more sociably in- 
 clined by candle-light than in the daytime, 
 unless, indeed, it be during a walk. It always 
 appears to me that there is something in exer- 
 cise in the open air which disposes us to express 
 our feelings more freely to each other, which
 
 THE LOST INHERITAN'CE. 17 
 
 dissipates that reserve which seems so natural 
 to us ; whether it is the influence of external 
 nature which makes us less conventional, or 
 what the cause is, I know not, but I have often 
 remarked the effect. 
 
 Of all the chiUing heart-collapsing events, I 
 think a morning call in a London drawing- 
 room is the worst : two or three ladies, all 
 looking determined to be fascinating, their eyes 
 turned on the unfortunate man who finds him- 
 self within their precincts, the difficulty of a 
 w^eU-su stained general conversation, the danger 
 of touching on unwelcome topics, all combine 
 to the general restraint ; and if perchance a well- 
 timed laugh, or a happy remark, have made the 
 party feel more at ease, more sociable with each 
 other, then the caller rises, and after apologizing 
 for his " visitation," takes his leave, either con- 
 gratulating himself upon ha\dng performed such 
 a meritorious act of duty, or out of humour 
 because he could not have a comfortable chat 
 with his favourite in the family. 
 
 I do not mean to say that this is a fair speci- 
 men of every morning call, but I know^ most 
 people will agree that it is of very many. There 
 are some gifted individuals who can take amuse- 
 ment w^th them everywhere, who can elicit a 
 
 VOL. I. c
 
 18 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 smile from the most formal lips, and make sun- 
 shine even in a fog ; hail to their genial influ- 
 ence ! People are apt to fancy that their country 
 friends are exempt from these little annoyances, 
 but they forget that if the visits are less fre- 
 quent, when they are paid they are generally 
 longer, for horses must be rested, and luncheons 
 must be eaten. 
 
 Really all intercourse in London is in the 
 evening ; all meet then, for except in the highest 
 circles of society, the gentlemen are all profes- 
 sionally engaged in the day, and are not free 
 until the dinner hour, after which they are glad 
 to enter into society as a recreation ; it is a great 
 evil that such late hours are thus introduced, 
 but it is an almost cureless custom. Every- 
 thing is on such a whirl now, there is so much 
 excitement compressed into each day, that there 
 is not time for it alt : part gets pushed into the 
 next, there is no quiet, no tranquillity in the life 
 of one who enters into London society, for there 
 is no moderation. Is not this a false mode of 
 passing through life ? a sad waste of the ener- 
 gies of a rational and immortal being ? 
 
 Anything which contributes to the real happi- 
 ness of people, young or old, anything which 
 raises the feelings, or strengthens the powers,
 
 THE LOST INHERITA^XE. 19 
 
 should be encouraged; but this cra\dng for 
 excitement, this restless love of change, is a 
 great e\il, the predominant one of the age. 
 Everything must be done by steam now, there 
 must be no pause, no lingering to admire, 
 onwards, onwards is the ruling impulse ; a fret- 
 ful importunity, a restless anxiety is engendered, 
 all is for the piquant, the striking picture, 
 nothing for the calm and peaceful image. But 
 perhaps an old man may be inclined to look 
 back with regret to the past, and forget all the 
 rich promise which appears in the rising genera- 
 tion. 
 
 For with all its faults there is much to 
 admire, much on which to ground fair hopes 
 for the future. A love for the beautiful, a 
 tender veneration for the past, is springing up 
 in many of the young and ardent now, which 
 tends to soften the rugged struggles for the 
 materiel. There is no fear that it will dege- 
 nerate into weakly, mystical sentimentality, there 
 is " sterner stuff" abroad than that ; but it is to 
 be hoped that it will temper the too harsh strife 
 which is waging for the necessities of life, 
 which are too apt to harden all the higher and 
 nobler elements in man's nature, to depress the 
 spuitual faculties of his being ; against this 
 
 c 2
 
 20 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 petrifying power should be brought all that 
 brightens, all that softens his existence, and let 
 their purifying influences rest upon him to pre- 
 vent his becoming wedded to earth and its 
 engrossing cares, to remind him of his real 
 capabilities, high responsibilities, and future 
 destiny.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 21 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 What is fame to a heart yearning for affection, and 
 finding it not ? Is it not as a triumphal crown to the 
 brow of one parched with fever, and asking for one 
 fresh healthful draught, the cup of cold water ? 
 
 FELICIA REMANS. 
 
 There was great excitement in the assize 
 town of Shirley, about a trial which was expected 
 to come on at once. Eager crow^ds of people 
 were thronging near the Town-hall, which was 
 filled with spectators ; ladies were in every 
 available place, strangely contrasting in their 
 bright attire, with the sombre robes of the 
 barristers, and the gloomy interior of the court. 
 It always appears wonderful how women, with 
 all their sensitiveness, all their tenderness, can 
 ever enter a court of justice : how, for the mere 
 pleasure of indulging their morbid love for the
 
 22 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 terrible, or revolting side of nature, they can 
 listen to the details of crime, and gaze on the 
 brutalized indifference, or the agonized anxiety 
 of a fellow-creature. 
 
 I have no share in that false pity for the 
 guilty which is common in this age, for the 
 compassion and interest which is showered upon 
 the convict, while the honest, labouring, and 
 suffering man, is neglected ; as long as crime 
 exists, there should be punishment, stern, retri- 
 butive justice ; but I cannot approve of women 
 witnessing such scenes, and hardening their 
 hearts by such spectacles. 
 
 The trial which was causing so much interest 
 in Shirley was for murder ; a poor old man had 
 been brutally murdered on his return from the 
 market-town by a notorious poacher. The 
 witnesses were examined who had watched the 
 deceased leave the town ; one was called who 
 asserted that the prisoner had been seen in 
 his company, and then the description of the 
 discovery of the body in a lonely field was 
 given ; a knife which had belonged to the old 
 man was found in the prisoner's possession ; 
 the whole chain of evidence was complete. 
 
 The counsel for the prosecution was to address 
 the jury, when a murmur was heard in the
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 23 
 
 court : the leading barrister was suddenly taken 
 ill. A gleam of satisfaction glanced over the 
 prisoner's countenance. However, the junior 
 counsel rose, and in the absence of his leader, 
 begged to address the court. In a rich, deep 
 voice he began to speak ; his earnest words were 
 heard in the farthest corner of the court ; in a 
 masterly speech he summed up the evidence, 
 clearly proved to all present that none but the 
 prisoner could be the guilty person. All present 
 felt the force of that appeal for justice; its 
 resistless power might be traced in the firm 
 countenance of the judge, in the blank, despair- 
 ing look of the prisoner, and in the breathless 
 silence of the whole court. 
 
 The defence was made, but it was a useless 
 speech, for after only a few moments' delibe- 
 ration the jury returned, and pronounced the 
 verdict — Guilty ! A solemn pause followed ; 
 then the judge put on his black cap — the 
 significant emblem of the stern award of justice. 
 His voice sounded in solemn accents as he spoke 
 the fearful sentence of death, and added a few 
 words on repentance and eternity to the con- 
 demned man. 
 
 Guilt and miser\^, those great mysteries of 
 life, threading their dark chain through that
 
 24 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 desponding prisoner's course. Who shall lift 
 the curtain, and trace the wild, conflicting 
 emotions in his breast ? should we witness the 
 passionate desire for life, the fierce longing 
 for revenge, the cold, appalling agony of despair ? 
 or see these dark feelings soothed by a better 
 spirit, and his last hours calmed, not by the 
 triumphant certainty, sometimes talked of as 
 having been felt by a convicted criminal, but by 
 an humble hope of forgiveness, founded on a 
 deep sense of repentance. 
 
 The barrister who had so ably supplied his 
 leader's place in this important trial, was Arthur 
 Stanley : he had fully realized the opinions of 
 his friends in thus distinguishing himself when 
 an opportunity offered itself He met with many 
 a friendly word and congratulation as he left the 
 court, for he was a general favourite. Yet he 
 could not avoid feeling serious at the thought of 
 a man's life being curtailed through his instru- 
 mentality, although his reason was perfectly con- 
 vinced of the justice and tiTith of the sentence. 
 
 This struggle between feeling and judgment, 
 is the great cause of the perplexing difficulties of 
 this world — it is so much easier to be guided by 
 impulse rather than principle, it is so difficult to 
 calm the throbbing heart, and listen to the cooler
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 25 
 
 dictates of the brain ; those are the few really 
 noble ones who can do this, who with strong, 
 tender feelings, can combine the iron will, who, 
 ha\ing warm affections, can yet hold them in 
 subjection, while the intellect and the judgment 
 exercise their sway ; of such a mould was Martin 
 Luther, that glory of humanity ! 
 
 The man of cold heart may succeed in his 
 plans, may stand high on the pinnacle of emi- 
 nence, but he will never obtain an enduring in- 
 fluence over the minds of men ; he is one-sided, 
 like the ocean in its power, but without its 
 magic sound. 
 
 Arthur Stanley was keenly susceptible, but 
 concealed it beneath an exterior resembling 
 ironical indifference. His lips often wore a 
 smile, but it was not one of satisfaction, but 
 of almost mocking incredulity. He had an invin- 
 cible repugnance to '* humbug " of any sort, 
 and always seemed to dread it and suspect it in 
 most people. He fancied almost all women 
 practised it, and was noted among his acquaint- 
 ance for his observ^ations on the petty manoeuvres 
 of society. 
 
 Feeling how deeply he could value a character 
 such as his dreamy fancies portrayed, he shrunk 
 from even a transient regard for any not worthy 
 of his affection, and appeared endued with almost
 
 26 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 a double vision in dissecting young ladies' dispo- 
 sitions. Perhaps from his position as an only 
 son, with good prospects, and with talents which 
 alone might distinguish him, he was jealous of 
 the attentions showered upon him ; he was one of 
 those who are carressed by all, and are courted 
 by families anxious for such desirable con- 
 nections. 
 
 He was going for a very few days to his 
 father's place, Langston, before returning to 
 town. The spring was just bursting into life 
 and beauty as Arthur rode through the park. 
 The young leaves were in their freshest green, 
 the daisies and cowslips enlivened the meadows, 
 and the breezes full of that elastic buoyancy so 
 delightful at that season, so expressive of hope 
 and renovated youth. Arthur rode into the 
 stable-yard, and dismounted there. He found his 
 father had not yet returned from his drive. 
 
 He strolled round the flower-garden, where 
 the air was perfumed with the sweet breath of 
 the hyacinths and violets, and all those graceful 
 children of the early spring which come to 
 gladden us with their flush of loveliness after 
 the stern dreariness of winter, and to teach us 
 pure lessons of love and peace, with their mild, 
 gentle influence. Flowers, how beautiful ye are ! 
 growing in every place, evidences of the presiding
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 27 
 
 spirit of loveliness ! ye of the rich glowing dyes, 
 the gorgeously crimsoned and golden children of 
 the tropics, springing up to meet the sun and 
 fading when he turns away, emblems of the pas- 
 sionate and ardent natures; and ye, delicately 
 tinted blossoms, looking up mildly with your 
 starry eyes, or hanging your waxen bells among 
 the dreamy foliage, images of those gentle loving 
 ones who exist but to love, and when their dear 
 hopes are taken away, have nothing more to live 
 for, and bend their heads to the pitiless storm 
 to wither and die, ye have been called " the 
 footsteps of the angels," and are, like theirs, 
 imprinted on the mountain's side, by the mui'- 
 muring stream, in the shadowy forest, in the 
 palace grounds, and in the poor man's garden. 
 In the poetical traditions of the Germans there 
 is a beautiful idea, " that where flow^ers bloom, 
 the angels are." 
 
 As the sun sank lower in the western sky, 
 Arthur w^andered into a wood near the house, 
 his favourite haunt. The tangled grass and long 
 brambles were growing over the little paths, the 
 pale primrose covered the banks, the thrush 
 poured forth his wonderful notes from the lofty 
 fir-tree, as if the very spuit of melody were im- 
 prisoned in his warbling throat, and were gush- 
 ing out in the trills and cadences of his song ;
 
 28 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 the rooks' hoarse cawing sounded from the elm- 
 trees, and the finches' shrill twitter came from 
 the underwood. Nothing but these voices of 
 field and forest were heard : calm and peaceful 
 influences were poured on our hero's mind. 
 
 It was one of those hours when a man seems 
 to forget circumstances and local advantages, to 
 meet his own identity, and, as it were, to speak 
 with the genius of his life. It is to be regretted 
 that men do this so seldom, how much fewer 
 then would be our mistakes ; we go on, borne 
 away by the rushing eddies of the world, and 
 but too frequently never pause in our course 
 until we step on some quicksand, or are hurled 
 against some rock, and find too late that we have 
 mistaken our means of happiness, and must 
 finish our pilgrimage with a bleeding, wounded 
 heart. 
 
 " Why do I feel thus restless ? whence comes 
 this void in my breast ? why do I feel a blank 
 in my moments of success, why an imutterable 
 loneliness and sadness ? in my calmer, quieter 
 hours ? I cannot deny that it is so to myself, 
 though I appear to my companions to need no 
 sympathy, though I so often assert man's power 
 of supplying himself with sufficient companion- 
 ship ! Have I not in my inmost thoughts an 
 image treasured up which would harmonize this
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 29 
 
 discord, could I only find a living likeness ? They 
 think me ambitious, proud, indifferent, and 
 nothing more ! little do they understand the 
 impulse of my heart. 
 
 " Edward Murray is the only one who at all 
 comprehends me, yet even he can but faintly 
 guess how ardently I could love, how longingly 
 I aspire to domestic happiness, how gentle images 
 of home, of a loving wife, of darhng cherub 
 children, haunt me ; how precious such treasures 
 would be to me ! Little do the votaries of 
 fashion I nightly see crowding the opera or ball- 
 room know how earnestly I have watched them, 
 how anxiously hoped that I might find some 
 kindred spirit, and how miserably I have found 
 them wanting. 
 
 " For feeling as I do, looking to affection as 
 the greatest blessing of life, how tremblingly I 
 shrink from yielding to its syren smile, unless I 
 felt I should lean upon no broken reed. What 
 bliss to knoiu in unfailing certaint}^, that I was 
 loved, deeply loved, as only woman can love, 
 loved for myself alone, through life, and through 
 eternity ! 
 
 " Must it never be ? have I drawn too puie 
 an image, raised too high a standard in my 
 heart ? Is my taste too fastidious ? No, never 
 let me think this, I will seek again for such
 
 30 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 happiness, but these feelings must be banished, 
 they must not come across me in the hours of 
 mental work, when the intellect must be kept 
 free from such enthralling ties." 
 
 Musing thus, Arthur Stanley emerged from 
 the shadows of the wood and found himself on 
 the outskirts of a common, just as the sun was 
 sinking in a sea of glory, where the golden 
 islands of light were flooded by his parting rays, 
 and all the magic of cloud-land flushed with 
 radiant light. Hastily he turned towards Lang- 
 ston, for that sky warned him that it was getting 
 late ; and changing his sauntering pace to a 
 brisk walk, he hurried across the fields to his 
 home. 
 
 Mr. Stanley was expecting his son. He had 
 heard from a neighbour of the brilliant speech 
 he had made at Shirley, and it was with pride 
 as well as afl'ection that he greeted him. After 
 exchanging a few words with Mr. Stanley, 
 Arthur went to his room to make a slight 
 change in his dress, for he knew his father liked 
 such marks of etiquette to be preserved. And 
 the old gentleman was right — freedom from all 
 such forms of respect to ourselves and our 
 friends denotes a reckless tone of mind, and is 
 but too common in these days, and is produced 
 in a great degree by the almost universal prac-
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 31 
 
 tice of men herding together in clubs, where, of 
 course, perfect independence and ease is the 
 ruling fashion. 
 
 Arthur felt refreshed by doffing his dusty 
 shooting-coat, and more inclined to enter the 
 dining-room, than if he had sat down in his 
 lounging morning dress. 
 
 A cheerful fire blazed, for the spring was not 
 yet so far advanced but that the evenings felt 
 chilly ; dark crimson curtains hung in thick, rich 
 folds, and gave a warm comfortable look to the 
 room where Mr. Stanley and his son were 
 seated. It was a beautiful picture, for Mr. 
 Stanley was a beau-ideal of an English gentle- 
 man. His noble forehead just shaded by his 
 silvery hair, fine manly features with a few lines 
 traced by Time's iron finger, his blue eyes still 
 bright with vivacity, and what gave such 
 character to his countenance, his heavy eye- 
 brows, which, in strong contrast to his hair, 
 still retained the raven hue; his tall figure 
 slightly bowed by approaching infirmities, for 
 he was nearly seventy, all combined to make his 
 appearance most striking. He leant back in 
 his chair, Hstening to Arthur's conversation as he 
 related all that was passing, and desciibed many 
 of his acquaintance, dissecting their characters 
 with no gentle hand.
 
 32 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 To see Arthur now as he bent forward 
 towards his father, with his dark eye calm and 
 serene, his lip wearing its usual mocking smile, 
 few would recognise the earnest, ardent man 
 with feelings of most intense susceptibility, 
 with all the passionate aspirations for the beau- 
 tiful which agitated him during his walk through 
 the coppice ; for now he had banished his inner 
 self All those gentle, tender feelings he loved 
 to dwell on when alone. He had returned to 
 the outer world, to its matter-of-fact ideas, 
 to its cold judgments. 
 
 They discussed his professional prospects, 
 and the state of the political world. 
 
 " Merit, my dear father, is of no consequence 
 in these days. A friend at court, and an un- 
 blushing confidence are the best assistants." 
 
 " It is astonishing how people do rise in 
 these days, with apparently no right nor reason ; 
 but the enormous fortunes some of the manu- 
 facturers and mercantile classes make is the 
 most surprising. Denison who has bought 
 Fountain Court, not twenty miles from here, 
 is said to be w^orth two or three hundred 
 thousand pounds, yet when he began life he 
 had really not a shilling in his possession. 
 His sons consider themselves fast men, and 
 are in cavalry regiments."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 33 
 
 " Yes, and the real old owners of the soil are 
 losing their incomes year after year, and seeing 
 their property go into the hands of the money- 
 coiners. How goes on the bank at Rivington '? 
 I hope they have not bored you any more about 
 it." 
 
 " Well, they asked me so often to become 
 a director, just to put my name on the lists, 
 that at last I consented ; so I am now a bank 
 director, Arthur." 
 
 *' I am very sorry to hear it. I wish you had 
 mentioned your intention to me before you 
 made any promise, you little know to what 
 Uabilities men are exposed by becoming these 
 kind of sleeping partners in such concerns." 
 
 ''Nonsense, my boy, do not let your legal 
 knowledge make you suspicious. What harm can 
 happen from my allowing old Ford to put my 
 name in his books as director ? they are as safe 
 as the Bank of England." 
 
 " I know less than nothing of Mr. Ford. 
 I only speak on general grounds, and I am sure 
 that I am right ; however, I hope you, my dear, 
 unsuspecting father, will have no reason to 
 regret your ignorance of such transactions." 
 
 " Mr. Ford has been a good neighbour, and 
 I did not like to refuse him a trifling favour 
 for which he seemed so anxious ; so do not 
 
 VOL. I. D
 
 34 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 look SO grave, Arthur, for after all it is 
 nothing." 
 
 It was no part of Arthur's habits to make 
 himself anxious when it was useless. He knew 
 enough of his father's character, to feel sure 
 he would not take any precautionary measures, 
 he must have full certainty before he would 
 act, therefore he merely said, with a smile : 
 
 " You have only made yourself responsible, 
 I suppose, for some thirty or forty thousand 
 pounds ; however, it may be aU right, I hope it 
 will. I shall just take a turn round the garden, 
 and smoke a cigar before they bring us coffee ; 
 it is such a lovely night. I cannot resist the 
 temptation of a stroll." 
 
 As Arthur sauntered round the garden, he 
 thought with regret of the step his father had 
 taken with regard to the bank ; however, the 
 soft evening air, and the soothing influence of 
 his Havannah, which calms aU irritation, soon 
 restored him to his usual equanimity, and it 
 was with a smile that he entered the library. 
 As he had determined to return to town the 
 next day, he remained talking till late, and 
 then went to his room. 
 
 The unpleasant ideas which were connected 
 with Mr. Stanley's interest in the Ri^ington 
 Bank, recurred to Arthur before he slept. Like
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 35 
 
 some vision, indistinct in its outline, but fearful 
 from its dimness, he tried to banish them from 
 his mind, but he could not for some time ; at 
 last sleep released him from his anxieties. It 
 was late the following morning before he awoke, 
 and he was compelled to make unusual speed 
 to avoid missing the train by which he intended 
 reaching London. 
 
 After he had passed through the park, he 
 crossed the common and enjoyed a gallop over 
 the turf. Nothing produces such an exhilarating 
 effect upon the spirits as a hard gallop on a 
 good horse in the early freshness of a spring 
 morning ; one then enjoys the blessing of 
 pure animal life, the simple appreciation of 
 existence. 
 
 By rapid riding Arthur just arrived at the 
 station in time, and directing his servant to 
 take his horse quietly home, he settled himself 
 in the carriage, and was soon being whizzed 
 to town. No conversation was exchanged 
 between him and the three gentlemen who 
 occupied the carriage, for the " silent system" 
 seems universally adopted on the road. Even 
 a passing remark is generally received as an 
 intruder, and the bold individual who hazards 
 it, seldom receives more than a monysyllable 
 as a reply. 
 
 D 2
 
 36 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Arthur had some business to transact for 
 his father in the city, therefore he turned his 
 steps there. As he passed through the noisy 
 Strand, crowded with vehicles and busy with 
 numerous passengers, he felt all those calm, 
 bright feelings, which were inspired by the 
 peaceful loveliness of the country, quickly eva- 
 porating, and love of excitement, and feverish 
 anxiety for action taking possession of him. 
 
 Not that country life is of necessity, the best 
 calculated for the development of man's highest 
 powers, the reflections which a thoughtful man 
 would make in traversing the thoroughfares of 
 London, teeming with humanity, the various desti- 
 nies of the inhabitants; the knowledge of the eager 
 struggles for existence, the bitter disappointment, 
 all the passions, all the sorrows of mortality, 
 which he knows are beating and throbbing 
 around him, are more likely to rouse him into 
 action, to teach him the discipline of life, to 
 strengthen him for its struggles, than the de- 
 lightful dreaminess, the peaceful monotony, 
 which a country life produces. 
 
 But, lest the soul forget her high vocation, 
 let all men gaze on the face of Nature, let them 
 drink in her sweet influences, refresh them- 
 selves with her sweet sounds, let them keep 
 up the love of the Beautiful, which is implanted
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 37 
 
 in their hearts, and then there is no fear that 
 the arduous labour in their respective caEings, 
 which is imperative in London or in any large 
 community where there is much competition, 
 w^ill harden their feelings or obliterate their 
 sympathies. 
 
 After Arthur had finished his business he 
 went to his chambers in the Temple, and 
 notwithstanding the dinginess of its narrow 
 courts and the gloom of its buHdings, he felt 
 a species of satisfaction in returning to them. 
 Life in chambers reminded him forcibly of his 
 college days ; he had plenty of acquaintance 
 near him, and some friends, who, mixing in the 
 same society and engaging in the same scenes 
 and contests, could sympathize together. They 
 had plenty of agreeable evenings ; when return- 
 ing from evening-parties, they met in each 
 other's rooms and discussed their partners, their 
 dinners, and the next morning's tnal or judg- 
 ment in animated terms, while they enjoyed 
 their cigars and pale ale. 
 
 Arthur just looked at his papers, and then 
 went to his club to dine. There he found several 
 letters awaiting him ; invitations for dinners, for 
 balls, for friendly musical evenings, and formal 
 " at homes," which is another name for such a
 
 38 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 crowd, which, if assembled outside instead of 
 inside a house, would invariably attract attention 
 from the police, and cause them to advise the 
 component members to " move on." 
 
 After answering these pressing notes in the 
 required terms of regret, delight and politeness 
 which their respective contents merited, Stanley 
 went into the drawling-room, and there found 
 Murray. The young men dined together, and 
 in talking over the various events which had 
 occurred since they parted, the time rapidly 
 passed. They went up in the billiard-room to 
 smoke, and there found several acquaintance : 
 they formed a jovial party, and did not separate 
 until late. 
 
 Stanley and Murray walked back to the 
 Temple together. When they parted, Murray 
 said : 
 
 " Of course you go to the Brandons' ball 
 to-morrow? it is to be rather a grand affair; 
 several of our men are going — apropos, the 
 Harcourts will be there, the people I have often 
 talked to you about; the youngest daughter is 
 to make her debut — and I can tell you she is 
 an uncommonly handsome girl ; but I know her 
 sister Marion the best." 
 
 " I believe I shall go ; however, I expect to
 
 THE LOST I^'HERITA^'CE. 39 
 
 be disappointed with these favourites of yours ; 
 you know how often you have raised my hopes 
 by your descriptions. What time shall you go ? 
 Will you call for me ?" 
 
 " With pleasure ; I suppose about half-past 
 ten will be near the mark. I do not want to be 
 late, as I rather wish to see Adeline Harcourt's 
 entree y so don't keep me waiting, there's a good 
 feUow."
 
 40 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 And still I looked upon their loveliness, 
 jVnd sought through nature for similitudes 
 Of perfect beauty, innocence, and bliss. 
 And fairest imagery around me thronged. 
 
 POLLOK. 
 
 Although I am not fond of crowded rooms, 
 Mrs. Colston prevailed upon me to accompany 
 her to Mrs. Brandon's ball. As I had been 
 abroad for some years, a little curiosity prevented 
 my feeling any great reluctance. 
 
 There v^as a profusion of flowers in the 
 dancing-room, which was blazing with light ; 
 inspiriting strains of music were heard, and all 
 seemed animated as we entered. I stationed 
 myself near the door, for there it was rather 
 cooler, and it amused me to see the company 
 enter. After some little time had elapsed, I 
 heard the name of Harcourt announced. Mrs.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 41 
 
 Harcourt appeared with her two daughters. 
 Although, from Murray's description of Adeline, 
 I had expected to see a striking-looking gu'l, I 
 was surprised at her extreme loveliness. She 
 was standing in the doorway, which cast a slight 
 shadow over her, giving a gentle hue to her 
 beauty. 
 
 I thought even Murray's fastidious taste 
 would be gratified by her appearance. Ignorant 
 as I am of the details of ladies' dress, Adeline's 
 toilette struck me immediately ; her w^hite dress 
 hung gracefully to the ground, its flowing 
 drapery unspoiled by any flouncing or trimming, 
 her dark hair was braided close to her face, with 
 a massive plait bound round her beautifully 
 formed head, and a large crimson flower of the 
 tropics placed on one side, another similar one 
 just raising the folds of her dress ; her beautiful 
 arms were encircled by rubies ; nothing could be 
 in better taste, or harmonize better with the 
 clear paleness of her complexion, which had not 
 the languor of ill health, for her curved lip was 
 of the brightest scarlet. 
 
 She moved through the crowd with a grace- 
 ful step, apparently unconscious of the admiring 
 glances bent upon her. She was soon whirling 
 in the giddy valse, in which she excelled, and 
 her fine figure appeared to great advantage.
 
 42 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Marion came and talked to me, anxious to 
 hear my opinion of her sister ; she looked gen- 
 tleness and purity itself in her pale blue dress, 
 and her flowing hair without the addition of a 
 single ornament. She was soon led away to 
 join the quadrille which was then forming ; she 
 stood next to Adeline at the top of the room, 
 and I gazed on them both with pleasure. I soon 
 heard Murray's voice near me. 
 
 " I see the Harcourts, Stanley ; how lovely 
 x\deline is looking. I suppose she is engaged 
 for half a dozen dances already. Confound you, 
 keeping me while you finished your book. I 
 wish we had come earlier." 
 
 " I can guess which is Adeline : that tall girl 
 with the Oriental eyes and brow ; she is hand- 
 some, just the thing for a studio ; but I can't 
 fancy her pouring out one's tea on a winter's 
 evening, she is on too magnificent a scale for 
 every-day life. Who is that fair girl in blue ? 
 she looks the sort of thing one would like for a 
 cousin." 
 
 " That is Marion Harcourt ; you must let me 
 introduce you. She dances well, and what is 
 more amuses one ; T like' a quadrille with her. 
 Will you come after this one is over ?" 
 
 " No, I will wait ; I like to watch people a 
 little before I commit myself by an introduction ;
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 43 
 
 you will scarcely content yourself with a quad- 
 rille with Adeline, the valse will suit you better, 
 and she will prefer it also, unless I am mistaken 
 in her looks ?" 
 
 " You are about right, a quadrille is heavy 
 work with most people ; I shall certainly try to 
 get something better from her." 
 
 The dance was now over, and as the Har- 
 courts passed round, they bowed to Murray. 
 Stanley said : 
 
 " There is always character in a bow ; just 
 notice the difference in the manners of those 
 girls in saluting you ! I rather like the bright 
 smile Miss Harcourt gave you, though the 
 earnest look and half-graceful, half-haughty bend 
 of her sister was very effective." 
 
 Murray was soon by Adeline's side, but he 
 had to wait several dances before she was dis- 
 engaged ; meantime he sat down and talked to 
 Marion, who did not appear very constantly in 
 the whirling circle : she seemed to know many 
 present, and they all went to chat with her. 
 Stanley stood by the folding doors in apparent 
 indifference, but his dark inquiring eyes followed 
 her as she moved about, and a look of interest 
 at last crossed his face, as he saw her conversing 
 with Murray at the end of the room. 
 
 Marion soon discovered Murray's friend, of
 
 44 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 whom she had heard so much ; and as she 
 glanced occasionally at him, she could not avoid 
 catching his eye. After some time, when she 
 was sitting near me, Murray brought Stanley, 
 and introduced him to her; the colour was 
 slightly heightened on her cheek as she bowed 
 in acquiescence to his request for the next polka. 
 The music soon commenced, and she rose to 
 accompany him to the dancing-room. 
 
 It causes a strange feeling when people who 
 have heard much of each other, at last meet and 
 interchange ideas; there is always a wonder 
 whether the image the mind has formed will be 
 confirmed by the reality, whether pleasure or 
 disappointment will be the result of the meeting. 
 I saw Stanley's mocking smile fade into a more 
 agreeable expression as he conversed with 
 Marion ; she was looking bright, though the same 
 serious glance I had before observed sometimes 
 flitted over her face. After the dance was over, 
 they seated themselves on a quiet sofa, apparently 
 mutually pleased with each other. 
 
 " How did you Hke ' Les Huguenots' the 
 other night ?" asked Stanley. 
 
 " Extremely — more than I can tell you. I 
 have but one fault to find — it was too exciting." 
 
 " Nonsense ! you do not mean to say you 
 found an opera too exciting ! I wish I were
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 45 
 
 you, it must be sucli a pleasure to feel that 
 sensation. I can scarcely believe you." 
 
 " Indeed I was very much excited ; the 
 music is certainly not of the soothing style; 
 then the plot is interesting ; but above all the 
 impassioned singing and acting of Grisi and 
 Mario made me feel most enthusiastic. But 
 then I go very seldom to the opera, therefore 
 of course it has a far more powerful effect on 
 me than on those who, like you, I suppose, go 
 there constantly." 
 
 " You are mistaken ; I do not very often go 
 either to the opera or theatres — I hate the heat 
 and fuss ; and then one is sure to meet numbers 
 of people one knows, and cares nothing about, 
 which is a terrible bore. I am afraid I am not 
 very fond of music, at least, not of what is 
 generally called good music. I like to hear a 
 ballad sung in a drawing-room, in what I call 
 a comfortable way ; but the wonderful cadences 
 and inimitable variations of the primas donnas 
 rather wearies than pleases me — they bring 
 associations to me of heat, crowds, full-dress, 
 and vanity, instead of real poetry and sentiment. 
 I am sure you understand me." 
 
 " I confess I have sometimes felt the same 
 thing, but I should be considered quite bizarre
 
 46 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 if I made such a remark ! The great fault 
 of society is, that every one endeavours to form 
 themselves on one standard, one set of opinions 
 appears the received one ; there is no originality, 
 no individuality ; not only are the angles of 
 each character rounded off, but a kind of uni- 
 versal pattern is stamped upon all, just as one 
 ruling fashion is found in our dress ; this seems 
 to me a pity." 
 
 '' I quite agree with you ; but when we do 
 meet with any one untouched by this trans- 
 muting power, how pleasantly they influence 
 us — what a refreshing effect an hour of their 
 society produces ! I complain of the complete 
 want of harmony there is ; those who have a 
 sweet but weak voice will sing bravoura songs, 
 because they have heard some one else do so ; 
 short people will wear the same dress as the 
 tall, because they happen to have admired it — 
 no one dares to think for themselves." 
 
 *' As you have touched upon dress, does it 
 not strike you that the toilettes to-night are 
 particularly unbecoming? I dislike the im- 
 mense wreaths v^ith long trailing flowers, which 
 are so fashionable." 
 
 " They are frightful. Just look at that tall 
 girl in pink near the door, the one who is
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 47 
 
 decidedly passee ; those creepers droop around 
 her as if she were a maypole, and not suffi- 
 ciently attractive for them to cling to." 
 
 "How severe! but that is not a bad idea. 
 If that speech were published, I think few would 
 venture to wear such chaplets." 
 
 " Your sister is exquisitely dressed; those deep 
 red flowers relieve her dress, and harmonize with 
 her luxuriant beauty ; one fancies her to have 
 come from their radiant climate ; and then that 
 plait has almost the effect of a coronet upon 
 her open brow." 
 
 "I am glad you like her dress. I prevailed 
 upon mamma to allow me to select it for her 
 first ball, and I am very well satisfied with the 
 result. Adeline always lets me manage these 
 little affairs for her, she does not care about 
 them." 
 
 " No, I should think she was too proud to be 
 vain ; look at her now, talking to Murray and 
 Bernard — they both evidently admire her. Do 
 you know. Miss Harcourt, your sister will be a 
 coquette, if she be not one already." 
 
 " Oh, no ! do not say so, Mr. Stanley. I 
 hope Adeline has too much good feeling for 
 that character, she will not be so heartless." 
 
 " I do not think I shall be mistaken ; there 
 is only one thing which will preserve her from
 
 48 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 the certainty of it, a true and earnest attach- 
 ment to some good fellow, otherwise with such 
 powers of attraction and fascination nothing can 
 save her. But do not look so sad — have you 
 such a horror of a flirt ?" 
 
 " Indeed I have. Now do not smile ; do you 
 laugh at everything ? — are you never serious ?" 
 
 " What a question ! Of course I am very 
 often, but not generally in a ball-room, there 
 is too much of the ridiculous there to feel grave. 
 Perhaps you look on the real side of things, 
 I generally seize all the amusement I can, espe- 
 cially from the weaknesses of my acquaintance." 
 
 Mrs. Colston happened to pass me some 
 time after this, and wishing for some refresh- 
 ment, I accompanied her down stairs ; there ,we 
 found Murray and Adeline ; he was paying her 
 most undivided attention, bending his most 
 expressive eyes on her with a look of interest 
 and almost tenderness ; her wonderfully beautiful 
 eyelids were cast down, and her long, dark lashes 
 nearly rested on her cheek : sometimes she raised 
 them, and her eyes seemed to speak from their 
 mysterious, dreamy depths. 
 
 They soon left the supper-room, and when I 
 again saw them, they were valsing. Adeline 
 looked like the swan, as she glided round in her 
 majestic gracefulness ; the exercise had brought
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 49 
 
 a faint colour to her cheek ; and when at last 
 she paused and leant on Murray's arm, many 
 were the admiring glances cast on her as she 
 stood there, flushed Nvith youth and beauty, 
 gently waving her Indian fan. 
 
 Some one whom I did not know was now 
 talking to Marion, and she at last joined the 
 dance with him. Stanley took up his old 
 position by the folding-doors, and was soon 
 surrounded by some acquaintance who were 
 criticising the people. One began : 
 
 " Is not Murray in luck to-night, Stanley ? 
 Look how he is coming it with that pretty Miss 
 Harcourt; and to judge from her looks, she is 
 by no means displeased with her partner ; they 
 look particularly well together." 
 
 " Trust Murray for that," answered Stanley ; 
 " he never risks his reputation for dancing by 
 performing with a gauche valseuse ; she is 
 certainly very lovely. Murray is decidedly gone 
 about her ; well, I should not be soiTy to see 
 him really in love, he has had so many fancies 
 in his time ; but he always likes to usuqD the 
 belle of the room, particularly if she happen to 
 be a debutante, that he may write his impression 
 on the title-page of her ball-room experiences." 
 
 *' You have been lazy to-night, Stanley ; I 
 
 VOL. I. E
 
 50 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 have scarcely seen you dance at all ; one of your 
 philosophical fits, I suppose ?" 
 
 " Oh !" answered another young man, " he 
 has been amusing himself in a quieter way ; I 
 saw him talking in a back drawing-room with a 
 nice-looking girl for a long time. There she is, 
 with the long curls^ dancing with Warrenne. 
 Who is she ?" 
 
 Stanley quietly turned round and spoke to a 
 lady, disengaging himself from this group of 
 men at the door, who were discussing the 
 relative merits of the young ladies in not very 
 elegant terms ; one being denominated as a high- 
 stepper with good action, another recommended 
 as possessing a fortune, and a third for having 
 plenty of chaff. 
 
 Little do young ladies know to what a 
 searching ordeal their appearances and quali- 
 fications are subjected by that knot of men 
 which is always assembled round the door, nor 
 what severe remarks are made upon every look 
 and movement ; little do they imagine that 
 those who have given the most encouraging 
 smiles, or have led them on most eagerly in any 
 sarcastic animadversions, are the first to blame 
 them for it. 
 
 Few things more disgust a man of good taste
 
 f - 
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 51 
 
 and feeling, than to hear the name of any lady 
 whom he really admires made the subject of 
 promiscuous observ^ations from his acquaintance. 
 Stanley need not have left the gossiping group 
 so abruptly; he would not have heard any 
 slighting or disparaging remark made upon 
 Marion, for she was too gentle and too quiet in 
 her style to be much noticed by strangers in a 
 ball-room. It is requisite for a reigning belle to 
 be either supremely beautiful, or, what far more 
 frequently gives the palm in public estimation, 
 to possess a certain sprightly, fascinating, win- 
 ning manner, ^^^th a ready flow of conversation, 
 a quickness of observ^ation, and a merry laugh ; 
 these will make their possessor a general 
 favourite. 
 
 Some of the guests were now^ taking their 
 departure. How wearied and used-up many of 
 the ladies looked, after having wasted their 
 animation and thoughts upon people who were 
 too often utterly indifferent. Their gay dresses, 
 their wTeathing flowers, contrasted sadly with 
 their faded features. 
 
 Mrs. Colston, Mrs. Har court and I were 
 chatting comfortably together, till at last we 
 thought it time to seek the young ladies, to 
 remind them of home. We soon found them. 
 Murray conducted Adeline down stairs, and as 
 
 E 2 
 
 LIBRARY 
 * UNIVERSITY OF ILUNOIS
 
 52 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 we passed the door, Stanley, without a word, 
 offered his arm to Marion, and we all went for 
 our wraps, seeking for them among the nume- 
 rous heaps about us. 
 
 As Marion leant by the mantel-piece, wrapped 
 in her shawl, I could not help looking at her. 
 She appeared as fresh and pretty as when she 
 came in, perhaps her hair drooped rather more 
 carelessly, from dancing, but otherwise she 
 looked as calm as ever. Adeline seemed rather 
 excited and wearied, but she had been the 
 belle, and had danced almost incessantly. The 
 stars were shining brightly as we left the 
 house. 
 
 " How beautifully clear it is," said Marion, 
 " what a delightful change from that hot room." 
 
 " Have you suffered from the heat ? I have 
 had a most agreeable evening, and forgot the 
 atmosphere, but this fresh night-breeze is plea- 
 sant. I wish this were a garden, I do so enjoy 
 a walk in the country by starlight. Now the 
 carriage is ready, Miss Harcourt — good-night." 
 
 Stanley assisted Marion in, and, touching her 
 hand as he did so, bade her adieu. 
 
 He and Murray returned to the hall, to light 
 their cigars, and then walked together towards 
 the Temple. 
 
 " Well, are you disappointed with the Har-
 
 THE LOST INHERIT A^'CE. 53 
 
 courts ? did I give you a coiTect description of 
 them ?" 
 
 " It was more so than usual : they appear very 
 pleasant people ; the youngest seems to have 
 made an impression upon your not very ada- 
 mantine heart. Has she touched the feelings, or 
 the imagination ? I know you refine very much 
 on these things ; you study human nature, but 
 I do not think you can quite satisfactorily 
 accoimt for the vagaries of your own being." 
 
 " I certainly should find a difficulty in an- 
 swering that question, because I have not 
 analyzed my sensations. She is certainly very 
 lovely and fascinating, 1 feel this, and I imagine 
 she is very amiable and charming, but I can teU 
 you nothing more. She is very amusing : you 
 would scarcely believe from seeing her in society 
 so proud and Juno-like, that I have seen her at 
 home perfectly wild \\ith glee and mirth." 
 
 " I had a suspicion that she could be very 
 different, from a most malicious smile she gave 
 Barnard. I have no taste for women like her : 
 she should be framed and glazed, and then I 
 could gaze on her with pleasure, as at a picture ; 
 but I like a woman with a more loveable look, 
 something a little less hke a statue." 
 
 " Stanley ! you are dreaming. Adeline Har- 
 court a statue ! with those earnest, expressive
 
 54 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 eyes, which speak as eloquently as words ! you 
 cannot have noticed her. Did you dance with 
 her r 
 
 " Not I. She was too much for me ; besides 
 she seemed your particular prize. I should be 
 soiTy to interfere with you, Murray, though you 
 are not always so considerate for me." 
 
 " Miss Harcourt looked well to-night ; how 
 very different she is to her sister, she appears as 
 if nothing could ruffle or disturb her. I saw you 
 talking to her : how did you get on ?" 
 
 " Famously ; we were soon quite old friends ; 
 discussing mutual acquaintance is an admirable 
 method of breaking through the formal barrier 
 which a recent introduction erects. I like her 
 style extremely, so quiet, and yet so animated ; 
 her feelings are quick enough I am sure, but 
 there is just sufficient reserve to keep them in 
 back-ground ; the calmness you speak of is not 
 from indifference, that flushing colour which 
 comes and goes so rapidly, tells a very different 
 tale to apathy." 
 
 " Indeed it does, it might make a vain feUow 
 draw very incorrect conclusions in his own 
 favour, if he did not watch her. I have known 
 her family for some time, but I do not believe 
 Marion has ever had even a passing feeling for 
 any one ; many have paid her attention, but her
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 55 
 
 manners are so cordially kind, so perfectly self- 
 possessed to all, that as far as I have observed, 
 she has seen no one for whom she really cares." 
 
 '* All the better luck for him who wins her : 
 it is so rare to find a woman with such fresh, 
 pure feelings, for most of them seem to me to 
 be quite prepared to give a large portion of 
 their regard to almost any one who shows them 
 the slightest attention ; they change the heroes 
 of their day-dreams, nearly as often as their 
 bonnets ; are ready to be the gayest of the gay, 
 or the self-denying ascetic, according to the pro- 
 fession or disposition of their last admirer, so 
 that every one has the pleasant sensation of 
 kno^^^ng that he is not by any means the first 
 person who has touched their feelings or in- 
 spii'ed their imagination." 
 
 " That is very true, Stanley. I see you have 
 not been a leading card in the matrimonial 
 market for nothing, you have gained some expe- 
 rience in the women ; but it has spoilt you, you 
 are too suspicious of them, you always fancy 
 they have some motive which they would be 
 better without ; you never will cultivate their 
 acquaintance at home, you meet them at balls 
 and parties, and form your opinions from what 
 you see of them there ; this is not fair. You 
 make no allowances for those feelino;s which
 
 56 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 might naturally influence a pretty girl in society, 
 such as gratified vanity, but immediately dot 
 them down in the tablets of your memory as 
 unsatisfactory specimens of the sex ; one would 
 really think you were afraid of the influence 
 which a home-scene might have upon your 
 fr3edom." 
 
 *' Perhaps you are right, yet you must own, 
 Murray, that I am not wrong in the main ; of 
 course there are exceptions to the almost uni- 
 versal taint of worldliness and vanity, but they 
 are few. Here we are at the old Temple again. 
 How still everything is. Will you come in and 
 try some ale ?" 
 
 " No, thank ypu, not to-night. I must be in 
 court early to-morrow, and if I get into your 
 rooms I know I should be booked for an hour 
 or two. I must call on the Harcourts in a few 
 days. Will you go with me ? you may just as 
 well know them." 
 
 " Very well ; but I shall see you again before 
 you go. I'll think of it. Good-night." 
 
 Murray returned the parting salutation and 
 departed, leaving Stanley to muse over the past 
 evening. He looked round his room, and could 
 not help thinking how lonely it felt; then his 
 fancy flew back to a bright smile and gentle 
 voice, which had poured a gentle influence upon
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 57 
 
 him; but his old doubts and misgivings crept 
 over him, as he thought of the high standard 
 his mind had drawn, and that he had never 
 yet found any one to approach it. 
 
 He lighted the lamp and sat down, tired as 
 he was, to look over some papers, but he found 
 more difficulty than usual in commanding his 
 attention ; however, he was so accustomed to 
 banish any distracting ideas, that he was soon as 
 completely absorbed in the intricate business 
 before him, as if he had not just been mingling 
 in such a gay scene, and yielding to such plea- 
 surable sensations.
 
 58 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 But the life of man upon this fair earth is made up, 
 for the most part, of little pains and little pleasures : 
 the great wonder-flowers bloom but once in a lifetime. 
 
 LONGFELLOW. 
 
 " Mamma, Aunt Mary is come ; she seems 
 rather tired, therefore I am going to fetch her 
 some tea, and then she will rest ; she is anxious 
 to see you, but I would not let her come up 
 stairs yet." 
 
 Marion came into Mrs. Harcourt's room to 
 give her this intelligence, her eye beaming with 
 pleasure ; her mother did not seem quite so 
 satisfied, as she said : 
 
 " How tiresome of your aunt to come just as 
 I wanted Martha ! I suppose she will be kept 
 down stairs for an age unpacking ; there will be 
 such confusion, I must go down and see her."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 59 
 
 Marion gently said she would do anything 
 her aunt might require, and would send the 
 maid away. 
 
 " Oh, dear, no ! your aunt must be attended 
 to, or your father will fancy she is slighted, and 
 will be angry." 
 
 Mrs. Harcourt went down stairs in this 
 irritable state to receive her husband's sister, 
 who was come to spend a week with her. 
 After the meeting was over, and when Marion 
 saw that her mother seemed inclined for a quiet 
 chat, she left the room, and soon returned with 
 some tea. Mrs. Merton sipped it, and seemed 
 to enjoy it after her fatiguing journey. 
 
 " How can you take such strong tea in the 
 afternoon, Mary ?" said Mrs. Harcourt ; "it is 
 considered so very injurious to the nersTS ; I 
 would not do it on any account." 
 
 " Nothing refreshes me so much when I am 
 wearied, my dear ; and I never suffer any incon- 
 venience from it, though I believe it is not 
 good for some constitutions." 
 
 Mrs. Harcourt was one of those beings who 
 seem sent into the world for the purpose oi 
 exercising the forbearance of their friends ; she 
 always brought forward the disagreeable aspect 
 of things, had no tact in avoiding unpleasant 
 topics, and w^as always fancying herself slighted.
 
 60 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 She had evidently once been pretty, but her 
 countenance was now far from pleasing, for its 
 expression was peevish and irritable, wanting 
 that calm repose and tranquillity which is the 
 great charm of old age. No doubt she had 
 suffered sorrow, for who can live more than 
 half a century without grief and uneasiness ? 
 But her trials had not been borne with that 
 meek uncomplaining patience which alleviates 
 every pang. 
 
 This is what stamps the character on the 
 face of the aged ! 
 
 There was indeed a contrast between Mrs. 
 Harcourt and Mrs. Merton : one restless, first 
 moving a chair, then looking for her handker- 
 chief, regretting one thing and deprecating 
 another, her presence having the same effect 
 upon one as the buzzing of some insect ; the 
 other, in her grey silk dress and close cap, 
 seated in an easy chair, looking hallowed and 
 lovely in her quiet peacefulness. 
 
 Her features were not regular, the formation 
 of her face was less good than that of Mrs. 
 Harcourt, but oh ! how different was the ex- 
 pression ! Her clear blue eye beamed with 
 benevolence, her brow, though graven with 
 many wrinkles, was free from frowns, and her 
 silvery hair braided smoothly over it, bar-
 
 THE LOST INHERITA^XE. 61 
 
 monizcd well with the placid beauty of her 
 countenance. 
 
 For to me there is an unutterable beauty in 
 the face of an old person when the expression 
 is tliis quiet resigned gentleness, and it .is a 
 beauty which is rarely met with, for few have 
 gone through the battles of life with feelings 
 which will not leave some painful trace on the 
 face. Very young people seem to idolize an 
 old friend, in whose smile they can read sym- 
 pathy for their feelings, and whose voice soothes 
 their little troubles, and whose kind advice 
 helps them out of difficulties ; how gladly do 
 they give up their noisy play to sit quietly to 
 hear the promised story ! 
 
 !Mrs. Merton had suffered much and deeply, 
 grief had WTitten its sad tale upon her face ; 
 but in all her anguish she had struggled to 
 remember that trials are sent for our discipline, 
 and to seek consolation in the recollection that 
 this is not our resting-place. 
 
 Early in hfe she had become attached to a 
 young officer of the highest character and pro- 
 mise ; after some time, they plighted their faith. 
 Happy in themselves, without much addition of 
 what the world calls happiness the days of court- 
 ship passed — too s^^iftly, perhaps — then they 
 were married. How often did Mrs. Merton
 
 62 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 look back to her wedding-day : the old country 
 church, the good, venerable rector, her indulgent 
 parents, her affectionate brother, and above all 
 how often did she think of the low tones which 
 had thrilled to her inmost heart, with which her 
 husband spoke his vows. 
 
 How fondly she dwelt upon their delightful 
 tour through Wales, all the loveliness of Nature 
 brightened by the hues deep love threw over it ; 
 how she thought of the happy, happy year they 
 had spent in their pretty cottage with the creep- 
 ing woodbine and clematis clustering over it ; of 
 the tenderness, the affection that was showered 
 upon her, the merry mornings, pleasant walks, 
 and quiet, calm evenings they enjoyed together — 
 all the joy, all the heartfelt sympathy they 
 shared in that one short year. 
 
 Then came the tears, the embraces, the grief, 
 the bitterness of parting. Captain Merton was 
 compelled to join his regiment, then in the 
 Peninsula. How anxiously did the young wife 
 think of her absent husband, how tremblingly 
 glance over the newspapers, how earnestly pray 
 for his safety, how breathlessly expect his affec- 
 tionate letters. Several months passed in this 
 way, till he wrote in sanguine terms of their 
 speedy meeting, picturing all the bliss of their 
 reunion.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 63 
 
 Then came the news of the battle of 
 Waterloo ; the \Tllage bells were rung, illumina- 
 tions blazed to celebrate its glory ; but with the 
 intoxicating flush of victory came the mournful 
 wail of death. Captain Merton was one of the 
 many w^ho were killed on that day of carnage, 
 who were laid on that field of blood. Who 
 shall describe the heart-breaking anguish of the 
 widow, w^hen the light of her life w^as taken 
 from her, without the melancholy satisfaction of 
 one parting look, or of hearing his last words. 
 
 In the first wild rush of sorrow, all that was 
 painful in the death of her loved husband, the 
 pictures imagination painted of unassuaged suf- 
 ferings, unattended last moments, a solitary, 
 unwept tomb, crowded upon her. Mrs. Merton 
 shrunk from recalling the first few years of her 
 widowhood, all the loneliness, all the sorrow of 
 that season; but as time shed balm over her 
 wounded heart, resigned composure in some 
 degree rewarded the struggles she made to bow 
 to the dispensation : her grief was shrouded in 
 the recesses of her spirit, life never regained its 
 charms for her, but her gentle smile played 
 again over her lips and she w^as always ready to 
 sympathise in the joys of others, as well as in 
 their sorrows. 
 
 Thus, with a very moderate income, she passed
 
 64 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 her life in quiet retirement, relieving and so- 
 lacing all the misery she could, seeking her 
 happiness in that of others ; and now, in her old 
 age, she was the very idealization of " that peace 
 which the world cannot give." The society of 
 such a character seems almost a foretaste of 
 heaven, for do we not all connect the happiness 
 of the future with rest from our labours? 
 Even those most w^edded to the wild excitement 
 of the world can look forward to peaceful quiet ; 
 they sometimes weary of the glaring sunshine 
 of life, and would fain seek shelter in its cool 
 shadows, and these steal with the purest calm 
 over those whose pilgrimage is closing, whose 
 sun is declining. 
 
 Why then should old age be looked upon as 
 a cheerless season, as is so frequently the case ? 
 Though a retrospective glance over a long life 
 must meet with many disappointments, many 
 trials and many sorrow^s, yet also there must be 
 much for which to be grateful, the golden 
 thread of many joys is woven in even the 
 gloomiest tissue of existence. 
 
 Both Marion and AdeHne w^ere very fond 
 of their aunt. Her visits, which were very rare, 
 were always looked forward to with great 
 pleasure ; she was so considerate, so gentle, and 
 with such high, good principles, that her advice
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 65 
 
 was received with the greatest deference. Mrs. 
 Harcourt was jealous of her daughters' affection 
 for Mrs. Merton, indeed she was annoyed by 
 their showing any preference for any one, she 
 seemed to fancy she had an exclusive right to 
 their attention. 
 
 One morning during Mrs. Merton's visit, 
 she entered her room, and found Marion reading 
 to her aunt, and Adeline learning some of the 
 mysteries of knitting ; it was a happy, peaceful- 
 looking party : Adeline's merry laugh often 
 sounded, she was amused by her own dulness 
 of comprehension. As soon as Mrs. Harcourt 
 appeared, she held up her work with a smile 
 of delight. 
 
 " Look, mamma, at what Aunt Mary has 
 taught me, I shall soon be able to knit a purse 
 like that one Mrs. Colston showed us yesterday. 
 I do really think aunt knows every kind of 
 fancy work that ever was invented. Is it not 
 a pretty stitch?" 
 
 A shade of annoyance crossed Mrs. Harcourt's 
 countenance as she glanced at the work and 
 said: 
 
 " If you were so anxious about it, why did 
 you not speak to me ? you could have gone to 
 the Berlin shop in Devonpont Street, and been 
 initiated, not that I particularly admire it." 
 
 VOL. I. F
 
 66 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " But I never can learn from those people, 
 they explain so badly ; and Aunt Mary is so 
 patient, and never minds being asked the same 
 thing twenty times, I like her to show me." 
 
 "Marion, you have torn the lace on your collar, 
 go up stairs and change it." 
 
 " What a pity, how can I have been so 
 careless ? I will go as soon as I have finished 
 this chapter ; it is a pity to leave off in the 
 middle, and let aunt be in the agony of suspense 
 while I am gone : it will not keep me five 
 minutes." 
 
 "No, go at once. I am sure your aunt 
 will not mind waiting for a short time. What 
 can it signify whether it is the end or middle 
 of a chapter, but it is always the way ; what- 
 ever I wish, you oppose. I understand the 
 motive." 
 
 Marion immediately closed the book, and 
 left the room, her colour deepened slightly, 
 which was the only sign of annoyance she 
 manifested. • She soon returned, with her usual 
 calm, gentle smile, and resumed her reading ; 
 but Mrs. Harcourt kept constantly interrupting 
 her with some trivial remarks, so that all plea- 
 sure in the book was destroyed, she therefore 
 took up her work instead. The harmony of 
 the morning was gone, an unpleasant feeling
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 67 
 
 had crept over all, but of course no one allowed 
 this to appear. Mrs. Merton conversed in 
 her usual cheerful way, and all joined her ; even 
 Mrs. Harcourt's peevish tone disappeared by 
 degrees under the calming influence. 
 
 These little contretemps were constantly 
 happening in the Harcourt family, unpleasant 
 ideas were often roused, it is true they w^ere but 
 trifles but constant trifles make up a large sum of 
 disagreeables ; few have the po\ver of either 
 pleasing or annoying others by grand events, 
 they rarely occur during life, but every one has 
 frequent opportunities of soothing or irritating 
 those around them in mere trifles. 
 
 Mrs. Harcourt never neglected any of the 
 great duties of life, but she performed them too 
 much as if they were duties not pleasures ; they 
 wanted the spirit of love, that blessed spirit 
 which " hopeth all things, and belie veth all 
 things." Watchful and anxious as a mother, 
 she had neglected nothing which could have 
 improved her children's physical or intellectual, 
 or even moral culture ; but there had been too 
 much eifort, too much fuss with it all ; there 
 had been too little attention given to the cul- 
 tivation of the finer feelings, those of the ap- 
 preciation of the beautiful, of sympathy; the 
 affections had not been considered ; she decided 
 
 F 2
 
 68 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 that a certain line of conduct was right, and then 
 without hesitation or regard for the partialities, 
 or repulsions of others, without any allowance, 
 without any soothing kindness, that plan was car- 
 ried out, relentlessly as the scythe mows dow^n the 
 smiling flowers with the rank weeds. 
 
 Her children could not look back upon their 
 childish days, without painful reminiscences of 
 their little fancies for flowers, for pet animals 
 being not only slighted, but harshly forbidden ; 
 they had few recollections of gentle tones, of 
 tender caresses, of all those nameless associa- 
 tions of love, which should hang over the open- 
 ing scenes of life. No, there had not been 
 time for these softening influences ; there had 
 been unwearying care, assiduous watchfulness, 
 strict superintendence, but the young yearn for 
 more than this ; there had been too much fear, 
 too much irritation, too many prohibitions in 
 Mrs. Harcourt's code of morals. And so com- 
 pletely was she imbued with this mode of treat- 
 ment, that now^ when her children were growing 
 up, she did not understand how to relax her 
 authority gracefully, how to change the guardian 
 into the friend, how to receive confidence as a 
 gift, instead of demanding it as a right. 
 
 She did not understand the active, working 
 thoughts w^hich arise in the mind, when it is
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 69 
 
 emerging from extreme youth into the warm 
 energies of life ; she could not calmly watch 
 order and harmony evolve themselves from the 
 apparent chaos of thought and imagination. Just 
 at that season when the steadiest, gentlest hand 
 is necessary, when the less authority is asserted, 
 the longer it will last ; Mrs. Harcourt, fearful 
 of losing that maternal influence of which she 
 was so jealous, resented more severely than ever 
 any deviations from the established rules, inter- 
 fered more dogmatically than ever with the 
 exercise of any taste or pursuit, until her chil- 
 dren almost avoided her, fearing the usual fault- 
 finding. 
 
 She felt this keenly, for, as I have before 
 said, she \vas, and had been, an anxious mother ; 
 and although her daughters acquiesced in her 
 wishes, and obeyed her desires, she could not 
 help feeling it was with the obedience of the 
 letter, rather than w^ith the ready love of the 
 spirit. Then, instead of seeking to win their 
 cordial affection, and using her judgment to 
 prevent that sorest evil arising which can infest 
 family peace — I mean the concealment of wounded 
 feelings, rankling annoyance buried beneath the 
 fear of violating the duty of respect — she too 
 often indulged in a tone of sarcasm, or implied 
 unjust motives, conduct w4iich is productive of
 
 70 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 the worst consequences in any case, but is in- 
 excusable in a parent. 
 
 Had Marion not had very strong, very warm 
 feehngs, they would have been crushed long ago 
 under this injudicious treatment, or she would 
 have been led away by them to forget that 
 respect due to a parent from a child under any 
 circumstances; but she had strong resolution, 
 and a firm will, and never allowed herself to 
 answer her mother's constant reproofs, although 
 injustice is hard to bear, particularly by the 
 young, for in them a strong desire to resist it 
 seems implanted. She refi-ained from any reply ; 
 her cheek would flush — that she could not con- 
 quer ; her heart would beat more rapidly — that 
 she could not control, but her voice was as 
 gentle, and her manner as calm as ever, during 
 the most irritating attacks. This equanimity 
 had not been attained without painful struggles ; 
 but when Marion once determined that a thing 
 was right, she spared nothing to accomplish it. 
 
 Adeline's high spirit had not learnt this self- 
 command; she sometimes spoke high, passionate 
 words; she could not restrain her surging feelings 
 when she felt wrong motives were imputed to 
 her, or, what hurt her far more, when she heard 
 Marion blamed for what she knew was not her 
 fault, or taunted for sentiments, which she was
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 71 
 
 fully cominced she never entertained. All this 
 prevented the Harcourts from enjoying that do- 
 mestic comfort which from external circum- 
 stances they seemed entitled to possess. 
 
 The world in general, perhaps, considered them 
 a happy family ; it cannot penetrate beyond the 
 exterior, nor see the struggles and annoyances 
 behind the veil. One or two friends might have 
 a glimmering idea of the true state of things — 
 Murray was one of them ; but he was a very 
 keen observer, and had an intuitive knowledge 
 of character. Marion had far too good taste, to 
 say nothing of good feeling, to breathe a word 
 to any one of family matters, therefore Murray's 
 information was entirely self-derived. 
 
 Mr. Harcourt's influence had always been of 
 a very negative description : incessantly occupied 
 in professional avocations, he spent but little 
 time in his family, and then was too wearied 
 to enter into discussions ; and too glad to be at 
 ease and enjoying quiet, to attempt establishing 
 any arrangements. Such a mode must have a 
 most inimical effect upon the education and 
 moral training of young people, more especially 
 with sons, who require a stronger hand, and 
 firmer authority then most women can maintain. 
 
 Fortunately the Harcourts had but one son, 
 who had grown up with much of the character
 
 72 ^ THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 naturally to be expected from the management 
 I have attempted to describe. He was naturally 
 volatile, warm-hearted, and clever ; but the strict 
 discipline to which he had been subjected had 
 seldom given him the opportunity of exercising 
 his feelings. He had been irritated and watched 
 too closely in trifles, until he went to a public 
 school ; there he found himself nearly independ- 
 ent, and he, perhaps, rather trespassed upon the 
 voluntary system pursued there. 
 
 Before he had been there long, he was so 
 accustomed to see, what had been denounced 
 most severely at home, things of daily occur- 
 rence, that he soon became careless of such 
 prohibitions. He was strictly honourable, in 
 the world's sense of honour : he was generous, 
 he was popular, but he wanted self-restraint, he 
 wanted a high standard of right, his principles 
 were too deeply tinctured with the world's code 
 of morals ; and thus he had left school, thus he 
 had entered life, without one controlhng hand 
 to guide him, for he had long thrown off those 
 fetters about trifles which had been riveted too 
 closely in early life, and with them had been 
 severed those ties of reliance and dependence 
 which should subsist between a child and his 
 parents. 
 
 He was now travelling on the continent. His
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 73 
 
 letters, though amusing and clever, were rare, 
 and Marion had many anxious thoughts for him ; 
 but she could do nothing but wiite as her dear, 
 affectionate heart dictated. She knew nothing of 
 the temptations, to w^hich he was exposed, or of 
 the reckless life which he had been leading, but 
 she knew he was wild and headstrong ; and 
 always feared for him, and thought she would 
 do all to preserve his affections, and to cultivate 
 his feelings for home. 
 
 And she was right ! Little do people think of 
 the importance it is to keep up kind recollec- 
 tions of home influences in men w^ho are strug- 
 gling with the world's realities, or sailing down 
 the sea of its pleasures ; how much good may 
 be done by encouraging them to think with 
 pleasure of their home, and to cherish the 
 memory of its inmates with a tender and loving 
 care.
 
 74 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 To linger on the magic face 
 Of human beauty, and from light and shade 
 Alike to draw a lesson : 'tis to love 
 The cadences of voices that are tuned 
 By majesty and purity of thought ; 
 To gaze on M'oman's beauty, as a star, 
 Whose purity and distance make it fair. 
 
 N. p. WILLIS. 
 
 Mrs. Merton's visit soon passed ; she re- 
 turned to her retired country house, to her quiet 
 pursuits and amusements, leaving her nieces 
 about to commence the gaiety of the London 
 season. The Harcourts had a large acquaint- 
 ance, so that they were obliged to enter into 
 more society than perhaps they quite liked, but 
 now that Adeline was introduced, they were 
 glad to have the opportunity of taking her out, 
 as she really enjoyed it.
 
 THE. LOST INHERITANCE. 75 
 
 They had been to a late ball, when, as usual, 
 Adeline, admired by all, had danced incessantly ; 
 however, she and Marion had taken a turn in 
 the Park the following morning, and were now 
 sitting in the drawing-room after luncheon. 
 The window was thrown open, and the breeze 
 floated gently in, perfumed with the breath of 
 the mignionette which was in full beauty in the 
 balcony ; a few flowers in a richly coloured 
 Bohemian vase stood on the table, which w^as 
 strewed with books, work, and all those elegant 
 little trifles which so enhance one's comfort. 
 
 The piano was open, and some loose sheets of 
 music lay upon it, as if it had been lately used ; 
 the sofas and chairs of every form and variety, 
 seemed wheeled into the most comfortable 
 corners. Adehne was half-sitting, half-reclining, 
 in one of her graceful attitudes, upon a low 
 couch near the window, her rich dark hair 
 gathered into a large loose knot, and confined 
 in a silk net, her dress of sunny hues, blended 
 in magic shades, hung gracefully around her ; 
 she had a book open on a little table near her, 
 on which stood a carved ivory work-box of 
 fairy-like delicacy ; all around her spoke of 
 refined luxury and exquisite taste. She was pale, 
 and a shade of lassitude seemed over her, the 
 result of the excitement and fatigue of the pre-
 
 76 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 ceding evening ; but she looked nnost lovely, 
 most fascinating, as she dreamily reclined and 
 talked to Marion, who w^as seated at the writings 
 table, the other side of the room. 
 
 The lace curtain cast a faint shadow upon 
 her as she bent over her writing-desk, her long 
 wavy hair drooping on the paper. Notwithstand- 
 ing her employment, she was talking to Adeline, 
 who was too wearied to do anything but lounge. 
 She threw herself back among the cushions with 
 an exclamation of surprise at Marion's having 
 power to sit writing so busily ; and just then the 
 door opened, and Mr. Stanley and Mr. Murray 
 were announced. 
 
 The latter came forward with the cordiality 
 of an old friend, and after shaking hands with 
 Marion as he passed, went on to Adeline, who 
 had risen from her listless posture to receive 
 him. He drew his favourite chair to her tiny 
 table, and chatted with her ; she took out her 
 knitting, and commenced it most assiduously ; 
 but Adeline never could work and talk, the gay 
 silks soon fell from her fingers as she raised her 
 eyes to Murray's, letting him read in them the 
 different feelings aroused by his conversation. 
 
 " We were up till very late last night, Mr. 
 Murray, and I am completely tired, or you 
 would not have found me lounging so idly j I
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 77 
 
 assure you I am generally a very industrious 
 character, but after a ball I always enjoy an 
 afternoon spent in a semi-sleep, just gossiping it 
 over with Marion," 
 
 " You have been singing this morning, at 
 least your music is about, so you have not been 
 perfectly idle." 
 
 " I just tried some new things they sent from 
 the library, but that did not occupy much time. 
 How was it you were not at the Deloraines last 
 night ? We had a most agreeable party." 
 
 "I do not visit them, though I frequently 
 meet them in society. I was told it was a 
 brilliant affair." 
 
 " 1 thought you knew every one ! I met 
 several of your friends : the pretty Mrs. Rawdon 
 was there ; you remember her ? You pointed 
 her out to me at the Brandons. I admire her 
 extremely, but she does not appear very amusing, 
 at least 1 could not get on with her very well ; 
 but perhaps she is one of those ladies who 
 reserve their brightest conversation for their 
 gentlemen friends." 
 
 " Now, that is a severe remark, and I think 
 unjust to Mrs. Rawdon ; many people are so 
 reserved, so incased in a species of bark, that it 
 requires some little art, and no little trouble to
 
 78 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 arrive at the good which they possess — they 
 want drawing out." 
 
 " Ah ! but every one has not that gift ; I 
 have often longed for some talisman to unlock 
 the bar of constraint so generally maintained." 
 
 " That is the point ; you may suspect people 
 to be scent-bottles, but you cannot tell if you be 
 right until you draw the cork ; of course after 
 all one is sometimes disappointed, yet I feel 
 sure that very often we lose many pleasant 
 acquaintance, and certainly much agreeable in- 
 tercourse, by not taking the trouble to discover 
 of what our neighbours are composed; some 
 are like herbs, you must absolutely trample 
 upon them before you can extract their sweet- 
 ness." 
 
 " You are right, but still you do not explain 
 how this is to be done ; I understand the exist- 
 ing evils, and I can imagine the proposed im- 
 provement in our intercourse, yet I do not see 
 how we are to melt the ice of reserve and cere- 
 mony, or by what stratagem we are to carry the 
 outworks." 
 
 " Would not sympathy in the feelings and 
 interests of others do much ; and a more inde- 
 pendent mode of reasoning, less subservience to 
 what people will say and think of us, combined
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 79 
 
 with more real deference for their habits and 
 weaknesses ? I do not think this improvement 
 is only required in general society, family inter- 
 course would be greatly facilitated, were there 
 a mutual unbending, less of our English sang- 
 froid.'" 
 
 " But this reserve of which you complain so 
 bitterly is inculcated in us from our cradle, it 
 seems to me to be the great secret of success, a 
 large element in that prudence which one hears 
 so highly extolled ; I confess I cannot under- 
 stand it all ; I think people might soon get on 
 with me." 
 
 Murray thought the same, and inwardly 
 hoped that Adeline might never be thrown with 
 those who would not understand her, or, what 
 would be far worse, would mis-apprehend her 
 sensitive, yet haughty nature. 
 
 " Have you seen the new views of the East 
 yet ?" Adeline asked. " You would be a 
 good judge of their merits, having travelled 
 there; they have delighted me, the rich, glowing 
 colouring, and the picturesque costumes are so 
 very beautiful." 
 
 " No, I have not looked at them. I under- 
 stand they are admirable. Are they in the 
 room ?"
 
 80 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " Yes, in the large portfolio, I will open it." 
 
 Murray followed Adeline to seek the 
 drawings, and was soon engaged in admir- 
 ing them, and in recounting to his attentive 
 listener the wonders and beauties of Egypt and 
 Palestine. 
 
 Meanwhile, Stanley and Marion were im- 
 proving the acquaintance they had commenced 
 at Mrs. Brandon's ball. He had most fastidious 
 ideas of how ladies should look in the morning, 
 and had often been disappointed in the daylight 
 appearance of those whom he had admired in 
 full dress, he had expected to have felt the 
 same on seeing Marion, but he could not help 
 thinking that she looked far better in her light 
 muslin dress, and pale blue ribbons, as she sat 
 in her low chair with her work, than she had 
 done in the crow^ded ball. 
 
 The cool, fresh atmosphere of the drawing- 
 room was so pleasant to him after his walk in 
 the hot sun, the comfortable, habitable air 
 which pervaded it, conveyed most agreeable 
 impressions, and Marion's frank, unaffected 
 manners completed the charm. She possessed 
 the rare quality of being a good listener, 
 without which, conversation is never easily 
 sustained ; they were discussing some books
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 81 
 
 they had just read, Marion was defending some 
 of the opinions given in it, which Stanley could 
 not appreciate. 
 
 " Do you not believe in real, true affection ?" 
 she asked ; "in deep feelings which nothing 
 can efface? in love which is based on firm 
 foundations, on holy, piure principles, which is 
 so perfect, that all doubt, all suspicion dissolves 
 before its bright influence ?" 
 
 " I fear I cannot. I have seen too much of 
 the w^orld, I never met with any one who 
 seemed to me capable of such feelings, all is 
 now so superficial, expediency is the order of 
 the day, men marry for money and connection, 
 women for position, vanity, or even pique." 
 
 " No, I cannot believe this ; of course I know 
 such instances do sometimes happen, but I hope 
 they are the exceptions, not the rule. You 
 look at unfortunate examples, and they assert 
 their universality. How wretched you must be, 
 with such an opinion of human nature. What 
 is life worth, if one can never hope to meet 
 with noble feelings and true sympathy ?" 
 
 " I wish you may never have reason to 
 agree with me, but I scarcely dare indulge 
 such a hope. Have you never thought that 
 this disappointment of our highest impulses 
 is one of the great trials of life, part of the 
 
 VOL. L G
 
 82 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 discipline of character we need ? would not this 
 world be too happy for us to remember it is 
 only our battle-field, if we found all our aspira- 
 tions responded to, all our affections re- 
 turned ?" 
 
 " You must misunderstand me, if you 
 imagine that I think we meet with nothing 
 to try us, nothing to vex us ; what I say is, 
 that I believe some are capable of any self- 
 sacrifice, any devotion for those they love, and 
 you will not credit this. You laugh at my 
 favourite character in the book we were talking 
 of just now, and at me, for thinking it a prob- 
 able one ; you launch all your sarcasms at its 
 being overdrawn, unheard of. If you be right, 
 I am terribly mistaken ; but if you be wrong, 
 as I firmly believe you are, all I can say is, that 
 I hope some day you will have reason to change 
 your mind, and then you will appreciate my 
 favourite books, and cease to wonder, as you 
 now do, at the possibility of my believing in 
 what you call high-flown romance." 
 
 " Thank you for your good wishes : nothing 
 would delight me more than to be able to make 
 my recantation, but I should have a large 
 experience to efface ; however, I have not quite 
 given myself up to despair yet." 
 
 " Despair ! that is a word I cannot endure ;
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 83 
 
 it is only fit for fallen angels, not for us, with 
 all our aims and hopes : ' Hope on, hope ever,' 
 is my motto. How busily Adeline and Mr. 
 Murray are engaged with those drawings ! they 
 are so beautiful ! You have seen them of coui'sc, 
 the views of the Holy Land '?" 
 
 *' Yes, often ; they are exquisite. Murray is 
 delighted to have an opportunity of expatiating 
 upon his Eastern adventures ; he was roaming 
 about there for some time, leaving his friends 
 in a most glorious state of ignorance about his 
 proceedings : we did not know if he had become 
 enamoured of his interesting appearance in a 
 turban, and consequently turned Mussulman, 
 or whether he had been drowned in one of tlie 
 cataracts ; until one evening he made his appear- 
 ance at the club, with his usual indifferent 
 manner, and saluted us as if we had parted the 
 preceding evening in Belgravia, instead of two 
 years having elapsed, with all the crowd of 
 incidents and events which flows into every 
 man's fate during such a period. We were all 
 very glad to have him among us again, for I 
 assure you Murray is a great favourite with us ; 
 indeed, I cannot help smiling at the influence 
 he seems to possess over many fellows, who, in 
 all their scrapes and difficulties, have recourse to 
 
 G 2
 
 84 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Murray's advice as if it were an infallible remedy 
 for everything." 
 
 Just as the young men were thinking of 
 taking leave, Mrs. Harcourt entered ; she apo- 
 logised for having absented herself, but an 
 appointment had unavoidably detained her. 
 More general conversation was adopted after her 
 appearance — the tite-a-tetes into which the 
 party had been previously divided being broken 
 
 up- 
 
 Murray was inestimable in starting and up- 
 holding small talk ; and as Mrs. Harcourt was 
 a clever woman, the ball of conversation was not 
 allowed to drop. He was particularly skilled in 
 talking to chaperones, and prided himself upon 
 it ; he selected subjects likely to please them, and 
 his deferential manner always recommended 
 him. 
 
 Stanley was less successful on such occa- 
 sions ; the mocking smile had returned to his 
 lip, and the cold impassive tone to his voice, 
 which seemed called up by society ; seldom he 
 felt sufficiently interested by people to allow 
 them an insight into the depths of his thoughts 
 or the earnestness of his character, therefore he 
 was not so generally liked as Murray, though by 
 the few who understood him he was valued in
 
 THE LOST IXHERITANXE. 85 
 
 no common way. He and Adeline were having 
 a sharp encounter of wit, he being bitter and 
 she brilliant in their dissection and description 
 of acquaintance; Marion in vain made a con- 
 ciliatory remark and ventured a softening obser- 
 vation, the war of tongues continued until the 
 gentlemen departed. 
 
 They left their cards at several houses, and 
 then lounged into the Park, fresh and lovely in 
 the beauty of early summer. The crowd of 
 equipages, with well-appointed servants, and 
 filled with ladies, radiant in brightest hues, com- 
 bined to produce a gay scene. Stanley and' 
 Murray passed by the Serpentine, glittering in 
 the bright sunshine, with the green turf stretch- 
 ing down to its opposite banks, and glad to find 
 themselves under the shade of the old elm-trees 
 nearer Hyde Park Corner, they remained chat- 
 ting with some friends who were lounging there, 
 making their comments on the carriages and 
 their fair occupants as they passed. 
 
 Stanley felt wearied by the constant whirl, 
 annoyed by the tone of conversation around 
 him, bored by the salutations he received; he 
 longed for the calm quiet of the country. He 
 was just turning to leave the throng, when he 
 saw the Harcourts' carriage coming in the line : 
 he lingered to see it pass. Marion gave him a
 
 86 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 bright smile and cordial bow as he lifted his 
 hat ; and the sudden blush which mantled her 
 cheek, while it added to the brilliancy of her 
 complexion, gave her a deeper interest in Stan- 
 ley's mind. He turned to Murray and just caught 
 the earnest gaze he fixed on Adeline as she 
 leant back. He said to him, " We shall meet 
 at the Club for dinner," and turned towards 
 Kensington Gardens in the hope of seeing the 
 Harcourts' carriage waiting at the entrance, but 
 he was disappointed. 
 
 He strolled under the lofty trees, among 
 whose foliage the birds were gaily carolling ; and 
 with the exception of a few gay bonnets and 
 butterfly-like parasols, which crossed the distant 
 paths, he could have fancied himself in the 
 country. He soon fell into his old musings, and 
 as he pondered over every word he had heard 
 from Marion, he insensibly began to connect her 
 with those tender images he loved to think of. 
 
 He was certainly fascinated by her appear- 
 ance, but it was the tone of her feelings which 
 made him think so differently of her, to the 
 many pretty girls he met in society. He fancied 
 that she took a higher view of life than is usual, 
 that she would not shrink from its trials and 
 duties, that misfortune would not alarm her, nor 
 reverses corrode her, that she would bow to
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 87 
 
 them, and yet rise superior to them. He did 
 not look forward to the future as a scene 
 which must bring happiness as an of course, he 
 felt himself strong and ready to buffet \\ith the 
 \vaves of care, but then he longed for some one 
 on whom to garner up his sympathies and 
 affections ; he knew the immense importance 
 such a possession would be to his character, yet 
 he shrunk from the chance of being deceived. 
 
 Then came his miserable doubts, his mis- 
 giving suspicions of w^oman's motives, the fear 
 of loving and loving hopelessly, and almost 
 decided that it would be ^^iser for him to avoid 
 Marion's society, for fear of getting more inte- 
 rested about her, when the chances were, that 
 she was but httle different from others; but 
 then the clear, truthful look in her eyes, her 
 earnest manner, made him feel in his inmost 
 heart that there was a difference, and that too 
 no slight one. 
 
 Thus he reflected ; and as he left the Gardens 
 and passed through the now quiet Park, his 
 imagination was rapidly portraying a home, 
 blessed with fondest affection — it was his own 
 — and Marion was the presiding spirit, the 
 guardian-angel of his future fate, whether in 
 the sunshine of prosperity or under the storm- 
 cloud of adversity.
 
 88 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Waking up from this entrancing dream, 
 Arthur found himself in busy Piccadilly, and 
 saw the carriages rapidly driving by, taking 
 people to dinner-parties, which appears the 
 most senseless mode of spending lovely summer 
 evenings which man's bad taste ever devised. 
 Fancy sitting for hours in a hot room, crowded 
 with candles, and highly seasoned dishes, perhaps 
 beside the persons for whom of all others you 
 least care, when you know^ there is a clear pure 
 sky and fresh air to be enjoyed. 
 
 Stanley joined Murray at the Club, and 
 seating themselves by one of the large open 
 windows, they had their dinner in comparative 
 coolness and quiet. As they were sipping their 
 claret, Murray proposed going to the Opera. 
 
 " Come, Stanley, there's a good fellow, they 
 are going to play my favourite opera ; we shall 
 be in time for the duet in the second act ; we 
 can get stalls as we go, and then of course 
 plenty of boxes will be charmed to receive us." 
 
 " No ; really, Edward, I am not in the mood 
 to-night for the Opera ; besides I should have 
 to dress, which is too much even to think of." 
 
 " Nonsense, don't be lazy ; it is a capital 
 night ; the new ballet is to be produced, per- 
 haps that will be an inducement, as you do not 
 appear musically inclined."
 
 THE LOST I?sHERITA^*CE. 89 
 
 " You know I hate the baEet, so if that be 
 your last resource as a temptation, I am safely 
 ensconced here ; but don't you stay away, it is 
 a pity not to indulge one's taste when it is 
 incUned for the Opera ; when that is the case, 
 I know^ few pleasanter ways of spending the 
 evening, but sometimes it is the most intense 
 bore I know of; I should be as savage as a 
 bear if I accompanied you to-night. I am in 
 one of my sohtary fits, so go without me. 
 You had better be quick, jump into a cab, or 
 you will lose your pet scene ; not that I really 
 believe that is the only reason that makes you 
 so anxious to go to-night ; however, at all 
 events, it is an excuse Men trouvee — never mind 
 your coffee for oitce ; there, be off with you. 
 Good-night." 
 
 Murray rushed oif, and by means of a little 
 hurrying did just manage to take his seat 
 before his much-admired morceau commenced. 
 The delicious tones of the prima donna thrilled 
 through the house, and wild tumultuous was 
 the applause she received. The Opera was 
 crowded, lovely faces appeared on every side 
 arrayed in brilliant toilettes ; Murray's lorgnettes 
 were in constant use, he seemed seeking some 
 one amid the innumerable countenances in the 
 boxes ; however, his search seemed unsuccessful,
 
 90 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 for after visiting two or three, he soon returned 
 to his stall, but still continued the restless 
 levelling of his glasses. 
 
 At last a fair arm, shrouded in black lace, 
 drew back the crimson curtains, and revealed 
 the countenance Murray had so long sought for. 
 He soon vanished from the stalls, and his lofty 
 brow and brilliant eyes might be discovered in 
 the shadowy background of the lady's box ; 
 there he remained listening more to the low 
 tones of his companion than to the opera 
 until she drew her scarlet mantle over her, and 
 rose to depart ; Murray escorted her to her 
 carriage, and then returned to his chambers. 
 
 This was the beautiful Mrs. Rawdon, to 
 whom all paid such devotion, one of those 
 women who live but for admiration, and who 
 seem to be the legitimate property of the 
 public ; seldom seen with her husband, yet 
 with sufficient tact to preserve tolerable ap- 
 pearances, piquant without wit, possessing 
 taste without real refinement, she still held 
 a prominent place in society, and w^as visited 
 even by those who considered themselves very 
 scrupulous. 
 
 After Murray left the Club, Stanley went 
 into the library, and establishing himself in an 
 easv-chair, took a book and remained there
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 91 
 
 reading until late, enjoying the perfect quiet 
 which prevailed. This was Stanley's favourite 
 room ; here he was generally to be found. He 
 was a great reader, one who seemed like an 
 intellectual gourmand ; to such men a good 
 club has great charms, for there they meet 
 with any book they may choose, and without 
 any interruptions can enjoy the engrossing 
 interest of fiction, or study works of a deeper 
 class. What a blessing it is for a man to be 
 fond of reading ! to find it not only a resource, 
 but an intense pleasure ; he is independent of 
 society, he does not feel in want of a com- 
 panion, his associations are with the master 
 minds of every age. 
 
 How assiduously should this taste be culti- 
 vated in early life : study should not be made 
 the bugbear of the years of boyhood, and by 
 that means prevent any pleasure being taken in 
 it afterwards. The young people of this age 
 are kept too closely to their educational pursuits, 
 the numerous accomplishments and acquirements 
 which seem to be considered indispensable, pre- 
 clude the joyous freedom of the old-fashioned 
 childhood, during which we used to accumulate 
 lovely impressions of Nature, w^hich haunted us 
 through life, instead of the weary recollections
 
 92 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 of hard grammar-lessons which could not be 
 comprehended, and vain, precocious experiences 
 of juvenile balls which are graven on the memo- 
 ries of too many of this generation, who have 
 had few innocent pleasures, few natural enjoy- 
 ments provided for them during that impression- 
 able age, when every event leaves its indelible 
 trace behind.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 93 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Does it not offend you to hear people speaking of Art 
 and Nature as opposite and discordant things .'' Nature 
 is a revelation of God, Art a revelation of man. 
 
 LONGFELLOW. 
 
 Early one bright summer morning, Mrs. 
 Colston and I called for Marion and Adeline, 
 and we all went to the Exhibition of the Royal 
 Academy. When we entered, we found few 
 people there besides ourselves, so that we had 
 undisturbed opportunity for examining the 
 paintings. 
 
 It produces a strange effect upon me to gaze 
 upon the walls of a picture gallery. Here a 
 scene of impassioned emotion meets your eye, 
 and perhaps next it hangs a landscape, with its 
 rippling waters and deep shadows ; then again, 
 the care-w^orn features of some busv member of
 
 94 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 public life frown upon us, or the speaking smile 
 of some lovely face is glowingly depicted — it is 
 like life, beaming with light and beauty as we 
 look at it from a distance, but diversified with 
 painfiil incidents and dark scenes as we examine 
 its details more closely. 
 
 Then I cannot help picturing to myself the 
 various characters and moods of the designers 
 of the many objects before me ; the stern vigour 
 of one who has disdained the magic of colour, 
 and has concentrated all his ideas in the pure 
 majesty of form ; the vivid imagination of an- 
 other, who with fairy pencil has almost touched 
 his nymphs and syrens with the hues of life ; 
 the truthful simplicity of those who, flying into 
 the rural scenes of Nature, have portrayed her 
 in her pristine loveliness, without any trace of 
 man's workmanship, or any accompaniment of 
 man's passions. 
 
 I think of all the dreams of renown, all the 
 aspirations for success, which have been felt 
 while the artist embodied his ideas upon the 
 canvas before me ; then of the blighting indif- 
 ference, of the galling criticisms w^hich his work 
 experiences when it leaves the studio, where 
 perhaps it was first conceived, and where its 
 author gave the last finishing touches to his crea- 
 tion before he sent it into the bleak, cold world.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 95 
 
 Nothing annoys me more than finding my- 
 self among pictures with one who does not feel 
 their beauties, and yet considers it necessary to 
 talk incessantly of art, to pass sweeping censures 
 in technical terms, without really comprehending 
 their meaning, who praises the depth of this 
 picture, and the aerial perspective of^ another, 
 when perhaps such deep feelings are aroused by 
 the incidents portrayed, that the mechanism em- 
 ployed is utterly forgotten and disregarded. None 
 of my companions were of this class, they were 
 too susceptible of the real beauties of art, too 
 ardent in feeling to offend me in this way. 
 
 Marion's taste had been cultivated ; she dis- 
 cerned the artistic merits of the paintings, and 
 entered into the spirit of them in a way which 
 delighted me. I thought what a charming com- 
 panion she would be in a tour on the continent, 
 when one could inspect the treasures of foreign 
 art. 
 
 We had been in the Exhibition some time 
 when I perceived Stanley, ^^-ith a young man 
 whom I did not know. He was tall, and ele- 
 gant in his appearance, with a bright blue eye 
 beaming with spirit and intelligence, a light 
 brown moustache shaded his mouth, and gave 
 character to his countenance. I saw them before
 
 96 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 the rest of our party, and before Stanley recog- 
 nised us, for his eye was turned upon the walls, 
 while that of his companion wandered round 
 the room. I saw it rest upon AdeHne, who was 
 sitting on the centre bench, gazing upwards ; 
 he then turned and spoke to Stanley, who looked 
 towards fier, he smiled, and saying a few words 
 to his friend, came forward and joined us. 
 
 " This is indeed an unexpected pleasure," he 
 said, as he shook hands with us. "I did not 
 know you paid such early visits here. We un- 
 fortunate men who are engaged all day are 
 obliged to come in the morning, or not at all." 
 
 " It is perfectly useless pretending to see the 
 pictures late in the day, when the rooms are 
 crowded, nothing is niore tantalising ; and then 
 the brilliant remarks upon chiaroscuro and per- 
 spective which you hear from fancied amateurs 
 is too absurd," said Adeline. 
 
 Stanley turned towards Mrs. Colston, saying: 
 
 " My friend Captain Vernon is here. May 
 I introduce him to you ? He is the best fellow 
 in the world; he is on leave from India, and 
 has come to town to enjoy himself" 
 
 Mrs. Colston expressing a willing consent, 
 Stanley crossed the room, and putting his arm 
 through Vernon's, brought him to us. After
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 97 
 
 the ceremony of introdaction was over, we soon 
 became very sociable, for our new acquaintance 
 seemed the most frank and merry of mortals. 
 
 His lively wit amused Adeline particularly ; 
 he addressed his conversation chiefly to her, and 
 appeared quite delighted with her evident ap- 
 preciation of his remarks. Stanley proposed 
 that, as we had been round the rooms, we 
 should point out to them the things worth 
 looking at. Mrs. Colston was too fatigued, 
 to do this, however, the rest of our party wil- 
 lingly assented ; we promised to return to her 
 before we left the room, therefore she sat down 
 to wait for us. 
 
 Marion and Stanley paused frequently to 
 examine the paintings ; they both really enjoyed 
 their beauties. He seemed silent, nay, almost 
 grave, which was uncommon ; but his counte- 
 nance expressed so much feeling, when he gazed 
 on Marion, as she turned towards him to speak 
 of the pictures, that I felt sure the change in 
 his manner proceeded not from indifference or 
 preoccupation, but from his interest in his com- 
 panion. 
 
 Vernon was talking rapidly and well, making 
 droll comments on the pictures, or running up 
 some impromptu romance explanatory of them ; 
 Adeline threw in some assisting hints, and 
 
 VOL. I. H
 
 98 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 between them they really formed some amusing 
 addenda to the catalogue. Adeline stopped 
 before one painting, as being the one which 
 had pleased her most. It represented a field of 
 battle enveloped in deep shadow, and in strong 
 contrast the moon streamed in cold brilliancy 
 upon it. A wounded war-horse was in the 
 foreground, starting back with alarm at an 
 approaching wolf; and a young man lay near it, 
 his pale countenance stamped with death, the 
 blood upon his brow, his sword beside him 
 seemed just fallen from his relaxed grasp; 
 broken weapons and all the sad trophies of war 
 were scattered in the background. 
 
 There was a force of expression, a simplicity 
 of arrangement in this painting which was most 
 touching. Adeline and Vernon gazed upon it 
 in silence; all their light-heartedness vanished. 
 She was thinking of the tears, the broken hearts 
 of those who were far away from the grave of 
 their young warrior; and he was feeling the 
 truth, the reality of the representation, for he 
 had seen the young and ardent struck down in 
 all their vigour, and staining with their blood at 
 night, the turf on which they had so proudly 
 stepped at morning. 
 
 Thev looked long upon it; at last Adeline 
 turned away with a sigh. I saw Vernon glance
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 99 
 
 at her with an admiring look ; he felt that she 
 understood all that picture suggested, and with 
 the pleased feeling which creeps over us when 
 we know that we are comprehended and sym- 
 pathized with, they passed on, more subdued in 
 manner than before. 
 
 Marion and Stanley were looking upon a 
 painting which the others had but slightly 
 glanced at ; it was the " Diet of Worms." The 
 crowded chamber, the Emperor in his royal 
 robes, the proud and jewelled nobles, the stern 
 priests, the w^arlike guards, the parchments and 
 books piled upon the tables ; and amid all this 
 accumulated array of the loftiest, the most 
 powerful on earth, stood the bold, energetic 
 form of Martin Luther, the poor miner's son, 
 the monk of Wittenberg, alone in that vast 
 assembly of his bitter enemies, the lines of firm, 
 imshakeable resolve, of fiery activity, of untiring 
 zeal upon his countenance, yet with the calm 
 expression of unshaken faith, of steadfast trust 
 in his eye. 
 
 Yes, there he stood, that man whose master- 
 intellect shook the foundation of the most 
 widely-spread, the most strongly-supported 
 hierarchy the world ever knew; the man who 
 worked greater changes in the very essence of 
 the feehngs and powers of earth, than was ever 
 
 H 2
 
 100 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 wrought since the overthrow of the idols and 
 temples of pagan Rome. This picture was 
 marvellously executed ; the massing of the many 
 figures, the gorgeousness of the colouring, the 
 regal dignity of that great monarch Charles V., 
 and the sublime forgetfulness of self in the keen 
 struggle for Truth of the Reformer, were given 
 with a master's hand. 
 
 Stanley was riveted ; he could appreciate this 
 confronting; of aU obstacles for the furtherance 
 of one grand object, this bold challenge of all 
 the concentrated barriers which opposed it. He 
 turned to Marion, saying: 
 
 " This is magnificent ! I can understand such 
 self-devotion." 
 
 " So can I ; but I can also believe in equal 
 courage from other causes, from the feelings 
 without the support of such an intellect as 
 Luther's. Look at this picture of our Edward, 
 with his Queen sucking the poison from his 
 arm ; was not that magnanimity, self-renun- 
 ciation, forgetfulness of death, for the sake of 
 one she loved ? This is one example of what I 
 tried to convince you once before." 
 
 Marion, with a true woman's feelings, felt 
 more sympathy with the trials of the feelings, 
 than with those of the intellect; not that she 
 was insensible to all that was expressed in the
 
 THE LOST INHERIT ANXE. 101 
 
 picture which so charmed Stanley ; far fi'om 
 it. 
 
 I was much interested in watching my young 
 friends ; they hoth looked so happy, and seemed 
 so much interested ; but there was a ^^ide 
 diiference between them. Marion looked calmly 
 content, with an expression of deep thoughtful- 
 ness in her eyes ; inexperienced, fresh in every 
 feeling, she was unconscious of the reason of her 
 enjoyment ; the knowledge that she was com- 
 prehended, that she was with one whose 
 opinions were those of which she had often 
 dreamed, and who addressed her in that sweet 
 low tone which has such an irresistible charm 
 for woman — all united to enthral her. 
 
 Her best, her brightest affections were en- 
 shrined in her inmost heart ; they had never 
 been called up ; there they were, buried in 
 untouched, unsullied purity, ready to gush forth, 
 a treasure of riches, upon the being who should 
 win her. She had not heard their voice; the 
 magic hues of the entrancing passion of love 
 were unknown. I wondered if the gentle sad- 
 ness on her brow w^as the foreshadowing of the 
 da\Mi of her heart's deepest emotion, that tender 
 melancholy which seems to accompany the first 
 approach of the greatest joy which life has in 
 its gift.
 
 102 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Adeline's eyes were absolutely dancing in 
 light. Vernon's brilliancy, his amusing con- 
 versation had interested her excessively; she 
 looked radiantly lovely ; there was no stiU cloud 
 on her brow ; her deeper sentiments were 
 untouched ; her interest was from without ; the 
 chord of all-pervading feeling had not been 
 vibrated : no, instinct with life and beauty, she 
 walked beside Vernon, who seemed quite giddy 
 with spirits, exhilarated by Adeline's mirth, and 
 inspired by the spell of her magnificent 
 loveliness. 
 
 We at last finished our inspection of the 
 pictures, and returned to Mrs. Colston, who 
 fortunately had met with some friends, whose 
 chat had amused her during our long absence. 
 
 As it was yet early, I proposed to fulfil a 
 promise I had long made the young ladies, of 
 showing them my club-house. It happened 
 that Vernon was also a member, therefore he pro- 
 posed accompanying us. Stanley was compelled 
 to leave us, for he had to advocate a cause at 
 Westminster. He looked very reluctant to 
 depart ; but it was imperative, so we parted at 
 the door of the Exhibition. 
 
 Vernon escorted Adeline and Mrs. Colston 
 through the streets, while Marion took my arm. 
 I talked to her of Stanley, and tried to discover
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 103 
 
 what she thought of him. From the little she 
 said, I soon found she had pondered over his 
 words, and hy means of that quick perception 
 with w^hich most women are endued, she had 
 penetrated some of his motives and ideas. He 
 had won the first step — he had interested her, 
 he had connected himself with her thoughts of 
 the reality of things, more than with the beaut}^ 
 and superficiality of life — and this was the most 
 sure step towards permanent regard in such a 
 character as Marion's. 
 
 It was not far to the Club. Adeline was 
 charmed with the novelty of all she saw ; the 
 spacious rooms, the luxurious furniture, the 
 taste displayed in all the decorations surprised 
 her : she deai'ly loved all that gratified the eye. 
 Vernon knew many of the men who were 
 lounging about, and had to return many 
 salutations ; he amused us with his little 
 anecdotes and w^itticisms on the listless beings 
 who were lolling on the sofas and easy-chairs, 
 and gave such mahcious descriptions that they 
 were very like soubriquets, although I dare say, 
 had he been accused of such a thing, he would 
 have disclaimed it. 
 
 His vanity was gratified by escorting Adeline, 
 for he soon saw the admiring glances cast upon
 
 104 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 her. He was a man who was pleased to possess 
 a little of the approbation of society ; even in 
 what gave himself satisfaction, he liked to have 
 his judgment confirmed by the agreeing sentence 
 of his friends, and I am sure that, however 
 much he was charmed by Adehne, he felt her 
 influence increase by the not-to-be-mistaken 
 opinion of the Club in her favour. After we 
 had visited all the various rooms, and admired 
 all the paintings on the staircase, we bade 
 Vernon farewell, and returned home. 
 
 It will now be necessary to give some slight 
 sketch of Vernon's character and prospects 
 before we see him again. He was the second 
 son of General Vernon, of the Indian army, 
 who had been tolerably fortunate in his career ; 
 he had married the daughter of one of our 
 English peers somewhat late in life. Our 
 friend Frederic inherited some property from 
 his mother ; but, in compliance with his father's 
 wish, had entered the Company's service, and 
 had served ten years in India, and was now 
 home on leave. 
 
 He had been fortunate enough to get his 
 troop before he returned ; yet he still thought of 
 going back, as he rather hked the mode of life 
 there.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 105 
 
 General Vernon had lost his wife a year or 
 two before Frederic had left this country. She 
 was a gentle, amiable being, and had been the 
 very light of the General's life ; for in his early 
 days, he had been in much active service, 
 banished from his native country, from his 
 family and friends, when India was in a very 
 different condition to what that now established 
 and far-extending empire presents. When he 
 married and retired into private life, he thoroughly 
 enjoyed the quiet happiness he had so often 
 pictured to himself in the midst of his arduous 
 duties. 
 
 He had showered eveiy kind attention upon 
 his wife during a long period of delicate health ; 
 and when at last she sunk under illness, the 
 now^ old man felt how deep had been his attach- 
 ment to her, and how irreparable was his loss. 
 However, his two sons who were just entering 
 life, endeavoured to divert his mind, to interest 
 him in their proceedings. He rallied, the lamp 
 of life burned on, feebly it is true, yet for some 
 few years. 
 
 x\fter Frederic went to India, and Philip, the 
 eldest son, had entered Parliament, which kept 
 him much away from home, General Vernon 
 gradually declined, and then went to his rest.
 
 106 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Philip inherited the beautiful estate in Devon- 
 shire, where he had spent his boyhood under the 
 kind care of his parents, and here Frederic had 
 been staying since his return from India. Sadly 
 had he missed the welcome he would have 
 received, had death not visited his paternal 
 home ; how sad the once cheerful drawing-room 
 looked, where his mother used to sit. 
 
 Lady Louisa had been a kind, fond mother, 
 and both her sons tearfully thought of the past, 
 as they gazed on her sofa and work-table, which 
 their father had never allowed to be displaced, 
 and which they treasured as a remembrance of 
 her habits. Philip and Captain Vernon were 
 capital friends, there had been no jealousy, no 
 heart-burnings between them ; and now that the 
 latter had returned to England, Castleton, his 
 brother's house, was always open to him, and 
 pressing invitations were often written to induce 
 him to be more there ; for although Frederic was 
 possessed of considerable property, he had not 
 provided himself with any settled residence : the 
 London clubs afforded him all the conveniences 
 he required, and the style of life he enjoyed. 
 
 He anticipated going to Castleton at the end 
 of the summer, to be in readiness for the shoot- 
 ing season, therefore he was very well content
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 107 
 
 with his desultory life, and comfortable chambers. 
 Frederic was a noble-hearted fellow, generous 
 and ardent in his feelings, but too prone to act 
 upon impulse, too easily led away by any fancy 
 of the moment ; he often involved himself in 
 difficulties from which he suffered no slight in- 
 convenience. 
 
 He had been at the same public school with 
 Murray and Stanley, and they had continued 
 friends from then. Vernon was very partial to 
 Murray, his calm yet fancifid and metaphorical 
 reasoning had great effect upon Frederic's sen- 
 sitive feelings ; Stanley's more manly, but too 
 often harsh and sarcastic remarks hurt and 
 annoyed him. In his merr}-, careless hours, he 
 could retort and laugh at the half-misanthropical 
 philosophy of Stanley ; but when disappointment 
 or perplexity overwhelmed him, he hurried to 
 seek consolation and ad\ice from Murray, 
 who always soothed his annoyance even if 
 he coiild give him no more substantial as- 
 sistance. 
 
 He was rather susceptible to the charms of 
 young ladies, and had fancied himself in love 
 many times ; but these evanescent affairs had 
 been slight hallucinations of his imagination, 
 more than any real entanglement of the feelings.
 
 108 THE LOST INHERIT A.NCE. 
 
 As he returned to the Club, after parting with 
 the Harcourts, he threw himself upon the sofa, 
 for he was sadly given to lounging, and indulged 
 his fancy in all kinds of vagaries, mingling 
 reminiscences of the glowing skies, the huge 
 spreading forests, and all the gorgeous beauty of 
 the East, with fairy-like visions j and we will not 
 deny that perhaps some of the inmates of his 
 cloud-land wore an aspect not very unlike that 
 of Adeline Harcourt. 
 
 All that bright, hot summer afternoon, Vernon 
 lay in this listless inactivity, without even turning 
 over the newspapers which were scattered on the 
 table near him ; and when the cool evening breeze, 
 breathed through the room, and spoke of the 
 close of day, he roused himself, with something 
 like a pang of reproach, for such a waste of 
 time, and joined some military friends who had 
 come in to dine, after riding and sauntering in 
 the Park. 
 
 Frederic was soon the merriest of the party, 
 the life of all the wit and fun that was going on 
 in that party of objectless, idle men. Happy are 
 those who have daily duties which are impera- 
 tive, strong interests and responsibilities to arouse 
 them ; for the sternest tension of the moral and 
 intellectual powers, the most constant labour, is
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 109 
 
 far preferable to the dissipation of all the high 
 qualities and capabilities with which we are en- 
 dowed. If a man will not make employment 
 and duties for himself, it ^^^ll be fortunate for 
 him if a stern necessity should wake him from 
 his apathy, or real misfortune arouse his sympa- 
 thies, before his faculties are crushed by indo- 
 lence and eniiui.
 
 110 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 When day hath glided to her rosy bower, 
 And twilight comes, the poet's witching hour. 
 And dreamlike language from the soft- ton' d wind 
 With pensive cadence charms the list'ning mind, 
 When Nature's beauty, cloth'd with dewy light, 
 Melts on the heart like music through the night. 
 
 ****** 
 And not in vain, voluptuous eventide. 
 Thy dappled clouds along the horizon glide, 
 For oh ! while heaven and earth grow dumb with bliss. 
 In homage to an hour divine as this, 
 Thoughts of ethereal beauty spring to birth, 
 And waft the soul beyond the dreams of earth. 
 
 R. MONTGOMERY. 
 
 How delightful it is to escape from London, 
 — from its hot, noisy streets, and crowded parks, 
 to breathe the pure air and fresh breezes of the 
 country ! How beautiful the foliage looks, 
 how enchantingly the w^aters glance in the eyes
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. Ill 
 
 of one who has been involved in the whirl of a 
 London season ! 
 
 No wonder people try to arrange pic-nics to 
 Hampton Court, expeditions to Windsor, or 
 even dinners at Greenwich ; even the most de- 
 termined votaries of fashion long to enjoy an 
 attempt at rurality as the bright summer days 
 roll on, and w^eariness and lassitude creep on 
 them after the long-continued fatigue of nightly 
 dissipation. 
 
 Then visions of thy loveliness, classic Rich- 
 mond, steal over the imagination; the deep 
 shadow of the hoary trees in thy beautiful Park, 
 the solitude of its sequestered glades, the silvery 
 course of the flowing river, with its emerald 
 banks clothed in the richest woods, the pretty 
 villas dotting the verdant landscape, the hazy 
 blue of the distant hills, the elastic purity of the 
 wooing air, all the beauty which has been so 
 plentifully showered upon thee, comes to haunt 
 the inmate of the sultry and exciting town. 
 
 It strikes some enterprising character that a 
 party assembled to spend the day in the lovely 
 quietness of Richmond would prove successful ; 
 when balls and dinners are getting wearisome, 
 then the change to a little morning dissipation 
 is hailed with enthusiastic delight. But then 
 comes the difficulty of arrangements ; the various
 
 112 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 plans suggested of the merits of a cold lun- 
 cheon, or a sumptuous dinner ; of a water ex- 
 cursion, or an early drive ; of the style of 
 toilettes ; the annoyance of disappointments ; the 
 chance of uncertain and unpropitious weather, 
 that most important element in the enjoyment 
 of out-of-door pleasures, and over which we have 
 no control. 
 
 The summer was at its full height, every tree 
 in its brightest beauty, when Mrs. Brandon, the 
 gayest of the Harcourts' acquaintance, set afloat 
 the scheme of a pic-nic to Richmond. She and 
 her daughters were hurrying from house to 
 house, to collect an efficient party for carrying 
 out the idea effectually, for such a plan must not 
 be delayed, or the important presence of the sun 
 cannot be depended upon. 
 
 Their first care was to prevail on Mrs. Col- 
 ston to join them, for her good-nature, and ex- 
 tensive acquaintance were useful auxiharies ; she 
 consented to their proposal, provided her young 
 friends, Marion and Adeline, would accompany 
 her. She was entreated to bring as large a party 
 as possible ; and pleased with her acquiescence, 
 the Brandons proceeded on their visiting mis- 
 sion. 
 
 They were elegant, pretty-looking girls, always 
 well dressed, and ready for amusement of any
 
 THE LOST IxXHERITANCE. 1 1 3 
 
 sort ; with the prestige of being likely to possess 
 fortunes, great was the attention they received 
 from the world, but for vain, thoughtless, selfish 
 beings as they were, this homage was their ruin ; 
 they built their happiness upon a sandy founda- 
 tion and fluttered on, bent upon self-gratifica- 
 tion, till they became careless and hollow- 
 hearted. 
 
 Marion and AdeUne were delighted at the 
 prospect of a long day in the country ; they had 
 made expeditions in past years with their sketch- 
 books and flower-baskets, and recollecting the 
 pleasure of those summer days, fancied some- 
 thing of such simple amusements were to come 
 again. Little did they understand the details of 
 a pic-nic formed with all the elements of London 
 society ! 
 
 It was with much surprise they heard of 
 transparent muslins and lace bonnets being con- 
 sidered the appropriate toilletes. They were 
 disappointed at the lateness of the hour fixed for 
 meeting ; instead of spending a long day in the 
 park, they were not expected to leave town 
 until the afternoon ; however, they determined 
 to enjoy themselves ; and although the plan was 
 very difi'erent to what they had originally pic- 
 tured, they anticipated great pleasure. 
 
 Mrs. Colston took them in her light, open 
 
 VOL. L I
 
 114 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 carriage, and I occupied the fourth comer. We 
 had a merry drive, although the sun was pour- 
 ing down its burning rays upon us, and the dust 
 floating in the scarcely-stirring air, by no means 
 improvements to our position ; however, young 
 people make light of such little annoyances, par- 
 ticularly when they are joyous with anticipated 
 pleasure. Many were the laughing proposals I 
 received that I would let them give me a veil to 
 protect me from the dust, and many condolences 
 were made on the state of my coat ; however, 
 when we arrived at the hotel where we had 
 arranged to meet, such little matters were soon 
 adjusted, before we went into the garden to join 
 the rest of the party, very few of whom had yet 
 appeared. 
 
 The Brandons were there with a few gentle- 
 men, laughing and using all their powers to 
 charm. I could not help contrasting their gay 
 and almost ball-room attire, the bright silk 
 mantles, and elaborate capotes, with the quiet, 
 simple, silvery-grey dress, and the light straw 
 bonnet, with its pale green ribbons, which 
 Marion wore, or even with the more striking, 
 but still quiet elegance of Adeline's appearance. 
 
 We lounged about, watching the people 
 arrive. 
 
 It was a pretty scene : the garden with its
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 115 
 
 stone vases glittering with the showy blossoms 
 of the scarlet verbena ; the steps descending to 
 the lawn below, bordered with a profusion of 
 roses and pinks, and fragrant mignionette ; the 
 tiny fountain in the centre, dropping into the 
 carved basin, in which the gold fish were sport- 
 ing and gleaming in the sunshine ; the rustic 
 seats beneath the drooping ash ; the sweet scent 
 of the shady lime-trees, with the groups of gaily 
 dressed ladies wandering about with their cava- 
 liers at their side ; the hum of gentle voices, the 
 silvery laugh, all combined to make an enchant- 
 ing effect. 
 
 We were leaning over the bahistrade, gazing 
 upon the lovely panorama which spread itself 
 at our feet, when Adeline, who I am afraid was 
 more intent upon the promenaders than upon 
 the landscape, annoimced some fresh arrivals. 
 On the top of the steps stood Stanley, Murray 
 and Captain Vernon, surveying the animated 
 scene. I saw they soon recognized us, and 
 after speaking to the Brandons, Captain Vernon 
 hastily crossed the lawn to meet us : he and 
 Adeline were soon in full flow of merry chat. 
 Murray also joined us, and expatiated upon the 
 exquisite beauty before us. Stanley lingered 
 longer with the Brandons than his friends had 
 done, not that he was more indifferent to the 
 
 I 2
 
 1 1 6 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Harcourts' society — a few weeks before and he 
 might have sought them with as much 
 eagerness as Vernon had showed — but now 
 that his feelings were more deeply interested, 
 he almost hesitated to indulge them. 
 
 He stood near, feeling the pleasure of 
 Marion's presence, watching every change on 
 his countenance as she talked to Murray, whose 
 philosophical indifference to so much sweetness 
 he could not comprehend. 
 
 Marion was rather puzzled at Stanley's not 
 coming to speak. She felt half sorry, not that 
 she fancied he w^as standing there because he was 
 so very much pleased with Florence Brandon, 
 or because he had not noticed our presence; 
 perhaps she had a slight feeling of disappoint- 
 ment, for the thought of meeting Stanley had 
 been a cause of her anticipated pleasure. 
 
 She glanced half timidly towards him, but 
 meeting his eye, turned away with a faint 
 blush to continue her conversation with 
 Murray; that look brought Stanley to her 
 side. The step once taken, he wondered at his 
 folly in having suffered himself to delay it. 
 
 "What a bore that Florence Brandon is, 
 waylaying one in the style to which I have been 
 a victim," he said, as he shook hands wdth 
 Marion, "it really was a trial of patience to
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 117 
 
 listen to her sleepy nonentities, when one's 
 friends were near." 
 
 " I fancied you seemed much amused," 
 replied Marion. " Mr. Miu-ray was saying he 
 had never seen you look so interested ; and as 
 for Florence being insipid, that is a matter of 
 taste, for some people consider her veiy 
 amusing." 
 
 " You should see Stanley sometimes. Miss 
 Harcoiu*t, when any particularly fashionable 
 belle is his partner : while she is talking of all 
 the light subjects adapted to ball-room gossip, 
 his frozen look of abstraction, or iU-concealed 
 sneer is worth something ; you are no judge 
 of his real character, for he can play the amiable 
 sometimes." 
 
 " Are we to remain in this garden until dinner- 
 time ?" asked Marion, looking at her watch, 
 " w^e have at least an horn* and a half. I should 
 like so much to go into the Park ; let us ask 
 Mrs. Colston if she wiQ go with us, it would 
 be far cooler and pleasanter than it is here." 
 
 Mrs. Colston readily consented, pro^dded 
 Adeline would come too. Murray offered to 
 seek her. She was bending over the basin, 
 w^atching the fish playing in the sparkling 
 water, and letting the spray from the fountain 
 fall upon her hands, as she listened to Vernon's
 
 118 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 description of the gorgeousness of the East, to 
 which he had been accustomed, and half pleased 
 with the sentiment he mingled with his relation. 
 Here Murray found her, and was not displeased 
 with the office of bringing her to us ; however, 
 Vernon did not leave her, so we made a pleasant 
 party for our proposed stroll. 
 
 We left the garden by a tiny gate which 
 led immediately into the Park, and after taking 
 a turn upon the terrace, we went into the less 
 frequented paths. Murray managed to retain 
 his place by Adeline, and engaged her in con- 
 versation. Vernon joined Mrs. Colston and 
 me, and amused us by his merry chat. 
 
 " Who are these Brandons ?" he asked, 
 *' They are rather dashing looking people ; plenty 
 of money, of course ?" 
 
 " Mr. Brandon's father was a merchant in 
 an enormous business, and left his son well oif ; 
 and he, by marrying an heiress, has very much 
 increased his fortune. He is considered a 
 very rich man ; his daughters are looked upon 
 as ' catches ' I assure you ; and they really would 
 not be disagreeable girls, if they were not so 
 spoiled by adulation ; but they fancy they have 
 only to dance once with a man, to secure his 
 lasting admiration and regards." 
 
 " Well, I think a lac of rupees would be
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 1 1 9 
 
 necessary to make them go down : don't fancy I 
 intend a pun, but a lack of them might have 
 the same effect. Stanley was talking about 
 them to me last night, and in his cool, sarcastic 
 way was describing them ; he says, they are 
 excessively proper in some things, matters of 
 etiquette or appearance for instance, and yet w\\\ 
 unhesitatingly do what people who set up for 
 less would shrink from." . 
 
 " You must not believe Mr. Stanley's stric- 
 tures to their full extent, or I fear you will have 
 but a poor opinion of any one, he is so very 
 severe, especially with young ladies." 
 
 " Well, but these Brandons certainly have an 
 air of great hauteur. I should not like to ask 
 one of them to be my partner for a valse. Can 
 you fancy any one asking them to be his partner 
 for an indefinite period ? Imagine the ladylike 
 disdain he w^ould meet with, if he happened to 
 be rather short, or not of a distingue appear- 
 ance, or, perchance, an unfortunate younger son 
 like myself." 
 
 Then the Captain curled up his mouth, and 
 put on a look which reminded me so strongly of 
 Florence Brandon, that I could not refrain from 
 a hearty laugh, and the assurance that he looked 
 extremely like a young lady on the point of 
 giving a most decided negative.
 
 120 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 "We were at the Tottenhams last night," 
 Vernon continued ; " and I heard Stanley say, in 
 pathetic tones, to Murray, that he was sure it 
 would drive him mad if he were obliged to 
 look at Lucy Brandon all his Hfe. I know 
 he was thinking of what a total w^ant of 
 expression there was in her countenance, and 
 then her drawling voice which distracts poor 
 Edward." 
 
 " How grave Adeline is looking. What can 
 Mr. Murray be talking about ?" said I. 
 
 " Oh, he is moralizing, or telling some dread- 
 fully cruel case of one of his friends being 
 jilted by some young lady, I'll bet. I shall 
 go and make a diversion, it is a shame for him 
 to have Miss Adeline all to himself. Here is a 
 splendid long fern-leaf. I shall take that to 
 show her, it will be a good excuse for interrupt- 
 ing Murray's serious lecture." 
 
 Captain Vernon gathered the leaf, and turned 
 to display it to Adeline, and by this manoeuvre 
 established himself by her side. Murray found 
 he had no chance against Vernon's wild non- 
 sense, so he offered his arm to Mrs. Colston, 
 v^^ho was getting rather fatigued. 
 
 Marion and Stanley had paused so often to 
 admire the lovely glades and vistas which con- 
 stantly appeared that they were some little
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 121 
 
 distance behind, sauntering slowly on as if 
 rather absorbed in thought ; for they had not 
 talked much, he was content to enjoy the love- 
 liness which surrounded him, and to hear 
 Marion's few words in her gentle voice : he felt 
 as if in a sweet dream, and seemed almost to 
 fear that speaking would disturb its serenity. 
 She was not more inclined for conversation ; 
 happy, she scarcely knew why ; but with a 
 subdued, tender feeling which the calm beauty 
 of Nature inspires, and which the half melan- 
 choly of her companion increased. 
 
 We heard a distant clock striking, and found 
 we must hurry back or we should be late for 
 dinner ; however, by means of a short cut across 
 the Park, we reached the hotel before it was 
 announced. 
 
 " What a fortunate proposal yours was. Miss 
 Harcourt : we have had a pleasant stroll and 
 escaped the infectious dulness which seems to 
 have crept over the rest of the party," said 
 Murrav. 
 
 " I thought it was a great pity to waste such 
 a glorious afternoon in walking round and round 
 this space, to make remarks, and hear satire 
 upon our friends, which might be done equally 
 well in any ball-room. Judging from their ap-
 
 122 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 pearance they do not seem to have found much 
 amusement." 
 
 An air of restraint did indeed hang over the 
 people, many of whom were strangers to each 
 other, and who had not the tact or courage to 
 commence an acquaintance ; however, just as 
 poor Mrs. Brandon seemed overwhelmed with 
 despair at seeing anything like cordial sociability 
 arise, dinner was announced. This gave em- 
 ployment, some point of mutual interest; and 
 by the time we were all assembled in the 
 dining-room, a buzz' of conversation and merry 
 laughter might be heard. The tables were 
 arranged down both sides of the room, and 
 across one end ; and very prettily they looked 
 with the cold collation spread upon them, deco- 
 rated with flowers, and the glass jugs of various 
 forms containing iced beverages standing among 
 them. The breeze from the river blew in at 
 the open window, and made the air cool and 
 refreshing. 
 
 It was amusing to see the manoeuvres about 
 the places at dinner, the fascinating glances and 
 smiles given to induce gentlemen to place them- 
 selves beside certain young ladies ; the Braiidons 
 were anxious to secure Captain Vernon, for 
 they were girls for whom a moustache has irre-
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 123 
 
 sistible charms ; however, he offered his arm to 
 Adeline, and Murray contrived to seat himself 
 on the other side. Lucy Brandon placed herself 
 next him, but I fear she did not receive much 
 of his attention, for he and Vernon seemed 
 engaged in a species of rivalry, who should 
 obtain most of Adeline's regard. 
 
 I had seldom seen her look better : the air of 
 languid hauteur which occasionally rested upon 
 her fine features had vanished, and an expres- 
 sion of interest and spirit had superseded it ; 
 she was entertaining both her cavaliers, and 
 scattering her smiles with great profusion. 
 
 Stanley had taken Marion to dinner; they 
 were seated nearly opposite to this merry trio. 
 I saw Marion's kind nod to Adeline across the 
 table, and the pleasure she felt in seeing her 
 so amused. The dreamy pleasure Stanley had 
 enjoyed in the Park, was destroyed by the 
 change of scene ; he readily entered into conver- 
 sation, his remarks were keen and severe, and 
 all he said seemed dashed with his old views of 
 suspicion and distrust. 
 
 Marion felt annoyed and sad ; she could not 
 comprehend the effect of such a man's awaking 
 from the associations of his afternoon's reveries, 
 and finding himself surrounded by the glare and 
 vanity of society which he despised and detested.
 
 124 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 She saw the sneering smile, and heard the 
 mocking voice which accompanied his words, 
 and wondered how he coidd be so different. 
 She looked so sadly thoughtful, that it struck 
 Murray. 
 
 "You look tired. Miss Harcourt. Take a 
 glass of wine with me. You walked too far." 
 
 " No, I am not fatigued, 1 enjoyed our 
 ramble so very much ; but all this noise bores 
 me." 
 
 She gave him one of her bright smiles as 
 she raised her glass to her lips, and he thought 
 for a moment that he almost preferred it to the 
 brilliancy of Adeline's countenance, although it 
 was beaming beside him in all the richness of 
 beauty which he so idolised. After dinner the 
 ladies went into the garden, and we could hear 
 their voices as we sat near the windows; we 
 soon joined them, for there had been some idea 
 started of rowing in the evening. 
 
 The sun was rapidly sinking ; but the air was 
 so calm and warm, that few objections were 
 made about the prudence of such a proposal. 
 The ladies fetched their shawls, and we all went 
 to the river. Boats were soon found, and after 
 some little difficulty about filling them, most 
 of the young people were rowing down the 
 river.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 125 
 
 The twilight was gently stealing over the 
 distance, a few stars appeared in the sky, and 
 the pale moon rose behind the thick masses of 
 trees on the banks of the rippling stream — all 
 breathed stillness and tranquillity. Marion had 
 been talking with some gentlemen just as the 
 embarkation had been arranged, and by some 
 means Stanley could not find a place in the 
 boat in which she sat ; however, he went in the 
 one in which were Murray and Adeline, Vernon 
 and one of the Brandons. 
 
 Murray soon found out how the matter 
 stood, and calhng out to a gentleman in the 
 other boat : 
 
 " Vansittart, come into our boat ; we are 
 going to have some glees, and want you to take 
 the tenor. Stanley can't or won't sing ; he 
 wiQ not mind changing places with you." 
 
 The boats were pulled alongside, and the 
 proposed change was made. Stanley sat down 
 by Marion, with a feeling of great satisfaction. 
 She slightly coloured as he said : 
 
 " What a blessing that fellow possesses a 
 voice ! I never appreciated the benefit of a 
 musical acquaintance before." 
 
 "Is it not a lovely evening ? I do enjoy it so 
 much, it feels so calm and peaceful ! It \dll
 
 126 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 do you good, Mr. Stanley ; you seemed very — 
 what shall I say? — cross at dinner." 
 
 " I did feel very savage, I must confess ; all 
 those odious people, their absurdities and non- 
 sense disgusted me ; it was so tiresome to leave 
 that beautiful Park just to sit as if we were at 
 a London dinner. Those Brandons have no 
 idea of a real country day." 
 
 " But everything went off very satisfactorily ; 
 you must not expect such a large party to be 
 exempt from all follies ; they would be more 
 than human; you must make allowances for 
 trifles. At all events, it is paying them too 
 high a compliment to let them disturb your 
 composure." 
 
 " You must think me very ridiculous to care 
 about such things ; but sometimes they jar 
 upon one's feelings more than at others, and 
 to-day I was not in the humour to bear them ; 
 but, as you say, this calm evening does me 
 good : I have forgotten all disagreeables. 
 Listen to Vansittart's serenade ; how well his 
 voice sounds in the distance ! I do enjoy music 
 in this way." 
 
 " So do L Ah ! I recognize Adeline's voice ; 
 how clear and sweet it is to-night ! That is my 
 favourite barcarolle."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 127 
 
 Stanley made no reply ; he leant forward, 
 so as he could see Marion's countenance, while 
 she listened to the songs, and he felt all restless 
 sensations hushed into perfect tranquillity, as 
 he sat beside her, and saw the shadows of 
 evening deepen around them. The music died 
 away in the distance, the moon's bright ray 
 began to glisten on the tiny wavelets ; and when 
 the breeze sprang up with increased freshness, 
 Stanley rousing himself from his silence, said 
 in a voice which thrilled to Marion's heart : 
 
 " Let me put this shawl over you ; you must 
 be chilly, for the dew is falling. Nay, do not 
 refuse." 
 
 As he threw it round her, his hand touched 
 hers ; he could not resist one gentle pressure, 
 before he finally arranged the plaid to his satis- 
 faction. He sank back in his former silence, 
 but struck by her deep thoiightfulness, he 
 bent towards her, and asked her in a low 
 voice : 
 
 " What are you thinking of? You are not 
 wearied, I hope, with all you have done ? You 
 look pale, or is it the moonlight which casts 
 such a cold reflection over you ?" 
 
 She gave him such a sw^eet, confiding look, as 
 she replied, that he felt as if he could have 
 thrown himself at her feet in gratitude.
 
 128 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " No, I am not tired, perhaps a little sad ; 
 why or wherefore, I know not. This undulating 
 motion makes one feel dreamy ! I never re- 
 member such a dehcious evening — it compen- 
 sates for any annoyance one may have experienced 
 for months. Could you not fancy such moments 
 are granted us, that we may have courage to 
 struggle on through the vexations and troubles 
 of earth, by giving us some idea of the calm 
 happiness of heaven ?" 
 
 " I can scarcely imagine greater happiness 
 than I feel now," was the whispered answer ; 
 and then the boat touched the shore, and we 
 joined the rest of the party, who were hastily 
 disembarking and hurrying back to the hotel, 
 to take off their bonnets before the dancing 
 commenced, which was to finish the evening. 
 After a short time we all reassembled in the 
 ball-room, and the merry polkas and in- 
 spiring valses were heard, the young people 
 danced away for several hours with great 
 spirit. 
 
 I saw Murray's eyes fixed on Marion, as if 
 to assure himself of the state of affairs between 
 her and Stanley, but her calm manner baffled 
 even his penetration ; and as Arthur, who 
 dreaded anything like a public display of his 
 feehngs, scarcely danced with her, he could
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 129 
 
 catch no idea from him. Adeline was stiU in 
 the full flow of exuberant spirits, she whirled 
 on with unflagging activity. 
 
 I saw her hand on Stanley's shoulder in the 
 last valse, for he had been dancing with her, 
 that he might indulge himself \Nith talking of 
 Marion. At last the carriages drew up, and 
 we took farewell of each other, and enveloping 
 ourselves in cloaks and shawls, prepared for our 
 homeward drive. 
 
 Vernon ofl"ered Adeline his pea-jacket as a 
 protection from the night-air, which she laugh- 
 ingly declined. Stanley drew Marion's shaw^l 
 carefully over her, as she leant from the carriage 
 to bid him good-night, with her long hair droop- 
 ing over her face. 
 
 VOL. I.
 
 130 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 But in the temper of the invisible mind, 
 The godlike and undying intellect. 
 There are distinctions which will live in heaven 
 When Time is a forgotten circumstance. 
 
 ****** 
 
 And as the angels differ, will the ken 
 Of gifted spirits glorify Him more. 
 
 N. p. WILLIS. 
 
 " Do the Harcourts ever walk here ?" asked 
 Vernon, as he was lounging in Kensington 
 Gardens, one afternoon with Murray. 
 
 " Yes, very frequently, but not often when 
 the band plays, for Adeline told me she had not 
 heard it once this season ; however, as they will 
 leave town shortly, it is not unlikely they will
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 131 
 
 come to-day ; they are uncommonly nice people, 
 are they not?" 
 
 " I like the girls very much, especially 
 Adeline, and the father seems a quiet, kind old 
 gentleman enough ; but to tell you the truth, 
 the old lady rather alarms me, she is so fussy. 
 I am afraid of proposing anything, or saying 
 anything, for fear of her disapproving. Murray, 
 do fancy her in the country, she would be 
 in a constant worry : if a cloud appeared, a 
 thunder-storm w^ould be anticipated ; or if the 
 breeze were at all fresh, a hurricane must be 
 the result ; and then all the directions and 
 prohibitions, they would utterly spoil every 
 pleasure." 
 
 " She does try every one by these teazing 
 anxieties ; but I believe they all proceed from 
 over-fondness and care : it is a great pity. I 
 like her very much in many ways, but 1 would 
 rather not live in the same house with her, for 
 constant irritation is more than men can put up 
 with. She is certainly the best antidote to the 
 softer emotions that I know, for her remarks 
 quickly dispel them, or, at all events, counteract 
 their dangerous tendency ; for nothing prevents 
 
 K 2
 
 132 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 one's feelings getting interested so much as the 
 discussion or intrusion of the petty cares and 
 vexations of life. A great sorrow, or a real 
 struggle, may increase and strengthen, or even 
 create love ; for according to my theory, deep 
 emotions rather promote that passion, but daily 
 crosses and tiresome follies are its greatest 
 enemies, particularly in its early stages." 
 
 " Well, it may be so, but I always fancy love 
 should soothe all annoyances and sweeten all 
 cares." 
 
 " So it will, Fred, if it be that love which 
 ' beareth all things and hopeth all things,' but 
 when do you find such? Unless love be 
 unselfish, pure and noble, believe me, it will 
 not be unrufiled by all the bitter experience it 
 must meet with." 
 
 " The love I have pictured, would disregard 
 all these things, or extract their sting by its 
 own sweetness. I do not pretend to know all 
 the little intricacies of the heart as you do, and 
 I am rather glad I do not share your initiation ; 
 I like my own fancies better, and hope they 
 may prove realities. As for Stanley's suspicions 
 of women, his doubts about their capabilities of
 
 THE LOST INHERITAN'CE. 133 
 
 true affection, they are the most cold-blooded 
 opinions I ever heard of: I would not feel as he 
 does for worlds." 
 
 " I think, just now, Arthur seems in rather a 
 fluctuating state of mind ; he is fascinated by 
 Marion Harcourt, and sometimes yields himself 
 to her sweet influence, then his old misgivings 
 cross him, and lie is ^wetched. I saw all this 
 the other day at Richmond, particularly during 
 dinner. Marion does not quite understand him, 
 his bitter sarcasms Imrt her. I am sorry for 
 her, but she is nearly the only girl I know, who 
 could convince Stanley that he is wrong in 
 his views." 
 
 " Oh, he will soon tell a different tale ; let 
 him see a little more of her, he has not known 
 her long." 
 
 " With most men you would be right, but 
 Arthur considers everything so very acutely, 
 that I do not feel quite sure of the result : if he 
 were once attached to Marion, the die cast, he 
 would be an altered man ; it is just what his 
 character w^ants. I hope that will be the end, 
 for both their sakes ; for, with the exception of 
 this mistrustful tendency, Stanley is a capital
 
 134 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 fellow, and Marion would make him as happy 
 as a man dare hope to be." 
 
 " I am sure he would like much better to 
 have a home, than to be at clubs and in 
 chambers; he is not at all suited for such a 
 mode of life, quite different to me, for I think 
 it is very amusing ; not but what a pretty, good- 
 natured wife would be a very pleasant addition 
 to one's belongings !" 
 
 " I wonder you did not get married in India, 
 Vernon. I hear there are plenty of nice girls 
 there: it seems rather a fashionable invest- 
 ment for young ladies, to ship them for the 
 colonies." 
 
 " Ah ! but I was up the country nearly all 
 the time I was there, so I had no chance of 
 seeing these people ; and, another thing, I rather 
 fancied the idea of seeing England before I took 
 such an important step. I am very glad I 
 came home free, particularly as I have obtained 
 my troop, I can retire when I choose without 
 appearing very whimsical." 
 
 "There is Mrs. Denby, is she not hand- 
 some? I wonder what the lace on her cloak 
 cost: no trifle, I'll bet, she is awfully extra-
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 135 
 
 vagant. Her husband is on our circuit, a very 
 good fellow, and in capital practice ; and so he 
 ought to be, for with his young family, expenses 
 must be heavy and increasing. She had not a 
 farthing, but that is always the way — those 
 women who have never been accustomed to 
 spend money, throw it away the most carelessly 
 when they get hold of it. The Denbys are 
 very gay, indeed, I believe she would be 
 wretched without it : she is to be seen every- 
 where. He absolutely spoils her, and is per- 
 suaded to do things, of w^hich I know he 
 disapproves." 
 
 " What a fool he must be ! She is far too 
 showily dressed and too handsome to be 
 walking in this crowd with only that girl ; does 
 she fancy herself a chaperone, I wonder ? I 
 have often seen her about, has she any 
 children ?" 
 
 " I scarcely know — yes, I think I have heard 
 Denby speak of his nursery department, but she 
 is never guilty of such a domestic allusion ; in 
 fact, she is just the kind of woman one cannot 
 fancy playing the role of mother. I declare I 
 could almost as easily imagine her in her
 
 136 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 husband's wig and gown, as bending over a 
 cradle, and hushing an infant to sleep." 
 
 " What a horror ! I am not particiilarly 
 fond of squalling children, or of listening to 
 details of cutting teeth, or of the wonders of 
 some prodigy ; but, by George ! I would much 
 rather a woman should be guilty of a fault in 
 manners, and bore me a httle with such things, 
 than see her so utterly indifferent to them as 
 that Mrs. Denby must be, by your description. 
 Such women are rarities, for though they are 
 often careless and selfish, they are seldom so 
 utterly indifferent. What does Stanley think 
 of her ? Now she deserves some of his sar- 
 casms." 
 
 " He scarcely knows her ; her appearance is 
 enough for him, she is got up far too 
 elaborately, far too regardless of expense to 
 agree vdth his ideas of simple elegance; and 
 then she is too demonstrative in her manners, 
 dances too well, which, as you know, is a very 
 possible fault in a lady, and starts rather 
 questionable objections on morality occasionally. 
 I believe she thinks it pleases young men to 
 appear very unprejudiced, very free from the
 
 THE LOST INHERITA^XE. 137 
 
 conventionalities which society has established; 
 but I could tell her, nothing disgusts us more, 
 than to see a woman condescending to our 
 opinions, lowering herself to our standard of 
 propriety, instead of raising it to a higher 
 tone." 
 
 " I am sure that is true : one does not like 
 to think that women can lose that bright 
 innocence, and unsullied purity of mind, for 
 which we love them ; and yet if they will 
 talk as some of them do, what are we to be- 
 lieve?" 
 
 " After all, we are to blame, for we do all we 
 can to spoil them — we encourage their follies, 
 and then laugh at their conceit ; and when they 
 are stamped with worldliness, we are the first to 
 blame and ridicule them." 
 
 "It is a shame, but they so kindly help us 
 on, that we cannot refrain from indulging in 
 the game." 
 
 " I am afraid I have done it ver}^ often, but I 
 begin to think over some of my follies with 
 a little regret. Here come the Harcoiu-ts. 
 Adeline is not looking so well as usual ; but 
 fancy her wearing pale blue, the very worst
 
 138 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 colour she could choose. I shall attack Marion 
 about it." 
 
 Vernon was soon between Adeline and 
 Marion, while Murray walked with Mrs. 
 Harcourt. 
 
 " What a motley crowd this is — a sprinkling 
 of all sorts, I do not much like it," said 
 Adeline. " Look at all those foreigners, how 
 I do dislike to see such specimens of 
 humanity." 
 
 " You have never been abroad, Miss Adeline, 
 or you would have been accustomed to the 
 monkeys ; but that group is certainly very 
 grotesque, those fellows seem to think it 
 necessary to make themselves look as much 
 like ruffians as possible when they come to 
 England." 
 
 " I think the band quite spoils the gardens, it 
 attracts so many people ; and one is scarcely 
 repaid, for we hear very little music, and that is 
 none of the best. We seldom ever come, but 
 Adeline had a fancy for it this afternoon ; and 
 we shall not have many more opportunities, for 
 we are going out of town very soon," said 
 Marion
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 139 
 
 "So I hear : I am so sorry. I hate 
 breaking up the season, it is such a chance 
 whether one meets again ; or, at all events, in 
 such pleasant circumstances. Where are you 
 going r 
 
 " To Fenton. We hear it is a most lovely 
 place and very quiet, so that we shall be able 
 to be quite independent, and wander about 
 aU day." 
 
 " I know some people who live near ; there is 
 some tolerable shooting in the neighbourhood. 
 I recollect going there w^hen I was a boy, long 
 before I went to India. I hope you are good 
 climbers, for I assure you the hills are no trifles, 
 and the roads are execrable; however, if you 
 care about wild, romantic scenery, you will be 
 charmed." 
 
 " It will be quite delightful to us, for it is 
 some time since we were in a very retired 
 place, and we enjoy the country extremely." 
 
 " You must leave all your London finery 
 behind, for the rocks and brambles will soon 
 reduce it to tatters ; and then it must be a bore 
 for ladies to trouble themselves much about 
 dress in the country. You must take your
 
 140 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 habits, for many of the prettiest views are 
 beyond a walk." 
 
 The path was rather crowded at this mo- 
 ment, and, as our party turned, Mrs. Har- 
 court paused to speak to Vernon, when 
 Murray detached himself from her, and joined 
 Marion. 
 
 " Do you intend going to the Corries to- 
 night ? You must not play truant just at the 
 finale.'''' 
 
 " Yes, we intend going ; it wiU be our last act 
 of dissipation this season, so our appearance is 
 voted an imperative duty." 
 
 " You talk of going away with such in- 
 difference, that I am afraid you do not care for 
 all the regret your departure will cause." 
 
 " Now, Mr. Murray, do not you condescend 
 to make pretty speeches. I had hoped you 
 knew me too well, to think they pleased me ; 
 and I will do you the justice to believe that you 
 find saying them quite an effort. I am rather 
 sorry to leave town, but the heat and hurry 
 have quite wearied me; this lovely weather 
 makes one long for the freedom of the country. 
 Are you not looking forward to the long vacation
 
 THE LOST INHERITA^XE. 141 
 
 with something of the feeling of schoolboys 
 anticipating then- holidays ?" 
 
 " Many of us are, I assure you : our friend 
 Stanley among others, for he has but little 
 recreation during term. I left him this after- 
 noon in court, engaged in a heavy case, when I 
 know he was quite envying me my privilege of 
 idleness, and he would have done still more 
 so had he known how fortunate I was fated 
 to be." 
 
 "Mr. Stanley is a puzzle to me — he is so 
 different at different times. Is he really as 
 suspicious and misanthropical as he endeavoiu's 
 to paint himself?" 
 
 " Stanley has very deep rather than quick 
 feelings, and when they are concerned he is very 
 jealous and distrustful. When he is longing 
 to have them appreciated and understood, he 
 shrinks back, from the fear of being deceived or 
 miscomprehended, as one may fancy a thirsty 
 man denying himself the luxury of a draught of 
 cold water, from the fear of its being poisoned ; 
 this peculiarity has prevented his forming con- 
 nections, which would have afforded him great 
 pleasure. I can scarcely understand such a
 
 142 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 feeling, for I think, in the majority of men, good 
 greatly predominates over evil. I do not mean 
 that Stanley suspects people of intentions of 
 defrauding and of deceiving him — no, it is only 
 that he is so fearful of not having a sufficient 
 return for his feelings. Have I given you any 
 help in your study of his character ?" 
 
 " Not much, I am afraid. I cannot under- 
 stand such excessive refinement upon motives, 
 and I hope I never may, for real friendship, 
 according to my ideas, has no room for 
 doubts." 
 
 "And, of course, in real love, there is still 
 less place for them ?" 
 
 "There they ought to be unknown — there 
 should be perfect confidence, unshaken faith 
 between those who are united by the everlasting 
 bond of a true attachment, let the circum- 
 stances be ever so peculiar. I believe I should 
 never allow a misgiving to cross my mind, for 
 if I once esteemed any one sufficiently to love 
 them as a woman will love, I could never 
 doubt them." 
 
 Murray was silent a few moments, and then 
 added :
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 143 
 
 . " I wish you could impart this feeling to 
 Stanley, he would be a much happier 
 man." 
 
 Marion made no reply to this speech, but 
 began speaking of Vernon, with whom she was 
 much pleased. Murray was watching him, as 
 he turned towards AdeHne, his bright eye now 
 dancing with merriment, and now expressive of 
 feehng. He certainly looked a very handsome, 
 distinguished fellow, as he strolled under the 
 flickering shade of the lofty trees, with Mrs. 
 Harcourt leaning on his arm, and Adeline 
 walking by his side; she, notwithstanding the 
 unbecoming colour of her bonnet, appearing 
 very charming and animated, playing with her 
 lace parasol, and tossing it about in a way 
 peculiar to herself, and which at one time 
 expressed excited pleasure, and at another 
 haughty insouciance. 
 
 There was a sHght frown on Murray's brow% 
 as he saw the bright smile which beamed on 
 Adeline's countenance as she turned tow^ards 
 Captain Vernon, and which had sometimes 
 greeted him. Men are naturally so intensely 
 jealous, that it annoys them terribly to see a
 
 144 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 woman, for whom they have felt the most 
 trivial regard, distinguish another man by looks 
 of pleased interest. And Murray had been 
 more fascinated by Adeline than he was quite 
 aware of, or was willing to allow even to 
 himself; an ardent admirer of beauty, her 
 expressive and almost Eastern style, was the 
 one that always captivated him most com- 
 pletely. 
 
 " Vernon and your sister seem to suit 
 famously. She quite cuts her old friends now," 
 he said, with a slight shade of bitterness in his 
 voice. " I am afraid she is verifying Stanley's 
 prediction, by becoming a flirt." 
 
 " No, you must not say that, Mr. Murray. 
 Captain Vernon is very attentive to Adehne, 
 and seems to take pleasure in her society ; she 
 has no reason to dislike him. Why should she 
 be affected and ridiculous, and avoid him ? You 
 spoke so highly of the Captain, that, at first, I 
 think she valued him from your description ; 
 she took his good qualities on account, as it 
 w^ere ; not but what we soon liked him for 
 himself, he is so very sociable and open-hearted, 
 that one soon feels as if he were an old friend.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 145 
 
 instead of an acquaintance of only a few 
 months' standing. Do you not think one gets 
 more at home with some people in a far shorter 
 time, than you do with others? that they are 
 more easily understood, more calculated to 
 make a quicker impression ?" 
 
 " Certainly, they seem to develope themselves 
 before one, as the rapid vegetation of the 
 tropics springs to luxuriance ; Vernon is one of 
 these people I know. As a boy he was always 
 apt in acquiring friends, and he retains them, 
 which is not always the case with those 
 who have the facility of making acquaintance. 
 No ! I do not wonder at vour sister bein": 
 pleased with him, he has everything in his 
 favour." 
 
 *' It does not follow that he would strike 
 every one in the same way. Adeline is most 
 easily impressed by a demonstrative character — 
 by one who would influence her by making an 
 effort to do so. She is rather languid and 
 dreamy herself, and the more energetic and 
 impetuous another is, the more she likes them. 
 The old story of contrasts, you see !" 
 
 " I comprehend you. How strange it is, 
 
 VOL. I. L
 
 146 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 that those whose dispositions assimilate, never 
 get attached to each other ; it seems as if a few 
 differences were necessary to cement the union. 
 Indeed, nothing can be more insipid than con- 
 stant similarity in opinions ; a little variety, 
 which exercises forbearance, self-denial and 
 temper, gives interest to life, by keeping the 
 feelings and faculties bright." 
 
 " May not all this give a better reason for 
 Adeline's being pleased with Captain Vernon, 
 than the mere love of admiration, or the odious 
 vanity of gaining his regard just as a 
 triumph ?" 
 
 "Yes, it may, and I will believe it is so, 
 though still I think there is a little of that 
 same vanity lurking in the corner of her heart ; 
 but if it be never more developed than it now 
 is, no great harm will be done." 
 
 " I think we ought to be talking of turning 
 homewards, or we shall be late for dinner, which 
 would annoy my father. We will tell that 
 merry trio the hour. Perhaps they will con- 
 descend to think of such a sublunary event as 
 the dinner- hour." 
 
 The carriage was soon drawn up, and as the
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 147 
 
 young ladies stepped in, several little promises 
 about dances in the evening were extorted. 
 Vernon claimed the first valse with Adeline. 
 She smiled her assent as the carriage drove 
 off. 
 
 It was a gay ball to which the Harcourts 
 went that evening. It was late before they 
 entered, and most of the party had already 
 assembled. Vernon soon appeared to claim 
 Adeline for the promised valse, and Murray 
 appropriated Marion, rather to Stanley's dis- 
 gust, as he had been waiting in the hope of 
 securing her for the first dance. 
 
 Mrs. Harcourt found her w^ay to a comfort- 
 able sofa in the dancing room, and sat there 
 amusing herself by looking on the animated 
 scene ! Chaperones ought to receive great 
 praise for the exemplary patience with which 
 they perform their arduous duties ! Seated for 
 hours together, night after night, in hot, crowded 
 rooms, wearied and neglected, with but few to 
 talk to, their only interest is to be found in 
 sympathizing in the pleasure of the young 
 beating hearts around them, in recollecting 
 
 L 2
 
 148 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 their own youthful days, and in looking forward 
 to the future of others. 
 
 Stanley went to Marion as soon as the dance 
 was over, and laughingly called upon Murray 
 to resign his partner, very quietly transferring her 
 to his own arm. 
 
 " I understood you were in the gardens this 
 afternoon. It was so fine that I quite longed 
 to get away from court, and enjoy the shady 
 coolness of the trees. I do not know w^hen I 
 felt business so irksome ; the counsel seemed so 
 tedious, and the judge gave us such a long 
 speech, that I felt quite impatient. Murray 
 was a lucky fellow — I quite envied his free- 
 dom." 
 
 " That is what one must pay for distinction. 
 You cannot arrange for briefs to come just as 
 you wish. I thought you were not one to regret 
 a little confinement or inconvenience if any real 
 good were to be gained, or any views forwarded. 
 1 always fancied your ambition would impel you 
 onwards, at whatever sacrifice of minor gratifi- 
 cations." 
 
 " It has done so hitherto. I have worked
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 149 
 
 sometimes for the sake of overcoming diffi- 
 culties, for the excitement of triumphing, for 
 the sake of rising in the scale of estimation. 
 I have enjoyed the keen struggle of intellect, 
 and felt my heart sweU with pride at success ; 
 but there are higher, purer sources of happiness, 
 calmer, holier feelings to rejoice in, and I am 
 beginning to understand them : hopes far sweeter 
 than visions of w^orldly aggrandisement have 
 fanned me with their bright pinions ; dreams 
 of a life have haunted me, tinged with better 
 prospects than the wool-sack or the judge's 
 robe. Cannot you understand that I might 
 think a stroll in Kensington Gardens, under 
 some circumstances, far more agreeable than 
 being successful in a doubtful trial ?" 
 
 " Yes, I can easily imagine pleasanter things 
 than your professional duties, even w^hen flushed 
 with the proudest triumphs, things in which the 
 heart can be satisfied as w^ell as the intellect ; 
 but then women feel so differently to men about 
 such things !" 
 
 " Do you then fancy we are only capable of 
 carrying out and arranging details of business, 
 or engaging in strife and contention, that we
 
 150 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 have no appreciation of calm, peaceful happi- 
 ness ? How mistaken you are ! You will know 
 better some day, I hope." 
 
 Marion's eye fell beneath the deep, earnest 
 gaze Stanley bent upon her. The impassioned 
 tone of his voice which had so often sounded 
 coldly and sarcastically upon her ear agitated 
 her, and her hand slightly trembled when he 
 took it, as they returned to the dance. 
 
 Silently they whirled round in the valse, his 
 imagination picturing life' with far deeper inte- 
 rests than had dawned on him before, and her 
 heart throbbing with emotions, to which it had 
 hitherto been a stranger. Onward they went, 
 until they were arrested by the sudden cessation 
 of the music ; she leant on his arm for a moment 
 with a feeling of weariness, he then led her to 
 take an ice. In the refreshment-room they found 
 Adeline and Murray chatting with great interest. 
 It was rather a relief to Stanley to meet with 
 some friend who would interrupt his tete-a-tete 
 with Marion, for he felt that in another inter- 
 view he might not be able to keep himself under 
 such control as he wished for the present to do ; 
 — ardent, passionate words would present them-
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 151 
 
 selves to him, would feel rushing on for utter- 
 ance, but then reason said wait, see more of her 
 — do not be in a hurry — and to avoid the 
 influence of his feelings, he gladly hailed the 
 presence of others as a species of distraction 
 from them. 
 
 A half perceptible smile crossed Murray's lip 
 as he saw them enter, for Marion's cheek was 
 still brightly flushed, and a sweet happy look- on 
 her brow, which told much to his experienced 
 eye, and the peculiar expression on Stanley's 
 countenance assured him that his hitherto im- 
 penetrable heart was rapidly surrendering itself 
 to the gentle whisperings of love. 
 
 The four stood talking together for some 
 time, till Mrs. Harcourt joined them, accom- 
 panied by Captain Vernon, and saying it was 
 late, mshed to go home. Shawls were soon 
 found, and while Adeline was laughing and 
 talking to her cavalier, Stanley placed Marion's 
 cloak on her shoulders, and w^hispered as he 
 ofl^ered his arm : 
 
 " You will not forget this ball, the last of the 
 season ? We mav not meet for some months, 
 but think sometimes of this evening with your
 
 152 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 dear, kind feelings ; and when I am again fortu- 
 nate enough to see you, let me flatter myself, 
 you do not regard me as a mere every*day 
 acquaintance.'* 
 
 Marion's eyes were slightly clouded by a tear, 
 as she looked an answer ; the pale, cold morning 
 twilight was yet dim, as they entered the car- 
 riage, and something of its dark, shadowy influ- 
 ence seemed to hang over Stanley as he watched 
 them drive away ; while he was with Marion all 
 seemed bright and true ; but when she vanished, 
 he appeared to fall back into his old sea of doubt 
 and misgiving. The cure was only commenced, 
 far from completion, time only could effect it 
 permanently.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 153 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 There's beauty in the soft warm summer mom, 
 When leaves are sparkHng with the early dew. 
 When birds awake, and buds and flowers are born ; 
 And the rich sun appears, half trembling through 
 The crimson haze, and dim harmonious azure blend 
 Of the far eastern heav'ns. There's beauty deep 
 From mountain tops to catch the distant view 
 Of quiet glen, wood-path, wild craggy steep, 
 Or cool sequester'd coast, where lonely waters sleep. 
 
 CHARLES SWAIN. 
 
 It was a bright morning, when the Harcourts 
 found themselves on the railroad, whirling on- 
 wards at a most rapid rate by the express train ; 
 they passed rich expanses of country, villages, 
 towns, beautiful houses, and isolated cottages 
 with such speed that they could scarcely catch a
 
 154 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 glimpse of them. After about three hours' drive, 
 they reached the termination of the steam part 
 of their journey. While the carriage was being 
 packed, and the horses put to, they strolled 
 about the curious old town, where the station 
 was situated ; they had time to visit one or two 
 of the fine churches, for which the place is 
 celebrated, and then hastened to meet the 
 carriage. 
 
 The bustle of a railway-terminus is over- 
 whelming ; porters, baggage, barrows and guards 
 hurrying backwards and forwards, passengers 
 wrapped in coats and cloaks of every for n and 
 shape, carrying plaids of every colour, extra- 
 ordinary hats and caps on their heads, anxiously 
 watching the safe stowage of their fishing tackle, 
 or their precious gun-case ; sometimes a *:efrac- 
 tory dog is to be heard howling at its separa- 
 tion from its master, and being deposited in a 
 dark hole. 
 
 Towards the end of a London season, you see 
 whole nursery departments, children of all ages, 
 gazing with wondering eyes upon the huge 
 mass of carriages into which they are expecting 
 to be lifted; now and then the shrill cry of
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 155 
 
 an infant echoes through the roof of the lofty 
 platform, and its nurse's pacifying soothings 
 follow. Such a sound quickly disperses those 
 gentlemen who may be lounging near ; they 
 rush into a carriage, fervently hoping that no 
 evil chance may bring the luckless baby near 
 them. Then fathers of families walk by with 
 slow steps, thinking how confoundedly expensive 
 it is to move a large party for their annual 
 change of air. They step into the carriage at 
 the last moment, just as the final beU is ringing, 
 and are often in not the best of all possible 
 humours 
 
 Few things disturb a man's equanimity more 
 than paying down his money ; and few ways 
 of spending it, are less satisfactory than 
 travelling expenses : they are but a means for 
 an end. 
 
 When the Harcourts found themselves in the 
 carriage, although four horses were carrying 
 them on at a very fair pace, the motion seemed 
 so slow after the rush of railroad proceeding, 
 that they all exclaimed about it. 
 
 However, nothing could be more enjoyable 
 than driving through the lovely country they
 
 156 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 were now traversing. The trees hung over the 
 road, which often ran through the most rural 
 lanes, where the fragrant woodbine trailed itself 
 along the hedges which were filled with wild 
 flowers. The pretty cottages with their porches 
 overhung with clustering roses, and the well- 
 cultivated gardens in which curly-headed 
 children were playing, the straggling villages 
 with their old church towers peering over 
 the trees, afforded many delightful pictures of 
 country life. 
 
 The Harcourts did not stop at any of the inns 
 on the road longer than was necessary to change 
 horses, for they were provided with a case of 
 sandwiches and some wine and water ; and a 
 very merry luncheon they had, inventing various 
 little contrivances to supply the want of every- 
 day necessaries. How glad young people are to 
 throw off, for a short time, the conveniences to 
 which they have been accustomed. How joy- 
 fully they dispense with plates and forks, just 
 for the pleasure of exercising their ingenuity 
 to replace them. Old people cannot understand 
 this ; they dislike to be put out of their way : 
 things which are really trifles, appear of moment
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 157 
 
 to them ; they too often forget how delighted 
 they were in their younger days to substitute the 
 fresh leaves of the water-lily for plates in their 
 rural picnics. 
 
 Mr. Harcourt entered into his daughters' 
 amusement and little expedients, and joined in 
 their merry laugh ; but his wife could not re- 
 frain from regrets that she had forgotten to 
 bring such an article, or expression of complaint 
 at some imaginary inconvenience. 
 
 Marion did all in her power to remedy these 
 evils or to find some excuse for them, and her 
 ready tact and active usefulness were of great 
 avail in the attempt. The day passed on 
 without any great interruption to its harmony 
 and pleasure. As they advanced, they reached 
 a more hilly tract of country, the scenery became 
 grander, and they occasionally caught sight of 
 the sea and the bold rocky outline of coast 
 between the woods and hills in the distance. 
 At one time the carriage road was on the edge 
 of a deep ra\4ne, at the foot of which w^as a 
 lonely house ; the roaring waves dashed on the 
 stones which seemed close beside it. It made 
 Marion almost giddy to look down from this
 
 158 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 tremendous height; but the grandeur and im- 
 posing beauty of the scene quite rivetted her 
 gaze. 
 
 After they had passed this glen, they crossed 
 an open moor, where the sheep were grazing 
 peacefully, the dews were just beginning to fall, 
 a gentle mist hung over the valleys, the purple 
 heather scented the air with its delicious fra- 
 grance and added to the loveliness of the 
 summer evening. 
 
 Twilight was stealing on as they approached 
 their journey's end ; they were descending the 
 last hill, when they all exclaimed with delight at 
 the beauty of the scene before them. The sea 
 roared below them amid the red rocks which 
 were mantled with foliage, and in the fast fading 
 light they could just distinguish the far stretching 
 woods, and the rustic bridge which spanned the 
 rapid foaming mountain torrent, which rushed 
 onwards to the ocean. They could hear the 
 murmuring dash of its waters as they fell over 
 the rocks, which laying in its bed, impeded 
 its course. 
 
 An old man soon directed them to the house 
 they had engaged. They were not sorry to
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 1 59 
 
 leave the carriage, and to find themselves in a 
 comfortable room where tea was prepared 
 The hissing urn soon appeared, and after due 
 attention had been given to the bread and 
 butter, they were very glad to retire and 
 seek repose after the fatigues of their long day's 
 travelling. 
 
 Marion and Adeline did not indulge in a late 
 slumber the following morning, but sauntered 
 out early to gain some little knowledge of their 
 new situation. The dew still sparkled on 
 the white roses which yet hung in rich clus- 
 ters around the windows, and poured their 
 odours on the gentle breeze. They strolled 
 through some lanes near, where the large honey- 
 suckle and bindweed bloomed in luxuriance. 
 Marion attempted to reach one of the waxen 
 blossoms of the latter, but it was beyond her 
 reach ; Adeline then tried her skill and her 
 superior height enabled her to gather it with 
 ease. She gave it to her sister, who bent over 
 the delicate flower w^th delight. An old wo- 
 man had been watching their movements w^ith 
 surprise, for, in her estimation, the plant they so 
 admired was but a straggling weed.
 
 160 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Marion saw her look, and kindly said : 
 
 " We are just come from London, and are 
 quite pleased at finding ourselves in the country ; 
 what a lovely place your village is." 
 
 The old woman smiled at her delight, and 
 said she had never seen any other place, but 
 that she did not think much of it. 
 
 " Poor old dame," said Adeline, " she would 
 tell a different tale if she had been cooped up in 
 the close alleys of London. How some of the 
 poor creatures there would revel in this fresh 
 breeze. Whatever privations the country poor 
 suffer, they always have great advantage over 
 the indigent in towns, for they need not be 
 deprived of light and air." 
 
 The girls wandered down the lanes, which 
 were in perfect shade, so thick was the foliage 
 of the overhanging trees, and were charmed 
 with their walk, They returned laden with the 
 wild flowers which sprung up in profusion 
 every where. The vases in the rooms were 
 soon filled with the tender blossoms, and the 
 many coloured spiral grasses which are so 
 graceful. 
 
 After breakfast a little unpacking was done,
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 161 
 
 and the drawing-room soon lost that look of 
 chill desolation which mere tables and chairs, 
 arranged with mathematical precision, convey. 
 The sofa was wheeled round to the window, 
 from which might be seen the village church 
 overshadowed by a fine old yew-tree, the bold 
 sweep of the coast, and the blue ocean. A few 
 books, and one or two pretty work-baskets, 
 lay on the table, and Marion's colour-box 
 and sketch-books gave an air of habitable com- 
 fort. 
 
 The post time is always a matter of great 
 interest and excitement in a country place : it is 
 looked forward to with anxious expectations, the 
 newspaper is hailed with the feeling of its being 
 a gossiping friend come to beguile the time. J^t 
 Fenton there was generally an impatient group 
 gathered together in the small place, in which 
 was the principal hotel, (for mere village as it 
 was, it boasted of two hotels, as they were 
 called there, but which in most places would 
 have been considered quite secondary inns) 
 the post-office, and the shop, in one win- 
 dow of which bonnets, ribbons of the gayest 
 
 VOL. 1. M
 
 162 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 hues, laces and gloves were displayed, and in 
 the other, soap, candles, hacon, and other 
 eatables. 
 
 This general receptacle was presided over by 
 Mr. and Mrs. Brye ; and you seldom passed it 
 without seeing some one coming out or going 
 in, for here all information of the lions of the 
 neighbourhood might be obtained, and for those 
 who liked a gossip, Mrs. Brye, with her good- 
 natured face, and somewhat slovenly dress, was 
 always ready to gratify their taste ; she seemed 
 to have some omniscient fairy who brought her 
 tidings of every one's affairs ;- sometimes they 
 happened to be true, but this was quite a 
 chance, her narrations were amply embroidered ; 
 still she was an important person in Fenton — 
 from cultivating the tastes of its female popula- 
 tion in matters of finery, to interfering and 
 advising upon the minutest arrangements of 
 their household, her opinion reigned para- 
 mount. 
 
 Mr. Harcourt was always one of the loungers 
 at the post-ofHce about eleven o'clock, and he 
 generally received a tolerable budget of letters.
 
 THE LOST INHERITA>XE. 163 
 
 With these, and his paper, he strolled down the 
 lanes which led to the sea-shore, and seating 
 himself on the rocks, amused himself with spell- 
 ing over the closely printed paper, now and then 
 levelling his telescope, which was his constant 
 companion, or in watching the fishing-boats put 
 oif from the tiny harbour. Mrs. Harcourt, with 
 a book, lounged near him, and the girls clam- 
 bered about, and explored the little creeks and 
 huge rocks on the shore, or rambled through 
 the woods. Marion now and then attempting 
 to sketch the panorama which surrounded her. 
 Adeline seldom touched a pencil, she would 
 recline under the trees, and while she idly 
 twisted the graceful fern into a thousand forms, 
 dreamily mused, or poured all her fancies and 
 thoughts into Marion's ear ; sometimes her wild 
 spirits of mirth and glee would rise, and her 
 merry laugh would echo through the solitude, 
 and Marion would throw her drawing aside, 
 after vainly endeavouring to continue it in spite 
 of Adeline's nonsense. 
 
 Then there were rides and drives to be 
 managed, and occasionally a luncheon cd fresco 
 was accomplished; although the pleasure of 
 
 M 2
 
 164 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 these little plans was much diminished by Mrs. 
 Harcourt's nervous fears and anxieties, which 
 found vent in fretful speeches anticipating evil, 
 and calculated to irritate the equanimity of most 
 people, our party thought as little of it as they 
 could. Mr. Harcourt's easy temper was seldom 
 provoked, he had become too much accustomed 
 to the nettles which grew round his domestic 
 hearth, to heed their stings, or if they ever 
 roused him, it was but a temporary ebullition 
 which soon subsided. 
 
 Adeline drank in the beauties which sur- 
 rounded her, and often forgot such matter-of- 
 fact disagreeables in the indulgence of her own 
 dreamy sensations ; she was one who lived in 
 the beauty and spirituality of nature, and shrunk 
 from the shadows of life, as from some grim 
 image ; now and then she was wakened from 
 this world of her own, by some rough storm, or 
 irritating sirocco of temper, but her annoyance 
 soon passed off, and left her as unoccupied as 
 before. 
 
 Marion, though to a careless observer the 
 most indifferent of the party, to these interrup- 
 tions of harmony, was the one who felt them
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 165 
 
 most acutely, for she was vividly susceptible to 
 all impressions ; an unjust sarcasm, or sharp 
 tone hurt her inexpressibly, yet she never replied 
 to them, or allowed herself to appear ruffled ; 
 she increased daily in her stern self-control, until 
 she almost acquired the power of sending back 
 the tears which rushed to her eyes, and of 
 steadying her voice, though every pulse was 
 throbbing with excitement, and every fibre 
 quivering in her frame, and to speak calmly on 
 the most indifferent subjects. 
 
 I think she almost fancied this was her 
 especial duty : fully aware of her quick feelings, 
 she strove to hold them in complete subjection ; 
 but this apparent insensibility irritated Mrs. 
 Harcourt more than anything else, and she 
 always appeared to level her observations more 
 pointedly at Marion than at any one. However, 
 notwithstanding these Httle contretemps, the 
 time passed on very rapidly. The few wet days 
 were spent in finishing sketches which had been 
 commenced in more propitious weather, in 
 performing the long-neglected duties of corres- 
 pondents, in reading or work, and sometimes in 
 talking over the events of their gaiety in town ;
 
 166 THE LOST INHERITxVNCE. 
 
 how often their thoughts hovered over those 
 past scenes, it would be difficult to say, or how 
 much the society and conversation of some 
 favourite friends was missed, and left a void for 
 which no contemplation of loveliness could 
 entirely compensate. 
 
 Perhaps it would have gratified Marion and 
 Adeline had they known how much their 
 absence was felt by some. Captain Vernon 
 lounged at his club, and in the park much 
 as he had done, but he felt no interest in 
 the employment. Kensington Gardens looked 
 dull, and the closed shutters of the Harcourts' 
 house, which he passed occasionally, added to 
 his melancholy feelings ; still he remained in 
 town, and went to balls and dinners. At last 
 invitations ceased, only a few equipages appeared 
 in the park, blinds were drawn down over dirty 
 windows, withered geraniums and mignionette 
 unwatered and untended straggled over the 
 balconies, dust and heat seem to hang over the 
 deserted streets. 
 
 The shops were filled with sea-side costumes, 
 with "wide-awakes," with extraordinary yacht- 
 ing-coats, and most peculiar shooting-jackets.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 167 
 
 with all the mysterious improvements of carpet- 
 bags, of wonderful dressing-cases, and writing- 
 desks amalgamated into one mishapen article, 
 with all the useless luxuries in which so much 
 money is annually squandered, with the excuse 
 of convenience and portability. All seemed 
 to announce the season being concluded, 
 and to assert that London " was out of 
 town." 
 
 Vernon called at his tailor's, and was informed 
 that he had gone up the Rhine ; muttering 
 something complimentary about " the fellow's 
 confounded impudence," he went to his boot- 
 maker, who being a less fashionable character 
 had only removed to Margate ; Vernon could 
 not help smiling at this general defection of his 
 tradespeople, and thinking that as they had 
 deserted town, it must be time for others to 
 make arrangements for flitting also. The empty 
 sofas and chairs at his club drove him to despe- 
 ration ; he wrote to his brother and told him 
 he might expect him in a few days at Castle- 
 ton. 
 
 Then he had the employment of looking 
 after his guns, of lounging at the gimmaker's,
 
 168 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 suggesting various alterations and improvements 
 in the barrel, or in the lock of the case, then 
 there were orders to be given for powder and 
 caps, and all the paraphernalia of a sportsman's 
 requisitions. He met Murray walking in a 
 listless, aimless way, a day or two before he 
 proposed leaving town, and found that he was 
 still undetermined how to pass his long vaca- 
 tions, visions of a continental trip, of a tour to 
 Norway, had attracted him ; but he told Vernon 
 that he thought he should first make some 
 visits nearer home, and then see what turned 
 up, as at all events, he would have ample 
 time for a visit to Paris before next term, even 
 if he determined not to go any further a 
 field. 
 
 Murray called at Stanley's chambers just 
 before the commencement of the vacation, and 
 found him immersed in business, with all his 
 energies and thoughts bent upon his papers : 
 for when the incitement for idleness had departed, 
 Stanley returned to his old habits with increased 
 devotion, and pursued his professional duties 
 with redoubled vigour, as a kind of diversion 
 from the disagreeable sense of loneliness which
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 169 
 
 crept over him. Unlike Vernon, who had sought 
 for relief in gaiety, in the same scenes which he 
 had enjoyed with Adeline, Stanley avoided the 
 parks, declined all dances, and by hard reading 
 endeavoured to dispel the entrancing spell which 
 he felt was binding him. 
 
 His memory, however, would revert to the 
 past ; notwithstanding all his efforts to the 
 contrary, Marion's bright truthful look, would 
 rise before him, however the dull law might 
 seek to dim its distinctness. Why did he resist 
 the gentle influence ? why did he shrink from 
 the image of happiness which his fancy 
 conjured up? Because he could not fling 
 away his doubts, suspicious misgivings of her 
 ingenuous simplicity would cross his mind, and 
 with a sigh, he thought " she too may be 
 false !" 
 
 Oh, grasping and exacting pride of man ! 
 must you have absolute perfection ? Must an 
 angel be granted to you before you will con- 
 descend to indulge your feelings and affections ? 
 True, they are precious, most precious to you, 
 granted that a disappointment or a blight thrown
 
 170 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 upon them is to extinguish the light of life, to 
 obliterate the sun from nature, but if you are 
 to persist for ever in misinterpretations, in 
 vacillations, in suspicions, do you not lose oppor- 
 tunities of securing happiness of which you 
 have dreamed for years ? 
 
 Man cannot have occasions for procuring 
 blessings always granted him ; few such occur 
 through life, wise are those who seize them, and 
 catching the fortunate breeze, sail on, under 
 its auspices " to the haven where they would 
 be." 
 
 Stanley half determined to go into Italy 
 during the long vacation, not because such a tour 
 would give him pleasure, but to avoid the temp- 
 tation of meeting Marion for two or three months, 
 that he might return and see her again with less 
 interested feelings, that he might judge whether 
 she cared at all for him, by w^iat he might hear 
 of her during his absence, not recollecting how 
 little he had said to her that he had not said to 
 many others, forgetting how carefully he had 
 avoided committing himself, and how^ unfairly 
 he would act towards her by endeavouring to
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 171 
 
 penetrate her feelings before he had allowed her 
 to know his own. 
 
 How often men act in this way ! They assure 
 themselves of the state of a w^oman's heart 
 before they compromise themselves. This line 
 of conduct is one cause of the coquetry, by 
 which so many women are spoiled. Matrimony 
 becomes the great prize for which so many 
 contend, feelings are the means by which 
 it is to be gained, then arise all the ma- 
 noeuvres, all the arts which are played in 
 this exciting game to entangle and interest 
 them. 
 
 Who can wonder at the disappointment 
 which arise when people awake from this trial 
 of strength, or rather of expedients. If men would 
 only be a little more sincere, a little less selfish, 
 and a little more exalted, how different things 
 would be. Stanley could not quite resolve upon 
 rushing off to the continent ; he had hoped to 
 have enlisted Murray as his companion; but 
 now that he had decided upon remaining in 
 England for some time at least, his hesitation 
 increased. At last he determined upon going
 
 172 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 to his father's for a short time, where Murray 
 promised to join him, and then Stanley hoped 
 to prevail upon his friend to accompany him 
 abroad. 
 
 Things being thus arranged, the young men 
 parted. Murray was going to leave town 
 immediately, but Stanley was detained for a 
 few days by some heavy business, which he 
 could not postpone, much as he regretted losing 
 any of his legitimate holiday. 
 
 At last he found himself on the railroad, and 
 was not long before he was traversing the lovely 
 wood near Langston, now changed from the 
 budding promise of spring into the rich luxuriance 
 of summer. Some such change had passed over 
 Arthur's feelings, since he had last wandered 
 through them — then his musings were fanciful 
 and somewhat variable and uncertain, now 
 they had taken a form and substance, and 
 had expanded and acquired strength and cha- 
 racter. 
 
 This idea struck him, as he recollected the 
 sweet dreams of happiness which had haunted 
 him when he had last seen the sun sink bevond
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 173 
 
 the common he was now approaching. External 
 nature has always her similitudes, and shadowy 
 resemblances to the inner nature which reigns 
 in man's heart.
 
 174 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Oh 1 there is nothing hoHer in this life of ours, than 
 the first consciousness of love : this first fluttering of its 
 silken wings, the first rising sound and breath of that 
 wind which is so soon to sweep through the soul to 
 purify or to destroy. 
 
 LONGFELLOW, 
 
 Marion wished to make a sketch in a wild 
 valley which was not very far from their house. 
 Adeline offered to accompany her, therefore 
 one fine morning they started soon after break- 
 fast, Marion carrying her sketch-book, and tin 
 colour box, and Adeline a volume of Tasso. 
 They had to cross one or two fields, before 
 they reached the valley, the rough, stony path 
 of which lay between high, rocky, acclivities, of
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 175 
 
 the most fantastic forms ; but little vegetation 
 covered this barren soil, excepting the fern 
 which waved its graceful stems among the 
 rocks ; a few active sheep grazed on the sides 
 of the hills, they might Jbe seen on the loftiest 
 peaks, and one paused to endeavour to discover 
 by what means they had gained such a giddy 
 position ; a few sea-gulls soared over head, and 
 the harsh croak of the raven might be heard : 
 these were the only li^'ing objects which seemed 
 to exist in this wild gorge. 
 
 The view at the end of this valley was closed 
 by a huge rock, which had a fanciful resem- 
 blance to a castle, the sea surged up at its base, 
 and its murmurs might be heard at a long 
 distance. A faint mist hung over the valley as 
 Marion and Adeline entered it. The ocean lay 
 like a pale blue mirror before them, with a 
 tiny white sail shining in the distance : the deep 
 shadows of the rocks, and the perfect solitude 
 which pervaded the scene, increased the effect of 
 its peculiar characteristics. 
 
 They at last found a good view of the 
 picturesque rock, and of the distant coast 
 beyond, and Marion sat down on a huge stone.
 
 176 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 and commenced her labours ; soon the outline 
 appeared, and then the debate arose of the 
 merit of its being finished in pencil, or water- 
 colours, or sepia ; however Indian-ink was at 
 last decided upon, as affording the best medium 
 for conveying the idea of cold, gloomy, desola- 
 tion. While Marion was busily employed in 
 tinting her drawing, Adeline read some of the 
 stanzas of the " Jerusalem Delivered " to her ; 
 they w^ere deeply interested in the mysteries of 
 the enchanted forest, when Marion all at once 
 noticed how much the shadows had decreased, 
 she looked at her watch, and found they must 
 hasten home to be in time for lunch ; the 
 pencils and brushes were soon consigned to 
 their cases, and the girls began to descend from 
 the hill were they had been sitting. 
 
 The ground was very rough, being covered 
 with broken rocks, and loose stones, w4iich were 
 often concealed under the thick fern leaves, which 
 caused them to make many stumbles, and false 
 steps as they hurried on. All at once Adeline 
 put her foot on a stone which slipped from 
 under it, and she fell with an exclamation of 
 pain. Marion hastened to assist her, but found
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 177 
 
 to her great vexation that the ancle was 
 sprained. 
 
 Adeline attempted to rise, but the agony of 
 her foot prevented her : all the surrounding 
 objects seemed to swim before her, she sank 
 back on the ground in a fainting fit. Poor 
 Marion was dreadfully frightened, for there was 
 no assistance to be procured without leaving 
 Adeline, which was out of the question at present. 
 All her hope was that some shepherd-boy might 
 pass through the valley and see them ; to 
 attract any such chance passenger she attached 
 her handkerchief to the end of her parasol, and 
 rested it against a rock as a sort of signal ; she 
 then untied Adeline's bonnet, and taking off her 
 gloves, rubbed her hands in the hope of restoring 
 her consciousness. 
 
 For some time Adeline lay insensible, at last 
 the colour returned faintly to her cheek, she 
 opened her eyes ; Marion sought to animate 
 her, but there was no water near, nothing to 
 give her. She stood up, and looked anxiously 
 round, no one could be seen — w^hat was to be 
 done ? Adeline could not possibly walk, and 
 
 VOL. I. N
 
 178 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 they were at some distance from the village, 
 at last Marion fancied she heard a dog bark, 
 but it was very distant. How anxiously she 
 listened for a repetition, then the report of a 
 gun echoed along. She mounted a rock in the 
 hope of distinguishing some one approaching — 
 still no object appeared in the solitude. Adeline 
 was looking deadly pale, and Marion feared that 
 she would faint again. 
 
 She gave another anxious glance around; 
 and on the distant hill she could just see a 
 white spot which seemed moving restlessly, hke 
 a dog beating about, then another ran across, 
 but still no human being — at last the figure of 
 a man appeared. Marion waved her handker- 
 chief, but it did not seem to have arrested his 
 attention ; she raised her voice, but it was as 
 nothing in that wide space. Again and again 
 she made the signal, and at last she saw the 
 man stop ; she waved it more rapidly than 
 before — a hat was raised as an answering salute, 
 and satisfied that she had been noticed, she 
 descended from her point of observation to aid 
 Adeline, begging her to keep up as assistance, 
 was coming.
 
 THE LOST INHEHITANXE. 179 
 
 Adeline did try to throw off the creeping, 
 sickly sensations which she felt : she strove to 
 lie quietly and forget the accident, but her ancle 
 was acutely painful, and throbbed W'ith inflam- 
 mation. Marion had removed her shoe, but 
 she could do nothing more, she watched the 
 progress which the sportsman was making 
 towards them, he came forward, with rapid 
 steps, his dogs bounding at his side ; at last he 
 was so near that Marion could distinguish his 
 features : to her utter astonishment she re- 
 cognized Captain Vernon, she sprang forward 
 and told him in a few w^ords how the case 
 was. 
 
 They hurried back to Adeline to whom the 
 surprise of this unexpected meeting acted like a 
 restorative, but as she attempted to move her 
 foot, she again seemed so faint, that Vernon was 
 quite alarmed ; he was so nervous himself, that 
 he could do but little. Marion's exclamation, 
 " Oh, if I had but a glass of wine to give 
 her !" seemed to rouse him, he recollected his 
 pocket-flask, and producing it said : 
 
 " What a fool I was not to think of that 
 before : here, let me pom' it out." 
 
 N 2
 
 180 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Marion supported Adeline, whose closing eyes 
 and pale cheeks made her very apprehensive 
 While Vernon held the little silver cup to her 
 lips, the sweet faint smile with which she took 
 it, vibrated to his heart ; he bent over her with 
 the deepest devotion and most anxious care : 
 the wine did her good, it restored the circula- 
 tion and animation. She began to talk of how 
 she was to get home ; she asked no question to 
 explain Vernon's sudden appearance, he was 
 there, to assist her in her emergency — she 
 wanted no more, and perhaps would have liked 
 to have fancied he had been aided in his means 
 of transport by some magician's power, like her 
 heroes of the Italian poem. 
 
 " How shall I get back to Fenton ? for I 
 am afraid I cannot walk; my ancle is so 
 painful." 
 
 *' It is utterly impossible for you to put your 
 foot to the ground, you must not think of it ; 
 let me try to carry you, nay, I am strong 
 enough for anything." 
 
 Adeline did not like this proposal, but what 
 was to be done ? 
 
 Marion proposed walking back to seek a
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 181 
 
 donkey or some mode of conveyance, but she 
 did not like to leave Adeline; yet as Vernon 
 did not know the road, which would make him 
 longer away, this seemed the only feasible plan. 
 She therefore begged Adeline would keep per- 
 fectly quiet until she returned, and not talk or 
 exhaust herself. She walked as fast as she 
 could towards Fenton. 
 
 Vernon felt quite strange at being left in 
 such a predicament; he anxiously watched 
 Adeline's varying cheek, inwardly hoping she 
 would not faint, for there are few things of 
 which a man has a greater horror, than such an 
 event. She leant against a rock, looking very 
 lovely, although the animation which Vernon 
 had so admired in her countenance, was gone. 
 Yet he could not help thinking that she was 
 more attractive to him as she recHned in that 
 languid way in her simple morning dress, than 
 she had been in the full blaze of her beauty in 
 some gay ball-room. She tried to talk to him, 
 but her voice failed, her lips grew w^hite, and 
 the dreaded fainting fit came on. He knelt 
 beside her, and, in his anxiety to help her, put
 
 182 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 his arm round her to support her ; her head fell 
 helplessly on his shoulder, he chafed her cold 
 hands, his heart beating wildly as he held her 
 in his arms, she, his loved darling, resting 
 there ; but the chill stillness of her brow checked 
 these overwhelming feelings, and made him 
 only anxious for her restoration. 
 
 When she felt the mysterious renewal of life 
 which succeeds such an attack, a faint blush 
 dyed her cheek, and raising herself from the 
 support of his arm, looked earnestly along the 
 road in search of Marion, who at last ap- 
 peared with a donkey and a little urchin lead- 
 ing it. 
 
 " I fortunately met this boy long before I 
 reached Fenton, and brought him back at once, 
 or I should have been much longer. How pale, 
 you look, Adeline. I hope you have not been 
 ill again?" 
 
 " I am afraid I have for a minute. I am so 
 sorry to have been so troublesome to Captain 
 Vernon. How foolish you must think me, 
 to make such a fuss about a sprain, when you 
 must have seen such terrible accidents."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 183 
 
 "Now, Adeline, we must try to get home, 
 I am afraid letting your foot hang down will 
 make it ache, hut it cannot he helped: let me 
 tie your honnet for you. Nonsense, you cannot 
 get your shoe on. I will take care of it. Pray 
 do not step on your foot. Do not be 
 foolish, Adeline, you will faint again if you 
 try." 
 
 " Let me lift you up ; I am sure that will be 
 best," said Vernon ; and, without another word, 
 he raised her in his arms, and placed her on 
 the rude, droll saddle. He then contrived to 
 make a resting place for her foot, by means of 
 the strap of his powder flask and his hand- 
 kerchief. When she was comfortably settled, 
 the boy took the donkey's head. Vernon 
 picked up his gun, which he had thrown 
 among the fern, and whistUng to his dogs to 
 follow him, he walked by Adeline's side, 
 watching most carefully every step the animal 
 took. Marion, on the other side, was anxious 
 to see how Adehne bore moving ; but thanks to 
 the Captain's ingenious second stirrup, the pain 
 did not seem increased by the exertion. If 
 Vernon's heart had not been irrecoverably lost
 
 184 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 during the London season, his fate had been 
 sealed by this morning's adventure. Every 
 look he bent upon the pale face at his side, 
 every tone that touched his ear, more irre- 
 trievably involved him in the sweet entangle- 
 ments of a passionate love. 
 
 He knew that there could be no retreat now ; 
 all he longed for was to be with her for ever, 
 thus in the loneliness of the quiet country to be 
 at her side, to feel she was smiling on him, and 
 on him only, to indulge the delightful feelings 
 which now swelled his breast, was aU he asked 
 — the wildest hopes flitted before him, and 
 shone in his eyes, which dwelt on hers with 
 ineffable tenderness. Happy, happy fellow ! 
 dream on, this is the brightness of your life, 
 the sunshine on its stream — let none of the 
 evils of humanity cloud the purity and 
 goodness of your love, keep it free from the 
 stains of earth, guard it as its brightest 
 treasure ! 
 
 " How very fortunate it was for us. Captain 
 Vernon, that you should happen to be here ; 
 what should we have done? — I cannot think 
 how poor Adeline would have managed."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 185 
 
 " I am very glad I have been able to render 
 you any assistance, it has been very slight 
 though. I must teU you how it is that I 
 am in this part of the world. After I left 
 town, I went to my brother's for a week or 
 two, and while I was there some old friends of 
 my father, who had not seen me since my 
 retiu-n to England, wrote and begged me to 
 pay them a visit. I waited to have a little 
 rabbit shooting at Castleton, and then arranged 
 to fulfil my engagement to these people, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Burton." 
 
 " Oh ! do they live at the Priory, a few miles 
 from here ?" asked Adeline. 
 
 " Yes, it is such a lovely place ; they have no 
 young people, so it is rather triste ; but they 
 are so unaffectedly kind and hospitable, that one 
 gets on very well. I only arrived yesterday, 
 and the old gentleman insisted upon my trying 
 his dogs this morning, not that I expect there 
 is much game to be found in this wild place ; 
 and then they promised to drive me into Fenton 
 this afternoon ; but they will not have that 
 honour, for I shall be there without their assist-
 
 186 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 ance. I am so glad you have not left this place, 
 do you like it?" 
 
 " Extremely," answered Marion, " I could 
 have scarcely imagined such heauty. I do not 
 think we shall go just at present, we have not 
 seen all the lions of the neighbourhood yet." 
 
 "Have you been to the Priory? strangers 
 are admitted by writing their names in a 
 book." 
 
 " No, we have only passed it, we had not 
 time to go through, but the glimpses we caught 
 were beautiful." 
 
 " I hope you will let me go with you then, 
 for I assure you it is well worth a visit." 
 
 " I am afraid that this troublesome sprain 
 will prevent my enjoying many expeditions, for 
 the roads are so rough that at any time they 
 are trying, but to a weak ancle they will be 
 dreadM." 
 
 " We must doctor it carefully, Adeline, and it 
 will soon be strong. I will shew you what an 
 excellent nurse I am ; I only hope this long ride 
 will not hurt it. Has not the strap slipped a 
 little, Captain Vernon ?"
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 187 
 
 He came round and adjusted it again, and 
 placed her foot in as easy a position as he could, 
 being rewarded for his trouble by one of the 
 beaming smiles he so loved. They were obliged 
 to go a long distance round, foi* the donkey was 
 not allowed to cross the fields through which 
 the girls came in the morning, and which was a 
 much shorter road. 
 
 " How surprised papa and mamma will be 
 to see Captain Vernon," said Marion. " I am 
 afraid they will be anxious about us, for it is 
 long after lunch time ; however, the delay was 
 unavoidable, and we may think ourselves very 
 fortunate that it has been no worse." 
 
 " I almost wonder they have not sent any 
 one to look for us : they must hav^e been 
 frightened : — but look, is not that Thomas 
 coming ?" 
 
 " I declare it is, they have been hunting for 
 us — we had better tell him our adventure, 
 and let him go back as fast as he can, and 
 have some hot vinegar ready to bathe your 
 ancle." 
 
 The servant came up, looking very much 
 surprised at seeing Captain Vernon with his
 
 188 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 young mistresses ; he soon received a message 
 and directions, with which he hastened back. 
 Mrs. Harcourt was dreadfully alarmed at the 
 girls' non-appearance, and had been watching 
 for them for some time, till at last she sent 
 Thomas to search for them ; terrible forebodings 
 of falls over precipices, loose horses, and even 
 mad cattle had occupied her imagination, and it 
 was certainly a great relief to her when she 
 heard the real state of affairs. 
 
 She kept ringing the bells for vinegar, and 
 sponges, and rags, and all kinds of things to be 
 in readiness for their return ; the sofa was pre- 
 pared for Adeline, and after worrying and nearly 
 fretting herself into a nervous fever, she heard 
 Adeline's laugh at the bottom of the lane, lead- 
 ing to the house. This rather re-assured her, 
 she rushed down the garden to meet her, and 
 forgetting Vernon's presence, began lamen- 
 tations, animadversions, and lectures upon 
 carelessness all in one breath, till Marion 
 said : 
 
 "I do not know what we should have done 
 without Captain Vernon ; he has helped us out 
 of all our difficulties."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 189 
 
 She then shook hands with him ; when they 
 reached the door he lifted Adeline from the 
 donkey, and carried her into the drawing-room 
 and placed her on the sofa. The ancle was then 
 examined and fomented until it became more 
 easy ; then luncheon was thought of, and they 
 all welcomed its announcement, for the excite- 
 ment and exertion of the morning had given 
 them an excellent appetite. Perfect rest was 
 prescribed for Adeline, therefore she kept on 
 the sofa, and Marion's morning walk ha\'ing 
 fatigued her, they remained at home in the 
 afternoon. 
 
 Captain Vernon stayed with them for an 
 hour or two, and then departed, for Mr. and 
 Mrs. Burton dined early, and as it was the first 
 day of his visit he did not like to neglect their 
 hours. He took his leave, asking permission to 
 call the next day to inquire after the ancle. He 
 walked back to the Priory along the edge of 
 the cliif which was many hundred feet above the 
 sea, which dashed against its base ; the low 
 murmur of its waves rising on the wind, and 
 falling on Vernon's ear, soothed him into sweet 
 reveries.
 
 190 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 He found his friends in rather a wondering 
 state about him, trying to account for his 
 absence at lunch ; Mr. Burton vainly hoped 
 that he had found so much sport that he had 
 been tempted to remain on the hills ; but when 
 he saw him return empty handed, this idea 
 vanished. 
 
 Vernon soon explained the real cause of his 
 delay, and related his morning's adventure. 
 The kind old people were anxious he should 
 bring his friends at any time to see the Priory, 
 and proposed to call on them the next day, to 
 offer any assistance to the invalid, knowing 
 how often little comforts are not to be pro- 
 cured by strangers in a small village. Vernon 
 was grateful for this ready thoughtfulness, and 
 said when he called, he would say all they 
 w^ished. 
 
 How slowly the evening passed away ! 
 Vernon's thoughts were busy with recollections 
 of the morning ; silently he paced the terrace 
 near the Priory, gazing on the ocean which was 
 heaving slowly and calmly in the distance, the 
 moon's silvery radiance flooding its wide ex- 
 panse. He had held her in his arms — her
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 191 
 
 hand had rested in his, true it had been in cold 
 senselessness almost as unconscious as death — 
 no warm life pulses had throbbed in unison 
 with his own, no answering glance had met his 
 impassioned gaze, yet still the thought of those 
 few minutes haunted him, and made him dream 
 fondly of the fiitui'e he hoped for. Could she 
 love him, she the lovely animated being he so 
 madly worshipped, was it possible ? A bright 
 remembrance of the expression in her eyes when 
 he left, whispered " do not despair." Still the 
 feeling that he was not worthy of her affection 
 would remain. 
 
 For Vernon was anything but vain. With 
 all the ardour of his imagination, he pictured 
 Adeline in the glowing hues of almost angelic 
 perfection, and he abandoned himself to aU the 
 bliss of loving her ; yet it was with a doubt, with 
 a trembling fear of not ^^inning her ; he did not 
 know of all the endearing qualities he possessed, 
 he only thought of his imperfections, but with 
 the truth of an honest heart, he felt that he 
 would guard her from every danger, and love 
 her with an intenseness which should compen- 
 sate for any other want ; ^^dth such entrancing
 
 192 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 hopes, slumber came, and their visions pursued 
 him through the night. 
 
 And Adeline — -what did Adeline think of the 
 day's occurrences? I am afraid she did not 
 think at all — she mused and dreamed on indis- 
 tinctly till she had called up pictures where the 
 objects were veiled in such obscurity as those of 
 a landscape, when a mist hangs over them and 
 dims their outlines. She could not help feeling 
 that she had guessed Vernon's secret ; he was 
 too frank, too impetuous to play the usual game 
 of concealing it, until he could be sure of her 
 partiality ; she felt gratified, happy, for she 
 could not but confess to herself that Frederic 
 had certainly become an object of great interest 
 to her. 
 
 But her feelings had not yet been graven in 
 those ineffaceable, unextinguishable characters, 
 which a love that has power to surmount all 
 trials, to rise superior to aU circumstances, 
 stamps upon the heart, making that strong, 
 which before was feeble ; making life a reality, a 
 responsibility, which before may have been but 
 an aimless existence, like a stream in which no 
 objects are reflected.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 193 
 
 Perhaps this change might be wrought — and 
 her dreams, lovely and pure as they were, be 
 superseded by something higher and better. 
 Yet Adeline's character was not formed to feel 
 love in its most exalted form, for she was too 
 impulsive, too much operated on by the external, 
 too indifferent to the inner world of being ; not- 
 withstanding this, she was a very delightful, and 
 a most fascinating creature, and just calculated 
 to make poor Vernon as wildly in love as ever 
 man was. The infatuating, absorbing passion 
 now reigned in his heart — will it be for good 
 or for evil. Momentous question — how much 
 depends upon the result — for time, and for 
 eternity ! 
 
 And does Adehne think of the immense 
 responsibihty she will incur by this overwhelm- 
 ing influence she is acquiring ? will she pause 
 and inquire if she can use it for good ? will she 
 resolve that it shall be for his benefit ? Alas ! 
 no — she will not think of her position in this 
 serious way ; she will float amid its sunny 
 light, breathe amid the balmy odours, the 
 magic atmosphere which a happy love creates — 
 thus like too many of the sons and daughters of 
 
 VOL. I. O
 
 194 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 mortality life loses its influence, events their 
 importance until some storm wind arises, and 
 then the unprepared vessel is stranded on the 
 hidden rocks. Duty, stern, unconquerable duty 
 will avenge itself if neglected, and bitter are the 
 lessons it teaches when the brightness of early 
 days is gone, when the sweetness and ardour 
 of affection are collapsing beneath the breath of 
 disappointment, when the flowers of life are 
 fading, and there is no strength, no firmness 
 left in its main stem. Oh ! then may a mer- 
 ciful God help those beings, who thus anchor- 
 less, thus rudderless are floating out upon the 
 trackless ocean of an unknown eternity.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 195 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Great ocean ! strongest of creation's sons, 
 Unconquerable, unreposed, untired, 
 That rolled the wild, profound eternal bass 
 In Nature's anthem, and made music such 
 As pleased the ear of God ! Original, 
 Unmarred, unfading work of deity, 
 From age to age enduring and unchanged, 
 Majestic, illimitable, vast. 
 
 POLLOK. 
 
 "Marion, do give me my work-basket 
 before you begin your drawing ; I shall try and 
 finish my purse now that I cannot go out, for 
 I am quite ashamed of ha\ing been so long 
 about it." 
 
 "Where is it? I remember now; it was 
 taken into your room last night. I ^aoII go 
 
 o 2
 
 196 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 and fetch it; but will you not arrange the 
 flowers first ; I will gather them." 
 
 " Yes, I shall like that ; bring me the vases, 
 and let me have plenty of roses, dearest ; they 
 blow in such clusters here that we never seem 
 to miss those we pluck." 
 
 Marion left the room, and soon returned 
 with a basket full of pink and white roses, of 
 the elegant drooping fuschia, the fragrant sweet- 
 briar, and many other flowers. Adeline shook 
 them out upon the table, and was soon busily 
 engaged in grouping them. 
 
 In the midst of this employment, Captain 
 Vernon entered ; the flowers were strewn over 
 the sofa as well as the table, and some had 
 fallen on the floor. Adeline looked to him 
 like the presiding spirit of their loveliness. 
 How tender were his inquiries about her ancle ! 
 how anxious his solicitude for her comfort ! his 
 countenance beamed with expression as he sat 
 beside her and watched her fingers among the 
 flowers, which he held for her. 
 
 At last they were finished, and were pro- 
 nounced to be perfect. No improvement could 
 be suggested, and Marion replaced them on
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 197 
 
 their accustomed places. Adeline began to 
 work, and Vernon read to her ; he read a few- 
 pages of Tennyson. When he paused, Adeline 
 exclaimed : 
 
 " What a pity it is to be obliged to stay in 
 such a lovely day ! I am so sorry ! I wish I 
 could go even in the garden. I wonder how 
 long this tiresome ancle will keep me a pri- 
 soner ?" 
 
 " Why should not your sofa be carried into 
 the garden while it is so warm ? I am sure 
 it could not hurt you. Do you think there 
 would be any imprudence in it. Miss Har- 
 court?" said the Captain, appealing to Marion, 
 who answered : 
 
 " Indeed I do not. Should you like it, 
 Adeline?" 
 
 " Very much. I should enjoy it of all things. 
 Do ring and ask Thomas to come and wheel 
 the sofa out." 
 
 " I will help him to carry you upon it, and then 
 there will be no occasion for you to move your 
 foot, which is really a great point towards its 
 rapid restoration."
 
 198 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " Indeed, I cannot think of troubling you in 
 such a manner." 
 
 " You would not talk of trouble if you knew 
 what pleasure it gave me to be able to do 
 the slightest thing for you ; you must 
 indulge me," he whispered, as he bent over 
 her. 
 
 Thomas soon appeared, and he and the 
 Captain carried the sofa into the garden, and 
 placed it under the shade of an ash tree which 
 grew there. Adeline was rejoiced at the change 
 in her position, and smiled brightly on Vernon, 
 as she thanked him for the suggestion. How 
 carefully he laid her shawl over her, and then 
 fetched a tiny table on which to place her 
 basket. After he had completed these arrange- 
 ments for her convenience, he threw himself 
 on the grass at her feet, and talked in his own 
 peculiarly agreeable manner. 
 
 How quickly the morning passed away. 
 Marion sat drawing in the breakfast- room, and 
 could hear the laugh and mingHng voices as 
 they were poured forth ; she was so happy to 
 see Adehne interested and amused — she was
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 199 
 
 gratified that she should be appreciated by a 
 noble-hearted feUow hke Vernon, for Marion 
 did him justice, valued him for his many esti- 
 mable qualities. She did not go near them, 
 that long bright morning, she left Vernon to 
 make his own impressions uninterruptedly, till 
 at last when luncheon was announced, she called 
 to him to come in. 
 
 He started with surprise at the lateness of 
 the hour, and hastened into the house. Marion 
 and he were alone, for Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt 
 had gone to spend the day with an old infirm 
 friend, a few miles away ; the invalid was not 
 left long alone. Vernon and Marion soon 
 returned to her, and read and worked together 
 in the garden through the afternoon. 
 
 It had been a happy day to them all, so calm, 
 so peaceful ; there had been no disturbing in- 
 fluences, no annoying trifles to ruflle them. To 
 Marion this calm was in itself a pleasure, though 
 she thought much of the realities of life, of its 
 trials and sorrows, and did not shrink from 
 them, it was delightful not to have them forced 
 upon her, to return as it were to the unthinking
 
 200 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 days of childhood, before she had become aware 
 of the importance of events, and saw those 
 consequences attend everything. 
 
 And Adehne had been happy, she had been 
 the sole object of Vernon's attention ; he had 
 given her every thought, and his conversation 
 had amused and excited her. What girl would 
 not have looked back with pleasure to a day 
 spent in such circumstances ? 
 
 I cannot describe the sweet, tender feelings 
 Vernon had experienced, he had been as it were, 
 in some dream; sitting near her, reading to 
 her, getting anything she required, hearing her 
 voice, sunning himself in her smiles, to have 
 the power of doing all this, was everything to 
 him — he went away that night more com- 
 pletely, more entirely her slave than ever, 
 only anxious for the morrow ; — could he always 
 enjoy such days, he would not have been sorry 
 for Adeline's ancle to have been rather tardy 
 in recovery. He liked so to know that he 
 was of some use to her, that he prevented 
 her feeling her confinement to the sofa so irk- 
 some.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 201 
 
 Several days elapsed before Adeline coiild 
 walk at all, she was carried into the garden for 
 several hours, there she lay enveloped in a 
 shawl, looking far too bright and merry for 
 an invalid. By her side, either Marion or 
 Vernon were generally to be found, for not- 
 withstanding the walks in which they accom- 
 panied Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt, Adeline was 
 seldom left alone. 
 
 One morning, Mr. and Mrs. Burton came 
 into Fenton to caU upon the Harcourts, and 
 offered their pony carriage for Adeline's use, 
 until her ancle was sufficiently strong for walk- 
 ing. They were so kind and cordial in their 
 proposal, that she was charmed with them, and 
 as her foot was 'rapidly improving, an early 
 day was talked of, for all the party going to 
 the Priory, to explore its beauties. The 
 old people were quite pleased with Vernon's 
 friends. 
 
 " That youngest girl is one of the prettiest 
 creatures I ever saw in my life," said Mr. 
 Burton, as he drove his wife back, " I think 
 Mr. Frederick is a clever fellow to look after 
 her."
 
 202 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " She is very lovely, her eyes remind me of 
 some picture of Sappho abroad ; do you not re- 
 member it ? But I like the eldest, she is so gentle 
 and so kind, and she spoke so distinctly that I 
 heard every word, and yet her voice is very low. I 
 am sure she would be a treasure to me, now 
 I am getting so deaf." 
 
 " What an idea to suppose a young girl 
 like her would sit reading all those dull books 
 which suit you and me, what can you be think- 
 ing of, my dear ?" 
 
 " I am sure she would do that, or anything 
 else to make one comfortable, did you see how 
 kindly she gave me her arm, and how care- 
 fully she helped me into the carriage ; that 
 showed real thoughtfulness ta see after an ugly 
 old woman as I am now." 
 
 "Well, I hope it will be fine when they 
 come to the Priory, for I think they will be 
 pleased with it — the terrace will suit Frederick 
 and his lady. I see now why he is so fond of 
 wandering about there by himself ; he is a fine 
 fellow, and I shall be very glad to see him well 
 married, he is so like his poor father."
 
 THE LOST IXHERITA^XE. 203 
 
 " How rapid your imagination is, Walter, 
 you see him with a pretty gu'l, and immediately 
 fancy he is to marry her." 
 
 "And pray what on earth is to prevent 
 them ? I hate to see young people philandering 
 on without meaning anything ; however, trust 
 me, Fred means matrimony : he won't leave us 
 without determining his fate, and as for Miss 
 Adeline, if that's her name, she won't have the 
 folly to say 'no,' to such a fine fellow as the 
 Captain; unless indeed, some one else has 
 made an impression, and then — why she ought 
 to be ashamed of herself for giving him such 
 speaking looks as I saw just now, no, take my 
 word for it, Kate, they will settle matters before 
 verv long^." 
 
 Quite satisfied with this conclusion, the old 
 gentleman drew up at the Priory, and handed 
 his wife from the tiny equipage. Two or three 
 days after this, Vernon drove to Fenton in this 
 carriage, for the purpose of Adeline's going to 
 the Priory in it, for although she was sufficiently 
 recovered to walk over the grounds, she could 
 not reach them without some vehicle. 
 
 As they proposed spending the whole day
 
 204 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 from home, a basket of provisions, and sundry 
 shawls were packed in the carriage. Vernon 
 handed Adeline in it, and carefully gave her a 
 stool for her feet, and then jumped in himself, 
 for he was to drive the ponies, which were too 
 spirited to be given up to a stranger's hand, 
 the rest of the party were going to ride, so 
 they made quite a cavalcade at starting, but 
 Mr. and Mrs. Harcourt were by no means 
 inclined to urge their shaggy little steeds out 
 of a slow pace, and Marion remained with them 
 so that Vernon soon passed them, for the ponies 
 trotted quickly over the rough roads, sometimes 
 rather to the risk of the springs of the car- 
 riage. 
 
 Adeline enjoyed her drive most thoroughly ; 
 Vernon was a capital whip, and she was not 
 at all timid, so that none of her pleasure was 
 diminished by fear, although the road did run 
 along the edge of a very steep precipice. She 
 looked fresh and joyous as she leant back 
 beside Vernon, who I am afraid, looked much 
 too often at her, instead of between his ponies' 
 ears, therefore forfeiting much of his character 
 for skill in holding the ribbons. Adeline gave
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 205 
 
 such a start of pleasure as they entered the 
 Priory gates, that she nearly overbalanced the 
 fairy carriage, however all was safe, and Vernon 
 pulled up, to let her gaze on the lovely scene 
 which lay before them. 
 
 The sea ran into a httle bay just in front of 
 the house, and the coast as far as they could 
 see stretched itself into bold points and head- 
 lands. The sun gleamed on the waves as they 
 dashed against the rocks, and glinted on the 
 rich woods which on one side clothed the cliffs ; 
 it was a most exquisite vista. Vernon then 
 drove round to the entrance, and throwing the 
 reins to a servant, sprung out and assisted 
 Adeline to descend ; he insisted upon her 
 taking his arm to cross the hall into the break- 
 fast-room, where Mr. 'arid Mrs. Burton were 
 sitting, for fear of her slipping on the marble 
 floor. 
 
 She was most kindly received by the old 
 people, who installed her on a sofa, until the 
 rest of the party arrived. They soon made 
 their appearance, having dismissed their ponies 
 at the gates. After a short rest, they all 
 sallied forth to see the grounds; beautiful
 
 206 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 winding paths had been cut through the woods 
 which led to the summit of the highest cliff, 
 from which a most expansive view could be 
 seen ; on one side lay the dreary valley, wild 
 and bleak, and on the other, the most cultivated 
 luxuriance, and below, the tossing waves, on 
 which the sea birds were sporting, their shrill 
 cries sounding above the murmur of the 
 surges. 
 
 When they descended on to the terrace, 
 they found other walks leading from it, still 
 through woods, on to the shore. Adeline was 
 tired with her excursion, much as she had 
 enjoyed it, and was not sorry when she found 
 herself on the beach, where they had arranged 
 to lunch. Vernon spread a shawl on a rock 
 for her, and entreated her to rest. He sat 
 beside her, and for almost the first time in 
 their acquaintance, Vernon and Adeline were 
 silent. 
 
 The sea was rolling up among the shelving 
 rocks, which formed a species of cove; there 
 was nothing to interrupt the vision, until the 
 boundary of the horizon — vast space was before 
 them. There are mysterious voices in the
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 207 
 
 sounds of the ocean, which speak to the heart 
 of man as no other sounds in nature speak. 
 The never-ceasing movement of its waters, ever 
 murmuring to the winds, seem to tell him of his 
 everlasting duration ; its depths, which none can 
 fathom, where lay huried such treasures unknown 
 and unimaginable, remind him of the engulphing 
 nature of Time, which swallows up all earthly 
 things ; its changing hues, reflecting back the 
 fleeting clouds above it, whisper of man's soul, 
 on which are but too rapidly mirrored, the 
 influences which surround him. 
 
 There is an awe, a pensiveness engendered by 
 gazing on the ocean, which is felt by almost 
 everyone. Vernon was not insensible to it, as 
 he sat beside Adeline ; his heart filled with love, 
 which seemed to him * vast as the waste of 
 waters before him, as profound as their depths. 
 Adeline gazed on the foaming waves, till she 
 grew quite sad, and at last turned away from 
 them, for the scene was not one she loved. It 
 spoke too plainly of endurance, of sublime 
 thought for her volatile nature. Her rest- 
 less movement aroused Vernon from his' 
 reverie.
 
 208 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " Is your foot painful ? I am so afraid you 
 have exerted it too much this morning, 
 you have been up and down such steep 
 places." 
 
 " No, thank you, it is tolerably easy. I only 
 moved for a little variety, for there is nothing 
 very amusing here. Have you been counting 
 the waves. Captain Vernon, or solving some 
 intricate problem, that you have looked so grave 
 the last ten minutes ?" 
 
 " Have I ? I was thinking of the future, 
 which sometimes seems bright as the sun- 
 beams, and sometimes dark as that deep 
 shadow." He fixed his eyes on her with a 
 searching expression as he added earnestly, 
 "Can you not guess the cause of such change- 
 ful prospects as mine ? Have you no idea of 
 my feelings, Adeline ?" 
 
 It was the first time he had ever called her 
 so, and the unusual tone of his voice called the 
 colour to her cheeks. He ventured to take her 
 hand, but just as he touched it the voice of 
 Mr. Bm-ton was heard near. Adeline hastily 
 withdrew it, and began to fling pebbles into 
 the waves. Vernon started up to meet the
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 209 
 
 rest of the party, who came down the slope on 
 to the beach. 
 
 '' Hollo, Fred !" called out Mr. Burton, " how 
 came you here? We have been looking for 
 you. I thought you had been resting in some 
 of the shady caverns above." 
 
 " Miss Adeline was tired, therefore I showed 
 her the short cut here, and we have been ex- 
 pecting you for some time; very impatiently, 
 I assure you, for I concluded luncheon would 
 appear in your train." 
 
 " What a pretty fellow you are, to talk about 
 luncheon when you had a tete-a-tete with a 
 young lady. Miss Adeline, you should take 
 him to task for such ungallantry — he is a 
 disgrace to his profession. In my younger 
 days, young men were in much better train- 
 ing." 
 
 Marion proposed that they should find some 
 sheltered nook, where they might sit down 
 comfortably and discuss their sandwiches. She 
 and the Captain went to reconnoitre, and soon 
 returned to announce they had selected a 
 dining-room. Shawls and wTappers were soon 
 
 VOL. I. p
 
 210 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 laid down, and they seated themselves as they 
 liked. 
 
 " Come, Miss Harcourt, you must taste this 
 pigeon pie. I had it brought expressly for you 
 young ladies. You are laughing at my pro- 
 posal, I see, because you think we have no 
 plates. Look at the bottom of my especial 
 basket you will find some. I do not like dining, 
 as people try to persuade me our first parents 
 did in Paradise, with leaves as substitutes for 
 china, therefore when I come pic-nicing I take 
 care to secure a few of the necessaries of 
 life." 
 
 " What are those huge iron rings for, which 
 are fixed in this rock ? Are they the remains 
 of the smuggler's contrivances, for I should 
 think this had been one of their haunts ?" 
 asked Mr. Harcourt. 
 
 " I fancy not. I believe they are connected 
 with my fishing scheme, which 1 tried in vain 
 to carry out. These rings alone remain, and 
 I dare say have given rise to plenty of extra- 
 ordinary stories of smugglers, for the people 
 about here are wonderfully superstitious, and
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 211 
 
 are credulous enough to believe the most wild 
 and impossible things. You know w^e have a 
 ghost on these hills, which still wanders about, ac- 
 cording to popular belief. I understand some 
 of my labourers assert they have seen it in the 
 copse yonder." 
 
 " But, I dare say there were smugglers here, 
 Mrs. Burton ;" said Marion. 
 
 *' Ah, yes, my dear ! there are several of their 
 caves in this neighbourhood, but I think very little 
 of that trade is carried on now, for the risks 
 are greater than the profits would compen- 
 sate." 
 
 " I wonder you are not afraid of burglars in 
 this quiet place," remarked Mrs. Harcourt. 
 " What should you do ? you are so far away 
 from assistance — I should be terrified beyond 
 everything — I would not live here on any 
 account." 
 
 " We never hear of such things in this quiet 
 part of the country, the people are aU my 
 tenants, and far too quietly disposed for such 
 attempts ; I have always loaded fire-arms in 
 the house in case of emergencies, so that I 
 feel tolerably secure. Fred, I hope if any 
 
 p 2
 
 212 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 attack is meditated, they will come while you 
 are with me, for you would be of some assist- 
 ance." 
 
 " I should fire at the first man I met, 1 can 
 tell you ; there was such a joke against me the 
 other day at Castleton. About two o'clock one 
 morning, I heard a noise down stairs, as if some 
 one was trying to break in ; I listened, still it 
 continued ; I opened my door, and fancied I 
 heard some one whispering outside the house — 
 my pistols being unloaded, I thought I would 
 go and wake one of the servants before I 
 waited to load them ; I called up the butler, he 
 listened for a moment, and then said : 
 
 " ' It's nothing but the chimney-sweeps, 
 Sir ; they always come in the night, so as 
 not to interfere with the cooking in the day- 
 time." 
 
 " So I turned in again, not in the best of 
 humours at having been roused at such ungodly 
 hours, by such a remarkably uninteresting cir- 
 cumstance. T was very glad my pistols happened 
 to be unloaded, otherwise, as sure as fate, I 
 should have gone directly where I heard the 
 sound, and if T had seen a man with a blackened
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE 213 
 
 face in the house, I most certainly should have 
 fired at him, which might have caused an un- 
 pleasant business. I assure you I was famously 
 laughed at for my midnight alarm." 
 
 " Well, if all alarms terminated as quietly, 
 it would be very satisfactory ?" said Mrs. 
 Burton. 
 
 They had sat laughing and talking till the 
 afternoon had nearly passed ; the tide was ebbing 
 fast, leaving the sand firm and shining between 
 the rocks ; a heavy bank of clouds was rising 
 to the westward, and the wind began to blow 
 freshly. Mr. Burton who was experienced in 
 the signs of the weather, urged their mo^dng 
 nearer shelter, as he prophesied a storm w^ould 
 come on, before two hours had elapsed. 
 
 This made them aU on the move, shawls 
 were gathered hastily together, the baskets 
 rapidly stowed into the carriage, and after a 
 parting look at the picturesque cove, they turned 
 towards home. They were not far from the 
 Priory, but the Harcourts thought it would be 
 better to go back to Fenton instead of waiting 
 there as Mr. and Mrs. Burton proposed ; they 
 therefore had a carriage prepared which would
 
 214 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 contain them all, instead of the pony chaise 
 which had been used in the morning, and 
 parting from the old people and Vernon at the 
 entrance of the valley, the Harcourts returned 
 to Fenton. 
 
 The sky grew rapidly darker, a lurid red 
 light tinged the mass of clouds near the sun, 
 but all besides was murky and black. The 
 valley, wild at all times, looked most desolate 
 under such an atmosphere, and the distant 
 thunder rolled over the hills. Mrs. Harcourt 
 was most anxious to reach home, she was always 
 nervous in a carriage, and the prospect of a 
 heavy thunder storm was certainly not inviting 
 to the bravest, when the chances were, that if 
 the horses became frightened and restive at the 
 lightening, they might all be dashed to pieces. 
 
 However they reached the village before the 
 severity of the storm began ; soon after they 
 were safely housed, it raged with great fury, the 
 lightening flashed vividly across the sea, the 
 thunder growled above them, and the rain 
 drifted in torrents from the hills ; it was a wild 
 night, but Adeline seemed heedless of it, and 
 unconscious of the gusts of wind which shook
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 215 
 
 the windows. She was thinking of Vernon, of 
 his looks and voice all through the past day, 
 and above all of the few words he had said on 
 the beach. She felt he loved her, she asked no 
 more, but thought of the future, and yielded to 
 the pleasant sensations which attend the know- 
 ledge of loving and being loved again. 
 
 Marion guessed something of Adeline's 
 feelings, but she made no remark ; she knew 
 than an indiscreet question, or an injudicious 
 remark on such delicate matters, will sometimes 
 call up disagreeable sensations, and destroy in 
 one moment, dreams of happiness, which might 
 perhaps have lasted for ever.
 
 216 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 And there when evening in the sky 
 
 Hath her cloud-altars tipped with fire. 
 The lone bird slowly wandering by, 
 
 Shall sadly wake its woodland lyre ; 
 And there the spirit stars shall beam 
 
 With softer light and gentler grace 
 Than ere they yet were known to gleam 
 
 On earth's most royal burial place. 
 And not a foot shall dare intrude, 
 
 Save angels in the solitude. 
 
 One evening, as the Harcourts were passing 
 the hotel at Fenton, the coach drew up, and, to 
 their surprise, they saw Stanley upon the box. 
 He was soon shaking hands with them, and, if 
 a blush may be interpreted into pleasure, Stanley
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 217 
 
 had no reason to be dissatisfied with the re- 
 ception he met with from Marion. 
 
 "We shall have quite a gathering of the 
 dons here soon," said Mr. Harcourt, " do you 
 know Captain Vernon is staying in the neigh- 
 bourhood ?" 
 
 " No, indeed, I did not ; I fancied he w^as still 
 at Castleton. Has he been here long ?" 
 
 " About three weeks, I think," answered Mrs. 
 Harcourt, " he has joined several of our pic-nics 
 and expeditions ; he is so merry and good- 
 natured, that we have found him a great ac- 
 quisition. He is visiting the Burtons who live 
 at the Priory, one of the prettiest places about 
 here. We have formed their acquaintance, and 
 find them very pleasant people." 
 
 " I think you will like them, Mr. Stanley," 
 said Marion, " they are so genuine." 
 
 Stanley smiled. This remark pleased him : 
 it showed him that Marion recognized one of 
 his strongest predilections ; and it is always 
 agreeable to feel one's traits and peculiarities 
 are understood and remembered. They all 
 walked towards the Harcourts' house, chatting 
 and laughing. Mrs. Harcourt asked :
 
 218 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " Have you seen anything of Mr. Murray 
 lately ?" 
 
 " Yes, he has been staying with me at 
 Langley; indeed, he is still there with my 
 father, with whom he is a great favourite. The 
 fact is, my father is not very well, and he 
 fancies a little change will do him good. He 
 has heard so much of Fenton, that he decided 
 upon coming here. Therefore, I am arrived 
 first to look for rooms for him, and when he 
 hears from me, he will start.'' 
 
 " You were at school with Murray, I think ?" 
 Mr. Harcourt enquired. 
 
 " Yes ; and we have been friends ever since. 
 He is very peculiar in some things, but an 
 excellent fellow. He is rather too theoretical 
 in his ideas : — to hear him talk of matrimony, 
 you would fancy he could live upon next to 
 nothing for the sake of having a home and 
 domestic happiness. He will tell you that he 
 could settle down quietly upon an income 
 which I know he nearly spends now in cigars ; 
 that is nonsense, and Murray is the last man 
 in England, who should think of trying such a 
 hazardous experiment."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 219 
 
 "Then you think that a large income is 
 necessary to insure happiness, Mr. Stanley ? In 
 that case, how few young men can marry, they 
 must wait until they are getting middle-aged, 
 and lose the best part of life because they re- 
 quire so many luxuries." 
 
 " Excuse me, Mr. Harcourt, that is far 
 from my meaning, no one is more averse than 
 I am to the absurdity of men requiring large 
 establishments, a carriage, and expensive so- 
 ciety, before they can marry ; but I do say that 
 it is very dangerous for most men (of course 
 there are exceptions) to marry, without being 
 able to live comfortably ; how very few would 
 care for a home devoid of all the conveniences 
 to which they have been accustomed, the daily 
 annoyance of ill-dressed dinners, the scanty 
 attendance of one or two servants; minor de- 
 ficiencies and privations are certain to be ex- 
 perienced, and perhaps, as years roll on, an 
 increasing family springs up, and then the 
 miseries of an inadequate income are felt — 
 when boys ought to be sent to school, when 
 education is a necessity, and no means are at 
 hand to meet the expense. When all these
 
 220 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 accumulated annoyances press upon them, most 
 men awake from their dreams of romance, to 
 blame themselves bitterly for their folly ; and 
 perhaps become indifferent to home, and go, 
 if possible, to clubs — then the poor wife suffers 
 in health, in spirits, and too often in temper." 
 
 " What a picture you have drawn, Mr. Stan- 
 ley," said Adeline, " with such weapons against 
 imprudent marriages, I should think few of 
 your friends wouM venture upon them, you 
 would effectually frighten them; but I dare 
 say you are right, few men would like their ivife 
 to become a household drudge, it is hurting 
 their own selfishness to see one so nearly con- 
 nected with themselves so debased," 
 
 " That is a very harsh way of reasoning. I 
 think men are often annoyed with themselves 
 for having taken a woman from a happy home, 
 when they see care and anxiety upon her brow, 
 and miss the pretty toilettes and those name- 
 less little elegancies that used to please them 
 in days gone by, and which they cannot afford 
 to present them ; depend upon it, little things 
 like these constantly recurring, are what make 
 a man reflect."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 221 
 
 ** But after all, these things should not in- 
 terfere with the affections, Mr. Stanley," pleaded 
 Marion, " trifles Hke these would be disregarded, 
 if people really loved each other." 
 
 " In some few instances perhaps, but not as 
 a rule, for affection, instead of softening such 
 trials, is often weakened by them. I do not 
 say that no one could rise above such trials, but 
 I do say that after all it is a dangerous ex- 
 periment ; if it succeed, all honour to the bold 
 ones who risked opposing the world's advice, 
 who chanced everything upon the hope of 
 happiness. But believe me, our friend Murray 
 is by no means the fellow^ for such a trial — his 
 fastidiousness and refinement would be shocked 
 every hour in a home of poverty ; no, consistency 
 is the great object to bear in mind. Love in 
 a cottage is a pretty idea when one is lolling 
 on a comfortable sofa, teUs w^ell in poetry, and 
 may be tolerated in a novel, but for real life — 
 excuse my matter-of-fact opinions — something 
 rather more material is desirable; you know 
 what the old song says : 
 
 •' When poverty comes in at the door, 
 Love flies out at the window."
 
 222 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 *' Here is our abode ; it is rather a pretty 
 cottage for such a poor httle village as Fenton, 
 you will come in to tea Mr. Stanley, I hope," 
 said Mr. Harcourt. 
 
 "With great pleasure, tea in the country 
 resumes its proper place in the scale of our 
 arrangements, it is terribly neglected in town. 
 What a profusion of roses you have here; 
 really, this is very pretty." 
 
 The drawing-room window was open, for 
 it was a lovely, warm evening, the perfume of 
 the roses floated languidly in, the small table 
 was near it, and the tea equipage ready prepared, 
 all looked comfortable and domestic. Marion 
 soon appeared, and began the mysteries of 
 the tea table. 
 
 Stanley sat near her, and enjoyed this quiet 
 party. It was something new to him, for 
 much as he had mixed in society, he had never 
 been intimate in families, had never spent his 
 evenings quietly with them ; and his own home, 
 elegant and refined as it was, had no female 
 influences, for Mrs. Stanley had been dead 
 some years, and had left no daughters. 
 
 The hissing urn, the delicate china, all the
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 223 
 
 appendages of the tea-table were always part 
 of the future, of the peacefol, blissful images 
 of home, of which Stanley thought ; and now 
 when he saw Marion looking so gentle, yet so 
 bright and happy, as she busied herself at the 
 table, he fancied his dream was realized. 
 Adeline chatted cheerfully and pleasantly, and 
 after tea she opened the piano, and played for 
 some time; she had great feeling as well as 
 execution in her musical powers, and some of 
 the movements from Mozart's masses she 
 rendered most expressively. 
 
 Mr. Harcourt took up the paper, as he 
 always did when Adeline was at the piano. 
 Mrs. Harcourt had a letter to write, therefore 
 Stanley was not obliged to talk, so he leant back 
 in his chair, and gave himself up to all the 
 delightful impressions, which really good music 
 produces upon an imaginative and educated 
 man. His eye rested on Marion, as she bent 
 over her work, the light fell from the lamp, 
 falling upon her beautifully formed head, and 
 shining on her drooping curls ; he thought of 
 what Murray had often said to him, that he
 
 224 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 did not know women, because he had never 
 seen them in private life, in their real 
 characters, and Stanley half sighed that he 
 had never enjoyed such a home scene be 
 fore. 
 
 At last Adeline turned and asked Marion 
 to sing with her. 
 
 " Do, dearest, you have quite lost your cold, 
 besides I have been pouring my music upon 
 you all so long, that I want some companion 
 to bear part of the blame, if you have been 
 bored." 
 
 Marion turned over the leaves of the book 
 on the piano, and then began the rich, sweet 
 chords of the Sicilian Mariner's Hymn. When 
 the two voices rose, and breathed the touching 
 notes of that exquisite chant, Marion's low, 
 mellow voice harmonised perfectly with Adeline's 
 clear silvery tones, and as the last words " ora 
 pro nobis," died away, Stanley thought he 
 had never known what music was before. 
 The old clock of the church rang out 
 the hour soon after, and Stanley rose to 
 depart.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 225 
 
 As he walked back to his hotel, those lovely 
 sounds still haunted him ; he dwelt upon every 
 look, every word w^hich had fallen from Marion 
 that evening ; he thought of the sudden flush 
 which had mantled her cheek when she had 
 first seen him on the coach ; he could not 
 misinterpret her look of pleasure, notwith- 
 standing the extreme quiet of her manners, 
 and, wonderful to say, he did not feel in- 
 clined to suspect and to be dissatisfied with 
 the words and feelings he had heard ex- 
 pressed. 
 
 The next day was Sunday, a warm, pleasant 
 day ; the extreme heat of the summer was past, 
 and the calm quiet of the early autumn had 
 succeeded it, a warmer tint rested upon the 
 woods, and in their depths might be discerned 
 that peculiar smell of balmy damp which tells of 
 the decay of the beautiful flowers ; the village 
 chimes pealed through the fresh morning air, and 
 numerous groups of the peasants, in their neat 
 hoHday attire, came from the neighbouring 
 farms and loitered about the churchyard; the 
 curly-headed children stood talking together 
 
 VOL. I. Q
 
 226 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 instead of indulging in their usual noisy 
 gambols, till the last chime was rung, and they 
 all entered the sacred edifice. 
 
 Stanley sat near the altar, and a feeling of 
 awe and devotion crept over him as he watched 
 the small congregation take their seats, and 
 heard the somewhat trembling tones of the old 
 vicar in the words of the solemn Liturgy. 
 After the service he met the Harcourts, and 
 Vernon soon joined them; they lunched to- 
 gether, and had a stroll on the cliffs ; the young 
 men then returned to the hotel and had an 
 hour's chat. 
 
 " What shall you do this evening, Arthur ? 
 Let us go and have a walk with the Harcourts ; 
 I dare say they will come; they are capital 
 walkers." 
 
 " I think I shall go to church first ; I like 
 the evening-service in the country, and then I 
 will join you at tea, after your walk." 
 
 This being arranged, they parted. Stanley 
 went into the church to see the monuments ; 
 their quaintness and antiquated phraseology 
 touched him, recording the rude forefathers of
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 22? 
 
 the hamlet. The extreme beauty of the building 
 struck him ; it was in the old Gothic style, with 
 stained-glass windows, the small chancel divided 
 from the body of the church by a beautifully- 
 carved screen of oak, the old wooden pews 
 and worn pavement speaking of days gone 
 
 by. 
 
 While he was musing, Marion entered, and 
 went into a pew near him. She was alone, 
 therefore he ventured to ask her if she could 
 give him a seat. She willingly assented, and 
 then the organ sounded the familiar notes of 
 the Evening Hymn, the high, shrill voices of 
 the village children mingling with its deeper 
 chords. Then the beautiful, touching prayers, 
 which have been breathed by so many good and 
 holy ones during so many years, succeeded ; and 
 Stanley could hear Marion's low voice join in 
 the responses. He felt as if he would have 
 given worlds to have had a legitimate right to 
 the prayers of one so pure and gentle. The 
 bright beams of the evening-sun fell upon the 
 windows, and threw a tinted light upon some 
 of the tablets of the dead, like the halo of many 
 
 - Q 2
 
 228 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 memories which affection casts over their 
 names. 
 
 When the simple sermon was concluded, and 
 the hlessing given, Marion and Stanley left the 
 church and found themselves in the churchyard ; 
 the sun had sunk below the horizon, the ocean 
 slept in calmness, a faint breeze murmured in 
 the branches of the old yew-tree ; there was 
 scarcely a twitter to be heard, for the birds were 
 roosting. The tombstones around them spoke 
 of rest and peace. There is a feeling of awe 
 and thoughtfulness which arises as one passes 
 through a churchyard ; there they all lie to- 
 gether ; the old, wearied with their lengthened 
 pilgrimage are there ; the young, who had 
 scarcely lost their first flush of ardour and 
 eagerness are there ; those who had gone to the 
 grave in tears and amid sorrows, those who 
 were cut off in all their enjoyments and 
 expectations are there. 
 
 Death has claimed them all, and they are 
 waiting for their resurrection. Why should 
 death be so terrible ? why should we picture it 
 as a grim spectacle at the end of the avenue of
 
 THE LOST I^'HERITA^'CE. 229 
 
 life? Fear and dread are not the sentiments 
 inspired by a cemetery ; rather hope and faith 
 are engendered by it. There is a secret feeling 
 in most of om* hearts of longing for rest and 
 quiet ; and is not the grave the passage to 
 this cessation from troubles and trials, to 
 those who have made the right use of the 
 discipline of life? These thoughts were in- 
 fluencing Stanley's heart as he walked beside 
 Marion. 
 
 " How beautiful that last hymn was this 
 evening !" she said ; " the words never struck 
 me so forcibly before." 
 
 " It was ; but the whole service was very 
 impressive : some of the evening-prayers are 
 pecuharly expressive. I understood you w^ere 
 all going for a walk ; Vernon talked of joining 
 you." 
 
 " I beheve the rest are gone ; but I preferred 
 going to church ; but, I confess, I had no idea 
 that you would havQ been there ; I thought you 
 had gone for a solitary ramble, that you might 
 indulge in your cigar."' 
 
 " No, I am not such a bear as that. I
 
 230 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 should certainly have accompanied Vernon, had 
 I not intended to go to church." 
 
 " I think they are at home ; I hear Adeline's 
 voice, and there is papa's laugh. Will you not 
 come in? I must go up and take oif my 
 bonnet." 
 
 Stanley passed another evening of quiet, 
 pure happiness. Life began to wear a different 
 hue to him ; his suspicious misgivings were 
 lulled by Marion's ingenuous truth ; the cold, 
 sneering tone was seldom heard in his voice, 
 and a warmer, happier smile was seen on his 
 lips. 
 
 A few days passed on, spent in wandering 
 about, exploring the beauties of the neighbour- 
 hood ; visiting the river, and watching its rapid 
 falls over the huge rocks ; climbing the highest 
 hills, sketching, and talking. Captain Vernon 
 was more in love than ever. He soon confessed 
 to Stanley the state of his feehngs. 
 
 " Is it to be one of your numerous flirtations, 
 Fred ? You have had so many, that I should 
 think you understood the whole art and mystery 
 of love-making better than most people."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 231 
 
 " You may well call them flirtations, Arthur, 
 for I never felt for any one as I do for Adeline 
 Harcourt; it is as different as possible. In 
 London, perhaps, I talked and laughed with her 
 as Lhave done before, but now I cannot; some- 
 times I feel quite silent-bound. She must find 
 it very dull." 
 
 " Nonsense, if she feels anything about it she 
 understands it, and must be very well satisfied ; 
 but if she does not, why then the sooner you 
 find it out and are off the better, old fellow. 
 But, seriously, I do not think you need be very 
 unhappy ; for if I am not very much mistaken, 
 you have found some means of making an im- 
 pression upon the fair Adeline. She certainly 
 is very beautiful, and I think you may do 
 anything with her, she is not yet spoiled ; 
 but marry her, Vernon, before she under- 
 goes the ordeal of another London season. 
 As your w^ife, it will be quite another 
 matter." 
 
 Stanley was not quite the man Vernon would 
 have chosen to confide the progress of his 
 wooing to, highly as he esteemed him; there
 
 232 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 was something almost of harshness in his coun- 
 sel and remarks at times, which made the 
 Captain wish for Edward Murray, that he 
 might give him some of his kind, friendly,, yet 
 somewhat fanciful advice, and sympathize ^ith 
 him in his happiness. He would have 
 written to him, if it had not been for a 
 few words which fell from Stanley on the 
 subject. 
 
 "So Murray has been staying with you at 
 Langley ; what did he do to amuse himself? 
 Moralise, moon about, or was there any one 
 with whom he could get up an interesting 
 friendship ?" 
 
 " He used to lounge about, and gossip with 
 my father, and talk to me of his past experiences, 
 most of which I knew before. Do you know, 
 Fred, I think poor Edward was decidedly touched 
 by your ladye-love ; he was always talking to me 
 about her before she came out, and he certainly 
 was very devoted in his attentions until you sa 
 regularly cut him out. He does not know you 
 are here, or he would give it up as a lost case ; 
 but I think he has some floating hopes of what
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 233 
 
 next season may bring. Now, if you are \\ise, 
 you will not leave this without understanding what 
 Adeline's feelings are. Never trust a woman 
 with two lovers ; never give her such an oppor- 
 tunity for coquetry." 
 
 " But do you think she w^ould prefer Murray ? 
 She has known him much longer than she has 
 me, and he is really a good fellow. I would 
 not take advantage of the circumstance of my 
 being here, and bind her to me, if I thought she 
 would regret it aftersvards." 
 
 " Now, Vernon, do not be so over-refined in 
 your ideas. Surely you must know^ whether 
 Adeline has any feeling for you ; for although I 
 believe a woman is more difficult to comprehend 
 than any other part of creation, yet you have 
 had so many .opportunities of seeing her, 
 you must have some idea of her senti- 
 ments." 
 
 " Sometimes I flatter myself that she is not 
 perfectly indifferent, then I feel doubtfid ; but 
 the chance of Murray having made any impres- 
 sion never occurred to me." 
 
 " If my opinion be of any consequence to
 
 234 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 you, I do not believe she cares one straw for 
 Edward, and I am tolerably certain that you 
 would not have any insurmountable obstacle to 
 combat ; but if you do not speak, and Murray 
 is thrown much with her, with his winning 
 manners and fascinating conversation, I would 
 not like to have a large stake depending upon 
 her not coquetting, at all events, with you both. 
 Women are so vain, and do so like to feel their 
 power, that very few^ can resist playing with our 
 affection, and then they are piqued if they can- 
 not completely enslave us. Of course Adeline 
 sees you are attached to her ; and if you do not 
 declare yourself, she will assert her woman's 
 nature, by flirting with some one else, and 
 Murray will be too delighted. Many a heart is 
 caught on the rebound ; so if you seriously 
 think your happiness depends on her, do not 
 delay to tell her so. She really appears a very 
 amiable girl, besides being very lovely, and I 
 think you will be fortunate if you get her ; there- 
 fore, my dear fellow, make the best use of your 
 first opportunity.*' 
 
 As Vernon walked to the Priory, he thought
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 235 
 
 of all Stanley had said ; and although he had 
 every reason to be satisfied with the result of 
 their conversation, he felt vexed and annoyed. 
 Stanley's doubting, rallying tone about women, 
 hurt him; he had such a warm heart, and 
 all its best tender feelings were now called 
 into action by his attachment to Adeline, that 
 he could not bear to hear of her acting in the 
 careless, heartless way to which Stanley had 
 adverted. 
 
 He thought, too, of his friend Murray, and 
 regretted that he should have happened to have 
 crossed his path. He felt for him. " Yet he 
 cannot love her as I do," was his comforting 
 reflection, " or he would have acted very dif- 
 ferently." But all painful thoughts w^ere soon 
 absorbed in the delightful reveries of a lover ; 
 and when he reached the Priory, he had deter- 
 mined to follow Stanley's advice, and seek an 
 explanation with Adeline at the first oppor- 
 tunity ; and visions tinged with the brightest 
 hues of the hopes of an enthusiastic man who 
 passionately loves, floated through his mind, 
 and gave animation to his eye and buoyancy to 
 his step.
 
 236 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 The future ! how anxiously we watch its 
 mysterious gates, endeavouring to gain a glimpse 
 through some opening of the secrets within their 
 portals !
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 237 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Dost thou remember that place so lonely, 
 A place for lovers, and for lovers only ? 
 Where first I told thee all my secret sighs, 
 And read my heart's sweet triumph in thine eyes. 
 
 T. MOORE. 
 
 " What's the order of the day, Vernon ?" 
 asked Stanley one morning as he met him 
 riding in from tlie Priory as usual, on his 
 way to the Harcourts. 
 
 " Mrs. Burton wants us all to go to the Fall, 
 where she proposes to meet us; they seem to 
 think this fine weather will not last long and 
 are anxious for us to take advantage of it; 
 will you join our party ?"
 
 238 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " Willingly : how far is this place, it is one 
 of the lions, I presume ?" 
 
 " About three or four miles, I believe, it is 
 very pretty; let us persuade the Harcourts 
 to go, I dare say we shall have some little 
 difficulty about it, for we have tried to plan 
 an excursion to this identical place several 
 times, but Mrs. Harcourt has always been 
 afraid of rain, or damip, or something." 
 
 " I should think she could not find any 
 excuse for objecting this morning, with such 
 a clear sky." 
 
 " I hope not, for I have set my heart upon 
 going to the Fall, they say it is quite a Swiss 
 scene ; you must come with me and talk the 
 old lady over." 
 
 "I am the worst fellow possible for such 
 an undertaking, I should be sure to offend 
 her, you will do better without me." 
 
 "No, a combination of forces is always de- 
 sirable, and another thing, I think your half 
 sarcastic, half authoritative manner is rather 
 successful with Mrs. Harcourt, she laughs at 
 me and calls me very treasonable for preaching
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 239 
 
 rebellion ; you must help me, Stanley, in- 
 deed." 
 
 " By all means, if you like it ; but if she 
 be very unreasonable, do not be surprised if 
 I am not very polite, domestic tyranny is 
 my abhorrence. I can see how things progress 
 in that family, and who suffers most from the 
 disagreeables." 
 
 When the young men arrived at the cottage, 
 they found Marion and Adeline delighted with 
 the plan. Mr. Harcourt soon gave his consent, 
 and whether it was Stanley's few words of ex- 
 postulation, or Vernon's earnest entreaties, or 
 the impossibility of finding any plausible reason 
 for declining Mrs. Burton's proposal, Mrs, 
 Harcourt promised to go. A message was 
 sent back to the Priory by Vernon's groom, 
 and preparations were made for a long day 
 in the woods. 
 
 Ponies were soon in readiness and they 
 started without delay. The road was but a 
 rude and rough one, it wound along the edge 
 of a sharp decli\dty, at the bottom of which 
 formed the river ; the opposite bank was
 
 240 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 covered with coppice-wood, among which the 
 bright berries of the mountain ash were con- 
 spicuous; now and then tiny cottages peeped 
 out among the trees and their well cultivated 
 gardens enlivened the scene 
 
 As they advanced the view became wilder, 
 a lofty height rose above them, and the narrow 
 road twisted and turned among the woods, 
 the gleams of sunshine upon the many-tinted 
 foliage gave a brightness to its beauty and 
 prevented them regretting the fading luxuriance 
 of the departing summer. Autumn, thy rich- 
 ness is like the fulfiment of hope, but 
 afterwards comes the cold, chill frost of 
 winter ! 
 
 Our party trotted merrily on, pausing now 
 and then to catch a glimpse of the distant ocean 
 as it appeared between the sloping woods, at 
 last a turn in the road shut it out entirely ; 
 they then began to descend a narrow path 
 till they came to the banks of the river. The 
 grass was bright and soft, and the graceful fern 
 waved its feathery stems in the breeze. Here 
 they descended from their ponies ; following
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 241 
 
 the course of the stream, at last they arrived 
 at a spot where some oak and ash trees formed 
 a convenient resting-place. 
 
 Here they found Mr. and Mrs. Burton ex- 
 pecting them, the pony-carraige being drawn 
 up under the trees. There was a merry recog- 
 nition, and luncheon was prepared before any 
 exploring was commenced ; this was thoroughly 
 enjoyed, and after it was concluded the young 
 people strolled off together to admire the 
 romantic scenery, leaving the older and more 
 sedate ones to enjoy their gossip and biscuits 
 together. 
 
 Marion had her sketch-book, and wished to 
 make a rough drawing of the rustic bridge 
 which w^as thrown across the stream. It was 
 an in\'iting subject for the pencil, some large 
 rocks interrupted the course of the river, and 
 the water fell over them in a wild cascade, and 
 then glided on in quiet stiHness, under the 
 shadow of the drooping boughs. Stanley offered 
 to cut her pencils, and helping her down the 
 bank, he found a seat for her, whence she could 
 command the most picturesque \iew. 
 
 VOL. I. R
 
 242 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " How can you waste your time, this glorious 
 day, Marion, in sketching ?" exclaimed Adeline, 
 " I like to roam about, and see all there is, 
 not to sit quietly looking at one thing, and 
 as to reminiscences of the past, that is non- 
 sense, I never forget what I wish to remem- 
 ber." 
 
 " But you forget that I like drawing, so that 
 it is not a waste of time ; but if you wish me 
 to walk through the wood with you, I will come, 
 though I dare say Mr. Stanley or Captain 
 Vernon will accompany you." 
 
 " I should like a ramble of all things, Miss 
 Harcourt, do stay and make your sketch, and as 
 for Stanley, he looks half asleep already ; I am 
 sure he would be a very bad companion : if 
 you are bent upon exploring, let us go. Miss 
 Adeline, we should only interrupt these quiet 
 people." 
 
 Adeline laughed and crossed the bridge, and 
 she and Vernon were soon lost in the wood. 
 The little paths traversed each other in all 
 directions, they sometimes followed one and 
 sometimes another, till they found themselves
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 243 
 
 by the water's edge again, but far up the 
 stream. The swallows flitted rapidly through 
 the air, dipping their snowy breasts in the 
 rippHng wavelets, the grasshopper chirped among 
 the wavy grass, an occasional note of a bird 
 might be heard in the underwood, everything 
 else was quiet and calm. 
 
 Adeline sat down to rest herself under a 
 drooping ash-tree, and looked up to Vernon 
 with an exclamation of delight at the beauty of 
 the scene. He threw himself by her side, and 
 imbibed all the fresh loveliness around him. 
 He could scarcely answer her lively remarks, or 
 give a reply to her animated appreciation of the 
 scene. His few words were uttered in such 
 expressive tones, and his eye rested on her with 
 such an ardent gaze, that at last she grew 
 silent and thoughtful, but a woman has always 
 the tact to appear more self-possessed at such 
 moments than a man. 
 
 Vernon's heart was beating high, and his 
 brow flushed deeply, while he watched her vary- 
 ing cheek, as she twisted the long leaves of the 
 water-flowers. 
 
 *' How beautifully those lilies float upon the 
 
 R 2
 
 244 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 rippling waves," she said at last, "rising and 
 falling with every motion." 
 
 " They are like the feelings of man, agitated 
 by hope and fear — agitated as mine are at this 
 moment. Oh, Adeline ! can you not guess how 
 deeply, how intensely, I love you, how my whole 
 happiness is bound up in you ? have you had no 
 idea of my feeUngs since I have been here ? may 
 I dare hope — speak one word, will you be 
 mine f 
 
 He took her hand, she raised her eyes to his 
 for one moment, that look was enough. "Adeline, 
 my own love," he murmured, as he pressed her 
 to his heart. 
 
 There they sat, her hand in his, in silent 
 happiness, forgetful of all, but their own rap- 
 turous sensations ; when Vernon told her of all 
 his love, all his devotion, she confessed that it 
 was not unreturned. Oh, love ! thou brightest 
 and most entrancing of emotions, what a glow- 
 ing tint thou infusest into Nature's loveliest 
 pictures ! Thou wild, absorbing passion, how 
 thou wast bounding in Vernon's heart, as he 
 sat by that constantly murmuring stream, hold- 
 ing Adeline's fair hand, gazing in her eyes, and
 
 THE LOST INHERITA^XE. 245 
 
 reading there those feelings which she could not 
 speak ; what ardent, burning words were on his 
 lips, but he did not utter them, he feared to 
 disturb the bliss, the happiness of that hour. At 
 last she rose to retrace her steps. 
 
 " One instant, love, let us take a farewell 
 look at this beautiful scene, which will dwell in 
 my memory while life endures." 
 
 She turned, and as he drew her arm through 
 his, looked round on the bending woods and 
 rippling stream, and in silence left the spot. 
 With slow steps they returned to the bridge 
 and found Marion had just completed her 
 sketch, and a very spirited delineation had she 
 produced. Stanley's quick eye was bent for a 
 moment on Adeline and Vernon as they crossed 
 the stream ; he felt satisfied that he had not 
 been wrong in his conjectures, indeed a less 
 keen observer than he was, might have read the 
 tale in Adeline's downcast eye, and in the radiant 
 look of happiness on Vernon's brow. 
 
 " Have you made any discoveries, Fred ?" he 
 asked, as they approached, " you have had time 
 for important ones."
 
 246 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 "We have had a lovely walk, hut as to 
 discoveries, the woods are much like those we 
 crossed this morning." 
 
 Adeline sat down in silence by Marion, and 
 looked over her drawing, while Vernon, whis- 
 pered to Stanley : 
 
 " Congratulate me, Arthur, all is right." 
 
 Stanley shook his hand with friendly warmth 
 and smiled as he answered : 
 
 " I thought I could not be mistaken." 
 
 Marion announced that her drawing was 
 finished. Vernon hastened to take her sketch- 
 book, and offering her his arm, walked along 
 the bank with her, and claimed her congratula- 
 tions, as he told her what had passed between 
 him and Adeline. He was gratified by the 
 earnest and cordial feeling with which she 
 received the intelligence, and by the warm 
 affection with which she spoke of her sister ; 
 and when they turned and joined her and 
 Stanley, Adeline felt assured of Marion's 
 sympathy by the tender pressure of her 
 hand. 
 
 They went in search of the elders of the
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 247 
 
 party, and found them still sitting in the shade, 
 so different are the tastes of young and old ! 
 the latter are content with quiet and rest, 
 engaged by memories of the past, while the 
 former seek for action and excitement. Marion's 
 sketch was much admired, and Mr. Burton 
 exclaimed : 
 
 "You have made good use of your time, 
 Miss Harcourt. What have you been doing, 
 Adeline ?" 
 
 Rather a deep blush mounted on Adeline's 
 cheek, at this question, she answered : 
 
 " I have been roaming in the woods, gather- 
 ing the flowers, and looking for nuts." 
 
 " Have you found any kearnels, or do 
 you content yourself with less exalted dis- 
 coveries ?" 
 
 Adeline did not or would not hear this 
 facetious remark of the old gentleman, but 
 began telling her father of the beautiful still 
 pools in the higher part of the stream ; for he 
 was a fisherman, and she knew he would be 
 interested in any information relative to his 
 favourite amusement.
 
 248 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 They began to think of returning home- 
 wards, for the lengthening shadows spoke of 
 the approach of sunset. 
 
 *' I am sure we are very much indebted to 
 you, Mrs. Burton, for a very agreeable day," 
 said Marion ; " parties of pleasure do not al- 
 ways pass so harmoniously ; the weather has 
 been propitious, and our halting-place sur- 
 passingly lovely." 
 
 Vernon said in a low voice to Stanley : 
 
 " I suppose I must make my confession to 
 Mr. Harcourt some time soon; that is the 
 disagreeable part of the affair." 
 
 " Have it over as soon as you can ; I will 
 try and give you an opportunity as we ride 
 home. It will be nothing ; he is a reasonable 
 man, and a kind-hearted one. You will soon 
 understand one another ; and there can be 
 nothing unpleasant about settlements, for your 
 fortune is ample, even if he gives his daughter 
 nothing." 
 
 Vernon turned away, annoyed by Stanley's 
 abrupt allusion to money matters ; he had not 
 thought of them, but shrunk from being ob-
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 249 
 
 liged to speak calmly and explicitly of his 
 feelings to Mr. Harcourt. He rode by 
 Adeline for some time, until by some little 
 manoeuvring of Stanley, Mr. Harcourt joined 
 them. The road was too narrow for them 
 all to ride abreast ; therefore Vernon fell back 
 beside Mr. Harcourt. He soon told him his 
 tale, and had no reason to complain of the way 
 it was received. Indeed Vernon was one of 
 his great favourites ; his frank, open-hearted- 
 ness and high, noble feelings had quite won 
 his heart, and he had no secret misgi^^ng 
 when he shook his hand, and said : 
 
 " Take her. Captain Vernon ; she is a trea- 
 sure, but you will value her." 
 
 They had a happy evening ; perhaps x\deline 
 and Vernon were rather quieter than usual, 
 but it was not from any diminution in their 
 pleasure. Deep feelings are seldom very de- 
 monstrative ; when the heart is speaking, the 
 voice is mute ; how seldom the under-current 
 of the soul is understood ! Few can compre- 
 hend the causes which influence us ; and the 
 world is but too ready to give the least kind 
 interpretation to our actions.
 
 250 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Perhaps this is one of the hardest trials to 
 which we can be subjected, to have our motives 
 doubted, and to be suspected of interested or 
 selfish views, when we are conscious that such 
 suspicions are unjust. But this must be borne 
 patiently and enduringly, the path of life must 
 be trodden firmly and unshrinkingly, even 
 though it be strewed with flints ; the mountain 
 must be climbed, though mists and clouds 
 obscure its summit. 
 
 Vernon and Adeline strolled about the lovely 
 lanes of Fenton day after day ; their interest 
 and pleasure in these walks seemed inexhaust- 
 ible. The slightest word, every look, has an 
 inexpressible charm to lovers. 
 
 Stanley often found an opportunity for 
 a quiet chat with Marion during these ram- 
 bles. 
 
 " Do you remember my telUng you once 
 that 1 thought your sister would be a flirt ?" 
 
 " Perfectly ; it was the first evening I ever 
 saw you. But you also said, that that catas- 
 trophe might be averted if she ever became 
 truly attached." 
 
 " I did not think that that would have
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 251 
 
 occurred so soon. I really believe Vernon is 
 the very man to win her affections, and I am 
 sure he is worthy of them. He is gis^ing him- 
 self up now to all the fascinating influences of 
 love. Poor fellow ! I hope nothing will occur 
 to waken him suddenly from his Elysium." 
 
 " Why should you always think of the 
 gloomy side of afl'airs ? Why do you forebode 
 some interruption to their happiness ? Let us 
 hope they will not have any greater e\41s 
 than what must inevitably be the inheritance 
 of mortality.'* 
 
 " I was not thinking of any sudden mis- 
 fortune, but of the gradual disappointment 
 which creeps over one so often, after indulging 
 in such dreams of happiness as Vernon revels 
 in — of the cureless anguish he would feel 
 should Adeline change ; but I really beg your 
 pardon for talking thus to you," he said, as he 
 saw an expression of pain on Marion's coun- 
 tenance. " You must think me very rude or 
 very thoughtless, but I do not know how it is, 
 that I find myself telling you ideas which no 
 one else dreams I have."
 
 252 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " I am only sorry for your own sake, Mr. 
 Stanley, that you should have such an opinion 
 of women collectively, as to imagine they must 
 almost inevitably change. I hope and be- 
 lieve Captain Vernon's experience will a little 
 shake the firmness of your present code of 
 faith." 
 
 " Perhaps it may — 1 shall be glad to be 
 converted. It would make me far happier if I 
 could efface many of my experiences, and 
 believe in the pure and lovely dreams of which 
 you tell me." 
 
 And thus did Stanley talk ; and though 
 Marion was often hurt by his harsh judgments, 
 and bitter remarks, yet her woman's heart was 
 soothed and gratified by his confiding his feel- 
 ings to her. Let a woman but fancy she is 
 adding to a man's happiness, that he feels more 
 comfortable in her society, that her sympathy 
 is pleasing to him, and she soon forgets any 
 personal slight, and forgets any personal annoy- 
 ance. Let her but think she is of use to him, 
 of use in aiding him in gaining the victory in 
 the struggles for the triumph of his ambition,
 
 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 253 
 
 of use. in alleviating his griefs, and he will soon 
 become dear to her. 
 
 And if she has been privileged to make any 
 sacrifice for him, how much closer, how indis- 
 solvable becomes the bond ! For there is some- 
 thing in woman's nature, which makes her not 
 only capable of a sacrifice, but almost eager 
 for it ! Look at her in her religious aspirations 
 — that form of faith which demands the most 
 complete abnegation of self, the most complete 
 renunciation of her own dearest hopes, the total 
 extinction of her deepest feelings — does she not 
 yield herself to its dictates, and subject herself 
 to all the rigour of its rules ? 
 
 It is true, that the imagination of woman 
 often is the secret of her religion, but it is 
 this sentiment of self-sacrifice which is the most 
 powerful incentive. Men seldom understand 
 this idea, and in their cold, selfish policy cal- 
 culate that because a w^oman once loves them, 
 she loves on for ever, regardless of their care- 
 lessness and heartlessness ; that they may ne- 
 glect, may scorn her tenderest feelings, yet will 
 always receive the same affection. They are
 
 254 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 mistaken. It is true there is a deep well of 
 love in a woman's heart, which will gush out 
 in fresh springs at the return of affection, that 
 symptoms of regret for past ill-conduct will 
 bury the wounds of the spirit in oblivion ; but 
 they cannot receive the same unshackled feelings, 
 the same voluntary, exhaustless, free, unasked- 
 for love, as they had before they taught the 
 bitter lesson of cruel indifference or harsh 
 tyranny. 
 
 They will have perhaps, much more con- 
 sideration, much more care than they are 
 conscious of meriting, but they do not know 
 how often it is w^oman's sense of her right to 
 self-sacrifice, which procures this kindness for 
 them. Man, with all his stirring passions, all 
 his absorbing interests, amid all his hard battles 
 for fame, for wealth, for aggrandisement, amid 
 his anxieties to gratify his ambition, thinks 
 little and but too often, cares less for the inner 
 world in which woman lives ; all those objects 
 which are of paramount importance in her 
 her life, all the inner springs of hopes and 
 fears which agitate her, he recks nothing of.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 2oo 
 
 and the more earnest, the more intense her 
 feelings and sti-uggles, the less he knows of 
 them, for those who have strength to feel 
 acutely, to suffer deeply, have strength to endure 
 patiently and to bear silently. 
 
 Something of all this was stealing over Marion 
 in her intercourse with Stanley ; unconscious of 
 it herself, she was interested in endeavouring 
 to fathom his character, to account for the 
 sudden changes of his moods, to divine the 
 cause of his bitter sarcasms and his keen 
 suspicion. The shadow of woman's expe- 
 riences was gathering round her, perhaps only 
 to brino the brightness of life into still clearer 
 relief, to enhance its highest enjoyments by 
 a dim contrast, and perhaps to chill her warm 
 impulses and eager aspirations with the dull 
 cloud of disappointment. 
 
 There is always so much doubt and uncer- 
 tainty in watching the dawn and early progress 
 of an earnest affection. The increased res- 
 ponsibilities which new ties entail, the fresh 
 influences they bring upon the heart, the new 
 impetus which urges the soul towards good, 
 or towards evil throughout eternity.
 
 256 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Love, thou art indeed a potent spell, an 
 all-powerful transmutor ; a vivifying, puri- 
 fying influence ; the connecting ladder between 
 heaven and earth, which like that of the 
 patriarch, had its foundation in the skies, and 
 on which bright spirits traced their lingering 
 steps ; thou hast the breath of heaven upon 
 thee, and scatterest it upon the tearful and sor- 
 rowing children of mortality, to give them a 
 faint foretaste of the bliss of the coming, yet 
 dimly-outlined Future !
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 257 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 There is a gentler element, and man 
 May breathe it with a calm unruffled soul, 
 And drink its living waters till his heart 
 Is pure — and this is human happiness. 
 
 N. p. WILLIS. 
 
 With what different feeling we view old 
 familiar scenes, when any important event has 
 occurred to us ! How it renews our grief when 
 we stand again in the room endeared to us 
 by memories connected with one who is num- 
 bered with the dead ! whose voice still seems 
 sounding near us, his image called up vividly 
 before us by associations ! How painful it is 
 to gaze upon some lovely landscape, which we 
 
 VOL. I. s
 
 258 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 have admired with one dearer than words can 
 express, when that loved one is far away, how 
 cold and melancholy every object looks, which 
 was once so bright and beautiful ! 
 
 But when we have an increase to our hap- 
 piness, when life has gained additional charms, 
 and has received a new impulse, how we turn 
 to the smallest trifles and find them invested 
 with fresh interest, and wonder how they could 
 have appeared insignificant to us. Some such 
 feelings as these occurred to Adeline, when she 
 found herself again domiciled in town. She 
 had learnt new experiences since she had left 
 it, her heart had imbibed new impressions, one 
 chord had been struck with which all her 
 being harmonized. She loved -ardently and 
 intensely, as one of her imaginative, impassioned 
 nature loves. All was tinted with the bright- 
 ness of her own spirit. When I saw her after 
 her return, I guessed the history of her life ; 
 it was written so legibly in the clear sunny 
 glance, the happy, beaming smile. 
 
 I liked to see her with Vernon ; he seemed 
 to regard her as some being of another sphere.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 259 
 
 as something almost too tender and beautiful 
 for him. There was a tinge of chivalrous, 
 romantic devotion in his love for her ; it was 
 to me like a dream, or a poem, to see his looks 
 full of affection, to watch his gentle attention 
 to every movement ; it w^as so unlike what 
 we meet with in this utilitarian material 
 age. 
 
 How he loved her merry, lively hours, when 
 everything was an object for her mirth ! how 
 he enjoyed her clear, silvery laugh ! but her 
 calmer, gentler moods, how much dearer were 
 they to him ! 
 
 I used sometimes to walk with them and 
 Marion. I am very fond of young people, and 
 when they w^ill make me in any way able to 
 contribute to their happiness, I am delighted. 
 Vernon and Adeline were emblems of the 
 bright and summer-side of life. On they went, 
 with their sails fanned by gentle, balmy breezes. 
 I do not think they ever thought of the 
 possibility of a storm arising. I used to 
 wonder sometimes how they would stem the 
 tide of sorrow ; but who would breathe of such 
 
 s 2
 
 260 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 stern things to them, who were now wrapped 
 in the bright flush of happiness ? 
 
 I could not, nor do I, see the use of needlessly 
 disturbing those halcyon dreams which are in 
 themselves but too transient. It is not every 
 one who can fight bravely through the battles 
 of life, subject themselves to its stern realities, 
 and yet build their own fabric of happiness from 
 the ruin of their dreams, and after all their 
 struggles, still preserve their love for the 
 beautiful, unimpaired by suspicion, and untinged 
 by murmurs. To those who can do this, 
 disappointment and grief may come ; they will 
 not leave them comfortless ; we need not shrink 
 from invading their dreamy bliss ; they will 
 create a more real and enduring satisfaction ; to 
 such characters life would lose its significance, 
 did it not bring its trials. 
 
 But to those more common temperaments 
 
 who have but little energy and determination, 
 
 , who are easily amalgamated to the fashions of 
 
 1 the world, let them keep their visions of purity, 
 
 of happiness, as long as they can ; disturb them 
 
 once, and they will not return ; let them live on
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 261 
 
 while they may in an atmosphere less sullied 
 than that they will breathe when they descend 
 into the working world, amid its temptations 
 and trials. 
 
 Happy are those who can preserve their early 
 freshness of character, their warm yearnings 
 after the good and true, in spite of the cold 
 heartlessness of society. 
 
 Adeline seemed very happy at this time ; she 
 knew she was Vernon's idol, the object on 
 which his best aflPections were centred, and 
 such a consciousness has always charms for a 
 woman. Every one sympathized with her, for 
 her manners were so winning that every one 
 who knew her w^as captivated by her. There 
 are some beings on whom seem showered all 
 the powers of pleasing, all that charms and 
 attaches our feelings, and the less gifted 
 look on, and wonder why it should be, and 
 perhaps repine at the neglect they often 
 meet with. 
 
 Regret not these transitory, illusive attractions, 
 they are but too often attended with a restless 
 longing for the excitement of society, for oppor-
 
 262 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 tunities for captivation, which the quieter and 
 less obtrusive escape. Trust the experience of 
 one who has lived long and seen much, and 
 who tells you, that it is far better to win the 
 true affections of one noble-hearted being, though 
 that be the only one who appreciates you, than 
 to possess the admiration and superficial smiles 
 and regards of a world. 
 
 The influence of one is for good, and will 
 last for ever, like the fructifying and penetrat- 
 ing power of the sun, but the other resembles 
 the cold, fruitless light of the distant stars, 
 which may amuse and please us without 
 our feeling either better or happier for their 
 rays. 
 
 Adehne was always sure of the warmest 
 sympathy from Marion in all her feelings, she 
 had never met with unkindness from her. 
 Marion was very often with me during the 
 winter of her sister's engagement, for Mrs. 
 Colston was very fond of her, and prevailed 
 upon her to visit her frequently, and I was con- 
 stantly there. 
 
 She seemed very thoughtful, but not sad — it
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 263 
 
 was rather the tranquillity of the dawn of some 
 new and absorbing sensation, than any painful 
 or perplexing circumstance. But no one could 
 do more than guess at Marion's feelings, for 
 she never spoke of herself; this reserve was her 
 greatest fault, and with some people, a grievous 
 one. Mrs. Harcourt resented it especially, for 
 she was very fond of knowing everything, and 
 managing everything, and Marion's totaKilence 
 of her own feelings irritated her. 
 
 But this is a failing which often proceeds from 
 excessive sensitiveness of character, which 
 shrinks from any misunderstanding of its 
 peculiarities, and sometimes from that rare 
 unselfishness which would not obtrude its own 
 feehngs upon others. With what a delicate 
 hand should such a temperament be reined — 
 any harshness, or rough attempt to gain its 
 confidence only drives it more closely into its 
 own recesses. I wished Marion might soon 
 find some one in whom she could confide, and 
 who would value her as she so truly merited ; 
 but I knew time must elapse before she could 
 become attached to any one.
 
 264 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Stanley used to see her occasionally, but no 
 one could judge of his feelings, so variable were 
 his tones and moods. I suspected that Marion 
 knew best the key to his character, but even 
 she was often bewildered in doubt, which 
 perhaps accounted for her occasional abstrac- 
 tion. 
 
 One evening Stanley dined at the Colstons 
 when IRrion was there, and her happy expres- 
 sion, as he talked with her, quite pleased me ; 
 it was a look which was inspired by the soul 
 itself, and made her countenance appear quite 
 illumined. 
 
 Murray was of the party, and remarked to 
 me how w^ell Miss Harcourt looked, some faint 
 idea of the cause of her animation might perhaps 
 have occurred to his penetrating observation. 
 He had only just returned from Germany, and 
 had not seen any of his friends. I heard him 
 ask Stanley where Adeline was. 
 
 " I beheve she is at home ; I suppose Vernon 
 is dining there, they have plenty to talk of, and 
 arrange just now," was the answ-er. 
 
 I saw rather a startled expression cross
 
 THE LOST INHERITAN'CE. 265 
 
 Murray's face at this remark, but he added 
 carelessly : 
 
 " What is to be done ? some military ball in 
 prospect, where Vernon is to be a hero ?" 
 
 " Have you not heard the news of their 
 engagement ? Do not pretend to be so ignorant, 
 Murray." 
 
 " Indeed, I did not know of it ; wellj^hink 
 they will suit very well." He then turnecRiway, 
 and I fancied I saw' a slight frown on his brow; 
 however, he was far too complete a master of 
 himself to allow his feelings to be apparent, or 
 his curiosity to be noticed. 
 
 Marion sung that night with more than her 
 usual expression ; even Stanley, who was 
 generally a careless listener to music, was 
 rivetted by the pathos of her voice as she 
 uttered those beautiful lines of Moore's " All 
 that's bright must fade, the brightest still the 
 fleetest," and a shade of deep feeling was in 
 Mui-ray.'s eye ; he was extremely fond of music, 
 not perhaps as the scientific love it, for he was 
 utterlv ignorant of its intricate harmonies and 
 combinations ; but as it appealed to the heart.
 
 266 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 and interested the feelings and passions he 
 thoroughly enjoyed it, and on this particular 
 evening, Marion's melancholy songs chimed in 
 with the temper of his mind. 
 
 •This is to me the great charm of music, to 
 have the sensations and ideas you are expe- 
 riencing expressed in its thrilling sounds; 
 to have the feelings interpreted by its lan- 
 guage.*^ 
 
 Marion returned home early, which rather 
 broke up our little party. Stanley and Murray 
 walked to their chambers together, they had not 
 met for some time, and there was plenty for 
 them, to discuss ; however, they remained silent 
 for some time. Stanley was thinking of 
 Marion, and recalling every word and look, 
 endeavouring to find some ground on which to 
 persuade himself that she was not totally in- 
 different to him. His fancy, his hopes bid him 
 not despair, but his exacting reason asked for 
 some proof, something more certain than the 
 tone of a voice, or the deepening colour of a 
 cheek, before he should indulge in bright 
 dreams of the future.
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 267 
 
 Murray was musing on the rapid progress of 
 Adeline's fate ; a few months ago, she had not 
 known Vernon, and in a few more she was to 
 be his wife ; he felt a shght uneasiness, a tinge 
 of bitterness at the thought of her engagement, 
 for notwithstanding all his flirtations, Murray 
 had contrived to become rather interested about 
 Adehne. I do not mean that he loved her ; he 
 had had too many affaires de cosur to be very 
 susceptible now ; men of his habits and stamp 
 seldom have any very deep attachment, and a 
 disappointment is quickly forgotten, for it makes 
 but a slight impression. Murray had some 
 little curiosity, however, on the subject ; he, 
 therefore, aroused Stanley from his reverie, by 
 saying : 
 
 " I suppose this affair of Vernon's was 
 managed at Fenton? I remember his being 
 anxious to go there. Not that I had any idea 
 of matters being so serious. Of course he is 
 desperately in love ?" 
 
 " You are right : I never saw a man more 
 completely enslaved. He never seems happy 
 but in Adeline's society. He is a happy fellow,
 
 268 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 for his time is at his own disposal ; and he can 
 therefore devote it all to her." 
 
 "And do you think Adeline really returns 
 Vernon's affections? she has not known him 
 long." 
 
 "I am sure he is lord paramount of her 
 heart ; and as to the shortness of their ac- 
 quaintance, you must know very well that time 
 is, after all, only comparative in such cases. 
 Vernon had made some impression before he 
 left town ; and a little country intercourse de- 
 veloped it. When I arrived at Fenton, I found 
 him quite domiciled at the Harcourts ; and soon 
 after, he told his tale." 
 
 " Vernon is a lucky fellow, for she is a de- 
 lightful, fascinating girl. He will not take her 
 to India, of course ?" 
 
 " I fancy not ; but nothing is arranged yet. 
 She would go with him to the antipodes if he 
 asked her. However, from wiiat Fred told me 
 yesterday, I think they contemplate living in 
 the country." 
 
 " When does the wedding come off ?" 
 
 " They talk of the early spring ; and I think
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 269 
 
 it is very likely that will be the time. But you 
 must call on the Harcourts and hear for your- 
 self. You used to be very intimate there, but 
 I do not know how Vernon will like your 
 renewing your confidential chats with Adeline." 
 
 " He need not alarm himself; I shall not 
 interfere with him. But jealousy is an old- 
 world failing — no one takes the trouble to be 
 jealous now." 
 
 " Don't they ? 1 am not sure I should 
 escape, if I saw any woman I loved, talking to 
 any one but me, with the interest Adeline used 
 to converse with you ?" 
 
 "Then I was not mistaken, Stanley, when I 
 flattered myself we were tolerable friends ; I 
 could have loved her, but that is over ; I shall 
 not call just yet, still, it is absurd to delay it, 
 for I am not going to play the disconsolate lover." 
 
 "That would be playing a part, I think, 
 Murray, for you will soon amuse yourself with 
 some one else. You have had so many escapes, 
 that you do not recollect them very long, and 
 poor Adeline deserves a better fate than to be 
 your favourite for a season, and then forgotten 
 for ever."
 
 270 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 "Nonsense, Arthur, do you think 1 am 
 going on in that way all nay life, that I can 
 remain satisfied with the mere phantom of 
 happiness ; how do you know that I should 
 merely have had a passing regard for Adehne 
 Harcourt? Why should I not have been in 
 Vernon's situation?" 
 
 " Don't excite yourself, my dear fellow, I was 
 only reasoning from analogy, judging you by 
 your past proceedings ; you have hitherto con- 
 trived to content yourself with flirtations, which 
 is, I suppose, the translation of your ' phantom 
 of happiness,' and I had no reason to beheve 
 you had quarrelled with your old habits ; and as 
 to your finding yourself in Vernon's position, 
 you could not do it— you are more hackneyed 
 in the world — you would not bring the same 
 heart and sincerity to your assistance, which are 
 the best ingredients in love, and tell immensely 
 with a girl Hke Adeline." 
 
 " You are tolerably polite Stanley, but because 
 I have amused myself in society, in my time, 
 am I never to be in earnest?" 
 
 " I really cannot say, you best know your 
 own powers of desperation ; but if j^ou ask my
 
 THE LOST INHERITAN'CE. 271 
 
 candid opinion, I confess, that I do not think 
 you could keep very constant for a long time ; 
 you are capital for carrying the breach by 
 eager and rapid assaults, but I do not think a 
 protracted siege is suited to your capabilities." 
 
 " You will see some day, I shall turn over a 
 new leaf You are tolerably coiYect in vour 
 observations, though you scarcely do me justice. 
 I have been spoilt by the women, and now 
 they blame me for results which they have 
 caused." 
 
 " Now waive that subject, Murray, you know 
 you have a lurking vein of conceit in you, and 
 dearly love to assert the women are the cause of 
 it ; you should make allowances for natural 
 feelings and susceptibilities, as well as for 
 external circumstances." 
 
 " You saw the Harcourts at Fenton, did you 
 not ? Do you often go to them now ?" 
 
 " I arrived a short time before they left, but 
 I was not there long. I have but little time 
 for calling now, so that unless I dine there 
 or meet them in the evening, I seldom see 
 them." 
 
 " Marion looked remarkably well to-night.
 
 272 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 she is an uncommonly nice girl; was I wrong 
 in what I told you of her ?" 
 
 " No, your description was more correct than 
 they generally are ; I like her, she is so un- 
 affected and sincere, she will miss Adeline 
 terriblv." 
 
 " I must talk to her about it. I enjoy a 
 little conversation with her, you know she 
 feels all she says, and that is a great charm ; 
 I have known her some time, and have seen 
 her very often, but I have found I liked her 
 better the more I know of her." 
 
 "And yet you preferred Adeline, was not 
 that a mistake, Murray ?" 
 
 " It may prove one, but much as I esteem 
 and like Marion, hers is not quite the style to 
 enthrall me. I always had a taste for the 
 imposing and striking beauties, and Adeline is 
 lovely; there is an indescribable expression 
 about her, which I never saw in any one 
 else." 
 
 " There is, I admire her very much, but it 
 is as I admire some of those wondrously beau- 
 tiful tropical plants, which I would scarcely 
 exert myself to gather, while I could not pass
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 273 
 
 a simple lily of the valley, without stooping to 
 steal a blossom." 
 
 " You and I differ in this as in most other 
 things ; we shall see who is right as we pass 
 through hfe, but if you make a mistake, it 
 will effect you more than it will me, for I can 
 throw off influences and impressions with more 
 ease than you can." 
 
 " I believe you are right, and it is the fear 
 of taking this false step, which makes me 
 hesitate and demur, when most men would 
 dauntlessly cross the rubican of their fate." 
 
 Murray looked inquiringly at Stanley, but 
 he received no explanation, he put his own 
 interpretation upon his words, and thought 
 that his two most intimate friends were in a 
 rapid progress towards a similar consum- 
 mation. 
 
 '' I shall try a call upon the Harcourts soon," 
 he said. " When does Vernon generally make 
 his appearance ?" 
 
 " Soon after luncheon, I fancy, do you want 
 to meet him ?" 
 
 " I think not, but if he goes so early, I 
 cannot avoid him, well, I shall take my chance. 
 
 VOL. I. T
 
 274 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 I shall soon meet them together, so a little 
 delay is of no consequence." 
 
 " You will agree with me, that Vernon 
 makes an admirable lover, the character suits 
 him wonderfully ; he really seems to adore 
 the very air Adeline breathes, but he does not 
 make a fool of himself for the benefit of the 
 public, which is a most despicable part for a 
 man to play." 
 
 "Adeline is not a woman to require that, 
 she is too proud for such common-place ab- 
 surdity — a propos to that, T saw the Brandons 
 in Germany. They had met Warenne during 
 their travels, and had managed to attach him 
 to their party. How they did parade their 
 prey about for the inspection of the idle gossips 
 in the promenade, and Warenne being given 
 to the making of pretty speeches, was soon 
 considered to be in a fair way being irrevocably 
 doomed." 
 
 "That is just what I should imagine of 
 those Brandons. They are odious people, con- 
 ceited, manoeuvring and selfish. I hope never 
 to see them again, they always put me out 
 of temper ; I do dislike pretty faces with no
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 275 
 
 expression, or at best with a self-satisfied, un- 
 changing smile, I would infinitely rather see a 
 woman positively plain, or even ugly if you like, 
 with some little variation in her features, 
 there would be something to interest one." 
 
 " But the Brandons get on wonderfully in 
 society, and seem general favourites, and 
 they are certainly ladylike, amusing and pretty 
 — in fact, what may be termed unexception- 
 able." 
 
 " You should add, they are likely to have 
 large fortunes, for I think without the last 
 characteristic, they would be voted egotistical 
 and pert ; until their uncle , old Grotes died, 
 one never heard of the Brandons, but now 
 they are determined to remind the world that 
 they are in being, for go where you will, you 
 are sure to meet them ; at balls, at fetes ^ driving 
 or riding, most elaborately equipped a Vama- 
 zone, a style in which they do not seem quite 
 at ease, for to see them canter in the Park 
 reminds me of automata, the reins and whip, 
 held in the riding-master's most approved 
 manner." 
 
 " You are severe, Stanley, but I agree with 
 
 T 2
 
 276 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 you that they look less well in riding attire 
 than in any other way ; they are certainly 
 determined not to lose any opportunity for 
 display." 
 
 " Just imagine in what a whirl of excitement 
 they move ; they can have no time for any- 
 thing but their toilette and society, their 
 conversation bears the stamp of their existence ; 
 it wearies and disgusts me, such attempts at 
 wit and repartee, such ' got up ' remarks on 
 books and paintings, nothing but flippancy 
 and emptiness ; they do not dare to be 
 genuine, I can describe them most accurately 
 by an expressive, but not particularly elegant 
 phrase to be applied to ladies — they are regular 
 ' shams.' " 
 
 "A rapid sketch certainly, one may guess 
 at the likeness, although it is rather caricatured. 
 I do not think they are so heartless as you fancy, 
 they are too young to have arrived at that 
 stage." 
 
 "I am bound to congratulate you, if you 
 have discovered the avenue to their hearts, I 
 am afraid you must have found them rather 
 diminutive ; for age has nothing to do with
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 277 
 
 their faults, an unchanging course of prosperity, 
 gratification of all one's fancies, rapidly produces 
 the effects of which I have hinted ; the Brandons 
 appear to me complete spoiled children of the 
 world. If you have a fancy to reclaim them, 
 do not let me interfere with your taste, but 
 I must say I do not envy you." 
 
 " I have no such idea, it w^ould be far too 
 much trouble ; 1 only exclaimed because you 
 were overcharging the colouring of your pic- 
 ture, good-night. I suppose I shall meet you 
 at the club to-morrow ?'* 
 
 " Yes, but it will be late, for I have a con- 
 sultation before dinner about those detestable 
 forgeries, which is rather a serious matter. 
 Good-night."
 
 278 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 But, oh ! estrange her once, it boots not how. 
 By wrong or silence, anything that tells 
 A change has come upon your tenderness. 
 And there is not a high place out of heaven 
 Her pride o'ermastereth not. 
 
 N. p. WILLIS, 
 
 One afternoon when I was calling at the 
 Harcourts, we heard a knock at the door. 
 Adeline was expecting Vernon, for most un- 
 usually she had not seen him for two or three 
 days ; a shade of disappointment, therefore, was 
 on her countenance, when, instead of him, 
 Murray was announced. 
 
 He sat down, and began chatting in his 
 pleasant, agreeable manner, and teUing us of 
 his autumn trip to Germany and giving us
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 279 
 
 many anecdotes of our acquaintance whom he 
 had met. In reply to his animated account of 
 the delights of the Rhine, Marion said : 
 
 " We spent our time most charmingly at 
 Fenton, I assure you, I cannot imagine any 
 place more lovely ; and then having a house, 
 we escaped the disagreeables of hotels, and 
 all the minor evils of travelling on the conti- 
 nent." 
 
 " I have often heard of its beauties, Vernon 
 used to rave about it ; a propos to him, I met 
 him just now in Piccadilly with an uncommonly 
 pretty woman on his arm, I wonder who it could 
 be, for he has no sister." 
 
 " Perhaps it was his cousin, I know he 
 expected one of them in town soon," said 
 Marion. 
 
 " No, it could not have been either of them, 
 for I know them both, and they are very plain ; 
 this lady appeared about four or five-and-twenty, 
 and was a very striking looking person. She 
 had rather a foreign air, for her Indian shawl 
 was arranged with a grace that few English 
 women possess." 
 
 Adeline's cheek had flushed brightly when
 
 280 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Murray first spoke of Vernon, but as he des- 
 cribed his companion, I saw a slight frown 
 contract her brows; but as Murray turned to 
 address her, she endeavoured to conceal any 
 sign of irritation, and began her usual style of 
 conversation, but there was a restlessness in her 
 eye and manner, which would have told a less 
 acute observer than Murray, that she was vexed 
 and annoyed. 
 
 His usually gentle and polished manner had 
 almost a tinge of tenderness for Adeline, his 
 eye rested on her with a half-appealing, half- 
 reproachful expression, but she was too much 
 engrossed by her thoughts of Vernon to remark 
 it. Murray paid a long visit, and several times 
 referred to Vernon, he had exquisite tact, and 
 could bring forward a subject in the most 
 masterly way, and make observations which 
 could not easily be forgotten. 
 
 When he left, Adeline said to Marion : 
 
 " I will go with you to Mrs. Colston's. I 
 do not intend waiting any longer for Frederic." 
 
 " You had better stay a little while, he will 
 be so disappointed to find you out, if he calls." 
 
 " I cannot help it, he knows I have expected
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 281 
 
 him, and if he be amusing himself elsewhere, 
 I see no reason why I should not do the same, 
 do come and put on your shawl." 
 
 " If you wish it, I will certainly go with 
 you, but it is a pity, and as for Frederic's 
 amusing himself away from you, you know 
 perfectly well that he cannot do that. I am 
 sure he has some business of importance, or 
 
 be detained by some unforeseen circumstance, 
 
 « * 
 
 or you would have seen him." 
 
 " Very important business truly, to be w^alk- 
 ing with a lady ; I suppose he is fond of variety, 
 however, he will not treat me in this way long, 
 I can tell him." 
 
 And thus saying, Adeline left the room with 
 a prouder step than usual. 
 
 " You had better not say anything further 
 on the subject, Marion," I observed, " she is 
 hurt and vexed, and suspects the Captain of 
 neglecting and trifling with her, nothing you can 
 say will do any good." 
 
 " But how^ can she doubt him, just for what 
 Mr. Murray said, I cannot understand it, she 
 should have more faith in him." 
 
 " She has not your unsuspecting, confiding
 
 282 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 nature ; now, go out with her, and say as 
 little as you can about it." 
 
 Another day passed without Adeline seeing 
 or hearing anything of Vernon, she was ex- 
 tremely indignant, and refused to listen to any 
 of Marion's suggestions in his favour. The 
 Harcourts went to a party one evening during 
 this absence of Vernon's, where they met 
 Murray and Stanley. 
 
 Adeline danced, and seemed in the most 
 overflowing spirits ; but Marion knew this 
 was only a mask to conceal her vexation and 
 annoyance. Murray paid her most undis- 
 guised attentions, and she appeared to receive 
 them without any discouragement. I saw 
 Stanley's eye rest on her with an expression 
 of mingled scorn and surprise, he turned to 
 Marion and said: 
 
 " I was not mistaken ; you must own your 
 sister is flirting a little to-night, and with 
 Murray too. I wonder what Fred would say if 
 he could see her?" 
 
 " Indeed, I am very unhappy about Adeline ; 
 I know she is acting in this way because she is 
 annoyed with Captain Vernon."
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 283 
 
 Marion then told Stanley of the state of 
 things, not forgetting Murray's description of 
 his rencontre with Vernon. 
 
 " And does your sister think this a sufficient 
 reason to justify her interpreting Fred's absence 
 into neglect of her ?" 
 
 '' I am afraid so. 1 cannot persuade her to 
 wait patiently till he can explain himself, as I 
 am sure he will do most satisfactorily. But 
 she doubts him ; and as I have often told you, 
 suspicion is the destroyer of affection." 
 
 " Perhaps I ought not to blame Adeline as I 
 feel inclined to do, for I am afraid I should act 
 much in the same way under similar circum- 
 stances. But I am sorry for Vernon, knowing 
 how truly he loves her." 
 
 *' I wish Mr. Murray had not happened to be 
 here this evening. I do not think he is acting 
 rightly." 
 
 " You can scarcely blame him, if your sister 
 smiles as she is now doing upon his attentions. 
 He is a fool on his own account, to seek her 
 society so much ; for with his feelings for her, 
 as she is engaged to his friend, my opinion is, 
 the less he sees of her the better."
 
 284 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 " I am so sorry for Adeline to act in this 
 way. It is very wrong to encourage her feel- 
 ings of pride and suspicion." 
 
 " And would you not be annoyed and anxious 
 were you in such a position ?" 
 
 " No, indeed, I should not, Mr. Stanley, for 
 I should feel convinced that some unforeseen 
 event had detained Captain Vernon. I should 
 not have even a shadow of doubt of him ; for if 
 I once loved, I should have such entire and 
 perfect confidence, that I do not think anything 
 would shake it, and reports of acquaintance 
 would be less than nothing to me. How I wish 
 Adeline could feel this, she would be so much 
 happier." 
 
 Stanley gazed on Marion's countenance, which 
 was slightly flushed by the earnestness with 
 which she spake, and murmured : 
 
 " What a blessing to be loved in such a way." 
 
 Marion turned to her mother, who was wait- 
 ing to go home, and they all left the room. 
 As they were putting on their shawls, Stanley 
 said in a low voice to Adeline : 
 
 " When 1 see Vernon, shall I tell him how 
 well you were amused this evening?"
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 285 
 
 "Tell him what you choose, Mr. Stanley, I 
 am indifferent," she answered, as she took Miir- 
 ray's offered arm, and left the house. She 
 threw herself back in the carriage, as if exhausted 
 with fatigue, and seemed as if she wished to 
 avoid any conversation. When they reached 
 home, she found a tiny note from Vernon, which 
 she eagerly opened, and then read it to Marion 
 with affected indifference. It was but a few 
 lines, evidently written in the greatest haste. He 
 said : 
 
 " My dearest love, 
 
 " I am overwhelmed with engagements of an 
 unexpected nature ; I have not a moment to 
 myself, or I should have seen you. You must 
 know how ver}^ anxious I am to do so. I can- 
 not explain matters, for I have a long story to 
 tell you when we meet, whch I hope will be the 
 day after to-morrow. Till then, adieu. 
 
 "Ever your devotedly attached, 
 
 " F. V." 
 
 " I am so glad he has written, dearest Ade-
 
 286 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 line ; I felt sure some business must have kept 
 him away." 
 
 " Nonsense, Marion, what can he have to 
 do with any lady's business, it is only some 
 excuse ; he might have called if he liked, and 
 such a hurried note, do you suppose T am 
 satisfied with it ?" 
 
 " Indeed, Adeline, I think you are very un- 
 reasonable ; you have no right to doubt Captain 
 Vernon, you know how entirely he loves you, 
 and after his note, it is ungenerous in the 
 extreme to talk as you do, and I am sure you 
 will regret it bye and bye." 
 
 " Mr. Murray says he is a terrible flirt, so I 
 dare say this is nothing unusual." 
 
 " I must say I think Mr. Murray is the last 
 man who should talk about another person 
 flirting, for he is considered to be tolerably well 
 acquainted with the art himself, and I was 
 sorry to see you so much with him this 
 evening." 
 
 " I was not much inclined for talking with 
 strangers, but a chat with an old friend like 
 him amused me ; he is very entertaining." 
 
 " I would not annoy you, dearest, for worlds ;
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 287 
 
 but you must let me tell you that lookers-on 
 might say you were particularly pleased vdth 
 Mr. Murray, and Captain Vernon's friends might 
 regret this." 
 
 Adeline thought of the few words Stanley 
 had said to her at parting, and blushing deeply, 
 said hastily : 
 
 " I cannot help their concern, it is no affair 
 of theirs ; good-night, Marion," and the sisters 
 parted, Adehne to indulge her irritated feelings, 
 and Marion to grieve for this determined spirit 
 of suspicious pride. 
 
 The next morning brought no change in 
 affairs. Adeline pursued her usual employments 
 with well-maintained indifference, and prepared 
 for a drive with apparent alacrity. 
 
 Mrs. Harcourt was executing some commis- 
 sion in a shop in Regent Street, during which 
 time the girls remained in the carriage ; Marion 
 was talking to Adeline about Vernon, and 
 reminding her of the happy days she had 
 spent with him, of all his thoughtfulness for 
 her, and of the many proofs he had shewn of 
 his affection. 
 
 " You must not forget all this, dearest," she
 
 288 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 said, " and blame him so bitterly because you 
 do not understand the motives of his present 
 conduct ; you must cultivate one of the 
 mediaeval virtues — faith — and trust to time to 
 develope the mystery ; do not doubt him, that is 
 all I ask." 
 
 Just as Marion said this, a brougham drove 
 close to them : its course being impeded by an 
 immense waggon which was crossing the street, 
 it was kept for a few minutes beside their 
 carriage. Marion looked at Adeline, whose 
 cheek was crimsoned with excitement, and was 
 convinced that she had recognized one of the 
 occupants of the little vehicle. For Vernon was 
 seated there with a very serious, earnest expres- 
 sion upon his countenance ; he was conversing 
 so intently that he never even looked up at 
 the carriage, near which he passed, nor raised 
 his eyes from his companion, who certainly 
 was a most pleasing looking woman, far 
 more attractive than falls to the lot of most 
 people. 
 
 After the brougham drove on, Adeline said : 
 " I suppose now, you will not think it neces- 
 sary to tell me that my doubts of Frederic are
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 289 
 
 unjust. I hope you saw his look of interest, it 
 was very becoming !" 
 
 •' Hush, Adeline, you must not talk in this 
 way, Captain Vernon was evidently deeply 
 engaged in less agreeable conversation than you 
 are thinking of; he looked very pale and worried 
 do reserve your sarcasms until you know some- 
 thing more certain." 
 
 " 1 want to know nothing ; he has not shewn 
 bad taste I must confess, for the lady fully 
 merits Mr. Murray's encomiums, she is very 
 handsome, and judging by her eyes, seemed to 
 approve of her escort." 
 
 " She looked very sad and anxious, do exert 
 some of your usual generosity, and think more 
 kindly of them both. You will not have to 
 exercise your patience very long, for he promised 
 to see you to-morrow." 
 
 " His promises are nothing to me, I think I 
 am going to Mademoiselle Melanie's in the 
 afternoon." 
 
 Marion sighed and said no more, hoping 
 that Adeline would be less impracticable on the 
 morrow. 
 
 She was still resolved to go, and notwith- 
 
 VOL. I. u
 
 290 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 standing Marion's entreaties that she would 
 remain, she went out in the carriage. Marion 
 being determined that Vernon should find some 
 one at home, declined to accompany her. Mrs. 
 Harcourt and Adeline had not been gone 
 very long before Vernon came in. After 
 he had shaken hands with Marion, he in- 
 quired eagerly where Adeline was. and seemed 
 sadly disappointed when he heard she was out. 
 
 " She will not be long, I hope," said Marion ; 
 " she is with mamma. Will you not wait and 
 see her ?" 
 
 " I cannot stay long, for I have some very 
 important business, and must meet some people 
 about it in the city in an hour's time ; but if 
 you think Adeline will return before then, I 
 will gladly wait ; it seems so long since I saw 
 her !" 
 
 Marion hesitated whether she should give 
 Vernon any idea of Adeline's suspicions, or 
 trust to the hope of their vanishing before she 
 saw him ; but when she remembered the very 
 slight chance there was of this being the case, 
 she thought it was better to give him a hint 
 about the thing.
 
 THE LOST INHERITA^XE. 291 
 
 " I am almost afraid she will be away 
 longer than that. When can you come 
 again ?" 
 
 " I hope to finish my business this even- 
 ing, and then I shall be free. I shall have 
 a long explanation to give Adeline for my 
 playing truant, but she must know how my 
 absence has vexed me ; but I could not enter 
 into any particulars before, because after all 
 it was not my affair, but that of some one 
 else." 
 
 " Do come as soon as you can. Captain 
 Vernon, for — " 
 
 Marion's hesitation struck him. 
 
 " Why, what is the matter, Marion f he 
 asked. 
 
 " Adeline is rather fanciful sometimes, and 
 she is hurt by your long absence, particularly 
 as you passed us yesterday in a carriage with 
 a lady, and did even see her." 
 
 " Nay, you cannot mean that she doubts me ; 
 that she is annoying herself on such accounts ; 
 she wrongs me deeply." 
 
 '' You must recollect she is young and 
 thoughtless, and you have spoilt her a httle 
 
 u 2
 
 292 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 by your devotion ; one word from you will 
 make all right ; some foolish speech she heard 
 about you first vexed her." 
 
 " But if she have not more confidence, 
 she will be always making both herself and me 
 wretched, for who can prevent others talking 
 absurdly, or hinder false reports being circu- 
 lated r 
 
 " I assure you you will have nothing 
 to complain of when you see her ; perhaps 
 i was wrong to mention it, but if I had 
 not, you would have been puzzled if she 
 had appeared offended and cold when you 
 met." 
 
 " Thank you ; I would far rather know. I 
 will call to-morrow, but will she be at home ? 
 I shall come before luncheon. Do not tell her 
 of this ; give her these flowers, and tell her I 
 called in the hope of seeing her, and that my 
 absence has been unavoidable. Where was it I 
 passed you yesterday ? I wonder I did not see 
 you." N 
 
 " In Regent Street, near Howell and 
 James." 
 
 " Ah ! we had just left the law7ers, and were
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 293 
 
 discussing a most important question ; I should 
 not have noticed an elephant and castle at that 
 moment. You must have seen how much I 
 was occupied." 
 
 " You did look very anxious ; but your com- 
 panion's beauty was the great evil." 
 
 " Poor thing ! she is sadly changed ; how- 
 ever, you shall hear more another time. 1 
 really must go. I cannot help feeling hurt at 
 Adeline's suspicions ; we have never had a 
 shadow of a misunderstanding yet, and I had 
 not expected any difficulty about this. I do 
 dread anything disagreeable like this, for any 
 irritation in affection sullies its clear brightness ; 
 and I very much doubt whether what we call 
 lover's quarrels are ever entirely forgotten ; they 
 leave a hidden scar, even though it be but 
 slight; I would avoid them most sedulously. 
 Now, good-bye, and thank you for your kind 
 sympathy. Unless anything very unforeseen 
 happens, I shall be here to-morrow morning ; but 
 I would rather that Adeline did not expect 
 me." 
 
 Marion succeeded in softening AdeHne's in-
 
 294 THE LOST INHERITANXE. 
 
 dignation in some degree, and even won from 
 her an expression of regret that she had per- 
 sisted in her determination of going out. Her 
 account of Vernon's visit and his message had 
 produced this shade of improvement in AdeKne's 
 feelings ; but this soon wore off, and before 
 evening she appeared to have relapsed into her 
 former mood. 
 
 Vernon felt grieved and hurt after he left 
 Marion. He had anticipated seeing Adehne, 
 and the disappointment of not doing so would 
 alone have ruffled him ; but when he found 
 that she had doubted him, and had attributed 
 his absence to unkind motives, a keen sense of 
 injustice oppressed him, but his naturally bright 
 and sanguine disposition induced him to antici- 
 pate a satisfactory- explanation. As he thought 
 of Adeline, of all her loveHness and fascination, 
 and remembered how quick and excitable her 
 feehngs were, he made eveiy excuse for her 
 which tenderness and ardent affection could 
 suggest. 
 
 How differently Stanley would have felt 
 under such circumstances ! For he would have
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 295 
 
 dwelt upon every- disagreeable minutise, and by 
 recalling every painful incident, have made him- 
 self miserable. 
 
 Oh I the incalculable evils of this want of 
 faith and confidence ! I think we seldom reflect 
 sufficiently upon them ; we forget how many 
 hours of bitter recollections, how much painful 
 intercourse is produced by allowing ourselves 
 to suspect another, when we have no proof 
 against them. Who can tell the agonised 
 feelings of repentance and sorrow which have 
 overwhelmed many, when they have discovered 
 how deeply they have wronged another? who 
 can describe those hours of anguish, where per- 
 haps they find their doubts have created a 
 wound which no after tenderness can fuQy 
 heal — for love shrinks fi^m any misunder- 
 standing, any painful association, and though 
 in its fulness and richness it does pour a balm 
 over these inroads into its happiness, there are 
 but few who can feel an equal calm, an equal 
 peace retima as rhat which rested upon their 
 hearts before the first adverse wind had toathed 
 upon their love, and disturbed the depth of its 
 repose.
 
 296 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 Few people are capable of feeling the purer, 
 higher passion of love — of that love "which 
 thinketh no evil !" Pride and selfishness cor- 
 rupt even our best feelings, and stain the holiest 
 gift of Heaven. 
 
 There is a depth and power, which is often 
 overlooked in the observation of Luther, " that 
 there is no moral virtue without pride or sad- 
 ness ;" and over the more gentle elements of our 
 nature ; these clouds have a colder and more 
 obscuring shadow. 
 
 The petty tumults and vexations of life 
 should not be allowed to exert their baneful 
 influence upon the atmosphere of affection — let 
 that be kept unruffled. And oh ! that women 
 would think of this seriously, and seek to pre- 
 serve the links which bind them to the object 
 of their love, bright and unsullied ; let no 
 reproaches, no bitter censures escape them ; 
 let man never doubt the affection of home ; let 
 it be as a beacon of light, pure and stedfast, 
 which he knows will never be extinguished ; 
 let him feel that he has woman's love, that it 
 is ever open to him as a blessed harbour of 
 refuge, that he may come back to it, that its
 
 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 297 
 
 warm, saving arms will be ever extended to 
 receive him, to soothe him when the billows 
 of life are foaming around him ; and this con- 
 viction must exercise a softening influence upon 
 him — will arise like a gentle image of good 
 between him and his fierce, wayward desires, 
 and, " when life hath half become a weariness, 
 and hope thirsts for serener waters," he will 
 turn to that affection which has never wounded 
 him, he will seek that heart which he knows has 
 always beat with ceaseless ardour for him, and 
 which will now greet him with almost more 
 than mortal tenderness. 
 
 And the reward of this patient, enduring 
 affection will come at last, in the happiness 
 of ministering to the hopes, and soothing the 
 anxieties of the wearied and sorrowful, the 
 full heart of a loving woman will find its peace, 
 and the painful hom's of watching and suspense 
 will be forgotten in the richness of fulfilled 
 anticipations. 
 
 But if a man has met with harshness or 
 taunting words, if his stormy passions have 
 been aroused by reproaches, he will shrink from 
 returning to her who has written a page of
 
 298 THE LOST INHERITANCE. 
 
 such unpleasant images on his memory, who 
 has given an enduring form to feelings which, 
 had they been passed over with calm endurance, 
 might have vanished for ever. 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed by Schulze and Co , 13, Poland Street,
 
 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 
 
 COLBUM AND CO.'S LIST 
 
 JlEttrtstiEg pjm 'WnkB. 
 
 TO BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS.
 
 LONDON : 
 
 Printed by Schulze and Co., 13, Poland Street.
 
 13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 
 
 COLBURN AND CO.'S LIST 
 (Df Stittrtsting jdcm IBnrks. 
 
 FOURTH EDITION REVISED. 
 
 In One large Vol., 8vo. 15s. bound. 
 
 LORD GEORGE BENTINCK, 
 
 A POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY. 
 
 BY B. DISRAELI, M.P. 
 
 From Blackwood's Magazine. — " This biography cannot fail to attract tlie 
 deep attention of the public. We are bound to say, that as a political biography 
 we have rarely, if ever, met with a book more dexterously handled, or more 
 replete with interest. The exertions of Lord George Bentinck in behalf of every 
 assailed or depressed branch of British and Colonial industry — the vast pains 
 which he took in procuring authentic information — and the enormous amount 
 of private labour he underwent in the preparation of those materials which have 
 thrown a novel light upon disputed doctrines of economy — are faithfully 
 chronicled in this most interesting volume. The history of the famous session 
 of 184G, as written by Disraeli in that brilliant and pointed style of which he 
 is so consummate a nwster, is deeply interesting. He has traced this memorable 
 struggle with a vivacity and power unequalled as yet in any narrative of Parlia- 
 mentary proceedings." 
 
 From The Dublin University Magazine. — "A political biography of 
 Lord George Bentinck by Mr. Disraeli must needs be a work of interest and 
 importance. Either the subject or the writer would be sufficient to invest it 
 with both — the combination surrounds it with peculiar attractions. In this 
 most interesting volume Mr. DisraeU has produced a memoir of his friend in 
 which he has combined the warmest enthusiasm of affectionate attachment with 
 the calmness of the critic, and in which he has not only added to bis reputation, 
 but we verily believe must increase his influence even as a poUtician." 
 
 From The Morning Herald — " Mr. Disraeli's tribute to the memory of 
 his departed friend is as graceful and as touching as it is accurate and impartial. 
 No one of Lord George Bentinck's colleagues could have been selected, who, 
 from his high literary attainments, his personal intimacy, and party associations, 
 would have done such complete justice to the memory of a friend and Parlia- 
 mentary associate. Mr. Disraeli has here presented us with the very type and 
 embodiment of what history should be. His sketch of the condition of parties 
 is seasoned with some of those piquant personal episodes of party manoeuvres 
 and private intrigues, in the author's happiest anil most captivating vein, which 
 convert the dry details of politics into a sparklir.g and agreeable narrative. 
 But the portrait which will stamp the book as one of the most extraordinary 
 productions of the time is that of Sir Robert Peel. It is written with wonderful 
 force and extraordinary impartiality."
 
 COLBURN AND CO/s NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 THE LITERATURE AND ROMANCE 
 
 OF NORTHERN EUROPE. 
 
 CONSTITUTING A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE LITERATURE OF SWEDEN, 
 DENMARK, NORWAY, AND ICELAND, WITH COPIOUS SPECIMENS OP THE 
 MOST CELEBRATED HISTORIES, ROMANCES, POPULAR LEGENDS AND TALES, 
 OLD CHIVALROUS BALLADS, TRAGIC AND COMIC DRAMAS, NATIONAL SONGS, 
 NOVELS, AND SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF THE PRESENT DAY. 
 
 BY WILLIAM AND MARY HOWITT. 
 
 2 V. post 8vo. 21s. bound, 
 
 " English readers have long been indebted; to Mr. and Mrs. Howitt. They 
 have now increased our obligations by presenting us with this most charming and 
 valuable work, by means of which the great majority of the reading public will 
 be, for the first time, made acquainted with the rich stores of intellectual wealth 
 long garnered in the literature and beautiful romance of Northern Europe. 
 From the famous Edda, whose origin is lost in antiquity, down to the novels of 
 Miss Bremer and Baroness Knorring, the prose and poetic writings of Denmark, 
 Norway, Sweden, and Iceland are here introduced to us in a manner at once 
 singularly comprehensive and concise. It is no dry enumeration of names, but 
 the very marrow and spirit of the various works displayed before us. "We have 
 old ballads and fairy tales, always fascinating \ we have scenes fioin plays, and 
 selections from the poets, with most attractive biographies of these and other 
 great men. The songs and ballads are translated with exquisite poetic beauty. — 
 Sun. 
 
 "We have most cordially to thank Mary and William Howitt for their valuable 
 contribution to our knowledge of the literature of Northern Europe. Tliey have 
 effected a public good. They have offered to all classes of readers a wurk abound- 
 ing in original and entrancing interest, overflowing with varied matter — of criticism, 
 biography, anecdotes, sketches, and quotations, all tending to exhibit new trea- 
 sures for the gratification and enlightenment of a vast circle of minds. Our 
 authors have described to us in copious and entertaining detail the romance and the 
 poetry, the writings and the imaginations, of the Scandinavian races, interspersed 
 with abundant and well-selected specimens of the historical, romantic, legendary, 
 chivalric, ballad, dramatic, song, and critical literature of Northern Europe. Tliey 
 have hrought to light the treasures of the illustrious poets, historians and bards 
 of Scandinavia, in a work of astonishing interest." — Sunday Times. 
 
 " This work teems with information of the rarest and most curious character, 
 and is replete with interest to the scholar, the philosopher, the antiquarian, and 
 the general reader. Tlie subject has the charming freshness of novelty. There 
 is not any other book in the Englisli language, which presents so vivid, so 
 interesting, and so accurate a picture of the manners, customs, opinions, and 
 superstitions of our Scandinavian forefathers." — Morning Post. 
 
 " A standard work on the whole subject." — Globe. 
 
 " A valuable addition to our literature." — Daihj Neics. 
 
 " A book full of information — and as such, a welcome addition to our literature, 
 The translations — especially of some of the ballads and other poems — are exe- 
 cuted with spirit and taste." — Athenceum.
 
 COLBURN AND CO.'s NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 NEW HISTORICAL WORK BY MISS PARDOE. 
 
 In 3 vols. 8vo,, with Portraits and other Illustrations. 
 
 THE LIFE OF MARIE DE MEDICIS, 
 
 QUEEN OF FRANCE, 
 
 CONSORT OF HENRY IV., AND REGENT OF THE KINGDOM UNDER 
 
 LOUIS XIII. 
 
 BY MISS PARDOE. 
 
 AttthOT of " Louis XIV. and the Court of France in the 17th Century," 
 "The City of the Sultan," &c. 
 
 The life of the illustrious daughter of the Medici, and the no less famous 
 Queen-Regent of France, which forms the subject-matter of these volumes, was 
 one of such extraordinary vicissitude that it is probable no other page of historical 
 biography affords a similar example of the instability of human greatness. Born 
 a Princess, reared " under the purple," married in the bloom of her proud 
 beairty to one of the most powerful monarchs in Europe, wielding during her 
 maturity the sceptre of a mighty state, and ultimately wandering through foreign 
 lands in her decline a forsaken exile — forsaken alike by her children, and by 
 the haughty subject whom she had herself raised from obscurity, and invested 
 with almost sovereign authority — to perish at last of disease and want in the 
 obscure street of an obscure city : such was the fate of Marie de Jkledicis ; 
 while around the principal personage of the work is grouped a galaxy of those 
 undying names from which France derives much of her past glory, and many of 
 her most interesting traditions. In tViese pages the reader will be made ac- 
 quainted, not only with the public measures of these great men. which have 
 become matter of history, but also obtain an insight into their private thoughts, 
 feelings, and principles of action. Henry IV., Sully, Biron, Richelieu, Conde, 
 Epernon, Bassompierre, Luynes, Rohan, Gaston d'Orleans, Louis XIIL, Soissons, 
 the Guises, Montmorency," Marillac, Rubens, and many other distinguished 
 warriors and statesmen are here shown " in their habits as they lived ;" while 
 the array of female celebrities is scarcely less brilliant, combining as it does, 
 the names of ^larguerite de Valois, Anne of Austria, " La Belle Gabrieile," the 
 Marquise de Verneuil, Anne of Cleves Duchesse de Guise, the Princesses of 
 Cond^ and Conti, the Duchesses of Nemours and Aiguillon, the beautiful and 
 unfortunate Countess du Fargis, and the martyred foster-sister of the Queen- 
 Regent, the still more unhappy Marechale d'Ancre. This work, for which a 
 wide canvass was essential from the vast amount of material which it involved, 
 and which combines the records of two reigns and a regency, will be found to 
 contain not only all the leading events of the period of which it treats, but also 
 those more minute details which tend to throw a light upon many public mea- 
 sures, of which the motives, without such a revelation, would occasionally appear 
 obscure, and even contradictory. The varied career of Marie de Medicis, 
 considered under its several phases, is assuredly one of the most striking romances 
 of real life ; and in the composition of the present volumes the greatest care has 
 been taken not to sacrifice to the fascinations of fiction the stern truths of 
 historv.
 
 b COLBURN AND CO. S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 NEW TRAVELS IN THE HOLY LAND. 
 
 Second Edition, in Two Vols., with Illustrations, 21s. bound. 
 
 EIGHT YEARS 
 IN PALESTINE, SYRIA, AND ASIA MINOR, 
 
 FROM 1842 TO 1850. 
 BY F. A. NEALE, ESQ., 
 
 LATE ATTACHED TO THE CONSULAR SERVICE IN SYRIA. 
 
 Opinions of the Press. 
 
 " One of the best accounts of the country and people that has been published 
 of late years," — Spectator. 
 
 " A highly entertaining book, presenting a lively picture of Levantine life 
 all its varied aspects." — John Bull. 
 
 " A very agreeable book. Mr. Neale is evidently quite familiar with the 
 East, and writes in a lively, shrewd, and good humoured manner. A great 
 deal of information is to be found in his pages." — Athencewn. 
 
 "Deeply interesting volumes. We have rarely met with a work from which 
 we have derived so much pleasure and profit." — Messenger. 
 
 " We have derived unmingled pleasure from the perusal of these interesting 
 volumes. Very rarely have we found a narrative of Eastern travel so truthful 
 and just. There is no guide-book we would so strongly recommend to the 
 traveller about to enter on a Turkish or Syrian tour as this before us. The 
 information it affords is especially valuable, since it is brought up almost to the 
 last moment. The narrative, too, is full of incident, and abounds in vivid pic- 
 tures of Turkish and Levantine life interspersed with Avell-told tales. The 
 author commences his narrative at Gaza ; visits Askalon, Jaffa and Jerusalem, 
 Caipha and Mount Carmel, Acre, Sidon and Tyre, Beyrout, Tripoli, Antioch, 
 Aleppo, Alexandretta, Adana, and Cyprus. Of several of these famous localities 
 we know no more compact and clearer account than that given in these volumes. 
 We have to thank Mr. Neale for one of the best books of travels that we have 
 met with for a very long time." — Literary Gazette. 
 
 " Mr. Neale's book will claim the highest rank among works of this class 
 His long wandering of eight years in the regions he describes have made him 
 thoroughly familiar with localities, and with the domestic life of the population. 
 Nothing can be more graphic than his picturesque descriptions ; nothing more 
 amusing than his sketches of native society ; more piquant or more diverting 
 than his stories, anecdotes, and adventures. He takes us out of the beaten 
 tract of tourists into the nooks and corners, as well as into the cities and towns. 
 He tells us everything of such places as Jerusalem, Antioch, Aleppo, Beyrout ; 
 but we now go for the first time to Beilan, Nargheslik, Alexandretta, Daphne's 
 Cataracts, &c., &c. As might be expected in the narrative of one so famihar 
 with what he treats of, the book is replete with new and valuable information." 
 — United Service Magazine.
 
 COLBURN AND CO/s NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 CAPTAIN SPENCER'S NEW WORK. 
 
 In 2 vols. 8vo. with Illustrations, and a valuable Map of European Turkey, from 
 
 the most recent Charts in the possession of the Austrian and Turkish 
 
 Governments, revised by the Author, 28s. bound. 
 
 TRAVELS IN EUROPEAN TURKEY 
 
 IX 1850: 
 
 THROITGH BOSNIA, SERVIA, BULGARIA, MACEDONIA, ROUMELIA, ALBANIA, AND 
 EPIRUS ; WITH A VISIT TO GREECE AND THE IONIAN ISLES, AND A HOME- 
 WARD TOUR THROUGH HUNGARY AND THE SCLAVONIAN PROVINCES 
 OF AUSTRIA ON THE LOWER DANUBE. 
 
 By EDMUND SPENCER, ESQ. 
 
 Author of " Travels in Circassia," &c. 
 
 " These important volumes appear at an opportune moment, as they describe 
 some of those countries to which public attention is now more particularly 
 directed : Turkey, Greece, Hungary, and Austria. The author has given us a 
 most interesting picture of the Turkish Empire, its weaknesses, and the em- 
 barrassments from which it is now suffering, its financial difficulties, the discon- 
 tent of its Christian, and the turbulence of a great portion of its Mohammedan 
 subjects. ^Ye are also introduced for the first time to the warlike mountaineers 
 of Bosnia, Albania, Upper Moesia, and the almost inaccessible districts of the 
 Pindus and the Balkan. The different nationalities of that Babel-like country, 
 Turkey in Europe, inhabited by Sclavonians, Greeks, Albanians, Macedonians, 
 the Romani and Osmanli — their various characteristics, religions, superstitions, 
 together with their singular customs and manners, their ancient and contem- 
 porary history are vividly described. The Ionian Islands, Greece, Hungary, and 
 the Sclavonian Provinces of Austria on the Lower Danube, are all dehneated in 
 the author's happiest manner. 
 
 " We cordially recommend ^Ir. Spencer's valuable and interesting volumes to 
 the attention of the reader. They are replete \N-ith information upon countries of 
 which we know but little ; they will be interesting to the miUtary man for the 
 details they give of the strength and defensive positions of the various countries 
 through which the author travelled ; to the merchant for the insight given into 
 the state of trade ; and to the man of the world as they place before his view the 
 present political and social state of an empire, whose welfare it is the interest of 
 England to promote. The work must be considered a standard production, 
 enriched, as it is, by an excellent map derived from the most authentic modern 
 charts, added to, and improved by the observations of the author during his 
 travels." — United Service Magazine. 
 
 " A work of great merit, and of paramount present interest." — Standard. 
 
 " This interesting work contains by far the most complete, the most en- 
 lightened, and the most reliable amount of what has been hitherto almost the 
 terra incognita of European Turkey, and supplies the reader with abundance of 
 entertainment as well as instruction." — John Bull. 
 
 " An excellent and admirable work. Mr. Spencer is a very able writer, a 
 shrewd, experienced and philosophical observer, an eminently thinking and yet 
 practical man. His work forms the most valuable addition that our literature has 
 lately received. He sets forth to inquire and learn ; he returns to inform and 
 suggest ; and information most valuable and interesting has he here bestowed 
 upon us." — Taifs Magazine.
 
 ARCTIC MISCELLANIES, 
 
 A SOUVENIR OF THE LATE POLAR SEARCH. 
 
 BY THE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN OF THE EXPEDITION. 
 
 DEDICATED BY PERMISSION TO THE LORDS OF THE ADMIRALTY. 
 
 SecoiVd Edition, with a new Pkeface and Introduction by P. O'Brien, Esq. 
 
 I V. with numerous Illustrations, 10s. 6d., elegantly bound. 
 
 Amongst the Contributors to the " Arctic Miscellanies" are Admiral Sir John 
 Ross, Captain Omraaney, Commanders McClintock and Cator, Lieutenants 
 Osburn, Meecham, Bro^yne, and Markham, Dr. Donnet, and Dr. Ede. 
 
 From the " Times." — This volume is not the least interesting or instructive 
 among the records of the late expedition in search of Sir John Franklin, com- 
 manded by Captain Austin. The most valuable portions of the book are those 
 which relate to the scientific and practical observations made in the course of the 
 expedition, and the descriptions of scenery and incidents of arctic travel. Many 
 of the latter possess considerable literary merit, and all are impressed with the 
 vividness of fresh observation. From the variety of the materials, and the 
 novelty of the scenes and incidents to which they refer, no less than the interest 
 which attaches to all that relates to the probable safety of Sir John Franklin and 
 his companions, the Arctic Miscellanies forms a very readable book, and one that 
 redounds to the honour of the national character. 
 
 From the " Globe." — Captain Austin's little squadron, which sailed in 
 May, 1850, in search of Sir John Frankhn, consisted of the Resolute, com- 
 manded by Captain Austin ; the Assistance, commanded by Captain Onimaney ; 
 and two steamers under the command of Lieutenants Osburn and Cator. to 
 assist in v/hiling away the dreary time in the arctic regions, the olficers and 
 sailors of the expedition contributed to a journal which was circulated amongst 
 them in manuscript, and once a month the weather-beaten tars enjoyed the 
 luxury of their own newspaper. That journal has now been brought before the 
 general public under the title of " Arctic Miscellanies," in a shape more worthy 
 of its intrinsic merits, beautifully printed, and carefully illustrated. All the 
 varied incidents, pleasant and painful, of life in the frozen zone, are vividly 
 and good-humouredly chronicled in the " Arctic Miscellanies," which contains 
 besides some capital seamen's stories superstitious " yarns " and drolleries. As 
 a record of the pastimes, adventures, fancies, and feelings of our true-hearted 
 gallant sailors, while undergoing the most appalling hardships in the frozen 
 seas, the volume is invaluable ; and it is unusually interesting as demonstrating 
 the high intellectual capacities, the mental vigour, and the refined tastes of our 
 rough-looking blue-jackets. 
 
 From the ** United Service Magazine." — Beautifully got up, and 
 profusely illustrated, this most pleasant book really charms as much by its 
 appearance and its matter, as its novelty. We cannot take leave of this Arctic 
 Souvenir without expressing our admiration of it in every point of view. Such 
 productions should be encouraged by those in authority, and a copy of this 
 work ought to be found on board every ship in commission.
 
 COLBURN AND CO. S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 D A R I E N ; 
 
 OR, 
 
 THE MEllCHANT PRINCE. 
 
 By ELIOT WARBURTON, Esa. 
 Author of " The Crescent and the Cross," &c.. Second Edition. 3 v. 
 
 "The present production, from the pen of the author of ' The Crescent and the 
 Cross,' has the same elements of a very wide popularity. It will please its 
 thousands. It is a tale of substantial interest." — Globe. 
 
 "The best work of fiction which has proceeded from Mr. Warburton's pen. 
 It is full of absorbing interest." — Messmger. 
 
 " The theme of this book is a fine one. It is full of eloquent vixiXm^y— Examiner. 
 " Darien, like all Mr. Warburton's previous productions, has many passages of 
 rich imaginative beauty. This eloquent narrative will be extensively read, and 
 deserves to be so." — Daily News. 
 
 "A most interesting narrative, and one in which the versatile talents of its 
 author are conspicuously and agreeably api)arent. The characters are delineated 
 with delicacy and skill, 'and there is a vigorous vhality in the dialogue which 
 carries the reader along with a movement at once easy and rapid. The descrip- 
 tions are remarkable for splendour of illustration and brilliancy of language, and 
 the incidents are involved with such ingenuity as to preserve the interest to the 
 last." — Morning Post. 
 
 " Few writers have so many admirers as Mr, Warburton. His ' Crescent and 
 the Cross' is one of the standard works of the English language, and we shall be 
 disappointed if the charming story of ' Darien' does not obtain an equal degree of 
 success. The vicissitudes and stirring adventures of the hero, forming such a 
 marvellous episode of real life — the beauty and striking characteristics of the 
 heroine — and the vein of pathos and romance that pervades the whole tale, give 
 the book a peculiar and irresistible charm. By those who love excitement it will 
 be read with breathless interest. Mr. Warburton excels in the delineation of 
 those incidents which call up the first powers of the novelist, and enchain the 
 sympathies of the reader. His situations are admirably conceived, and wrought 
 out with singular skill. His characters are strongly marked, and show the 
 felicitous touch of a master," — United Service Magazine. 
 
 " The scheme for the colonization of Darien by Scotchmen, and the opening 
 of a communication between the East and 'West across the Isthmus of Panama, 
 furnishes the foundation of this story, which is in all respects worthy of the 
 high reputation which the author of the * Crescent and the Cross' had already 
 made for himself. The early history of the Jlerchant Prince introduces the 
 reader to the condition of Spain under the Inquisition; the portraitures of 
 Scottish life which occupy a prominent place in the narrative, are full of spirit; 
 the scenes in America exhibit the state of the natives of the new world at that 
 period ; the daring deeds of the Buccaneers supply a most romantic element in 
 the story ; and an additional interest is infused into it by the introduction of 
 various celebrated characters of the period, such as Law, the French financier, 
 and Paterson, the founder of the Bank of England, All these varied ingredients 
 are treated with that brilliancy of style and powerful descriptive talent, by which 
 the pen of Eliot Warburton was so eminently distinguished." — John Bull.
 
 10 COLBURN AND CO.'s NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 JUDGE IIALIBURTON'S NEW HISTORICAL WORK. 
 
 In 2 vols, post 8vo. 21s. bound. 
 
 RULE AND MISRULE OF 
 
 THE ENGLISH IN AMEEICA 
 
 By the Author of 
 "SAM SLICK," "THE OLD JUDGE," &c. 
 
 " A most attractive work." — Standard. 
 
 " The cleverest volumes Judge Haliburton has ever produced." — Messenger. 
 
 " We conceive this w^ork to be by far the most valuable and important Judge 
 Haliburton has ever written. The exhaustless fund of humour — quiet, yet rich 
 and racy, and at the same time overflowing with the milk of human kindness 
 — which his writings display on one hand, and the wonderful knowledge of 
 man's character, in all its countless varieties, which they exhibit on the other, 
 have insured for them a high, and honourable, and enduring station in EngUsh 
 literature. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to arise from the perusal of 
 any of Mr. Haliburton's performances without having become both wiser and 
 better. His ' English in America' is, however, a production of a j'et more 
 exalted order. While teeming with interest, moral and historical, to tbe general 
 reader, it may be regarded as equally constituting a philosophical study for the 
 politician and the statesman. It will be found to dissipate many popular errors, 
 and to let in a flood of light upon the actual origin, formation, and progress of 
 the republic of the United States." — Naval and Military Gazette. 
 
 " Those who wish for an accurate history of the rise of republicanism in 
 America to its grand development in the United States revolution, will here find 
 a narrative that is invaluable for its accuracy, its impartiality, its admirable order 
 in arrangement, and that true philosophy of statesmanship which can attach to 
 each incident a fitting moral, from which every honest politician can derive 
 instruction. The work is one equally useful in the double aspect in which it 
 may be regarded — first, an insight into the causes of past transactions ; second, 
 as a warning to guide mankind amid the many perplexing political questions of 
 the day. The spirit of impartiality animates every page of tbis work. It is 
 deserving of a place in every historical library." — Morning Herald. 
 
 " We believed the author of this work to possess a power of humour and 
 sarcasm second only to that of Rabelais and Sidney Smith, and a genuine pathos 
 worthy of Henry Fielding or Charles Dickens. In his particular hne of literature 
 we believed him to be unrivalled. In the volumes before us he breaks upon a 
 new, and — according to his method of breaking the subject — untrodden ground. 
 We hail this book with pleasure ; we cons.der it an honour to Judge Haliburton, 
 as by it he has proved himself to be a Christian, a scholar, a gentleman, and, in 
 the true sense of a mis-used word, a patriot. Mr. Haliburton places before us, 
 fairly and impartially, the history of English rule in America. The book is not 
 only a boon to the historic student, it is also filled with reflections such as may 
 well engage the attention of the legislating statesman. Mr. Haliburton also 
 shows us the true position of the Canadas, explains the evils of our colonial 
 system, points out the remedies by which these evils may be counteracted, that 
 thus the rule of the ' English in America' may be something better than a 
 history of the blunders, the folUes, and the ignorant temerity of colonial 
 secretaries." — Irish Quarterly Review.
 
 COLBURN AND CO.'s NEW PUBLICATIONS. 1 1 
 
 SAM SLICK'S NEW COMIC WORK. 
 
 In 3 vols, post 8vo. 31s. Gd. bound. 
 
 TRAITS OF AMERICAN HUMOUR, 
 
 Edited 
 By the Author of " SAM SLICK," &c. 
 
 "We have seldom met with a work more rich in fun or more generally 
 delightful." — Standard. 
 
 " Those who have relished the racy humour of the ' Clockmaker,' will find a 
 dish of equally ludicrous and amusing Transatlantic wit in the volumes before 
 us." — Herald. 
 
 " A new book, by the author of * Sam Slick ' causes some stir among the 
 laughter-loving portion of the community ; and its appearance at the present 
 festive season is appropriate. We hold that it would be quite contrary to the 
 fitness of things for any other hand than that of our old acquaintance, the 
 facetious Judge Haliburton, to present to us a Christmas dish, and call it ' Traits 
 of American Humour.' But even without the recollection of ' Sam Slick ' to 
 evoke the spirit of fun within us, we should have been forced to yield to the 
 racy humour of these American ' Traits.' Dip where you will into this lottery 
 of fun, you are sure to draw out a prize." — Morning Post. 
 
 " The untravelled European who has not made the acquaintance of Sara 
 Slick, can have but little knowledge of the manners, customs, humours, eccen- 
 tricities and Hngos of the countless varieties of inhabitants of North America 
 who we are accustomed to conglomerate under the general name of Yankees. 
 Assisted, however, by Sam Slick's graphic descriptions, literal reports, and racy 
 pen-and-ink sketches, gentlemen who sit at home at ease, are able to realize with 
 tolerable accuracy the more remarkable species of this lively family, to compre- 
 hend their amusing jargon, to take an interest in their peculiarities of person 
 and speech, and to enter into the spirit of their very characteristic humours. 
 No man has done more than the facetious Judge Haliburton, through the mouth 
 of the inimitable ' Sam," to make the old parent country recognise and appreciate 
 her queer transatlantic progeny ; and in the volumes before us he seeks to render 
 the acquaintance more minute and complete. His present collection of comic 
 stories and laughable traits is a budget of fun full of rich specimens of American 
 humour." — Globe. 
 
 " The reader will find this work deeply interesting, Yankeeisra pourtrayed, in 
 its raciest aspect, constitutes the contents of these superlatively entertaining 
 volumes, for which we are indebted to our facetious old friend, ' Sam Slick.' The 
 work embraces the most varied topics, — political parties, religious eccentricities, 
 the flights of literature, and the absurdities of pretenders to learning, all come 
 in for their share of satire ; while in other papers we have specimens of genuine 
 American exaggerations, or graphic pictures of social and domestic life as it is 
 more especially in the ruder districts and in the back settlements, or again 
 sallies of broad humour, exhibiting those characteristics which form in the 
 country itself the subject of mutual persiflage between the citizens of different 
 States. The work will have a wide circulation." — John Bull.
 
 12 COLBURN AND CO.'s NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 KHARTOUM, 
 AND THE ELUE AND WHITE WILES. 
 
 By GEORGE MELLY, ESQ. 
 
 Second and Revised Edition. 
 
 2 V. post 8yo., with Map and Illustrations, 21s. bound. 
 
 " Mr. Melly is an animated writer, and a quick observer— his style is buoyant, 
 lively, and agreeable, and his book is from first to last instructive and enter- 
 taining." — Morning Post. 
 
 " Independently of the amusement and information which may be derived 
 from Mr. Melly's interesting work, the references to the relations which exist 
 at this time between the Sublime Porte and Egypt are worthy of every conside- 
 ration which statesmen and public men can bestow upon them." — Messenger. 
 
 " We cannot feel otherwise than grateful to the author of these valuable and 
 useful volumes for having kept so faithful a journal, and for giving the public 
 the benefit of his adventures and experience. The manners and customs of 
 the natives, as well as the natural curiosities, and the relics of antiquity which 
 the travellers visited, in turns engage the reader's attention ; and, altogether, the 
 book is a most entertaining and instructive vade-mecum to the interesting portion 
 of the East of which it treats." — John Bull. \ 
 
 SCENES FROM SCRIPTURE. 
 
 By the rev. G. CROLY, LL.D. 
 
 Author of ** Salathiel," &c., 1 v., 10s. 6d. bound. 
 
 PRINCIPAL CONTENTS : 
 
 The Last Day of Jerusalem — Esther — The Third Temptation — The Vision of 
 God — The Sixth Seal — The Power of Prayer — Belshazzar — Malachi — Balak 
 and Balaam — Ezekiel — John the Baptist — the Prophecy of Jerusalem — 
 Elisha in Dothan — The Woe upon Israel — The Judgment Day, &c. 
 
 " Eminent in every mode of literature, Dr. Croly stands, in our judgment, first 
 among the living poets of Great Britain — the only man of our day entitled by his 
 power to venture within the sacred circle of religious poets." — Standard. 
 
 " The appearance of a volume of poems from a writer of such high repute as 
 the author of ' Salathiel,' is an event in the history of modern literature. With 
 a vigour of language in harmony with the subjects he has chosen, Dr. Croly has 
 presented to us, in a poetic form, some of the most striking and instructive inci- 
 dents in the sacred volume*." — Messenger. 
 
 " This volume will be extensively read and admired. It is one of great 
 interest, variety, and merit." — Post. 
 
 " This work deserves to be placed in the highest ranks of sacred poetry." — 
 Atlas. 
 
 " An admirable addition to the librarv of religious families." — John Bull.
 
 COLBURN AND CO.'s NEW PUBLICATIONS. 13 
 
 LORD PALMEESTON^S OPINIONS 
 
 AND POLICY; 
 AS MINISTER. DIPLOMATIST, AND STATESMAN, 
 
 DURING MORE THAN FORTY YEARS OF PUBLIC LIFE. 
 
 1 V. 8vo., with Portrait, 12s. bouud. 
 
 " This work ought to have a place in every poUtical library. It gives a com- 
 plete view of the sentiments and opinions by which the policy of Lord 
 Palmerston has been dictated as a diplomatist and statesman." — Chronicle. 
 
 " This is a remarkable and seasonable publication ; but it is something more — 
 it is a valuable addhion to the historical treasures of our country during more 
 than forty of the most memorable years of our annals. We earnestly recommend 
 the volume to general perusal." — Standard. 
 
 PIVE YEAES IN THE WEST INDIES. 
 
 BY CHARLES W. DAY, ESQ. 
 
 2 v., with Illustrations, 21s. bound. 
 
 " These interesting volumes possess considerable merit as regards information 
 on that important subject, the state of the West Indies as thev are at present." — 
 Sun. 
 
 " It would be unjust to deny the vigour, brilliancy, and varied interest of this 
 work, the abundant stores of anecdote and interest, and the copious detail of 
 local habits and pecuharities in each island visited in succession." — Globe. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 BUITISH CONQUESTS IN INDIA 
 
 BY HORACE ST. JOHN. 2 v. 21s. bound. 
 
 HISTOPiY OF CORFU; 
 
 AND OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE IONIAN ISLANDS. 
 
 BY LIEUT. H. J. W. JERYIS, Royal Artillery. 
 
 1 v., with Illustrations, 10s. 6d. bound. 
 
 " A work of great value, from the importance of Corfu in case of an European 
 war." — Literary Gazette. 
 
 " Written with great care and research, and including probably all the 
 particulars of any moment in the history of Corfu. The principal interest will 
 attach to the militarv' details and the concluding account of the present state of 
 the island." — AthencBum. 
 
 MEMOIRS OF COLONEL LANDMANN. 
 
 WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. 2 y. {Just Ready.)
 
 14 COLBURN AND CO.'s NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 CANADA AS IT WAS, IS, AND MAY BE. 
 
 By the late Lieutenant-Colonel Sir R. Boxnycastle. 
 
 With an Account of Recent Transactions, 
 By sir JAMES E. ALEXANDER, K.L.S., &c. 
 
 2 v., post 8vo., with Maps, &c. 21s. bound. 
 
 " These volumes offer to the British public a clear and trustworthy statement 
 of the affairs of Canada; a narrative of the late troubles, their causes and 
 consequences ; an account of the poUcy pursued in the colony, and the eflfects 
 of the immense pubUc works in progress and completed ; with sketches of 
 localities and scenery, amusing anecdotes of personal observation, and generally 
 every information which may be of use to the traveller or settler, and the military 
 and political reader. The information rendered is to be thoroughly relied on as 
 veracious, full, and conclusive." — Messenger. 
 
 " This is the best work on Canada for every class of readers — the most 
 complete, the most important, and the most interesting. It must be considered 
 the standard authority on the subject of the history of Canada, and the actual 
 situation, capabilities, and prospects of that important colonial possession." — 
 Sunday Times. 
 
 " The best account of Canada yet published." — Critic. 
 
 " It should be read by every colonist, and studied by every statesman." — 
 Herald. 
 
 NARRATIVE OP 
 
 FIVE YEAES' RESIDENCE AT NEPAUL. 
 
 By captain THOMAS SMITH, 
 
 Assistant Political-Resident at Nepaul, from 1841 to 1845. 
 2 V. post 8vo. 21s. bound. 
 
 SPAIN AS IT IS. 
 
 By G. a. HOSKINS, ESQ. 
 
 Author of " Travels in Ethiopia, and Visit to the Great Oasis," &c. 
 2 v., with Illustrations, 21s. bound. 
 
 " To the tourist this work will prove invaluable. It is the most complete and 
 most interesting portraiture of Spain as it is that has ever come under our 
 notice." — John Bull. 
 
 " Mr. Iloskins is a pleasant companion and a very useful guide. He describes 
 a route abounding in all the attractions afforded by noble works of art, interest- 
 ing historical association, and exquisite scenery ; and he does justice to them all. 
 His narrative is rendered both attractive and valuable by the intrinsic interest of 
 the subject, and the graphic truthfulness of description which appears in every 
 page." — Morning Post.
 
 COLBURN AND CO. S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 15 
 
 Mm Wnxb nf /irtinii, hr\ BistiDguistiri 'BiWm. 
 
 ADAM GRAEME OF MOSSGRAY. 
 
 A STORY OF SCOTTISH LIFE 
 
 By the Author of 
 " Passages in the Life of Mrs. Margaret Maitland," " 
 AXD '* Caleb Field." 3 v. 
 
 Merkland," 
 
 " These volumes have even greater merit than those which have already ap- 
 peared by the same popular author. The natural truthfulness and pathos with 
 which the narrative is delineated is fascinating in the extreme." — Messenger. 
 
 " A story awakening genuine emotions of interest and delight by its admirable 
 pictures of Scottish life and scenery." — Post. 
 
 "'Adam Graeme' is full of eloquent writing and description. It is an un- 
 common work, not only in the power of the style, in the eloquence of the 
 digressions, in the interest of the narrative, and in the delineation of character, 
 but in the lessons it teaches." — Sun. 
 
 MAEY SEAHAM, BY MRS. GREY, 
 
 Author of " The Gambler's Wife," &c. 3 v. 
 
 ADVENTURES OP A 
 BEAUTY. 
 BY MRS. CRO^VE. 
 Author of " Susan Hopley," &c. 3 v. 
 •'A deeply interesting story." — Sun. 
 "A fascinating ii.terest pervades this tale. 
 The characters are sketched to the life, and 
 sustained in the most telling manner. The 
 talented author has produced a succession 
 of tableau.K vivants, pictures breathing life 
 and animation." — John Bull. 
 
 CONFESSIONS OF AN 
 
 ETONIAN. 
 
 BY CHARLES RO^VCROFT 
 
 Author of 
 
 " Tales of the Colonies," &c. 3 v 
 
 ESQ. 
 
 HEARTS AND ALTARS. 
 
 BY ROBERT BELL, ESQ. 
 
 Author of 
 
 " The Ladder of Gold,' 
 
 3 V. 
 
 "A romance of absorbing interest, related 
 with a power of personal portraiture and 
 mental analysis rarely exhibited." — Globe. 
 
 The HEIR ofARDENNAN. 
 
 By the Author of " Anne Dysart." 3 v. 
 "This tale possesses a wonderful power 
 of fascination. It is one of the most suc- 
 cessful novels of its class." — John Bull. 
 
 CLARE ABBEY. 
 
 By the Author of " The Discipline of 
 
 Life," &c. 2 v. 
 
 " Lady Ponsonby's ' Clare Abbey' is a 
 delightful book, full of powerful am) graceful 
 writing." — Standard. 
 
 EMILY HOWARD. 
 
 BY MRS. DUNLOP. 3 v. 
 
 "A most fascinating work. It has an 
 interest and originality not often met with." 
 — Sun. 
 
 RUTH GARNETT. 
 3 V. 
 
 "Full of incident, and written in a plea- 
 sant style ; this historical tale of the reign 
 of Charles II. must inevitafily attract a con- 
 siderable share of attention."— Oiseri-er. 
 
 CLARA HARRINGTON. 
 
 3 V. 
 
 "Altogether a remarkable work. There 
 is an interest in the whole story almost 
 ;>nT "enns tn what we finH 'n Rousseau and 
 Godwin." — Literary Gazette. 
 
 AURELIA ; 
 
 OR, A BEAUTY'S LIFE IX ITALY'. 
 3v.
 
 16 
 
 COLBURN AND CO. S NEW PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 POPULAR WORKS OP FICTION. 
 
 FALKENBURG. 
 
 By the Author of "Mildred Vernon." 
 '• A tale of singular and fascinating beauty." 
 — Britannia. 
 
 " All discriminating readers will be of one 
 accord as to the excellence of ' Falkenburg.' 
 Be it truth or romance, it is a capital stsry. 
 The characters are well delineated and 
 cleverly contrasted— the descriptive passages 
 are full of grace and elegance— the reflective 
 full of strength and earnestness." — Post. 
 
 MRS. MATHEWS; 
 
 OR, FAMILY MYSTERIES. 
 
 BY MRS. TROLLOPE. 3 v. 
 
 "A production unique in character, and 
 of singular merit. This interesting story 
 displays remarkable knowledge of life, and 
 unites with great variety and fertility in the 
 conception of character, greater freedom, 
 energy, and minuteness of delineation, than 
 any other of Mrs. Trollo[)e's novels."— Pos^. 
 
 The LADY and the PRIEST. 
 
 By MRS. MABERLY. 3 v. 
 
 " The sustained, the ever heightening 
 interest, with which the story progresses to 
 the end, and the power with which the 
 characters are delineated, together with the 
 allusions and illustrations applicable to the 
 mighty conflict of the day between Rome 
 and England, combine to make the fiction of 
 'The Lady and the Priest' one of the most 
 exquisite romances." — John Bull. 
 
 THE TUTOR'S WARD. 
 
 By the Author of 
 '< Wayfaring Sketches," *' Use and 
 Ahuse," &c. 2 v. 
 " 'The Tutor's Ward' is a masterpiece of 
 fiction. The plot of the story is charged to 
 the full with extraordinary incidents and 
 adventures." — Jo/m Bull. 
 
 ARTHUR~CONWAY ; 
 
 OR, SCENES IN THE TROPICS. 
 BY CAPT. MILMAN. 3 v. 
 
 " A book of very rare merit. As a ro- 
 mance, replete with striking and afl^ccting 
 incidents; as a picture of life in the West 
 Indies, as a delineation of tropical scenery, 
 and of the grand and mysterious visitations 
 of nature, 'Arthur Conway' stands nnap- 
 proached by any modern work." — United 
 Service Gazette, 
 
 A L B A N. 
 
 By the Author of " Lady Alice." 3 v. 
 ".A. remarkable novel, carried out with a 
 great deal of spirit and effect."— Critic. 
 
 RAVENSCLIFFE. 
 
 By the Author of 
 '* Emilia Wyndhain," &c. 3 v. 
 
 " ' RavensclilTe' contains scenes not sur- 
 passed in pnwer and beauty by those in 
 'The Admiral's Daughter.' No reader can 
 bear the heroine company without feeling 
 the same sense of powerlessness to cope 
 with the fascinations of a dark destiny which 
 is conveyed by the stories of Richardson's 
 ♦Clarissa,' and Scott's ' Lucy Ashton.' This 
 is praise enough — yet not too much." — 
 Athenceum. 
 
 CALEB FIELD. 
 
 By the Author of 
 " Margaret Maitland," &c. 1 v. 
 
 "This beautiful production is every way 
 worthy of its author's reputation in the very 
 first rank of contemporary writers." — Stand. 
 
 " As a delineator of manners and character, 
 this author has scarcely an equal among 
 living writers. 'Caleb Field* is a story of 
 moving interest, full of novelty, and abound- 
 ing in scenes of graphic beauty." — Sunday 
 Times. 
 
 JACOB BENDIXEW, THE 
 JEW. 
 
 BY MARY HOWITT. 3 v. 
 
 "This tale hHS the fascination and the value 
 of a glimpse into a most strange world. We 
 heartily commend the novel."— Athenceum. 
 
 MARIAN Withers. 
 
 By GERALDINE E. JEWSBURY, 
 
 Author of 
 " Zee," " The Half Sisters," &c. 3 v. 
 
 " Full of cleverness and originality."— 
 Examiner. 
 
 " The best of Miss Jewsbury's novels."— 
 Critic. • 
 
 CECILE ; 
 
 OR, THE PERVERT, 
 By the Author of "Rockingham." 1 v. 
 "We cannot too highly recommend this 
 remarkai)le work. It is earnest and elo- 
 quent, charitable and kindly, and full of 
 strong and genuine interest." — Chronicle. 
 
 THE LIVINGSTOlSrES. 
 
 "This work has a real interest. Its pictures 
 ofiScottish homes areexcellent."—£ci'amme<'. 
 
 RALPH RUTHERFORD. 
 
 By the Author of " The Petrel." 3 v. 
 
 " Admiral Fisher's interesting nautical tale 
 of 'Ralph Rutherford' is a worthy mem- 
 ber of the Marryat class."— C/. S. Gazette.
 
 THE ARMY AND NAVY. 
 
 Published on the 1st of every Month, Price 3s. ed. 
 
 COLBUM'S UNITED SERVICE MAGAZINE, 
 
 AND 
 
 NAVAL AND MILITARY JOURNAL. 
 
 The attention of the public, and particularly that of the United 
 Services and the Army and Navy of the East India Company, is 
 respectfully invited to this periodical, which has now been established 
 twenty-five years, and embraces subjects of such extensive variety and 
 of such powerful interest as must render it scarcely less acceptable 
 to readers in general than to the members of those professions for 
 whose use it is more particularly intended. 
 
 Independently of a succession of Original Papers on innumerable 
 interesting subjects. Personal Narratives, Historical Incidents, Cor- 
 respondence, &c., each number comprises Biographical Memoirs of 
 Eminent Officers of all branches of service. Reviews of New Publica- 
 tions, either immediately relating to the Army or Navy, or involving 
 subjects of utility or interest to the members of either. Full Reports 
 of Trials by Courts Martial, Distribution of the Army and Navy, 
 General Orders, Circulars, Promotions, Appointments, Births, Mar- 
 riages, Obituary, &c., with all the Naval and Military Intelligence 
 of the Month. 
 
 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 
 "This is confessedly one of the ablest and most attractive periodicals 
 of which the British press can boast, presenting a -wide field of entertain- 
 ment to the general as well as the professional reader. The suggestions 
 for the benefit of the two Services are numerous, and distinguished by 
 vigour of sense, acute and practical observation, an ardent love of dis- 
 cipline, tempered by a high sense of justice, honour, humanity, and a 
 tender regard for the welfare and personal comfort of our soldiers and 
 seamen." — Glohe. 
 
 " At the head of those periodicals which furnish useful and valuable 
 information to their peculiar classes of readers, as well as amusement to 
 the general body of the public, must be placed the ' United Service 
 Magazine, and Naval and Military Journal.' It numbers among its con- 
 tributors almost all those gallant spirits who have done no less honour 
 to their country by their swords than by their pens, and abounds with 
 the most interesting discussions on naval and military affairs, and stirring 
 narratives of deeds of arms in all parts of the world. Every information 
 of value and interest to both the Services is culled with the greatest 
 diligence from every available source, and the correspondence of various 
 distinguished officers which enrich its pages is a feature of great attraction. 
 In short, the ' United Service Magazine' can be recommended to every 
 reader who possesses that attachment to his country which should make 
 him lookwiththedeepest intereston its naval and military resources." — Sun.
 
 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS ON 
 
 COLBURN'S UNITED SERVICE MAGAZINE. 
 
 *' This truly national periodical is always full of the most valuable matter 
 for professional men. It abounds with excellent articles, the personal 
 memoirs of distinguished officers of both Services, results of valuable 
 military and naval experience, fragments of interesting travels, and light 
 tales of adventure, all of which are well blended, and form a most 
 harmonious ensemble.''— Morning Herald. 
 
 **•' Colburn's United Service Magazine* is always a welcome visitor. 
 Its numbers contain an absolute redundancy of able and important 
 articles, the value of which is not merely confined to any peculiar distinc- 
 tive interest that military and naval men may attach to them. Independent 
 of its attractions to the two Services, there is a mass of sterling reading 
 which no class of intelligent persons will fail to appreciate/'— 3fornin^ 
 Post. 
 
 "A magazine which is not only an honour to the Services that patronize 
 it, but also to the literature of the country."— S^awc^arc/. 
 
 ** To military and naval men, and to that class of readers who hover, 
 on the skirts of the Services, and take a world of pains to inform them- 
 selves of all the goings on, the modes and fashions, the movements and 
 adventures connected with ships and barracks, this periodical is indis- 
 pensable. It is a repertory of facts and criticisms — narratives of past 
 experience, and fictions that are as good as if they were true — tables and 
 returns — new inventions and new books bearing upon the army and the 
 navy — correspondence crowded with intelligence — and sundry unclaimed 
 matters that lie in close neighbourhood with the professions, and contri- 
 bute more or less to the stock of general useful information."— y/^^as. 
 
 " The * United Service Magazine' is an invaluable repository of excel- 
 lent articles on naval and military warfare, with respect to the science, 
 the statistics, and the management of the two branches of the Service. 
 It is, moreover, a most useful chronicler of all current events relating to 
 our mercantile and national marine, and to every branch of our army, 
 whether under Government or in the service of the East India Company. 
 Its attention to colonial affairs and miscellaneous subjects is most 
 useful." — Weekly Dispatch. 
 
 "This is one of the most permanently useful of the magazines, con- 
 taining matter valuable not only to the naval and military reader, but to 
 the historian and politician. It has, moreover, sketches of manners, 
 scenery, and adventure, from the pens of some of the most popular 
 writers of the day. Its digest of news is admirable, its lists of the posts 
 among which our armies and fleets are divided are of the last utility, 
 while its amusing and able correspondence is another excellent feature." 
 — Briyhton Guardian. 
 
 COLBURN AND CO., PUBLISHERS, 
 
 13, Great Mariliorou^li Street. 
 
 TO UE HAD OF Af-L BOOKSELLKRS THROUGHOUT THE ICFNGDOM.