LI B RARY OF THE UN IVLR.5ITY Of ILLINOIS 823 C2792a v- 1 TURN THE WORLD'S HISTORY; WHAT FIND WE THERE "BUT fortune's SPORTS, OR nature's CRUEL CLAIMS, "OR WOMAN'S ARTIFICE, OR MAN'S REVENGE." YOUNG. ADELAIDE STORY OF MODERN LIFE N THREE VOLUMES VOL. I. LONDON: LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, GREEN & LONGMAN, PATERNOSTER-ROW; RICHARD NICHOLS, WAKEFIELD. 18 3 3. RICHARD NICHOLS, TYPOGRAPHER, WAKEFIELD. ~ '^*i NTRODUCTION, v. 1 BY THE EDITOR. As I seldom read a Pre/ace myself, I hare always been much inclined to consider that it is by no means a requisite appendage to a Novel. I am told, however, that no Book can make its appearance in the world, without an Intro- duction. Since the Work that has been entrusted to v my care is written by an Anonymous Author, it is difficult — almost impossible — to say any- thing in its behalf. 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Vere Mrs. Vere Miss Vaughan Gerard de Visme, Esq. Mrs. Udney The Earl of Winchelsea The Countess of Winchelsea The Earl of Warwick The Countess of Warwick The Countess Dowager of Warwick The Hon. and Rev. Dr. Wellesley The Rev. Archdeacon Wrangham Robert Plumer Ward, Esq. Mrs. Admiral Wells Major Wells, Royal Engineers Lieutenant Colonel Whinyates, Royal Artillery Richard Fountayne Wilson, Esq. Mrs. Fountayne Wilson Christopher Wilson, Esq. Mrs. Wilson Lt. Colonel Wilson, K.H. Fletcher Wilson, Esq. Mrs. Wilkinson William Watts, Esq. ADELAIDE CHAP. I Home-keeping youth have ever homely wits." Shakspea It was in the autumn of 1817, that Mr. Shirley re- turned home from a foreign tour. He had heen absent nearly three years ; during that time he had travelled through many countries, he had seen most of those monuments of art which excite the curiosity and ad- miration of the historian and antiquary ; and, he had visited many of those scenes which recent and extra- ordinary events had rendered peculiarly interesting. The beginning of his tour was quite a party of plea- sure. He set out with his father and his two sisters for Paris, which was at that period the first object of curiosity to English travellers. He was there joined by a friend some years older than himself, who had been his tutor at college, and who was now selected by Sir Wilham Shirley, and chosen by himself, as the companion of his travels. Z ADELAIDE. Six weeks passed away very agreeably in seeing the curiosities of Paris. The Louvre, the Buildings, the Public Places, furnished successive sources of in- terest and amusement; and it was with regret that Mr. Shirley took leave of the capital of France, to proceed on his tour. He parted with his family, and he and Mr. Montague went on towards Germany. The travellers did not stay above a few days in any place until they reached Vienna, where they made a long pause. The next object of their interest was Greece. They had been nearly a year in that coun- try when Mr. Montague fell a victim to a low fever. His death was more than a loss, — it was a serious misfortune to Mr. Shirley, who was left to pursue his travels without a guide and even without a compa- nion. He could not bear to stay in Greece, where every thing reminded him of his friend, so he em- barked immediately for Italy, where he remained more than a twelvemonth. Unfortunately during his residence at Rome, he formed an intimacy with several young Foreigners and Englishmen who were very unworthy of his ADELAIDE. 3 friendship, and who induced him to mix in the worst society. Even the strength of his religious principles was in some degree shaken, hy the false arguments, the scepticism, and the ridicule of one of the most dangerous and profligate of his companions. The time that had been allotted for his tour, was now nearly expired. Sir William Shirley had heard rumours of his son's conduct and associates that gave him great uneasiness, and increased his natural im- patience to see him at home ; and Mr. Shirley him- self began to think of returning to England. He crossed the Alps, lingered a little while in Switzer- land, and then proceeded towards his native country. His return had been anxiously expected by his fa- mily, and his arrival was an event that gave the most heartfelt delight to his father and his sisters. Sir William Shirley, was a baronet of large for- tune, whose estates were situated in the north of Eng- land. He was a man of considerable talent, a mem- ber of parliament, and a warm partizan of the whig interest. His domestic happiness had received a se- vere blow from the death of his wife. His children a 2 4 ADELAIDE. were then so young, that they were sources of anxiety rather than of comfort to him. He devoted, how- ever, much of his attention to their education, and he looked forward to their becoming in time his most delightful companions. In the mean while, his home was melancholy, and when the first poignancy of his grief had abated,' he sought relief and consolation in the society of his friends, and began, by degrees, to mix again in the world. Years [crept on, and his children grew up. His son left college, and his daughters were of an age to be taken out into the world. Emily, the eldest, was extremely handsome, and considered herself pri- vileged to assume the airs of a beauty. She was af- fected and indolent, but her disposition was naturally amiable. Julia, was in appearance, far less striking than her sister, but though her features were not re- gularly pretty, her countenance was animated and in- telligent. She possessed a good deal of ready wit, was much inclined to be satirical, and had no objec- tion to amuse herself at the expense of her neigh- bours. In short, she was that kind of person, who ADELAIDE. O was reckoned very agreeable by all those who did not discover that they had become, in their turn, the ob- jects of her criticism. Though Sir William shewed no outward partiality, Emily was decidedly his favorite daughter, and he was in a great measure blind to her foibles. The more apparent imperfections of Julia's character fre- quently distressed him, and he had endeavoured in vain to correct them. At the time of their brother's arrival in England, Emily was just two and twenty, and Julia was one year younger. The morning after his return to Greyfield, Mr. Shirley set out upon a long ramble with his father, who took a pride and pleasure in shewing him the improvements that had been made in the grounds dur- ing his absence, and in pointing out the future altera- tions he had planned. Sir William was afraid that a long residence abroad might have weakened his son's attachment to his native country, and he wished to inspire him with an interest in the fine estate he was one day to inherit. P ADELAIDE. In the afternoon, the traveller was invited by his sisters to walk with them to their flower-garden, which was very pretty, and kept in excellent order. It had been laid out by their mother, and, in their earlier days, a part of it had been allotted to each of the children, whose favorite amusement it was to culti- vate these borders of their own. The young ladies still retained a taste for gardening, and, as they pass- ed from one blooming parterre to another, Julia, ex- ultingly, asked her brother, c if he had ever seen finer flowers in any of the countries he had visited ?' The happy party sat down in an arbour, which Mr. Shirley had himself assisted in constructing, and which was now completely overgrown with creeping plants. In his ramble with his father, William had expe- rienced a proud sentiment of satisfaction and self-im- portance. He had reflected with complacency upon the idea that he was heir to such a property. But his walk with his sisters awakened softer feelings, and more tender recollections. He could not revisit the scenes of all his youthful pleasures without interest and emotion, and at that moment he experienced, most ADELAIDE. 7 forcibly, the indescribable delight of being, (after a long absence) returned to his native country, and sur- rounded by his nearest and dearest relations. He felt, that after all, there is no place in the world that can be compared with Home. The recollection of the life be had been leading in Italy, stung him with shame and remorse — he sicken- ed at the consciousness of the change that had taken place in his own mind — he shuddered at his miser- able irreligious doubts, and he turned with disgust from the remembrance of his mis-spent time, and of those companions, whose society and example, had contributed to effect this unfortunate alteration in his character. While these sentiments were passing in his mind, and while he was endeavouring to banish more recent impressions, and to retrace, in imagination, days that he acknowleged to himself had been the happiest of his life, he could not fail to remember a little girl, who, though rather younger than his sisters, had always been invited by them to join in their parties of pleasure, and who thus seemed associated with all his recollections : 8 ADELAIDE. and he asked what was hecome of his pretty little Adelaide ? " Your pretty little Adelaide/' answered Julia, " is grown up into the beautiful and accom- plished Miss Fauconberg. (I borrow the sublime phraseology of the Morning Post.) You forget that she is now seventeen." " I was indeed thinking of her/' said William, " as if she was still just the same as when I left her. She was so lovely and engaging a child, that I can hardly fancy any alteration has improved her." u You will think differently when you have seen her," rejoined Emily. " I am not sure of that. Julia pronounces her beautiful, but, I confess, I am rather fastidious about beauty.'' " Oh," exclaimed Julia, " I am certain you will ad- mire her. And" — looking archly at her sister, " you need not be afraid of her giving herself airs, or ex- pecting you to be captivated with her charms ; for she does not seem to know, at least to recollect, that she is handsome." 61 So much the better; I detest affectation. Since ADELAIDE. 9 she continues free from that failing", I must forgive her for being a Beauty. But to proceed to her ac- complishments : — is she a fine musician, does she draw like an artist, is she a graceful dancer?'' u You are really too conceited," replied Julia, t6 and may therefore undervalue Adelaide's accomplishments, particularly as she makes no display of them. — In an- swer to your interrogations, I shall only say, that she plays and sings well, she draws prettily, and she is a good dancer. What is still more extraordinary, is, that she does not pride herself the least upon any of these acquirements, and she never desires to shew them off." M No," continued Emily, u she values herself much more upon her mental attainments." " I hope she does not affect to be blue" said Mr. Shirley, a there is no person so insufferably disgusting, as a pedantic young lady, who has gained a little smat- tering of every thing, and who really knows nothing ; who attends lectures, and uses scientific phrases. If Miss Fauconberg is one of these Precieuses Ridicules, I shall not wish to renew my acquaintance with her." " Truly, William, you might have spared your 10 ADELAIDE. tirade againt pedantry," observed Emily, li for, I can assure you, Adelaide is not the least pedantic. You may discover from her conversation, that she is sensi- ble and well informed ; but I should say, that she ra- ther endeavours to conceal, than to bring forward all she knows." " If she answers your description of her, she must be a very charming" person; but, tell me, Julia, has she no little imperfections to counterbalance all these natural and acquired excellencies ?" " She is certainly not exempt from mortal failings, but, to do her justice, she has fewer faults than most people — she is almost too good. I sometimes feel afraid of her, I know not why. Her ideas are too old for her age ; she is apt to look rather grave and formal, and, worst of all, she never laughs at any of the clever things J say! But, it is growing late, — let us return to the house, where my father must, by this time, be expect- ing us. We shall find plenty other opportunities of talking of Adelaide, and en attendant, I want to hear more about your travels." The trio rose to leave the arbour, and other subjects of conversation occupied them during the evening. ADELAIDE. 11 CHAP. II. I found the beautiful girl,— grown into woman's most surpassing " loveliness; and the charms which fancy and memory had scat- " tered from their united sources, faded away before the reality, " like stars on the rising of the sun." M R. J A M E S. Mr. Shirley's interest had been awakened, and his curiosity excited, by the account his sisters had given of his former little favorite, Adelaide Fauconberg, and he determined to ride over to her father's, and con- vince himself if she was really as amiable as they had represented her to be. Sir George Fauconberg, was one of Sir William Shirley's nearest neighbours. He possessed a large fortune, resided the greatest part of the year upon his own estate, and was anxious to promote the welfare and happiness of his tenants and dependants. He was a tory by education, but he did not interest himself much in party politics. He found constant occupation out of doors, in superintending the management of 12 AD ELA1DE. his farm. He delighted also in field sports ; and, on a rainy day, he could always have recourse to his hooks, for his mind was cultivated as well as benevolent. Lady Fauconberg was a vain-glorious, artful, nar- row-minded woman, who valued herself upon her knowledge of the world, and her own superior talents. Her good opinion of herself, led her to under-rate the abilities of her husband, to profess her admiration of a line of politics opposed to his ; and so much did she pique herself upon her finesse and delicate ma- nagement, (anglice spirit of intrigue,) that she inter- nally despised his open hearted sincerity, and honest plain dealing. Adelaide was the only child of this ill- matched pair. Her father had anxiously attended to the cultivation of her mind, while her mother had no less carefully watched over the progress of her accomplishments. These Adelaide considered as intended to please others, rather than to amuse herself, and her great delight con- sisted in reading and more improving studies. She was free from affectation, — still more from pedan- try ; but, from having lived constantly with people ADELAIDE. 13 much older than herself, her manners were a little se- date, and she sometimes appeared too pose for her age. Her affections were strong, she possessed ex- cellent sense, and her disposition was peculiarly cheer- ful. Bred up in luxury and comfort, she had always been encouraged to feel for the distresses of the poor, and to visit and relieve them herself. This practice afforded her one of her greatest pleasures ; but her charities were carefully concealed from the world. As, in addition to her prepossessing appearance and amiable qualities, Adelaide was heiress to a large for- tune, she did not fail to meet with many admirers ; but, even during her infancy, her provident mother had formed a scheme for her establishment, and had fixed upon the son of Sir William Shirley, as the future husband of her daughter. This union appeared like- ly, in many respects, to be advantageous to both fa- milies, and it required nothing but the mutual consent and attachment of the parties themselves, to make it completely desirable. Lady Fauconberg had looked anxiously forward to Mr. Shirley's return from abroad. Circumstances, 14 ADELAIDE. too, had lately occurred, which made her desire this event with almost feverish impatience. She dreaded the possibility of his forming some attachment that might ruin her projects, and she felt assured, that if his affections were disengaged when he saw her daugh- ter, he would inevitably fall in love with her. She, therefore, experienced the most unfeigned satisfac- tion, when she heard that he was actually arrived at Greyfield. Mr. Shirley, who feared Julia's raillery, was half ashamed to say that he was going to ride over to Fauconberg Manor, till his sister opened the subject herself, by telling him that Emily had received a note from Lady Fauconberg. " And what says her ladyship ?" replied he, " is she as high and mighty and hypocritical as ever ; or has she too undergone a metamorphosis during my ab- sence, and become condescending, gentle, and sin- cere f ?»> " I believe you will find her no changeling," an- swered Julia, " and yet her note is most condescend- ing, amiable, and affectionate. She writes to con- ADELAIDE. 15 gratulaie us upon your return, which, she assures us, is an event that also gives very great pleasure to her- self, — and in so saying, I allow her the merit of be- ing perfectly sincere." " In return for all this attention and kindness, the least I can do, is to fly over upon the wings of gra- titude, and pay her a visit." i( You can devise nothing that will please her better, and I will ensure you a cordial reception — so adieu- give my love to Adelaide.'' And so saying, Julia ran out of the room. Mr. Shirley found Lady Fauconberg alone, and, as Julia had predicted, she received him with marked cordiality and kindness. She was a very agreeable woman when she thought it worth her while to be so, and even those who disliked her, and were aware of her duplicity, — owned that her manner towards per- sons whom she wished to prepossess in her favour, was extremely fascinating. Mr. Shirley had a large share of vanity, and though he disliked and despised Lady Fauconberg, and was well aware of her motive in flattering him, he felt secretly gratified by her 16 ADELAIDE. professions of interest, and by the indirect praise which she artfully introduced in her conversation; and he was beginning to repay her admiration in kind, when Adelaide entered the room. Miss Fauconberg was not strikingly beautiful, but her countenance was extremely interesting, and there was something peculiarly amiable in the expression of her features. She had large blue eyes, a profusion of auburn hair, and an uncommonly fine complexion. On seeing Mr. Shirley, her natural bloom was height- ened by a blush of surprise, and he certainly did not at that moment regret the change that had taken place in her appearance. 66 Adelaide," said Lady Fauconberg, " I have a delightful surprise for you. Your old friend Wil- liam, Mr. Shirley , I ought now to call him, is come over to see us." Then turning to her guest, u she is uncommonly grown, is she not ?" continued her lady- ship, casting towards her daughter a glance of maternal pride, and observing, at the same time, the impression Adelaide's beauty had made upon Mr. Shirley. He was, indeed, much charmed with the appear- ADELAIDE. 17 ance of his former favorite, and the compliment he addressed to Lady Fauconberg upon her improvement, was far more sincere than such compliments usually are. Adelaide's manner, though perfectly free from af- fectation, was not quite unembarrassed. She receiv- ed Mr. Shirley as an old friend, and seemed pleased to see him, but he thought there was a degree of re- serve and diffidence about her, which he had not ex- actly expected. He prolonged his visit as much as possible, under a pretence of anxiety to see Sir George Fauconberg, and returned home more fascinated with Adelaide than he choose to confess to his sisters, or perhaps even to himself. 18 ADELAIDE. CHAP. III. ' Ah si vous pouviez comprendre " Ce que mon coeur ressent pour vous; L'amour n'a rien eu de si tendre, " L'amitie rien de si doux. Loin de vous mon coeur soupire, " Pres de vous je suis interdit ! Voila tout ce que j'ose dire, — " Helas ! Je craina que j'ai trop dit. M Roma nc On his first return, Mr. Shirley seemed pleased to find himself again with his family, and to be extreme- ly happy at home ; but there was a restlessness in his disposition, which soon made him tire of the uniformi- ty of a country life. His father perceived, with pain, that he was not likely to be satisfied for any length of time, in his own domestic circle. He had anxiously and attentively studied his character, and had dis- covered imperfections in his temper, and unamiable points in his conduct, which gave him considerable uneasiness. These, however, might not have been ADELAIDE. 19 remarked by a more superficial, or a less interested observer ; for, to the world in general, he appeared a young* man of much promise. He was naturally has- ty an 1 violent, but he had acquired so much control over his passions, that, unless he was thrown off his guard by any very extraordinary excitement, he was never betrayed into outward demonstrations of ill-tem- per. He possessed that sort of dissimulation, which enabled him in a great measure to conceal his feel- ings ; and his vanity led him to wish that every body should think more highly of him than he deserved. His pride was excessive, and he considered any oppo- sition to his will, as an obstacle which it was a sort of duty to overcome. This feeling was so strong, that it even influenced his manner, which was haughty to his equals, and overbearing towards his inferiors. Yet, with a strange sort of contradiction, which is frequently seen in the same character, he liked the society of low people, or, in other words, he had no objection to finding himself the head of his company. His talents were by no means of a superior order ; and during his abode abroad, he had acquired more b2 20 ADELAIDE. superficial knowledge than real information. He had great conversational powers, and could render himself so entertaining in society, that other people were often inclined to agree with him in his good opinion of his own abilities, taste, and judgment. To a happy degree of quickness, that enabled him to catch at once the outline of any subject, he added a tact that prevented his trusting himself beyond his depth, in whatever discussion he might be engaged ; and to this enviable discretion, he perhaps owed more of the ad- miration that was entertained for his acquirements, than he would have been at all willing to allow. Cer- tain it is, that he was expected by his friends to make a brilliant figure in the world, and it was thought, that his father would endeavour to bring him into parlia- ment, where his abilities might find a fair field to dis- play themelves to public admiration. But Sir William's own more accurate discernment, had taught him to fear that his son, with all his daz- zling command of language, was very ill fitted to shine in the House of Commons. He was painfully aware, that during his sejour upon the continent, he had ADELAIDE. 21 acquired wild ideas of freedom and independence, which might lead him to express extravagant opinions, and to advocate dangerous and seditious measures. He, therefore, checked rather than encouraged his evident inclination to enter warmly into politics. Mr. Shirley's growing passion for Miss Fauconberg, was a circumstance that gave much satisfaction to his father, who had a high opinion of Adelaide's good sense, and a perfect conviction of the amiability of her disposition. He hoped, that if she were united to his son, she might obtam sufficient influence over him, to soften and smooth away the defects of his character, and to attach him to his home and his coun- try. Without appearing, therefore, to notice Wil- liam's preference, he took every opportunity of prais- ing its object when she was absent, and of drawing forth her talents when she was present. The two fa- milies met often, and the more Mr. Shirley saw of Adelaide, the more he became charmed with her. Lady Fauconberg was proud and happy to see the success that seemed likely to crown her favorite scheme, and secretly applauded her own excellent 22 ADELAIDE. management. She had private reasons, too, for wish- ing to lead on her protege to declare his sentiments as speedily as possible. If Sir George was not equally elated with Mr. Shirley's evident admiration of his daughter, it was a circumstance he could assign no good reason to him- self for regretting. Still, there was something about Mr. Shirley, (he could not precisely define what it was,) that did not quite please him. Perhaps he found him deficient in that open-hearted sincerity, which was most congenial to his own character — perhaps at times he fancied him presuming and self-sufficient — per- haps, after all, it was a prejudice — the very contradic- tion of human nature — that prepossessed him against him, because his cause had been so warmly advo- cated by Lady Fauconberg, long before he had ever appeared likely to plead it himself. These doubts passed frequently through Sir George's mind ; and, on the other hand, he considered that the person they affected, was a young man who stood high in the good opinion of the world, whose abilities and acquirements were the theme of universal praise — who ADELAIDE. 23 was the son of one of his oldest friends, and nearest neighbours, and who, with all these advantages, was in every point of view, a very desirable Partie for his daughter. He had heard rumours of William's conduct during" his absence, that were highly prejudicial to his cha- racter, but the fact of his having returned to Grey- field, and become quietly and happily domesticated there, formed the best refutation of these. At all events, the worthy Baronet was too liberal minded, to judge very harshly of a young man of Mr. Shirley's age, for having been led into temporary errors, which might prove a salutary warning to him through after- life. Far from entering into Lady Fauconberg's desire to precipitate matters, Sir George was in no hurry to form a decision. He wished to see more of Mr. Shir- ley, to know him batter, before he could trust him with the future guardianship of Adelaide's happiness. Miss Fauconberg, herself, received the attentions of Mr. Shirley with an indifference that almost amounted to coldness. Her manner was perfectly 24 ADELAIDE. civil, but she seemed to shun rather than to invite any approach to greater intimacy, or more unreserved communication with a person, in whose eyes she evidently took no pains to appear particularly capti- vating. Was Adelaide's heart composed of such frigid ma- terials, that it was impossible to inspire it with feel- ings of tenderness ? or had some previous attachment rendered it insensible to any secondary impression ? These were questions that Mr. Shirley often asked himself. The first, was answered at once, by the slightest acquaintance with Miss Fauconberg's ami- able and affectionate character. The second, was a point less easily decided. Yet Adelaide was only seventeen, he had never heard of her having had any other admirer, nor had he seen or known of any per- son staying at Fauconberg Manor, whom he could consider as bearing the slightest semblance of a Rival. He well knew that if he had a Rival, his sisters must be aware of the circumstance, yet his pride would not allow him to make any direct enquiries upon the sub- ject. When he endeavoured to obtain from them, in ADELAIDE. 25 a round about way, the information he desired, Emily, either did not understand, or affected not to under- stand what he meant, and he felt half inclined to be angry with her, for her evident determination to keep him in the dark. Julia perfectly comprehended what was passing in her brother's mind, and often assured him with a serio-comic expression of countenance, " that to the best of her knowledge, Adelaide, commonly called Miss Fauconberg, did not at that moment possess any other Lover than himself; and it was, moreover, her solemn belief, that she never had had any other seri- ous Admirer, or, in other words, any Admirer who had ever seriously thought of marrying her." Julia frequently amused herself with teasing him about his devotion to his u Lady Love" and warning him to beware of growing jealous of his own shadow. And she earnestly exhorted him, if ever he was anx- ious for the success of any pursuit, to follow it up with all possible expedition, and to beware of the dan- ger of losing precious time in thinking about it. Things were in this state when Mr. Shirley went 26 ADELAIDE. by invitation to dine and sleep at Fauconberg Manor. His Father and Sisters had been asked also, but were previously engaged by expected Guests at home. Wil- liam, who always considered himself independent of his family, told Emily and Julia they must make his excuses to their good friends, whom, he had no doubt, they would be very well able to entertain in his ab- sence; for, he was sure, poor Lady Fauconberg would break her heart, if he did not obey her summons. " And would Adelaide break her's too?" said Julia. The question stung Mr. Shirley ; he darted an angry look towards his sister, and left the room. " How can you like to vex William in that way ?" observed Emily reproachfully. " I am sorry I have vexed him, but I have no pa- tience with the sort of diplomatic reserve he maintains towards us. He well knows how deeply interested we feel in his success ; why can he not, therefore, when he is going to Fauconberg Manor, say at once, 6 I am going to see Adelaide,' — instead of beginning a set speech, and talking all that nonsense about Lady Fauconbero- ?" ADELAIDE. 27 " All this is very true," continued Emily, laugh- ing, a but remember, Julia, we must make some al- lowance for a person who is in love." And, so say- ing-, she took up a book which she had been studying attentively before her brother came into the room. It was the first week in April, and most of the fa- milies in the neighbourhood of Greyfield, were mov- ing towards London. Sir William Shirley had been detained in the country by business much later than usual. Sir George and Lady Fauconberg never went to town very early, but they were now all to depart in about a fortnight. Mr. Shirley much wished to plead his suit with Adelaide, before she became en- gaged in another round of London gaieties. Hitherto, her coldness had always checked him, when he had attempted to give any thing like an unusual interest to his conversation ; but he was at length determined to make one bold effort to ascertain the real state of her sentiments. The day was remarkably fine, and, as he rode to- wards Fauconberg Manor, he contrived to skirt the pleasure ground, in hopes of finding Adelaide in her 28 ADELAIDE. garden ; but she was not visible there — and when he arrived at the house, Lady Fauconberg was alone in the library waiting to receive her company. Her greeting was even more than commonly kind and flattering, but he thought she looked fussed. He enquired after Miss Fauconberg, and was told she was out riding with her father. '' I wonder they are not returned !" continued her ladyship, " Sir George promised me he would not keep her out long, she will be sadly tired ; and I want her to help me to entertain the young Ladies who are coming here. It will be very uncivil if she is not at home to welcome the Miss Coopers." All this was spoken in a sort of soliloquy. Addressing her guest more directly, she said, u we expect Mr. and Mrs. Cooper, and their two Daughters, to stop here for one day, in their way to town." Lady Fauconberg then enumerated several other people who were to com- pose the party, and who w r ere all well known to Mr. Shirley. He enquired if the Miss Coopers were pretty ? he had remembered them as children. ADELAIDE. 29 " Yes, indeed," replied Lady Fauconberg, " they are very nice looking girls, and there is a great air of fashion about them ; but they are terribly silly and insipid. They can talk about balls and dress, and, I dare say, about flirtations, but they do not seem to me to have one other idea in the world." " It is not extraordinary," observed Mr. Shirley, with a smile, M that Miss Fauconberg should not be impatient to return to such companions." Here the conversation was interrupted by the en- trance of a servant who brought a note to Lady Fau- conberg. It contained an excuse from one of her ex- pected visitors. She commented upon it, expressed her regret, and then changed the subject, by asking, if Mr. Shirley happened to know Colonel Algernon ? " Which Algernon ?" said he, "Horace or Henry?" u Henry is, I believe, the name of the person I mean, but I really know very little about him." 61 No," replied Mr. Shirley, " I am not at all ac- quainted with Henry ; I met Horace at Rome. — But why did you ask me about Colonel Algernon? has any thing particular happened to him, is he, par ex- em pie, going to be married ?" 30 ADELAIDE. Lady Fauconberg's face grew crimson, and she hastily exclaimed, u Oh dear, no, I should think that very unlikely." Then, in a calmer tone of voice, she continued, " I was merely going" to observe, that you would meet him here to-day." Mr. Shirley started I (i Is Henry Algernon com- ing here, to-day?" " Yes," replied Lady Fauconberg, with affected indifference : a It seems he came down into this neigh- bourhood last week, with Colonel Harcourt. We used to see him sometimes in London, so he rode over here yesterday, and Sir George invited him to return, and dine here to-day. Entre nous he is not quite a sort of person I wish to see a great deal of ; Sir George thinks him very agreeable, and so will You I dare say; — Gentlemen's tastes are a]ways so different in these matters from ladies'." " I have no doubt he is entertaining enough," an- swered Mr. Shirley. " Horace can be the most amusing companion in the world ; but then, he is such a wild unprincipled fellow, that one is almost ashamed of being seen much in his society. He and his Cou- sin were brought up together ; they were put into the ADELAIDE. 31 same regiment of Guards; they served together, and are, therefore, probably much alike in many respects.'' All further discussion was cut short by the arrival of the Cooper Family. Other people dropped in by degrees, and nearly the whole party was assembled, before Sir George and Adelaide came in from their ride. When they did at length make their appearance, they were accompanied by a tall handsome young man, whose strong family likeness to his cousin, at once enabled Mr. Shirley to recognise as Colonel Algernon. After the first greetings and introductions were over, Sir George apologized to Mr. Cooper for not having been at home to receive him when he arrived. u I intended to have come in early," said he, "but just as Adelaide and I were turning our horses' heads home- wards, we were overtaken by Colonel Algernon, who is a stranger in those parts ; and, as I am sorry to say, he leaves us to-morrow, I could not lose the opportu- nity of showing him some points of the country. We made a little circuit, and were astonished to find how late it was when we got back here." 32 ADELAIDE. Not a word of this explanation was lost upon Mr. Shirley, though he was engaged in conversation with the young Ladies. He drew a chair heside Adelaide's, and, late as it was, Lady Fauconberg seemed in no hurry to propose going up stairs to dress. She smiled almost graciously upon Colonel Alger- non, who was admiring the natural beauty of Sir George's grounds, and the singular neatness of his roads and hedges. If the Colonel continued talking to his Hostess, it was evident that he was attentively observing what was passing opposite to him. His eyes were directed towards Adelaide, and he and Mr. Shirley very much resembled two angry mastiffs, watching one another from a distance, as if mutually unwilling to begin the fight, yet anxious to find some excuse for flying at each other's throat. ADELAIDE. 3-i CHAP. IV. " We have slept together, " Rose at an instant, learn'd, play'd, eat together-. " And wheresoe'er we went, like Juno's swans, " Still we went coupled, and inseparable." SH AKSPE ARE, Horace and Henry Algernon, were the grandsons of Lord Altamont — they had both been left orphans at a very early age, and had been brought up toge- ther by him. Henry's father, who was the younger brother, had been in the army, and had unfortunately disobliged Lord Altamont, by making an imprudent marriage. The haughty Peer, consented indeed, to see him afterwards, but he never cordially forgave him. Captain Algernon went abroad with his regi- ment, and fell gloriously in an action with the enemy. His unhappy Widow did not long survive him. Even during his life time, the divisions she had caused in the family she had married into, had preyed much upon her mind ; her constitution was naturally deli- 34 ADELAIDE. cate, and she never entirely recovered the shock of her husband's death. Her greatest anxiety at the prospect of leaving the world, was occasioned by the consciousness of the forlorn and friendless situation of her infant son ; but this had been, in a great measure, relieved by a communication from Lord Altamont. His heart had become softened towards her since their mutual affliction, and he wrote her a very kind let- ter, expressing his concern at her declining health, and his good wishes for her recovery. At the same time, giving her a solemn assurance, that if his grand- son should ever be so unfortunate as to need a protec- tor, he would consider him as his own child, and bring him up under his own roof. This promise, Lord Al- tamont faithfully performed. Upon his daughter-in- law's death, he took home little Henry, and spared no pains or attention in promoting his education. He was a particularly engaging, intelligent child. Yet Lord Altamont's friends remarked, that his grandfa- ther always seemed to consider him rather as an ob- ject of compassion and solicitude, than of affection and delight. ADELAIDE. 35 Lord Altamont's former harsh and unforgiving con- duct towards his younger son, seemed destined to draw down upon him a yet more afflicting punish- ment. His eldest son and favorite child, had mar- ried with his entire approbation, and was settled near him. He had also a son, a few months older than lit- tle Henry, and the birth of this heir, appeared to gratify every wish of his heart. But the old Lord's happiness was not of long dura- tion. Horace was scarcely six years old, when Mr. Algernon was suddenly earned off by a fever. This blow was nearly too much for poor Lord Altamont ; his spirit was entirely broken, and he seemed to find consolation in nothing but caressing his darling Horace. He could not bear the child to be out of his sight, he declared he could never part with him, and he persuaded his daughter-in-law to take up her abode in his house. Henry was still treated with great kindness, but, young as he was, he could not fail to discover his grandfather's partiality for his cousin. As he grew up, he felt this to be the more mortifying", but he c 2 36 ADELAIDE. was too generous to be capable of jealous}', and too spirited to allow himself to be imposed upon by the favorite. He had the admirable art of teaching Horace at once to respect and to love him. To Horace, the early loss of a father, was a calami- ty that fatally influenced his future character. His mother, with mistaken kindness, spoilt him to a de- gree that was deplorable. Lord Altamont carried his ill-judged indulgence towards him, if possible, still further- — he was quite blind to his faults, and never allowed him to be contradicted in any thing. Mrs. Algernon had a horror of sending her son to school, but even Lord Altamont began to perceive, that Horace was growing rather ungovernable, and he insisted upon placing both his grandsons at Eton. To Henry, it was a great happiness, to feel himself in a situation where he could make his own way among his companions. And, to Horace, the mortifi- cation he experienced at first, at finding himself one among a crowd, and no peculiar object of interest to any body, was more than compensated by the advan- tage he gained in discovering his own proper level, and being obliged to exert the talents he possessed. ADELAIDE. 37 The characters of the cousins when they left school, were widely different. Both were highly gifted by nature, but Horace was a fiery, hot-headed youth, whose ungoverned passions would submit to no con- trol, and whose haughty temper scorned to conciliate affection. While Henry, though high spirited and ardent, was amiable and well disposed, and had the happy secret of rendering himself beloved by all who knew him. Lord Altamont's views for his grandsons, were as dissimilar as their prospects in life. For Horace, whom he looked upon as the future representative of his fa- mily, the heir to a peerage, and a large landed pro- perty, — he thought it would be unnecessary to enter into any profession, and he hoped to persuade him still to consider his house as his home. Henry had very early expressed a desire to follow his father's footsteps in the army. This was not the line Lord Altamont would have selected for him, but, as he was to make his own way in the world, he yielded to his wishes, and purchased him a commis- sion in the guards. 38 ADELAIDE. Horace had no sooner seen his cousin equipped in his uniform, than he was struck with the idea, how becoming such a dress would be to himself, and he re- quested his grandfather to allow him also to go into the army. The poor old Peer was thunderstruck at such a proposal, but he was doomed to feel the bitter con- sequence of his own system of indulgence. Horace declared, in no very respectful terms, his firm resolu- tion of becoming a soldier, and, in spite of the tears of his mother, and the earnest and pathetic entreaties of Lord Altamont, he carried his point. He was placed in the same regiment with Henry, and they were al- most immediately sent out to join Lord Wellington's army in Spain. During the Peninsular war, the two cousins behav- ed with distinguished gallantry ; they had the good fortune of attracting more than once the observation of their great Commander, and of being noticed with approbation. Lord Altamont was deeply gratified by the honorable testimony that was borne by every one, to the military glory of his grandsons ; he was proud of the Laurels they had won : and the distinction ADELAIDE. 39 which his beloved Horace had acquired, almost con- soled him for the loss of his society. a Horace was quite right," he often observed, " to go into the army ; he felt that he had talents to shine in the field, and, had he staid at home with his mother and me, as we were foolish enough to wish him to do, his superiority would have been useless to himself, and unknown to the world. As it is, the merit of having distinguished himself, is all his own." The battle of Waterloo concluded the active mili- tary career of the two Algernons. Henry was slight- ly wounded there, and both remained for some time in France with the Army of Occupation, during which period, it may be imagined that they contrived to ob- tain leave of absence to visit Paris. Horace always liked high play, and there his taste for gambling was fatally indulged. He lost large sums of money, and got into embarrassments which he dared not fully con- fess even to his indulgent Grandfather. He returned in despair to his quarters, and growing tired of the monotony of his life there, he quitted the Army in disgust, and went upon half pay. 40 ADELAIDE. This step at first surprised and mortified Lord Al- tamont. Horace persuaded him that he had good rea- sons for what he had done. The old Peer was how- ever grieved to find, that instead of coming home to remain with him after his long absence, his Grandson had decided to make a tour in Italy ; and he actually set out for that country very shortly after he returned from France. Henry, who really liked the Army as a Profession, was very well contented to remain with his Regiment abroad, till a step of promotion brought him back to England the winter before our narrative commences. From their near relationship, and still more from the very peculiar circumstances of their situation, it was natural that Horace and Henry Algernon should always have regarded each other as brothers. At school they certainly did so, and, after their return from Spain, no casual observer would have remarked any outward diminution of their friendship and affection ; but to those who knew them most intimately after that time, it might have been perceptible that something had occurred, — perhaps at no recent period ; which had ADELAIDE. 41 interrupted the feeling of perfect confidence and cor- diality which had once existed between them. They were no longer inseparable companions. — On the con- trary, the absence of the one, seemed to afford a sort of relief to the other, and they evidently felt happier when they were apart. Henry Algernon's life in London, was a very plea- sant one ; his birth and situation in the world, entitled him to gain admittance at once to the highest society, and his talents and accomplishments rendered him the ornament of every circle. Handsome and agreable, as he was universally allowed to be, he possessed a de- gree of popularity that few people can hope to at- tain. Courted by the crowd, and admired by. those whose approbation bestowed the stamp of fashion, no party was reckoned perfectly agreable without Colonel Algernon. Henry was far from being insensible to the gratifying and advantageous position in which he found himself placed, yet the tide of favour that flowed so strongly towards him, had no power to turn his head, and he continued as unassuming and as free from affectation as he had ever been. 42 ADELAIDE. Before we return to the party we left assembled ed Fauconberg Manor, it will be as well to trace the be- ginning' and progress of Colonel Henry Algernon's acquaintance with the Fauconberg Family. He first met them at a great dinner in London, early in the spring after his return from abroad, and was much struck with Adelaide's beauty, and with the unaffected modesty of her manner : He sat next to her at din- ner, and was still more charmed with the artless gaiety of her conversation, and the unpretending good sense of her remarks. In short, her natural and amiable character, appeared to him the more delightful, from the strong contrast it formed to those of most of the young Ladies he had lately seen at Paris, and in Lon- don, whose greatest merit seemed to consist in fashion- able accomplishments, and whose whole attention seemed directed to attract admiration. The party where he met Adelaide, was one of the first of the kind which she had seen; and when Colonel Algernon discovered that most of the company were strangers to her, he amused her much by telling her who they were, and giving her a little account of the ADELAIDE. 43 private history of each. In the evening, the Guests did not disperse so early as such assemblages usually do; the conversation turned upon Spain, and Ade- laide listened with much interest to the animated de- tails Colonel Algernon gave her of a Country with which he had had an opportunity of becoming so well acquainted. When she returned home, she artlessly observed, u that she had rather dreaded the day ; She had had no idea that a great dinner could be such a very pleasant thing." The following evening Miss Fauconberg met Colonel Algernon at a ball ; he danced with her and talked to her for so long a time, that Lady Fauconberg deemed it expedient to enquire more particularly who he was, and what were his expectations ? The result of this investigation, though even more than satisfac- tory as to the first point, did not place his prospects in life in so brilliant a perspective, as to induce her to wish to give up her favorite project of marrying Ade- laide to Mr. Shirley. It was evident Colonel Algernon was much epris with her daughter ; the prudent mother, therefore, determined not to improve the impression 44 ADELAIDE. by too much encouragement; and she was extremely- provoked when she discovered that Sir George, (who thought Henry a very agreable, intelligent young man,) had, without asking her advice, invited him to dinner. " I am not sure T am glad that you have done so," was her answer to this communication. " I cannot imagine why you should object to see him?" said Sir George, " he is very entertaining, very much the fashion, and very civil in dancing with Adelaide." " That is just the reason of my not wishing to see too much of him, he is more than half in love with her already." Sir George burst out laughing. " Really your reason amuses me," replied he. " Colonel Algernon certainly likes talking to Adelaide, but his being in love with her is quite another thing; we have scarcely known him a fortnight. If we are to exclude from our parties all those who admire our Daughter, and may consequently fall in love with her, we must con- fine our invitations to married Men and old Bachelors; ADELAIDE. 45 — and in that case I imagine our dinners will not be very popular. But to conclude our argument, — I have asked Colonel Algernon to dine here, and there- fore he must come." " Oh undoubtedly," answered Lady Fauconberg, in an offended tone. — u I only wished to give you a hint which might have been attended to with ad- vantage noWj but which will be quite useless later, — when Adelaide's happiness may be at stake. — Yet perhaps you wish to encourage Colonel Algernon's advances ?" 66 Now Lady Fauconberg this is too absurd. It would never have entered my brain to imagine that Colonel Algernon seriously admired Adelaide, had you not suggested the idea to me ; and I am not even now convinced of the great probability of such a mis- fortune. At all events, you must be aware that no suggestion of yours concerning the interest of our be- loved Child can ever be neglected by me. — But tell me, should your predictions be verified to the fullest extent, why need we consider the prospect of an alliance with a young Man of a noble family, agre- 46 ADELAIDE. able manners, and, as far as I know, of amiable cha- racter, — as a great calamity ?" " I have no personal dislike to Colonel Algernon," said Lady Fauconberg, " but I thought you had always wished and intended that Adelaide should marry William Shirley." " We certainly did talk of such a possibility before he went abroad, but he does not seem inclined to re- turn to England, and from what we have heard of him lately, I do not imagine I should much like him as a Son-in-law. At any rate, Adelaide cannot be shut up, as in ancient times we are told the young Ladies were upon the fourteenth of February, — until her favored Admirer, Mr. Shirley, condescends to come and knock at the door, and claim her as his destined Valentine." The conversation dropped here ; Lady Fauconberg thought she had pressed her point far enough. She saw that in spite of the ridicule Sir George had ex- pressed at her fears, her hints had not failed to awaken his attention ; and it was by no means her desire to give up entirely such an acquaintance as Colonel Al- gernon. ADELAIDE. 47 Sir George Fauconberg, as an independent Country Gentleman of good family, large fortune, and superior information, — was respected and beloved by a very large circle of friends and acquaintance ; he filled an important place in his own county and neighbour- hood — he had always lived in the best society — his connections had brought him into habits of intimacy with persons of the highest rank — and his popularity was as universal as it was merited. His temper was not ambitious ; he had always chosen his particular friends and associates from his own class in life, whose tastes and habits were more congenial to his own, than those of persons in a more elevated station would have been ; and thus he was happy in himself, and con- tented with every thing around him. During the first years of their marriage, Lady Fauconberg had vainly endeavoured to persuade him to come into Parliament, and to take some part in public affairs, for which she assured him he was qualified to make a very respectable if not a distinguished figure ; but this attempt she had long since given up as hopeless. Her own vanity, however, remained uncorrected by her Husband's better sense. She courted great people, 48 ADELAIDE. and fine people, and leaders of fashion, — and talked much of her titled acquaintance who cared little about her. As her daughter grew up, she endeavoured to ex- tend her acquaintance, and looked forward with fe- verish anxiety to the sensation she expected her to make in the London World. Adelaide's beauty was highly gratifying to her pride as well as to her affec- tion, yet it was a style of beauty not particularly cal- culated to strike in a ball room. Her features were indeed extremely pretty, but her great charm was expression; those who saw her often and knew her best, generally admired her much more than stran- gers. She was highly accomplished, and that seemed a sure passport to admiration; yet, as Ave have before mentioned, she was so averse to display, that she never brought her accomplishments forward to public ob- servation, when she was not absolutely obliged to do so. In short, she was one of those amiable and inte- resting characters, who never appear to so much ad- vantage as at home and in their own family; and Lady Fauconberg, fond and proud as she justly was of such a daughter, could not help regretting that ADELAIDE. 49 she was not gifted with a more aspiring mind, and that she seemed to feel so little inclination to make the most of the many natural and acquired advan- tages she possessed. Lady Fauconberg gave a Ball to introduce Adelaide to her acquaintance, and Sir George was much pleased with the civil things that were said to him about her appearance. Lady Fauconberg, however, had soon the mortification to perceive that there was a certain Set of fine people, the very elite of London Society, from which she and Adelaide were likely to remain for ever excluded. This was the more provoking, as many, who from some accidental advantage, or perhaps from assurance alone, were admitted into this privileged Circle, — had no better pretensions to be so than themselves. Lady Fauconberg declaimed against the bad taste and impertinence of the age, and confessed to herself with bitter disappointment, (what every body feels, but few people choose to allow,) that a London Life is after all one continued scene of " vanity and vexation of spirit." D 50 ADELAIDE. CHAP. V She died— I dare not tell thee how ; But look— 'tis written on my brow ! Still, ere thou dost condemn me, pause ; Not mine the act, though 1 the cause." Lord Byron The day that Colonel Algernon dined with Sir George Fauconberg, he asked Adelaide if he should have the pleasure of meeting her the following night at Almacks ? She told him she should like to go there very much, but that Lady Fauconberg could not obtain tickets. " That is a pity," replied he, — and then, after a few minutes consideration, he added, — " If Lady Faucon- berg would allow me to try what I could do for you in that way, I think I could almost promise to be suc- cessful. I have some interest with more than one of the all-powerful Lady Patronesses." ADELAIDE. 51 Adelaide thankfully accepted this offer, and referred him at the same time to her Mother. Lady Fauconberg smiled upon Colonel Algernon more graciously than she had ever yet done, and in her anxiety to obtain the prize he held out, she was willing to overlook the motive by which she was well aware he was actuated in offering it. It was settled between them that he should call irpon her the next day to report the success of his attempt. The morning came, — four — five o'clock struck, and still no Colonel Algernon appeared. Adelaide's anx- iety became great, and she observed, iC that as he did not call, she was afraid his application had failed." Lady Fauconberg, who began to be angry, replied, " I am not very much surprised ; I suspected Colonel Algernon's influence was not quite so powerful as he was willing to make us believe, and I suppose he is now ashamed to come and tell us of his ill success." " At any rate," said Adelaide, u it was very kind of him to try to get the tickets for us." " I wish," muttered Lady Fauconberg, a I had not been foolish enough to stay at home this morning waiting for him, when I had so many things to do.'' d 2 52 ADELAIDE. At this moment a loud knock at the door was heard ; Adelaide started up, but her heart sunk when the servant entered, followed by a very dull visitor : she could scarcely conceal her disappointment, which, to her Mother at least, was sufficiently evident. Other people came in ; she exerted herself to be civil, but she felt an inexpressible relief when the last carriage had at length driven away from the door. It was very late, and she was preparing to go and dress for dinner, when a hasty footstep upon the stair- case arrested her attention ; — an instant afterwards Colonel Algernon was announced. The brilliant smile of pleasure that illuminated Adelaide's expressive countenance when she saw him, more than repaid him for all the trouble he had taken for her that morning. He made many excuses for not coming earlier ; assured Lady Fauconberg he had but that moment surmounted the difficulties that had impeded his negociation, and had at one time made success appear more than doubtful ; " But I was determined not to give up my point," said he gaily, — "I would take no refusal; and yet I have made but moderate terms for to-night. A new sub- ADELAIDE. 53 scription begins next Wednesday, and in that I am promised that your name and Miss Fauconberg's shall be included." Lady Fauconberg thanked him for having done more for her than in her private opinion she had ex- pected; and Adelaide expressed her gratitude very warmly for the exertion he had made. " Oh do not thank me," replied he, " any thing I can do for You is a pleasure conferred upon myself;" then turning to Lady Fauconberg, he continued, u We have yet more business to consider ; here is a ticket for Miss Fauconberg for to-night. I could not possibly obtain another, but I thought you might have some friend to whose care you might not perhaps, for once, be unwilling to trust her." Lady Fauconberg put on a face of consideration, — a Adelaide," she said, "had never been out any where without her, — she confessed she was a little particular, some people might think her foolishly so. This was, however, a great temptation, — she believed she must for one evening depart from her general rule, and ask Mrs. Cooper to be kind enough to take Adelaide to 54 ADELAIDE. Almacks. As the time was so short, she would apply to Mrs. Cooper in preference to any of her other friends, because, as she happened to know that she dined at home, she should, from her, be certain of receiving a speedy answer." A note was accordingly despatched to Mrs. Cooper, and in due time a satisfactory answer was returned. Meanwhile Colonel Algernon took leave of the two ladies, but not without having first engaged Adelaide to dance the first quadrille with him when they met again in the evening. The ball did not disappoint the expectations of Miss Fauconberg, and to Colonel Algernon the unu- sual interest it possessed, gave it the advantage of ap- pearing particularly agreable. From that time, his intimacy with the Fauconberg Family received no material check. Lady Fauconberg could not accept a favour from him, without bestowing civility in re- turn. She thought, too, that the evident admiration of so popular a young Man as Colonel Algernon, gave Adelaide an air of fashion; and she was weak enough to imagine she could continue to encourage his atten- ADELAIDE. 55 tions to a certain point, and then contrive to check them again whenever they might assume too serious a character. It was her determination to make him her tool for a season, and then throw him aside, the moment she no longer found him useful. But, like many other cunning people, her Ladyship over-esti- mated her own abilities, — and the calculations which pleased her in theory, were far too nice ever to be put into practice with any chance of success. — Ade- laide's affections became engaged, without her being herself aware that they were so ; and her Mother began to perceive, with regret, that this circumstance must frustrate any other plans she might have formed for her establishment, and thus destroy at once all those cherished castles in the air, which her imagi- nation had been building for her almost ever since her birth. Adelaide was a good horsewoman, and in the coun- try she was the constant Companion of her Father's rides. In London she had less time for that sort of exercise, yet she frequently went out with Sir George in the Park ; and after their acquaintance with Colo- 56 ADELAIDE. nel Algernon, it generally happened that he joined them. Indeed, Sir George, who liked his society, encouraged him to do so. Adelaide never concealed any thing from her mother, yet Lady Fauconberg was not quite aware how much she saw of him in this way. During one of these rides, the conversation acci- dentally turned upon a murder that had been recently committed abroad. Colonel Algernon had not heard the particulars, and Sir George related them to him as he had read them in the newspaper. It was a shocking story ! A young Man had shot his innocent Wife in a paroxysm of jealousy, and discovering that his suspicions had been unfounded, had afterwards given himself up to justice, his remorse and misery proving so extreme, that he wished at once to termi- nate his wretched existence, and, in some measure, to atone for his crime, by submitting to a disgraceful death. Colonel Algernon listened to this recital with a marked attention. His face was turned away from Adelaide ; but during the description of the catas- ADELAIDE. 57 trophe, she thought she could perceive that he actu- ally shuddered. When Sir George had finished his detail, his Auditor exclaimed, with great emotion, " It is most horrible ! too dreadful to dwell upon ! Poor miserable, misguided Wretch ! What must have been the agonies of that man's conscience! From my heart I pity him !" There was something in Colonel Algernon's voice and manner, when he said this, that powerfully ar- rested Adelaide's attention, and she looked towards him with anxious, almost fearful curiosity. Just then, a Gentleman passed them, a sober-look- ing middle-aged person, who bowed familiarly to Colonel Algernon, and at the same time repeated his name. Colonel Algernon turned, — he was, or Ade- laide fancied he was, extremely pale ; he did not at first seem to be aware who had addressed him, but a minute afterwards, starting, as from a reverie, he cantered on and overtook his Friend. Their meeting was apparently very cordial, and they continued some time in conversation. At length Colonel Algernon turned to seek and 58 ADELAIDE. rejoin Sir George and Adelaide. He informed them that his Friend was a neighbour of Lord Altamont's, in the country , and consequently a very old and inti- mate acquaintance of his own. ' They had had,' he said, 'many subjects to talk over,' but, apparently, these had been of no very agreable or inspiring na- ture, for during the rest of the ride, Colonel Algernon remained unusually thoughtful and absent. He and his Companions jmrted at the gate of the Park. Ade- laide rode on in silence. " What shall I give you for your thoughts ?" ex- claimed Sir George. " They are worth little or nothing," replied she ; then added, with a smile, u You will perhaps laugh at me if I tell you that I was reflecting upon the nature of courage, or rather upon the difference be- tween true and false courage." " A very philosophical and profound meditation indeed. And pray, Adelaide, what induced you to entertain it at this moment ?" " The dreadful story you told Colonel Algernon this morning. Did you observe how much he was affected by it ?" ADELAIDE. 59 u I did," replied Sir George ; " I thought he shewed much more emotion than I should have ex- pected. I hope you do not argue that the Colonel's sensibility, in this instance, arose from any feeling of cowardice." " Very far from it," hastily answered Adelaide ; and she half blushed as she continued, — u It was that very sensibility that I admired ; do you not think it the brightest ornament of true courage ? We know Colonel Algernon is chivalorously brave ; that he has been familiarized with scenes of blood and death, as they occur in honorable warfare ; yet all these horrors have not blunted his naturally hu- mane feelings. I own I was much struck when I saw him shudder at the relation of a murder, — and, while he showed such abhorrence of his crime, ex- press pity too for the wretchedness of the miserable and cowardly assassin, who had bathed his hands in the blood of his own wife." " Your eulogium is so eloquent," observed her father, " that if I were not afraid it might turn his head, I could almost regret that Colonel Alger- 60 ADELAIDE, non cannot hear it. You have managed your subject so ingeniously, that, with very little more arrange- ment, it might make its appearance, in the fonn of a very pretty Essay, in the Ladies' Magazine, or some such fugitive publication. But, to speak seriously, my dear Adelaide, you need never be afraid of my laughing at any reflections of yours. It is a rational, as well as an improving amusement, to work out a subject in this way in your own mind, — taking, per- haps, for your text, (as you have done to-day,) some circumstance or example that may have occurred within your immediate observation. I highly approve of such a practice, provided you only indulge it at proper times and seasons : — in other words, in suit- able places, in solitary hours, and not again in my society." ADELAIDE. 61 CHAP. VI. " One only passion, unrevealed, " With maiden pride the Maid concealed, " Yet not less purely felt the flame ;— " O need I tell that passion's name." Sib Walter Scott. The London season was now drawing" to a conclu- sion ; Sir George and Lady Fauconberg had this year remained in town longer than usual, to allow their Daughter to enjoy a full share of all the gaieties that had been going on ; but the day of their departure for Fauconberg Manor was at length fixed, and Adelaide could not help looking forward to it with a feeling of regret that she was at a loss to explain to herself. It puzzled and mortified her, for the prospect of return- ing to the Country had always before given her the greatest pleasure. Could her introduction to the world, — and the dissipation of three short months, have completely changed her character and unsettled 62 ADELAIDE. all her former ideas ? She hoped this was impossible, yet as the period of removal drew nearer, her reluc- tance to leave London, sensibly increased. She had one morning taken out her drawings that she might pack them up to be sent into the country. This occupation naturally led her thoughts to the sub- ject of her approaching journey ; reflection succeeded reflection, and the drawings remained unheeded upon the sofa beside her, till she was unexpectedly roused from her reverie by the entrance of Colonel Algernon, who was not usually so early a visitor. She started violently when she saw him, and the deep blush that spread itself over her whole face, seemed almost to confess that his apj^earance had suddenly revealed to her mind the secret she had hitherto endeavoured in vain to comprehend. Colonel Algernon fixed his eyes for an instant upon Adelaide's countenance with an expression of deep interest and curiosity ; their eyes met, and hers sunk beneath his glance, — but her embarrassment was re- lieved by the approach of Lady Fauconberg, who had been writing at the further end of the room, and who ADELAIDE. 63 now came forward to receive her Guest. Colonel Al- gernon staid with the two Ladies a very long time, he was in high spirits, and Adelaide thought she had never before seen him half so agreable. Since she had known him well, she had observed that in spite of his natural gaiety, he frequently appeared thought- ful, almost melancholy ; but that day there was an air of happiness about him, that communicated itself to every thing around him. At length Colonel Algernon got up to go away, declaring that difficult as he found it to tear himself from such society, his conscience would not allow him to encroach longer upon Lady Fauconberg's time ; — and then first perceiving Adelaide's scattered draw- ings and other preparations for departure, he said, u I fear I have interrupted you sadly, you must have a great many things to do." " That empty Porte Feuille," replied Miss Faucon- berg, with a smile, " is a shocking evidence of my idle- ness, it ought to have been packed up three hours ago, but it shall not reproach me many moments longer." 64 ADELAIDE. u Those are drawings I suppose that you are car- rying* into the country to copy." And as he spoke, Colonel Algernon took up one of them which hap- pened to be nearest to him. " Most of them are," answered Adelaide. " That one," added she with a feeling of almost painful diffi- dence of its merit, U is a thing of my own." Colonel Algernon had taken up the drawing care- lessly, probably as an excuse for lingering where he was, he now examined it with the greatest attention, observing, u I did not imagine you could have found time to draw here ; — it is very well done — the colour- ing is soft — the touch beautiful ! Pray shew me some more of your drawings." Lady Fauconberg understood nothing about draw- ing herself, but she considered it a necessary accom- plishment for her Daughter, and having given her one of the best Masters London could furnish, and heard him constantly commend her assiduity, and bestow un- qualified praise upon her performances, she had no doubt he had made her a most excellent artist. Ade- laide herself entertained a much more humble opi- ADELAIDE. 00 nion of her proficiency ; she took great pains to pro- fit by the instructions that were given her, but she went on as it were mechanically. She had formed no taste of her own, and she always took up her pen- cil rather as a task than as an amusement. Lady Fauconberg's pride was much gratified by Colonel Algernon's admiration of Adelaide's works. She placed one of her landscapes by the side of the study from which it had been copied, and observed, that " Adelaide's master had been particularly pleased with that view, — he had said that her copy was even more spirited and better done than the original. Adelaide blushed deeply at this exaggerated praise. u It is indeed admirably copied," replied Colonel Algernon ; then turning to Miss Fauconberg, he added, " These I think are all copies. Have you nothing here that is entirely your own ? Surely you sometimes draw from nature." " I have frequently tried to do so," said Adelaide, u but my attempts were always failures. I at length became convinced that I had no original genius, and therefore determined to content myself by imitating E 66 ADELAIDE. what had already been more ably traced out for me by others." " If you will allow me to say so, I believe you were much mistaken in this estimate of your own abi- lities. I am persuaded, from what I have seen this morning, that you might succeed in any style." a That is just my opinion," observed Lady Fau- conberg. " I have often told Adelaide, that all she wanted was a little more confidence in her own powers." " You would, perhaps," continued Colonel Alger- non, " find drawing from nature rather difficult at first, and you would require somebody to put you in the right way ; but a little perseverance would con- quer all the difficulties, and you would soon find that sort of drawing so much more interesting than copy- ing as you do at present, that you would be amply rewarded for your trouble. I do not pretend to be much of an artist myself, but I have been a good deal in the way of seeing pictures, and have lived much with those who understand them ; I should be parti- cularly happy if any hints of mine could be of use to ADELAIDE. 67 you, or if you would employ me to find some one better qualified to give you assistance and instruction than I am." It is unnecessary to detail the long and luminous discussion upon Painting, in all its branches, that fol- lowed this opening*. Lady Fauconberg heard it at first with impatience, but afterwards with less dissatis- faction, for she had acuteness enough to perceive that the Lecture was a very instructive one to her Daughter. Adelaide listened to it with the most flattering attention and curiosity. She soon began to discover how much interest she could take in pictures, and how greatly she should like to understand more about them. Colonel Algernon seemed well inclined to give her all the information in his power ; but their conversation was at length suddenly interrupted by the entrance of the two Miss Shirley's. Neither the animation of the Colonel's voice and gesture, or Adelaide's look of deep attention, at the moment the door was opened, — had escaped Julia's quick glance ; she had perceived too, the expression of vexation which they were both unable entirely to e 2 68 ADELAIDE. conceal, when she and her sister was announced, and she determined not to lose such an opportunity of tormenting them. While Emily seated herself beside Lady Fauconberg, to talk over some evening engage- ments she wished to arrange with her, Julia therefore advanced towards the table, near which Colonel Al- gernon was still standing, and commenced her attack. " I am terribly afraid," said she, w that we have in- terrupted some very interesting discussion ; do, pray, Colonel Algernon, begin declaiming again, it will be very agreable to me to benefit by your observations." Then, as he did not immediately comply with her request, she continued, u But if your oratory is re- served for Adelaide only, I will go and sit down by my Sister, and promise, like a good Child, neither to speak to you or to listen to what you are saying, till you call me and allow me to do so." During this speech, Adelaide's face grew crimson to the very brow ; Colonel Algernon, without appear- ing to notice this circumstance, answered Julia in her own way. u Have you not always remarked, Miss Shirley, that a person who is desired to be entertain- ADELAIDE. 69 ing, instantly loses the power of obeying the com- mand ? This is unfortunately my case just now. If I felt that any observations of mine could prove either agreable or beneficial to you, I need not assure you that I should, at any moment, be too much flattered by your condescending to attend to them." Julia was checked, but not silenced; she changed her ground, and, turning to Miss Fauconberg, said to her, — " So you are really going to leave London next Monday, Adelaide ! And, what is more extra- ordinary, I hear you are quite delighted at the thoughts of returning to the country." The voice and manner in which Adelaide replied, a I shall indeed be very happy to see Fauconberg again," accorded very ill with her words. Julia continued, — u Well, you are the most pro- voking, extraordinary Person in the world. Do you not remember how often last spring, when you used to regret the prospect of leaving your Garden and all your amusements in the Country, I told you, that be- fore you had been in Town three months, as a come out young Lady, you would feel much more reluctant 70 ADELAIDE. to return to these rural pleasures, than you then did to go away from them. I was more than half in- clined to quarrel with you for disputing the truth of my prophecy, but the event has proved that you were right, (as you generally are,) and that I was wrong. This is all praiseworthy, and as it should be, — yet with my feelings, and if I was situated as you are, and had so many admirers to bid adieu to, I should be very apt to think, while I was tying up my roses, how very soon the absent are forgotten or replaced in our affections." " Miss Shirley judges of others by herself, I pre- sume," observed Colonel Algernon ; and the remark, though not directly addressed to either of the young Ladies, was heard by both. " Julia," said Adelaide, as she bent over her Porte Feuille, " Instead of talking nonsense, I wish you would help me to pack up these drawings." Colonel Algernon came also to assist her, and the task proceeded rapidly. u This is good practice for me," observed Julia, w since I must in a few days begin to pack up my ADELAIDE. 71 own effects. How much longer shall you remain in town, Colonel Algernon V " I hope to be able to get away in about a fort- night." 6i That will be some time before the Grouse shoot- ing begins," remarked Julia. " I am not thinking of the moors. I am going to the West of England, to Lord Altamont's." " That is very dutiful and proper," continued Julia, " had you intended to turn your steps towards the northern wilds, I am sure it would have given my Father great pleasure to have seen you at Greyfield. We could perhaps have contrived to amuse you, for I believe my Brother will be home very early in the autumn." " Do you expect Mr. Shirley to be back so soon ?" asked Adelaide, with some surprise. " Yes, my Father received a letter from him this morning, announcing such a welcome intention. Mr. Shirley did you call him? You are grown very re- spectful, Adelaide. Yet I must confess that if Wil- liam's friends have forgotten him, it is his own fault 72 ADELAIDE. in having staid so long abroad. Every body has ceased to care for him but his own family, and per- haps Lady Fauconberg ; he was always a great fa- vorite of her 's." When first Julia mentioned her brother's return, Adelaide started and coloured, and she was aware that Colonel Algernon observed her do so, yet she instant- ly recovered her composure, and looking Julia stead- ily in the face, replied, " Mama I know did, and does think very highly of your Brother, and i" should be extremely ungrateful if I were not to recollect how good natured he used to be to me when I was a Child. I congratulate you with all my heart upon the plea- sure you must all feel at the prospect of his return." This frank avowal of her sentiments completely silenced her tormentor, and cleared away the cloud of anxiety that had been gathering upon Colonel Alger- non's brow. The Porte Feuille was finished and tied up, and as he took leave of the young Ladies, he con- trived to whisper to Adelaide, " we shall meet I hope to-night at Lady Wilmington's." After the departure of the Miss Shirley's, Lady ADELAIDE. 73 Fauconberg, who had bills to look over and people upon business to speak to, desired that no more visi- tors might be admitted. Adelaide retired to her own room to meditate upon the occurrences of the morning. She had much sub- ject for reflection. The secret of her own heart had been revealed to her. She had good reason to think that she was beloved by the object of her preference, that her Father favoured his hopes, and that her Mo- ther did not seem inclined to oppose them. A train of ideas as new as they were delightful, opened upon her mind, and when her Maid came to warn her that it was time to dress, she was quite astonished to find how late it was. Adelaide was in general very indifferent about her toilette, but this evening it appeared to give her unu- sual trouble. Every thing she put on looked unbe- coming, her flowers were awkwardly placed, her curls twisted themselves the wrong way, and when her maid went down stairs, she declared, u she could not imagine what had happened to Miss Fauconberg ! she had never seen her so particular, or so hard to please, in her life." 74 ADELAIDE. Lady Wilmington's ball was very pleasant and very crowded. Colonel Algernon was one of the first peo- ple Lady Fauconberg and her Daughter saw when they arrived, and he immediately joined them. The night wore on. The suite of larger rooms was terminated by a Boudoir hung with muslin draperies, and orna- mented by a profusion of flowers. Every body looked into this Fairy Apartment to admire the Roses and Geraniums, and a few of the Dancers had taken their Partners there to find a quiet seat, or to talk over affairs too interesting to be discussed in a crowd. Colonel Algernon led Adelaide to one of the vacant sofas, and when they had duly commented for a few moments upon the wonders of nature and art by which they were surrounded, he said to her, " After I left you this morning, I had the good fortune to fall in with Sir George ; we rode together for some time, and he was kind enough to ask me to come and see him at Fauconberg Manor." " And I hope,'' replied Adelaide, " that you in- tend to accept his invitation." " You may be assured that I shall not fail to do so. — When I leave Town, the first visit I make must be to ADELAIDE. 75 my Grandfather. It is my duty to pay him this at- tention, and my inclination would at any rate have prompted me to do so ; hut there is at this moment another very powerful reason which makes me parti- cularly desirous to see him as soon as possible." The striking peculiarity of Colonel Algernon's tone and manner, expressed even more than his words. Adelaide made no reply. She did not venture to raise her eyes from a bunch of roses that seemed to have particularly attracted her attention, — leaf after leaf was unconsciously pulled off, and at last as she twisted the stalk that supported one of the buds, u She snapped it, — it fell to the ground 1" Colonel Algernon immediately snatched it up, pressed it to his lips, and then placed it close to his heart. An awkward sort of a pause ensued till he resumed the broken thread of the conversation by giving Miss Fauconberg a description of Altamont Castle. He then told her the story of his Father's unfortunate marriage, related all the calamities that had befallen his family, expatiated upon the kindness he had re- 76 ADELAIDE. ceived from Lord Altamont since his Mother's death, talked of his childhood and education, and described the happy feeling of independence he had experi- enced when he first joined his Regiment, and was sent upon Foreign Service to fight his own way in the world. a And nobly have you done so," exclaimed Ade- laide, " your's has been an honorable and a brilliant career." Then as if half ashamed of the warmth with which she had spoken, she stopped suddenly. Colonel Algernon who had felt deeply gratified by the interest she had evidently taken in all his details ; replied with much emotion, " I speak very seriously when I tell you that it would makg me inexpressibly happy if I could feel that I had merited your praise." At this moment Lady Fauconberg entered the bou- doir, and addressing her Daughter, said in an angry voice, " I have been looking for you this hour Ade- laide, I could not imagine where you were? I am tired to death. I promised to take home the Miss Shirley's, and they have both been ready to go away some time." ADELAIDE. 77 " I am extremely sorry Mama, that I have kept you waiting-," replied Adelaide, and glancing her eye round the room she perceived that every body but Colonel Algernon and herself had left it. She hastily took his arm, while he offered the other to Lady Fau- conberg, and was too much engrossed with her own thoughts to care for the raillery with which Julia assailed her during their drive home. Adelaide went up to bed, but she had been too much excited, and she was still in far too happy a frame of mind to be able to sleep. She could no longer doubt Colonel Algernon's attachment, and she felt almost equally sure that he only delayed declaring it more openly till he had obtained his Grandfather's sanction to do so. The weighty reason that made him so particularly anxious to see Lord Altamont, could be no other than a desire to ascertain his sentiments upon this point. She recalled minutely all the different parts of his narration, and when at length she fell asleep, it was only to trace in disjointed dreams the subject that had so agreably occupied her waking thoughts. 78 ADELAIDE. Lady Fauconberg's restless reflections were of a much less pleasing nature. She had watched with painful anxiety the progress of the growing attach- ment between Colonel Algernon and her Daughter. Having in the first instance been induced by interest- ed motives to sanction his attentions, she could after- wards find no excuse for looking" more coldly upon him; nor had she any good reason to plead to Sir George for objecting to his alliance, even if her worst apprehensions should be realized. From Adelaide she had carefully concealed her uneasiness, hoping that she might continue too art- less to understand her own sentiments, and believing her to be too free from vanity to be aware of the ex- tent of Colonel Algernon's admiration. Could she have kept her thus in ignorance till she left Town, she had fancied that all might yet have gone right;— she had ascertained, even before his own family were aware of the circumstance, that Mr. Shirley was likely to return home in a very short time, and she trusted that before she brought her Daughter back to London the following spring, it was not impossible she might be at least his affianced Bride. ADELAIDE. 79 But the observation of the last twelve hours had convinced Lady Fauconberg that things were advan- cing much more rapidly to a crisis than she had ima- gined. Colonel Algernon's devotion to Miss Fau- conberg had become evident to every body. She was too clear-sighted not to have perceived that Adelaide's own eyes had been opened ; and when she entered the Boudoir at Lady Wilmington's, she more than half sus- pected that an explanation had actually taken place. Her Daughter's silence upon her return home, proved that this supposition had been erroneous. Plan after plan she formed and rejected, for none seemed to pro- mise her any chance of averting the impending evil ; and at last she fretted herself almost into a state of despair. The next morning, when the Fauconberg family were assembled at breakfast, Sir George said to his daughter, u I met your friend Colonel Algernon yes- terday Adelaide, he told me he had been here and had found you engaged in the odious occupation of packing. He really looked so woe-begone when he talked of the approaching prospect of taking leave of 80 ADELAIDE. us all, that in christian charity I thought I could not do less than ask him to come and see us in the country." At this communication both Mother and Daughter changed colour, and while the former with difficulty restrained herself from expressing her vexation, the latter replied, u Colonel Algernon told me last night of the kind invitation you had given him. He intends I believe, to come down to Fauconberg as soon as he returns from a visit to Lord Altamont." " I shall be very glad to see him whenever that may be," continued Sir George, " I much admire the motive that takes him in the first instance to visit his Grandfather." And as Adelaide's blushes grew deeper and deeper, he continued, with a smile, " I cannot help admiring, too, the brilliancy of your complexion this morning, my Love; I rejoice to find that the late hours you have been keeping lately have not, in any degree, diminished your bloom." Adelaide was so overpowered by the consciousness of all that had been passing in her own mind, that she felt quite incapable of attempting to parry her ADELAIDE. 81 Father's attack. Her confusion visibly increased, and at length the tears rose in her eyes. " My dear Child, I did not intend to distress you," — said Sir George, very kindly, — u Poor little silly thing! you need not look so guilty. When I find reason to believe Colonel Algernon less worthy of my esteem than I think him at present, you may blush if I mention his name; there is no occasion to do so when I praise him. And, now, go up stairs to the drawing- room and fetch me yesterday's newspaper; there is something in it J want to look back to." Adelaide smiled through her tears, as she affec- tionately kissed the hand her Father held out to her, and then darted up stairs to execute his commission, and conceal her own emotion. The instant she closed the door behind her, Lady Fauconberg exclaimed, " Am I to understand, Sir George, that Colonel Al- gernon has proposed for Adelaide ?" u I am not aware of his having done so," replied her Husband, " but I have very little doubt that he intends it." " That is a very different thing," continued her F 82 ADELAIDE. Ladyship, her voice trembling with anger. " I should have thought it would have been quite time enough to have mentioned the subject to your Daughter, when he had actually declared his sentiments. Your talk- ing to her beforehand, in the way you have just been doing, may be the cause of much mischief; of blight- ing her future prospects in life ; perhaps even of breaking her heart." " I do not understand what you can possibly mean ? — As to my breaking her heart, — the few words to which you seem to attach such undue importance, were merely spoken with the intention of relieving her from any uneasiness she might have felt about my opinion of her own conduct, or my sentiments in regard to Colonel Algernon." "Or, — expressing the case more plainly," observed Lady Fauconberg, " to encourage her in a romantic attachment for a young Man, who, deeply as he appears to he in love with her at this moment, may never perhaps, after all, have entertained any serious intention of marrying her." " You do great injustice both to me and to Colonel ADELAIDE. 83 Algernon," replied Sir George. u Had I not believed him to be far too honorable to endeavour to engage Adelaide's affections, without previously wishing and intending to marry her, you may be sure I should not have allowed him to see so much of her as he has done." u Since you are so perfectly satisfied that all is just as it should be, i" can have nothing more to say.— Considering that we are both equally interested in Adelaide's happiness, I confess I might have ex- pected that you would have given me some hint of your views, before you made your final decision upon so vitally important a point." " Lady Fauconberg," exclaimed Sir George, a this is more than I can bear ! When did I ever fail to consult with you upon any concern that could be of interest or importance to either of us ? And when I have done so, I might also ask, if I have not gene- rally found you inclined to contradict my opinions, and thwart my wishes ? But let that pass. — You cannot have forgotten, that very soon after our arri- val in town, you mentioned to me Colonel Algernon's f 2 84 ADELAIDE. admiration of Adelaide, and urged the expediency of our giving up his acquaintance, hut upon what ground, I could not then, or can I now discover. We talked the matter over pretty freely, and con- cluded our discussion by agreeing that it was not quite possible to recal an invitation to dinner which I had previously given to the object of your apprehension. He came — and so much did the prejudice you had entertained against him, appear to be removed, that the very next day you accepted his assistance in pro- curing you tickets for Almacks. From that time I have seen him constantly in your society, and instead of your disapproving of his attentions to your Daugh- ter, it always seemed to me that you rather encou- raged them. As you had yourself foreseen in the first instance the probability of their leading to an ultimate and mutual attachment, I never should for an instant have imagined it possible that you should afterwards have become blind to what was visible enough to every one else. For my own part, I had liked this young Man from the hour I was introduced to him, and every thing I have seen or heard of him ADELAIDE. 85 since, has confirmed the good opinion I was then inclined to form of him. His character stands very high, his talents are of no common order, — and as for worldly advantages, he possesses every one of them except fortune, and since Miss Fauconberg will here- after be an Heiress, it is not indispensably requisite that her Husband should be very rich. — To cut a long argument short at once, I shall merely observe, that I am persuaded I should never have heard any of these nonsensical objections to Colonel Algernon, if you were not constantly returning to your chimerical plan of marrying Adelaide to William Shirley, who has treated his own Family with so much neglect lately, that I confess I feel little desire to receive him into mine." " Well Sir George, I wish you joy of the Son- in-law of your choice, and 1 only hope you may never find reason to repent of the selection you have made." The re-entrance of Adelaide put a final stop to this disagreable matrimonial altercation. Sir George and Lady Fauconberg saw but little of each other during the few duys they remained in London ; they ADELAIDE. did not attempt to renew their dispute, but the dif- ference of opinion that existed between them, made them feel far from comfortable as companions in a tete-a-tete. Colonel Algernon and Adelaide met several times, and that class of people who make it the business of their lives to observe and report the proceedings of their neighbours, remarked that upon all these occa- sions a most happy understanding seemed to be esta- blished between them. A considerate manoeuvre of Lady Fauconberg's spared them the pain of a regular parting ; but in the course of their last ride together, Colonel Algernon had arranged with Sir George that he should write to him from Altamont Castle as soon as he had ascertained when he should be able to go down to the north ; " I hope," concluded he, " that you will then be kind enough to name the earliest period when it may be convenient to you to receive me. As far as it depends upon myself I trust there can be nothing to prevent my seeing you within a month from this time." ADELAIDE. 87 CHAP. VII. " Ah ine ! for aught that ever I could read, " Could ever hear by tale or history, " The course of true love never did run smooth. " But, either it was different in blood; " Or else misgraffed, in respect of years ; " Or else it stood upon the choice of friends ; " Or, if there were a sympathy in choice, " War, death, or sickness did lay siege to it ; " Making it momentary as a sound, " Swift as a shadow, short as any dream; " Brief as the lightning in the collied night." SH AKSP E A R E, Julia Shirley had indeed spoken prophetically when she said that Adelaide would feel pleasure in returning to the country. The weight that oppressed her spirits had been removed, and she looked at every thing at Fauconberg with a new interest when she anticipated the satisfaction she should enjoy in showing the place to Colonel Algernon. She had so much to do, and so many people to visit, that a fortnight was speedily gone ; — and she tied up her flowers without 88 ADELAIDE. experiencing any apprehension, though absent, — of being* forgotten. — A month passed away, and she began to wonder that her Father had received no let- ter from Colonel Algernon. Another month succeed- ed, — still he had neither written or appeared; her heart sunk, and deeply and silently she felt the sicken- ing pang of hope deferred. Adelaide could not entertain a doubt that at the time Colonel Algernon had received Sir George's invitation, he had been perfectly sincere in his inten- tion and desire to accept it as soon as possible ; and she tormented herself with vain conjectures about the cause of his extraordinary silence. Could he have been ill ? Could he have been unable to get leave of absence? In either case he could have written to her father. — Could Lord Altamont have disapproved of his attachment, and enjoined him to give up the further pursuit of views he had inexorably refused to sanction? — This idea seemed to Adelaide to be but too probable. She did not feel the mortification of supposing that the old Peer could have made any per- sonal objection to herself, since he had never seen her, ADELAIDE. 89 and most likely had not been even aware of her exis- tence. But he might have formed other matrimonial projects for his Grandson; — perhaps he might not wish him to marry at all. — After all that Colonel Al- gernon had told her about his Father and Mother ; — and from the whole tenor of his conversation at Lady Wilmington's, she felt quite sure that he would never contract any engagement in opposition to Lord Alta- mont. She felt too that if she could believe him ca- pable of doing so, the esteem and admiration she en- tertained for his character, would be much diminished. The conviction therefore which daily gained strength in her mind, that his absence had been occasioned by a prohibition from his Grandfather, was extremely painful. — Still it was much less so than supposing it had been caused by any change in his own sentiments ; and such a supposition she never did for one instant allow herself to encourage. Sir George Fauconberg was scarcely less surprised than his Daughter at hearing no intelligence of Colonel Algernon, and he had at first expressed this feeling- very freely, sometimes in joke, and sometimes in 90 ADELAIDE. earnest. " If the Colonel," he frequently said, "was a Fine Gentleman, a Youth who could easily forget his Country Friends, I should he much in- clined to think that he had forgotten every body at Fauconberg ; — but He is not that sort of person, — whenever we see or hear from him I am convinced he will be able to give us a satisfactory explanation of conduct that now appears very extraordinary. We will not condemn him until we know what he has to say in his defence. Upon these occasions, Lady Fauconberg generally said little, but she seldom failed to direct a glance towards her husband, which expressed a great deal. At length the worthy Baronet's patience became exhausted. He perceived, in spite of Adelaide's efforts to conceal her anxiety, that she often looked pensive and thoughtful ; that her gaiety was less na- tural than it used to be, — and he was at no loss to discover whose hand had planted the thorn that was destroying her peace of mind. It appeared to him that the feelings of his beloved Child had been trifled with, — that Colonel Algernon, regardless of the effect ADELAIDE. 91 it might afterwards have upon her happiness, had been heartless enough to engage her in a flirtation, which had no other object than his own amusement; and, under this impression, his indignation against him was unbounded. He ceased to mention or allude to him in Adelaide's presence: he treated her with even more than his accustomed tenderness; and he kindly endeavoured to divert her thoughts from dwel- ling upon painful recollections. In this task Sir George found an able and willing assistant in Lady Faucon- berg, who to his surprise and satisfaction had openly expressed no triumph at the proof she had given of superior discernment, in detecting Colonel Algernon's real character. The truth was, that though she had been both astonished and puzzled by his conduct, she did not view it in the same light as her Husband. She was convinced he had been seriously in love with Adelaide, she knew that his marrying her would have been extremely advantageous to himself, she therefore privately concluded that his absence must have been occasioned by some unforeseen and extra- ordinary obstacle. What that obstacle might be she 92 ADELAIDE. found it impossible to imagine, and she only hoped it would never be removed until her own wishes for Adelaide were accomplished. It was at this juncture that Mr. Shirley returned to England. The moment appeared to be propitious. His admiration of Adelaide was sufficiently evident, and every thing seemed to conspire to favor Lady Fauconberg's plans. Sir George had been too much mortified and disgusted with Colonel Algernon, to think with pleasure of any Son-in-law. He could not quite bring himself to like Mr. Shirley, but he fairly told Lady Fauconberg that he was determined not to allow himself to be influenced by any little prejudices of his own. " Should William Shirley ever propose for Ade- laide," he said, " and should She wish to accept his proposal, / could not possibly object to their union. After what has happened, I am resolved however to take no steps to promote any alliance ; and you know me well enough, to be sure I will give my consent to none which our Daughter can feel the slightest reluc- tance to enter into." ADELAIDE. 93 Lady Fauconberg was satisfied with this declaration, but she had the mortification of finding- that neither her own influence or Mr. Shirley's devoted attentions could make the least impression upon Adelaide's heart. Miss Fauconberg had been deeply sensible of the kindness her Father and Mother had shewn her after her disappointment. Her gratitude towards them, aided by a higher principle of duty, had led her to strive hard to overcome all feelings of useless regret; and she had so far succeeded that her former cheerfulness of temper seemed to have returned. Yet the image of Colonel Algernon was too recent in her recollection, and her preference for him "was still too deeply rooted, to be effaced by any new com- petitor. She could never entirely banish a vague hope that she might meet him again in London in the Spring, and that a satisfactory explanation might take place between them. In this state of her mind, her feelings towards Mr. Shirley could only be those of indifference, and she took every opportunity of en- deavouring to make him understand that she could not return his attachment. She dreaded his visits 94 ADELAIDE. because she perceived how much her Mother encou- raged his attentions, and how determined she was to exert all her influence with Sir George in his favour. It is now high time to explain what Colonel Al- gernon had really been doing with himself since we took leave of him in London. He went down to Altamont Castle, as he had in- tended, and upon arriving there was much shocked to observe the alteration that had taken place in his Grandfather's appearance. Mrs. Algernon, (his aunt) told him that Lord Altamont had looked very ill for some time, but that he did not like to be considered an Invalid, and that she had been unable to persuade him to consult any medical person. A few days' observation convinced Colonel Alger- non that his apprehensions had been too well founded. The poor old Peer, whose malady might have been of little consequence if it had been attended to at first — grew rapidly worse from having been so long neg- lected : and he ceased to make any opposition to the desire his Grandson expressed to send for the most skilful Physician the neighbourhood afforded. ADELAIDE. 95 When Colonel Algernon followed the Doctor out of his patient's room, the latter shook his head as he ob- served, u This is a very bad case : — I trust it is not quite a hopeless one, but I think it right to inform you that Lord Altamont is in great danger." Henry had not been unprepared for this communi- cation, yet he was excessively affected at receiving it. For more than a week he watched day and night by Lord Altamont's bed side. At length the violence of the fever began to abate, and he was cheered with a hope that his Grandfather's life might be spared ; he felt a pleasing consciousness, too, that his own un- wearied attentions had, under Providence, been high- ly instrumental in promoting his recovery. During the painful period of his anxiety, Adelaide had been never absent from Colonel Algernon's recollection. The time was now come when he had hoped he might have been at Fauconberg, and he determined to write to Sir George to tell him how impossible he found it to leave his charge at Altamont Castle. His Grand- father, though much better, had not yet been pro- nounced quite out of danger ; he briefly but feelingly 96 ADELAIDE. described his illness, said that the most favorable re- covery he could hope for must be so tardy, that he should endeavour to remain with him as long as he could obtain leave to do so ; and concluded by ex- pressing a hope that he might be allowed to remind Sir George of the kind invitation he had given him to Fauconberg, the first moment he might be able to accept it. He sealed this letter with an aching heart, and was surprised to find he had been so long composing it, that the regular letter bag had been gone some time. He resolved to send it by his own Servant to the Post-Office, together with some other less important despatches which he had also neglected to exjDedite. When the destined Messenger was summoned to his Master's presence, he was making merry in the Servant's Hall, and doing the honors of Lord Alta- mont's good ale to a Friend who had brought a note of enquiry from a neighbouring family. Colonel Algernon pointed to the letters that lay before him upon the table, and desired the Servant to ride over with them immediately to the post-town. — He still ADELAIDE. 97 held in his hand the one he had just finished, and giving it to the Man, he observed, that " that was a letter of great consequence," and particularly charged him to be sure that it was sent by that very evening's post. Having given these directions, the Colonel went to Lord Altarnont's room, and as his servant knew he was likely to remain there some time, he thought he might as well finish his own carouse down stairs be- fore he executed his errand. The mail, he was aware, did not go out till very late in the evening, so he left the despatches where they were for the present, — placed the important one for more security between the first pages of a Novel that happened to be upon the table, and returned to his Companions in the Servant's Hall. Before he set out upon his ride, the strong ale had got so completely into his head, that his recollection was confused ; he feared he was late, and when he hastily snatched up the other letters, he quite forgot every thing about that one which was, in fact, the only object he need have remembered. As the book into which he had put it, did not 98 ADELAIDE. chance to be opened for a long while, the interesting epistle remained undisturbed and unsuspected in its hiding place. Colonel Algernon waited with anxious impatience for an answer from Sir George Fauconberg, which of course could never arrive. At length he began to imagine that his letter had not been received, and he cross-questioned his Servant very strictly, to ascertain if it had been faithfully put into the post. The Man had no distinct remembrance upon the subject ; he recalled a vague idea of some particular charge having been given to him, — and he had a geueral conviction that he had carried all the letters entrusted to him, in time for the mail; — so he did not hesitate most positively to declare that he had done so. He perceived that his Master considered his] having executed his commission accurately, as a matter of serious importance, and he was artful enough to give an air of greater truth to his affirma- tions by hints he had taken from the questions Colo- nel Algernon had just asked him. " I am quite certain," said he, " I put that letter ADELAIDE. 99 into the post. I carried several others, but I remem- ber that one particularly, for two reasons ; — first, because you told me it was upon business of great consequence, and next, because I saw it was directed to Sir George Fauconberg. I would not" (with a smile) " have had it not go safe for a hundred pounds." 66 I did not wish you to inform me to whom my letter was directed," replied Colonel Algernon, in a tone that checked at once all further impertinence. u What I desired you to tell me, was, if you had obeyed my orders, and carried it to the post office." " I assure you, Sir, I did ; it went by that night's Mail." Colonel Algernon, though vexed and angry with the Man, could see no reason to doubt this assurance, and his reflections upon the subject became very uncomfortable. It seemed scarcely possible that so warm-hearted a man as Sir George Fauconberg could be unkind enough to take no notice of a letter written under such distressing circumstances. He felt almost inclined to write to him again, but his pride forbade such a step. ' I have told him my story once,' thought g 2 100 ADELAIDE. he, ' and as he has not paid any attention to my com- munication, I will not condescend, by repeating it, to become a supplicant for his pity ! — Adelaide will, I am sure, feel for me, if she has heard of my distress. I shall not indeed see her at Fauconberg, but I trust we shall meet in London, and if I then find her un- changed, I shall very soon forget all the suspense and anxiety I suffer at present.' In spite of this philosophical reasoning, Colonel Al- gernon felt very far from happy. Except a few days spent in London, on regimental business, he remained for nearly three months at Altamont Castle, and when he left his Grandfather at the expiration of that pe- riod, he had the satisfaction of knowing that his health and strength were tolerably well re-established. He found very few people in Town when he return- ed there, and none who seemed likely to be able to give him any information about the proceedings of the Fauconberg Family. One morning when Colonel Algernon was sitting at the United Service Club, he was both pleased and surprised to see Colonel Harcourt come in. They ADELAIDE. 101 had been great friends abroad, but it was long since they had met, and they had consequently much to talk over. Colonel Harcourt, who belonged to a Light Dragoon Regiment, was to set out for the north the following day to rejoin it; and as Henry Alger- non discovered that the Town in which it was quar- tered was within a few miles of Fauconberg Manor, he asked him if he had ever been staying at that place ? " I have dined there several times," replied he, c< Sir George is a very hospitable, excellent man. Lady Fauconberg has not the advantage of ranking quite so highly in my estimation, and to confess the truth, T suspect I never was a favorite of hers." " How do you like Miss Fauconberg ? Has she been fortunate enough to please you ?'' " Oh the Young Lady," said Colonel Harcourt, " is very pretty, very amiable, and very unaffected. But what makes you so curious about the Fauconberg Family, Henry ? Do you know them ?" " I happened to see a good deal of them last spring." 102 ADELAIDE. Colonel Harcourt looked steadfastly at. his Friend, and then exclaimed, " Oh aye, I understand it all now. You happened to fall in love with the fair Adelaide. Nothing could be more natural, — but I hope it has not been a very serious affaire du cceur with you, for I must warn you that rejjort says you have a formidable Rival in her affections." Henry Algernon felt as if a dagger had been plunged into his breast ; he made, however, a violent effort to conceal his emotion, and replied, with as much apparent indifference as he could assume, — " There is no occasion to alarm yourself upon my account. My heart is not made of such tender materials as to be easily broken. — I own I admired Miss Fauconberg very much. I sometimes thought it might be no bad speculation for a pennyless Soldier like me, to pay my court in good earnest to a very pretty Heiress, — Voila tout. As you tell me that her affections are otherwise engaged, and as my little plan could conse- quently only end in a Chateau eu Espagne, the sooner I give it up the better." " By no means ; why should you not go down ADELAIDE. 103 with me to the north to-morrow, and fairly try your fortune in the lists against your Rival ? I only spoke from report, and you know the old proverb says " that faint heart never won fair Lady." — Now if I were a young Lady, and saw you kneeling on one side of me, and Mr. Shirley kneeling on the other, I should not hesitate a moment in making my election in your favour." " Mr. Shirley did you say ? Sir William Shirley's Son. How long has he been returned to England ?" enquired Colonel Algernon. u I see you understand something of the Carte du Pays. — I cannot tell you exactly the time of his arri- val, for I was away when he came ; As I hear, he is very constant in his attentions at Fauconberg Manor ; the two Families live a great deal together, and it is said that both are much pleased with the prospect of a nearer union." "And does Miss Fauconberg look very interesting, and very — happy in the character of a Promise ?" u Yes, she looks very much as most people do under such circumstances." 104 ADELAIDE. " Well I wish her joy. And in spite of your friendly advice, Mr. Shirley need be under no ap- prehension of my ever attempting to cross his path." u You know your own feelings Henry, better than I can do, and I really believe your decision is a wise one. But am I to understand that you are disinte- rested enough to wish me to carry your congratula- tions to Miss Fauconberg ?" a No thank you. I can give them to her myself the first time I meet her. — But, — " continued he, suddenly starting up, " The pleasure of seeing you Harcourt, has made me forget an appointment I ought to have attended to an hour ago. Good bye, good bye ; I must not positively stay here one instant longer." And so saying, he rushed out of the room. When the effort Colonel Algernon had made, was over, and he found himself alone, the anguish of his disappointment returned with redoubled force. The hopes he had so long and fondly cherished seemed destroyed for ever, The cause of the neglect with which Sir George Fauconberg had treated him, was too well explained, and his heart swelled with indig- ADELAIDE. 105 nation at the supposed ill usage he had received. He had, he thought, been encouraged, his hopes had been flattered during the absence of the favored Ad- mirer, — and then he had been unceremoniously dis- carded the moment his presence might have proved inconvenient ! — He felt that he had not deserved such treatment, and he rejoiced that he had not committed himself by making a formal and unavailing declara- tion of his sentiments. Could Adelaide herself have forgotten him as easily as her Parents appeared to have wished her to do ? He hoped she could not. — He would have given the world could it have been possible for him to see her alone, even for five minutes. — Yet Colonel Harcourt had described her as consenting not only passively, but happily, to the engagement that had been pro- jected for her. There was not one reflection that could afford him any comfort, — not a single circumstance that could soften the bitterness of his mortification. Colonel Algernon soon heard the rumour of Miss Fauconberg's approaching marriage repeated from 106 ADELAIDE. so many quarters, that any doubts he might have en- tertained upon its authenticity, were entirely removed, and he determined to make up his mind to regret his disappointment no longer. But this wise resolution was more easily formed than kept. He felt spiritless and unhinged, society had lost its charm. He declined some engagements, he scarcely knew why, and accepted others merely because he was tired of living alone. Several people predicted he was becoming too good, and every body observed he had grown absent and melancholy. Spring was now advancing, and it was with a feel- ing of disgust that Colonel Algernon remarked the appearance of increasing bustle and gaiety that Lon- don presented. He had been arranging his Books, and in so doing, he put his hand accidentally upon the first Volume of a Novel he had taken with him to Altamont Castle. He had read it at that time, perhaps with greater interest than it quite deserved, because he fancied there was a strong resemblance between the cha- racter of the Heroine and that of Miss Fauconberg ; — ADELAIDE. 107 and even now he could not resist the temptation of looking back to one or two of the passages that had particularly pleased him. When he opened the book, a sealed paper fell out of it ; he picked it up, and it is impossible to describe his astonishment and dismay, when he discovered it to be the unfortunate letter he had written to Sir George Fauconberg so many months before. He examined it minutely to be quite sure of its identity, — and then striking his forehead, exclaimed in an agony of vexa- tion, " Fool, worse than Fool that I have been !• — I have thrown away my own happiness ! — I have un- justly condemned others when nobody deserved to be blamed but myself. — In spite of that Rascal's assu- rance, I might have felt certain that my letter could not have been received. How extraordinary my con- duct must have appeared to Sir George and Lady Fauconberg. — And Adelaide. — What must Adelaide have thought of me ? — Despising me as deeply as she must have done, I cannot blame her for having lis- tened to the suit of one who was to all appearance a far worthier and more faithful Admirer." 108 AD E LAI DE. He paced his room for several minutes with hasty steps, then stopped, as if he had taken some sudden resolution, and muttered ; — " It may not yet be too late. At all events I will explain the truth, and justify myself in the estimation of the whole Family." He rang the bell violently, and his first act was to inform his Servant of the discovery he had just made, and to dismiss him from that very hour from his service. He next sallied forth to obtain a few days' leave of absence ; returned to pack up his things ; and that same evening he set out in the Mail for Colonel Harcourt's Quarters in the north. His arrival surprised his Friend extremely. Thoughtless and light-hearted as Colonel Har- court appeared, he had perceived that Miss Faucon- berg's charms had made a much deeper impression upon Henry Algernon than he chose to acknowledge ; and he was much vexed with himself for the pain he had unintentionally given him, by mentioning the report of her approaching marriage. When he returned to the Country he endeavoured ADELAIDE. 109 to ascertain if the report was really true, and from all the information he could collect, it seemed to be so well founded, that he considered Colonel Algernon's case quite hopeless, and was very glad that he had been judicious enough to think it so himself. After the first greeting between the two young Men was over, Henry Algernon at once opened his mind to Colonel Harcourt. He confessed that during their interview in London, he had attempted to de- ceive him about his real sentiments for Miss Faucon- berg ; and then related every circumstance connected with his attachment to her, and his acquaintance with her Family. " And what," said Colonel Harcourt, who had listened with deep interest to his communication, ei do you intend to do ?" u In the first place to ask your advice, for I believe I am scarcely capable of directing myself. — But hap- pen what may, I am resolved not to leave this neigh- bourhood till I have given Sir George Fauconberg a true and satisfactory explanation of my conduct." " You are perfectly right," replied Colonel Har- 110 ADELAIDE. court, " It is an act of justice you owe to yourself; therefore I think we cannot do better than ride over to Fauconberg Manor to-morrow morning at so early an hour that we may be almost sure of finding Sir George at home. We must endeavour too to see Miss Fauconberg if it is possible. — I do not wish to give you false hopes, for I tell you fairly, that although her marriage has not yet been declared, I imagine it is all settled. Sir George would approve, Lady Fauconberg would glory, and Sir William Shirley and his Daughters would be delighted at such an event ; — And yet if the young Lady herself could be induced to retract her consent, and to set her face decidedly against it, I should not even now despair of its being broken off. One little circumstance, added to all you have just told me, inclines me to believe that the fair Adelaide would not look upon you with indifference. The first time I dined with Sir George after my return from Town, I took an opportunity of asking Miss Fauconberg if she had not known you very well in London ? She blushed blood-red, — replied that she ADELAIDE. Ill had, — and enquired if I could tell her where you then were ? I said you were in Town, that I had seen you at the United Service Club the day before I came into the Country, — and at this intelligence she grew as pale as death. Her Mother, who always seems watching every body who speaks to her, came up and interrupted our conversation, which I had afterwards no means of renewing ; but I remember that Miss Fauconberg looked unusually grave all the rest of the evening. According to Colonel Harcourt's counsel, the two Friends set out in good time the following morning to call upon Sir George Fauconberg. They were shewn into his Library where they found him writing; the table before him was covered with papers, and he did not seem to have expected the interruption of Visitors so early in the day. Adelaide was seated at a Bay Window at the end of the room, busily occu- pied in sket:hing the form and branches of a fine old Oak that formed a picturesque object upon the Lawn. Both Father and Daughter looked up when the door opened, and Miss Fauconberg's scarcely sup- 112 ADELAIDE. pressed exclamation, — her look of joyful surprise, — and the bright colour that overspread her whole coun- tenance when she beheld Colonel Algernon, suffici- ently proved that her heart at least, was unchanged. Sir George's reception was far less encouraging. After having shaken hands with Colonel Harcourt, and made a stiff bow to his Companion, he stood as if more than half inclined to take no further notice of the latter. Colonel Algernon came forward, and said, u I can- not feel surprised Sir George at your looking coldly upon me. — After the very kind invitation I received from you before you left London, I am conscious that my behaviour must have appeared very extraordi- nary ; but I am come here for the express purpose of explaining to you that I am not really so ungrateful as I fear vou must have long: since believed me to be." He then drew from his pocket his own still un- opened letter, — related when and under what circum- stances it had been written, — confessed the mortifica- tion he had felt at having received no answer, — and ADELAIDE. 113 described how and where he had discovered the ill- fated Packet only two days before. His explanation was so clearly and naturally given, that it carried a perfect conviction of its accuracy to the mind of him to whom it was addressed. " This," replied Sir George, as he took the Letter, " ought certainly to belong to me, but I shall not read it now." — Then very cordially holding out his hand to Colonel Algernon, he continued, — " We have both been very foolish, both very much mis- taken, and both very causelessly angry with each other ; therefore I propose, as the wisest measure we can now adopt, that we instantly pass an Act of Obli- vion of these mutually imagined injuries. And to ratify the Pacification, and make up as far as possible for our past loss of your society, I hope we may be able to persuade You and Colonel Harcourt to give us the pleasure of your company at dinner to-mor- row." It is needless to say that this invitation was most joyfully accepted by Henry Algernon. Colonel Harcourt much regretted that a previous engage- H 114 ADELAIDE. ment must prevent his doing so likewise. While he was expressing his vexation to the worthy Baronet, Colonel Algernon advanced towards Adelaide, who had been a deeply interested Auditor of all that had passed, — and said to her in a low and agitated voice,— " May I venture to hope Miss Fauconberg that I have been happy enough to justify myself in your estimation ? — That you, like Sir George, have for- given me ?" u You have certainly," replied Adelaide, a cleared up a mystery that has for a long time puzzled us all. But I do not know," added she with a smile, u how I am to forgive an offence that never made me very angry." " Do you wish me to understand," continued Colo- nel Algernon, in a tone of deep mortification, " that my conduct has been perfectly indifferent to you ?" " Oh no, no," exclaimed Adelaide, completely thrown off her guard, " You have quite mistaken my meaning. I intended to say that I always felt per- suaded you must have some very good reason for acting as you did, and that your silence only ap- peared to be wrong because it was incomprehensible." ADELAIDE. 115 The expression of Colonel Algernon's countenance changed in an instant. " Miss Fauconberg," cried he, " I have suffered much since 1 saw you, but the kind- ness of that speech has more than repaid me for months of past anxiety and unhappiness." Adelaide almost feared she had expressed herself too strongly, yet she could scarcely find in her heart to regret having spoken those words it had evidently given Colonel Algernon so much pleasure to hear. The conversation afterwards became general. Nei- ther of the Guests felt particularly sorry when they were informed that Lady Fauconberg was out walk- ing ; what direction she had taken was uncertain, as she had mentioned having more than one object in view. The vain hope of seeing her before their departure, was however pleaded as an excuse for prolonging a remarkably pleasant and gratifying visit to a very unusual duration. During their ride home, Colonel Algernon felt as if all that had passed had been a dream, and he would perhaps have preferred the uninterrupted indulgence h 2 116 ADELAIDE. of his own happy feelings, even to the conversation of his warm-hearted Companion. Colonel Harcourt was in wild spirits. He assured Henry he had never heard so fine an Oration as the one He had made that morning to Sir George Fau- conberg. Congratulated him upon the brilliant effect it had produced. Said he imagined that in point of eloquence and success it could be equalled only by- the tender little appeal he had afterwards whispered to Miss Fauconberg's feelings. — Declared that if this tide of prosperity and praise had not already carried the Colonel's vanity to its greatest possible height, — his head must inevitably be turned by the sort of reception he might expect from Lady Fauconberg the next day ; and lamented bitterly his own ill for- tune in being unable to witness that joyful meeting. " Adelaide/' said Sir George Fauconberg to his Daughter, who stood gazing almost unconsciously at the two Gentlemen as they rode away through the Park, Ci My business has been greatly disturbed this morning, — I shall not be able to finish it so soon as I had expected ; yet I cannot regret an interruption ADELAIDE. 117 that has restored a valued Friend to my esteem. I confess it has given me a more pleasing opinion of human nature, to discover that I was not deceived in my original estimate of this Young Man's character ; and it affords also a lesson, never to condemn any one without first hearing his own defence," Adelaide's heart was too full to allow her to say 'much. Her Father perceived this, and kindly con- tinued, " You had better go out while it is fine, my Love, I shall not now have time to ride with you to- day. We will take a long round together to-morrow, when I shall be more at leisure." Miss Fauconberg obeyed the hint Sir George had given. The fresh air soon calmed her excited spirits, her confused ideas began to assume a more connected train, and her joyful agitation subsided into a feeling of quiet and unruffled happiness. When Lady Fauconberg returned from her walk, she was surprised to find Sir George still in the Li- brary, and yet more astonished when he gave her a detailed account of Colonel Algernon's visit. She at first attempted to represent his Story as 118 ADELAIDE. altogether extremely improbable, and then to invali- date the accuracy of its different parts, — but finding she could not succeed in making any impression upon her Husband, she determined to endeavour to conceal her vexation as well as she could. To Sir George, she did not dare to mention the influence she was too well aware this dreaded e'claircissement would have, in crushing Mr. Shirley's hopes ; but she secretly determined to do every thing in her power to coun- teract, if possible, its effect. ADELAIDE. llU CHAP. VIII Oh, 'tis the curse in love, and still approv'd, When Women cannot love when they're belov'd." Shakspeari We must now return to the Party we formerly left assembled at Fauconberg Manor. Mr. Shirley's toilette was distracted by the most agonizing reflections. He had at length discovered that those affections he would have given the universe to gain, had been previously engaged. His favored Rival was, except in fortune, — in every respect at least his equal, and appeared to stand very high in Sir George's estimation. That Lady Fauconberg was his own Ally, and had always been a firm well- wisher to his cause, he did not entertain a doubt ; yet his bosom swelled with rage and indignation when he considered how much she had deceived him, — how eagerly she had encouraged hopes she must 120 ADELAIDE. have been aware were not likely to be realized felt very angry with his Sisters too. It was impos- sible they should not have been aware of the mutual attachment that had existed between Colonel Alger- non and Adelaide ; Why had they concealed from him so important and interesting a circumstance ? What appeared still more incomprehensible, why had not the happy Admirer himself come forward sooner to carry off the Prize from all other Competitors ? Mr. Shirley had however little time for considera- tion ; he hurried down stairs, and when he entered the drawing-room he found that one only of the party had come there before him. This person was Mr. Fretwell, an active, busy, little old Man, who had passed the greater part of his life in a small Borough Town not very distant from Fauconberg and Grey- field. Having had nothing better to do, he had taken much pains to make himself acquainted with the affairs of his Neighbours, — he could boast a perfect knowledge of the Party Politics, and petty intrigues of his townsmen, by most of whom he was looked up to as a sort of Leader and Oracle ; — And possessing He )OS- ADELAIDE. 121 an ample share of vanity, he was much impressed with an idea of his own weight and importance. During the time of a General Election, Mr. Fret- well was in his glory. In former days Oldthorpe had always quietly sent one Whig and one Tory Mem- ber to Parliament, but in consequence of the extinc- tion of an ancient and powerful Family, the Tory interest had latterly much declined ; vigorous at- tempts had been made to bring in two Whig Candi- dates, and several very sharp contests had taken place. Upon these occasions Mr. Fretwell's support and as- sistance were considered of great consequence, both from his influence with the Electors and his acquaint- ance with their characters and interests. He had been courted by all parties, and though he disclaimed taking any decided part in the public politics of his Country, he had always favored the Whig Members during the Elections at Oldthorpe. He delighted in the bustle of a contest, and often observed with ex- ultation that t the Candidate He wished for, was pretty sure of success.' The moment Sir William Shirley's Son returned to 122 ADELAIDE. England, Mr. Fretwell fixed his eye upon him as a very proper person to represent Oldthorpe after the next dissolution of parliament. And when he subse- quently heard him spoken of as a young" Man of very superior abilities, he thought he should do credit to himself by being instrumental in bringing' him for- ward. He accordingly made some overtures of friend- ship and assistance to Sir William, who received them rather coldly ; and the little Man was so offended with his ingratitude, that he determined never again to volunteer his aid to any body who was not likely to appreciate its value. Had his proffers been addressed to the Son instead of the Father, it is probable they would have been treated with much more attention. Mr. Shirley wish- ed to be in Parliament, and the hints Mr. Fretwell had given, induced him to take the interests of Old- thorpe into his consideration. The present Whig Member was pretty sure of being" returned again, but it did not seem improbable that he might success- fully oppose any other Candidate ; and he was de- sirous to make the attempt. As a preliminary to such ADELAIDE. 123 a step, he perceived it was absolutely necessary to conciliate Mr. Fretwell, and obtain his advice and support, — and how this was to be accomplished, he did not exactly know ? Lady Fauconberg, with whom he had talked over this matter, and who entered warmly into his views, — occasionally saw Mr. Fretwell, and she undertook to become the Mediatrix between them. She extolled Mr. Shirley's talents, — lamented they should be lost to the public, — hinted that he was only deterred from intending" to present himself at Oldthorpe, by an idea that he should not meet with support from any of the leading People, — mentioned the terms of high respect in which she had always heard him speak of Mr. Fretwell, — and artfully insinuated how much Sir William regretted his own folly in not having pro- fited by advantages that were once most kindly held out to him. When Lady Fauconberg thought she had suffi- ciently flattered the little Man's vanity, and worked him round to favour her purpose, she put the finishing' stroke, as she imagined, — to her negociation, by per- 124 ADELAIDE. suading Sir George, with whom he was no great favorite, to invite him to dinner to meet Mr. Shirley. To conclude this long but necessary digression ; — When Mr. Shirley found himself tete a tete with Mr. Fretwell in the drawing-room at Fauconberg, it seemed to him as if all the world had that day con- spired to torment him. At any other time such an interview would have delighted him, but in the pre- sent state of his mind, he felt it impossible to fix his attention upon electioneering interests. While he endeavoured, therefore, to treat Mr. Fretwell with marked civility and deference, he determined to put off his intended discussion till a future opportunity. The little Man smiled very graciously upon him. Waited impatiently for the communication Lady Fauconberg had led him to expect. Looked im- portant. Wondered Mr. Shirley did not mention Oldthorpe. Fidgetted about. Took up the news- paper, and laid it down again. Imagined his Com- panion's evident embarrassment arose from diffidence ; and charitably resolved to give him encouragement by opening the subject himself, which he was con- vinced was alone engrossing his thoughts. ADELAIDE. 125 Accordingly when Mr. Shirley enquired if there was any news in the paper he had just been affecting to read, he replied, — a Nothing very particular. — I see indeed that a Dissolution is much talked of, and that is a topic upon which I fancy we feel a mutual wish to have some conversation." Mr. Shirley perceived that if he now declined this friendly challenge, he should inevitably forfeit Mr. Fretwell's good graces for ever. Secretly wishing Him, Oldthorpe, and every body belonging to it, at the d 1, — he therefore prepared to state his own plans as distinctly as he could, and to express that he should ground his hopes of success entirely upon Mr. Fretwell's kind counsel and co-operation. " I wish you had consulted me sooner," replied his Auditor. "These affairs require long preparation, and an early start is an immense advantage. We must see however what can yet be done for you. — I understand Sir William now approves of your views. You are aware that I am not a sort of person to en- courage a Son in any pursuit that has not been sanc- tioned by his Father." 126 ADELAIDE. Mr. Shirley little liked the tone of this enquiry, yet he hastened to satisfy Mr. Fretwell's scruples, and even to assure him that Sir William had long wished that the cordiality which formerly existed between him and the Family at Greyfield, might be restored. " And so in sooth it shall be," cried the little Man, holding out his hand with a beaming smile, — " For- give and Forget, is my motto. — I promise you my hearty good wishes and assistance at Oldthorpe when- ever you may require them." While Mr. Shirley was endeavouring to express suitable gratitude and delight at so much kindness, his Tormentor dragged him to a window, and began a discussion upon the complicated concerns and inte- rests of " The Borough" (as he called it,) which seemed never likely to come to a conclusion. He was so wrapped up in his subject, — so impressed with its importance, and with the value of the information he was imparting, that he was not aware Lady Fau- conberg and nearly all her Guests had come into the room. ADELAIDE. 127 Mr. Shirley contrived to conceal his impatience, and to affect to be listening 1 with great attention to Mr. Fretwell's edifying discourse, until Adelaide made her appearance. He had never seen her look half so beautiful ; there was an expression of anima- tion and happiness in her countenance he had upon no former occasion observed it assume, — and he fan- cied that even her dress was more studied and more becoming than usual. The smile with which she turned to speak to Colonel Algernon, who had seated himself beside her, completed the measure of Mr. Shirley's torture ; he entirely lost all self-command, and beinsf unable longer to endure his ffood Friend's prosing details, — he turned abruptly from him, ex- claiming, " You must excuse me, Mr. Fretwell. — I feel a sudden giddiness " The wildness of his look and manner, astonished and alarmed the little Man considerably. " I fear you are very ill, Sir," said he. " Will you not take something ? — Had you not better send for medical advice :" u By no means, I shall soon be quite well ; and in 128 ADELAIDE. the mean time may I request you not to mention the subject of my health to any one." Mr. Fretwell was silenced. ' This is very strange/ thought he to himself ; and he could not help appre- hending that his future Member for Oldthorpe had been seized with a sudden fit of insanity. The announcement of dinner prevented Mr. Shir- ley's emotion from having been remarked by the rest of the Company. Lady Fauconberg's keen eye had been directed towards him from time to time, and after Colonel Algernon had offered his arm to her Daughter, she called him by name to conduct her to the dining-room. Mr. Shirley felt little inclination to obey the summons, and he absolutely started at her Ladyship's assurance when she observed that c she was afraid he was not well. u I have a head ache," replied he. " I believe I may thank that odious Mr. Fretwell for it ; he has been boring me to death for the last hour with illus- trations of the Politics of Oldthorpe, and pompous insinuations of his own consequence. He is far the most insufferable Idiot I ever met with." ADELAIDE. 129 * And yet," observed Lady Fauconberg, " it is worth while to endure his folly for the sake of his utility." " Passive endurance never was a leading feature in my character," said Mr. Shirley very drily; and all v the insinuating endeavours of his Neighbour, did not succeed in restoring his good humour during the whole time of dinner. Adelaide, who was seated between her Father and Colonel Algernon, was too agreably engaged in con- versation with the latter, to think of Mr. Shirley, or to observe what was going forward at the other end of the table. Other people did not fail to remark that the Stranger's arrival seemed likely to derange their Neighbour's matrimonial plans, and great was the astonishment this circumstance occasioned. The Ladies retired early, and as soon as they found themselves in the Drawing-Room, Mrs. Cooper said to her hostess, " I presume I may still venture to con- gratulate you, Lady Fauconberg, upon your Daugh- ter's approaching marriage ; though I confess that until I came here to-day, 1 imagined Mr. Shirley was 130 ADELAIDE. to have been the happy man, instead of Colonel Algernon ." Lady Fauconberg concealed her vexation, and answered with a smiling countenance, — " I am very much obliged to you for your kind congratulations, my dear Mrs. Cooper, but to own the truth they are rather premature, for Adelaide is not at present en- gaged to be married to any body." Mrs. Cooper made many apologies for the indis- cretion of which she had been guilty. " Oh pray do not distress yourself about it," replied Lady Fauconberg. u You are not the first person who has heard reports and has believed them. Wil- liam Shirley lives so much with us that I am not astonished at its being thought He is to marry Ade- laide. — I am a little surprised at your having supposed there could be any thing serious in a flirtation with Colonel Algernon." The evening passed much as such evenings usually do in a Country House. There was conversation, music, a whist table for the elders, and a round game for the younger part of the company. ADELAIDE. 131 Before he joined the Ladies, Mr. Shirley had re- covered his self-possession. He went up to Miss Fauconberg, and found so much to tell her that it was impossible for any one else to attempt to speak to her. But although he thus contrived to keep his Rival at a distance, his advantage afforded mortifi- cation rather than pleasure to himself. Adelaide's manner was perfectly civil, but his conversation was evidently uninteresting to her; she listened to his brilliant descriptions with an air of absence and indif- ference very unlike the gratifying attention with which she had listened to Colonel Algernon's re- marks at dinner. Lady Fauconberg managed to prolong this disa- greable tete a tete by asking the Miss Coopers to sing, — and having once established them at the piano- forte, she appeared to be so delighted with their per- formance that she would not allow them to leave it. u Does not Miss Fauconberg sing ?" enquired Colo- nel Algernon. U Yes," replied Lady Fauconberg, " but I can hear Adelaide every evening. It is very seldom I have the pleasure of hearing the Miss Coopers." i 2 132 ADELAIDE. " You are very kind," said Miss Cooper, * but really my Sister and I must not deprive ourselves and every body else of the gratification of listening to Miss Fauconberg. Do pray Colonel Algernon go and beg her to come and sing to us." The Colonel did not wait for a second command, he instantly approached Adelaide, and thus addressed her, — " Miss Fauconberg, I am commissioned by the company at the other end of the room, to request you will have the goodness to come and take a part in the Concert." Adelaide rose, as she answered in the same playful tone, " I shall be most happy to obey the flattering wishes of the Company." " And she might have added, to get rid of my im- portunate society," muttered Mr. Shirley to himself, as he watched her walk away with his Rival. Adelaide had naturally a very pretty voice, and having had the advantage of the best possible instruc- tion, she sung extremely well. As her Mother had always accustomed her to exert her talents in that ADELAIDE. 133 way when there was company at Fauconberg, she felt no timidity when she was called upon to do so, — and she was too good natured and unaffected ever to make a difficulty about singing to any person who might express a desire to hear her. Upon this occasion, however, her usual confidence seemed to have for- saken her, her voice trembled, and during her first song Colonel Algernon certainly experienced a feel- ing of disappointment. u Adelaide is not in good voice to-night," observed Lady Fauconberg as she left the Piano-Forte. "Do you sing any of these ?" asked Colonel Alger- non, while he turned over the leaves of a Book filled with Italian Songs. 66 I have sung them all, sometimes," — answered Miss Fauconberg, u I will now try any one of them you happen to like best." The air he selected chanced to be a particular fa- vorite of her own ; she had got the better of the nervous sensation that had before embarrassed her ; and her second song was performed with a clearness and brilliancy of execution that surprised even Lady 134 ADELAIDE. Fauconberg, and perfectly delighted Colonel Al- gernon. " Charming, charming '." exclaimed he. " What a beautiful voice ! — How I wish you would sing that song over again ! I could listen to it for ever !" " I rather suspect that you sing yourself," said Adelaide. " If any body had taken the trouble of teaching me, I do not know what I might have done. As it is, I do not understand a note of music." " But you can sing a second to this, I dare say," continued she, pointing to a popular Duet. " Perhaps I could manage to do so, — but I assure you I would much rather hear you sing alone." He allowed himself, however, to be persuaded to make the attempt. He was, as he declared, perfectly ignorant of the science of music, but having a fine voice and a good ear, he performed his part very suc- cessfully. Adelaide had many other Duets; but Lady Fauconberg, who was not at all pleased with the turn the evening had taken, suddenly put an end to the Music by proposing a Pool at Commerce. ADELAIDE. 135 Soon after breakfast the following morning, the Party at Fauconberg began to disperse. The Cooper Family proceeded on their Journey South, — Others took their leave of their Host and Hostess, and Mr. Shirley, who had kept his Horses waiting for some time at the door as if he was determined to out-stay Colonel Algernon, at last rode away with Mr. Fret- well. The Colonel still lingered with the hope of finding an opportunity of having a few moments private con- versation with Adelaide, but as Lady Fauconberg never left her Daughter's side, even He was at length obliged to take his departure. When he rose to go away, Sir George expressed much regret that the Annual Meeting of a Book So- ciety, which was to take place that morning, and to conclude with a Dinner, prevented his endeavouring to detain him another day at Fauconberg. " How much longer," enquired he, a do you pro- pose to remain in this Country ?" " I am obliged to return to Town to-morrow even- ing," replied Colonel Algernon. " I came away at 136 ADELAIDE. such short notice that I could not expect, indeed I did not ask for a more extended leave of absence at present." " Well, I am truly glad," concluded the Baronet, as he shook him cordially by the hand, — <6 that we have seen you here ; and I have much pleasure in thinking that we shall all very soon meet again in London." Adelaide said nothing, but Colonel Algernon fan- cied that her looks expressed a great deal. It was evident that Lady Fauconberg could not en- dure him, yet as he strongly suspected he had made a happy impression upon her Daughter's heart, — and as he believed he should be supported by Sir George's good will and approbation, — he was willing to natter himself that his hopes would be speedily crowned with success. ADELAIDE. 137 CHAP. IX. * He came—' He is gone— we have met— •' And meet perhaps never again ; The sun of that moment is set, " And seems to have risen in vain." COWPEB As soon as Sir George was fairly gone to his Meet- ing, Lady Fauconberg observed to her Daughter that she intended to drive over to Greyfield after luncheon. " To day, Mama?" said Adelaide. " Yes," replied her Ladyship. " Have you any objection to such a plan ?" " No, I am sure I can have none." Yet somehow it did so happen that Greyfield was the last place Adelaide would at that moment have wished to go to. A pause ensued, which was at length broken by Lady Fauconberg. " Adelaide," said she, " I can- • She. • Ste. 138 ADELAIDE. not say that I was quite satisfied with your conduct yesterday." Miss Fauconberg started, but instantly replied, — " I am extremely sorry that I have displeased you, Mama, but indeed till this moment I was not aware of having done so." " I think you will not deny that you knew it was wrong- to torment a Person who is seriously attach- ed to you. You must have perceived that you gave William Shirley great pain by flirting so much with Colonel Algernon." " I had no intention," answered Adelaide, "of griev- ing Mr. Shirley, and I thought so little about him yesterday that I never observed he was vexed. I own I have frequently suspected that I was not quite in- different to him, but I have always endeavoured to make him understand that it was impossible I could return his preference. Had I therefore guessed that he disapproved of my talking to — any body else, I should not, upon his account, have imagined it ne- cessary to discontinue doing so." " This is language Miss Fauconberg, which I do ADELAIDE. 139 not understand, and which I have not been accustom- ed to hear from you. You would not have ventured to have spoken to me in this way, three days ago." " My dear Mama/' replied Adelaide, who began to feel quite bewildered, u if I have said any thing disrespectful, I very humbly entreat you to forgive me." " I am very willing to do so," said Lady Faucon- berg, " but to prevent any of these unpleasant dis- cussions in future, let us first comprehend each other more plainly. — Considering the footing upon which William Shirley has for some months been received in this family, I wish you to tell me what you meant just now by saying that it was impossible for you to return his preference ?" " I fear you will be angry with me," answered Adelaide timidly, " for I can only repeat, that I meant just what my words expressed. — Excepting that he came here much oftener, I did not know that Mr. Shirley was received upon a different footing from any body else." Lady Fauconberg looked much displeased, as she 140 ADELAIDE. continued, " These evasions will avail you little, they only oblige me to be more explicit, — to state, — what I should not have supposed it necessary to declare to you in such direct terms ; that your Father and I have for some time regarded William Shirley as our future Son-in-law.'' Adelaide grew very pale, as she exclaimed, — " I had no idea of this. If I had imagined that you and Papa had entertained any serious intention of my forming such an Engagement, I should much sooner have implored you to take pity upon me, and to think no more of a plan that would destroy my happiness for life." " You have indeed unfortunately made this disco- very rather too late. For, as we have encouraged William Shirley's hopes, we are now bound in honour to use all our influence with you to prevent their be- ing disappointed." Adelaide burst into tears, and clasping her hands, " Oh Mama," cried she, " you surely cannot intend to compel me to become the Wife of a Man I can never love !" ADELAIDE. 141 Lady Fauconberg was softened by her Daughter's distress, and she felt almost inclined to give up the selfish and cruel scheme she had formed; but the next moment her pride and obstinacy overcame her better feelings. u Adelaide," said she in a much kinder tone, " It hurts me to see you distress yourself ill this way. — You must know that neither your Father nor I, much as we may have wished you should accept William Shirley's intended proposal, would ever think of obli- ging you to marry any body contrary to your own inclination ; and were we even disposed to do so, I cannot imagine that poor William himself would de- sire to obtain your hand upon such terms." Then as if speaking to herself, she continued, — " Though Parents are not justified in urging their children to contract alliances that are displeasing to them, they certainly have a right to direct their choice. The first interest of their lives is to see them happy, and as they are far better qualified to judge who will be likely to render them so, than they can be themselves, they are deficient in their duty if they 142 ADELAIDE. do not refuse their consent to any connection they have reason to consider decidedly disadvantageous to their welfare ." Addressing herself more directly to her Daughter, — she said, 6C I have perhaps expressed myself more strongly than I intended, for I confess that my disap- pointment is a very severe one. I had always indulged a wish that I might some day see you united to Wil- liam Shirley. During his long absence abroad, this hope was much weakened, — but great was my joy on perceiving after his return, the first indications of that attachment for you which he has since confided to me. My imagination anticipated the future, — I fancied you securing your own happiness by promoting that of an amiable and talented young Man, the Son of your father's oldest Friend and nearest Neighbour. — ■ I felt sure you would become as much the pride and delight of all his family as you have hitherto deser- vedly been of your own Parents. — But all these bright visions have been destroyed, just when they appeared upon the eve of being realized! I am too well aware of the cause of this grievous mortification. It does ADELAIDE. 143 not arise from any objection you can make to Wil- liam Shirley himself, — for in character, situation in the world, fortune, age, manners, he is perfectly un- exceptionable. It is simply because you now ima- gine yourself in love with Colonel Algernon, that you fancy it is impossible you should ever like any body else, — and in the true spirit of romance, that you de- sire to throw away the substance, for the shadow of happiness." During the whole of this artful appeal to her feel- ings, Adelaide had covered her face with her hands, but the tears trickled through her fingers. At length she raised her head, and with the air of a person who after a struggle has taken a decided resolution, — she said, " Mama, I cannot marry Mr. Shirley, — but I am anxious to prove my obedience in any other way you will point out. I will cheerfully submit to what- ever you may dictate, — even should you require me to sacrifice the dearest wishes of my own heart." This was exactly the point towards which Lady Fauconberg had been working. She saw her advan- 144 ADELAIDE. tage and she was ungenerous enough instantly to seize it. In short she obtained with the greatest ease, a so- lemn promise from her Daughter, that she would never listen to any proposal from Colonel Algernon without having previously received an unsolicited per- mission from her Father and herself to do so. Lady Fauconberg had succeeded in removing one obstacle from her path, — her great anxiety was now to conceal from her Husband the step she had taken. She told Adelaide she would lose no time in explain- ing to Sir George the extreme reluctance she felt to fulfil the engagement that had been projected for her. She undertook to persuade him, in compliance with her wishes, to allow her to decline it. And also to request him to break to Mr. Shirley as delicately and speedily as possible, the disappointment that awaited him. When Adelaide said it was her intention to express to her father how deeply it grieved her to act what she feared must appear a very undutiful part ; Lady Fau- conberg observed, it would be far better to leave the business entirely to her management. u I admire,'' ADELAIDE. 145 continued she, " the feeling that prompts you to wish to express your sorrow for what has passed, — but as an explanation of this kind between a Father and Daughter, would bring on the discussion of many topics very painful to both, — of circumstances con- nected with Colonel Algernon, unpleasant to You, — it is much more desirable to avoid, than to seek it. You must have observed that Sir George has never mentioned to you in direct terms, the subject of Wil- liam Shirley's attachment. I have little doubt I can prevail upon him to make no allusion to it in future, therefore you need not feel any further uneasiness upon that account. And now, my dear Adelaide, our mutual compliances are fairly balanced. I have engaged for your Father and myself that we will relinquish our cherished scheme for your establish- ment in life, because its completion would have proved disagreable to you ; — and, you have in return promised to give up your own little Romance because it did not meet with our approbation. Let the past be forgotten and forgiven between us, and let us live happily and comfortably together, as we have always hitherto done." 146 ADELAIDE. Poor Adelaide was deeply affected by her Mother's supposed kindness, and she firmly resolved to do every thing in her power to endeavour to deserve it ; but she found it no easy task to recover her usual com- posure. Lady Fauconberg and her Daughter had not con- cluded their Luncheon, when a Servant came in to announce that the carriage was at the door. " The carriage," exclaimed her Ladyship, " Oh, I quite forgot to send word to the Coachman that I should not want it this morning." Then as the man was leav- ing the room, she called him back, — " As the car- riage is out, it may as well wait ; I may perhaps take a drive after all." As soon as the door was closed, she said to Ade- laide, — " It has just occurred to me that there are circumstances which now make it very important to William Shirley that I should see him before the de- parture of to-morrow's post ; I will therefore go over to Greyfield, and try to find an opportunity of pre- paring him for the communication he may so soon expect to receive from Sir George. Of course I do not propose to You to accompany me upon such an ADELAIDE. 147 errand ; and I dare say after the agitation you have experienced, you will not be very sorry to be left for an hour or two alone. As I am so ready immediately to perform my part of our engagement, let me see you look cheerful and contented when I return ." Adelaide was at first much surprised when she heard of her Mother's intention ; she felt very grate- ful to her, however, for the promptitude with which she was about to undeceive Mr. Shirley, — and any circumstance that could remove her own apprehen- sion of a further persecution from him, was an inex- pressible relief to her mind. The transition from unexpected happiness to sor- row and hopeless disappointment had been so sudden that she felt almost stupified, and was not yet able to comprehend her own sensations or to understand the exact position in which she was placed. Lady Fauconberg's reflections during her drive, were far from agreable. Her conscience reproached her severely for the cruelty of her conduct towards her Daughter : — She could not help fearing that, in spite of all her precautions, Sir George would disco- ver the deceit she had practised; — And even if she k2 148 ADELAIDE. should escape the shame of being detected, there were still so many impediments to be overcome, that it seemed very doubtful if her schemes would after all prove successful. When she arrived at Greyfield she was told that the young Ladies were not at home; she was much vexed — but while she was giving a message for them to the Servant, — -just " to her wish, beyond her hope," Mr. Shirley rode up to the door. He had been at Oldthorpe, where, with Mr. Fretwell's assistance, his affairs had been placed in a very hopeful train ; and the satisfaction he felt at the promising success of his first visit to that Town in the avowed character of a future Candidate, had in some measure blunted the poignancy of the mortification he had experienced at Fauconherg. Mr. Shirley started at seeing Lady Fauconberg, and his glance towards her carriage was succeeded by a look of disappointment, when he discovered that she was alone. She expressed so much regret at missing his Sisters, who were reported to be gone out walk- ing, that he could not do less than ask her to accom- pany him into the house and await their return. The ADELAIDE. 149 invitation was readily accepted, and he led the way to a Drawing-Room that opened into the Garden. Lady Fauconberg did not lose a moment in useless preamble, but came at once to her point, by saying, " that as she was well aware he thought he had cause to be angry with her, she was extremely desirous to give him an explanation that would immediately re- move that impression from his mind.'" " Since you have mentioned this subject," replied Mr. Shirley haughtily, u You oblige me to tell you that I consider myself very ill used. You encouraged my attentions to your Daughter. You deceived me into a belief that I should be accepted by Miss Fau- conberg, although you must have known that her affections were otherwise engaged. Had you kindly informed me of this circumstance when I first ex- pressed to you my admiration for her, you would have spared me the bitter disappointment I suffered yes- terday. — But that is now past, — However severe the struggle may have been, — it is over !" Lady Fauconberg was not daunted by this declara- tion. " Had I behaved to you in the treacherous 150 ADELAIDE. manner you imagine," continued she calmly, " I should deserve the severity of your censure. — I believe the best and easiest justification of my conduct, will be a short detail of the principal facts connected with our accpiaintance with Colonel Algernon ; And when you have heard these, you will I am sure have the candour to confess that you have wronged me. — Colo- nel Algernon was introduced to us last year in Lon- don, and I soon observed that he paid Adelaide much attention : I did not like him, and I felt relieved to think that we should lose si^ht of him when we re- turned to the Country. Sir George, who found him an agreable young Man, and considered nothing fur- ther, asked him to come down to Fauconberg ; the invitation was accepted with avidity, but time passed and we neither saw him or heard any thing of him. I concluded that I had been mistaken in the idea I had formed of his views, or what would have been equally satisfactory to me, that he was volage and had fallen in love elsewhere. I know Adelaide's opinion coincided exactly with mine, and I had long supposed she had entirely forgotten him, when he started up like an Apparition three days ago, and ADELAIDE. 151 appeared amongst us to trouble our peace. As an excuse for his past oblivion, he imposed an impro- bable Story upon Sir George about a Letter that had never arrived, — because it had most likely never been written. I think he suspected that he had not duped me by his flimsy inventions, and he shall soon learn that I have the power to crush any hopes he may have founded upon the favour of others." Mr. Shirley was perfectly acquainted with the cha- racter of his Companion, he knew her to be capable of any artifice or misrepresentation, yet the account she had just given him bore the stamp of truth, — it was corroborated too by circumstances, — and he had no hesitation in believing it; he even condescended to apologize to Lady Fauconberg for the personal injus- tice he had clone her. " After all," concluded he, " I may in a great measure blame myself for the pain I have suffered ; I was aware from the first that Miss Fauconberg could never be brought to endure me." " Adelaide, with all her superiority," replied Lady Fauconberg, u is not entirely exempt from the weak- ness, perhaps I ought to say the vanity, of a very 152 ADELAIDE. young Girl. Colonel Algernon was the first person who had admired her. — She was flattered, she was pleased by his preference, and she fancied she liked him in return. His visit has now unfortunately re- vived this silly, long* forgotten fancy in her mind. — All this she has confessed to me since his departure ; I have told her that with all his talents, Colonel Al- gernon is a person I could never approve as a Son-in- Law, and she has faithfully promised me that she will think of him no more." Mr. Shirley turned away his head, it would have been difficult to decide if disgust at the conduct of the Mother, or admiration for that of the Daughter, at that moment predominated in his mind. Lady Fau- conberg imagined his movement was occasioned by a pang of jealousy, and thus continued her discourse. " If after all you have just heard, you can still feel desirous of rivalling Colonel Algernon, I will venture confidently to assure you that your perseverance will not in the end prove unavailing." "And do you suppose," replied Mr. Shirley, indig- nantly, " I can wish to obtain Miss Fauconberg's hand when you have yourself informed me that her heart has been long bestowed upon another ?" ADELAIDE. 153 a I can only answer that question by asking you in return if you imagine me barbarous enough to com- pel my Daughter to concede the one to any body to whom I believe it impossible she could give the other also. — While her foolish preference for Colonel Al- gernon remained dormant, there was a sort of mystery attached to his conduct that prevented its being en- tirely extinguished. His appearance it is true has revived it, but since romance and hope have ended together, depend upon it the fancy will very soon die away in her mind." A silence of some minutes ensued. Mr. Shirley heartily despised Lady Fauconberg, and his proud spirit revolted at the idea of accepting her proffered assistance. Yet he loved Adelaide to distraction, — he had just experienced the agony of supposing that she was lost to him for ever, — and the hope now held out to him, that through the kind offices of her Mo- ther, she might still be his, — was a temptation he had no power to withstand. His first impulse was gene- rally a right and amiable one, but being unsupported by any steady principle, too often yielded to the sug- gestions of interest; In the present case his selfish feelings overcame every other consideration. His 154 ADELAIDE. whole mind had long been bent upon persuading Miss Fauconberg to accept him as her future Husband, and in his endeavours to promote this object, he did not scruple to employ any means but such as the world would have regarded dishonorable and ungentleman- like. Lady Fauconberg perceived the impression she had made, even before Mr. Shirley acknowledged to her that * the hope of ever being happy enough to be approved by Adelaide, would be still the dearest aim of his ambition.' — She counselled him to come less frequently to Fauconberg for some little time, than he had lately been in the habit of doing ; — this, she said, would prevent Adelaide's entertaining any suspi- cion of his having been instrumental in influencing her parents against Colonel Algernon ; — and also have the effect of piquing her vanity. — She added, that she should wish the difference in his conduct to her Daughter to be perceptible to her Family alone, since it was highly desirable that the world in general, and more particularly Colonel Algernon, should suppose, as they had hitherto done, that an engagement actu- ally existed between them. — She even ventured to ADELAIDE. 155 advise him to conceal from his Father and his Sisters the mortification he had experienced, — and hinted that J ulia had observed enough of the former flirta- tion in London, to be particularly quick-sighted upon the subject of its renewal. As a contradiction to any surmises that might have been formed by the party the day before, she proposed to take Emily back with her to Fauconberg. She then artfully turned the conversation to Oldthorpe, where she imagined that every thing had been going on prosperously. Mr. Shirley felt that he owed much of his success to Lady Fauconberg's advice and management ; and before his Sisters came in from their walk, she had contrived to talk him into a good humour with herself, and a persuasion that his matrimonial prospects might yet be as hopeful as his electioneering ones. Lady Fauconberg assured the Miss Shirley's that Adelaide had been extremely anxious to come with her to Greyfield, but as she had caught a bad cold out riding the day before, she had positively insisted upon her staying at home to take care of it. " I much wish, my dear Emily,'' continued her Ladyship, '* that I could persuade your Father to 156 ADELAIDE. allow You to return with me ! It would be such a de- lightful surprise to poor Adelaide, and I owe her some consolation for her disappointment. Do you think Sir William would give his consent to my running away with you ?" Some of the Guests who had been assembled at Greyfield were not yet gone, but Mr. Shirley warmly seconded Lady Fauconberg's proposal, and took upon himself to answer for his Father's approbation of Emily's departure. In short the plan was sj^eedily arranged, and Miss Shirley's preparations were soon made. " It is really very good and charitable of you," said Lady Fauconberg, as she rang the bell to order her carriage, u to leave your own Visitors to come and sit with Adelaide and me. We have no Beaux to entertain you at Fauconberg, even Sir George dines out to-day. — Bye the way, who do you think dined with us yesterday ? Your old friend Colonel Algernon, Julia!" " Colonel Algernon !" — exclaimed both Sisters with evident surprise and dismay. Julia's quick glance wandered towards her Brother, but his countenance ADELAIDE. 157 was turned away from her, — lie seemed looking in- tently at some object out of the window. She soon recovered her self-possession, and enquired * if the Colonel was still in the north ?' " He goes to Town to-morrow I believe/' replied Lady Fauconberg. " He has been staying with Colonel Harcourt; they were great allies it seems when they were in Spain." Julia did not venture to ask any more questions, and the announcement of Lady Fauconberg's carriage put an end to the conversation. As soon as he had handed the two Ladies into it, Mr Shirley walked away in the direction of the Stable, where he said he had some orders to give. Julia lingered a minute or two upon the steps before the door, muttering to her- self the following broken sentences. u So Colonel Algernon has been at Fauconberg ! — Adelaide is reported to have a bad cold. — Emily is the Companion selected to cheer her under this indis- position in preference to me, because I might be more likely to discover the cause that occasioned it. — All this bodes no good to poor William, — alas, alas ! I wonder if he is aware of the disappointment that hangs over him ?" 158 ADELAIDE. During the whole of the evening Julia watched her Brother narrowly, but she could discover nothing from his manner. He had a long discussion with Sir William apart from the rest of the company, yet she could catch enough of it to ascertain that they were only talking about the affairs of Oldthorpe, — a sub- ject extremely uninteresting to her. At length she summoned assurance to ask William 6 if he had ever met Colonel Algernon before, and what he thought of him ?' His answer instead of satisfying her curiosity, only puzzled her still more. He said very coolly, that the Colonel had been a perfect stranger to him till he had seen him at Fauconberg, — that he had not had much conversation with him there, but he thought he appeared to be considered very agreable, and that he almost fancied himself acquainted with him from having known his cousin, Horace Algernon in Italy. " But bye the way," observed he, looking suddenly at his sister, " from a hint Lady Fauconberg gave this morning, I suspect You have some time or other felt a peculiar interest in the Hero we are speak- ing of. ; Julia assured him with great truth that he was ADELAIDE. 159 completely mistaken in this conjecture. She suppres- sed the quick retort which started involuntarily to her lips; and neither She nor her Brother felt inclined to touch again upon a topic that for different reasons of their own they were mutually afraid of. 160 ADELAIDE CHAP. X. " Not thus we parted Lady ;— Why " So changed, so cold dost thou appear? " And in thy half averted eye, " Why trembles now that pearly tear! " Oh ask me not !— The secret grief " That chills my heart, 1 must not tell. "In absence it may find relief; — " Then Best Beloved,— farewell— farewell !" Old Ballad. As soon as her Mother left her, Adelaide shut her- self up in her own little Sitting-Room; she drew a chair near the fire, and remained for a long time vacantly gazing upon the expiring embers within the grate, almost as motionless as a Statue. At length she felt the necessity of rousing herself from the sort of reverie into which she had fallen ; she walked to the window, and thinking that the fresh air would relieve her head ache, she went out to her garden. Every thing there had lost its usual interest, she scarcely ob- served the flow r ers that bloomed around her, while her eye involuntarily wandered over the line of country ADELAIDE. 161 she had traversed in returning from her ride the day before, — and rested upon every point in the distance that had been remarked or admired by Colonel Al- gernon. — She did not however allow herself to dwell very long upon recollections which the promise she had made to her Mother, seemed to forbid her to indulge. With this feeling a full consciousness of the painful sacrifice she had consented to, rushed at once upon her mind, and she burst into a violent flood of tears. Before Lady Fauconberg returned from her drive, Adelaide had regained sufficient self-command to meet her with a smiling countenance ; but her pale cheeks and swelled eyes betrayed the anguish she had suffered, and even Miss Shirley instantly perceived she had been weeping ; she observed too that there appeared more than an usual degree of kindness and attention in her Mother's manner towards her. Lady Fauconberg followed her Daughter to her room before dinner. " You did not, I have no doubt," said she, <6 ex- pect to see Emily Shirley come back with me L 162 ADELAIDE. to-day. I thought it right to ask her to do so, in order to prove to the world that although the projected alliance between our Families is broken off, that circumstance will occasion no alteration in our friendship. — I found poor William alone when I arrived at Greyfield, and was therefore enabled to communicate to him the result of my conversation with you. The manner in which he bore his disap- pointment, was beyond all praise. I need not describe to you the violence of his distress, but I cannot help mentioning that your happiness was evidently much dearer to him than his own. And that he declared no consideration should ever induce him to consent to pur- chase the one at the expense of the other. He said we must forgive him if he came but seldom to Fau- conberg, since it would be extremely painful to him to visit us until time had accustomed him to view his altered prospects with more indifference than he could pretend to command at present. — But we shall be late," concluded her Ladyship, as if interrupting her- self. a I said when I came up stairs, that we should be ready for dinner in a quarter of an hour; Emily ADELAIDE. 163 will wonder what can be become of us ? — Of course I entered into no explanation this morning with her and Julia, therefore I was obliged to tell them you had a bad cold as an excuse for your not having ac- companied me to Greyfield." During the evening Adelaide found Miss Shirley's presence a great relief. Under existing circumstances, a third person removed the embarrassment she would have felt in a tete a tete with her Mother. The con- versation turned upon general subjects, the Ladies insensibly resumed their usual occupations, and before they parted at night, they were perfectly at ease with each other. Lady Fauconberg sat up till Sir George's return under a pretence of curiosity to hear what had passed at the Book Society, but in reality to be able to give her own account of her visit to Greyfield, and of the various circumstances connected with it. When Sir George heard that Miss Shirley had come back with her, he observed, ' He should always be happy to see Emily under his roof, but he much wished that She and all the Shirley Family should understand that l2 164 ADELAIDE. Adelaide could never be more nearly connected with them than she was at present ; — since the occurrences of the last two days had shown that the idea of an Union between her and Mr. Shirley was now quite out of the question.' Lady Fauconberg replied c that nobody could have perceived that fact more clearly than she had done, and that she was pretty sure it had been equally evi- dent to William Shirley.' u Poor William !'' continued she, " I pity him with all my heart ! You well know what have been my wishes and my sentiments upon this subject, — but as I am now convinced that the accomplishment of my favourite plan is incompatible with our dear Adelaide's happiness, 1 cannot longer feel one moment's hesitation in relin- quishing it. — Adelaide is well aware that the Object of her preference has always found favour in your sight, — she has just witnessed the kind reception you have given him here, and as her spirits have of course been much agitated by what has passed, I should strongly recommend you not to mention Colonel Al- gernon's name either directly or indirectly to her. ADELAIDE. 165 These things are always best left to take their own natural course. We shall soon meet the Colonel in London, and he will probably lose no time in declar- ing his attachment.'* Sir George was both surprised and delighted with the apparent liberality of Lady Fauconberg's conduct, and he promised implicitly to follow the hints she had thrown out. The warm praise he bestowed upon her generosity of mind and disinterested kindness towards her Daughter, was the keenest punishment he could have inflicted upon her duplicity ; she felt how richly she had deserved it, and she writhed beneath it. For the first time in her life, Adelaide was afraid to see her Father. The worthy Baronet attributed her violent agitation when they met, to feelings very dif- ferent from its true cause, and startled her considerably by enquiring very kindly about her cold, and telling her to take care of herself and get rid of it before her journey. Miss Shirley remained for some days at Faucon- berg ; during that period the two young Ladies were of course constantly together, Sir George consequently 166 ADELAIDE. saw less of his Daughter than he would have done had they been alone, and had little opportunity of remark- ing the dejection of spirit which she was not able always entirely to conceal. As the time of their departure approached, Ade- laide felt every clay more and more unwilling to move. She now dreaded, as much as she had formerly wished to meet Colonel Algernon. And in her pre- sent state of mind, her heart sickened at the very idea of the Balls and Parties she had so much enjoyed the year before. She would have given the world to have been allowed to remain quietly where she was, but she had no choice. She had had abundant leisure to meditate upon every syllable of her conversation with her Mother, and as she retraced it calmly in her recollection, the retrospect was far from affording her comfort. Many little circumstances that had almost escaped her ob- servation in the agitation of the moment, returned very forcibly to her memory, and threw a new light upon the view she had at first taken of the past. — Her Father's behaviour too had surprised her not a little, ADELAIDE. 167 In his manner towards her she had never perceived the slightest indication of a consciousness of what had transpired between her and Lady Fauconberg, and she was often tempted to think that he knew nothing about it. It was agony to her to suppose it possible that her Mother could in any respect have deceived her, and she rejected such a fancy as if it had been a crime ; but still in spite of all her efforts to banish it, it would frequently present itself to her imagination. She could not bring herself to believe that her Father had ever formally encouraged Mr. Shirley's preten- sions. If he had shown an inclination to sanction the hopes of any Admirer, she had reason to suspect that that Admirer was Colonel Algernon. This persua- sion gave rise to many bitter regrets, and she was haunted with a thousand doubts and fears for the future. Distressed and perplexed as she was, Adelaide felt that the promise she had given was sacred and binding ; but she determined that should Mr. Shirley attempt to renew his attentions, she would instantly declare her sentiments upon the subject to Sir George, and re- 168 ADELAIDE. quest him to allow her to explain them also to Mr. Shirley himself. He called once at Fauconberg before the departure of the Family, and his manner towards her was so cold, so distant, and so different from what it used to be, that she afterwards entertained no doubt of Lady Fauconberg's having faithfully performed that part of her engagement which related to him. Immediately after Colonel Algernon returned from the North, he went to spend a week at Altamont Castle. He found his Grandfather's health and strength considerably improved, but he looked much broken, and his illness had still left him infirm. Henry en- deavoured to persuade him to remove for a short time to London, but without success, for he declared that he was as comfortable, and much more his own master in his present abode in the country, than he could possibly be any where else, and he was consequently determined not to leave it. The old Peer's reception of Colonel Algernon had been most affectionate, he was delighted to have him again with him, and one evening when he was talking to him of his future prospects, Henry revealed to him ADELAIDE. 169 his attachment to Miss Fauconberg. Lord Altamont caught at the idea, and was so much pleased with the description he received of Adelaide, that he told his Grandson, ' if he should succeed in obtaining her affec- tion, He would take care that no pecuniary difficulties should obstruct their Union.' In short he seemed de- sirous by his kindness in promoting Henry's happiness, to make amends for the unrelenting harshness of his conduct towards his Father. Colonel Algernon contrived to ascertain the exact moment the Fauconberg Family were expected in London, and he called upon them the very morning after their arrival; but Lady Fauconberg had so suc- cessfully tutored her Servants, that he was told they were not at home. The next time he presented himself at their door, he received the same information, and had he not found Sir George's card upon his own table, he would have been strongly inclined to imagine that the ex- clusion had been intentional. The first time he met Adelaide was at a large Evening Party : she was sitting beside her Mother 170 ADELAIDE. among a group of Ladies, — he perceived her as he entered the room, and instantly made his way towards her. He thought she looked thin and ill, and the de- light he had felt at seeing her, was chilled at once by the reception she gave him. Instead of the unaffect- ed cordiality, — the flattering smile of pleasure with which she had greeted him on his last appearance at Fauconberg, — her manner was now singularly distant, reserved, and embarrassed. She grew very pale, and seemed scarcely to understand the observations Colo- nel Algernon addressed to her. His astonishment and mortification were extreme. Lady Fauconberg made no attempt to relieve the awkwardness of either Adelaide's or his situation, — And the interview was evidently so painful to both, that after having endured his distress for a few moments, he walked away, threaded back his path to the door, and darted out of the house. Adelaide felt as if she could breathe more freely when Colonel Algernon was gone, but she was griev- ed to the heart at the pangs it was too visible she had inflicted, and deeply distressed by the consciousness ADELAIDE. 171 of having appeared ungrateful, capricious, and con- temptible in the eyes of the Person whose good opi- nion she most wished to possess. A sort of faintness came over her. — She told her Mother she did not feel quite well, and requested to be allowed to go home. Lady Fauconberg instantly complied with this pro- posal, she said something about the heat of the room, and asked a Young Man who was standing near her, to have the goodness to call her carriage. There was one Individual who had watched the scene which has just been described with the deepest interest. This was Mr. Shirley; — He had not at- tempted to speak to either of the Ladies that even- ing, but he had observed them attentively from the moment of their arrival, and while he experienced a malicious sort of satisfaction in the mortification and discomfiture of Colonel Algernon, he obtained also a certainty of Lady Fauconberg's having acted up to her professions, and been a true Friend to his Cause. As She and her Daughter passed near him in leav- ing the room, he turned his head in an opposite direc- tion, but not until he had exchanged a significant 172 ADELATDE. glance with the former, which the latter was too much occupied with her own thoughts, to remark. When Miss Fauconberg found herself alone, no tears came to her relief, she passed a sleepless night, and when she rose in the morning she was feverish and really ill. Sir George was much alarmed, ' he declared she should not go again into hot rooms, — that he had not liked her looks for some time, — And that if she was not much better in a day or two, he should not rest satisfied with the advice of the Apothecary, but should call in the aid of a Physician.' Lady Fauconberg herself felt very far from com- fortable about her Daughter, — She had not antici- pated her being so seriously affected : yet she endea- voured to tranquillize Sir George's apprehensions, while she approved the contingent expediency of the measure he had suggested ; for she observed, c that Adelaide's cold had certainly hung a great while upon her.' The Apothecary was sent for, he looked grave and important, prescribed Fever Draughts, and ordered A D ELA1 D E . 173 his Patient not to leave her room. He called again in the evening, and declared her pulse was improved. Indeed so great was the efficacy of his remedies, that when he came to see her the next morning, he pro- nounced her decidedly convalescent, and recommended her to go out in the carnage and take an airing. After his interview with Miss Fauconberg, Colonel Algernon reached home in a state of extreme depres- sion ; He threw himself into a chair and endeavoured in vain to account for the extraordinary change that had manifested itself in Adelaide's behaviour towards him. Had her sentiments remained unaltered, he fancied she could never have been barbarous enough to treat him as she had done. Yet he thought she appeared unhappy, it was therefore impossible for him to feel any indignation against her. By degrees he began to suppose she might have acted under the influence of some powerful obligation ; and also to flat- ter himself, in contradiction to her own inclination. Her conduct, he imagined, might be found to accord perfectly well with such a supposition. — Could she have been prevailed upon by her Mother, — for he did 174 ADELAIDE. not suspect Sir George of taking part in such a pro- ceeding ; to give her consent to a marriage with Mr. Shirley ? And had such an Engagement imposed upon her an imperious necessity of extinguishing as quickly and decidedly as possible, his own hopes of obtaining her hand ? — This, he almost confessed to himself, formed the most probable solution of the mystery. But he was unwilling to give it entire cre- dence, and he determined to seek an opportunity of obtaining a more satisfactory explanation from Ade- laide's own lips. To call upon Lady Fauconberg again was out of the question, but Colonel Algernon was agreably sur- prised a few days afterwards, by receiving an invita- tion to dinner from Sir George. When the Baronet proposed to her to send this, his Lady did not dare to make any objection to his doing so. She flattered herself, that after what had passed, the invitation would be declined, but in this hope she found herself deceived, for an answer of acceptance was returned. Air and exercise had been recommended for Ade- laide, and there was nothing she enjoyed so much as ADELAIDE. 175 her daily rides with her Father. Their excursions had, by her own desire, — been hitherto chiefly con- fined to the Lanes in the environs of London, with which she had been previously little acquainted, — but the afternoon preceding- the day that had been fixed for their dinner party, Sir George proposed to his Companion that they should go into the Park and look at the world, adding i that if they never shewed them- selves in public he was afraid their Friends would forget them.' Adelaide immediately assented to her Father's pro- posal. The first Person who overtook them in their Ride was Mr. Shirley, — he shook hands with Sir George, bowed to Miss Fauconberg, and passed on. A few moments afterwards, they met Colonel Alger- non : the greeting he received from Sir George was so frank, so hearty, and so kind, that although Ade- laide's manner was as reserved as it had been before, he turned his Horse's head and joined them. The conversation was at first carried on almost entirely between the two Gentlemen, but as Colonel Algernon was determined to try to lead Miss Fauconberg to 176 ADELAIDE. join in it, he addressed himself to her, and remarked that ' he had not had the pleasure of meeting her any where during the last ten days.' She replied, that c with the exception of her rides, she had not gone out.' " Adelaide," said Sir George, " has been a great Invalid lately. She went to one Assembly soon after we arrived in Town, and was so much the worse the next day for having done so, that I have been obliged to interdict hot rooms ever since. — She contrived to catch a bad cold," continued the Baronet, " the very morning you left Fauconberg, and she has not yet been able to get rid of it." Colonel Algernon looked towards Adelaide while her Father was speaking. She had before been very pale, but the blood now rushed to her face, and she became crimson to the very brow : As she turned aside to conceal her confusion, he fancied he saw her brush away a tear. His curiosity and interest were powerfully excited, and he felt more desirous than ever to ascertain the real state of her sentiments. Sir George and his Daughter were recognized and ADELAIDE. 177 accosted by many of their acquaintance as they passed backwards and forwards. At length an old Friend of the Baronet's whom he had not seen for some years rode up to them, the meeting gave great satisfaction to both, they had much to talk over, and were soon very deeply engaged in conversation. This chance seemed to offer Colonel Algernon the opportunity he had so ardently wished for, of speak- ing to Adelaide in private, and he did not lose a moment in taking advantage of it. He suddenly called her attention to a Group of people at some dis- tance, — She could not help turning to observe them, and when he had thus induced her to linger a little space behind her Father, he said to her in a low and agitated voice, — a Miss Fauconberg, from the mortifying alteration in your manner, I cannot help fearing that I must have been unhappy enough to have given you some offence." Adelaide started violently, and seemed much dis- tressed, while she answered, i It is You who have cause to be offended. I have no hesitation in con- 178 ADELAIDE. fessing that you have never given me the slightest reason for offence." Colonel Algernon bent forward in an attitude of the deepest attention, as if he expected she would have said more, but as she remained silent, — he thus continued, w I am aware you will think me dreadfully imper- tinent, but I can no longer endure the agony of suspense I have suffered since I met you the other evening. Will you permit me to ask you one ques- tion ? The future happiness of my life depends en- tirely upon your answer. Should it be such as I most dread to receive, I have made up my mind to submit to my fate in silence. You may rest assured that you will never hear another word of persecution from me." — He paused, — " Miss Fauconberg, are you en- gaged to be married ?" Adelaide was evidently very much surprised, but she immediately replied, — u No, indeed I am not. — You have been again mistaken." As she uttered these words a gleam of indescribable ADELAIDE. 179 delight illuminated Colonel Algernon's whole coun- tenance. 64 Thank God!" exclaimed he, "Thank God. You cannot imagine what a horrible weight that assurance has removed from my heart." Adelaide gazed at him for a moment. The happi- ness he had so warmly expressed, and that still ani- mated every feature, was most agonizing to her ; — Yet she felt extremely unwilling to deprive him of it. The necessity however of speedily undeceiving him was urgent, and making a great effort to command her feelings, she said, — " Colonel Algernon, I have told you that I am not at present engaged to be married. I must also tell you that I have given a solemn promise to a Person who had a right to demand it from me, which will most likely prevent my ever being so." She turned away her head, for she could not bear to see the fearful change which her last communica- tion had instantaneously wrought upon his whole ap- pearance ; — but she continued to speak to him. " You are, I am sure, too generous to press me further m 2 180 ADELAIDE. upon this painful subject, — And I am persuaded you are equally incapable of wishing to advise me to act in opposition to my duty to a Parent." W You do me justice," replied Colonel Algernon, who seemed still completely stunned by the disap- pointment he had experienced. ' " I shall be happier," proceeded Adelaide, " Now that I have had this opportunity of explaining to you my conduct. It grieved me deeply to think how capricious, unworthy, and contemptible I must have appeared to you, I hope I have reinstated myself in your good opinion, — And it will be a great satisfac- tion to me to believe that you will always consider me as a Friend. We must both endeavour to forget the past, — And, Oh Colonel Algernon let me implore you never to allow any recollection of me to interfere with the plans, or to cloud the happiness of your future life." Strange as it may appear, Colonel Algernon felt hurt, he mistook the composure with which she had spoken for indifference, and he answered ' that it was easy to recommend forgetfulness, but he feared he should find it a very difficult task to practise it." ADELAIDE. 181 This was too much ! — the spirit that had hitherto supported Adelaide gave way, and the tears rolled rapidly down her cheeks, as she observed, t that per- haps he was not the only person who had felt that forgetfulness was in some cases both painful and im- possible.' Colonel Algernon was stung almost to madness by discovering the cruel injustice of which he had been guilty. He implored Adelaide to forgive him, though he declared he could never forgive himself. He be- sought her to pity, — to make allowance for him, since his mind was in such a state of distraction that he scarcely knew what he said, or what he did. — Then breaking off into a sort of soliloquy, he lamented the evil fortune that seemed constantly to pursue him, and tinally exclaimed, u It is very strange ! — I am not superstitious, yet from that fatal hour a blight has ap- peared to hang over all my hopes and prospects." The wildness of his looks, and his incoherent ex- pressions began to alarm Adelaide. " It frightens me," said she, u to hear you talk in that strange way. For My sake, as well as for your 182 ADELAIDE. own I entreat you to compose yourself. I have given you the strongest possible proof of the reliance I feel in your discretion as well as in your honour, by the undisguised disclosure I have just made to you. Do not let me have the cruel mortification of finding" that my trust and confidence have been misplaced. That I have done wrong in imparting to you a secret that perhaps ought never to have passed my lips." Colonel Algernon's outward agitation was imme- diately tranquillized by this touching appeal, but Adelaide's kind exertions to soothe, and reconcile him to his disappointment, only increased his internal dis- tress. Sir George and his Friend stopped as if they were about to separate. " Colonel Algernon," cried Miss Fauconberg, " I have one favour to request of You. It is that you will not let my Father discover or suspect from your man- ner towards him, either now or hereafter, — what has been the nature of our conversation to-day. Much, if not the whole of what I have told you, is I believe unknown to him. I have never before concealed any thing from him, — it is very painful to me to be obli- ADELAIDE. 183 ged to do so, — but indeed he must not learn this from Afe, or through any means of mine." Colonel Algernon had just time to assure her that her wishes should be most carefully obeyed, before the Baronet turned round, and observed, c he had been talking over days long past till he almost fancied himself young again.' " But Adelaide," exclaimed he, with a sudden start of alarm, " what is the matter with you my dearest Child ?" Miss Fauconberg was much distressed to find that her looks betrayed so strongly the agitation she had suffered, — she stammered something about her being tired, and said ' she thought they had been out rather longer than usual.' Sir George did not seem to be quite satisfied with this explanation; he looked towards Colonel Algernon, but the Colonel's bridle had got out of its place, and he was at that moment bending over his horse's neck to arrange it. " The best thing I can do with you," said Sir George in a tone that went to his Daughter's heart, u is to take you home. Do you feel very ill ?" H84 ADELAIDE. u Oh no, no. A sort of faintness came over me just now, but it is quite gone I assure you." " It was the same kind of attack then that you had at the Party the other Evening ?" " I do not know exactly what it was," answered Adelaide, with some hesitation. The bright colour had again mounted to her cheeks, and she continued, u I feel already so much better, that I am quite ashamed of having been so silly, and I am still more vexed with myself for the unnecessary alarm I have given you, my dear Papa.'' " Say nothing about that," replied Sir George very kindly, " it was foolish of me to be frightened. I might have remembered that as you have been ill lately, it is very natural you should not yet be strong. Colonel Algernon looks very much as if he thought the sin of having assisted in fatiguing you during the last half hour, rested upon his head ; but my dear Colonel if blame attaches to any one, it is to me, for it is I who have kept out my Daughter too long. — I trust very little mischief has been done, and that uhcn we have the pleasure of seeing you at dinner ADELAIDE. 185 to-morrow, you will find that Adelaide has not expe- rienced any permanently bad effects either from your conversation or from her ride." Neither of the Parties to whom this speech was addressed, ventured to look at each other during the short time they afterwards remained together. Colonel Algernon fancied, hut perhaps it was only fancy, — that Sir George's manner when he took leave of him, was not quite so cordial as it had been when they met. — He ventured to press Adelaide's hand, and as he almost inarticulately whispered a God bless you, Miss Fauconberg ! " he felt that a tear had fallen upon his own. 186 ADELAIDE. CHAP. XI. " All tongues speak of him, and the bleared sights " Are spectacled to see him : the kitchen malkin pins " Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck, " Clambering the walls to eye him : Stalls, bulks, windows, " Are smother'd up, leads flll'd, and ridges hors'd " With variable complexions; all agreeing "In earnestness to see him. " Shakspear e. When Adelaide arrived at home, Lady Faucon- berg's quick eye discovered that something must have occurred to agitate her violently, even before Sir George told her "he hoped he had not killed his Daughter, but that he saw the necessity of taking better care of her another time, for she had been dreadfully fatigued with the length of her ride." Lady Fauconberg asked Adelaide no questions, she merely observed that a dish of tea would revive her if she was tired ; led her up stairs, and drawing the ADELAIDE. 187 curtains across her windows, desired her to lie down upon the Sofa and rest herself till dinner. Her Ladyship then rejoined her Husband in the Drawing-Room, and had no difficulty in obtaining from him a minute account of his ride and of every circumstance he knew of, connected with it. — From the superior information She possessed upon many points relating 1 to Colonel Algernon, she was enabled to guess that some explanation had taken place between him and Adelaide, and she determined to act at once upon this suspicion. Accordingly as soon as she found herself alone with her Daughter after dinner, she took her hand, and said to her very kindly, " You are a very good Girl, Adelaide, and I am desirous of expressing to you that your con- duct this morning has, if possible, endeared you more than ever to your Father and to me. — Sir George has told me every thing. — He did not of course hear one word of your conversation with Colonel Al- gernon, but he was well aware of the Subject of it, and he read the result in your countenances. The 188 ADELAIDE. effort has I know been a painful one upon your part, but it is over; — And your behaviour to-day has effec- tually relieved you from all apprehension of ever being called upon to make such an exertion in future. Had your Father anticipated what happened, he would have endeavoured to have spared you so painful a trial." Adelaide gazed at Lady Fauconberg in silent astonishment. Could her Father have recorded all this ? Could he, unconscious as he had appeared, have been really observing her so narrowly ? — She scarcely believed it possible. — If he had done this, a much more dreadful consideration presented itself to her mind. She had wronged her Mother, — she had not only done her injustice in her own imagination, — she had also been wicked enough to communicate her un- founded suspicions to another person. She was so overpowered by these reflections that she made no attempt to speak. " What can be the meaning of this silence ? Why do you not answer me my dear Child ?'' demanded Lady Fauconberg, who began to fear that she had been mistaken in her conjectures. ADELAIDE. 189 Adelaide looked up, as she asked with much earnestness, " did my Father indeed tell you all this?" Lady Fauconberg's eye sunk, and she felt greatly confused, as she replied, " To be sure he did. If he had not done so, how else do you suppose I could have known it ?" Adelaide had felt much inclined to throw herself at her Mother's feet to confess her former injurious sus- picions, and humbly to implore her forgiveness; hut there was an asperity, a something altogether in the tone in which she had just spoken, that checked that impulse, and she merely related almost word for word, the first part of what Colonel Algernon had said to her. She added, that she had very decidedly inform- ed him that although she was not engaged, there were certain weighty reasons, confirmed by a solemn pro- mise, that would prevent her ever giving the slightest encouragement to his hopes. Lady Fauconberg was perfectly satisfied with this information, she had no wish to hear any thing more. All communication between her Daughter and Colo- 190 ADELAIDE. nel Algernon, except as common Acquaintance, was cut off; and in a manner, she flattered herself, which would prevent any danger of a renewal of attachment. She endeavoured to soothe the feelings of her Victim, and telling her truly 6 that she must be fatigued both in mind and body,' — she persuaded her to go to bed long before Sir George came up stairs from the Di- ning-Room. Adelaide's remorse at her supposed injustice to- wards her Mother, weighed heavily upon her heart, yet she was so completely exhausted, that she soon sunk into a deep sleep. Very early the following morning Sir George Fau- conberg received a note from Colonel Algernon, ex- pressing great regret that an unexpected summons to attend Lord Altamont upon business of importance, would deprive him of the pleasure he had promised himself in dining in Berkeley- Square that day. He added, ' that he should be obliged to leave Town at a very early hour, and as it was uncertain how long he might be detained in the Country, he should con- sider it a great favour if Sir George would write him ADELAIDE. 191 a few lines by his Messenger — to tell him how Miss Fauconberg was, since he felt most anxious to know that she had recovered the effects of her fatigue.' " Colonel Algernon's Grandfather is a very trouble- some Personage," observed Sir George, as he handed the note to Lady Fauconberg. " He seems to wish us to consider him so," replied her Ladyship. " I do not quite know what to make of that young Man," continued the Baronet thoughtfully. — " I am very much inclined to think well of him, but there is something about him I cannot exactly understand." " J am very much of the same opinion," said Lady Fauconberg, " but as he never was a favorite of mine, I did not chuse to he the first to express it. I own I am tempted to wish that he may never again come across our path. At any rate he appears now to have taken himself out of our way for some time." Adelaide was both startled and grieved when she was told that Colonel Algernon had sent an excuse. An instant's reflection convinced her, however, that after what had passed, it wa9 impossible he could have 192 ADELAIDE. done otherwise. The line of conduct he had taken up in avoiding her, was expedient and honorable ; — it was what she would herself have recommended, had he consulted her. But this did not render the con- viction that their separation had been a final one, the less painfully distressing 1 . Not one of the Guests who dined that day with Sir George Fauconberg, found the party less agreable because Colonel Algernon happened to be absent. Adelaide alone could not help frequently thinking how very different it would have been to Aer, if he had been there ; and it was with an aching heart that she endeavoured to assist her Mother in the task of enter- taining her company. Miss Fauconberg's first wish was to relieve her Father's kind anxiety about her health, and she lost no opportunity of assuring him ' she was much bet- ter, — indeed quite well.' Lady Fauconberg was evidently desirous of taking her again into society ; Invitations became every day more numerous, and her Ladyship observed that c she thought it could now do her no harm to begin to go out a little in the even- ADELAIDE. 193 iiig.' She hinted too that ' if she allowed her to stay at home much longer, it would look very odd ! — People would certainly imagine that she meant to shut her urj.' Adelaide partly felt the truth of these arguments ; Had Colonel Algernon remained in Town, she would have dreaded the idea of meeting him. But he was gone, and his departure had removed all apprehen- sions of that kind. — She therefore delighted her Mo- ther by proposing to accompany her to a Party she was aware she would have been particularly unwil- ling to have given up. As Sir George saw that his Daughter was not at all the worse for the first trial, he had no objection to her making a second, and she soon became included in a constant round of Engagements. He had long entertained a suspicion that, her illness had been in some way connected with the anxiety of mind she had suffered during the last year, — he therefore thought that amusement and variety might prove beneficial, — And he only exhorted Lady Fauconberg not to keep her out very late, or allow her to over fatigue herself with dancing. 194 ADELAIDE. Sir George's expectations were in a great measure realized. Adelaide, it is true, did not find the same enjoyment in Society she had formerly done, — but a succession of gaiety diverted her thoughts and left them no time to dwell upon painful recollections. At first she felt that every thing was become per- fectly indifferent to her, but by degrees she began to be amused and interested by what was passing around her. When the violence of the shock her hopes had received, had abated, her mind recovered its natural tone, and if she still felt that she was not happy, she was at least cheerful and contented. It was said that Miss Fauconberg had been ill, and her looks seemed to confirm this assertion. She had grown pale and thin, and her countenance had lost the animation which had formed its greatest charm. Many people now wondered how she could have been so very much admired the season she came out. They admitted that she was a pretty, elegant looking Girl, but added that she had decidedly no claims to be con- sidered a Beauty. " How very much Miss Fauconberg is altered !" ADELAIDE. 195 observed Colonel Harcourt to Julia Shirley, as he looked at Adelaide who was dancing opposite to them. " I had been told that she was gone off, but I did not believe it till I saw her." u She is certainly gone off" replied Julia, who did not seem quite to like the expression, and who still less liked the scrutinizing glance with which it was accompanied. " Your Friend Colonel Algernon, is gone off too." Colonel Harcourt's indignation was very apparent in his countenance, but pretending not to understand her insinuation, — he answered, u I have not met him for some time, but it will not be easy to persuade me that he is changed. Few people are so good looking as Henry Algernon, and one thing I will also venture to say for him, — His conduct has invariably been as open and as handsome as his countenance." Colonel Harcourt had arrived in London with a full expectation of finding his Friend's matrimonial ar- rangements completely and satisfactorily settled. — Colonel Algernon's extraordinary disappearance, and the dejection he fancied he could trace in Miss Fau- n 2 196 ADELAIDE. conberg's manner, convinced him that things had not gone on quite so smoothly as he had anticipated. He immediately suspected that there had been foul play. — And he had no hesitation in concluding that the separation of two Persons whose attachment seemed evidently mutual, had been effected by some under- hand contrivance of Lady Fauconberg's. Since she had been in Town, Adelaide had as usual seen a great deal of the Miss Shirley s ; the visible coolness that subsisted between her and their Brother, did not in any way interfere with her intimacy with them. Mr. Shirley himself made no direct attempt to conciliate her favour. He seldom spoke much to her when they met in public, and though he sometimes accompanied them, when she and her Father hap- pened to overtake him in their rides, — his conversa- tion upon these occasions was almost exclusively addressed to Sir George. This conduct effectually persuaded her that he had given up all idea of ever again distressing her by pleading an attachment which he had been informed ADELAIDE. 197 it was not in her power to return ; And she no longer experienced that anxious desire to shun his society, which she had felt more or less, from the moment of his arrival in England. If he talked to her Father, Adelaide now listened with an unprejudiced ear ; and she often confessed to herself that her Mother had done him no more than justice when she said that he possessed great conversational talents, and had also the power of being very amusing and agreable. Sometimes the subjects he discussed with Sir George, happened to touch upon points that particu- larly interested her, and then instead of keeping aloof as she had done at first, she very naturally took a part in their conversation. Mr. Shirley affected not to observe this, while he secretly exerted every talent he possessed, to please and entertain her. He joined the Baronet and his Daughter much more frequently than he had before ventured to do; — And Adelaide insensibly found herself established upon a footing of far greater cordiality and friendship with her rejected Admirer, than she had a few months ago imagined it possible she ever could have been. 198 ADELAIDE. Had she thought less of Colonel Algernon since this change had taken place in her feelings towards Mr. Shirley ? — Certainly not. His Image was still constantly associated in her mind with all that was most amiable and excellent. Every thing that was connected with any recollection of Him, seemed pecu- liarly endeared to her. She thought it probable, — indeed she almost hoped, — she should never see him again. Yet she felt an ardent curiosity to learn where he was, to know what had been passing in his mind, and when he was likely to return to London ? Meanwhile Lady Fauconberg was secretly en- chanted at the progress Mr. Shirley appeared to be making in Adelaide's good graces. His own hopes were equally sanguine; and when a Dissolution of Parliament called him away from London to prepare for the Contest that was approaching at Oldthorpe, he departed with a comfortable conviction of having left his more interesting affairs in Town, in a very happy train. Fortune seemed now to smile upon him. His Elec- tion was triumphantly successful ; — The struggle had ADELAIDE. 199 at first promised to be a severe one, but his Supporters were assured of his liberality, the Principles he pro- fessed, made him popular with the Mob, while his eloquence was lauded and admired by the more respectable class of Voters ; — And he was returned by a very large majority. His speeches were re- corded in every Newspaper, and Mr. Fretwell strut- ted about with more than usual importance, asking every body he met if they thought he had over-rated the talents of his young Friend, the new Member for Oldthorpe ? Lady Fauconberg was not a little delighted with the celebrity Mr. Shirley had thus attained. His suc- cess had been communicated to her in a Letter from himself enclosed in his first Frank, but of this flatter- ing circumstance she took care not to boast. Adelaide felt much satisfaction at hearing he had gained his Election, and that he had won it in a man- ner that did him so much credit. Yet she did not appear to have taken quite as much interest in this event as her Mother had wished her to do, — And when Lady Fauconberg had been expatiating upon 200 ADELAIDE. the brilliant figure he had made upon his first public appearance, — Adelaide very calmly observed, '■ that Mr. Shirley's success must be gratifying to himself as well as to his Family, since she believed he had not done more than he was aware his Friends had always expected of him.' Even when he rode over to Fauconberg Manor " with all his blushing honours thick upon him," to pay a morning visit to his Neighbours upon their arrival in the Country, he could not help fancying that Adelaide expressed less pleasure at his triumph than he had flattered himself she would have done. Lady Fauconberg perceived what was passing in his thoughts, and contrived indirectly to remove the mortification he was evidently beginning to feel. She described how greatly rejoiced they had ail been at his prosperity and distinction. She artfully soothed his pride by the most delicate and judicious praise, while she worked upon his vanity by happy and insi- nuating flattery. He was much gratified too by the warmth and kindness of Sir George's congratulations. — Com- ADELAIDE. *201 mendation from him was doubly valuable because it was always sincere and disinterested ; — And as they thought differently upon political subjects, he had not felt quite sure that the worthy Baronet would have received hirn with so much approbation after reading the sentiments he had expressed in his Election Speeches. We have remarked before, that extreme vanity was one of the weak points of Mr. Shirley's character. His recent success at Oldthorpe had exalted him greatly in his own opinion. The adulation of his Friends there, and the encomiums he had since re- ceived upon his talents from other quarters, — had completed his mental intoxication. He had just ob- tained a Victory, where a Person of inferior abilities would probably have suffered a defeat ; — And he fan- cied that no moment could be more propitious for pleading his suit to Miss Fauconberg. If he had been able to overcome her prejudices, and render himself agreable to her in London, — which he had no doubt he had done ; he thought his eloquence now, must prove perfectly irresistible. 202 ADELAIDE. And without consulting his best Friend Lady Faucon- berg, or even communicating his intentions to her, he determined to seize the first opportunity he could find, of throwing himself at Adelaide's feet. He had been commissioned by his Father to ask the Fauconberg Family to dine and spend the follow- ing day at Greyfield. The invitation was accepted ; Sir George said he was afraid he should not be able to leave home very early, but as summer nights were never dark, he should be in no hurry to order his car- riage in the evening. " We are quite alone,'' concluded Mr. Shirley, " you will meet nobody but my Cousin Arthur Ver- non, who is you know one of ourselves." As the Reader is not so well acquainted with Cap- tain Arthur Vernon's connection with the Shirley's, as Sir George and Lady Fauconberg seemed to be, it is necessary briefly to explain who he was. Sir William Shirley's only Sister had been married very young to an amiable Man of good Family but small fortune. Mr. Vernon's Father had been dread- fully extravagant, and when he at length found him- ADELAIDE. 203 self weighed down by increasing distress and diffi- culty, he persuaded his Son to consent to his cutting off the entail of his property ; and immediately sold an Estate that had descended to him from many gene- rations of Ancestors. With the wreck of his fortune he purchased a very small Place, far distant from his former abode in the North. He did not long sur- vive his removal, and it was at the secluded habita- tion he had chosen for himself, that young Mr. and Mrs. Vernon established themselves upon their mar- riage. They had not the means of mixing a great deal in society, but they were so happy in each other that they did not much regret that circumstance ; and it was not until their Children began to grow up that they felt the vexation and discomfort of not being able to give them all the advantages they desired for them. Sir William Shirley and his Sister had been warmly attached to each other, and though they did not meet very frequently after her marriage, their mutual affec- tion remained undiminished. Upon the death of Lady Shirley, Mrs. Vernon hastened to Greyfield to 20-1 ADELAIDE. endeavour to comfort and console her Brother, — and forgetting all her own concerns, remained with him till the first bitterness of his affliction was abated. — She afterwards persuaded him to spend some time with her and Mr. Vernon; Her Nephew was then gone to school, and her Nieces were left at home with their Governess, under the surveilliance of Lady Fau- conberg. It was not until the year before the commencement of our Narrative, that Mr. and Mrs. Vernon again visited the North ; their two Daughters, who were rather younger than the Miss Shirleys accompanied them. They were all much struck with Emily's beauty, and if her Aunt had too much discernment not to perceive the failings in her character, she justly attributed them to over indulgence. She was greatly prepossessed in her favour also, by her affectionate manner towards herself and her Cousins, and by the docility with which she attended to any hints that were given her. Julia made a much less agreable impression upon Mrs. Vernon, — her satirical disposi- tion distressed her, and the more she saw of her, the A D E L A r D E . 205 more she became convinced that she had not been mistaken in considering her very wayward and self- willed. Julia was aware that she did not please her Rela- tions ; their visit had never given her satisfaction. " Her Cousins," she said, " were certainly very good, amiable, well-informed Girls, — far too good to suit her. And her Aunt was no doubt a most excel- lent, exemplary person, — but she was so fearfully ex- cellent, that she could make no allowance for the failings of those who were less perfect than herself. — As far as her own private feelings were concerned, she should be greatly relieved when the whole party were gone.'' When Mr. and Mrs.Vernon were at Grey field, their three Sons were dispersed in different parts of the world. Arthur, the eldest, had entered the Army at an early age ; his Father had obtained for him a Com- mission in a marching Regiment which was soon sent upon Foreign Service, and he remained abroad till the termination of the war; having gained the esteem of all his brother Officers, and acquired as much credit 206 ADELAIDE. as it was possible for a young Man in his situation to obtain. Since his return to England he had employ- ed his leisure hours at his Country Quarters, in read- ing and improving his mind by studies he had never before found time to attend to. He possessed great steadiness of character without any affectation of su- periority, — was particularly well informed without being pedantic, — was reckoned handsome by many people, and agreable by almost every body. Such was the Nephew who was now come to make acquaintance with his Uncle's Family, and to spend two months of his Long Leave at Greyfield. The second Brother was destined for the Church, and the Living of Greyfield was held for him until he was old enough to Take Orders. He was Sir William's God-Son, and the Baronet with delicate kindness had insisted upon placing him at College, since he said the preferment he had to offer him, was so small that it would not otherwise be worth the education that was necessary to enable him to accept it, William Vernon had spent more than one of his Vacations in the North, and was deservedly a great favourite with all his relations there. ADELAIDE. 207 The youngest of Mr. Vernon's Sons was in the Navy. And since he first entered his Profession, very little of his time had been passed with his Family on shore. We must now resume the thread of our Story. While the party at Greyfielcl were expecting the arri- val of their neighbours from Fauconberg, Captain Ver- non expressed much curiosity to see Miss Fauconberg. " She is so captivating," observed Sir William, " that I must warn you Arthur not to fall in love with her. I hope you will some day find an Heiress equally worthy of you, but I am so much attached to our pretty little Adelaide myself, that I cannot bestow her even upon my Nephew.'' Captain Vernon looked considerably disconcerted while he assured his Uncle there was no danger of his losing his heart to Miss Fauconberg. — Emily changed colour, and Julia remarked, " that she was persuaded Arthur was much too honourable, and had learnt his relative duty too well, to be ever guilty of poaching upon another person's Manor, even though the tempting Manor of Fauconberg itself might come in the way." 208 ADELAIDE. The approach of the Visitors put an end to all fur- ther discussion. They were welcomed in the warmest manner by Sir William ; the evident pride he felt in his Son's success, and the pleasure he expressed at having his Nephew with him, seemed to have com- municated themselves to all around him. The whole Family were in high spirits, and even Emily looked more than usually animated. Sir George and Lady Fauconberg participated very heartily in their happiness, and Adelaide also witnessed it with feelings of sincere satisfaction. The day had been very hot, and after dinner the Ladies wandered out into the Garden, where they were joined indue course of time by the Gentlemen. The two Baronets, who probably thought they had had exercise enough in the morning, took quiet pos- session of a rustic seat. The corresponding seat was already occupied by Lady Fauconberg and Julia ; the former was eagerly listening to Election Stories, which her Companion was amusing herself by relating with her own additions and embellishments. Emily and Adelaide who felt little interest in these details, had ADELAIDE. 209 rambled on to look at some intended alterations in the disposition of the flower borders; and they were busily engaged in planning improvements and fancy- ing what would be the effect of different forms, — when they were overtaken by Mr. Shirley and Captain Vernon. " I have lived too long abroad," said Mr. Shirley gaily, " to admire the very English fashion of divi- ding the Ladies and Gentlemen into separate parties. I am determined to endeavour to introduce better things here, so pray Miss Fauconberg allow me to offer you my arm, while Arthur will I dare say be able to persuade Emily to accept his." As he spoke he drew Adelaide's arm within his own. Captain Vernon immediately followed his ex- ample, he lingered however with Emily to admire her flowers, and did not seem at all inclined to interrupt his Cousin's tete a tete with Miss Fauconberg. Mr. Shirley muttered something to his Companion about wishing to show her a beautiful view of the Fauconberg Woods from an opening that had been lately made by the removal of some old trees ; as he o 210 ADELAIDE. led her to a pretty Arbour that had been erected at the edge of the plantation. The Moon was rising over the distant landscape, and there was something almost impressive in the tranquil beauty of the scene. Adelaide evidently felt this, and Mr. Shirley pressed her to sit down for a few moments. He placed him- self beside her, and suddenly turning the conversa- tion to the subject that had been for many months nearest to his heart, he poured forth an eloquent and passionate declaration of his devoted and unalter- able attachment. Miss Fauconberg was so petrified with astonish- ment and concern, that she was at first unable to make him any answer. He imagined her silence im- plied that she would at length consent to reward his constancy ; and under this impression he was begin- ning to speak of gratitude and happiness, — when Adelaide at once removed the pleasing delusion, by giving him a short explanation of the nature of her sentiments towards him. Her language was kind, and she seemed anxious to wound his feelings as little as possible ; yet her rejection of his suit was so ADELAIDE. 211 decided, that he did not even attempt to press it fur- ther. " I hope," concluded she, u that I have not said any thing that can appear harsh or ungrateful. I feel how much reason I have to be flattered by your preference, though it is out of my power to return it. — I had trusted indeed that you would have spared me the painful — the distressing necessity of repeating all this to you myself, since what you have now heard is only a repetition of what my Mother I believe told you from me, several months ago. When I met you after that communication had been made to you, I thought it very natural you should avoid even speak- ing to me ; but when the awkwardness we had both felt at first, had had time to wear off, I imagined there was no cause that need prevent our considering each other as Friends. Many circumstances made it de- sirable we should do so. Your Sisters were my earliest Friends, our Families were near Neighbours in the Country, and I met you constantly in London. I be- lieve too that we understood one another perfectly well. I now regret to find how much I was mistaken. o 2 212 ADELAIDE. If under that persuasion I have unconsciously led you to encourage false hopes, I am sorry for it, — but I can truly assure you that upon my part, the mischief has been unintentional." While Adelaide continued speaking, Mr. Shirley made few efforts to interrupt her. Once or twice when she happened to pause, — he rose, paced back- wards and forwards in front of the Arbour with hasty strides, and then sat down again. His surprise, mor- tification, and disappointment were so excessive that he dared not trust himself, — perhaps also he was ashamed, to express his feelings. One moment his attachment to Miss Fauconberg seemed only to be encreased by the repulse he had just received; while the next, his proud Spirit was tempted to resent her coldness, — and he felt more than half inclined to hate her. His former jealousy of Colonel Algernon revived with redoubled force, and so completely did his evil passions gain the ascendancy over every good and generous feeling, that he experienced a savage sort of satisfaction in thinking that if Adelaide would not be persuaded to make him happy, he had at least ADELAIDE. 213 had it in his power to prevent her ever bestowing her hand upon the favoured Rival for whose sake she had so obstinately rejected him. MissFauconberg observed 6 that it was growing late,' and proposed they should xejoin the rest of the Party. " And upon what footing," asked Mr Shirley, en- deavouring to suppress his emotion, " are we to con- sider ourselves placed, when I may happen to see you again ?" " That must depend entirely upon yourself,'' re- plied Adelaide, — " as far as I am concerned, I shall wish to forget every thi ng that has occurred this even- ing. To my Father and Mother it will of course be my duty to mention what has passed, — but no other person will ever receive a hint of it from we, or I will venture to add, from them." Mr. Shirley was silent for a few moments. He bitterly repented his own rash folly in having precipi- tately hurried forward an explanation which had com- pletely ruined his hopes for life. And he could not endure the prospect of receiving merited reproaches from such a woman as Lady Fauconberg. At length he said, " I am not insensible of your 214 ADELAIDE. kindness and consideration, but I must be blessed with the indifference You feel, before I can conceal rny mortification from the world, by learning to act a part with ease and calmness." " Indifferent as you imagine me to be," answered Adelaide, " I assure you the pain I have now given you, has grieved me to the heart. I know you are too generous to feel long unjustly angry with any body. My esteem and regard you will always possess. — Why then, may we not still he Friends ?" She held out her hand to him as she spoke. Mr. Shirley was softened ; he felt a severe pang of re- morse, as he exclaimed, " This is too much ! I have not deserved such goodness! Oh Adelaide, Miss Fauconberg I mean, — I beseech you to forgive me. I have spoken and behaved like a Madman, — the next time we meet, I will promise to be more rational, to be more worthy of the place you have allowed me to retain in your regard. I always believed you kind and amiable, — but I can never forget the patient gentleness with which you have borne with my wayward violence this evening." ADELAIDE. 215 CHAP. XII. Juliet.—" Good Father, I beseech you on my knees, " Hear me with patience but to speak a word." Shakspeare. When Adelaide and Mr. Shirley came near the House, they met Lady Fauconberg and Julia, — the latter asked what had become of Emily and Arthur ? u I do not know," replied Miss Fauconberg, " we left them in the Flower Garden." Mr. Shirley said he would go and look for them. In his present agitated state of mind he was very glad to find an excuse to escape the scrutiny of two such acute Observers as his Sister and her Companion. " William is really uncommonly obliging," re- marked Julia, " I never expected he would have flown with so much alacrity to obey a wish of mme." The last word was pronounced with emphasis, and she looked at Adelaide as she spoke. Then lowering her voice she added, — " I hope those he is gone 216 ADELAIDE. in search of, will feel as grateful to him as I do, for his kind exertions to bring all our Party together again." 66 Your Father," said Lady Fauconberg, addressing her Daughter, " begins to think it grows late, and to talk of ordering the carriage, but Sir William with his usual kindness, will not hear of our departing just yet." Adelaide felt herself placed in so awkward a situa- tion, that she was much relieved when she at length heard the sound of wheels driving up to the door. The visible distraction of Mr. Shirley's manner dis- tressed her extremely. The almost parental kindness of Sir William's behaviour towards herself, convinced her that he had shared and promoted his son's hopes ; and it grieved her much to think how soon the happy gaiety of the whole Family would be clouded by learning that she had rejected the flattering offer that had been made to her. While Mr. Shirley was assisting Lady Fauconberg to put on her Cloak, she told him that his Father and Sisters had promised to come to Fauconberg the fol- ADELAIDE. 217 'owing week, and that she hoped he would consider himself included in the Engagement. " If you and Captain Vernon," added she, " have nothing better to do, Why should you not also come over and dine with us the day after to-morrow ?" u Arthur would be very happy to do so, I dare say," replied Mr. Shirley with much embarrassment, " but I am afraid it will not be in my power to — have — that pleasure." Lady Fauconberg looked at him with great sur- prise. He seemed struggling with some powerful feeling, as he continued in a low and hurried tone, — " You will soon know every thing from Miss Fau- conberg, therefore any attempt at concealment upon my part would be absurd. Besides it is a debt of gratitude I owe to the kindness you have always shown me, to be myself the first person to inform you that that kindness has unhappily been exerted in vain. — I have been hurried on by circumstances, — mad- ness, — I know not what, — to hazard a declaration of my sentiments. It has been received by Miss Fau- 218 ADELAIDE. conberg as I ought to have known it would have been, that is to say, in a manner that has effectually de- stroyed my hopes for ever." Lady Fauconberg was so overcome by this unex- pected communication, that she was obliged to take hold of Mr. Shirley's arm to support herself. " This," exclaimed she, " is indeed a blow I had not anticipated ! How could you be so imprudent ? — But it is impossible to talk to you here. We shall meet again." And both remained silent as he conducted her Ladyship to her Carriage. The moment the door was shut, she threw herself back, and so completely was she absorbed in her own reflections, that she made no attempt to enter into conversation with her Companions. It was not her disappointment alone, severe as that was, that dis- tressed her; she was also afraid that Mr. Shirley's rashness must infallibly bring to light her own dupli- city, — And under this apprehension the agony of her mind may be better imagined than described. Adelaide did not seem much more inclined to ADELAIDE. 219 speak than her Mother ; — And Sir George at length enquired the cause of this extraordinary silence ? Observing that he could almost fancy himself at a Quaker's Meeting. M I have made several efforts to get the better of my embarrassment," said Adelaide, u for I have something to communicate to You and to Mama : but I do not know exactly how to begin. — I am afraid you will be much displeased with me." The kind encouragement she received from her Father emboldened her to proceed, and she gave her Parents a minute account of the scene that had taken place between her and Mr. Shirley. She confined her details, however, to the present time, and made no allusion to any circumstances that had occurred at a former period. While Adelaide was narrating what had passed, Lady Fauconberg literally gasped for breath ! Sir George listened more calmly but with deep attention, and when her tale was told, he said to her, " If you are really persuaded that you could not have been happy with Mr. Shirley, you were quite 220 ADELAIDE. right in acting as you have done. But I must own I am sorry for it. — In an affair of this kind, where You are to be the party principally concerned, I shall ne- ver desire to influence you strongly in favour of any body. I wish you to judge and to decide for yourself." Adelaide expressed her gratitude for this kindness very warmly, — and her Father thus continued, " I confess I did not much fancy Mr. Shirley my- self, when he first returned to England, but what I have seen of him lately has raised him in my good opinion. I say nothing of his talents or his situation in the world. I believe his attachment to You is very sincere, and could you therefore have returned it, your Union with him, my dear Adelaide, would have made both your Mother and me extremely hap- py. We should have seen you received into a Family by every Member of which you would have been appreciated and beloved, — And in addition to this we should have enjoyed the great comfort of keeping you still in our own neighbourhood. — But I do not intend to reproach you, my Love, and far less to afflict you by any selfish regrets of ours." ADELAIDE. 221 (For at that moment the moonlight fell strongly upon Miss Fauconberg's countenance, every feature of which betrayed how much she was distressed.) fi I have only one more observation to make before we take leave of this unpleasant subject. I sincerely hope that your rejection of Mr. Shirley has been in no way connected with any preference you may have formerly felt for Colonel Algernon." " I know," replied Adelaide, " that I ought to forget Colonel Algernon, and I can truly assure you that I have endeavoured to do so. — Perhaps it is my duty to add, that if I had never seen him, I am not sure T should have found it quite so impossible to like — to accept — Mr. Shirley." u Would to God you never had seen him, my poor Child!" exclaimed Sir George, with great vehemence. a He is one of those people I can least bear to think of, — even to hear mentioned with any degree of pa- tience. — He is far too brilliant and ugreable not to be admired and courted in Society. You know how much I used to admire him. I also imagined he was as amiable as he appeared to be ; and so strongly was 222 ADELAIDE. I prepossessed in his favour, that I could not easily have believed he was in truth as heartless and unprincipled as his conduct towards You has proved him." Adelaide was so completely thrown off her guard by hearing Colonel Algernon thus cruelly wronged, that she could not resist attempting to justify him in her Father's estimation. " Indeed, indeed Papa," said she, " if you think Colonel Algernon heartless or unprincipled, you are very much deceived. He has been placed in peculiar circumstances, — he may never have an opportunity of explaining to you the motives by which he was in- fluenced, — but you may be assured that his behaviour towards me has always been most strictly honorable, kind, and considerate." " If you do not wish to hear me curse him," cried Sir George, and his words, and the tone in which they were spoken, made his Daughter's blood run cold ; u I warn you not to plead again in this way in his behalf; — Unless indeed you are empowered to communicate those reasons, hitherto unknown to me : upon which you seem to insinuate that your appro- bation of his proceedings has been founded." ADELAIDE. 223 Lady Fauconberg had not yet taken any part in the discussion, but she now thought it high time to interfere and prevent the danger of a further expla- nation. " Adelaide," she said, " You only irritate your Father, and encrease the anger he feels against Co- lonel Algernon, by trying to defend him as you have done. We are none of us perhaps at this moment in a state to judge calmly and dispassionately of any thing; and enough has already transpired about this unfortunate Young Man, to show us that the subject had better have been left entirely at rest." " I believe you are very right," observed Sir George, who was evidently softened by Lady Fau- conberg's mediation : — " I have been led too to express myself more strongly than I intended. — But tell me, Adelaide, have you really any cause to suppose that Colonel Algernon is less in fault than I have imagined him to be ? I should be sorry to do him, or any body else, injustice." Adelaide had been recalled to her recollection by Lady Fauconberg's expostulation. She could no Ion- 224 ADELAIDE. ger entertain any doubt that her Mother had deceived her, and had also failed to perform a principal article of their agreement, by concealing every circumstance re- lating to it from Sir George. — This painful conviction rendered her, however, only more anxious to bury the whole business in oblivion ; and as she saw the im- possibility of attempting any further justification of Colonel Algernon, she merely said, in reply to her Father's question, — " I am firmly persuaded that in every thing re- garding his conduct towards me, he has been perfectly blameless. But as I am unable to bring forward any proofs to support my own belief, I should not have ventured to assert it unless I had been required to do so. You shall never hear his name again from my lips, and I hope you will now forgive me for having spoken so decidedly." " I do, I do," replied Sir George. u I also chari- tably wish you may not be mistaken in the favorable judgment you have formed of Colonel Algernon's character. Upon that point we still think very diffe- rently, — And right or wrong, as neither of us seem ADELAIDE. 225 likely to give up our own opinion, — the wisest course we can take is to follow your Mother's advice and say no more about the matter." Lady Fauconberg knew Adelaide too well to have any apprehension that she would intentionally betray her duplicity to Sir George, — yet great as was her relief when all clanger of an exposure had passed, it by no means equalled the humiliation she felt at the contemptible light in which she was conscious her be- haviour must appear before her Daughter. After they arrived at home, she and her Husband naturally recurred to the subject of Mr. Shirley's dis- appointment, and talked over their own views and feelings regarding it, very fully. " It is very strange," at length observed Sir George, " but I will confess to you that the earnest confidence with which Adelaide defended Colonel Algernon, has made an impression upon my mind that I am unable to throw off. I cannot help fancying she knows more about him than she may perhaps be quite at liberty to tell us. — I never could account satisfactorily for her agitation the last time he rode with us in the Park, — 226 ADELAIDE. I always suspected that something more had transpired in their tete k tete that day, than you or I were ex- actly aware of ; — and all that has passed to-night has tended to confirm that idea." Lady Fauconberg had changed colour several times. (i I cannot," replied she, " attach the same impor- tance to Adelaide's zeal in advocating Colonel Alger- non's cause, that you do. You must remember that every Young Lady of her age, is credulous enough to believe that the Hero of her own Romance can do no wrong. We know that the accomplished Colonel spared no pains to establish himself in her good opi- nion, — we have also reason to know that he has suc- ceeded too well. — It is very probable that during the ride you allude to, he found an opportunity of telling her he was going to leave Town the following morn- ing, and also of making some artful excuse to account for the length of his intended absence. Such a sup- position will sufficiently explain the distress that was so evident to you in her manner. — Had he then made any decided declaration of his sentiments, had he in ADELAIDE. 227 short said any thing" important enough to be repeated to her Parents, — her behaviour this evening* has proved that she would not have concealed it from us." "All this may be very true," rejoined Sir George, " but still I would give a great deal to ascertain what is Colonel Algernon's real character, and to be made acquainted with the motives that have regulated his conduct towards Adelaide. If he is as unworthy as I have long considered him, it would make me mise- rable to perceive the strong hold he still maintains upon her affections. — If on the contrary, I have wronged him, I might have it in my power to render him ample reparation." u What can you mean, Sir George ?" exclaimed Lady Fauconberg. " Colonel Algernon has deci- dedly shown you that he wishes to decline our ac- quaintance. After such treatment, is it possible for You to make any advances towards a renewal of friendship with him ?" " Certainly not. Any direct overtures of that kind upon my part are out of the question. But I am al- together worried and uncomfortable. — If Mr. Shirley p 2 228 ADELAIDE. has been as communicative to his Father, as our deal- Adelaide has been to us, — I imagine poor Sir William is not at this moment in a much happier frame of mind than I am." It may easily be supposed that Miss Fauconberg's rest that night was neither very tranquil or refreshing, yet her feelings were enviable compared with those of her Mother, whose conscience reproached her with having- caused her own distress and that of every one connected with her. The favorite project which she had laboured so strenuously and so unworthily to promote, had been entirely defeated. — And she knew that she deserved the disappointment, mortification, and disgrace that this failure had brought upon her. She perceived it was more than probable that an ex- planation must sooner or later take place between Sir George and Colonel Algernon, and she was well aware such an event would most likely lead to his Union with Adelaide. In that case her long train of unsuccessful artifice would have gained her nothing but the odium of having deceived her Husband and opposed her Daughter's happiness. ADELAIDE. *229 The severe lesson she had just received, had not, however, cured her of her love of manoeuvring, — and with the true spirit of intrigue she cletennined to be prepared for whatever turn affairs might take. She had not the generosity to think of promoting the re- conciliation she foresaw ; but she fancied she might contrive to act in such a manner as to gain some share of merit with Adelaide, should it ever occur. Accord- ingly she took an opportunity of telling her Daughter, the next morning, how very much gratified she felt by her whole conduct towards her Father and herself. " There is another thing I wish to mention," added she, — " As our former agreement was entered into upon an understanding that the different conditions were to be faithfully observed by both parties, the failure of one naturally dissolves the obligation of the other. You have very strictly conformed to your engagement, but as Mr. Shirley's behaviour last night was a complete infringement of mine, you will now of course consider yourself released from your promise respecting Colonel Algernon." An exclamation of surprise and delight burst from 230 ADELAIDE. Adelaide's lips, yet the flush of pleasure faded almost instantly from her cheek as she recollected that the boon which would have been so welcome some months earlier, had now been given too late. She had herself informed Colonel Algernon that an obstacle existed which would probably separate them for life ; and it was impossible he should learn from her that that bar had been removed. — The concession therefore, — coming as it did, — instead of relieving her mind, only served to aggravate her discomfort and regret. Lady Fauconberg neither heard or saw any thing of the Shirley Family until the day on which they were all engaged to dine at Fauconberg. To take away the awkwardness of a small Party, several of their Neighbours had been invited to meet them, and the uncomfortable stiffness that was mutually felt during the first moments that succeeded the arrival of the Guests from Greyfield, very soon began to wear off. A few cordial words of explanation and regret put the two Baronets at once at ease and in good humour with each other. The Young Ladies seemed anxious to show that they wished their friendship to remain unaltered. ADELAIDE. 231 But when Lady Fauconberg made an attempt to enter into a confidential conversation with Mr. Shir- ley, he abruptly turned the subject, and by this un- gracious treatment put the finishing stroke to her vexation. On his entrance, Mr. Shirley had so completely dis- guised his feelings, that he had appeared far the most composed and indifferent person in the whole party. His behaviour had mortified the Mother's vanity, but had had a very different effect upon the Daugh- ter. Adelaide was indeed surprised at his ease and gaiety, but it gave her very sincere satisfaction to believe that his disappointment must have been much less severe than she had been led to imagine it. The ice having once been broken, the two Families continued afterwards to meet as usual. Mr. Shirley did not often go to Fauconberg, but in public he seemed to seek rather than to avoid Adelaide's society. Still it was confidently whispered in the world that he had been refused. How such rumours are first cir- culated, it is impossible to discover, — but whenever there is any serious foundation for them they are sure 232 ADELAIDE. to get abroad. Every body agreed that if he had been slighted, he bore his mortification heroically ; And as his attention was much engrossed by political subjects, it was supposed that Ambition would now become the Ruling Passion in his mind, and that he looked forward to the hope of distinguishing himself in Parliament. ADELAIDE. 233 CHAP. XIII. Affection chained her to that heart ; Ambition tore the links apart. Enough that he who comes to woo Is kinsman of the Bey Oglou : His years need scarce a thought employ ; I would not have thee wed a boy. And thou shalt have a noble dower;" Lord Byron Time wore on, — Mr. Shirley had accepted an invitation to join a Shooting Party in Scotland, and seemed to be so well amused in the Highlands, that he was in no hurry to return home. Captain Vernon still lingered at Greyfield, and every hour encreased the reluctance he felt at the idea of bidding adieu to his Relations there. He had originally intended to make a short visit to his Father and Mother before he rejoined his Regiment, but he had now given up that plan and determined to remain in the North until the expiration of his Leave. Sir William was 234 ADELAIDE. delighted to detain him, and perhaps his Uncle was the only person who had not perceived that his grow- ing attachment for Emily was the Spell that enchain- ed him to Greyfield. He thought it was very natural that Arthur should admire his Cousin, and that they should feel happy in each other's society ; — their near relationship put them almost upon the footing of a Brother and Sister, and he never dreamed of the pos- sibility of their thinking of a more tender connection. He had always expected that his favourite Daughter would make a very brilliant alliance. — He had some reason to believe that that hope would at no very dis- tant period be realized; — and much as he loved his Nephew and admired his character, he could in a worldly point of view consider him only a pennyless Soldier of Fortune. As such, the idea of his aspiring to be Emily's future Husband, seemed perfectly out of the question. Arthur had been much prepossessed in his Cousin's favour by the accounts he had heard of her from his Mother and Sisters. Her beauty and gentleness made a deep impression upon his heart, and he was ADELAIDE. 235 extremely flattered by the pleasure she appeared to tind in his society. She was highly accomplished, but he discovered that more pains had been taken with the cultivation of her talents, than the improvement of her mind. It was her conversations with him that made her first aware of her own deficiency in many respects, — she became anxious to make up for lost time, and Captain Vernon's good sense and superior information enabled him to be of much use to her in directing and assisting her studies. He did not quite know how dangerous this agreable task would be to himself, — his whole mind was absorbed in it, and he watched with triumph and delight the benefit and im- provement his amiable Pupil was deriving from his advice and instructions. Indeed it was evident to every one, that Emily's desire to render herself wor- thy of the affection of such a young Man as Arthur, had roused her from her former indolence of mind, and taught her to shake off those foibles and defects which had long shaded her character, and obscured its excellence. Julia did not often intrude her company where she 236 A D E L A T D E . well knew it was not desired. u Arthurs conversa- tion," she said u was too sensible and learned to please her, it was much better bestowed upon Emily by whom it seemed to be duly appreciated. — Her Cousin was just like the rest of the Vernon Family, — she had a great respect and veneration for them all, — but as Companions she did not particularly fancy any of them." Her Sister's free indulgence of her talent for ridi- cule was a subject of deep regret to Emily, she per- ceived how many enemies she made herself in that way, and in what an unamiable point of view it placed her. But remonstrance and admonition were alike disregarded by Julia; and upon one occasion when Emily had been in vain requesting her not to repeat beyond their own circle, a ludicrous but very ill-na- tured Story which she had herself considerably em- bellished, — Arthur observed to his Cousin, " My dear Emily, it is of no avail ; there is an old Proverb which tells us that ' the wilful Man will have his way,' and I suppose the Saying applies equally to Young Ladies of that unfortunate disposition. We ADELAIDE. 237 can only hope that as Julia grows older she will also grow wiser and more tractable. In the mean time it will do Her no good, and You a great deal of harm to distress yourself about her." Captain Vernon's passion for his Cousin had gained strength so insensibly, — such a variety of circum- stances had combined to heighten the interest he felt in every thing that concerned her, that he was not en- tirely aware of the nature of his own sentiments, until the truth was suddenly revealed to him by an unexpected communication from his Uncle. Sir William came in to breakfast one morning with several open Letters in his hand, and had evidently just received some pleasing and important piece of intelligence. Julia's curiosity was instantly excited, and she made many efforts to discover the cause of his satisfaction, but he parried all her questions in her own way, and playfully told her that i he knew her too well to trust her with any of his secrets.' When the Young Ladies had left the room, Sir William said to his Nephew, u I expect a Visitor here shortly ; — Lord Stanmore has written to me to 238 ADELAIDE. say that if it suits my convenience to receive him, he proposes himself the pleasure of spending- a few days at Greyfield next week, in his way from Scotland. As William is not at home, it will be a great acquisition to me to have You to assist me to enter- tain him. Besides, I want to make you known to each other ; for I will let you into a little confidence my dear Arthur. — Lord Stanmore was very much struck with Emily when he saw her in Town last Spring, and I should not be excessively surprised if he were some day or other to become a Cousin of Yours." Captain Vernon was so completely thunderstruck, that he found great difficulty in stammering out any thing like a suitable reply. 16 1 see that I have surprised You," continued Sir William, " it would certainly be a very great Partie for Emily, — but to You who know her so well, I may venture to say that such a choice would do much credit to the noble Peer's good taste and discern- ment." a It would indeed," exclaimed Arthur almost un- ADELAIDE. 239 consciously. " But what sort of person is Lord Stan- more ? for as yet I only know him by name." " I really believe he is a very excellent and honor- able man, and I have reason to think him so well principled that I should feel no scruple in trusting him with the guardianship of my Daughter's happi- ness. I have been slightly acquainted with him for a long time, but it never came in my way to see much of him till this year. I invited him to stop here whenever he might happen to be in our neighbour- hood, and I assure you his proposing to accept my invitation in the way he has done, is a singularly gra- cious compliment from him." " I am not sufficiently conversant with all parts of the Peerage," observed Captain Vernon, "to be aware what may be Lord Stanmore's age." " He is no longer in his premiere jeunesse," re- plied Sir William, " yet he is not old enough to be at all an unsuitable Husband for Emily. He is about forty. He was always considered extremely good looking, and there is a good deal of dignity in his appearance and manner, which many people who do not know him, have unjustly mistaken for hauteur." 240 ADELAIDE. u He has a very large fortune has he not ?" enquired Arthur. " Yes, his Estates are princely, — his Country House is one of the finest Places in England, — and the fame of these possessions, with the elegant addition of an old Earldom, have for many years rendered his alli- ance an eager object of ambition to all Fathers and Mothers in a certain rank of society." " I do not at all wonder," said Arthur, a that a Person so richly gifted with every other worldly ad- vantage, should wish for the blessing of a Wife ; and still less am I surprised at the selection he now seems likely to make. Circumstanced as he has been, I am only astonished that he has not married sooner." " I am not altogether sure," replied Sir William, u that it was a want of susceptibility that has occa- sioned his remaining so long single. I have formerly heard some story of his having had an unhappy attachment, — some early entanglement. I do not exactly recollect the particulars, perhaps the whole was an unfounded fabrication. At any rate it can be of no consequence now, as the liason, if it ever did exist, has for some time been entirely broken off. But ADELAIDE. 241 it grows late, — and 1 need not tell you that it is ne- cessary to answer Lord Stanmore's letter by return of post. When that is done, I think I must take pity upon poor Julia's curiosity by informing her of the approach of our Guest ; and as we must invite a Party to meet him, we should lose no time in considering who it will be most expedient to ask. Of course I shall not even hint to my Daughters the hopes I have been imparting to You. If our noble Visitor wishes to find favour with Emily, he shall receive my joyful consent to plead his own cause. But until I am assured of his intentions, I will upon no account raise expectations in her mind which may possibly never be realized." As soon as Sir William had retired to write his let- ter and make his arrangements, Captain Vernon rushed out of the house in a state bordering upon distrac- tion. The full consciousness of his unfortunate love for Emily had only burst upon him by his having made the fatal discovery that it was more than hopeless. He shrunk with horror from the idea of having be- Q 242 ADELAIDE. trayed the confidence reposed in him by his kind and unsuspecting Uncle, and above all he shuddered to think it possible he might have endangered the peace of that beloved Cousin, to secure whose happiness he would willingly have sacrificed his life. — He scarcely ventured to ask himself if Emily returned his passion. He sincerely hoped that she did not. Perhaps She might always have regarded him in the same light her Father had done, and consequently her affection for him was simply that of a very near relation. But a number of little circumstances crowded upon his recollection, and contradicted the probability of such a supposition. — He at once determined to exert every effort he could devise in endeavouring to counteract as far as it might yet be in his power, the mischief he had unintentionally occasioned. His first intention was to tear himself away as speedily as possible from Greyfield, where he re- solved that his presence should never again interfere with any of his Uncle's prospects. But it was not easy to know how to manage a retreat in such a way as to avoid awakening Sir William's suspicions, and ADELAIDE. 243 betraying to Emily his attachment. To propose go- ing" away immediately would inevitably do both. After long consideration, he therefore made up his mind, to remain quietly where he was for a few days, and then contrive some excuse for making a very sudden departure, just before Lord Stanmore's ar- rival. For several hours he wandered about in the most secluded part of the grounds, meditating upon his wretchedness, and devising plans for his future con- duct, — before he could regain sufficient composure to return to the house and rejoin his Cousins. They had been engaged with their Father, first in talking over, and then in preparing to despatch their invita- tions for the following week, and had consequently missed Arthur much less than they would otherwise have done. When he entered the Drawing Room, Julia exclaimed, " So you have come in at last ! What can you have been doing with yourself all this time ?" And he fancied that as she spoke, she regarded him with a look of peculiar curiosity. Q 2 244 ADELAIDE, We have all been assembled in Council," she con- tinued, " and have much wanted Your sage advice to assist us in our deliberations." She then told him that Lord Stanmore had written to her Father to say that he was coming to Greyfield ; and run over the names of all those who, as she expressed it, u had been considered worthy of the distinguished honour of being asked to meet such a high and mighty Per- sonage as his Lordship." Sir William had been half amused by Julia's mode of beginning her description, but he was much more than half angry at the ridicule she had attempted to throw upon Lord Stanmore's character in her con- clusion ; and he reproved her very severely for her evil practice of talking nonsense, and never mentioning any body but in a satirical and unamiable way. During this discussion, Emily's colour had varied frequently, but no other difference was perceptible either in her appearance or her mariner. She did not seem at all elated by the prospect of Lord Stan- more's visit, indeed a Stranger might have concluded that She looked forward to it with less interest of any kind than either of the rest of the Party around her. ADELAIDE. 245 The remainder of the time he spent at Greyfield, was a period of constant trial to Captain Vernon, and he could never afterwards recollect those miserable days without a lively sensation of horror. He cau- tiously guarded against making any visible difference in his behaviour towards his Cousins, yet he endea- voured indirectly to avoid finding himself tete a tete with Emily. When they happened to be thrown together, he talked to her as usual about her various amusements and pursuits, — but his embarrassment and distress were much encreased by perceiving that she seemed to ob- serve his conduct with a very watchful eye. At those hours when the whole Family were as- sembled, their expected Guests formed continually the theme of their conversation. Poor Arthur at no time found it an easy task to maintain that self-com- mand which was requisite to enable him to act the part he had prescribed to himself, with an appearance of cheerfulness, gaiety, and unconcern ; — And there were often moments when he had the greatest diffi- culty in contriving to conceal his emotion. 246 ADELAIDE. Two days before Lord Stanmore's arrival, Captain Vernon told his Uncle, that in consequence of the ab- sence of several other Officers, he had just received an unpleasant Summons to rejoin his Regiment with- out delay ; — And that so pressing an invitation would oblige him to leave Grey field ^either that evening or very early the following morning. Sir William was very much concerned. " This is the worst news," he said, u that I have heard for a long while. I could very ill spare you, my dear Ar- thur, at any time, but at the present moment I really do not know what I can do without you." Captain Vernon attempted to express his gratitude for the kindness he had received since he had been under his Uncle's roof, but Sir William would not listen to any thing of this kind : — " Nonsense, nonsense ;" cried he, " Your society has given us all very sincere pleasure. I shall always be delighted to have you with me, — so remember that the best plan you can pursue will be to return here as soon and as frequently as possible." Poor Arthur was cut to the heart by this speech, ADELAIDE. 247 and was obliged to turn away his head to conceal how much he was affected. " Your Cousins," continued Sir William, " parti- cularly your Friend Emily, will be in despair when they hear of your departure." " I must request you, my dear Uncle, " replied Arthur, recovering himself, " to have the goodness to tell them how suddenly I have been called away ; for my notice is so short, that it is necessary I should immediately set about the disagreable task of prepa- ring for my journey. I must in the first instance ride over to Oldthorpe and endeavour to secure a place in the Coach, for to- morrow morning." " Will it not be as well if you send one of my Ser- vants," said Sir William, " to execute that commis- sion for you ?" " You are very kind," answered Arthur, u but I am afraid it will not, — for if I fail in my first object, I must devise some other mode of travelling. I can make all the requisite enquiries when I am upon the spot. And if the Coaches do not suit my purpose, I 248 ADELAIDE. shall order a Chaise to come for me here, and when You go to bed to-night, J shall set out upon my journey." " I believe you are right," concluded Sir William, — u Every body's business is best executed by them- selves. But still I grudge losing so much of your company the last day that you are to be here." Captain Vernon's arrangements at Oldthorpe were speedily and satisfactorily accomplished, but he pur- posely delayed his return, and made so long a circuit in his way back, that he did not appear at Greyfield until about an hour before dinner. — He did not dare to look at Emily while She and her Sister were ex- pressing their sorrow at the prospect of his unexpect- ed departure ; But he perceived afterwards that she was unusually pale, and that her eyes appeared as if she had been weeping. In the evening he found the two young Ladies seated together at an open Window. Sir William called Julia to remove her work which she had left untidily scattered about upon the sofa : And while she was occupied in collecting it, — Emily turned to- ADELAIDE. 249 wards her Cousin and asked him if he intended to set out very early the next morning ? He told her he should probably be gone long be- fore she would be awake. Emily paused, as if intending to speak, — At length she said, u I have something to say to you, Arthur. — I wish to thank you for all the benefits for which I am in- debted to you. I feel that I am a very different per- son now from what I was before I knew You. You have taught me to discover my failings, and I also hope to correct them ; — to perceive my own defi- ciency, and to make those exertions which have led, I trust, to improvement. For all this I shall have rea- son to be most grateful to you as long as I live." Captain Vernon was so completely overpowered, that for a moment he was unable to make any answer. " You know I have never nattered you, Emily," replied he, u You will therefore believe me when I tell you that the more I have seen of your character, the more cause I have found to admire it. — When I first came here, I own I observed that you did not do 250 ADELAIDE. yourself justice, — I was anxious to make you under- stand this, — and it will always be my greatest happi- ness to think that you have allowed me to succeed. — I ventured to point out to you the dormant energies of your mind, — but the merit of immediately resolv- ing to call them into action, and of employing them as you have done, is entirely your own." " I shall recollect all your advice," continued Emily, " And frequently retrace our agreable con- versations. — I wonder when and where we shall all meet again ?" " I fear a very long time must elapse," said Arthur, " before I can return to the North. My next Leave of Absence will of course he spent at home — with my Father and Mother. There is a probability, too, of my Regiment's being sent to the East Indies, but in that case I should contrive to run down and see you before my departure; I am very willing to go any where, yet preparing for such a destination would feel very like bidding adieu to England for a life-time. It will be soon enough, however, to think of all this when I am certain that it is actually to be my fate. ADELAIDE. 251 In the common course of things, 1 may perhaps hope to see you in two years, but even that is doubtful. Many events may in the mean while happen to us all ; — Before I visit Greyfield again, it is most pro- bable that both You and Julia will be married." " I do not believe that is very likely," observed Emily, " at least as far as I am concerned." And it was in a tone of reproach that she added, — " It seems an ill luck that peculiarly attends our Family to be injudicious and unhappy in our attachments." As she concluded these words, she rose and left the room ; When she came back, all traces of grief and displeasure were banished from her countenance, and site had assumed an affectation of gaiety and in- difference that sat very uneasily upon her. Out of consideration for his Nephew's rest, Sir Wil- liam proposed that they should not sit up very late. " You must frequently let us hear from you, Ar- thur," said he, " I was never famous for being a very good Correspondent myself, but I will promise to write to you as often as I may have any particular intelligence to communicate." Julia showed much more feeling at parting with 252 ADELAIDE. her Cousin than he had expected from her. Emily evidently struggled hard to conceal her emotion, but when she attempted to wish him a pleasant journey, the words died upon her lips, and she burst into tears. Captain Vernon's distress defied all description ! He believed he had taken a last farewell of the be- loved Object of his affection. He had just disco- vered, (what under other circumstances would have delighted him beyond expression,) that Emily was tenderly attached to him. He had perceived, too, that his conduct that evening had hurt and offended her. This grieved him deeply, and yet thought he, ' is it not the height of selfishness to regret a misun- derstanding that may be the means of reconciling her to the absence of a person she must now consider so ungrateful, — and also of leading her to give a favor- able reception to her Noble Admirer ?' The agony of Arthur's feelings would not allow him to sleep, — he heard the clock strike hour after hour, till the night appeared to be perfectly endless, and it was a great relief when the day light began at length to peep through his windows, and his Servant came to warn him that it was time to prepare for his journey. ADELAIDE. 253 CHAP. XIV. My Daughter cannot be thy Bride; Not that the blush to Wooer dear, Nor paleness that of maiden fear. It may not be— forgive her, Chief." Sir Walter Scott. Sir George and Lady Fauconberg and Adelaide were included among the Guests who had been in- vited to Greyfield ; They, as well as many others of the party, were much surprised to learn that Captain Vernon was gone, but their attention was soon direct- ed into another channel by perceiving Lord Stan- more's very evident admiration of Miss Shirley. Sir William's hopes encreased every hour, till they were almost converted into certainty ; — And the day before his Friends were expected to disperse, he was made completely happy by Lord Stanmore's asking him for an audience, and requesting in due form, his permis- sion to make an offer of his hand to Miss Shirley. 254 ADELAIDE. The request was granted with much satisfaction, but in the joy and triumph of his heart, Sir William determined to indulge himself in the pleasure of being the first person to announce the good news to Emily. He felt no surprise at perceiving she was extreme- ly agitated during so interesting a communication; — but it is impossible to describe his consternation and astonishment, when she told him, after some hesita- tion, that ' grateful as she should always feel to Lord Stanmore for the high compliment he had paid her, — she was not sufficiently dazzled by the brilliancy of the prospect he thus held out to her, to have any wish to accept an elevation, which by removing her from her own natural sphere, could only place her in a situation of splendid misery.' Sir William gazed at his Daughter in silence. — He could not believe that he had heard aright, and was at first half tempted to suspect that Lord Stan- more's proposal, by coming suddenly upon her, had so bewildered her brain, that she had spoken without being quite conscious of what she was saying. But when Emily more firmly repeated that her ADELAIDE. 255 character had never been an ambitious one ; that she desired no happiness beyond that of living at home with her own Family as she had hitherto done ; and earnestly requested he would allow her to decline the very flattering offer of her Noble Admirer; — her Father completely lost all patience, and could no longer restrain a violent paroxysm of anger and dis- appointment. Sir William Shirley's passions were strong, but they were not easily excited, and he permitted few things to ruffle his naturally happy temper : Yet when any extraordinary circumstance chanced to arouse his resentment, the storm was as furious as it was generally transient. — It was peculiarly so upon the present occasion ; and Emily who had never seen her Father so angry before, trembled with grief and dismay when the tempest she had unintentionally caused, burst suddenly upon her. " Is this worse than foolish obstinacy," he ex- claimed, " the return I am to receive for all my affection, and solicitude for your welfare ? My anxi- ous days, and sleepless nights! — You, who till this •256 ADELAIDE. moment have been the pride and delight of my heart ; Kow, whose supposed superiority of character, and docility of temper, have consoled me for the wayward failings of my other Children — have also at length cruelly disappointed and deceived me. Wretched Father that I am ! I once little thought it would be my hard fate in my old age, to meet with ingratitude and mortification from those from whom I might have hoped to find support and comfort ! Had Julia with mad perversity opposed herself to my wishes, and shut her eyes against her own interest, it might not perhaps have surprised me, — but from You, Emily, I had expected very different conduct." Emily threw herself at her Father's feet in an agony of distress ; but when she attempted to take his hand, he spurned her from him. iC Rise, Miss Shirley," said he, " it is but mockery to kneel before me when your undutiful folly is break- ing my heart. I cannot bear to look upon you in my present mood, and I warn you not to attempt again to speak to me, or to force yourself into my presence until the first keenness of my disappointment is abated." ADELAIDE. 257 Then as he was leaving the room, he paused, and said, " If you should happen to see Lord Stanmore be- fore we meet again, it may be kind to shorten his suspense, by informing him of your determination to reject his suit. You are the proper person to perform this ungracious task, — I assure you that I feel far too much ashamed of you, and too deeply mortified about the whole concern, to wish to undertake it." Emily's eyes remained fixed upon the door, long after her Father had closed it, — she was almost stu- pified by the excess of her grief. She could scarcely understand what had happened, but Sir William's bitter reproaches rung in her ear, and his angry ges- ture and the dreadful expression of his countenance when he repulsed her humble supplications, still flit- ted before her sight. As the Baronet crossed the Hall in his way to his own room, he met Lady Fauconberg; She came upon him so suddenly, that it was impossible to avoid her as he would willingly have done. The troubled expression of his countenance, and the agitation of 258 ADELAIDE. his manner betrayed that something" extraordinary had happened to him, and giving way to the impulse of her curiosity, she exclaimed, " Good Heavens, Sir William ! What can have distressed You ? Has any thing dreadful occurred ?" Sir William had a high opinion of Lady Faucon- berg's sagacity and judgment in all worldly affairs : He felt that he stood much in need of an able Coun- sellor in his present difficulty; and he immediately determined to confide to her what had passed between him and Emily, and to ask her how she would advise him to act under such perplexing circumstances ? He therefore drew her ami within his, and request- ed she would have the kindness to accompany him for a few minutes to his Study ; an invitation which it is needless to observe she was very happy to accept. Sir William was still too much ruffled to be able to tell his history very distinctly, but his Companion easily understood it ; — and when it was concluded, she assured him that ' nobody could enter more truly into all his feelings than herself, since he was aware that she had lately experienced a similar distress.' ADELAIDE. 259 u You are a bad Comforter," replied Sir William, u to remind me of a circumstance that can only en- crease the measure of my own unhappiness." a I mentioned it purposely," said Lady Faucon- berg, " I wished to show you that your disappoint- ment, severe as it is, is not a singular one ; And I hoped to induce you to listen, as I have done, to the pleading's of your own heart, — to relent, and forget your anger against poor Emily. She and Adelaide have both in one instance behaved most perverse- ly and undutifully ; At all other times we have found them every thing that Parents could wish or desire. It is mortifying to discover, that those in whom we have centered our pride and our affection, are not exempt from human frailty ; but when we recollect that we are liable to err ourselves, we should not surely refuse to make some allowance for the faults of our Children." a That is all very true, — very just," answered Sir William, thoughtfully, " And I believe I must for- give my refractory Emily. Now that I consider the matter over coolly, I am not sure that I ought to feel r 2 260 ADELAIDE. so very angry with her — because she is unwilling to leave me." " Yet," — continued he, after a pause, " I should have been so proud and happy in seeing her so bril- liantly married !" " Emily's having rejected such an Alliance is certainly a cruel mortification," said Lady Faucon- berg. " She who seems intended by nature, as well as fitted by education, to be an ornament to Society, to adorn a situation of rank and consequence—" " Stop, stop," exclaimed Sir William, " if you do not intend to drive me mad again." Then looking wildly at Lady Fauconberg, he con- tinued, u What can be the reason of Emily's opposing herself so obstinately to this marriage ? She does not pretend to dislike Lord Stanmore. — There must be something in all this that I am unable to compre- hend." " You look at me," replied Lady Fauconberg, "as if you fancied I was your Daughter's Confidant, which I can truly assure you I have never been. And yet ADELAIDE. 261 I might perhaps form a shrewd conjecture, — indeed I suspect that all those who have been much at Grey- field lately, might be able to guess the cause of Emily's present objection to Matrimony." Sir William started from his seat. " Speak more plainly, for the love of Heaven !" cried he, " Do not let me continue longer in this horrible suspense." " The task you impose upon me," answered Lady Fauconberg, with some hesitation, " is both a pain- ful and a thankless one ; yet, after having gone so far, I feel I ought not to shrink from concluding it. — Your Nephew Captain Vernon formed for many weeks a Member of your Family Party, — had he not remained with you so long, do you imagine that your Daughter would have entertained the horror she now expresses at the idea of becoming a Countess ?" " What can Arthur's visit have to do with Emily's rejection of Lord Stanmore ?" said the Baronet im- patiently, — then starting violently as if some sudden light had burst upon his mind, he sat down and drew his hand across his brow. It was some time before he spoke, at length he exclaimed, — 26'2 ADELAIDE. u I begin to understand you too well. I see the whole truth now. I perceive, when it is too late, what a blinded fool I have been : And the discovery is in every way so grievous that I could almost wish you had left me in my ignorance. Oh, Lady Fau- conberg, if you were aware of what was going for- ward, why did you not give me a friendly warning ? An earlier hint from You, might have averted the mischief.'' " My dear Sir William, an instant's reflection will show you that it was impossible for me to speak to you upon so very delicate a subject. What right had I to pry into your family secrets, or to intrude my advice about your private concerns? I was not in your confidence. I saw you treat your Nephew with the affection of a Father ; I believed him to be a most excellent and amiable Young Man : and though his circumstances and prospects in life did not cer- tainly render him such a Husband as I imagined your wishes would have selected for Emily, — I did not know that you might not after all be induced to re- ceive him as a Son-in-Law." ADELAIDE. 263 u Never," said Sir William, resolutely. " I never will allow my Daughter to marry any Man whose fortune does not enable him to maintain her in the style she has been accustomed to live in, and to pro- cure for her, without inconvenience, those luxuries and indulgences which habit has rendered necessary to her comfort; — Even though he might personally possess every virtue under the Sun, and boast the additional merit of being my Nephew." Lady Fauconberg could not fail to applaud sentiments so congenial to her own, and the Baronet continued, — " The ungrateful Viper whom I have fostered in my bosom, has indeed contrived to frustrate my dear- est hopes, and to destroy my peace ; but he will find himself bitterly disappointed if he expects to persuade me to bestow Emily's hand upon him, as the reward of his treacherous villany.'' As Lady Fauconberg had no interest in exaspe- rating Sir William against his Nephew, she kindly and prudently determined to endeavour to moderate those angry feelings towards him which her commu- nication had excited. 264 ADELAIDE. " I am not at all surprised," said she, " that you should at this moment feel great resentment against Captain Vernon; nothing can be more natural; — ■ but are you certain that he has really behaved quite as unworthily as you suppose him to have done ? You would not I am sure willingly condemn him unjustly. — From all I have ever seen and heard of Arthur, I have hitherto considered his character to be pecu- liarly upright and honourable, and though I do not pretend to say that his conduct has not been very blameable, I am still inclined to think him utterly incapable of being guilty of the premeditated treachery you impute to him. During his sejour here, he found himself constantly in the society of his beautiful and charming Cousin, — accident, or perhaps sympathy seemed to bring them always together, and such companionship was naturally dangerous to both. The circumstance of their being so nearly related, might conceal from them that it was so ; and it is very possible that a mutual attachment might grow up between them by such insensible degrees, that neither of them might be aware of the nature of their ADELAIDE. 265 own sentiments. — How far Emily may have learnt to understand her feelings towards Captain Vernon, I am not able to determine ; but that he has somehow discovered the warmth of his passion for her, and also that he looks upon it as hopeless, appears very evi- dent to me from the fact of his having left Greyfield, and if I mistake not, very suddenly ; just before Lord Stanmore's arrival." " How very clear every thing is to my apprehension now," observed Sir William, as if talking to himself. " I well recollect, though I paid very little attention to it at the time, that when I first told him I expect- ed a visit from Lord Stanmore, and threw out some hints about the Earl's admiration of Emily, Arthur looked extremely agitated; he expressed greater astonishment than I thought the communication quite required, and he contrived to absent himself from the House during the rest of the morning. The pe- remptory Order to join his Regiment, which he after- wards pretended to have received, was evidently an excuse he invented to enable him to get away before the approach of his Rival." 266 ADELAIDE. As if addressing himself more directly to Lady Fauconberg, the Baronet after a pause, continued, — a I see you are determined not to allow me the poor satisfaction of being" very angry with any body but myself. You have nearly succeeded in proving to me that / am the only person who deserves to be blamed for all the mischief that has occurred. Well, be it so ; the punishment has fallen upon my own head, and I am very willing to discover that I have been a Fool, since it saves me the far more bitter grief and mortification of believing my Nephew to have been a Villain. — But Lord Stanmore must soon be informed that Emily is resolved to decline the hand he has told me it is his intention to offer to her. In what terms do you advise me to convey to him her refusal ?" It was several moments before Lady Fauconberg answered this question, she seemed to be revolving something in her mind which she did not quite like to commit herself by expressing; at length she en- quired in a half hesitating manner, c if it was abso- lutely necessary that the refusal should be reported to him at all?' ADELAIDE. 267 " Unquestionably it is," replied Sir William. " I feel myself perfectly jus lined in saying that 1 would refuse to allow my Daughter to form an alliance I had reason to think n^ht prove detrimental to her happiness ; but surely you do not imagine me capa- ble of the unprincipled cruelty of compelling her to marry a Man she cannot love, however desirable such a marriage might appear to me." Lady Fauconberg coloured, looked confused, and answered hastily, " of course I could not wish to re- commend you to act so harshly. All I intended to insinuate was the possibility of contriving to satisfy Lord Stanmore without giving him a decided answer just at present ; and thus gaining time to overcome Emily's objections, and persuade her freely to consent to make him happy." " No," said Sir William, " Lord Stanmore has behaved openly and honourably towards me, and no temptation shall induce me to deceive him." Then perceiving the cloud of shame and anger which Lady Fauconberg was unable to conceal, he feared he had offended her, and added in a softened tone, — 26^ ADELAIDE. " Forgive me, Lady Fauconberg. I am just in that unhappy state of mind that renders me inclined to quarrel with the best and kindest advice. You must not desert me when I stand more than ever in need of your friendly counsel and direction." Her Ladyship expressed herself propitiated, yet she observed rather dryly, " that since all prospect of the connection with the Earl was at an end, the only course Sir William could pursue, was to break to him as speedily and as delicately as possible, a disappoint- ment he probably very little expected. — His pride will be deeply hurt," continued she, " but I conclude you intend to spare him the mortification of suppo- sing that the repulse he has met with is known or sus- pected by any one out of your own family." " Certainly such is my wish, and I am sure it will be Emily's also." " Then let me entreat you," said Lady Fauconberg, " to clear your brow, compose your spirits, and pre- pare yourself as soon as may be, to speak pardon and comfort to your Daughter. This will enable you, when your unpleasant interview with Lord Stanmore ADELAIDE. 269 is once over, to rejoin your other Guests with an air of unconcern. Should they perceive any unusual traces of agitation either in your appearance or in Emily's, the whole secret will inevitably be discovered." " True," replied SirWilliam, " I had not considered that. I will go immediately to poor Emily." " It will be much wiser," pursued her Ladyship, u to conceal from her that you know, or even that you suspect the motive that induces her to reject the alli- ance that has been offered to her. — She will not see her Cousin again for a long time, she will probably hear very little about him, and her attachment if not revived, will in time die a natural death ; — the very absence of all opposition will of itself weaken its force. Do not allow yourself to consider Lord Stanmore, — exalted as he is, as the only great and desirable Partie in the world, — believe me there is no danger of Emily's not having many other eligible Admirers." Sir William warmly expressed his obligation to Lady Fauconberg, for the kind interest she had taken in his distress, and also for the excellent advice she had given him. As he was leaving the room, she 270 ADELAIDE. enquired if Julia had been present during his conver- sation with her Sister ? The Baronet told her she had not ; and observed, 1 that as Julia was so very indiscreet, it was much better she should know nothing of what had passed, — at least not till after Lord Stanmore and the rest of the Party were gone.' " I cannot quite agree with you," said Lady Fau- conberg, " indifferent people may indeed easily be blinded, but Julia is far too acute not to perceive that some extraordinary circumstance has been in agita- tion. In my opinion, if you do not seal her lips by confiding to her the truth, she will be most likely to discover herself, and to betray to every body else, all that has been going forward. — Time presses, and you have much upon your hands. Shall I undertake to speak to her upon this subject ? Her being found tete a tete with me could appear remarkable to no- body, but it might seem strange if it was observed that you were closetted for any length of time first with one of your Daughters and then with the other, not to mention your interviews with Lord Stanmore.' , ADELAIDE. 271 Sir William thankfully accepted Lady Faucon- berg's offer of communicating the events of the morn- ing to Julia, earnestly requesting she would deeply impress upon his giddy Daughter's mind the abso- lute necessity of silence and extreme circumspection, —particularly during the next four and twenty hours. Her Ladyship, who was not a little proud of having been selected as Sir William's Confidant upon so in- teresting an occasion, — hurried away to perform a commission very congenial to her intrigueing temper ; — While the Baronet returned to the room where he had left the unhappy Emily. He found her still plunged in a state of the deepest grief and distress. She rose at his entrance, and ad- vanced towards him, but she did not venture to look up in his face, while she expressed an anxious hope that he would now permit her to plead to him for forgiveness. As an earnest of the sincerity of her re- pentance for her former unditiful behaviour, she said that i she was ready willingly to give her hand to Lord Stanmore, if her proposed acquiescence was not yet too late.' 27*2 ADELAI D E . Sir William raised his penitent Daughter, and kissed her affectionately, as he replied, — u No, Emily, this is too much. I cannot require from you such a sacrifice, though I feel much obliged to you for proposing to agree to it. I was very angry with you when we parted, but I have now learnt to look more calmly upon a disappointment I shall long regret. — Do not weep so bitterly. I am sorry to perceive that my former harsh expressions have af- fected you much more deeply than I intended them to do. Every thing that has passed, is pardoned and forgotten. This evening I shall speak to Lord Stan- more, — to-morrow morning he leaves Greyfield, — and after his departure I promise you this unpleasant topic shall never be revived." Emily's gratitude for her Father's kindness was almost as overpowering as her anguish had before been. Sir William, after having endeavoured in vain to restore her composure, at length determined to try the effect of recalling her thoughts to their former train. " My dear Emily," said he, " there is one circum- ADELAIDE. 273 stance I believe I forgot to impress upon your mind. I have allowed you to decline the proposal of an un- exceptionable Admirer, merely because he did not please your fancy ; but I warn you, that should the prospect of a similar Alliance again present itself, you must not expect that I shall consent to humour you a second time as readily as I have done the first." This admonition acted powerfully upon Miss Shir- ley ; It appeared to awaken her as if from a dream, but there seemed to be something upon her mind which she was at once desirous and unwilling to dis- close. At last, she said, " I should be very unworthy of your great kindness and indulgence, my dear Papa, if I attempted longer to conceal from you an unfortunate secret. I am de- termined to tell you the whole truth, however painful and humiliating the confession may be to myself. — You believe that I refused to listen to Lord Stan- more's proposal from a fancied dislike to the Person who made it. — Alas ! You little suspect that the real cause of my obstinacy this morning, was a foolish, and as I have every reason to think, an unrequited — attachment, to — Arthur Vernon.'' s 274 ADELAIDE. Sir William's feelings were gratified by the open confidence of this avowal, and it likewise relieved him from any doubts he might still have entertained respecting the integrity of his Nephew's conduct. " Emily," replied he, " it has always been my pride to think that You never had any secrets from your Father. You have acted with your usual kind- ness and propriety in confiding to me a circumstance I should not myself have discovered, and I shall not fail to remember with satisfaction and gratitude this proof of your affection ; I am aware that the disclo- sure must have been a painful one to You. It is also grievous to me in very many ways ; And you must be sensible that it cuts off the possibility of our hoping to have any personal intercourse with my Nephew in future. — But let us for the present" continued he, after a pause, u endeavour to banish all disagreable recollections from our minds. Our Guests will won- der what is become of us. I will find some excuse for your not appearing till we assemble before dinner, — but I request of you as a particular favour that you will then join us with an unruffled countenance, and do the honours of the house for the rest of the ADELAIDE. 275 evening with your accustomed attention and cheer- fulness." Emily saw the necessity of obeying her Father's injunction, and she promised to make every possible exertion to do so ; but she found that in the present ex- cited state of her feelings, this would be no easy task. She had not been very long- alone when she was joined by her Sister. — Julia, with all her wayward follies, was sincerely and tenderly attached to Emily ; and perhaps she could give no stronger proof of this, than her conduct upon the present occasion afforded. Her manner towards her was peculiarly kind and gentle, she had evidently been informed of every thing that had occurred, yet she delicately avoided making any direct allusion to a painful subject, and while she refrained from indulging herself by one satirical remark at the expense of any body, she play- fully endeavoured to divert Emily's thoughts from dwelling upon what had passed. Miss Shirley was much touched by an affectionate consideration so foreign to her Sister's usual charac- ter. It was a relief to her to impart and to talk over s2 276 ADELAIDE. with Julia the thoughts that occupied her mind ; by degrees the agitation of her Spirits began to subside, and when Adelaide peeped into the room, unconscious of what had been going forward, and asked if either or both of her Friends felt inclined to go out walking ? Emily expressed no reluctance in complying with the invitation which Julia instantly accepted for her as well as for herself. Sir William Shirley expected that Lord Stanmore would be deeply offended by his Daughter's refusal, but in this he was mistaken. The Earl was indeed excessively astonished and disappointed at meeting with a repulse he had not imagined it possible he ever could have experienced, — but his pride would not allow him to confess himself sufficiently mortified to be angry. In spite of the pique he felt against Emily, he was much struck with the Spirit, and dis- interested Character she had evinced in resolutely declining an Alliance that had been long and anxious- ly courted by persons of the highest rank and distinc- tion. Perhaps, too, some vague hints which her Father had thrown out about a previous attachment, ADELAIDE. 277 had touched a string connected with former recollec- tions of his own. In short, by a strange species of contradiction, his admiration of Miss Shirley was encreased rather than diminished by Sir William's communication, and he requested him to tell her " that although he had not been fortunate enough to be able to inspire her with a more tender sentiment, he trusted he should at least always have the happi- ness of possessing her regard and esteem." The Baronet was much relieved by the way in which Lord Stanmore received his disappointment : He was also glad to find that he might still retain him as a Friend. Lady Fauconberg upon far slighter encouragement would have founded sanguine hopes of the possibility of his yet becoming a Son-in-Law, and her intrigueing spirit would have devised a thou- sand schemes to facilitate and bring about such a connexion. But she would not have succeeded. — Lord Stan- more's nature was much too haughty ever to allow him to think of sueing a second time to any young- Lady who had once refused him. His present idea 278 ADELAIDE. of Emily's superiority was heightened by the contrast her conduct formed to that of his other Acquaintance. — Had he supposed that she had acted from no mo- tive but caprice, he would have despised her, — And had he believed her capable of changing her mind and being persuaded to accept him if he proposed to her again, he would have considered her degraded into a very common-place, every day character. For some time after the dispersion of the party at Greyfield, no event of any importance occurred there. The constant cheerfulness of Emily's manner and her amiable attentions to her Father, soon reconciled him to the idea of retaining the society of such a Com- panion. At first her gaiety was merely assumed, and it often cost her a painful effort : — Yet she felt a happy consciousness that she was doing her duty, and she endeavoured as much as possible to banish all tender recollections of her Cousin from her mind, — to forget what she now considered a culpable weakness, — and to think of him only as a Friend and Relation, whose admonitions and directions she might still be permit- ADELAIDE. 279 ted to look up to with admiration, and to follow with advantage. Sir William Shirley received a short and hasty Letter from his Nephew, written immediately upon his rejoining his Regiment; he also heard from him occasionally afterwards, but he complained that his Country Quarters afforded so little news, he was afraid his despatches were scarcely worth their postage. They did not indeed appear to be very highly va- lued by the Person to whom they were addressed, for many weeks had elapsed and not one line had been sent him in return, either by his Uncle or by any of his Relations at Greyfield. He had began to give up all hopes of ever hearing from them again, when he was agreably surprised by the sight of a Letter from his Cousin Julia, the last of the Family from whom he would have expected such a mark of favour. It was written in the wild, satirical style that suited her character ; yet, under an affectation of thoughtless- ness and irony, it was so contrived as to satisfy his curiosity upon every point that was most interesting 280 ADELAIDE. to him; and so grateful did he feel to Julia for this kind consideration towards him, that his conscience reproached him for having formerly judged her too severely. She told him that ' as her Elders and Betters did not seem inclined to write to him, she thought it would be but charity in her to relieve the anxiety he must naturally feel, by informing him that much as he had been missed by every one at Greyfield, nobody had actually died of grief at his departure.' — She said 6 she supposed he would expect her to give him a long description of Lord Stanmore's Visit, the great Event that was so eagerly expected when he left them ; but as that Visit was now an Old Story, and had proved at the time rather a failure, — in other words, had not turned out quite as it had been intended it should have done ; — -She should perhaps be wiser if she men- tioned it as slightly as possible.' — She complained of having led a very hum drum life at home lately ; observed that her Brother was not yet returned from the North : that Emily and Adelaide Fauconberg had become greater Friends than ever; — that they ADELAIDE. 281 had so many resources in themselves, and could al- ways find so much to occupy their minds, — that she believed they could submit, without the least regret, to the loss of what the world called gaiety. But that She, who was more dependent upon Society for amusement, had often felt herself in great danger of being bored to death. That she had even sometimes attempted, incredible as it might sound, — to make serious reflections upon what was passing around her, but that such an effort had generally afforded her mortification rather than entertainment. ' Par exemple? she told him, ' she had that very morning been medi- tating philosophically upon the absurdities and con- tradictions all her wisest Friends had allowed them- selves to be betrayed into in their Love Affairs. — Her Brother William, who was looked up to as to an Oracle of Genius and Information by all the world, — had not possessed sufficient discernment to discover that he was disliked by the Object of his affections. He had consequently, — (if she was not very much mistaken,) subjected himself to the humiliation of being twice rejected by the same fair Lady : and he was now breaking his heart and exiling himself from 282 ADELAIDE. his home because he despaired of being able to per- suade her to lend a more favorable ear to his petition if he were to fall down upon his knees and present it to her a third time. — Adelaide Fauconberg, who was admired by every body who knew her as a pattern of all that was sensible, discreet, and excellent, had obstinately persisted in refusing a Suitor who was devotedly attached to her, because she happened to have taken a fancy to another Person, — a Hero, who seemed to care very little for her in return, — a Man, too, whom she was perfectly aware her Mother would never allow her to marry, even if He wished her to do so. — Her Sister Emily, whom he would perhaps agree with her in considering more perfectly gentle, docile, and amiable than either of the others ; — whose taste and judgment upon all former occasions had been deservedly applauded; — had been foolish and vulgar enough not to appreciate the exalted merits of the brightest ornament of the Peerage, and had actu- ally declined accepting a Coronet, without pretending to assign any reason for doing so. — She added that nothing but the fear of exhausting his patience, pre- vented her from commenting upon similar acts of ADELAIDE. 283 weakness, and led her to spare the rest of her Rela- tions till some future opportunity. She said that Love appeared to her to be so very wayward a passion, that she often wondered how it happened she had never fallen in love herself. But perhaps in her case the effect might be different, she might behave rea- sonably, wisely, and consistently under its influence ; for in all the instances that had come beneath her ob- servation, it had impelled its Victims to act in direct contradiction to their own natural characters.' She concluded her Letter by earnestly requesting her Cousin to take no notice of having" received it. 6 His attempting to thank her for it,' she said, ' could only bring her into troubled Waters. Her Father might not approve of her writing to a Young Man^ even though he was so near a Relation as a first Cousin. And her Sister, though she had not thought fit to correspond with him herself, might feel a little jealous of her having presumed to do so : — Indeed as she suspected it was not altogether quite a proper proceeding upon her part, she had no intention of ever favouring him with another Epistle.' 284 ADELAIDE. This curious Letter, while it gave Captain Vernon great pain, afforded him at the same time a ray of satisfaction. He was very sincerely sorry to learn that Emily had relinquished a brilliant Alliance for his sake, yet he could not help feeling much gratified by the attachment that had prompted her to make such a sacrifice. And although it grieved him to think he had been instrumental in thwarting any wish of his Uncle's, he found it scarcely possible to regret that Sir William had not succeeded in bestowing his Daughter upon a Husband, who, with all his worldly advantages, seemed a person but little calculated to ensure her happiness. Arthur had no desire, circumstanced as he now was, to attempt to renew more than a casual communica- tion with Greyfield. He applied himself more dili- gently than ever to the duties of his Profession, and he endeavoured amid the numerous and constant oc- cupations that engrossed his present hours, at once to banish all distressing recollections of the past, and to shut his eyes against any discouraging anticipations of the future. ADELAIDE. 285 CHAP. XV. And will I see his face again ? " And will 1 hear him speak 1 I'm downright dizzy with the thought,— " In truth I'm like to greet." Scotch Song. The Friendship between Adelaide and Emily, which recent circumstances had so strongly cemented, proved a source of much pleasure and comfort to them both. It is needless to observe that the change that had been effected in Miss Shirley's character, had rendered her a far more agreable Companion ; and it had also taught her to appreciate the society of such a Friend as Adelaide. Perhaps too, though neither of them ever touched upon so delicate a subject, a sympathy of feeling and a similarity of situation, had contributed to draw them more closely together. Emily was of course well aware that an unfortunate attachment had induced Miss Fauconberg to refuse to become her 286 ADELAIDE. Sister-in-Law. And Adelaide, though she had never been told that Miss Shirley had actually rejected Lord Stanmore, had seen enough of the progress of his at- tentions to her, to be able to guess the cause of their sudden termination : and even had she entertained any doubts upon this point, Julia's broad hints would have entirely removed them. Mr. Shirley's return was delayed from time to time, and Adelaide could not help fearing that he staid away from home upon her account. Could she have persuaded herself that he remained in Scotland merely because he was better amused there than he would have been at Greyfield, she would have been inclined personally to rejoice at the length of his absence. Of Colonel Algernon she had heard nothing either directly or indirectly ; her Father and Mother never mentioned his name in her presence, though both of them, from different motives, felt extremely curious to know what was become of him. There was a small Estate which bordered upon Fauconberg and Greyfield, and from its peculiar si- tuation would have formed a very desirable addition ADELAIDE. 287 to each. Both the Neighbours had formerly been extremely anxious to become possessed of it, and a sort of amicable rivalship had subsisted between them upon the subject, but neither had proved successful enough to obtain the prize. The Estate then belonged to Mrs. Algernon's Father, a whimsical old Man, who could never be prevailed upon to part with it, — though it had not been very long in his Family, and was widely sepa- rated from all his other Property. At his death he left all his Lands so strictly tied up, that his successor was unable to alienate any portion of them, and the two Baronets finding their pursuit hopeless, had long- given up even thinking of it. When Horace Algernon came of age, however, his Mother had the power of cutting off the Entail. His extravagant habits obliged him to have frequent recourse to Lord Altamont's liberality, and as the old Peer began at length to talk of the necessity of limi- ting his supplies, — Mrs. Algernon proposed to her Son to join with her in a measure that would give her the means of assisting him in his difficulties. Horace 288 ADELAIDE. at first refused to do this, but when his embarrass- ments had encreased and his resources had diminished, the temptation became too great to be resisted. He consented to avail himself of his Mother's kindness, — And just before he last left England, a Deed had been executed in the regular form, which released Mrs. Algernon's Estates from the restrictions her Father had annexed to them, and placed them entirely at her own disposal. Lord Altamont's generosity prevented the necessity of his Daughter-in-Law's making any pecuniary sacrifice at that time ; but multiplied ex- penses and an unusual run of bad luck at play, had latterly reduced Horace to the greatest distress. His Grandfather wrote him word that a specified sum should be immediately transmitted to him, but that beyond that amount he could not conscientiously afford to relieve him. The remittance, large as it was, proving insufficient to discharge even his most pres- sing debts, he was obliged to have recourse to his Mother, and he earnestly requested she would con- trive to advance him, as speedily as possible, a sum of money by way of a Loan, which he hoped it would before very long be in his power to repay. ADELAIDE. 289 Mrs. Algernon instantly determined to sell her Northern Estate, and to despatch part of the money she received for it, abroad ; but as she felt half ashamed of this act of weak indulgence, she told Lord Altamont — " She found property situated at such a distance, so troublesome to manage, that she thought it would answer much better to her to part with it, and to place the sum it might produce, in the Funds." Lord Altamont shook his head, as he observed, that ft She was certainly the best judge of what related to the management of her own concerns ; but that had she consulted him upon the subject, he should strenu- ously have advised her to retain her Estate, and upon no consideration to send the produce of her good Eng- lish Acres to be squandered away in a Foreign Land." This remonstrance, of course, produced no effect, and the sale of the Lands being decided upon, nothing remained but to take the proper steps to find a pur- chaser. It happened that the day Henry Algernon had 290 ADELAIDE. dined at Fauconberg Manor, he had passed close to the Estate in question in the course of the circuit he made in his ride with Sir George and Adelaide. The Baronet had then pointed out to him some Meadows, skirted by a little Wood, and had remarked that ' those Fields were the property of a Relation of his, that they belonged to Mrs. Algernon ;' and he added, in a joking way, ' that if ever she should feel dis- posed to part with them, he hoped the Colonel would use his influence with his Aunt to persuade her to allow him to have the first refusal of them." Henry was not then even aware of the circumstance of Mrs. Algernon's having any property in that neighbour- hood, — but he promised to exert all his eloquence in Sir George's behalf should an opportunity occur to enable him to do so with a prospect of success, — And he did not now forget to fulfil his engagement. He wrote to Sir George to remind him of their former conversation, and to tell him that the Estate he had expressed a desire to obtain, was about to be sold. He said that some rumour of Mrs. Algernon's intention having reached the North, she had already ADELAIDE. 291 received a very advantageous offer for the property from a person whom she had reason to believe was an Agent employed by Sir William Shirley ; hut that she had been kind enough, in compliance with a request from himself, to decline giving any decided reply to this application, until after the answer had arrived to the Letter she had now empowered him to despatch to Fauconberg Manor. This communication surprised Sir George conside- rably. He had not heard a word of the intended Sale. He had entirely forgotten his conversation with Colonel Algernon until it was thus unexpectedly recalled to his mind. And he could not help thinking it very extraordinary that he should receive such a mark of kind and delicate attention from a Young Man who had for many months appeared desirous to avoid every opportunity of continuing even his ac- quaintance. Indeed this seeming contradiction struck him so forcibly, that it revived the doubts Adelaide's de- fence had before suggested, and led him again to suspect that he had been betrayed a second time into forming an erroneous opinion of Colonel Algernon's character. t 2 292 ADELAIDE. He explained to his Daughter the overture he had received from Mrs. Algernon ; told her to whom he was indebted for it, — and putting the Colonel's Letter into her hands, desired her to read it and give him her opinion of it. Adelaide's varying colour and quivering lip be- tra}'ed her emotion during the perusal ; when it was finished, she observed ' that Colonel Algernon's beha- viour in this business had been exactly such as she should have expected from him.' u I cannot say the same thing," replied Sir George, u for it has astonished me much. His writing to me in the way he has done, is under all circumstances, either a proof of the most considerate recollection and kindness, or an instance of unparalleled and shame- less assurance. If I believed it to be the latter, I need not add that no consideration of interest or ad- vantage, however alluring, — should induce me to ac- cept any favour through his intercession." " Since you have required me to give you my opinion upon this subject," said Adelaide, " I will venture to affirm that if you attribute Colonel Alger- ADELAIDE. 293 lion's present conduct to any but the best and most disinterested motives, I am convinced you will do him much wrong. It would be a great pity to lose the opportunity of purchasing a desirable Estate, by he- sitating to avail yourself of his good offices ; let me request you to accept them, and I think I dare almost undertake to be your Surety that you will never find reason to repent having done so." " Upon my word you speak very confidently, Ade- laide," continued Sir George. u I have no desire to distress you by extorting explanations you may not be at liberty to give, but before I can decide upon the weight I am to attach to your assurances, you must answer me one plain question. Are they founde 1 merely upon your own good opinion and general knowledge of Colonel Algernon's character, or are they warranted by an acquaintance with peculiar cir- cumstances which have not been revealed to me ?" Miss Fauconberg hesitated an instant between her desire to vindicate Colonel Algernon and her fear of compromising her Mother. She thought there could be no danger of doing the latter if she replied M that 294 ADELAIDE. the persuasion she had expressed of Colonel Alger- non's having always acted honorably and uprightly, did certainly rest upon information it was unfortu- nately impossible for her to communicate." She added u that if she possessed the power of doing so, she was convinced her Father would view his character in the same favorable light that she did." " I am perfectly satisfied," answered Sir George. w And to prove to you the reliance I place in your discretion and judgment, I will follow the counsel you have given me, and decide at once to take ad- vantage of Colonel Algernon's kind offer. — But, my dear Adelaide, as you knew the injustice of my re- rentment against this Young Man, why did you not sooner undeceive me ?" Miss Fauconberg was much embarrassed, — at length she said, " I did once attempt to do so, but as I was unable to speak clearly, I had little chance of succeeding." " Well my dear Child," observed the Baronet, " as I believe you have already been more than suffi- ADELAIDE. 295 ciently punished, I will not now reproach you ; yet I cannot help regretting that you should have been unwary enough to listen to secret communications from a Stranger, which you were not allowed to con- fide to your own Parents, even though they were materially to influence your present and future hap- piness." 66 1 have indeed," said Adelaide, " felt it a very great grief to be obliged to conceal any thing from You, and I cannot describe my wretchedness and humiliation at the consciousness of what must now be your opinion of my behaviour. — You, my dearest Father, who have always been so kind, and so in- dulgent to me, have too much reason to be hurt and offended at any want of confidence on my part." " We have said enough upon this subject," replied Sir George, who was sorry to have distressed his Daughter. " And if we cannot recal what is past, we will at least determine to think no more about it. — So to proceed to business ; I must answer Colonel Al- gernon's Letter by return of post, and as transactions of this kind are most easily arranged by verbal com- 296 ADELAIDE. munication, I shall propose to him to take a run down here and settle the preliminaries of our Treaty in person. Such an overture would meet your approba- tion, would it not ?" " I feel very sensibly all the kindness of this inten- tion," answered Adelaide, u And I may also add that it would give me pleasure to see Colonel Algernon here, — yet I am almost certain that he will not accept your invitation." Sir George looked both surprised and mortified. a If he has made a decided resolution to avoid our Society,'' said he, " far be it from me to endeavour to persuade him to break it. 1 am glad you have pre- vented my sending him a request which would only have given him the trouble of devising a civil refusal." u Oh no, no, v exclaimed Adelaide, " You have quite mistaken my meaning ; I never intended to convey so ungracious an idea, and I am sure Colonel Algernon would be the last person to undervalue your kindness. I should very much regret if any rash words of mine, deterred you from giving him the invitation you proposed." ADELAIDE. 297 Then taking up the Letter which was still before her, and attentively studying" its conclusion, she said, " I perceive that your Correspondent wishes to be kindly remembered to Mama and to me, — and I sup- pose that some compliment of the same sort will be sent him in return. Would there be any impropriety in your likewise telling him that I had requested you to say ' that I hoped he would be able to obey your summons to appear in the North ?' Sir George considered for a minute or two before he replied, " I believe I may very well write what you pro- pose. I will consult your Mother upon the subject, and if she sees no objection to my giving such a mes- sage, I will certainly do it." At this mention of her Mother, Adelaide turned very pale, a circumstance that did not escape her Father's observation. It had more than once occurred to him that some manoeuvre of Lady Fauconberg's might have occasioned the mystery which had so long perplexed him ; and from what had just passed in his conversation with Adelaide, he began to think it was 298 ADELAIDE. not quite impossible that Colonel Algernon had either directly or indirectly proposed to his Daughter, and that Lady Fauconberg had contrived to persuade her to refuse him. At all events, he determined to try the success of the Message Adelaide had suggested, and having written his Letter, he took it into the room where his Wife was sitting." u I have been talking to Adelaide," said he, u who seems to know more about this extraordinary Colonel Algernon than any body else, and she still expresses so firm a belief in his being a very meritorious charac- ter, that she has almost converted me to her opinion. Under this persuasion, I have told him that I will thankfully purchase his Aunt's Estate, and I have asked him to come to Fauconberg to settle the terms, &c. &c. &c." Lady Fauconberg's confusion and uneasiness were painfully evident, though she endeavoured to conceal them by bending over her work. — She had in the first instance attempted to persuade her Husband to decline having any thing to do with the Lands, and also to conceal from his Daughter the offer that had been made to him. ADELAIDE. 299 She now perceived that any arguments she could bring forward against his decision, must prove una- vailing ; perhaps she was afraid of beginning a dan- gerous discussion, — She did not, therefore, venture to make a single objection to a measure adopted in di- rect contradiction to her advice and to her wishes, but merely observed, as she returned him the Letter,— u that the proposed purchase would certainly be a desirable addition to his property, — and that Colonel Algernon must be very ungallant indeed if he de- clined obeying a Summons so flatteringly seconded by a Young Lady." " I trust he will accept my invitation," said Sir George, coolly. — Adelaide at that moment entered the room, and her Father turning towards her, re- marked, u that as he had consulted her about what he should say to Colonel Algernon, it would be very proper she should seethe despatch he had prepared for him.'" Lady Fauconberg with wonderful assurance, added, " that she had no doubt Adelaide would highly ap- prove of it." Neither she or her Daughter dared to look at each 300 ADELAIDE. other, and the accidental arrival of a morning Visi- tor, was indeed a g^eat relief to the whole Party. The subject of the communication that had been opened with Colonel Algernon, was not often alluded to by any of the Fauconberg Family for several days after this discussion ; but his answer to Sir George's invitation was expected by each of them with the greatest anxiety. The Post generally arrived during the breakfast hour, and in due course of time a Letter franked by Lord Altamont made its appearance. Adelaide caught a glympse of the direction as her Father took it out of the Bag. He did not keep her long in sus- pense, but tearing it hastily open, and glancing his eye over its contents, — which seemed comprised in a very few lines ; he told his Companions " that Co- lonel Algernon informed him his Principal was very impatient for the immediate conclusion of the pro- posed Treaty ; and as her Agent, (the Colonel,) perfectly agreed with him in disliking epistolary Ne- gociations, he should have much pleasure in making a journey to the North to arrange the Preliminaries ADELAIDE. 301 in person." — " He concludes by observing," con- tinued the Baronet, u that he has always been taught to respect the good old Proverb which says ' that despatch is the life of business,' — he therefore hopes to reach Fauconberg Manor very soon after the arri- val of his Letter." Adelaide had never quite expected he would come, and in spite of her endeavours to maintain an ap- pearance of composure, the pleasure her Father's intelligence had given her, beamed brightly in her countenance. — Lady Fauconberg's first impulse, on hearing of his approach, was a feeling of extreme vexation, — but as an instant's reflection convinced her that the prospect of his L'nion with her Daughter had now become inevitable, she thought the wisest thing she could do, would be to resign herself quietly to her fate, and make up her mind to receive her future Son-in-Law with the best grace possible. — To Sir George, the expectation of seeing Colonel Algernon again under his own roof, was a subject of sincere satisfaction. He was perfectly convinced that he had condemned him erroneously, and he was impatient to 302 ADELAIDE. have it in his power to make him reparation for the injustice he had done him. Henry was as good as his word. The very evening of the day on which his Letter was received by the Baronet, a carriage was heard to drive up to the door, and an instant afterwards Colonel Algernon was an- nounced. — Sir George greeted him with the kindest and most cordial welcome, and even Lady Faucon- berg condescended to smile upon him, — but so great was his anxiety to ascertain what sort of reception he was to meet with from their Daughter, that he scarce- ly noticed any thing else. Adelaide changed colour when he entered, and looked much embarrassed, but there was an expression of pleasure in her counte- nance ; and her manner was perfectly free from that air of coldness and restraint which had so painfully marked it when he had seen her in London. — He hoped that he had reason to be satisfied, but both he and Miss Fauconberg felt a kind of awkwardness that was very uncomfortable. Henry was far from wish- ing this to be apparent to his Host and Hostess. — A Person who has just concluded a long journey, can ADELAIDE. 303 always find subjects to dilate upon, in the roads, the weather, and the country he has passed through ; — And making the most of these upon the present occasion, our Hero did not allow the conversation to languish. As Sir George had discovered that Colonel Alger- non had travelled night and day, he kindly hinted that breakfast need not be ordered quite so early as usual the following morning; Yet when Adelaide came down stairs, she found the Colonel already standing in the Hall, and apparently waiting as if he wished to obtain an opportunity of speaking to her. " Miss Fauconberg," said he, when their first greeting was over, " I am extremely desirous to have a few moment's conversation with you. I trust you will believe I am perfectly sincere when I tell you that I should never have ventured to intrude myself here, unless I had expressly understood from Sir George, that my presence would no longer prove unwelcome to You" And as Adelaide was silent, he continued, — " If I have been so unhappy as to misinterpret the meaning of your Father's Letter, I must request you 304 ADELAIDE. now to undeceive me, — for even certainty of the most dreadful disappointment would be preferable to the suspense I at this moment endure. — All the necessary arrangements relating to my business with Sir George, can I imagine be completed in one day, and by to- morrow morning I may be ready to depart and carry an account of my Stewardship to Mrs. Algernon." a And do you really think me so heartless," said Adelaide, much affected, — " As to suppose I would send you such a Message as my Father gave you, merely out of empty compliment, or what would have been far worse — for the purpose of sporting with your feelings ?" " Oh no, no !" exclaimed Henry, " to imagine You capable of any unworthy motive was impossi- ble : but I will confess that I have been presumptuous enough to dare to flatter myself that it is not quite improbable the promise you once informed me of, may before this time have been cancelled." " It is certainly true," replied Miss Fauconberg, blushing very deeply, " that a considerable alteration has taken place in many circumstances since I saw ADELAIDE. 305 you last. But spare me, I beseech you, any further allusions to that painful and distressing interview. I have too much reason to wish that we could both forget it." u There can be no wish of yours that I will obey more readily," answered Colonel Algernon. " May I venture to believe that you have thus given me your permission to open my mind to your Father? — to speak to him in short of the real object of my Jour- ney, for of course you never supposed I came here for the purpose of arranging a transfer of property which would have been much more easily and ably settled by Mrs. Algernon's Steward." " I will not pretend to misunderstand you," replied Adelaide in a low, tremulous voice, — " And having said thus much, — the course you suggest is exactly the one I should have myself desired you to pursue. Indeed after all that has passed, I should not feel I was justified in listening to another word until I had received my Father's sanction to do so." The sound of Sir George's voice upon the stair, put a sudden conclusion to a tete a tete which had been carried on long enough to relieve the parties con- cerned from the mutual uneasiness they had enter- u 306 ADELAIDE. tained respecting each other's present feelings and intentions. — Lady Fauconberg did not make her ap- pearance for some time after the Baronet, and it must be owned that her Guest looked forward to her arri- val with very little impatience. Colonel Algernon was in that enviable frame of mind which seemed to communicate its happy influence to every thing he said and did, and enabled him to render himself pecu- liarly agreable. Adelaide soon got the better of her agitation, and being encouraged by her Father, and no longer fear- ing any opposition from her Mother, she began by degrees to regain her natural gaiety and unaffected ease of manner. In short, the conversation was alto- gether so amusing, and was supported with so much animation, that the breakfast was extended to a very unusual period. At length Sir George looked at his Watch, and rising at the same moment from his chair, — observed to Colonel Algernon ' that as they had agreed to devote the morning to business, he was afraid he must be ungallant enough to propose that they should take leave of the Ladies for the present.' The Colonel instantly obeyed his summons. ADELAIDE. 307 When they retired, Lady Fauconberg told her Daughter ' she had so many Letters to write that she must abandon her to her own reflections,' adding-, with a smile, t that she trusted they would prove agre- able ones.' And in this kind expectation, it may not perhaps be presuming too much to believe that her Ladyship was not very likely to be disappointed. The conference between the two Gentlemen lasted several hours, and they had been informed that Lun- cheon had been announced, long before they were ready to partake of it. When they did at length re- enter the Dining Room, Lady Fauconberg imme- diately read in the peculiar expression of Sir George's countenance, and the happy importance of his man- ner, that the dreaded explanation had actually taken place; and the first glance of Colonel Algernon's bright eye, as plainly told Adelaide that the confir- mation of his future happiness, was now dependent upon herself alone. The beginning of Sir George's interview with his Guest, had indeed related entirely to the Commission with which the latter had been charged by Mi's. Al- gernon, and it was not until every thing relating to 308 ADELAIDE. this, had been satisfactorily concluded, that he ven- tured to introduce the subject which was so much more vitally interesting to himself. In reference to the Estate, he said, ' that he was almost ashamed to mention the price that was demanded by his Relation, but as he understood that the same sum had been offered to her for it by Sir William Shirley, it had not been possible for him to suggest to her that he thought k an unreasonable one.' " To be sure it was not," replied Sir George, " as it is a very desirable object to me, I must expect to purchase it rather dearly, and I feel very much obliged to You for your kindness in having enabled me to do so upon any terms." Henry did not tell the Baronet how much difficulty he had had in obtaining for him such a permission. Colonel Algernon's affectionate attention to Lord Altamont during his dangerous illness, had of course much endeared him to his Grandfather, and ever since that period Mrs. Algernon's fond partiality for her Son had led her to feel a jealousy of her Nephew's visibly encreasing influence with the old Peer. She could not bear to think that he should love him better ADELAIDE. 309 than his former Favorite, Horace. She was painfully- aware that any comparison he might draw between the conduct of the two young men towards himself, must be greatly to Henry's advantage. — And she could not help fearing that Lord Altamont might now be inclined to leave him a considerable portion of that disposable property which she had hitherto con- sidered as her Son's undoubted and rightful inheri- tance. She did not attempt to conceal her jealousy from her Nephew himself, who affected not to per- ceive it, while he was really grieved at the unkind- ness that prompted her to take every opportunity of endeavouring to vex and thwart him about trifles. When he heard of her intention to sell her Estate, and asked her as a personal favour, to permit him to offer it to a particular Friend of his own who was very desirous to possess it, — She positively refused to oblige him, though she had not then received Sir William Shirley's Overture. Henry had at the mo- ment no hope that any communication from him could effect an alteration in his situation with respect to Adelaide ; but he was anxious to prove his esteem and gratitude towards Sir George, — and undaunted by 310 ADELAIDE. this first repulse, he followed up his petition to Mrs. Algernon so ably and so earnestly, that at length he succeeded in gaining his point. He suspected that she had taxed her compliance by making a most ex- orbitant demand upon his Friend's purse, — but against this imposition there was no appeal. — Per- haps Mrs. Algernon would have closed at once with Sir William Shirley's offer, whatever it was; had she not been afraid of disobliging Lord Altamont who had powerfully seconded Henry's wishes. Her Fa- ther-in-Law always treated her with the greatest kindness and consideration, but he had not failed to remark her growing dislike to Henry ; he made some allowance for her, as he was well aware of the cause that occasioned it, but he was determined to support his Grandson against her injustice. To return from this digression. — The Party at Luncheon at Fauconberg were more silent and em- barrassed than they had been at breakfast; Sir George indeed seemed very well inclined to talk, but he was but feebly supported by his Companions. At length he told Adelaide ' that it had been his intention in the morning to invite her to accompany ADELAIDE. 311 Colonel Algernon and himself in a ride, but as he now found he had many things to talk over with her Mo- ther, he had given up that plan; the Colonel,' he said, i had been kind enough to excuse him, and as he appeared to have no wish to go out on horseback alone, he must depute Her to endeavour to amuse him until they all met again.' He suggested that he might perhaps be prevailed upon to take a walk; and he recommended her to show him her Garden, or whatever else she might think best worth seeing. Henry seemed perfectly well satisfied with this arrangement, and Miss Fauconberg, like a dutiful Daughter, went up stairs to put on her shawl and bonnet. It is needless to relate minutely the conversation that took place between Colonel Algernon and Ade- laide during their walk. Such scenes, though deeply interesting to the Parties themselves, are generally much less so to every body else ; and as they always lose considerably by being repeated, it is far better to leave them, (after a short sketch,) to be filled up by the imagination. Suffice it therefore to say, that a most satisfactory explanation was entered into be- 312 ADELAIDE. tween our Hero and Heroine, — They talked over all their feelings, their hopes and fears from the first hour they were introduced to each other, — They re- joiced to find that their attachment was now sanc- tioned by every one who had any right to control their choice, — And they exchanged vows of mutual constancy which they hoped soon to ratify at the Altar. When they returned to the House, they found Sir George and Lady Fauconberg walking up and down before the windows to await them, and the affecting Benediction bestowed upon her by her Father, and the cordial kindness of the reception given to her by her Mother, put the finishing touch to Adelaide's happiness. ND OF THE FIRST VOLUME.