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 L I E> R.AR.Y 
 
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 MELCOMBE LODGE; 
 
 OR, 
 
 Traits of Family Pride! 
 
 IN FOUR VOLUiMES. 
 
 BY A LADY. 
 
 *• The nightingale may claim the topmost bough, 
 *' Whilst the poor grasshopper must chirp below ; 
 '• Like him, uanctic'd, I, and such as I, 
 *' Spread little \viiigs, and rather skip than fly.'' 
 
 VOL, I. 
 
 LYNN ; 
 
 Printed by and for TV, Whittinghamt 
 
 AND PUBLISHED BY BALDWIN, CRADOCK> 
 
 AND JOY, LONDON, 
 
 1819.
 
 Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2009 with funding from 
 
 University of Ulinois Urbana-Champaign 
 
 http://www.archive"brg/details/melcombelodgeort01lynn
 
 8£5 
 
 Melcombe Lodge. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Mr, De Clain'ille, by the death of his 
 
 -^parents, had become at an early age the 
 
 possessor of Melcombe Lodge, a noble 
 
 mansion, situated on a fine estate in one of 
 
 ^western counties of England. To this 
 
 'beautiful retreat he had^ a few years after 
 
 he became its master, introduced as his 
 
 :.Vife an amiable and accomplished vvoman^ 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 4 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 the sister of his intimate friend, who, soon 
 becoming equally attached with himself to 
 the shades of Melcombe^ could seldom be 
 prevailed upon to quit them, even for the 
 pleasures and gaieties of a London spring. 
 
 Mrs. De Clairville equally venerated and 
 loved her husband, and his wishes were ever 
 considered by her a law; in all his benevo- 
 lent plans for the happiness and welfare of 
 their poorer neighbours she warmly parti- 
 cipated, and was with him equally adored 
 by their dependants, who next to heaven 
 ever considered this worthy pair as their 
 best friends. 
 
 Edward, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. 
 De Clairville, was the darling of his parents, 
 and from his earliest infancy had^given nei- 
 ther a moments uneasiness. To an under- 
 standing of the first order, he united a 
 sweetness of temper seldom equalled. In 
 personal attractions he was excelled by few,.
 
 UELCOMBE LODGE. 5 
 
 as to the fine form of his father was added 
 the superior beauty of his mother^ who 
 scarcely past the prime of Hfe, was still a 
 very lovely woman. His sisters were look- 
 ing forward w ith delight to the next vaca- 
 tion^ at the end of which, Edward was to 
 take his degree and final leave of Cam- 
 bridge. They congratulated themselves, 
 that this beloved brother would have no 
 further occasion to pore, so many hours 
 in the day, over the enormous folios of 
 greek and latin he had been accustomed 
 to do in his occasional returns home : He 
 would now have leisure to attend them ia 
 their walks, or rides ; their sedentary pur- 
 suits he would also enliven: his books would 
 make their working or painting hours pass 
 swiftly, and in short in every employment 
 or recreation, Edward was a prominent 
 figure. 
 
 Matilda the eldest daughter, two years
 
 6 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 her brother's senior, had been married 
 some years, and was at this time the mo- 
 ther of a fine boy in his fourth year. Har- 
 riet two years younger than Edward, El- 
 len and Sophia twins, with a younger 
 ion still at school, were the other members 
 of the De Clairville family. 
 
 Sir Charles Rushbrook, Mrs. DeClair- 
 ville's elder brother, who resided generally 
 on his estate in Hampshire, was a widower. 
 
 He had lost his wife in giving birth to a 
 daughter; since her death he had vacated 
 his seat in Parliment, and now seldom vi- 
 sited the Metropolis, finding his chief hap- 
 piness in the society of his darling Emily 
 whose education he had carefully superin- 
 tended. 
 
 Sir Charles had engaged for the gover- 
 ness of his daughter, an accomplished wo- 
 man, who did not rest satisfied with giving
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 7 
 
 her pupil an outward polish^ but sedulously 
 cultivated her understanding', and instilled 
 her own excellent principles into the mind 
 of her young charge, 
 
 Mrs. Sedley was pious without enthu- 
 siasm, cheerful without levity, and 
 learned without pedontry. In iine, 
 she was all that could be wished for, 
 as the preceptress of a young female, 
 left like poor Emily, without a mother's 
 eye to watch over her. 
 
 The younger brother of Mrs. De Clair- 
 vilie, a Post Captain in the Navy, had been 
 so much engaged by his profession, that 
 several years had elapsed since he had seen 
 his sister or Sir Charles. But as it was 
 then hoped peace would soon be happily 
 established, it was his intention to visit them 
 RS soon as possible. 
 
 bS
 
 8 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Captain Rushbrook was a bachelor in 
 his fiftieth year, with health and spirits 
 unimpaired, and with all that warmth of 
 heart so generally met with in sailors. 
 
 His nephews and nieces, recollecting his 
 good humoured indulgence of all their 
 little whims when children, looked for- 
 ward with pleasure to the time of his com- 
 ing amongst them. 
 
 Sophia had been his greatest favourite ; 
 for wild and frolicksome as a young fawn^ 
 she was never happier than when she could 
 entice her uncle into a game of romps; sel- 
 dom, had she found much difficulty in doing 
 this; and he had often been heard to ex- 
 press a wish that she had been a boy, as in 
 that case, he might have taken her to sea 
 with him. 
 
 Ellen was a perfect contrast to her twin 
 sister. Of a serious turn from childhood, she
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 9 
 
 seldom joined in her sports. She was passi- 
 onately fond of music^ and had not Mrs. 
 De Clairville been firm with her^, would 
 have devoted her whole time to the harp or 
 or piano. Her voice was naturally fine, and 
 had been highly cultivated during the an- 
 nual visits to London, which Mr. and Mrs. 
 De Clairville made^ solely for the benefit of 
 their daughters. 
 
 Sophia was fond of music; but she had not 
 the application of her sister, and conse- 
 quently made less proficiency in the sci- 
 ence; but in the use of her pencil, Harriet 
 and herself surpassed Ellen; and great part 
 of their mornings was dedicated to per- 
 fecting themselves in that delightful art.
 
 10 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 CHAP. 11. 
 
 As the family were assembled one morn- 
 ing at breakfast, the old butler entered and 
 delivered a letter to his master. Mr. De 
 Clairviile glancing his eyes over the direc- 
 tion, said, ''From Sir Charles I perceive." 
 
 ''From my uncle!" cried Harriet, "I hope 
 then to hear he lias fixed the time for visi- 
 ting Melcombe; do pray Papa, allow us to 
 be made acquainted with the contents of 
 his letter/' 
 
 *^'Not before Tuesday fortnight ! she ex-
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. il 
 
 claimed^ on finding that was the day named 
 by Sir Charles for commencing' his journey. 
 Oh! I had hoped Emily would have been 
 with us in time, to have accompanied us to 
 the Warburfons. Charlotte^ yesterday in 
 her note to Sophia, said she had persuad- 
 ed her father to give a ball whilst we were 
 at Ash more ; and as they expected their 
 house to be filled next week, she trusted 
 we should be very gay the whole time of 
 our visit. * 
 
 '1 think then my love/' said Mr. De 
 Clairville^ addressing his wife/' vvc had 
 better hint that to Emily/' 
 
 ''May not I write to my uncle ?" enquir- 
 ed Harriet^ '1 think I can find arguments 
 sufficient to convince him he is in duty 
 bound to allow nothing to prevent his set- 
 ing off from Woodley^ next monday at far- 
 ihest/' 
 
 ''One would suppose/' laid Ellen smil-
 
 IS MELCOMBK LODGE. 
 
 ing/' it was Sophia who pleads thus ear- 
 nestly, were they to witness the interest 
 Harriet takes in a ball." 
 
 ''You, I am aware, my clear Ellen,'* 
 laughingly returned her sister,'' feel not 
 the least interested on the occasion." 
 
 Ellen colouring highly, was silent. 
 
 ''And pray my dear Ellen," enquired 
 Sophia," is there any very great harm in 
 liking balls ?" 
 
 ^'No indeed," returned her sister, "and 
 to convince you, my dear Sophia, 1 have no 
 serious objections to them, 1 will dance the 
 whole evening at the one we expect at Ash- 
 more." 
 
 "Too great a love of dissipation will not 
 be encouraged in you, my dear girls," 
 said their father^ "by either your mother
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. IS 
 
 or m3'Se]f. An immoderate love of pleasure^ 
 is highly to be deprecated, as it enervates 
 the mind, and renders it unfit for any thing 
 beyond the amusement of the hour. Duties^ 
 which if neglected we shall be accounta- 
 ble for hereafter, are forgotten, or thought 
 upon with indifference by those, whose 
 whole attention is devoted to a life of plea- 
 sure. You have heard Matilda's account 
 of the family she visited last year^ whose 
 ty happiness consisted in planning 
 schemes of future gratification ; slill hop- 
 ing the next day's amusement would an- 
 swer better than the present, in which they 
 were enoraored. To kill time, those seekers 
 of diversion will play blind-man's buff, hunt 
 the slipper, and in short, any thing to pre- 
 vent ennui, their almost constant compa- 
 nion, from hunting them. 
 
 We are far from averse to innocent re- 
 creations for young people, and you are 
 aware my dear children, your mother and
 
 14 MELCOMBE LOIXIE. 
 
 myself have encouraged thcni^ rather than 
 otherwise; and whilst you continue to par- 
 take of them with the moderation you have 
 hitherto done^ thcj will be of benefit in 
 relaxing your minds from more serious avo- 
 cationSj and by giving you a greater zest in 
 returning to them again. But Harriet, 
 my love '^'^continued Mr. De Clairville/' 
 you vvished to write to your uncle. Your 
 mother tells me she intends calling at De- 
 lamere Abbey this morning ; one of your 
 sisters will oi course accompany her/' 
 
 Ellen requested to be Mrs. De Clairville's 
 campanion ; and Sophia readily accepting 
 her fathers invitation to ride with him^ 
 Harriet was left at liberty to compose her 
 letter of convincing arguments to her uncle. 
 
 Mrs. Do Clairvilie and her daughter 
 were received with great pohtenees and
 
 .AIEf.CG':viJiL: LODGE. 15 
 
 apparent cordiality, by i^e ladies at tlie 
 Abbej. Mf .^ Fitzarthur had never been 
 able to prevail on his wife to accompany 
 him to this his favourite seat^ since the 
 first year of their marriage. His visits io 
 it had been therefore veryshoit; scarcely 
 extending to a week : and he was now in- 
 debted to a nobleman^ whom Mrs. Fitz- 
 arthur had determined one of her danah- 
 ters" should captivate/ for inducing her 
 to leave London at this time. She had heard 
 Lord Deresford was going to spend the 
 Christmas at his seat within a few miles of 
 the Abbey ; and the wary matron imme- 
 diately proposed to her husband passing 
 the holidays in the west of England, 
 
 The Miss Fitzarthurs were showy young- 
 women, who had been accustomed to move^ 
 in what is called the first circle of the 
 Town. 
 
 Ellen was desirous of appearing to the 
 best advantage before her. Their draw-
 
 16 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 ings were exMbiled for her admiration ; 
 the newest publications put into her hands, 
 and the most fasliionable music olVered as 
 a loan^ which was gratefully accepted. 
 
 Mrs. Fitzarthur desired them to let 
 Miss De Glairviile hear their harp, and 
 called on her youngest daughter for an ad- 
 mired Italian air. Ellen was pleased with 
 the ready assent the young lady sang ;^and 
 and resolved to make an effort to conquer 
 her own reluctance, the next time herg 
 made a similar request in company. 
 
 When Miss Louisa Fitzarthur had con- 
 cluded her song, Ellen thanked her in 
 the most animated manner for the gratifi- 
 cation she had received ; and soon after 
 Mrs. De Clairivlle was rising to end her 
 visit, when aloud ringing at the hall bell 
 made the Miss Fitzarthurs fly to a window^ 
 wondering, as they had not heard a car- 
 riage, who it possibly could be.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE- 17 
 
 Before their present visitors could make 
 their parting cong-ees. Lord Deresford 
 was announced. Mrs. Fitzarthur was in 
 extasies at seeing him, and forgetting at 
 the moment, Mrs. De Clairville and El- 
 len were in the room, was giving her un- 
 divided attention to his Lordship, when 
 the entrance of Mr. Fitzarthur, who im- 
 mediately addressed the ladies^ recalled 
 them to her recollection, and perceivng 
 Mrs De Clairville about to depart, she 
 smilingly enquired if she were going so 
 soon, and entreated she would allow Mr. 
 Fitzarthur to order the carriage from the 
 door. 
 
 Mrs. De Clairville excused herself, as it 
 was already later than she had been aware 
 of. 'Indeed/' she continued with a smile^ 
 "1 fear I have now exceeded all bounds iti 
 the length of my visit, which must be my 
 apology to Mr. Fitzarthur for running 
 away the moment he appears.
 
 IS MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Then taking leave of her fashionable hos- 
 tess, she v/as with her daughter conducted 
 to her carriage by Mr. Fitzarthur, who 
 expressed his concern at having been from 
 home when Mr. De Clairville had doiie 
 him the honor of calling upon him^ and 
 thathehdd notarrived sooner this morning; 
 but as he intended immediately to return 
 Mr. De Clairville's visit, he hoped to be 
 more fortunate at Melcombe. 
 
 Mrs. De Clairville, after assuring hini 
 they should all be happy to see him there, 
 was tisisted by him into the Barouche, and 
 Ellen quickly following they drove from 
 the door. 
 
 Ellen, on reaching home, amused her 
 father and sister not a little,, by relating 
 how entirely her mother and herself had 
 been forgotten, after Lord Deresford en- 
 tered. 
 
 ^^What sort of a man is his lordship.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 19 
 
 my dear Ellen ?" enquired Sophia. 'Is 
 he as handsome as Matilda's husband ?" 
 ^'He certainly has much the appearance 
 of a gentleman'* returned her sister; ''but 
 I must leave you to decide whether he is 
 handsome or the contrary, as I really saw 
 too little of him to hazard my opinion." 
 
 ^'1 heard from his steward that Lord De- 
 resford/ was arrived,," said I^Ir. De Clair- 
 ville, ''and am under some apprension he 
 is looking about to see what timber he can 
 level." 
 
 ^^Surely" cried Harriet, ^'hedoes not 
 intend cutting down those beautiful old oaks 
 which are such an ornament to his park. 
 It would be sacrilege ! How often have 
 we admired them, and endeavoured to con- 
 jecture how many years they had stood 
 there.,, 
 
 "That majestic tree," said Sophia, '*that
 
 so MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 rears its head so high and-spreads its armi 
 so wide, in the middle of the park, has al- 
 ways brought to my/ecollection what Cow- 
 per describes his Yardly Oak once to hav« 
 been, 
 
 "King of the woods, whose spreading boughs 
 **Oe'r hungthe Champain, and the numerous flock 
 *'l'hat graz'd if, stood beneath that ample scope 
 **Uncroudedj yet safe sheltered from the storm %'* 
 
 ''Suppose Sophia/' said Harriet laugh- 
 ing, ''we unite in a petition to his lordship, 
 to spare that tree, at least." 
 
 "An admirable thought/' returned her 
 sister; "and we will get the Warburtonsto 
 sign it also." 
 
 "Do so/' continued Mrs. De Clairville 
 in the same sportive tone, "and 1 will be 
 the bearer of it, when 1 pay my respects at 
 the Priory." 
 
 A
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 2i 
 
 CHAP III. 
 
 About six miles from Melcombe^ resided 
 a family with whom the De Clairvilles were 
 in the habits of intimacy. Mr. Warburton 
 had been many years a partner in a large 
 Banking house ; bat within the last four, 
 having withdrawn his name from the Firm, 
 and substituted his son's in its place, he had 
 resided entirely at Ash more, which was the 
 name of the beautiful seat he had purchased. 
 
 His family consisted of a wife and four 
 children. The eldest son, the young ban- 
 ker, had an establishment of his own in 
 Town. Charles, the second son, was in- 
 tended for the church, and generally resid-
 
 22 MELCOMliE LODGE. 
 
 ed with his family. Between this youn^ 
 man and Edward De Ciairville, an intima- 
 cy had been formed^ which promised to 
 ripen into a firm friendship. Youngs 
 Warburton had not the advantages of per- 
 son his friend possessed; but what his 
 features lost in beauty w^as amply made up 
 in expression. He was two years Edward's 
 senior at Cambridge^ and the latter was at 
 this time^ ardently hoping to obtain the 
 same high honor his friend had reached 
 before him. 
 
 Eliza Warburton was rather pretty, and 
 had she been less affected would have been 
 a very agreeable girl. Unfortunately, her 
 parents had suffered her to be brought up 
 by her Grandmother, by whom she was 
 almost idolized; and when the old lady died 
 and Eliza returned home, her mother with 
 grief saw it was too late to eradicate a fail- 
 ing which had grown up with her, and was 
 now become a second nature. She sun^
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 23 
 
 tolerably^ and was on the whole as accom- 
 plished as any fashionable mothei' of the 
 present day would require a daughter to be. 
 
 ' Eliza had persuaded her father to pur- 
 chase a pedal harp for her ; fully convinced 
 her figure would appear to as great an ad- 
 vantagCj as the fine form of Ellen at her fa- 
 vorite instrument; upon which she made 
 no doubt she should soon rivals if not excel 
 her. This, Charles would not have allowed 
 possible, as in his eyes. Ellen could be ex- 
 ceiled by no one. 
 
 Charlotte, the second daughter, was 
 Charleses favourite sister; she was some 
 years younger than himself, and he had 
 taken the greatest pleasuse in assisting to 
 cultivate her naturally fine understanding. 
 She was all life and spirits; and at times 
 required a gentle hand to check the wild 
 exuberance of the latter. The .eipeclcd 
 visit of her friends from Melcombe, gave
 
 24 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 her the greatest dehght; and her light heart 
 danced when she looked forward to the time 
 which was now drawing near. 
 
 Charles would have been better pleased 
 had the De Clairville family alone been 
 their guests. Charlotte on the contrary 
 was rejoicing she should be able to make 
 their visit so pleasant, which a large party 
 in the house at that season of the year, 
 seemed to promise. 
 
 Eliza intending and fully expecting to 
 appear to advantage in the eyes of all. was 
 from morning to night, practising attitudes 
 for her harp. 
 
 Her mother now giving up every hope of 
 seing her lose the ridiculous affectation 
 she so much lamented, left her to herself, 
 whilst she deeply regretted her error in 
 having been persuaded to rehnguish her 
 child during those years she most wanted a 
 mother's eye.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 95 
 
 CHAP. IV, 
 
 It was now the middle of January; the 
 weather had been remarkably mild for the 
 season ; but a frost had just set in^ which 
 promised to continue some time. 
 
 On the morning of the day Sir Charles 
 and his daughter were expected at Mel- 
 combe, Harriet and Sophia tempted by a 
 bright sun, sallied out escorted by their 
 younger brother, now at home for the holi- 
 days. They were scarcely without the park 
 when a gentleman attended by his servant^ 
 passed them on horseback,
 
 S6 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Sophia after expressing her wonder who 
 it could be^ said, ''He is certainly very 
 handsome^, and as our country cannot boast 
 of the beauty of the male sex, he must be a 
 stranger here." 
 
 "Possibly/* returned Harriet laughing, 
 ''like another Apollo, he has dropped from 
 the clouds/* 
 
 ^^Wherever he came from," remarked 
 George, ^'whether from the heavens or the 
 antipodes, he is the finest fellow I have seen 
 for some time: and 1 do not think Harriet^ 
 even Alfred Howard can excel him in that 
 point." 
 
 •'I am no judge," said his sister blushing; 
 ''but I observed the gentleman you are 
 both so much struck withy appeared no less 
 so with you, and 1 almost fancied he knew 
 
 VLS."
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 27 
 
 *'At any rate" returned her brother, ''he 
 \y\\\, when he meets us again. But who he 
 is, we are not likely long to be ignorant 
 as he entered through the Lodge gate into 
 the park. I have a great inclination/' he 
 continued, ''to run after him, and enquire 
 his name, as I should like to know who the 
 handsome chap is: and then, Sophia, I can 
 also inform him, you have tumbled in love 
 with him." 
 
 •'No no,*' returned Sophia, laughing; "I 
 beg you will do no such thing. It is a de- 
 lighfful morning for a walk, and we must 
 keep you to direct our course: where shall 
 we bend our steps?" 
 
 ''If you will be guided by me/' he repli- 
 ed, forget Ling the stranger in the gratifica- 
 tion he feit at being thought of so much 
 consequence, "I will take you a nice round, 
 if you do not dislike stiles/' 
 
 TOL, I. c
 
 2S melcombl: lodge. 
 
 '^We are, I think, too much accustomed 
 to them/' said Sophia smiling, '^'to make 
 them any objection to the walk you intend 
 taking us, my dear George : mo, quick 
 march." 
 
 ^*My reason for the enquiry," he rejoined, 
 '*^wasthe fear you should meet with the same* 
 accident in crossing them, I saw two young 
 ladies not long since do, with whom I was 
 walking a few mornings before 1 left Eaton. 
 They, 1 verily believe, will henceforward 
 have as great an antipathy to tlie sight of 
 one^ as Charlotte Warburton has to a tur- 
 key cock.. 
 
 His sisters requesting to learn the nature 
 of the accident, he told them that his friend 
 Chambers and himself, knowing the Miss 
 Charleburgs dresses never consisted of more, 
 than one breadth and a half, determined to 
 take them a road where they would have at 
 least half a score stiles to cross.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 29 
 
 "That was not like you, my dear brother^ 
 to distress females so/* said Harriet. 
 
 ''I meant it all for their good/' he an- 
 iwered laughing. 
 
 "And did they escape any fracture?'* 
 
 '*^No, indeed. The elder sister, in mak- 
 ing the first attempt to mount one, tore her 
 gown from the bottom to the top. I then 
 told her, if she would make her dresses a 
 little wider, ihe might at any time cross a 
 itile without fear. But we are now ap- 
 proaching one ; if you arc under any appre- 
 hension of the same accident happening ie 
 you, I would not advise your attempting 
 this/' 
 
 ''Fortunately we have no fears of that 
 kind to prevent us, said Sophia laughing^, 
 as she lightly jumped over it. "^But where 
 are you taking us? IVJuch farther than you 
 were aware of^ I suspect/'^ 
 c2
 
 ^0 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 "Do not be alarmed/' he cried; "you 
 will be in time I promise you, to arrange 
 your dress before dinner, even should that 
 fine fellow make one at table." 
 
 m 
 
 But George had certainly miscalculated, 
 as on consulting their watches, they found 
 they must walk very fast, to be back by the 
 dinner hour. 
 
 On arriving at the Lodge, the sisteri 
 were hurrying to their apartments when 
 they were met by Ellen, who was then leav- 
 ing her own : but anxious to know what 
 had detained them so long, she returned to 
 it again with Sophia, when observing her 
 almost exhausted with walking so much be- 
 yond her usual pace, she desired her not to 
 attempt conversing till she had a little more 
 recovered her breath, and offered, as Mar- 
 garet was engaged with Harriet, to supply 
 her place at her <oilet. This being soon 
 completed, Ellen acquainted her lister with
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 31 
 
 the information she had received from Mar- 
 f^arct, that a gentleman had arrived on 
 horseback, attended by a servant^ and was 
 still in the house ; but the girl had made 
 such a strange name of it^ she could not 
 learn who it really was^ except that he was 
 a Lord somebody. 
 
 Sophia conjectured it was the handsome 
 stranger they had met on the outside of the 
 park: but she had not time to inform Ellen 
 of the circumstance^ as they were at that 
 moment joined by their elder sister, and 
 finding it very late^ they hastened down, 
 In the hall they were met by George, who 
 merely detaining them to enquire how they 
 felt themselves after their run, opened the 
 doorof the drawing room for them, when 
 the first object that met their view, was the 
 fine form of the stranoer, reflected in a' 
 large pier glass opposite, conversing with 
 Mr. and Mrs. de Clairville at the upper 
 end of the apartment*
 
 .^2 MELCOxMBE LODGE- 
 
 ^'The Apollo, by heaven V* whispered 
 George to Sophia, "But don't blush so 
 much, or he will really believe that in verity 
 and truth you have fallen in love at first 
 
 sight.'* 
 
 Mr. de Clairville introduced his guest to 
 his family, as Lord d'Arcy, , the intimate 
 friend of their brother Howard. 
 
 George^ after expressing; the pleasure this 
 introduction gave him, regretted his not 
 having known his Lordship, whenhepas^ed 
 them in the morning: and Lord d'Arcy ac- 
 knowledged the idea had occurred to him 
 the next moment, that his sisters and himself 
 were certainly members of the De Clairville 
 family. "But/* he continued, ''as I was 
 debating whether or not I should introduce 
 myself to you, the opportunity was lost, bj 
 your being' already out of sight.'' 
 
 Dinner was announced, and as they were
 
 MELCOMBE LODGK. S3 
 
 seating^ themselves at table, Mrs De Clair- 
 ville enquired of her daughters^ what had 
 detained tliem so much beyond their usual 
 hour, 
 
 George took upon himself to apologize 
 for his sisters ; saying, he had taken them a 
 longer rounds than they were aware of. 
 '^But as I have their forgiveness/' he con- 
 tinued, ''I hope you will not withhold yours, 
 my dear mother: especially as you perceive 
 they do not look the worse for their run: 
 for run we did ; aye, and fast too, or we 
 should certainly have lost our dinner." 
 
 ''I am happy 1 was not of your party to 
 day, if this was the case,'* said Ellen ; *^'as 
 to have been in time, you must either have 
 carried, or left me behind you/' 
 
 *^'The latter we certainly would not hare 
 done,'' returned her brother, ^'^yet 1 confess 
 1 am not sorry you did not accompany us
 
 54 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 But my dear Ellen, may I enquire how you I 
 employed the time of our absence ?'' 
 
 '^In doing little or nothing," she replied: 
 ''as I merely attempted to copy a drawings 
 of Harriet's." 
 
 *^'Waste not your time in copying, I be- 
 seech you,'' he rejoined ; ''If you want 
 subject for an original picture, allow me to 
 recommend one to you. What think you 
 of Apollo lalling from heaven ?" and as he 
 spoke be looked archly towards Sophia. 
 
 '' How came you to fix on that subject ?" 
 enqufred Ellen. 
 
 Sophia will solve the question to your 
 satisfaction" he returned. 
 
 But Sophia colouring highly, assured 
 her sistf^r, she was as much in the dark as 
 h.erself.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. ST) 
 
 ''1 suspect there was more in that speech 
 than met the ear," said Lord d'Arcy, smil- 
 ing to George; for he had remarked the 
 arch glance the latter had directed towards 
 Sophia. Sophia^ fearing he had observed 
 her confusion^ and had partly guessed 
 what had occasioned it^ now said, ^'The 
 first has, 1 fancy, acted like a bracer on 
 George's spirits; aa he has been wilder to 
 day then I have seen him for some time." 
 
 ^In part you are right, my dear Sophia" 
 he returned. 1 am not sorry to find it has 
 set in; and hope it will continue with us at 
 least a month.'' 
 
 "You arefond of skaiting, I presume?'' 
 said Lord d'Arcy, smiling at his earnestness. 
 
 "I love it better then any other amuse- 
 ment,'* he replied, 
 
 "You forgot shooting, George," said 
 his father.
 
 36 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 *^^And fishing/* said Harriet. 
 
 ^^And riding, walking, and dancing you 
 may add/' said Mr. De Clairville smiling: 
 '^for as they each return in season, George 
 profess-es to like each best/" 
 
 ^Mf skaiting is the ruling passion at 
 present/* said Lord d'Arcy, ''allow me to 
 send you a pair of skaits 1 have with me, 
 made on an entirely new plan. 1 am my- 
 self extremely partial to the exercise, and 
 whilst 1 am at the Priory, shall hope for 
 many opportunities to try our skill in it/' 
 
 ''You have an excellent piece of ice 
 there/' observed George after Xhanking 
 hisLordship. ''1 skaited on it last winter, 
 arid thought 1 never was on better." 
 
 '' If you will accompany me on my re- 
 turn thither/' said d'Arcy, we will have a 
 trial of it to morrow. 1 can ensure you a 
 cordial welcome from my cousins."
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 37 
 
 George^ looking much delighted at thii 
 invitation^ thanked him with great anima- 
 tion; and his father, happy he should acquire 
 such a friend as his present guest^ readily 
 gave his sanction to the plan. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy was prevailed upon ix> con- 
 tinue at Melcombe till the next morning; 
 and George delighted with his new acquaint' 
 ance^ told his sisters when he joined them 
 in the drawing room, he thought him quite 
 equal to his brother Howard. 
 
 Upon the removal of the tea-equipage. 
 Lord d'Arcy seeing a harp in the room, re- 
 quested to be allowed the indulgence of 
 hearing it. Mrs. De Clairville smiling, en- 
 quired of Ellen if she could summon suffici- 
 ent courage to oblige his Lordship. 
 
 Ellen remembered Miss Louisa Fitzar- 
 thur; and wishing in this instance, to im- 
 mitate her conduct, instantly copiplied^ and
 
 58 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 deliglited her auditors by playing some 
 beautiful welsh airs, with exquisite taste 
 and feeling. 
 
 ''I never saw you behave so well, my 
 dear Ellen/' said Sophia smiling affectio- 
 nately upon her. ^'You really are a very 
 good girl, and did not wait even to be en- 
 treated twice. I hope now you have gain- 
 ed courage to sing these welsh airs, you 
 will give hig Lordship a little Italian. Do 
 sing my favorite song." 
 
 €C 
 
 Will you not first sing a duett with me?" 
 
 ''Do you not also wish me, my dear Ellen, 
 to take your seat at the harp?'' 
 
 '^And why should you not, Sophia?" 
 enquired George, ^'1 heard you practising 
 it, this morning." 
 
 *^'That you might probably do: but 1
 
 MKLCOMBE LODGE. 5U 
 
 suppose you would not ask a gentleman to 
 exhibit in company, who has just begun to 
 scrape the violin, merely because you heard 
 him practising. If you did, lam sure it 
 could only be for the wicked pleasure of 
 laughing at him/' 
 
 ''But 1 suspect." said Lord d'Arcy smil- 
 ing,j ''your brother is fully aware there 
 would be no danger of that, were you to 
 favor us with a song on this sweeUinstru- 
 ment/' 
 
 '^Seriously, my Lord/' she returned, "1 
 am a most wretched performer on the harp; 
 and was literally practising when this young 
 gentleman overheard me/' 
 
 "But will you not allow us to judge of 
 your pioliciency/' 
 
 "Indeed, '*] must beg you to excuse me; 
 as 1 am extrea.ely unwiill--^* both your
 
 40 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Lordship's politeness and my nerves should 
 be put to the torture^ which must infallibly 
 prove the case^ were 1 to exhibit on the 
 harp. It is a most delightful instrument 
 in the hands of a good performer: but 1 
 have myself been so much annoyed by a 
 bad one^ that 1 can feel for others.'" 
 
 *^*^1 1 is indeed a most delightful instrument 
 said his ;]|iordship, ^^when played in tune; 
 but th«re are certainly some young ladiei 
 who sit down to it^ without sufficient ear to 
 inform them whether it is so or not/' 
 
 '^1 recollect when 1 was a child/* said 
 Sophia, ^'1 so much disliked the ceremony 
 of tuning the harp, that when Ellen's mat- 
 ter has been thus engaged, 1 have often 
 wished he was made on the same plan which 
 Milton so beautifully discribes in his Para- 
 dise Lost, and which 1 had heard my father 
 frequently repeat. George; 1 saw the 
 voluoic, in jour hands this morning before
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 41 
 
 breakfast^ can you remember the lines 1 
 allude to?" 
 
 ''1 am afraid 1 should spoil them/' \Yere 
 1 to attempt repeating them, he returned; 
 ''but here is the book;" and turning* to the 
 page^ he read aloud 
 
 i'Their golden Harp# they took^ 
 "Harps eyer tunM. that glittering by their side 
 ''Like quivers hung, and with preamble sweety 
 *'0i' charming symphony, they introduce 
 "T,heir sacred song, and waken rapture high; 
 ^rNo voice exempt, no voice but well could join 
 "Melodious part: such concord is in heaven.** 
 
 ^^ What can exceed this discription of a 
 heavenly concert/' said Ellen,, ''How de- 
 lightful to believe there are no discordant 
 voices to be heard there'/' 
 
 ''Now Ellen will moralize for an hour 
 upon this subject, if we allow her/' said 
 George; "but as we do not any of us, 1
 
 42 MLLCOMBK LODGE. 
 
 hope, she will not think of joining, at pre- 
 sentj the celestial choir, wc will my dear 
 sister, if you please^ return to mother 
 earth again." 
 
 **=George 1" cried Mr. De Ciairvillc in 
 a tone of voice his son but seld>^m heard; 
 '4 do not like to hear you speak thus 
 lightly on sacred subjects/' 
 
 Lord d'Arcy, wishing to give a turn to 
 the coiwersation, now said^ ^'my sister is 
 very fond of the harp, and 1 think excels 
 upon it almost as much as Miss Ellen De 
 Clairville. 1 earnestly wish it might be re- 
 signed to them, and ■ '* 
 
 ''Leave the piano," returned Sophia, ''to 
 the wooden eara of the rest oi our sex. Is 
 not that what your Lordship was goings to 
 observe?'* 
 
 '^Remember,* 'said Lord d'Arcy, smiling
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE- 43 
 
 at the archness of her manner. ''1 have 
 not yet had the pleasure of hearingyou play*' 
 
 ^'Nomy Lord; and after the critigue 1 
 have heard you pass on the generality of 
 Lady-harp-playerSj 1 do not intent you 
 ever should. But come EUen^ novv let us 
 have your song/* 
 
 Ellen complied ; and astonished Lord 
 d*Arcy with the compass of her highly cul- 
 tivated voice. He now requested he might 
 be gratified by hearing the sisters sing a 
 duett: but Sophia again excused herself, 
 and in so playful a manner,, that his Lord- 
 ship completely fascinated^ forgot to urge 
 his request. 
 
 Late in the evening, Sir Charles Rush- 
 brook and his daughter arrived: great was 
 the joy expressed by the cousins at the meet- 
 ing; and Harriet thanked her uncle again 
 and agaiuj for so kindly complying with 
 her request.
 
 -44 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy was known to Sir Charles 
 and Emily, who appeared happy to meet 
 him at Melcombe; and hearing he was 
 come to pass some weeks in the neighbour- 
 hood, the former enquired how the Earl 
 could spare him so long. 
 
 ''At present/' replied his Lordship smil- 
 ing, ''my father is so much engaged in 
 ministerial business, he could* not, had 1 
 been with him, have devoted many minutes 
 in the day to me; and my mother, glad to 
 sei^e so good an opportunity as my leave of 
 absence afforded, sent my sister under my 
 escort, to the Der-esfords/' 
 
 ^'Is Lady Grace at the Priory? ''enquir- 
 ed Harriet. "I am sure when my mother 
 knows it, she will make a point of calHng 
 upon her." 
 
 Lord d'Arcy replied his sister would be 
 much gratified by receiving such a mark of
 
 MELCOMBK LODGE. 45 
 
 attention from Mrs. De Clairville. She is 
 so much unaccustomed/' he added, "to be 
 from my mother a day that her spirits^ not 
 naturally ^high, are now almost depressed. 
 In INIrs. De Clairville she will find a resem- 
 blance to her beloved parent, and in her 
 society and Ihmt of this amiable family, will 
 feel less the loss of her own.'' 
 
 Harriet assured him, he might rely upon 
 her mother, doing every thing in her pow- 
 er to make his sister feel as little as possible 
 her separation from Lady Montreuil. 
 
 Mrs. De Clairville at that instant return- 
 ing to the room which she had quitted to 
 give some necessary directions, now learning 
 the subject they were conversing upon, said 
 she hoped Lady Grace might be persuaded 
 to visit Melcombe for a short time. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy expressed his sense of Mrs. 
 De Clailville's attention in the most ani-
 
 46 MELCOMRE LODGE. 
 
 mating terms: assuring her of the gratifica- 
 tion it would aHford him, to see his sister in 
 habits of intimacy with a family he had al- 
 ready learned to admire and esteem. 
 
 So greatly pleased were all, with this 
 young nobleman, that had not Emily ap- 
 peared fatigued, no one would have thought 
 of separating till a very late hour; but Mrs.» 
 De Clairville perceiving it, was the first to 
 break up the party, and accompanied by 
 her niece and daughters^ retired for the night.
 
 MKLCOMBE LODGE. 17 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 The Earl of Montreui], the father cf 
 Lord d'Arcy, had passed several years on 
 the Continent in an official character: arro- 
 gant by nature^ the exalted station he was 
 then placed in, as the representative of his 
 sovereign did not tend to lessen it. He look- 
 ed down with the greatest contempt upon 
 all who could not tiace their families as far 
 back as the Conquest; and wishing to im- 
 press his son with the same illiberal preju- 
 dices^ it would have been scarcely possible 
 for lord d'Arcy to have escaped imbibing 
 thcm^ had not his mother endeavoured as
 
 4S MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 much as possible to remedy the evil before 
 it was too late. To her was he indebted 
 for the liberality of sentiment he now pos- 
 sessed Lady Montreuil gently touched 
 upon the errors of her husband, whilst all 
 his good qualities she pointed out, as an 
 example for her son to imitate. Lord 
 d'Arcy almost adored his mother; her gen- 
 tleness had won his earliest affections; and 
 in all his little grievances, he had alwayi 
 found in her, his best adviser and friend. 
 
 His sister Lady Grace, held the second 
 place in tiis heart: she was four years his 
 junior; lovely in person, whilst in disposi- 
 tion she resembled Lady Montreuil, to 
 know, and to love her, were synonimouf 
 terms. She had been in delicate health from 
 her infancy; and her tender parent im- 
 agining she looked ill, and apprehensive 
 the winter blasts might injure her darling 
 child, had, as lord d'Arcy said, taken ad^ 
 vantage gf his leave of absence, to send
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 4^) 
 
 nd 
 land. 
 
 her under his care to the West of Eng 
 
 Lord Deresford was the ion of Lady 
 Montreuirs brother; and the Miss Deres- 
 fords had often sohcited their cousin's com- 
 pany: but hitherto without success: Lady 
 Grace would not hear of quitting her mo- 
 ther, nor had Lady Montreuil now con- 
 sented to pa^t with her, but for the benefit 
 of her health. The Earl could not at this 
 juncture leave town, and the Countess was 
 fully aware she must not, even to attend 
 her child. But stifling every selfish t^eling", 
 she sent her darling' Grace from heiv per- 
 fectly satisfied she had a kind friend and 
 protector in her brother. 
 
 Lord Montreuil was proud of his son : 
 and anxious he should form a high connec- 
 tion, was continually proposing some lady 
 to him, whose rank was equal or superior 
 to his own. Lord d'Arcy parried the sub-
 
 50 MELCOMBK LODGE. 
 
 jecta* often as he was able, but when he 
 found he must come to the pointy would as- 
 sure his father he might rely uponhisnever 
 marrying to disgrace his family, but begged 
 till he had seen the female he could resign 
 his liberty to, the subject might be dropped, 
 as he felt it would be impossible for him to 
 marry one, for whom he did not feel that 
 preference it was necessary he should expe- 
 rience for the woman who would be hi» 
 companinn for life. The Earl would pro- 
 mise to restsatisfied with this assurance; but 
 in a few days, again renew the subject to 
 his son's great annoyance; and Lordd'Arcj 
 felt happy at the thought of escaping for 
 iome time at ieastthis continual persecution.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 51 
 
 CHAP. VI. 
 
 George, anxious to be ofFearlyj rose with 
 the light, but the rest of the party, not feel- 
 ing his impatience, quietly reposed till 
 their usual hour, to the great annoyance of 
 the skaiter; whom Lord De Arcy found ia 
 the breakfast parlour, ready to attend him 
 to the Priory. His lordship did not share 
 in his young friend's eagerness to leave 
 Melcombe, as what he had seen of the fa- 
 mily had not disappointed the expectations 
 he had formed. Ellen's gentle serious man- 
 ner reminded him of his sister: their tastes 
 
 VOL. I. D 

 
 5« MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 too appeared similar. Both excelled ii 
 music^ and in person they were not unlike^ 
 as the transparent complexion of Ellen, 
 could only be rivalled by lady Grace's. It 
 was almost too beautiful ; as the hue upon 
 their chetks, whilst it gratified the behold- 
 er^ alarmed ihem also for the delicacy of 
 constitution it seemed to indicate. 
 
 With Harriet, lord Dfe Arcy was much 
 pleased; but in Sophia's manner there was 
 so much gaiety, accompanied with such a 
 bewitching sweetness, that in his lordship's 
 opinion, she was the most fascinating fe- 
 male he had ever beheld. 
 
 Thus impressed in favour of the younger 
 part of the De Clairville family, and alrea- 
 dy feeling inclined to reverence and admire 
 the elder, it is not extraordinary, lord d' 
 Arcy wai unwilling to quit their society; 
 But he recollected his cousin expected him 
 feack to dinner, as a large party were in-
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 55 
 
 vited to meet him, and that he could not 
 with any grace absent himself. 
 
 'To George's great dehght, his sisters 
 soon made their appearance, when Sophia 
 aware of his eagerness to be gone, began 
 making the coffee. Lord D^ Arcy taking 
 81 seat near her, said with a smile, "^And am 
 I really to depart, without haying heard 
 you sing?" 
 
 "If you are«o very anxious to hear my 
 wood-notes wild," she laughingly returned, 
 "1 certainly will indulge you :' and it was 
 only my fear of offending the critical ear 
 of so great an amateur, that prevented my 
 complying with your request last night. 
 Butl promise to sing to you an hour, or 
 more, when we next have the pleasure of 
 seeing you • ''if,*' she archly added ''you 
 have patitilce to wait till then. 
 
 Lord d'A.cy after thanking her, said^
 
 54 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 ''perhaps you will be reminded of this pro- 
 mise sooner than you are aware of; as 1 
 am happy to find we shall meet next week 
 at Mr. Warburton's/' 
 
 ''Are you indeed to be there?" cried So- 
 phia, a blush of pleasure illuminating her 
 fine countenance. 
 
 Upon receiving an answer in (he affirm- 
 ative, she continued, ''but you must not, 
 indeed you must not my Lord, remind me 
 of my promise at Ashmore. It is at home 
 alone you must hear me sing; as it is only 
 before my family and friends I ever ven- 
 ture to raise a note. But let not this dis- 
 turb you; you will have enough of sweet 
 sounds there.'' 
 
 "And [more than enough, I can answer 
 for it,'* said George, "if Eliza Warburton 
 is in one of her obliging fits. In that caW 
 you will be inclined to pray you may never
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 55 
 
 again hear the sound of a harp or piano, 
 till you hear Sophia's favonrite golden 
 ones. ''I make a point/' he contiiiued, '^'of 
 running off, the moment I see this all ac- 
 complished young' lady preparing to take a 
 seat at either of the above-mentioned instru- 
 ments, and would advise you my Lord, to 
 follow my example."" 
 
 Lord D0 Arcy appeared so much amus- 
 ed with George's account of what he must 
 prepare himself for, and laughed so hear- 
 tily, that it encouraged the youth to give 
 him a description of the young lady who 
 had, in some measure, been the cause of 
 his mirth, in defience of the remonstrances 
 of his sisters; till Mr. and Mrs, De Clair- 
 ville, entering the room acconmpanied by 
 Sir Charles llushbrook, checked his volu- 
 bility. 
 
 Emily, feeling fatigued from her journey, 
 sent her apologies for not joining the party
 
 56 MELCOxMBE LODGE. 
 
 at breakfast ; and soon after the meal wat 
 concluded. Lord d'Arcy made his parting 
 comphmentSj and accompanied by George, 
 returned to the Priory. Sir Charles and 
 his brother-in-law retired to the Library, 
 and the young Ladies repaired to their cou- 
 sin's apartment, whom they had the satisfac- 
 tion to find much recruited by a long sleep. 
 
 Harriet proposed their taking possession 
 of the drawing-room, as it was the warmest 
 part of the house, and the others assenting, 
 they soon established themselves there, in- 
 tending to pass a comfortable morning, en- 
 gaged with their respective occupations. 
 
 Harriet was copying a miniature of her 
 mother which had been taken some years 
 since, and was considered an excellent like- 
 ness. Emily who had been some time 
 watching the progress of the work, at length 
 said, "There is a great resemblance in that 
 picture to Edward : do you not think so ?"
 
 MELCOxMBE LODGE. 57 
 
 ''It certainly never struck me before,'* 
 returned Harriet ; ''I now begin to fancy 1 
 can see it too/' 
 
 ''It is not fancy/' resumed Emily: 'look 
 at the mouthj and then tell me, if you do 
 not perceive an expression in it, that re- 
 minds you of your brother when he is par- 
 ticularly pleased with any thing?" 
 
 "Upon my word, Emily/' said Sophia 
 laughing, "you appear to have studied this 
 subject deeply/' then holding out her hand 
 for the picture, she continued, "allow me 
 to trace this great resemblance. — Well, you 
 are right: there is a something about this 
 beautiful mouth that reminds me also of 
 Edward. How delighted he will be at your 
 having been the first to discover it. I would 
 not have him remain ignorant of what will 
 confer so much pleasure upon him, and' 
 shall most assuredly write by to-morrow's 
 post/'
 
 58 MELCOMHE LODGE- 
 
 ''Surely, Sophia," said Emily blushing', 
 ''there is no occasion for your writing, 
 merely on this account, as Harriet tells me, 
 Edward will be at Mclcombe in ten days or 
 a fortnight, at furthest: and I think that 
 will be time enough for him to be informed 
 of this wonderful discovery." 
 
 ''x\h, Emily, you are very sly!" said 
 Sophia: "you imagine, if you can persuade 
 me to wait his return, the subject will es- 
 cape my memory; but can you think 1 shall 
 ever see him looking particularly pleased, 
 without its returning to my mind?" 
 
 Harriet, perceiving Emily much confused 
 by Sophia's raillery, to relieve her from it, 
 enquired how long she had been acquainted 
 with Lady Grace Montreuil, anrf added, 
 ''you never mentioned her to mo in any of 
 your letters." 
 
 ^'I thought I had'" she replied; '*it wa*
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 59 
 
 when we were visiting last autumn, at the 
 Marquis of Long-ueville's: Lord Montreuil 
 and his family, were in the country at the 
 time, and passed three days with us there." 
 
 '''You liked Lady Grace/' 
 
 "Exceedingly. We spent two mornings 
 together; and I found her mind had been 
 sedulously cultivated.*' 
 
 "Is she as handsome as her brother?" 
 enquired Ellen. 
 
 "I should not," said Emily smiling, ''have 
 expected this question from you, Ellen." 
 
 "And why not?" she returned. "Do 
 you think it so very wonderful I should be 
 as quick-sighted in this respect, as yourself 
 or Harriet?" 
 
 "Or Sophia, you may add," said Harriet 
 laughing, 'for 1 can answer for the admira-
 
 60 MELCOMBE LODGE, 
 
 tion she yesterday morning evinced for the 
 '"'Apollo/' as George calls Lord d'x\rcy." 
 
 ''Pardon my impertinence^ dear Ellen/' 
 cried Emily^ holding out her hand to her : 
 ''but indeed I thought you did not set any 
 value i>n the beauty of the male sex, and 
 scarcely ever observed it/^ 
 
 "Then I am sure my dear coz/' return- 
 ed Ellen with more animation (hen usual, 
 "you could not judge of me by your own 
 sentiments; as 1 suspectj/ow are not so in- 
 different to masculine beauty. And now, 
 if 1 may repeat my question, is Lady 
 Grace Montreuil as handsome as her bro- 
 ther?" 
 
 Emily blushing at this retort, replied "1 
 scarcely know how to answer it. Lady 
 Grace is very beautiful, but resembles her 
 mother, whilst Lord d'Arcy is the improv- 
 ed likeness of his father.''
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 61 
 
 "Pray Emily/' said Sophia, "is this 
 Lord ^lontreuil so very proud ?'. 
 
 ''1 fear he is;'' returned her cousin. "His 
 manners are certainly highly poH*hed, 1 
 might say refinedly so: but his countenance 
 expresses an arrogance that renders it ex- 
 ceedingly disagreeable. Lady Montreuil 
 is indeed all sweetness and gentleness : so 
 desirous of pleasing her husband, and so 
 devoted to his children, that though 1 was 
 but a short time in her company, 1 felt 1 
 could love her very dearly. Lady Caroline 
 Selbourne told me, the Earl ^yas very desi- 
 rous his son should marry, and from some- 
 thing that escaped her, 1 was led to suppose 
 he would not be sorry to see him connected 
 with the Longuiville family, but whether 
 Lord d'Arcy entertains the same views, 1 
 cannot decide; though 1 must own 1 saw 
 nothing to persuade me, Lord JMontreuil's 
 wishes would ever be gratified/'
 
 Hz MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Sophia after a short pause saicl^ she long- 
 ed exceedingly to be introduced to Lady 
 Grace^ and trusted nothing would occur to 
 prevent her mother's intended visit to. the 
 Priory the following morning.
 
 MKLCOMBE LODGE. 63 
 
 CHAP. VII. 
 
 Nothing did prevent the intended visit, 
 and the following day, Mrs. De Clairville 
 with Emily and two of her daughters, drove 
 to Lord Deresford's: As they entered the 
 park, they caught sight of Lord d' Arcy and 
 George, on the Lake. The latter was 
 dashing along it, with the impetuosity be- 
 longing to his character; whilst the elegant 
 figure of his companion, appeared in this 
 graceful excercise to the utmost advantage, 
 as they saw him passing between the trees. 
 
 The carriage now crossing the bridge^
 
 64 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 was'discovered by tlie skaiters, who kissing 
 their hands in token of recognition^ hastily 
 threw off their skaits^ and were in time to 
 assist the Ladies in descending from it. 
 
 ''I am afraid my Lord/* said Mrs. De 
 Clairville^ ''^we have taken you from your 
 favorite amusement sooner than you wished. 
 1 think 1 must insist/' she added with a 
 smile^ '^upon your returning to it again/' 
 
 ^'You will not 1 hope, my dear madam,'' 
 he replied, "be so cruel; as, were you in- 
 deed to issue such a command, 1 feel 1 
 must obey, however averse 1 might be to 
 it/' 
 
 ''What an excellent example his Lord- 
 ship sets us, Sophia/' said Harriet laugh* 
 ing. 
 
 ''1 rather suspect," she returned, ''he 
 is aware we are in want of it."
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 65 
 
 Lord d'Arcy was going to answer in the 
 same sportive tone, when the appearance 
 of his cousin prevented him — Lord Der- 
 esford had before been introduced to Mrs. 
 De Ciairville, but her niece and daughter 
 were strangers to him^ and when the ce- 
 remony of introduction was over^ he led 
 the way to the saloon where his sisters and 
 Lady Grace were sitting. 
 
 Lady Grace had anticipated with delight 
 the moment of her introduction to the De 
 Ciairville family _, in whose favour her bro- 
 ther had so strongly prejudiced her^ that 
 upon hearing their name announced by 
 Lord Deresford, nothing but a sense of 
 propriety prevented her from flyingto meet 
 them as they entered. She appeared hap- 
 py to see Emily with them, and the latter 
 was much pleased at again meeting her 
 ladyship. 
 
 Sophia was anxious to become acquainted
 
 66 MELCOMBE LODGE, 
 
 with Lady Grace, and fortunately perceiv- 
 ing' a seat next her, she had the gratifica- 
 tion to find her ladyship very willing to 
 second her efforts : for the latter, delighted 
 with the gaiety of her new friend, soon 
 found herself perfectly at ease; and they 
 continued to converse together during the 
 visit, totally forgetting this was their first 
 interview. 
 
 The Miss Deresfords were pleasing, un- 
 aifected young women : fashionable in their 
 appearance, but by no means handsome. 
 
 The conversation turning upon the ex- 
 pected ball at Ashmore, Lady Grace as- 
 sured Sophia she should now anticipate the 
 time with great pleasure, as she was to 
 meet there, a family she had already learn- 
 ed to esteem and love. 
 
 Sophia found they were not a little in- 
 debted to the brother, for the favorable im-
 
 M£LCOMB£ LODGE. 67 
 
 pression the sister had received of them ; 
 and did not feel less gratified by the disco- 
 very. Fascinated with the sweetness of 
 Lady Grace, and in harmony with all around 
 her, she had never appeared to more ad- 
 vantage than on this morning. Lord De- 
 resford, drawn within the circle of ber ma- 
 gic smiles, could attend to no one else. But 
 Sophia thought not of him: it was Lady 
 Grace alone whom she felt anxious to please; 
 and until she met the eyes of bis Lordship 
 riveted upon her, and obj=erved their ex- 
 pression, it had notoccurred taher that she 
 was the object of atti-action. Blushing 
 deeply, she turned from him, and encoun- 
 tered the gaze of Lord d'Arcy, who earn- 
 estly regarded her. He v/as leaning over 
 the back of Mrs. De Clairvilie's chair, at 
 some distance from the sopha occupied by 
 his sister and herself. He had observed the 
 impression she had made upon the Viscount, 
 and scarcely knowing why, felt angry at 
 his evident admiration : he also perceived
 
 68 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 by her crimsoned cheek she was unconsci- 
 ous of it. The next instant, he saw her 
 speaking in a low voice to his sister^ who 
 immediately rising, approached him, and 
 enquired if he were not well. 
 
 '^Terfectly so:" he returned with a look 
 of surprise, '^why did you think 1 was aot?" 
 
 ''Miss De Clairville told me, she thought 
 you were ill, as she observed you change 
 colour." 
 
 Lord d'Arcy gratified, Sophia should 
 think of him at all, now approached and 
 assured her what she had taken for indis- 
 position, had merely arisen from languor, 
 'which the sudden change from the cold air 
 to a warm room always occasioned him to 
 feel. 
 
 Lord Deresford the next moment being- 
 called from the apartment, gave Lady Grace
 
 MELCOMBK LODGE. 60 
 
 an opportunity of offering her brother a 
 seat between Sophia and herself; when a 
 lively conversation commecced between the 
 two^ (during which Lord d'Arcy shewed 
 no traces of the languor he had complained 
 of,) and continued till it was interrupted by 
 Mrs. De Clairville's ordering her carriage. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy, in leading- Sophia down the 
 stairs, expressed a hope that if not already 
 deeply engaged; she would permit his re- 
 questing the honor of her hand some part of 
 the evening at the Ashmore ball; and upon 
 her smilingly replying she believed her en- 
 gagements were not at present too nume- 
 rous to prevent her complying with his 
 wishes, he had scarcely time to add, *^^Then 
 you will allow me to claim you for the first 
 set;" Sophia answering in the affirma- 
 tive, they were joined by Lord Deres- 
 ford, who in assisting her into the carriage, 
 mentioned his intention of calling the lol- 
 lowing day at Melcombc.
 
 '70 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 George had been prevailed upon to re- 
 main another day at the Priory^ and vvheiv 
 his mother and sisters drove from the door, 
 he tried to persuade Lord d' \rcy to retura 
 v^^ith him to the ice: but his Lordship^ com- 
 plaining of a headache which had suddenly 
 siezed him, George unwillingly departed 
 without him, 
 
 ''I congratulate you Sophia," cried Emi- 
 ly as they were returning home, '*^on the 
 sudden conquest you have made." 
 
 "Sudden indeed, Emily," said Mrs. De 
 Clairville smiling '4f it is either of the gen- 
 tlemen we have been in company with this 
 morning." 
 
 '^And yet, my dear aunt, you will find 
 me a true prophetess: was not your vanity 
 a little flattered, dear Sophia, by the evident 
 admiration of one of them ?"
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 71 
 
 ''Not in the least/' rep'ied Sophia,, hastily 
 ''if you are alluding to Lord Deresford." 
 
 "I certainly was. Poor Harriet and I, 
 felt quite in the back ground to-day. Not 
 a single glance would the Viscount bestow 
 upon us; and Lord d'Arcy was either fati- 
 gued with skaiting, or out of spirits^ 1 
 know not which: but he was terribly dull. 
 What little he did say^ was addressed to my 
 aunt; till you (who have the power^. 1 really 
 believe^ of animating a statue) restored him 
 to himself; and we then had the pleasure 
 of seeing, once more^ a smile upon his 
 countenance/* 
 
 Sophia, without appearing o attend to 
 the latter part of her cousin's speech, said, 
 "The Miss Deresfords at least gave you 
 their attention.'' 
 
 "We were indeed/' returned Harriet^ 
 "much indebted to their politeness for our
 
 7i MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 visit being so pleasant: and we may also 
 thank Geor":e for assisting: us to entertain 
 them; for his drollremarks appeared to di- 
 vert the sisters exceedingly/' 
 
 ''I hope Sophia/' said Emily, ^*^you found 
 Lady Grace all you expected/' 
 
 Sophia expressed the admiration she felt 
 towards Lady Grace, and added a hope she 
 should see much more of her, whilst she 
 continued at the Priory^ 
 
 Lady Grace was no less pleased with So- 
 phia: her brother, happy to observe it; 
 mentioned the wish Mrs Pe Clairville had 
 expressed of her spending some time at 
 Melcombe Lodge. 
 
 '^And now my dear sister/' he continued, 
 "1 must make that lady's apologies to you, 
 for not having foand an opportunity thii 
 morning to make this request; bat she ad^
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 75 
 
 deputed me to be her ambassador on the oc- 
 casion; and 1 have only to add^ if }ouare 
 not averse to the plan, Mrs. De Clairville 
 hopes to carry you home \>ith her from 
 Ashmore." 
 
 '*! can possibly have no objection to itj 
 my dear Arthur,'* she replied^ "'if my cou- 
 sins will spare me for a few days. But, I 
 should be un2:rateful in the extreme for their 
 undeviating kindness to me since I came 
 thither, were I to appear eager to leave 
 them on the first invitation.'* 
 
 "1 believe I can set your mind at rest on 
 this point, my dear considerate sister," he 
 returned, affectionately taking her hand ; 
 ''as it was only this morning, Deresford 
 told me he had received a letter from his 
 friend Sinclair, inviting himself and sisters 
 to make one of a large party expected to 
 assemble atColdham, the latter end of next 
 week. George was anxious We should 
 
 r
 
 74 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 accompany him into Somersetshire, but 
 finding me not wiihng to comply with his 
 request, he intended returning a negative 
 to Sir John, but if you are incHned to ac- 
 cept Mrs. De Clairville*s invitation, there 
 w^ill no longer be any necessity for his 
 doing this." 
 
 ''And where are you to be all this time, 
 my dear Arthur?** 
 
 "With you, I hope:'* he smilingly an- 
 swered. ''Mrs. De Clairville has kindly 
 pressed me to meet my friend Howard at 
 the Lodge, who is expected with his wife 
 and brother at that time.*' 
 
 "How delightfully you have arranged 
 the whole affair,** returned Lady Grace. 
 "I can indeed have no longer an objection 
 to the plan.*' 
 
 "Then," he replied, '4 will seek out
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 75 
 
 Deresford, & settle the business before tea/' 
 
 Lord d'Arcy now left his sister, and haji- 
 tened to the library, where he found his 
 cousin pacing the room, apparently in 
 deep thought. 
 
 ''What is the matter, George/' said the 
 latter, ''that I find you so deeply meditat- 
 ing? I trust nothing unpleasant has occur- 
 red since we parted." 
 
 "Nothing; why should you imagine 
 there had?" said lord Deresford, evident- 
 ly embarrassed by the question. 
 
 "I am happy to find myself mistaken," 
 returned his cousin; "it was your abstract- 
 ed air when I entered, which led me to 
 form, (what it appears was) a false con- 
 clusion. But let me hasten to mention the 
 reason of my thus unceremoniously break- 
 ing in upon your meditation." 
 
 VOL. I, B
 
 7t MELcOUnE LODGE. 
 
 Lord d*Arcy then informed him, of the 
 invitation his sister and himself had re- 
 ceived, and added, "Therefore my dear 
 George, you will no longer be under the 
 unpleasant necessity of putting a negative 
 on the wishes of your esteemed friend. 
 Sir John Sinclair/' 
 
 Lord Deresford, after a short pause, ab- 
 ruptly said, ''You are a happy fellow, 
 Arthur, and I envy you, upon my soull" 
 
 Lord d'Arcy's colour heightened at this 
 remark; but the Viscount, not observing it, 
 continued, "I wish I could accompany you 
 toMelcombe; butas that is impossible, since 
 if I go any where, it must be into Somer- 
 setshire, I will try to banish all selfish feel- 
 ings; and notwithstanding 1 shall feel the 
 loss of your society, I will rejoice at the 
 gratification awaiting you in this meeting 
 with your friend; but you will I hope return 
 to us at the expiration of this fortnight,"
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 77 
 
 "Certainly; for a month if you wish it." 
 
 ''Then be it so. I will see my sisterS;, 
 and then write to Sinclair." 
 
 The cousins now separated; Lord d'Arcy 
 y'lih his suspicions confirmed, that Sophia 
 had made more than a transient impression 
 upon the Viscount. ''And Why/' said he 
 mentally, "should I feel surprised at it? 
 George is certainly not so susceptible in 
 general ; but who can be an hour in Sophia 
 De Clairville's company^ without feeling 
 more than a common admiratiou for her. 
 Deresford with a good person, great suavity 
 of manners, and his own master, will pro- 
 bably find his attentions well received by 
 the fair object of his adoration. Mr. De 
 Clairville can have no reasonable objection 
 to his daughter's choice, and probably be- 
 fore my next visit to this part of the world, 
 Sophia De Clairville will have become 
 Lady Deresford."
 
 7S MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy had thus, in less than tvv© 
 minutes, settled the whole affair: not per- 
 haps to his entire satisfaction, though he 
 endeavoured to persuade himself into that 
 belief. He now felt sorry he had asked 
 Sophia to dance with him, as she would 
 certainly have preferred his cousin for her 
 partner. Again, he considered two dances 
 would soon be over^ and for the rest ot the 
 evening Lord Deresford might have the 
 happiness of having her entirely to him- 
 self. 
 
 The next morning when George had left 
 the Priory, the conversation reverted to 
 the De Clairville family. 
 
 Miss Deresford said, she thought Harriet 
 a charming girl, and added she was sorry 
 they were going to lose her so soon. 
 
 "Where is she going }" enquired her 
 brother.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 79 
 
 "To be married/' she laughingly replied. 
 "Miss De Clairville has been some time 
 engaged to Colonel Howard/' 
 
 ''Of the — regiment of dragoon guards?'* 
 
 "The same; but I believe he has left, or 
 intends soon to leave the army. Haye yo* 
 not heard so, d'Arey?'' 
 
 ^'When I saw him in Town/' returned 
 his Lordship, '^a month since, he still 
 wore his red coat. His friends are strenu- 
 ous with him to resign his commission ; but 
 Colonel Howard is both fond and proud of 
 his profpsfiinn, and has yet withstood their 
 solicitations. I wish he may not have rea- 
 son to repent this; as I heard it rumoured 
 his regiment would be one of those it is 
 supposed will be sent to America/* 
 
 "In that case. Miss De Clairville will not 
 marry him, I hope,'' said Miss Deresford.
 
 80 MELCOMBt LODGE. 
 
 ^'From all I have heard of this young 
 lady/' replied Lord d'Arcy, ^'I am indu- 
 ced to believe^ now she has promised him 
 her hand, she will not make that an objec- 
 tion to their union/' 
 
 "But surely her father and mother, will 
 not consent to their daughter's accompa- 
 nying' Colonel Howard to the seat of 
 war." 
 
 "There is, Howard has told me, through- 
 out this family, said Lord d'Arcy, such a 
 firm reliance on the Divine protection, such 
 a strong belief in the directing hand of 
 Providence, and such a conviction iliac 
 ^"^ whatever is, is right," that even should 
 this trial await them, I feel assured the 
 iame firm reliance on the protection of 
 heaven, will enable them to sustain it with 
 christian patience aofl fortitude." 
 
 "Happy will be the man who connects
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 81 
 
 Limself with such a family'/' warmly exr 
 claimed Lord Deresford. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy smiled^ it was but an effort; 
 whilst the young ladies rallied the Viscounty 
 giving him to understand they were aware 
 he spoke feelingly on the subject. Lord 
 Deresford coloured highly, but tried to 
 laugh off the charge. 
 
 The conversation soon took a different 
 turn, and the De Clairville family were not 
 again mentioned.
 
 $2 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 €HAP. VIIL 
 
 There was a large party assembled in 
 the drawing room at Ashmore, on the day 
 appointed; some of whom were strangers 
 to the De Clairvilles. Lolling on a sopha^ 
 near one of the fire-places, was a young 
 man whose little outre figure was rendered 
 more ridiculous by the evident complacen- 
 cy with which he was surveying himself in 
 a pocket mirror. 
 
 ''Emily/' whispered Sophia, *^'does not 
 that odd Httle animal there, remind you of 
 the baboon that so much diverted us at —
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. ^ 
 
 His contortions are certainly not so elegant; 
 but he does his best to imitate him. I really 
 should suspect him to be one of the same 
 family; he only imitates the monkey^ in- 
 stead of the monkey imitating the man/' 
 
 ''Hush, my dear Sophia/' said Emily, 
 unable to refrain a smile at her cousin's 
 remark, and the liftle man's appearance; 
 ''1 fear he has already seen your Avicked 
 eyes directed towards him, as he is evident- 
 ly watching us." 
 
 Sophia with great difficulty retained her 
 gravity, whilst she kept her eyes fixed on 
 the ground, that they might not betray her, 
 during the examination they were under- 
 going from the beau, who after staring at 
 them through his glass, said something fft 
 a low voice to a lady near him, and then 
 languidly rising, strolled up to Charles 
 Warburton, and pointing to Emily and 
 Sophia, requested he would inform hifti, 
 who, and what th€y were.
 
 8* MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 » 
 Charles, laughing said, if he felt inclined 
 
 to be introduced to them, he should soon 
 
 have his wish gratified. 
 
 ''Cannot think of that/' returned the 
 little man, stretching out his neck to the 
 furthest extent, and drawing up his cravat 
 at the same time, ''till you answer my ques- 
 tion. One of them is handsome enough, 
 but confoundedly satirical, I suspect. 1 al- 
 most imagined she was quizzing me a few 
 minutes since. Her companion is more to 
 my taste. But who is she ? any body ? I 
 mean does she move in certain circles ? you 
 understand me/' 
 
 •'Not exactly : but here is Charlotte; she 
 will, 1 dare say.' 
 
 "What fair lady is Mr. Leigh making 
 those inquiries about ?*' cried the lively girl, 
 "if anj one present, I can gratify his cu- 
 riosity; as I am tolerably well acquainted
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 85 
 
 with the birth, parentage;, &c. of all as- 
 sembled here/' 
 
 ''Education is included in that et cetera 
 1 hope;" said Charles^, still laughing ; '^as 
 my friend is anxious to learn whether that 
 lady/' pointing to Emily, ''has been trained 
 in certain circles, where alone she can have 
 acquired a right to the title of Somebody/' 
 
 ''That lady," said Charlotte, gravely "is 
 in general thought handsome. She is not 
 devoid of sense, though we might be indu- 
 ced to doubt the fact^ as she has never felt 
 any inclination to mix in any of the great 
 circles, which a winter's residence in Town 
 might introduce her to; but is content to 
 live shut up in a country village, far rerao- 
 \*d from the metropolis: her only compa- 
 nions her father, and a good sort ofxsooman 
 who resides with them," 
 
 'Ton honor/' returned the beau, shrugig-
 
 S6 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 ing his shoulders^ ^'a very discreet^ sensi- 
 ble young' lady ! and I must confess this 
 description of her^ exactly aswers to the 
 idea 1 had formed in my own mind. It is 
 easy to see by the turn of her head^ she 
 has not been accustomed to mix in the 
 world.'' 
 
 Emily was at that time conversing- w ith 
 Mr. Warburtou;, who had taken a seat 
 near her. 
 
 ''My father/' said Charles^ ^'does not 
 appear to be of your opinion^ if we are to 
 judge by the undivided attention he is pay-* 
 ing his fair neighbour." 
 
 Charlotte at that momentcaught the eyes 
 of Sophia; the archness of their expression^ 
 as they glanced from her to the outre figure 
 near her^ was too much for her risibility to 
 withstand, and unable to contain herself 
 she laughed aloa<*
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 87 
 
 Mr. Leigh, looking much astonished, en- 
 quired what had amused her so much. This 
 only increased her mirth; till, observing him 
 look seriously disturbed, she apologized tor 
 her rudeness; assuring him, at the same 
 time, it was not pussi le to avoid laugl^mg, 
 as something indescribably ludicrous had 
 struck her at the moment. ^'Did you not 
 observe," she added, 'Svhat it was that 
 occasioned me to transgress the rules of 
 politeness ? 
 
 ^'No, upon my word, madam," he re- 
 turned, '1 cannot say I saw any thing to 
 cause a smile.'* 
 
 *'Well then, I will tefl yon. It was— but 
 my mother beckon«» me ; you shall hear it 
 another time," and away she flew, leaving 
 Mr. Leigh not a little out of humour at 
 feeing thus left in the dark. 
 
 Not many minutes after, Charlotte had
 
 88 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 quitted him, Emily removed to a different 
 part of the room, where her father was 
 conversing with Mr. De Clairville and Cle- 
 ment Warburton. Mr. Leigh observed her 
 whispering to the gentleman he had heard 
 was a baronet; who, immediately turning 
 to an elderly lady, said to her, ''My 
 daughter, madam, tells me, she feels cer- 
 tain she has recognized in you, a friend of 
 her dear Mrs. Sedley." 
 
 Mrs. Stapleton looking up, replied, 
 *'and am I in this lovely young woman, to 
 (race a resemblance to the little Emily, I 
 remember six years ago at Woodley Park?" 
 
 ''She is indeed the same,'' returned Sir 
 Charles smiling; "though a little grown 
 since that time/' 
 
 Mrs. Stapleton holding out her hand to 
 Emily, after expressing her pleasure at 
 this meeting, said^ "and will you my dear
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 89 
 
 young lady, indulge an old woman by sitt- 
 ing near her a short time, that she may be 
 able to believe you are indeed the pupil of 
 her valued friend, and little Emily Rudh- 
 brook?'* 
 
 Emily immediately drew a seat near her 
 former acquaintance, and they were §oon 
 engaged in an interesting conversation. 
 
 Provoked with himself for the' critique 
 he had just passed on a lady he now disco- 
 vered to be Miss Rushbrook and the daugh- 
 ter of a baronet, but more so with Charlotte 
 for having misled him, Mr. Leifijh felt so 
 completely mortified, he spoke no more 
 till dinnerwasannounced; when, observing 
 Sir Charles offer his arm to Mrs Stapleton 
 to conduct her to the dining-room, and 
 hoping to make some amends to his daugh- 
 ter for the mistaken opinion he had imbibed 
 of her nonentity in the world ot fashion, he 
 HOW approached, and abruptly offered his
 
 90 iMELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 hand for the same purpose. Emily drew 
 back, not a little Burprised, when Charles 
 Warburton, who was conversing' with Ellen 
 near her, observed what was passing, and 
 said, ''you n ust allow me, MissRushbrook, 
 to introduce Mr. Leigh to you/' 
 
 Emily slightly curtsied to the profound 
 bow made her; but preferring her cousin's 
 escort, took George's arm, and followed 
 by Charles and Ellen, left the mortified 
 little man to offer his attentions where they 
 bad a chance of being better received. 
 
 ''We expected the family from the Pri- 
 ory would have been with us to day,'' ob- 
 served Mr Warburton, soon after the par- 
 ty were seated at table; "but lord Deresford 
 dispatched a messenger this morning to 
 say, he was unexpectedly summoned to 
 Town^ on business that could not be post-
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. ^1 
 
 poned; and that his sisters were to accom- 
 pany him. Lord d'Arcy, with lady Grace 
 Montreuilj we hope to see either this even- 
 ing or to-morrow/' 
 
 "Lord d*Arcy/* said a gentleman pre* 
 sent, '^is I unden land to become one of the 
 representatives of the town of — lord Lesley 
 is expected to vacate his seat in the house, 
 as the Earl of Templeton's death is daily 
 looked for; and lord Montreuil it is said, 
 has the power of returning any member he 
 chooses, for that borough." 
 
 ''From all 1 have seen of lord d'Arcy/' 
 said Mr. De Clairville, ''1 am induced to 
 believe, which ever party he supports, will 
 find him an honor and an ornament to it: 
 but 1 confess I could rather wish he should 
 be elected with Ihe free consent of his con- 
 stituents, than owe his seat in Parliament 
 to the interest of his father, or any other of 
 the ministerial party,"
 
 92 MELCOMBE LODGE- 
 
 "1 have heard '* observed Clement War- 
 burton, ^'that lord Montreuil whilst am- 
 bassador at — had the character, whether 
 deservedly or not 1 cannot determine, of 
 being the most arrogant man about court ; 
 but 1 suppose he gave satisfaction at home, 
 as he is novv in great favour with the high- 
 er powers, and most probably wishes to 
 strengthen his party by the accession of 
 such a man as lord d'Arcy/' 
 
 ''I am sure/' cried George with earnest- 
 ness, ^'he does not partake of his father's 
 hauteur; for he appears to find his chief 
 delight in making every body around him 
 happy. O 1 hope nothing will prevent his 
 coming hither this evening." 
 
 ''Is he very handsome?" enquired Eliza 
 Warburton, of Sophia who was sitting next 
 to her. 
 
 "You will soon have an opportunity
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 95 
 
 of judging for yourself," she return- 
 ed. 
 
 *'But what is your opinion?" 
 
 "1 scarcely have formed one." 
 
 "At all events you do not appear to have 
 been much struck with him: Charlotte and 
 1 have heard he is a perfect Adonis"'. 
 
 **An ApollOj 1 suppose you mean;" said 
 George casting an arch glance at Sophia. 
 '^But whoever he resembles, he is uncom- 
 monly handsome, and you think so Sophy, 
 ifyou wereto express your real sentiments." 
 
 "My dear son," said his mother, ''who 
 observed the heightened colour of her 
 daughter, ''why should you be hurt with 
 you! sister for not seeing with your eyes, 
 the personal attractions of your friend, if 
 she allow him all due credit for his other 
 qualities?"
 
 9i MflLCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 George was silenced by this reproof 
 from his beloved mother; and Sophia soon 
 recovered herself sufficiently to join her 
 sister and cousin in the admiration they 
 were expressing for lady Grace Montreuil. 
 
 When the ladies returned to the dravr- 
 ing-room, Emily introduced her cousins to 
 Mrs. Stapleton, Never did old age sit 
 more gracefully upon any one than on that 
 lady. Fond of the society of young persons, 
 and always eager to promote any littk 
 scheme of pleasure for them, she was in 
 return, an universal favorite. Though in 
 her seventy-eighth year, her mind was still 
 
 in its full vigour ; and having all her lif* 
 
 enjoyed excellent health, she appeared 
 younger than she really was. 
 
 Mrs. Stapleton, or as many called her 
 even then, Miss Stapleton, would sometimes 
 sportively adduce her never having married^ 
 as a q;reat want of taste in the other sex ;
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 95 
 
 bat it was generally known, a disappoint- 
 ment in early life^ had prevented her I'orm- 
 ing another connection 
 
 The young people had this erening, as 
 usualj gathered round this venerable wo- 
 man, who was relating a pleasing anecdote 
 of a naval character she had known in her 
 youth ; when Sophia, struck with the re- 
 semblance it bore to her uncle, exclaimed 
 with all the energy of her nature. ''Such 
 would have been the conduct of my uncle 
 John, had he been placed in a similar si- 
 tuation;'' then turning to her mother, her 
 fine countenance glowing with the enthu- 
 siasm the subject had called forth, to en- 
 quire if she were not right, her eyes rested 
 on Lord d,Arcy who, ^vith Lady Grace, 
 had just entered the room : but so interest- 
 ed had she been in Mrs. Stapleton's rela- 
 tion, that till that moment they had not been 
 oberved by her. The expression of his 
 Lordship's eyes, as they met hers, strong-
 
 96 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 ly depicted his admiration of the ener- 
 getic speaker. 
 
 Lady Grace coming forward to greet 
 her friend, enabled Sophia to hide, in 
 some degree, the perturbation her bro- 
 ther's look had caused : and lord d'Arcy 
 now approaching, was welcomed with ma- 
 ny expressions of pleasure by Harriet and 
 Ellen ; but their sister still felt too much 
 embarrassed, to receive his compliments 
 with her usual ease. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy observed it, and would have 
 given worlds to know what had occasioned 
 it. Never had he appeared more animat- 
 ed ; without acknowledging it to himself, 
 he felt relieved by Lord Deresford's ab- 
 sence : his spirits rose in proportion, and 
 both old and young confessed he was in- 
 deed the most fascinating man they had 
 ever seen.
 
 MELCOiMBE LODGE. 97 
 
 Mrs Stapleton and his Lordship were 
 soon excellent friends ; and before the other 
 gentlemen joined them, the cheerful old 
 lady declared to Mrs. de Clairville, she 
 was gone many ages in love. 
 
 Lady Grace appeared to feel much plea- 
 sure in the society of the de Clairville fa- 
 mily; her spirits were never very high ; 
 but she had now regained her usual cheer- 
 fulness, and gratified her friends by the 
 assurance, that she had never been so hap- 
 py since she had left her mother. 
 
 The entrance of the tea equipage, pre- 
 sently followed by the gentlemen from the 
 dining room, rather deranged the comfort- 
 able chatting party round the fire. Sir 
 Charles and Mr. de Clairville expressed 
 their pleasure at seeing Lord d* Arcy; 
 George was in extasies of delight at meet- 
 ing him again, though he had only parted 
 from him two days before; and Mr. War-
 
 08 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 burton and his sons soon engaged him in 
 conversation, to the great mortification of 
 some of the party. 
 
 Eliza Warburton, fully resolved upon 
 conquestj soon contrived to be requested 
 to favor the company with a specimen of 
 her musical abilities ; and Mr. Leigh al- 
 ways anxious to appear a prominent figure, 
 proposed making up a little concert, and 
 offered his services either on the violin 
 tenor, or violoncello, and entreated Miss 
 Eliza would oblige him, with presiding at 
 the harp or piano. But aware she was not 
 equal to playing an accompaniment on the 
 first, beyond that of a song, she preferred 
 taking the piano-forte; while Ellen, with a 
 little difficulty, was prevailed on to seat 
 herself at the harp: Charles who was a 
 very fair performer on the violin, made 
 choice of that instrument : Clement took 
 up a tenor, leaving Mr. Leigh the violon- 
 cello ; but his performance upon it was
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 95 
 
 so execrable^ it entirely spoiled the effect 
 of the piece they were playing. 
 
 Charlotte and Sophia were almost con- 
 vulsed with laughter at the looks ol an- 
 noyance from time to time directed to him 
 by Ellen; whose fine car could scarcely 
 endure to hear him play so cruelly out of 
 tune. Lord d'Arcy, who was sitting next 
 Sophia, felt it impossible to resist joining 
 in her mirth; which was further increased 
 when Mr. Leigh at the conclusion of the 
 concerto, highly delighted with the ap- 
 plause it received, proposed playing* ano- 
 ther; but Ellen entreating to be excused 
 assisting at it, left her seat and retired to 
 some distance from the party, to recover 
 a little from the discordant tones she had 
 so long been compelled to listen to. Her« 
 she was soon joined by Charles VVarbur- 
 ton, who had felt his nerves equally jarred 
 with her own, 
 VOL. 1, r
 
 100 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Eliza^ now determining to charm all 
 hearts, sat down to her harp ; and as she 
 leaned over it^ in one of her newest atti- 
 tudes^ had just ventured to sweep a chord, 
 when George approached the sopha where 
 Lord d'Arcy and Sophia were sitting, and 
 after whispering in the ear of the former, 
 " Now is your time, I'm off/' quickly 
 disappeared. Lord d'Arcy laughed, but 
 not just then feeling any inclination to 
 follow his young friend's example, quietly 
 kept his seat, apparently, listening with 
 attention to a ballad EHza was singing. 
 
 " Your senses, my Lord/' said Sophia 
 archly smihng, when the young lady had 
 concluded her song, '' have been so en- 
 tirely absorbed by the powers of Miss 
 Warburton's voice, I have more than once 
 addressed you without being able to en- 
 gage your attention. 
 
 '^ Impossible,'^ he exclaimed with
 
 JMELCOMBE LODGE. lOl 
 
 warmth, '' that my stupidity can have 
 been so greats but that the sound of your 
 voice must have roused me from it/* 
 
 Sophia confused by the tone this was 
 spoken in^ rephed^ scarcely knowing what 
 she said^ '' Indeed ! I was mistaken then/' 
 
 Lord d'Arcy now as vainly sought to 
 engage her attention. She had become 
 thoughtful in her turn, and to his repeated 
 questions, he could only gain a monosyl- 
 lable in reply. At length recollecting 
 herself, she endeavoured to throw off this 
 abstraction; and though the effort was 
 attended with difficulty, she succeded in 
 once more appearing at her ease; and 
 during the remainder of the evening, 
 no one perceived any diminution of her 
 usual gaiety. 
 
 F 2
 
 109 MELCOMBE LODG£. 
 
 CHAP. IX, 
 
 Charlotte knowing Sophia was as fond 
 of walking as her self ^ she next morning 
 proposed they should execute their own 
 commissions at C — , (a small market town 
 situated about two miles from AshmoreJ 
 instead of sending the groom as had been 
 intended. Sophia readily assented to this 
 plan ; and as soon as breakfast was over, 
 they left the room to prepare for their 
 excursion. 
 
 The day was bright though cold; and 
 they set forward in high spirits; Charlotte
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 105 
 
 congratulating herself and friend at having 
 escaped the annoyance of Mr. Leigh's 
 company; who would most certainly have 
 insisted on attending them, had he known 
 of their intention, which on that account 
 she had taken good care to prevent his 
 having a suspicion of. 
 
 When nearly half way on their road to 
 C — , they heard their names vociferated in 
 no very gentle tone, and on turning round 
 to discover who had hailed them, they saw 
 George with Lord d'Arcy hastening to 
 overtake them, and in another moment 
 they were by their side. 
 
 *' You thought yourselves very clever 
 now, I dare say," said the lormer laugh- 
 ing, *' to leave the house without being 
 observed ; but Lord d'Arcy was too cun- 
 ning for you: he caught a glimpse of the 
 feathers in Soj)hia's hat, as they waved in 
 the breeze, just as we were on the point of
 
 104 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 putting on our skaits^ and immediately 
 proposed joining you. I confess I had 
 rather have remained where I was, as there 
 was a promise of excellent skaiting, but 
 my politeness would not permit of my al- 
 lowing his Lordship to proceed without 
 me; so here we are ready to esquire you 
 whithersoever it is your pleasure, fair 
 damsels, to take us. But pray tell me/* 
 he continued, '' why you did not mention 
 your intention of walking at breakfast?" 
 
 Upon hearing their reasons, he exclaim- 
 ed, '' O, then I am no longer surprized at 
 your silence, if it arose from the fear of 
 your being accompanied by that man, who 
 is the most conceited little puppy I ever 
 had the pleasure of seeing before. But do 
 you prefer supporting each other to ac- 
 cepting an arm of your escorts? which of 
 you will take mine?'* 
 
 Lord d'Arcyhad the same moment offer-
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE, 105 
 
 cd his to Sophia ; in crossing what in sum- 
 mer was a narrow stream, but which had 
 during the winter overflowed its bounds 
 and was now a sheet of ice, and notwith- 
 stanaing the assistance afforded by her 
 careful escort, she lost her footing, and was 
 only saved from falling by his involunta- 
 rily throwing his arms around her. 
 
 The unpleasant sensation added to the 
 alarm she felt made Sophia turn so pale. 
 Lord d*Arcy fearing she would faint, called 
 to Charlotte for her assistance; and the 
 latter apprehensive her friend had received 
 some injury, entreated George to hasten 
 home and order a carriage for his sister. 
 He was setting off with great speed, when 
 Sophia detained him, assuring them there 
 was no occasion for his going as she be- 
 lieved herself more frightened than hurt ; 
 nor would she hear of returning before 
 their commissions were duly executed.
 
 Ifl6 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy observing she still trem- 
 bled^ insisted on her taking his arm and 
 followed by George and Charlotte they 
 soon arrived at the place of their desti* 
 uatioQ. 
 
 Miss Warburton and her friend had not 
 been long at the millencrs before a car- 
 riage drove to the door from which de- 
 scended a very fine woman, though evi- 
 dently not young in despite of rouge and 
 every advantage from dress. Two ladies 
 apparently her daughters accompanied her, 
 and Charlotte had scarcely time to inform 
 Sophia they were the Fitzarthurs, to 
 whom the latter had not been introduced, 
 before they entered. 
 
 '' Miss Warburton 1" exclaimed tlie 
 three ladies in a breath, ^' we little expect- 
 ed the pleasure of meeting you here. How 
 are you, all at home ?"
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 107 
 
 Whilst Charlotte was returning their 
 compliments, they were staring her com- 
 panion out of countenance^ 
 
 " Who is she/' whispered Miss Louig^ 
 to her sister. Miss Fitzarthur s only an- 
 swer was a shake of the head ; plainly inti- 
 mating she was equally ignorant with 
 herself. 
 
 Sophia had on their entrance risen to 
 look at some gloves one of the assistants 
 had brought for her inspection, and before 
 the young ladies could have their curio- 
 sity satisfied by applying to Charlotte for 
 information. Lord d'Arcy and George who 
 had stepped into a bookseller's shop for a 
 few minutes entered. 
 
 *' LfOrd d'Arcy here too/' said Mr«, 
 Fitzarthur smiling graciously upon him, 
 I' tow many more agreeable surprizes are 
 F 5
 
 108 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 we to meet with this 
 Deresford with you ? 
 
 we to meet with this morning ? Is Lord 
 
 Lord d'Arcy did not appear to partici- 
 pate in the happiness Mrs. Fitzarthur and 
 her daughters expressed at this rencontre; 
 and merely saying his cousin was not at 
 present at the priory^ he slightly bowed as 
 he passed them to join Sophia^ who was 
 chusing a watch-ribbon for her brother. 
 
 Upon perceiving her employment^ he 
 playfully requested she would allow him to 
 be distinguished by her colours that even- 
 ing, and entreated her to select a ribbon 
 for him also. 
 
 " Indeed Sophia, " said George, *' you 
 ought, as yours and Miss Warburton's 
 knights, to reward us both, when you con- 
 sider how very careful and attentive we 
 have been in our perilous walk. If Char- 
 lotte were not at present engaged, I should
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 109 
 
 ask her to give me her colours ; but you 
 must be her proxy : and I am sure your 
 escort deserves it more than 1 do; as had it 
 not been for him^ you might have danced 
 all night with Major Benchs. 
 
 ''If your brother, " said Lord d*Arcy^ 
 " thinks me entitled to such a reward for 
 my good fortune in having preserved you 
 from accident 1 will take advantage of hijs 
 kindness, and entreat you not to refuse 
 me this favor though perhaps" he conti- 
 nued, ''I ought not to urge that plea ; as 
 the consciousness of having saved you from 
 pain, would alone have been a high reward 
 tome.'* 
 
 Sophia blushed, and laughing said, '' It 
 is impossible to refuse such a humble re- 
 quest from my gallant preserver, so strong- 
 ly supported by my brother's, interest, 
 who has indeed made me fully sensible of 
 my obligation to you by jgientioning the
 
 110 WELCOMDK LODGE. 
 
 much dreaded gentleman it might other- 
 wise have been my fate to be engaged to 
 through the whole evening. Allow me 
 then/' she continued^ turning to Lord 
 d'Arcy^ ^'to fix on this beautiful dark blue, 
 it is a favorite colour of mine as it always 
 reminds me of my dear uncle, whose pro- 
 fession is distinguished by it. '" 
 
 Lord d'Arcy did not appear insensible to 
 the compliment his fair companion was 
 perhaps unconsciously paying him in pre- 
 senting him with her acknowledged favo- 
 rite colour; as gracefully bowing his thanks^ 
 he gallantly pressed the precious gift to his 
 Jips, and the next moment carefully depo- 
 sited it in his bosom. 
 
 Mrs. Fitzarthur and her daughters had 
 overheard great part of what was passing 
 at the other end of the shop ; and not a 
 little modified at finding themselves over- 
 looked for they knew not whom, werje
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. Ill 
 
 again going to enquire of Miss Warburton 
 the name of her companion^ as Sophia^ 
 having completed her purchases, informed 
 her friend sshe was ready to depart. Char- 
 lotte entirely forgetting she ought to have 
 Hitroduced her to the Fitzarthurs , merely 
 saying she hoped to see them in the evemng, 
 followed Sophia from the shop, nor till 
 the latter recalled it to her recollection, 
 did the omission occur to her, 
 
 ''^What!'' said George; "'are these 
 forward looking girls the Miss Fitzarthurs? 
 I really thought they would have swallowed 
 poor Lord d'Arcy at a mouthful And 
 was that their mother ? LIow I do hale to 
 see such painted dolls ! I am sure I should 
 not love and respect my mother as I now 
 do, if I saw her rouge like Mrs. Fitzar- 
 thur. '' 
 
 '^ If she were present at this speech, " 
 «aid Sophia gravely, [^ 1 am sure she
 
 112 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 would feel more hurt at hearing you ex- 
 press your dislike of Mrs Fitzarthur in so 
 violent a manner, than gratified at receiv- 
 ing a compliment at her cxpence. " 
 
 . " Well, I dare say you are right, dear 
 Sophy, I have expressed myself rather 
 coarsely ; and I see by the marked appro- 
 bation Lord d'Arcy's countenance evinced 
 during your lecture, he is of the same opi- 
 nion, I therefore humbly entreat pardon of 
 both/' 
 
 Lord d'Arcy laughed ; but his colour 
 was much heigthened by George's remark; 
 and turning to Charlotte he sought to hide 
 his confusion by making some enquiries of 
 her, relative to the company expected 
 that night at Ashmore. 
 
 The sun had born so much power during 
 the morning that they found their road 
 back so verv indifferent it required the
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 1J3 
 
 whole attention of the gentlemen, to pre- 
 serve their fair companions from any 
 further accident, and for the remainder of 
 the walk no conversation passed, except an 
 occasional remark on the state of the path 
 before them. 
 
 Upon reaching the grounds Mr. Single- ' 
 ton, (one of the party at that time in the 
 house,) met them. He had known Char- 
 lotte from a child, and next to her father 
 she loved and respected this worthy man, 
 who was one of Mr. Warburton's earliest 
 friends, and was now come to spend some 
 time with him accompanied by his son, a 
 Major in the regiment of Guards. 
 
 Mr. Singleton good humouredly scolded 
 Charlotte and Sophia for leaving him so 
 many hours, and not informing him of their 
 intended excursion. '' Do you not think,'' 
 he continued, '' had I received a hint of it 
 I should not have been as ready as my Lord
 
 Ill MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 d'Arcy to offer my attendance ? thous^h 
 perhaps/' he added with a sinile, ''that very 
 fear might be the cause of your silence/' 
 
 " No indeed, my dear old friend/' re- 
 lumed Charlotte affectionately putti'ng her 
 arm within his ; ''had it been only your 
 attendance we feared the offer of, we should 
 not have stolen out of the house so cau- 
 tiously, but the truth is we dreaded 
 
 " Your son would also accompany us. 
 Was not that the truth ? " said a voice at 
 her elbow. 
 
 Charlotte started ; it was the Major's 
 who was returning to the house from a 
 different part of the grounds. 
 
 *' This is very unfair Major Singleton/' 
 she exclaimed, " to come upon us thus 
 unawares, and to punish you, I will not 
 now explain the true and real reason of our
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 115 
 
 silence.'* and effecting much displeasure, 
 Charlotte walked on^ Mr. Singleton laugh- 
 ing, declared he would not be punished for 
 his son's delinquency hastily followed the 
 offended fair one, leaving the Major to 
 make his peace with her as well as he 
 could. 
 
 Sophia and Lord d'Arcy meantime walk- 
 ed quietly on ; much amused by the feign- 
 ed anger of Charlotte, and the effect it had 
 upon Mortimer Singleton. 
 
 " Is there not/' said Lord d'Arcy to 
 Sophia, " a little penchant felt there, for 
 your lively friend? '* 
 
 '^ At times I have suspected there is/* 
 she replied, '^ but have no certainty on 
 which to rest my suspicions/* 
 
 " I think we cannot both be mistaken/' 
 he returned, indeed who that has observed
 
 116 MELCOMBE LODGE- 
 
 the constant direction of Major Singleton's 
 eyes; the animation that lights up every 
 feature when Miss Warburton approaches^ 
 or the restlessness so apparent when any 
 other man engages her attention even for 
 a moment; not to mention the sudden 
 transition from despondency the deepest 
 to delight the most ardent^ when she turns 
 from others to address him^ but must ac* 
 knowledge these are symptoms of that 
 passion which in some part or other of 
 every man's life makes his happiness or 
 his misery." 
 
 '' What is all this about despondency 
 and delight ? " said George who now 
 joined them. '' Have you only now found 
 out that Charles Warburton is desperately 
 in love with Ellen? " 
 
 " My dear George/' said his sister^ 
 ^^ what are you talking of ? "
 
 MELCOxMBE LODGE. 117 
 
 *' Why of what I mean, dear Sophy, 
 that Charles can speak to, look at, nor 
 think of any one but your sweet sister and 
 mine, Ellen De Clairville, spinster: and 
 1 thought Lord d'Arcy was alluding to this 
 when I joined you. But come^ we must 
 march, aye to quick time too, if we are to 
 dine as soon as Mrs. Warburton talked of 
 this morning.'* 
 
 Mrs. Warburton had proposed defer- 
 ring the duties of the toilet until after 
 dinner, which was readily agreed to 
 by her guests, and as soon therefore, as the 
 meal was concluded, the ladies withdrew 
 to their appartments. Ellen and Lady 
 Grace had passed the morning together ; 
 and mutually pleased with each other, 
 the hours flew so fast, ihat they could 
 scarcely persuade themselves, when the 
 first dinner bell sounded, it could be so 
 near dinner.
 
 118 MELCOMBE LODGK. 
 
 Harriet and Emily bad been invited by 
 Miss Warburton into her dressing-room, 
 when her sister and Sophia set off on their 
 excursion; had she suspected Lord d'Arcy 
 would have been their companion in the 
 walk to C — 3 nothing would have prevent- 
 ed her joining the party. 
 
 In happy ignorance of the fact, she left 
 the dining-room and hastening to her apart- 
 ment commenced the business of decora- 
 tion with the earnestness its importance 
 required. 
 
 Ehza had never taken more pains; and 
 her dress w-as even more than usually fantas- 
 tic this evening. When her toilet was com- 
 pleted, perfectly satisfied with herself she 
 hastened to the drawing-room, hoping to 
 impress Lord d'Arcy with the conviction, 
 that unlike the generality of her sex, she 
 spent but little time in decorating her 
 person.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 119 
 
 Unfortunately his Lordship was not 
 there; when after waiting till she was 
 tired, the fair Eliza repaired to her sister's 
 apartment, whom she found still under the 
 hands of her femme'de-chamhre, 
 
 Charlotte upon seeing her sister enter^ 
 armed at all points for conquest, jocosely 
 enquired in the name of all that was won- 
 derful, how it happened she should be 
 ready the first : but seeing a cloud arise 
 upon the brow of her fancifully attired 
 sister, she added, '' But 1 ought to account 
 for your finding me so backward. The 
 fact is, Sophia and I got into so long- a 
 chat upon our morning's adventures, we 
 entirely lost sight of the time, she has not 
 left me many minutes ; and 1 immediately 
 summoned Kitty, who 1 know was almost 
 out of patience.*' 
 
 Eliza now enquired who her sister had 
 met at C — .
 
 120 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 ^' Only those dear disagreeable Fitzar- 
 thurs/* returned Charlotte, '' who will 
 not soon forgive Sophia I suspect, for en- 
 tirely engrossing the attention of Lord 
 d'Arcy. 
 
 '^ Lord d'Arcy 1" repeated Eliza, "Did 
 he accompany you in your walk ? I thought 
 Charlotte it was the wish both of yourself 
 and Sophia, the gentlemen should not be 
 acquainted with your intention of going 
 to C— /' 
 
 " You are perfectly correct, my dear 
 sister ; it was the wish of both they should 
 not hear of it, but Lord d*Arcy and George 
 discovered us as they were skaiting, and 
 overtook us before we reached the town." 
 
 Eliza did not appear quite pleased at 
 learning this ; she was silent a few minutes 
 and then said, '' May 1 enquire if Lord
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 121 
 
 d'Arcy has engaged either you or Sophia 
 any part of this evening/' 
 
 '' I can only say he has not honoured 
 me so far/' replied her sister^ ^' Sophia 
 must answer for herself/' 
 
 '' Who then do you dance with to- 
 night?" 
 
 " My dear Eliza/' Charlotte laughing- 
 ly returned, '' I shall begin to fancy my- 
 self in the Inquisition, and you one of the 
 judges of it, before whom I am brought to 
 answer these multiplicity of questions. The 
 next thing I shall expect will be to find 
 myself delivered over to the familiars, to 
 have the question indeed put to me ; but 
 happily here comes one to asssist me. Dear 
 Sophia," she continued, as the latter en- 
 tered, '' in mercy to your friend help her 
 to reply to some of these interrogations. 
 The first of which is. Are you engaged to 
 dance with Lord d'Arcy ?''
 
 122 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 '^ 1 beHeve/' said Sophia, as she stooped 
 to pick up a sprig of myrtle, she had con- 
 veniently dropped, 'M am to have the 
 pleasure of dancing with his Lordship the 
 first set/' 
 
 " And pray may I enquire," said Char- 
 lotte, '' if this was settled at Miss John- 
 son's this morning? 
 
 *' Who is the Grand Inquisitor now?" 
 cried Eliza. 
 
 '* I have only taken your place for one 
 moment, brother judge/' said her sister 
 with affected gravity, " Allow me before I 
 resign it to you, to hear the prisoner's an- 
 swer to the question I ha\e put to her. 
 Did Lord d'Arcy this morning, engage you 
 Sophia De Clairville to dance with him this 
 evening?" 
 
 '' He did not/'
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 123 
 
 '' If I were not going to resign my office 
 to Eliza, 1 would have enquired^ or insisted 
 on knowing on pain of being condemned 
 to dance the whole evening with his Lord- 
 ship, when and where this matter was 
 settled. But you are a sly girl not to men- 
 tion a syllable of this before. Ah ! Sophia, 
 notwithstanding that innocent face of yours, 
 I greatly suspect you of a design upon the 
 heart of your noble partner.'' 
 
 Sophia colouring, assured her she had 
 never been more mistaken, '' Besides,'' she 
 continued^ ^' you forget he is an engaged 
 
 ''No I do not; nor that to-night he 
 sports the colours of the fair one who holds 
 him in her chains. Why Sophia, 1 declare 
 you could not blush deeper, were 3'ou the 
 lady who had forged them.** " 
 
 The little piece of blue ribbon had not 
 
 YOL. I. Q
 
 m MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 escaped the observation of Charlotte in the 
 •^morning; and much amused at seeing- Lord 
 d'Arcy so carefully preserve it ; she had 
 treasured it in her mind till a fair oppor- 
 tunity occurred to rally her friend upon it; 
 and she now employed it so well, that Sophia 
 was truly glad when a summons arrived 
 from Mrs. Warburton to join the party 
 below. 
 
 Eliza had left them some time, and arm in 
 arm these two beautiful young women de- 
 scended to the drawing-room, where some 
 of the company had already assembled. 
 
 Sophia this evening even sui passed her- 
 selt : all animation and gaiety, to look at 
 her was to feel in spirits, and Lord d'Arcy 
 found himself the counterpart of what he 
 had described Major Singleton, nor could 
 he for a moment take his eyes from the 
 fascinating object before him. Lady Grace 
 and Ellen were as finely formed; and Har-
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. J 25 
 
 riet and Emily were in general considered 
 handsome ; but the palm of beauty was 
 this evening univerially awarded to Sophia^ 
 for never had she appeared more attrac- 
 tively lovely. 
 
 The ball was opened by Miss Warbur- 
 ton and the Marquis of Ormondsty, he was 
 not so handsome, she confessed as Lord 
 d'Arcy, but he was of higher rank ; and 
 Eliza heroically determining to think no 
 more of one, whose whole attention was 
 evidently directed to another, levelled all 
 the artillery of her charms at the heart of 
 the Marquis; flattering herself she might 
 succeed better, than in the attack she had 
 made on the heart of the insensible d*Arcy. 
 
 The late Marquis of Ormondsty was 
 
 related to Mr. De Clairville, but from some 
 
 unhappy misunderstanding, the families 
 
 had not interchanged visits for some years. 
 
 G 2
 
 126 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 His son, with the title, did not inherit hit 
 father's prejudices. On the contrary, he 
 made the first advances to Mr. De Clairville, 
 who met them with the greatest cordiality. 
 The young Marquis had been several times 
 at Melcombe since the death of his father; 
 and it was supposed by the world, one of 
 the daughters of that house would certainly 
 become Marchioness of Ormondsty. 
 
 The Fitzarthurs, contrary to their usual 
 practice, were amongst the first guests who 
 arrived. The young ladies wishing to 
 astonish the natives, appeared in their last 
 court dresses, which covered with spangles 
 and foil, were a strong contrast to the ele- 
 gant simplicity, that, with the exception of 
 Eliza, marked the appearance of the Ash- 
 more females. 
 
 Louisa had discovered Ellen ; and was 
 expressing her pleasure at meeting her 
 there, when Sophia with her partner, passed 
 them in their way to the set then forming.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 127 
 
 *' Can you tell me, my dear Miss De 
 Clairville/' she cried, '' the name of that 
 lady who is dancing with Lord d'Arcy? 
 we saw her with Miss War burton this 
 morning at C " 
 
 ''I certainly ought to know it/* returned 
 Ellen smiling *' as she is my twin sister." 
 
 Miss Fitzarthur, happy she had not 
 committed herself, replied " You indeed 
 astonish me : there is not the least resem- 
 blance between you. I think it was very 
 strange Miss Warburton did not introduce 
 us to each other when we met at Johnson's." 
 
 Charles Warburton now approaching to 
 claim Ellen for his partner, she was pre- 
 vented replying to this speech ; and Louisa 
 joined her mother and sister, who were 
 engaged in criticising with no small degree 
 of acrimony, the face, person, and dress of 
 Sophia,
 
 J28 MELCOMBJK LODGE. 
 
 So entirely to engrosB the attention of 
 Lord d'Arcy, the only man in the room 
 worth thinking of, the Marquis of Ormond- 
 sty accepted, was a crime not to be forgiven: 
 nor when they learned wko she was, were 
 (hey inclined to view her with more favour- 
 able eyes. 
 
 Sophia meanwhile, unconscious either 
 of the admiration or envy she excited, was 
 dancing with the greatest spirit; her part- 
 ner appeared equally animated; and when 
 the set was finished, and Major Singleton 
 came forward to claim her for the next, Lord 
 d'Arcy could scarcely be persuaded the 
 first dance was over. But on finding he 
 must resign her hand to the Major he would 
 not permit him to carry off his prize, till 
 Sophia had consented to dance with him 
 the supper set. 
 
 Mrs. Fitzarthur, whose eyes continued 
 to follow every movement of Lord d'Arcy,
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 129 
 
 now observing him disengaged, rose with 
 the intention of joining him; which on per- 
 ceiving, he instantly decamped from that 
 part of the room. Lady Grace, who was 
 dancing with the Marquis of Ormondsty 
 caught his eye at that moment, and left 
 her place in the set to speak to him. 
 
 '' Why are you not dancing, my dear Ar- 
 thur ? '* she exclaimed, '' I thought you did 
 not know what it was to feel tired at a 
 ball ? '' 
 
 ''Will you, my Lord, allow me to intro- 
 duce you to a partner ? " cried Mr. Leigh, 
 who had overheard in part the question 
 Lady Grace had put to her brother. There 
 are some young ladies here,'* he continued, 
 smiling facetiously, ^' who would be hap- 
 py in the honour of dancing with your 
 Lordship.'* 
 
 Lord d'Arcy thanked him, but declined
 
 130 MELCOxMBE LODGE- 
 
 his kind offer^ saying he did not intend to 
 dance any more at present. 
 
 Mr. Leigh felt highly offended at his 
 services being so shghted : yet wishing 
 to appear intimate with a man of his conse- 
 quence, he smoothed his brow^ and began 
 making some remarks on the company : 
 but Lord d'Arcy was then engaged in 
 watching the light and graceful movements 
 of Sophia who was going down the dance. 
 Mr. Leigh finding his Ijordship had not 
 heard what he considered far too good to 
 be lost, leaned forward to touch him on the 
 arm, at the instant that he seeing Sophia 
 had arrived at the bottom of the set, darted 
 forward to join her : when the poor little 
 man unfortunately loosing his balance from 
 the rapidity of Lord d'Arcy's movements, 
 to the amusement of some, but the dismay 
 of others, measured his length on the floor ! 
 
 Not great the fall, but marvellously so,
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 131 
 
 iras the rage of the mortified Mr. Lei<^h 
 as he darted an angry glance towards the 
 innocent cause of his misfortune ; who ig- 
 norant of the share he had had in it, was 
 gaily conversing with Sophia and Major 
 Singleton, at some distance from the spot. 
 
 Charlotte endeavoured gravely to pity 
 the prostrate hero : but in defiance of ail 
 her efforts, the mirth his discomfited ap- 
 pearance excited, would not be restrained 
 and the endeavour to hide it only encreased 
 his rage ; till at length he determined im- 
 mediately to quit the house. 
 
 Mr. Warburton understanding what 
 had occurred, came forward and by syiu- 
 pathising in the distress of his guest, peace 
 was, in some measure restored, which 
 Lord d'Arcy's apologies, after hearing how 
 much he had been implicated in the dis- 
 turbance, assisted in establishing ; and the 
 G 5
 
 132 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 dance, Mr. Leigh's unfortunate fall bad 
 interrupted^ was again resumed with the 
 same spirit as before, till supper was an- 
 nounced. 
 
 Emily unwilling to add to the mortifi- 
 cation of Mr. Leigh, had unhesitatingly 
 accepted him as her partner for the set 
 preceding it. Since he had discovered who 
 she was, he had paid her the most devoted 
 attention, and nov<^ seated by her side at 
 iupper, he looked some inches higher than 
 usual: and the air of self-importance visi- 
 ble on every feature, amused all around 
 them. He scarcely allowed his fair part- 
 ner to attend to any one but himself, till 
 observing Lord d'Arcy and Sophia who 
 were placed almost opposite, he. en- 
 quired of Emily if she did not join in 
 the opinions of many that night, that 
 it would be a match. Upon perceiv- 
 ing her look not a little surprized, he con- 
 tinued, '' I dare say ma'am you think with
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 133 
 
 me that Lord Montreuil will never hear of 
 it. It is a pity Lord d'Arcy should en- 
 courage Miss De Clairville to hope he ever 
 \Till. The Earl ma'am would sooner I am 
 convinced, see his son in the grave than 
 consent to his connecting himself with the 
 daughter of a commoner be he ever so 
 rich." 
 
 *' You are not perhaps aware sir/' re- 
 plied Emily much provoked, '' that the 
 lady jou are speaking of is my cousin." 
 
 Mr. Leigh, a little confused assured her 
 he meant no disrespect to Miss De Clair- 
 ville, but the world supposed Lord d'Arcy 
 engaged -to Lady Lucretia Selburne, the 
 eldest daughter of the Marquis of Longue- 
 ville. 
 
 " I believe sir/* returned Emily cooly, 
 ^' you need noi fear that my cousin is ig- 
 norant of this ensfagement We heard 
 the marriage was to take place sonie time^
 
 134 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 before Lord d'Arcy's arrival in this neigh- 
 bourhood." 
 
 Emily knew she was not quite correct 
 in this ; but greatly provoked Mr. Leigh 
 should be so quick sighted in discovering 
 the commencement of an attachment she 
 herself had only just began to suspect, 
 wished at once to check his desire of 
 spreading his suspicions farther. 
 
 Sophia observing a cloud on the usually 
 serene brow of her cousin, leaned over the 
 table to learn the cause of it. 
 
 Emily assured her she was unconscious 
 of any except the heat of the room. Sophia 
 anxiously advised her to leave it, and offered 
 to accompany her; but Mr. Leigh suspect- 
 ing he was the occasion of her change of 
 countenance, wished to banish the subject 
 from her mind, and endeavoured as much as 
 possible to turn her thoughts another way, 
 and Emily angry with herself for having
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 135 
 
 attracted the attention of Sophia^, after de- 
 clining her kind offer, ably seconded his 
 efforts for that purpose ; and till Mrg. 
 Warburton relieved her by giving the sig- 
 nal of retreat^ exerted herself so well that 
 Sophia no longer apprehensive for her, 
 gave her undivided attention to Lord 
 d'Arcy. 
 
 Upon returning to the ball-room, Ellen 
 by the desire of the Miss Fitzarthurs, in- 
 troduced them to Sophia; when they ex- 
 pressed to her how much inclined they felt 
 to be angKy with Charlotte for omitting 
 this ceremony in the morning. 
 
 Sophia replied, she could only lament 
 that her absence from home, when they 
 favoured Melcombe with calling, should 
 have rendered it necessary. 
 
 Her new acquaintance professed them- 
 selves equally sorry for the circumstance, 
 and after a few more civil speeches
 
 136 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 on both sides. Miss Louisa putting on one 
 of her sweetest smiles said, " You have 
 been dancing, 1 think all the evening; are 
 you fond of the exercise V* 
 
 *' Were we to judge by the spirit Miss 
 De Clairvilk went down the dance before 
 gupper, observed the elder Miss Fitzar- 
 thur, *' we might suppose she was exces- 
 sively fond of it. But what is become of 
 your partner?" she continued, directing 
 what she thought an arch glance at Sophia. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy's appearance at that instant 
 precluded the necessity of a leply. He 
 apologised to Sophia for his absence, and 
 drawing her arm within his, as he led her 
 to the set, accounted for it by informing 
 her he had been called out to his servant^ 
 who had been taken suddenly ill. 
 
 '' T hope my Lord," said Sophia ear- 
 nestly, ''you did not leave hira on my
 
 MKLCQMBE LODGE. I3T 
 
 account. If I thouo^ht you had, I should 
 feel little gratification in your return/' 
 
 '' Indeed my dear Miss De Clairville/' 
 he returned, '' I would not have quitted 
 him, had there been any necessity for my 
 remaining longer. 1 have ordered him to go 
 to bed, and as he appeared much recovered, 
 I trust to-morrow^ will find him perfectly 
 restored. He has lived in our family 
 from a boy, and I am so much attached to 
 my poor Roberts, that I confess to you 1 
 found myself quite unmanned on finding 
 him to all appearances, so dangerously 
 
 '' Then why not return to him,'* cried 
 Sophia eagerly. '' I have had my share of 
 dancing this evening, and shall be perfect- 
 ly contented to remain a spectator the 
 remainder of it.'' 
 
 She looked so much in earnest as she
 
 138 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 said this, that Lord d'Arcy charmed at dis- 
 covering so much feeling and considera- 
 tion in one of so lively a disposition, 
 thrown off his guard, siezed the hand that 
 rested on his arm, and had half raised it to 
 his lips, when the recollection of where he 
 was^ made him as suddenly drop it, and 
 colouring almost as deeply as Sophia, he 
 said, '' 1 see you want to get rid of mc, 
 but before I go, let me have your promise, 
 should there be any more dancing after 
 I return you will allow me to claim you 
 again." 
 
 Sophia blushing, gave the required as- 
 «ent, and Lord d'Aicy then leaving her, 
 she seated herself on a vacant bench at a 
 little distance from the company, to reco- 
 ver in some degree from the agitation his 
 Lordship's manner had excited. But not 
 long was she permitted to remain at quiet, 
 Emily having finished her task of dancing 
 with Mr, Leigh, seeing Sophia alone^ has-
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 13d 
 
 tened to join her and Charlotte and Major 
 Singleton almost immediately followed. 
 The former observing Mr. Leigh's air of 
 devotion when he addressed Emily, deter- 
 mined not to let him escape, and affecting to 
 whisper, but sufficiently audibly for his fair 
 mistress to overhear, said, " Have you 
 contrived myg-ood friend to fix Miss Rush- 
 brook's head on her shoulders more to your 
 satisfaction ; or has the BaroneVs daughter 
 «o much enchanted you that you no longer 
 observe the unfortunate turn in it which 
 you pronounced could belong to no one 
 who had been accustomed to move in cer- 
 tain circles?" 
 
 Mf. Leigh much confused, entreated 
 Charlotte to speak lower; but finding his 
 tormentor rather elevated than dropped 
 her voice, he could bear it no longer, and 
 pretending the heat of the room overcame 
 him, made his escape from it as fast as he 
 could, Emily much diverted with the lit-
 
 140 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 tie she had overheard^ desired to hear what 
 had induced the little man to fly so fast ? 
 Charlotte answered her by giving a most 
 ludicrous account of what had passed the 
 day before, which not a little amused her 
 auditors. . 
 
 " Your saucy eyes Sophia/' she conti- 
 nued. '' are not you find, so much ad- 
 mired by Mr. Leigh as by others of our 
 party, which may perhaps be accounted 
 for by the different expression they as- 
 sume at different times. For instance, 
 when turned upon Emily's lover, they are 
 thought satirical; but when they look 
 towards the knight of the blue ribbon, 
 they appear all softness, sweetness and 
 every thing that is charming. Ah So- 
 phia!*' she continued in a whisper, '^ I 
 have discovered the lady to night, you 
 hinted to me was engaged to Lord d'Arcy 
 and as I told you I should, by her colours^ 
 which were worn instead of the elegant
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 141 
 
 chain 1 admired so much this morning. 
 But look not so alarmed^ I promise to 
 keep your secret. Yet may I enquire 
 where Lord d'Arcy is gone?" 
 
 Sophia explained the cause of his ab- 
 sence^ at the same time requesting his 
 sister might not hear that night of poor 
 Roberts's illness. 
 
 Lady Grace had appeared during* the 
 evening, in high spirits ; but now begin- 
 ning to feel a little fatigued, when Emily 
 and Charlotte once more joined the dan- 
 cers, Sophia persuaded her to sit quietly 
 with her. The Marquis of Ormondsty 
 joining them, they continued to amuse 
 themselves in observing the votaries of 
 Terpsichore, and in listening to the ridicu- 
 lous remarks of their companions upon 
 the couples as they reached the end of the 
 dance.
 
 14^ MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 The company at length began to dis- 
 perse; when Sophia giving over all hopes 
 of seeing Lord d'Arcy any more that even- 
 ings proposed retiring; and Lady Grace 
 readily assenting, they hastened from the 
 festive scene. The rest of the party only 
 waited for the final adieus of the remainder 
 of the guests before they followed their 
 example; and at a very late or rather 
 early hour, most of the inhabitants of Ash- 
 more sought their apartme^ts^ to sleep off 
 the fatigue of the evening.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 143 
 
 CHAP. X 
 
 Lord d'Arcy finding his servant more 
 seriously ill than he had at first apprehend- 
 ed, gave over all idea of returning to the 
 ball-room, but sent off an express to C — 
 for the apothecary of that town ; who on 
 seeing Roberts, pronounced him to have 
 every symptom of a violent fever coming 
 on. Finding the house-keeper kept a medi- 
 cine chest by her for the relief of the poorer 
 inhabitants of Ashmore, he soon made 
 up what was proper for his patient, and 
 after giving every necessary direction^ he
 
 144 MfiLCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 departed, promising to see him again in a 
 few hours. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy could not be prevailed upon 
 to leave the bedside of his servant^ the 
 poor fellow's fever, as the apothecary had 
 predicted, rapidly encreased; he soon be- 
 came delirious, and it was found necessary 
 to confine him to his bed. 
 
 His master was the only person who had 
 the least influence with him ; and from no 
 hand but his could he be persuaded to take 
 the medicines ordered him. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy had at length the pleasure 
 of perceiving him grow more composed, 
 and soon after fall into a quiet sleep ; and 
 fearing he might be disturbed by some ac- 
 cidental noise, he sent all from the room, 
 ..and taking up a book, endeavoured to 
 amuse himself with it, till the arrival of 
 Mr. Unwin the apothecary, who found
 
 MELCOxMBE LODGE. 145 
 
 Roberts much better than he had left him, 
 and pronounced him out of danger. 
 
 Sophia had slept as htdeas Lord d'Arcy, 
 She had taken leave of Lady Grace for the 
 night, at the door of the latter's apartment, 
 and Ellen on coming up to bed found her 
 apparently in a deep sleep ; but Sophia 
 was not even inclined to rest^ though to 
 avoid conversation^ she suffered her sister 
 to believe the contrary. Her thoughts 
 reverted to all that had occurred that day. 
 The marked attentions she had received 
 from Lord d*Arcy in the course of it, the 
 look of ardent admiration which accom- 
 panied his action as he left her to attend 
 his servant, v^as not forgotten ; and for the 
 first time she began to question her heart 
 upon the evident satisfaction it felt in 
 dwelling upon these and a thousand other 
 circumstances, which, trivial in themselves, 
 yet betrayed an interest in every thing 
 relating to her.
 
 146 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 From Lord d'Arcy, Sophia's thoughtH 
 reverted to his family. She was aware of 
 the Earl's excessive pride^ and the disdain 
 he always expressed for all those that were 
 beneath him in rank ; and she was con- 
 scious how little chance there was of his 
 ever giving his consent to his son's con- 
 necting himself with the daughter of a 
 country gentleman. In such reflections 
 as these, Sophia passed the time that ought 
 to have been devoted to rest, and she 
 arose in the morning not much refreshed 
 by a sleepless night. 
 
 As the sisters were dressing, they learn- 
 ed from their servant that Ijord d'Arcy had 
 not been in bed since he left the ball-room^ 
 but had passed the time in his servant's 
 room. 
 
 "^ Dear me! ladies/' Margaret conti- 
 nued, '' what an angel of a master my 
 Lord is; Mrs. Allot told me just now he
 
 MJELCOMBE LODGE. UT 
 
 has been so anxious all night about poor 
 Roberts^ and talked so kindly to him when 
 the poor fellow was beside himself, that 
 it would have done any one's heart good to 
 have heard him/* 
 
 " And is Lord d'Arcy with him still ?*' 
 enquired Ellen. 
 
 '^ Dear me ! ma'am, that he is/' return- 
 ed Margaret^ '' notwithstanding Lady 
 Grace has been praying him so to go to 
 bed. But he says he cannot hear of it at 
 present/' 
 
 Lady Grace at this moment begged to 
 be admitted. 
 
 '' My dear friends/* she cried, " I am 
 miserable upon my brother's account; for 
 I greatly fear he will be a sufferer by his 
 humanity. The apothecary told Mrs. 
 
 VOL. f. H
 
 J48 MELCOMBi: LODGE. 
 
 Alletj when he was first called in, 
 that he was apprehensive Roberts's 
 would prove a very bad fever; and yet 
 Arthur has been the whole night by hig 
 bedside." 
 
 '^ I trust/' said Sophia, turning very 
 pale, '' there is no danger of infection to 
 be apprehended." 
 
 '^ 1 wish I could flatter myself there was 
 not/* returned her Ladyship, '' But my 
 dear Sophia, what is the matter with you? 
 I hope you are not also ill." 
 
 Sophia greatly alarmed lest Lord d'Arcy 
 should suffer from his attention to his ser- 
 vant, yet fearful the interest she took in 
 him should be observed, tried to answer 
 in a cheerful tone, but the effort was too 
 much for her, and she burst into tears. 
 
 Lady Grace and Ellen much alarmed.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 149 
 
 were on the point of summoning- Mrs. De 
 Clairville^ when Sophia entreated they 
 would not ; assuring them she was only a 
 little nervous^ which she attributed to the 
 fatigue of the preceding day. 
 
 Lady Grace affectionately pressing her 
 hand^ said she was afraid she had assisted 
 in oversetting her by her alarming account 
 of poor Roberts. '' You know not/' she 
 continued, " how much Arthur is attached 
 to him: but I trust all will end well. 
 Come my dear girl, you are better again; 
 and I hope able to accompany us to Char- 
 lotte's dressing-room, where she invited 
 me to breakfast with you/* 
 
 Sophia entreated her to proceed thither 
 with Ellen, promising to follow in a few 
 minutes. When left alone she blamed 
 herself severely for allowing her feelings 
 thus to overcome her, but happy io think 
 
 H %
 
 150 MIlLCOMBi: LODGE. 
 
 she had this lime escaped detectron, she 
 determined to he more on her guard in 
 future, lest the secret she could no longer 
 hide from herself, should be betrayed to 
 others. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy's behaviour astonished and 
 perplexed her. Why if he were really en- 
 gaged to another^ did he seek every oppor- 
 tunity of engrossing her attention ? The 
 evening before, he had danced w^ith no 
 one except herself; and what did those 
 frequent looks of tenderness and ardent 
 admiration imply ? Then recollecting this 
 was not the way to recover herself^ she 
 bathed her eyes before she joined her 
 friends, heroically determining to give no 
 encouragement to one, who she believed 
 was intended by his family to marry 
 another. 
 
 On leaving her chamber to proceed to 
 Charlotte's dressing-room, the object of
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. lol 
 
 her thoughts appeared at the farther end 
 of the gallery. Sophia would have given 
 worlds to have avoided hiai, but that was 
 now impossible as she saw he had already 
 perceived her. Lord d'Arcy's eyes at 
 meeting her spaikled with delight^ till ob- 
 serving her pale countenance his anima- 
 tion instantly fled, and he enquired after 
 her health in a tone 80 anxious, she could 
 scarcely restrain the tears which had again 
 filled her eyes, from rolling down her 
 colourless cheeks. But recovering herself 
 she slightly answered his enquiries, and 
 then expressed her hopes he had left hi» 
 servant better. 
 
 '^ Much better, 1 thank you," he re- 
 turned ; *' And now will you not allow^ 
 me to apologize to you for not returning 
 
 again 
 
 last nis:ht 
 
 o* 
 
 *' No indeed," she replied, trying to 
 smile, '' 1 will not hear any apologies ou
 
 I5« MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 the subject; I already know where you 
 passed the night. But tell me, has the 
 apothecary seen your servant a second 
 time?" 
 
 " He has^ and gives me every hope of 
 his doing well, though he still requires 
 care. I have left Mrs. Allet with him, and 
 am now going to comply, though I confess 
 much against my inclination, with my sis- 
 ter's wishes, and retire to bed," 
 
 Sophia looking up as he said this, ob* 
 served he appeared excessively fatigued ; 
 when losing all recollection of her late de- 
 termination, her manner betrayed so much 
 anxiety as she entreated him to follow 
 Lady Grace's advice, that delighted with 
 the interest it seemed to imply, Lord 
 d*Arcy involuntarily seized her hand, but 
 observing her confusion he almost imme- 
 diately relinquished it, and requesting her 
 to inform his sister he was about to follow
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 153 
 
 her injunctions^ gracefully bowing, pro- 
 ceeded to his apartment. 
 
 Sophia found Charlotte so much ex- 
 hausted by the gaieties of the preceding 
 night, her own langour and want of spirits 
 passed unnoticed by her^ or were attributed 
 solely to the same cause. As they were 
 sitting at breakfast, Ellen looking alter- 
 nately at her companions and perceiving 
 in all the usual effects of late hours and hot 
 rooms^ sportively exclaimed. 
 
 *' Oh ! save me from the gaiety of those 
 
 ** Whose headaches nail them to a noon-day bed.** 
 
 They could none of them refrain from 
 laughing ; but Charlotte told Ellen it did 
 not become her to repeat those lines, who 
 was equally implicated with themselves. 
 
 " I acknowledge it,'' she returned, 
 " but are they not very applicable just 
 now? % You, dying with the headache;
 
 154 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Lady Grace certainly not looking the 
 better for her dissipation; and Sophia 
 confessing not half an hour ago, she felt 
 terribly nervous from the same cause." 
 
 " I never knew Sophia tired before/' 
 said Charlotte, " she was always as gay 
 the morning after a ball, as at any other 
 time. 1 begin to suspect the cause of our 
 all feeling so much worse than usual, must 
 arise from the saloon not having been pro- 
 perly ventilated: 1 never felt so tired 
 before/' 
 
 '' Perhaps your spirits had never before 
 been so highly elevated as they appeared 
 last night /' observed Lady Grace smiling 
 expressively. 
 
 '' Charlotte certainly never had such an 
 animating partner as Major Singleton at 
 other balls/* said Ellen archly.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. ]55 
 
 " If my head did not throb so much^ I 
 eould retaliate most nobly upon you Ellen/' 
 returned Charlotte, '' however I shall not 
 forget I am in your debt. But what ails 
 Sophia ? She has not once opened her lips 
 since her first salutation on entering/' 
 
 Sophia confessed she was very stupid^ 
 and saying she thought a walk would be 
 of service, proposed to her sister and Lady 
 Grace to take one with her. Charlotte^ 
 she would not press to accompany them 
 thinking a httle quiet the best restorative 
 for her. 
 
 Lady Grace and Ellen agreeing with, 
 her, that a fine frosty morning mig^ht have 
 a beneficial effect upon their relaxed 
 frames, hastened to equip themselves to 
 attend her. Harriet and Erpily were in- 
 vited to be of the party, but the latter 
 alone felt any ipclinaticn to accept the 
 oSer,
 
 15G MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 In the hall they were met by Sir Charles, 
 Mr. De Clairville and Major Singleton; 
 the two former gentlemen offered to attend 
 them, but the latter finding Charlotte was 
 not of the party, excused himself from 
 joining it. 
 
 Mr. De Clairville inquiring for Lord 
 d'Arcy, his sister assigned the reason for his 
 not being visible that morning: when after 
 expressing his concern for the occasion of 
 his absence, that gentleman delighted more 
 than one of his auditors by the warm eulo- 
 gium he passed on his Lordship. '' I cannot 
 forbear observing" he continued, "even be- 
 fore his sister, I never yet experienced so 
 great a regard for any one out of my own im- 
 mediate circle, as I entertain for him. Lord 
 d' Arcy is in every respect so greatly superior 
 to the present race of young men of rank, 
 that 1 have sometimes wished to see him 
 placed in an elevated station, where his 
 virtues might be both seen and felt.*'
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 157 
 
 Lady Grace pressing the arm she held, 
 assured her supporter he had found the 
 direct r»ad to her heart by expressing such 
 admiration of her brother. 
 
 *' If you my dear Sir," she "^continued, 
 '^ have already seen so much to love and 
 admire in him^ you will not wonder his 
 sister should believe him possessed of every 
 virtue under heaven.** 
 
 Mr. De Clairville delighted at remark- 
 ing the affection that shone in the bright 
 eyes of this sweet young woman, said, 
 ^' ever, may you, my dear Lady Grace, 
 retain the same warmth of regard for each 
 other, which is so gratifying to all our 
 friends to observe/' 
 
 Sir Charles and Emily now approach- 
 ing, interrupted a conversation so interest- 
 ing" to (he trro. The former addressing 
 himself to Sophia, said, '' Emily has
 
 158 MELCOMBE LODGE* 
 
 been endeavouring to repeat some lines of 
 her favorite bard, descriptive of the pre- 
 sent scene, and thinks you can assist her 
 memory/' 
 
 " I believe I can guess what Emily 
 alludes to/' returned Sophia smiling, 
 *' are they not introduced in his Wintei's^ 
 walk at noon." 
 
 '' They are/' replied Emily, '^ and 1 
 wish my dear cousin if you are not too 
 cold to slacken your pace a little, you would 
 repeat them/' 
 
 " Sophia cannot complain of cold," said 
 Mr De Clairville, " sheltered as we are 
 by these woods." 
 
 Sophia acknowledging she had not that 
 excuse to offer for not complying with 
 Emily's wish^ after a moment's thought 
 began^
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 159^ 
 
 «» But now at noon, 
 ♦* Upon the louthern side of the slant hills, 
 •* And where the woods fence off the northern blast, 
 ** The season smiles, resigiiing all its rage, 
 ** And has the warmth of May. The vault is blue 
 *^ Without a cloud, and white without a speck 
 " The dazzling splendour of the scene below.** 
 
 " I would not willingly interrupt you, 
 my dear Sophia/' cried her uncle^ " but 
 it is impossible for me not to express my 
 admiration of your favorite poet. What 
 a faithful picture has he drawn of a win- 
 ter's morning, or rather noon. Emily 
 was right, nothing can be more applicable 
 than this description to the present scene, 
 1 have not read the Task since it first came 
 out, but perfectly recollect the lines Sophia 
 has just recited; and if I remember right, 
 he goes on to describe his walk at this 
 season iii a wood, peihaps as extensive as 
 the one we now are in." 
 
 " He does," returned Sophia, '' after 
 expr( ssing the soothini^ effect of the bells- 
 ftom a neighbouring steeple/'
 
 160 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 *• I remember them perfectly/* said 
 Mr. De Clairvillc. *' Now go on to the 
 lines describing a spot similar to the one 
 we are now traversing.** 
 
 Sophia continued^ 
 
 *' The walk, still verdant, under •aks and elms, 
 •' Whose outspread branches over-reach the glade. 
 " The roof, though moveable through all its length 
 *' As the wind sways it, yet has well sufficed , 
 '* And, intercepting in their silent fall 
 " The frequent flakes, has kept a path for rae, 
 " No noise is here, or none that hinders thought. 
 *^ The red-breast warbles still, but is content 
 <* With slender notes, and more than half supprest ; 
 ** Pleased with his solitude, and flitting light 
 **From spray to spray, where'^er he rests he shakes 
 ** From many a twig the pendent drops of ice, 
 *' That tinkle in the witherM leaves below. 
 ** Stilness, accompanied with sounds so soft, 
 *' Charms more than silence. Meditation here 
 *' May think down hours to moments. Here the 
 
 '* heart 
 '* May give an usef"ul lesson to the head, 
 *' And Learning m iser grow without his book.'* 
 
 Sir Charles affectionately pressed his 
 aiece*s hand as she concluded, and thanked
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 151 
 
 Fier warmly far having afforded him so 
 much gratification. 
 
 *' My dear Sophia/' he continued, 
 *' how comes it that you who are of so- 
 lively and animated a disposition, should 
 enter so much into this description of a 
 wkiter scene ? 
 
 ''Sophia, since her age of reason began/* 
 said Mr. De Clairville '' has been particu- 
 larly attached to poetry: and the author 
 of the hnes you have just heard her recite^ 
 of all our modern poets ranks highest in 
 her favor.'' 
 
 *' I confess myself/' she returned, '' one 
 of Cowper's warmest admirers, he writes so> 
 much to the heart. Who that have lived all 
 their life in the country, particularly those 
 who are attached to it, but must in every 
 line of this poet, find their own thoughts 
 and feelings in similar scenes, accurately 
 described?"
 
 i62f MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 " Do you prefer Cowper to Thompson?" 
 said Sir Charles. 
 
 ''Infinitely, though I" greatly admire 
 many parts of his Seasons, But if what 
 Tve have heard be true, ihat this poet was. 
 not so alive to the beauties he describes, 
 it may account for my not feehng the same 
 glow of enthusiasm I expeiience when read- 
 ing' Gowper/' 
 
 ''You acknowledge yourself then a little 
 prejudiced, my dear Sophia, against poor 
 Thompson ? '' 
 
 " Pos&ibly I may ; but of this I am sure, 
 lam not singular in my preference of the 
 deal bard." 
 
 '' Indeed you are not," returned Lady 
 CJraci ; '' for Ailhur I know thinks with 
 you tnlirtly ** 
 
 " Aad is your brother as enthusiastic iiii
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. IB3 
 
 his admiration of Cowper ? '' said Sir 
 Charles. 
 
 " Oh^ quite as much/" she repHed: '*and 
 when Sophia was reciting just now^ her 
 voice brought to my recollection the sweet- 
 ness of his." 
 
 Emily observed Sophia's colour rise at 
 this remark; and fearing her confusion 
 would be remarked, complained of cold, 
 and requested them to take another turn 
 in the wood at a brisker rate. The party 
 willingly ag^reed to her request, and soon 
 after, directed their steps homeward. 
 
 In the hall they were met by the Marquis 
 of Ormondsty ; who hearing they had been 
 enjoying a most delighltul morning, ex- 
 pressed his regret at not having been with 
 them. " Instead of which " he continued, 
 I have been bored to death by that princess 
 <^f affection, ^liss Warburton, who has an-
 
 16i MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 noyed me the whole morning by her un- 
 wished for attentions, and I was obliged to 
 feign illness to escape from her/' 
 
 " Poor Marquis I " said Sophia laugh- 
 ing ; '' how greatly you are to be pitied ! " 
 
 " Indeed 1 am : and were you not kind- 
 ly to take me with you to IVleleombe, you 
 would certainly have my death to answer 
 for ; as another week spent like this would 
 kill me quite/' 
 
 " I promise you, most noble cousin," 
 Sophia replied, ''a safe refuge at the Lodge 
 for you shall have the tapestry chamber 
 prepared for you ; where no lady will ven- 
 ture to disturb your meditations, as it 
 has been from time immemorial ihe privi- 
 leged haunt of a certain race of gentry 
 with large black bodies and short legs. 
 Here you will be perfectly secure from 
 your late or any other tormentor. 1 shall
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 165 
 
 only request^ in return^ when you do ven- 
 ture amongst us, you will not introduce any 
 of your numerous companions to the other 
 parts of the house." 
 
 " if you doom me to keep company with 
 the knights of the web, do not expect when 
 1 appear before you, I will leave them be- 
 hind me," returned the Marquis laughing. 
 '* Promise me therefore not to banish me 
 where I can have no hope of seeing you, 
 or take the consequence. 1 suspect'* he 
 continued in a lower tone, " you would not 
 serve d'Arcy thus/' 
 
 Sophia preten<led no* to hear this re- 
 mark ; she escaped a repetition of it by 
 saying it was time to dress, and hastening 
 to her own apartment, she continued there 
 till the family had assembled in the draw- 
 ing-room previous to dinner. 
 
 The first person that caught her view orv
 
 16G MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 entering it^ was Lord d'Arcy ; but affect 
 ing not to have observed him, she diiected 
 her steps to another part of the room, and 
 takin<^ up the first book that fell in her way, 
 she appeared soon deeply interested in its 
 contents Lord d'Arcy was aware of her 
 avoidance, and feared his unguarded man- 
 ner the last evening, and in their interview 
 this morning, had occasioned it. 
 
 Miserable at this supposition, and not 
 daring to approach her^ doubtful of 
 the reception he should meet with, he 
 appeared so absent, that Lady Grace ob- 
 serving something had distubed him, sat 
 watching him some time : till thoroughly 
 uncomfortable she drew near and tenderly 
 enquired if any thing was the matter. This 
 question roused Lord d'Arcy from the re- 
 verie he had fallen into ; and endeavouring 
 to smile at his sister's fears he assured her 
 he had no excuse to make for his abstrac- 
 tion but stupidity.
 
 WELCOMBE LODGE. 167 
 
 *' If that is your complaint, my dear Ar- 
 thur/' she returned, '' come with me and 
 I will endeavour to find subjects to amuse 
 you. Had you been with us some hours 
 ag-o, you would have had a great treat in 
 hearing Sophia recite a beautiful descrip- 
 tion of a winter scene from Cowper. I 
 regret exceedingly, you were not of our 
 walking party to day ; as 1 know you 
 would have been as much delighted as I 
 was, in listening to her sweet tones, which 
 1 told her I had never heard equalled but. 
 by one ; and that was yourself. Ah, what 
 would I give to have such a sister. 
 
 '' Lord d'Arcy tenderly pressed the 
 hand he held^ and as he did so a sigh es- 
 caped him. 
 
 ^' What still dull my brother ? will not 
 even Cowper animate you? Now let me 
 try whether Sophia can: at least let 
 us endeavour to learn what appears to
 
 168 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 interest her so much. My dear friend/* 
 cried her Ladyship as she approached her, 
 " we are very curious to discover the na- 
 ture of those studies w^hich have so deeply 
 engaged your attention, that you have 
 neither seen or heard any thing passing 
 near you.'' 
 
 Sophia conscious she knew not the title 
 of the volume she held in her hand, put it 
 into her friend's without answering her 
 question ; and Lady Grace glancing her 
 eye over it, saw it was a poem of a popu- 
 lar author. 
 
 " Are you partial, Miss de Clairville, to 
 this author's works ?" said Lord d'Arcy, 
 wishing to break silence. 
 
 Sophia hesitated, for her thoughts had 
 wandered far from the poem. 
 
 " I am sure/' cried Charlotte who now
 
 MELCOMBE lodge. ICO 
 
 approached, Sophia ought to be able to 
 give her opinion of this work at least, as 
 she has studied it in every possible light. 
 Not ten minutes since I peeped over her 
 shoulder as I passed, to discover what had 
 so engaged her ; when lo ! the title of the 
 work had, by a new manner of proceeding 
 descended to the bottom of the page. 
 Pray my dear friend," she continued with 
 one of her archest looks, did the interest of 
 the narrative receive any increase by read- 
 ing it backwards ? 
 
 Sophia most terribly confused at this 
 discovery, attempted to laugh, but observ- 
 ing Lord d'Arcy's eyes earnestly fixed 
 upon her, she could bear her situation no 
 longer, and saying she had not seen Mrs. 
 Warburton that morning, rose from her 
 seat with the intention of taking one near 
 that Lady, but before she had reached 
 her, she felt her hand taken by some one, 
 and turning, perceived the Marquis at her 
 side. 
 
 ft
 
 170 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 " Will you/' he cried. '' allow me to 
 sit by you at dinner to day ?'* 
 
 ''Certainly/' she replied laughing, 
 ''if you particularly wish it. But may I 
 enquire what is the cause of your honour- 
 ing- me thus?" 
 
 " 1 might tell you/* he returned, " it 
 was solely to have the happiness of being 
 near you ; but I know you wquld turn me 
 into ridicule if I did. The real truth is, 1 
 want to escape from that eternal torment 
 Eliza Warburton." 
 
 ^' And cannot you for another day put 
 up with a little of the disagreeable, when 
 you have so quietly borne it for the two 
 last?" 
 
 " I perceive how it is, ma belle cousine ; 
 you are apprehensive of my occupying a 
 seat you wish to reserve for another, I
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 171 
 
 will inform this noble Lord of the happi- 
 ness that awaits him/' and calling to Lord 
 d'Arcy as he said this; Sophia dreading 
 what would follow^ pretended she had left 
 her handkerchief in her room^ and break- 
 ing from the Marquis made her escape 
 just as his Lordship joined her tormenting^ 
 cousin. 
 
 The company, many of them strangers 
 to Sophia, were seated at table when she 
 entered the dining-room. Not daring to 
 raise her eyes, fearful of encountering 
 those of the Marquis or Lord d'Arcy 's, she 
 advanced to the place usually occupied by 
 Mr. Warburton, and entreated he would 
 allow her to sit by him. '' With pleasure 
 my little Hebe/' he replied, '' if we can 
 persuade one of these gentlemen to take 
 the seat your noble relative has reserved 
 for you." 
 
 TOL T^. 1
 
 172 MELCOMCE LODGE. 
 
 '^ I will allow of no manoeuvering* of 
 the kind ;" cried the Marquis who, placed 
 next to the lady of the house, had contrived 
 to leave the chair on the other side of him 
 vacant, " Miss De Clairville promised be- 
 fore dinner to sit by me, and she shall not 
 break her word/' 
 
 '' Shall not ! And do you my young 
 friend allow his Lordship to use such pe- 
 remptory language to you ?'* enquired 
 Mr. Warburton smiling. 
 
 Sophia laughing said, if he would make 
 room for her beside him, she would soon 
 shew that arbitrary gentleman she felt 
 inclined to dispute his commands. 
 
 '' Come then my sweet sparkler/' said 
 her friendly host ; '' 1 too much admire 
 your noble spirit not to assist you." 
 
 .'' Revenge is my motto!" cried the
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 173 
 
 Marquis, archly glancing his eyes from 
 Lord d'Arcy to Sophia. 
 
 Mr. Warburton enquired what that sig- 
 nificant look impHed; but perceiving the 
 confusion his question had caused his fair 
 neighbour, he good-naturedly refrained 
 from increasing it by repeating it, or press- 
 ing for an answer, and she soon recovered 
 from her embarassment. 
 
 On the other side of Sophia sat a gen- 
 tleman whose attention was so wholly 
 taken up with the good things before him, 
 as to appear totally unconscious of her 
 vicinity. 
 
 She observed that he never took his 
 eyes ofif his plate but for the purpose of 
 ascertaining the next dish he should attack, 
 and so fully intent was he on the important 
 business he was engaged in^ that he neither 
 I 2
 
 174 MELCOMliE LOf)GE. 
 
 saw nor heard any thing* that was passing. 
 When the cloth was removed and the 
 dessert placed on the table, he for the 
 first time noticed Sophia, and next to a 
 good dinner he thought he had never seen 
 a more attractive object. Sophia finding 
 herself much annoyed by the unceremo- 
 nious gaze of the stranger, now wished 
 she had taken the seat by the Marquis; 
 but Lord d*Arcy observing how uncom- 
 fortably she was situated, said, '' You 
 appear Miss De Clairville to suffer from 
 the draft of that door ; allow me to ex- 
 change seats with you/' 
 
 Sophia grateful for his kind considera- 
 tion, thanked him and was accepting his 
 offer, when Charlotte laying her commands 
 upon him not to stir, declared it would be 
 a relief to her to remove from the torrid to 
 the frozen zone ; as the fire at her back 
 was almost insupportable, Sophia's neigh- 
 bour not feeling inclined to lose the object
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 175 
 
 of his pleasing contemplation^ assured 
 Miss Warburton she would not find it 
 much cooler there, as the draft his Lord- 
 ship talked of neither he nor Miss De 
 Ckirvilb felt, '' At l^^aat/' he added, '' if 
 I ma}' judge by the warmth of colouring I 
 see upon her cheek," 
 
 " Which certainly my dear Sir/' cried 
 the Marquis laughing, '' proves my cousin 
 has not been situated in the neighbour* 
 hood of the frozen zone at least/' 
 
 The emphasis he laid upon the latter 
 part of the sentence caused a smile upon 
 the countenances of all who were in the 
 vicinity of the gentleman he addressed. 
 Sophia perfectly understood his meaning, 
 and thinking it impossible she could change 
 situations for the worse, preferred the 
 risk of encountering the Marquis's raillery 
 on removing to the seat next Lord d' Arcy, 
 to continuing in her present one ; and
 
 176 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 pretending not to observe his significant 
 signs, she took possession of the chair left 
 her by Charlotte. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy delighted to find her again 
 near him, was so different to the Lord 
 d'Arcy he was a few minutes before, that 
 Mrs. De Clairville was struck with the 
 change, and suspicions of the cause for the 
 first time entered her mind. From that 
 instant she gave herself up to observation, 
 and before the conclusion of the evening 
 saw enough to convince her that her fears 
 ^ad not been without foundation. 
 
 On retiring for the night, she imparted 
 them to hei: husband and the danger she 
 saw of their Sophia^s peace of mind being- 
 disturbed, if not irreparably injured by the 
 attentions of so fascinating a man as Lord 
 d'Arcy, whom she had heard that morning 
 from his sister was the destined husband of 
 another.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 177 
 
 '' Surely my love/' returned Mr. De 
 Clairville^ '' you are premature in forming 
 such a conclusion. Consider how short 
 the time is since our dear girl first saw 
 this man^ to whom you already appear 
 to apprehend she has given her heart/* 
 
 Mrs. Dc Gairville shook her head. '' On 
 every other subject^ 1 yield to your judg- 
 ment, fully aware how much superior it is 
 to my own. But in this^ your sex in gene- 
 ral are not so keen-sighted as ours. I 
 see you smile, but hear me; Sophia it is 
 true, has not till lately been in company with 
 this elegant young man ; but she has felt 
 acquainted with him for months, foryou 
 may recollect that Matilda in her last visit 
 to us, made him the continued theme of 
 her discourse. Slow in imbibing attach- 
 ments, but enthusiastic when she has form- 
 ed them, her friends or her husbr.nd, for 
 4hey are the same, are exalted by her to 
 the highest pinnacle of human excellence.
 
 178 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 The consequence is^ Sophia in listening to 
 the constant praises of this young noble- 
 man from her sister^, learnt to love his many 
 virtues long before she saw him, and when 
 he (lid appear, felt as if she had known 
 him all her life. 1 do not blame her so 
 much for listening to this fascinating 
 young man, as I do him for endeavouring 
 to win the affections of an amiable young 
 woman at the time he is conscious of being 
 niuler engagements to another." 
 
 " If/' said r\lr. De Clairville, '' his 
 heart is averse to the connection his family 
 are anxious he shoukl form, I pity him 
 from my heart; but I shall feel greatly 
 displeased, if knowing his own situation, 
 he should be acting in the manner you 
 describe. But are you my dear Matilda, 
 quite certain he is engaged to Lady Lu- 
 cretia?" 
 
 "Too certain, I fear;" she replied.
 
 MELCO-MBE LODGE. 179 
 
 '^ Had it been otherwise, what I now so 
 much deplore would have been considered 
 by me the most desirable event that could 
 have occurred : for where can we find 
 a mind n^iore congenial to our beloved 
 child's ?" 
 
 " Let us not act hastily in this busi- 
 ness," said Mr^ Be Clairville^ Lord d*Ar- 
 cy accompanies us back to Melcombe^ and 
 there we shall have opportunities to ob- 
 serve him more narrowly. Should he con- 
 tinue those attentions to Sophia, which 
 have so much alarmed you, it will then be 
 in our power to give her a caution not to 
 encourage them ; but if she at present 
 feels only that preference for him^ it 
 is natural she should do for an estimable 
 character, we may rather injure the cause^ 
 than benefit her by hinting our fears on the 
 subject. You can take an opportunity of 
 mentioning before her the supposed en-- 
 I 5
 
 180 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 gagement of Lord d'Arcy : and I knovr 
 my Sophia too well not to feel confident 
 she will shrink from encouraging any ten- 
 der sentiment for one so situated." 
 
 Mrs. De Clairville feeling more satisfied 
 since she had relieved her mind by opening 
 it to her husband,, promised in this she 
 would be directed by him^ feeling convinc- 
 ed he would watch over the happiness of 
 their beloved child with the same anxious 
 care as she herself could do.
 
 MELC0MJ3E LODGE. IB I 
 
 CHAP. XL 
 
 At the end of the week the Melcombe 
 family with their guests returned home, 
 after pressing the party at Ashmore to 
 spend a few days with them at the Lodge 
 during Mr. and Mrs. Howard's visit there. 
 Major Singleton and his father were par- 
 ticularly included in this invitation, nor 
 was the general favorite, the good Mrs. 
 Stapleton omitted. Charlotte promised 
 for them all^ and assured her friends she 
 would certainly carry the whole party over 
 for a couple of days at least, when the
 
 182 MELCOMBE L0D(;E. 
 
 arrival of Mr. and Mrs iloward was an- 
 nounced to her. 
 
 Mr. Leigh would not allow any one but 
 himself to attend Emily to the carriage. 
 He sighed deeply as he relinquished her 
 hand^ and his sigh was echoed^ not from 
 the fair olyect of his idolatry^ but from 
 Charlotte who standing on the steps of the 
 portico^ could not resist imitating that and 
 the long face he thought proper to assume 
 on the occasion. 
 
 The De Clairvilles took a friendly leave 
 of Clement with whom George was to pass 
 a little time in Town before he returned to 
 Eaton. The spirits of the latter were a 
 little depressed at parting from his family ; 
 but the hope of finding amusement on the 
 road from Mr, Leigh's absurdities, (for he 
 was to be of the party to London,) in some 
 measure reconciled him to the separation.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE iSS 
 
 The De Clairvilles arrived at Melcorabe 
 some hours before dinner^ and the inter- 
 mediate time w£s devoted by the young 
 ladies to putting their friend in possession 
 ot the apartment prepared for iier and in 
 introducing her to their own ; one of 
 which was a room fitted up for them by 
 Mr. De Clairville^ w ith every thing condu- 
 cive to their comfort and amusement, 
 Harriet, who was fond of flowers,, was per- 
 mitted to indulge her taste for them by 
 presiding in the green -house and conser- 
 vatory; and this her favorite retreat was 
 always adorned with some of their choicest 
 productions. 
 
 Lady Grace was delighted with this 
 little sanctuniy as she called it ; which the 
 gardener had that morning contributed 
 to embellish, by sending in a fre^h oupply 
 of most beautiful and fragrant plants in 
 Eovver
 
 IM MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Mr. De Clairville found on his returrr 
 home, a letter from his son-in-law, in which 
 he expressed his and his wife's regret that 
 it would not be in their power to visit Mel- 
 combe at the time they were expected. 
 After mentioning the cause that must ne- 
 cessarily detain them in town, so much 
 longer tlian they had hoped there v^culd 
 have been occasion for, Mr. Howard thus- 
 continued, '' You wdl see Alfred at the 
 end of another fortnight, even should we 
 not be able to escape from Loudon ; as his 
 anxiety to be with iii^rriet will not allow 
 him to wait beyond that time tor us. She 
 has had a narrow escape Oi loosing him : 
 his regiment was ordered abroad, but has 
 since been countermanded. Matilda has 
 joined her persuasions to mine to induce 
 him now there is some prospect of peace, 
 to lay aside his red coat: but in vain. I 
 hope Harrief will be more successful My 
 wife, cor.sidtrme: her situation, is wonder- 
 fiilly well; and Charles grows a fine fellovfw
 
 MELCOMBE LODGED. 1B5 
 
 He is reckoning much of his visit to Mel- 
 combe, and seeing his clear httle aunt 
 Sophy again, who is, you are aware, his 
 first favorite, next to her, his grandpapa 
 and gTandmamma rank highest in his^favor. 
 I am desired to enquire whether you have 
 met Lord d^Arcy yet. If my dear mother 
 sees him with the eyes of her daughter, you 
 are probably inehned to feel as jealous of 
 this young nobleman as myself. Had Har- 
 riet not been disposed of, I should have 
 wished to have seen her the choice of my 
 friend. Ellen is too serious for him, and 
 Sophia too lively, 1 suspect. Whoever 
 he marries will be a fortunate woman ; and 
 when yon know him >ou will agree with 
 rae in thinking so. Matilda desires me to 
 send loves aiid kisses to be distributed by 
 you in the greatest abundance, &c. &c.'' 
 
 A fortnight glided so rapidly away it^ 
 appeared to Lord d'Arcy and his sister 
 scarcely a day. The mornings of this hap-
 
 186 x^ELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 py party were generally passed in the 
 sancUnn in reading', drawing, or working; 
 or without doors in riding or walking The 
 evenings were devoted to music and danc- 
 ing. Lord d'Arcy had prevailed upon 
 Sophia not merely to sing to him but with 
 him. The more he saw her the more at- 
 tractive she appeared. She was his con- 
 stant partner in the dance, and he attended 
 her io their morning excursions. Every 
 day produced new pleasures, and a sepa- 
 ration from so fascinating a being, was 
 an idea too painful to be dwelt upon for 
 a moment: and he hastened to chase it from 
 his mind, whenever it came across it, 
 
 A few evenings before that, the De res- 
 fords were expected to return to the Priory, 
 which was to be the signal for Lotd d'Arcy 
 and his sister to leave the Lodge, Ellen and 
 Lady Gr.ce after singing several duetts, 
 prevailed upon Emily to take a part in a 
 favorite glee uf Mr. De Clairville's. Sophia
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. i87 
 
 3t the moment this was proposed, was 
 not present, but returning soon after, to 
 avoid interrupting the performance, she 
 remained stationary just within the door 
 she had entered at. So entirely were her 
 senses engrossed in listening to the music, 
 she heard not a hasty step advancing from 
 the hall ; the door at which she was stand- 
 ing, was the next moment opened with 
 great precipitation^ and Sophia was with 
 violence thrown to the ground. Lord 
 d'Arcy, whose eyes had been attracted to 
 that part of the room for the last ten mi- 
 nutes, saw her fall and flew to raise her ; 
 when perceiving the blood trickle from a 
 wound she had received, by her temple 
 coming in contact with the edge of a chair 
 and that she was insensible, his whole 
 frame shook so violently it was with difficul- 
 ty he could support his lovely burthen. Mr. 
 De Clairville and his eldest son, (for the 
 intruder proved to be Edv.ard,) would have 
 relieved him from il ; but he would not
 
 188 MELCOMBE LODGE- 
 
 allow them, and continued to support her 
 whilst Mrs.DeClairville and her daughters 
 endeavoured to stop the eft'usion of blood 
 which continued to flow from her temple. 
 Lord d'Arcy all this time, remained gazing 
 on her pale and inanimate countenance ; 
 his own, so expressive of anguish, that 
 had not Mr. De Clairville already suspected 
 the state of his heart he could no longer 
 have remained in ignorance of it. 
 
 He was on the point of entreating* him 
 to leave the room, when Sophia opened her 
 eyes : the first obj^ect they rested upon was^ 
 Lord d'Arcy. The expression in his^ which 
 instantaneously changed from the deepest 
 despair, to delight the most uncontrollable> 
 told a tale she could not misunderstand. 
 
 Much agitated, she gently extricated 
 herself from his supporting arms, and hid- 
 ing her face in the bosom of her mother, 
 she burst into tears.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 189 
 
 Mrs. De Clairville now requested all 
 would leave the room except Harriet^ whom 
 she detained to assist in removing the dear 
 suflferer to her chamber. Sophia's tears 
 soon relieved her, and she requested to be 
 informed of what had happened to her, but 
 her mother did not think proper to mention 
 Edward's arrival to her that night ; and 
 merely sayings the abru pt entraiice of some 
 one had occasioned her to fall, recommend- 
 ed her going to bed immediately; and Sophia 
 experiencing great pain in her head, readily 
 consented to follow this advice. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy the moment he left the 
 room, ordered a horse to be saddled with all 
 speed ; and thinking he could ride faster 
 than any one else, was on his road to the 
 next town before he was missed. Happily 
 he met Mr. Unwin about a mile from the 
 house, who had been visiting a genlleman 
 in the neighbourhood, and was returning^ 
 to C .. So entirely was Lord d'Arcy
 
 190 MELGOMBE LODGE. 
 
 eni^rossed by Sophia's danger^ he would 
 have passed the surgeon without seeing him: 
 but fortunately Mr. Unwin was not in love, 
 and as it was bright moonlight, he discern- 
 ed and hailed his Lordship, who, rejoiced 
 at the meeting, entreated him to return 
 with him immediately to Melcombe, and 
 examine the wound in Miss De Clairville's 
 temple. Mr. Unwin readily complied, 
 though he was not in the habit of attending 
 the family. On their arrival at the Lodge, 
 Lord d'Arcy introduced his companion to 
 Mr. De Clairville; and on examining So- 
 phia's wound, he found it so very inconsi- 
 derable, that after dressing it, and ordering 
 hispatient a little restorative, the worthy sur- 
 geon assured her mother and the rest of the 
 family, she would be quite well the next day. 
 What a relief was this to poor Edward ; 
 who had been apprehensive he had by his 
 precipitance occasioned a dangerous blow 
 to a sister he so much loved. 
 
 Mr. Unwin was dismissed with a hand-
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 191 
 
 some fee, accompanied with the ^rateful 
 thanks of the now happy family^ for his 
 kindness in turning' back with Lord d'Arcy 
 at the first wish expressed by him. 
 
 IMr. De Clairville introduced Lord 
 d'Arcy and Edward to each other : and the 
 latter accounted for his unexpected appear- 
 ance by saying he had received a letter 
 from Sophia, that ought to have reached 
 him some time before ; in which she men- 
 tioned the hopes his family entertained of 
 soon seeing his brother and sister Howard. 
 This induced him to return directly to 
 Melcombe, instead of proceeding to London 
 as had been his original intention. 
 
 The Maiquis and Sir Charles who had 
 been playing at billiards and knew nothing 
 of what had passed, now entered. Sir Charles 
 particularly attached to his nephew, met 
 ^ him with open arms, the Marquis shook 
 hands with him, and expressed in animated
 
 192 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 terms, the pleasure his return to Melcombe 
 occasioned him. 
 
 The gentlemen were now made acquaint- 
 ed with the accident that had happened to 
 Sophia. The Marquis enquired whether 
 a surgeon had been sent for ; when Lady 
 Grace assured him that was not forgotten, 
 and mentioned her brother's having met so 
 opportunely with Mr. Unwin as he was 
 going in quest of one. 
 
 '' I ought to entreat Lord d* Arcy's par- 
 don/' returned the Marquis, '' for having 
 suspected him of loosing sight for one mo- 
 ment only, of that presence of mind which 
 always distinguishes him, on any emergen- 
 cy. But on this occasion, 1 confess '* he 
 continued directing an arch glance towards 
 him, " I did not expect it would have re- 
 mained with him.'* 
 
 ^^ Indeed you were mistaken/' said Ellen
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. J 93 
 
 very seriously, " Lord d'Arcy had flown to 
 my poor sister's assistance before any of 
 us were aware of the accident. He looked 
 terribly frightened though/' she added in 
 a whisper, *' for his face was as pale as 
 hers.*' 
 
 The Marquis unable to resist laughing, 
 said, ''Indeed my fair cousin I believe you; 
 and between ourselves, I do not think his 
 gallant Lordship has yet recovered his fine 
 colour/' 
 
 Lord d'Arcy saw by the expression in 
 Lord Ormondsty's countenance, that he 
 suspected it was more that common huma- 
 nity that had dictated the necessity of pro- 
 curing immediate assistance for Sophia. 
 Mr. De Clairville, he doubted not, had 
 his suspicions also: and he determined 
 before he parted from him, that night, to 
 to open his heart to this estimable man. 
 For this purpose he waited with some
 
 194 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 anxiety for Sir Charles and Ormondsty to 
 retire : but they appeared determined to 
 put his patience to some trial, as after the 
 ladies retired they drew their chairs nearer 
 the fire and were soon engaged in an ar- 
 gument they had often before discussed, 
 which interested so much, neither thoug"ht 
 of separating. 
 
 At length Mr. De Clairville looking at 
 his watch, said, '' I know not, my friends^ 
 how you may feel, but I confess I am very 
 sleepy ; therefore with your good leave, I 
 shall say good -night ; " and taking a can- 
 dle from the side-board he left the room. 
 Lord d'Arcy instantly followed, and over- 
 taking him as he was entering the library, 
 entreated he would allow him a few minutei 
 conversation before he retired to bed. 
 
 Mr. De Clairville observing his young 
 friend's agitation, instantly guessed the 
 subject he wished to discuss, and smilingly
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 195 
 
 consented to be detained from his rest for 
 80 short a time. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy then explained to him his 
 father's wishes to see him soon settJed^ and 
 mentioned the lady he had destined for hig 
 wife ; whom, though he felt the highest 
 esteem for, he could never lore ; in short, 
 that until he had known Sophia, he had 
 not seen the woman to whom he could 
 yield his whole heart. 
 
 '* I should not, my dear sir/' he conti- 
 nued, " have been thus premature in open- 
 ing my heart to the father, before I had 
 ascertained whether any hope existed of 
 my attentions being well received by the 
 daughter, had not the occurrence of this 
 evening, when I feared your Sophia's life 
 was in danger, made you at once master 
 of my secret, and rendered it necessary 
 for me to explain myself. I know/' he 
 
 TOL. I, It
 
 196 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 eagerly continued, seeing Mr. De Clair- 
 ville was going to interrupt him, " I must 
 not yet speak on this subject to 3'our 
 daughter. I only entreat, my dear sir, you 
 will allow of my continuing to see and 
 converse with her; and should 1 fail of 
 making that impression on her heart, I so 
 anxiously desire, I will then endeavour to 
 banish all selfish regrets, and learn to love 
 her with the disinterested affection of a 
 brother." 
 
 *' Will you now allow me, my dear Lord 
 d'Arcy," returned Mr. De Clairville 
 smiling, '* to say a few words in answer 
 to this lover-like speech?" then seeing his 
 young friend anxiously regarding him, he 
 continued, ^' Believe me I know of no man 
 with whom I would sooner entrust a daugh- 
 ter's happiness than yourself. Before we 
 met, I had learned to value you ; and I 
 feel not less inclined to esteem you since 
 we have become personally acquainted.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 197 
 
 Butj my dear Lord d'Arcy^ I know your 
 father ; he will be averse to your forming 
 a connection in my family, or in any other 
 whose rank is not equal to his own. So 
 well aware as I am of this^ I should be 
 highly culpable were I to encourage an 
 attachment which would be a source of 
 misery to both parties. Let me entreat 
 you therefore, till you have the full sanc- 
 tion of your family, not to continue those 
 attentions to my daughter you have hither- 
 to shown her. 1 think I know you too 
 well to believe it would be any gratifica- 
 tion to you to find an amiable 3^oung wo- 
 man attached to you, when there was no 
 prospect of that attachment proving a 
 happy one.'* 
 
 Lord d'Arcy took the hand of Mr. De 
 
 Clairville, and pressing it between his own, 
 
 said, '' You do indeed know me, if you 
 
 think me incapable of feeling happinest 
 
 K 2
 
 198 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 at the expence of a beloved object. But 
 will yoUj my dear sir^ promise to give into 
 my keeping , such a treasure as your So- 
 phia, if my father is willing to relinquish 
 his idle prejudices in favour of rank ? Give 
 me but this assurance^ and I will return to 
 him immediately, nor see Melcombe again, 
 till I have not only his sanction for my 
 paying my addresses to Miss Dc Clairville, 
 but his warmest approbation of the daugh- 
 ter-in-law I would present to him." 
 
 " I wish not to part from you so soon/' 
 returned Mr. De Clairville, '' but perhaps 
 as things are at present situated, it is better 
 you should leave us. Whatever success 
 you may meet with in your application to 
 Lord Montreuil, you will continue to re- 
 tain that place in my reg^ard you at present 
 possess." 
 
 Lord d'Arcy felt too much to be very 
 eloquent, but his expressive countenance
 
 MKLCOMBE LODGE. 199 
 
 said all for him he could possibly have 
 wished. 
 
 Some further conversation passed on the 
 subject before they separated. It was 
 agreed Lord d'Arcy should account to his 
 sister for his return to Town, in some way 
 that would satisfy her mind without alarm-^ 
 ing her. Lady Grace was to continue at 
 Melcombe till her brother came for her; 
 but if that was impossible^ she was to 
 accompany the Deresfords in their retura 
 to the Metropolis. 
 
 Mr. De Clairville obtained permission 
 of Lord d'Arcy to impart the subject of 
 their conference to his wife, who was 
 much affected when she was made acquaint- 
 ed with it. 
 
 "Noble young man!" she exclaimed^ 
 " how is it possible my dear child can avoid 
 loving so much perfection ! How ardent*
 
 SO0 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 ly do 1 hope he may not be sacrificed ta 
 the ambition of his parent." 
 
 '' I hope it equally with you,, my dear 
 Matilda/' returned her husband^ '' yet 
 trust, should we find the Earl's prejudices 
 not likely to be shaken, our dear child's 
 happiness by the timely retreat of this 
 estimable young man, will not be ma- 
 terially injured. We must endeavour by 
 amusing her mind, to banish any impres- 
 sion that may already have been made on 
 it; ^nd for this purpose, 1 shall be an ad- 
 vocate for her returning into Hampshire 
 with your brother and Emily, as nothing 
 there will remind her of him, whom it 
 will then be her interest to forget ; whilst 
 here every thing around her would 
 but too often recal him to her recollec- 
 tion.'' 
 
 " When does he think of leaving us?" 
 enquired Mrs. De Clairvillc.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 201 
 
 '' The next day but one/' returned 
 Mr. De Clairville ; '^ But it is time now 
 to think of retiring ; to-morrow we will 
 resume the subject/'
 
 iK» MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 CHAP, xir 
 
 Sophia felt so well on awaking the next 
 mornings that she arose at the same time 
 Ellen did^ with the intention of joining the 
 family at breakfast as usual. 
 
 She had the preceding evening become 
 acquainted with the arrival of her eldest 
 brother, and now learned that he had been 
 the innocent cause of her fall. 
 
 Before they joined the party below, 
 Edward was admitted to her dressing-room.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 203 
 
 and alone permitted to tie on the bandage 
 Mr. Unwin had ordered to be retained for 
 a few days. Dehghted at again seeing 
 this beloved brother, Sophia's spirits rose 
 in proportion; and as she entered the 
 breakfast parlour leaning on his arm^ her 
 beautiful eyes sparkling with more than 
 usual brilliancy, she appeared to Lord 
 d'Arcy the most interesting figure he had 
 ever beheld ; and when he enquired after 
 her health, it was with a tone and manner so 
 diflFerent from even her affectionate family, 
 that Sophia could not ayoid observing it ; 
 and blushing deeply she returned her ac- 
 knowledgments to him for the trouble he 
 had taken the evening before, in going* in 
 quest of a surgeon. 
 
 The Marquis interrupted the reply of 
 
 Lord d'Arcy, which by the animated look 
 
 that preceded it, promised to be no less so, 
 
 by enquiring of Sophia whether she as- 
 
 K 5
 
 204 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 siumed the bandage of the bhnd god to put 
 poor mortals on their guards and to shew 
 that they could not approach her with im^ 
 punity/' 
 
 Lady Grace laughing, said he appeared 
 by the awful distance he preserved, to lie 
 in serious alarm of receiving a wound from 
 the bright eyes of her friend, who she de- 
 sired him to observe had taken great care 
 to place her bandage so that the sparkling 
 orbs were not concealed by it» 
 
 '' It is Edward,*"cried Ellen, " to whom 
 Sophia is indebted for the becoming man- 
 ner in which it is disposed: as she gave 
 him permission to arrange it as he thought 
 best/' 
 
 " Gome my little Cupid/' cried Sir 
 Charles, "and sit by me. 1 at least, am in 
 no. danger from your vicinity/^
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 205 
 
 Sophia grateful for this invitation, seated 
 herself next her uncle; but her incorrigible 
 cousin would not suffer her even under his 
 protection, to escape ; and drawing near, 
 he whispered something in her ear which 
 Harriet observing, caused a blush of the 
 deepest dye on her cheek, said, '' You 
 must indeed my dear Sophia assist us in 
 keeping this Marquis in some order ; he 
 has been attacking us all in turn this 
 morning/' 
 
 ^^ I greatly fear he is incorrigible," she 
 returned ; '' but we will try what it is pos- 
 sible to do with him during the month he 
 is to be at Melcombe." 
 
 '^ It will be your own faulty beanteoua 
 nymphs,'* he cried, '' if I am not, long 
 before that period elapses, the willing 
 slave of one of you. I hinted as much to 
 Sophia some time since, but she would not 
 attend to me/'
 
 ^6 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Sophia laughed ; but the blush that ac- 
 companied itj plainly intimated^ she, at 
 least, understood what her noble relative 
 alluded to. 
 
 In fact. Lord Ormondsty would at one 
 time willingly have laid his marquisate at 
 the feet of his fair cousin ; but on the first 
 hint of the subject^ Sophia had decidedly 
 rejected it. He left Melcombe soon after 
 and when he again met her, which was at 
 Ashmore, he perceived a powerful rival 
 had appeared in Lord d'Arcy, to whose 
 attentions she did not appear quite so in- 
 sensible as she had done to his. 
 
 Sophia felt the regard of a relative for 
 the Marquis of Ormondsty, and finding him 
 now willing to consider her in that lights 
 she met his advances with pleasure; and 
 happily her cousin did not suffer materially 
 from his disappointment. His heart had 
 ojily been slightly touched ; it was destined
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. ^7 
 
 to feel an attachment more ardent than that 
 he once fancied he experienced for 
 Sophia. 
 
 The butler now entered with the letter- 
 bag, and Lady Grace perceiving two for 
 Lord d'Arcy, enquired if either were from 
 her father. 
 
 With as firm a voice as he could assume^ 
 he replied that one of them wa«; and 
 as soon as he could summons suf- 
 ficient resolution^ he turned to Mr. De 
 Clairville^ and apologized to him for the ne- 
 cessity he was under of returning to Town 
 immediately, instead of remaining as he 
 had hoped, in this hospitable mansion for 
 another week. 
 
 Lady Grace in great alarm^ interrupted 
 the answer Mr. De Clairville was going 
 to return her brother, by entreating to 
 learn the occasion of his sudden recal.
 
 208 MJELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy soon quieted her appre* 
 hensions ; assuring her all were well at 
 home^ and that it was indispensable busi- 
 ness alone that called him away. 
 
 As he said this^ he involuntarily looked' 
 towards Sophia, and saw her almost as 
 much agitated as himself. His emotion 
 now became so powerful, that fearino^ it 
 would be observed, he excused himself on 
 the plea of returning answers to his letters 
 by the post ; and anxious to be alone, he 
 left the room, that he might in privacy and 
 free from the observation of all, indulge 
 the dehghtful hope that he was not 
 wholly indifferent to Sophia. What 
 would he not have given to have heard 
 tliis hope confirmed by herself. One mo- 
 ment he f<f:U determined to come to- an im- 
 mediate explanation with this beloved: 
 object; but with the next, rvcuireJ tiie 
 promise her father had obiained from him 
 of not mentioning the subjtct to her until 
 he had obtained the Earl's consent..
 
 HELCOMBE LODGE. S09 
 
 Unable to write^ or think ot any thing 
 but Sophia, Lord d'Arey \Tas found by 
 Mr De Clairville^ pacing the Ljbrary in 
 such evident discomposure^ that fearful he 
 had received some unpleasant tidings in 
 the letters he had been reading, he hinted 
 his apprehensions on the subject. Lord 
 d'Arey immediately relieved his uneasiness 
 on that account^ and blushing for the situ- 
 ation he had been found in, endeavoured 
 to recover himself ; and succeeded so well^ 
 that when his sister requested to see him 
 for a few minutes, he was able to appear 
 before her with so calm a countenance, 
 that Lady Grace could no longer entertaia 
 a suspicion of any thing being wrong at 
 home. 
 
 Sophia's agitation had not escaped the no- 
 tice of any one ; but not even the Marquis 
 commented upon it : and as soon as break- 
 fast was over, she made her escape fron^i 
 the room^ and hastening to her own, gave:
 
 210 MELCOMBJE LODGE. 
 
 way to a violent burst of tears^ which la 
 some measure relieved the oppression she 
 had felt at her heart for the last half hour. 
 
 Could it be possible she had given her 
 affections to Lord d'Arcy ; to one, who it 
 was evident, thought not of her ? It was 
 true she had not given them unsought. 
 Lord d'Arcy's eyes had not been silent, if 
 his voice had : in those^, every time they 
 met hers^ she had read a language it was 
 scarcely possible to misunderstand. ^' At 
 least/* thought Sophia, '^1 deceived my- 
 self into believing this ; for had it indeed 
 been true, would he leave Melcombe with- 
 out entering into some explaiuiiion r^"* 
 
 Determined not to allow him for an in- 
 stant, to suppose she felt any attachment 
 for one who evidently thcngtit not of hcF 
 longer than the present hour, Sophia 
 dried her eves, aad wishing to give as 
 little time to xe^Qectiou as possible^ %h»
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. Sll 
 
 ©pened her porte feuUle and drew forth a 
 piece she had begun some time before, 
 with the intention of working at it all the 
 morning. But on taking up her pencil^ 
 she was mortified to find her head would 
 not allow of her doing any thing of the 
 kind. Obliged to relinquish her design, 
 yet resolved upon employing herself in 
 some way, recollecting her sisters and 
 Lady Grace with the gentlemen had decid- 
 ed upon riding to the seat of Lord G — , 
 and that Lord d*Arcy was certainly enga- 
 ged in answering his letters in the Library, 
 Sophia ventured to proceed to the music- 
 room, which was at some distance from 
 that apartment. 
 
 She struck a few chords on Ellen's harp 
 which were in unison with her feelings. A 
 book of her sister's songs laid on the 
 desk ; Sophia drew the instrument to her, 
 and began playing the air of the one before 
 her. It was Atwood*s "Adieu.** She had
 
 212 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 often rallied her sister upon its being si 
 particular favorite with her, but had never 
 till this morning, attempted singing it 
 herself. She had finished the recitative 
 antt was proceeding to the air, when fan- 
 cying she heard a step advancing, she 
 started from her seat, and was hastily leav- 
 ing the room by another door, but believ- 
 ing she had been mistaken^ as no one 
 appeared, she again ventured to return to 
 the instrument, and charmed as every one 
 must be with that beautiful composition^ 
 f he continued to sing, it throughout. 
 
 Sophia's voice was naturally very sweet; 
 and had it been cultivated as highly as 
 Ellen's, it would have rivalled if not excel- 
 led hers. Much soothed by her employ- 
 ment, she remained some time longer at 
 the harp ; and after trying several songs, 
 she turned again to the first she had been 
 singing, and at length closing the book, she 
 repeated aloud almost unconsciously, whilst
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. fiJ3 
 
 a sigh escaped her^ ''Ah would we had ne- 
 ver metr' and rising the next moment^ her 
 eye rested on the figure of Lord d'Arcy 
 who had entered the room some time before; 
 but fearing to interrupt the sweetest tones 
 that had ever struck his ear, scarcely allow- 
 ed himself to breathe, lest he should dissolve 
 the enchantment, 
 
 Sophia on perceiving him, started and 
 coloured violently ; but endeavouring to 
 recover herself, hastily enquired whether 
 he had seen her sisters or Lady Grace. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy appeared not to hear the 
 question addressed to him ; as advancing 
 nearer, he requested once more to hear that 
 beautifully affecting song. 
 
 Sophia recollecting how much reason 
 she had to feel displeased with him, and in 
 no humour to comply with this request, 
 •aid hastily, '' Indeed my Lord you must
 
 214 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 excuse me/' and at the same moment 
 attempted to pass him^ but he prevented 
 her^ and taking her unwilling hand, en- 
 treated to know how he had been so unfor- 
 tunate as to offend her^ which her altered 
 manner too plainly told him he had done. 
 
 Sophia vainly endeavoured to assure him 
 he was mistaken, and again tried to leave 
 the room. Lord d'Arcy pow in th^ jpost 
 earnest manner entreated her not to quit 
 him without explaining the cause of her 
 displeasure. Seeing her change colour, 
 and feeling the hand he yet retained, trem- 
 ble in his grasp, his own agitation became 
 equally powerful, and thrown entirely off 
 his guard by the sight of her increasing 
 emotion, which he dared not account for 
 as he wished, upon Sophia requesting him 
 to release her hand and let her pass, he 
 cried '' I cannot, indeed I cannot allow 
 you to leave me thus ! Ah Sophia ! you 
 w ho are all gentleness, all compassion to
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 215 
 
 others, can you not feel a little for a man 
 who is at this time under sentence of ba- 
 nishment from all that is dearest to him on 
 earth ? And should 1 add, it is your father 
 who has decreed this severe punishment, 
 would you then, my sweet friend^ grant 
 me your pity ? '' 
 
 *' You speak in enip^mas my Lord/' she 
 returned ; ''excuse me, but my head is not 
 equal this morning to solving them;" and 
 Sophia passed her disengaged hand across 
 her forehead, and by so doing displaced 
 the bandage that had covered the wound in 
 her temple, which now caught the eye of 
 Lord d'Arcy bleeding afresh. 
 
 In great alarm, he tore off the silk hand- 
 kerchief, she had on leaying her room 
 thrown round her neck, and as he careful- 
 ly tied it across the forehead of Sophia, his 
 hand trembled so exceedingly, it was with 
 some difficulty he fastened the knot which
 
 216 MKJ.COM BK LODGE. 
 
 secured it : then seeing she was unable t* 
 support herself, he gently threw his arm 
 around her agitated form, and in a voice that 
 expressed his emotion, entreated her to re- 
 main where she was, till the faintness she 
 so evidently suffered from, had left her. 
 But feeling- every moment more unwilling 
 to be detained, Sophia gently extricating 
 herself from his support, assured him she 
 now felt perfectly relieved from it, and 
 again attempted to move towards the door : 
 when perceiving her intention, he besought 
 her so earnestly not to leave him in the 
 cruel uncertainty he was then suffering, 
 that involuntarily she paused, though the 
 next instant she quickened her steps, and 
 reaching the door was about to open it ; 
 when Lord d'Arcy following, prevented 
 her; and seizing her hand as it rested upon 
 the lock, so ably pleaded his cause, that 
 Sophia found hersfelf listening to an avowal 
 of his attachment, before she was aware : 
 nor did her recollection entirely return^ till
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE, 217 
 
 the secret of his heart was discovered to 
 her, and she had been betrayed into an 
 acknowledgment of her own. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy mentioned to her the con- 
 versation he had had with her father the 
 preceding evening. 
 
 ^' I shall scarcely have courage/' he con- 
 tinued, *' to confess to him, how very ill 1 
 have complied with his injunctions. You, 
 my beloved Sophia/' he added, looking 
 tenderly at her^ *' must plead my excuse/' 
 
 ^' What/' she returned, deeply blushing, 
 as her eyes fell beneath his expressive ones^ 
 '^ do you my Lord commit an error, and 
 then feel afraid to acknowledge it V 
 
 " In this instance I certainly do," he 
 replied ; '' as next to a frown from yourself, 
 I dread encountering one from yourrespect^ 
 t^ father/'
 
 218 MELC0M15E LODGE. 
 
 ^' Be not so much in awe of him/' re- 
 turned Sophia, " 1 know him too well ta 
 beHeve he will retain his anger long, when 
 he hears how involuntarily the ofFonce was 
 committed." 
 
 Lord d'Arcy delighted to observe her for- 
 mer animated smiles in some measure re- 
 turnings again took the hand she had just 
 withdrawn, and raising it to his lips, said 
 in a tone expressive of his feelings, *' My 
 sensations are of too exquisite a nature for 
 a real penitent to experience. I cannot 
 plead for mercy on that score ; as the 
 events of the last hour have rendered me 
 too happy to suffer any share of repentance 
 for my transgression, to intrude." 
 
 Hours now flew as minutes, and the 
 ringing of the first dinner bell at length 
 reminded Sophia of the time she had spent 
 in the music-room. Starting from her seat, 
 her exclamation at the lateness of the hour.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. ^[9 
 
 gave a thrill of the most exquisite delight 
 to her lover^ who could only express his 
 gratitude by bestowing repeated kisses on 
 the hand he had been so long permitted to 
 retain. At length disengaging it^ Sophia 
 hastened to her apartment ; congratulating 
 herself on having reached it without meet- 
 ing either her sisters or cousin ; and throw- 
 ing herself into a chair, for some time gave 
 way to her feelings, which she gratefully 
 acknowledged were of a very different des- 
 cription to those she had left her room 
 with. 
 
 The voices of Lady Grace and Emily 
 approaching, made her recollect where she 
 was, and when they entered and enquired 
 in their usual affectionate manner how she 
 felt herself, Sophia was able to answer them 
 in a calm yet cheerful tone. She had be- 
 fore their entrance, taken off the handker- 
 chief Lord d'Arcy had bound round her 
 
 VOL, !• L
 
 220 MELOOMBE LODGE. 
 
 head, and deposited it safely in a dra-r.er : 
 and producing another she requested the 
 assistance of Harriet, who then made her 
 appearance, in tying it on : and desired to 
 hear how they had been amused with their 
 visit to LordG — 's fine house and grounds, 
 she was entertained with the history of the 
 morning, which Lady Grace declared was 
 one of the pleasantest she had ever passed. 
 
 '' I cannot think," she continued, 
 *■' where Arthur can have hidden himself 
 all the morning. On my return 1 sought 
 him in his room, and not finding him there, 
 enquired of Roberts where he was. He 
 could give me no information, except that 
 he had not left the house on horseback, as 
 he had not many minutes before, seen his 
 favorite courser in the stable: and Mr. 
 and Mrs, De Clairville are equally igno- 
 rant on the subject.'' 
 
 Sophia expecting to hear herself the
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 2S1 
 
 next called upon to g'ive some account of 
 the truant, affected to be deeply engaged 
 in searching for her necklace which she 
 wanted to complete her toilet: but happily 
 Lady Grace^ as she was turning to her to 
 enquire if by any chance she had encoun- 
 tered her brother, saw him through the 
 window approaching the house, and ex- 
 claiming ^' there he is/' ran down to speak 
 to him, before she threw off her habit. 
 
 The last dinner bell had rung some time 
 before the equestrians were prepared to 
 attend its summons; and Sophia feeling 
 an unusual disinclination to be the first in 
 the drawing-room, busied herself in assist- 
 ing her sisters to dress. 
 
 On entering it with them, she met the 
 
 eye of Lord d'Arcy, who was in an instant 
 
 by her side; and before they repaired to 
 
 the dining-room^ he mentioned his unsuc- 
 
 L 2
 
 22f^ MELCOMBE LODGE, 
 
 cessful search for her father since he had 
 parted from her; but assured her he in- 
 tended seeking the earliest opportunity 
 after the meal was concluded, to make his 
 confession to him. 
 
 Mr. De Clairville entered soon after : 
 and when dinner was over and the ladies 
 had retired,, his Lordship hinted his wish 
 for a private audience^ which was instantly 
 granted him. 
 
 Mr. De Clairville, after hearing what 
 had passed that morning in the music 
 Toom^ which Lord d'Arcy acknowledged 
 had been occasioned partly by thinking 
 Sophia was offended with him, but more 
 by that impetuosity of character, which he 
 feared he should never entirely overcome, 
 contented himself with pointing out the 
 misery such precipitancy would cause the 
 beloved object, if, as was most probable, 
 the Earl should prove inexorable to hie 
 wish of calling her his.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 223 
 
 *' Do notj my dear Sir^ believe such a 
 thing possible/' hastily interrupted Lord 
 d'Arcy. '* Is there a family that would 
 uot think it an honour to be connected 
 with yours. Why then should mine alone 
 be averse to it?*' 
 
 Mr. De Clairville shook his head, 
 " Your wishes my dear y oung friend^ in- 
 duce you to buoy up yourself with hopes 
 which I too plainly foresee^ will soon be 
 crushed." 
 
 ''My father cannot be so inhuman as you 
 evidently think him/* returned Lord d'Arcy 
 warmly. '' If he should prove himself so, 
 1 see no reason I am to sacrifice my every 
 hope of happiness to his ilhberal pre- 
 judices." 
 
 " Let us my Lord, understand each 
 ^ther:" cried Mr. De Clairville. '^Should 
 Lord Montreuil^ as I predict, be averse to
 
 rJ4 MELCOMHE LODGE. 
 
 your forming' a conneclion \viih niy 
 daughter^ never with my consent shall 
 that daughter become your wife. Do not 
 be hurt with this determination^ '' lie con- 
 tinued^ seeing Lord d'Arcy much agitated. 
 *' I shall ever entertain the same warm re- 
 gard for you I experience at this moment : 
 but put the case to yourself: could you 
 bear to see your sister enter any family 
 who would look down upon her with iu- 
 difference ?" 
 
 *' I feel you are right, my .dear Sir/' 
 returned Lord d'Arcy, as he affectionately 
 pressed the hand that was held out to him ; 
 and that all my hopes must rest with my 
 falher/' 
 
 They now separated ; INlr. De Clair- 
 ville to seek his wife, and Lord d'Arcy to 
 find Sophia.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 225 
 
 iHAP. XIIL 
 
 Mr. De Clairville on entering his Ma- 
 tilda's dressing-room^ saw by her emotion, 
 she had not now to learn the occurrence of 
 the morning. 
 
 Sophia had but just left her; for eager 
 to vindicate Lord d'Arcy, she had sought 
 an opportunity after they left the «^ing- 
 room, of relating to her mother the scene 
 that had passed in the morning. 
 
 '' Be angry therefore my dear mother.
 
 f!S6 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 with your Sophia/* she continued, '' rather 
 than with Lord d*Arcy, for allowing her 
 feelings «o much to overcome her; for 
 had not this been the case I should not 
 now have to become a supplicant for one, 
 who^ thrown off his guard in consequence 
 of my folly has perhaps, forfeited tiie 
 esteem of those he so much venerates and 
 loves/' 
 
 Mrs. De Clairville, aware what had pass- 
 ed could not be recalled^ now endeavoured 
 to prepare her daughter for the probable 
 ill success of the young Lord's intended 
 application to his father. But Sophia 
 would not allow herself for an instant to 
 dwell on so terrible an idea. She thought 
 it imr'ossible Lord d'Arcy's influence could 
 he e% ted in vain ; and whilst she listened 
 to her mother^ as she dwelt upon the 
 known prejudices of (he Earl, hope still 
 whispered they would be set aside in this 
 instance.
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 22t 
 
 Mrs. De Clairville saw the fallacy of 
 these expectations ; and her fears arose in 
 proportion as the prospect of her child's 
 unhappiness, when she found how delu- 
 sive they were, presented itself to her 
 view. 
 
 m 
 
 Mr. De Clairville related what had just 
 passed between himself and Lord d'Arcy 
 on the subject. 
 
 '*^ He is at present/' he continued, '' too 
 happy in finding' Sophia's affections his to 
 allow any fears of the future to enter his 
 mind. I am sorry we were not more upon 
 our guard this morning", then our sweet 
 girl might have been spared a part of 
 those trials which I now see no chance of 
 her escaping. 
 
 '* I have already been very angiy with 
 myself/' said Mrs. De Clairville, '' for 
 h 5
 
 228 MELCOM13E LODGE. 
 
 losing sight of her till his Lordship 
 had left Meleombe ; but 1 confess I felt too 
 much rehance upon his prudence to doubt 
 him for one instant/' 
 
 ^^ I was as much disappointed as you 
 could be/' returned her husband ; '' but 
 there was such a noble ingenuousness in 
 his manner when acknowledging his error, 
 that I felt it impossible to retain my anger 
 long/' 
 
 Mr. De Clairville then added^ he should 
 make it his request both to Lord d'Arcy 
 and his daughter, tliat what had j}assed 
 that morning, should not be divulged to 
 the rest of the family; as any hope of a 
 favorable issue to the intended application 
 to the Earl was not to be dwelt upon for a 
 moment. 
 
 " How mortifying it is/' cried Mrs. De 
 Clairville in a tone^ that shewed how much
 
 melcombl: lodge, 229 
 
 she felt it, " that a daughter of ours should 
 have fixed her affections upon the only 
 man whose family would not think it an 
 honour to be allied to the De Clairvilles/* 
 
 '' Say rather my love/' returned her 
 gratified husband, '' to the daughter of so 
 exemplary a wife and mother as yourself/' 
 
 iMrs. De Clairville, too much affected to 
 reply, only returned her idolized husband's 
 tender embiace as he pressed her to his 
 heart. 
 
 A summons to tea broke in upon this 
 interesting tete-a-tete, after which Mr. 
 De Clairville had another interview with 
 Lord d'Arcy ; when he strongly pointed 
 out to him the necessity there was for his 
 immediate departure, that Ins daughter 
 might not be kept for a moment unneces- 
 sarily in suspence. 
 
 Lord d'Arcy withed to delay his return
 
 JiSO MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 to Town another day, but Mr. De Clair- 
 ville was peremptory. He then requested 
 to be allowed to see Sophia for a few mi- 
 nutes alone, and after a little hesitation 
 his request was granted. 
 
 In her company every apprehension for 
 the success of his application to his father, 
 vanished ; and forgetful of time, had not 
 Mr. De Clairville reminded them of it, 
 neither Lord d'Arcy nor his companion 
 would have Ihoug^ht of separating. 
 
 '' Shall I not see you in the morning?*' 
 exclaimed the former, as Sophia atlenipted 
 to leave him. 
 
 ^' No," returned her father ; '' I must 
 entreat you will let this be your last inler- 
 view. You will feel equal reluctance at 
 bidding her farewell after another. So- 
 phia my love,** he continued, ^''your 
 mother wishes to see you before you
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. £31 
 
 retire for the night ; remember it is now 
 late/' 
 
 Sophia would have followed her father, 
 but Lord d'Arcy entreating" lier to remain 
 one minute longer^ she suffered herself to 
 be detained; but findinf^ he had nothin*^ 
 more to say than what lie had for the last 
 two hours repeated again and again. ?he 
 reminded him it was time to separate; vet 
 not till he had again drawn from her (he 
 confession he had heard with such rapture 
 in the morning, was she permitted to de- 
 part; and once more declaring nothing, 
 not even his father should part them, he 
 rejoined Mr. De Ciairville in the library^ 
 as Sophia made the best of her way to the 
 apartment of her mother, on whose bosom 
 she hid her blushing face, as she poured 
 forth to that sympathising friend all her 
 hopes and fears. 
 
 Mrs. De Ciairville sighed as she saw in
 
 232 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 perspective, the many days of sorrow in 
 store for this beloved child ; whose suscep- 
 tibility she now deeply deplored. Bless- 
 in <^ her nmost alfectionately, she dismissed 
 her to bed, afler obtaining from her a pro- 
 mise of not appearing below the next morn- 
 ing, until Lord d'Arcy had left the hous«. 
 
 -***^**-*-^*** * 
 
 Sleepless passed this night with Sophia ; 
 il was perhaps the last she might ever pass 
 under the same roof with Lord d'Arcy. 
 He had bade farewell to his sister and 
 Mr. De Clairville over nigiit, leaving his 
 farewell compliments to the rest of the 
 family through them ; as it was his inten- 
 tion, when he found he should not see 
 Sophia again, to leave Melcombe at an 
 early hour the following day. 
 
 When Ellen rose, she perceived by her 
 sister's countenance that something was 
 wrong, and fearing her fall might prove of
 
 MELGOMBE LODoE. 233 
 
 more serious consequence, then was first 
 apprehended, she hastened to her mother's 
 apartment, and gently intimated her fears. 
 Mrs. De Clairville immediately returned 
 with her, but on entering the room had the 
 pleasure of finding Sophia had fallen asleep, 
 and recommending to Ellen to follow her, 
 she decended to the breakfast room, think- 
 ing the former would rest better when left 
 to herself, than with even her attentive and 
 watchful sister beside her. 
 
 Lady Grace was rallied by the Marquis 
 on her loss of appetite that morning. 
 
 ^' What a happy fellow is d'Arcy," be 
 added, '' to take with him so many hearts. 
 My three cousins I know are inconsolable. 
 Sophia, I find, is not able to make her ap- 
 pearance below this morning/' 
 
 ^^ Sophia is suffering more from her ac- 
 cident, I doubt/' said Sir Charles, '' than
 
 234 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 from the absence of his Lordship. She 
 looked, I thought, very ill last night Have 
 you seen her, sister, to day ? '* 
 
 Mrs De Clairville answered in the affir- 
 mative ; meiitioning' at the same time, El- 
 len^s l^ais being similar to his own ; 
 but expressed her hope they would both 
 find them unfounded. 
 
 '' Would it not be of service to Sophia 
 to take a ride this morning, my dear ma- 
 dam/' said the Marquis; " the air is consi- 
 derably milder than it was yesterday, and 
 even then, I did not think it so very pierc- 
 ing ; did you Lady Grace ? '* 
 
 '' By no means ; " she returned ; '' but 
 Harriet and Ellen complained greatly of 
 the cold ; and peihaps Sop ia may think 
 Ibis day too keen, after being confined to 
 the house go much longer than she has 
 been accustomed to/'
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 235 
 
 '1 think indeed/' said Mrs. De Clairville 
 smiling, *' she had better not venture oiit 
 at present/' 
 
 ^^ In truth I am of your opinion/' rejoin- 
 ed Sir Charles. '' I will accompany you 
 with pleasure^ Marquis, in a ride this 
 morning, but let us wait a little longer be- 
 fore we request Sophia to be of our party/' 
 
 *' Lady Grace intends being of it, I be- 
 lieve/' said Harriet rather archly ; " at 
 least I understood she promised the Marquis 
 to ride with him^ if the weather permitted/' 
 
 ''lam happy to hear you say so," cried 
 Sir Charles smiling, '' I shall have the 
 greatest pleasure in entertaining her^ whilst 
 his Lordship pioneers for us/' 
 
 '' I was going to express my hope," re- 
 turned the Marquis laughing, '' that you 
 would underlaUe that office, that 1 might
 
 'J3G MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 not lose sight of riiy fair friend so often as 
 I was necessTirily obliged to do yesterday.** 
 
 *' It is well my brother is not of a very 
 hostile nature/' said Mrs. De Clairville; 
 *'^otherwise 1 should not feel easy at seeing 
 you ride out to-day, both so eager to retain 
 your station by the side of my young friend, 
 and for the other to keep his distance from 
 her." 
 
 " But where is Edward ?" enquired Sir 
 Charles. '' Let us not, when he comes in^ 
 acquaint him with mine or Ellen *s fears of 
 Sophia's suffering further from her acci- 
 dent.*' 
 
 '' We need not indeed, make him more 
 serious/' replied the Marquis. '' But here 
 he comes.'* 
 
 Mr. and Mrs De Clairville had another 
 source of uneasiness besides that they ex-
 
 iMELCOMBE LODGE. S37 
 
 perienced on Sophia's account, Edward 
 their idolized son^ had entirely lost his spi- 
 rits, which had been attributed to his having: 
 the first evening of his return home, been 
 the cause of his sister's accident. Eut it 
 could no longer be ascribed to that, as he had 
 the next morning- expressed his happiness 
 at finding her so little a sufferer from it. 
 Unlike himself, he preferred being alone to 
 mixing with his family ; and when he did 
 come amongst them, his manner was so 
 absent, that he was frequently addressed 
 more than once before his attentions could 
 be recalled. This day it was more than 
 usually so ; he scarcely spoke to any one. 
 On meeting his mother's eye turned upon 
 him with marked solicitude, he endeavoured 
 to rally his spirits, but soon relapsing into 
 gloom, he again became silent, and as soon 
 as possible left the room. 
 
 " What can be the matter with Ed- 
 ward ? " exclaimed the Marquis, as the
 
 238 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 door closed upon him. '' I begin strongly 
 to suspect he has fallen in love." 
 
 " Is that the only reason you can assign 
 for the silence of your sex ? '' enquired 
 Lady Grace smiling. 
 
 ^' The air of this house may be infec- 
 tious/' he returned ; '' and I greatly fear 
 that 1 shall not escape the contagion.^' 
 
 " You have indeed very much the ap- 
 pearance of becoming a victim to the blin d 
 god,'* returned her Ladyship laughing. 
 No, no ; there is no symptom to be dis- 
 cerned about you, to lead us to suspect you 
 are in so terrible a condition.*' 
 
 ^' I am so ignorant of them/' cried the 
 Marquis, '' that it would be kind in you to 
 teach me how to discover the first that may 
 appear ; and then perhaps when I have 
 made myself master so far of the subject;^
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 259 
 
 you will confer a greater favor on me bj 
 prescribing for my recovery. 
 
 ''No indeed/' she returned laughing ; 
 ''1 will have nothing to do with you. Har- 
 riet can instruct and prescribe for you 
 better than I can." 
 
 '^But 1 suspect her time is so fully occu- 
 pied with another patient, she cau have 
 none to bestow on me. Am 1 not right, 
 my fair cousin ? *' 
 
 ^' You are very impertinent/' said Har- 
 riet, blushing. " I earnestly wish her 
 Ladyship would undertake to tame you." 
 
 '' Thank you most sincerely for that 
 wish. Will you not Lady Grace oblige 
 Miss De Clairville, by making the attempt? 
 when shall I receive my first lesson ? *' 
 
 *' When I am more mistress of the sub- 
 ject. But do not despair, you will have
 
 240 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 many opportunities of improving whilst 
 you are here.'* 
 
 '' Perhaps so ; but from whom should I 
 edify so much as from yourself? would you 
 but deign to take compassion on me." 
 
 '' Come my dear Lady Grace," said 
 Harriet " we will leave this importunate 
 youth to seek some other mode of enter- 
 taining himself, and join Emily and Ellen 
 in the sanctum/* 
 
 '' I entreat you to have more compassion 
 on me/' he returned '' and if you will take 
 me with you to this hallowed retreat, I will 
 endeavour to make myself useful, either in 
 reading to, or painting with you, in short 
 any way you wish to employ me in." 
 
 '* Come then ; " cried Harriet laughing^; 
 " whilst we paint, you shall read aloud one 
 of our favorite Shakspeare's plays."
 
 MELCOMBi!: LODGE. 941 
 
 '' Oh delightful 1 which of them shall it 
 be ? Not Loves labour lost, I hope.'* 
 
 '' No/' she returned, '' I do not intend 
 to punish either you or ourselves so much.'* 
 
 ^' Allans then/' he cried, and placing 
 an arm of each of his fair friends in his 
 own, he accompanied them to their usual 
 sitting-room. 
 
 Lord Ormondsty was one of Shak- 
 apeare's warmest admirers ; and his audi- 
 tors were so much pleased on finding him 
 so great an acquisition to their party, that 
 without difficulty he obtained a general 
 invitation to pass his mornings as Lord 
 d'Arcy had done in the sanctum, 
 
 Sophia did not join them till near din- 
 ner: she looked pale, but this was attri- 
 buted to her fall, and passed without 
 notice. Edward appeared not in better
 
 212 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 spirits than he had done in the morning; 
 he ate little and spoke less. 
 
 In the evening the Marquis proposed 
 dancing reels. Sophia begged to be ex- 
 cused joining in one, but offered her ser- 
 vices at the piano forte^ which were thank- 
 fully accepted. 
 
 '' Come my friend/' cried the Marquis 
 to Edward, '' make your bow to one of 
 these ladies." 
 
 '• I wish you would excuse me to 
 night;'' he returned; ''1 am tormented 
 with the head ache/' 
 
 '^ The heart-ache, you mean, but I will 
 not let you off: so follow me/' 
 
 Poor Edward unwillingly complied; 
 slowly he approached that part of the 
 room where his mother and the young
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 24J 
 
 liidlos were seated at work. He stood con- 
 templating them a moment^ and then ex- 
 claimed, " How much more rational is this 
 manner of spending an evening, thaa that 
 which you, my Lord, have proposed."' 
 
 Emily raised her eyes from her work, 
 and fixing them upon her cousin, said, 
 ''you thought differently last winter Ed- 
 ward ; as I recollect your observation then 
 -was, what a delightful recreation dancing 
 was, after a day devoted to reading," 
 
 *' Talk not of last winter Emily, I en- 
 treat/' he exclaimed in a voice almost inar- 
 ticulate from emotion ; " it being to my 
 mind a period of happiness which will ne- 
 ver again return. But let it pass;*' he 
 sighed, and hiding his face on the arm that 
 rested on his mother's chair sank into si- 
 lence. 
 
 VOL, I. M
 
 Ui MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 EmiJy looked mournfully at him, '' what 
 can have occasioned this melancholy alter- 
 ation ? *' she mentally ejaculated. 
 
 She was not allowed much time for 
 thought ; as the Marquis had already led 
 Lady Grace to her place, and calling Ed- 
 ward to follow, he immediately offered his 
 hand to his cousin, who would not refuse 
 it, though half tempted to do so ; but soon 
 complaining of fatigue she requested Har- 
 riet to supply her place, and returned to 
 her seat by her aunt. 
 
 " How is this. Miss Rushbrook/' cried 
 the Marquis, '^ I thought you were never 
 tired with dancing." 
 
 " To night, I confess I do feel very much 
 so;*' she returned, faintly smiling. 
 
 "' I suspect my love,'' said Mrs. de Clair- 
 ville, ^f the dulness of your partner has
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 245 
 
 been the cause, of your feeling so, this 
 evening'. I am very uneasy/* she conti- 
 nued in a lower voice, '' on Edward's ac- 
 count. Instead of being the life of us all 
 he is become dull and abstracted. What 
 has occasioned this alteration in him I am 
 at a loss to imagine .* but dread I scarcely 
 know what. He may have been led into 
 gome entanglement from which he cannot 
 extricate himself. Any certainty I could 
 bear better than this cruel suspense. But 
 I am wrong thus to distress you, my love, 
 with any wild conjectures. Forgive me, 
 my sweet Emily for havings caused that 
 sympathising tear/* 
 
 Emily trying to disperse it, endeavoured 
 to turn her aunt's thoughts from so distress- 
 ing a theme to one more pleasing, and 
 knowing that there had been a letter arriv- 
 ed that morning from Mrs. Howard, began 
 making some enquiries after her, when 
 m2
 
 946 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Sophia interrupted her by requesting that 
 sfee would take her seat at the instrument. 
 *' The Marquis and Lady Grace/' she cri- 
 ed will never tire. Poor Edward looks 
 ready to drop, and Harriet and Ellen, not- 
 withstanding they have relieved each other, 
 vbegiu to flag.*' 
 
 Emily was rising to obey her, when the 
 dancers giving over, prevented the neces- 
 sity of it, 
 
 "- 1 fear my dear young friend/* said 
 Mrs De Clair ville as Lady Grace panting 
 for breath sat down by her, '' your brother 
 would not feel satisfied v, ith me, did he 
 know that I had allowed you to fatigue 
 yourself thus/' 
 
 " Oh, you cannot think, my dear Mrs. 
 De Clairville/' she returned, '^ what a dif- 
 ferent being I feel here to what I do when 
 dancing in a crowded room in Town. My
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 247 
 
 mother would not recognise her daughter 
 were she to see her at this moment. In- 
 deed I am not the least fatigued: and when 
 Arthur returns^ and the Deresfords and 
 Howards arrive, we shall be able I hope, to 
 make up a nice set for country dances/* 
 
 Sophia internally united in her hope, 
 that, that time was not far distant ; and heF 
 brother requesting to hear a little music, 
 she readily took her seat again at the pi- 
 ano forte, whilst Ellen sat down to the harp, 
 and they continued playing till Sir Charles 
 and her lather joined the party. 
 
 The former challenged the Marquis (o a 
 game at billiards: but he professed himself 
 too much fatig-ued by his late exertions, to 
 accept it ; and persuading Mrs. De Clair- 
 ville to make room for him between herself 
 and Lady Grace on the sofa, he entered in- 
 to a lively conversatix)n with the latter.
 
 248 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 Sir Charles smiling congratulated him 
 upon his recovery from the fatigue he had 
 complained of ; and then sat down to a 
 game at piquet with Mr De Clairville, 
 which the rattling of this gay young noble- 
 man somewhat interrupted. Mrs. De 
 Clairville several times called him to order; 
 but with little effect as Lady Grace's smiles 
 encouraged him to proceed. 
 
 Edward had taken a seat at a table where- 
 Emily and Sophia were engaged at work. 
 For some time he spoke not; but amused 
 himself with snipping a piece of ribband 
 which lay upon it/ into a thousand shreds. 
 Sophia, observing what he was about, tak- 
 ing the scissars from him, said " If you are 
 in want of employment my good brother, 
 hold this skein of silk for me, whilst I wind 
 it, before you have done me more mischief 
 or quite spoiled Emily's scissars/* 
 
 '' Are these scissars Emily's/' he cri ed;
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 249 
 
 then looking mournfully towards her, in a 
 suppressed tone of voice he added, ''In the 
 same unthinking manner have I been cut- 
 ting off every hope of happiness >vh4ch I 
 had so long cherished ! *' 
 
 Emily observed the expression of his 
 countenance at this moment ; it spoke for- 
 cibly to her heart, and a sigh escaped her 
 which she wished to have recalled. But 
 Sophia alone overheard it, and plainly per- 
 ceiving her brother was unhappy, and that 
 her cousin was not less so, though unac- 
 quainted with the cause, she exerted herself 
 to appear in her usual spirits, and anxious 
 to turn the thoughts of both from unplea- 
 sant recollections, she sportively threw the 
 skein of silk, she was winding, over Ed- 
 ward's hands, desiring him to make him- 
 self useful. 
 
 '' What is this silk intended for V* he 
 with a faint smile enquired.
 
 250 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 "A purse ; and if you promise to be very 
 good^ I will give it you when it is finished.*' 
 
 " 1 will certainly try/' he laughingly 
 replied^ *' to earn such a reward. But may 
 I not ask what Miss Rnshbrook is employ- 
 ed in ? '' 
 
 " In netting one also : hers is just com- 
 pleted, and is intended for me, so do not 
 cast your eyes upon it with such greedy 
 looks/' 
 
 ^' I acknowledge/' he returned, '^ I 
 should like to become the possessor of it. 
 See Enaily how much I want one." 
 
 Emily looking up^ saw in his hand, the 
 identical purse she had netted and present- 
 ed to him on his birthday, two years before. 
 It now-appeared a little the worse for wear. 
 She sighed as the remembrance of that 
 happy time recurred to her mind, when
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 251 
 
 Edward was spending' the summer vacation 
 with them in Hampshire. She could 
 scarcely behcve it was the same person that 
 was now sitting near her^ and again she 
 sighed at the alteration which had taken 
 place in him^ since that period. 
 
 '' What will you give me, Edward," said 
 Sophia, " if 1 relinquish my claims on the 
 purse, Emily is now at work upon/' 
 
 '' I know of nothing,'' he replied, '' I 
 can offer you equivalent to its value." 
 
 '' Poor young man I Emily, 1 think we 
 must take compassion on his poverty, and 
 freely bestow the prize so highly valued." 
 
 Emily blushing replied, she could have 
 no objection to transferring the gift from 
 the sister to the brother, if the former con- 
 sented to relinquish it.
 
 252 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 " Will you indeed give me so precious 
 a gift ? " cried he^ in a tone of animated 
 delight. '' But no/' he added in one quite 
 altered^ '' you must not^ for I do not de- 
 serve it ! *' 
 
 " Your sex, my dear brother/* said So- 
 phia laughing", " have not generally so 
 humble an opinion of their deserts; forgive 
 me therefore, for doubting your sincerity 
 in this instance. But see/' she cried, "\ioyf 
 you have entangled my silk, if you do not 
 hold your hands steadier it will be entirely 
 spoiled, and no one will benefit by my in- 
 dustry/* 
 
 ' Let me hold it,** said the Marquis, who 
 had that moment followed Lady Grace to 
 the table^ '' I promise to assist you in dis- 
 entangling the ruffled skein, for I know 
 whose thanks I shall receive for my pains, 
 if my conjectures are right in respect to the
 
 MELCOMBE LODGE. 253 
 
 person whose service it is to be employed 
 
 in/^ 
 
 ^' You are wiser then I pretend to be/' 
 said Sophia, affecting not to understand to 
 whom he alhidecl. '' 1 had intended it for 
 Edward, but he rejects is/' 
 
 '^ Insensible young man ; " cried the 
 Marquis, *' give the precious net-work, 
 when finished, to me, unless/' he added in 
 a low voice/' you think d'Arcy would dis- 
 approve of your doing so/' 
 
 Sophia much provoked, desired Lady 
 Grace, to take him away for he only made 
 matters worse ; and then finding her pati- 
 ence unequal to the task of disentangling 
 the ruffled silk, she hastily snatched it oflf 
 her brother's hands, and throwing it into 
 her netting box, said, '' lie there thou tor- 
 menting thing till tomorrow evening;" 
 then rising she complained of feeling very
 
 254 MELCOMBE LODGE. 
 
 sleepj^and bidding good night to all^ ha- 
 stened to her apartment^ nor were the rest 
 of the party long before they followed her 
 example. 
 
 END OF THE FIRST VOLUME,
 
 }jJVI,yF,,?p'"iT,?ri'-UNOIS.URBANA 
 
 3 0112 051365184 
 
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